Books Into Movies: Part II ~ 12/00 Export

All Right!!

Here we are in our brand new folder 'raring to go! As you all can see, I eliminated that long list so now you won't all have to scroll down so far. Let's hear it from the readers! Our viewing room is all spruced up, and fresh popcorn is ready! With candy for you, Mary Page.

Don't forget to subscribe to this discussion!!

Lorrie

Gee, LORRIE...everyone must be out enjoying the sunshine. I like your new place here! It's all bright and shiny and clean. We'll have to fill up those bookshelves with books and videos, and if everyone brought in a favorite, it wouldn't take long. What do you think?

Oscar winners based on a book...hmmmm. You really expect me to pick a favorite? So many of my favorites are based on a book, but they weren't all Oscar winners. Wait! You want just Academy Award winners of Best Movie? All the other categories don't count? It does make it easier, I guess. Am donning my thinking cap...

Love...Katie

One of the best movies ever made of a book, and one of the most faithful TO the book, is Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Now, it didn't WIN "Best Picture" (although it was nominated for that category), but Gregory Peck won "Best Actor" for it, and it also won the Oscar for "Best Art Direction -- Set Decoration, Black-and-White" (Henry Bumstead, Oliver Emert, and Alexander Golitzen) and "Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium" (for Horton Foote). In addition, it was nominated for "Best Cinematography, Black-and-White" (Russell Harlan), "Best Director" (Robert Mulligan), "Best Music, Score -- Substantially Original" (Elmer Bernstein), and "Best Supporting Actress" (Mary Badham).

Incidentally, did you know To Kill a Mockingbird was the first movie for both Mary Badham (Scout Finch) and Phillip Alford (Jem Finch)? Some debut!

The movie did win the Cannes Film Festival award and the Golden Globe.

I loved seeing the movie ANNE OF GREEN GABLES come to life a few years back. Don't think it won any oscars, but it should have. Didn't it win some awards elsewhere though? Canada?

Adored Emma with Gwynth Paltrow. Wasn't it at least nominated?

Katie: How about an Oscar winner that you think was a huge mistake? I, for one, would name this last winner American Beauty, as one. Maybe not all of you would agree, but i thought that there were several nominees that were much better than American Beauty! That movie wih Richard Farnsworth, for instance, where he made the journey to visit his brother on a lawnmower. And yes, I loved The Green Mile!

Lorrie

Texas, funny you should mention "Mockingbird." Just on a whim I watched it again on the Turner Channel, and I found it just as absorbing as I had all those years ago! Wonderful movie.

This may not be right on the point, but when we were talking before about stage musicals, I happened to remember that when my sister was alive, I visited her frequently in New York. She lived on Long Island and I would take the train in to Manhattan. At that time I could go to the Radio City Music Hall, and for a pittance I could see a first-run full length movie, several cartoons, the news, and the Rockettes in a magnificent stage show!
I often wonder what has become of that marvelous theatre!

Lorrie

I may be a little late with this, but I had family visiting this weekend and we did a big picnic at my daughter's. I wore myself out cooking and cleaning but am almost back to normal.

About dance scenes in movies--does anyone else remember the hilarious strip-tease that Julie Andrews did in the movie where she played (I think) a spy (or was it that she fell in love with a spy?) --I think it had Rock Hudson who was the good guy. Can't remember the title but I did get such a kick out of seeing Mary Poppins doing that strip tease.

jeanlock -- the movie you're talking about is Darling Lili. But personally, the funniest dance scenes are in another Julie Andrews movie, Victor/Victoria. Every time I see Robert Preston doing that Spanish dance, I collapse on the floor!

Another funny dance scene is "Springtime for Hitler" in The Producers. It's so awful it's funny.

Texas Songbird--

Of course, Darling Lili. It just wouldn't come no matter how hard I tried to summon it up. I didn't see Victor/Victoria. I'll keep an eye open for it on TV. Thanks for filling in a big blank.

LORRIE...shame on you! You really should watch SOME television! Then you would see that every once in awhile they have a Big Do at the Radio City Music Hall which shows the glories of the theater and the Rockettes, still dancing their hearts out. They even perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, you know! The Christmas shows at the theater are still sold out very early on, and I think we need to get you back to The City for an overdue visit!

Still haven't seen "American Beauty", so can't say, except that I heard that the acting was outstanding. Haven't seen Richard Farnsworth, either. One of these days...

Did anyone see that interview with Gregory Peck on one of the movie channels? In it he talks about how the Peck family became a surrogate family for Mary Badham while they were filming "To Kill a Mockingbird", because her own family couldn't be on location very often. They still are very close, and he still calls her "Scout"! She was in the audience and stood up to much applause, a very grown up lady.

Love...Katie

Jeanlock: That must have been a sight! Mary Poppins doing a strip tease! And i agree that Victor/Victoria's Spanish dance with Robert Preston was a real gasser! I laughed so hard i cried.

And Katie--those little anecdotes about the different movies and the stars are what this discussion is all about!! I love hearing little things like that about entertainers. Sounds like Fern, Where are you, Fern?

Lorrie

Good news! Maryal, I think it was, notified people that PBS is going to do a rerun of all 13 episodes of "I, Claudius" on June 17 and 18. We talked about that program here once, and everyone agreed it was one of TV's finest, so I knew you'd all want to know about this!

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Goodie! My Son and his family just gave me a package of 10 tapes so I can record more programs. I'll certainly be watching for I Claudius as I didn't tape it first time around.

Oh yes, Victor/Victoria, that movie was hilarious. There had to be something better than "American Beauty" to win the Oscar! Dreadful movie.

Gregory Peck - be still my heart- I've loved him since I was 14 years old - "Keys of the Kingdom" was the first movie I saw him in and he played a priest.

Don't forget to check out Patrick Stewart(Captain Picard) in "I, Claudius." We had a big discussion at my son's house about who was the better captain, Captain Kirk or Captain Picard - Picard won hands down with the ladies!

Eileen

I rented American Beauty a couple of weeks ago and watched it. I must admit, I was a bit confused because I wasn't sure just what it was supposed to be. The cinematography was stunning, but I wasn't sure what I was supposed to think after watching it. So, I used one of my trusty search engines to find some reviews of the film. (Note: There are 'movies', and there are 'films'. A.B. was a film.) After reading several extensive reviews, I decided that the movie did just what it was designed to do, and I can understand its being chosen as best film. That same day, I also had rented another movie, "The Cradle Will Rock" which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also looked that one up and got a number of reviews which explained the period covered in the movie and its place in our modern history.

I thought American Beauty did an excellent job of magnifying certain types that are, unfortunately, quite prevalent in our culture.

It was not pleasant entertainment. Only the acting was worth the watching.

The June 12th issue of NEWSWEEK magazine says we will love the 1930s type romantic dancing in Kenneth Branagh's new musical based on Shakespeare's LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST. This movie opens Friday.

Hi MaryPage, did you ever hear or see anything about the news of the century referring to the Laws of Physics? I looked up everything that I could think of but didn't find anything there at all. Was interested enough to see if it pertained to the bending of light but really didn't pay enough attention to what I found to say anything about it.

I am still hoping that we get "I, Claudius" here but can't find anything about it. Also, we are going to be in Toledo with the Trotters that weekend. But, if I can figure out this new VCR, I will record it. She says confidently! Heheheheh!!

Watched "Presumed Innocent" two nights ago. I liked the book and the movie and enjoyed watching it again. Well done!

Mary Page, in this week's Time magazine, on page 94, there's a small insert (boxed) on the bottom of the page, that mentions about the researchers who claim to have found a way to make light travel faster than its regular cruising speed. Is this what you meant? I looked for more, but couldn't find anything in that issue, anyway. And as for Kenneth Branagh's new musical, I'm definitely going to see it too! I don't care about the plot---like you, I just like to watch the dancing, and judging from the pictures I saw of some scenes, they look good!

Ann, I couldn't find anything either about "I, Claudius" locally. I hope this isn't just in one section of the country.

Lorrie

I have put up a list (above) with just a few of the Academy Award winners, simply to refresh your memories, so if you know on any others which aren't mentioned here, don't hesitate to mention them!

Take your pick!

Lorrie

Each public tv station is its own business and makes its own purchases or rentals of what is out there. We are very fortunate here in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area that MPT (Maryland Public Television) out of Baltimore (well, Owings Mills) is going to run I, Claudius. We have 3 public tv stations for our viewing: WMPT, which I just mentioned, WETA, which is officially Washington, D.C., but I believe they are actually located here in Northern Virginia, and WHUT, which IS located in D.C., on the Howard University campus.

Ann & Lorrie, I am certain that the tiny box Lorrie saw is the news I am referring to. I have come to believe that the news world does not want to go out on a limb and declare this has happened until many, many solid scientific personages declare that it is actually true. I can understand the skepticism. My heart wants so badly for it to be true so that I can die with a happy vision of all that lies ahead for our species.

Not that I have plans on my immediate calendar to be kicking any buckets!

Hello:

How about: From Here To Eternity

The Man with the Golden Arm

Anatomy of a Murder

and the silent classic Nosferatu

Ah! Such lovely movies! My picks?
1. Gigi
2. Amadeus
3. Out of Africa
...all because of the marvelous music! and,
4. The Last Emperor

Love...Katie, who is trying to think of more...

My favorite is REBECCA, of the list above.

I asked for opinions on ones that we didn't like, so here goes: I didn't like Tom Jones, except for that eating scene! I found Midnight Cowboy to be very depressing, and unlike most other people I didn't think too much of "Amadeus." (too pretentious) I know others won't agree but that's my opinion, so there!

Lorrie

Oh, Ann Page, how luck you are to have such a choice of public TV!

Lorrie -- I somewhat agree about Amadeus. It is a different animal from the play. One of the things that happens with plays made into movies is that the storyteller is no longer limited to one or two sets as in a play. Instead, the storyteller can open everything up. Sometimes this is good, maybe even most times. But personally I think Amadeus was hindered by this.

The play was one of the most breathtaking things I ever saw. I saw it on Broadway and was absolutely blown away. When a touring company came to Austin several years later, I made a point of seeing that production -- to see if it was the play itself or the production. I was just as blown away. I certainly did not experience this in seeing the movie.

Lorrie, oh, that's funny, I thought "Tom Jones" was hilarious. Years before I saw the movie, I read the book - and didn't realize it was a comedy - took it all very seriously. It did introduce me to a word I had never heard before "eleemosynary" - which, I believe, means charitable. so it wasn't a complete waste of time. (:

Eileen

Eileen, at least you gained something out of Tom Jones!

Texas, when you saw the play "Amadeus" how did they manage all the musical scenes? Wouldn't they have had to have almost a full symphony orchestra to play all that Mozart? I can see a harpischord, that would be easy!

Lorrie

Lorrie -- You know, I don't remember! It was the telling of the story that entranced me. The music was secondary, if you can believe that! My guess is that it was often a harpsichord, but that the big pieces, like "Requiem" were by an orchestra. Maybe somebody else paid better attention to the music?

Sounds reasonable. Not only that, but with today's innovations in sounds, electronic music can be introduced along with a play of show that you would swear came from a hidden orchestra. Ah, Progress!

There was another Oscar winner I just couldn't get too enthusiastic over! Forrest Gump. There must be something wron with me, because everybody else seemed to love it. And what did you think of Shakespeare in Love?

Lorrie

I didn't see Shakespeare in Love (One of the few who didn't, I guess. But I don't see many first-run movies or even rentals.)

I did like Forrest Gump. I thought it was an interesting idea, him being a part of, but not really, all those various events, and I loved his unwavering love for the girl. I thought Tom Hanks was absolutely marvelous in the part. He changes so much from one part to another.

Another actor who does that is Cary Elwes (the handsome blonde guy in The Princess Bride). Every time I see him, I don't recognize him. Then, when I read the credits (and I'm an inveterate credits reader!), I see his name and I am just astounded because I never knew it was him.

SONGBIRD...I had that happen to me, sort of, the other day. I watched "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium", or whatever the name of that old movie is. The lead actor looked so familiar, but I could NOT think of who he was. The credits at the end solved it...it was my darling "Lovejoy", Ian McShane! If you've never seen Lovejoy, you have truly missed a fun series. He was so young in the movie.

The music in the stage production of Amadeus was played on a harpsichord, with it's back to the audience, which means that Tom Hulce was not playing the keyboard we couldn't see. I don't remember about the Requiem and any other "big sounds", sorry to say. There was no orchestra, hidden or othrwise. But I sure do remember the chair with Salieri sitting in it while the theater filled with people. And I loved the movie! It wasn't perfect, but with that music, who cares?

Hmmmmmm. I haven't seen "Silence of the Lambs" or "The English Patient" I do not feel deprived.

Katie

I mentioned earlier how movies "open up" plays in a way that takes away from the play. Solari sitting in that chair in Amadeus and getting all his news from his "little voices" -- the people who came TO him -- was one of the things I liked. It really made him seem more isolated. In the movie, you just saw the people in the town and even though Salari wasn't there, YOU were and it took away from that sense of isolation.

Of the list, I have never seen Emile Zola, Marty, or Midnight Cowboy.

Of the remaining, it is just too difficult to say which I liked the least. Kramer vs. Kramer, I expect. But would hate to see Gentelmen's Agreement again because prejudice makes me so miserable. I don't like miserable.

Unlike most of the world, I was terrifically disappointed in Gone With The Wind. Had already read the book when I saw the movie, and to me Vivian Leigh was not Scarlett O'Hara and Clark Gable was not Rhett Butler. Liked Olivia De Haviland as Melanie and adored Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes. But there was a Sense of the South that the author captured and Hollywood just missed, IMHO.

Would not want to see A Man For All Seasons again because, again, it is so depressing. I found Gandhi too long and too, I don't know. I just did not like Gandhi the person, though I admired what he managed to bring about. Ben Kingsley was magnificent.

Did not like Dances With Wolves as much as I had thought I would, and did not like The English Patient, except for the acting. I just don't like downers.

But, yeah, I guess Kramer wins the booby prize.

This is a teriffic site with all the Acacamy Award winners With cliquables on every picture, year, moderator, on and on-- you could get lost for hours in this site. the site is just a little slow to load.

The site reminded my of "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne and "Shindler's List," "Gigi" by Colette, "My Fair Lady" by Shaw. I enjoyed them all for very different reason but I do not remember who wrote the bio. of Shindler.

Ann Page and Texas: I really enjoy some of the insightful comments you gals make. You made me see Amadeus in a totally different light, reminding me of that chair scene, etc.

Barbara: I know you're a real fact-hunter, dear Barbara, and there's a question I'd like to ask you or anyone else, for that matter. I thought Schindler's List was magnificent, but what I wondered was the significance of all those people placing stones on his grave, at the end. Is this a Judaic custom?

Lorrie

Yes, Lorrie, that is a Jewish tradition. You place a stone on the grave site and pray that the dead person will return. I forget if the actual stone has meaning except that I put one in my mother's casket and prayed that she return to the shores of her forebearers. The tiny peble was from the UK and she always wanted to visit there but never had the chance.

Ann, what a beautiful sentiment!

Lorrie

In THE RED TENT, which is being read here in Books, the author has the tribe of Jacob putting stones on their altar to their gods (this is pre-Moses) just before departing to Jacob's birth place in Canaan. I picked up on that right away.

Well, I was close! Here is the real reason for the tradition

Another practice some follow is to place a small sackful of earth from the land of Israel in the coffin. This emphasizes the attachment of our people to the holy land, the place where, it was believed, the dead would come back to life in the time of the messiah.

I was interested in looking this up and had no trouble in finding it. I think that the placement of the stones are the same tradition. Still looking for mention of the stones. I like my reasons for doing it just as well. By the way, I am not of the Jewish faith, just thought that the tradition was a nice idea.

As for my uncle who died in December, I left an Ohio Buckeye in his casket. He was Notre Dame fan and we teased each other a lot about the football games and traditions.

Back to the Academy Awards, Barbara, what a great site. Everything you ever wanted to know about the awards and more. I have never seen "Unforgiven" and after reading about it, I don't think that I will be putting it on my list. Did anyone see the interview on Bravo of Anthony Hopkins? He told of how he thought of doing some of the affects in Silence of the Lambs. Gave me cold chills! But he was hilarious! What a fine devil! I love him! A non favorite is hard to choose. Hated "Titanic" and didn't think that "Forrest Gump" was as good as "Rainman". I didn't like "Braveheart" as much as "Rob Roy" which got no awards, did it? Some of these were just too dreary, like, The Lost Weekend. Too depressing!

Does anyone remember "Marty?" There was a film that was made on a shoestring budget, had a cast of not so wellknown actors, and yet won all kind of awards! It was deceptively simple, with people in it that everyone could relate to, and was highly underrated when being made. Ernest Borgnine played the role of the shy butcher, and what a wonderful job he did!

Lorrie

Did "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World" get any awards? I've seen it many times and still get a kick out of it. My favorite movie of all time "The Princess Bride" never got an award. . It had romance, comedy, derring-do, wonderful fight scenes - Mandy Potemkin, "You killed my father, prepare to die!", the above mentioned Carey Elwes, handsome and funny!

On the serious side I loved "A Man For All Seasons", I thought Paul Scofield ws very convincing as St. Thomas More. Amother great performance was Ben Kingsley in "Gandhi". I saw "Dances With Wolves" at home and enjoyed it immensely, I don't know if I would have enjoyed it at a theatre because it was so long. On the other hand I reluctantly saw "Titanic" (4 hours) and loved it! I did not like "The English Patient", I thought it was depressing and gruesome. The photography was spectacular though.

Eileen

Am about half way through THE RED TENT now, and last night I looked up from it and said to myself: "Wow, if EVER a book should be made into a movie, THIS ONE is it!"

Which reminds me, has anyone read when Bette Midler is going to get the Ya-Yas made? I read she had bought the rights several years ago. I laughed out loud at night all by myself; almost fell off my bed over that book. Now all of my daughters and granddaughters have read it and adored it and we are waiting for the movie.

Lorrie--

"Whatcha wanna do, Marty?"

I, too, just loved that movie. It was originally a TV play, W a a a y back in the early days. Paddy Chayefsky wrote the plan, and he also wrote several other plays. The only one I can think of now is The Catered Affair, which had Betty Davis (the movie, that is)

Jeanlock: "I dunno. Whachoo wanna do?"

You know, while we're talking about plays being made into movies, I was wondering if they ever made a movie out of a play I saw once that left me laughing so hard I was weak. It was called "The Gin Game," with Hume Cronyn and his wife Jessica Tandy. They were superb in that, and I've seen it on TV, but I don't think it was ever a full-scale movie. If any of you missed it, please tune in the next time they put it on TV. It's absolutely hilarious!

Lorrie

Now there's a couple I admired for years!

The Gin Game was a TV movie made in 1981, with Mike Nichols directing. It is available on video, according to my favorite source, the Internet Movie Database. I don't think I ever saw the movie.

But I agree. They were both fine actors. He still is alive and continues to perform.

I loved that, too. Are you SURE it was called "The Gin Game" though? Something seems not quite right about the title, but it may just be the not quite right in my head.

That's what it's called on the Internet Movie DataBase. If it has another name, I don't know it.

It says in my movie book that "The Gin Game" was a taped London performance of the stage play, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy...and, I would say, not a movie as such. I missed it somehow, so think I'll look for it. Love those two! Did you all see them in "Dance With the White Dog"? Another wonderful book made into a movie!

Love...Katie

Right, Tesas. At least that's what the play was called.

Another movie that received an Oscar was Annie Hall. Now I know people will want to hit me over the head for saying this, but I never did like Woody Allen! Maybe I'm nuts, but his sort of movies never did appeal to me, although I know he has a huge following. Maybe it's because his personal life, which I found sordid, influenced my thinking. I don't know. At the same time, a lot of people didn't care for Peter Sellars, but I always found him funny! I guess there's no accounting.

Lorrie

LORRIE...you are not alone! I always thought Woody Allen had everyone snowed with the idea that he was a super intelligent funnyman. I have giggled over something he has said at one time or another, but mostly I think he stretches his "drollness" or whatever it is. He is extremely self-indulgent! And I will never understand how any woman could find him physically attractive. Well, I can't.

The thing that grows tiresome about Woody Allen is that he is always playing, well, Woody Allen.

I don't believe he is capable of another persona.

Now, that is not acting. That is chutzpah!

Oh, forgot to tell you. Had lunch today with a couple of dear cousins who are EVEN older than I! They saw LOVE'S LABORS LOST yesterday and ADORED it. They agree that it is Not Shakespeare. But they both (husband and wife) adored the music and dancing and did not want the movie to end.

And the husband admitted, sheepishly, he had not even wanted to Go to the movie!

So I'm going!

MARY PAGE...just saw Roger Ebert on TV and he loved the music, but said, #1, it wasn't good Shakespeare to begin with, and why did Branagh pick that one, and it had 8 people in the cast who could have played the parts interchangeably, it was mostly dumb, but the music was great. The other guy said he never thought he'd be saying this, but where is Ethel Merman when we need her? I'll wait and see what the concensus is here. Tonight I will watch "Sixth Sense". Promise!

Katie, and Mary Page: I'm so glad you agree about Woody Allen.

Mary Page, you sound so enthusiastic about "Love's Labor Lost" that i think I'll see it. To heck with Shakespeare purists--I'll go just for the music and dancing.

Katie, I like that thought "Where is Ethyl Merman when we need her!" And please, don't tell me the plot of "Sixth Sense" yet, I'm going to rent it Monday.

Lorrie

LORRIE...it is a wonderful movie! Now I want to watch it again, because I have it on DVD, which has a menu of things to watch about the making of the movie, etc. That was fun to scroll thru, and very enlightening. I do wish the sound engineers would get their act together, tho. So many actors nowdays do not enunciate their words like the old ones were taught to do, and just as I turn up the sound to better hear them, the background music hits a crescendo! Dear, oh, dear! The remote is really getting a workout!

Of course the all time, ahead of its time, wonderment of books into movies has to be The Wizard of OZ Where Peter Pan has been a show as well as movie, the Wizard never has graced a stage that I know about. If we count Ballet, then Sleeping Beauty has been staged and screened.

Oh, Lorrie, I agree with you about Woody Allen but there are two of his movies that I liked a lot. "The Purple Rose of Cairo" and "Radio Days". Especially, Radio Days. Since I grew up with radio and in a crowded home, with boarders around all the time, I had no trouble watching that movie. It was just plain fun!

I started to watch "Sixth Sense" the other night but just wasn't too thrilled by the description they presented. Katie, is the movie better than the description? We are getting it on TWT, our cable provider. Have to pay $3.95 but I have a coupon for a freebie so thought to use it there. I am not sure if its my hearing or their mumblings when it comes to pronunciation. Could be both! Heheheh!

I looked again at the above list and tried to choose a favorite. One of them is "Terms of Endearment" and the other would have to be "Kramer vs. Kramer".

Barbara, the African-American version of "The Wizard of OZ" called "The Wiz" was originally a play, but was it a musical? I really don't know. I do know that the movie was terrific!

Ann, the list above is only a partial one. If you check Barbara's link to Academy Award Winners, it might give you some reminders of past winners. Take your pick.

Lorrie

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one (because of my hearing problems) that has trouble deciphering what these actors are saying! But isn't it funny that we can understand every word of those awful commercials! hahaha

I have a question to ask:

Did anyone see the Bravo showing last night of "Wuthering Heights?" I wasn't going to watch it at first because I always felt that only Laurence Olivier could do Heathcliff right, but I like Ralph Fiennes, so I tuned in. And I have to tell you, I'm still confused! They changed Bronte's script so much at the end that I couldn't recognize the story anymore. Who were those additional characters? Cathy evidently had a daughter, right, but who was the sickly character that Heathcliff forced her to marry? I'm utterly confused! And who was the young girl watching from the doorway at the end? Help!

Lorrie

Hi Mary, new to this but am enjoying this so much. About the movie Love's Labors Lost,Is this a new or old movie.

HI, GRAYLYN! WELCOME!

"Love's Labor Lost" is a fairly new rendition of Shakespeare's play, in a musical version, which was made into a movie starring Kenneth Branagh.
Here we've been discussing the reviews of the show that appeared in some current magazines----but here's a link to one of many reviews and synopses of the movie!
LOVES LABOR LOST

Lorrie

Oh Ann, DO watch The Sixth Sense. It is a Wonderful movie.

Read Katie's remarks above. She JUST viewed it, and wants to see it again. Everyone who ever sees it has the same reaction. JeanLock said if she had not had to return the video, and had had the time, she would have run it again. I saw it in a movie theater, but sat there dazed and wanting to sit through another showing. Someday I will rent the video and watch it again.

Love's Labour's Lost just opened in theaters day before yesterday.

Graylyn, do you have any favorites of Oscar winners of the past? Or were there any movies made from books that you didn't like at all? Tell us all about it.

Lorrie

Lorrie,

I won't hit you over the head but I might pat you on the back----I can't stand Woody Allen and never could even before he made such a fool of himself in his real life!

The movie The Wiz is definitely a musical and starred Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. I don't know the stars of the Broadway production but it was a musical, as I remember.

Phyll

It's comforting to know so many of us are in agreement about Woody Allen. I felt guilty mentioning it because my nieces and nephews all seem to delight in his movies. Maybe it's a generational thing!!

Lorrie

Lorrie,

You might be right about it being a generational thing. I think if our generation whined as much as Woody Allen does we would have been given a serious "talking to" by our parents. I know I would have.

Phyll

Lorrie--

Add me to the list of 'aginners'. You know, from 1960 until I quit working in 1997, I worked only with computer people who were usually anywhere from 10 to 30 years younger than I (Funny how that worked, as I got older, they got younger----I was freelancing, and not in one company long enough for them to age with me). For the sake of 'getting along' I usually tried to at least know what the 'in' things were whether I understood them, or liked them, at least I was 'aware' of them. (I was really put to the test for the years I lived in San Francisco 1979-1980).

So I did see most of the Woody Allen movies, and I must admit there were some hilarious moments. (In 'Take the Money and Run' for example, showing a caption for the people being interviewed on a news show. They showed their names on one line, and on the next their occupation. In one case it was 'cretins'. I can still laugh about that. Then there was the movie 'Radio Days' which brought back the years of my childhood as nothing else has ever done. And I wasn't Jewish, and didn't live in New York, but in Ohio.

But as a person, I find him distasteful. And I don't care much for Mia Farrow, either. Can't stand passive women.

Lorrie--

I must confess, I've never read the book but have seen the Olivier movie several times. I also saw the Fiennes version once, and didn't find it nearly so compelling. I just assumed the additional characters/events were actually from the book and that the original movie had been boiled down to essentials.

To the person hesitating to see Sixth Sense--

SEE IT, SEE IT, SEE IT. It's one of the best and most engrossing movies I ever saw. See it, and then tell us how you liked it.

ANN...at the risk of sounding like JEANLOCK's echo, SEE IT! The nice thing is, we've already reviewed it for you, understand? One of the things on the Menu of my DVD was the Movie and TV trailers for it, and if I had seen one of them...expecially the one for movie theaters...I never would have seen it! Just horrid! And, for the first time in my life, I like Bruce Willis! Someone here told me I would, but I wasn't ready to believe her. Sorry 'bout that!

That may well have been me, Katie. It was the ONLY time I've ever liked him, but I really, really liked him a lot.

But Oh, that kid! They should have given him a special category oscar, the way they did Shirley Temple when she was a child star. It was not fair putting him up for best actor.

MARY PAGE...the kid was terrific, for sure. However, I was prepared NOT to like him at all, so it's nice to be able to say that he completely won me over. I had seen him being interviewed on several TV shows, and he was absolutely obnoxious, I thought. Extremely bright and self-assured for his age, and went all out to prove it to us mere mortals. I even turned him off after the first 1½ interviews.

Yes, Sixth Sense was the only time I've ever liked Bruce Willis, too. but he was sure good in that.

Thanks, ya'll, for the recommendation. We will be watching it tonight if its still on. Its getting harder and harder to find a good movie, isn't it?

I want to repeat an earlier recommendation. I think each and every one of you would love MY LIFE SO FAR. It is out in video.

Well, Sixth Sense is not on until tonight so last night we watched "The Last Hurrah" and tried to identify all those familiar faces. Let's see: Spencer Tracey, Pat O'Brien, Jimmy Gleason, Basil Rathbone, Donald Crisp, John Carradine, Jane Darwell, Jeffrey Hunter. That's what we came up with. What a stellar cast although the movie was very relaxed. I had read the book when it was published in the '50's and really liked. I don't remember seeing the movie but I don't remember a lot of things.

I will be looking for MY LIFE SO FAR, MaryPage. I love recommendations.

Did I mention before about another favorite of mine that won several Oscars. "From Here to Eternity" was an engrossing book, and as far as I could see the movie followed the script exactly, even risking the possiblity of receiving a negative "family" label.

And oh, that scene on the beach with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr!!

Lorrie

Hello everyone: I'll jump into the fray about Woody Allen.

For those who don't know, Woody Allen was a writer,along with Neil Simon on the old TV show Your Show of Shows,with Sid Caeser & Imogene Coca.

Allen's films do not do well except on the East Coast and California,particularly LA & DSan Francisco.

Woody Allen is an artist. He doesn't care if his films please people or not. One of the reasons he makes films is to solve some internal artistic problem,not necessarily for entertainment value. There is defintitely a New York City "bent"to his films that involve Jewish intelligensia and self deprecating humor,along with a large dose of many years of on-going psychoanalysis.

He marches to his own drummer,just as Spike Lee marches to his own drummer.

Having said all that, his latest Small Time Crooks is a glorious hoot and very,very funny...and,just to throw this in, if you want to see who should have won the Oscar for best male performance,watch Woody Allen's film, The Sweet Low Down (coming out soon on tape) with Sean Penn (another actor who matches to his own drummer)

Wow, Ed, that was quite a rally to the defense! You put it well, and I'm sure many of our posters agree with you, but why do I get the feeling that your statement is a sort of put-down of people living in the middle of the country, among the great unintelligensia? This is the sort of conversations I would hear whenever i visited my sister on Long island.

Anyone else feel this?

Lorrie

LORRIE...like the poster in my son's college dorm room...a map of the United States with everything west of the Hudson River labeled "Apache Territory". Smart-alecky kids! He had a roommate from Delaware who bragged about never having been farther from home than Boston, New York, and Washington.

There used to be a map of Texas that had the Panhandle stretching all the way to Canada and the eastern and western borders reaching almost to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, respectively. We all have our little jokes!

Songbird: Like the two big Texans who were walking down the street and passed a luxury car dealer's display. One Texan said to the other, "I like that car there," and they both went in. "How much is this here little ol car?" asked the first Texan. $75,000 said the salesman, and the Texan started to reach for his wallet. "No, no," said the his companion. And pulling out a wad of hundreds big enough to choke a horse, "This is on me. You got lunch!"

Lorrie

To Lorrie & Everyone:

No putdown is intended.

Woody Allen's films reflect his middle-class,New York,neurotic point of view.

For all of you who have never experienced a New York "attytude",you're missing a lot...for example conversing with a cab driver who burns incense in his cab & doesn't speak English...Having a surly waiter really telling you what you want for lunch & then throwing it on your table as he passes by...or buying a "Rolex" or "Cartier" watch on a street corner for ten dollars..or how the umbrella vendors suddenly appear the minute it rains,selling their cheap umbrellas for $5.00.

Finally, apology to anyone who feels slighted.

Ed,

Sorry, but I experienced 26 years of New York attitude and I still don't like (and never did) Woody Allen.

And all of the things you said about cabbies and waiters in NY are partially true but I have had men stop to hold the door on the bus and help me down the steps (and I am not physically challenged) and waiters who took time to recommend their favorite menu selection and many "NewYawkers" who wanted to be helpful and friendly. So please tell both sides of the story and not just the negative side of a really great city.

Phyll

Okay, all you readers and moviegoers, and New Yawk lovers and haters: Let's not get too far off our subject here, which is mostly how you feel about Academy Award selections, and are there any movies you saw that you think should have been given the Oscar?

There was one movie, or should I say movies, that I enjoyed tremendously. That was the Godfather movies, I and II and III. Despite all the violence, and the gritty story involved, I think that Francis Ford Coppola did an amazing job of bringing us into the family saga of a Mafia Don, and we all became so enthralled with his characters, that we recognize their names even today! Who can not remember "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse?"

Lorrie

In a day or two I'm going to put up another list of Oscar Winners, to refresh your minds and maybe provoke some comments.
Everybody ready for some more refreshment? I've just made a pitcher of iced tea. In this weather, I think we could appreciate a cool drink.

Oooh, Lorrie, lovely!

Do you have some freshly picked mint

and maybe a dash of Jack Daniels?

One of my pet peeves is about Oscar nominations for Best Songs. To me, the Best Song of the Year ought to be one that either so totally permeates society because everyone is singing it or that is so evocative of the movie that you cannot hear the music without thinking of the movie. A movie's musical score that fit that latter category for me was Somewhere in Time. It was nominated for Best Score for a Golden Globes but didn't even win a nomination for Oscar. And yet that music is, at least for me, so totally evocative of the movie that I can see and hear every bit of whatever was happening whenever any of the pieces is played. That music was gorgeous, and it got bumpkis.

Texas, I think many people feel the same way about the score for "Titanic". We did our water aerobics while listening to it yesterday. I didn't think the movie was all that good but I did like the movie. I loved the music from "The Bodyguard" but thought the picture forgettable. And, the music from "Beaches" certainly fills your description of a winner and always brings a tear. Oh dear! I'm melting, I'm melting!!

Easy, easy, Anne! Somebody give her a big shot of that Jack Daniels Mary Page was asking about.

I think that's true of the poor music choices. One exception, I believe is "Raindrops Falling on My Head"---every time I hear that i see the bicycle scene from Butch Cassidy, etc.

Listen, all you razor-sharp intellectuals! And I do mean you! "Petite One" over in Horror is thinking about writing a book about her experiences working for a cemetery association. She needs a good title for her story, and would welcome any suggestions. I mentionded "A Plot to nd All Plots" and "Dead Men Do Tell Tales," but they're not too imaginative. You're all good with words, let's hear from you! Here's the link: Tales of Horror

The movie that blew me away was that Italian made movie something the Best Years - I do not remember the name but the story was so poiquent it still remains with me. It so overwhelms me it is like a prayer that I have no words to express only deeply felt emotions. Shindler's List, was raw and dark that gave, in all it's graphic scenes, the horror but this, this said it like looking through a haze lightly and the love.......!

Seeing the director/actor standing on the back of his chair so full of life was so wonderful when he won his oscar

Barbara, could you perhaps mean "Life is Beautiful?" with Roberto Begnini? Oh, I'm so glad you mentioned that wonderful movie! How could I have forgotten? It was a movie in which I laughed at the humor and yet with tears in my eyes at the poignancy. In my estimation he deserved his Oscar for best actor. And you have to really marvel at his unbridled enthusiasm, don't you? He had everyone laughing at his exuberance at the Award ceremonies. Thank you for reminding me of a marvelous film!!

Lorrie

Yes, yes, I believe she is his real wife - if ever there was a perfect movie filled with the most soul searing moments. Oh I cannot help cry as I even think of him hiding that child in the steel container and them marching as a clown to his death. And his interpteting the German's commands so as not to freighten his child and the joy of flying on the bicycle through town.

This may not be apropos, but did anyone happen to see "The 1900 House" on Public TV last Monday? At first I thought I'd be bored to death, but it's a fascinating story! They took a beautiful old home in London, I think, and tore out anything that would have been made after 1900. Anything! Then they redecorated, and the result was a wonderful old Victorian home, complete with gaslight and fireplaces for heat. No electricity, candlight or oil lamps only in the upstairs bedrooms, carbolic soap for washing, and the most antiquated gadget you ever saw for cleaning carptets! Now they have selected a volunteer family to come live in this house for I think it's two months, and each week we'll tune in and see how they're doing. It will be interesting to see how they cope without any modern conveniences.

This is a very interesting program, far above the disgusting "Survivor!" Anybody else see this opener?

Lorrie

I saw it! Mentioned it over in Television the other day.

The house Was built around 1900, but all the stuff added since then had to be removed.

The family lived in it for 3 months, eating only what was eaten then and prepared as it was then. Seldom bathing! Old fashioned clothes! Privy down at the end of the garden, or chamberpot. Soft soap made of cow's fat and some other stuff. Fascinating. Really makes you THINK and makes you grateful you Did Not live back then ("in the good old days" Ha!) and wondering how in the world anyone did. The 3 months nearly did in the mother of this family.

Lorrie, tell the Petite One that I vote for "GROUNDED" for her title.

Mary Page, did you see the whole program already? I thought they were simply going to show a segment each week to show how they're progressing! Maybe they ran it in its entirety where you are? I'm talking about The 1900 House.

about your suggestion for a title for Petite ONe's book: I can almost hear her groan from here.

Lorrie

No, Lorrie, I have only seen the first show. A lot of what I said up above comes from READING feature stories on the project.

Am jubilant over the groan ..........

Oh, and Lorrie; the project is completed and has been aired in Great Britain. I read that they had reedited it somewhat for showing here in the states. And we are to get, if my comprehension is correct, only FOUR hours, @ one per week, of the 3 months filmed. The cameras were actually in the house all day and all night, so it is quite, quite edited.

This has to be better than Survivors, right? Now, why is that? We want to watch 1900 House on PBS but not Survivors on CBS. What are we saying here? I saw the article about the 1900 House in an American Heritage magazine two months ago and according to the author, the family couldn't stand living that way and wanted to leave. Did anyone else see that?

I liked "Life Is Beautiful",too. Just a warm fuzzy of a movie!

Ann: I may be alone in this, but I simply can't watch "Survivors!" It disgust me no end---it seems to bring out the very worst in the way some people deal with one another. Yet I like watching the 1900 House, don't ask me why! At least I have a better feeling after watching a family try to adjust to what we consider to be almost primitive living conditions! Besides, I can see the possiblity of a lot of quiet humor there.

Lorrie

There are such different concepts here.

I cannot see anything at all realistic about the survival thing from what I read about it in the magazines. And there are a lot of gross things and dreadful language and the meanness of voting people off the island and the competitiveness of winning the money.

The 1900 House is a living HISTORY lesson, not a competition. True, I read also that the family found living back then extremely difficult. Well, that was one of the points of doing it: i.e., to find out, for all of us, how very hard those "good old days" really were.

Mary Page, and Ann: Those were very thoughtful comments in your posts about why we seem to prefer 1900 House to Survivors. I'm so glad you both are frequent visitors here--I need your insight on a lot of different subjects.

By the way, has anybody noticed that I've changed the list of Academy Award Winners up above? This is not the complete listing, by any means, rather it's a reminder of some of the past Oscar winners that may have faded into your memory, like mine.

Lorrie

I never saw Schindler's List, but did read the book. It was wonderful. I don't see many first-run movies and don't rent very many movies after they become available on video. I don't remember it being on TV. I think I haven't made an effort to rent the movie because it seems it would be such a downer -- I hate to see man's inhumanity to man.

Texas, in Schindler's List, the book, I'll bet you read more violence than you'll see on the screen! See the movie!! It left me with a glorious feeling, that here was shown a man, warts and all, who seemed to find the innate decency to do what he could to help what seemed to be an impossible task. It left me feeling that perhaps man is worth saving, after all.

Lorrie

I did watch 1900 House. Was sort of disappointed that they used up the whole hour showing the re-creation of the authentic house. I am a bit dubious, however, because I think they in showing a 2000 family living in 1900, they are trying to duplicate as much of their 2000 existence as they can. For example, the 'mother' did hire a 'maid' but apparently didn't keep her. Now in that kind of house in 1900, there would definitely have been a 'hireling' doing some of the most distastful tasks. I think they should have concentrated more on 'lifestyle' for that class in that period. However, I may just be nit-picking. An example of what I meant above is one of the daughters taking out the chamber pots and talking about holding it away from her nose, and not looking at it. In actual life, the maid would have performed that chore, not the daughter of the house who would have been receiving instruction on running a household and managing such servants as she might hope to have after her marriage.

As for Survivor-----Ugh!!!!! I watched about 10 minutes of the first episode and had to give up. Have been reading what our local TV guy says (Washington Post), and that's about as much attention as I shall give it. I noticed that CBS (the old folks channel) has beem drawing a larger audience of under-fifties than is usual for that channel. But what a disgusting show. The current 'in' thing seems to be to try to find out just how disgusing and repellant people are willing to be to get a large sum of money.

Please forgive any tyhpos--this is a painful process just now. I have to use my left hand to lift my right hand and place it on the mouse. I guess you can tell Ive had relatively little experience with physical ineptitude.

Jean, you are remarkable!

As for the 1900 House, well, one of my all-time favorite programs is THIS OLD HOUSE. I love watching and learning all about fixing up old houses; don't know why. Love architecture and took an Elderhostel course in it a couple of years ago so I could learn more. So, bottom line, the 1900 House is MY cup of tea.

jeanlock,

Three hurrahs to you for even TRYING to post when you must still hurt a lot. It's good to see you here.

And I wanted to definitely agree with you and I said the same thing to my husband at the end of the 1900 House show. For the social standing (or class) of the people that would have lived in that house there would have been a "girl" whether she lived in or not, and she would have done a lot of the nasty jobs.

Another point, I think, is that it really doesn't work taking a 20th-21st century family and putting them back to 1900. If you could take a family from the 1800's and put them forward into 1900 it would be different, wouldn't it? They would have thought they were in heaven with all of those modern conveniences.

Still, it is a really interesting program.

Phyll

Hey, all you gentle readers, I'm becoming famous!! There was an article published in the SeniorNet Newsline by me, with picture and all, and now it's on the internet! (Sans photograph--you'll be spared that) Ha ha! I'll bet you didn't know your discussion leader was almost deaf as a post! So now my secret's out! Take a peek.

A Whole New World

Thanks, Lorrie -- very interesting. And I didn't even know all those articles were THERE! So thanks for introducing me to something new.

Oh Lorrie how absolutly wonderful! Your story has a real 'wind under your kite' kind of uplift.

Thank you, Barbara! I'm amazed at the flood of mail I've received. Most from people who are also hearing-impaired, and a couple from someone who wants to sell me a new set of hearing aids. Hahaha Whaaaaat?

Lorrie

Here's a poem I wrote about it:

We know you get mad
when you’re asked to repeat,
those things that were said,
and where we missed the beat.

. And we’re aware of the fact
that it irks you no end,
to raise up your voice,
so our ears we can bend

It’s not very pleasant,
and not at all funny,
to be partly-deaf,
and be labeled a “dummy!”

Please be patient and kind,
when our hearing-aids screech.
Don’t become too annoyed,
Just grin, we beseech.

And remember, my friends,
When of your jokes we’re the butt,
You could very well be,
The one saying “WHAT?”

Lorrie

Phyll, you may be correct, in fact, probably are correct about there being at least one maid in such a home.

But this was never a high society home, either. It is in SOUTH London, across the river from where the higher classes would live. It was "working class" London. Remember the over view aerial photos they showed at the beginning? They pointed out then that there were tens of thousands of these row houses built at that time. From the plane, they just seemed to go on .... forever.

MaryPage,

I didn't say it well, I think, (not unusual for me) {

but I didn't mean that I thought it was high society. However, it does appear to be at least middle-class and I think, from what I have read from that time, that they would have a "girl" even in a middle class home. There were very few job opportunites other than home service for women in those days. I would think that the goal for all maids would have been in the better houses but the market was probably much larger in the middle class houses, don't you think?

Phyll

Most likely.

But I thank my stars I am living NOW and not THEN! Just this first episode of this series has shown me stuff I never even Thought about.

Mary Page--

I sort of thought of that house as the sort of place Wm. and Charlotte Pitt had, and altho by her previous standards they were poor, they did have a 'skivvy'. If you think back to your Dickens, even the 'poor' families (McCawber, et al) had a 'girl'.

This is really weird! Somewhere along the way here, I seem to have misplaced two different posts. Oh, well, here goes again.

What I wanted to say was, to anyone who has already seen all the segments of "The 1900 House," what did they do for toilets? Was I seeing things or did they not install one of those old chain-pulling things? If not, I shudder to think of whose job it will be to take care of that. I remember too well those awful chamber pots on my grandparents' farm, before they got running water. Ugh!

Lorrie

I remember those chamber pots too (from going to my grandmother's), and they were infinitely preferable to the alternative, which was going in the dark -- and sometimes in the cold -- to the outhouse (and remembering stories about how Grandpa got bitten by a black widow spider while using those particular facilities).

Give me today anyday!

Hi,everyone. I've been under the weather for a while and I'm just trying to read all the posts and get caught up. I haven't much to contribute right now, but I did think John Irving deserved the Oscar for his adaptation of The Cider House Rules. Fern

Hi, Fern: It's good to hear from you, and I'm glad you're feeling better. Yes, this is what this discussion is all about. Many of us disagree with some of the people who select the Oscar winners, and it seems to get worse every year! I wanted to see that wonderful movie about the older man making a trip to see his brother riding only his lawnmower. I can't remember the name of the movie, but Richard Farnsworth was the main actor, and he really deserved an Oscar. Did anyone see it? I noticed that the Indpendent Film Association gave him the best-actor award, They have more sense than the Hollywood bunch,

Lorrie

The Straight Story

Hey, Jean! So glad you are up to posting so soon after your surgery. Yes, you are so right; this house is very much like Anne Perry's William and Charlotte Pitt would have had.

I just watched 6 straight hours of Robert Graves' books made into a mini series for Masterpiece Theatre back in 1976 and shown in 1977 here. It was fabulous! Enjoyed it immensely and will nap again tomorrow, no, today for it is after midnight, will nap again this afternoon so as to watch the FINAL 7 hours of this wonderful show, I CLAUDIUS.

Lorrie, I saw that movie. It's called The Straight Story and he was wonderful in it. My daughter and son-in-law found it "slow" but I said that I thought the director was capturing the pace of a trip by lawnmower to a place 2 to 300 miles away. It was well done.

Texas; I might have known you'd be right there with the answer! Thanks so much, both you and Fern! Isn't it maddening when you have the name of something right on the tip of your tongue and can't remember it? This scared me so much one time that I asked the doctor and he pooh-poohed the idea I was slowly going demented. Said it was a normal sign of aging. Of course, I was highly insulted! The very idea! After all, I'm only 77! Which reminds me---I want the proper respect accorded me from all you young whippersnappers!

Lorrie

Mary Page: I am soooooo jealous! We didn' get the re-run of "I, Claudius" on our PBS statione here, so won't be able to tape it like I wanted to. Maybe they're planning to show it later. They've been changing the format here on Public Television, and I'm not sure I like it. A lot more old movies, for instance, some of them not that great, and very few original broadcasts now. Maybe it's money, but after those endless pledge drives you'd think they'd be rolling in it!

Lorrie

The SIX hours, originally 6 episodes, of I, Claudius just FLEW by. Seriously, it was JUST as great as when I first saw it. And so lovely watching so much of it at once.

They did money raising for about 5 minutes between each episode, which was great for running to the loo, etc.

And there were 2 things seriously aggravating about that. The time spent raising money was not long, so that was not a bother. But the fund raisers were much younger than I and were seeing I, Claudius for the very first time. And they were plainly staggered by it. They kept saying things like: "This is SO great! And can you BELIEVE it was made in 1976! The script is outstanding! The acting and filming is so great! Can you Believe it is 24 years old!"

And I wanted to clobber them! Like we were back in the Dark Ages in 1976 and nothing good was being made? EXCUSE me?

The second aggravation was that they kept insisting this was the very, very last time this series will EVER be shown on Public Television!!!!! And no explanation as to why they kept saying it; but they did say it between each and every segment. Has Commerical TV bought it? Is there some new contract of ownership? They never, ever explained.

For those of you who have never seen this, it is for sale on all the video sites for $129.95 and is Well Worth It. Every one of your children and grand children and great grands should see it. But not until they are sixteen. Lots of the way it really was in Rome of the Emperors, including adultery, incest, murder, betrayal, deceit, orgies, and the killing of children by their near relatives. All of it is true, but still not for the little ones.

Oh great you have just justified for me the reason to spend so much on some tapes I will probably only watch once or maybe twice-- my grandchildren! Never did see the series and we are not having shown on our PBS station either.

I can remember thinking how great the Castleloma band was when I first heard a recording of them playing the music of (don't have the first name correct) Harry?? Charmichael. To me the best jazz was either Harry James or Louis Armstrong and anything from the early 30s shouldn't have measured up. Same kind of thinking as those that cannot imagine the 70s creating anything of contemporary value. I think we all do it...

That was Hoagy Carmichael,Barbara. Just to go off topic for a moment, I love jazz. I work at the Jazz and Blues Festival here every year. We have it in a big tent on the waterfront and it's magical.

Toni Morrison(Pulitzer Prize winning author) her novel "Beloved" a chronicle of slavery and its aftermath was a captivating read. Made into a movie in 1999,it was effective in sensitizing the audience to the harshnness of slavery which produced both physical and emotional consequences for the black population of that period.

I saw the play and the movie and thought both were charming and thought provoking. One of my favourite Oscar winning movies is All About Eve. I loved Bette Davis' line: "Fasten your seatbelts. We're in for a bumpy night." Only Davis could say "bumpy" the way she did. And of course, Marilyn Monroe had a small part in it. However, as they say in the theatre: There are no small parts, only small actors. Marilyn made her presence known. I didn't see Patton because I didn't want to. I've never been sorry.

To frugal: (Love that handle!) I agree about Tony Morrison's novel. And I thought it adapted well into a movie. She's truly a gifted writer, and I'm anxious to see more of her work. Incidentally, it's really nice to see your comments here! Any other favorites you have?

Maritmer: Would that be the Newport Jazz festival? I've heard about that one. Ane yes, "All about Eve" is also a favorite of mine. Davis was superb, and wasn't George Saunders good as the oily character he played? The one who could bring the upstart Eve down!

Mary Page: I roared with mirth when I read your post. The annoyance you felt at the kids' ignorance of the past is shared by so many of us. Don't you get weary of being treated like a dinosaur? I think it was so great you were able to tape that wonderful program!

Barbara, I've been berated by my younger relatives for not being overly enthusiastic about rock music. But I doubt that anything will change my opinion that it's much too loud, repetitive, and the songs seem to repeat one refrain over and over. Where's the melody? The old songs we all loved must have had something. Look how long they've endured!

Lorrie

I've never read Toni Morrison. I have to admit that I sometimes resent the fact that when Oprah recommends a book, sales go through the roof,while many talented authors remain in obscurity. Now, I know that she can't recommend all of them but some innate stubborness within me stops me from rushing out and buying the recommended books. In her favour, she has created an interest in reading among people who may not have read a book in ages. I did, however, see Beloved and it was an astonishing movie.

Lorrie, no, it's not the Newport Jazz Festival. I'm a Canadian and this festival is in its fourth year here, on the Bay of Fundy, where many cruise ships stop.

Mary Jane and Barbara: It's interesting that swing music is, ahem, in full swing again, isn't it? I find it amusing that the "Boomers" who were born in the fifties (remember "Don't trust anyone over 30?") are now praising actresses in their fiftieth year and upwards for looking so young, probably through the miracle of modern chemistry. Ah yes, the pendulum swings back and forth.My 48 year old daughter said that the best advice I ever gave her was: Keep your face clean and use moisturizer. My God, is that the BEST advice I ever gave her?

O.K., I'm off the soapbox now. Fern

Hey, Fern: Don't knock it! That's very good advice.

Re: your remark about Oprah's promotion of writers, I personally think it's great! For one thing, every one of her choices is from an author whose work was rejected by big publishing houses at one time. I know she has made it possible for unknown writers to crack the market, which is almost impossible to do, unless you have a shrewd agent or previous publicity (notoriety?) I don't always agree with her choices---I didn't care much for "The Color Purple," for instance. But she has helped a lot of obscure authores.

Lorrie

Yes,Lorrie, I'll concede that. Your point about not always agreeing with her choices is a good one and is probably what I should have said.What would this world be if we couldn't disagree? There is something about seeing a book with "Oprah's Pick" stuck on it that irritates me. One of my daughters zeros right in on them. Maybe I just want her to choose "Fern's Pick", although I must admit she reads and enjoys everything I pass on to her. That having been said....I'll trail off.

I know what you mean about Oprah's pick of the week-- that is not said nicely I know but, that is what it reminds me of and yet, on the other hand, if it weren't for her suggestion to read Earnest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying i would be a poorer person.

I've always thought black authors writting about black issues would be private to the black audiance and I had no business reading and also believed I would not be able to relate. Well that book blew me away and also allowed me to read another group of authors. For me it was like the first time you step into a church of a different demonimation than the one you attended, accompined by a friend. I learned what I should have known, I found some issues are so universal that although a great author may come from different socialization a great author writes about what we can all relate to, love and pride and depair, fear and the experience of non-justice.

I read The Colour Purple a long time ago and was moved by it, long before Oprah's Book Club arrived on the scene. I have read books by authors of many different ethnic backgrounds and it has enriched my life. My point, and I feel as though I'm belaboring it now,is that I don't like to have anything shoved down my throat and that's the way Oprah sometimes makes me feel: how to live, how to feel, how to exercize, meditate, eat, think,pray. I don't watch her on a regular basis but I hear from young impressionable friends that she has once again set them on a path for surefire happiness, weight loss or what have you and I can't help but think of the kind of control she seems to have over so many people. I realize that she has done a lot of good and I know it must be difficult to do a daily show and try to keep it fresh but I think it's time for her to turn to something else. I feel as though I'm attacking an icon,however, that is my opinion.

hehehe she and Martha Stewat?

I guess there are more people in this world that need to create an Icon rather thean following their own heart to success. It may come from this concept taught in schools-- 'Why re-create the wheel'

Hero worship is alive and well it appears, even among woman. I wonder what this is saying about woman's need for perfectionism and not feeling they have the key to their own success that they turn to others whose ways pleases them and make them their guru. I have heard so many woman plan their month based on Martha Stewart's Calander and celebrate their family holidays as her magazine and TV show suggests.

In my day it was the 'Ladies Home Journal' and chit chat with the neighbors-- today it appears to be Oprah and Martha. I guess I rather they be influencing America than the David Springger show or even Regis and Kathy. But than Meg Ryan and Sandra Bullock nor Julia Roberts are not Betty Davis, Kathryn Hepburn, or Lauren Bacal.

It is interesting though not all of Oprah's movies have been a success but some people just have the nack for marketing all their interestes and both she and Martha seem to market themselves well. But they are marketing and we do not have to buy.

Well said, Barbara. Now: Does anyone remember whether or not Cabaret ever won an Oscar? I was sure that it had but I don't seem to see it in any Oscar listings. Oops, wait. I just realized that I have a book called The Hollywood Musical. I'll be right back.It sure did! Best actress,best supporting actor,best director,best screenplay based on material from another medium,cinematogrophy, set decoration,sound, film editing,music scoring and adaptation from another score, but not best picture. Isn't that always the way? Does anyone know which movie won Best Picture for 1972?

Fern

The French Connection won Best Picture in the awards held in 1972. The Godfather won Best Picture in the awards held in 1973. I'm not sure which one counts as the 1972 winner. Here is the URL where I found this: http://us.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/Academy_Awards_USA.

I will note that the site is part of one of my favorite Web sites, the Internet Movie DataBase: http://us.imdb.com, although I shouldn't have told you. (It's just between the two of us, OK? I mean, I can't go around giving away my secrets, can I?)

Eve: That year I think it was the Godfather.

You put your comments so well, Eve! Yu're not tilting at an icon. the woman is flesh and blood like all of us, although I must admit she probably has a tiny bit more money than I.

Barbara: You mean you don't like "The Queen of the Doilies?" Have you ever read "Martha Stewart's Preparations for Christmas?" It was in one of the other discussions some time ago and it is positively hilarious. I'll send it to you if I can find it.

Fern: I loved "Cabaret!" I think that theme song is one of the catchiest I've ever heard. One night long ago when we were walking home, a group of us, a neighbor's radio was playing show tunes, and when they started playing "Cabaret," every one of us started to dance, without prompting, right there on the sidewalk! It was fun!

Lorrie

Okay, time out while I try to pry my foot out of my mouth! Texas, I think you're right--The French Connection won in 1972, according to that chart. I think I was looking at the year the picture wa made. Whatever. OOps, sorry about that, Fern!

Lorrie

Well, I may have put my foot into it, too. Because I notice that chart lists 2000 as the date of the ceremony, and the Best Picture listed there was American Beauty (1999). So maybe what they mean is that American Beauty was the Best Picture in 1999 with the awards presented in 2000. (In which case, the 2000 Best Picture will be announced in 2001. That does make sense -- that only pictures made in 1999 and I think actually shown SOMEWHERE in 1999 are eligible for the award. So that would make it the 1999 Best Picture. Accordingly, that would make The Godfather the Best Picture for 1972.)

OK, Lorrie, think the two of us can walk with each of us having a foot in our mouth? (Kind of like a three-legged race?)

EDIT: OK. I've got it. When in doubt, read the directions. It plainly says at the top of the chart: "The Academy Awards ceremonies are commonly named after their according year of eligibility of films. E.g. the ceremony which took place in March 1997 is referred to as the 1996 Academy Awards."

Lorrie, who is Eve? I mentioned icons and Barbara responded. Texas Songbird, now don't get upset, but I have had the IMDB bookmarked for a long time, so there are two of us. I won't tell anyone else. Right, it was the Godfather that won for Best Picture. As for Cabaret, Lorrie, I loved the song (let's see if I can remember some of the words) "I once had a girlfriend name of Elsie, we shared two sordid rooms In Chelsea, something,something, something, something, wasn't a shrinking flower, as a matter of fact she rented by the hour." My mother "borrowed" the album from me. I never saw it again. She loved it too.

Now, to Martha: My youngest daughter, who lived with me when I became a single mother and was going to university at the age of 48, gave me a framed slogan which says: Dull Women Have Immaculate Homes. It has pride of place in my apartment. Many years later she gave me a copy of Just Deserts, an expose (insert accent over the e, I don't know how to do that yet) of Martha, juicy and trashy. Unfortunately, she has become a Martha afficionado. Where did I go wrong with her? Probably a form of rebellion. Kids today. Oh well, she's only 41, there's time. Fern

Maritimer it is just a phase, like saying no at two, that is what I have desided along with my observation that once they reach 30 something, until they are 50 they are boring. They seem to be about conforming in the name of achieving societies concept of success in addition to acting on what ever it takes to accumulate wealth. They are also about finding themselves all over again. Weighing and measuring every socially correct, spiritually enlightenment and political concept in loud voices-- I love them but oh they are tiresome at this age. Now their kids are another matter. They share their unbridled enthusiasm for exploration and sillyness that makes my heart sore.

The middle aged older than I was parant reminds me of Liza Doolittle being groomed by the likes of Oprah, Martha and any other guru that garners air time on TV.

Barbara: Very well put! And by someone who is quite qualified to speak with authority on the proclivities of these children of tiresome parents! Hahaha

Maritimer: Don't ask me why, but I keep wanting to call you Eve. I wonder if you look like an Eve? Anyway, FERN, your post was very amusing, especially about the way your daughter has become a Martha Stewart groupie. I like your sense of humor.

Texas: I'll run a thre-legged race with you wnytime! Thanks for clearing up that matter of just who was the Oscar winner!

Lorrie

MARTHA STEWART’S CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS

December 1 Blanch carcass from Thanksgiving turkey. Spray paint gold, turn upside down and use as a sleigh to hold Christmas Cards
December 2 Have Mormon Tabernacle Choir record outgoing Christmas message for answering machine.
December 3 Using candlewick and handgilded miniature pine cones, fashion cat-o-nine-tails. Flog Gardener
. December 4 Repaint Sistine Chapel ceiling in ecru, with mocha trim.
December 5 Get new eyeglasses. Grind lenses myself.
December 6 Fax family Christmas newsletter to Pulitzer committee for consideration.
December 7 Debug Windows 2000
December 10 Align carpets to adjust for curvature of Earth.
December 11 Lay Faberge egg.
December 12 Take dog apart. Disinfect. Reassemble.
December 13 Collect Dentures. They make excellent pastry cutters, particularly for decorative pie crusts. December 14 Install plumbing in gingerbread house.
December 15 Replace air in mini-van tires with Glade "holiday scents" in case tires are shot out at mall.
December 17 Child proof the Christmas tree with garland of razor wire.
December 19 Adjust legs of chairs so each Christmas dinner guest will be same height when sitting at his or her assigned seat.
December 20 Dip sheep and cows in egg whites and roll in confectioner's sugar to add a festive sparkle to the pasture.
December 21 Drain city reservoir; refill with mulled cider, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.
December 22 Float votive candles in toilet tank.
December 23 Seed clouds for white Christmas.
December 24 Do my annual good deed. Go to several stores. Be seen engaged in last minute Christmas shopping, thus making many people feel less inadequate than they really are.
December 25 Bear son. Swaddle. Lay in color-coordinated manger scented with homemade potpourri.
December 26 Organize spice racks by genus and phylum.
December 27 Build snowman in exact likeness of God.
December 31 New Year's Eve! Give staff their resolutions. Call a friend in each time zone of the world as the clock strikes midnight in that country.
Happy Ho Ho Holidays!!

Oh my hahaha that has her to a tee-- I must say though after all these years I am still a sucker for crafts and enjoy thumbing thru her magazine for pictures, you just can't read her! I keep wondering if she is a permenantly in her 5th or 6th month with all the energy available typical of that small window during pregnancy when you can move the world and everything in it or, she is one lucky woman who has this army of help that can whip out her every thought. I learned the hard way my imagination can work tails off the reality of my time, energy and dollars. I wonder how old she is? Please don't someone tell me she is a senior citizen because you will jinx my discretion as a witch and I would close the web down in a blink.

That is the first time in my life that I have laughed before my morning coffee,Lorrie. I'm usually quite dangerous then.Maybe you want to call me Eve because I posted about All About Eve. As for her age, Barbara, Martha is one of those boring 50 somethings. I have to admit that I love the handmade gifts from my daughter,the groupie. Well, off to make the coffee.

OK, time for a confession. After all the years I've snorted at Martha and her goings on, lately I've really enjoyed watching her cooking show on the Food Channel, and if I'm up late enough, her other Big Show. I never try to do a single thing she demonstrates, but I did get her mother's recipe for macaroni and cheese from her web site. As for her helpers...if I was worth the billions that she is, I'd have helpers, too. Lots of them!

P.S....I'm 'way past 50!

It's okay, Katie. We all have our shortcomings. Haha. Seriously, I wonder how much of our carping over Martha and Oprah is sour grapes? I know I'm just a bit envious over the financial empires these women have built, and even though I respect both of them for their endeavors, especially as women, I can't help but wonder what it must be like to have that kind of power!

Fern, if you're like me, you can't bear to even speak to anyone before a morning cup of coffee!!

Lorrie

LORRIE...and then there are people like me, who don't drink coffee! It's an acquired taste that I never acquired. Don't even have that first cup of tea any more...I have to take a Fosamax pill first thing, with a full glass of water, and then wait for an hour before eating or drinking anything. It's amazing what you can do without when you have to!

Oh, Katie! My doctor switched me from Fosamax to Evista, and it's so much easier to take. The price difference isn't that great, either. They're both horribly expensive, especially if your insurance doesn't cover prescription drugs! Before I have my morning coffee, I look exactly like Frankenstein's bride!

Lorrie

I'm just stunned before coffee, not really dangerous. I'd like to discuss Ken Kesey's One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest from 1975. That film and the book were more realistic than one might imagine. From 1985 to 1993, when I retired, I worked as a Psychiatric Patients' Advocate for the Ontario Government's Ministry of Health. It was a pilot program, started because of three deaths in some of the hospitals, of which there were 10 in Ontario. I had an office in the hospital (city to remain nameless) and was autonomous within the hospital, reporting to our Coordinator in Toronto. They had one or two Nurse Ratched types but the doctors were a huge problem. Many of the patients were overmedicated, kept in restraints, not informed of their rights under the Charter of Rights and treated with no regard to their dignity or individual needs. The scene where Jack Nicholson is given electric shock treatment because he was a trouble maker was accurate. I've seen it happen. We made some dramatic changes but it's never enough. It sickened me to see an outspoken person given so much medication that they walked like zombies, eyes glazed over, hands trembling. I was not popular with the staff, I can tell you. This is one movie that had to be made.

Eve, that movie was magnificent! The acting was superb, too.

Your post was interesting. I can imagine how the rest of the staff must have disliked you---it would make their jobs much easier just to dope the patients up. Interesting story.

When we decided that the only choice for my husband after his last surgery was a nursing home, they put him in a place that was outwardly gorgeous, beautiful foyer, matching drapes and bedspreads in each room, carpeting, the whole shmeer. But each day when I went to visit, my husband was in a semi-stupor, and I was beginning to despair that I'd never be able to talk to him coherently again. In disgust, I finally pulled him out of there and moved him to a place I'd heard about from friends, and the change was immediate. His doctor there told me that he "didn't really think Ed needed all that much medication," and ordered more therapy instead. But it was mainly the attitude of the caregivers that I noticed the most. They were so indifferent in that first place, and so caring in the next. So you see, not all these places are alike. And this was only about five years ago.

Lorrie

Hey,Lorrie, you've renamed me again. I'm speaking of the government run psychiatric hospitals. There were psychiatric wards in some of the general hospitals and some private places, but these hospitals I'm talking about required major changes. The law states that they were to be properly assessed on admittance and read their rights but that wasn't happening. I even had nurses coming to me to complain about the flagrant disregard for patients' rights. It was my opinion that some of the doctors working there couldn't get a job anywhere else. They gave new meaning to the word paternalism. Then there was the "goon squad", big male attendants who were very rough with the patients. I could tell you horror stories about the "treatment" of kids in the adolescent ward.

I can't believe I did it again! I wonder if there's some Freudian thing there that I keep wanting to call you Eve! Anyway, all this conversation about mental hospitals brings to mind the movie with Olivia de Havilland, "The Snake Pit." It was a blockbuster in its time because I think it was the first time anyone had shown firsthand what mental patients endured, to a point. Since then, many great movies dealing with this subject have been made, including of course, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and a really graphic one about the ex-actress Frances Farmer, anybody remember her? She wrote about her sojourn in a mental hospital (state-operated, Fern) and apparently had to endure some of the conditions that you mention. But is the modern alternative much better? I can't see how dumping these people out on the streets is helping them much, either.

Lorrie

However, I do like apples, Lorrie. I saw The Snake Pit many years ago and it scared me. When I saw it again about 3 years ago, I had a whole different perspective. Too pat. Follow orders and you will have a happy ending. I did see the Frances Farmer film. Jessica Lange is one of my favourite actresses. Thank heaven lobotomies are now illegal. As for "these people" being dumped on the street, that is a debate that will go on forever. Here in Canada, it is a fact that some Homes for Special Care lock the clients out right after breakfast and don't open the doors until 5:00 p.m. There are many people on the streets today due to unemployment and other factors. Since no one else is discussing this topic, let's move on to Shakespeare In Love. Not to be a purist, but is that based on a book or is it an original screenplay? I realize it's based on Shakespeare and his early works. I found it delightful and very entertaining.Fern

Those filsm just brought the hebbie jebbies out in me as I remember how easy it was to relegate a woman who didn't know her place or cried rape or incest to the local saniterium/kookoo farm/pit/ state walled-in unit.

had been in the Psych. hospital for 42 years. Her diagnosis? Post partum depression. It was still on record. She was in her 70's and her husband put her in there when she was 30. Her baby was 3 months old and he later told their daughter that she was dead. Her husband had died and a social worker came to me with the story. There was over $100,000 in her account (not from him, accumulated disability cheques) Her sister-in-law was adamant that the daughter, whom she had raised, not be told. She was the substitute consentor and had a Do Not Resuscitate order placed in the woman's chart. Hospital Administration refused to do anything about it. We reunited the mother and daughter. We prepared the woman for the meeting. When her daughter walked into the room, she called her by name and said "Oh, my baby." I'll never forget it.

Fern, that is one of the most bittersweet stories I've read in a long time! Yes, I can see how you wouldn't forget an emotional reunion like that.

Barbara: Yes, horrifying, isn't it, to think there was a time when women could be "put away" like that.

But Fern is right--we are digressing far afield. On looking over our list of Oscar winners above, I wanted to comment on "The Rain Man." Everyone raved so much about Dustin Hoffman's portrayal, and he was very good, but i believe Tom Cruise did a great job. He was believeable as a callous "yuppie," and he touched my heart when he began to show affection for his brother. That is, when he could tear him away from Judge Wapner's show!

Lorrie

I absolutely agree, Lorrie. I've always thought Rain Main was Tom Cruise's best acting.

Did Hitchcock ever get an oscar for any of his movies? There is one that I absolutly love that is not one of his more famous but I beleive it is the first movie that Shirly McClaine acted in called The Trouble with Harry Takes place in New England during the fall of the year and Shirly McClaine is a widow with a 5 year old boy. The boy out playing finds a man dead in the hills that is actually his uncle and he doesn't know it, but does remember him visiting their house. The guy that played the voice in Charlies Angles is the young heart throb struggling artist and there is an old sea captain played by Edmund Gwain and, an older general store proprietress and a maiden lady and the son of the store owner who is the bad guy Sheriff.

There is a great scene where after they have buried and dug up the corpse several times they are cleaning him and his clothes up at Shirly McClaine's house and the Sheriff comes snooping. Everything is hidden including the ironing board that was in use to iron the dead mans clothes. While the Sheriff is in the room questioning everyone the closet door suddely opens. Everyone watching the movie their heart stops, sure that in the closet was some give away to what was going on.

The story I understand is based on a book written by an English author Jack Trevor.

I loved that movie - so warm, gently funny and a romantic story yet, scary without being a real thriller. The fall woods and small New England town are wonderful and I think as I remember some rich guy comes along and buys all the heart throbs paintings to display in New York allowing him to prepose to Shirley McClaine.

Well, thank you, Barbara! Yes, I saw "The Trouble with Harry," and i thought it was very funny. I couldn't remember the story at all, but reading your post brought it all back to me. Your synopsis is very vivid. I don't think Hitchcock won an Oscar for that one, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a good movie.

And that reminds me: How many of you think that some of the above-mentionded winners were poor choices? This picking of the "best" every year has turned into a guessing game, it seems like! For instance, I'm still disappointed that "American Beauty" won out over the movie with Richard Farnsworth, "The Straight Story," I think it was called.

Lorrie

I absolutely ADORED The Trouble With Harry! My kind of cinema. Top notch acting from the very best. Terribly funny, without ever falling into slap stick. A mystery, without ever being frightening. A romance to give pleasure and comfort to the soul.

It belongs in the same category of pleasure as Lavender and Old Lace. It is not at all the same story, and yet it is exactly the same sort of ....... Thing!

Oh, the memory of that movie "Arsenic and OLd Lace!" How i roared with laughter. That crazy nephew's "charge" up San Juan hill never failed to put my brother in stitches, and the way those two old dears dealt with Raymond Massey! A treasure of a film, indeed.

Lorrie

I must see the The Straight Story is it on video yet as I will check out our Libary as it sounds good to me. I have just got caught up in here and thought I had losts my sub as it never came here, but maybe I have to many sub and have been gone to long to really get caught up, I have seen these Movies to my delight,

Driving Miss Daisy,

Had my Mother and me lol and then crying so Mixed emotions for us.

Rain Man,

Was very close to home for me as I do understand how things are.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,

Very real to me.

Casablanca,

Mutiny on the Bounty,

my favorite was Driving Miss Daisy but all were special to me, with all the emotions.

Not a bad one in the bunch. Ginger

I saw The Trouble with Harry recently, and loved it. The Charlie's Angels guy was/is John Forsythe.

Arsenic and Old Lace is another old favorite.

That's it, Lorrie!

Arsenic and Old Lace, not lavender!

I'm getting senile, friends. Please forgive an old lady .....

Ginger: I like the same ones you do, isn't that nice? The Straight Story isn't out on video yet, I dob't think, but should be at theatres somewhere right now.

Mary Page: Don't feel bad---I've been calling Fern here Eve several times, don't ask me why! We can go tottering off into the sunset together, you and I, asking each other, "And who are you?" hahaha

Lorrie

But there is a movie called Lavender and Old Lace! It's very old (1921) and stars people I've never heard of. And then there's The Lavender Hill Mob, which starred Alec Guinness (and it was one of Audrey Hepburn's earliest movies).

Oh, Dear!

I wonder which incarnation .......

The movie I am remembering had Cary Grant in it. He went to see his aunts, who adored him. They had been murdering, what were they? Traveling salesmen? Roomers? I do not remember! They had No Intention of murdering him, but he discovered a body or something and they told him all in an adorable fashion and he was Horrified and it just got funnier and funnier.

MARY PAGE...you got it! "Arsenic and Old Lace", 1944 ***½, starring Cary Grant, Priscilla Lane, Peter Lorre, Raymond Massey, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, James Gleason, etc. There is a Grant Mitchell and a John Alexander listed, too, but don't know which one played the "Teddy Roosevelt" role.

Remember the horrified look on Carey Grant's face when he learned what his two aunts were up to? and that body under the window-seat!! Not easily forgotten, that movie.

Maritimer, where art thou? Out sailing on the Ship of Fools?

Lorrie

I just saw Harvey again with James Stewart. I remembered that I liked it very much but now that I am older I love it. Such a gentle, upbeat movie. Being a little "different" or a little outside of the norm, isn't always undesirable, is it?

Phyll

Arsenic and Old Lace it was I saw that one also.

Lorrie, Nothing wrong with you as You are just excited about the Minn. Luncheon.

Ginger

My cousins who are now in their 80's took me to see "Arsenic and Old Lace" when I was in grade school. I loved it then and still do. My son played one of the dead bodies in the high school production. Everytime his body showed up, our nutty friends in the audience started clapping and cheering. What fun that was! I have always loved Cary Grant movies. His facial expressions were so funny.

Harvey is one of my all time favorites,too. Weren't movies more clever back then? or is it me? We just saw a new one, "Mission Impossible 2" which is okay but too much noisy music and too many stunts. My goodness '007 movies were much better though pointless, I guess. We had a good time with our grandkids going to this newer movie and anytime spent with them is a delight. They are both in college and always manage to visit us in the summertime. Live in upstate NY.

I liked the Color of Purple for some reason. Thought the book good and the movie well done.

I, too, thought that "Rainman" was the best acting that Tom Cruise has ever done. He grew into a better person throughout the movie.

Loved "Driving Miss Daisy" but then I really liked the actors in it. They were special and when I can recall their names, I will mention them here. My memory cache just did a dump! Oh, now I remember, Jessica Tandy and , and and someone Fremont?! Oh well, you know who I am talking about.

Lorrie, I just have to mention a funny story about my mother who wore two hearing aids. Everytime I called her on the phone, I would hear her aids start to squeal and she would say, "just a minute while I fix these". Then when she returned to the phone, she would say," Now, isn't that better?" I would always just chuckle. She was such a dear!

Ann -- Yes, that's it exactly. You SAW Tom Cruise grow as a person in Rain Man. THAT's acting, in my book. Dustin Hoffman was great, but he played the same character throughout the movie (which, of course, was one of the points of that character -- he couldn't grow and change because of his illness).

ANN...Morgan Freeman. I liked him in "Driving Miss Daisy" almost as much as I liked him in "The Shawshank Redemption". If you haven't seen that, hustle down to your video place and rent it NOW! He and Tim Robbins were terrific!

No, I'm not on the on The Ship of Fools. On the other hand, aren't we all? Someone mentioned Hitchcock. I don't think he ever won an Academy Award, although I think he should have. I loved Arsenic and Old Lace too. I agree with you Ann, about some of the newer movies. They really get carried away with special effects. There are some small gems,though. I liked Fargo, A Simple Plan, The Sweet Hereafter (nominated for an Oscar) and Shakespeare In Love. I liked Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors. I also loved E.L. Doctorow's book, Ragtime, and the musical of the same name.

Ann Alden, I liked the Color Purple also.

Katie I also like Morgan Freeman in the movie color purple as he does his part so well in all that he does.

Fern It seems that I have seen Fargo but can not remember what it was about, was that the one about the two senior's fishing watching the new lady in the neiborhood etc? I cannot remember. Senior moments.

Texas S. Dustin Hoffman did a good job in rain man IMHO.

OH how I apprieciate this discussion Books into Movie's and Lorrie does it so well, I just knew it was a winner and it is.

The cleaning lady just quit, as all are so good about clean up the popcorn, chocolate raper etc. that we do not need a cleaning lady as all are so neat. LOL Ginger

Oh, I'm not downgrading Dustin Hoffman's acting in Rain Main. I think he was great -- as he always is. I just think that the growth that Tom Cruise's character showed through the progress of the movie was OUTSTANDING acting, and is generally overlooked.

Hitchcock never won a Best Director Oscar, although he was nominated for Psycho, Rear Window, Spellbound, Lifeboat, and Rebecca, and Suspicion was nominated for Best Picture. In 1968 he won both the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award (Academy Awards) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (Director's Guild of America).

Fargo is that one with the pregnant police chief played by Frances McDormand. Here's the plot description from the Internet Movie DataBase: "Jerry hires two men to kidnap his wife so he can get his rich father-in-law to pay the ransom. Once the ransom is paid, Jerry and the kidnappers will split the money down the middle. That's the plan, but what happens is something totally different. Blood is shed when a cop and two innocent people are killed. Marge Gunderson is the Chief who investigates the murders. While Marge investigates, Jerry gets involved in deeper problems, ranging from financial troubles, to threats from the kidnappers."

What was that movie where Ingrid Bergman is kept doped by her husband Claude Rains that she married to act as a spy because although they live in, I think South America he is a Nazi, but she was really in love with Cary Grant who doesn't believe her and than Cary Grant does end up saving her. I am vague but bits and pieces come to me and I can see Ingrad Bergman in a long flowing dress.

Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains starred in Notorious. Of course, they were also in Casablanca together.

Barbara, I thought of Gaslight. Does anyone remember that? I do know that her husband was trying to drive her crazy but I don't remember who played the role of her husband.

Aha Notorious it is - found it on the web - released February 1946 - based on a story called "The Song of the Dragon" by John Traintor Foote. It was featured in the Saturday Evening Post on November 12 and 19, 1921.

In one account, Margaret McDonnell found the story. In another account, producer David Selznick found it years earlier and held onto it, passing it onto Hitchcock (had no idea this was a Hitchcock film) while he was filming Spellbound. Regardless, Ben Hecht and Hitch began the task of writing the film treatment. Hecht dealt with the narrative structure and continuity, while Hitch came at it from a visual angle.
The Plot:

Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) is the daughter of an ex-spy who has just been sentenced to life imprisonment for spying against the U.S. She throws a party and hits the bottle in order to forget it all. At the party she meets Devlin (Cary Grant), an American spy who convinces her to work for the U.S. A call to duty sees them fly to Rio. While there, the pair soon develop an attraction towards each other. Alicia is asked to renew her acquaintance with Alex Sebastian (Calude Rains) an old friend of her father's.
Alicia soon realizes that Sebastian is using his mansion as the headquarters for a Nazi resurgence, and is working for a group of shady looking German types. In the meantime, Alicia and Devlin are metting regularly for the sake of their mutual work for the U.S. Things turn difficult when Sebastian asks her to marry him. Alicia is not comfortable with this, but goes along with it in order to maintain her cover, and after Devlin supports the idea (which prompts her to believe that her love for him is not being returned). Alicia sees that the Germans are acting suspiciously around Sebastian's wine collection. In order to provide a front, she has a large post-wedding party, and invites Devlin as an acquaitance.

To mark the beginning of one of the most suspenseful scenes in all of Hitchcock's films, she takes her husband's key to the wine cellar. During the party, her and Devlin sneak downstairs to investigate. A bottle accidentally breaks and they discover it is full of a black sand, we find out later that it is uranium. At this time, Sebastian and a servant are on their way down to replenish the champagne supply for the party. Devlin takes Alicia around back and kisses her, in order to avert suspiocion. The lovers are discovered and Devlin takes the blame, claiming to have loved her all along.

Sebastian realizes his key is missing, and after a sleepless night, tells his mother (played by Madame Constantine) that he has married a spy. They plot to poison her slowly, and make it look like she died of natural causes. Alicia grows noticeably weakened, Devlin jealously blaming it on her partying lifestyle with Sebastian. Finally, she is bedridden, with any outside contact impossible. Devlin becomes suspicious, pays a visit to the home, discovers her and attempts to get her out of the house, but is found out by Sebastian and his mother. In another incredibly suspenseful scene, he takes her down the long staricase and out of the house. Sebastian and his mother are at their side, but cannot do anything for fear of arousing suspicion in Eric Matisse, the head of the German group. Under his watchful eyes, Devlin and Alicia leave. Sebastian attempts to escape with them, but is denied. The car drives off. Dejectedly, he walks back into the house to accept his punishment.

I liked "Notorius" also. An early spy movie! Remember the "39 Steps", another good spy movie?

I looked up at the top awhile ago and reread the titles to see if there were any that I missed. I did not see "Patton" as I didn't particularly like the man. I loved "Shakespeare in Love". Didn't think that it deserved an award but found it appealing and light. Another 'chick-flick' as my granddaughter would say. I liked "Heat In The Night" when it came out but don't watch the TV show that is supposed to be the same story.

Charles Boyer was "gaslighting" his wife (played by Ingrid Bergman) in Gaslight. I think it was Joseph Cotton who rescued her. Yes. I looked it up. This version was made in 1944. There had also been a version in 1939.

One of my favorite Hitchcock movies is Spellbound, with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Here's the IMDB plot description: "The head of the Green Manors mental asylum Dr. Murchison is retiring to be replaced by Dr. Edwards, a famous psychiatrist. Edwards arrives and is immediately attracted to the beautiful but cold Dr. Constance Petersen. However, it soon becomes apparent that Dr. Edwards is in fact a paranoid amnesiac imposter. He goes on the run with Constance who tries to help his condition and solve the mystery of what happened to the real Dr. Edwards."

Salvador Dali designed the dream sequences in the movie, which I thought were very interesting -- and a strong plot device. The lady psychiatrist (Bergman) figures out from his dreams what really happened.

I saw a sequence on AMC or TCM talking about the gun scene in this movie. Hitchcock used a giant hand and a giant gun to get the perspective right. In the IMDB trivia section it says it was where the audience sees the killer's view down a gun barrel, but I thought it was the other way around -- that is, from the victim's point of view. Either way, if the hand and gun are clear, whatever else is in the frame would be out of focus. Thus, the giant hand and gun, so that everything in the frame is in focus.

A couple of other pieces of trivia from that movie:

It's a black and white movie, but two frames were tinted red -- when the gun shot goes off while pointed at the camera.

Cornflakes were used to look like snow in the skiing scene!

Texas Songbird, isn't that the infamous skiing scene that causes so much merriment among modern critics? They are just sort of standing there, knees slightly bent, if at all. If memory serves me and it doesn't always, they used a backscreen for the ski hill. Or am I in the wrong movie on the wrong hill? Love your research.

WELL, WELL, WELL! Isn't this a really nice, chatty bunch of people? Howis he popcorn holding out? And Ginger, did you mean that you quit as our official housekeeper here? Don't say that!

Mary Page, do you have any more chocolate treats?

Phyll: I loved Harvey! It's one of the few movies I even watch more than twice.

Ann Alden: How I laughed when you mentioned your mother's hearing aids! How well i know that screeching noise!

Texas Songbird: I agree wholeheartedly about Tom cruise doing such a fine job in Rainman. His portrayal of how his character changed from being so shallow to a caring brother was wonderful. Interesting point about Dustin Hoffman.

Barbara: I stand in awe at the amount of research you and Texas Songbird gave us on the source of the movie Notorious. I'll never forget the suspense of that final scene where Carey Grant was hustling Bergman down those long steps. Pure Hitchcockian, wasn't it?

Fern: Glad to see you're still here. I like your choices of movies except for Shakespeare in Love, which I didn't care for. I think Fargo is one of the funniest movies I've seen in ages. I think I remember that "winter" scene. I remember thinking it looked a little "fakey."

Lorrie

Lorrie, I am still the housekeeper but it stays so neat and clean in here for some reason must be mauturity is setting in. Ginger

Hey Ginger, mature, my foot. I just finished picking up Taco Cheese Tositos from the floor and looked under the couch cushions and nobody's been under there in a loooooonnnnnng time! Where's my vacuum? I must get busy!

I tried to watch "Fargo" a second time but didn't like it and found it too violent. The scene up at the lake and the chipper-shredder! OOOOOOOHHHHHHH, TOO GORY FOR ME!!!

Didn't "Silence of the Lambs" get an AA, Lorrie? I liked it and can't wait to see the next one! Talk about gory!

I watch movies again and again, if I like them. I put some time and distance between though but do enjoy them. I think that we miss some things by only watching them once, if they are especially good. You don't want to know how many times I have watched "True Lies" ! To me, that's the funniest spoof on spies that I have ever seen.

Lorrie

I do think Straight Story is either out now, or due out this month. I saw it on the list at Blockbuster last week. Got to log off now; a big storm is just arriving.

Lorrie, I have eaten all of the chocolates except some white chocolate truffles and some peanut butter truffles. Here, I don't like those!

Such a Gracious Lady am I!

Ya'll are bad news, anyway, so you Deserve my rejects! I am now going to have to go to Blockbuster's and rent Notorious and see it again after all these years.

As if I don't have much to do!

Jean, you'd better not send That storm up here. We got a big 'un last night.

Oh, but you never listen ...........

p.s. Jean's shoulder is improving from surgery, but she has sworn off emergency room nurses for life!

Ginger: Shame on you! Ann says you've been sweeping the debris under the rug again! I thought I was the only one who did that.

Jeanlock: It's so good to hear from you, and I'm glad you're feeling a little better. What's with you and Emergency Ward nurses? careful! /we've got a couple RN's posting in here! hahaha

Mary Page: I'll take all the peanut butter truffles you can spare. I love peanut butter, used to even like it with bananas until I heard that Elvis stuffed himself with peanut butter/banana sandwiches before he died.

Ann Alden: Silence of the Lambs should have won an Oscar, if it didn't. I think Anthony Hopkins won it for his role of Hannibal Lecter. I loved that book, and couldn't wait for the sequel, Hannibal. But I was bitterly disappointed. We even had a discussion (briefly) on that book, but it was a flop. I won't go into detail, because some people are just now reading it, that's only my own personal opinion.

Lorrie

I know I'm digressing again, but have any of you been following the Public TV story of "The 1900 house?" I'm finding that really interesting. They take an old Victorian house in England and tear out anything, I mean everything, that provided improvements after the year 1900, then invited this family to live in it, exactly as they did in that time, and I find it's fascinating to see how they cope! Whoever called those "the good old days?" I think the whole program is a vast improvement over that sickening "survivor" thing or whatever they call it. Has anybody seen it?

Lorrie

Ann A. Well You must have picked up before I came in and it has been awhile as I am traveling as much as posiable as you know. Guess I did not see Fargo.

Lorrie, caught again OH am I suppose to look UNDER the seats, hope you do not fire me as it has taken me a little time for my trips and am on my way again, but will be back. Just what time is this 1900 thing on and where? I forgot and so did want to watch it. Ginger

I watched the second episode last night. I found "the woman of the house" is beginning to resent her role, in that she spends her days coping with dust and fluff and she finally gets a maid of all work. Her oldest daughter is a gem and quite mature.The three girls appear to be coping well without TV,stereos and computers and are becoming quite creative. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to do without the amenities we all take for granted. Fern

Fern, it was the THIRD episode you watched on Public Television last night. It may, though, have been only the second one you have caught. They only filmed 4 shows, with the last to be on next Monday night. My whole family is watching it, and when my phone rang at 10:00 p.m. last night, I picked it up and said: "Hi, Jenny!" because I knew it would be my granddaughter in Kansas City, Missouri calling to compare notes with me, as she did last week and the week previously. She is SO enthused over it, in particular it is an EYE OPENER for her as to why women had to fight for their rights and how far, indeed, we have come in the last 100 years.

I simply Cannot praise this show enough. If you have missed it, look carefully in your tv listings for PBS every day and night, because they are repeating it a lot here.

It has no relation whatsoever to the trash tv shows such as survival and that other one whose name I forget that CBS is about to show.

Fern I have from time to time unplugged my TV for a month. The first time I did it I actually sat on my sofa upright confussed for a whole evening. But a young woman that I met did not have a TV and she was doing so many more interesting things with her life and reding this wonderful collection of books that I was envious of her lifestyle. Well what was so amazing to me was after my month long cold turkey on the TV I found colors and sounds in my every day world had depth and they seemed richer and more acessable. So about twice a year now I actually get behind the set and pull the plug for a month. And yes, the first day is still disconcerting.

Thanks Mary Page. I did see the one where they actually moved into the house and then the one I was speaking of. I'm glad to hear that they are repeating it and I will check my tv guide to see if I can catch the second episode. Or is it the first one I missed? We get PBS from Maine. As for unplugging the TV for a month,Barbara, I have never tried that, but I often read in the evening and the TV stays off.

I may not be the proper judge of this, but it seems to me that the mjority of the posters in this discussion, at least, are very selective when it comes to watching TV. I am gratified to learn that almost all of us don't care for the usual "sit-coms" "peeper" shows, "tell-all" hosts, "get-rich quick" shows and on and on. We all seem to share a love of quality drama, like Masterpiece Theatre, some of the biographies on A & E, and many of the Public TV presentations, like "The 1900 House." Unlike the sexually oriented, dog-eat dog mentality of "Survivor," which brings out the worst in people, watching that family in the old Victorian house cope with what was evidently the similar type of life style of those times is very absorbing, a real eye-opener, and sometimes often quite amusing. To wit: the mother's awkward attempts to learn to ride a bike in those voluminous garments! Watching them struggle into those confining corsets! Someone here in this discussion mentioned hat they didn't see how they could do it without help, and now it seems they've hired a maid. It gets better!

Lorrie

Barbara, last week when I offered to babysit for my three grandnephews I made an up-front ruling that there would be not TV watching. I didn't want to use that box as an alternative sitter just so I could do something else, so it sat unplugged the whole day! they protested, of course, but I suggested some card games, instead, and we played all kinds of silly kids' games, like "SlapJack," "Rummy," and "OLd Maid." I had expected to be bored to tears, but the upshot of it was I had a wonderful time! We laughed a lot, played an indoor version of "Hide and Seek, made fudge, and just had fun! We were communicating, we were sharing, they were learning, and old Aunt Lorrie here was having a ball! I can't tell you how pleased I was to hear the little one, when leaving, after planting a big gooey kiss on my cheek tell her dad, "I had the bestest time today, Daddy!" His wink to me said it all!. And no TV!

Lorrrie

Wow Larrie what an inspiration - I've got Grands visiting me this summer!

Lorrie I know this ought to be in the Red Tent but I need to let you know I've had a migrain since 3:00 this morning and just now stirring I'm still medicated so my concern is, it may be tomorrow before I see the vidio and than mail it on to you on Thursday.

Did see Searth for Jesus last night and it reminded me of some of the same scholarship that Bill Moyers brought to his search for the realities related to the Gospels. That was on PBS at least a year ago.

All in all I missed this weeks 1900 and hope they do repeat it.

Oh, Lorrie! How perfectly lovely!

Your story illustrates that when we put our total selves into doing something for the pleasure of others, we can most often find ourselves pleasantly surprised at our own pleasure in doing so.

You just stored up a "forever" memory. Not just for you; that memory will be carried by those 3 clear up past when they are YOUR age!

Mary Page: What a pleasant thought!

Barbara: Please don't fret about rushing that tape off to me--Take your time, just get rid of that migraine. Iknow how deadly they can be. I'm in no rush.

Lorrie

I love this folder! We have bonded, haven't we? Its so neat! Yes, yes, yes Lorrie! Shut off that TV and enjoy life! But, what would I do about the baseball games? Well, I already just listen to them on my computer if they aren't on TV. As to the other TV stuff, I prefer PBS, A&E, History and Bravo channels.

Must tell you that we had only late night baseball games on last week as our days were very full when our college age grandkids were here. We spent a day at The Wilds, a 10,000 acre wild animal preserve in S.E. Ohio, then the next day, while granson, John, spent part of the day with Granpa at the aviation company where Granpa works, Sarah and I visited the College of Art and Design to photograph the Senior Thesis winners plus the Columbus Museum of Art after which we met the other grans at the swimming pool. John cooked up a steak plus veggies for dinner that night. On Friday we drove east to Roscoe Village which is a restored canal town, rode a canal boat, viewed the historical displays and had din-din at the WhareHouse restaurant. Saturday, we were into garage sales(scored, big time,too), then after a Beer 'N Brats supper prepared by Sarah, we drove off to the movies and dessert at Mozart's (a local coffee house). DIL had us come for brunch on Sunday and the NY grans left for home after that. What a great week! It wouldn't be summer if these two special young people did not visit with us.

Ann: What a full week you had! Just by the tone I could tell you had a wonderful time!

You've really said it all, Ann! There's something about these lovely people who come in here to post that makes me feel a real kinship. Do you suppose Mary Page put something in those chocolate bars? No, you're all a great group, and I have a real affection for you, moviegoers all, and discriminating critics of the ones you don't like. I only wish that some of the "lurkers" who pass by on their way to somewhere on the net would stop in and say hello!

Ann, I have a confession to make! I do watch the baseball games on TV, with the sound muted. I turn on the radio to get a better ball by ball synopsis! hahaha

Lorrie

I found the most interesing site! Did youknow that there are lists and list of Movies (many of them from books) that were considered great by the critics yet never received even a nomination? I'm making a list of some of them and we'll talk about them after everybody has lit their last firecrack and sung the national anthem for the last time. That means after the 4th, to you unpatriotic ones!

Personally, I'm looking forward to watching the Boston Pops again and I hope they play the 1812 Overture again! I love to see all those little cannons going off!

Lorrie

We have a guy here at work who is from Britain. He says he plans to come in and work on the Fourth of July. (His supervisor said he is celebrating "Sore Loser's Day")! hahahaha

That's great, Songbird! Now if I could just count on Remembering that quip!

Lorrie, My favorite is the Boston Pops celebration too! I should, in my area, be taking in the Washington Monument one, but somehow it just lacks the sort of delirious oom pah pah spirit of the Boston Pops. I tell myself it is okay, because it all started waaaaay back around the Boston area before there even Was a Washington, D.C.

Texas Sogbird: "Sore Loser's Day!" That's a good one. Hope I don't forget it either.

Mary Page, we've watched that Boston Pops thing for so many years now, it's almost a tradition on the 4th. Like the fellow here who just moved here from Massachussetts said" We get in the cah every 4th, and drive to Bahston for the Bahston Pops! He probably thinks I talk funny, too!

Lorrie

And I, my friends, will be celebrating Canada Day on July 1st. In 1867, Britain's North American colonies were united under The British North American Act (BNA) now the Constitution Act, to become the Dominion of Canada. That act confirmed the practice of official bilingualism, guaranteeing the use of French and English in the House of Commons and in the senate, in federal courts and in publications of federal statutes. The provincial legislature, statutes and courts of Quebec were also made bilingual. We are no longer a Dominion and the Queen is now just a figurehead. Quebec has been trying to separate from us for some time, even banning English signs in their province. That debate continues. A Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been legislated and changes in criminal law have been made. (This all not necessarily in order.) It is also the date of my sister's birthday and sadly, my mother's death. Sooo, having given you your history lesson for the day, I plan to watch the Canada Day celebrations on the CBC, (Canadian Broadcasting Company) our public broadcasting company, which shows commercials, go figure. That show is always in Ottawa, our capitol, on the Parliament Building grounds and features our Canadian musicians,dancers and singers from many ethnic groups, including aboriginals, fireworks and hoopla. I will also watch the July 4th celebrations on PBS, having the best of both worlds. Texas Songbird, tell that Brit who plans to work on July 4th that I have a message for him: Assimilate, already. Lorrie, that reminds me of the fellow in Bah Hawbah, who when asked for directions, said to us: "Well, you get in yoh cah....." We were in our car. Funny,ay? Ay?

Fern: You answered a question I was going to ask you before about exactly what the relationship between England and Canada is right now. I meant in the historical sense, of course.

Everybody: What does it remind you of when you read Fern's description of how the people of Quebec are pushing separatism in that big country? Does anyone see a paralell there of the greater Miami area and the rest of the United States?

Fern: In what part of Canade do you live? Please wish your sister a happy birthday, and have a great Canada Day!

A footnote: In New York once, while on a visit to my sister's home on Long Island, she asked me to direct the delivery men who were bringing a new sofa, while she was out. It turned out that these delivery men (both of them) were from Brooklyn, and of course, being from Minnesota I secretly thought their accents were hilarious. We chatted a bit on the doorstep, and when they learned I was from Minnesota, one said, "Oh yeah, I knew a goil (girl) oncet from a town called Foigus(Fergus)Falls. I think she lived on Toid (third) ave, and she talked funny, just like you do." When I told my brother-in-law later he cracked up. He talked funny, too.

Lorrie

Wow Lorrie I hadn't heard that Miami was trying to break away. Is Miami so wealthy now they do not have to depend on the rest of the country. I thought that TV news program was saying the cruise ships do not pay taxes - is Miami thinking that as a nation independent they would have a tax haven and benefit like some off-shore banking nation?

Lorrie, I used to do the same thing with the TV-radio announcers when we lived in Atlanta. Here, when I can't tolerate the ESPN announcers, I pull it up on my computer and listen to the guys that I like. I am an old Harry Carey fan plus I like his son and grandson. I am a Braves fan, you know!

Interesting that Miami is thinking of parting from us. Makes me mad that they don't understand that they can't get along without the rest of us. We are these United States. Their tax base must be humongous! When we lived in Torrance, CA, we were told that Torrance had a bigger tax base than the city of Atlanta. Hard to believe! We used to say that California should be a separate country as they had everything or could import it from the Pacific Rim. At that time, California was the 5th or 6th largest economy in the world. Amazing, ey?

There was a time when the "southerners" of North America fought to have Canada as part of the whole Americas but they lost a definitive battle outside of Montreal(I believe) to the British and that was that. When you hear the history of the Revolution, you wonder how the Americans ever won. Anybody been watching "The American Revolution" on the History Channel. Wish I had started earlier!

Well, the popcorn bag just broke and I must get to my photo album for my family reunion which is coming up on Sunday in Illinois. See ya'all later.

Saint John, New Brunswick, next door to Maine. It is on the Atantic coast and is the oldest city in Canada. There is a large Irish population and in the northern part of the province, a large Acadian population. I can see the Loyalist burying grounds from my living room window. I moved here from Ontario when I retired 5 years ago to be close to two of my daughters. Children of a Lesser God was filmed here and a couple of years ago a movie called The Fourth Floor, with William Hurt and Juliette Lewis was filmed in Saint John. The architecture is similar to that of Boston and New York. My apartment building was the focal point of the movie. They changed the canopy out front, put a dfferent name on it and installed a doorman at the front enrance. It was fun watching the making of a movie from my window. I checked the IMDB to see what had become of this movie and I guess it went straight to TV to be shown on HBO.

I just went to the IMDB again to check on this movie. You'll find it listed as The 4th Floor. From what I can see, it's on DVD videotape. I have VHS, so I guess I can't watch it. Darn.

Ann: That's okay. Despite it all, I'm still a Chicago Cubs fan. If nothing else, at least we're all loyal!

To All Brooklynites Who Might Be Lurking: Please accept my apology if anyone was offended by my jest about various accents. I merely wanted to emphasize that we all have regional accents, varying with the area from which we come.

Fern: I see now the connection between your screen name and the area in which you live. A couple years back, I had signed up for a wonderful Fall cruise along the Atlantic shore and ending in St. John, New Brunswich, then back again. But circumstances prevented me from going, and I'll always regret that. Now, of course, it's out of the question, but it would have been a lovely autumn cruise. I imagine your winters are pretty frigid, right? That's something we all know about here in Minnesota! I felt right at home watching Fargo.

Lorrie

Not St.John, Lorrie. I remember a history teacher hammering that into my then eager brain. Saint John is in new Brunswick, St. John's is in Newfoundland. It's too bad you couldn't make that cruise.It's an interesting, historical city. We have two or three cruise ships a day here, which is very good for our economy. Actually, our winters are fairly mild, due to the fact that we are on the Bay of Fundy. We don't get a lot of snow and when we do it doesn't last long. Fog we get. When I lived in northern Ontario we had bitterly cold winters. I moved here because I could not handle the hot, humid summers of southern Ontario, where I lived for many years. Yes Ann, there were several American invasions and I think you are right about the definitive one's location. I like the cruise ship invasions much better. I would apologize to the New Englanders, except for the fact that they sell T shirts in Bar Harbour with "Bah Hahbah" on them. We Canadians get teased about our accent, however, there are as many regional accents in Canada as there are provinces (10) and districts (many). We don't say "aboot" but we do say "Eh."

LORRIE...Don't recall if you were quoting FERN directly, but it is only SOME of the Quebecians who are pushing separatism. They had a vote on it awhile ago and the issue lost, but with nearly a 50-50 split. So for now, they are still all one Canada.

I hadn't heard about Miami wanting to secede from the Union, but I wonder if it is because of a huge taxbase or because it has such an overwhelming Cuban population.

ANN ALDEN...I got hooked on The Revolution by reading Kenneth Roberts' novels many years ago, several of which were made into movies. My favorite, "Oliver Wiswell", is about the War from the Tories viewpoint...with scenes of Saint John included.

about Quebec. As I said, the debate continues. There is some talk about yet another referendum and we are all so tired of it. Ann, will have to get that book (Oliver Wiswell) or is the movie avalable on video?

Is anyone into foreign films? With the mention of Cuba I remember one that had something to do with a tobacca family before Castro and I think the wife or sister, who ever she was she was striking to look at, was a spy or something for the old regieme or maybe the Americans. At any rate, I saw for the first time in that movei a warehouse of people rolling cigars but the details of the movie escape me. I wonder if there are any other movies about or made in Cuba?

I meant to say "you're right, Katie" about Quebec. Yes it was an almost 50-50 split on the vote but my point is they keep having them. Expensive, for one thing.

Robby is looking for people to join in a BOOKS discussion of Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" beginning July 1. Or did he say August 1? Read up on the details now in Libraries & Bookmobiles.

Yes, Mary Page, that will be a fine discussion! But wasn't it scheduled for September?

Fern: "Saint John!" Those two are so close I can see why one would have to differentiate. Actually, your winters sound even milder than ours.

When I mentioned about Miamians wanting to secede, I was referring to all the hoopla about the Elian Gonzalez affair, where the Cuban-Americans were shaking their fists at the supreme court decisions and the rest of the world watched in morbid curiosity. Thank Heaven that's all over, and the boy is back in Cuba with his father and both grandparents, I might add.

Barbara: I adore foreign films, especially those with English sub-titles. Because of my partial deafness those are a breeze for me--if I wish, I can sit up as late as I want and watch without fear of disturbing anyone. I also get the Inependent Film channel, where many foreign films are shown. Some of the Japanese ones are classics, in their way.

You weren't thinking of "Carmen," were you? They did film a modern version of that opera some time ago, and it was quite good. Of course the music will always be the same, no matter what the version. I didn't particularly care for the film version of "Carmen" with Glenn Ford and Rita Hayworth, except for the musical background. There was also a movie "Havana" with Robert Redford, which lost a lot of money, I hear.

Lorrie

Since we're winding down our discussion of some of the previous Oscar winners, I feel a little guilty about not keeping right on track with our subject. Although we've always prided ourselves that this is a corner in which to relax and socialize, while discussing this and that, including films. I don't know about the rest of you but I feel very comfortable sitting here with my shoes off, chewing popcorn and listening to everybody, and of course blabbing my head off.

At the risk of boring you all to death, I did want to mention once again my favorite of favorites, "Casablanca." I'm afraid I'm a hopeless romantic when it comes to that film, and when I watch it for the fourteenth or fifteenth time, it's fun to mouth the dialogue right along with the actors. I know it by heart. When my husband was alive, I had to tape the movie and play it (with earphones) when he was asleep. He became pretty bored with it after only the fifth time!

Lorrie

MARITIMER...I don't think "Oliver Wiswell" was made into a movie. You'll just have to read the book. Giggle! (It's worth the effort.)

Let me mention (again) one of my favorite films -- The Grass Harp, which is based on a Truman Capote book or short story. I believe it is autobiographical. It is literally an all-star cast. Sissy Spacek is in it, but you'd hardly recognize her, and playing her sister (and really the heroine of the picture) is Piper Laurie. Walter Matthau plays Piper Laurie's "beau," and his old buddy Jack Lemmon has a minor part as a flim-flam man who goes after Sissy Spacek. Mary Steenburgen is delightful as the tent evangelist who goes from town to town with her horde of children (I love it when they collect money from the congregation by having them clothespin their dollar bills to a line passed down each aisle). Others in it include Charles Durning, Roddy McDowell, Nell Carter, Joe Don Baker, Bonnie Bartlett, Sean Patrick Flanery, and, as the young Truman (although he doesn't go by that name in the movie), Edward Furlong.

This is a WONDERFUL movie and I highly recommend it. It's one of those I watch every time it's on. (The name comes from the idea that the field grass whistling in the wind sounds like music. The Piper Laurie character says that it is the voice of everyone who has ever lived.)

EDIT: I forgot to mention that it was directed by Walter Matthau's son.

Lorrie--

And, don't forget that marvelous Carmen Jones with Harry Belafonte (sigh) and Dorothy Dandridge. Also, with Pearl Bailey. One of my all-time favorites.

SONGBIRD...I love "The Grass Harp", but I've only seen it twice. Believe me, when it is listed again I sure hope someone tells me about it. The characters are so terrific and the actors really bring them to life. I certainly cannot single out any one of them as being the best...they are all simply sensational!

Wonder if it's in DVD...I no longer buy tapes. They deteriorate.

IMDB says The Grass Harp is on DVD. And it's on TV periodically. If I see it listed, I'll post a notice.

KATIE: Oh gasp! I have to read the book? Giggle. I'll try to work it in after I get through the 6 that are stacked up now.

OOKKKAAA-- once I get a tigar by the tail I can't seem to let go-- I found it! The movie that takes place in Cuba with bearutiful color, an exciting thriller during the cuban revolution about a High Stakes Gambler that falls for the woman who is a secret agent for I think the US. Her family owns a large tobacco farm as well as a large warehouse of cigar makers. It was a Robert Redford movie called Havana done by Sidney Pollack in 1990.--

"A passionate romantic adventure set in pre-Revolutionary Havana about a high-rolling poker player who is trying to make a big score. Robert Redford, Lena Olia, Raul Julia"

The premise being that just before a revolution is when the highest stakes are usually up for grabs. Raul Julia is the idealistic Husband.

I remember liking the movie although the reviews are less than favorable.

Barbara: That is the movie I thought you meant when I posted #223. "Havana" was a real big-screen film, and I liked it. There was something about Raoul Julia that I always liked. Too bad he died so young. Did you ever see him in "Romero?" He was magnificent in that role!

Lorrie

"Romero" hmmm was that the one where he plays the part of a priest or bishop in either Mexico or San Salvadore?

He only had a bit part but I liked him, in fact I liked the movie and all the actors, actresses in "Tequila Sunrise" That is the movie where Mel Gibson is trying to untangle himself from drug trafficing and Michael Phfiffer (sp) is the love interest. Raul plays the part of the Columbian drug lord come to the US slipping beneath the net of FBI in order to make contact with Mel Gibson. I do not remember his name but the local policemen in charge of all this is a child actor grown up and in the movie plays the part of the childhood friend of Mel Gibson.

Yes, Romero was the bishop who was murdered by members of the "death squads' they had in San Salvadore, for speaking out against the regime. The people adored him, and the existing government couldn't have that. Raoul Julia was perfect for the part.

Songbird: I'm going to have to get "The Grass Harp." Your enthusiasm is contagious.

Lorrie

Well talk about learning something everyday. I'm reading a book The Lasting of the Mohicans; History of an American Myth which is discussin all aspects of Cooper and his leatherstocking tale the Last of the Mohicans The authors are discussing how the tale has been retold so many times in Hollywood it has lost the authenticity of the original book.

Discussing this they mention several other adaptations of famous classics that have been filmed many times saying that According to our most complete sources we could find the books most often adapted for the screen have been-- Our Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas 31 versions...

Well I try to look this up since I am not at all familiar with the book nor, any films by that name and find out that, this film is none other than Camille This wonderful site lists several leading ladies that appeared in the film version going back to 1907. And what appears to be the diologe for the entire 1930s production that almost won an acadamy award but was beat out by the Good Earth! On top of which I learn that this book/story is Verde's La Traviata. And the biggie is the story/movie/Opera is based on Dumas' life not Puccini's life as I had understood and I believe they alluded to when Puccini's life was a special on PBS.

Jekyll and Hyde 27 versions, Robinson Crusoe 24, The Count of Monte Cristo 22, Les Mis 22 and several Shakespeare plays each 12 versions.

Barbara, bless you! That is exactly what this discussion is all about, really! About how so many books hve been made into movies. Your information is enlightening. I'm working now on a list of deserving great films that actually never won an award, and should have! It's a long list, too, because there were so many really good movies made in the past that were ignored by Hollywood.

HAPPY CANADA DAY to you, Fern, and all our other neighbors to the North!

Lorrie

I just learned that Walter Matthau, who was so great in The Grass Harp, which we were just talking about -- and so many other wonderful movies -- has died. He died this morning of a heart attack. It is a great loss.

Walter Matthau is being featured right now on A&E.. 8:00 EDT/ 7:00CDT

Thanks, Pat. At least I'm catching the last 15 minutes -- and they'll probably replay it later and I can watch the whole thing then.

Oh, that's sad! I like Walter Matthau so much. Whatever will Jack Lemmon do now! We're losing all the good ones, aren't we?

Lorrie

Okay, boys and girls, we are now ready to change the listing up above. According to many experts and reviewers, there were many, many great films made that were very deserving and yet never won an award. The list above is only a partial one, somewhat in alphabetical order. I'll change the line-up as we go along. For now, are there any movies there that you think deserved better recognition? Tell us about it!

Lorrie

And, almost all these movies were made from books!!! Or plays!!

Well, I'm glad to see that you JUST put that list up, Lorrie. I saw it and said to myself, "Now how long has that thing been there?"

Well, definitely An Affair to Remember (the middle version -- not the one with Charles Boyer and not the one with Warren Beatty. We're talking Cary Grant all the way, here!) There's hardly a woman alive, at least in America, who is not familiar with that movie -- that was a double negative, but you know what I mean.)

And Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a tour de force for everyone involved. It's hard to imagine that it didn't garner a single Oscar. I think it was the best performance of both Elizabeth Taylor AND Paul Newman (although Long, Hot Summer would run a close second!). And it was definitely the best performance ever by Burl Ives.

I've said it before, I think Bus Stop was Marilyn Monroe's best performance.

Does your category mean it can't have won ANY Oscars, Lorrie, or just not the main ones? If the latter, I'd vote for one of my favorite comedies of all time -- The Great Race, starring Jack Lemmon, Peter Falk, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood, among others. I watch that one EVERY time it is on. It won for best sound effects or something.

Another one I watch whenever it is on is The Producers, but I see Mel Brooks one for best writing, so I guess that doesn't count.

And yet another one I NEVER miss when it is on is Somewhere in Time. It was nominated for best costume design, but didn't win.

I am here with my vacum etc. Just checking in. CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF was a special to me with Elizabeth Taylor AND Paul Newman what a pair.

It was only after Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was remade, I think with lee Remick, that you realized what wonderful acting both Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman gave in that movie. It all seemed so natural as only good actors can do and untill there was another comparison their naturalness betrayed the excellant acting. I'm forgetting was Big Daddy Berl Ives?

I loved Bus Stop, but then I was a sucker for Marilyn Monroe. Oh and what was his name 'Her' cowboy. Wasn't the waitress in the bus stop Dixie or was it Barbara Bel Gattis. And the bus driver, asking Grace if they were going upstairs together. Ohhh I remember the movie and not the actors names-- who was it the older cowboy that played his guitar playing sidekick that brought him up and left him in the end. The look on Marilyns face when she cuddled in his coat entering the bus-- wow!

SONGBIRD...I thought I was the only one on earth who loves "The Great Race"!!! I still laugh and laugh at some of those scenes. It was the only time I cared for Tony Curtis, too. One time I wrote down, and counted, all of Natalie's costume changes...all carried in those dinky little satchels...and there were seventeen of them! Hilarious! She changed twice on that ice flow!

"Cat On a Hot Tin Roof" is my favorite Tennessee Williams play, as well as a favorite movie. I would never stoop to watching a re-make of that! How dare they???

"Bull Durham" is A1 with me! How can you miss with Kevin and Susan and Tim? "You can look it up!"...love that line!

My two all time favorites, also starring Kevin Costner..."Field of Dreams" and "Tin Cup"!!!

I'm sure my list will lengthen...

Oh! "The Grass Harp" will be on the Bravo Channel tomorrow at 8:00 and 11:00 and Tuesday at 5:00, all EDT. Think I'll tape it.

Katie

OK. Let me see how much I can remember without looking things up. Marilyn Monroe played Cherie. Don Murray played Beau. Was it Arthur Hunnicutt who played the old man? Can't remember his name. I don't think it was Barbara Bel Geddes, but can't remember the waitresses name.

Yes, Burl Ives was Big Daddy in the movie.

EDIT: No, I was wrong on Arthur Hunnicutt. It was Arthur O'Connell (half right/half wrong!) He played "Virge." Looking at the cast list, I think it was Hope Lange who played the young waitress. Betty Field played Grace the older waitress. Eileen Heckart played Vera, but can't remember her in the movie.

Oh yes Vera, Cherie's friend-- from the strip club-- that accompanies her to the rodio and she warns Cherie that Beau is getting too interested.

W0w! This is a great response! That list above is only for "best picture" category. The actors in any of them might have won an award but the picture wasn't a winner, although many people thought they should have been.

Songbird: Of course we mean only Carey Grant and Deborah Kerr. What a beautifully soap-operish two-hanky story that was, and i loved it!

Ginger, you're just in time with your vacuum, every time we change the list we're supposed to clean house, so we need you!

Barbara: In bus stop, I always thought Marilyn Monroe was very appealing, somehow! Speaking of MM, there's a mention above of a movie called "Asphale Jungle, which I thought was terrific, and Marilyn had a bit part in that. It was an underrated film.

Katie: I have a feeling you're a sports-minded gal! Do you like baseball and golf? Your choice of favorite movies tells me so. Thanks so much for the tip about The Grass Harp. I've been watching for that to come on.

Everybody seemed to like "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof," as I did. If you think of other movies you feel deserved more recognition, don't hesitate to mention them. I'll be changing that list each week, now, there are over 100 names in that particular category. All alphabetical!

When you see how many good books were made into movies, and plays, too, it makes you wonder about the shortage of really good motion picture writers. Not too many original screenplays lately.

Lorrie you find the best information in this site - I love it - a trip down memeory lane it reminds me of the chatter during a slumber party or before going to sleep at camp.

Me too

The only thing I thought about when I was at summer camp before going to sleep was, "Oh, my God, will I have to get up and go to the bathroom in the dark again?"

Lorrie

LORRIE...Nah, I'm not a sports-minded gal...I'm a Kevin Costner-minded gal!!! Maybe I should qualify that. I like to watch golf lately, and I really loved basball when I was a kid. I used to be allowed to sit in the pressbox with my dad at Toledo Mudhens' games. Yes, there really IS such a team! Max Klinger didn't make it up! And, of course, I also loved "The Natural" with my other moviestar love...Robert Redford.

Katie: I like baseball, too. I played softball many centuries ago, and we had a rip-roarin' team. We were sponsored by a local dairy, the Buford, so naturally we were called "The Buford Bloomer Girls!" I kid you not. And what a sight we were, in our colorful yellow bloomers and green shirts! Especially those of us who weighed in at around 180 lbs.! But you know, we actually had a good team, and played real baseball! And had fun, too! In those days games were fun to attend, too. Did anyone ever see the team that played astride donkeys? That was a sight.

Lorrie

Lorrie

I just rented and watched "The Talented Mr. Ripley" yesterday. Rather enjoyed the movie but wasn't sure just what to think of the ending. Anyone out there read the book and seen the movie? Would be interested in your reactions.

Jean

Our book discussion library group just read "The Talented Mr Ripley" and I thought the reaction to it was interesting. Some of us wanted him to get away with it! Oh my goodness! After this book, the author wrote three more with Mr Ripley as the main character. Haven't read them yet but have good intentions. I also haven't seen the movie but have it on my list of "have tos". I thought the character completely amoral and wondered what would make an author back in the '50's would think of such a subject.

Lorrie, "The Grass Harp" was the first movie directed by Walter Mathau's son and Walter supported the project from day one. It was a super movie and such fun to watch.

As for one that I really liked and have watched, over and over-----"I belong to the Church of Baseball"! One on my favorite movie lines! And where did that line came from? Not a hard question!

I was surprised to see "Anatomy of a Murder" on this list as I have always assumed that it was an award winner. It is one of my favorites,too. Very well laid out plot!

Didn't Susan Sarandon say that in Bull Durham?

Oh, she did she did, Songbird! Her opening siloquay is priceless! With all the candels burning! Oh I must go watch is again! Of course, being an incurable baseball fan, I have liked all of the baseball movies and enjoyed most of them. One of the best besides Bull Durham, is "The Sandlot" with James Earl Jones.

Lorrie: You have brought back so many memories to 180 pounds of soft ball players me included. I am LOL about that one.

What about the movie of the girls baseball teams, I cannot remember the name of the movie at this time but I have seen it many times as we had a team here in South Bend, Ind. that played with them and I know some of them because they worked at the Bendix corp as I did. Rose Marie Riener and I can see her face and cannot remember her name at this time, OH these senior moments, any how they were really a great baseball team and it was during the war. I will try to remember. (Blue Sox I think was our team. Nuts I retired in 1985 so it has been 15 years ago, but why can't I remember. Ginger

I saw THE PATRIOT. I read a book eons ago titled THE SWAMP FOX and I swear a lot of The Patriot was taken from that. As I remember, the Swamp Fox was a colonel in the South Carolina militia during the Revolutionary War and he attacked the redcoats in a guerrilla-like fashion and hid out in the swamps. Anyway, the movie was fine. Not great, but fine. I do wish they had not tacked on such a sappy ending.

Jeanlock: How's that arem doing by now? Or was it your shoulder? Anyway, I'm anxious to see what people say about "Ripley!" I didn't see the movie but I read somewhere he was supposed to be without any moral character at all, is this correct?

Ann Alden: I think you should have seen us Bloomer Girls play ball---it would have cured you of your baseball obsession immediately. Are you the one who clued us in about The Grass harp being on tonight? Well, thank you, I am taping it as we speak!

Ginger: How dare you laugh at our Bloomer Girls team? We were a gorgeous sight to behold, I'll have you know, especially if you like to see hippopatuses (hippopotami(?) in bright yellow bloomers!

Mary Page: It's getting so Mel Gibson is popping up all over in these grand epics, isn't he? He does them so well!.

Lorrie

I don't know how many of you posters remember seeing Charlotte Snitzer's name in posts in many of these discussions, but we here at he Books & Literature folder are very saddened to learn of her death. Charlotte was a Discussion Leader also, and continued keeping the poetry discussion going as well as participating in other discussions. We shall miss her dearly.

Lorrie--

You're right--Mr. Ripley had no moral character at all. He was just on the make for a way of life and no compunction about the means used to achieve it. Amoral he was. I will have to see if I can find the books. Think I'll try my library's web site to check. Saves gas and time.

Hope everyone is having a great Fourth. It's been raining here (central Virginia), and the clouds have not lifted yet. However, the arm is coming along fine and some day soon I hope to be able to get it lifted high enough to be able to put my hair up. I just had it tightly permed, and cut very short. Not beautiful, but wash and wear. (Note: it was the rotator cuff on my right shoulder. Second time for this operation on that shoulder; and one son has had it twice on one arm and once on the other; and his son (25) has to have it done, too. I asked the Dr. if there could be an inherited factor--he mentioned the connective tissue--out of which the cuff is fashioned.) Thanks for asking.

Jean, so happy to hear you are persevering in your recovery.

I watched the eleven o'clock showing of THE GRASS HARP last night. I read all of Truman Capote's books. This movie reminded me so much of others of his accounts of his aunts I have seen. Wasn't Julie Harris his dotty aunt in one?

Capote was a Very great writer, but the man became a mess and sacrificed his talent before the end.

Julie Harris played "Sook" in One Christmas. That name didn't ring a bell, but that's the only one listed on imdb where she played that character, so that must be it. Others in the production were Katharine Hepburn, Henry Winkler, Swoosie Kurtz, Pat Hingle, and T.J. Lowther as Buddy.

AHA! There WAS another Truman Capote movie with Sook, only she was played by Patti Duke. It was Christmas Memory. Piper Laurie, who played Dolly in The Grass Harp was in that one, too. Eric Lloyd played the child Buddy.

And then there's Trilogy, which featured Donnie Melvin as Buddy (and Capote himself as narrator). The credits name three stories, I assume on which Trilogy is based: A Christmas Memory, Miriam, Among the Paths to Eden.

By the way, I heard on TV yesterday that Holly Golightly from Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's was based on Walter Matthau's wife, Carol. Another bit of trivia: Capote pictured Marilyn Monroe in the role, and in fact she was originally set to play the role.

Is anyone else having problems today getting connected to SeniorNet folders? I keep getting the "server does not recognize" thing on some of these discussions. Weird!

Lorrie

Barbara is having major problems... She cannot post here anywhere. I can't find Marcie on IM...so I don't know what's the problem here!

š...jane›

LORRIE...I'm the one who told you about "The Grass Harp", which will be on again today...BRAVO channel at 5:00 EDT. I had forgotten all the top-notch actors who were in it. I was also disappointed to notice that Doris Roberts was mentioned nowhere for playing the part of the post office lady. I even checked my movie book. We TV watchers have certainly known her since before 1995, when this movie was made. Bummer!

SONGBIRD...How fortunate we are that Marilyn Monroe didn't know a good role when she saw one! Can't imagine anyone other than Audrey as Holly Golightly.

Mary Page: Yes, the Swamp Fox ewas Francis Marion, wasn't he? A South Carolinian that fought the mighty battle. Is that what the Patriot is about? I didn't know that.

I am in the process of reading the Perfect Storm as we speak. Has anyone seen this flick yet? George Clooney plays the captain. I do want to see this one.

Alf, The Patriot was not Precisely about Colonel Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War Hero from South Carolina who fought the British with guerrilla tactics, but they surely did steal a LOT from the real life history of this man. His name will never be forgotten in these Southern hills! I cannot imagine why they did not go ahead and DO his story and title it: "The Swamp Fox!"

ALF--

The Washington Post (washingtonpost.com) has had two very good articles this week about that movie. One was about the actual confluence of storms that caused the problem, and the one today was about a female skipper who was talking about some of the illogicality in the way the people acted (not 'act', but 'went about their duties' act. Suggest you read them. They are quite interesting.

Hi, Alf! Welcome back! Let us know what you thought about "The Perfect Storm."

Jeanlock: Are those Washington Post articles available on the 'net?

Lorrie

Katie: "The Grass harp" is everything you said, and more! Thanks for alerting us!

I just finished listening to "Albatross" by Deborah Scaling Kiley on audio tape while driving to Illinois. Its every bit as exciting as "The Perfect Storm" and some people are still alive to tell about it. An incredible and unbelievable tale of yacht sinking and those left alive surviving for many days in the cold Atlantic. Mesmorizing!! Do get it, if you likes "Storm". I think it would have made a better movie.

Glad you all like "The Grass Harp". It's such a peacefilled and gently humorous movie. I loved it!

Ginger, the movie about the women baseball team was titled "League of Their Own" and was so enjoyable. I loved it and have seen it more than once. Who was in it? Let's see! Tom Hanks, Gina -----, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna. Can't remember any others. Strange cast but very good!

Jeanlock: I tried washingtonpost.com but it wouldn't connect. Too bad. I would like to have read those articles

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Articles from Washington Post can be found at www.washingtonpost.com

Those real life sea advantures don't tell you the whole story-- there was a Doctor here in Austin about 10 years ago in her early months of pregnancy that went on a barefoot cruise to empty the cobwebs since, it was desided she was going to be divorced before the baby was due.

Well no word from her for over a week and the husband than insisted that something was wrong that she was in the habit of calling in everyday. Finally they searched, found where it had departed with no further record of it's whereabouts. It seems the boat had a non-working ship to shore and the boat sank with only her another guy and the so-called captain in a rubber life boat in shark infested water.

They were found almost a month later. The story was harrowing with sharks rubbing under the life boat so they could not releive themselves except in the boat in the very water collected from a rain that was their only source for drinking. She ended up being the one to watch and signal since the captain gave up. The husband came through and ended up going to DC to get attention.

Well she had her baby, they didn't divorce right away but in time ended up divorcing and she was in therapy for several years not able to practice medicine, the experience had so truamatized her.

Okay, all you wonderful researchers, Songbird, Katie, Barbara?? I have a request. I'm looking for a foreign film, I can't remember the title, something like "A long night" or something. It's about four different cab drivers in four different parts of the world, their adventures, with their passengers, and I truly believe it was one of the funnies films ever made! The one segment with Roberto Begnini (the Oscar Winner) as the Italian cab driver with the horrified priest in the back seat left my sister and me in stitches! And she liked the one about the immigrant driver lost in Brooklyn---that crazy hat that he wore, with those ear-flaps! Did anyone see that movie? I can t find it on the Data thing, because I don't remember the complete name.

Lorrie

Lorrie -- I think you're talking about Night on Earth. Others in the movie included Gena Rowlands and Wynona Ryder. But it was five cab drivers and five cities. Here's the plot summary from imdb:

"A collection of five stories involving cab drivers in five different cities. Los Angeles - A talent agent for the movies discovers her cab driver would be perfect to cast, but the cabbie is reluctant to give up her solid cab driver's career. New York - An immigrant cab driver is continually lost in a city and culture he doesn't understand. Paris - A blind girl takes a ride with a cab driver from the Ivory Coast and they talk about life and blindness. Rome - A gregarious cabbie picks up an ailing man and virtually talks him to death. Helsinki - an industrial worker gets laid off and he and his compatriots discuss the bleakness and unfairness of love and life and death."

Well, Songbird, I might have known. "Night on Earth" it was! The reviewer made it sound so sombre, and it wasn't at all. It was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time, and I hope they play it again. Of course, I especially like the English sub-titles---that's duck soup for me with my hearing!

Lorrie

Have any of you seen and discussed the movie -THE PERFECT STORM? One rainy day not long ago I actually got my husband to go to a movie - a once-a-year; no, once-in-five years, event! He had read the book and liked it and, of course, said the book was better! Nothing new there, but I was surprised at the young people at the matinee. Of course, school is out but these were not children - possibly high school age. And I'll never get in a boat again after seeing that! I remember the book was discussed here and is now archived.

A good adventure movie based upon the real story of the fishermen from Gloucester, MA. Not long after seeing the movie there was an article in TIME about the way it was made - they used the same tank that was used for Spencer Tracy in the THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA! Must have kept that in good condition somewhere; it rathers spoils the movie to hear it was all done in a tank, for heavens sake! I might swim in a tank!

You know, speaking of the seas, and sailing ships, and all that good stuff, did anyone happen to see the great Sailing Ships as they sailed into New York harbor on the Fourth! I remember how thrilled i was when I first saw them at the BiCentennial celebration, and this time they were every bit as magnificent! It's a real sight to see all those huge ships with every sail unfurled, and all those sailors at attention on each mast! Wonderful!

Ella: A tank, you say? Spence Tracy swimming around in a tank? I don't know---that was a wonderful movie, but the thought of him swimming around in a big tank somewhere takes away from the movie, somehow. I'm glad i didn't know that before I saw the movie! Very interesting!

I watched the tall ships, Lorrie.

Yes, Lorrie, a tank - must have been a huge one to reproduce the ocean waves, etc. We never stop to think how they do those things, it's so realistic - actually, I don't think I want to know, do you? As you said, it does spoil things!

Spencer was in the water in that movie, Lorrie? I just remember him in the boat bringing in that huge fish and then didn't he die right after? Its been a long time ago!

Someone on SN watched those tall ships - we had PBS on in Washington, D.C. that evening with the Symphony orchestra, choir, vocalists - and then saw the fireworks behind the Washington Monument. Beautiful also.

Ella, you know, you're right! I don't remember Spencer in the water. He couldn't have been, weren't there sharks eating at that big fish he had caught? I remember him running on with a kind of monologue all through that movie, but sitting in a boat.

Mary Page: Did you perchance see that huge Japanese sailing ship? Wasn't it immense? And beautiful? This year there were so many Holiday programs to see that I had to tape some of them. I certainly didn't want to miss the Boston Pop's 1812 Overture, with all those little cannons going off, and Macy's fireworks were great!! same with the Capitol Fourth.

Lorrie

I watched the ships all morning and the Boston Pops all night.

I think I remember Spencer Tracy in the water in Captains Courageous. Wasn't that he?

Right. He drowned in that movie, didn't he? And wasn't knowing him the key to making a better person for Freddie Bartholomew? (O MiGod, we're really going back, now!)

Lorrie

My thoughts precisely!

Looking over this list of "rejected" award winners, I suppose I'll have to face the disgust of you all when I say that I adored "Dark Victory," and I still sob into my hanky every time I watch it again. I have the feeling that some of you didn't care for Bette Davis, but she was always a favorite of mine. For one thing, she was a scrapper, and didn't take much guff, but actually their personal lives shouldn't really affecct the way we feel about movie stars. Better said than practiced, though.

Lorrie

Mary Page--

That sure was Spencer Tracy in the water in Captains Courageous. He had been cut in two, but didn't let Freddie Bartholomew know. I saw that when it first came out, and wept my tiny head off. I still can't bear to hear Nearer My God to Thee. I've watched it on TV once or twice, but it doesn't have the impact it did when I was a kid.

It did Precisely the same thing to me waaaaaay back when.

I have never seen it since!

Glad you are getting back on here, Jean! lots of love ..... mp

Never saw Captain Courageous, but, Lorrie, you are not alone in your admiration of Bettie Davis - there aren't many of us. My husband, and most men I know, couldn't stand the woman. It's been my belief that she was too independent for them (on film and in real life also). I saw "Dark Victory" not too long ago on TV - if B.D. is anywhere on TV I watch. Did I ever tell you about seeing her in person? Don't want to repeat myself here - I do, often, other places!

No, Ella, you didn't! Or if you did tell it here, I missed it. I would love to hear about B.D. I think you're right--men couldn't stand her, she wasn't "clinging vine" type (popular at that time). She wasn't really all that pretty, but there was something about her. And having her play Margo in "All About Eve" was sheer genius! Please, please, tell us about when you met her!

Lorrie

ELLA...I'd like to hear about the time you saw Bette in person, too. I liked her, altho I did weary of some of her mannerisms, and "All About Eve" was The Greatest! It was Joan Crawford that I couldn't stand...and still can't. If I tune into a movie she is in, I can't get away from there fast enough. And I just read recently why she was so strange looking. In an article about Adrian, the designer, he was quoted as saying she was terribly hard to create for. Her body was bad enough, but it was her BIG head that he had to try to draw attention from! Now you know!

Well, you just talked me into it, that wasn't hard at all, was it? Haha

B.Davis appeared (I dread to think how many years ago that was, Heavens!) in person at our Palace Theatre on a tour that took her around the nation. I don't know how successful the tour was, but the theater was packed. The first half hour was clips from her most popular films (wouldn't that be difficult to see yourself so youthful?), the next half hour was spent with who I presume to be her manager, asking her questions about her films, other stars she worked with, etc. And the last half hour or 45 minutes was a question/answer session from the floor which was the very best of all as you saw her being herself. She was charming, self-assured and humorous! Someone asked her where she bought her clothes, particularly the dress she had on (which I thought ugly, a long, plain striped dress, and of course, she had the middle-aged spread and a most unbecoming hair style, really!) and she frankly said off the racks. Just as you and I do, only I wouldn't have picked that one off.

To the question what is the one thing you most regret in your life, she said the fact that she couldn't make any of her marriages work and she realized she was very difficult to live with. She didn't blame her husbands (3, wasn't it). She talked about her retarded adopted child and that heartbreak and her own son who was in college at the time and how she was guarding him against all the lovely girls he was surrounded by (who did he marry?). Many more, but seeing her in person in that way expanded my affection for her, she was unique. Contrary to what Katie feels, I did not feel her gestures were exaggerated, that was her.

Did any of you see the movie THE WHALES OF AUGUST? It was made after her stroke and she looked as if she was at death's door, but wasn't it wonderful of her to have the courage to present herself that way? It was a great movie - not well publicized. I raved about it to my sister who rented it and called me long distance to tell me what a lousy picture it was, how could I, etc. Well, we all see things differently, viva la difference!

Ella Gibbons--

I notice you're from Ohio, and you mention the Palace Theater--could that be the Palace theater in Youngstown where all the great bands performed in their heyday?

Hi Jeanlock: Oh, dear, I did say the Palace but it was in the Ohio Theater on State Street in Columbus, Ohio which has been restored, is a beautiful theater in the heart of downtown. At one time it was going to be torn down, but a group of concerned citizens raised the money to save and restore it. It's a showplace and yes, all the stage shows, the big bands, etc. once played there. We also have a Palace Theatre, on Broad Street, and, likewise, it, too has been saved. We are very fortunate here in Columbus. Our downtown looks even better than it did in it's heyday, when I was young. Perhaps what saved it was the City Center, a huge mall-like shopping center with restaurants, etc. all under one roof - three floors and parking beneath.

However, all the malls do not take the place in my opinion (and you all are entitled to my opinion also-Hahaha) of the small, unique, individual stores downtown - we had the Union, Madison's, Lazarus, of course, (most of its upper floors are offices now) and many more. One dressed up to go, it was an occasion, even though I worked downtown in an office and was "dressed" every day. No slacks, but hose and heels!

Ella Gibbons--

My brothers and my mother lived in Columbus and I visted there quite a few times. I remember particularly a sort of European-style shopping area that I enjoyed. Have no idea where it was, and this was back in the 70s.

Ella, that was a fascinating story about Bette Davis! And it only emphasizes my point--that she wasn't any "Screen Godess," like some of the actresses of that time. I liked the story of her dress. Very typical.

Now, have any of you folks any comments to make about the list of "forgotten" winners, up above, before we put up some more names?

Lorrie

Per imdb, Bette Davis was married four times:
1. Harmon "Ham" Nelson (1932 - 1939) (reason for end of marriage not recorded)
2. Arthur Farnsworth (1940 - 1943) (his death)
3. William Grant Sherry (1945 - 1950) (divorced); (father of daughter B.D.)
4. Gary Merrill (1950 - 1960) (divorced) (two adopted children -- Margot and Michael)

Speaking of Awards, I believe our own Songbird here should be given one for her relentless research into so many subjects. Way to go, Songbird!

Lorrie

Jeanlock: That was the French Market and the Continent in the North End of Columbus - a darling place and fun to go to and to take visitors as it was unique. Apartments above shops, restaurants, squares, fountains, very different. It has gone downhill, actually closed - due to poor management; however we stopped there not long ago and talked to a maintenance man who said it had been bought and it will be fixed up and possibly reopened. I hope so.

Ella G--

That's right, that's what it was. It would be nice to have it reopened. There are so many badly designed shopping areas that keeping a nice one deserves effort. Thanks for updating me.

In case no one noticed, we now have a new listing of various movies that were excellent, but never did win the recognition they deserve. Is there any one in particular on there that you remember?

I see the name "Diner" listed, and for the life of me, I can't place this film. If I did see it, it must not have been too remarkable if I can't remember it!

"Dr. Strangelove," and "Five Easy Pieces" eventually went on to become sort of cult films, and wasn't that the film where they had the scene with Jack Nicholson arguing with the waitress?

Lorrie

Well, I am back from two reunions and now preparing for a trip to British Columbia later this month.

Lorrie, I believe you might be speaking of the Jack Nicholson movie, "As Good As It Gets" which is a newer movie. Came out about three years ago and I think it won some awards,too. Very well done and funny!!

I love Ella's referral to the Palace and the Ohio theatres. They are both priceless treasures. On our trip to Indianapolis over the weekend, we saw two of the restored theatres there, the Indiana theatre with its Indiana Ballroom where many big name bands played while we danced. Our prom had Lionel Hampton and his big band, many years ago. All of the high school proms are held there again and its really beautiful. The other theatre is the Circle which is on the Circle in the middle of downtown Indianapolis. The symphony plays there. Indy is designed similarly to Washington D.C. with a circle in the center with four spokes(streets). Out one of the streets there are whole blocks devoted to one building on each block. The library, the post office, the veterans fountains and the Soldiers and Sailors monument. That's all that I can recall. They maked wonderful parks. Gorgeous flowers in around the fountains. Beautiful downtown with brick streets, homes on the canal, a new zoo, botanical gardens and Indian museum along the river with a river walk and with pedestrian bridges across the White River. Most of the downtown buildings are connected by pedestrian bridges to the City Center which is a huge mall where they have not only stores and restaurants but places for concerts and such. And, of course, they have two new stadiums or three. Lots of hotels, new and old. We also saw the Cathedral and the home of Benjamin Harrison. Its a good place to visit.

Thanks, Lorrie. I appreciate them kind words!

As for the list above, there are several on there that I enjoyed in one way or another. I was glad I saw Elephant Man, although it's not a movie I would watch again. A fine performance. It's even more electrifying on stage, because the actor doesn't have the makeup to aid the illusion -- he does it with his body.

Field of Dreams is another that everyone should see at least once. For one thing, it's such a tribute to dreaming and making dreams come true. For another, it is the source of that saying that we have heard ever since, "Build it and they will come." I've heard it -- or some variation -- used for everything from churches on.

The next three movies from that list are ones I watch whenever they are on: Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Heaven Can Wait.

Although I hate some of the language used in Four Weddings and a Funeral -- and, spoken like a true fuddy-duddy, all the bed-hopping that goes on -- I really loved that movie, and the poem that was read at the Scotsman's funeral.

I thought Rex Harrison was at his best in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir -- now THAT was sexy (even though nothing went on)! And heart-wrenching, too, because he gave her up for what he thought was best for her, but it really wasn't. And I love it at the end when they are together. That's what I love about Somewhere In Time. True love triumphs in the end!

And really, that's the message in Heaven Can Wait. Next to Reds, that's probably my favorite Warren Beatty movie. And while I usually don't like remakes as much as the originals, I think it was better than the original (Here Comes Mr. Jordan, which starred Robert Montgomery in the Warren Beatty role, Evelyn Keyes in the Julie Christie role, and Claude Rains in the James Mason role). Of course, like An Affair to Remember, I saw the remake BEFORE the original. That probably makes a difference. I had not known that Elaine May had helped write Heaven Can Wait, or at least the screenplay that was based on the movie Here Comes Mr. Jordan, which was based on a play.

ANN..."Five Easy Pieces" does have a waitress scene in it that became very famous, as I remember. Jack ordered a sandwich without something or other...mayo?...and goes into a routine with the waitress until he gets it the way he wants it or something.

SONGBIRD...I agree with everything you said except about "Four Weddings and a Funeral". Bored me to death! I have seen "Field of Dreams' at least 173 times, and still get misty-eyed at the end. James Earl Jones was terrific, as were they all. Loved "Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and "Heaven Can Wait", which was not only the best thing Warren Beatty has done, but Dyan Cannon was hilarious! Will never tire of "An Affair To Remember" and enjoy "Somewhere in Time" because of Christopher Reeve and the scenery on Michigan's Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel.

Lorrie, I have a small quibble: you need to name WHICH Henry V and WHICH Hunchback, because there were several of each. Personally, I loved the Hunchback of my childhood. Was it Lon Chaney or Boris Karloff? Or neither? I am SO bad about these things! Was it Charles Laughton? Anyway, the later ones, including the animated version, were disappointing to me. I liked Kenneth Branaugh's (spelling?) Henry V better than Laurence Olivier's. I think I have seen others as well, but am not certain whose. I Adore Henry V.

But the two best movies, other than Shakespeare, with whom none else can compete, were Four Feathers and Four Weddings & A Funeral. I agree with what Songbird said about the latter, and the first was a magnificent example of recovering honor, etc., and as such extremely uplifting.

Mary Page: Charles Laughton's performance as Quasimodo, of course! I don't think very many of us remember the original----with Lon Chaney.

And as for the different versions of King Henry V, I believe that Kenneth Branagh's version was far superior to Laurence Olivier's. For one thing, Olivier made his version in 1939, during the war, and some of the speeches were changed so in order to lift morale of the fighting Englishmen, that he was accused of almost creating outright propaganda. Branagh never deviated from the Bard's words, and won much acclaim for his performance.

Lorrie

Of course, Field of Dreams is my favorite but I also like Dr Strangelove. I thought Rex Harrison had a super role in "The Reluctant Debutante" along with his wife, Kay Kendall. I guess I go to movies and plays that entertain me with laughter and music. But, I did like Four Weddings and A Funeral along with An Affair to Remember. Great entertainment!

Yes, Katie, I believe you are right about Five Easy Pieces scene in the diner with Nicholson. Fun stuff!

MaryPage--

Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara?

Harking back to a previous discussion:

I've nearly finished reading the book, after renting the movie last week. And I see the problem with the movie. In the movie, I never really got a good handle on Tom's motivation. In the book there is a lot of introspection and you can follow the way his mind is working, altho he still seems not only to be amoral, but asexual as well. The book is pretty much a straight recounting of a story, but in my opinion not much on the 'literary' front. I think I might have enjoyed that movie more if I had read the book first. I got the 3-book Everyman edition of all 3 Ripley novels from the library, but am not sure if I'll read the other two.

There has been a lot of talk over in the Library about the A&E showing of "Longitude," and I wanted to point out that this is a perfect example of a very good movie made from a book. I was mesmerized at the TV, although I must confess I didn't read the book..I understand the A& E channel will be repeating this movie all this week, so watch your TV schedule, and don't miss this! Ther is an interesting method of seguing the time sequences back and forth, once you become accustomed to them.

Lorrie

I recommend Longitude as well. I stayed up and watched All Four Hours of it! It is being repeated over and over again on Arts & Entertainment this week.

Dear Readers: If some of my posts seem intermittent, please attribute it to the fact that this computer of mine has been "acting up" lately. Have any of you been having occasional difficulty getting on to SeniorNet? Anyway, hang in ther O Loyal and faithful posters!

Lorrie

Lorrie, did you get the "SN down for 2 hours" last week from Pat Westerdale? Seems they had a slight glitch in their system but they seem to be okay now. Since I was gone for the four days, I experienced no problems.

We did see "The Perfect Storm" while in Indy and thought it ok. A bit too intense and loud for my ears. I had to leave for the candy counter part way through. As my sailing SIL says, these people seem to not be thinking when it comes to taking chances. After all the ocean will always win.

My husband wanted to see "Longitude" also so we looked it up and found that it will be on again at 8pm on Saturday.

If I am not here often in the next week or so, its because I am busy planning and reading about the Canadian trip that we taking later in the month. I did take time off to watch the All-Star game and home run contest, of course! Hahaha!

Lorrie I'm just amazed that everyone in here can remember movies and who was in them. It's not that I don't see movies occasionally, they just do not leave the same impression on me. I see one and recall it for a day or two, and then it just gets crowded out with all the mundane things around me, or possibly a good book which can take my mind off of everything.

I've read your list a couple of times - wasn't Field of Dreams about the baseball team that appeared? It's a very vague memory.

Father of the Bride - was that one in which the father complained about the expenses of his daughter. If so, I did laugh at that.

But you don't want me in here -you'll have to be explaining every one of them to me and it could take forever. Finally, you'd say go rent it Ella, we're tired of this.

Ella, dear, of course we want you in here. That list above will keep changing, and maybe some movie will pop up that you simply couldn't forget, so keep watching for it!

As far as I can remember, they made two versions of "Father of the Bride." The first one, with Spencer Tracy, in my opinion was the better of the two, but maybe it's because I never cared that much for Steve Martin.

Ann Alden: Sure hope you have a lovely Canadian trip, you lucky lady you! Think of us all sweltering back here in our hot and humid States. Yes, I did get that notice from Pat W. Glad we didn't crash!

Lorrie

There have been some movies in which I didn't care for Steve Martin, but on the whole, I think he's great. I particularly liked All of Me, and my favorite scene is the one at the end just before and as the credits are rolling -- when they are dancing together. They look like they are having sooooo much fun!

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I thought The Jerk was hysterical! And I liked The Man With Two Brains pretty much. I didn't care for that version of Father of the Bride, but I thought he was great in Parenthood, Roxanne, and -- this goes back a looooong way -- Little Shop of Horrors, where he played the dentist.

Films, films but the two actors whose films didn't matter it was just being enchanted with them was Gary Cooper and Dana Andrews. I remember staying to see a Dana Andrews movie twice with some excuss to my mother why I was late, and I skipped Saturday Confession to see the movie through. I must have been about 12. Oh and For Whom the Bells Toil with Ingrad Bergman and Gary Cooper ahhhh

Those older love stories you knew for most of the movie and the tension was there scene after scene til finally the kiss. No 'oh hello-- aren't you cute-- lets go-- thank you m'ame or rip rout and it's over' of so many movies today.

Barbara, your comment makes me think of what a problem I have here in our Senior Hi-Rise. It's really a lovely building, and the apartments are all quite nice, with most of us coming from homes where the upkeep got either too expensive or too hard to do. But most of the people her are average seniors, with the same values and "old fashioned" tastes. Anyway, I volunteered to show a movie every Thursday evening for their enjoyment, and I would go to the video store and select a movie that I thought they might enjoy. Would you believe how hard it was for me to find a movie that i could present that didn't have foul language, really sleazy sex scenes, or horribly graphic violence? It's almost impossible to find a decent movie these days that doesn't have all those things, and more! I finally gave up except for occasional exceptional films, like "The Straight Story" and "Field of Dreams"----but how rare they're getting to be. Now I show the good old roamantic films where the love scenes end with a chaste kiss, are we hopelessly out of sync? Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Why don't you try Life is Beautiful or Tea with Mussolini. Both of those are really wonderful and I don't recall anything objectionable with either of them.

Jeanlock: You're right. We did see "Life is Beautiful," and all loved it, but I'll look into "Tea With Mussolini." Thanks, Jeanlock! They liked Whoopi Goldberg in "Ghost Story," but strangely, they said they thought "Driving Miss Daisy" was depressing. Depressing?

Lorrie

Songbird: There was one movie Steve Martin made that I thought was hilarious. Did you see "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," with Michael Caine? I think that was the title. Now that was funny! That scene where Caine was bringing home a potential bride to present to his "idiot brother" was a hoot!

Lorrie

Lorrie - you could show your housemates "The Cider House Rules." One little love scene, not bad, a really good movie.

Lorrie--

Have you shown Sixth Sense? I loved that. About Cider House, you should be aware that it deals favorably with abortion. Don't know the 'flavor' of your audience, but thought I'd mention it. Personally I loved it, but liked the book even more. That's one I'll probably read again--just as soon as I read the other John Irving books I have. Oh yes, have you seen Simon Burch? That's a really good one, too. Also based on an Irving book, Prayer for Owen Meany.

Ella, and Janlock: Tose are very good suggestions, but if this gang here even scented the hint of abortion, they'd run for the nearest exit, although I loved that movie. Was the book better? I think I'll have to read it.

Sixth Sense sounds good. They love movies where good triumphs over evil, of course, and even if their tastes are somewhat prejudiced, they're a good crowd, and I do like them all. Simon Burch is another good recommendation. I'm making a list. That will help when I go to the video store. Your're great. gals!

Lorrie

Lorrie, Minnie Driver made a wonderful movie that I saw this past winter, but cannot remember the name. That guy who is apparently in X-Files, which I do not watch, whose name I am not certain of, David Ducutchny???? is in it.

Anyhoot, it was a Great, Clean, No Sex and No Violence and Ends Happily Ever Afterwards movie.

Does anyone have a Clue what I am talking about, so as to give Lorrie a clue here?

Minnie Driver and David Duchovny were in Return to Me, a comedy directed by Bonnie Hunt. Here's the plot summary:

"Bob Rueland, a Chicago building contractor, cherishes life with his veterinarian wife until she is tragically killed in an automobile accident. Meanwhile the family and friends of Grace Briggs, a waitress at a local Italian restaurant, are overjoyed when they learn that Grace will finally get a replacement heart (the heart of Bob's wife). Both Bob and Grace struggle to maintain normal lives after these traumatic events, until fate intervenes and brings them together."

Is that the right one?

That's it!

You are as Clever as Clever can Be!

(and I'm just as dim!)

Lorrie, if they like Steve Martin and John Candy, try "Planes,Trains and Automobiles" which is very funny. Most of the John Candy comedies are quite clean and hilarious. "Uncle Buck" is another one. There's one about two tamilies going an a vacation together. Just silly stuff but funny.

Don't forget "The Grass Harp" which I love every time I see it. Another one which come to mind is about 5 or 6 older women traveling across Canada in an old school bus which breaks down and they each tell the story of their lives, in the 40's, I think. Very good movie! Very slow and easy to watch but well worth the time. Another one, about a woman going home, won an academy award or the actress did. She died shortly after making it. I guess I had better go look some of these up so you can have the titles. Be back later! Oh, and for a super baseball-kids movie, try "The Sandlot".

The title of the movie about the older women is: The Company of Women

There are some good movies with Robert Duval from "Lonesome Dove" fame that we enjoyed, one of which is "Milk Money". You could preview it, Lorrie and see if you think it appropiate. We laughed a lot watching it. Robert Duval is such a quality actor and seldom picks a bad part, just sometimes a bad movie. I am saying Robert Duval and that's not who I mean. Its the other guy that picks quality parts! What is his name? He played in the "Right Stuff" as John Glenn. Oh well, I am getting CRS again!

Re "Another one, about a woman going home, won an academy award or the actress did. She died shortly after making it" -- I was thinking Geraldine Page in The Trip to Bountiful, but it was at least a year or maybe more before she died (the movie was dated 1985, and she died in 1987. She won Best Actress for the movie). Could that be the one you're thinking about?

yes, the Trip to Bountiful with Geraldine Page. Came out in 85 or 86 or thereabouts. Here's a review from the Chicago SunTimes-- Trip to Bountiful

Just a change to the first post, it was Ed Harris and Melanie Griffith in "Milk Money". Milk Money Review And, Ed Harris as John Glenn in 'right stuff'.

Isn't this Texas Songbird something else? A walking encyclopedia, no less.

Those are all good selections. We saw "Company of Women" and they liked that, and I'm going to show the tape I copied of "the Grass Harp" next week.

Ann: Thanks for the link for the reviews.

I'm getting quite a list now, thanks to you all. Yes, they'll like that Steve Martin one, too.

Lorrie

Well, I do love entertainment trivia, and I feel like I know a lot, but I don't know THAT much! I just happen to have some great resources I rely on. But thanks for them kind words.

You like me, you really like me!

SONGBIRD...Love it! Love you! Love movies! Just finished watching the old "Circular Staircase" on AMC. Super!

LORRIE...I would think your ladies would enjoy some of the old familiar movies as much, or even more, than the new ones. Why don't you ask them?

Katie -- what a good idea! The old movies are the best, and certainly the ones they would probably like the best. And start with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn pairings. They made about six or seven movies together, my favorite of which is Without Love, in which Tracy (a confirmed bachelor scientist) enters into a marriage of convenience with Hepburn (a widow who had had a very satisfying marriage and who doesn't believe she can ever love again). And of course....

OK. Let's see if the movie maven can do it. I'm going to try to name all the movies they were in together. This is off the top of my head. Then I'll go check it out. In no particular order are:

Woman of the Year
Desk Set
Pat and Mike
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
the one where they're both lawyers (Adam's Rib)
Without Love
the western one (Sea of Grass)

Boy, was I off base. Would you believe they were in 10 movies together?!

1, Adam's Rib (1949)
2. Desk Set (1957) ...aka His Other Woman (1957) (UK)
3. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
4. Keeper of the Flame (1942)
5. MGM's Big Parade of Comedy (1964) ...aka Big Parade of Comedy, The
6. Pat and Mike (1952)
7. Sea of Grass, The (1947)
8. State of the Union (1948)...aka World and His Wife, The (UK)
9. Without Love (1945)
10.Woman of the Year (1942)

Texas Songbird: Yes, Sally Field, we like you, we really like you!!

As to older movies, you're all correct. Fortunately, I get The Turner Channel on TV, and I've taped a bunch of ole movies for our geriatric set. Last week they loved "Mildred Pierce"--I don't particularly like Joan Crawford, but that was a good soap opera, I thought. And yes, we all like the Spencer Tracy/Katie Hepburn movies. Is it true about that long-lasting affair between them? I read somewhere that Kate used to go hunting Spence down whenever he was on a bender, and I also read that his wife wouldn't give him a divorce. You read all kinds of stuff, even in those days!

Lorrie

Lorrie, you can rent all of the wonderful Jane Austen movies. And some of them are fairly new. Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensability and Gywneth Paltrow's Emma, plus a brand new Mansfield Park I have not seen yet.

From everything I have read on them, yes, they did have a long-lasting affair. This was, of course, back in the days when personalities didn't spill every detail of their sex lives and the press did not reveal everything it knew (a lot of the press apparently knew about the affair).

Apparently his wife knew all about them, too. When he died, Katharine Hepburn did not go to the funeral out of respect for the wife.

Lorrie, I just popped in to see what is going on, busy with the Jazz Festival this weekend. I noticed your comment to Ann about her Canadian trip. Our summers get hot and humid as well

We border 17 American states.

I rmember just loving Ingrad Bergman and I cannot remember the chinese officer's name in the "Inn of the Sixth Happiness." No time to look it all up now I'm on my way to the coast for a few days-- I do not even know if it recieved any awards but it was a biggie.

That was a great movie. I was so inspired when she took those kids across the mountain. I wasn't sure for a long time, but finally found some information that the movie The Inn of the Sixth Happiness was based on a real person. I'm a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church, and I once preached a sermon in which Gladys Aylward was a key figure. (Against all obstacles she had made her way to China, and her answer was always, "God wants me in China." It was clear from the movie that the reason God wanted her in China was so she could save those kids. I finally found several articles about her on the Internet.)

Curd Jergens, a German actor, played the Chinese captain; Englishman Robert Donat played the mandarin. Incidentally, that was Donat's final movie, and the last words he ever spoke on screen were, "We shall not see each other again, I think."

Songbird, in Kathryn Hepburn's autobiography, which I believe was titled "Me", she says that she called Spencer Tracy's wife to tell her that he had died.

I think she said there was quiet at the other end, and then his wife said: "I thought you were just a rumor."

So Tracy's wife had been in denial, and apparently never asked her husband about Hepburn.

I read that book, but am, well, you know how it is at my age, I am uncertain exactly as to my memory.

Just about the time we get somewhat disgusted with a lot of the choices today in current movies, along comes one that really makes waiting for quality films worthwhile. Have any of you seen "Howard's End?" I watched it the other night on the Bravo channel, and I must say it was some of the finest acting I've seen in a long time.

Anthony Hopkings and Emma Thompson were superb!

Incidentally, did you know that Spencer Tracy's son was a deaf-mute? I understand Mrs. Tracy was very active in organizations dealing with the hearing-impaired.

Lorrie

I saw Howard's End at the cinema several years ago. There was another excellent one about the same time and with the same actors. I've forgotten the name.

LORRIE...It was Spencer Tracy's deaf son that kept him from divorcing his wife. He never asked her for a divorce. The child was sent to a special school, which is probably where his mother was active, but Spencer contributed very much money to it.

MARY PAGE..."Howard's End" was a winner. Are you thinking of "Remains of the Day" or, perhaps, "Shadowlands"? Both excellent movies with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson and/or Debra Winger.

Remains of the Day is the one!

To go back up to our listing of unappreciated movies, I wanted to remark on "Double Indemnity" with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. I loved this movie, I think it was a wonderful black/white mood setting, and Edgar G. Robinson was great! This was a typical "fom noir" genre, but alas, not too many of those wonderful movies won Oscars. Anyone else remembe this one?

Lorrie

p.s. This is one I can show the elderly people here without offending them. Seeing Barbara Stanwyck showing a length of leg is shocking enough to them! Hahaha

LORRIE...I sure remember it, but I haven't seen it for a zillion years, and had forgotten that Edward G. Robinson was in it!

How many of you people like to read about mysteries that actually happened? On August 1, we're starting a new discussion in the True Crime genre, called "Blind Eye." This is a great book, all about how the medical profession turned a "blind eye" when a doctor was murdering patients, one after another. This a chilling book, and I hope you all can come over and join in the discussion. The book is availble in paperback and at your public library. Come join in!

Blind Eye

Incidentally, they are presenting the author of "Blind Eye" on cable TV Sunday on C-Span, at 6:00 (Eastern) That same day, (Sunday 7/16) AT 3:20, they will be discussing "100 of the most famous books in history," which should be really interesting.

Lorrie

Just wanted to thank everyone who recommended "Longitude". What a special TV movie! We watched it last night here in downtown Gahanna! LOL! Also, did anyone else watch the David McCulloch speech about books and their influence on us from a Border's in Boston? It was on BookTV today! What a good talk!

When Howard's End came out there was also a good movie titled "April?????" which we enjoyed. About three or four women who rented a mansion in Italy for a month. Very good!

ANN..."Enchanted April", maybe? I know the movie, have it on tape, and LOVE it! Haven't watched it for a while, tho. Thanks for reminding me!

Yes, Katie, "Enchanted April" came to my mind last night as I was falling asleep. Thanks! I loved that movie!

Katie, have you been into the " Apple of My Eye" discussion? NYC is being discussed as a possible for next May when the NYC Bookfest is occurring. Take a look! In fact, anyone interested in this trip for B&L, take a look! And, do comment!

ANN...it's been a while since I've read the book, but this sounds like a good excuse to re-read it. Will check out the discussion! Thanks for reminding me about IT, too!

Love...Katie

If I'm reading the schedule correctly, Bravo channel will be showing "Enchanted april Tuesday Evening. I haven't seen it, but after what you both are saying it looks like I must. Besides, I like anything Joan Plowright is in. Wasn't she Laurence Olivier's wife after Vivien Leigh?

Lorrie

Yes, she was, Lorrie. In fact, she was his favorite actress for years before they married. I believe that I read that she appeared with him in several plays before they married. But, I could be wrong!

I,too, will be looking into "Enchanted April" tonight. Check out the scene with the husband taking a bath where he overheats the water! Hilarious! Sweet movie!

Okay, everyone, time to clean house again! We've changed the list of movies above, and you know what that means! Ginger, where's your vacuum? How's the popcorn supply? and do we have any of Mary page's yummy chocolates left? I think this time of year we should be passing out complimentary ice cold glasses of lemonade, don't you?

the films I listed above were all very good ones---they just didn't win any Oscars, surprisingly enough. There's one up there that I think was terribly underrated. It's from a short story by Ernest Hemingway and it starred a young Burt Lancaster. "The Killers," and it was a very good movie!

Lorrie

What can we say about It's a Wonderful Life that hasn't already been said? It is a Christmas classic, and it doesn't feel like Christmas if you don't see it at least once.

I always liked The Lady Eve. That is the screwball comedy with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda, isn't it? I liked Barbara Stanwyck in all those screwball comedies she was in -- I think my favorite is Ball of Fire with Gary Cooper, but I also like Christmas in Connecticut with Dennis Morgan and the wonderful S.K. Sakall (who was also in Ball of Fire).

I loved the Lloyd C. Douglas book and movie Magnificent Obsession and some of his other books. Did you know there was a "prequel" to Magnificent Obsession? I think the name was The Secret Journals of Dr. Hudson -- the book set out the principles that are just mentioned in Magnificent Obsession.

Another movie on the list that I liked, or at least thought consisted of outstanding performances, was Prince of Tides. I thought Nick Nolte was wonderful in that movie, and I almost hated to see do the right thing and go back to his wife.

Lorrie, Things are looking good here, nice and clean, popcorn made and lemonade for all. Chocolate all gone, I ate the last, (Where is Mary Page when we need her? More Chocolate please.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is always good. I have read some of the others but am having a time remembering them. Ginger

Thank you, Ginger. Looking good.

Songbird: Was Christmas in Connecticut the one where Stanwyck was supposed to be a Food Editor or something, and didn't know how to cook? If that was the one, it was very funny. And "Cuddles!" One of these days we'll run a discussion about all those great character actors that we don't see anymore.

Lorrie

MaryPage is out of chocolates at the mo.

Have on hand eight ( 8 ) pints of Ben & Jerry's Limited Edition (which means run out and get some because it has a very short run) Coffee Hazelnut Swirl.

This divine confection is made up of coffee ice cream with expresso fudge covered hazelnuts (whole, so watch your Teeth!) and run through with delicious Swirls of Coffee RUM Fudge!

I am dumping all 8 pints in a humongous silver punch bowl. There are piles of cut crystal sherbert bowls and silver teaspoons next to a stack of adult-sized terri cloth bibs.

Ya'll step up and help yourselves, now!

I think the rum is the secret!

Oh, Mary Page, I can't bear it!!! Did you take instructions from the Marquis de Sade? Let me at it! You're talking about my obsession, my downfall! Ice Cream, or do we dare put such a mundane title on something so heavenly?

Lorrie

And I have brought some Lady Godiva Belgian Chocolate ice cream for those of us who hate coffee-flavored anything. Have also brought my Waterford bowls and sterling spoons. Honestly, the competition around here is getting pretty stiff.

I don't think "Last Tango in Paris" or "Lolita" deserve anything. Sorry!

But..."The Maltese Falcon" and "Manchurian Candidate" can't be beat! Wonderful movies, both of them!

Lorrie -- Yes, that's the one. But she was more than "food editor" -- she was the ladies' home editor, and not only did she talk about cooking, she talked about decorating and lots of other home-type stuff. And, of course, her lovely Connecticut farm (which she didn't have -- she lived in a dreary flat in New York; it was her boyfriend, an architect, who had the farm, and that's where they went to give a wounded war veteran a "real country Christmas"!)

Yes, there are some great old character actors. Cuddles was always my favorite.

When I saw the movie listing up there for "Mogambo" I thought of how much I liked Ava Gardner in that. Not Grace Kelley, who played the patrician wife attracted to Gable. Ava Gardner was very funny in some scenes, and her role in that movie was quite likable.

Lorrie

I love "Meet Me In St Louis" and have it one tape for showing my grans when they are old enough. The scene with Margaret O'Brien at the Halloween bonfire scared my two older grans a few years ago so I have to pick the right age. It certainly ends well with the decision not to move because the family's reluctance to moving to NYC was more important than a promotion for the father. Wonderful movie with good music,too.

Of course, "Its a Wonderful Life" will always be a classic and I can't believe it didn't get any awards.

"The Prince of Tides" is on one of the cable channels this coming Sunday if anyone is interested in seeing it again. I thought it an interesting book and enjoyed the movie,also.

Ah Yes Christmas in Connecticut Now I remember that I did love that movie.

Ann The Prince of Tides I don't think I have seen so will try to watch it as I have cable so It must be on it. If I get some tapes may tape it for later.. Thanks for the information. Ginger

Mary Page--

For someone who professes indifference to food, that was a passionate description of ice cream.

Jeanlock: I agree. After reading Mary Page's menu, I had to fight myself not to rush out and stock up on the gooey stuff!

I have a request for all you lovely people. I have to go to my brother's house for a few days (My sister-in-law needs someone to stay with her for a few days after surgery) so would someone be kind enough to volunteer to oversee this discussion until Monday? It's not a horrible responsibility, this discussion is one of the "fun" ones--it more or less runs itself. But I need someone to peek in evey day to answer comments and post something, You are all very qualified, and very loyal, and I've formed a real affection for you all. The pay is terrific, and the fringe benefits are out of this world! (I got that right!) So would someone please volunteer to "baby-sit?"

Lorrie

I'll help, Lorrie. I can pop in a couple of times a day and check on things.

I'll try to post more often.

Jean, you know perfectly well I have about 50 lbs on you, showing, I believe, that I have a partiality to food.

Just don't have any interest in shopping, lugging home, preparing, cooking, and cleaning up. No interest in cook books or recipes. I'll sit down to your table Any time I am invited to. Just don't forget to cater to my sweet tooth!

Songbird, and Ginger: Thank you so much. I'm leaving in a few minutes and will be back Monday or Tuesday. All you people behave yourselves, and please put some of that wonderful ice cream in the freezer for me!

Lorrie

Texas Songbird, While your popping in will you pop the popcorn?

North by Northwest was a good chase as I remember it. Help. Ginger

You probably don't want me to make popcorn -- I'm not that great a cook (even popcorn!) I'm not too great at vacuuming, either. I always was more of a Mary than a Martha!

There's two of us, Songbird!

Texas Songbird, Mary Page, Ok I will pop the popcorn. You must supply every thing else the meat of this discussion. Big Grin.

I lucked out. HA HA HA. Ginger

Did no one agree with me about "Meet Me In St Louis"? Am I the only one who loved it as a child and still does? Oh, dear, I guess I will have to make and eat lots of fudge. Anyone ever poured unset fudge over a huge order of popcorn? Hmmmmm,good!

Is that Mark of Zorro, the newest one or is there an older version. I have seen the newest one and really enjoyed. Wasn't Anthony Hopkins the retiring Zorro? Good movie but maybe not award worthy. Who knows what these award committees are thinking about?

Ann I remember seeing MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and I enjoyed it at the time but forgot what it was like now.

Alf Where are you? Am I in the right place now. hahahaha.

Ah yes the kiss behind the Christmas Tree - it was a delightful movie with such great stars. Margerat O'Brian I wonder what happened to her? I do not remember her ever acting as an adult.

Has anyone seen the Patriot yet? What did you think? My daughter is here visiting from SC and wants us to see it one evening.

Hi, I liked "Meet Me In St Louie". Liked anything with Judy G. in it....I don't remember ever seeing Margaret O'Brien as an adult. She could bring on the tears. I like fudge and I like pop=corn. But together - on top of pop corn.....UnUh. Zorro was always a good one. I can't remember who were some of the earlier Zorro's.

I scanned a PEOPLE magazine a few weeks ago and saw an article about Margaret O'Brien. She is still living, but I cannot remember anything else except that she looks, today, slim and trim with dark hair.

I have seen THE PATRIOT. It is worth seeing, but do not expect a "great" or "unforgettable" movie. Some of the male acting is really good. The story is a hodge-podge of other stories, with the "rest of the story", i.e., the rest of the Revolution, tacked on at the end.

The chief story, or main line, of the movie is taken from the life and feats of "THE SWAMP FOX", who was famous in the South. The British Still consider him one of history's all-time great villains, and are Not happy about this movie. You can search and find sites to read about The Swamp Fox, whose real name was Francis Marion.

My particular memory, when someone asks me about this film, is of General Cornwallis's dogs. I really got a hoot out of them. They are real history, by the way. My son says that is HIS principal memory as well!

Margaret O'Brien has made some later movies, but not many. Here is a URL that gives a list of the movies she has been in: http://us.imdb.com/Name?O%27Brien,+Margaret.

Probably my favorite movie with her in it was The Secret Garden (1949), although I think I like the more recent version (1987) better. No famous child stars, but Derek Jacoby played the father (played by Herbert Marshall in the older version).

I have seen 3 different versions of The Secret Garden. None did it perfectly, and I wish someone would. The last one had the Cousins marrying at the end. Ridiculous!

I saw "The Secret Garden" on Broadway a few years ago. It was wonderful, and the set was not to be believed! Glorious flowers everywhere! I guess I've seen it three tmes then, with adding the first movie version and the Hallmark Hall of Fame on TV. I'm not a Margaret O'Brien fan, but she was good in this.

Mary Washington College here in Fredericksburg did Secret Garden a couple of summers ago. Frankly, I thought it much better than the same version as done at the Kennedy Center for much more expensive tickets. One of my favorite books as a child.

I really feel the book is a masterpiece of imagination.

Have always had a struggle over whether it or Anne of Green Gables was my all-time favorite childhood read.

Anne always wins because Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote so many books about her that we know her up into old age. Did you ever read "Rilla of Ingleside"? That was one of my very favorite Anne books. Also "Rainbow Valley". My first born child is Anne.

No question in my mind -- favorite book to read as a child was Little Women I read it eight or nine times as a child and several more times as an adult! Not surprisingly, I always identified with Jo. The others were all too "prissy" in my mind (except Beth -- I wanted to be like Beth, but knew I'd never make it.)

Katie, did you see that they are starting a new series of "Anne of Green Gable" on one of the cable stations? I keep seeing ads for it, just can't remember what station it will be on. The "Anne" actress is the same one who played her in the most recent TV movie.

I have always liked Margeret O'Brien and remember seeing her in lots of movies. I liked the version of the Canterbury Ghost with her and Charles Laughton the best.

Would have to say that "Little Women" was one of my favorite books(have read the whole series) , but I liked the Heidi books,too.

Ann Alden

That new Anne book is not about Green Gables. I read a not-too-favorable review of it the other day. Apparently it jumps all over the world, seemingly anyplace but Prince Edward.

I am watching it. They did the first 2 hours of 4 on PBS last evening. I enjoyed it, BUT

there is not one iota of it anything near like the series of books.

Apparently the moviemakers claim the Anne books are difficult to "translate to the screen". Hogwash!

Every single Anne book was wonderful. Anne's husband was not in WWI, their Children were!

I really think the "problem" is that there was NO SEX and NO VIOLENCE and NO BAD LANGUAGE in these books! I think possibly one of the old ladies occasionally let out an "Oh, Lordy Me!" or some such.

Well, they just Had to get those ingredients in, so they have changed Everything! Still worth watching though. There is Nothing Else on! Some nice flashbacks to Colleen Dewhurst, too. The producers seem to have mistaken Anne Shirley for Jo Marsh, which is worth a giggle, but she IS NOT our Annie!

As Arnold says, "I'M BAAAAAACK!" Well! I must say I was surprised to come back here and find everything so neat and tidy. Here I thought you'd have popcorn and chocolate all over the sofas, and empty beer cans rolling all over the floor, but you did just fine.

I looked at that list up above and couldn't help remarking on the terrific scene in "Lifeboat" when Talullah Bankhead has to use her diamond bracelet for bait to catch a fish. She was great in that wasn't she?

And how many of you remember our own Ronald Reagan screaming in horror "They're Gone!!" when he sees the stumps after the sadistic doctor amputated his legs, in "King's Row?"

Or that fearful Laurence Olivier as the evil dentist in "The Marathon Man?"

Lorrie

For sheer evil you can't beat The Godfather movies and I've never sat thru more than 5 minutes of any of them but am just now trying to read the first book in the series, The Godfather. Charlie and I have been discussing the cast in Beach Books.

For some reason I keep seeing Marlon Brando and the cotton wads in his mouth, having seen enough outtakes to know how he sounds. Charlie has identified the actor who played Fredo and of course we all know James Caan played Sonny.

There are three things that strike me about the book. First off, it's totally and completely evil. It's nasty. The people are nasty people who do nasty things almost as a given. The book reeks of evil. I don't want to read about the bride who got a black eye on her wedding night because she wouldn't give her bridegroom the money her family had given her, nor the horse head in the bed.

In this book the main character, Don Corleone (heart of a lion in case you weren't aware) is the only one with goodness or reason so far, the Michael character is not well developed yet.

The book is a very unpleasant surprise as I'm a total fan of the Sopranos on tv and it's about as different as night and day. The characters in the book The Godfather are truly dark and now, I hate to even admit this, I have to rent the movie because I need to SEE what, was it Copppola, made of this book and how it compares to the book and the Sopranos in general.

Interestingly enough, Puzo's last book in the trilogy, Omerta, supposedly contains derivative material from the Sopranos which is totally inexplicable to me, anyway.

First The Godfather was a book. Then it was a movie. The movie makers believe they are creating art "Ars Gratia Artis" says the lion roaring, or For the Sake of Art, so I want to see what the movie created out of the book, it can only be an improvement, I can't imagine anybody watching a duplicate.

It's that dark.

Have any of you read the book or seen The Godfather?

ginny

PS: Here's an interesting blurb on the MGM logo and Ars Gratia Artis:

"The MGM logo with its roaring mascot Leo the Lion is one of the world's most famous and universally recognized logos. The foreign writing incorporated into the design is actually the Latin phrase "Ars Gratia Artis", which in modern English translates roughly as "Art for the sake of Art". That was the motto of founder Louis B. Mayer and the credo that made MGM the leader of all Hollywood studios for almost 3 decades. "

Ginny, I have never read any of the books. I went to the cinema to see the first film. Saw the other 2 by rented video.

The whole concept, culture, life style is incomprehensible. There have been a number of other "Mafia" movies as well. One real horror I watched on tv had this beautiful young girl's husband shoot her dead because he was afraid she was going to tell "Family" secrets! I have never recovered from the absolute horror of that!

Welcome back, Lorrie.

Hi Songbird! Thanks for holding down the fort, you and Ginger!

Hi, there, Ginny! Listen, you must see all the segments of “Godfather!” You’ll see what an absolutely great job Cappolla did in filming these segments Especially in the one sequence when Michael has to make that tragic decision about his brother Ferdy—the last scene where he sits brooding all alone up by the lake home where they lived. It was a haunting, dark segment, and it leaves you with the feeling of evil like what you said you felt. Cappolla does a masterful job in setting the mood without glamorizing these people and he sets them up before us in all their misguided “honor” and loyalty. I liked the movie much better than the book, in this case! I’m anxious to get “Omerta,” that Puzo wrote just before he died.

Lorrie .

This series was filmed in Canada, directed by Kevin Sullivan of Sullivan Entertainment. Megan Follows is the actress who plays Anne. She is one of our well known actresses and now performs at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. Her parents and sisters are actors. I plan to see a play there while I'm on holiday in Ontario August 1st to the 22nd. The Canadian reviewers grumbled about the liberties taken with the story and also about the location, which was not far from Toronto. I'm only a couple of hours from Prince Edward Island and have visited the place where Lucy Maude Mongomery did her writing. I loved Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth in Anne. As for The Godfather and Omerta, there is a review in this week's Entertainment Weekly about Mario Puzo. They say that Coppolla worked miracles when he turned a rather badly written book into a good movie and that Omerta is not worth reading.

Hey, there, Miss Lorrie, and welcome back, we have surely missed you!

Maritimer, welcome also, that's very interesting on OMERTA, because I hear it's got some of the Soprano's plot line in it.

I am duitifully plowing through the book. The characters are taking mroe dimension now but they are still cartoonish. I will rent the movie and watch how it covers the book as far as I have gone, because I heard the same thing about Coppola.

I wonder if a person's opinion of the book would be greater AFTER seeing the movie or before it?

What about you, Lorrie, did you read the book first or after seeing the movie.

I read the EF BENSON books after seeing the BBC series and the characters which were so finely done were firmly in place. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much before seeing the series because you know we make our own pictures of the mind when we read and I'm not sure I could have pictured Mapp, for one, as well as Prunella Scales did her.

Likewise Gone With the Wind was a surprise as a book, but who could ever fight over Clark Gable, I'll see him forever as Rhett.

Likewise Giant is a good book and I liked it better than the movie but then, I like the way Edna Ferber wrote.

The Jury here is still out on The Godfather book. Will rent the movie.

Have you all seen Al Pacino's RICHARD III, the documentary of the filiming of the play?

ginny

Hi, Maritimer! That name Megan Follows sounds a bit familiar. Has she ever done any films here in the States? And your Stratford Festival at Ontario sounds super!

Ginny, don't you think that the way a book is written has a lot to do with whether we like the film version better? I liked the films of Godfather better than the books, and I agree about GWTW, but there were several movies made from John Steinbeck's books, (except The Grapes of Wrath) that I thought were awful.

Most of Hemingway's books came across well on the screen, don't you think? And the same with at least one of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and I know you'll say The Great Gatsby!

I know some purists say that we lose something when we make a movie out of a great book, but I don't agree. There's something about the visual impact that a film makes that can't be felt from the written word only.

Hey, all you nifty readers! Have you ever seen an actor's characterization of a role that you can never forget? Are there any well-known actors with whom you immediately associate a character they played? Well, we're going to put up a list of many of these actors and the roles that made them famous, and you can see if you remember their performances. Many of these people were overlooked at Oscar time, but all of them are memorable for each particular portrayal. Stay tuned, we'll be changing our list shortly!

Lorrie

So there you have it! But there's one thing up there that confuses me. Myrna Loy as Billie Burke, in The Great Ziegfeld???? How come Billie Burke didn't play herselffor pity's sake?

Are there any other memorable performances that you will always love? Many of these suggested portrayals were very under-rated at the time.

Lorrie

Lorrie, the Robert Preston, Claude Raines, and Alan Ladd roles you mention are the ones those names Immediately make me think of.

Otherwise, no.

How about Leslie Howard in Pigmalian (check my spelling!)? Kathryn Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story? Lauren Bacall in To Have & To Have Not? Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen?

MARY PAGE...Humphrey Bogart DID win an Oscar for "The African Queen"! You are not the only one who really liked Charlie Allnut. Katharine Hepburn won how many Oscars? I guess she can't complain too much about not winning one for "Philadelphia Story". Jimmy Stewart won one for his role in it, so that helps. "Pygmalion" won an Oscar, too, but not poor Leslie Howard.

Andy Williams was hired to dub Lauren Bacall's singing voice in "To Have and Have Not", but what we heard was her voice after all. Good girl, Betty!

Katie, you are Much more of a movie buff than I.

I guess I just like Going to the Movies!

MARY PAGE...thanks, but I get a lot of movie buff stuff from reading. I just read that Andy Williams thing in my movie book when I looked up the Bacall-Bogie movie to see if it won anything. Amazing what you can find on the printed page!

guess so, she said in a very small voice .....

Mary Page, and Katie: You are both true Movie Buffs, and almost in the same class with our own Texas Songbird as far as movie trivia is concerned. So much of the stuff you post here comes right out of your memory--I think that's wonderful!

When I look at those names above, I have to laugh at the name given to W.C. Fields'character in The Bank Dick: Egbert Souse! hahahaha

Alastair Sims has always been a favorite of mine, and as far as I'm concerned there is no other Scrooge.

I don't know if any of you remember Robert Mitchum in the movie Night of the Hunter, but I think he was absolutely terrifying in that role. That movie was extremely chilling, those two little kids floating down the Ohio river in a boat, great photography. I think Shelley Winters was in it, too. And Lillian Gish.

Sterling Hayden was very realistic as Dix Handley in the gritty Asphalt Jungle. Fine cast there, too. Marilyn Monroe had a bit part.

Speaking of Marilyn, wasn't she great in Bus Stop?

Lorrie

c. Fields

Ginny, you mentioned Louis B. Mayer. He is from Saint John, New Brunswick, where I live. Lorrie, Megan Follows did make a couple of U.S. movies, unfortunately, I can't think of the names of them. Yes, the Stratford Festival Theatre is wonderful. It's the only place where I genuflect.

I used to live about 40 minutes from there before I moved to the east coast. If any of you ever visit Ontario, Canada in summer, don't miss Stratford. I agree with you about Robert Mitchum in Night Of The Hunter. I also loved his chilling performance in Cape Fear...much better than the remake. I've always thought he was one of Hollywood's best, but under rated actors. Solid, dependable and very talented.

I just searched IMDb and Megan Follows is in American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith, with Gregory Peck, dated this year. Her bio shows a lengthy list of TV work as well as another sequel to Anne. We've seen her on TV since she was a child.

Oh yes, the Alastair Sim portrayal of Scrooge!!!

I have the tape, and always schedule a special time to watch it. Usually after I get home after our annual family Christmas Eve gathering. I've almost memorized it. No one else comes close.

Anyone ever see him in the Green Man? That was also a great role for him. What a versatile actor!!!

You know, I keep confusing Alastair Sim with some of the roles that Alec Guiness played. Does anyone remember the movie (British) about this gang of crooks who posed as a chamber music quintet and conned the little old lady whose house they were using? It was one of the funniest movies I had seen, but I can't remember if that was Alastair Sims or Guiness. No, it wasn't "Kind Hearts and Coronets," another good one. Anyone know?

Maritimer: Thanks for the tip about Megan Follows. I'll be watching for The Story of Joseph Smith, books about Mormons always interest me.

Lorrie

LORRIE...I think you are thinking of "The Lavendar Hill Mob", and it was Alec Guiness. Did you know that Audrey Hepburn appears in the opening scene...or a glimpse of her? It was such a funny movie! Or maybe we should call it "droll". I grinned pretty much thru the whole thing. It was on TCM or AMC not too long ago, and I watched the entire charming movie.

Love...Katie

That's right. "The Lavender Hill Mob" it was. I didn't know Audrey Hepburn was in that.

By the way, Mary Page, if there's any of it left, I hope you'll be bringing over some of that luscious ice cream, the "Russian Blitzgreig" or something like that that you were talking about in the Library. The kind that has a coffee liquor? Sounds good!

Lorrie

By the way, I have found a really neat website about Movies and TV, and actors, etc. Almost as good as the IMBDatase. Here's the URL: Movies

Anyway, I was thinking about some of the great character actors we used to see so much of in the old movies---faces we al became so familiar with. Remember Franklin Pangborn? Edgar Kennedy? Ward Bond? Each of these actors was unique, and to me the supporting actors in recent movies have been almost humdrum. This is what the host there says about it: CHARACTER ACTORS

"Today I received a question from Tom Jacobs of Ohio asking: "why does there not seem to be nowadays the quality and uniqueness of the character actors of the past?" I guess my reply would be: There are some fine and very unique character actors out there at present, albeit, not as many as there were in past decades. I guess part of the problem would be the changing times we now live in. The world seems a bit less joyous, almost cynical, and the future not as clear and promising as it seemed in past decades. Attitudes in the first decade of the 2000s are just not as rollicking and happy as, say in the 1940s or 1950s. This harbors a new breed of character actors, every bit as talented, but with different "auras" about them. For example, compare the gangsters of past decades with the sadistic thugs and drug dealers or the 1990s and 2000s. Even sexy types seem sleazier. I think that might be part of the problem. The types of movies made today call for a different type of character actor. Film in the 1990s and 2000s are directed primarily at very young audiences. That, too, is a factor. Still there are some excellent character actors working today. Some are included on these pages: Armin Muller-Stahl, Jeroen Krabbe, Steve Buscemi, Saul Rubinek and others. We hope to be adding more also, especially those whose names are unfamiliar. Keep posted to the Great Character Actors Pages."

LORRIE

Good thinking, Lorrie.

I think of Mildred Ritter, and many, many others.

The big thing in "characters" seems to be who can out gross whom, these days.

The ice cream is FROM RUSSIA WITH BUZZ.

Mary Page: Well, I was close, with "Blitzgrieg," anyway. But is there any left?

Many years ago my father, who actually hated movies but went to accommodate my mother, had only one actor whom he liked, and that one was merely a supporting actor, but a good one. His name was Eugene Pallette, and he had jowly cheeks and a deep, gravelly voice. For some reason my father adored him, and another one, Edward Arnold. Boy, that's going back some!

Yes, I liked Thelma Ritter, and also Marjorie Main. Remember her scratching her butt as Ma Kettle? hahaha

MaryPage--

Are you sure you're not thinking of Thelma Ritter?

Hey, you never gave me a caramel.

Jean, that is it.

I have Never been any good with names.

Sorry, Lorrie. That ice cream was inhaled.

Jeannie, you never Asked for a caramel while you were here!

LORRIE...for heaven's sake, who were the "new" character actors mentioned in your paragraph? Never heard of any of them! 'Course, I've not been very familiar with any of the new lead actors, either. Who are these young guys? There are a few I really like...Greg Kinnear, Rupert Everett, George Clooney. I will now try to think of some of the ladies. Hmmmmm...

Okay, was there a Mildred Natwick and a Thelma Ritter? Judith Anderson. Edna May Oliver. Yes, and certainly Majorie Main. Billie whats her name, who always blithered like a hilarious sort of idiot and had a very high, squeaky little voice.

MARY PAGE...are you thinking of Billie Burke? And then there is also Spring Byington and Gladys Cooper.

Hi, Jeanlock, how's that shoulder? Hope you're as comfortable as you can be, I guess that's all we can ask. Don't mind that Ann Page didn't give you any caramels. She also gave all of her ice cream (the kind you inhale) to that bunch over in the Library!

Katie: The only "new" character actor in that article was one name that I recognized. Armin Mueller-Stashl, who has been in so many good movies. Did you see him in the foreign film."Night on Earth?" He played an immigrant cab-driver lost in Brooklyn to perfection. That goofy hat with the ear flaps!!

I don't recognize a lot of new actors, although some of them are becoming pretty well known. I always found it interesting to follow Farrah Fawcett's career. First the commercials, (remember the toophpaste ads?) then the TV series, then full-genth movies with starring roles. And finally, a stint on Broadsay with a one-act play.

I think you were thinking about Billie Burke, Mary Page, and that's what confuses me. If you look above, she played in the role of Billie Burke in "The Great Zieglfeld," and I can't see why. I know she was married to Flo Ziegfeld at one time---could that be it?

Charles Bickford, Whit Bissell, Eric Blore (never saw him as anything but a butler)Joan Blondell, Beulah Bondi. These were all familiar faces through the years.

Lorrie

Wow! I have to correct myself. In "The Great Ziegfeld," Myrna Loy played Billie Burke. See what happens when you don't pay attention? If I hadn't mentioned it I know all of you would be all over me in a minute.

LORRIE...HAHAHAHA!!! Glad you caught it!

Eric Blore also played hotel managers...at least in several Fred and Ginger movies. Loved his rubber face!

I have a question. Some of you "youngsters" wouldn't remember him, but years ago there was a character actor who played nothing but a drunk. He was slightly built, usually wearing a disheveled tuxedo, and carrying an empty bottle of champagne? Scotch? He also had a pencil-thin mustache. He was a master of prat-falls, and always got a laugh just by entering a scene. Can you remember his name?

Lorrie

LORRIE...haven't the vaguest...but, if you can remember some of the movies he was in, I'll look them up and check the cast names.

Love...Katie

First, Lorrie, I wanted to ask if any of you have read The Egg And I by...senior moment here. When you mentioned Marjorie Maine as Ma Kettle, it reminded me that the Kettles were characters in that book. I read it when I was about 19 and laughed all the way through it. As for some of the new actors mentioned, here I go again, Saul Rubinek is one of ours. He appears in Fraser every so often and was left at the altar by Daphne in the season finale. Lest I be accused of extreme jingoism, I shall try to restrain myself from saying, "He's a Canadian!" every time I see a recognizable name. They inevitably go where the big money is. Who can blame them? I'm off on a three week holiday and am looking forward to meeting Ann Alden in Toronto. Fern

The Egg & I was a hilarious book and a very funny movie and a TRUE story!

Maritmer: Yes, I loved "The Egg and I." Listen, you have a good trip, a cool vacation, and be sure to say hello to Ann from all of us here. Have fun!!

Katie: I found it! That King Spud base is really neat. I couldn't remember the "drunk's" name, so I surfed through a bunch of pictures of character actors until I found it. Here's his bio:

Arthur Housman (1889-1942)

Many character actors "specialize" in certain areas. Vito Scotti and Fritz Feld played waiters and maitre 'ds most often, Harry Davenport specialized in judges, Gabby Hayes and Andy Devine, as western sidekicks. Arthur Housman was probably the best "drunk" ever on film. Long before Foster Brooks and Dudley Moore's great drunken performances Mr. Housman portrayed the classic "drunk." He was of medium height, slim, dark haired with a pencil-thin mustache, squinty tired eyes and flat, sharp voice. According to Stan Laurel, with whom he worked often, he had a drinking problem in real life. He was born Arthur Hausman in New York City, New York on October 10, 1889 and grew up there. His acting debut was on the stage in New York and he later joined the Edison Company, a New York based silent film studio. At one point he starred in his own series of 'Housman Comedies' but his drinking may, or may not, have caused a decline in his silent career. Sadly many of those early films no longer exist. His career rose again with the advent of sound, which only served to enhance his performances, and those were his better works. His best works were those with Laurel & Hardy. His film credits include: "When Joey was on Time" (1912) a silent and his film debut; "Marjorie's Diamond Ring" (1912) also a silent; "Brown of Harvard" (1918) a silent; "A Fool and His Money" (1920) silent, as Count Tarnowsky; "Thunder Mountain" (1925) silent as Joe Givens; "The Bat" (1926) silent, as Richard Fleming; "Sins of the Fathers" (1928) as The Count; "Fast Company" (1929) as Barlow; "Girl of the Golden West" (1930) as Sidney Dick; "Five and Ten" (1931) as Piggy; "The Intruder" (1932) as Reggie Wayne; "Scram!" (1932) a short with Laurel & Hardy, as Drunk; "Good Housewrecking" (1933) a short with Edgar Kennedy, as The Man; "She Done Him Wrong" (1933) with Mae West, as Barfly; "The Merry Widow" (1934) as Drunken Man; "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" (1934) as Dick Harris, Drunk; "The Live Ghost" (1934) a short with Laurel & Hardy, as Drunk Sailor; "Diamond Jim" (1935) as Man; "The Fixer Uppers" (1935) a short with Laurel & Hardy, as The Drunk; "Call of the Wild" (1935) as Pete, the Drunk; "Showboat" (1936) as Drunk; "Our Relations" (1936) with Laurel & Hardy, as Drunk, one of his best roles; "Double or Nothing" (1937) with Bing Crosby, as Drunk; "Blondie Takes a Vacation" (1939) as Drunk on Train; "No Time for Comedy" (1940) with James Stewart, as Drunk Wanting Directions; "Go West" (1940) with the Marx Brothers, as Drunk in Saloon; "Public Enemies" (1941) as, what else, Drunk; "Billy the Kid" (1941) as Drunk and "Gildersleeve's Ghost" (1941) as Drunk, his last film. He died of pneumonia on April 8, 1942 at the age of 52.

It's ironic, isn't it, that the best man to play a drunk was one who was hving alcohole problems himself. Sort of like life imitating art, in a way.

Always loved Ben Johnson who really was never "THE" star and another that made me laugh was Andy Devine didn't know till I read this bio that his voice was because of a childhood accident.

Barbara: Yes, Ancy Devine's voice became his trademark, and did you ever notice thatJohn Wayne seldom made a movie that didn't have a role for Ward Bond. (They were great friends). The same goes for Roy Rogers and good old "Gabby Hayes!"

They were wonderful, weren't they? We saw them in movie after movie, and seldom remembered their names. There is one chacter actress, though, who became well-known. That was Margaret Hamilton, who played the witch in "Snow White." I should say two, because Hattie McDaniels, as Mammy in "Gone With the Wind," became famous, also.

Lorrie

LORRIE...thanks for the bio of Arthur Housman. I never would have known that name in a million years.

I think my favorite Ward Bond role was as the priest in "The Quiet Man". Victor McGaglen was another Wayne pal who appeared in his films.

Lorrie--

Thanks for asking about the shoulder. The phys. therapy proceeds, with more difficult (and painful) exercises. I can do most things with the arm. But, they say the pain will be around a while. I've had that darn pain since October, and am getting darn tired of it. However, as my mom used to say, "What can't be cured must be endured"--so I'm enduring.

Jeanlock: "What can't be cured must be endured." I like your mother's litle bit of philosophy. I suppose that could be applied to any incurable disease, like The Seven Year Itch, or the Dowager Hump. hahaha

Character actors--they were there for years, weren't they? Who can forget all the Barrymores, Lionel, John, and Ethyl? And Dame Judith Anderson, Joan Blondell, Beulah Bondi, and Lew Ayres? And who culd ever forget Barry Fitzgerald in "Going My Way?"

Lorrie

Today is Harry Potter's Birthday!

Well, Happy Birthday, Harry!!

I wish more of you nice people lived here in the Midwest. The bunch from Minnesota and parts nearby are planning a luncheon get-together in late September at Red Wing, Minnesota. I surely would love to meet you all in person, although I'm not sure you'd feel the same. Anybody out there from the Dakotas? Iowa? Parts north and south? East and West? What a blast that would be!!

Lorrie

You are someone I would most especially love to meet, Lorrie. Don't imagine it will ever happen, though. This dang arthritis pins me down.

Speaking of books into movies, Jean and I have e-mailed one another, and I might as well share it here with you, we were both HORRIFIED at the latest Anne of Green Gables movie presented on PBS. Ghastly script. Horrid stuff that was NEVER in the books!

It was a desecration!

Well, I don't feel so bad now. I tried to watch "Anne" on Public TV, but frankly I was bored out of my skull! I didn't want to say anything here because you were both so glowing in your reports, and I also liked the original "Anne of Green Gables." It's a shame, isn't it, when they go into a perfectly good story line and really foul it all up. I've seen it happen so many times in the movies. In fact, usually when I read that so and so has made another rendition of a book or movie that I especially liked, I make a point of not seeing it. Ah, well!

Lorrie

There's another character actor that I'll bet you all remember. He always played the part of a weassely, sneaky, mistrustful kind of guy, and he was perfect as the Man You Love to Hate. If you click the following link, you'll see a picture of him, and I know you'll recognize him at once. He was seen in hundreds of movies and TV shows. His name was Percy Helton. Here's the URL: http://zyxweb.com/DJohn48946/bios/DJohn48946/percy_helton.html

Lorrie

Oh, thank you! Thank you!, Lorrie and MaryPage,

I felt guilty for turning away from Anne of Green Gables after about the first ten minutes. After all, this is a classic! I was SUPPOSED to love it! I hated it. And with all apologies to our Canadian friends, I thought the acting was not up to standard.

I am so glad I am not all alone out here.

Phyll

Phyll, you are SO much luckier than I!

I kept watching the dastardly thing thinking it just HAD to get better! Well, it did Not get better!

I adore Follows, and I'll just bet they got her to sign a contract to do all 3 movies and she Assumed they would follow the books. She undoubtedly never even saw the script of this one! Poor thing! She must have had a ghastly time trying to live up to her bargain.

No one, no actor or actress who has ever Lived, could have made anything out of that mish-mash-mess!

See, that's the danger of an improperly done sequel or a re-make of a good book or movie. It's insidious, people sit and suffer through most of it because they liked the original so much they feel it can only get better, or else we're all so conditioned that we feel there may be something wrong with us as individuals if we speak out against a cherished book.

I remember how guilty I felt when I told our entire English class that I hated the way Marlon Brando did Brutus when they filmed Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." Such shocked expressions!

Maritimer: Is this the same Megan Fellows we were talking about earlier?

Lorrie

On the subject of well-known character actors, can any of you name the man who played so many bit parts and was seen in many many movies, especially during the 40's and 50's, and was usually cast as an oily villain? A hint: he is surrounded by a family of actors. Let's see who guesses first?

Lorrie

John Carradine? Incidentally, he has more than 250 movies credited to him!

Now, Texas, this is really too much!! I was sure I could have you guys stumped for at least fifteen minutes----you must have answered in six seconds! Yes, it was Johb Carradine, and he has three sons currently working in movies, David, Keith, and Robert. Well, I suppose I should have known better. You're too good.

Okay, off the top of your head, WITHOUT LOOKING IT UP,What was the name of the actor who played so many secondary roles during that same period as Carradine, and who always acted sort of "prissy?"

First, let me say that I knew John Carradine off the top of my head. I did look him up afterwards and added the number of movies.

As for the prissy actor, I don't know if we're talking about the same guy, and I'm not even going to look it up, but I'm thinking of a guy with a name like Franklin Pangborn or something like that. I'm going to go look it up, just to settle my curiosity. Well, I spelled it right, but still don't know if it's the guy you were talking about.

Tesas, you're starting to make me mad! Well, I'm going to bed now, but I'll be back tomorrow and try to stump you again. Boy, could you make a mint if you were on a game-show like Movie Trivia or something!

Yes, it was Franklin Pangborn, and my sister and I always used to crack up whenever we saw him in a movie--I don't know why, exactly. He wasn't all that funny. And another one she used to get a kick out of was Edgar Kennedy, who used to wipe his face in exasperation. Remember him? For years she'd say to me "I was doing my Edgar Kennedy bit," whenever her kids did something exasperating.

I wish we could get together some time. I can see we'd have a lot to talk about on this subject alone.

Lorrie

Just a note to let you know that I check in when I can.

Songbird must be excellent at remembering people's names.

I am one of those who never can!

Me too, Mary Page. I mean I, also.

Hi Ginger: We love to see you popping in anytime.

Let's see if we can stump this Texas Songbird. She's on a roll!

Lorrie

I can remember SOME names, not others; some dates, not others. It's just that I have this weird brain for movie trivia. I can't explain it. But ask me the age of one of my kids, and I have to work backwards. Let's see: Jay was born in 1959. That means he was 40 last year, and that would make Dale being born in, let's see, 1962, so that would make him 38. And that must mean Joy was born in 1964, so she's 36. I almost NEVER remember how old my grandkids are! (There's only so much I can cram into my mind, and movie trivia is what hangs around!)

I have a theory, expressed on SeniorNet before but maybe not here, about "Senior Moments." The fact is, at least for me, I never remembered a lot of that stuff ANYWAY. Now I just have a good excuse!

OK. I accept the challenge. Bring on the brainteasers.

Okay, Smarty! Now I'm assuming, of course, that you're answering these questions from off the top of your head, I trust you to honor your committment to not peeking into research before answering.

This man was identified as an Irishman, although he was born somewhere else. He was a well known character actor, more familiar in his later years, with an impish smile which made it hard for him to play villains. He also had a cousin who was also a famous character actor. Who was he? NOW DON'T PEEK!

Lorrie

LORRIE...Are you talking about Barry Fitzgerald? I know nothing of his relatives, however, so this is just a guess. He sure does have an impish smile, tho!

TEXAS...When some of us have a Senior Moment, we just say we don't have enough RAM. Explains it all...

Katie, who has already seen "South Pacific" today. Again.

I like Katie's answer! But someone else I thought of was Edmund Gwynn.

By the way, everyone, in case you didn't know it, I'm the discussion leader over in Let's Talk about the Theater. I've been putting up a list of birthdays of actors/actresses/directors, etc. everyday, sometimes with my comments (hated him, loved her kind of stuff). If anyone's interested.

Love it Katie, love it!

And South Pacific, oh! It was my husband's favorite and we went to see it together and often listened to it. Makes me want to cry.

MARY PAGE...want me to call you the next time it is on? After the morning news shows are over, I always check AMC and TCM to see what's on. Once in awhile I get lucky...like today with "South Pacific". I'm still reading the paper usually, so it's not time wasted. Next choice at 9:00 is the Carol Duval Show or Christopher Lowe. Gonna get this condo re-decorated with lots of help from TV.

BTW, I'll never understand why "South Pacific" only gets two stars and lots of panning by the critics. I loved it, and even shed a few tears today. And what song is more fun than "There is Nothing Like a Dame"? The lyrics are wonderful!

How about the wonderful "You have to be taught, before it's too late, to hate all the people your relatives hate. You have to be carefully taught!"

And "Dites moi pourquoi le vie est belle."

MARY PAGE...both are wonderful songs! I meant giving you the giggles kind of FUN!

Texas Songbird: Oh, how perilously close you just came, but not quite. Keep trying, you're warm.

And hey, how nice you're leading a Theatre discussion. I can see you'd be a natural. think I'll pop over one of these days!

Lorrie

Texas Songbird, Please put up the URL in a clickable so we can visit you. Please

Here is the URL for Let's Talk About the Theater: Joan Grimes "Talk About the Theater" 8/4/00 12:05pm.

It began as a discussion of live theater, but most of us don't get to the theater very much, so it was sort of faltering. So now I do a birthday list nearly every day and make comments about people and stuff.

Anybody guess it yet?

Lorrie

I give up. You've got me stumped. You are still talking about the Irish guy who's not Irish?

Riiiiggght! And he is Cecil Kellaway! Who is also first cousin to another famous character aactor, Edmund Gwenn!! Although he was actually Australian, Kellaway was always thought to be Irish because of the many roles he played as priests or leprechauns. Gotcha!

Lorrie

About that travesty of Anne of Green Gables: I kept watching just to see how much worse it could get. Lots.

That is precisely what I did, Jean!

And you've sure got That right!

Yes, and doesn't it infuriate you when they ruin a perfectly good piece of literature like that? It happens a lot.

Okay, All, We've changed our listing again! We can move away from all the good old chracter actors and the unrecognized Oscar contenders. I've list a bunch of fairly recent movies up above, all of them from books or plays. Have you seen any of them? Personally I don't go to movies that often, I prefer to get the tape and watch at home, but there area couple there I'm waiting anxiously for the tape to come out. One is The Perfect Storm, and the other is the Matrix, if only for the special effects. I saw Life is Beautiful, with its tear-jerking/comedic story, and loved it! Anybody else? Or if you've seen a recent movie that you'd like to mention, feel free. By the way, I see they'll be showing As Good As It Gets on Cable TV tonight. Is it good?

Lorrie

No kidding? Cecil Kellaway, a delightful character actor, is the cousin of Edmund Gwenn, another delightful character actor? How delightful!

I read on imdb that Kellaway was actually offered the role of Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street and turned it down! He said, "Americans don't go for whimsey."

I saw 6 of those movies, Lorrie, and liked Amistad best.

I haven't seen any of the movies on the list. Young people really like Matrix -- they see all sorts of spiritual significance in it, in addition to the special effects (or because of them). But I don't care much for that kind of film.

Not only do I not go to very many first-run movies (once a year, maybe), I don't rent movies very often, and the ones I do rent are almost always comedies. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I don't care. So there!

SONGBIRD..."As Good As It Gets" is a fun movie! Jack Nicholson's character is hilarious, Helen Hunt deserved her Oscar, as did Jack and so did Greg Kinnear.

But...having said that, my favorite in the list is "The Shawshank Redemption"! It was just super! Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were SO terrific! It wasn't until after I saw it that I learned it was from a Stephen King novel. Normally, I avoid King's stuff...I just am not a fan of thrillers. But this movie really grabbed me!

Oh, Katie, didn't you see The Green Mile? I loved that movie, found it to be very uplifting, believe it or not, and I was touched b the book also. It certainly wasn't what a lot of people expected of a Stephen King book.

And weren't Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman terrific in that? ONe got the feeling that they enjoyed working together, I hope that was true.

Lorrie

I do hope we are back on track? I Have been vacuming up popcorn to day.

Too hot for chocolates.

We're drinking lemonade over in the candy corner.

WoW! Wasn't that a Story about the woman being rescued by Harrison Ford!

I would have thought I'd died. She just thought he was someone he knew, but could not think of his name!

What, what, what???? What did I miss? I quit watching the daily news because I found it all too depressing, so what happened? Somebody clue me in!

Lorrie

Yes, I must have missed the Harrison Ford thing, too. Just checked CNN. Here's URL on the story: http://www.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/07/harrisonford.rescue.ap/index.html

But I didn't miss As Good As It Gets last night. In fact, I saw parts of it twice. I watched the whole thing all the way through the first time, with no switching channels (which doesn't happen very often with me!) Then I watched the ER reruns, but switched back and forth over to As Good As It Gets. Then, when ER was over, I watched all of the rest of the movie.

You guys were right. That is a great movie! Not a false note anywhere. Perfectly on pitch. I have never cared much for Jack Nicholson, but thought he was great in this role. Helen Hunt was excellent, too. But it was Greg Kinnear who I thought was absolutely marvelous. And so cute, too! I liked him in Sabrina and You've Got Mail, too. Shirley Knight was also good in the movie.

Texas: Thanks for the link. "Barfed in Harrison Ford's chopper," yet! Well, we all get our 15 minutes of fame. Right?

I sure liked As Good As It Gets, too. I wish they showed more good movies like this on TV. I don't care too much for Nicholson either, but he was good in this.

Lorrie

I just got home from seeing this movie with Tommy Lee Jones (my personal favorite), James Garner (like him second best), Clint Eastwood and Donald Sutherland.

I LOVED it! It is a Hoot! Do catch it!

Mary Page: Yes, that is one movie I want to see. I like all those old guys, too! Another one I'm going to rent next week is Straight Story with Richard Farnsworth. Many people thought he should have won the Oscar for that one.

Looking at that list above, I remember how touched I was by Begnini in Life is Beautiful. There was a movie with real heart, and scenes of real comdedy amid all that degradation.

Has anyone seen The Perfect Storm? I think I'd be afraid to go see it in a theatre. I get seasick very easily. haha

Lorrie

I have no desire to see The Perfect Storm.

Life Is Beautiful was a gorgeous movie. Terribly tragic, but so far above the crowd.

Lorrie--

I know I'm a day late (and a dollar short) but As Good as it Gets is simply wonderful. I laughed my head off both times I saw it. It sure does skewer the HMOs, as well as other contemporary foibles. And Jack Nicholson is just terrific. Hope you watched it, and enjoyed it.

Lorrie-

I've rented the Straight Story for tonight's viewing with my movie-loving friend Alice. We'll also watch my tape of a concert performance of Bernstein's 'Candide' (except that I somehow chopped off the last half of the final aria. Oh well.)

Of the movies on the list, the only ones I haven't seen are Perfect Storm (don't want to see that), The Patriot (ditto), and Matrix which I do want to rent one of these days. Of the ones I did see, I thought Life is Beautiful the best--primarily because it was 'different', but Cider House comes in 2nd. Loved the book, and the movie almost as much. Another really good film not on your list is Tea With Mussoline with a bevy of great actresses and, again, a 'different' tale. Cher is in this--and one might feel she is outclassed by the other actresses, but not a bit--she does a fine job.

BTW I've been renting some films (as opposed to movies--think about it) and sometimes have not quite understood them. Finally figured out I could get reviews on the internet and tried it last week for Cradle Will Rock and Mother Night. Got some really thoughtful discussions of both films. Another film I rented, but only watched for 30 minutes (of a 3-hour film) was Magnolia. I also got some discussions of that, but decided I couldn't stomach either the language or the raunchiness so really wasted my $3.50 on that one. And the reviews of American Beauty also helped me figure out what it was supposed to be.

BTW I noticed a movie called Jakob the Liar at Blockbuster the other day--it sounded as if it might be akin to Life is Beautiful in its story. Anyone seen that?

Jeanlock: Yes, wasn't As Good as It Gets great? Haven't heard one disparaging word yet about it. Let me know how you like The Straight Story.

When I rent movies to show here in my senior Hi-Rise, I have a hard time finding ones that won't offend these little old ladies, as I mentioned here before. Some of you came up with some really good suggestions, that I wrote down, but here's an example of what I mean. I rented Cider House Rules, I thought they'd love it, but I caught all kinds of flack for showing a film about abortion. Sometimes I think it's not so much their age, as it is the mind-set they've carried around all these years. They would probably feel the same way if they were all thirty instead of seventy. In that case, it's useless to combat the narrow-mindedness. I wanted to scream, "Just open your minds, Please!" Controversial subjects can be presented in a thoughtful way, you don't have to agree with the premise, but we should treasue the right to speak out about it.

Lorrie

Lorrie-

I'm having the same sort of problem--albeit in a different way--down here. I joined the local ElderStudy group that is associated with the college thinking this is where I'd find inquiring minds. Not at all so. I've found two women who have become friends, but the rest of them don't even seem to really 'think' any more. Alice and I had such success with the mental stimulation provided by last week's movie night, that we decided to do it every week. I certainly was in a much better mood the next day than I am usually. I just get so frustrated with not being able to have an intelligent discussion (not argument) of issues. Grrrr!

Jeanlock: I know exactly what you mean! These are really very nice women, generous, sweet-natured, truly family-oriented, but COMPLACENT beyond belief! Only rarely do I find someone who will discuss anything beyond the latest knitting pattern, a new recipe for crumb cake, or " what my grandson said to me yesterday!!" Every day I thank Heaven for SeniorNet!!

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Amen!!!!!

I've just got to get off this PC. Alice is coming for drinks and dinner--and I have to start cooking before it gets too hot. I figured that since she usually just heats up stuff from the store, I can get away with cooking early, and reheating in microwave. After the champagne and merlot, who will know the difference?

I saw this film, Jean, and it is just TOO grim for words. I do not recommend it.

"Tea With Mussolini" was wonderful and another one that came out about the same time that I really enjoyed is "Cookie's Fortune". Glenn Close is SO funny in it! Really over the top.

However, Lorrie, I don't really recommend either one for your group. I can just hear the sniffs!

Too True, Katie!

Ann Page: Jacob the Liar---what grim story is this about? Is it another harrowing tale of the Holocaust?

I've read some good reviews of Tea with Mussolini. I think I'll get it for myself, anyway!

Lorrie

Mary Page--

Grimmer than Life is Beautiful, which actually was sort of upbeat? The thrill I got when that tank came around the corner and the little boy exclaimed, "e vero" brought out the goosebumps.

For some reason, I've been watching a lot of Holocaust movies lately. I guess I'm still trying to come to grips with it.

Is set in a Jewish ghetto. Do not remember if they say which one, but believe it was Poland.

All is dark; blacks, greys, grimy.

There is a little orphaned girl and Jacob. And a lot of conversation. And a lot of the guys having to go off and work their tails off under the German guns every day. Some of them are very, very learned people, but they are doing hard manual labor and yucky kind of jobs. And being almost starved to death while doing it.

Oh, the whole thing was grim, and then more grim, and then more grim. No humor. Well, maybe an attempt at gallows humor. But nothing to really laugh at. Nothing beautiful. Not even anything inspiring, although Jacob is a hero in the end. A hero who dies for his trouble. There are no winners in this tale. No beauty. Not a glimmer of human joy. Well, perhaps a bit of the hope the little girl has. But that is all for nothing.

A real downer. Probably too true to be anything but painful.

Jean, I have always watched Holocaust movies and read the articles and books. I feel no PERSONAL guilt whatsoever. All of my life I have loved and admired the Jewish people. I died a million deaths during the Holocaust years and have ever since.

I feel no guilt, but a lot of anger that I am a member of a species that can hate so thoroughly that it can condone the murder of innocent men, women and children and enable their state to try to blot out a whole class of people.

It took all of the German people and all of the other European states to allow this to happen. Denmark refused to allow it to happen there, but most of the rest are guilty. I say most of the rest only in the sense that not all European countries were occupied by the Axis and had their Jewish population transported to the crematories.

I have German blood in me. I am not guilty, but I am the SAME SPECIES who did this! This bothers me.

So I think I read and watch looking for a Clue as to what Magical thing might be Said or Done or Written to prevent this from ever, ever happening again.

So far, I have not found it. So far I just see peoples all over this planet trying to do away with one another. I have Irish blood in me, too. I hate to admit it. The Irish cannot stop hating one another on the basis of WHICH CHURCH THEY ATTEND! God help us all!

Mary Page, you are quite eloquent on this subject. Even now, some 50 or more years after the fact, feelings run high. At least with movies like Schindler's List, Life is Beautiful, and yes, even Jacob the Liar, we can make sure there will always be a reminder somewhere of man's inhumanity to man. As far as wars are concerned, I'm resigned to the fact that there will always be two or three nations battling each other somewhere, and differing goups of people battling each other, somewhere sometimes, as you said, over what church they attend. But we can only pray that never again will aone group of people attempt to eradicate another entirely. And I say this with a nagging sense of futility when I read about Bosnia and now India.

Oh me, Oh My, How did we get off on such a macabre subject? Life is grim enough, for some people.

To get back to Books Into Movies, has anyone seen Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park?" This is typical Austen fare--impoverished girl goes to live with wealthy relatives, falls in love with wrong suitor, etceta, etcetera, dtcetera. It's good--but I didn't like it as much as some of Austen's other works. And has anyone seen "Hurricane?" That was also taken from a biography, I understand.

Lorrie

I haven't seen that one but I did just see one which I'm positive was not a book first but which is totally enjoyable, the Chicken Movie! Go see it! Run! Take your friends or yourself, you will not regret it.

Chicken movie!

ginny

Ginny, it sounds wonderful!! Does it have anything at all to do with that chicken story you've been threatening to tell everybody in the Library?

Lorrie

MaryPage--

Gee, I hope nothing I said hurt your feelings. If so, it certainly wasn't intended. Our national background has nothing to do with what America did NOT do to help the Jews--in spite of adequate documentation that the concentration camps did exist. I used to want to visit Germany, but have never felt that I could feel comfortable there.

This is one situation where the edict that says something like "Those who do not learn about the past are doomed to repeat it." is certainly true.I see this when I realize that not one of my kids has a real sense of just what happened. And I'm not sure my grandkids even know that much. The only way to avoid a repetition (sp) is to keep it in our living memory. And movies like Life is Beautiful, and possibly Jakob (remember, I haven't seen it yet) that are available to younger generations can do a lot to foster such awareness. I think the book that affected me most deeply was "Last of the Just" --can't remember the author, but the last part of the book has never left me, nor have the images of pictures I happened to see of patients who had been forced to participate in Dr. Mengele's experiments, as well as photos of the camp inmates when the camps were liberated.

Lorrie--

I just read your message, and see you said much the same thing.

Also, on a lighter topic. We watched The Straight Story last night. Personally, I didn't find it particularly engaging in spite of my crush on Richard Farnsworth. Not really much to get your teeth into, but lots of views of Iowa corn. Perhaps your residents would like it--it's certainly not offensive in any way. Rated G.

Better for discussion purposes was the episode of Ethics in America that we watched. (An almost daughter-in-law who worked for NPR/PBS gave me the entire series for Christmas one year.) We watched the one on ethics in politics, released in 1987, with the likes of Rudolph Giuliani, Newt Gingrich (much younger, thinner), Jeanne Kirkpatrick etc. Very interesting.

No, no, no, Jeanie! Not at All!

I was just responding to your remarks and enlarging on them. I was not offended by a single word you said.

I personally loved, as you all know since I've nattered on endlessly on it, The Straight Story because it shows what determination can do and how old feuds need to be overcome. I loved it. Likewise I saw Life is Beautiful three times and loved it, too.

The Chicken movie is worth renting a bus for, and, no, Lorrie it has nothing to do with my own sordid chicken details! hahahahaa

I just loved it and would go again in a skinny minute!

ginny

Okay, you convinced us! The Chicken movie is on the list.

I think the reson I will enjoy Straight Story is because of where I live. Here in Minnesota it wouldn't be all that hard to imagine a guy taking his lawn tractor down to Iowa to visit his brother. No big deal. And I have a feeling the scenery in that movie will look all too familiar.

Lorrie

Well, then, action wise it's a little slack I guess, I will be interested to hear what more people think, too!

Especially since you're in that area, I thought it was (well I said this), GREAT!

ginny

Lorrie,

He took the mower from Iowa across the Mississippi River to Wisconsin. When there was anything happening it was good enough, but there are large stretches just showing him riding the mower down a road with no traffic, past cornfields. I guess it was just too slow-paced for me. Yes, I agree, the message about resolving old conflicts is important, but it seemed to me not enough was made of it. Guess I'm just cranky.

Dear "Cranky": The truth of the matter is,Jeanlock, you're entitled to your opinion---that's what this discussion is all about, so if you happen not to like a certain movie, hey, that's your perogative. There were times while watching "Pride and Prejudice" I was bored out of my skull, and I secretly couldn't see what all the fuss was about. So never hesitate to express your feelings here!

Lorrie (getting down from her soapbox)

And while we're on the subject, when we did a discussion of The Green Mile, you'd be surprised at the number of people who posted that they wouldn't read the book or see the movie because it was written by Stephen King and they didn't like horror stories. There was no way I could explain that this book was a far cry from the thrillers that King usually writes, and an exceptionally good book and movie. But no, they took one look at the author and immediately decided it wasn't for them, without ever having read the synopsis or a review. It was hopeless.

Lorrie

Lorrie--

I know what you mean about S. King. I avoided him like the plague until my daughter lent me Dolores Claiborne. I liked that a lot; then I came across Rose Madder, and that, too, was good. I don't like 'horror' stories, but I can deal with a certain amount of supernatural. I will probably rent Green Mile eventually.

Also, I was wondering. Altho I'm a grownup (I think--most of the time) I really just loved the movie 'Babe'. My dentist has a TV positioned so the patient can see it, and he put that movie in, and I hardly noticed the drilling. A really wonderful movie--just don't show it in conjunction with a ham dinner as I did the Easter I had the whole family over for a ham dinner. I also enjoyed both of the ToyStore movies. Especially, the 2nd one. They should be harmless enough for your LOLs.

I agree, Chicken Run is a very good movie. Aside from the fact that it is fun and funny, the good guys win in the end and the bad guys get their just desserts. Old fashioned happy ending makes you feel good. And also, I was so impressed with the actual making of it----it must have been really a LABOR of love moving all those little clay figures just a teeny bit for each shot. My only complaint-----it didn't last long enough!

Phyll

Oh, Jeanlock, I laughed so hard over your comment about not showing "Babe" just before a ham dinner! Yes, I liked it too.

Phyll: Isn't it nice when the good guys win, and the bad guys get their just desserts? I guess we all like a happy ending!

By the way, speaking of pigs, did anyone ever see that British comedy titled "A Private Affair," I think. I missed it, but I hear it was fantastically funny. Did anyone see it?

Lorrie

Well, Gee, to answer my own question, I just noticed that they will be showing that English comedy "A Private Function" tomorrow on the Bravo Channel. It's with Maggie Smith, a great actress. Check your schedules. It's getting a 4-star rating.

Lorrie

I get Bravo, I'll watch it! What time is it, do you know?

ginny

Ginny, 4 o'clock here (in the afternoon, of course) that's Central time. I thought you just used a sundial where you lived. Haha

Lorrie

LORRIE...you're faster on the draw then I am. I just checked the schedule on the internet...5:00 EDT. I'll be watching! I finally subscribed to their Preview magazine, but it hasn't started to come yet. Sounds like a great movie...

OOOps! Here in St. Paul, that movie is scheduled for 3:00 A>M! I aguess I'll have to tape it.

Lorrie

LORRIE...are you sure? Check to see if there is a repeat. The schedule should be the same everywhere, with only the time an hour or so different. It's not up to your local people.

Katie: Our local programming was changed because for a time Bravo was off the air in the afternoon, but it's all relative, anyway. Wouldn't you know I fell asleep last night before remembering to set the timer to tape A Private Function. Well, let's hope they show it again soon. They usually do.

BTW Has anyone ever seen the movie "Fitzgerraldo?" I happened to turn it on by chance on the Independent Film Channel, and was really intrigued. The story of a man who has an obsession to build an opera house right smack in the jungles of Peru, amidst all the rubber plantations there at the time. Fascinating story, with Klaus Kinski.

Lorie

LORRIE...look for it this afternoon! I fell asleep in my chair last night...happens often...and woke up about the time "Private Function" started on Bravo at 4:00 or whatever that ungodly hour was. Well! I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to see it all the way thru, but I will certainly watch it again, with the sound turned up more, when it repeats at 5:00 today here. Very unusual, a bit strange, quite British, and the acting was terrific, as you might expect. As for being hilarious, I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the whole film. I did giggle from time to time...

OOPS! Just in from the landfill with the last dead chicken, and I hope it wasn't at 3, will run and see if it's possibly in 15 minutes, can't get too British for me, am going to watch the entire reruns of Dad's Army now that I hear it's the Queen Mum's favorite, I've always liked it!

ginny

Okay, Everybody, we've got some new names up in our heading, all movies made from books. Or mostly! Take a peek and see if there's one you saw or would like to see!

Has anyone seen the James Bond thing, "THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH?" Pierce Brosnan,(Oh, to die for!) is the best James Bond since Sean Connery, in my opinion. Anybody else?

Lorrie

Space Cowboys is the only one of the above I have seen. It was a lark, and seeing those octogenarians in action was an inspiration for this septuagenarian.

Mary Page: I can't wait to see that movie! The reviews have been wonderful, and I think we can all relate to this kind of film!

Lorrie

I know you all like good writing, so check out this lovely magazine published by one of our own SenioNetter. Also, if you scroll down far enough, you'll see a couple stories written by (Ahem!) Yours Truly.

SONATA

MARY PAGE...except that none of those "Space Cowboys" are octogenarians! (That means 80s, doesn't it?) They're all younger than that, and Tommy Lee Jones is only 58! But...that movie and Ginny's "Chicken Run" are the only ones I want to see.

So...did everyone find the Bravo movie? Want my considered opinion? Not that amusing. Loved the people, hated the pig. Besides, it's difficult to go back in time to when eating pork was against wartime allotment laws, or whatever, and trying to imagine such a to-do over banquet fare. Maybe I've never been hungry enough? Anyway, I'm glad I saw "Special Function", but I won't bother to watch it again.

LORRIE...I've read one of your stories, and will have to go find the new one now. You're GOOD!

MaryPage--

For someone who supposedly has trouble getting around, you sure manage to see the most up-to-date movies.

Every time I see another good movie here that is on Bravo, I gnash my teeth again. They're practically down to the gums by now. Oh if only I could afford to get a satellite dish and get Bravo and Court TV!!!!!!

Katie: Thank you very much. I'm always so gratified when people recognize Great Talent! hahahaha

And I agree with your assessment of Private Function. I was just a wee bit disappointed. Maybe the expectations were too great.

Jeanlock: How about the Turner Channel? Can you get TCM? They sometimes show similar movies. Or the Independent Film channel (IFC?) that's a very good one.

Lorrie

I notice TBS is running As Good As It Gets again tonight (7 p.m. c.s.t.) If you haven't seen this movie, you really must. I thought it was wonderful, and I don't much care for Jack Nicholson. But he's great, and so is everyone else -- really perfect casting.

SONGBIRD...I have that wonderful movie in DVD, snicker snicker, and think I'll go put it on right here and watch it on a corner of my screen, even as we chatter away. I only buy DVDs of movies I really love and want to keep for posterity. That is one of them!

Something else is on TV tonight...oh yeah! "An American President", on TNT, same time as "As Good As It Gets". And as good, IMHO! Ditto above.

Coin toss time!

I don't know what's wrong with our satellite but the Bravo channel is very weak with a lot of snow and also the sound is bad but I DID get it and hope to try to understand what they're saying!

Oh yes, that Space Cowboys is way up on my list, the reviews are fabulous.

ginny

Texas Songbird: Hi! I was afraid we'd lost you to all the theatre ticket holders over there. good to see you! Yes, that's a great movie!

Has anyone seen Thomas and the Magic Railroad? This movie has been praised for "family" entertainment, but I notice some of the critics have really lambasted it? Do you suppose they may be trying to cash in on the current "Potter" craze?

Lorrie

No, I've been around. My daughter has been in the hospital (for the second time in two weeks), so have not had much time on the computer. I pop in, read a while, and haven't been posting much. (And not at all for several days over in the theater area because I haven't had time to look up birthday stuff.) But she got out today, so maybe things can get back to normal.

Normal? What's that? I'm not sure I'd recognize it if I saw it, anymore!

To Catch A Thief is on tonight, too. (AMC at 7 p.m. cst) Another fine movie, and worth seeing every time it's on.

SONGBIRD...sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope she is OK! I thought you hadn't been posting birthdays because there weren't any of note. (We get that list, here, too.)

About "To Catch a Thief"...that is one movie that I have seen so often that I'm sick of it. Believe it or not!

Oh, oh! It's Alec Guiness night on Bravo! Right now "The Horse's Mouth" is on (5:15 EDT), his Profile at 7, followed by "Tunes of Glory" or "Brassed Off"...both being shown tonight, then the Profile again, and movies repeat. Whoopee!

Lorrie--

Yes, I get TCM, and they do some good stuff. I'm not too fond of T. Turner as a person, but he does love movies, and has done some great things with restoring them. Also, I think he's bought up all the really good ones. His schedule for July 4th was a real winner. I watched all afternoon.

However, sob sob, I don't get Bravo--even in Omaha I could get Bravo, nor do I get the Independent Film channel. My son tells me it's great. Some day, I'll get a satellite. I'm sick of nagging the cable company who carry 3 or 4 sports channels, but next to no culture channels. I've just discovered the movie section at the library. Rented the first 2 tapes of the British PBS version of War & Peace and am enjoying it hugely. I tried to watch the American version last week, but Henry Fonda as Pierre was too much of a stretch. Besides, the British version is better. Now, off to Tape 2. There are at least 4 more, which I'll get on Monday.

Jeanlock: I'm curious. I loved the story of War and Peace, but like you, didn't quite picture Fona as Pierre. Is the British version better? In what way? And who are the actors?

Lorrie

I honestly thought Clint Eastwood and James Garner were in their eighties.

Jean, my daughter from Missouri arrived last Saturday for a week and son Chip came and took us to the neighborhood theater to see Space Cowboys. That is the only recent movie I have seen, but just loved it.

Songbird; Oh, Sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear your daughter's been in and out of the hospital. I sure hope she's much better now. It's always so much harder when you see your own grown children go down sick, isn't it?

Katie: Have fun wallowing in your Alec Guiness revival, or whatever. Don't you love that man? I liked him in "The Lavender Hill Mob>"

I'm with you. The third time I saw "To Catch a Thief" was enough, even though I adored carey Grant.

Lorrie

What an evening! Spent it clicking back and forth between "As Good As It Gets" and "An American President", and enjoyed them both again! I own both of them, but still I sat and watched TV, commercials and all. Oh...and I even watched the first 5 minutes of "Saturday Night Fever", just to see John Travolta strut down the street. He sure was a lot better looking when he was younger.

Now then...what's on tomorrow?

Yes, it's hard to see your kids sick. Joy is having liver problems, and gained 17 pounds in one week. She looked 9 months pregnant with all this fluid in her abdomen. They drained 2 liters of fluid and she still had fluid in her abdomen (but only about 7 months pregnant!) But what's worse is that she won't take care of herself. There's only so much you can do as a parent. She was sneaking out of her hospital room yesterday to smoke a cigarette, and she went grocery and back-to-school shopping this afternoon after getting out of the hospital this morning. What's a mother to do?!

Songbird, I am SO sorry! I know the frustration. Several doctors told my husband he would die if he kept on smoking and he did and he did. It took me years to get over the feelings of guilt, and I was not in the least guilty!

Lorrie--

Oh yes, the British version is better. It is at least 6 2-hour tapes, and really goes into the 'War" part of War and Peace (When I first read the book, I skipped all the 'War' chapters--so did Hollywood). The characterizations are more in-depth, and you really get the flavor of Russia at that time (in spite of impeccable British accents).

Pierre, the part played by Henry Fonda in the H. version, is played by a very young Anthony Hopkins who does a really great job. Many of the other actors you would recognize if you've been a Masterpiece Th. afficionado. One I recognized is Joanna David who played in a recent production of Rebecca. And they give full effort to the war with a very good actor playing Napoleon.

I only got the first two tapes, so when I had watched that, I went back to the H. version. No comparison. True, Audrey Hepburn is delightful as always, but she plays a much greater role in the H. version than Natasha gets in the British version. The H. version, even at 4 hours, just hits the highlights. There is a rollicking scene of a group of people riding to the hounds in Russia!!!! I think they got their backgrounds mixed.

Jeanlock:

You know, I go right by that video section at the library without ever stopping. I just never thought. I'm going to start giving it a look now. And thanks for the tip on War and Peace.

Also, thanks for the input on Space Cowboys. I'm definitely going to see that one. Clint Eastwood may not be eighty, but he sure is showing his age these days, and good for him! I hate the look of face-lifted, heavily made up former leading men. It's pitiful!

Another movie I don't think I want to see is the one about the bar-dancing female bartenders. Ugh!

Lorrie

LORRIE...Roger Ebert gave that one a very definite "Thumbs Down", if that helps!

I read an article the other day about face lifts, and among many other interesting items it mentioned that Jack Lemmon has had a horrible one, which left him with an old man's forehead. Now what the heck does that mean? He sure looks his age to me, and I never would have thought about a facelift when I looked at him. I still have his extremely handsome face as he looked in "How To Murder Your Wife" in mind when I think of him. Wow!

Yes, Katie, I always thought Jack Lemmon had a sort of All-Ameican, healthy kind of good looks. I don't know what they mean by "old man's forehead," either.

BTW has anyone here seen the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley?" A frind of mine did and she said she thought the character of Ripley was enigmatic. Said that she wasn't sure whether he was evil or good. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

Lorrie

Lorrie--

I finished watching the Hollywood W&P last night. Most of what I saw, about the last 1/3 of the film, was the Battle of Borodino, Napoleon's occupation of a deserted Moscow, and his subsequent attempt to retreat to France. Pretty good, actually. But nothing to match the quality of the character development in the British version--the last 4 tapes of which I am off to the library to get. We can only keep tapes for 2 days so I'll come home and start right in to watch it.

I think that movie you say you don't want to see is Coyote Ugly--which is targeted-BELIEVE IT OR NOT--to young teenage girls. I heard quite a discussion of that the other day. Needless to say, it's not at the top, or bottom, of my list.

Our library has an EXTENSIVE collection of video tapes, including many of the BBC things such as I Claudius, Brideshead, etc. And they are just about 1/2 a block away.

Lorrie--

I rented The Talented Mr. Ripley recently, then followed up by getting the book from the library to double check the Hollywood interpretation. Which, as it turns out, was right on target. The Ripley character is an amoral person who doesn't let anything stand in the way of his getting what he thinks he should have. There are 3 books in the series, and I started the 2nd one, but gave it up after a few pages. I guess I figured one movie and one book were all the time I'd give to that. But I felt it was a really well-done film. It's just that it's easier to understand the character's motivations when you have the surrounding text to explain it.

You're right, Jeanlock. I think this is one of those movies where you really can't go by what your neighbor thinks about it--you must make up your own mind.

Thanks for telling me about War and Peathe English version. I m due for a library trip tomorrow, will check out their videos.

"Coyote Ugly," yes that's the one. It doesn't look like the kind of movie I enjoy watching, anyway.

Lorrie

Ooooh! If the library has I, Claudius, rush over and rent it! It is beyond fabulous.

P.S. Read the books too. Robert Graves.

Marypage--

I've seen I Claudius 2 or 3 times. Finally it got too bloody for me. I seem to be reverting to refined little old lady lit these days.

He! He!

(the little ole lady who lives here, as well)

Okay, you refined little old ladies! Has anybody seen the new version of an old favorite "Anna and the King?" It's not a musical, and probably not on the magnificent scale of "The King and I," but the trailer looks appealing. I like Jody Foster, anyway.

This is a story that's been done a lot. First with Rex Harrison and Irene Dunne in a black and white version, then the stupendous one with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. (Remember that scene where the wives all turned around and bowed and they disn't have on any pantaloons?)

I hope it's not just another feeble attempt to cash in on the musical!

Lorrie

Saw the Yul Brenner movie. Don't remember that scene! What IS the problem with my memory?

Have not seen the Jody Foster, but will rent it one day.

Critics panned Jody's version. Not a musical, of course, but part of the problem is that no one is interested anymore, I think. Don't think I'll bother. Frankly, I'm not wild about Jody Foster. She is SO intense!

Yes. I think sometimes that Hollywood has a tendency to keep overdoing it when they get a successful movie. Are there any other instances you can think of in this regard? The one that comes to my mind is, of course, "A STAR IS BORN." Can you think of any other instances where Hollywood remade a popular movie, whether successfully or not?

Lorrie

Lorrie, MaryPage--

The new Anna & the King movie did not get good reviews. Every one I read bemoaned the lack of the music. Guess that story is too closely identified with the musical now to be able to make it on its own. So, I skipped it.

Finished all 12 hours of War & Peace last night. Wow!!! If I remember correctly, my husband and I watched that (and he died in 1976--that should tell you how young Anthony Hopkins is in this) and were so impressed. Now, I suppose, I'll have to get the book and reread it.

Lorrie, I guess I owe Hollywood an apology. They did the hunting scene in the Brit version, too--altho not as much a pastoral idyll as in the H. version.

I don't see how you people do it. You all seem to be reading several books at a time, participating in multiple discussions, doing really interesting things--- I seem to have a difficult time managing just the daily paper, and one major book at a time. (And, one in my purse for those long waits at the Dr.'s office), a couple of hours for my favorite TV shows, and the necessary errands. And then, it's time to shut down for the night. I'd sure like to see some of you speed demons in action!

Jeanlock: It's not a big deal. I have found that when you're doing something that you really enjoy doing, it s amazing how the time will speed by.

I'm not that great. I can only absorb one book at a time, like you. but I participate in lots of discussions about books I'm going to read. Your life still sounds pretty full. As long as your health enables you to do all the things you want to do, you'll be just fine, as we all will.

Lorrie

Hollywood is ALWAYS making remakes of old movies AND remakes of old TV series. It's like they're afraid to try anything original.

I HAVE read that the recent remake of High Noon is good, but don't see how it could beat Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.

Hey, Songbird: Good to see you! Hope everything's going okay for you.

Yes, we get almost afraid when they announce they're going to do a remake of a favorite movie, don't we? We're always afraid they'll ruin it somehow.

I'm scared to death they'll try to do "Casablanca." Ane without Bogart, Bergman, Lorre, Greenstreet, Claude Rains, there simply wouldn't be a movie!

Lorrie

How true, Lorrie. There are very few remakes in which I liked the remake better the original. Of course, to be honest, in most of those cases (when I liked the remake better), it was because I saw the remake FIRST. For example, one of my favorite movies is An Affair to Remember, the 1957 one with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Many years after I first saw it, I saw the version with Charles Boyer and Irene Dunn (Love Affair, 1939). I have not yet seen the Warren Beatty/Annette Bening 1994 version, also known as Love Affair. The same is true of Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait, which was basically a remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan with Robert Montgomery. I saw the Beatty version first, then the Montgomery one. By the way, did you know Beatty and Elaine May have writing credits (along with Harry Segall, who I guess was the original writer -- of a play)

One remake I really did like, but still liked the original (I see them as two different animals) is High Society, which was a remake of The Philadelphia Story.

SONGBIRD...I agree with you about all the above movies...altho I saw Here Comes Mr.Jordan years ago. The latest two remakes that I really enjoyed, and here and there even more than the originals, were Sabrina and The Parent Trap. I was SO MAD when I read that they were making them and swore I'd never go see them. Well...you know how that goes. I did see them, over and over, and now own them both, too. But...If they try to remake Casablanca, I'll sue!!!

Ditto on both of those, Katie. I was prepared to hate the new Parent Trap, and I think I DID like the first one a tiny bit better, but that Dennis Quaid.... It seems to me they left out some good scenes, though.

I liked both versions of Sabrina, too. Again, this was probably more because of Harrison Ford than anything else! One night (when I still had HBO or CineMax or one of those), it was on that channel and on Encore or one of those channels that plays movies without interruption. I am an inveterate remote-control user, and I kept clicking back and forth between the two. One had either started a minute or two earlier than the other, or had some additional dialogue or something, because I'd watch one scene and then click over and see the SAME scene with the SAME dialogue a minute or so later. It was eerie!

I had not heard they were redoing High Noon! How CAN they? That is a sacrilege, as would be a remaking of Casablanca.

Really, you would think they would STOP looking at remakes and try some of the other wonderful material out there!

The High Noon thing is a made-for-TV movie, running this week on TBS, I think, starring Tom Skerritt in the Gary Cooper role. The review I read gave it high marks. He is a good actor, but still...

SONGBIRD...the review I read mentioned that Tom Skerritt was a better actor than Gary Cooper, but then, we all know that, don't we? Cooper was about as wooden as they got.

Ah, MARY PAGE...it's all about money, Honey! It's too bad we can't do something about it. Maybe if we were 13 year old boys our voices would be heard.

Acting?

Who wants acting?

I could just LOOK at Gary Cooper and feel Mexican jumping beans in my tummy!

That just does not happen any longer. Well, I get a faint, a very faint, bit of that for Paul Newman.

You don't suppose it's age, do you? Nooooooooooo. 'Course not.

No, Mary Page, No no no! It's not age!!Let's face it, there was somethingabout those former matinee idols that simply grabbed the watcher, and it had nothing to do with acting. Call it charisma, or magnetism, or what have you, but the leading actors of those days all seemed to have more appeal, in my opinion. Some of the newer stars are handsome enough, and attractive in their own way, but to me they all seem to come from the same mold. Like Brad Pitt, Leonardo, and so many others. Former male stars were unique---each had his own mannerisms, gestures, way of walking. And how many of these young stars will be able to play a romantic lead at the age of 60-something, like Clint Eastwood did in that covered bridge thing? I suppose I'm prjucidiced, but so be it.

Lorrie

Handsome seems to have changed. I do Not find Brad Pitt handsome! Is it me? I do not find what's his name handsome? Oh shoot! The tall, skinny red head is married to him and all the youngsters think he is the tops. Can't even come up with his name.

Nope, none of them can hold a candle. Well, maybe Rupert Everett. I like my men tall and skinny; I suppose because my father and husband were.

MARY PAGE...there are a few young leading men who are really neat, but I'm not talking about the teenage idols. I am very fond of Dennis Quaid and Greg Kinnear and Rupert Everett and Kevin Spacey and George Clooney. Then there is the next tier up, age-wise...Kevin Costner, Richard Gere, Tom Hanks...who have I left out? I guess we'll just have to wait and see if they have real lasting power. At least most of them can really act, which was not always true about some of our former idols...who often played themselves over and over.

And where does Harrison Ford fit? Can't miss him. And while I'm not a big Mel Gibson fan, he probably fits in about the same place.

SONGBIRD...Harrison Ford fits in anywhere you want to put him! Preferrably at my table...

Katie: Down, girl!

And here is a gal who was nuts about old baldy himself, Yul Brynner!! Never missed one of his movies!!

Lorrie

Texas--

I fell for Mel Gibson when I saw him in Tim with Piper Laurie. Unfortunately, he has never played in that sort of film again preferring the 'action' things which I avoid like the plague. Then, there was Jeremy Irons in Brideshead Revisited, and Anthony Hopkins. I'm not much turned on by unshaven teenagers, no matter how old they are--Brad Pitt, etc. Do I show a British bias? Well, so be it.

Katie, I do not care a fig about any of the ones you mention, except Everett, so you may have them all EXCEPT

Harrison Ford. I Would fight you over him.

And you may all have Mel Gibson. Good actor. Nice face. Too short.

My main idol who is still alive is English. At least, I think he is still alive. His initials are A.A., but at the moment my memory cannot sort out which way his name goes; that is, which is first and which is last name! He played the Scarlet Pimpernal a few years back, not the latest version. Anthony Andrews or Andrew Anthony? He also played in Brideshead Revisited. swoon ..... swoon

MaryPage--

Oh yes, Anthony Andrews, also in Brideshead. But I still like Jeremy Irons better. Don't care much for many of his recent movies, tho.

Okay, Jean, glad That's settled!

You go off in one direction on Jeremy's arm, and I'll take off in the other on Anthony's!

Ladies, Please!!! People tuning in here will think they're in a different kind of web-site!

To get back to our subject at hand, what about "Girl Interrupted?" What was the big attraction there? Did anyone even see it? And what about "The Beach?" Now there was another movie we didn't hear much about after it came out. Anyone?

Lorrie

Lorrie--

I didn't see "Girl Interrupted", but I did hear the author on our local public radio station in an interview with Diane Rehm. I was not impressed. So, never even thought of seeing the movie.

Wasn't that a true story, that Girl, Interrupted? I saw the trailers and that was enough for me, but am not a movie buff.

Going to see Space Cowboys Saturday, tho, and saw just enough of the Democratic Convention last night to hear them mention The Straight Story.

ginny

Ginny--

Yes, that was a true story (Girl Interrupted), and that was my problem with the author. I sort of thought she was making a bigger deal out of it than it merited. I can't explain my aversion, but I really didn't want to read the book, or see the movie.

That PBS station has a web site, with audio. They archive all of the Diane Rehm programs, so you can click on one and have it play over your computer speakers. I'll try to find that program (do you happen to know the name of the girl?) and send you the URL and you can judge for yourself.

There was some fluke on my TV today and I was able to get one of the premier channels which I don't usually get, so I had a chance to see "The Talented Mr. Ripley." At least most of it. But you know, I really didn't think it was all that great. And of course it got cut off somewhere near the end (I think the cable co, finally realized their mistake) so I haven't the remotest idea how it ended. Does anybody out there know? I saw it up to the part where he had just killed Dickie in the boat, with an oar. What happens after that? I hate this not knowing the end.

Lorrie

No? Can nobody tell me how "The Talented Mr. Ripley" ended? Oh well. I guess I'll have to get it from the library to find out.

I'm reading wonderful reviews of "Space Cowboys," mostly to do with the problems the old guys run into because of their age. You wouldn't think this type of movie would appeal to the younger set, but apparently it does.

Lorrie

The young folks are watching it because of the nudity (I understand the four "old geezers" bare their backsides!)

SONGBIRD...You're kidding! Young kids really think that's a big deal, don't they? Hehehe! I remember how I used to sneak peeks at any Esquire Magazine I found laying around loose. Naked bodies don't do much for me anymore, tho. I think when you've seen one you've seen them all?

Will now wait for the ribaldry to begin...

Lorrie--

After he kills Dickie, he contrives to impersonate him. He moves to Rome into Dickie's apt. Depending on whom he meets, he is either himself or Dickie. He kills one of Dickie's friends who figures out what's going on, etc. He puts off Marge. Eventually Dickie's father arrives with a detective and one would think the jig is up. But not so fast. In the movie (not the book) it turns out Dickie has been an embarrassment to his family, and the father is rather glad to be rid of him. He subsidizes Tom who continues his life of luxury. That's pretty close to what I remember.

However, that is not what happens in the book. I really recommend you read the book. You'd enjoy the movie more if you did. Because, as I think I said a while back, the book explains what is going on in Dickie's head which you have to deduce from the movie.

I rather liked the film. Maybe you'd have liked it better if you'd seen the whole thing. It does take a while to develop.

Jeanlock: Thank you, thank you! There's a lot of the plot that I missed, I can see that now. I think I will get the book.

Well, Songbird: Hahaha Of all the reasons I would have thought for teenagers to want to see "Space Cowboys" that's about the last I would have thought of. What in the world can be fascinationg about looking at four withered rear ends, or am I reallygetting too old?

And Katie, I did, too!

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Did you ever check the library's collection of video tapes? I'd be interested to know if they do have as good a collection as we do.

Get the book from the library--I wouldn't think it worth buying.

Good Grief! That cannot Possibly be the lure to Space Cowboys! I saw the movie and loved it and came home with much enthusiasm for it and posted here to tell you all. But I can Truthfully say I complete forgot that scene right after the movie moved on to another. They were taking a Physical, for crying out loud! Trying to get to be astronauts with NASA! Nothing sexy or porno or the least bit interesting!

Lorrie: There was an earlier film version of Ripley done in the 50's,by a French director, titled 'Purple Noon"...it is available on tape and has a considerable amount of suspense,especially the ending.

I did see Girl,Interrupted and felt that Wynona Rider did an outstanding acting job.If you liked One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest,then I suspect you'll like Girl,interrupted...although it pales in comparison to Cuckoo's Nest

Honestly, ED, I will never cease to be amazed at the amount of information you seem to be able to bring forward!! And all of it pertinent. That earlier version of Ripley sounds interesting. I liked Cuckoo"s Nest tremendously, so perhaps I'll make a point of seeing Girl, Interrupted. BTW, have you ever seen the British version of video of War and Peace? Jeanlock here says it is vastly superior to the Hollywood version.

Mary Page, I'm sure it was more than the idea of gazing at the old guys' rears that brought people to see "SPace Cowboys. But you have to admit, the thought is pretty funny.

Jeanlock: I'm due to go to the library again Sunday, I think. I'll let you know how it measures up. Buy you have to remember I go only to one of the branches of the main Library downtown, where I refuse to drive.

Lorrie

Lorrie--

Yes, I too use a branch library. But, they are online, so I can search the catalog for the whole system, put a hold on a book or tape, and they will bring it to my branch. And we're just a small city.

Earlier tonight I saw a movie on cable that I had missed before, called "A River Runs Through It." I hadn't expected too much, because I hadn't heard too much about it, but I thought it was wonderful! A very quiet, thoughtful picture with fine acting, stunning photography, and the words narrated by Robert Redford were simply beautiful. Sometimes when I see a movie as quietly effective as this one, I despair that there are so very few of them. Did anyone else see it? What did you think? Another good movie taken from a book!

Lorrie

There's somehing I've noticed recently about our cable TV here in the Twin Cities area. Although we're flooded with sports activities, I notice that more and more quality movies are being shown. For instance, tonight one can choose from either "The Picture of Dorian Gray" or "The Winslow Boy," both taken from novels.

Or we can watch "Viva Maria!!" with Brigitte Bardo and Jeanne Moreau posing, of all things, as Mexican revolutionaries. This has a 4-star rating and is said to be hilarious!

Lorrie

Quiet weekend here! Tune in and tell us bout the great movie you saw this past weekend.

Lorrie

I watched the ORIGINAL "High Noon" today at two o'clock.

Will watch the new one tonight.

Watched for the first time since I saw this flick when it was new at the cinema, with an earnest desire to find out what made this movie great, which I have always agreed it was.

And it still is. But it is not the acting, which is okay. It is the story itself, and the timing. The timing is Perfect, and the movie just exactly the right length. No dull, boring stretches. A lovely microscopic view of an entire cowardly community, which does not want to take responsibility for its own public safety and well-being, forsaking (to take a word from that wonderful ballad) a decent member of that community in his hour of need.

Very, very human. Very sad.

I found myself, for the first time pairing the two stories, thinking of Shirley Jackson's THE LOTTERY!

MaryPage--

I refer you to the write up in the Post either today or yesterday.

Have you been watching the new Any Day Now season? and the new hospital show Strong Medicine on Lifetime? I enjoy them both. The first more than the second.

Jean, I read almost every word of THE WASHINGTON POST (throw away the Sports section, the Car section, and the classifieds) and I did catch that article.

I adore ANY DAY NOW. It comes on our Lifetime channel here. But seldom get to view it, as it interferes with another show I favor. Have never seen Strong Medicine. Will attempt to.

I've seen some of a whole bunch of movies this weekend. Don't think I watched anything all the way thru. Tonight I caught the last 15 minues of "Shawshank Redemption" again...love that movie! Love Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.

I started to watch "High Noon" and went elsewhere after about 20 minutes. Why does Grace Kelly annoy me so? It's just been the last few years. I used to adore her!

Lots of Maureen O'Hara and Loretta Young recently. And today I watched much of "Notorious". It's been so long since I've seen it, I'd forgotten some of the plot.

Watched the new HIGH NOON.

It is better for being in color.

The new script changed some things. The acting was better. I did not drool over the hero, but he did an admirable job in the part. It is just too bad that, when rewriting parts of the script, today's writers do not realize they are inserting idioms and phrases that were not used in OUR day, let alone way back in the times of the Wild West. Oh well.

Much of the change made the story more believable. I missed several little touches from the first movie. Some of the changes near the end seemed unnecessary, but it was their show.

On the whole, I liked it. Hope the younger generations will tune it in.

MaryPage --

I watched the new High Noon tonight. It has been so long since I saw the original, I couldn't really compare the two versions. I was looking forward to reading your assessment, and was not disappointed.

I read an interesting observation in a review of the original High Noon. It said, "One of the great behinds-the-scenes stories from High Noon is that Cooper was suffering from a bleeding ulcer and injured hip during the filming. The pained and desperate look that Zimmerman was looking for on Kane wasn't always Cooper acting. Real or acting the pain, loneliness, and introspective looks of a man deserted by all and facing a desperate killer are right on."

Katie: There was something so satisfying about the ending of Shawshank, wasn't there? And I think we're seeing so much of Loretta young is because she died last week. What a lovely woman she was! I used to love to watch her entrances on her TV show. Beautiful gowns!

Mary Page, I agree. I thought the "new" High Noon was very good, mostly because of that wonderful mountain scenery, and of course, the color! But then I've always liked Tom Skerrit, anyway.

BTW, did anyone catch that golf game today? I don't usually watch golf on TV, but today was a real nail-biter! For a while there I thought Tiger wasn't going to make it. Exciting match!

Lorrie

Songbird: That was an interesting comment about Gary Cooper. I think if I had a bleeding ulcer I'd look pained, too.

Jeanlock: What did the Post article have to say?

Lorrie

maryPage--

You throw away the same sections I do. Any Day Now repeats on Sat. night, I think.

Lorrie--

About High Noon, the Post panned it backwards and forwards as no comparison to the original, and were most unkind about Tom Skerrit (altho I believe they were right).

In their 'gossip' column this morning, the Post reported that there is talk of someone named Gabriel Thomson (he was recently in a BBC adaptation of Great Expectations) being cast as Harry. They also said that Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane have both been cast. If there is anything that would persuade me to see the movie, those last two are it.

I can see Robby Coltrane as Snape. He is not big enough to be Hagrid.

I thought Skerrit did an outstanding job.

LORRIE...a small aside here...I was glued to the telly watching the end of the PGA tournament. So exciting! And if you really want to know about Tiger Woods, read this week's issue of The New Yorker. It has a long article about him that is terrific! He is even more of a phenomenon than I ever knew of. Says the pros who once thought he was mostly hype, now stop what they are doing to watch him.

The heck with the Post! Here's to Tom Skerritt!

Katy and Mary Page: Right on! I'm with you. To heck with the Post and their snide remarks. I still liked the new High Noon, and I'll always like tom Skeritt. Did you see him as the minister/father in the movie "A River Runs Through It?" Beautiful!

Lorrie

Katie: Another thing I noticed at that golf tournament. After it was all over, I liked the way Tiger Woods went over and embraced his opponent May, who had done such a marvelous game! It was one of the finest examples of good sportsmanship that I've seen in years, and rare, at that. Even the sportswriters commented on that. He did seem sincere.

LORRIE...This article talked about how he is overcoming his John McEnroe-Mohammed Ali attitude...growing up, in other words. I like him.

Hey, Everybody! Take a look at this link and when you read it, do you feel the same sense of outrage that I do? Talk about politically correct!!!

MOST BANNED BOOKS OF THE 90'S

Lorrie

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD????????

That was some list wasn't it??

Lorrie--

And, did you notice how pleasant and relaxed Bob May looked all the time walking from tee to tee? Tiger really looked up tight, I thought. And I did catch the big hug which I thought was wonderful. For someone who hates sports, I enjoyed the heck out of that tournament. I had turned it on just to have it in the background for company while I read. Needless to say, nary a page was read.

Jeanlock: I also turned it on by chance, and became so engrossed in that golf game, I was hooked! The way they bothgot trapped into awkward shots made it even more exciting, and yes, I thought May was definitely more relaxed. Needless to say, it made me forget what I had originally planned to watch.

Pat W: That is some list! Wherever did you find it? I'm going back there now to read more about that disgusting list.

Lorrie

Can you believe this? It makes you wonder about the mentality of so-called "free-thinkers," doesn't it?

Jack London's writing was censored in several European dictatorships in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1929, Italy banned all cheap editions of his Call of the Wild, and Yugoslavia banned all his works as being "too radical". Some of London's works were also burned by the Nazis.

South Africa's apartheid regime banned a number of classic books; in 1955, for instance, the New York Times reported that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was banned there as "indecent, objectionable, or obscene". The regime also banned Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, a story about a horse.

Lorrie

Were all these books actually banned? It says they were "challanged", but I'd like to think that some of them were laughed right off the list for being the ridiculous entry that they are/were.

Banned! Not just censored. And here's more:

Bowdlerism still exists today, but nowadays cleaning up sexual references is waning in popularity, and cleaning up racial references is growing in popularity. Case in point: This version of The Story of Dr. Dolittle, from the 1960s, was silently "cleaned up" from the 1920 original, in which Polynesia the parrot occasionally used some impolite terms to refer to blacks. In 1988, after the book had fallen from favor enough to have dropped out of print, the publishers issued a new edition that removed nearly all references to race from the book (and cut out a plotline involving Prince Bumpo's desire to become white). In contrast, the Newbery-winning Voyages of Dr. Dolittle has been available in its original form (impolite words and all) for a long time, in part because the Newbery awarders forbade their medal to be displayed on altered texts.

Similar concerns about the handling of race apparently caused The Story of Little Black Sambo to be banned from Toronto public schools in 1956, according to a book by Daniel Braithwaite. (Much of the fuss over Sambo has been over the illustrations rather than the text; some illustrations from various editions can be found here.) Bowdlerism still exists today, but nowadays cleaning up sexual references is waning in popularity, and cleaning up racial references is growing in popularity. Case in point: This version of The Story of Dr. Dolittle, from the 1960s, was silently "cleaned up" from the 1920 original, in which Polynesia the parrot occasionally used some impolite terms to refer to blacks. In 1988, after the book had fallen from favor enough to have dropped out of print, the publishers issued a new edition that removed nearly all references to race from the book (and cut out a plotline involving Prince Bumpo's desire to become white). In contrast, the Newbery-winning Voyages of Dr. Dolittle has been available in its original form (impolite words and all) for a long time, in part because the Newbery awarders forbade their medal to be displayed on altered texts.

There's a new list of movies up above, all of them fairly recent. I haven't seen any of them, but perhaps you have. Anybody?

Lorrie

LORRIE...my problem may be that I read the reviews. The only one I have any intention of seeing, ever, is "Space Cowboys". Even the Eddie Murphy movie was lamented about, saying it's a shame he doesn't find something really worthy of his considerable talent.

No, no, Katie, that's commendable. Why go blindly into a theatre and pay those prices if you don't have some idea of the movie? I do the same thing, even when renting a video.

Those are supposedly the top money-makers, but I'm going to put up some different titles that I think our posters here would have enjoyed seeing.

Lorrie

Katie--

I'm with you; and I'll probably wait either for the tape--or, if I live so long, for the TV showing.

That's what I wait for -- the TV showing. I've only rented a handful of movies this year, and I think all of them were old "Classics." When I think of PAYING to rent a movie, I generally think twice about all these new movies and decide not to. (Ditto for going to see it in the theater.)

Lorrie, I have seen Erin Brocovich, Return To Me, and The Sixth Sense. All three were wonderful movies. Return To Me is one you can definitely show your old folks without any worries at all. A delightful romantic romp of the old school, with Minnie Driver. Clean as a whistle!

Read the book, and now am watching the video. Lovely, haunting book. Prose poetry. The movie, so far, and I am about half way through, is living up to the book. Unusual.

Of the above, I have only seen "Sixth Sense", and only after much pushing by those I hold near and dear. And, of course, I LOVED IT!!! In fact, I ended up getting it in DVD which will be used over and over. I would like to see "Erin" and "Return to Me".

JHB sent me her video of "American Beauty", and I'll probably watch it yet this evening. Had an impromptu nap today. Will let you know how much I either liked or disliked it.

Love...Katie

The only movie, other than the Jane Austen movies, I have ever been able to watch "over and over" is "The Gods Must Be Crazy."

It shows on tv a lot. Has anyone besides me seen it (had to go to an "art" theatre in Washington, D.C. to catch it back in the 80s)? I STILL adore it and will sit down to watch it with Anyone at the drop of a hat and Still laugh my head off.

MARY PAGE...I've seen it once in it's entirety, and snatches of it here and there. It was lots of fun! I doubt if you want to see the movies I have loved watching "over and over again". It would take up this whole page, starting with movie Number One..."The Quiet Man"! I can recite the dialog right along with them...every word.

Sigh!

Mary Page, if that movie is the one I think it was, it was hilarious! Isn't that the one where the little native guy finds a coke bottle and wants to fling it over the edge of the earth? Those slapstick scenes were wonderful If that's the same one.

I want to get the videos when they come out, of all the movies I named above, especially Return to Me, because I heard, also, Mary Page, that it was clean as a whistle and I can show that to my "old folks" here.

There are two movies I can see over and over. One Is "Casablanca," and yes I know the dialogue by heart! The other is "Rebecca"---I loved the cast in that, especially Lawrence Olivier.

Lorrie

Interesting that we should be talking like this, because just this morning I was thinking about trying to make a list of all the movies I watch everytime they're on -- but I decided the list would be too long! Still, it might make an interesting discussion. I bet our lists would be very different!

OK, SONGBIRD...did you watch "The Parent Trap" tonight on the Disney channel? I did...with the video all tucked away in my cabinet, meaning, if it's on I watch it! Think I've seen this new one a dozen times. Don't ask about the original one...

I don't think our lists would be that different. For any of us! I don't recall anyone here posting about loving really far out films, or the macho violent types, or even those made primarily for the teenage audience. I even watched a Shirley Temple classic this afternoon...with a very young Buddy Ebsen doing his dancing thing!

Love...Katie

That is The Gods Must Be Crazy, Lorrie. The little guy and the coke bottle.

Did you know that little guy really IS a bushman?

Normally, I just cannot watch a movie a second time. Once I've seen it, I've been there and done that and want something new. There is just too much out there to see, read, experience that I have not already done. Want to TRY to get it ALL in!

Pardon me for changing the subject here ladies, but this is a project I'm working hard on. I live in a Senior Hi-Rise and some of our HUD-subsidized tenants will be losing their subsidy, because the government has allowed the landlords to "buy out" their contracs, enabling them to raise the rents to Market value, which here means too expensive for our limited budgets. Our legislators are working on a new bill (S-2733) but it needs strong support in Congress.

Another link to check into a letter for writing to your lawmakers in regard to the Affordable Housing for Seniors and Families Act (S-2733)!

Affordable Housing Letter

Lorrie

I can and shall get the video's at our libary here in this small town. I paid $7.00 for the year as I live in a different county but it has already paid for its self as I have read two or three books from there already and have The lies My Teacher Told me on order, so you might want to check your libaries for video's, Books and use of there computers at no cost to you.

Ginger

Hey, Ginger, check the Minnesota folder! I left a message for you!

Lorrie

OK, been there and posted since you were there.

Mary Page:

I had the pleasure of seeing The Gods Must Be Crazy on a midnight triple feature along with Repo Man and Liquid Sky....As I recall,the theatre had a distinctively sweet aroma that night.

Did you know there was also The Gods Must Be Crazy II done in 1989,that some critics claimed was funnier than the first.

Ed, I did see the second one. It was sweet and funny, but to me did not equal the first.

Well, let me put it this way: I enjoyed watching it, but have never felt a yen to see it again.

Talk about coincidence! We've been discussing "The Gods Must Be Crazy" and I pick up my TV schedule, and guess what's scheduled for tonight on cable? Yup, no other. I shall watch it again with pleasure.

Ed. a triple feature? Ye Gods, wasn't your backside a trifle sore?

Lorrie

All right, everyone! I've posted a number of recent movies from books that have been shown mostly on TV lately. Many of them have been seen on either the Bravo channels, or the Independent film place.

Did anyone see "A Prayer Before Dying?" This is a real sleeper---hardly even advertised, with a fairly unknown cast, except for Cicely Tyson, and a plot that would seem humdrum, at first. But I always liked Gaine's books, so I tuned in and was really quite moved. It's a heartwarming story, with absolutely superb acting in all roles, and I defy you to end watching it with dry eyes. See it!

Daniel Day Lewis in Unbearable Lightness of Being was rated as excellent by most critics, but frankly this movie left me cold. I think maybe I'm getting too old to get truly interested in all that bed-hopping, and at the risk of sounding like a crotchety old lady, it bores me to death! Hahaha

Have any of you seen any of these? My neighbor saw "Angels and Insects," and says it was "interesting." But she said it with a smirk. I'll have to wait until it comes around again. Anyone else?

Lorrie

That's right! Sex and the City WAS a book first! I have not read the book but I sure do watch the show (surprise!).

When we were in England this spring and we were talking to our new friends over there, many of them said they enjoyed American programming and so thinking they were still watching Dallas I said, oh what do you watch? Sex and the City. HUH? I don't even watch that! And I said something to my son's fiance about it and she said well it does have a sense of humor though I've only seen it once.

So I started watching it and it does not only have a sense of humor but a sense of.....jeepers, what can you SAY? I had no idea there were words for such things and terms and stuff. In short, I'm getting a real education here.

I think the cast is featured on the cover of...is it the new TIME magazine, in an article about how "true" to the 30 something experience the show is. If I can find it again, I will bring it here.

Candace Bushnell (sp), the author, has a new book out and is the featured guest of one of the Literary Gatherings in 2001, maybe the New York Times one this fall.

ginny

I read SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW and thought it one of the best mysteries I ever read. Most unusual. Peter Hoeg, I think. Then his next book was a disappointment.

Could hardly WAIT to see the movie. Well, it followed the book, but did not do a good job of letting you know what was going on, I thought. I could not help but feel anyone would be lost completely if they had not read the book. Apparently I was right, because the movie was a box office dud. I highly recommend, though, that the book be read and then, if you loved the book as much as I did, go ahead and rent the video.

I did not read Angels and Insects, but I did see the movie. Actually, following Jean's lead, I would call it a film. Very stiff. Very much a period piece. Very staged. Very surprising. A shocker not for the morally sensitive.

Actually, I adored the Unbearable Lightness of Being. Again, this is a film. Again, I did not read the book, only reviews of it. The acting was superb. The filming has a dreamlike quality. The story is true to its time and place. Very sad ending, but exquisitely done.

I agree with you about Smilla's Sense of Snow. Without reading the book first, it seems pointless. And I'm glad you liked The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Different strokes for different folks.

BTW they have scheduled another showing of Angels and Insects tomorrow on the Independent Film Channel, if you can get it. Check your TV schedule.

You're probably wondering why I put the X-Files up there. Well, for one, I'm an avid fan of that program, and now that they've made it into a full-lenth feature film, I think it qualifies. Besides, Chris Carter has written not only one, but several books about these same two intrepid FBI characters. I'm still intrigued by the different plot lines, and wonder about the mysterious Cigarette Smoking Man, poor guy.

Lorrie

Wow! Did anyone happen to see "The Sixth Sense" when it was in the theatres? We rented that movie this past weekend, and I must say it was truly a suspense story, plus with some of the finest acting Ive ever seen a child do. This is an excellent movie, with a real surprise ending!!!

Lorrie

Lorrie, I truly believe you are the last one of This crowd to see that movie!

My son took me last winter when it first came out in the theatres. We adored it and admired it and praised it to the hilt back then. And do you not agree, as I said here several times, that it does NOT belong in the horror genre at all?

Hey, and are we not good little children not to give away the ending?! Bet you want to watch it again, as most of us did, to see if you missed something!

Sorry -- not everyone HAS seen it! I haven't seen it yet. But I know the secret because my daughter let it slip. I had read a review that purported to tell the secret, so I had indicated to my daughter that I already knew the secret. So she said something that told me I didn't know the real secret at all -- or at least, hadn't until she told me!

Texas Songbird: That's right, songbird, I didn't understand the ending myself and I asked my neighbor what it was all about, and wise woman that she was, urged me to see it again, and watch very carefully with an open mind, which I did. And lo and behold, the second time I got it! It's an absolutely wonderful movie and I am so glad i saw it.

And Mary Page, you're right! It does not belong in the horror genre. The same as I said for "The Green Mile," which surprised so many readers because it was written by Stephen King. I loved that book! And one in which the movie is sometimes even better.

Lorrie

I've been so disillusioned with the current crop of prime time movies lately that I've turned more and more to cable television. On the Bravo channel, for instance, I've found many movies listed that were all from novels or plays, and the selections from the Independent Film Channel are very provocative.

That's why we're going to name, in our next list above, some of the more popular television movies along with theatre choices.

The other night I saw "Angels and Insects" for instance. I still can't decide whether I liked it or not. In a way I think maybe we're getting a little tired of these jaded Victorian stories, with their comments on the class distictions of that time, and the frustrated sexuality of some of the heroines. Did anyone else see this? If you can get past the somewhat controversial subject matter, it's really quite fascinating!

Lorrie

I saw it, Lorrie. Commented on it here earlier.

It saddens me to see the absolute dearth of good movies out today that were taken from novels or plays. On television, sometimes we can find some famous novels turned into screen hits on "Masterpiece Theatre" and others, like the adventures of Inspector Jane Tennant in "Prime Time" on Mystery Theatre.

One exception was the movie "The Name of the Rose" with Sean Connery, as the monk/detective, which was followed by a series on TV called "Cadfael", with Derek Jacobi in the role of the monk. They were both very good, and I am always filled with pleasure when I see them listed anywhere in the schedules. The original book was written by Umberto Eco, and what a fine job he did!

Lorrie

Lorrie, how true, not much incentive to watch, is there. Tonight, Enchanted April is on Bravo. That's a movie I enjoyed, but I'm not sure it was a book.

The Brother Cadfael books were all written by Ellis Peters, now deceased. There were 23 of them in all, each excellent. The tales take place in England, in Shrewsbury near the border with Wales, in the 12th Century!

"Cadfael" has just started running again on our PBS station. Good! But, tonight there is a rerun of "Inspector Morse" on A&E, so that's where I'll be.

Love "Enchanted April". I taped it when it was on somewhere, so now I can watch it any old time. Joy!

Well, after spending a long Labor Day weekend with far-off family members, it's a pleasure to come home and find that the Bravo channel has designated all this week as "By the Book" festival. Last night they showed "Wuthering Heights," and I must say I was disappointed. It was good, especially with Ralph Fiennes, but I still feel nobody can capture the brooding Heathcliffe like Olivier did. I guess this rendition of the book is actually what Bronte really wrote (about the two generation thing), but I think I like the original where they stressed more on the tragic love between Heathcliffe and Cathy. It's a personal opinion, of course. What did you think?

Lorrie

I saw that movie, Lorrie, and I read Wuthering Heights as a teenager. I DO NOT remember ANY of that second part being in the book.

I'm reading THE HOT ZONE by Richard Preston, and wondering if they are going to make a movie of it. Non-fiction, it is the scariest thing I have EVER read, bar none! I'm betting they WILL do a movie.

Mary Page:

The "Hot Zone" sounds like just what I love! I read Preston's "Cobra" thing, but to tell the truth, I found it a little too gross, self-cannibalism, yet! But this one sounds like a winner, and yes, it is going to be made into a movie, according to this one reviewer:

"This intimate, suspenseful chronicle is not fiction. . . . The book tells the story of this crisis in vivid and personal detail. A filovirus . . . {was} abundant and growing fast within three tons of caged monkeys, half an hour from our nation's capital. . . . The monkeys were deftly sacrificed, sampled and disposed of. . . . The Reston monkey house is abandoned now. Ebola burned there once, consumed only monkeys and subsided. But Richard Preston ends with a stoic's reasoned forecast: 'It will be back.' In this tale, real person after real person is presented, from a touching family funeral to a cut glove inLevel 4. A high-budget motion picture made from the book is now in postproduction. . . .

Meanwhile read the book; the public health flows from unceasing devotion."

Lorrie

Did anyone see Bravo"s "Of Mice and Men" last night? I missed it, but I wondered what you thought of this rendition.

Lorrie

You know, Mary Page, I've been trying to remember the story of Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" when I first read it, and I can't honestly say I remember those "earlier" parts, either! What made me think there must have been were these remarks I read:

"Director Kosminsky's adaptation of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is a huge undertaking. Unlike the classic film with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, which focused on Heathcliff and Catherine's romance, this version covers the gamut of two-generations from Earnshaw to Linton. This is the most faithful rendition of the tragic romance. However, this achievement is also its downfall.

The doomed lovers Heathcliff and Cathy are unsympathetic against a barren script and mild direction in this true adaptation of Emily Bronte's classic tragic melodrama. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, who later starred together in The English Patient."........Elspeth Haughton

Lorrie

I don't know, Lorrie. I only know the original novel did not seem as long as that dreadful recent movie. And I fell madly in love with Heathcliff and with the romantic thought of Cathy's ghost rattling the window at her childhood home and calling his name. My greatest ambition became (I think I was 13 or 14) to go to the Yorkshire moors and wander them calling: "Heathcliff! Heeeeeathcliiiiiffff!" Well, I grew up, and I did go to Haworth and see the house the Bronte sisters lived and died in AND I toured all of Yorkshire.

MARY PAGE...and did you find Heathcliff?

Mary Page: How wonderful to have been able to wander the moors there in Yorkshire, and to see the Bronte house. I laughed so, when I read how you dreamed of wandering through the heather calling Heathcliffe's name----I did exactly the same thing at that age. I was so fascinated by his character, and also by the character of Rochester, in "Jane Eyre," that I later named all our pets after Bronte novels people. You can imagine what I must have looked like standing on the hill near our house screaming "Heathcliffe, Heathcliffe," for our 90 lb. German Shepherd who had run off somewhere.

Lorrie

Lorrie

Delicious!

No, no Heathcliff present in Yorkshire, ghost or figment of the imagination.

And I "wandered those moors" strictly by car, marveling at all of the stone fences EVERYwhere there.

Mary Page,

I went to Haworth looking for Heathclif, too! And on a cold, drizzly day that felt as though it could have popped right out of the Bronte book. I didn't find him, either, but I did have a better understanding of the whole Bronte family and their outlook on the dark side of life. The Parsonage and the church and the cemetary would have been even more depressing in those times than it is now.

But I loved Yorkshire and the stone walls and the lonely moors and everything about it.

Phyll

I haven't been fortunate enough to go to Great Britain at all, but I always pictured Yorkshire as a bleak, dismal, place, full of ferocious Hounds and brooding heroes, something like Phyl describes on the rainy day she was there.

Until my niece's husband from England one day corrected this impression I had, telling me of the beautiful scenery of that part of England. He also mentioned that many of the scenes from the wonderful TV series, "All Things Great and Small" were shot in Yorkshire. Ten to top it all off, on his retuen to England he sent me a beautifu illustrated book all about that area.

Still, nothing can beat actually being there in person!

Lorrie

That is true. I went expecting to love it, but loved it even more than I expected. Haworth in a depressed area, the town not lovely. Most of the Yorkshire villages adorable picture-postcard items, though. We were in Haworth on a sunny day. We adored the City of York, and Fountains Abbey. I would go back in a heart beat if I had the fare and a bit extra.

Oh, Mary Page,

Me too on the Fountains Abbey, beautiful grounds all around, and York and the Shambles with it's little crooked houses. Wonderful! Also I have been to Thirsk where James Herriot lived and practiced. Stood outside his vet. office but he was not available---out on call. And of course, he is gone now. The country around Thirsk is beautiful--- so different from Haworth.

I'd go back in a New York Minute if I just didn't have to be on that plane for so long. Don't really like to fly---white knuckles all the way.

Phyll

Did anyone see "Howard's End" on the Bravo channel the other night? I missed it, and I'm sorry to say also missed seeing "Of Mice and Men" Did anyone see them? How did you like the newer version of "Of Mice and Men?"

I did see "Tom Jones," and I have to tell you, if you watch that movie, especially the "eating" scene, beware! I watched it on an empty stomach and found myself getting up every five minutes to get something to eat. Which I surely don't need, thanks to you and those delicious chocolates, Mary Page!

Lorrie

Lorrie,

It must be a sign of my age if the eating scene from Tom Jones doesn't make me want to hop into bed but sends me off to the refrigerator! <sigh>

Phyll

Lorrie, we are eating chocolate mousse pie from the Amish Market today.

Oh, Mary Page, you really know how to hurt a guy! or gal!

And Phyl, that's me sighing right along with you.

Lorrie

LORRIE...just hop on down to your supermarket and get you some Godiva ice cream. The Belgian Chocolate is super, but right now I'm making do with the Truffles with pecans and caramel. To die for!

Will you guys cut it out!!! Right now I'm having withdrawal symptoms, and salivating at the thought of a huge root beer float, of all things! I know what will happen. Tomorrow I'll go to the supermarket, load up on root beer, Godiva and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, chocolate truffles, and all that "good" stuff, and then I won't be able to get into any of my Fall clothes, and it'll all be your faults!!

Lorrie

Join the party! Hey, my latest is to tell people I was invaded by the fat virus! Bet I was, because I used to be willow slender. Back in 1964 I caught that old virus!

I love that newest theory about the fat virus! Now I can blame-shift all I want while I am munching happily away. It's not my fault any more.

Phyll

That's like the new theory that the common head cold makes you fat! What next?

But to get back on the subject of Movies from Books, last night I saw a really unusual movie on one of the cable channels called "Oscar and Lucinda" from a book by an Australian writer that was popular in that country. Did anyone see it? Very interesting, with a gambling priest and poker-playing heiress, thwarted lovers, glass churches, the whole bit! Very unusual!

Lorrie

LORRIE...and I watched "All About Eve" which was not a book and "The Quiet Man", which was a short story, I think. Super duper evening!!!

Well, it hasn't been made into a movie yet but Rosamunde Pilcher says that now that "Winter Solstice" is out she won't be writing any more "big" books. What a shame! I am reading her "The Empty Room" (I think that is the right title---too lazy to go upstairs to my bedside table and check on that)and really enjoying it already though I am only into it a few pages. I hate to think that we won't be looking forward to any more books by her---maybe just some short stories, she says. Well, I guess, even gifted writers look forward to retirement just as we did.

I'll have to wait awhile to read "Winter Solstice" unless I am lucky and find it on the new book shelf. But even then I doubt I can read such a big book in just seven days. Oh well, with age comes patience----doesn't it?

Phyll

Phyll, you will LOVE The Empty Room!

Phyll: I've ordered "Winter Solstice" from the library but I don't delude myself that I'll get it anytime soon. I'm so sorry Rosamunde Pilcher won't be writing any more "big" books. I love big novels, and I like her writings.

It's really too bad that there are so few movies these days being made from good books. Am I wrong or didn't there used to be a flood of them?

Lorrie

I'm feeling very guilty! Bought "Winter Solstice" two weeks ago and haven't opened it yet! Shame on me!

I have a shelf full of "small" Rosamunde Pilcher books, so it's OK with me if she wants to write some of those. Short stories would be good, too, but I'd hate for them to be only in some British Journal that we can't easily find. Wait! There is always the internet!

Even with her very, very longest books

you just hated for them to end ..........

All of the movies I've listed above have been made from novels or screenplays. Some of them have not been released yet, and others have been available for some time. Do any of these films strike a note with you?

Lorrie

Lorrie: I saw Simpatico on the Broadway stage with Ed Harris.

I've never seen a film of any stage play ,where I thought the film was better.

The film critics did not like Simpatico,but if you enjoy human conflict interplay,you might find it enjoyable.

Ed: You're right. Most of the reviews of the film "Simpatico" were luke-warm, to say the least. I usually like Sam Shepherd's plays, and for that reason I think I'll be interested in seeing this movie. That plus the fact that it is starring Jeff Bridges and Nick Nolte, both actors I like very much.

Did Ed Harris play the part of the drunk in the play?

Lorrie

We have put up a list of foreign films that were popular in this country recently, and some time ago. They're not all from books or plays, but that doesn't make them any less wonderful to watch. Some day I'd like to get the video of the Russian "Stalker." I hear it's a gem. Anyone else seen any of these great European films?

Lorrie

I loved Brassed Off and Life Is Beautiful. Hated Brideshead Revisited, but was mesmerized by the acting; besides, I have a big crush on Anthony Andrews.

That movie "The Vanishing" was done again by a U.S. filmaker, but in my estimation, wasn't half as suspenseful or frightening as the European version.

Of course, "Roshomon" has been done in several different languages, with different settings and characters, but all with the same theme. It's a classic!

Lorrie

I'm not sure what this says about me, but the only one I've seen of the two lists is The Full Monty! (I think I was somewhere when somebody else was watching it -- I know I didn't rent it, and don't think I watched it on TV at home.)

I've never watched the whole thing of Roshomon, but am familiar with the story and the concept, and as Lorrie says, many people have "borrowed" the concept -- that of looking at the same story from several different viewpoints.

From the second batch, I saw The Full Monty and howled. Recommended it to everyone. Saw The Madness of King George and loved it. Saw Tante Danielle and was fascinated, but had a difficult time understanding why it ended the way it did. Don't want to give the ending away, but it really mystified me as I would have stated with certainty that it could not have happened that way.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) don't forget to tune in on Bravo channel to see two great English movies, "Sleuth" with Michael Caine and Lawrence Olivier, a superb movie! The other one is our old favorite, "Wuthering Heights," with Ralph Fiennes. This is the version that I don't particularly care for. I thought that Fiennes' portrayal of Heathcliffe was negative. He made him seem so evil, and without charm. But, some people liked it. Different strokes, I guess!

Lorrie

And Sunday at 9:00 on Bravo is "Crosscreek", a goody about Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, who wrote "The Yearling". I love it so much I even went to see her home there in Florida, where the movie takes place.

Has anyone seen the remake of "Roman Holiday"? I saw it the other night and am wondering who the leading man was, the one who couldn't touch Gregory Peck with a ten foot pole! I missed the credits, but did learn that Catherine Oxenburg was the poor girl trying to fill Audrey's shoes. Now why did someone think it was desirable to re-do this movie?

That's always the question, Katie? WHY do a remake? I guess sometimes there are some legitimate reasons, but mostly I think it's because they're so dearth of creative and innovative ideas that it's easier to remake a classic or an old TV show or whatever, rather than come up with something new (that might not make any money).

Hated the Fiennes' Wuthering Heights.

Stick to Laurence Olivier.

Although the Heathcliff I have in my head is not one little bit like either of them.

But boy, is he a Hunk!

Exactly. It is rare when a "remake" of a movie turns out to be better than the original. A good example. speaking of Olivier, Mary Page, is the remake they did of "Rebecca." Although I like Charles Dance, (who I think has a lot of sex appeal) he couldn't hold a candle to Olivier as Max de Winter.

Lorrie

Has anyone seen the movie "The Ninth Gate?" It was taken froma a book called "El Club Dumas," and it's a real nail-biter. I didn't read the book, but I must tell you, I was disappointed in the movie. It started out so suspenseful, but then it kept getting more and more complicated, in my estimation. I think I'll read the book----they are often so much better than the film, don't you think?

Lorrie

The book is better than the film 99.9999% of the time. I know I have only seen one exception, which I posted about here eons ago and now cannot remember what it was! I am a Big Time movie fan, yet have only witnessed a better flick One Time!

I read "Giant" after I saw the movie, and even tho the movie varied the plot and characters in a few places I really preferred it to the book. No offense, Edna...

Am I allowed to add that I think James Dean was vastly overrated and that he was really bad in "Giant"? Chewed the scenery to a fare-thee-well.

Thank you, Katie! I never, Ever understood all the raving about James Dean! Hated him in the movie, hated his sleazy looks as well. He was never a box office idol of Mine! I have put the whole thing down to this country's cult of idolatry of those who die young. Have you noticed in our lifetime how, if you get even just a little bit publicly known, you will become Worshipped if you die young? It is a phenomenon of the human species that makes my brain whirl with incomprehension!

I suppose everybody will rap me 'longside the head if I say I liked the movie "Gone With the Wind" much better than the book! Those film characters were unforgettable, and the scenes depicted were brought to life much more vividly than I imagined them. I think perhaps it was because each character in the book was so perfectly cast, don' you?

Lorrie

LORRIE...maybe that's why we've all seen the movie over and over, but have never re-read the book!

Katie, I couldn't agree more. And since you or Mary Page have decided not to hit me over the head, I can safely say I never could see the big attraction in James Dean, either. But then I never liked Elvis, either. (Oh, what blasphemy!)

Lorrie

LORRIE...oh boy! Don't get me started on HIM! What really puzzles me tho, is that I have some friends...younger then I, admittedly, who just can't understand why I don't at least like his singing. I am polite and do not tell them that their taste is all in their mouths.

Well, he did love his mama!! Once, when I was working with a lady from Tennessee, all I did was mention that I thought Elvis Presley was a mite over-rated. I thought she'd throttle me! If I had gone further and told her what I really thought, I'm sure I'd be wearing the scars today.

Lorrie

Yesterday I saw another movie, an older one, that was made from a sort of series of books that I loved many years ago. The movie was "That Forsyte Woman," with Greer Garson and Errol Flynn. (I thought Errol Flynn was terribly miscast in this role, but he sure was handsome!)

Anyway the book was from a set of the whole family, called "The Forsyte Saga," by John Galsworthy, and they were wonderful! Veddy British and all that, but a terrific read, and movie!

Lorrie

LORRIE...The books were the basis for the British TV series about the Forsytes, too, I think. I caught a few minutes of that movie yesterday and recognized some of the names as being the same as in the TV series. I mean, how many Forsyte families get immortalized?

Katie, it was the same series. The Hollywood movie was beautiful and highly enjoyable, but was not nearly as true to the books as the British series was. Oh, I do wish they would bring that series back or remake it. I expect they will not bring it back because it was in black and white! Bummer.

Truman Capote would be 76 today. Look at "Let's Talk About the Theater" for details.

Wow, Katie, it seems like only yesterday that Truman Capote was considered a sort of juvenile "quiz kid" type. And now you tell us he's 76. How time does fly, right?

Lorrie

Well, actually, Truman Capote is dead. But he would be 76 if he were alive.

Isn't this ridiculous! Speaking of famous books, tonitht I happened to turn on the King Arthur thing on prime-time TV, with Sean Connery and Richard Gere, and strangely enough, I really enjoyed it! I must be getting senile, because this was strictly kids' stuff, but I liked it! Sean connery is getting a little long in the tooth himself but as far as I'm concerned he's still a sexy hunk!

Lorrie

I see nothing at all remiss in enjoying King Arthur.

And there could not POSSIBLY be a vehicle in which I would not appreciate (huge understatement here) Sean Connery.

Texas Songbird, Katie: Have you been over to the 4th Anniversary clebration page yet? Mary Page, I see you've already posted there--good for you! Come on over and enter the literature contest? You gals would be good at answering those questions! Here's the link:

Welcome--Anniversary

I might add that I am the one with the correct answers to check against! Hahaha

Lorrie

Come on, Lorrie. Are we friends, or what?

Well, you are not in THIS week's PARADE. Maybe next week?

Yes, the writer from Parade said only that it would appear in one of the Sunday editions in October, but he didn't know which one. Which means I'll be frantically pawing at every Sunday's paper during this whole month, unless they decide not to run it, in which case, I'll leave town.

Lorrie

Don't mention "Parade" to me! Today I am mad as heck at them! The whole blasted thing devoted to cars, and never ONE mention of the best one on the market...my Subaru Outback! I will be writing them an email...

LORRIE...I'll get to the Anniversary Party very quickly. Do I have to admit that I couldn't finish "Snow Falling on Cedars"? Found something "more better" to read.

Dear Subaru Owner:

Say anything you like, except comments about Sean connery's physique, (or was that you, Mary Page?)

Lorrie

I NEVER mentioned his physique! That was you, yourself, Miss Lorrie! YOU called him a hunk. I just said I could not resist anything he is in. You must be reading my mind, and not my posts!

Hey! You won't get any unflattering words about Seanbaby from me!

Only nasty FEMALE !!! writers in Parade magazine!

Ladies! Ladies! Let us conduct this discussion with the proper dignity our years require...........at least, speaking for myself.

To get back to our main menu, I noticed that the only decent movies from books lately seem to come from the TV. Bravo shows a lot of favorites, and Ted Turner's channel also. It seems sad that some of the recent very good books don't seem to be making it to Hollywood. I watched (again) the Vivien Leigh performance in Anna Karenina, and as usual, wept a ton. I love movies like that! Somewhere else they're also showing Tolstoy's War and Peace. That period in Russian history is intriguing, isn't it?

Lorrie

I clicked on the anniversary link and was told I didn't have access. Is it something personal, do you think?

Oh, Texas, that's my fault! I think I goofed somewhere on that link. Go this path: Go to Books and Literature page, and amid all those falling leaves, you can see a clickable "Celebrate with us" that should bring you right in. Or else scroll down the menu till you come to "Welcome--4th Anniversay" or something.

Do come on in! They're having a party and everybody's invited. Even Mary Page.

Lorrie

Remember you have to log in, way up on the top!

I read the book THE BONE COLLECTOR by Jeffery Deaver, so I got the video and watched it to see how they did with the movie.

Well, the ACTING was superb. Denzel Washington and Anjolina (?) something. Can't remember her name, but she is really good.

But Hollywood totally changed the book. Totally. I cannot imagine how confused anyone who DID NOT read the book must be while viewing it. EVERYthing is changed.

Oh, Mary Page, how right you are! For anyone who sees this movie without reading the book, it must be confusing as can be! At least in the book, you can follow the logic of his conclusions, and pretty much understand the calculated ways that Lincoln makes his findings--but in the book one doesn't have the remotest idea of what's going on. Another case for book over film!!

Talk about books into movies! How about non-debates into TV programs? Tune in tonight and watch those denizens of Disneyland on the Potomac do their stuff!!

Lorrie

Whoooeee! On our local TV, they are having a series of showing all James Bond movies, all about agent "007," and it's fun to compare some of the different actors to their interpretation of Bond. Which of these following was your favorie James Bond? Which of those movies was your favorite? Let's not forget that the whole concept of James Bond began with Ian Fleming's books.

Sean Connery
Roger Moore
George Lazanby
Timothy Dalton
Pierce Bosnan

Lorrrie

What do you MEAN, favorite James Bond?

There was only one. Is only one. James. James Bond.

Some people refer to him as Sean Connery, but others of us know better.

I think M1 keeps it a secret.

The other names you list are only actors.

LORRIE...are you sure you don't want to delete your question? I doubt if there is anyone anywhere who would argue with MARY PAGE!!!

Bond. James Bond. (Unless he's being imitated on the dance floor by that "sleek, stylish, radiant with charisma guy with the moves of a jungle cat", Rupert Everett, in "My Best Friend's Wedding".)

Dream boats, both of them!

Right on, Katie!

In the corner, Lorrie!

By the way, I watched THE GREEN MILE last night. Posters here convinced me, but for a while there I thought I should have listened to my inner voice. I really do not like Stephen King. And I really feel sickened every time I see the sight of the inside or outside of a prison. (no, I have never been in a real one, nor has anyone I know or am related to, so I do not know where this comes from.) (my claustrophobia, perhaps? It is a Mild case, but I do shudder and feel ill at the thought of being confined.) Finally, I did not read the books.

So I suffered through the first 2 hours, thinking I wished I had not rented it and started it. Not my thing at all. Decided to just recognize and applaud the outstanding acting and direction.

Then I was curious as to the rest of the story, so I watched the second tape. Glad I did. Glad so many of you recommended it. It was grim, but excellent.

Jeepers, so very sorry to hear that Richard Farnsworth, subject of one of our discussion here, has committed suicide, apparently he was in great pain with a terminal illness, I am so sorry, exactly the opposite of the character he played in The Straight Story, or was it?

Either way I'm sorry.

I really do not think there is any excuse for people having to suffer great pain in terminal illness, not any more.

ginny

Well, and well again!! I should know better than to try to influence Mary Page, even though she's just feeling sassy after such a great showing in the Contest results!

Katie: Rupert Everett? With the moves of a jungle cat? I barely noticed him----I must be getting old, for sure!

Mary Page: I'm so glad you finished watching "The Green Mile." I thought it was a fabulous movie, and a fabulous book. I liked the good feeling that was left after I saw it, and especially after reading the end of the book. I think I could have done without that execution scene, but otherwise it was terrific, and I'm glad you liked it.

Lorrrie

Yes, Ginny, I was heartsick when I read of Farnsworth's death.

LORRIE...I was quoting Rupert Everett himself...or, rather, his character in "B.F.Wedding". You did see it, I hope! In the last scene, when he talks Julia, in her lavendar gown, across the room by cell phone, he says the Jungle Cat lines just as she catches sight of him. And unfolds himself out of his chair while saying it. Then he grabs her, puts both of their cell phones on a table, swings her onto the dance floor, and they dance while he says to her..."Bond, James Bond". She smiles and smiles and smiles...He even rolls the R when he says "radiant". I've seen that scene 4839 times.

Love...Katie

I cannot imagine barely noticing Rupert Everett. He is DIVINE! GLORIOUS! SCRUMPTIOUS! YUMMY! and very, very noticable.

I see by the paper that they are bringing back the original movie, "The Exorcist." This is one that scared the heck out of me, and I like scary movies! They claim this version has additional footage never shown before, but I can't think of what more frightening aspects they need. The visual effects were, of course, much more intense than the written descriptions in the book, although the author, in his book, gave a little more credence to the younger priest, Jason Miller, I think.

Lorrie

LORRIE...I have never seen "The Exorcist", altho I have seen scenes from it, of course, on TV programs. Same with "Psycho". Had no desire to see them when they first came out, and still don't. Horror movies are not my thing, but I do enjoy some scary ones, like "Ghost" and "The Sixth Sense".

I prefer Rupert Everett movies. Sigh!

Katie, I guess when we go to the movies with Lorrie, she will have to go into one section of the multiplex while we view another screening. She can enjoy the shivers of fright traveling up and down her spine while we experience a different type of the shivers.

I read somewhere the other day that in a poll of people about what they considered to be the scariest movie ever, The Exorcist got the most votes.

Katie, I haven't seen either of those two movies either. Never had any desire to. I ave two quirks -- well, maybe more -- but the main ones are that I won't pay to see scary movies and I don't do amusement park rides that go up and down or around (which pretty much eliminates most amusement park rides!) What I do when I get to an amusement park is map out all the shows I want to see and then I ride the train or the monorail or whatever back and forth across the park and just see one show after another. LOTS more fun than riding rides!

Well, Katie, Mary Page, and Songbird: I can see what a dull time you all must have on Halloween! I don't care what people say---I love horror books and films, and as long as I know they're only make-believe it's okay. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good romance. I thought the Ghost and Mrs. Muir was a wonderful ghost story. Romantic, too!

Lorrie

I always loved both the movie and TV versions of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. And I liked the movie Ghost with Demi Moore. Although The Exorcist doesn't fit what I'm about to say (that it, I don't think so -- since I've never seen it, I'm not sure) but mostly what I don't like is violence and lots of blood, etc.

I prefer comedies, love stories, and musicals, and a movie that has all three is MY KIND of movie!

MaryPage: This may not change your mind about Stephen King bt I would like to suggest that you see "The Shawshank Redemption". Based on the type of books he has written in the past, I was very surprised to learn that he had written the book on which the movie was based. It is a great story about friendship, dignity, and loyalty between men even in the environment of a tough prison.

And about blood and violence. Remember that the two most popular TV "crime" programs were "Murder She Wrote" and "Columbo" which never showed violence. Off the subject, I know, just an observation that seeing violence is not necessary to make a good movie.

GAIL...I agree about "Shawshank"! I am so crazy about that movie that I was flabbergasted when I found out it was written by Stephen King. I have avoided his books from day one. My DIL loves him and has read everything he ever wrote and keeps telling me how good this book or that book is and that I should be sure to read it. Haven't succumbed yet.

I think this sort of applies to our discussion here. I just finished watching "1492--The Voyage of Columbus to Paradise." It was a good movie, and Gerard Depardieu did a fine job as Columbus, but I watched it with a sense of skepticism that I;ve had ever since reading James Loewen's book "Lies My Teacher Told Me."

We're going to be discussing that book beginning this coming Sunday, October 15, and I hope I see all you intelligent people posting over there. You still have time to get the book at the library, or buy it, and I think you will enjoy the comments. Mary Page, I see your name there already, and was that you, Katie? C'mon over and say a word or two!

Lies My Teacher Told Me

Lorrie

Oh what bliss! J. Sheridan LeFanu wrote a novel called "The Wyvern Mystery," and it was shown, in part, on Thursday night on one of my favoirite TV shows, Mystery, on Public tv.

This was one of the first Gothic horror novels, and I can't wait to see the second half. It's a period-piece terror thing, and I loved it. Anyone else see it?

I look around, and see so few movies or even television shows that were actually made from novels or plays, I feel disheartened. Frankly, I don't feel that all this original writing is so great, and I long for the days when we can see another "Gone With the Wind" or even an epic like "Titanic!"

Lorrie

I saw it, Lorrie, and enjoyed it. Have not read the book, so I do not know how this goes. It does remind me so much of both THE WOMAN IN WHITE by Wilkie Collins and JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte. Disappointed Derek Jacoby is playing a wicked Squire, but doesn't he do him beautifully?

Mary Page: How true! Derek turns out to be the man you love to hate in this one, doesn't he? andyes, the first thought that came to my mind at the ending of Part 1 was "oh oh, just like Jane Eyre!"

Lorrie

This is on one of our free to air channels tonight. I have never read the book but notice in June someone has mentioned it. I was not going to watch this movie but now after reading a little about it I will.

As for Stephen King , I too was amazed he could write a sensitive book, his other books give me the shudders, I used to wonder what sort of mind he had! I have only read one of his books but one of my sons got hung up on him at one stage and used to give me blow by blow accounts of what he was reading at the time!

Carolyn

Hi, Carolyn! If you haven't already seen it, you'll love "To Kill a Mockingbird!" Of course, I've always been a fan of Gregory Peck's, anyway, but I liked him better in this movie than I did "Duel in the Sun." Remember that final scene with Peck and Jennifer Jones crawling toward each other after a shoot-out?

Stephen King wrote several novels that were above his usual blood and gore horror stuff, I thought. One was "The Green Mile" and one was "The Shawshank Redemption." They were beautifully written, emotionally charged, and kept your interest all the way.

What other films have you seen that were from books or plays?

Lorrie

What a brilliant film! A lesson in living. Having been privileged to share in the thoughts of my late husband on dying and see him interact with others and share his deepest fears joys tears and not be afraid to show us his very soul I could really identify with this book. Men could learn how women love a man who is not afraid to share his heart with them. Prevent a lot of divorces I think!

I wrote a poem called Knowing your spirit, before I ever saw this film . I put it on one of the pages here. Everyone should see this film and read the book and put into practice this teaching while they are still healthy. What miracles and healing would be accomplished! I just saw this movie this past week on TV.

Anyway this movie was so real and so moving for me!

Carolyn

I agree, Carolyn. The book was wonderful, and so was the movie with Jack Lemmon and Hank Azzara.

Carolyn: Do you remember on which page your poem was printed? Can you show it to us here? I'd like to read it.

After your comments about "Tuesdays With Morrie" I think I'll get the movie and watch it again. Sadly, I must have been thinking of something else when I first saw it, because I don't remember all the nuances. It happens, sometimes.

There's a movie being shown on Cable TV that I think was one of the most underrated films of that genre in a long time. It's called "Night of the Hunter," and stars Robert Mitchum and Shelley Winters, plus two of the most wondrous child actors I've seen in quite a while. It's in black and white, but wonderful----color would only have destroyed the eerie beauty of the whole movie. See it if you haven't!

Lorrie

Would you believe it I watched the first hour (it was screened at 10.25pm) and fell asleep missing the rest of the film.

What I saw was brilliant! It was as if it was two stories in one. The children and their story and then Atticus and his! I will now see if the book is available at the library and reserve it! Could kick myself for falling asleep!

I will retrieve the poem I wrote and post it to this page some time this week. Hope I can remember where I posted it! Just dashed if off and don't think I even saved it! I do that sometimes!

Carolyn

Carolyn: Do see the ending of "Night of the Hunter!" Lillian Gish plays a key role towards the finale, and she's marvelous!!

Lorrie

I long to sink into oblivion but sleep does not come

The pain and the loneliness envelops me

It penetrates my very soul

Why did Death claim you

You who seemed so invincible

Your presence so strong

Eternal like the Kauri Tree

Nothing could destroy you

You were so full of life then suddenly

The energy which always surrounded you left

Then you were the needy one

I had to take on your strength

As your body weakened your spirit shone brightly

Gentleness, forgiveness, humility compassion

And understanding radiated from you to those you loved

You had time to listen You hid none of your thoughts

We shared all of them

We knew your spirit for the first time

Now you had no reason to hide the real you

You were sad that it took impending death

To overcome barriers set up long ago

But we are glad we met your spirit

It comforts us , rest in peace our loved one

Oh, Carolyn, how very, very sad! And yet there's a wonderful note of gratitude there that you were able to share each other's innermost thoughts right to the end, something which isn't always experienced by others.

My husband was a very taciturn man. He rarely spoke his mind on things, and sometimes I would have to pry thoughts loose from him in order to understand what he really wanted. How I wish we could have communicated better.

What a beautifl poem! Sombre, yes, in the grief you feel, but at the same time a heartening appreciation of what you did have! Well done, carolyn!

Lorrie

This is where everyone should see Tuesdays with Morrie!

He was not afraid to show his love for people, he was not afraid to reach out and touch even those he knew did not want to be touched. He was not afraid to cry.

If men would only realise that to show their fear and love and tears is not weakness! I think there would be so many healed relationships, it should begin while we are all healthy!

I am glad we saw this side of my husband, he seemed always so in charge, so confident, so capable yet deep down he had the same insecurities and fears as we all have and also an abundance of love which he was always too afraid to show until he became ill! I think he touched many people even outside our family during his last year with us!

Carolyn

CAROLYN...thank you for sharing that with us. It is just beautiful! I, too, wish my husband and my son could've been more open with their feelings and thoughts. It creates such a void for the rest of us.

Ah, the Kauri tree! I have pictures of a few trees and also lots of logs at lumber yards outside Auckland. And, of course, I have several items made by some of your talented woodcarvers. Will never part with them...they are so beautiful.

Very beautiful, Carolyn. Very, very beautiful. My husband was a man who simply could not, could not share his feelings. You were blessed. Twice blessed, for so was he, and it came back to you.

I hope you will read the book TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The book was at least 10 times better than the movie, and the movie was outstanding.

Tane Mahuta is our biggest and oldest Kauri Tree. My sons likened my husband to this tree before he died that is where I go that line from in the poem. The Maoris named this tree and everyone calls it by name. It is in a forest in the far north of our country and we have seen it. We have some big ones in our rain forest here in the Waitakere Ranges look up our web site Waitakere City I am sure it will mention the rain forest.

I would urge all of you to get your men to see Tuesdays with Morrie. If necessary leave them alone to watch it. That is husbands, fathers and sons. It will move most people I would think.

I will read the books you all have recommended and try to get to see the film mentioned with Lilain Gish?

Carolyn

CAROLYN...I, too, have seen Tane Mahuta. I'm trying to remember if I took a picture of it. Will check my album. I sort of doubt it, tho, because the tree is so big that there was no way to get far enough away from it, in that forest, to take a decent picture.

Carolyn: I assume from your posts that you live in New Zealand? Many years ago when my sister was a flight attendant for the now-defunct Pan American Airways, she often had the New Zealand flight, and would stay overnight in Auckland. She came back with many tales of the kindness of the people there, and was fascinated by the natives that they saw. It must be a very interesting country!

Armchair traveler Lorrie

Does anyone remember an actress named Frances Farmer? Her career was short-lived, but she did make a good number of movies during the 30's. Anyway, a movie was made from her autobiographical book, "Frances," and what a good one it was! This is a gripping story of a young, talented woman at the mercy of a domineering mother, and what young Frances suffered at the hands of her mother was shocking.

The reason I bring this up is because they are showing the movie this week on the Bravo channel, so don't miss it! Check your listings.

Lorrie

I may have seen this movie, was the mother abusive? Not feeling like making this a long mail, I had a really bad day. My car was stolen last night from on my property! I was so upset! I don't need the stress right now!

Carolyn

Carolyn, I am SO sorry. I know how you feel. Such a VIOLATION of your personal space.

Oh, Carolyn, I'm so sorry! Of course you don't need added stress right now---dealing with an insuraance company is unnerving in itself!

Lorrie

Carolyn: any news of your missing car?

I'll bet right about now you could use a good laugh. Try tuning in to Erskine Caldwell's story "Tobacco Road" showing the film version today somewhere on cable TV. Chaley Grapewine is hilarious in this!

Lorrie

Something to look forward to: Do you like the writings of Honore de Balzac? And do you like the French actor Gerard Depardieu? Well, joy, they will both be represented on the Bravo channel Monday evening, the time I'm not sure of. "Balzac," I'm looking forward to that. It seems that the only decent movies from books are the ones seen on television lately.

Lorrie

LORRIE...I'll try, but, honestly, Gerard Depardieu really turns me off. Have not enjoyed a single movie he's been in...the ones I've seen...and it's because of him. Don't ask why. I have no idea. Same with Harvey Keitel. Hated "Piano" because I could not understand her choice of him over that darling Sam Neill!

Oh, Katie, don't apologize. Who can explain why some apparently populare entertainment characters can turn some people off so? I could never stand David Letterman, for instance, and some of my friends think I'm weird. I didn't like Harvey Keitel, either. I think the one that shocked everybody I know so much was when I announced I simply couldn't stand Woody what's-his-name? The one that was married to Mia Farrow and sleeping with his daughter? Even before that I didn't like him.Lorrie

No I cannot stand him either and to tell you the truth neither do I like many of the movies he starred in / directed they all seemed to be quite black in their topics! When one of his movies comes on I always say "Oh No not HIM again!" I also find the way he presents his movies very disjointed and most confusing. Am I the only one?

Carolyn

No, you are not, Carolyn! You have a bunch of soul mates here.

What gets me is the acclaim he receives for these weird movies he makes. I have seen a few and liked some of them, sort of, but never have raved over any of them. They made such an impression on me that I can't even remember the names of 90% of them.

You know the story of the Emperor and his new clothes!

Well the Woody Allen thing is the same. Some critic acclaims his work with lots of intellectual phrases about the meaning etc and no one wants to be thought dumb and unable to see the deep meanings in his work so they all get on the band wagon with their praise of the great works! Think I could be right?

Carolyn

You're absolutely right, Carolyn! People are reluctant to speak critically of Woody Allen, for fear they'd be thought of as "Provincial dummies! I know I always avoided the subject for that reason. But that was then. Now I don't really give a hoot!

Lorrie

I had turned on something called The Early Show this morning with Bryant Gumbel and spied something about books into movies and the woman made this statement, "A true reader will never be satisfied with the way a book is made into a movie." And she had several examples. Unfortunately she could not remember the name of one of the movie stars in one of the movies (she must have had about 34 movies up on charts) and of course Bryant Gumbel seized on that one and harped unmercifully the entire rest of the program, introducing himself to her...she even said GEEZ off camera. So I turned that one off and didn't get to hear the rest of it.

I have about as much use for Woody Allen as I have for Bryant Gumbel. I was a total Woody Allen fan in the past, saw all his movies till I read a verbatim interview with him in which he said writing classes were peopled with "fat housewives with nothing to do," and that, right there turned me off like a light switch. I tried to see the Nebbish which he always plays but the Soon Yi thing just completed the picture for me, forever.

So for me it's hard to separate the real character of the creator with the art created. Maybe this is why some of these personalities insist on keeping an aura of mystery about them, if we actually KNEW who they were we would not cough up the money for a ticket.

ginny

I've been trying to catch up on the postings. I was away for 3 weeks and then my computer was in the shop for seven weeks. Then three day surgeries. It was wonderful meeting Ann Alden in Toronto. We found that we have a lot in common. The Lion King was breathtaking. I saw the discussion on Anne of Green Gables. Were you referring to the sequel in which Anne is all grown up and living in..is it Boston? Yes, it was terrible, if that's the one to which you were referring. No offense taken. As for the current discussion, I've never liked Bryant Gumbel or Woody Allen. There is the inevitable scene of Woody and some young chicky-babe walking down the street having a silly discussion about his problems or neuroses. Bryant is just full of himself. I saw The Contender on Sunday night with Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman. I thought much of it was good but in the end they compromised.

Years ago when my husband used to spend Sundays in front of a football game on TV, I'd be in the kitchen doing my thing. Then I'd hear a familiar voice and go trotting into the livingroom to see what JohnBoy Walton was doing commentating on a pro football game. Well, of course it was not JohnBoy. It was Bryant Gumbel, and later when he spent so much time on the Today Show, I still closed my eyes and heard JohnBoy Walton. Did anyone else notice this?

And speaking of arrogance, Bryant interviewed the CEO of the Porsche factory while touring the place, and altho the CEO always pronounced it PORSHA, Bryant never did! He constantly said PORSH to the guy who really ought to know how to say it. I could not believe it! He just never caught on...or maybe he knew better?

Hey, there Maritime!!! Welcome back!!!

Ginny says it's hard to seperate the real character of the creator with the art created. I know what she means.

Maritmer puts it well when she says the picture is always there of Woody Allen and "some young chick," and Bryant Gumbel being "full of hmself." Along with Katie saying he is arrogant. All true

That's why, even though he was called a genius and a "magician before his time," I never liked Orson Welles. I always secretly thought he was kind of a ham actor, but oh, did I love that mellifluous voice of his!! But he always struck me as being pretty impressed with his own importance.

Lorrie

Me too and for that reason alone I cannot get into Citizen Kane, I don't care how many times I start it, I simply can't get thru it.

True Confessions tonight!

ginny

GINNY...Amen! I've always said I thought "Citizen Kane" was the most overrated movie ever made, and I get horrified stares from those who dwell on allegory, or whatever it is they think they see in it. I've seen it a couple of times, and the Welles voice is the only thing good about it. When I see it listed now, I run the other way!

Now...shall I start on Marlon Brando?

Oh, Gosh, Katie! You opened a whole new can of beans here! hahaha

Lorrie

Now here is a twist! my sisters dog is named Marlon Brando. Does this mean Marlon Brando had a face like a stafford bull terrier! I never did know what everyone raved about with him! Give me Sir Lawrence Olivier or Jimmy Stewart even any day! I better dodge the bricks if there is a Marlon Brando fan lurking today!

Carolyn

Hey there to you, Lorrie. It's good to be back. As for Brando, I remember the first movie I saw, On The Waterfront, and I swear I could not understand a word he was saying. I think our generation was accustomed to hearing good diction, sort of mid Atlantic, and I found his slurring of words offensive. I never could warm up to him (I was deeply in love with Cary Grant, much to the chagrin of my husband) and I couldn't understand why everyone was raving about Brando. Cary was later replaced by Paul Newman and Robert Redford. There were many other superb actors, too numerous to mention (she said, covering up for a senior moment) that I adored. They could act and speak clearly and Mr. Mumbles never did get any better in my biased opinion.

Okay, as long as I'm out of range here, I'm going to take a daring chance here and say something I've been afraid to say in public for years: I CAN'T STAND ELVIS PRESLEY AND NEVER COULD!

Lorrie

Lorrie: I must post an "I AGREE" to your red statement

Lorrie--

Ref Elvis----A M E N!!!!!!!

My office at the college is right across from the balcony of the auditorium. The other day they were rehearsing some sort of program, and there was a soprano singing (rather well) Mozart. That was delightful. However, the next day it must have been a student 'band'--they were demolishing "We Three Kings"--singing it almost as a dirge.

And the rock noise seems to be more the norm than the opera.

I could not stand Elvis Presley either, but then my young daughters begged me to take them to a movie: Blue Hawaii, to see him. I indulged them, and was surprised to find the young man could seriously act and could sing beautifully.

I continued, however, to hate his single act, his life style, and his looks. I think he was a dreadful example to our young. It sickens me that people have made a saint of him and a shrine of his home.

But bottom line, he DID have a voice (pity he misused it) and he really could act. I cannot tell a lie!

And he could PERFORM! I'm about Elvis Presley as I was about Judy Garland. What do people see in him/her? I never saw either one perform live, but I have seen televised versions of their concerts, and once I saw one of those, I KNEW what people saw in them. They were both consummate performers, and they did their best work in front of live audiences.

You posters are reading my mind mostly. I was in love with Randolph Scott then Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant came along so did some English actors like Lawrence Olivier and some others. When you try to compare Marlo the mumbler to these actors it is ridiculous. I remember the crooks too, like Jimmy Cagney and George Raft and what great pictures we had in the 30's. Of course it was still the birth of the media. We are not able to return to our Youth. I dislike remakes of movies and they do it very often. Now they are doing Jackie O. over again. Shsssss. My favorit 30's book made into a good movie was For Whom the Bells Toll. However I am 73 and can not remember anyone in it but Ingred Berman. So long ago.

No! No! No!, Faith! Hands off!

I was in love with Randolph Scott!

Joel McCrea for me. My, that man was handsome, even in his later years.

Faith, of course everybody will remember Gary Cooper in "For Whom the Bells Toll" but oddly enough, I think of Oscar Holmolka in that movie. Another one of those unforgettable character actors that we rarely see anymore.

And Faith and Mary Page, did you see the more recent movie with both Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea playing the parts of aging gunmen? I think it was called "Ride the High Country?" A 4-star movie!

Lorrie

Mary Page and Lorrie we can't have dibs on Randolph Scott because my Mother and Both grandmothers already have(had) a fight going on about him. Then when my daughter was about seven Nana and my Mom and I and my daughter saw a RS movie and on the way home we were laughing because my seven year old (this is about 50 years ago) said she was going to marry Randolph Scott. Now that is a man for all generations. My grandmothers were born about 1875 and my daughter in 1942 and we all loved him. Isn't that a nice story. Now Lorrie I sure did forget Gary Cooper in For whom the Bells Toll. Today I watched part of Cyrano de Bergiac made in France with subtitles, didn't get very interested. Last week I watched Balzac made in France with subtitles and I wondered why Lorrie said that Dupree had a false French accent. Isn't he speaking his own part in these movies I see him in. Isn't he French. I have only seen him in one American picture speaking English and it was trivial and I dont remember the name. See you at the movies..FP

Dupree IS French! He is the First Love of all of France. They absolutely worship him.

I like him too.

Faith, I LOVED your story about Randolph Scott. Lorrie, I missed that movie, but will look for it. Probably saw it eons ago. Would love to eyeball that gorgeous hunk once more.

((*_*))

Balzac is on right now but it is the act when Roxane is preparing to trick christian so I got bored. I love this play however. I have seen several movie versions, an operetta version on stage, and several highschool plays. I have always wanted to read the play itself. Maybe I should. At this age I can do what I want. Lorrie and apologeeeee from faith the flop I did not mean Dupree in the above post. I meant I thought you said that about Gerard Depardieu then when I saw I had the name wrong thanks to Marypage I went to see what I had read and no, I cant find that remark hence the apology. I am going back and watch the ending, as I can hear that the fighting is about over in those last scenes. Faith

Shoot, Faith. My remarks were about DEPARDIEU, not Dupree, whoever he is! I was not paying attention, but was thinking of a person rather than a name.

It is Depardieu who is French and is adored in France.

And Faith, if you have never read the book, it is a wonderful, wonderful read and Much superior to any play or movie ever done. It will wring your heart into bits. Bits!

Mary Page, and Faith P.: Are we all going nuts? Here I'm talking abou the story "Balzac" (Honore de Balzac, to be exact) and you guys are going on about some Dupree and then Depardieu this . I think you were looking at Cyrano de Bergerac, which came on a day or so later than Balzac. Depardieu was in both movies, which might have confused us all. Hahaha Just to make you feel better, at least you didn't have to go through what I did tonight. I had my great-niece over for dinner, and afterwards I relented to her begging and let her watch a horror show on television. Well, it's close to Halloween! It was absolutely the most dreadful movie I've ever seen, called "Night of the Living Dead," or some such ghastly thing. I think it was a cult movie or something, directed by George Romero, if that means anything. But it was awful!!! And she loved it! Can you explain?

Lorrie

Lorrie, my PARADE came today, and you are not in there. Have they put the article off until November, or is it off indefinitely?

Oh, Mary Page, I was so sure it was going to be in this issue! It just goes to show you can't believe anybody anymore. When we finished that interview the writer from Parade assured me that it would be in one of the Sunday issues of Parade magazine, he just wasn't sure which one. I'm so sorry now I mentioned it, I feel so embarrassed, and disappointed. I know he was legitimate because he had introduced himself to someone higher on this site first. I feel like such an idiot, I'm sorry, everybody!

Lorrie

Lorrie do not be embarressed we all have been making some pretty good mistakes in here hahaha I saw both picx on Bravo. They were in french and subtitled. Both were good though Balzac really wasn't my cup of tea as a movie though I have read several biographys and also his own books. Marypage did you mean I should read the book Cyrano de Bergerac?Because if you did I dont think there is a book, it was a play tnat was done in France first and was like light opera. I think. now i am all mixed up again. I think we should all start talking about something I understand hahaha. :>) ALL Halloween movies are like the one Lorrie saw. I can find anything I want to see. Screams are coming from my livingroom already and it is not near the 31 yet. fp

Good Grief, Lorrie! You SHOULD NOT be embarrassed! You did NOTHING wrong! No doubt the writer seriously hoped his article would make it in, as well. These things happen. Editors make last minute changes.

Faith, YES, I DID mean you should read the book Cyrano de Bergerac. I first read it, in book form, when I was 13 and have read it over and over since. It is SO beautiful. And yes, it IS a play, but you will be able to buy it just anywhere at all just as simply as you can purchase any of Shakespeare. In paperback, too!

Heavens, no, Lorrie, you have nothing to be embarrassed about, you didn't call Parade, they called you, you didn't seek them out, they sought you out. Obviously they've put the entire article on hold for a while, the author has no control over their editorial decisions: there have been a lot of news stories lately.

Certainly it's nothing YOU did, the perils of fame, I guess.

Makes you realize sometimes what the movie stars go through, and the final issue is, it's something over which people have no control. Look at how many movie stars have sued, Carol Burnett, Tom Cruise, imagine what it must be like to be them.

The new Joe DiMaggio biography gives a very vivid portrait of what it is to live with the vagaries of fame, and it's not pretty, made him pretty bitter and VERY tight and suspicious, that's a shame.

Fame won't spoil our Lorrie, tho, we can depend on that.

Besides we're going to get up a voodoo doll for the reporter?

Halloween is coming.

ginny

Excellent idea, our Ginny! May I be allowed the first pin thrust?

Lorrie

Listen, ladies, and all who are lurking, have you visited our Welcome Page yet? Well, hie yourselves over there, we're getting up a fun Halloween party, and everyone's invited!

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Lorrie

I saw a GREAT movie today. I don't know if it's based on a book, but it is apparently based on a true story. It's called Remember the Titans. It is the kind of movie I'd never to choose to watch if left to my own devices, but my oldest son and his family were moving into their new home, and I promised to keep the girls out of their hair all day. They had actually seen this movie and wanted to see it again.

It's a hard movie to watch at first, because it is about football and because it is about racism. I hate football and I hate to watch injustice being done to anyone, and the first part of the movie and some of the middle is hard to watch because of that. It is about the first year a Virginia high school was integrated, and how an African-American coach (played by Denzel Washington) is brought in ahead of the white head coach and made head coach.

The white players at first won't play with the African-American ones, but when the white coach agrees to be under the other man, they grudgingly agree. They start off for football camp, blacks on one bus and whites on the other, but Washington makes them all get off and he makes one bus the offensive bus and the other the defensive bus, and he pairs a black kid and a white kid together and makes them sit together and room together. He's a hard coach, a strong disciplinarian, and when they keep getting into fights and won't associate with each other, he makes them do 3-a-days and threatens 4-a-days.

The turning point is when one of the black players, who the white captain has accused of not providing adequate blocking for his teammates, says he's going to just do what he has to do for himself and not the team. The white player says something about that being a terrible attitude, and the black player says he learned it from his leader. That makes the white player look hard at himself, and he begins changing.

Slowly almost the whole team begins bonding and working together -- until they get back home and face the real world of their town and the hateful attitudes there. That's as much as I'm going to say about the movie, but it is a wonderful story about how people can change, and Denzel Washington is wonderful in it. So is the other guy, Will Patton, who played the white coach.

I highly recommend it -- even if you don't like football. By the way, it's a Disney movie.

Remember The Titans is a true story of what happened when a high school here in Alexandria, Virginia was integrated. Alexandria is right across the river from Washington, D.C.

I am very excited about a movie from a book being on the Arts & Entertainment channel next Saturday night, November 4th.

It is on at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. ON BEULAH HEIGHT by Reginald Hill. It is a Pascoe and Dalziel murder mystery. I love all of those books and the movies the Brits have made of them.

MARY PAGE...thanks for telling us that! That's one I don't want to miss, for sure.

SONGBIRD...I've read nothing but good things about "Remember The Titans" and hope to see it eventually. Doubt very much that I will go to a theater, tho.

Hi everyone: I've been away and just catching up. I know the discussion of Tuesdays With Morrie is old hat by now but I just finished reading it and one of the comments he made to Mitch is worth reading at any time. In talking about dying he said "death only ends a life, not a relationship".

About "Remember the Titans"--

I have not seen the movie, and don't really remember reading about that school team at the time (I assiduously avoid anything at all about sports), but according to some of the stuff in the Washington Post when the movie opened here, they took liberties with the actual story.

I definitely want to see "The Titans." First, because i like Denzel Washington, and secondly, I like what the reviewers had to say about the way the coaches portrayed their character, in short, the kudos for all-around good acting.

Gail, Hi, there! No, Tuesdays with Morrie will never be "old hat," as far as I'm concerned. I loved that movie, and everybody in it!

Thanks for the tip on the upcoming Mystery Theate, was that you, Mary Page? Or is that going to be on A&E?

Lorrie

Welcome back, Gail G, we have missed you. That was some book, wasnt't it and it's still on the bestseller lists. Great quote!

Charlie has made another suggestion in another discussion and I thought it might interest you all so have brought it here to see. It's not a done deal yet, but I like it, very much.

I had suggested for Prize winning books of yesteryear, the Edna Ferber So Big which is about, essentially, a mother's favoritism between her two sons. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1924, and is a powerful book.

Charlie saw that and said, why not read it in tandem with Steinbeck's East of Eden (which you have mentioned here as a movie) because it's about a father's favoritism of one son over another?

Like bookends.

That, of course, brings to mind A Thousand Acres of Land which is the Lear like thing of favoritism and you could go on and on. A whole unit on fathers and sons, Turganev not excepted and likewise, mothers and sons.

In the case of East of Eden, tho, we might also view the movie again in conjunction with the read.

We're just thinking about new properties and I wondered if THIS group might have any interest in same?

ginny

How 'bout this one? MY daughter (#1) just called and invited my husband and I on an all inclusive PAID for week in the Turks Caicos, with them. Hello.

Texas Songbird

October 30, 2000 - 09:08 am

Alf -- Can I adopt your daughter?

ALF

October 30, 2000 - 09:09 am

Not for all the love in Texas, my lil songbird.

Lorrie

October 30, 2000 - 09:11 am

Ginny, what a marvelous idea! I read both books a long time ago and would love to talk about them, and re-read them, too. I remember that East of Eden movie very well. Didn't the mother play a sort of sinister role in that? A bawdy-house madam, or something? Good idea!

Lorrie

Alf: You really know how to hurt a gal!! Sob sob

Lorrie

ALF

October 30, 2000 - 09:15 am

lorrie- Back to the dungeon with you my pretty. Correct those answers and tell me please the answer to that one I missed...

MaryPage

October 30, 2000 - 10:59 am

ALF, I am green with jealousy.

Lorrie, that was I and it will be on A&E Saturday night.

Ginny

October 30, 2000 - 01:49 pm

Andrea, you DO deserve that, and I hope you have a BALL!!!! You deserve it, what a wonderful daughter!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

ginny

FaithP

October 30, 2000 - 03:43 pm

Oh we are a blessed bunch anyway..I have a wonderful daughter and son and then along came the baby another daughter so I have it all really. And since they are all extremely verbal I usually knew who was feeling left out (the one yelling Mom at the top of their lungs while I was rushing around getting dinner) Usually it was the baby.I wonder how many other mothers found lots of time to "pamper" the first and even the second but #3 just didnt get the same attention. I was all agog at the wonder of a child because I was only 15 when the first one came and I spent 100percent of my time with that child on my arm. I guess I thought if I put her down I would mislay her ahahahah..well I grew and the family grew and I know how great it felt Alf to have that call.

Gee it has been years and years since I saw East of Eden and never liked it. I liked the book. I was an awful snob about movies from books in my youth. Now I see a lot of movies that actually seem better than the book in ways I didnt recognize when I was young. Maybe I just didnt like to see a pouting child like Jimmy Dean. Fp

Lorrie

October 30, 2000 - 08:59 pm

Mary Page, Katie, Jeanlock, you must click over to our Halloween party in the Welcome Page, go to Post #34, and see what jobs I have recruited you for at our big bash! I'm sure you'll all enjoy doing your thing, and Im going to have Alf here to feed your fire for your boiling kettle! Faith P, we need some more suggestions for entertainmant, and Texas Songbird, what can you do that's exciting?

Lorrie

jeanlock

October 31, 2000 - 05:14 am

Refresh my memory--I think there were two movies of East of Eden. One an earlier Hollywood film, and more recently a TV mini-series or film with (I think) Peter Strauss.

ALF

October 31, 2000 - 05:27 am

Feed her fires? Oh boy. a vamp such as myself, feeds only the fires of the tall, dark and handsome.

Ginny

October 31, 2000 - 06:30 am

I don't know, I think you are right, jeanlock, I do seem to remember a Peter Strauss one!

The old one was black and white, chiaroscuro, and very strange!

ginny

Texas Songbird

October 31, 2000 - 06:50 am

and it starred the ultimate rebel, James Dean.

Lorrie

October 31, 2000 - 07:06 am

Yes, but I seem to remember the older "East of Eden", with Raymond Massey, and yes, James Dean, in color! I remember what a terrific job Jo Van Fleet did as the mother. Yes, I'm sure it was in color. Not that it matters that much.

Lorrie

Ginny

October 31, 2000 - 07:08 am

Wanna bet a lunch when we next meet at a Books Gathering? Come one, come all, I took a whole COURSE in it!!!!

(of course that may be one of the ones I slept thru)....

Now DON'T CHEAT and look it up, WAS it or WAS it NOT in black and white!!!!!!!

Lunch riding, will you pay if wrong???

Cinderella (in costume for tonight's partay!)

Lorrie

October 31, 2000 - 08:05 am

Hey, Smarty-pants, look up Internet Movie Database (for some reason I can't make a link to it) click for East of Eden, then click on East of Eden (1955), scroll down past the list of characters, and you come to the designation: Black/white or color=Color (Warnercolor)

I already owe you a big lunch, so now we're even!

Lorrie

Ginny

October 31, 2000 - 08:24 am

I mean, I have heard of welshers, but that takes the cakerooooo? You were not supposed to look it UP, colorized does not count, you now owe me TWO lunches, I hope we go somewhere expensive next time, no cheeseburger for MOI, and heckers, I was HOPING to lure another fly in to the trap!!

Spider Lady

Katie Sturtz

October 31, 2000 - 08:55 am

Sorry, GINNY...never saw "East of Eden", never plan to. Can't stand James Dean and it infuriates me when he is touted as THE STAR of "GIANT". I love that movie, and HE was terrible in it! Chewed the scenery like crazy and bored me silly every time he showed up.

But...do like to have lunch out! Any more puzzles you want solved?

Hungry Katie

Ginny

October 31, 2000 - 10:37 am

Katie, I'm NO fan of James Dean, puhleeze, that movie is important not for Dean and I didn't like it anyway. hahahaha I said we could watch it not enjoy it! hahahha

Anyway, yeah, let's have a betting contest, what shall it be on? BUT we can have NOOOOOO looking up!

None!

Let's see, who can come up with a fact about a movie made from a book which they can present as a bet for lunch? ahmmmmmm, having had my own lunch stolen hmmmmmmm.

Gotta actually go think! (I HAD a good one going there, all I remember about East of Eden was that the movie has a trainload of lettuce rotting and it wouldn't have happened that fast, noticing that was my one claim to fame).

Miss Look it Up Lorrie must supply the next bet along with a potato salad luncheon!

Have to think here!

Dracula

MaryPage

October 31, 2000 - 11:02 am

Ginny, you Never Said it wasn't an open book test!

Lorrie

October 31, 2000 - 11:25 am

Okay, but this one is too easy. Now, without looking it up, (I'm the only one here who can do that) tell us this: In the movie "East of Edem, one of the actors who plays a leading character is also well known for their portrayal of someone else? I'll bet one of the lunches I owe Ginny, or so she says. Keep in mind that the word actor can be either feminine or masculine.

Lorrie

Ginny

October 31, 2000 - 11:29 am

aggggggg, who remembers anything but the black and white and the lettuce!

agggg

Cinderella

Texas Songbird

October 31, 2000 - 01:49 pm

Raymond Massey played Lincoln. Is that who you're talking about?

Lorrie

October 31, 2000 - 02:37 pm

Well, that was short-lived. Yes, Massey was rather famous for his Lincoln portrayal. So now I owe you lunch, too, Songbird? at this rate, I'll be broke before payday!

Lorrie

Oka, now it's osmeone else's turn!

FaithP

October 31, 2000 - 03:34 pm

Do you know that the black and white Micky Mouse was much skinnier than the full color Micky Mouse. There were many other subtle differences. Minnies Shoes Fit Better. They seemed to get bigger as time went by. What did Mickys first shirt look like? Since this is not a book into a movie maybe I am out of line talking about Micky so then What was the first book story that Walt Disney Made. Faith

Katie Sturtz

October 31, 2000 - 04:43 pm

FAITH...the black and white Mickey Mouse is before my time!!! Whoopee! That's the first time I've ever been able to say that in this group of people! Thank you! Hehehehe!

FaithP

October 31, 2000 - 09:25 pm

Katie: If people your age are Seniors what am I HELP... Oh I know a Graduate Student heheheh

kiwi lady

October 31, 2000 - 10:07 pm

My elderly cousin had heaps of silent movies. When I was a kid they were very old hat but coming from a family of five and not a lot of money we loved it when he came for dinner armed with his projector and yes Black and white Disney Characters. I am in my fifties but we still loved the silent movies. He had a few early ones with sound. He was a film buff and a talented artist being a graduate of our finest Art School. He died of cancer around 8 years ago at a ripe old age. I often look back and think what a lot of trouble this old batchelor went to for us!

Carolyn

ALF

November 1, 2000 - 04:20 am

Oh Carolyn: what a great story. Amazing, isn't it, as we age how much we start to rmember those we've forgotten thru all those years?

MaryPage

November 1, 2000 - 04:25 am

The first few times I saw Mickey Mouse, he was a skinny little thing in black and white. Now Katie, be polite to your elders!

ALF

November 1, 2000 - 04:26 am

Fresh child, huh Mary P?

MaryPage

November 1, 2000 - 04:27 am

You got that right. Let's keep an eye on her.

Lorrie

November 1, 2000 - 07:09 am

Does anyone else here claim membership in the Mickey Mouse Club? I was a Mousketeer for what seems like ages, and I spent many an afternoon sitting in front of the TV, ears firmly in place, singing "M I C K E Y", and so one. Yea, Mousketeers!

Lorrie

ALF

November 1, 2000 - 07:13 am

Me too, Lorrie, until I went from singing M- o-u-s-e! to R-a-t. That must have been a sure sign of adolescence.

Katie Sturtz

November 1, 2000 - 08:16 am

OK, you Smarties! MY KIDS watched the Mickey Mouse Club, not I! I've seen a black and white Mickey, but do not remember ever watching him as a kid...which I'm willing to bet was 'way before your time. Hehehe!

ALF

November 1, 2000 - 08:24 am

Ah---Katie, my first TV was B &W , ergo, no choice but to view Mickey as B and white.

Katie Sturtz

November 1, 2000 - 09:04 am

ALF...I'll bet everyone here started out with a B&W TV set! I'm talking about the original Mickey Mouse cartoons. Were they in color on paper, I wonder. Anyone know?

Lorrie

November 1, 2000 - 11:48 am

Katie: I have a vague recollection of seeing black/white Mickey Mouse cartoons---I remember that Minnie had awfully big feet?

Lorrie

To go from the ridiculous to the sublime, I watched a program on TV that showed some of the assets of black and white photography. As much as I sort of dislike Orson Welles, I thought this rendition of his "Othello" was superb. Those stark scenes on the battlements could never have set the mood so perfectly in color. It was a wonderful production!

Lorrie

FaithP

November 1, 2000 - 12:01 pm

Katie Katie I remember Micky Mouse when I was 5 in 1931/32 and he didnt even have a shirt just pants with big buttons and suspenders and big shoes. I also saw the original Charlie Chaplin movies on Saturdays. When I was about first grade I remember seeing Rin Tin Tin and then of course the feature and I have forgot what the features were that I saw until I was older around ten. My kids were pretty old before we got a tv, black and white sure, and much snow and interferance even with huge antenna. It was 52 before we had a tv and 55 when we got decent reception. I like it that the old black and white films now are being copied and called Film Noir heheheh I love to watch the old old movies they get on tv dish networks I get are Turner classics, Bravo and Arts and Entertainment. I really love the old horror moview from the 30's that my mom would not let us go see. I saw Claude Raines in the Invisible Man in about 1935 by mistake. Mom thought we were going to a different theater and my big sister got the blame. I was terrified. FP

Katie Sturtz

November 1, 2000 - 12:35 pm

I remember seeing the original "Dr. Jekyl and Mr.Hyde" and having nightmares about that face changing to something horrible! I remember all the musicals of the thirties...our whole family went every Wednesday night after dinner at Bud and Luke's. But, I honestly don't remember seeing Mickey Mouse cartoons! I have since seen many pictures of that original Mickey, but not in a theater when I was a kid. (And, as I thought, FAITH...I'm older than you are. La la la la la la!)

Katie Sturtz

November 1, 2000 - 12:38 pm

Speaking of BRAVO...in 25 minutes is a repeat of the Kevin Spacey interview on Inside the Actor's Studio. It'll be on this evening, too, I think. It is hilarious! His impressions are just wonderful and he even tapdances!

See ya...

MaryPage

November 1, 2000 - 02:09 pm

I saw Mickey Mouse MOVIES. They were black and white and a neighbor who had a movie projector and screen showed them to all the children in the neighborhood. I saw them after that at a birthday party: same thing, movies for the children.

FaithP

November 1, 2000 - 06:55 pm

Well hahah katie is older than me. Could be I am remembering a book of Micky Mouse Memorabilia and not the actual movies I saw or thought I saw. I have noticed that I remember stuff that my two brothers one 18 mo older and one 11 months younger never ever happened. We get into some pretty good rows about when we did certain things as children. They completly undermine my sense of sureness. (good for me probably.) Marypage I think we had a movie projector at our school that showed some Micky Mouse films. Mostly we saw travel logs at school.

Yes I think Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde was scary scary stuff and I hid in my big sisters lap and the boys were all laughing. I have seen it again as an adult and still was really scary. I have not seen the new version with Roberts in it as the maid. Want to. I did read the book and did not pick up on the sexual overtones of this story. I was very young and that may be why.

I am only about half way through my book Nothing Like It In The World and it is great history of the railroad building by Stephen Ambrose but is not the kind of book for movie. I want to finish one at a time though as I am getting to old to have three books going at once like I use to. Faithp

Lorrie

November 3, 2000 - 09:42 am

Well, another great movie from a book that had to be seen on some "oldie but goodie" channel on TV. It's a pity that there aren't more movies out there (new ones, I mean) that were adapted from books, but at least some of our better cable channels offer some great ones. This was "Love is a Many Splenored Thing," I suppose you could say it was a sort of soap opera, but I loved it. A two-hanky movie for real! And oh, that gorgeous song!

Lorrie

I'm looking forward to Saturday to see the British mystery, thanks Mary Page!

Lorrie

November 4, 2000 - 09:00 pm

Well, I saw the Mystery program tonight "Dalziel and Pascoe," and enjoyed it quite a bit. I have a problem with English movies, however, because of my hearing. I have great difficulty understanding the dialogue, and some of my friends, even those who can hear well, tell me they have the same problem. But wasn't that photography beautiful? I wonder if that was filmed somewhere in Yorkshire, which is quite lovely.

I love those British mysteries. I think Jeremy Brett made a much better Sherlock Holmes than Basil Rathbone, and for some reason, I've always been fond of the irascible Inspector Morse. But oddly enough, the detective I found to be really sexy, yes, sexy, was the man who played Adam Dagleish, whom I haven't seen lately. What say you, mystery fans?

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 5, 2000 - 10:30 am

Sorry, LORRIE...John Thaw, Inspector Morse, is MY Guy! Adam Dagleish is terrific, but "sexy" is different for each of us I think. And I miss Jeremy Brett so much! Guess I can always watch "My Fair Lady" and picture Freddie all grown up as Sherlockbaby.

I, too, have problems with that British accent, but turning up the volumn helps a lot. And I fell asleep half way thru last night's show. Will have to wait for re-runs, now, I guess.

jeanlock

November 5, 2000 - 02:20 pm

Lorrie--

Maybe you should get a new TV (needn't be an expensive one) because the newer ones let you press the 'mute' button and then the printed dialog appears on the screen. I use it a lot when someone calls me and I don't want them to know they've just interrupted my TV watching. Also, I usually keep a tape in the VCR so that if necessary, I can just begin recording, and turn the TV off completely. But that 'mute' button is very handy.

jeanlock

November 5, 2000 - 02:25 pm

Katie--

I just posted a message over on the TV group but will repeat it here. First of all, glad to find another Morse afficionado. I have recently read the last book in the Morse series, The Remorseful Day, at the end of which Morse dies. Then, on our local PBS after Hetty W. the other night, they had a 'trailer' for the movie of that book, even showing Morse in the throes of his heart attack (stroke?) don't remember which. I will have to stock up on the large-size Kleenex before I try to watch that. The promo said it had been 13 years, and something like 64 episodes. I had no idea there were that many altho I have taped every one I could and love to watch them. I also like Dalziel and Pascoe and Midsomer Murders. And put them on when I just want to relax and take a small trip to England.

Katie Sturtz

November 5, 2000 - 03:24 pm

JEANLOCK...would you believe, I have never read a Morse book! I think I have seen all the TV episodes, and some of them more than once or twice, but it will be a wrench, giving him up. I have taped several of them, but that gets old hat, too. I have read all the Lovejoy books, and they are even better than the terrific TV shows in that they are more detailed and the plot is more complicated. Lovely Lovejoy...such an education one gets about antiques!

The neat thing is, I have that printed dialogue feature on my TV, altho not with the Mute button. It never occurred to me to READ that British accent! Great idea!

jeanlock

November 5, 2000 - 03:37 pm

Katie--

Well, it never occurred to me either until I read Lorrie's having trouble understanding it. I began with British movies waaaay back in the very early days of TV (1952--give or take a year or two). I had a hard time at first with the accent, but now I have no problem at all. There are times when I have problems with the cockney accent, but I have the upper-class accents down pat. One of my favorite Christmas movies is the Holly and the Ivy with Ralph Richardson. I finally managed to tape it a couple of years ago when they showed it, but it's not a good quality of recording. However, I will watch it again, along with Alastair Sim in Christmas Carol--to my mind a PERFECT film.

Katie Sturtz

November 5, 2000 - 03:55 pm

JEANLOCK...I usually have a little trouble in the first few moments, but it doesn't take me long to get into the British mode. It's when some actor or other mumbles in that accent that I get testy about it. Also have a problem with Toby on "West Wing" He is a real mumbler! So many of the young actors do not enunciate, and it could be because they don't have to take voice lessons any more, as they did in the bad old Studio days.

Alistair Sim was great, of course, but you know who I liked as Scrooge? George C. Scott. I thought he was terrific! And my favorite Christmas story is "The Gathering", with Maureen Stapleton and Ed Asner and a great cast. That one I taped, just in case someone neglects to air it.

All this pickiness must be because I'm hungry. Guess it's time to eat. Behave, and I'll see you later?

Love...Katie

jeanlock

November 5, 2000 - 04:01 pm

Katie--

Yes I know: actors can't enunciate; actresses can't walk. And for a spell there in the sixties about the only dialog most actresses had was to shake the long stringy blonde hair out of their eyes. Because I'm basically a verbal person, I found the sparseness of the dialog in those sixties movies very annoying. I called it the inarticulate school of film, as I tossed back my 2" locks.

Lorrie

November 5, 2000 - 06:22 pm

Jeanlock: Now that's intresting. a gadget on your TV, a "mute" button that, when pressed, gives the printed dialogue? Wonderful! I'm not quite ready for a new TV yet, but when I am, I want that thing!

Inspector Morse is dead? When? Where have I been, that I didn't hear about this? Oh me, oh my!

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 5, 2000 - 08:52 pm

LORRIE...not yet, not yet! But it is in the offing, I'm sorry to hear here.

I used the printed sound for awhile during "Mrs.Brown"...with mine you can listen as well as read, or just read. I listened, too, and it was pretty funny. They also give you stage directions..."the horse whinnied" or "the servants are chatting in the background". It was too distracting, tho, so I turned off the printed dialogue and just listened. No one mumbled in this one. And I was delighted to see Geoffrey Palmer in it! I had forgotten about him! Such a lovely movie.

Lorrie

November 5, 2000 - 10:18 pm

I just saw Mrs. Brown, too, and I could hear it pretty well! I really like it, and he was a real character, wasn't he? Was there really such a person in Queen Victoria's life? And which character did Geoffrey Palmer play? I didn't read the credits. A good movie, wasn't it?

Lorrrie

I think I'll go look up what i can about this Brown person

Katie Sturtz

November 6, 2000 - 08:42 am

LORRIE...Geoffrey Palmer was the Queen's what, secretary? Her right-hand man, with the long beard. I didn't see the cast listing, but I knew it was him behind all that shrubbery because I've been watching "As Time Goes By"! His mouth is very recognizable. And his eyes, too, come to think of it!

Billy Connally was on Tom Snyder's now defunct late night talk show a couple of times, and he was priceless! I laughed till I cried, he was so funny! He really does have that brogue, of course. Funny thing is, I've never seen him in anything else, altho he is very famous across the pond, I gather.

MaryPage

November 6, 2000 - 10:11 am

Yes, Lorrie, the story is real, and the gossip columns of the time really did call Queen Victoria "Mrs. Brown."

The yellow press has never changed, except that these days it is called the tabloid press.

jeanlock

November 6, 2000 - 04:46 pm

For those of you unfamiliar with the mute button--

Most TV sets give you a couple of options as to what happens when you press that button. Look at the instruction book. Giving the stage directions is generally what they do for the blind. Perhaps you should check and see what other options the Mute button offers. Mine can give me the dialog in Spanish or English. These darn utility devices are so complex anymore that you just about have to take a course to use them effectively. When I've read and experimented and still can't figure it out, I call my daughter Janet. But I count that as giving up; and I don't give up easily.

Katie Sturtz

November 6, 2000 - 05:05 pm

JEANLOCK...the stage dirctions I mentioned were printed...not spoken. And my Mute button only mutes! All the other stuff is on a separate button, and then there is the Menu, with all its ramifications! You need an engineering degree nowdays, but I love that remote, anyway.

kiwi lady

November 6, 2000 - 06:39 pm

Just love him! Being a New Zealander I have no trouble with the accents! My granny was broad Scottish so I have no trouble with that. Irish and Cockney brogues ok too!

I love British Programs especially their crime ones. Do you get the Bill in USA and what about Rumpold of the Bailey!

Och I'll away wi me noo to cook.

Carolyn

Lorrie

November 6, 2000 - 09:31 pm

Oh, Carolyn, what wonderfu memories you have brought back! When my husband was alive, we never missed any of Rumpole's shows, and that man had both of us laughing uncontrollably. Kern, wasn't that his name? He was perfect as Rumpole! My husband especially like the way Rumpole called his wife, "She Who Must Be Obeyed!" Priceless!

Lorrie

jeanlock

November 7, 2000 - 09:34 am

Sounds as tho we should plan a virtual wake for Inspector Morse.

Lorrie

November 7, 2000 - 10:26 am

If we do, classical music in the background is a must! Perhaps operatic arias?

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 7, 2000 - 04:30 pm

Definitely! We should invite him to attend, y'know. Anyone have an email ...or snail mail...address for John Thaw? We could ask him to choose the music! Hehehe! Wouldn't that be something?

FaithP

November 7, 2000 - 05:03 pm

I finally saw Cider House Rules movie on pay for view sunday. I read the book three years(about)ago and really loved the book. Sadly my memorie is so bad for books that if I have not jus finished it or it is not one I have read many times, I dont remember it that well. The movie was very good and I always love Michael Caine. It was cut to follow one story however and in the book there were several stories going on. I guess lots of movies have to do that. Fp

Katie Sturtz

November 7, 2000 - 05:14 pm

FAITH...in the last few years I think movies made from books have been hewing to the story much better than they did in the old days. My husband and I were crazy about books by Kenneth Roberts, but the movies made from them were, for the most part, just awful! That's probably why about the only one you ever hear about is "Northwest Passage", not my favorite of his books. We can only hope that the public, and the authors, help the moviemakers to keep up the good trend.

FaithP

November 7, 2000 - 08:45 pm

Sure Katie and I love Tom Clancy's books and have read most of them. I have only seen two of the movies, and they are not as good as the books but it seems to be that I love the exercise of imagination it calls for to read and movies it is kind of like I just "look" and dont use my own imagination as much. I was watching the remake of "The Sun Also Rises" off and on today and could not get interested though in years gone by I loved the book and the movie too. Fp

jeanlock

November 8, 2000 - 04:07 pm

Lorrie--

I nominate the Berlioz Requiem. A glorious bit of music. Altho probably Morse would prefer Mozart, or Wagner. How about the music from the Ring Cycle--either the part where the gods go into their new home, or something about Valhalla.

Lorrie

November 8, 2000 - 07:42 pm

Jeanlock: I have a feeling Inspector Morse would prefer Wagner. Somehow "Valhalla" seems more fitting, doesn't it? The Valkyries carrying him off to wherever dead English Inspectors go?

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 8, 2000 - 08:07 pm

LORRIE...what a mental picture you conjure up! Valkyries, indeed! I had the Queen of the Night in mind, or even Mozart's Requiem, but whatever it turns out to be...his choice, remember...I'll bet it is very stirring, either quietly so, or with vigorous and joyous singing. He was a member of that choir, you know, and really enjoyed belting it out with the others.

Lorrie

November 8, 2000 - 08:28 pm

This is a message for all you old-timers! ( I wish there was a gentler way of putting that!) I'm asking Mary Page, Texas Songbird, Katie Sturtz, Jeanlock, Faith P. I know you are all avid readers, and like to talk about some of the books you've read, because I've seen your names in different discussions here in Books. I feel as though I know you all personally, ever since we began, stuffing ourselves with Mary Page's gooey desserts and other good stuff, and talking about Movies and this and that. Anyway, Bill H. a fairly new discussion leader here in our discussions, has started up a new page called "Action, Adventure, Suspense/Horror" and he is a little nervous. Would you take a look in there and maybe post a suggestion for a good book, or other thoughts? That discussion is not about any one particular book---it's more to get people to talk about any genre.

Here's the link:

Action, Advemture, Suspense/Horror

Lorrie

FaithP

November 8, 2000 - 09:36 pm

I checked his room out Lorrie and plan to go back as I love horror and mysteries. I also have a wonderful story to tell about Inspector Morris. Do you all remember the Ads for the Instant coffee with the ongoing love affair between that woman and her neighbor. ? Well one evening I was watching Mystery on PBS and it was a Inspector Morris and I did not get the name as I came in late. A murder at a British boys school and that woman was a teacher there and an old friend of Morris so they were talking in her quarters and she was evidently a suspect and after questioning her for awhile Morris let up on her and turned to face the windows and said, "I think we better have a cup of coffee.Would you like that?" And with a repulsing gesture of her hand she said, "OH No Coffee gives me such a headache!" I burst out laughing and later called my sis to see if she saw it.We decided it was that sly and subtle British humour. I had never seen her in play so maybe it was totally intentional... Faith

Lorrie

November 9, 2000 - 06:34 am

Faith P. What an endearing story to tell, really! That's something I always wondered about Inspector Morse, He always seemed eager to renew old romances, and even start up new ones, but there was never any one particular sweetheart that he was involved with, was there? I remember one segment when he wanted to make a date with a new acquaintance, and his halting lead up to the invitation was very well done. It was a scene that made him seem so vulnerable, somehow. Crusty old Morse, vulnerable, you say? Well, it seemed so to me at the time.

Lorrie

jeanlock

November 9, 2000 - 09:47 am

Lorrie--

I'm not 'into' the suspense/thriller/adventure type book. Probably the last adventure books I read was about Osa and Martin(?) Johnson, and the Frank Buck book. I like the police procedurals and cosy English Village, or scholarly Oxford/Cambridge things.

I just started "Riddle of the Third Mile" with Morse this noon. The cover says Morse also was fond of T.S Elliot. So how about you pick a few choice quotations that can be read at the service? And who is in charge of the comestibles for the "wake"---only the highest quality scotch, please.

Katie Sturtz

November 9, 2000 - 10:44 am

FAITH...I remember that Morse "Coffee" show! It was great, and both she and the guy in the coffee ads have appeared on TV, altho not often. Whatever happened to the series of ads? They never did finish them here in the states. In England they got married and had a child.

Morse DID have a love, who was murdered, as I remember. That's the only time we ever saw or heard about her, but...Then there were a few others that he got around to kissing, but none of them panned out. Just as well, I guess. He'd have left lots of broken hearts among his viewers. Sigh!

MaryPage

November 9, 2000 - 11:29 am

I thought his great love married someone else. And then she committed a murder, and he was the one who had to solve it.

Texas Songbird

November 9, 2000 - 11:30 am

Maybe he had TWO great loves. Sounds like he gets around!

FaithP

November 9, 2000 - 11:57 am

Morris was the sexiest "old codger" I ever saw on a Detective show. I do think it was a combination of a cold exterior with banked fires burning hahaha maybe he had lovers all over the place who were committing murders and stuff. The other PBS Mysteries that I adore were the PD James stories but I have been away from them awhile and forget titles and details. My daughter has some of PD's books .I haven't read them. Should I guess. That Series I love a Mystery is really great. I better start watching it again. Faith

Lorrie

November 9, 2000 - 01:06 pm

Am I the only one who cared for "Rumpole of the Bailey?" I mean besides Kiwi Lady? I couldn't wait for those segments to come on every Thursday, and I surely do miss them. His long-suffering wife was a real asset, too!

Lorrie

Lorrie

November 9, 2000 - 01:59 pm

I want to thank you all for posting over in "Action" and giving Bill a boost! You are all very kind ladies!

Listen, if we're going to have a wake for Inspector Morris, we have to have refreshments, and who of us is better suited for supplying them? Our own frustrated caterer, Mary Page! After those gastronomical delights she supplied at a Halloween party, (elsewhere, the traitor) there's no doubt who is most capable! Okay, Mary Page?

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 9, 2000 - 02:55 pm

Double Devil's Food Chocolate Cake with Wicked Whipped Cream.

Heavenly Hash Ice Cream

Deviled Eggs

Ambrosia

Necter (contains spirits)

Please feel free to add to the fun!

FaithP

November 9, 2000 - 03:54 pm

My favorite to bring to potlucks at the office was Death by Chocolate and it truly was. Here is the recipe. 1 package of brownie mix prepared as directed on the box, baked(slighly less time than suggested) in 9x13 glass pan with one 12 oz bag of choc chips spread over top. While baking prepare 1 large pakg of chocolate pudding pie mix and when brownies come out put the pudding on top of slighly cooled mis. Whip Cream (1 pint) with 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup sugar and pile on top of cooled pudding. Sift Cocoa mix on top of cream. Chill. Serve to all your friends you wont have any enemies. Faith....

jeanlock

November 9, 2000 - 04:57 pm

MaryPage--

YOU FORGOT THE SCOTCH!!!

And, wouldn't some sausage rolls and steak and kidney pud be appropriate?

And, if I make and eat the "Death by Chocolate" you can have the next wake for me.

But Morse would be highly upset without his drink. If we don't want to drink it, maybe we could just include it in the casket--sort of giving him something for the journey, so to speak.

Oh yes, you didn't say where this wake would be held.

patwest

November 9, 2000 - 05:18 pm

YOU FORGOT THE SCOTCH!!!

I'll bring it..

Rumpole of the Bailey ... one of my favorite series.. "she, who must be obeyed" ... one of my husband's favorite names for me. He and I have been reading them together..

Katie Sturtz

November 9, 2000 - 07:57 pm

This wake will be held in the nearest pub, of course! We could probably commandeer the whole place for a day or two, but maybe the back room would hold us all, and I think Morse would frown on any pub regulars being denied their pints on his account.

FaithP

November 9, 2000 - 09:46 pm

Oh what is the name of that goodlooking sidekick of Morris' who is always so amazed at his bosses disorganized thoughts, or so he believes until the end of the mystery....this younger man should definetly be there Fp

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 05:43 am

Jean, I was looking for things with death, heaven, hell, etc. in the name. In other words, a theme menu.

So we should have it in the Cross & Bones Public House. No one needs to bring spirits; they have plenty of all types and sorts there.

jeanlock

November 10, 2000 - 05:54 am

Morse's sidekick is Lewis. And, in the book (The Remorseful Day) the way he deals with Morse's death is quite touching.

Will our pub also have Ploughman's Lunch? Toad in the Hole (sausage patties fried, and then covered with a Yorkshire pudding type batter and baked.), bangers and mash? Trifle?

I wonder if Colin Dexter just got tired of writing those stories. Of course, some of the movies were not from books, so if Dexter hadn't killed off Morse, theoretically additional movies could have been done if John Thaw were still around. Do you suppose he got tired of the part? Do you suppose it's sort of been for him as it was with the father in "Long Day's Journey" who played Count of Monte Cristo so well, that he never got any other parts, and made his whole career out of being Monte Cristo. Maybe Thaw wanted to be able to project some other persona. But I tend to be depressed about no more.

YES!!! I also adored Rumpole. I taped many of those shows, and it makes for a nice relaxing evening to watch a couple of them.

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 06:06 am

Our Landlord says they do not cook. We have to bring in anything we want. His establishment does offer the Ploughman's lunch. A chedder cheese sandwich, pickled beets and pickles on the side, and some crisps. Mustard if you insist, but no salad cream.

jeanlock

November 10, 2000 - 06:25 am

MaryPage--save one for me. I actually did have one when I was at Cambridge. There was a pub just off the campus of Jesus College. It was called The Spade and Bucket and I was there a couple of times. Sometimes I think they just give you a hunk of cheese, another of bread, and the condiments you mentioned. I really liked it.

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 06:58 am

So did my husband and I, Jean. I think we were in the Lake District when we had it, but it is much the same all over. Chunks of REAL chedder cheese right off of the huge wheel of cheese. Thick slabs of bread sliced off of a large loaf with a hand-held knife. Nothing fancy. Nothing cooked in the pub. Both rough workmen types and little old ladies with hats on and shopping bags plopping themselves down to this ages old lunch. With a half pint, of course.

jeanlock

November 10, 2000 - 07:24 am

MaryPage--

half pint----Guinness, I presume?

Katie Sturtz

November 10, 2000 - 09:52 am

HEY! You're all forgetting the ONIONS! What is a ploughman's lunch without large slices of onions? The only authentic pub I was ever in was in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, but I sure remember the cheese, the bread, the onions, the trifle, and the pints.

I really like Lewis. Who else ever learned how to get along with Morse, remain his friend, and still have a home life?

The nice thing about John Thaw is that he does have a life other than as Morse. There is always "A Year in Provence" plus several other roles I have seen him in. In one I saw not long ago...which I will never recall the name of...he played a role that was just about the opposite of Morse. And he did it so well! Help, anyone?

jeanlock

November 10, 2000 - 10:13 am

Katie--

was that the one with a little boy? If that's it, I have it on tape altho I can't remember the name. Too late in the week. My brain has just about fried.

FaithP

November 10, 2000 - 10:28 am

A wonder of a wake for Inspector Morris. Sure hope I get some of that bread and cheese which was my grandfathers favorite lunch. He would put a loaf of (homemade) bread, a wedge of cheese, a plate of sliced onions, a dish of fruit of some kind which was included to please my mother and her newfangled ideas grandad said, and tea not beer on the table any call all kids to eat. I remember even the baby trying to eat a piece of onion. He had never been back home to Scotland or England but his immigrant family taught him these things I am sure.

Lorrie

November 10, 2000 - 01:16 pm

OMIGOD, will you stop already, Mary Page!! She's off and running, everybody!

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 07:53 pm

Well, shoot! You put me in charge of the food planning for this here wake, and I asked for a little help, and Here We Go!

You know, of course, that a wake started out with putting the dead person on the kitchen or dining (if they were that wealthy) table for a few days to make sure they did NOT wake up (in other words, were not catatonic or in a coma) before burying them, because people were so terrified of being buried alive. Everyone sat Around the body and, of course, went ahead and ate during the waiting period. Thus a wake is associated with food and drink. It became " a wake" as a shortened term of "waiting to see if the deceased would awake."

Texas Songbird

November 10, 2000 - 08:13 pm

I didn't know that, MaryPage. What an interesting story!

Reminds me of the story of the guy who hangs on for days near death. He smells cookies baking, and he struggles down the stairs. Just as he is about to grab one, his wife hits him on the hand with a spatula and says, "No! Those are for the funeral!"

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 08:15 pm

Oh, Songbird! That is ghoulishly hilarious!

Lorrie

November 10, 2000 - 09:01 pm

Oh, Songbird, that's hilarious!

Has anyone here ever heard the old Irish folktales about death? My old Irish grandmother used to say that at an Irishman's wake, people waited until they could hear the wail of the banshee before the deceased was truly gone. She swore she had heard that same distinctive wail while sitting up with a dead person, but I'm inclined to think it was probably more like one of the inebreiated mourners.

By the way, everybody! Inspector Morse will again be on Saturday night on A & E at 8:00 central, 9:00 EST. It's probably one we've all seen before, but I don't care.

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 10, 2000 - 09:22 pm

The only onions I had with any Ploughman's Lunch were little round pickled ones. Interesting ......

Katie Sturtz

November 11, 2000 - 09:19 am

MARY PAGE...Little round pickled ones? In a PLOUGHMANS's lunch? I don't think so! He wouldn't be caught dead with little round pickled onions! (Speaking of "wakes"!) That must've been a very refined pub you were in. Hehehe!

SONGBIRD...I'm giggling and giggling here...and getting ready to pass that gem on to several others.

Hilarious, the whole Wake discussion, besides being very informative. What we learn here in SN! Remarkable!

Love...Katie

MaryPage

November 11, 2000 - 11:47 am

Should we pause here in our vastly intelligent hilarity and explain to any droppers in or lurkers that we are in the midst of holding a very serious wake for Inspector Morse, whose books and movies will be read and seen no more and he has been killed off in the last?

Lorrie

November 11, 2000 - 02:35 pm

Yes, I've been wondering here what some lurkers to this discussion must be thinking: "What kind of weird bunch have i wandered into here?"

Thank you for clarifying this for everyone, Mary Page, but how are we to explain Inspector Morse's jumping up from the dead to be on A&E tonight at 7:00, (8:00EST)? haha

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 11, 2000 - 02:44 pm

Reruns. Immortality. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Katie Sturtz

November 11, 2000 - 05:36 pm

LORRIE...not quite that quick! It's on at 9:00 here in ESTville, 24 minutes from now. I am getting poised...

GingerWright

November 11, 2000 - 08:04 pm

Lorrie, Ah Nuts I missed it.

Katie Sturtz

November 11, 2000 - 09:33 pm

GINGER...you're EST, aren't you? Morse repeats at 1:00, if you feel like staying up! It's worth it! Seigfried Farnon has a major role in it, and he has RED hair! Doesn't look much like his old veterinary self at all!

Love...Katie

Lorrie

November 12, 2000 - 08:58 am

Oh, Drats! About half-way through the program I got unexpected company, and I missed the last part, and forgot to tune in later. So who was the murderer, and why? I got to the part where it showed Seigried with a tattooed number on his arm, and Morse was still in a state of euphoria over the diva's performance the night before. I saw the part where she got shot, and how they figured out it came from the library. Was it the diva's daughter's boy friend? It's nice to remember now that Morse's sidekick was named Lewis.

Lorrie

jeanlock

November 12, 2000 - 09:05 am

Lorrie--

That's why I always keep a tape in the living room VCR. If someone comes, I just start the tape recording, and turn off the TV. Last night I watched about half before I fell asleep. But, I do have it all on tape. Boy, that was a wonderful singer---wonder whose voice it was.

I mentioned before that I'm reading "Riddle of the Third Mile". This book reviews Morse's aborted education at Oxford. He did indeed have a sweetheart at that time, but it came to nothing. He was so enamoured of the lady that he elected to spend all of his time and energy with her. The result was, naturally, that their grades suffered. She quit and became a waitress. Morse tried to continue but grades fell so low that he had to leave. That was gorgeous photography of Oxford.

Katie Sturtz

November 12, 2000 - 12:14 pm

Oh, LORRIE...I can't tell you all the complications that came up with the shooting of the soprano, whose voice belonged to Susan McCullough, or something like that. I happened to catch it during the credits, but not sure I remembered it correctly today. She actually was not the gunman's target, which should confuse you real good. You'll just have to wait for another re-run! Yes, I'd seen this before, but couldn't remember much of it, so I enjoyed it all over again. And the would be murderer was not the sister's boyfriend. Hehehe!

JEANLOCK...that does it! I am just going to have to read the Morse books! What a wonderful excuse to go to my favorite bookstore!

Love...Katie

Lorrie

November 12, 2000 - 12:26 pm

OH, My! I just found out that this discussion will be featured on the Welcome page in Books& Literature, so I think we may be having company soon! Let's all spruce up our room, open the windows and get some fresh air, clean up all candy wrappers and popcorn boxes, and get ready for visitors! If you see a new name here, please add your personal welcome to that poster! Ginger, where are you? The place needs a good vacuuming!

We still have time---the new Welcome heading hasn't gone up yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Lorrie

GingerWright

November 12, 2000 - 04:34 pm

Lorrie, All is cleaned up but my back hurts

I am so very happy that all is well and cleared up

Katie, I tried to watch Morse at 1am and fell asleep, my loss.

Ginger

MaryPage

November 12, 2000 - 04:52 pm

I've brought all the desserts back into my kitchen; not that there was much left.

FaithP

November 12, 2000 - 05:44 pm

What a wonderful wake and now I have had all my chocolate calories for a year if they were real but being virtual I can enjoy the idea. I saw almost all of Twilight of the Gods which I thought was a peculiar title for that Morse story. At the end I was glad to see Morse mooning over his lost soprano there...he does seem to have fallen for a lot of different victims and no real warm live woman to greet him at home with a cuppa.? Thanks for the cleaning job Ginger and I will put a big bunch of my dried hydrangias in a basket on the coffee table beside the novels stacked there. Faith

FaithP

November 12, 2000 - 05:47 pm

PS Murder Most English on BBC Sundays is featuring Mrs. Bradly Mysteries. I saw one today and it was very good. I have only seen one of hers before. I missed the announcement of which ones they are going to run. Fp

MaryPage

November 12, 2000 - 07:42 pm

I wish I got BBC. I see their listings and drool, but my cable company does not offer them. Boo hoo!

GingerWright

November 12, 2000 - 07:50 pm

Faith your big bunch of your dried hydrangias in the basket on the coffee table beside the novels stacked there looks so nice. Thank you as I am not much of a decorater

Ginger

Lorrie

November 12, 2000 - 08:03 pm

Ginger: I am happy, too! And the place sure looks neater, now that you've cleaned it all up! Now you take a rest with your back!

Mary Page: That's a good start. While you're in the kitchen why don't you whip up a little something for our guests, if we have any?

Faith P: The dried hydrangeas and the stacked books by the door sounds like an attractive entrance. Well done, Ladies! Are we ready?

I wish I had BBC, too! But at least I can get Bravo and A&E and the Independent channels. That helps!

kiwi lady

November 12, 2000 - 08:45 pm

Next Sunday night on free to air TV we are having the very last Morse series ever made starting at 8.30pm!

I thought I would just let you all know!

Carolyn

GingerWright

November 12, 2000 - 08:49 pm

Mary Page, I am waiting.

Lorrie, you make me smile

I wish to say that White Blindness was a good horror book read for me.

Carolyn, I will be waiting for it and thanks for telling us about it.

Ginger

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 05:38 am

Whew! Took a while, but in honor of our expected guests we have two large pure gold platters, Arabian design, with pyramids of miniature cream puffs (took all night in the kitchen). One pyramid has butterscotch sauce dibbled down over puffs, with a lake of it around the edifice. The other has chocolate sauce done in the same manner.

Further, we have individual woven baskets for each guest. These baskets are made of pure chocolate and are filled with real strawberries which have been dipped in edible silver foil, so they twinkle in the candlelight from our many chandeliers and candelabras.

jeanlock

November 13, 2000 - 06:16 am

I nominate MaryPage for Sweet Tooth of the Month--for all 12 months.

GingerWright

November 13, 2000 - 09:01 am

Jeanlock, I will second. Do you think we will get some samples.

Lorrie

November 13, 2000 - 09:04 am

Mary Page, you did it! That's perfect--oh how I wish we could take a picture of your culinary delights!

Jeanlock, I second that nomination!

Carolyn: Thank you so much for letting us know about Inspector Morse. I'm sure we'll all be watching!

Ginger: Yes, that book is a little frightening, isn't it?

Lorrie

FaithP

November 13, 2000 - 10:13 am

Marypage if you keep it up we will all weight 200 pounds more by the end of the year...Isnt it great to have virtual food? And speaking of weight if you have a fat lady like me in virtual reality it means that while I am there I feellight as a feather, I can run and I can dance and garden etc. etc.just mulling over a thought.fp

Katie Sturtz

November 13, 2000 - 11:14 am

Here's another thought...KIWI LADY calls herself that because SHE LIVES IN NEW ZEALAND! I doubt if we can get her TV station, but we can all hope that Insector Morse will be on one of our stations, too. PBS or A&E? Hmmmmmm. I wonder which...Altho I'm not anxious for the grieving process to begin. I shall wail!!!

Love...Katie

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 11:42 am

Jean has that right about my sweet tooth! I do not really eat that many goodies, but my sweet tooth has been my downfall all of my life. I was skinny as a rail up to age 30, but OH, the cavities! Then I gained and gained and gained and gained and, well, you get the idea. Jean and I are friends, so she KNOWS what a hippo I have turned into. She, on the other hand, looks quite trim. AND she is a gourmet cook, which I am not! Life is NOT fair! sworn to by marypage

Katie Sturtz

November 13, 2000 - 12:03 pm

MARY PAGE...DITTO and AMEN!

Ella Gibbons

November 13, 2000 - 02:11 pm

Am I the first guest to arrive? And where are the minature cream puffs and baskets of chocolate - certainly they're not gone yet!! Who else has been here before me and either ate them all up or hid them - KATIE - are you hiding them?

I have a friend who keeps herself very trim - I swear she must starve herself and we had lunch together the other day and just to be mean, or sweet, (take your pick), I gave her a huge candy kiss, weighs about 3 or 4 lbs. I think. We have a local candy company by the name of Anthony Thomas and have several of their stores around - good candy - and they make these huge candy kisses, all sizes!

Of course, my friend laughed - but I hope she eats the whole thing herself and gains a few lbs. - just as I do!

I did not know that Inspector Morse (is his name John Thaw?) died, am so sorry as I have watched him on A&E a number of times. The English scenes in the films were delightful and always made me feel as if I regretted our ancestors ever making that voyage across the sea.

jeanlock

November 13, 2000 - 02:20 pm

Pay no attention to what MaryPage says. I am not slim--she must have seen me before I regained the weight I lost when I had my surgery; and I am NOT a 'gourmet' cook. Back in the fifties/sixties before as a nation we became sophisticated enough to spell 'gourmet', my experiments might have been called 'gourmet' when compared to hot dogs and hamburgers. However, I consider that I can just produce good old down home stuff that tastes good. But not a gourmet. Don't have the patience, and I'm afraid my aging taste buds can't tell much difference among subtle flavors.

But she's right about one thing. We are friends.

jeanlock

November 13, 2000 - 02:23 pm

No, no, no. John Thaw did not die. Inspector Morse died. So far as I know Thaw is alive and well, and maybe making more movies. I did see a promo on PBS the other day showing a preview of an Inspector Morse movie and it showed him having his sudden stroke/attack. In the book, he doesn't go quickly. For gosh sakes, don't tell me John Thaw died. I don't think I'd survive.

decaf

November 13, 2000 - 03:20 pm

Hi all - I love chocolate and am supposed to stay away from it. If chocolate has a season though, it is fast approaching. I bought a few bags of assorted chocolates yesterday, for the grandchildren of course. See's is pretty popular in these parts and I always seem to get several boxes around Christmas. Then a couple of years ago my stepfather started sending 3lb boxes of Godiva. I just don't have a chance.

MaryPage - I love to watch the cooking programs on PBS and am enthralled when the chefs create desserts much like those you've prepared today!!

The Inspector Morse mysteries were on local PBS last week. I haven't checked the guide yet for this week.

Judy S

Lorrie

November 13, 2000 - 04:25 pm

Ella, how mean! That sounds like something I would do, if I didn't eat the huge candy kiss first!

Since we're talking British actors here, how many of you have preferences as to who played Sherlock Holmes? My husband adored Basil Rathbone, but I always thought Jeremy Britt was perfect in that role. Now he did pass away, I believe?

Carolyn, were you speaking of New Zealand TV when you mentioned Morse?

Fatty Lorrie

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 04:25 pm

Basil Rathbone WAS Sherlock Holmes.

GingerWright

November 13, 2000 - 04:59 pm

No one said I could have a sample of Mary P chocolate's so I just took one and it was so good, are you sure that tin foil is ok? It sure did sparkle. Think I will steal another sample.hehehe I hear there is Champane in the new Welcome center. Those chocolate's sure would set well with the Champane,

It sure has been a good day for me as I got to stay home allllll day and have had time to post abit. Ginger

Katie Sturtz

November 13, 2000 - 05:38 pm

MARY PAGE...yes, I wanna fight! Basil Rathbone was a stuck-up know-it-all and ugly to boot! He HAD to suffice until Jeremy came along, and if you are going to insist on proving to us that you don't know the best British actor when you see him, we'll just whisper behind our hands and say, "Poor MP! She been eating too many sweets again! It's affected her brain!" There! Take that!

ELLA...Dear, you really must get into the habit of watching the mysteries on PBS and A&E. Have you seen "Candleshoe" yet? I have it in DVD and Andrew and I watched it the other day. Still a fun movie!

Love...Katie

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 05:54 pm

Well, Katie, obviously you have a crush going there. When that enters the picture, why what can anyone Do? Your judgment has become tainted by your hormones.

Here, have some cream puffs!

Lorrie

November 13, 2000 - 05:59 pm

Ladies, Ladies!! What on earth will our guests think? We're supposed to be a group of intelligent, forward thinking people who are sitting here quietly, munching on goodies, and calmly discussing the trend of books into movies, and what do we have? a group of out of control harridans throwing creme puffs at each other and insults! Where is your ladylike decorum?

Ginger, keep that vacuum handy, I think we're going to need it.

Lorrie

GingerWright

November 13, 2000 - 06:02 pm

Lorrie, Vacuum Ready. What is this sticky stuff here, maybe cream puffs. I am ready to eat as much as I can before they end up some where else.

Ginger

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 06:03 pm

Katie, Katie, take up for me here! Lorrie is picking on me again. Tell her I passed those cream puffs to you ever so politely.

(tell her before I give your arm a stronger twist ...)

Katie Sturtz

November 13, 2000 - 06:09 pm

MARY PAGE...HARRIDANS!!! She called us harridans! Out of control harridans! Well! I never! See if I ever make creampuffs for LORRIE again!

You know you don't have to "convince" me! I'll share creampuffs with you all evening long...if I can control the LOLling! Maybe my hormones will keep me on the straight and narrow.

Oh, dear! My sides hurt...giggle, giggle, guffaw!

Love...Katie

MaryPage

November 13, 2000 - 06:16 pm

Okay, Girlfriends, all kissy huggy now.

Lorrie

November 13, 2000 - 06:32 pm

I can't help it! I'mm still laughing my head off! This reminds me of a wonderful food fight I had back in the 60"s!!

Lorrie

kiwi lady

November 13, 2000 - 09:40 pm

Yes Girls it is in NZ. If I remember I could video it and send it over but you would have to have it changed to US format the video repair shops here usually change tapes for us when they come from the US. We have VHS format. Let me know if you want me to tape it. Saying this I will probably end up with a load of visitors and forget to tape it. I hate to say this but I have a European Video player it is the most cantakerous thing. No one but a professional can tune it and I cant program it. It is so complicated. Remind me next time to buy a Japanese one!

Last night I watched another British Police drama. I love the British detective series and police dramas. Dont you think they really do a good job of them?

Carolyn

Katie Sturtz

November 14, 2000 - 07:12 am

CAROLYN...that is a lovely offer, but that particular Inspector Morse show will be on here, soon, I'm sure. We can tape it on our VCRs which may or may not be Japanese made...mine is...but definitely not European. And yes, I sure do love the British police and detective show, altho we have a couple of good ones here, too. Thanks, for trying, Luv!

Joan Pearson

November 14, 2000 - 11:03 am

It's looking good in here...what did you use to get the gum off the chairs?

Won't this whole election drama be replayed for years? The books! The books into Movies!!!

So many great scene shots! My favorite...election night...news comes to the Bushies at dinner time that Florida is Gore's. Young Jeb, Florida gov, weeps at the dinner table, blaming himself for not delivering...the future Pres, to be or not to be, gets up and takes him in his arms to comfort him....

The whole family scene is so much bigger than life! I'm sure books are already in the making! This is too rich!

MaryPage

November 14, 2000 - 11:29 am

The concept of one person delivering a state to another makes me a little ill. The voters deliver.

At least, I sincerely hope so. Naive? Possibly, but don't let me know it!

GUM! What gum? We neither serve nor condone gum. Must be those hedonists up front with their outrageously oversized containers of popcorn. Some people just have NO couth!

And we have (sob!) only comfortably upholstered chairs, done in Real Blue Velvet! (for watching cinema noir, of course, just in case you asked.) Large matching hassocks with wheels on them for every seat in the house. GUM? Call in the FBI! The CIA!

Maybe the gum was on the little rosewood tables between each seat? No, you stated on the chairs!

Call in the Marines!

GingerWright

November 14, 2000 - 11:31 am

Ice makes the gum hard and then a putty knife works well.

The new Book and Movie will be a best seller all over the world. Where do we buy into it. . This is very serious right now, but will eat Lorrie's popcorn and Mary's chocolate while waiting for the book AND movie. Popcorn and Chocolate will help ease the pain of it all. Ginger

Lorrie

November 14, 2000 - 02:41 pm

Is it safe to enter here today, now that the question of who was the better Sherlock Holmes has been settled, (Jeremy Britt, of course!)? Or will I have to keep dodging petits four or whachamallums all evening?

Carolyn, one of the police shows we all could see here was the series of mysteries featuring Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect. I loved that gal, and wish we could see more of her.

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 14, 2000 - 06:46 pm

And then there is Miss Marple! I had almost forgotten her!

FaithP

November 14, 2000 - 07:30 pm

Katie Katie how could we forget Ms. Marples..I do get to see her off and on on BBC. My big problem is that I never know what is coming on. the book of shows for a month on Dish Satallite costs 5.00 prer mo and I wont pay that. The list on the Gist tv .com siteI always forget to look at it, so I just punch around when I am ready to settle to a tb show. I watch local news and prepare and eat dinner but usually dont settle down to a tv show till at least eight pm. I see some interesting shows on BBC that I never heard of before. Fp

kiwi lady

November 14, 2000 - 10:41 pm

I feel the BBC is the best TV and Radio Network in the world. It has got class! I really love the BBC news and documentaries. When I have been ill at night I have travelled the world in their travel programs!

Carolyn

FaithP

November 15, 2000 - 01:22 pm

Yeah Carolyn, and some of the humor shows are really really funny. There is one lately I just watched for a little while. It was about this transvestite Julian someone or other, who has a talk show combined with a "Judge" show and it is hilarious. Now I cant remember the name of it. I also loved that Waiting for God show. It was pretty funny too. Some of my neighbors in the mobile home park I live in thought it was offensive. Well, everyone to their own taste. Fp

Katie Sturtz

November 15, 2000 - 02:57 pm

FAITH...I find Jay Leno offensive, I find many of the so-called "with it" sitcoms offensive..."Waiting For God" I found hilarious! Sorry to say that we have not had it for a couple of years now, and I sure do miss it, but we are now getting "As Time Goes By", so I am more than content. Dearly love this one!

FaithP

November 15, 2000 - 07:16 pm

We must have a different kind of sensibility. My kids Benny Hill hilarious so I watched a couple of his shows but was not impressed. I would rather see Red Skelton anyday. As time goes by is very good and I want to watch the "Manor" shows again too. It was a wonder..Faith

Katie Sturtz

November 15, 2000 - 08:21 pm

FAITH...thirty years ago (that long? Yep!) we laughed at Benny Hill, but were embarrassed that we did. We thought he was very outrageous, and never had it on when the kids were up! And they weren't that young, either. Now, I don't even watch the commercials for his videos.

FaithP

November 16, 2000 - 12:12 pm

They still sell his vidios but I guess it is a younger people thing as I too, when the kids first told me about him thought secretly that some stuff was funny but I was really ashamed of saying so. Kind of like denying that I ever read a dirty book isnt it..I find in my life now I dont have time to snicker. I need an all out bellylaugh or a good emotionally high response to something like seeing Carmen preformed by the New French Opera company last month and it was on A&E I think,It was great.I thought how wonderful to see such a thing right in my living room.I was so glad my tv is stereo and has good sound. I have seen Carmen performed by a local amature company and of course have seen many performances of parts of it. Fr

Lorrie

November 16, 2000 - 03:16 pm

To get back to the basis for this discussion, I've been watching the trailers for the movie, The Legend of Bagger Vance. I think I want to see this movie, mainly because the book itself, written by Steven Pressfield, is so intriguing.

I don't particularly care for Will Smith, but from what the critics are saying, this is one not to miss!!

From San Antonio Express News:

"The game of golf as a metaphor for life's mysteries has been explored in literature more than once, but perhaps never more vividly than in The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield. Pressfield's writing style is a pleasure to read, and his message—drawn from the Bhagavadgita#151;is about character and courage against the grimmest of odds. The Legend of Bagger Vance is a fine story about the game of golf, but it is first simply a fine story. Besides, you didn't think golf was just a game, did you?"

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 16, 2000 - 04:08 pm

LORRIE...I want to see this movie, too, but BECAUSE OF Will Smith! He is just terrific, I think. Have you seen "Men In Black"? He and Tommy Lee Jones are really super, playing the whole thing with straight faces. Maybe I'll read the Bagger Vance book first, tho.

MaryPage

November 17, 2000 - 05:30 am

Lorrie, I am CRAZY about Will Smith!

Katie, we're on the same team again!

Lorrie

November 17, 2000 - 07:39 am

To each his own. I formed a dislike of Will Smith ever since he played a goofy part years back in one of those awful sitcoms we still see on TV. However, I can overlook personal dislikes in a movie if the story is good, and apparently this one is. Let's face it, everyone, there are so few really good movies made from books and plays anymore, right?

Lorrie

FaithP

November 17, 2000 - 09:41 am

I think that the best movie I saw this summer was a rerun of Red October. I had the book too so I reread parts. It was excellent. I also like all the movies made from the books by Crisholm like the Pelican Brief. I do think Lorrie that they do a good job of turning books into movies. I watched the old classics like Little Women (I have seen 3 versions) and Little Men was on last week, one version anyway. And the Jane Austin movies are well done from the books I think.When you have Dish satalitte you see old old movies all the time if you want to you could watch 24 hours a day so whenever I do want a movie I just go tv and look for what is playing. I do love movies. FP

FaithP

November 17, 2000 - 09:43 am

PS I saw Will Smith in Men in Black and it was hilarious. I think he is a wonderful actor and does any kind of part, not just same as boy in Prince of Belair which was a well written show with a brand new premise for TV. fp

Lorrie

November 17, 2000 - 01:24 pm

Faith, I love movies, too. Old, and new, all of them. Which brings forth a question. In our city, there is one cable company which has a monopoly, and their charges are excessively high, we think. Our bilding owner has been thinking of getting Direct Satellite, a dish? Anyway, how much difference did you find in costs between regular cable and a satellite dish? What about local programming?

Lorrie

FaithP

November 17, 2000 - 03:08 pm

Lorrie: if you get a deal on free installation from Dish satalite company (or Direct TV is about the same.)it is a basic 29.00 per month for about 40 stations then if you want the 100 stations which includes some really good ones it is 39.00 a month. That is in Sacto CA of course. But if you go to Dish.com a home page for the company you can find there special installations and then you can get your local costs estimated. It is about 30.00 for cable any where here in our town. Now on the Dish satalitte there are also many pay for view that are different prices. Most movies are .2.99 or all day for 3.99 (Same movie all day( or sports events for different prices.I never buy extra and I only have the basic service but it has the History, Discovery, Animal, Disneys 3 or 4 channels, all the news, the senate, the house, Court tv A&E,Bravo and Romance channel TCM (turner classics) American classics and Mysterys and Scandals, Science Fiction and Fantsy, I can not remember them all of course but those ore the ones I watch a lot.

I love the movies on Bravo and most cables get that. We could not come to an agreement with cable in this park so that is why we got Dish. We had Direct TV and it was the same really except I was on the dish with 4 neighbors who all quit so they took it down and I went ahead and had one installed just for my house/ Cost was absorbed by the Dish comapny to get me to use them rather than Direct Tv company.

Oh, I forgot to mention that most places you also get your broadcast channels on the Dish Tv too. fp

Lorrie

November 17, 2000 - 09:02 pm

Faith, now that was purely informative. It sounds like you subscribe to the very channels that i like to watch, too! Your information was very concise, and I shall be looking into local costs. Thank you so much!

Lorrie

Ann Alden

November 18, 2000 - 04:55 am

Hello Strangers,

Haven't been in here since July for any number of reasons. I mentioned attending a newer movie this week and enjoying it on another site. Anyway, "Pay It Forward" was a book into a movie. The book being by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Just a fluffy movie but enjoyable. As I mentioned in my other post, the concept is not new since for time immemorial, the prophets and their followers have been suggesting we live this way. I, too, liked Helen Hunt, who isn't afraid to look bad and Kevin Spacey? Someone corrected me as to his last name earier. What do I know?

We are also planning on seeing Bagger Vance and will enjoy the actors whoever they are. Anything to escape the plethora of politics andTV news that is being thrown at us at this time.

Lorrie

November 18, 2000 - 07:32 am

Welcome, Ann! It's really nice to see you stopping by. Yes, I have a feeling that the video rental stores are going to be beseiged by hordes of people looking to escape from this incessant drone of electoral pundits.

I hear them saying, "All America is glued to their televisions, waiting for the latest word on the elections!" Well, I don't beliieve it---everybody I know is running away from that subject as fast as they can. At least until we get the final word, if ever.

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 18, 2000 - 08:53 am

I am with you, Lorrie. So sick of the entire business, am I!

FaithP

November 18, 2000 - 10:15 am

Marypage Ditto Faith

ALF

November 18, 2000 - 12:30 pm

Welcome back Anaa A!!! Waiting for the latest word about the election fracas, hey? Then can someone tell me why the heck I hear "Motorcross" racing from the living room with an occasional whisper from the Golf Channel??? Who's racing Gore? Is Bush hitting foul? I think my husband's confused.

FaithP

November 18, 2000 - 07:40 pm

Alf confusion reighns this weekend. I think the Judge said Wait till Monday so that he and all the others could have an uninterrupted FootBall Bash ,,,Big Big Game for Florida this weekend and cannot let an election get in the way of that can we...

ALF

November 19, 2000 - 06:55 am

Oh my Fae, how silly of me to have forgotten the important issues that challenge us here in warm, sunny Florida. Would you knock when they're ready?

Ann Alden

November 19, 2000 - 10:16 am

Hey, Florida fans, our university of choice, Purdue, is finally going to the Rose Bowl after 34 years!! We are so thrilled! I watched college football all day yesterday and will have the NASCAR WC race on today as my hubby is a long-time fan which makes me one,too. Was just so glad to have something else to watch besides the election debacle!! I heard from Ralph's sister that "Best of Show" was pretty funny. We have planned on seeing it,too.

FaithP

November 19, 2000 - 02:08 pm

Alf I have been laughing all weekend well everysince friday when it was for sure that we cant have anything more happen re: election till Monday. OH ahahahah It is important and I can just hear the wheels in the Judges mind turning cant you I have been out in the cold sunshine today and am glad to be back in the house. Fp

Lorrie

November 20, 2000 - 09:34 am

Great News, all you Books/Movies fans! They have made a new movie, a musical, all about "Moulin Rouge." This is not a remake of the original story, rather a musical, and featuring the femme fatale singer of that time, Satin. She whom Toulouse-Latrec painted, among others.

I'll be looking forward to seeing this one. If you're interested in who is in the cast here it is:

Who's In It: Ewan McGregor (Christian); Nicole Kidman (Satin); John Leguizamo (Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec); Richard Roxburgh; Jim Broadbent; David Wenham; Garry McDonald; Kylie Minogue.

Katie Sturtz

November 20, 2000 - 11:06 am

Thanks, LORRIE! Sounds like a goody! I'll be watching for that one, too.

Lorrie

November 20, 2000 - 04:21 pm

In our midst, we have a very talented publisher and writer, Malryn, whom you have all seen posting in various discussions here, I'm sure. Anyway, Mal has very graciously consented to publish a couple pieces I wrote. One is called "Giving Thanks," and was written right when i was feeling my worst about losing my hearing. She has put that and a Christmas piece in the Sonata magazine for their holiday issue. Go take a look and tell me what you think! And don't forget to read our own Robby's essay, "What is a Disability?"

Sonata Magazine Be sure to scroll down to get to each piece.

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 20, 2000 - 08:39 pm

Oh, LORRIE...that is just lovely! You have beautifully explained the steps that have led you to appreciate the glories that are such a big part of your life, in spite of the changes that have occurred.

You do good work!

Love...Katie

patwest

November 21, 2000 - 03:36 am

I can sure identify with Lorrie's essay on Thanksgiving and deafness... The Internet and SeniorNet in particular has given me a whole new world out there.

ALF

November 21, 2000 - 03:58 am

Yes, pat and we reap the profits by having you here with us.

Lorrie

November 21, 2000 - 07:07 am

Pat, it's interesting that you should say that. I'm beginning to become aware that there is a whole army of people out there who have trouble hearing, judging from some of the mail I've received. Like you, having this computer has meant a great deal to me. I heartily second Alf's post!

Katie, thanks so much for your kind words!

Lorrie

Ann Alden

November 21, 2000 - 07:23 am

Lorrie, yesterday, Ella and I met a new SN'er who lives here in Columbus. She will coming in here as soon as she gets more comfortable with her computer. As she says, she signed up to take our computer course, got a nice welcome letter and thennnnn, she couldn't find the site! Doesn't that sound familiar? :<}

So, I have been into my Martha Steward mode these past few weeks and doing a lot of sewing and crocheting for the holidays. Now, I am getting ready to make caramel popcorn with nuts and other goodies in it and am bringing it to our Thanksgiving dinner here on SN. Am offering Handy Wipes with every serving!! Hope it doesn't clog up our vacuum!!

Ginny

November 21, 2000 - 07:30 am

Ann, I can't resist this, a Martha Stewartless Thanksgiving, remember YOU brought it up!!

Listen in our discussion Best American Short Stories, we are proposing that we look at the three by our own authors the week of January 8, what do you all think of that?

This was sent to me by Pat Hanna, Larry's wife and it's precious:

Thanksgiving Dinner Guests

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised.

Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes:

Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.

Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea.

The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas.

Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey.

We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims, and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a.m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds.

As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door.

Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private", meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm, tasty bread. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of young diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance.

Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice: take it or leave it.

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. She probably won't come next year, either. I am thankful.

ALF

November 21, 2000 - 09:21 am

Ginny! LOL...

Love Martha

Lorrie

November 21, 2000 - 10:16 am

Ann: Did you meet the new lady from SN when you were off your computer? I think that's interesting. I surely hope she can find her way to us here.

Has anyone else ever met anyone in some other activity who has been on the SeniorNet? I did, once, but it turned out she was talking about Seniornet.com, not .org. Ther is a difference!

Lorrie

MaryPage

November 21, 2000 - 11:46 am

Oh, Ginny! THANK YOU. Have printed it out and it WILL be read out loud to all at My Thanksgiving gathering! What a hoot!

jeanlock

November 21, 2000 - 02:24 pm

Ginny--

Me too. And I think I have an out of the ordinary bit. My daughter has invited not only her boyfriend, but her ex-husband as well. I think that should make for an interesting tho silent meal. As I recall, Bub doesn't converse. We are just a small group this year. All of her siblings have made other plans which is probably just as well because as usual the two older brothers are barely speaking. I have finally decided with the oldest 53, and the other 45 that they can no longer be referred to, and have their unpleasantness overlooked as 'kids'. It may be a small group, but I daresay it will be civil --I hope.

ALF

November 21, 2000 - 03:50 pm

Yikes I'd rather take a sound thrashing than to feed my ex anything. Oops, that is not in the spirit of Thankksgiving. Ok! Thank you Lord for letting me "see the light."

MaryPage

November 21, 2000 - 05:35 pm

Oh, Jean!

And Janet seems such a Sensible gal.

Probably felt sorry for him. I feel sorry for her beau!

Lorrie

November 21, 2000 - 08:23 pm

You know, Jean, that sounds like a very interesting Thanksgiving dinner! Probaly not as interesting as the one we had when the family drunk, Uncle Harry, spilled gravy all over my father's bald head! That was the year before the family dog ran off down the alley with the turkey hanging out of his mouth! A Martha Stewart Thanksgiving it was not!

Lorrie

Ann Alden

November 22, 2000 - 03:17 am

Oh, Lorrie, your stories are so exciting. My son-in-law's family once had two turkeys for Thanksgiving compliments of their dog and an unsuspecting neighbor, who was cooling her turkey outside before slicing it. They never told anyone!! Did you try your carmel corn yet? Here, have a handi wipe! This stuff is sticky! But, oh, so goooood!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! We all have so much to be thankful for, don't we? I will try not to overeat and try to wait for the leftovers to at least be in the frig, before I go snooping for them!

jeanlock

November 22, 2000 - 04:52 am

Lorrie--

That sounds like a great Thanksgiving story. My most recent memorable Thanksgiving dinner was the year I came back East from California to live, and decided to have the dinner at my place. That time the two younger sons began to fight, I got shook up and upended a bowl of squash all over the carpet, and retreated to the bedroom for a good cry.

MaryPage--

I'm with you, but Janet seems to have inherited a large amount of compassion. To wit, "He just broke up with his girlfriend, and has no place to go."

ALF

November 22, 2000 - 05:12 am

I am most grateful for you, my fine friends, that I share a part of myself with each day. Bless you all.

MaryPage

November 22, 2000 - 05:14 am

I'll second that and pass it on.

Lorrie

November 22, 2000 - 05:40 am

Amen. And Ginger, we're all so grateful to you for keeping that vacuum going---it's not easy to clean up the gooey mess from the caramel corn, but oh, isn't it good! Thanks, Ann!

Lorrie

FaithP

November 22, 2000 - 01:10 pm

no funny Thanksgiving stories. No fights to report. In fact do you know I was 141/2 and had never seen a fist fight except in cowboy movies, when my two brothers got into it in the livingroom and they were 16 and 13. Pretty soon they were pounding away at each other on the floor and we girls (4) were yelling and milling around them when my mother came with a big I said BIG pan of cold water and dumped on those boys. A lot of it went into my little brothers mouth as he was on the bottom looking up and yelling. They stopped and my mother pulled them apart, marched them into the back yard holding onto the backs of their cords with her hands and shaking them she said Now you keep your fights out side and dont come inside till you are civil to each other. By this time I they were cooled off I guess. We saw them circle one another and talk for a few minutes then they were grinning and soon they were rolling around on the ground laughing about mother dumping water on them.They came in the house and told mother they were sorry and how funny they thought it was.This was the first fist fight they ever had and they never had another fist fight that I ever knew of. Fp

kiwi lady

November 22, 2000 - 08:13 pm

My mother went to visit my brother in hospital and stood with her mouth open. On each side of the bed stood the TWO EX'S they were holding one hand each! Mother was horrified! My brother has been married and divorced three times. My mother told him if he ever got married again she would divorce him! He has never married again! He has his rescue dog Max for company instead!

Carolyn

Katie Sturtz

November 23, 2000 - 08:03 am

Happy Thanksgiving

to you all!

Enjoy this day!

Love...Katie

Lorrie

November 23, 2000 - 02:39 pm

Well, now that we've all polished off the turkey, and picked the carcass clean in order to make some soup, and rummaged in our recipes to figure out the best way to use up leftovers, Perhaps now we can get back to our raison d'etre here, the subject of Books Into Movies.

One of our Discussion Leaders as asked for a show of hands as to how many people watch Sci-Fi movies that have been made from books. One post from Marcie, of SeniorNet, mentioned this:

"Nellie and Lorrie, I think that a few of Ray Bradbury's stories have been made into TV movies. Also, Ursula LeGuin's Lath of Heaven, Dune, Arthur C. Clarke books and some of Michael Crichton's books. All the Star Trek versions too."

Have any of you movie buffs seen any of these movies? Or read the books, even? I remember when we did Crichton's "Timeline" here, but I didn't think it was really considered sci-fi. On the other hand, why not? Anyway, here's the link to Nellie's discussion, it's an interesting one!

SCIENCE-FICTION

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 24, 2000 - 09:05 am

LORRIE...sorry to change the subject, but did want to mention a movie I watched part of the other day that was made from a book, "The Yearling". I couldn't stomach the whole thing because of darling Gregory Peck's accent!!! It must have been painful for him to say those lines with a straight face! It was what we used to call, before being politically correct, a hillbilly accent and it was just awful...insulting even then!

I dearly love the story and the movie about the writing of it, "Cross Creek" is one of my all time favorites. Trust me...the real father, played by Rip Torn, did not talk like poor Gregory had to. I'd be willing to bet that there are many more similar instances in the movie world than we'd like to think about.

FaithP

November 24, 2000 - 09:17 am

Katie I loved seeing Cross Creek again (with Rip Torn) Mary Steenburger was great too. And her local lawyer lover too I never remember his name and see him all the time on TV lawyer program. The cajun or creol accent of those people in this movie was so correct and I do not remember the movie well, The Yearling so cant comment but if it was hillybilly or Blueridge mts, Kentuck Tennessee it is quite different than the way people in the Florida swamp country talk. Maybe they were geographacally incorrect rather than politically, ahahaha. Faith

Lorrie

November 24, 2000 - 09:45 am

Katie: I tuned in on the movie "The Yearling," also, and I know what you mean by Gregory Peck's phony accent. I think that if that movie were made today, the director would be a lot more difinitive about the characters' speech; back when they made that film they weren't quite so meticulous!

Also, I will admit I even watched my favorite Weatern again. In my opinion, Shane? is a "towering masterpiece," as one reviewer put it. And wasn't that villian deliciously baaaaad! Oh my, what was his name again? Jack Palance, that's it!

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 24, 2000 - 10:22 am

FAITH...Peter Coyote! I've always loved him. Remember him in "Outrageous Fortune" with Bette Midler and Shelly Long? Terrific!

And sorry, LORRIE...I liked "Shane" the first time I saw it, but then I found out how tall Alan Ladd was and couldn't take it seriously from then on. I watched one of my favorite westerns twice on TV recently..."El Dorado". You know, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Janes Caan, Gabby Hayes...the whole crew. Wonderful!

MaryPage

November 24, 2000 - 11:55 am

Lorrie, about sci-fi movies from books, I do not care for Ursula Le Guin, though I have tried hard to, but I loved DUNE and the movie was fun, though not as good as the book. My son just told me today that there are now 2 prequels to DUNE written by Frank Herbert's son (wasn't that the author's name?) and that he wants them for Christmas. My son and I went to every STAR WARS movie together and had a riotous time. His huge black lab is named Lord Darth Vador and called Darth for short. He also answers to D.V. I believe the Star Wars movies were made and THEN the books written!

FaithP

November 25, 2000 - 10:37 am

Well there never were books for my favorite sci fi movies. I loved the Planet of the Apes series. Next to that I guess the favorites of Star Wars. I saw the movie 1984 and it was not as chilling as the book when it came out. I read it when I was pretty young and it was very frightning until 1984 came and went then it seemed hokey. Past Present and Future cast their own spell I guess. Fp

Ann Alden

November 25, 2000 - 01:24 pm

Didn't Michael Crichton write the book, "Jurasic Park"? I enjoyed that movie enough to watch it twice. As for "Star Wars", didn't that come from books also that the movie's director wrote? "Star Wars" is probably one of my all time favorites along with E.T. and Close Encounters. Didn't appreciate "Dune" and actually didn't watch the whole movie. What about "2001" by Arthur C. Clarke? Just think, that year is almost here! Whoa!!

I have got to quit eating this carmel corn, my teeth are stuck together!!

Lorrie

November 25, 2000 - 01:50 pm

Does anyone remember an old movie made from one of H. G. Wells' books, called "War of the Worlds?" I think Raymond Massey was in it. Anyway, in those days that movie was considered quite daring and frightening, but in today's scene, those corny fake spaceships and outdated wardrobes would seem laughable. Haha

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

November 25, 2000 - 03:03 pm

ANN...Jurassic Park is on TV tonight, in case you want to try for three!

jeanlock

November 26, 2000 - 11:22 am

Although I'm not a science fiction fan, there are a couple of the genre that I've enjoyed. Both have been made into movies which I have not seen. The first is Fahrenheit 450 (Ray Bradbury). I particularly remember his description of how people were so alienated,isolated, that they had large wall-sized TV screens and felt that the characters they saw on the screen were their families. I often think of that as I lounge around here with 3 TVs going so I won't feel so 'alone'. With five kids, I was used to a lot of noise going on and deadly silence unsettles me. The other book, also by Bradbury is "Someting Wicked This Way Comes". Those books really created atmosphere.

FaithP

November 26, 2000 - 01:18 pm

jeanielock when I was young I read all Ray Bradbury and Asimov stuff. It was all my young hubby would read so I got interested too and then we had one thing in common to talk about re: books. We had plenty to talk about hahaha. I just watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil on TBS and it was the first time I saw that movie. Is it a book. It surely was a good picture. Savanaha in all its glory. Isnt that a wonderful city for books and movies. Anna River Siddons writes about Atlanta and Savanaha. Love her stuff. No movies though. The gal who ever it was who wrote all the books about Baltimore though has had several movies made from her books, Armchair Traveler and though I read them and saw them I can not remember the titles or her name. Oh I could find it but my brain cant. Still I love Oh just got it Ann Tyler? is that it. Faith

Katie Sturtz

November 26, 2000 - 01:46 pm

FAITH..."Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil" was a book, written by John Berendt. I didn't read it, but many have said the movie was not nearly as good. And I enjoyed the movie!

MaryPage

November 26, 2000 - 03:21 pm

Yes, Faith, you were speaking of Ann Tyler.

If you enjoyed the movie MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL, do yourself a big favor and read the book. The book is hilarious, and 100% better than the movie. The only satisfactory thing about seeing the movie was that if you had read the book, it was fun to see the places and SOME of the REAL PEOPLE! love from marypage

louweav

November 26, 2000 - 05:17 pm

Hello everyone, let me tell you how I just today found this message board. Lorrie introduced me to it. You see, I discovered Seniornet by reading about it in Parade Magazine today, and when I visited the Web site I ran across Lorrie's article. I was so impressed that I sent her an E-mail. She was so sweet to E-mail me right back and she told me about this message board. So, love ya Lorrie, and look forward to getting acquainted with all you nice people. Just finished reading your comments. Fun! Fun! Louweav

FaithP

November 26, 2000 - 06:27 pm

Now I have to go to the library again. I have to much going right now to start a new book. I will "bookmark" my choices and in January see what can be done. I have just about finished my Ambrose book about railroads. I am going to send it to my brother after I finish . It was a really wonderful book. If you like history. Of course Stephen Anbrose is able to take dry facts and make an exciting narrative. Fp

Lorrie

November 26, 2000 - 08:09 pm

WELCOME, Louise, I'm so glad you found us!! Stick around and tell us what kind of books you've been reading lately and whether any of them were made into movies.

What part of the country are you from? We come from all over here.

Lorrie

Hey, everybody, say hello to Louise, and will somebody pass the popcorn or offer her some of Mary page's or Ann's treats?

louweav

November 26, 2000 - 09:57 pm

Hi everyone, here I am back again. To thank all who sent me E-mails of welcome. This is quite spectacular. I am from North Carolina, and am having the time of my life with a new computer. I am 75 years old, a great grandmother, and have been around quite a long time. However, I have only been a computer user for little more than a year, and fear not to live long enough to explore all I want to explore. So many doors to open. I love to read but am spending most of my spare time right now on computer. Just finished a book called "China White" by Peter Maas. and it was a chiller thriller. I love to get one that I can't put down. I am also obsessive about genealogy, and finding lost relatives. I promise not to write so much next time. Thank you for caring.

Ann Alden

November 27, 2000 - 03:31 am

Hi there, Louweav, welcome to this wonderful site on Seniornet. Hope you will join us in our discussion on Books and Movies. Glad to hear you enjoy genealogy and finding lost relatives. We have found two in the last two years in my family and in my husband's. My sister has met her aunt, and three cousins now after I found them here on the net and then my husband's sister found him through a friend of hers. She is also 75 and didn't know any of the family as she was never introduced to her father. Her parents were divorced and then my FIL married my husband's mother. Its been quite an exciting time for all of us and she is such a neat lady. So happy to have found her family after 75 years! My sister is my half-sister and I knew her family was out there somewhere so just went searching. Wrote some letters for her and voila! the relatives appeared. It was great fun and when her aunt died last spring, Mary was so glad that she had spent some quality time with her.

About Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, if you happen to see a TV listing for the making of that movie, watch it! Its better than the movie and first appeared on A&E and can be found at most libraries. Its better than the movie and really fleshes out the book.

Lorrie

November 27, 2000 - 08:30 am

Hey, Louise, write as much as you like! I'm glad to hear you're interested in your family tree--lots of sources on the 'net for that. I've also only been on the internet for only a year and a half, and I just love it!! Especially Books & Literature, where I've made all kinds of friends.

Ann, after what you said, I think I'm going to get the book. I saw "Midnight in the Garden" movie, and loved it, but I didn't read the book, so it's on my list!

Lorrie

I imagine everybody was glued to "Titanic" last night, but to me it didn't have the same thrill as watching it in a movie theatre.

FaithP

November 27, 2000 - 11:42 am

Lorrie is so right. Titanic is a BIG movie and must appear on the big screen to get the full effect.Several other movies I can think of are just the same. I never enjoyed Gone with the Wind on tv or The Wizard of Oz. I think all movies filled with special effects are best in big screen. I watched romance channel last night and do not know what I watched as I kept switching to see what was happening in the news. My son watched me do that last Friday evening and took the thigamabob away from me.hahaha.faith

Ginny

November 27, 2000 - 11:42 am

And it doesn't have near the thrill that reading the eyewitness accounts did, in fact, it's awful.

(Hope nobody here is a Titanic fan)....when you know what really happened and the real stories, there was no need to make up such foolishness, the real thing was much better than the silly movie.

How do you compare it to A Night to Remember?

ginny

jeanlock

November 27, 2000 - 03:46 pm

Lorrie--

I am with the others; the book was much better altho I did enjoy seeing the real people--especially Lady Chablis (?)

Katie Sturtz

November 27, 2000 - 04:46 pm

GINNY...I agree with you. I recently saw "Titanic" for the first...and only...time and was bored to death! When I was a child my grandmother had a book about the sinking of the Titanic, with many pictures of the passengers and all the eye witness accounts of the survivors. I was always fascinated with that book, and altho the first Clifton Webb movie about it was the better of the two, neither one of them impressed me as much as that book did.

louweav

November 27, 2000 - 06:03 pm

and Hello Everyone: Thanks to all who sent me E-mail and postings here. You are going to spoil me, I am not used to getting all this attention.

I watch TV very little, as I spend so much time on the computer. But I am writing down the titles of some of these books you are mentioning, and am going to the Library soon. I read after I go to bed, and not unusual to read till 4:30 in a.m. Plan to get "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" it must be very good. Hope I haven't read it already, I have trouble remembering the names of the titles and Authors. Can't possibly be my age. You are all very entertaining and I enjoy reading your messages.

ALF

November 27, 2000 - 06:07 pm

Louweav: We are so happy to see you here joining in on our conversations. Heck, we don't remember very good either, for crying out loud, these folks have me reading so many good stories, I forget to cook. Imagine that!!

Lorrie

November 27, 2000 - 07:21 pm

Louise; Great to hear from you! Keep the comments coming, and don't worry about watching Tv! What I do when I go to the Library, I usually have checked to see what books are upcoming for discussion here in our list, and then take it out. Then there's usually time to take time reading it. You might want to check out that list and see what appeals to you. How are you coming with your family search? Isn't this a great sit? One of the things that struck me from the first was the friendliness of the other posters! I couldn't find that in other websites.

Lorrie

BttyBoop49

November 27, 2000 - 10:41 pm

I am so excited to find ya'll! I just found SeniorNet tonight and have been reviewing the posts from the last year and all of you sound like my kind of people. Book lovers and GOOD movie lovers.

I moved from Dallas about 2 years ago to a very rural place in East Texas. When I say rural, I mean there are more cows than people out here. I love the silence and the beauty here, but I've been terribly lonely....until now! Suddenly I find a whole community of new friends to listen to and converse with.

Although I have nothing to contribute yet, I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.

Lorrie

November 27, 2000 - 10:49 pm

HI, THERE, BITTY BOOP! WELCOME TO OUR GROUP HERE! Don't worry about not contributing anything to the posts yet---it will come to you in time. It's just great to see all these nice people coming in here, so all of you, just pull up a chair, help yourself to the popcorn or whatever, and tell us what you've been reading or seeing lately! Bitty Boop, this will beat talking to the cows any day! And Louise, have you had any of Ann Page's chocolates?

Everybody, let's all give a big welcome to our newest friends, Bitty Boop and Louise!

Lorrie

Lorrie

November 27, 2000 - 10:58 pm

There's something I wanted to explain here. After a long wait, the promised mention of my interview with a writer from Parade magazine finally came to a head Sunday. There was a good articles on seniors and computers, and great mention of our Seniornet site here, but I was bitterly disappointed to see they had cut my part of the interview, where I had talked about Books and Literature, all the good stuff here. But then I got an excited email from Ginny, who told me that my name was in it, in the "continued" part. It seems that in certain parts of the country they cut the article short, and our area happened to be one of those. However, many have promised to send me a copy, so there's a silver lining there. I'm just glad that the article itself has brought in some new faces all over this folder!! End of speech!

Lorrie

jeanlock

November 28, 2000 - 04:34 am

Lorrie--

I wonder if there's a web site for Parade where I might be able to read the 'full' article. We only got the abbreviated version.

ALF

November 28, 2000 - 04:55 am

Btty Boop and Louise We are truly delighted to have you stop in like this and introduce yourselves.. Believe me, there is aenough variety here in books and lit. that will keep you busy reading and discussing for the next year to come. Please feel free, at any time, to offer us suggestions or comments regarding your reading pleasures. Email me at the above address ALF if you need any help surfing thru.

MaryPage

November 28, 2000 - 04:56 am

Me too, Lorrie! I have been reading Parade with my very nose ever since the end of September, and did see the happy references to SeniorNet, but NOT anything about you. I felt so STUPID this morning when an e-mail from Pat said you were in there. Thanks to you and to Jean for restoring my sanity. You simply were NOT in my issue! I wonder why they differed? Mine was in THE WASHINGTON POST. I suspect Jean's was as well.

Lorrie

November 28, 2000 - 09:48 am

Jean, I thought of that, too, but I'm told there is no such site, at least that no one I know knows about. It's really weird---Ginny kept saying, "You're on page 13," but when I looked at my issue, page 13 was a full-page ad for travel videos, and Joan P says hers was a full-page ad for something else. Ah, the perils of the marketplace! Anyway, we did get Seniornet mention, and I understand people have been coming in like mad. Good! Now maybe we veterans can show them what fun can be had here!

Bitty Boop, and Louise, are you still with us?

Mary Page, how in the world do you read with your nose? That must look very interesting!

Lorrie

FaithP

November 28, 2000 - 10:37 am

Well I can not get in on the whys and wherefores of newspapers. I quite my paper several years ago as the price was so high and I got all the news I needed from that Mad Mac I had. and the price was about the same as my isp... Hey my niece in Austin called last night and said she is amazed because part of Bush team is in DC and He is still governing in Texas with no break. She thinks he is covering all bases..She sends me articals from her local paper. I will be extremely glad when this is over and I can settle down to my movies again. Last night I watched the History channel for several hours about the anniversary of the whitehouse. And The Founding Fathers, re: John Hancock. I was very interested as I know little of John H. though I have read many books on the Adams family and Abigail is my favorite lady in history. I had one book from library with her letters. Faith ps.Thanx Lorrie for reminding me to watch.

Katie Sturtz

November 28, 2000 - 02:31 pm

Where is SONGBIRD? Did she go somewhere and I forgot? I miss her in all the old familiar places...

MaryPage

November 28, 2000 - 04:47 pm

Good question, Katie. I'll e-mail her.

louweav

November 28, 2000 - 07:35 pm

Hi Lorrie,

My copy of Parade also said continued on page 14, but there absolutely was no page 14 in mine.

Jeanlock, I got the url above from Parade Magazine Sunday, so I could look for full article there, but have not had time yet to do so.

Busy with getting Christmas out of the attic and on the Christmas tree.

I sent BttyBoop welcoming E-mail just as so many of you did for me, because it meant so much to me. THANKS A MILLION ALL.

Katie Sturtz

November 28, 2000 - 07:41 pm

LOUWEAV... I found the Website for Parade Magazine and there was nothing about the article except URLs for SeniorNet and the other senior websites. Mostly it had to do with Marilyn's puzzle questions. I was very disappointed that they don't see fit to post the whole thing as other magazines do. Ah, well...

ALF

November 28, 2000 - 07:45 pm

Yeah! Louweav made it in. Welcome..

louweav

November 28, 2000 - 07:51 pm

I checked on the Web Page Url I gave you above. Yes it was there and I browsed everything pertaining to Senior.Net but could not find the article. Sorry Folks. Louweav

louweav

November 28, 2000 - 07:53 pm

HEY ALF,

Yep! Hello from North Carolina. Made it in, but lucked out on the Parade Article. Moving on to the P.C. Guru, they are answerting some of my questions about my "puter" problem. Great site, too, for new computer users like me. See you, and thanks Alf, you are a sweet bunch. Louweav

ALF

November 29, 2000 - 05:42 am

You come back and join us. Louweav.

jeanlock

November 29, 2000 - 10:58 am

Louweav--

I'll check out the URL tonight when I get home. It may be that they don't post the current issue right away.

Lorrie

November 30, 2000 - 11:55 am

I've been doing some reading about the biography of Carl Brashear, the first Afro-American to become a Navy diver, and it's quite intriguing. I love true stories, anyway. So I'm looking forward to the movie version of this biography, "Men of Honor". It's got a first-rate cast, and it looks like a good movie!

Lorrie

Lorrie

December 1, 2000 - 08:39 am

Yipes! They're doing it again! I see there is another remake of "Anastasia" scheduled for tomorrow night. This is one I am definitely not going to watch; I've been so disappointed in the past on these "redo's!" As far as I'm concerned, Ingrid Bergman wasAnastasia, and I simply can't see Cyril Cusak in Yul Brynner's part. this is my own humble opinion, which I am so good at spouting off here!

Lorrie

Lorrie

December 2, 2000 - 08:59 pm

Well! Imagine my chagrin! It turns out that "Anastasia" is a cartoon,for Pete's sake! With those stars I mentioned dubbing in the voices. Is my face red!

Lorrie

Lorrie

December 3, 2000 - 09:34 pm

The silence in here is deafening! Has everyone stopped reading while they do their Christmas shopping? Where is everybody?

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

December 4, 2000 - 11:42 am

LORRIE...I'm reading like mad, but it's magazines! Gotta keep up with two weeklies and a few other monthlies or I get swamped and my son gets testy waiting for me to pass them along to him.

And, of course, I lurk in here a couple of times a day, whether I speak or not! Got a kick out of your "Anastasia" confusion. I agree...NO movie remake, please!

Love ya...Katie

FaithP

December 4, 2000 - 08:07 pm

Lorrie you hit the nail on the head. I have not sat down to read for a few weeks I have all of a sudden gotten busy doing long neglected stuff and in preperation for the holidays took stuff out of storage closet and then it was all over the house and I had to sort clean toss oraganize and put it back. It is not all done yet and I am still on a furniture cleaning, repairing and moving around spree. I have some help coming tomarrow. My new big big chair measured to fit me and is a Lazyboy will come wensday. Then if I am not in bed for the whole next two days I will begin my decorations. Things are nice and hecktic around here and it is ok. Watched a movie on tv late at night last night. It was on one of the starz channels called Dogma. At first I though it would be very blasphamous but it wasnt really but I just hate the swear words they use for adjectives and everyother part of speech to, and the dialog was wonderful except for the cursing and swearing. I think Dogma was a book. It is about fallen angels and Lucifer and a savior and a prophet etc. Good movie. Faith

Lorrie

December 4, 2000 - 10:38 pm

You know, living alone like I do, I tend to forget that there are families out there who still go about the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and many of our "bookies" will be busy all over the net. To be brutally honest, I really don't miss all that hoopla. I went through it all for so many years when my husband was alive---frankly, I sort of like the calm, peaceful Yuletide I experience now, although I think I'd give my right arm to have my children back, something I say every year!

Meantime, I've been reading a lot of good reviews on the new movie, Proof of Life. It's taken from a magazine artice in Vanity Fair by William Prochnau, titled "Adventures in the Ransom Game," and the movie stars Russell Crouse, and Meg Ryan. Gossip has it that these two had a torrid affair on and off the set while making this fillm, enough to cause a rift between Ryan and Tom Cruise, her husband. Has anybody here seen Russell Crouse in anything? He's creating quite a sensation!

Lorrie

Ann Alden

December 5, 2000 - 12:48 am

Hello to all of you again! Finally returned from New York and am trying to get back in the swing of things. Evidently my body is back in swing as I am awake at 3am again! Oh well, gives me more time to talk to y'all!! We saw "The Straight Story" at my daughter's and it was not worth 15 minutes of your time. Watching grass grow is more exciting!! Also, saw three others and enjoyed them. Don't know if any were from books.

This week I will put up the tree or at least, some decorations. I bought a lifesize rag doll angel who is sitting in my Brumby rocker in the living room. I will try to take her picture and put it up on the Photos site. She is really funny!! We must give her a name! Maybe Angeluna? Or Brunhilde? Not very original names! I will think of something!

Katie Sturtz

December 5, 2000 - 10:47 am

LORRIE...one small correction, altho not "small" to those involved... Meg Ryan is/was married for many years to Dennis Quaid, not Tom Cruise. Haven't see Russell Crouse yet, altho he was supposedly in "L.A.Confidential" which I saw...missed him completely! Dennis Quaid is the adorable father in the newest "Parent Trap", and I think Meg Ryan must be NUTS!

ANN...am anxious to see your new ragdoll. Take that picture! Post that picture!

Love...Katie

louweav

December 5, 2000 - 02:29 pm

ANN ALDEN

Why not name your doll angel "Lorrie Ann". Sounds cute to me, and Lorrie and you will share a namesake???

Lorrie, I just came in from the Library checked out 5 books, "The Edge" and "Banker" by Dick Francis, recommended by a newly discovered cousin that I found through genealogy research(She is an avid reader and I have routed her to SeniorNet).

"Choke", and "Choke", by Stuart Woods. Yes, that is right, when I got home I had two "Chokes" and I almost did. Not surprised at myself for doing this in my advanced age, but surprised that the Librarian did not mention that I had chosen two books alike!!!!!

And......I also got "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt, that your group have been discussing. Now for the punch line: I only discovered SeniorNet Sunday week ago(from Parade Magazine), plus, for the past few years have not been reading much, busy doing other things, and since I discovered your web site, I have been to the Library twice............SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL.

You are all so much fun, that you are contagious, and I too had wondered where everyone went this week. The reason this is so lengthy is because of so much space, so come on back soon, everyone.

Lorrie

December 5, 2000 - 02:52 pm

Hey, Louise! What a nice letter! and thank you for routing your newly discovered relative to seniorNet.

I read a couple of books by Stuart Woods, and I think they made a mini-series out of one of them, called "Chiefs!" Remember that one? And Louise, I think you'll like the "Garden of Good and Evil" book better than the movie, although Kevin Spacey was great in it. I don't read Dick Francis much---he writes mostly about racetracks and jockeys and so forth, doesn't he?

I'm so glad you found us here, and I'm sure the others are too. Please help yourself to any of Mary Page's fattening treats, and we keep the popcorn fresh for those who want it.

Lorrie

Ginny

December 5, 2000 - 04:26 pm

Now Ann Alden, honestly! Grass growing! hahahaha you are a stitch! That's an...UNDERSTATED movie, I loved it!

Louweav, you have some good reading there, and YOUR enthusiasm is contagious, thank you!!

Lorrie, I got the new issue of Vanity Fair and it's totally full of great articles I thought, I don't get it every month, just when it looks interesting, like this month's.

Is this a good time to say what Christmas movies or holiday movies from books we enjoy the most? Can I go out on a limb and say the ONE the ONLY and the DEFINITIVE Scrooge IS Alistair Sim in "A Christmas Carol?" Any other nominations? I don't think anybody equals him NOR his Marley, his Marley is the very best.

However, the very underrated musical with Albert Finney "Scrooge" is wonderful, and takes up some issues the others don't.

How about the Grinch, have you all discussed that one?

Hard to improve on the cartoon, I would think.

ginny

MaryPage

December 5, 2000 - 05:35 pm

Louweav, someone ought to explain some references here. I sit in the very back, right hand side of the screening room. This is because I am allergic to the sickening odor of the many varieties of POPCORN most of this crowd devours incessently. They Do! Ginger has the job of cleaning up, and she is constantly having to get new vacuum cleaners because the motors burn out from all the nasty, ground-into-the-carpet glop they spill. Ugh! Ick! They sit up there with their humongous bowls full of crunchies and fill their mouths while talking, yelling, screaming, and so forth. Really disgusting. Lorrie bosses us all around, sweetly but with a steel rod tucked into her voice. I dispense the really good stuff, like chocolate truffles. Tonight we are eating little Sacher Tortes and drinking hot caramel macciatos brought in by Starbucks. You can pick your crowd, but are allowed to stop and pick up some of my treats on your way to join the unruly bunch at the front if you wish. Delighted to make your acquaintance. Oh, we each have a reclining, upholstered chair with our names on them and corian topped tables between each one to hold our food and drink. Each has its own hassock as well. Comfort is our thing, except for poor Ginger. Poor Marypage, too, when you think of the smell I have to put up with! Fortunately, most of it wafts towards the screen!

FaithP

December 5, 2000 - 08:04 pm

Marypage do I detect sour grapes about the popcorn eaters. Especially with lots of hot melted real butter ahhhhhhhh that is livin'high on the hog aint it. I guess I will have to sneak up and get a truffle then go join the crowd in front before you smell me...

Louise I loved that movie so much Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil that I wonder about reading the book. After chrismas season I will try.

I am still going through my Stephen Ambrose book. It is very good about the railroads but of course it is a history of how they built financed etc. and the politics of it. You couldnt make an exciting movie about it at least not more exciting than the one Hollywood did in the 50's What was it named. The one about the two railroads meeting in Ogden. The Golden Spike. Something like that and it was good. faith

louweav

December 5, 2000 - 08:08 pm

Dear Mary Page. Oh, my heart goes out to you...that awful popcorn smell......I microwave mine, and my husband makes me open the package outside, tries to lock the door behind me. I am not supposed to eat popcorn. But here is my tip for the day, don't leave it in till all kernels pop, first whiff of odor, take it out.

I had a brain tumor way back in 1980, lost a few marbles, and left me with paralysis in the right side of my throat, and this causes swallowing difficulties. Anything rough scratches my throat. But I love popcorn, so I eat it anyway. But on second thought, I much prefer the chocolate truffles, so may snitch one or two when I pass by you on my way to the front.

Lorrie, I think "Chiefs" was the book I had picked up, and put it back on the shelf instead of "Choke". I only make small mistakes like this. No big ones(that I admit to). I love to start a new book that I can look forward to picking up again, first chance. So let me know anytime anyone reads one that fits that criteria.

Lorrie, Dick Francis is new for me, I picked two of his books because my new found cousin says she likes both Dick Francis and Stuart Woods.

If I am far afield of discussing "Books Made Into Movies" its because my memory is not the best, and I really can't remember. Takes a lot of clues to stir it up. I just stumbled onto this site, liked it so much, decided to hang around, this one and "Computers and Stuff".

Thank you everyone, you brighten my day.

Louweav

FaithP

December 5, 2000 - 08:14 pm

Louise I am only 73, never had an excuse and yet have done weirder things than bring home two copies of the same book. Try shopping for shoes and buying a neat pair. Then in a week a package arrives from Pennys as I had ordered some things including shoes. There they were big and bold the SAME pair...So do not feel bad and if you lose the sugar bowl look in the refrigerator.

I love Francis books. For me a dual pleasure as Iknow nothing about the horse crowd in England and it is a mystery usually. Stuart Woods I read maybe one or two and enjoyed. Faith

Lorrie

December 6, 2000 - 02:51 pm

Okay, Louise, if you can still bear with us after all that glum conversation, we still would like to hear from you. There's another comfortable chair awaiting you, and plenty of you know what to chew, maybe in your case ice cream?

Lorrie

FaithP

December 6, 2000 - 08:37 pm

Lorrie ,Louise is sitting right over there eating virtual popcorn and she just posted she likes the brightning of her day so I think we aren't too glum for her. Stick with us in here.We do play a lot.

The railroad book is fini and I am tired of history so I might get a light mystery out of the book cupboard and start it. Or even a scary story as I am a little bored by tv right now.

Do you remember Lorrie, or really any one who can remember, the Movie with Cornell Wilde and Linda Darnell. It was Taken from a romance novel written in late 30's and very good, about England just at the time of the Black Plague. I remember my mom let me read the book and when I did see the movie I was a little disappointed for in those days a book got away with more lurid prose than they could film. My problem is I can not remember the name of that movie and it was a really big mark in my life. One of my first romance novels as a teen. Faith

Lorrie

December 6, 2000 - 08:43 pm

Faith, I think you're thinking of "Forever Amber," maybe? Boy, that's going way back. In 1947, when it first became all the rage, the movie was considered very "racy", but by today's standards I'm sure it would be just ho-hum.

Lorrie

FaithP

December 6, 2000 - 08:54 pm

Reruns I want reruns of Forever Amber. the Book was much earlier because I remember some shock at a book that lusty..and of course the movie could not live up to it. And you are so right it would be tame today. Thanks for the title. I am going to read it again and see if it stood the test of time. Most romance novels dont though we love them while we read them. Faith

Ann Alden

December 7, 2000 - 07:28 am

I put up "Angeluna" on the Photos site by making it a clickable. I have forgotten how to get a photo up there. Any suggestions? Hey, I could have put the clickable right here! What am I thinking of? My brain is getting smaller and smaller! Angeluna Take a look at those legs and feet! She's a winner! I might even rename her "Lorrie Ann" at someone's suggestion!

Lorrie

December 7, 2000 - 11:03 am

Ann, she's adorable! I like it, I like it! No, don't change her name---Angeluna is a fine name. Very cute, Ann!

Faith, if you reread or see the movie again, "Forever Amber," let me know if the story seems as "racy" to you now as it did back then!

How're you doing there, Louise? Still with us?

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

December 7, 2000 - 12:27 pm

LORRIE and FAITH...I saw parts of "Forever Amber" not too long ago on AMC. I say "parts" because it was so dumb I couldn't stand to spend time watching it. Never was a Linda Darnell fan to begin with.

Does anyone remember seeing "The Leopard"? it's rated **** and stars Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, and Alain Delon. I've started reading the book, but I can't find the movie listed for sale anywhere.

Love...Katie

Lorrie

December 7, 2000 - 03:12 pm

Katie: IL Gattopardo

I don't know about buying the movie anywhere. Check it out.

Lorrie

Lorrie

December 7, 2000 - 03:36 pm

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE A CHANCE ON WINNING A GREAT NEW BOOK? COME ON AND JOIN IN GUESSING ON OUR DECEMBER BOOK CONTEST! THE WINNER WILL BE DETERMINDED BY THE FINAL SCORE OF SUNDAY'S FOOTBALL GAME. TRY IT!

DECEMBER BOOK CONTEST

Lorrie

Ann Alden

December 7, 2000 - 07:19 pm

If you are willing to take a chance on winning a book by naming a football score, how about reading the clues in the Wiz's corner of the world and seeing if you can figure out the title. So many of us are stumped that we are becoming a "think tank" of friends sharing our thoughts on this difficult title and author. I haven't ever seen such a long list of authors in this contest between the Wiz and the Fizzers!! Name that Book Contest

Katie Sturtz

December 7, 2000 - 08:49 pm

Thank you, LORRIE! I don't necessarily want to buy The Leopard, and, frankly, I haven't checked with my nearby rental place to see if they have it. Will do that first. The comments about it are intriguing, to say the least!

jeanlock

December 8, 2000 - 03:10 pm

Ginny--

I agree that the Alastair Sim version of 'Carol' is priceless. I have nearly memorized the dialog and inflections. I particularly like the scene early on Marley goes out the window and you see all the souls floating in the air bemoaning their situation. And Kathleen Harris and her reaction to Scrooge's impulsive grab and kiss, and particularly her "as befits the sityation' bit.

MaryPage--

I know what you mean about the smell of the popcorn. At the college someone, somewhere is always making some and the smell permeates the entire building. But we've never found out who is making it so we have never been able to drift by and grab a handful.

AnnAlden--

Enjoyed the picture of Angeluna, but don't you think you could have found her a pair of shoes to match her lovely gown?

louweav

December 8, 2000 - 04:35 pm

FAITHP: I trekked to the Library the other day and returned with "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". I have just started reading it and am thoroughly intrigued with Savannah. Have been there several times, can't wait to see if he mentions "Mrs. Wilkie's Boarding House".

It is in the historic district, but no sign anywhere to show us the way, not even a name on the restaurant. We found it and sat at a table with other people from other States, and had a grand time. Nothing fancy about it but lots of fun, and the food was good.

Who mentioned "The Mourner's Bench" by Susan Dodd? Picked up that one too, and couple by Sandra Brown. Now listen you guys, I am getting these names from books you mentioned in your posts, because I am too old to think for myself. So thank you.

P.S. Its a little hard standing on my head to read the names on the bottom shelves. Any tips for that? Louweav

Lorrie

December 8, 2000 - 07:25 pm

Louise: You have to squat in order to read those! Very good for the upper thighs, and so forth. The trouble is, it's easy to squat down, but almost impossible to get back up! At least it is if you're 78 like I am.

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

December 8, 2000 - 07:45 pm

Well, LORRIE, you could just waddle out of there, like a duck. I'm sure the librarians would come after you, date stamper in hand. Love it!

FaithP

December 8, 2000 - 08:32 pm

Louise your to much. Can you read all that. Well I am ashamed of myself because I am down to about two books a month and I use to read at least 2 really good books a week. Oh I am aging and take some easy routes nowdays. I would also love to go to Savanaha and to Atlanta as so much good literature has come out of those places and of Course I clame Anna Rivers Siddons as a cousin (several times removed I guess) any way my great great grandmother was a Rivers and her brother settled in Georgia. Had quite a family but my side lost track except the Rivers and the Stuarts married again in several generations and when they found out they were cousins there was a regular todo about it. Siddons is her married name and no relation. If I could pump myself up for it I would do one of those geneology searchs. I have just my family.Six generations I have don on Maternal and 5 on paternal. But did a direct decent chart thing not a complete chart. Fp

Ann Alden

December 9, 2000 - 06:52 am

Shoes? shoes, you ask? Where is she going? No one in my house wears shoes in the house! Maybe I will give her a pair of my slippers!

jeanlock

December 9, 2000 - 08:43 am

Granted, the pair of black shoes I saw were not attached to feet, but I just assumed she had taken them off to rest her feet.

Katie Sturtz

December 9, 2000 - 03:04 pm

LORRIE! I know, I know! All those wonderful British actors have played Scrooge! Is that right, I hope?

Love...Katie

Lorrie

December 9, 2000 - 03:20 pm

Oh, Katie, Katie, the ink was hardly dry!! And I didn't have a chance to add another name that I missed the first time: George C. Scott.

Yes, they all played Scrooge, and I'm sure you all have one who is your favorite. I have always liked Alastair Sim--I loved that silly giggle of his when he awoke from his awful nightmare and found everything was fine!

Lorrie

Katie Sturtz

December 9, 2000 - 07:50 pm

LORRIE...would you believe, my favorite Scrooge is GEORGE C. SCOTT! Truly! I already posted that somewhere here. Now ask me why I didn't add him to your list. Too excited, I guess...Hehehe!

Lorrie

December 9, 2000 - 09:26 pm

By the way, weren't they going to show George T. Scott's rendition of Scrooge this weekend somewhere on TV?

Lorrie

Ann Alden

December 10, 2000 - 12:19 pm

Jean, those are my husband's shoes in the picture and he declined to loan them to Angeluna! So, I will give her my slipper sox which are quite warm!! Tee hee!

Lorrie, I can't find "Christmas Carol" anywhere in my TV guide. I, too, love Alistair Sim's Scrooge but also George C. Scott's. They are both good. The best rendition of this timeless story, I saw on the stage in Atlanta. They do a musical version which changes every year and just gets your spirits goin'!

ALF

December 10, 2000 - 12:21 pm

Drats! did anyone see Catherine Aeta-Jones'es protrayal of Catherine the Great last night. We got company and that was that!

MaryPage

December 10, 2000 - 01:38 pm

Catherine Zeta Jones? I saw it last week. Pleasant entertainment, and some of it accurate, but it left out a lot of important stuff. I most enjoyed seeing all those diamonds on her at her coronation.

jeanlock

December 10, 2000 - 02:27 pm

I'm watching Catherine right now. My first impression, after 20 minutes is that so far it's standard TV fare. I used to have her memoirs, and another book of her life. As I recall she was crazy about Potemkin, who went around with garlic around his neck. This version is just too 'pretty' to be very accurate.

Katie Sturtz

December 10, 2000 - 02:58 pm

I watched the whole dumb thing last night. The best thing about "Catherine the Great" was the appearance of Jeanne Moreau and Omar Sharif, both of whom sure do look their age! I noticed it was made in 1995. Are they now cashing in on the new Mrs. Michael Douglas?

Lorrie

December 10, 2000 - 03:02 pm

Ann, there was a mention of Christmas Carol with George C. Scott and Angela Pleasance on Channel 23, at 7:00 p.m. Saturday! Channel 23 is a local, independent TV channel here. Perhaps they will show it again!

Lorrie

Lorrie

December 10, 2000 - 03:21 pm

It was a flop in 1995, and another flop the other night when they showed "catherine the Great." I thought it was insufferably boring, and not a bit like some of the former Catherine films. In 1944, for instance, they made a film called, "The Scarlet Empress" with Marlene Dietrich and it was a smash hit! It showed a young, innocent Catherine married off to a Russian idiot Prince, and how she eventually seized the throne. This, of course, is before, during, and after Catherine sleeps her way through the whole Russian army. But it was never a dull movie!!

Lorrie

jeanlock

December 10, 2000 - 03:29 pm

Lorrie--

And don't forget Potemkin. Remember 'Potemkin villages'---As I recall the tale, Catherine was going to make a tour of inspection of Russia.Potemkin went ahead and saw to it that all along her route were built facades of buildings to fool her into thinking Russia was being modernized. (Shucks, it's been 40 years since I read that biography, so I may be hazy on the details, but the term Potemkin village still means something with a false front.

And yes, I do remember the Dietrich one.

ALF

December 10, 2000 - 03:57 pm

Well, believe it or not, while surfing around the dish to watch something I found Catherine on A & E. I watched it, fair... IMHO. Not great, just fair. It seems that my memory serves me better than the movie did.

Lorrie

December 10, 2000 - 04:06 pm

Jeanlock, that little reminder of a Potemkin village is really interesting. I didn't know that was where that story originated. It's fascinating. see how we keep learning on this 'net?

Lorrie

jeanlock

December 10, 2000 - 04:09 pm

Lorrie--

Try through your library to find a copy of Catherine's Autobiography. I think you would really enjoy it. Like I said, Potemkin went around in a greasy dressing gown, with strings of garlic around his neck. Not a bit like that fop in the movie. I'm so sorry I gave that book away.

MaryPage

December 10, 2000 - 06:34 pm

Jean, there was no mention of those villages in the movie, and that was one of the items that really bothered me by its absence. They were a very important part of the Catherine The Great story.

Katie Sturtz

December 10, 2000 - 08:16 pm

The only good thing about that dull movie was Jeanne Moreau and Omar Sharif, who both looked their ages, and the movie was made 5 years ago! They were great! I have a feeling the A&E people were cashing in on the recent marriage of the star to Michael Douglas.

I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know that much about Catherine the Great...it's Peter the Great that I'm wild about. The book by Robert K. Massie about him is still one of my favorites.

Lorrie

December 10, 2000 - 08:22 pm

Talk aout coincidences, Jeanne Moreau herself played the part of Catherine the Great some years back, when she was still young enough. I have always liked that woman. Did anyone see her and Joan Plowright in a movie not too long ago where the two of them teamed up to try to stop what they thought was a loveless marriage? I can't remember the name of that movie, but it was absolutely hilarious! They were both so very good.

Lorrie

MaryPage

December 11, 2000 - 06:41 am

Oh, Lorrie, yes! Wasn't it called The Summerhouse? Because, you remember, it was IN the summerhouse, at a time she deliberately planned so as to have the entire family come there, that Moreau settled the question of "the marriage" once and for all! And it is a Comedy and I about died laughing.

Oh, I DO love her. I could eat her with a spoon! She has so much PERSONALITY! She reeks of it. Yes, she was one of the only good things about Catherine The Great, as the Empress Elizabeth. But Catherine Zeta Jones' beauty and the diamond bosom cover were good as well. Hollywood often uses real diamonds, but do you think??? No! There cannot be that many diamonds in this world. Can there?

jeanlock

December 11, 2000 - 06:48 am

maryPage--

Is there NOTHING you won't eat?

Katie--

Yes, I'm fond of Peter, too. I read a bio of him by someone named Tolstoy (not THE Tolstoy) and it was fascinating. I wonder if I still have it around--guess I'll have to look.

MaryPage

December 11, 2000 - 06:54 am

Popcorn. Sausage.

jeanlock

December 11, 2000 - 07:01 am

MaryPage--

No more toad-in-the hole.

MaryPage

December 11, 2000 - 07:17 am

Oh Jean, I loved the hole! Just couldn't handle the toad.

jane

December 11, 2000 - 07:38 am

This Movie Theatre is being closed and a new, clean one opened for your discussion pleasure....so, please come on over to the New Place and remember to Subscribe, if you use them!

"---Books Into Movies~ NEW"

š ...jane›