Movies, Mom & Me

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  Our collection consists of the following:
   • The Complete Collection (European)
   • Sister Wendy's American Collection
   • Sister Wendy at the Norton Simon Museum
     Aside from the comments in the Mention, above, you should know that the theme for the series casts a spell over me, as well. My mother never tired of watching these videos. Neither do I.

Labels: collection, documentary, shared-favorite

# posted by gail @ 16:24    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  none
3. Commentary:  The Collection contains the following movies:
   The Corn is Green
   Morning Glory
   Sylvia Scarlett
   Undercurrent
   Without Love
     Of these, Mom's favorite was the first. Neither of us was particularly thrilled with the middle three, although we both thought it was appropriate that Hepburn, at one point in her career, played a woman who masqueraded as a boy. Mom liked the last more than me. I was disappointed because it was one of the few Tracy/Hepburn movies I hadn't seen and the description intrigued me...but, I don't know, their chemistry seemed off in this film, as though they were having a long personal argument underneath the script. It was distracting. Mom really liked the character that Hepburn played in this movie, which didn't surprise me...I think Mom imagined herself as "that type".

Labels: collection, tracy-hepburn

# posted by gail @ 19:30    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  none specific to this DVD
3. Commentary:  Although I remember the two of us delving into this DVD set soon after in arrived, I have no memory of three of the interviews [Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Sean Penn (YouTube clips linked to names)] and only a vague memory of one, Russell Crowe's (no YouTube clip of this). Hard to imagine that I spaced so much of these episodes, as I'm sure both of us enjoyed all of them...but, I received this sometime in 2008 and can only imagine that my concentration level was severely hampered by everything that was going on during Mom's last year of life. At any rate, the link connected to the title, above, gives a good overview of each interview...and writing this reminds me that I need and want to watch these episodes again!

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 17:41    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  none
3. Commentary:  This collection includes: Free and Easy; Spite Marriage; The Cameraman. Mom actually got bored with these movies during the first one we watched; I'm not sure which one that was. I however, was blown away by Buster Keaton and didn't much care whether or not I liked any of the stories (I didn't particularly care for the story behind Spite Marriage); I was much too engaged by Keaton's look and technique. I'd have to say, though, if pushed, that my favorite is The Cameraman. Although I'm not usually a fan of silent film parody, watching the romance in this movie reminded me of some of the silly incidents that boys in our neighborhood displayed when they were smitten with one or another of us sisters or our girlfriends.

Labels: collection, comedy, silent

# posted by gail @ 10:48    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1* *2*
3. Commentary:  Although the "Mentions" are only for one movie, we watched all four with just about equal pleasure: Kit Kittredge; Felicity; Samantha; Molly. Although I'm sure there are excellent reasons to critique the movies, we just sat back an enjoye them. Mom's favorite was Kit Kittredge, the one that takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930s; at least, this is the movie that elicited the most enthusiastic response from her, possibly because she was a child during that period. My favorite was Felicity, the one that takes place just prior to the American Revolution. I understand yet another American Girl movie has been released, Chrissa. If Mom was still alive I don't think I'd be collecting this one because there is no obvious historical context and it looks like a highly moral 'tween version of Mean Girls. Much of the draw, for Mom an me, of this series, was the historical context.

Labels: collection, historical, kids, period

# posted by gail @ 08:54    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  This set of Old Testament Stories, covering Abraham, David, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Samson and Delilah, is the collection that most captures my interest. Mom considers it a continuation of The Bible Series. My favorites are the stories of Joseph, Abraham and Moses, as it is a delight for me to watch Ben Kingsley and Richard Harris in anything. One of the aspects of both this and The Bible Series that I appreciate is the obvious attempts to authentically capture the time periods. I notice, especially, the tight use of space and the fact that they are somewhat less full of eye candy as, say, the productions of The Ten Commandments and One Night with the King.

Labels: bible movies, collection

# posted by gail @ 12:37    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  This set contains the stories of three Old Testament characters and a review of the first book of the Old Testament: Esther, Jeremiah, Solomon and a review of Genesis. Mom is, of course, transfixed by all the movies. My personal favorite is the story of Solomon, although I appreciate the production of Esther's story, especially after having seen One Night with the King. It is this series and The Bible Collection that prompted me to institute a new label, "bible movies", as these don't quite fit in the category of "jesus dvds".

Labels: bible movies, collection

# posted by gail @ 12:16    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  The fact that this interview actually has a "Mention" is an indication of how often we've watched it: Every time we can.
     Considering how much even James Lipton looked forward to this interview, you'd think it would be easy to be disappointed. Exactly the opposite. This interview is actually a performance, a masterful one, "Barbra as Barbra". It is thrilling to witness over and over again. Rarely does one of the guests who isn't billed as a comedian produce such a show. Bernadette Peters did. Barbra Streisand did.
     Despite her reputation for being cloaked, she was amazingly forthcoming in this interview. James Lipton is good (although he's had his failures, most notably and regrettably, Richard Gere).
     This video is part of the Icons Collection.

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 12:39    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  We've seen this one before, possibly more than once, because it's so good, but of the two repeats, we decided on this one.
     Robert Redford is a charmer about whom it can be said, "He's not just cute, he's got brains [and lots else], too." It is fun to rediscover this through this interview. Another thing that always surprises me about this interview is to rediscover that he talks like a graphic artist, even an architect. Good interview. If you get a chance, catch it.
     This video is part of the Icons Collection.

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 12:29    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Although I was anticipating this would be a wonderful interview, I was delighted with the quality of "wonderful". Last night was the first time either Mom or I had seen this one. Mom and her sister used to haunt Clint Eastwood movies, although Mom has little memory of them, now. I remember them going to see The Outlaw Josey Wales together when it first came out, at that plush, behind the upscale mall movie theater in Scottsdale. In fact, I think I may have gone with them.
     Although I am little familiar with much of his early work, Unforgiven is a particular favorite of mine and I greatly admire is directing abilities, as well as his acting.
     Clint Eastwood did not disappoint. I think the thing I liked about him most and even Mom mentioned as an outstanding feature is that he seemed, at the time of the interview, as delighted and overwhelmed by his accomplishments as everyone else; although not at all disparaging of himself; rather of others for having so little faith and imagination.
     This video is part of the Icons Collection.

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 12:19    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  This was the first time either of us had watched this one. I was so ready to love it, especially since it is the inaugural episode of the series. Although I found Mr. Lipton's lack of glasses interesting, as well as the addition of one question to The Questionnaire [a question regarding what one's reincarnational being preference is; I'm sorry this question has been ousted], the interview was so full of inside jokes and references I sometimes wondered if the students were floundering a little, too. I must confess, I was watching it in snippets while doing chores, so I missed some. This may color my opinion. When (as, "if" is unnecessary) I see this again, if it strikes me differently, I'll report back.
     This interview had lots of clips, so Mom loved it.
     This video is part of the Icons Collection.

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 12:00    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1* *2* *3* *4* *5* *6* *7* *8* *9* *10* *11* *12*
3. Commentary:  Now, you see, if you have any familiarity with my main journals, old or new, at all, you'll know why the series gets a listing and each separate episode that becomes a part of our library rates a solitary listing.
     Because we are ever faithful watchers of this program and it inevitably provokes discussion, it is mentioned many times in my journals, twelve, it seems, to be exact.
     I cannot tell you how pleased I am that this series is finally being sold on DVD to the public. I turned myself onto it by accident when I became exposed to cable TV the year I turned back from Seattle. I've been a devotee ever since, recruited my mother and my niece, who is planning on following the actor's call and is working hard at it...have semi-recruited at least one sister. I am unashamed to refer to the show. It is honey in the rock of television.
     Anyway, each episode is reviewed separately. I haven't yet purchased the Dave Chapelle episode because I haven't seen it and I'm hoping it will come together with other episodes...maybe a comedy collection.
     Anyway, in general, I am so pleased that they are releasing some of the older episodes. Some of those are my favorites: Martin Landau, who took his role as a teacher seriously and, thus, was probably the most fascinating guest this show has ever hosted; Shelly Winters; Peter Falk; oh that was a dynamite one, so was Shirley MacClaine...oh, and Eli Wallach, oh, wow, they don't have his interview listed, that's a surprise! I wonder if they have, hold on...yeah, they've got Jerry Lewis, maybe Eli Wallach appeared on behalf of someone else...need I go on?
     This show is important to us. We watch reruns. We watch our tapes. I will be continuing to collect this series.
     For the record, of the four in this collection, I have not seen two: the Clint Eastwood and Paul Newman interviews. So, even I'm curious to see what I'll think of them.

Labels: collection, interview, TV

# posted by gail @ 11:31    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  Both Mom and I found this movie odd, but stayed with it, almost with bated breath. I'm not sure how often we'll watch it. Davis' performance is definitely transfixing. The story of her fall from fame and grace is interesting and well-played. The romance is a little over the top, though.
     This movie is a part of the Bette Davis Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, satire

# posted by gail @ 13:26    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1* *2* *3*
3. Commentary:  Ahhh...be still my heart! I love this movie so much it's hard for me to decide whether this or All About Eve is my favorite Bette Davis movie. First, of course, Bette Davis. What a character she plays in this! What a wonderful job she does! Second, the story. I consider the end strikingly unusual, but, I reminded myself that this movie played in 1942: Women were losing men to war, revelling in their independence and sudden ability to make a living and be both needed and wanted by the workforce...I guess I shouldn't consider it quite so striking. And then, of course, there's Claude Rains. My infatuation with this man is absolutely unreasonable. I kept wanting and expecting Davis' character to become romantically involved with his character, a psychiatrist. And, then, of course, the cigarettes. Read the mentions for information about how they went over in our household...definitely a surprise.
     I can't, unfortunately, comment much about Paul Henreid's performance. For me, he was simply an object off which Davis bounced. However, there was one other performance in the movie I considered devastating: Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Vale. Not only was her character wickedly written, her performance was flawless. her portrayal was so subtle, she transformed Mrs. Vale into a quiet horror; always much better than an obvious horror.
     This movie is a part of the Bette Davis Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, romance, shared-favorite

# posted by gail @ 13:24    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Although I'm nowhere near a Bette Davis expert, this movie seemed to me like a Bette Davis miscast, at first, although my inordinate love of Claude Rains took my mind off this for quite awhile. Despite this, it didn't take long for me to believe her portrayal; a credit to Davis, not the casting, I think. Mom loved the intense, obvious melodrama. She also got lost in the lush period flavor and imagined, afterward, that the movie had been in color; which I understand is a typical reaction to both this movie and Jezebel. I'd watch this movie again, just for the pleasure of watching Claude Rains again.
     This movie is a part of the Bette Davis Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, period, romance, shared-favorite

# posted by gail @ 13:23    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  It took us two tries to get through this one, even though it was the shortest of the Bette Davis movies we bought in the collection with which this one came. Neither of us found it disturbing, but we just couldn't get into the story. When we finally watched it, at the end Mom and I looked at one another.
     "Well," she said, "we don't have to do that again."
     "Yeah, I know what you mean."
     I'm not sure what our problem with it was. It could simply be that we're both hard sells for this type of movie. I have to say, though, since watching it, I've found that several of the scenes have continued to haunt me, probably because of both the staging and framing. As well, I have to admit, Bette Davis was, as usual, a dazzling intepreter of this character. I may, indeed, watch it again. Not soon, though.
     This movie is a part of the Bette Davis Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, suspense

# posted by gail @ 13:21    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  We watch this one more than I'd like, as it is one of my mother's favorites. I enjoy Davis' portrayal of the character but I have trouble with the quick switch from breezy, self-involved young heiress to philosophical, unselfishly doomed young matron. I've never known my mother to be an easy touch for movies about young, tragic death, but this one gets her every time. I'm not sure why. Maybe, if I would pay more attention to her as she watches it I'd discover the reason. Good idea. I know I'll have plenty of chances to do this.
     This movie is a part of the Bette Davis collection.

Labels: collection, drama

# posted by gail @ 13:15    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1* *2* *3* *4* *5* *6* *7* *8* *9* *10*
3. Commentary:  Although normally I'd say that all the comments would suffice as a review, this time I can say even more. Mom's favorite of the series is the first. Mine is Conquest of, although Battle for is a close runner up. We both much enjoyed the documentary on the making of the series, Behind the. The truth is, there is much that makes this series outstanding for its time and, thus, worth viewing. It set a couple of standards for science fiction movies, involving make-up and respecting the viewer's need for detail that grants plausibility, as well as respectable gaps that aren't too hard for the viewer to fill in, that puts it in the category of "must haves" for any science fiction movie maven. Even though the documentary clearly outlines a story of trying to milk an idea for all it was worth, its truthfulness lends even more respectability to the series. My mother, of course, is much more of a fan than I, and this is saying a lot, as I can imagine that I will eagerly watch all these films again with her.

Labels: collection, mom-favorite, science-fiction

# posted by gail @ 22:35    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1* *2*
3. Commentary:  I've watched this movie three times, once, the first, on TCM. Mom and I continue to be transfixed by this movie, especially the clothes and the in-color fashion sequence. Joan Crawford is a riot as the seductress. The opening credits alone are worth seeing over and over.
     This movie is a part of the Joan Crawford Collection.

Labels: collection, me-favorite, romance, satire

# posted by gail @ 02:34    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  Neither
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Yet another in the Joan Crawford Collection we haven't watched, although it sounds as tantalizing as the rest.
       We finally watched this film and it had the same effect on us as The Damned Don't Cry.
     This Movie is a part of the Joan Crawford Collection.

Labels: collection, drama

# posted by gail @ 02:25    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  Each of us had seen this at least once before we acquired it. Both of us are fascinated by the emotional violence in the film.
     This movie is a part of the Joan Crawford Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, me-favorite, mystery

# posted by gail @ 02:24    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Both of us were surprised at both the drama and melodrama. I enjoyed Joan Crawford's performance. It was much more vulnerable that I expected. As usual, Mom and I loved the clothes of the period. Mom hasn't seen the movie all the way through but has seen all of it in fits and starts.
     This movie is a part of the Joan Crawford Collection.

Labels: collection, drama, romance

# posted by gail @ 02:22    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  Neither
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection, only two of which either of us had seen. The name, alone, causes us to mention reminders to each other to watch it.
       When we finally watched this movie, we were both mesmerized. My mother's comment after watching it was: "My goodness, she's good at playing desperate characters! I can't take my eyes off her, no matter what she does!" My sentiments, exactly.
     This movie is a part of the Joan Crawford Collection.

Labels: collection, drama

# posted by gail @ 02:17    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Both my mother and I found Kathryn Hepburn's participation in this project especially revealing, and the letter she wrote to "Spence" after his death especially touching.
     This video is a part of the Tracy/Hepburn Collection.

Labels: biography, collection, documentary, tracy-hepburn

# posted by gail @ 02:01    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  Mom doesn't like this one as much as the other two Hepburn/Tracy movies we have. I think she considers some of the sentiment about marriage dishonest. She also, for some reason, has a hard time following the conversation in this movie; maybe because a lot of political and sports metaphors are used.
       I consider it an unusually brave movie, for the time because of the subject matter and for all time because it dares to complicate the issues of love and marriage for highly ambitious women, something we continue to consider daring, today.
     This movie is a part of the Tracy/Hepburn Collection.

Labels: collection, dramedy, shared-favorite, tracy-hepburn

# posted by gail @ 01:55    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  *1*
3. Commentary:  Both my mother and I tend to forget, between watchings of these movies, how riveting they are. Typically, we watch one of these movies when we want to watch something and have absolutely no idea what we want to watch. It's hard to pick a favorite; these are four of Chaplin's greatest, but juging from her reaction, I think Mom's favorite is probably Modern Times, she loves the man-in-the-cogs scene and never fails to say, "I wonder how they did that?!?", and mine is The Great Dictator, for too many reasons to mention.

Labels: collection, comedy, satire, shared-favorite, silent

# posted by gail @ 20:31    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  I supposedly got these for my mother. She haunts cable looking for replays of the That's Entertainment series. I have to admit, though, I really enjoy them. They are especially good for generating energy. My mother and I both sing along to them. Sometimes, I dance along to them, too. Just for your info, the 4th disc, "Treasures from the Vault", is repetitious and boring. Don't bother.

Labels: collection, dance, documentary, historical, mom-favorite, musical

# posted by gail @ 19:18    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched:  M & G
2. Mentions:  None
3. Commentary:  This is the least played of the three Hepburn/Tracy movies we have, but this is not to say it is not well played.
     This movie is a part of the Tracy/Hepburn Collection.

Labels: collection, comedy, mom-favorite, romance, tracy-hepburn

# posted by gail @ 19:08    0 comments    email......this post

1. Who's watched: M & G
2. Mentions: *1*
3. Commentary: One of our all time favorites. "Hel-lo Amanda..." need I sing more?
     This movie is a part of the Tracy/Hepburn Collection.

Labels: collection, comedy, shared-favorite, tracy-hepburn

# posted by gail @ 09:34    0 comments    email......this post