Say hello!

[Joyce]

Thank you

[W]

Hi everyone,I'm very interested in old Hollywood,and have a sizeable movie library of my own.Some of my favourite directors are Hitchcock,Kubrick,David Lean,Eastwood,and Oliver Stone.

[Anthony]

Hitchcock, Kubrick and Lean - brilliant filmmakers. Bit mixed about Eastwood and Stone.
If you like old American movies and classics that survive through the generations, you can't go wrong by adding consistently high quality directors John Ford, George Stevens, William Wyler, Fred Zinnemann, John Huston, Billy Wilder, Douglas Sirk, Francis Ford Coppola, Elia Kazan, Sidney Lumet (and all the others that I missed), to that list.

[W]

I like John Ford.Copolla's Apocaypse Now,was brilliant.Billy Wilder,I don't like particularly.

[Anthony]

Can understand your dislike for Wilder comedies. I've gone off them a fair bit - very loud and a bit questionable in taste. But people generally love them. Many of Wilder's dramas though are outstanding - to mention just three: 'Double Indemnity' (44), 'The lost Weekend' (45) and 'Sunset Blvd.' (50) are amongst the greatest films ever made.

Like most film buffs, I love John Ford's Westerns especially "The Searchers', 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance', 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon', 'My Darling Clementine'; his Americana: 'The Grapes of Wrath', 'The Sun Shines Bright' etc.; silents like 'Four Sons' and am thoroughly hooked on all his Irish-American sentimentality (my own 75% Irish heritage probably counts for this!)

Funny how everyone touts 'Apocalypse Now'. I saw this in the cinema on first release and recently re watched it on a revamped DVD release. Quite disappointed how this film fizzles out after a brilliant first half. This film was severely hampered during production due to casting and weather problems. Vittorio Storaro's cinematography is stunning! Recently purchased a CD of the music score by David Shire which was replaced by the one composed by FFC and his father Carmine Coppola (with a lot of help from The Doors and Richard Wagner!) Both scores memorable but I was really impressed by Shire's all-electronic score. Shire was Coppola's brother-in-law (married to Talia who was in 'The Godfather' films and 'Rocky') and also composed the music for 'The Conversation'.
I rank 'The Godfather' and in particular 'The Godfather Part II' in my top all-time masterpieces of American cinema. Also rank highly, the often forgotten 'The Conversation' (with Gene Hackman) which gets lost a bit between 'The Godfathers' but a genuine masterwork and makes for an incredible 3-picture output by FFC between 1972-74.

[W]

My favourite John Ford film is They were Expendable.Also liked the Searchers,and Mogambo,for its location.

[Jill H.]

I think you are my kind of people. I absolutely love old film......and when I say "old" film, I mean everything from silents to the early 1950s.....noir, B films, and everything in between. I hope I can add something worthwhile to this group. Thanks for having me.

[W]

Hi Jill,nice to meet you.This group is generally very quiet,hope you can help make it a bit more active.

[Anthony]

Jill wrote: "I think you are my kind of people. I absolutely love old film......and when I say "old" film, I mean everything from silents to the early 1950s.....noir, B films, and everything in between. I hope ..."

Welcome aboard Jill!
Look forward to your comments especially re: silent films.
I too enjoy the period - many great films were made and is generally an under appreciated and misunderstood period of fine filmmaking.
I have about 140 silent films from all over the world in my collection and love and admire them all. Sadly don't get the chance to chatter about them much as just about everyone I know has rarely ever seen one!
Recently watched and was very impressed by 1924 'Peter Pan'.

[W]

Indeed,I have rarely seen silent films,except Charlie Chaplin.

[W]

And Welcome,Kandice.I see you are here.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

This group is definitely more active lately. Welcome to all you newcomers. Remember you can create discussion topics of your own; look carefully at the sections and there's probably a spot for whatever you wish to talk about. If you have a favorite star, go right ahead!

[Patrick]

Hi, I'm Patrick. I'm a Screenwriter with an MFA in Screenwriting. I love old movies. Last week I watched Citizen Kane again. It's one of my favorite films. I also love Bogart. He's great in Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and The Big Sleep. Film Noir is a style of film that I like very much. Glad to be part of the group. Any book or film recommendations are appreciated!

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

Welcome, Patrick. Also be aware that TCM has a bustling group forum where you can learn a lot.

Y'know that background you mentioned sounds so odd to my ears. Screenwriting is one of those professions where you can be brilliant, but starve. Why the MFA strategy when you still have to compete with valets and car wash attendants out there, (and they might sell something, merely because they 'know someone')?

Maybe there were networking opportunities. But still, I hope you didn't pay a really high tuition? Industry is so hit-or-miss.

[Betsy]

My name is Betsy, and I love Golden Age movies, well really movies up to about 1970 although some after as well.

What I wondered is about the possibility of a new thread on movie music by such great composers as Elmer Bernstein. I didn't know how to suggest that otherwise. Thanks.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

We bid you welcome Betsy. Yes, I reckon we can do a music thread. Stand by...

[Betsy]

I appreciate it. Music is important to movies; just imagine 'Gone With the Wind' without that opening theme.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

Gee, where is 'Molly' these days? She was previously wont to poke her head in ever-so-often. All these fresh faces (Jill, Betsy, Kandice) make me recall her. She would typically be the only one piping up for months at a time. But now, no where to be found?

[Mollie]

I'm still here, Feliks! Have been loosely monitoring posts, but haven't chimed in. It's been busy at both home/work, so I've been mostly off social media. There do seem to be a lot of new names/faces here.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

Hallo thar! I see you now. A devoted classics fan, for sure.

[Mollie]

While I've been on hiatus from this group, I've been on a Buster Keaton kick! This summer I taped several of his movies that TCM aired and just watched them a couple of weeks ago. I fell in love with Buster all over again. I discovered he wrote an autobiography, My Wonderful World of Slapstick. It was originally published in 1960, six years before his death. I ordered it and couldn't put it down. It was a fairly quick read and felt like I was having a conversation with him. His humor shone through in the book. He was comedic in every fiber of his being. No wonder stars from that era are so mesmerizing as vaudeville provided training that no actor receives today. There were a couple of dark chapters that were heartbreaking--alcoholism, losing his children, lack of work, his first wife taking him to the cleaners. In later years, he seemed happy, was earning a good income, had a good marriage to his third/final wife, and established a relationship with his sons/grandchildren. I ordered four more books about him. One book is a compilation of interviews with him. There is another out-of-print book by his third/final wife that was published after his death. It seems to be rare and extremely pricey. I think it's more of a coffee table book. I found one copy that isn't as pricey, but I need to investigate the seller first to ensure it's a legitimate site. To ring in 2020, there is a Chester Morris biography scheduled to be published in January. And I thought I was the only fanatic of his! The publication date has been pushed from December to January, so hopefully there won't be further delays. It will look great sitting next to my copy of Warren William's biography. The profiles of Buster, Chester, and Warren are so unique and intriguing.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

There's something in what you say about vaudeville. It produced people who lived their comedy from the inside; rather than just 'businessmen' who tell jokes as a way to earn money (such as we see today). None of today's comics strike me as inherently funny; in fact they're all pretty grim-seeming. Cold and calculating about their careers and career goals.

p.s. Oddly, I've met quite a few fans of Chester Morris on-line. And I recall one individual who obsessed over Warren William.

[Mollie]

What I got from Buster's biography is that it was about the craft for him, not money. Which is one reason why he allowed his first wife to walk away with all but the clothes on his back. While his parents were performing in vaudeville, baby Buster slept in his parents' dressing room. Once old enough to walk, he wandered on stage. As a way to keep an eye on him, they put him in their act. He learned from the masters on the circuit, like Houdini. He observed Houdini from all angles, even from the rafters and couldn't figure out his secrets. When Buster was let go from the studio, it crushed him as his life was about performing from the time he could walk. Today's comedians (using the term loosely) throw out a bunch of one liners rather than weave a story. Glad to hear I'm not the only fan of Chester and Warren. Trivia: Buster only wore a men's size 5 shoe! His mother was very petite and under five feet tall; his father was almost six feet.

[Patrick]

Feliks wrote: "Welcome, Patrick. Also be aware that TCM has a bustling group forum where you can learn a lot.

Y'know that background you mentioned sounds so odd to my ears. Screenwriting is one of those profess..."

I agree it seems whimsical and so youth oriented these days. I really enjoy studying so going for a degree in Creative Writing while still working allowed me to indulge in getting deep into a subject I really love. It introduced me to a lot of great films and screenplays as well as screenwriters, writers, and directors I didn't know about before. Thanks for the introduction. I"m sure I'll get a lot out of the group!

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

Now, ]Creative Writing' is an excellent major. I knew someone who went that route and wound up working at Pixar. The thing about that degree is that you have to write a shipload of new pages every week, that's what the classes are about. It's hardcore training.

Whereas, an English Lit major is the opposite. There, you do a massive amount of reading every week. Yea there's term papers and you gain a certain well-roundedness from the intellectual heritage you're absorbing. But the whole ratio is wrong for a writing career.

It's really just when a college designates 'screen'-writing as a major field that I scratch my noggin. It seems not to fit easily between either of these two poles. But if you graduated, that's the main thing. Good man.

[Tyche]

Hi There! I've been on Goodreads quite some time, but never actively. It seems like a great platform, however, to connect with 'strangers' on the topics most dear to be: film and literature. I'm a screenwriter (mostly working for TV) from Belgium and have been obsessed with Hollywood ever since I watched all of Hitchcock's films from the 50s and 60s in the span of one week at the age of 10. 'Adventures in the screen trade' by William Goldman is one of my favorite books of Hollywood (and writing!).

[Betsy]

Welcome to the group. There are lots of topics to talk about so pitch right in.

[Feliks, Co-Moderator]

A working screenwriter. Impressive!

But does that mean, writing for Belgian TV? Or does it mean born/raised in Belgium but now living/working in England or America writing for TV here?

Goldman's book is great; although he draws his conclusions mostly from his own anecdotal experiences. There's other books which are more directly informational and helpful but (I think) none as readable and enjoyable except maybe 'The Day of the Locust' (fiction).

[Jill H.]

Tyche wrote: "Hi There! I've been on Goodreads quite some time, but never actively. It seems like a great platform, however, to connect with 'strangers' on the topics most dear to be: film and literature. I'm a ..."

Glad you joined us, Tyche. We have some great discussion and can agree to disagree without any rancor which is so refreshing.

[Jon]

My name is Jon; I live in Los Angeles, one zip code away from Hollywood. In my retirement I've become an urban walker, including one from my home near the Gelson's on Hyperion in Silver Lake (the original site of the Disney studio) to the Hollywood and Highland complex, going past the Larry Edmunds bookstore, of course.

I like film noir, early Dustin Hoffman movies, Rocky and Bullwinkle. My favorite films are "Annie Hall," "Midnight Cowboy," "The Haunting" (1963) and "LA Confidential."

[Anthony]

Jon wrote: "My name is Jon; I live in Los Angeles, one zip code away from Hollywood. In my retirement I've become an urban walker, including one from my home near the Gelson's on Hyperion in Silver Lake (the o..."

A belated hello and welcome to the group, Jon!
I imagine you have lots of personal and professional insight into the world of film and television. Look forward to reading your comments.

I have a copy of your book THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS in my collection. Will guiltily confess that I have only read certain parts
but will attempt a full read sometime this year. As they say, so many books to read and so little time!

I bought the book in a quality bookshop here in Melbourne which specializes in university press odds and ends. Book is in immaculate condition - Rutgers did a fine job.

I was mainly attracted to the book because I knew of Fred Coe's distinguished work in early television and producer of many fine Broadway plays. Also as producer-director of one of my favorite films "A Thousand Clowns."

I see that you have a new book on the way, a study of Ernest Lehman from U. Press of Kentucky. Good luck with it; I'll be on the lookout for it!

[Jon]

The fact that you bought and read it in part is very gratifying, Anthony -- there's no pop quiz, so there's no penalty for not reading the whole thing :)

[Jill H.]

It is nice to have an "insider" join us, Jon. We are a bunch of film addicts, mostly interested in noir and early film. But there are several topics from which to choose so please join in the discussion.

The moderator of this group seems to have disappeared so we are soldiering on. There are several topics we would like to add but since we are not moderators it can't be accomplished. So you will find that topics such as "cult films" might show up anywhere. Bear with us and don't be shy about agreeing to disagree!

[Jon]

Thank you very much, Jill. I'm not so much an insider as an outsider who likes to do research, talk to people and write stuff. I'll tend to be intermittent, but look forward to being a member of the group.

[Georgia]

When other kids were kissing pics of Donnie Osmond, I had Clark Gable (as Rhett Butler) on my bedroom wall. Still out of step and watching what I love. Happy to have found this club.
Georgia Scott

[Betsy]

Glad to have you here. Feel free to discuss any of the topics or any of the classic movies/actors you like. Any chance you're into Film Noir?

[Georgia]

Betsy wrote: "Glad to have you here. Feel free to discuss any of the topics or any of the classic movies/actors you like. Any chance you're into Film Noir?"

How did you guess? They got me through the pandemic and I'm still watching them.

[Betsy]

I like them too. In fact I watch 3 or 4 a week. Any favorites?

[Jill H.]

Welcome, Georgia. We have a bit of fun here discussing everything from cult films to the Japanese monsters films to classics.. ....and, of course, those wonderful noir films. Join right in to the discussions.

[Georgia]

Betsy wrote: "I like them too. In fact I watch 3 or 4 a week. Any favorites?"
Usually the last one I saw. I'm terrible at remembering titles but anything with James Mason or Peter Lorre is a favorite of mine.

[Georgia]

Jill wrote: "Welcome, Georgia. We have a bit of fun here discussing everything from cult films to the Japanese monsters films to classics.. ....and, of course, those wonderful noir films. Join right in to the d..."
Thank you Jill. My tastes run pretty wide. So, I'm looking forward to this.

[Betsy]

Both men are favorites around here, both excellent actors in different ways.

[Spencer]

Betsy wrote: "Both men are favorites around here, both excellent actors in different ways."

Yes, Mason and Lorre are wonderful. They can carry a mediocre or outright bad picture. Mason's roles really go all over the place.

[Donna]

Welcome Georgia, I enjoy this Discussion group What d'
ya see lately. I enjoy checking to see what everyone has been watching. It's fun to see other people doing the same thing I do which is watch old movies!

[Georgia]

Hi Donna,
Thanks for your message. I'm enjoying it too. I recently saw Wild like the Wind with Anthony Quinn and Anna Magnani. Superb! Great acting from both.

[Juan]

Hey there everyone. My name is Juan, I am from North Texas and I am a bartender at a craft cocktail restaurant. I am interested in this group because my girlfriend and I love classic Hollywood movies, and I love to read. I don’t really have anyone I can discuss books with in my life so I think this is a good place to find that.

Anyways, I am currently reading Quentin Tarantino’s “Once upon a time… in Hollywood.” I absolutely love it so far. If you want to see more of my thoughts on that I have posted my thoughts on my currently reading section. Anyways some of my favorite classic movies are (in no certain order):

-M
-The Apartment
-His Girl Friday
-It’s a Wonderful Life
-The Big Country

[Laura]

Hi Juan! welcome

[Betsy]

Those are some great movies you listed, Juan. 'M' is such a sad, but well-done movie. Glad you're here.

[Jill H.]

So glad you joined us, Juan. We have some great discussions about classic (and not so classic) films. Love your list.

[Georgia]

Juan wrote: "Hey there everyone. My name is Juan, I am from North Texas and I am a bartender at a craft cocktail restaurant. I am interested in this group because my girlfriend and I love classic Hollywood movi..."

Welcome to the group Juan!
Thanks for reminding me of The Apartment. Such a bleak story but Jack Lemmon lifts it from despair.