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Movies, DVDs, and Theater
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What MOVIES or DVDs have you watched? (PART EIGHT - 2015) (ongoing thread)
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Werner
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Jan 30, 2015 07:30AM
Jackie wrote: "Maybe it'll spark their interest and get them learning." Hope it does, Jackie --that can only be a good thing!
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Werner wrote: "The History Channel's Sons of Liberty miniseries has been mentioned above. ... a link to an online article ... posted at the Journal of the American Revolution website. The series is a fictionalized dramatization of history, but apparently the fiction element predominates, and they get a LOT of historical facts completely wrong; Verenna goes through it episode by episode, pointing all of these out. It's a long article ... but if anyone's interested, here's the link: http://allthingsliberty.com/2015/01/d..."Werner, thanks for the link about the "Sons of Liberty" miniseries. Sounds interesting. I've saved it and will take a look at the article. http://allthingsliberty.com/2015/01/d...
Jackie and Werner, I also wondered about how much truth there is in the movies & books about Elizabeth I. There are so many! I guess one could devote a whole lifetime to figuring what's truth and what's fiction! :) In any case, it's interesting to get an idea of what is said about Elizabeth I... and also about the early Americans who founded our county.
Werner wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Maybe it'll spark their interest and get them learning." Hope it does, Jackie --that can only be a good thing!"Yes, I agree. Fictionalized history does serve to stimulate our curiosity. That curiosity leads to learning new things.
"Curiosity is the clay from which all knowledge is formed." -Mark Evanier, American writer
"One of the secrets of life is to keep our intellectual curiosity acute." -William Lyon Phelps (1775-1834)
The truth is there is really no way to know what is true in history, it depends on who writes that history and what they decide to tell, what spin they put on it, where their sympathies lie. My father taught me that one could glean history to an extent, make an educated guess, if there are at least 3 sources from different geological locations: the winner, the loser and the observer. None will tell the full truth, or even know it all themselves. In the end, history is just a 'story' peppered with half truths.
Jackie wrote: "The truth is there is really no way to know what is true in history, it depends on who writes that history and what they decide to tell, what spin they put on it, where their sympathies lie. My fa..."Well put, Jackie!
Speaking of "fictionalized history", the book I can't forget is The Master by Colm Tóibín. I had always been curious about Henry James and this fictionalized story about him satisfied a lot of my curiosity. See why at my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Part of my review says:
=================================================
"I found it thrilling to feel so close to Henry James who has always seemed so distant as a writer. It was interesting to learn, as I read Henry's inner thoughts, that he suffered from self-doubt . He was human after all."
=================================================
Speaking as someone who's majored in and taught history, I would say that we actually can reconstruct a basic picture of the past, even the ancient past, with considerable confidence, though the picture is a lot clearer and better documented the closer we come to the present, as more and more information progressively becomes available. Historians rely mainly on written records, especially primary sources from eyewitnesses. and (as your dad mentioned, Jackie) compare them to get different perspectives. That's supplemented by the physical remains of the past, revealed through archaeology, etc.Professional historians generally assume that written sources are usually honestly-intended, allowing for the writer's viewpoint and access to knowledge about events. There were, of course, politically motivated hatchet jobs and whitewashes then as well as now; but historians can usually detect and allow for these, and that gets easier the more writings we have to compare.
Broadly speaking, by the 16th century, we know a lot about what people publicly said and did, and how they lived (what they ate, how they dressed, etc.) What we often don't really know is how they actually thought and felt, and what went on behind closed doors (although we sometimes have glimpses into that kind of thing from letters, diaries, etc.). Those are typically the areas where movie-makers and writers use their imaginations (some more wildly than others).
I'm listening to Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History right now. It's pretty amazing how much history gets warped, often by incorrect information from bad history. A self-fulfilling twist of lies.
Werner wrote: "Speaking as someone who's majored in and taught history, I would say that we actually can reconstruct a basic picture of the past, even the ancient past, with considerable confidence, though the pi..."Well put, Werner. That makes a lot of sense!
Jim wrote: "I'm listening to Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History right now. It's pretty amazing how much history gets warped, often by incorrect inform..."I wonder if we have more conspiracy theories nowadays than in years gone by. We hear so much about them.
Probably more conspiracy theories now, because people have more time. JFK, RFK, & Marilyn Monroe are all wrapped up one I just listened to. Princess Diana in another. They all share a lot in common, but a big one is book sales, media attention, & money. People step forward years later with 'new' evidence that gives them a few minutes of fame & money, sometimes a LOT of money. One guy had to pay back $7 million due to a Marilyn Monroe forgery.
Jim wrote: "Probably more conspiracy theories now, because people have more time. ... They all share a lot in common, but a big one is book sales, media attention, & money. ..."Money is such a huge motivator... for better or for worse!
I can't agree that we know history, we can only know what we are told and that is definitely not the same thing. On a broad scope, how people lived, sure, there would be archaeological evidence to support that, but details of what happened, no, there is really no way to truly know unless we were there and witnessed it with our own eyes. People are notoriously poor eyewitnesses, studies prove this, watch shows like Brain Games and you will have your mind blown at how much we don't notice because the brain decides it's not important. Two people can witness the same event and tell very different stories, neither is lying, it's what they actually remember. So eyewitness accounts don't mean much. Anway, along the lines of history, a friend told me about Oliver Stone's "Untold History of the United States" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1494191/?... and the DVD finally arrived! It was originally a HBO production, I think, or Showtime, one of those cable channels I don't get. I'm interested in what will be on this 10 episode series, if I already know or will learn something new. Not that I will automatically believe it, but will point me a direction to research.
Amazon Instant Video has it for $2.99 in HD."UNTOLD HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES" 1 Season 2012
http://www.amazon.com/World-War-Two/d...
1. World War Two TV
"Narrated by Oliver Stone, this new one-hour series features human events that at the time went under reported. The first chapter explores the birth of the American Empire by focusing on Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin."
I bought the DVD because it's a lot cheaper than $2.99 each for 10 eps. I paid about $16 for the whole season.
Yes, that IS cheaper, Jackie.I admire your interest in history.
I hardly ever buy DVDs but I weakened and bought "Father Ted: The Definitive Collection" a few years ago. It was such a ridiculously funny TV series.
"Father Ted" (1995–1998) TV Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YIGNKY/r...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111958/?...
"Crazy sitcom about 3 priests and their housekeeper who live on Craggy Island, not the peaceful and quiet part of Ireland it seems!"
It was a bit irreverent, but so silly that you couldn't stop laughing to yourself.
My sister borrowed it and enjoyed the whole thing! I was glad I had spent the money on it.
I LOVE Father Ted! Graham Norton was in a few episodes, he was really nuts as Father Furlong.
Jackie wrote: "... I LOVE Father Ted! Graham Norton was in a few episodes, he was really nuts as Father Furlong. "Yes, now I remember that you had told me about Graham Norton as Father Furlong when I had mentioned Father Ted. I remember the scene in the trailer. LOL
I finished the first episode, there wasn't anything on it that I didn't know. In the beginning, Oliver Stone said he was appalled at how little his children were being taught, this being the obvious inspiration for the series. I must be closer to his age than his children's. I'm not sure I can recommend this series to people who know history or have lived through it.
Is anyone else watching "Backstrom"? Just saw the 2d episode. It's pretty funny.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2099034/
Jackie wrote: "I finished the first episode, there wasn't anything on it that I didn't know. In the beginning, Oliver Stone said he was appalled at how little his children were being taught, this being the obvio..."Hope the second episode gets better, Jackie.
Jim wrote: "Is anyone else watching "Backstrom"? Just saw the 2d episode. It's pretty funny.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2099034/ "
Haven't seen it, Jim. Not sure it's my cup of tea. Here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Dragon-Sl...
Backstrom 1 Season 2015 - Pilot (Dragon Slayer) TV
"An overweight, offensive, irascible detective tries and fails to change his self-destructive behavior."
I'm sure there's plenty in Untold History that I do not know. I only know a lot about WW2 because it was of particular interest to my father. I don't know if Backstrom is for me either. A 'House'-like detective, Jim? I'll give it a try. What night is it on?
I have no idea when or what channel it is on, Jackie. The Boss takes care of such things. He's kind of a House on crack. He's not brave, likable, or anything. Actually, he's kind of pitiful, mean, & disgusting, but he's often right. The whole mix is pretty amusing right now. I could see it getting old or going bad easily, though.
TY for the info, Jim.
BOY OH BOY! I hit on a good movie today, streamed from Netflix! Even my husband has been watching it with me! We still haven't finished watching it yet. It's 2 hours and 47 minutes long!"In Harm's Way" (1965)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059309/?...
http://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-John-...
http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/600104...
"This epic World War II tale focuses on the effect the Pearl Harbor attack had on the lives of officers, wives and lovers as America entered the war."
The movie, "In Harm's Way", based on James Bassett's novel, Harm's Way, has enough plot in it for four movies or a good miniseries.
When it was shown on network television in prime time, it was broken into two very full nights.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, a heavy cruiser, commanded by John Wayne's character, and a destroyer are two of a handful of ships that escape the destruction of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
CHECK OUT THE CAST!
John Wayne
Kirk Douglas
Patricia Neal
Tom Tryon
Paula Prentiss
Brandon de Wilde
Jill Haworth
Dana Andrews
Burgess Meredith
Franchot Tone
Patrick O'Neal
Slim Pickens
George Kennedy
Larry Hagman
Henry Fonda
Carroll O'Connor
Stanley Holloway
Hugh O'Brian
Directed by Otto Preminger
I've been avoiding this film because it's a war picture but today I gave it a try. I'm glad I did. I'm swooning over John Wayne! And Kirk Douglas looks like he had been working out at a gym. What a sturdy build he had! They just don't make actors like these men anymore!
The women? eh! LOL Although the restrained fireworks between John Wayne and Patricia Neal are something to see. I never learned to flirt like that. LOL
PS-The flavor of the war years (WW2) comes back with "In Harms Way". The uniforms, the service men, the cars... and the scenery in Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous! I was only a kid but I remember those days during the war. And I remember the music...
Jackie wrote: "TY for the info, Jim."Backstrom is Thursday night on Fox. 9pm, I think. Just watched the latest BlackList. Dumb, but fun.
Son of Liberty had a not a good review in our paper. They said to watch it if you don't care about the facts so I declined.
It's always so sad to see the scenes (in Sons of Liberty AND in "In Harms Way") where boys gave their lives for our freedom.
Ah! Another old movie at the TCM channel. (Playing now!)"Suzy" (1936)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028330/?...
"Thinking a German spy has killed her new husband (Franchot Tone), a chorus girl (Jean Harlow) flees to Paris and marries a pilot (Cary Grant).
Song from the movie - "Did I Remember":
SONG AT YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykU5u... [JEAN HARLOW]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgLMz... [Cary Grant Singing to Jean Harlow in 1936's SUZY ]
Joy, If I remember correctly, you like Stephen Fry. His program QI is coming to BBCA (ch 110) on Feb 19th. I've seen some clip on youtube and they're quite good. Funny and informative.
Jackie wrote: "Joy, If I remember correctly, you like Stephen Fry. His program QI is coming to BBCA (ch 110) on Feb 19th. I've seen some clip on youtube and they're quite good. Funny and informative."Thanks, Jackie! I'll make note of that. I do enjoy Stephen Fry. My records show that I've netflixed the following in the past:
"Stephen Fry in America: Season 1, Episode 3
Mississippi" (26 Oct. 2008)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1314107/?...
https://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70218...
Yesterday I streamed (via Amazon Prime) "Hemingway & Gellhorn" (2012), starring: Nicole Kidman & Clive Owen. It kept me watching!http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0423455/?...
"A drama centered on the romance between Ernest Hemingway and WWII correspondent Martha Gellhorn, Hemingway's inspiration for For Whom the Bell Tolls and the only woman who ever asked for a divorce from the writer."
http://www.amazon.com/Hemingway-Gellh...
"It was a romance born out of war...and later torn apart by it. This powerful drama recounts one of the great love stories of the 20th century: the relationship between literary giant Ernest Hemingway and trailblazing war correspondent Martha Gellhorn."
The setting is partly in war torn Spain, partly in China and also in other places they were assigned. A taste of history.
BTW, it occurred to me that there's a strong resemblance between Nicole Kidman and Elizabeth Montgomery (of TV's "Bewitched").
Also, BTW, I found the movie while searching the filmography of Clive Owen whom I had recently seen in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age", playing the role of Sir Walter Raleigh. Clive is a good looking fellow! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0654110/?r...
Today I streamed (via Amazon Prime) "Cheers for Miss Bishop" (1941) a film adaptation of the book, Miss Bishop by Bess Streeter Aldrich.At first I thought the movie might be too "sappy" but it turned out to be a very appealing old film starring a lovely actress named Martha Scott. The film is filled with many truths about life's experiences, many narrated by the main character herself, Miss Bishop.
IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033459/?...
AMAZON PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Cheers-Miss-Bis...
"Sentimental story of young woman Ella Bishop, who graduates from a new college and stays on to teach English for over 50 years. At her retirement dinner she tells her students the story of her failed romances over the years and why she never married. She had failed romantic relationships with weak-willed Delbert and the unhappily married John Stevens. Although Ella believes her life was one of missed chances and poor choices, her students prove to her the triumphs of her life through their own successes. Rosemary De Camp's first film. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score."
The GR reviews of the book (first published in 1933) seem very favorable.
PS-The story about Miss Bishop (in my previous post) reminded me of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" by James Hilton, first published in 1934, a year AFTER Bess Streeter Aldrich's book about Miss Bishop was published! Exact same theme!PPS-The story, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", was adapted to film in 1939, three years BEFORE the film about Miss Bishop came out. Since then there have been other adaptations of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips".
My current dvd set is Smallville, Season Three.I know it is old but I have seen the first two season and so when I found the entire season 3 for $10, I splurged and bought it.
Smallville does put a lot of romance in the Superman legend---but the actors do a great job. I am enjoying it.
We never watched that, Mary. I've heard it was really good, but there is so much on to watch & books to read. It's tough decision sometimes.
Mary JL wrote: "My current dvd set is Smallville, Season Three. ..."Mary JL, thanks for mentioning Smallville. I had never heard of it. So now I'll look for it.
"Smallville" (2001–2011)
IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279600/?...
"A young Clark Kent struggles to find his place in the world as he learns to harness his alien powers for good and deals with the typical troubles of teenage life in Smallville."
PS-Notice how they take it for granted that everyone knows who Clark Kent is. LOL
If you know where 'Smallville' is, then you'd know who Clark Kent is. lol I watched Smallville and really enjoyed it, especially the Clark-Lex friendship and how it changes, and why.
I'd like to watch "Smallville", but at this point, I'd have to pay to watch it. I'll wait.
PS-FROM WIKI: "Smallville was featured in Superman: The Animated Series. It was also in Kansas. In the television series Smallville, the town's location is two hundred miles east of Wichita with Metropolis southwest of Dodge City, implied by the series to be located in east Kansas.""Smallville is a ficticious town located in Kansas. There is, however, a Metropolis, Illinois, which features a statue of Superman."
FROM: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...
I wouldn't watch it if I had to pay for it. Not that it's not worth it, but rather it'll get mighty expensive with 10 seasons of 20+ episodes. One of these days it's bound to repeat on one of the cable stations we have.
Yes, but I don't usually keep track of the programs on TV.
Joy: In your spare time, lol....I'd like to recommend Madame X. It has been filmed several times, the version I like is the 1964 version with Lana Turner, John Forsythe and Ricardo Montalban.P. S. It is not science fiction or horror.
Mary JL wrote: "Joy: In your spare time, lol....I'd like to recommend Madame X. It has been filmed several times, the version I like is the 1964 version with Lana Turner, John Forsythe and Ricardo Montalban. ..."Thanks, Mary JL.
I enjoyed the Oscars last night. I had seen "Ida" and "Budapest Hotel". Didn't enjoy Budapest Hotel. It was too surrealistic for me to follow clearly. There wasn't much to "Ida" except that she's going to be a nun; meets a boyfriend; and then ... I won't tell you how it ends but it's not as interesting as you might expect. Anyway, that's all I remember. Neil Patrick Harris is a hoot!
Today I streamed (via Amazon Prime) "The Proud and the Profane" (1956) set in WWII starring William Holden and Deborah Kerr.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049640/?...
http://www.amazon.com/Proud-Profane-W...
"In the Pacific during WWII, a Roman Catholic widow falls for a tough lieutenant colonel."
It held my attention all the way through. It was adapted from the book, The Magnificent Bastards (1954) by Lucy Herndon Crockett.
The other day I streamed (via Netflix) "Labor Day" (2013) starring Kate Winslet & Josh Brolin.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1967545/?...
http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/702842...
"On a fateful Labor Day weekend, giving a lift to a bloodied man turns into a life-changing event for a divorced single mother and her 13-year-old son."
It was a fairly heavy drama, not the kind I usually watch. However, I tried it and it was suspenseful enough to keep me watching. However, I would NOT call it a "feel-good" movie. I thought the ending was satisfying enough.
PS-The movie mentioned in my previous post was adapted from a novel of the same name: Labor Day by Joyce Maynard.
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