TCM’s Classic Movies Seriesis the perfect opportunity to re-visit or perhaps attend for the first time the theatrical screenings of – “Planet of the Apes”, “Animal House” and “The King and I”.
Each film will include a special TCM-produced commentary by host Ben Mankiewicz who will provide exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes looks and more.
I’m a big proponent of heading to the theater to watch an anticipated movie on the big screen. Even though we have the convenience of DVDs and streaming, nothing beats the experience of sitting in the dark and enjoying a great film with fellow movie lovers.
Planet of the Apes may make you question just how civilized and superior humans really are to our primate relatives. It serves as a metaphor for man’s frailties and social prejudices. It holds up a mirror for people to challenge the idea of humanity.
A science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, it stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly and Linda Harrison. The screenplay by Michael Wilson and Rod Serling was based on the 1963 French novel La Planète des Singes by Pierre Boulle.
The film tells the story of an astronaut crew who crash-land on a strange planet in the distant future. Although the planet appears desolate at first, the surviving crew members stumble upon a society in which apes have evolved into creatures with human-like intelligence and speech. The apes have assumed the role of the dominant species and humans are mute creatures wearing animal skins.(Wikipedia)
Join Astronaut George Taylor (Charleton Heston) as he attempts to uncover the truth after waking up on a desolate planet and discovering that apes are in control! See the classic that bravely challenged social issues and made people ask the question, “how civilized are we, really?”
I love Robin Williams. His talent was beyond compare. I’ve written about his unique gifts in a previous post and how deeply his passing affected me. So, I was very excited to see that PBS is paying tribute tonight at 10pm to this comedic genius.
This tribute to actor and comedian Robin Williams features one of his last full-length interviews for the Pioneers of Television series, including never-before-seen comments on his life and comedic and dramatic work, as well as tributes to Williams by those who knew and worked with him, and clips from his career.
In 1998, Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. In addition, Williams was nominated thrice for Best Actor for his performances in Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King. He also received twoPrimetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Grammy Awards throughout his career, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2009. (Wikipedia)
Join PBS Tuesday, July 19 at 10 PM for a remembrance of one of the pioneers of comedy, Robin Williams.
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
This post is Part 2 of Most Quotable Films and features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies.
My family has a lot of fun reciting movies and my children were raised watching and memorizing movie lines.There are way too many quotable films to name, but here goes:
CaddyShack is a raucous joyride of quotes. How could it help be starring Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray? I don’t know how any of the cast could keep a straight face during filming. One of my favorite scenes is in the pool with the candy bar. Not going to give it away so give it a look-see.😂
Starring Gene Wilder, Clevon Little, Harvey Korman, and Madeline Khan, this Mel Brooks film has to be one of the funniest flicks of all time! It offends everyone and in a past post titled “Too Blazing Hot”, I posed the question if this movie could be made today because of its’ incorrectness in practically every scene. However, this satire of western films lasers in on a myriad of stereotypes and folklore. My husband’s favorite scene was the villains around the campfire. After seeing it he insisted on us returning to the theater for what turned out to be an afternoon of non-stop belly laughs. If you haven’t already, make it a point to see this classic.
Yet another Mel Brooks masterpiece, Young Frankenstein pays homage to the original Frankenstein and its’ sequels. I’m a huge Universal monster fan and was blown away with Brooks’ accuracy in the scenes and references to all the films. Absolute genius!
I’ve only touched on a minuscule number of quotable films. Let me know some of your favorites in the comments!
As I write on my About page, I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid at the Saturday matinees. When the VCR was developed, I was in heaven. The ability to view my favorite films whenever I wanted was a day I had envisioned since childhood.
I have two children and raised them to be movie junkies, as well. We frequently have conversations laced with film quotes like – “It doesn’t have to be gold” from the Billy Wilder classic, “Some Like it Hot!” or “Do or do not. There is no try.” from the wise Yoda in “Empire Strikes Back”.
This post features some of my favorite, most notable quotes from my best-loved movies. There are way too many to name, but here goes:
Trivia: Marlon Brando boycotted the Academy Awards and turned down his Oscar for Best Actor in protest of the treatment of Native Americans in film and on television. Al Pacino also was a no-show for being nominated as Best Supporting Actor and not Best Actor. He had more screen time so didn’t appreciate the slight.
This Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe comedy vehicle has always been close to my heart because, for its time, was the most subversive film I’d ever seen. And I mean that in a good way! Cross-dressing, gay marriage, it’s brilliant! In my top 5.
Tom Hanks “made his bones” to quote The Godfather in this remarkable cinematic triumph. Forrest Gump will probably go down as one of the most quotable films of all time! “Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”.
1939 is considered to be the most amazing year in the motion picture industry for the quality of films and audience attendance. “Gone With the Wind”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and “The Wizard of Oz”, which is one of the most beloved works of our time. It continues to tug at our heart strings with every generation.
“Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” Scarecrow
This group is just a sampling of some of the best. Stay tuned for Part Two of the Most Quotable Films. In the meantime:
I’ve loved musicals my entire life. Going back to Frankie and Annette in the beach movies when a mandatory song would break out and a beach full of teenagers would get busy doing the watusi.
Frankie and Annette
Some musical numbers stand out more than others. This is Part Two of a glimpse into some of my favorites.
I’ve written about Streets of Fire before as my guilty pleasure. It’s a rock ‘n roll tale about gangs, ex- lovers (Diane Lane and Michael Pare) and some fantastic music! I give mad props to Fire, Inc. featuring Holly Sherwood (on lead vocals), Rory Dodd, and Eric Troyer for their music in the song “Nowhere Fast”. (Diane Lane did not sing) First, because it’s the right thing to do and second, they kicked butt!!
I got into the film primarily because of the musical sequences even though it failed critically and commercially. Its musical score, however, by Jim Steinman, Ry Cooder, and others, as well as the hit Dan Hartman song “I Can Dream About You”, from the film’s soundtrack, helped it attain a cult following.
I’ll round out this post with one of my favorite inspiring films, Fame. Produced by David De Silva and directed by Alan Parker, its screenplay is by Christopher Gore, choreography by Louis Falco and musical score by Michael Gore.
Starring Irene Cara, it’s a peek into a year of study at a New York school of performing arts. As a result of being fired up by this movie, I took my love of musicals and turned it into a path as an actress in community theater.
“Fame, I’m gonna live forever, baby remember my name!”
I’ve loved musicals my entire life. Going back to Frankie and Annette in the beach movies when a mandatory song would break out and a beach full of teenagers would get busy doing the watusi.
Frankie and Annette
Some musical numbers stand out more than others. This is a glimpse into some of my favorites.
Technically not a musical, the plot involves young Olive’s (Abigail Breslin) pilgrimage to the “Little Miss Sunshine” Beauty Pageant. Of course, everything that could go wrong does which is both totally hilarious and sad. But, Olive’s dance performance at the competition is worth everything as she gives it her all with choreography conceived by her beloved grandfather, played brilliantly by Alan Arkin. Arkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
What warms my heart is the love and commitment of Olive’s family (Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Paul Dano) who support her and her dreams. Do your thing, Olive. Awesome!!
Truly a classic, this cult marvel became a must see and do experience when audiences began participating with the film at the Waverly Theater in New York City in 1976. Based on the 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, the music, book, and lyrics are by Richard O’Brien. The production is a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through early 1970s.
The film stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original Royal Court Theatre, Roxy Theatre and Belasco Theatre productions. Tim Curry was magnificent as Dr. Frank N. Furter. (“I’m just a sweet transvestite…”) Love this number and the Dr.’s strut.
What’s hotter than Jazz, sex, scandal, and murder? The incredible dance numbers in the movie Chicago!
Chicago tells the story of Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Zellweger), two murderesses who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial in 1920s Chicago. Directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall, and adapted by screenwriter Bill Condon, Chicago won six Academy Awards in 2003, including Best Picture. The film was critically lauded and was the first musical to win Best Picture since Oliver! in 1968.
Let’s keep this party going by checking out Part Two of “I’ve Got the Music in Me!” in my next post to see more music favorites.
I’ve never been a bigTom Cruise fan. (okay, maybe that one scene in “Risky Business” when he pantomimes Bob Seeger) Until I saw his portrayal of the Coca-Cola-swilling, profanity master, and all around cra-cra mogul -Les Grossman in the hilarious Ben Stiller flick, “Tropic Thunder”.
In my previous post, “Favorite Actors Favorite Roles” I talked about being so immersed in an actor’s portrayal instead of thinking that’s so and so playing a fill in the blank role. In that vein, Tom Cruise blew my mind with his – take it to the max interpretation – of Les Grossman. I totally didn’t even recognize him with the makeup and his over the top performance. It was then and there I decided the only types of roles Cruise should accept are character roles. Whose with me?
Another impressive character role for Cruise was playing rock star Stacee Jaxx in the tribute film “Rock of Ages”. Again, an outstanding performance and parody of an 80’s rocker which included getting ripped and tattooed to complete the look.
The 2012 romantic musical comedy was directed by Adam Shankman and is an adaptation of the 2006 rock jukebox Broadway musical of the same name by Chris D’Arienzo.
I was thinking about actors who so embodied the role that you forgot the actual actor. The first that immediately came to mind was George Clooney in the Coen Brother’s Academy Award Nominated film –“Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”
George Clooney
Normally my reaction to Clooney is, “wow, he’s so fine!” But, as Ulysses Everett McGill I didn’t ever think about the “fine” George Clooney but instead was mesmerized and cracking up with laughter at lines like “my hair”. Ulysses is a Dapper Dan hair pomade man. (totally obsessed with his hair)
I had no idea he was so freakin’ funny! Who knew? He usually plays fine, hot, strong characters but this time, he went all the way out the box with this incredible performance.
One of my favorite scenes is when he’s at a political benefit concert with his “band” the Soggy Bottom Boys and becomes engrossed in conversation trying to convince his ex-wife (Holly Hunter) to give him a second chance. Just when he is just about to reel her in, he hears the opening line to his (unbeknownst to him) hit song “Constant Sorrow”and without hesitation is back at the mike and crushing it. A man after my own heart. (I’m a community theater veteran:)
Produced, edited, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson, with John Goodman, Holly Hunter, and Charles Durning in supporting roles. Set in 1937 rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, the film’s story is a modern satire loosely based on Homer’s epic poem, Odyssey. The title of the film is a reference to the 1941 film Sullivan’s Travels, in which the protagonist (a director) wants to film a fictional book about the Great Depression called O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Wikipedia)
The film is brilliant and all the actor’s performances are remarkable! “Oh, Brother Where Art Thou” is a dark comedy whose themes touch on poverty, politics and racism. I give it – both thumbs way up.
I am all about the Marvel Universe and I love Tony Stark/Iron Man! I also love the actor Robert Downey, Jr. and see his life in parallel with that of Tony Stark’s.
Even director Jon Favreau saw the parallels with the character as he explained his choice of Robert Downey, Jr. by stating: “Downey wasn’t the most obvious choice, but he understood what makes the character tick. He found a lot of his own life experience in ‘Tony Stark’.”
In “Iron Man”,we meet the reckless, engineering genius, irreverent playboy, and heir to the Stark Industries fortune, Tony Stark. His engineering abilities eventually help him turn his life around and accept responsibility for the weapons of mass destruction he and his late father – Howard Stark have developed.
Robert John Downey Jr. (born April 4, 1965)
Like Stark, Downey is brilliant! I’ve watched his career blossom from the silly bully in Weird Science (1985) to his seemingly real-life story in, Less Than Zero (1987) to his incredible performance in the 1992 film Chaplin, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won him the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Robert Downey, Jr as Chaplin
About “Less Than Zero”, Downey has said that for him “the role was like the ghost of Christmas Future” since his drug habit resulted in his becoming an “exaggeration of the character.”
His devolution from a teenage star to his public humiliation as a drug addict brought loss of relationships with pain and heartache to his friends and family. I’ve prayed for him to get his life together and not squander the gift he was given.
Unfortunately, as a child, Downey was “surrounded by drugs”. His father, a drug addict, allowed Downey to use marijuana at age six, an incident which his father has said he now regrets. Downey later stated that drug use became an emotional bond between him and his father: “When my dad and I would do drugs together, it was like him trying to express his love for me in the only way he knew how.” (Wikipedia)
Downey-“Weird Science”
Downey-“Less Than Zero”
Downey-“Chaplin”
At the beginning of “Iron Man”, Tony is actually promoting Stark Industries and his new project the “Jericho” missile. (a rocket-propelled grenade) On a promotional tour in war-torn Afghanistan, Tony Stark is injured and kidnapped by a terrorist group, who want him to produce a copy of his weapon. Angered by the turn of events, he secretly develops the prototype that becomes “Iron Man.” This imposing figure reeks havoc on his captures as Stark/Iron Man escapes. Back home at his lab, we witness the evolution of the look and strength of Iron Man as Tony fashions him into a force for good against those who profit from Stark Industry’s weapons of war.
Robert Downey, Jr. like Tony Stark was forced to face his demons and (according to Downey) turned his life and career around with the help of his family, therapy, meditation, twelve-step recovery programs, yoga and the practice of Wing Chun kung fu. Downey has also credited his wife Susan Levin – Executive Vice President of Production at Joel Silver’s film company and production partner – with helping him overcome his drug and alcohol habits.
Downey and wife Susan
Today, Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, and as an Avenger, is an integral player in the Marvel Studios Universe which is proving to be one of the most profitable franchises in the film industry.
I smile whenever I see Robert or Tony. It feels good watching a fellow spirit not only overcome his challenges but thrive in the arena where we can share and enjoy his talent.
“A lot of people do get out but don’t change. So the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal.” (Vanity Fair)
Holy Bat Years! I can’t believe Batman is celebrating its’ 50th Anniversary. Even though I’m a baby boomer it still blows my mind how long ago since my childhood. (some would say I’m still living it – including me) 😄
The campy series starred Adam West and Burt Ward as caped crusaders, Batman, and Robin. The television show was created by William Dozier and based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It took place in Gotham City and featured a plethora of villains including the Joker (Cesar Romero), the Penguin (Burgess Meredith), Riddler (Frank Gorshin) and my fave, Catwoman. (Eartha Kitt’s version – season 3) Catwoman was originally portrayed by Julie Newmar (seasons 1 &2) and Lee Meriwether (movie). The series ran for one hundred and twenty episodes and aired on the ABC network for three seasons from January 12, 1966, to March 14, 1968, twice weekly for the first two and weekly for the third.
Catwoman, Riddler, Penguin, Joker
Lee Meriwether (Catwoman)
Julie Newmar (Catwoman)
Eartha Kitt (Catwoman)
The “Dynamic Duo’s” alter-egos, Bruce Wayne (Adam West), and Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) usually only appeared to set up the caper for the episode. I always felt that Police Commissioner Gordon and Lieutenant O’Hara were worthless since they never solved a single crime, instead using the “caped crusaders” to do their jobs to defeat crime in Gotham City.
Alfred (Alan Napier)
O’Hara (Stafford Repp), Batman, Commissioner Gordon (Neil Hamilton) Robin
Alfred, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, O’Hara)
Aunt Harriet (Madge Blake)
And let us not forget the keeper of the Batcave and ever faithful butler – Alfred. Where would the duo be without Alfred to answer the Batphone and cover for them with dear Aunt Harriet – who miraculously never caught on to the activities in her own home!
The other star of the show was the Batmobile!
In late 1965 20th Century Fox Television and William Dozier‘s Greenway Productions contracted renowned Hollywood car customizer Dean Jeffries to design and build a “Batmobile” for their upcoming Batman TV series. He started customizing a 1959 Cadillac, but when the studio wanted the program on the air in January 1966, and therefore filming sooner than he could provide the car, Jeffries was paid off, and the project went to George Barris.
What became the iconic Batmobile used in the 1966–1968 live action television show and its film adaptation was a customized vehicle that originated as a one-off 1955 Lincoln Futuraconcept car, created by Ford Motor Company lead stylists Bill Schmidt, Doug Poole Sr., and John Najjar and their design team at the Lincoln Styling Department.
Batmobile
In November 2012 Barris Kustom and George Barris announced the sale of the Batmobile at the Barrett-Jackson car show and auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The vehicle fetched $4.2 million on January 19, 2013. (Wikipedia)
Where Are They Now?
Burt Ward (Robin)
In 1994, Ward and his wife, Tracy Posner Ward, founded a charitable organization called Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, Inc., which rescues giant breed dogs such as Great Danes and some smaller breed dogs. Their work with the organization has been featured in such outlets as People magazine, ASPCA Animal Watch, Hard Copy, Inside Edition, and Entertainment Tonight. Burt Ward was also seen in an episode of Animal Planet’s Adoption Tales. (Wikipedia)
Adam West
Having a distinctive voice, West has built a career doing voice-over work on a number of animated series (often as himself), including appearances on The Simpsons, and Futurama. Since 2000, West has made regular appearances on the animated series Family Guy, in which he plays Mayor Adam West, the lunatic mayor of Quahog, Rhode Island. His role has given him a new wave of popularity since Batman, and lead writer Seth MacFarlane claims to have gone out of his way to avoid typecasting West by deliberately not making any references to Batman. (Wikipedia)
So, let’s toast to the ’60’s, my childhood and tv classic – Batman!
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