Talking about movies, movies, movies. I believe movies are one of the best pleasures in life. Nothing better than watching a classic film and talking with others about them. Love the classics the most but will also talk about the newer stuff too. And covering all genres: comedy, action, horror, sci-fi, drama, musicals, etc. Will also discuss TV shows, more of the classics, but occasionally the newer stuff too. And anything else that might be on my mind. Feel free to drop by and have a chat.
Just watched The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) the other night and I am convinced that Matthew McConaughey might have missed his calling as a lawyer. The Lincoln Lawyer marks his third film in which he portrays a lawyer following A Time To Kill (1996) and Amistad (1997). While those two films were done well over a decade and he was just bursting onto the scene, in The Lincoln Lawyer, he is a wily seasoned professional now. I thought it would be cool to compare all three movies in which he has played a lawyer. In The Lincoln Lawyer, he plays LA defense lawyer Mick Haller, who works out of his Lincoln to a variety of nefarious types. He lands a big case in which his wealthy client Louis Roulet (played by Ryan Phillipe) is charged with assault on a woman. Roulet claims it is a setup because he is rich. But things are not as simple as they appear. Haller also has to deal with inner demons as a previous case may have sent an innocent man to jail. McConaughey is perfect in this role as goes through an identity crisis of sorts. His reputation is that he will get anyone off, even if they're guilty. And it starts to get to him when things start to go south. Bolstered by a solid supporting cast of Phillipe, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, Frances Fisher, John Leguizamo and Josh Lucas. But it's McConaughey who drives this movie, showing that he has come a long way since he first portrayed a lawyer. Speaking of which, we flashback to 1996 for A Time To Kill, when he played Mississippi lawyer Jake Brigance, who handles the volatile case of Carl Lee Hailey (played by Samuel L. Jackson) who shot and killed the two men who raped his little girl. Based on the best selling book by John Grisham, this was McConaughey's first real big film and he gets to shine big time. It helps that he is surrounded by a cast of heavy hitters including Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, Sandra Bullock, Keifer Sutherland and Samuel L. Jackson. His character Jake Brigance is a guy you could hang out with and drink a few beers with. Very smart and knows how to handle people. But this case is very important and racially charged. His closing argument for the defense of Carl Lee is impressive as you can see the exact moment where he takes full control of his life and this case. A Time To Kill is my favorite of the Grisham movies to date. McConaughey immediately followed A Time To Kill a year later with Amistad. He plays lawyer Roger Sherman Baldwin, who is enlisted to be the defense attorney for the slaves that were brought to America on the ship Amistad from Cuba. The slaves revolted against the crew and killed them all and once the ship reaches America, they are charged for their acts. McConaughey is asked to defend them by two abolitionists (Morgan Freeman, Stellan Skarsgard). Once again McConaughey surrounds himself with a solid cast which also includes Anthony Hopkins, Nigel Hawthorne, and Pete Postlethwaite. Amistad is a solid movie and McConaughey does another commendable job as a lawyer but it's my least favorite of the three. Don't get me wrong it is good, but A Time to Kill and The Lincoln Lawyer are better. THE LINCOLN LAWYER: B+ A TIME TO KILL: A- AMISTAD: B-
The talented Jean Simmons had a phenomenal year in 1960 with three films: ELMER GANTRY, SPARTACUS, and THE GRASS IS GREENER. All three films were solid hits and presented the exquisite Jean with wonderful characters to portray. Especially in Elmer Gantry and The Grass is Greener. I have always thought of Jean as an actress who never got enough credit. She has given several award worthy performances but never won an Oscar. Which is a crime in itself. Jean had a stellar film career through-out her life with films such as Black Narcissus, Angel Face, The Actress, Guys and Dolls, The Big Country, and The Happy Ending.
She would venture forth into TV during the 80's with parts in The Thorn Birds (winning an Emmy), North & South and even Star Trek:The Next Generation. Yes, Jean appeared on a Star Trek episode. How cool is that? But back to the year of 1960 in which her first film released that year was Elmer Gantry, which gave Burt Lancaster one of his best roles ever as a con man who becomes an evangelist. He was so good that he picked up an Oscar that year as Best Actor in a Leading Role. Jean was equally good as Sister Sharon Falconer, whose ministry Gantry hooks up with it. Jean was quite effective in her scenes giving sermons in tent revivals all across the country. But the Academy didn't even give her a nomination, which was a shame. Because she really did give a magnificent performance. I mean hers was just as good as co-star Shirley Jones, who not only got a nomination but won as Best Supporting Actress. Elmer Gantry hit theaters in July and was a summer hit. Three months later would come the epic film Spartacus. With a huge ensemble cast featuring Kirk Douglas as the titular character, Laurence Olivier, Tony Curtis, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, Woody Strode, and Jean as slave woman Varinia, who falls in love with Spartacus and eventually becomes his wife. Spartacus was a huge film with a massive budget and ended up being one of the biggest hits of all time with over $60 million worldwide. Jean's performance was good but was kind of over shadowed by all the men in this large cast. She held her own though with the big boys. Her final film in 1960 was The Grass is Greener which I think is the best of the three. It's a sophisticated comedy with film veterans Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum and Jean. The story has Cary and Deborah as husband and wife who must rent out their castle for tours due to financial difficulties. Mitchum is an oil tycoon who romances Kerr while Cary's ex-girlfriend shows up as well (played by Jean). Complications ensue. This is one of the better of the films in Cary's late career and Jean is very good in this comedic role. I wished she had done more comedies during her career.
So 1960 turned out to be quite the year for Ms. Simmons and she would continue on with her solid career for another 30 years. It should also be noted Jean had just turned 30 when she made these three films, entering this period of her life with great success and quality. Thank you Jean for your wonderful contributions to film and TV.
As Olivia has been my classic movie goddess of the month, now is the time for me to list her essential films. The films that you must view that show Olivia at her very best. In no particular order we begin with:
TO EACH HIS OWN (1946) Olivia won her first Oscar as Best Actress in this drama about an unwed mother, forced to give up her child to avoid scandal, who follows her son's life from afar even as she prospers in business.
CAPTAIN BLOOD (193) Olivia's first pairing with Errol Flynn for this swashbuckling adventure. The pair would go on to make 7 more films together and pretty much all of them are cinema classics.
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938) The quintessential Robin Hood movie with Flynn as the dashing archer and Olivia as the lovely Maid Marian. Doesn't get any better than this.
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) You knew this Civil War epic was going to be here. Grand film making at it's best and Olivia gives one of her best performances as the valiant and quiet Melanie. Vivien Leigh's performance as Scarlett O'Hara may have gotten all the attention and awards but Olivia is equally as good.
THE DARK MIRROR (1946) A twisty whodunit film with another great performance by Olivia or should I say two great film performances?
THE HEIRESS (1949) Olivia won her second Oscar as a young naive woman falls who for a handsome young man who her emotionally abusive father suspects is a fortune hunter. Olivia went to great lengths to look plain and simple as Catherine Sloper and her acting was excellent as usual.
IN THIS OUR LIFE (1942) Top notch women's flick with Olivia sharing the screen with grand diva Bette Davis. They play sisters who have conflicting love lives. That putting it nicely as Bette is just a vixen who just wrecks everything in sight, even stealing her sister's husband. Bette is all volcano fury in this one while Olivia is the quieter sister. It's one hell of a movie.
THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON (1941) This is a notable film because it marks the last time Olivia and Errol would be in the same film together. And after 8 films together, their place in history as one of the screen's best pairs was assured.
HOLD BACK THE DAWN (1941) Classic melodrama with a powerhouse cast of Olivia, Charles Boyer, and Paulette Goddard. Olivia plays a naive teacher in Mexico who is romanced by a Romanian gigolo (Boyer) so he legally enter the United States. Complications abound though and this makes for one classic film.
THE SNAKE PIT (1948) One of my personal favorite Olivia films as she plays a woman named Virginia who finds herself in a state asylum hospital but can't remember how she got there. Olivia gives a knockout performance here in this gritty and stark drama.
HUSH HUSH... SWEET CHARLOTTE (1964) And finally the long awaiting reunion of Olivia and Bette for this gothic thriller that follows up Bette's pairing with Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? a few years before. And it's cool seeing Olivia playing the wicked woman for a change.
So there you have it...eleven essential films of Olivia that you must see if you already haven't. Well in my humble opinion. But these are just the tip of the iceberg, as Olivia's film CV is just loaded with great films and amazing performances.
The summer will be winding down but I hope to keep things popping here on All Good Things. My classic movie goddess of the month will be Esther Williams, the acquatic marvel of so many musicals and comedies. Expect pics, videos, and reviews of everything Esther. My guest of the month will be Katherine Theresa, a friend of mine from Facebook, who just loves Audrey Hepburn to the nth degree. She will be talking about all her favorite movies and stars. My posts on the 60's that I started in July will continue on with spotlights on comedies, scif-fi, horror and dramas. Sadly to say there will be no tournament this month, but I may do one more before the year is out. If I have enough time. But for now expect the usual goodies and excitement that you guys have come to expect here on my blog.
What are some of the best films your country has made that you would like to let more people know about?
Okay – let’s tart: I will just pick 4 films – in chronological order.. and there aren't that much comedies because I the one I like are mostly my favourites because of their wit - which is hard to transfer into other languages I think..:
1. M (1931) by Fritz Lang was his first talkie. It’s an amazing film and Peter Lorre is simply a genius - and one of my favourite actors, too..
The story is quite simple: A serial child murderer is terrorizing Berlin. Every man is under a cloud. Not only is the police after the murderer (Peter Lorre) but also the criminals of Berlin. Finally they get him after a very exciting chase and by having the back of his coat marked with the letter “M” written with chalk. (“M” for German “Mörder” = “murderer”..) They form kind of a trial - I don’t know if “Kangaroo court” is the right term for it.. - with the most important criminals as head of the jury.. And at this point Peter Lorre has his grand moment doing a marvelous monologue..
This film has a fine cast – which includes German theater legend Gustaf Gründgens – whose private life always was good for a story: his homosexuality, his collaboration with the Nazi party during 3. Reich etc… - and two of my favourite German actors: Paul Kemp and Theo Lingen and of course there is – did I mention him before?? - Peter Lorre!!!
2. THE AFFAIRS OF JULIE (1958) by Helmut Käutner. The German title is DIE ZÜRCHER VERLOBUNG = “Zurich engagement”.
It is a light comedy – and maybe doesn’t work in translation.. It’s one of my all-time favourite films– and I could watch it for ages.. Ok, Monty – I know you said “best film”.. But I just love this one! So maybe it’s no Academy (or Montie..) award material – but still.. – it has a prominent place in my heart..
Monty: Irene it doesnt have to be award winning to me, just that its one of your faves.
The story is about a sassy young woman -Julie (Lilo Pulver – who I adore.. you may know her as Fräulein Ingeborg of ONE, TWO, THREE (1961) by Billy Wilder) At her uncle’s dentist’s surgery where she is jobbing she meets a handsome Swiss doctor - Jean (Paul Hubschmid – who had a very short career in Hollywood as Paul Christian..) – who brings his grumpy best friend called Buffalo (I translated that into English.. – it’s “Büffel” in German) to urgent care.. Julie falls immediately for Jean – but he has to go back to Switzerland.
She makes up a story about herself and that gorgeous Swiss and sells it to a famous film studio – and guess who is the director to make this film? Exactly! It’s Buffalo (Bernhard Wicki – great director in real life just btw…)! Of course he knows that nothing happened between Jean and Julie – but he likes to tease her –and she won’t admit that she dreamed it up – so she invents another Swiss man to be her beau.. Well, and Buffalo offers her to bring her to Switzerland to celebrate her engagement to that nonexistent Swiss man.. – Meanwhile Buffalo had noticed that he has a soft spot for Julie because she reminds him of his late wife.. But there is also Julie’s ex-lover who wants to crawl back into her bed and – surprise! – finally they meet Jean again.. – and Buffalo also employed a not so talented elderly actor to pretend to be Julie’s fiancé..
This film is total kitsch. And fun. I love Buffalo for being so down to earth – and Julie being so cheeky.. It’s kind of classic German 50s entertainment – not very highbrow but quite lovely..
Actually there is a TV remake of this film with Christoph Waltz (Col. Hans Landa of INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (2009)...) as Buffalo (..if you can imagine that..) – but I didn’t watch that one.. – Sorry, if talked too much about that film..
Monty: There was no video to be found of this movie so I took the liberty of posting this pic for Irene. And this movie sounds very interesting to me. Would love to see it.
3. THE BRIDGE (1959) / DIE BRÜCKE by Bernhard Wicki (yes, indeed – Buffalo himself..) is based on actual events:
1945. WWII is almost over and a bunch of seven boys at the age of 16 years whose life basically is filled with pretty normal stuff like first love (resp. sex), school and family issues… - suddenly has to defend a bridge against the approaching American army. The boys are idealistic and very much into their Nazi-education of course – proud to fight for the “Führer” – but very soon all the excitement is gone – they’re just boys dying horrible and nonsense deaths for actually nothing – (just by the way: this bridge isn’t even important at all...)
This film was one of those my father made sure for us to watch. And at least my class watched it at school, too. A great German anti-war film – probably the best. It is so intense that it simply gets stuck into your mind.
4. THE EXPERIMENT (2001) / DAS EXPERIMENT by Oliver Hirschbiegel. It is based on the Stanford prison experiment of 1971 by Philip Zimbardo – which means: yeah! It’s based on actual events, too. There is a straight-to-video remake with Adrien Brody - just btw...
By choice 20 men are joining a psychological research experiment in which a prison situation is simulated – the men were divided into two groups – 10 become prisoners and the other 10 become guards. A group of scientists is watching their behavior.
First all the men have fun and take it as a game but soon the mood is changing and the volunteers are starting kind of a mind war against each other and the situation escalates – but the majority of the scientists still wants to find out what will happen next…
This film is friggin heavy stuff! And it’s really great! Well, creepy - but great! Watch it and discuss later whether you would have been a guard or a prisoner.. ;”)
Monty: Thank you Irene for these wonderful selections from your native land of Germany. You have broadened my tastes in films that much more.
We come to the year 1937 and basically two films dominate my award choices: The Awful Truth and Stage Door. Two of my all time favorite films. On with the show.
BEST FILM: THE AWFUL TRUTH - WINNER DEAD END EASY LIVING SHALL WE DANCE THE PRISONER OF ZENDA STAGE DOOR STELLA DALLAS NOTHING SACRED
It was a good year for screwball comedies as four of my eight nominated films were comedies. It came down to The Awful Truth and Stage Door. And The Awful Truth just edges it out. Irene Dunne and Cary Grant are just perfection in their first film together. And they would make two more together so they may still win some more Monties.
BEST DIRECTOR LEO McCAREY - THE AWFUL TRUTH GREGORY LACAVA - STAGE DOOR (WINNER) WILLIAM WYLER - DEAD END MITCHELL LEISEN - EASY LIVING MARK SANDRICH - SHALL WE DANCE
Director Gregory LaCava who missed out last year for getting a Montie for My Man Godfrey picks up one now for his amazing direction of several high powered actresses in Stage Door. He managed to get this sensational cast of Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Gail Patrick, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, Ann Miller, Andrea Leeds and others to gell perfectly. And he did it two years before George Cukor would helm his all female cast in The Women. Congratulations Gregory.
BEST ACTOR
CARY GRANT - THE AWFUL TRUTH (WINNER) RONALD COLMAN - THE PRISONER OF ZENDA JOEL MCCREA - DEAD END ROBERT MONTGOMERY - NIGHT MUST FALL (WINNER) FREDRIC MARCH - NOTHING SACRED
My favorite actor of all time Cary Grant receives his first Montie. This has been a very good period for Mr. Grant. Just recently winning my favorite classic movie actor tournament and a recent party and now winning his first Montie. And he shares it with Robert Montgomery for his wicked turn in Night Must Fall
BEST ACTRESS
IRENE DUNNE - THE AWFUL TRUTH (WINNER) JEAN ARTHUR - EASY LIVING CAROLE LOMBARD - NOTHING SACRED BARBARA STANWYCK - STELLA DALLAS GINGER ROGERS - STAGE DOOR
Irene Dunne was not to be denied a Montie for a second time after losing to Carole Lombard last year. Her performance in this year's The Awful Truth is one of the best performances I have ever seen. Her Lucy Warriner is so funny and so fly by the seat of your pants, you don't know what this woman will say or do next. I happily give Irene her first Montie.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR ALAN HALE - STELLA DALLAS DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, JR. - THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (WINNER) HUMPHREY BOGART - DEAD END RALPH BELLAMY - THE AWFUL TRUTH RAYMOND MASSEY - THE PRISONER OF ZENDA
This was a tough one to call as one film yielded two great supporting performances. Fairbanks, Jr. and Massey in The Prisoner of Zenda. And while Massey had the better role of Duke Michael, Fairbanks had the flashier one in Count Rupert. And I loved him as this likeable rogue. So step up to the podium Mr. Fairbanks to receive your Montie.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
DAME MAY WHITTY - NIGHT MUST FALL JANE WYATT - LOST HORIZON LUCILLE BALL - STAGE DOOR (WINNER) EVE ARDEN - STAGE DOOR (WINNER) OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND - IT'S LOVE I'M AFTER
And with this category we come to our first tie. I thought Lucille Ball and Eve Arden each shined greatly in Stage Door, trading wisecracks all day long. In fact they were like the perfect comedic team, bouncing one liners off each other with brilliant timing. So they each receive a Montie.
So the final count: The Awful Truth takes home 3 Monties (Film, Actor, Actress) and Stage Door takes home 3 Monties (Director, Supporting Actress -two).
By now everyone knows that Cary Grant won my recent classic movie actor tournament and quite convincingly I might add. And I think everyone knows he is my favorite actor of all time, so it was a great feeling to see him win. This coming on the heels of Irene Dunne winning the women's tournament back in April. And while Carole Lombard is my favorite actress of all time, Irene is my second favorite. And Irene and Cary are my favorite screen team, so that all worked out pretty good for me. So I was thinking about having this little party to celebrate Cary's and Irene victories by posting videos, photos and whatever else I can think of. I will kick things off with a fictional interview with Cary to see how he would have responded after winning the tournament....we shall join the interview already in progress...
Monty: So Cary, how does it feel to win the favorite classic movie actor tournament here on All Good Things. Cary: Pretty good Monty. You know I followed your womens tournament and enjoyed it so much, I was hoping you was going to have one for us men as well. Glad you did. Monty: Well it was a lot of fun doing it. I'm so thrilled that you won since you are my favorite actor. But I bet you are a lot of people's favorite as well. Judging by how you just rolled through your competition. Cary: I'm a little surprised by that too. There were so many great actors out there I just thought whoever wins this thing, will have beat some of the top guys in Hollywood. Monty: Well it turned out to be you Cary and save for the close match with Jimmy Stewart, there was never any doubt. Did you do any celebrating? Cary: A little, nothing fancy or big. A few friends came over, had a few drinks. Someone brought in this huge cake. Monty: Sweet! By chance did you talk to Irene? Cary: She did call and congratulated me for winning, but couldn't make it by to my home. Monty: Irene is awesome isn't she?
Cary: Yes she is. A great egg. I wished we had worked more together than just the three films we did. Monty: me too. Well Cary I do have one surprise for you before we get out of here... Cary: Oh I love Surprises! Monty: Then turn around...
A slight pause and in walks Ms. Irene Dunne.. Cary: Oh my goodness. IRENE! Irene: Hi Cary. The two hug and then sit down beside each other.
Cary: What are you doing here?
Irene: Well Monty called and said he was having you over to celebrate your victory and asked if I would like to come too. I couldn't say no to that. And besides Monty's All Good Things is an awesome place to hang out at.
Monty: Awww, thanks Irene.
Cary: Yeah this is a pretty sweet deal you have here Monty. Been doing it long?
Monty: About 2 years now Cary. And I love every minute of it. So Irene, what do you think of Cary winning the tourney?
Irene: I'm over the moon Monty. Just beside myself. But I knew he could do it. There is just something about this man that others don't have.
Cary: Come on Irene...don't overpraise me. Remember I'm just Archie Leach.
Monty: You're more than that Cary. You're just awesome. And I hope you stick around for the rest as I will be putting together this little celebration in you and Irene's honor. If you don't mind.
Cary: Oh go right ahead Monty. I can't wait.
Irene: Monty, you didn't tell me you was going to be doing all of this. And here I am in this old rag of a dress.
Monty: You look great Irene. Wouldn't you agree Cary?
Cary: Yes indeed. You look stunning Irene.
Monty: So you guys sit back and just enjoy the rest of the evening's festivities. And thank you both for coming by.
Cary: Glad to be here my good man.
Irene: Yay! Party time!
From their first movie together The AWFUL TRUTH (1937)
Their second film together MY FAVORITE WIFE (1940) which is my favorite of the films they did
And their final film together PENNY SERENADE (1941)
Before we start in comes by great friend Irene Palfy... Irene Dunne: Who is this Monty? Monty: Oh it's my friend Irene. She is here to help with the party. Cary: Nice to meet you Irene. Any friend of Monty is a friend of mine. Irene Dunne: And I must say my dear you look wonderful. Irene: Thank you Ms. Dunne. Irene Dunne: Please call me Irene. No formalities here. Irene: Ok Ms. Dunne, I mean Irene. Can I get you or Cary anything? Irene Dunne: We're fine for now. Irene: Well I need to go finish up things for the party. See you guys in a minute. Cary: Don't work too hard. After all this is a party.
Irene walks away laughing. Cary: Great girl Monty. Been friends long? Monty: About a year now. We write on each blogs and help each other when we can. Irene Dunne: That's great.
Screening THE AWFUL TRUTH
As you can see plenty more of Cary's films are on hand..
Then guests start arriving like Renata, Mythical Monkey, Audrey, FlickChick, Emily, Dawn, Becky, and others. Renata is just overjoyed to meet Ms. Dunne... Renata: It's a pleasure to meet you. Im like one of your biggest fans. I even have a nickname for you. Irene: Really? May I ask what that might be? Renata: I call you Dunnie. Irene: I love it. Please call me Dunnie the rest of the night. Renata: You are so awesome!
And finally one more video tribute to the man of the hour...
As the party winds down, friends gather to say good-bye to the two stars and Renata starts hugging on Irene Dunne and gets very emotional. Ms. Dunne says I'm sure this won't be the last time Monty has a party like this..so you will be seeing me around. Cary thanks everyone for coming and gives a little wave and him and Irene grab each other and kind of dance backward towards the door, like what he did with Shirley Temple in The Bachelor and The Bobby-Soxer.
And with that the party is over. Hope everyone enjoyed it and we will do this again soon.
So everyone knows that Cary Grant won my classic movie actor tournament and quite convincingly might I add. I'm throwing a little party to celebrate that occasion. Just a post featuring a fictional interview with him and plenty of pics and videos about the man himself. Plus a surprise or two. My good friend Irene of And Then Then Start To Sparkle will be the hostess. So everyone is invited for this little celebration. The party is slated for Wednesday, July 27th to help break up the monotony of the work week. Bring friends if you like. See ya then. Oh and it's casual dress.
Irene: Not feeling very guilty about it - but I like VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967) and BARBARELLA (1968).
Monty: Hey I like both those films as well. Both from the 60's and both are just fabulous. Irene: Actually I have a soft spot for trashy films.. So much fun..
Monty: Very much so...Jane Fonda in Barbarella is good trashy fun, period.
Somehow I missed that it was Natalie's birthday yesterday. So sorry as she is one of my favorite actresses. But I'm only one day late..so Happy Birthday Natalie!
Hey everyone, time for another round of the Monties...and the year is 1936. And for me that year was a pretty good one. So without further adieu, here we go.
BEST FILM
MODERN TIMES LIBELED LADY SAN FRANCISCO THESE THREE MY MAN GODFREY - WINNER SWING TIME AFTER THE THIN MAN THEODORA GOES WILD CAMILLE
This was a close call for me between My Man Godfrey and Theodora Goes Wild. But Godfrey edges out Theodora by a hair. Both are great films though
BEST DIRECTOR
GREGORY LACAVA - MY MAN GODFREY WILLIAM WYLER - THESE THREE (WINNER) FRANK CAPRA - MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN CHARLES CHAPLIN - MODERN TIMES W.S. VAN DYKE - SAN FRANCISCO
One of the few times my favorite film winner will not match up with the director. I just thought William Wyler did a magnificient job with These Three, which itself was an amazing film. Sorry Gregory.
BEST ACTOR
WILLIAM POWELL - MY MAN GODFREY CHARLES CHAPLIN - MODERN TIMES (WINNER) SPENCER TRACY - SAN FRANCISCO GARY COOPER - MR. DEEDS MELVYN DOUGLAS - THEODORA GOES WILD
Charlie Chaplin gives a masterful performance in this silent classic. No words are needed and he carries this film with all his considerable talents.
BEST ACTRESS
CAROLE LOMBARD - MY MAN GODFREY (WINNER) IRENE DUNNE - THEODORA GOES WILD PAULETTE GODDARD - MODERN TIMES GRETA GARBO - CAMILLE MIRIAM HOPKINS - THESE THREE
Everyone knows Carole is my favorite actress of all time and she was never better than in My Man Godfrey as scatterbrained socialite Irene Bullock. But Irene Dunne was close behind her with her wonderful turn as Theodora. Carole denies Miriam from winning back to back Monties. Miriam won the year before for Becky Sharp.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
MISCHA AUER - MY MAN GODFREY WALTER BRENNAN - COME AND GET IT JAMES STEWART - AFTER THE THIN MAN JOEL MCCREA - THESE THREE EUGENE PALLETTE - MY MAN GODFREY (WINNER)
Mischa Auer was pure comedy gold in My Man Godfrey but I kind of like Eugene Pallette more as the put upon father of the Bulloch household.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
GALE SONDERGAARD - ANTHONY ADVERSE ALICE BRADY - MY MAN GODFREY LUCILLE BALL - FOLLOW THE FLEET BONITA GRANVILLE - THESE THREE GAIL PATRICK - MY MAN GODFREY (WINNER)
Gail was perfect as the icy sister of Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey. I was surprised that she didn't even receive an actual Oscar nomination. Well she gets a Montie from me and that gives My Man Godfrey four awards, including three of the four acting categories of my Monties. SWEET!
This legendary couple appeared in 8 films together from 1935 to 1941, all for Warner Bros. They made a varied mix of swashbucklers, westerns, comedy, and period films. Their first pairing came in the rousing Captain Blood (1935), which was Flynn's first starring role, making him an overnight sensation. Olivia had already appeared in three films prior to Captain Blood. I've seen this film twice and it's a beaut. Terrific action sequences and the undeniable chemistry of Flynn and de Havilland on full display. Olivia beat out Jean Arthur and Bette Davis for the role of Arabella Bishop and the rest is history. Blood was so successful Warner Bros quickly paired the duo up the next year for The Charge Of The Light Brigade.
Set in 1854 India, the film had Flynn cast as a British officer fighting the Russians in The Crimean War. Olivia plays Flynn's fiancee. I have yet to see this film so I can't critique on it. But it sounds interesting. For their next film together would be their masterpiece, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). Everyone knows the legend of Hood and Flynn was positively electric as the dashing archer. Olivia was equally as good as Maid Marian. Everything came together for this entertaining film. To this day, I still say this is the most vibrant and gorgeous looking film ever made. And one of the best music scores in history.
Screwball comedy was in it's heyday during this time and Warner Bros decided to pair up Errol and Olivia for one called Four's A Crowd (1938). This is another of the duo's films that I have yet to see and since screwball comedy is my favorite genre, I am hankering to see it.
I did see their next film though, the terrific western Dodge City (1939). And let me tell ya something, Errol looks just as comfortable firing six shooters like he does shooting a bow and arrow or swordplay. Dodge City is one of the best westerns ever made and solidified Flynn and de Havilland as one of the premiere on screen couples in film.
They switched gears for their next film, with the historial drama The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex. And while this is not solely a Flynn and De Havilland production because of Bette Davis top billed role, this film showed that Errol and Olivia could make just about any type of film.
When Santa Fe Trail (1940) debuted, it marked the pair's seventh outing and it was another huge success. While it was a very entertaining western, I liked Dodge City more. Santa Fe did have an outstanding supporting cast of newcomers such as Ronald Reagan and Van Heflin.
And lastly, for their final film together, came 1941's They Died With Their Boots On, an film based on General George Custer and his infamous last stand. Another western and another solid hit. At this point, Olivia's star was rising and she wanted more starring roles, so the pair parted ways after a successful 8 film run. They firmly established themselves as the ideal romantic leads of Hollywood period adventures. No doubt. And while Olivia went on to have a successful career post Flynn, he was not as fortunate. Still but before his career ended, he did turn in two top notch performances in The Sun Also Rises (1957) and Too Much, Too Soon (1958). But we will always have those 8 wonderful films he and Olivia did. Nothing can ever change that.
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