A bright, beautiful light went out today. Burt Bacharach, the Queens-raised popular songwriter who infused his meticulously constructed ditties with jazzy chord progressions that sounded nothing like anything on the radio in the 1950s and '60s has passed away. There is so much to say about Bacharach, and so much more to listen to. His collaborations with Dionne Warwick are musical nirvana. Ditto his numerous contributions to the motion picture songbook. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Look of Love" from 1967's "Casino Royale," and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" from Steve Gordon's sublime "Arthur."
But Bacharach respected the heck out of a dollar, as did his Brooklyn-born buddy Neil Diamond. So in 1982, with the United States gripped by "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" fever, this duo joined forces with Bacharach's songwriting-genius wife, Carole Bayer Sager, and recorded "Heartlight.
But Bacharach respected the heck out of a dollar, as did his Brooklyn-born buddy Neil Diamond. So in 1982, with the United States gripped by "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" fever, this duo joined forces with Bacharach's songwriting-genius wife, Carole Bayer Sager, and recorded "Heartlight.
- 2/10/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The United States had been at war a little over a year when the 15th Academy Awards were presented on March 4, 1943. It was the last year that the awards were celebrated at a lavish banquet; they would be moved to a theater setting in the ensuing years. The impact of World War II can be seen in the films honored, as well as the ceremony itself.
Popular musical star Jeannette MacDonald sang the National Anthem, and newly enlisted military privates Tyrone Power and Alan Ladd unfurled a flag that listed over 25,000 film industry members who had joined the armed forces. Bob Hope hosted the event, which saw one big winner, numerous patriotic choices and the first win for one of the industry’s biggest record-makers. Let’s flashback 80 years to the Oscars ceremony of 1943.
SEEOscar hosts: Performers who have hosted the Academy Awards
Ten movies made the cut for a Best Picture nomination.
Popular musical star Jeannette MacDonald sang the National Anthem, and newly enlisted military privates Tyrone Power and Alan Ladd unfurled a flag that listed over 25,000 film industry members who had joined the armed forces. Bob Hope hosted the event, which saw one big winner, numerous patriotic choices and the first win for one of the industry’s biggest record-makers. Let’s flashback 80 years to the Oscars ceremony of 1943.
SEEOscar hosts: Performers who have hosted the Academy Awards
Ten movies made the cut for a Best Picture nomination.
- 2/6/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
This year’s documentary nominees explore diverse subject matter as saving birds (“All that Breathes”) and an exploration of the life and career of photographer and activist Nan Goldin (“All the Beauty and the Bloodshed”). But the documentary nominees, which took place at the 15th annual Oscars on March 4, 1943 at the Cocoanut Grove, primarly revolved around World War II.
There were 25 nominees — shorts and features competed against each other — and four winners. The US Navy was the producer of winner “The Battle of Midway,” directed by John Ford. The 18-minute film featured footage from the Battle of Midway which was a crucial victory in the Pacific in 1942. The film featured narration by Ford favorites Henry Fonda, Donald Crisp and Jane Darwell.
The Australian News and Information Bureau produced the full-length documentary winner “Kokoda Front Line!,” which was also the first film from Down Under to win an Oscar. The film...
There were 25 nominees — shorts and features competed against each other — and four winners. The US Navy was the producer of winner “The Battle of Midway,” directed by John Ford. The 18-minute film featured footage from the Battle of Midway which was a crucial victory in the Pacific in 1942. The film featured narration by Ford favorites Henry Fonda, Donald Crisp and Jane Darwell.
The Australian News and Information Bureau produced the full-length documentary winner “Kokoda Front Line!,” which was also the first film from Down Under to win an Oscar. The film...
- 1/25/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The world was at war 80 years ago. The United States was grieving over the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 by the Japanese military and the defeat of our forces that month at Wake Island. And then the beloved Carole Lombard, her mother, servicemen and the crew perished in a plane crash west of Las Vegas on January 16, 1942. She was returning to Hollywood after raising 2 million in a war bond drive in Indianapolis.
How would Hollywood and audiences respond to World War II? They certainly didn’t shy away from the war. If you look at the top 10 films of the year, there are some escapist films but also movies dealing with the global conflict.
In fact, the No. 1 film of the year William Wyler’s “Mrs. Miniver” broke records at Radio City Music Hall in New York playing 10 weeks. Production began on the stirring, sentimental drama about a British...
How would Hollywood and audiences respond to World War II? They certainly didn’t shy away from the war. If you look at the top 10 films of the year, there are some escapist films but also movies dealing with the global conflict.
In fact, the No. 1 film of the year William Wyler’s “Mrs. Miniver” broke records at Radio City Music Hall in New York playing 10 weeks. Production began on the stirring, sentimental drama about a British...
- 9/18/2022
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
With our nation increasingly divided, several media gurus over the July 4 break decreed that Hollywood owed filmgoers a “feel-good-about-America” movie. Something unifying and patriotic, like a contemporary Yankee Doodle Dandy.
When I did some research, I concluded that they had a point. With the exception of those by-the-numbers World War II action movies, the industry has never been proficient at patriotism.
I therefore decided to bite the bullet and rerun the 80-year-old Warner Bros film. It was enlightening: As an old-fashioned song-and-dance extravaganza, Yankee Doodle Dandy turned out to be wicked fun. As an exercise in patriotism, however, its message was borderline anarchy.
Maybe the times back then (the early 1940s) were as disorienting as they are today. Why would Warner Bros and producer Hal Wallis cast its gangster superstar James Cagney (Public Enemy) as a family-loving patriot? Cagney had famously slammed a grapefruit into a co-star’s face. To further confuse things,...
When I did some research, I concluded that they had a point. With the exception of those by-the-numbers World War II action movies, the industry has never been proficient at patriotism.
I therefore decided to bite the bullet and rerun the 80-year-old Warner Bros film. It was enlightening: As an old-fashioned song-and-dance extravaganza, Yankee Doodle Dandy turned out to be wicked fun. As an exercise in patriotism, however, its message was borderline anarchy.
Maybe the times back then (the early 1940s) were as disorienting as they are today. Why would Warner Bros and producer Hal Wallis cast its gangster superstar James Cagney (Public Enemy) as a family-loving patriot? Cagney had famously slammed a grapefruit into a co-star’s face. To further confuse things,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Six years before his death in 1996, “Rent” composer Jonathan Larson began performing a solo semi-autobiographical musical “Tick, Tick…Boom!” about a young struggling composer named Jon who fears that he has made the wrong career choice. After his death, Larson’s show was expanded into a three-person piece by David Auburn that ran in London, off-Broadway, and as a national tour. Now it is an acclaimed new Netflix movie directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda (who appeared in a Encores production of the musical in 2014) and starring Andrew Garfield.
The composer bio movie genre has long been a favorite of Hollywood, especially during its Golden Age. But these bio-pics played fast and loose with the facts. The Production Code prevented these films from exploring the fact that Cole Porter and Lorenz Hart were gay. And some of these composers and/or their families were still alive and wanted a certain image presented on the big screen.
The composer bio movie genre has long been a favorite of Hollywood, especially during its Golden Age. But these bio-pics played fast and loose with the facts. The Production Code prevented these films from exploring the fact that Cole Porter and Lorenz Hart were gay. And some of these composers and/or their families were still alive and wanted a certain image presented on the big screen.
- 12/7/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
He throws a mighty shield, but can Captain America carry a showtune? In Disney+’s upcoming Hawkeye miniseries, we’re about to find out. As revealed in our first official footage of the Jeremy Renner spinoff TV show, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still mourning the absence (and death?) of Steve Rogers… and capitalizing on it with some terrific kick-turns!
Indeed, Captain America: The Musical is now officially canon, albeit they refer to it as Rogers in the MCU. Apparently the hottest ticket on Broadway, the new show is at the center of the Hawkeye trailer, which begins with Clint Barton (Renner) finally spending quality time with his family after the “blip.” So he takes them to see Rogers just in time for Christmas. It’s currently unclear how much of the musical we’ll actually see in the finished series, but there is at least one number that...
Indeed, Captain America: The Musical is now officially canon, albeit they refer to it as Rogers in the MCU. Apparently the hottest ticket on Broadway, the new show is at the center of the Hawkeye trailer, which begins with Clint Barton (Renner) finally spending quality time with his family after the “blip.” So he takes them to see Rogers just in time for Christmas. It’s currently unclear how much of the musical we’ll actually see in the finished series, but there is at least one number that...
- 9/13/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This article contains In the Heights spoilers.
For such a joyous fantasy of a movie, there’s a curious hint of melancholy which hangs over In the Heights. From the word go, the film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is unapologetically a love letter to Washington Heights and the largely Latinx community who live there. Yet that’s not where the movie begins; we open on Anthony Ramos’ Usnavi and his megawatts smile seemingly living a million miles from home. He’s relocated to his parents’ homeland in the Dominican Republic to chase his dream of operating a bar on the beach.
His new home is certainly picturesque, if in a more touristy postcard sort of way, but when he passes tales of living in the Heights to his young daughter and her friends, the passion he conveys is heartbreaking; he obviously still loves the neighborhood he left—abandoning it for paradise.
For such a joyous fantasy of a movie, there’s a curious hint of melancholy which hangs over In the Heights. From the word go, the film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical is unapologetically a love letter to Washington Heights and the largely Latinx community who live there. Yet that’s not where the movie begins; we open on Anthony Ramos’ Usnavi and his megawatts smile seemingly living a million miles from home. He’s relocated to his parents’ homeland in the Dominican Republic to chase his dream of operating a bar on the beach.
His new home is certainly picturesque, if in a more touristy postcard sort of way, but when he passes tales of living in the Heights to his young daughter and her friends, the passion he conveys is heartbreaking; he obviously still loves the neighborhood he left—abandoning it for paradise.
- 6/11/2021
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Since 2000, slightly more than half the lead actor and actress Oscars (21 out of 38) have gone to portrayals of real-life individuals. It’s a bias that dates back to George Arliss and “Disraeli” (1929), although award-winning impersonations have become increasingly stark, even critical, in the latter years.
Notwithstanding Oliver Cromwell’s plea to “Paint me as I am, warts and all!,” early Hollywood awarded acting honors to a near-dozen respectful, even adoring bio-pics. Arliss turned the moody, depressive Disraeli into a matchmaking Dutch uncle. Charles Laughton went cute, not cruel, as Henry VIII. Paul Muni sidestepped Louis Pasteur’s alleged data tampering, just as James Cagney’s George M. Cohan in 1942 ignored the opposition to Actors’ Equity that earned Cohan actors’ enmity.
Honoring real-life subjects virtually dried up for the next 40 years, with the rare exceptions going easy on the likes of George Patton, Thomas More, Fanny Brice and Annie Sullivan. (Who...
Notwithstanding Oliver Cromwell’s plea to “Paint me as I am, warts and all!,” early Hollywood awarded acting honors to a near-dozen respectful, even adoring bio-pics. Arliss turned the moody, depressive Disraeli into a matchmaking Dutch uncle. Charles Laughton went cute, not cruel, as Henry VIII. Paul Muni sidestepped Louis Pasteur’s alleged data tampering, just as James Cagney’s George M. Cohan in 1942 ignored the opposition to Actors’ Equity that earned Cohan actors’ enmity.
Honoring real-life subjects virtually dried up for the next 40 years, with the rare exceptions going easy on the likes of George Patton, Thomas More, Fanny Brice and Annie Sullivan. (Who...
- 1/31/2020
- by Bob Verini
- Variety Film + TV
What do “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Joker,” “Judy,” “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Rocketman,” “Marriage Story,” “Pain and Glory” and “Bombshell” have in common? That is, beyond their makers wanting to hear their movie’s title when the Academy Awards are announced February 9?
The answer? They all reflect various aspects of the world of show business. This is not a new development. The first-ever winner of a Best Picture Oscar was the 1927 World War I action drama “Wings.” But the second was 1929’s “The Broadway Melody,” a soap-operatic backstage look at a theatrical revue in progress. Thus began the Academy Awards love affair with movies and performances that reflect the voter’s own preoccupation with the performing arts.
Other notable Best Picture winners whose themes spotlight the entertainment industry include 1936’s “The Great Ziegfeld,” 1950’s “All About Eve,” 1952’s “The Greatest Show on Earth,” 1965’s “The Sound of Music,...
The answer? They all reflect various aspects of the world of show business. This is not a new development. The first-ever winner of a Best Picture Oscar was the 1927 World War I action drama “Wings.” But the second was 1929’s “The Broadway Melody,” a soap-operatic backstage look at a theatrical revue in progress. Thus began the Academy Awards love affair with movies and performances that reflect the voter’s own preoccupation with the performing arts.
Other notable Best Picture winners whose themes spotlight the entertainment industry include 1936’s “The Great Ziegfeld,” 1950’s “All About Eve,” 1952’s “The Greatest Show on Earth,” 1965’s “The Sound of Music,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
There’s so much to love about Thanksgiving: the piles of food, the expressions of gratitude, that uncle that still tries to get you to pull his finger, the four-day weekend, etc. And yet, this late November feast of gluttony is easily the most underserved among the major U.S. holidays when it comes to one important factor: its songs.
Christmas, of course, has more carols and novelty numbers than you can shake a giant candy cane at. Easter comes complete with “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and a basket-load of hymns.
Christmas, of course, has more carols and novelty numbers than you can shake a giant candy cane at. Easter comes complete with “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and a basket-load of hymns.
- 11/23/2019
- by Dan Epstein
- Rollingstone.com
The way Rami Malek got under Freddie Mercury’s skin and brought him to life again in “Bohemian Rhapsody” was no small miracle. It is similar to how Gary Busey became a star when he uncannily channeled the‘50s rock icon in 1978’s “The Buddy Holly Story.” Or when Joaquin Phoenix was able to capture Johnny Cash’s charisma and his tumultuous dark side in 2005’s “Walk the Line.”
But neither Busey nor Phoenix won in their years. In fact, besides Malek, only five lead actors have been given an Oscar for playing real-life music makers – although it interesting that Mahershala Ali earned a corresponding supporting statuette as concert pianist Don Shirley in “Green Book” this year as well.
Who are these fellows and what traits might their roles have in common?
First was James Cagney as George M. Cohan in 1942’s “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Cagney, best known for his gangster roles,...
But neither Busey nor Phoenix won in their years. In fact, besides Malek, only five lead actors have been given an Oscar for playing real-life music makers – although it interesting that Mahershala Ali earned a corresponding supporting statuette as concert pianist Don Shirley in “Green Book” this year as well.
Who are these fellows and what traits might their roles have in common?
First was James Cagney as George M. Cohan in 1942’s “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Cagney, best known for his gangster roles,...
- 2/26/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Tony Sokol Dec 2, 2018
F Troop's Commander of Fort Courage Ken Berry was given his first assignment by Mr. Spock when he was a lowly sergeant.
Ken Berry, best known for his role as Captain Wilton Parmenter on the TV comedy series F Troop, died Saturday at age 85, according to Variety.
“Dear friends. We are sad to let you know our beloved Captain, Mr Ken Berry passed away tonight,” Larry Storch, who played F Troop's Corporal Agarn, wrote to Facebook. “We just spoke with Jackie Joseph who confirmed the devastating news. We are at a true loss for words. Ken, we hope you know how much you were loved. Goodnight Captain. We miss you already.”
Berry could deliver lines, but his forte was physical comedy. Trained as a dancer since he joined the Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program traveling performance ensemble at age 15, Berry was often assigned long, seemingly impossible takes...
F Troop's Commander of Fort Courage Ken Berry was given his first assignment by Mr. Spock when he was a lowly sergeant.
Ken Berry, best known for his role as Captain Wilton Parmenter on the TV comedy series F Troop, died Saturday at age 85, according to Variety.
“Dear friends. We are sad to let you know our beloved Captain, Mr Ken Berry passed away tonight,” Larry Storch, who played F Troop's Corporal Agarn, wrote to Facebook. “We just spoke with Jackie Joseph who confirmed the devastating news. We are at a true loss for words. Ken, we hope you know how much you were loved. Goodnight Captain. We miss you already.”
Berry could deliver lines, but his forte was physical comedy. Trained as a dancer since he joined the Horace Heidt Youth Opportunity Program traveling performance ensemble at age 15, Berry was often assigned long, seemingly impossible takes...
- 12/2/2018
- Den of Geek
Ken Berry, the veteran comic actor who starred in such 1960s, ’70s and ’80s sitcoms as “F-Troop,” “Mayberry, Rfd” and the “Carol Burnett Show” spinoff “Mama’s Family,” died Saturday at the age of 85.
His ex-wife Jackie Joseph-Lawrence reported the news, “with very deep sorrow,” on her Facebook page. “F-Troop” co-star Larry Storch also shared the news on his own Facebook page, adding, “Goodnight Captain. We miss you already.”
The Illinois native known for his aw-shucks charm also made memorable appearances in Disney films such as “Herbie Rides Again” and “The Cat From Outer Space.”
Also Read: Carol Burnett Disses Modern Broadcast TV: 'There Are Just Too Many Cooks Now'
After serving in the U.S. Army under Sgt. Leonard Nimoy, mostly entertaining the troops, Berry landed a spot on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He became a contract player for Universal Studios, appearing predominantly in musical films, and then transitioned to TV.
His ex-wife Jackie Joseph-Lawrence reported the news, “with very deep sorrow,” on her Facebook page. “F-Troop” co-star Larry Storch also shared the news on his own Facebook page, adding, “Goodnight Captain. We miss you already.”
The Illinois native known for his aw-shucks charm also made memorable appearances in Disney films such as “Herbie Rides Again” and “The Cat From Outer Space.”
Also Read: Carol Burnett Disses Modern Broadcast TV: 'There Are Just Too Many Cooks Now'
After serving in the U.S. Army under Sgt. Leonard Nimoy, mostly entertaining the troops, Berry landed a spot on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He became a contract player for Universal Studios, appearing predominantly in musical films, and then transitioned to TV.
- 12/2/2018
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Among this year’s leading Oscar contenders for Best Actor is Emmy winner Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”) for his star turn as the late Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Should Malek reap an Oscar bid, he will mark the 12th leading man to date recognized for his portrayal of a real-life musician.
First to achieve this feat was James Cagney, nominated for his lively depiction of Broadway composer and performer George M. Cohan in “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942). On Oscar night, Cagney was triumphant, scoring the lone Oscar of his storied career.
Later in the decade, a pair of actors earned recognition for portraying real-life musicians, the first being Cornel Wilde, up for his performance as Polish pianist Frederic Chopin in “A Song to Remember” (1945). The following year, Larry Parks was a nominee for portraying singer and actor Al Jolson in “The Jolson Story...
First to achieve this feat was James Cagney, nominated for his lively depiction of Broadway composer and performer George M. Cohan in “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942). On Oscar night, Cagney was triumphant, scoring the lone Oscar of his storied career.
Later in the decade, a pair of actors earned recognition for portraying real-life musicians, the first being Cornel Wilde, up for his performance as Polish pianist Frederic Chopin in “A Song to Remember” (1945). The following year, Larry Parks was a nominee for portraying singer and actor Al Jolson in “The Jolson Story...
- 9/21/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
by Jason Adams
Why not celebrate the 115th anniversary of the birth of Claudette Colbert today by taking a warm milk bath and then watching Cecille B Demille's infamously lascivious 1932 film The Sign of the Cross? The whole thing is online right here. One of my favorite things about this movie - besides Colbert, and besides Fredric March in short skirts, and besides Charles Laughton as a leering bisexual Nero (that's a lot of besides!), is this story about how Colbert got cast:
“On my way out of the executive offices at Paramount one day,” said DeMille, “I met a young actress named Claudette Colbert. She’d not done much, just playing pansy roles.” Colbert’s most recent part was as George M. Cohan’s daughter in The Phantom President. “I was bored with these roles,” recalled Colbert. “Because I happened to look like a lady, that’s all they wanted me to play.
Why not celebrate the 115th anniversary of the birth of Claudette Colbert today by taking a warm milk bath and then watching Cecille B Demille's infamously lascivious 1932 film The Sign of the Cross? The whole thing is online right here. One of my favorite things about this movie - besides Colbert, and besides Fredric March in short skirts, and besides Charles Laughton as a leering bisexual Nero (that's a lot of besides!), is this story about how Colbert got cast:
“On my way out of the executive offices at Paramount one day,” said DeMille, “I met a young actress named Claudette Colbert. She’d not done much, just playing pansy roles.” Colbert’s most recent part was as George M. Cohan’s daughter in The Phantom President. “I was bored with these roles,” recalled Colbert. “Because I happened to look like a lady, that’s all they wanted me to play.
- 9/13/2018
- by JA
- FilmExperience
A New York Times photographer, a premiere beader of stage costumes and a drycleaning business that’s been removing opening night sweat stains since the days of George M. Cohan will receive this year’s Tony Awards’ Honors for Excellence in the Theatre.
The awards’ Administration Committee announced the recipients today: Culture photographer Sara Krulwich, beader Bessie Nelson and the Ernest Winzer Cleaners. The Honors recognize extraordinary achievement outside the established Tony Award categories.
“This year’s group of Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre award recipients perfectly exemplify the scope of work in our industry,” said Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Each one has left such a mark on the Broadway community in such different ways, and we’re proud to be able to honor their contributions.”
Krulwich has been with the Times since 1979, and...
The awards’ Administration Committee announced the recipients today: Culture photographer Sara Krulwich, beader Bessie Nelson and the Ernest Winzer Cleaners. The Honors recognize extraordinary achievement outside the established Tony Award categories.
“This year’s group of Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre award recipients perfectly exemplify the scope of work in our industry,” said Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Each one has left such a mark on the Broadway community in such different ways, and we’re proud to be able to honor their contributions.”
Krulwich has been with the Times since 1979, and...
- 4/25/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Friars have socialized and been entertained by every major Broadway and Great American Songbook composer starting with Friar George M. Cohan, who in addition to writing over 50 Broadway shows and 300 songs happened to pen Over There at a table during lunch at the Friars Club. Last night continuing this tradition, and in the same building that Friar Irving Berlin, Sammy Cahn and countless luminaries have performed, musical theatre legends Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire entertained The Friars with a major dose of Maltby amp Shire music.
- 11/15/2017
- by Stephen Sorokoff
- BroadwayWorld.com
La La Land Summit Entertainment (A Division of Lionsgate Films) Reviewed by: Harvey Karten, Shockya Grade: B Director: Damien Chazelle Written by: Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, J.K. Simmons Screened at: Park Avenue, NYC, 11/16/16 Opens: December 9, 2016 If you’re of a certain age or simply catch up on movies made before you were born, you are likely to say “They don’t write musicals the way they used to.” You’re thinking of the oeuvre of George M. Cohan, George and Ira Gershwin, Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Some of their traditional musicals are revived on Broadway, and deservedly so. [ Read More ]
The post La La Land Movie Review #EmmaStone appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post La La Land Movie Review #EmmaStone appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/5/2016
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Anne Marie is tracking Judy Garland's career through musical numbers...
Have you heard the good news? April is Judy Garland month on TCM! Check your local listings to see the movies surrounding the numbers we've discussed, and the ones we haven't gotten to yet!
Before the end of 1940, young Judy Garland got two major kudos from Metro Goldwyn Mayer. First, her weekly salary was increased from $600 to $2,000. Second, MGM made her the top-billed star of another Freed Unit musical. No longer just Mickey Rooney's mooning gal pal, Judy Garland would finally get to play another leading role - in fact, in this movie she'd do it twice!
The Movie: Little Nellie Kelly (MGM 1940)
The Songwriter: Roger Edens
The Players: Judy Garland, George Murphy, Charles Winniger, Douglas McPhail, directed by Norman Taurog
The Story: Little Nellie Kelly was based on a hit George M. Cohan musical from 1922. However, any...
Have you heard the good news? April is Judy Garland month on TCM! Check your local listings to see the movies surrounding the numbers we've discussed, and the ones we haven't gotten to yet!
Before the end of 1940, young Judy Garland got two major kudos from Metro Goldwyn Mayer. First, her weekly salary was increased from $600 to $2,000. Second, MGM made her the top-billed star of another Freed Unit musical. No longer just Mickey Rooney's mooning gal pal, Judy Garland would finally get to play another leading role - in fact, in this movie she'd do it twice!
The Movie: Little Nellie Kelly (MGM 1940)
The Songwriter: Roger Edens
The Players: Judy Garland, George Murphy, Charles Winniger, Douglas McPhail, directed by Norman Taurog
The Story: Little Nellie Kelly was based on a hit George M. Cohan musical from 1922. However, any...
- 4/6/2016
- by Anne Marie
- FilmExperience
The Lambsis America's First Professional Theatrical Club, established in New York in 1874.As a social club,The Lambs is a social gathering place for entertainment industry and art professionals. Performers, directors, writers, artists and technicians of the entertainment industry gather to celebrate their commonality, in a place where they come to enjoy each others' company, and to display and hone their crafts in an atmosphere of creativity and support, and to nurture creative endeavors, boasting members such asFred Astaire, Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields and John Philip Sousa.The Lambs is alsoa historical society preserving and promoting aremarkable 140 year history.
- 3/29/2016
- by Marissa Sblendorio
- BroadwayWorld.com
By Seth Metoyer
MoreHorror.com
There's really something creepy about dolls. Ever since I watched The Twilight Zone episode 'Living Doll' as a kid, that damn Talky Tina has haunted me. Over the years there have been plenty of terrifying doll-in-film movies and next up on the plastic chopping block is The Boy.
The movie will debut on Digital HD on April 26, 2016 and hit Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on May 10, 2016. Check out all the details below, and hey, don't talk to creepy dolls.
The Boy stars Lauren Cohan and Rupert Evans. Directed by William Brent Bell, written by Stacey Menear, Produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, and Richard Wright.
From The Press Release:
A young American woman uncovers the menacing nature of the English family she cares for in The Boy, a terrifying thriller debuting on Digital HD on April 26, 2016 and on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand...
MoreHorror.com
There's really something creepy about dolls. Ever since I watched The Twilight Zone episode 'Living Doll' as a kid, that damn Talky Tina has haunted me. Over the years there have been plenty of terrifying doll-in-film movies and next up on the plastic chopping block is The Boy.
The movie will debut on Digital HD on April 26, 2016 and hit Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on May 10, 2016. Check out all the details below, and hey, don't talk to creepy dolls.
The Boy stars Lauren Cohan and Rupert Evans. Directed by William Brent Bell, written by Stacey Menear, Produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, and Richard Wright.
From The Press Release:
A young American woman uncovers the menacing nature of the English family she cares for in The Boy, a terrifying thriller debuting on Digital HD on April 26, 2016 and on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand...
- 3/17/2016
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Versatile actor from Hollywood’s golden age
Female stars of Hollywood’s golden era were usually divided into sex goddesses, femmes fatales or nice girls. In line with the old sporting dictum, “nice guys finish last”, nice girls in movies seldom won the attention they deserved. Joan Leslie, who has died aged 90, was once described as “sweet innocence without seeming too sugary”. But she was versatile: she took roles in dramas, comedies, westerns or musicals, opposite actors such as Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Gary Cooper, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott and Fred Astaire – she was a good enough dancer to partner Astaire in The Sky’s the Limit (1943). One of the best examples of her naive charm was as Mary, singing and dancing wife of the vaudevillian George M Cohan (Cagney) in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).
She was born Joan Brodel in Detroit, Michigan, of devout Catholic parents, John Brodel, a bank clerk,...
Female stars of Hollywood’s golden era were usually divided into sex goddesses, femmes fatales or nice girls. In line with the old sporting dictum, “nice guys finish last”, nice girls in movies seldom won the attention they deserved. Joan Leslie, who has died aged 90, was once described as “sweet innocence without seeming too sugary”. But she was versatile: she took roles in dramas, comedies, westerns or musicals, opposite actors such as Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Gary Cooper, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott and Fred Astaire – she was a good enough dancer to partner Astaire in The Sky’s the Limit (1943). One of the best examples of her naive charm was as Mary, singing and dancing wife of the vaudevillian George M Cohan (Cagney) in Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).
She was born Joan Brodel in Detroit, Michigan, of devout Catholic parents, John Brodel, a bank clerk,...
- 10/15/2015
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Boasting a legendary cast comprising Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, John Carradine and more, Pete Walker's House of the Long Shadows will be released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber in time for Halloween. Our latest round-up also includes the trailer and release details for Russell Friedenberg's Everglades-set horror film, Wind Walkers, and news on who will score the sophomore season of Syfy's Dominion.
House of the Long Shadows Blu-ray: According to Blu-ray.com, Kino Lorber will release House of the Long Shadows on Blu-ray this September.
Synopsis: "An American writer goes to a remote Welsh manor on a $20,000 bet: can he write a classic novel like "Wuthering Heights" in twenty-four hours? Upon his arrival, however, the writer discovers that the manor, thought empty, actually has several, rather odd, inhabitants."
Directed by Pete Walker from a screenplay by Michael Armstrong (which, in turn, is based on the novel,...
House of the Long Shadows Blu-ray: According to Blu-ray.com, Kino Lorber will release House of the Long Shadows on Blu-ray this September.
Synopsis: "An American writer goes to a remote Welsh manor on a $20,000 bet: can he write a classic novel like "Wuthering Heights" in twenty-four hours? Upon his arrival, however, the writer discovers that the manor, thought empty, actually has several, rather odd, inhabitants."
Directed by Pete Walker from a screenplay by Michael Armstrong (which, in turn, is based on the novel,...
- 3/31/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
It’s December. And you know what that means? It means for every popcorn blockbuster, we get about three Oscar bait movies that are made solely to appease that body of somewhat stodgy Academy voters. Don’t get me wrong – a good portion of the Best Picture winners in history are still some of the greatest films ever made – “The Godfather” (Parts I and II), “Schindler’s List,” etc. But what about those historically good movies that got the nomination, but didn’t take home the prize? What about those popular movies that carried fan support, but lost out to a smaller, most of the time better, film? Well, here they are. This list focuses on those films that may or may not have been produced as Oscar bait, but earned the recognition of “Best Picture nominee,” only to walk away without the big prize. As usual, not in order of worst to best.
- 1/1/2015
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
The Ascap Foundation Awards Ceremony was held at The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Broadwayworld was there. This years recipient of the Masters Award was composer John Corigliano. Mr. Corigliano has also won fiver Grammy's a Pulitzer Prize the Grawemeyer Award and an Academy Award for his many scores and compositions. Rupert Holmes, Composer, Playwright, lyricist, mystery novelist, arranger-conductor, screenwriter, record producer and singer-songwriter received the Foundations George M. Cohan Award which is made possible by the Friars Foundation.
- 12/11/2014
- by Stephen Sorokoff
- BroadwayWorld.com
Reviewed by Kevin Scott, MoreHorror.com
House of the Long Shadows (1983)
Directed by Pete Walker
Written by Michael Armstrong, Earl Derr Biggers (novel), George M. Cohan (play)
Cast: Desi Arnaz Jr. (Kenneth Magee), Vincent Price (Lionel Grisbane), Peter Cushing (Sebastian Grisbane), John Carradine (Lord Elijah Grisbane), Christopher Lee (Corrigan), Sheila Keith (Victoria Grisbane), Julie Peasgood (Mary Norton), Richard Todd (Sam Allyson), Louise English (Diane Caulder), Richard Hunter (Andrew Caulder)
I like to think of “House of the Long Shadows” as kind of the super group of horror films. What I mean is that typically that term is reserved for the music field for example, Damn Yankees, Asia, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave. Hopefully, you get the point. It’s professionals who have already made their own fame and fortune alone or with another group, but band together for a second helping of notoriety. I don’t know if anyone in this film...
House of the Long Shadows (1983)
Directed by Pete Walker
Written by Michael Armstrong, Earl Derr Biggers (novel), George M. Cohan (play)
Cast: Desi Arnaz Jr. (Kenneth Magee), Vincent Price (Lionel Grisbane), Peter Cushing (Sebastian Grisbane), John Carradine (Lord Elijah Grisbane), Christopher Lee (Corrigan), Sheila Keith (Victoria Grisbane), Julie Peasgood (Mary Norton), Richard Todd (Sam Allyson), Louise English (Diane Caulder), Richard Hunter (Andrew Caulder)
I like to think of “House of the Long Shadows” as kind of the super group of horror films. What I mean is that typically that term is reserved for the music field for example, Damn Yankees, Asia, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave. Hopefully, you get the point. It’s professionals who have already made their own fame and fortune alone or with another group, but band together for a second helping of notoriety. I don’t know if anyone in this film...
- 5/14/2014
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Part of the list provides a few Best Picture nominees, a number of Oscar winners, and a childhood favorite that still pops up now and again. In reality, this list could be half-full of music documentaries, but for that reason, I stayed away from them. Plus, I did my best to include only films that really are musicals in every sense of the word. Plenty of films have lots of musical components, but only true musicals have performances in the film that truly drive the story forward. The songs in movie musicals have a purpose, if there could be a true definition.
courtesy of ew.com
40. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted
Signature Song: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Michael Apted certainly has a dicey filmography, this probably being his best: a biographical piece featuring a breakout adult role from Sissy Spacek, winning her the Oscar for Best Actress.
courtesy of ew.com
40. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted
Signature Song: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Michael Apted certainly has a dicey filmography, this probably being his best: a biographical piece featuring a breakout adult role from Sissy Spacek, winning her the Oscar for Best Actress.
- 5/5/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
The Ascap Foundation just honored Tony Award-winning lyricist and director of Annie Martin Charnin with the first-ever Ascap Foundation George M. Cohan Award at their 18th annual Awards Ceremony last night, December 11th. The invitation-only event, hosted by Ascap Foundation President Paul Williams, was held at the Allen Room, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
- 12/12/2013
- by Stephen Sorokoff
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Ascap Foundation will honor Tony Award-winning lyricist and director of Annie Martin Charnin with the first-ever Ascap Foundation George M. Cohan Award at their 18th annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 11th, 2013. The invitation-only event, hosted by Ascap Foundation President Paul Williams, will be held at the Allen Room, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
- 12/9/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
“My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you”
Yankee Doodle Dandy is a movie anyone can see and enjoy. No sex, violence or profanity - just lively entertainment. It is good enough to watch on any day, not just the Fourth of July.
As Yankee Doodle Dandy was beginning production, the Japs attack on Pearl Harbor took place, so it would go without saying that the film came along at a much needed time and gave our country, as well as our fighting men a very much needed boost. Though it is a clear representative of times that no longer exist, it has a patriotism that is needed just as much today as it was then, if not more so. The music is great but the film’s highlight in the vibrant, Oscar-winning performance of James Cagney as the hoofer, singer, dancer,...
Yankee Doodle Dandy is a movie anyone can see and enjoy. No sex, violence or profanity - just lively entertainment. It is good enough to watch on any day, not just the Fourth of July.
As Yankee Doodle Dandy was beginning production, the Japs attack on Pearl Harbor took place, so it would go without saying that the film came along at a much needed time and gave our country, as well as our fighting men a very much needed boost. Though it is a clear representative of times that no longer exist, it has a patriotism that is needed just as much today as it was then, if not more so. The music is great but the film’s highlight in the vibrant, Oscar-winning performance of James Cagney as the hoofer, singer, dancer,...
- 7/9/2013
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s Tim, here to wish all of the U.S. readers of the Film Experience a Happy Independence Day, and to everyone else, "Happy Thursday!"
This particular holiday isn’t one commemorated in movies as much as many others – the odd scene here or there, but rarely an entire film dedicated to the themes and meanings behind the day. In order to save everyone from watching the classic but overfamiliar Yankee Doodle Dandy or 1776 – or the Roland Emmerich / Dean Devlin explode-o-rama Independence Day, if that’s the way you roll – or the miserable direct-to-video slasher movie Uncle Sam, if that’s how you roll, and for that you have my sympathy – I thought I’d put together a little list of a few films about America, in its many different forms, that might make for somewhat more novel viewing than seeing James Cagney speak-singing George M. Cohan songs for the 20th time.
This particular holiday isn’t one commemorated in movies as much as many others – the odd scene here or there, but rarely an entire film dedicated to the themes and meanings behind the day. In order to save everyone from watching the classic but overfamiliar Yankee Doodle Dandy or 1776 – or the Roland Emmerich / Dean Devlin explode-o-rama Independence Day, if that’s the way you roll – or the miserable direct-to-video slasher movie Uncle Sam, if that’s how you roll, and for that you have my sympathy – I thought I’d put together a little list of a few films about America, in its many different forms, that might make for somewhat more novel viewing than seeing James Cagney speak-singing George M. Cohan songs for the 20th time.
- 7/4/2013
- by Tim Brayton
- FilmExperience
This week, you've got four whole days to celebrate the birth of our country. But besides watching endless fireworks and eating more BBQ than your belly can handle, why not spend some time with a movie, too?
The perfect way to stay out of the heat and sport some American pride is with a classic 4th of July flick, and we've made a list of the best Independence Day-themed movies available to stream right now. Get historical, get musical, or get scared with these Fourth favorites.
"The Patriot" (2000)
A Revolutionary War film by Roland Emmerich starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, "The Patriot" is the perfect addition to your Independence Day weekend. If that's not epic enough, did we mention that Gibson's Benjamin brutally kills 22 redcoats with a Tomahawk in one scene? "The Patriot" brings a ton of red to your white and blue.
Stream It On: Vudu, Amazon...
The perfect way to stay out of the heat and sport some American pride is with a classic 4th of July flick, and we've made a list of the best Independence Day-themed movies available to stream right now. Get historical, get musical, or get scared with these Fourth favorites.
"The Patriot" (2000)
A Revolutionary War film by Roland Emmerich starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger, "The Patriot" is the perfect addition to your Independence Day weekend. If that's not epic enough, did we mention that Gibson's Benjamin brutally kills 22 redcoats with a Tomahawk in one scene? "The Patriot" brings a ton of red to your white and blue.
Stream It On: Vudu, Amazon...
- 7/4/2013
- by Erin Whitney
- Moviefone
Top 10 Aliya Whiteley 28 May 2013 - 06:55
The 1930s to the end of the 20th century saw the release of some classic tap dancing movies. Here's Aliya's pick of the 10 best...
Either you love movies in which people suddenly break into tap dance routines to express their innermost desires, or you hate them. If you hate them, you’re in luck – they pretty much don’t exist in modern film any more.
Having said that, there have been some great dancing moments in the last few years, such as Amy Adams having a me party in The Muppets, or Meryl Streep bouncing up and down on the bed in Mamma Mia! But these aren’t tap dances, and they’re much more about enthusiasm than skill. Or High School Musical, Take The Lead and others give us great modern or ballroom dancing, but within the context of people putting on a show,...
The 1930s to the end of the 20th century saw the release of some classic tap dancing movies. Here's Aliya's pick of the 10 best...
Either you love movies in which people suddenly break into tap dance routines to express their innermost desires, or you hate them. If you hate them, you’re in luck – they pretty much don’t exist in modern film any more.
Having said that, there have been some great dancing moments in the last few years, such as Amy Adams having a me party in The Muppets, or Meryl Streep bouncing up and down on the bed in Mamma Mia! But these aren’t tap dances, and they’re much more about enthusiasm than skill. Or High School Musical, Take The Lead and others give us great modern or ballroom dancing, but within the context of people putting on a show,...
- 5/24/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Judd Nelson made his name playing a bad boy as Bender in John Hughes’ 1985 classic The Breakfast Club, and he’s still breaking hearts in his role in the melodramatic new film Just 45 Minutes from Broadway, which opens Oct. 3 in L.A. and Oct. 17 in New York. The movie, directed by independent film stalwart Henry Jaglom (who adopted the film from his stage show of the same name — not the George M. Cohan musical), follows a Yiddish theater family whose internal rivalries come to a head at their home outside New York City. The film creatively intertwines scenes from the stage show,...
- 10/3/2012
- by Laura Hertzfeld
- EW - Inside Movies
1:35 Pm: The walkers are here! Showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producers Robert Kirkman, Dave Alpert, Gale nn Hurd, and Greg Nicotero (who also serves as FX coordinator) take the stage!
1:39 Pm: Calling upon complains that the first half of season two hit some speedbumps in regards to pace, the producers promsie that season three will carry on the explosive action that closed out the second season.
1:43 Pm: The producers frequently ask Nicotero (who has worked on zombie films and special effects for over two decades) to attempt to try out new zombie elements that have never been done before.
1:44 Pm: The Walking Dead returns Sunday, October 14th at 9:00 Pm in the United States, and rolls out in countries around the world beginning the following day.
1:50 Pm: First exclusive clips for The Walking Dead season 3! Brief snippets of Michonne killing zombies and a crashing helicopter transition...
1:39 Pm: Calling upon complains that the first half of season two hit some speedbumps in regards to pace, the producers promsie that season three will carry on the explosive action that closed out the second season.
1:43 Pm: The producers frequently ask Nicotero (who has worked on zombie films and special effects for over two decades) to attempt to try out new zombie elements that have never been done before.
1:44 Pm: The Walking Dead returns Sunday, October 14th at 9:00 Pm in the United States, and rolls out in countries around the world beginning the following day.
1:50 Pm: First exclusive clips for The Walking Dead season 3! Brief snippets of Michonne killing zombies and a crashing helicopter transition...
- 7/13/2012
- by Brandon Moore
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
The Black List of 2011 continues with the second-half of the list showcasing the screenplays that received the most number of votes.
Remember, this is a list voted on by Hollywood professionals of what they personally believe to be the best unproduced screenplays written in 2011. You might recognize titles for movies that are in development. That's fine by The Black List rules; the only condition that the screenplay must meet is that it's not being filmed within this calendar year. For Black List 2011 selections like Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, that makes it valid for Black List inclusion.
If you've missed the first half of the list you can find it here.
13 Votes:
The Accountant by Bill Dubuque
The Treasury Department pursues a brilliant, autistic accountant who doubles as an assassin and “problem-solves” with precision in more ways than one.
Agency: Paradigm
Agent: Trevor Astbury
Management: Zero Gravity Management
Manager: Eric Williams...
Remember, this is a list voted on by Hollywood professionals of what they personally believe to be the best unproduced screenplays written in 2011. You might recognize titles for movies that are in development. That's fine by The Black List rules; the only condition that the screenplay must meet is that it's not being filmed within this calendar year. For Black List 2011 selections like Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, that makes it valid for Black List inclusion.
If you've missed the first half of the list you can find it here.
13 Votes:
The Accountant by Bill Dubuque
The Treasury Department pursues a brilliant, autistic accountant who doubles as an assassin and “problem-solves” with precision in more ways than one.
Agency: Paradigm
Agent: Trevor Astbury
Management: Zero Gravity Management
Manager: Eric Williams...
- 12/13/2011
- by Patrick Sauriol
- Corona's Coming Attractions
The 2011 Black List has arrived online and there are a bunch of the hottest scripts in Hollywood. Some have already been picked up by studios, while most are still unproduced. Here is the press release: The Black List was compiled from the suggestions of over 300 film executives, each of whom contributed the names of up to ten of their favorite scripts that were written in, or are somehow uniquely associated with, 2011 and will not have begun principal photography during this calendar year.
This year, scripts had to receive at least six mentions to be included on the The Black List.
All reasonable effort has been made to confirm the information contained herein. The Black List apologizes for all misspellings, misattributions, incorrect representation identification, and questionable 2011 affiliations.
It has been said many times, but it's worth repeating:
The Black List is not a "best of" list. It is, at best, a "most liked" list.
This year, scripts had to receive at least six mentions to be included on the The Black List.
All reasonable effort has been made to confirm the information contained herein. The Black List apologizes for all misspellings, misattributions, incorrect representation identification, and questionable 2011 affiliations.
It has been said many times, but it's worth repeating:
The Black List is not a "best of" list. It is, at best, a "most liked" list.
- 12/13/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
As the New Year approaches, we are now getting a look at all the scripts that have been passed on, those unproduced screenplays of 2001, or what is better known as The Black List. This year, like every other year, is compiled from the suggestions of hundreds of film executives, each contributes the names of up to ten of their favorite scripts that were written in, or are somehow uniquely associated with, 2011 and will not be released in theaters during this calendar year. Some of the best scripts have come from The Black List. Films like The Social Network went on to become the best of 2010. Other movie scripts have catapulted writers into stardom. Diablo Cody’s Juno, Nancy Oliver’s Lars And The Real Girl, Scott Neustader’s and Michael Weber’s 500 Days Of Summer, are just some of the screenplays which appeared on The Black List and then were made.
- 12/12/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
Yankee Doodle Dandy (Michael Curtiz, 1942)
James Cagney was the greatest actor who ever graced the screen. Bar none. Bar none! You could never take your eyes off Jim Cagney – and that was never more true than in his film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
It tells the life story of George M Cohan, a Broadway impresario. Cagney started off as a dancer and he was able to use that to great effect in this movie. Oh, the dancing numbers! At one point he dances up the side of the proscenium arch of a theatre. He runs up, he jumps down... it's so brilliant. He was all spitfire energy, like a human tornado.
I first saw the film on television when I was a boy. Later, when I became an actor and made A Clockwork Orange, I said in the press how much I admired him. There was another wonderful actor of Cagney's era,...
James Cagney was the greatest actor who ever graced the screen. Bar none. Bar none! You could never take your eyes off Jim Cagney – and that was never more true than in his film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
It tells the life story of George M Cohan, a Broadway impresario. Cagney started off as a dancer and he was able to use that to great effect in this movie. Oh, the dancing numbers! At one point he dances up the side of the proscenium arch of a theatre. He runs up, he jumps down... it's so brilliant. He was all spitfire energy, like a human tornado.
I first saw the film on television when I was a boy. Later, when I became an actor and made A Clockwork Orange, I said in the press how much I admired him. There was another wonderful actor of Cagney's era,...
- 5/28/2011
- by Tom Lamont
- The Guardian - Film News
Yankee Doodle Dandy (Michael Curtiz, 1942)
James Cagney was the greatest actor who ever graced the screen. Bar none. Bar none! You could never take your eyes off Jim Cagney – and that was never more true than in his film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
It tells the life story of George M Cohan, a Broadway impresario. Cagney started off as a dancer and he was able to use that to great effect in this movie. Oh, the dancing numbers! At one point he dances up the side of the proscenium arch of a theatre. He runs up, he jumps down... it's so brilliant. He was all spitfire energy, like a human tornado.
Continue reading...
James Cagney was the greatest actor who ever graced the screen. Bar none. Bar none! You could never take your eyes off Jim Cagney – and that was never more true than in his film Yankee Doodle Dandy.
It tells the life story of George M Cohan, a Broadway impresario. Cagney started off as a dancer and he was able to use that to great effect in this movie. Oh, the dancing numbers! At one point he dances up the side of the proscenium arch of a theatre. He runs up, he jumps down... it's so brilliant. He was all spitfire energy, like a human tornado.
Continue reading...
- 5/28/2011
- by Interview by Tom Lamont
- The Guardian - Film News
With Mother’s Day coming on Sunday (for our U.S. readers), we wanted to celebrate movies that mothers love, but not just our idea of what they love. That’s right, the staff of Disc Dish gave their mothers a job to celebrate the holiday where their kids are supposed to do all the work! We asked our moms what their favorite films are — and the results were fun, varied and even a bit provocative! See for yourself below.
And if you’re a mom, we want to know yours’ too. Tell us what your favorite movies are and why.
Today, as on every day, we thank our mothers for their enthusiasm, encouragement and awesome taste in movies!
Selma Chopinsky, mother of Irv Slifkin
Goldfinger (1964)
The third James Bond adventure is the one many claim is the best. It certainly has all the 007 elements going for it, from memorable...
And if you’re a mom, we want to know yours’ too. Tell us what your favorite movies are and why.
Today, as on every day, we thank our mothers for their enthusiasm, encouragement and awesome taste in movies!
Selma Chopinsky, mother of Irv Slifkin
Goldfinger (1964)
The third James Bond adventure is the one many claim is the best. It certainly has all the 007 elements going for it, from memorable...
- 5/5/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
William Gargan, Miriam Hopkins, Jack La Rue in Stephen Roberts' The Story of Temple Drake Cinefest 2011, a four-day festival of rare American films, kicked off earlier today in Syracuse, NY. According to organizers, Cinefest features "great films … from the vaults of the world's greatest libraries and obscure specialties we are noted for from private collectors!" [Cinefest 2011 schedule.] Among the highlights at this year's Cinefest are the East Coast premiere of the Museum of Modern Art's restored print of the racy pre-Code Miriam Hopkins vehicle The Story of Temple Drake (1933), based on William Faulkner's Sanctuary; the Dolores Costello vehicle Glorious Betsy (1928), which earned Anthony Coldeway an Academy Award nomination for Best Adaptation; and Norman Taurog's The Phantom President (1932), a comedy musical starring Broadway legend George M. Cohan (James Cagney won an Oscar for playing him in Yankee Doodle Dandy), Claudette Colbert, and Jimmy Durante. Also, Joe May's [...]...
- 3/18/2011
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Are you a fan of classic films? Do you wish that more classic films were made available in modern formats? Warner Brothers (and recently, Sony) feel your pain. They've been offering entries from the Warner Archive Collection (classic films and television series) as made-to-order DVDs for awhile now, and to help raise awareness for this service, we're giving away four DVDs from the WBShop. One lucky reader will win Little Nellie Kelly, Invitation to the Dance, Yolanda and the Thief, and Thoroughbreds Don't Cry. To find out how to enter, just keep reading!
In Invitation to the Dance, Academy Award® winner* Gene Kelly brings his remarkable talents as star, director and choreographer to this glittering gala of music, dance and pantomime – and the result is a lush, one-of-a-kind musical flight of fancy. Thoroughbreds Don't Cry, a horse-racing tale, marks the first of eight screen pairings (plus two variety-act films) of...
In Invitation to the Dance, Academy Award® winner* Gene Kelly brings his remarkable talents as star, director and choreographer to this glittering gala of music, dance and pantomime – and the result is a lush, one-of-a-kind musical flight of fancy. Thoroughbreds Don't Cry, a horse-racing tale, marks the first of eight screen pairings (plus two variety-act films) of...
- 3/16/2011
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
In honor of the 83rd Academy Awards, Extra" brings you AFI's 100 Best Movie Quotes of all time! From "The Wizard of Oz" to "Taxi Driver," see if your favorites made the list.
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie QuotesGone with the Wind (1939)
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." — Clark Gable as Rhett Butler to Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara
The Godfather (1972)
"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." — Marlon Brando as Don Corleone...
AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie QuotesGone with the Wind (1939)
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." — Clark Gable as Rhett Butler to Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara
The Godfather (1972)
"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." — Marlon Brando as Don Corleone...
- 2/27/2011
- Extra
"The Vampire Diaries" is back, finally! (Be grateful... not every CW show was so lucky this week.) Tonight's episode had all the things we love best about the show - romance, blood, action, shirtlessness, and good old fashioned teen angst.
(Not to mention a hefty helping of centenarian angst, too. I'm looking at you, Damon Salvatore.)
After a long week of exhaustive "Tvd" coverage (check out what you missed here) I've had enough stalling, and I just want to watch the freaking show. Hit the play button on those DVRs.
8:00 - Previously on the Vampire Diaries, we found out that Rose (Lauren Cohan) will probably die. I... really wish I could care, but I have to admit that the werewolf bite "cliffhanger" made the winter hiatus much more bearable.
8:02 - I love that our first really threatening, animalistic werwolf is a chick. Jules (Michaela McManus) is an amazing character.
(Not to mention a hefty helping of centenarian angst, too. I'm looking at you, Damon Salvatore.)
After a long week of exhaustive "Tvd" coverage (check out what you missed here) I've had enough stalling, and I just want to watch the freaking show. Hit the play button on those DVRs.
8:00 - Previously on the Vampire Diaries, we found out that Rose (Lauren Cohan) will probably die. I... really wish I could care, but I have to admit that the werewolf bite "cliffhanger" made the winter hiatus much more bearable.
8:02 - I love that our first really threatening, animalistic werwolf is a chick. Jules (Michaela McManus) is an amazing character.
- 1/28/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Anonymous has been at it again. Following Primary Colors's version of Clinton comes O: A Presidential Novel. Mark Lawson on the tradition of insider political fiction, from Disraeli to The West Wing. A preview from tomorrow's Guardian Review.
Also in tomorrow's Review: Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage on why Anna Nicole Smith is a true operatic heroine, Andrea Levy on why she wrote Small Island, Stefan Collini in praise of Eric Hobsbawm and Sarah Churchwell on the scandalous Lillian Hellman
A successful political career demands a tradeoff between fame and anonymity. A leader needs to be known – an Obama, Blair or Clinton has the global recognisability of a rock star – but high-level politics also frequently depends on the exercise of secrecy. The unattributable briefing ("a party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity", "a source travelling with the prime minister") is a standard tool of political journalism, offering an early first...
Also in tomorrow's Review: Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage on why Anna Nicole Smith is a true operatic heroine, Andrea Levy on why she wrote Small Island, Stefan Collini in praise of Eric Hobsbawm and Sarah Churchwell on the scandalous Lillian Hellman
A successful political career demands a tradeoff between fame and anonymity. A leader needs to be known – an Obama, Blair or Clinton has the global recognisability of a rock star – but high-level politics also frequently depends on the exercise of secrecy. The unattributable briefing ("a party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity", "a source travelling with the prime minister") is a standard tool of political journalism, offering an early first...
- 1/22/2011
- by Mark Lawson
- The Guardian - Film News
Have you been watching The Event on NBC? It stars Blair Underwood, Jason Ritter and Bill Smitrovich and Hal Holbrook.
Bill’s an incredible character actor who’s been in dozens of movies and has been a series regular on over 7 shows, including The Event. On the show, he plays ‘Vice President Jarvis’, who’s character is beginning about to have a major part in the story.
Hal Holbrook… well, he’s Hal Holbrook. In the show, he plays Dempsey, “a businessman with shadowy intentions.”
These guys have both been in the business a long time and listening to them talk was a true treat.
I got a chance to talk to them in a media conference call where they talked about the show and the life of an actor. And as a bonus, Mr. Holbrook tells the story of how he got started acting. You’re going to love it.
Bill’s an incredible character actor who’s been in dozens of movies and has been a series regular on over 7 shows, including The Event. On the show, he plays ‘Vice President Jarvis’, who’s character is beginning about to have a major part in the story.
Hal Holbrook… well, he’s Hal Holbrook. In the show, he plays Dempsey, “a businessman with shadowy intentions.”
These guys have both been in the business a long time and listening to them talk was a true treat.
I got a chance to talk to them in a media conference call where they talked about the show and the life of an actor. And as a bonus, Mr. Holbrook tells the story of how he got started acting. You’re going to love it.
- 11/15/2010
- by Lance Carter
- DailyActorMedia
Last week's episode of "The Vampire Diaries" was one of its most startling yet. By the end of the episode, Katherine (Nina Dobrev) was locked up in the tomb, Tyler (Michael Trevino) was a werewolf, and Elena had been abducted by a masked stranger. So what's next?
Well, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) are teaming up to protect the one girl they both care about -- again. I'm guessing it'll only take Elena two or three more life-or-death situations to completely mend the century-old Salvatore silbling rivalry. Is she doing this on purpose? If she is... I commend you, Elena Gilbert.
Elena's kidnapper is Rose (Lauren Cohan), who is at least five centuries old, with the attitude to match. Rose makes Cohan's "Supernatural" character, Bela, look like a kitten.
By the time they've rescued Elena, Stefan and Damon will have come to "a new understanding," according to The CW.
Well, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) are teaming up to protect the one girl they both care about -- again. I'm guessing it'll only take Elena two or three more life-or-death situations to completely mend the century-old Salvatore silbling rivalry. Is she doing this on purpose? If she is... I commend you, Elena Gilbert.
Elena's kidnapper is Rose (Lauren Cohan), who is at least five centuries old, with the attitude to match. Rose makes Cohan's "Supernatural" character, Bela, look like a kitten.
By the time they've rescued Elena, Stefan and Damon will have come to "a new understanding," according to The CW.
- 11/2/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Oct 29, 2010
Early in 1931 an extraordinary event took place in New York City at the George M. Cohan Theatre. Though the talking picture had been firmly established, a new silent film premiered at the Cohan that became the talk of the town – Charles Chaplin's City Lights, in which he starred as the beloved Little Tramp. He was also the producer, the director, the author and scenarist, the editor, and had written the music which accompanied it. Chaplin was the solitary hold-out against the talking film, and City Lights was successful because it was a ...Read more at MovieRetriever.com...
Early in 1931 an extraordinary event took place in New York City at the George M. Cohan Theatre. Though the talking picture had been firmly established, a new silent film premiered at the Cohan that became the talk of the town – Charles Chaplin's City Lights, in which he starred as the beloved Little Tramp. He was also the producer, the director, the author and scenarist, the editor, and had written the music which accompanied it. Chaplin was the solitary hold-out against the talking film, and City Lights was successful because it was a ...Read more at MovieRetriever.com...
- 10/29/2010
- CinemaNerdz
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