Favorite non-Austen movies

Favorite movies: My Fair Lady Marty All About Eve and probably a lot of others if I think about it too long.

Year of Living Dangerously -- deliscious Mel! Music Box -- Jessica Lange, very good very powerful. Raiders of the Lost Ark -- just for fun L.A. Story -- Alas poor Yurik! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- a little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men! Mr. North -- do do that voodoo! More recently: Once Were Warriors -- NZ's best! Fargo -- I live in Mpls. And lots of others I can't think of at the moment.

Old stuff : anything with Errol Flynn/Laurence Olivier/Branagh, Twelve angry man, the Scarlet Pimpernel, Les parapluies de Cherbourg, Farenheit 451, most of Depardieu's especially Cyrano, Boys from Brazil, Great Escape All time favorite from the past : a Brit-comedy with the two boys who played in Oliver (60's) and blow a bomb at the end + music from CSNY and BeeGee's. Saw it when I was around 10 and never saw it again, anybody know the title and particulars and recently : Eat drink man woman French Kiss Les Mis�rables du XX�me si�cle Emma, oups... does'nt count

Eat Drink Man Woman was a great movie. I really enjoyed the interactions in this movie.

Terry, Absolutely. You rarely see this quality with such simplicity. Forgot to mention anything with Rowan Atkinson.

Too many to name, but of course, that won't stop me from trying! Old MGM musicals: Singing in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Anything with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant: It's a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story, Arsenic and Old Lace Hitchcock: Rear Window (added points for Stewart!), North by Northwest (added points for Grant!) Other Movies: the Star Wars movies, Amadeus, Bull Durham, The Lion in Winter and of course Casablanca!

Hannah and Her Sisters Field of Dreams The Razor's Edge Harvey Casablanca The Player Mr Smith Goes to Washington North by Northwest

Not in order of preference. Not an complete list. Seven Days In May Twelve Angry Men Inherit The Wind Stage Door The Sound Of Music Linda

I suppose my all time favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. I also love Tombstone . I watch anything with Bette Davis; she is my favorite actress. Ialso enjoy movies with Joan Fontaine and Gene Tierney.

But the way, att. Caroline regarding Rupert Everett and my interest in Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, anybody ever see Bayardo San Roman's Chronicle of a Death Foretold (1987) ? Great movie starring also Ornella Mutti (?spell). You can really feel the heat.

The Bishop's Wife, Affair to Remember (just about anything with Cary Grant) Moonstruck The Bridges of Madison County The American President Bambi Tim Shirley Valentine Sabrina (old version though I do like the new one too) Sleepless in Seatle The Shoes of the Fisherman Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Gentleman's Agreement A Walk In The Clouds Not a favorite necessarily but a fun movie to watch : The Ref with Dennis Leary

Moonstruck!

Just a few that come to mind Anne of Green Gables Anne of Avonlea An Affair to remember King & I Sleepless in Seatle I remember Mama

I like so many movies/actors: old and new Jimmy Stewart-"It's a Wonderful Life" Rear Window ect.ect. Gregory Peck-"To Kill A Mockingbird" ect. Carey Grant-"An Affair To Remember" Bishop's Wife {remake of this}Denzel Washington is the Angel. Charles Laughton-"Les Miserables" ect. Gary Cooper-"Saratoga Trunk"1945 Clark Gable-"The Misfits"ect. Montgomery Clift-"The Heiress"1949 There is more "Gaslight", Moonstruck,Bridges of Madison County any Audrey Hepburn, K. Hepburn & Spencer Tracey, The King and I ect.ect.ect. I know I watch to many movies.The list goes on forever.

Almost any British film with: Peter O'Toole (Lawrence of Arabia, Becket, etc.), Peter Sellers; Richard Burton; the old "Carry on" comedies; etc. Medicine Man (Sean Connery) Carmen (flamenco dancers version) Black Orpheus Cat on a Hot Tin Roof A Passage to India of course I periodically see a film like Space Jam just for R & R.

Moonstruck and Hannah and her Sisters also, Amy. Oh Lucky man Bliss The year my voice broke Ordinary people

I concur on GWTW, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Mr. Smith. Other movies I particularly love include Goodbye, Mr. Chips, a lovely film about love, family, education, and war; Auntie Mame, a warning to all of the Babbitty elements of the world; Spartacus; The Odd Couple; and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me... A crappy movie that I like, mainly becuase I'm in it, in utero, is Alex and the Gypsy, with Jack Lemmon. During the Greek picnic scene, it features my pregnant mother as an extra, one of my father's friends telling fortunes with coffee grounds, and my parents, uncle, and godfather as the Greek band...the song they play was written by my father for me, even though I wan't quite born yet...;)

"and Don't Start the Revolution Without Me... " Kali - If you mean the Gene Wilder/Donald Sutherland film, I'll know we're long lost twins!! I was going to mention that one, but figured nobody had ever heard of it. Its one of my favorites! Along similar lines, have you seen "The Producers" or "The Twelve Chairs"? Very funny!

Okay, Kaff...then it's official: we're long lost twins...born how many years and miles apart? I was born on June 23, 1975 in Lodi, CA...

"The Producers!" One of my all-time favorites! How could I have overlooked this on my list?! I love the scene in Zero Mostel's office when Gene Wilder gets hysterical and needs his blankie! And "Springtime for Hitler!" I'll be humming it the rest of the day now...

The blankie scene! If you can play .wav files, try this: http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~mgros/brooks/producer%20Folder/BLANKET.WAV :)

Kaff: "But I thought it was a costume ball!"

How about favorite movie characters and character types. HC is quite right about my loving geeks. I have a thing for the eccentric brilliant geeky academic types: Ian Malcolm the mathmatician in Jurassic Park; Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady; Doc Brown in Back to the Future; Prof Falken in WarGames; even Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver. Amy

The tapes getting gray on my video-player are (besides P&P2): Impromptu (about Chopin and George Sand), Groundhog Day (about becoming a good person, I think) and Clueless (clueless! not really an Austen-movie, but I thought it a very nice version of Emma).

Did I mention 'A company of Strangers' -thats a great film.

To Sir with Love Disney's Beauty & the Beast Disney's Lady & the Tramp Strictly Ballroom Stripes True Lies Star Wars trilogy Long Walk Home Late for Dinner Raiders of the Lost Ark & IJ & the Last Crusade Pretty Woman The Fugitive The Cowboys Favorite television show: Remember WENN on AMC (this show has some of the best writing on television)

Sleuth

Oh, and the Bond Films...Dr. No is the first and best...

And Enchanted April and The Party, starring Peter Sellars...oh, and Stage Door, with young Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball...

Annie Hall. I can't believe nobody has mentioned it.

Fresh Horses (city-rural culture clash - I am sure I must have been there and met those people). While you were Sleeping Probably any 'chick flick' that gets good critical reviews and a few that did not. Cousins Teen movies like Breakfast Club, American Grafitti, Sixteen Candles, Clueless. Moonstruck (where Cher almost marries Mr. Collins)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Waynes World. Dave. Groundhog Day.

I love Groundhog Day.

I enjoyed Groundhog Day, too, Amy & Terry (and all). I managed to watch it several times one week last winter -- it must have been on several times in the same week on HBO, or whatever. Anyway, I may have even watched it through from beginning to end -- unusual for me, being a channel surfer of the 1st degree. Bill Murray actually showed more dramatic flair than usual.

I too like Groundhog Day, Dave, While You Were Sleeping (saw it again last night),To Sir With Love -- I guess I have a lot more favorites than I first listed. Carolyn -- saw that you listed Late For Dinner -- can't say it's my favorite but enjoyed it (love Brian Wimmer - have since he played Boonie on China Beach - another favorite). Speaking of TV shows (as some have also listed): China Beach, Beauty and the Beast, Star Trek TNG, Voyager, DS9, Babylon 5, NYPD Blue, ER, Touched By an Angel, Murder She Wrote, Grace Under Fire, Cybil (though I don't get to watch it as much as I'd like), MASH.

I am happy to say that the net has diminished my TV watching, which never occupied a lot of time. In past years, I had adopted just one regular network show to watch each week. It has ranged from Hill Street Blues to Northern Exposure. I don't have one currently. Amy

Amy, I am like you in sticking with only about one show at a time, and Northern Exposure was it. Previously, I watched thirtysomething, and right now I watch NOTHING having weaned myself from E.R. It is more logistical rather than being a strong feeling about TV quality--like many of our group, I suspect that a diversion like this that is very flexible as to timing works best (and I don't like programming my VCR---if I am going to watch a show, I want to do it when everyone else is. Come to think of it, w en I put in a P&P tape, chances are someone else I sort of know is doing the same thing!

]In past years, I had adopted just one regular network show to watch each week. It has ranged from Hill Street Blues to Northern Exposure. I don't have one currently. Not even X-Files, Amy?

X-files is mine, but I hate that they moved it to Sunday! I often tape it and watch it on Friday anyway. If they think they can jerk around my schedule, they have another think coming! [grin]

St. Elsewhere,Northern Exsposure,China Beach, and L.A.Law {this all started bcause of Hill Street Blues} Love Groundhog Day,When Harry Met Sally {Bill Crystal is so talented},Love Tom Hanks. The movie I saw the most at a theater was "Hard Days Night" 28 times.

A Room with a View Enchanted April Lady Hawke A Walk in the Clouds Speed The Rock Glory To Sir with Love

Donna, do you have something going with the Beatles?

The Beatles are wonderful...seen HELP!, Donna? ;)

Admirable lists so far. I tend to like anything with Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, Robert Redford, Sean Connery and Michael Keaton (presently). In former years, the old Errol Flynn movies were fascinating. All time favorite in the adventure category (seen on the giant screen no less) was "Hunt for Red October". But then, there were also those 'Star Wars' movies... I see the problem here; once you get started you can just go on and on. Bye!

I grew up on the Beatles Terry, their music is classic. My first non-classic piano lessons was "Yesterday". HDN 28 times when I was a teenager. I did see HELP!

Donna, I'm right there with you- my all time favs! The Beatles and Mozart!

We have a Beatles topic in the music conference, in case you ever wander over there. I'm a big Beatles fan too.

A Room with a View Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Speed A Walk in the Clouds Groundhog Day Rocky I,II,II,IV,V Jane Eyre (with William Hurt, I rented it last night and thought it was brilliant. If only Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle played the lead roles it would have been heaven.)

Groundhog Day keeps building up momentum.

It's a deeoozy!

I watched Groundhog Day 40 times - loved the way it took Bill Murry all the way form total jerk to real sweetheart (with a small detour into suicidal).

Ok, Ok, I'll come out as another "Groundhog Day" fan! Love when he finally has everything figured out and has to make the rounds... changing the tire... doing the Heimlich... saving the ungrateful kid falling out of the tree "you never say thank you! I'll be here tomorrow!"...

I woke up today and turned on my notebook computer and the folks in the Austen conference were talking about groundhog day. This has been happening to me for the last three days. It's like I'm reliving the same day over and over again.

Hey Terry, it's deja vu all over again (to quote Yogi Berra). But maybe you are implying that us Austen folks are obsessive or compulsive? In that case, I agree 100%. Is there anything you would like to (re)say about the movie Groundhog Day? (By the way, have you finished P&P2 tapes yet? What do you think?)

The tapes are great. 2 down and 1 more to go. Groundhog Day is such a fantasy, it's intriguing to think how it would be to get another chance at some things in life.

Count me in for Groundhog Day and To Sir with love. Who can forget Lulu's song? GD : Fascinating concept, like Back to the future.

Ah! Back to the Future...I'm still waiting for fusion technology to save the world. Oh, and did I mention Dangerous Liaisons? Another great film...

I need to add the early Mel Brooks movies to my list: Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Twelve Chairs...funny, funny stuff...

Mel Brooks was on PBS with Sid Caesar and about 12 other comedy greats from the early days of tv. Great, spontaneous discussion of early tv.

Ah, Sid Caesar...a true genius...and yes, Mel Brooks is hilarious! I liked History of the World Part 1... and Blazing Saddles was tres hilar...Sheriff Bart!

Hey Kal! "rarr rarr!" (authentic frontiersman gibberish)

Yes, Amy! I like geeks, too, in movies... I loved War Games, I'd have to say it's my favorite movie of all time. Don't ask me why. What about Matthew Broderick, a geek-lover's dream date? I also liked the Star Wars trilogy. Luke Skywalker, another geek who makes good. Hmmm... And I like anything with Cary Grant, too. What about, "It Happened One Night?" Oh, and The Philadephia Story, and Imitation of Life and I guess that's all. I don't see movies that often.

Arnessa, we'll still have to watch the Razors Edge together, even if nobody else wants to.

Some of the non-mentioned films I'd like to add to the list (OK, at least I didn't see them on the list...) Citizen Kane (and also The Touch of Evil. Very cinematic movies). Three Colours - trilogy - and practically all by Kiezslowsky (Oh, those Polish names...) The Dark Crystal The Chinese Ghost Story - the "almost perfect" movie for me. The perfect one hasn't been made yet. I LOVE to watch E.T. once a decade. Or at least have loved for this two decades (and two times) I've seen it.

A few others, Now Voyager,Bye Bye Birdie, Life with Father,Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Music Man, Labyrinth and anything with William Powell,Grease, West Side Story,LifeBoat,anything Abbot and Costello and Chritmas Story{about the Red Rider bb gun}. ET and Close Encounters.

Perhaps these were mentioned early on in the list, but if not here are a couple of relatively recent movies that are great for people who like wit, conversation and the process of courtship/relationships (hey, that sounds like all of us): The Brothers McMullen Barcelona

The Brothers McMullen is remarkable, I think, Jane. Did you know it was made for $25,000?

Amy, I didn't know about the super-low budget, and almost can't believe it. I want to see the newer movie by that writer, although I can't remember the name.

Some of my favorites have already been mentioned but here goes: Now Voyager, Anatomy of a Murder, Inherit the Wind, Citizen Kane, The Third Man, In Which we Serve, Brief Encounter (first, original one), Goodbye Mr. Chips (original with Robert Donat), all the Ealing comedies, especially The Lavendar Hill Mob, Whisky Galore (aka Tight Little Island), The Titfield Thunderbolt, The Man in the White Suit, Passport to Pimlico, and Kind Hearts and Coronets. All Audrey Hepburn movies, Cary Grant movies, and most of David Lean's films - especially Lawrence of rabia and Dr. Zhivago. There are so many, it's hard to think of all of them, but this will do for now.

Someone else has seen Passport to Pimlico!!! I saw most of it once, and have been wanting to see it again, but it is not findable.

Inko, A few years ago I saw Lawrence of Arabia on a really big screen after they had freshened it up. I got it into my head that I had to go to the desert. I was obsessed. Luckily I had a break between jobs shortly after, and was able to go to Egypt. The other movie that inspired a vacation was Milagro Beanfield War, and so I went to New Mexico, including the town where it was filmed, on my honeymoon. Impressionable, aren't I?

Ann, I've seen Passport to Pimlico several times. About 10-15 years ago, when we first got a Beta VCR, our local PBS aired the Ealing comedies at 2 p.m in the afternoon and we got most of them on tape. Alas, we no longer have a workable Beta machine, otherwise I'd volunteer to copy it for you. Jane, maybe on your next vacation you should go to England and visit Lacock, Lyme Park, etc.! I visited Lacock last summer and it's a lovely village, even if the street is really paved over and there are cars parked in front of the buildings.

Of those that were mentioned, two of my favorites are A Room with a View and Strictly Ballroom. Also, somewhat recent (last couple years) movies I have enjoyed include Smoke, Fargo, and two movies which I suppose might be considered childrens' movies but I would recommend to adults - The Little Princess (most recent version) and the absolutely lovely The Secret of Roan Inish. John Sayles made that, I also enjoyed his more recent movie about some quirky characters and a murder mystery in a Texas border t wn, but I can't think of the name of it... Also, an unbelievably amazing movie which I recently saw on video is last year's Les Miserables. The movie was long, but never seemed like it, I would have popped it right in and watched it again. It's set during World War II and not really an adaptation. It's hard to describe, but wonderful.

Mary--Lone Star

OK, Amy, I'm up for The Razor's Edge whenever you are. Are there geeks galore?

No geeks in Razor's Edge, Arnessa. When? I have a copy. So just me know when you locate it and we'll watch it at the same time and talk after. This will be fun. It's another story in which I identify with a male character. But Larry is nothing like Mr Bennet. Just a searcher.

MSK, happy you enjoyed Les mis�rables of the XXth century. Belmondo and Boujenah at their best. The biggest budget film ever made in France. Well worth it. Any other Euro films ?

Let's see... Sixteen Candles Uncle Buck Clueless Dead Man Walking Antonia's Line The Crow ET Sound of Music Trainspotting Le Confessional Heavenly Creatures Pulp Fiction Pretty Woman Bond films Romeo & Juliet (the new version) Muriel's Wedding Seven But my all-time fave is definitely S&S!

Oh my, I forgot one of my very fave... In the Name of the Father Circle of Friends

Another good movie, although very dark, is The Professional. Jean Reno has an incredible face; his eyes show so much even though he seems to be repressing all emotion. I happened across this movie while channel surfing and something about his eyes just caught me. Natalie Portman was also very good as the girl.

An odd sort of movie, but I liked Leaving Las Vegas.

Anyone for Le Zebre 2001 Barry Lyndon?

Johanne - One of my other favorite European movies is Europa, Europa. I also liked White a lot (of the three colors trilogy). I didn't like Blue as well, although my husband did very much. We haven't seen Red yet. My husband is from Poland, so we tend to see a lot of Polish movies or movies by Polish directors. Oh, and I also really like The Double life of Veronique. Mary

To be honest, I'll have to brush up on others european movies (read continental), things not featuring Depardieu, Deneuve, Thierry L'Hermitte or other more comedy/commercial type. Le Zebre was quite interesting, ever read the book Caroline? Can borrow it from me anytime. Anything with Philippe Noiret I usualy enjoy. Anyone saw Il Postino lately? Will be renting your suggestions MSK, keep you posted;-) Saw Queen Margot last night, bloody and rendered me speachless for a while. Kathleen, The Professional - great movie - this guy has real potential and did'nt do too bad in Mission Impossible, smale part but well rendered. Taking his place in the Hollywood sun. He can play both or should I say all : the good, the bad and the ugly (with his rugged(sp?) but endearing face)

Il Postino was terrific. I rented four movies over the holidays. Henry and June, Strange Days, a Paul Newman feel good movie filmed in a small Minnesota town (I forget the name now), and another movie that is not worth mentioning. Henry and June was about the Paris days of Henry Miller and Anais (ah nay eees) Nin. What a life these people had, to spend all their time going from one erotic encounter to another and making a living writing about these encounters. Strange Days was a feel bad movie, about the chaos in LA and the eve of the year 2000 when cerebral cortex devices that recreate real events in the mind take the place of drugs, are outlawed and dealt on the streets. The Paul Newman movie was great, he leads a disheveled life but the encounters and scenes in the small Minnesota town are great. A feel bad movie from the great North is Fargo.

Nobody's Fool--Newman movie with Melenie Griffith and Bruce Willis in interesting cameos. One of the last appearences of Jessica Tandy.

What movies are folks thinking about going to see that they haven't seen yet?

Movies I want to see: The Preacher's Wife because the Bishop's wife is one of my xmas favorites

I still haven't seen the English Patient. And I better not wait too much longer. It can't be kept in Bloomington for too much longer. Seems like it has been on for 5 or 6 weeks?

Same here Amy. I need to see it before it leaves the Village.

Ditto. But the chances of it being shown within one hour's drive of where I live are less than 50-50. Any news of a video version yet? I spent Boxing day watching "Les Miserables" and was enchanted. Loved M.Eiffel Tower and the whole letter-writing thing.Capital, Capital! Johanne, I'd love to borrow "Le Zebre". E-mail me, would you?

[resp 82] Johanne: " . . . The Professional - great movie - this guy has real potential and didn't do too bad in Mission Impossible, small part but well rendered. Taking his place in the Hollywood sun. He can play both or should I say all : the good, the bad and the ugly (with his rugged(sp?) but endearing face) I agree -- Jean Reno's eyes and world weary face catch my attention every time he is onscreen. He had a very small part (as Kevin Kline's policeman friend) in French Kiss, and I look forward to seeing him in more films.

I just rewatched "It's A Wonderful Life" sometime ago, and its just so sweet! Jame Stewart is his best in this movie, and Donna Reed so pretty! I also saw "The Sound of Music". Have all those songs memorize, me and my sises (there's five of us against our one lone brother) sing it all the time at the top of our voices "Eidelweis" "Do Re Me" "The Hills are Alive . . . with the Sound of Music . . ." Oooh! Just wonderful! Wonderful! The Wiz of Oz is so cute, always been my favourite. Well, these are all classics, and I'm sure you've all seen them plenty of times! Just couldn't resist speaking about them, since I just rewatched them all last week!

Has anyone seen the Spanish film "Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown"? Very funny. If you want to see Antonio Banderas before he was known at all in the U.S., rent it. He's very shy and sweet in this movie, not the action hero he seems to have been turned into here. Well, maybe not - I haven't seen Evita yet. Wonder how he'll be in that...

And kaf has the ultimate Banderas site, it's killer!

He even sings in Evita!

How could I forget: THe Blues Bros. and the Monty Python Movies...Nih! Also, I concur with Amy2 on LA Story... Wallace and Gromit Trilogy...Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A CLose SHave (Wallace's sheep washing/shearing machine would be an asset to any 4-H program...)

Kali, I think I'm in love ;0)... The Blues Brothers is my favourite musical (next one is, surprise, surprise, TRHPS). I've been a total fan of Monthy Python since their 1st appearance on Finnish tv a couple of years ago (unbelievable, isn't it?), and Wallace & Gromit is another of my great loves. Yes, I've been turned into a newt...

]Yes, I've been turned into a newt... Got Better?

Kali, I saw that Wallace and Grommit about sheep the other day and really loved it! Has Leslie Howard been mentioned here? Above all 'Pimpernel Smith', the film I fore many years considered to contain the best LOOK ever. Does anybody remember. The professor and the girl are looking at the photo he always carries with him, a picture of the perfect woman, Aphrodite ! Then suddenly, he tears it appart and the girl quite startles "Why did you do that?-"Oh she has gone so dim lately, hm, just marble...and he looks at her.Oohh.His eyes.

Ann2, I remember seeing "Pimpernil Smith" and loving it, but haven't seen it for years. I'll have to see if I can rent it somewhere and rewatch it. I also liked Leslie Howard - remember "Intermezzo" with Ingrid Bergman in her first movie?? Of course, you should in Sweden!;-)

I would like to add my favorites: Anne of Green Gables Anne of Avonlea Sarah, Plain and Tall Skylark (sequel to above) American President Bridges of Madison County Little Women (June Allison, Elizabeth Taylor version) Meet Me in St. Louis Wizard Of Oz (My daughter just said "No one ever gets tired of watching it) Nell (Liam Neeson - shoved to 2nd place after P&P 2) The Good Earth (a very oldie) Funny Girl That's all I can think of for now...... Linda In Georgia

Blues Brothers and Monty Python; yes indeed. I also really enjoyed a couple of Python 'spin-offs'; "Yellowbeard" and "A Fish Called Wanda". They both had a really strong woman character, which the early Python lacked. Mrs Beard (Madeline Kahn) in particular; hysterically funny, super cool...

I don't know if anyone put this up yet so I will. Pythonline http://www.pythonline.com I just happen to be shopping at Walmart and found a Yahoo! mag.Fill with many useful sites. There also is a great interview with Robin Williams. He loves the internet. http://www.yil.com this is the complete list of the tear-out sheet from the mag. I hope they work.

thanks Donna, I think I'll just pop over to Python to take a look now...

Ah yes...Leslie Howard...Ashley Wilkes. Sigh. Folks, I'm so glad there are other Blues Brothers fans out there...maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;)

Kali: maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;) I am trying my dear...;-) Rrrrrubber Biiiiiiscuit!

No, just some dry white toast, please...;)

]maybe you guys will understand my strange affection for Elwood? ;) Elwood I can comprehend. Jake, now there I think Princess Leia had a point ;-)

No kidding...she should've given him the bazooka treatment whilst she had him groveling in the mud... So, you also have a soft spot for Elwood? ;)

Has anyone seen "Shine" yet? I just got back from seeing it - fantastic acting and cinemaphotography, and, of course, beautiful music. Another intense film where I'd happily have strangled the father if he'd still been alive by the end!;-)

//Ah yes...Leslie Howard...Ashley Wilkes. Sigh. // Kali, you surprise me! I would never have guessed you were an 'Ashley woman' More inclined to Rhett I thought. //Folks, I'm so glad there are other Blues Brothers fans ..// This film I taped two days ago. Shall enjoy it more, now I know that you think highly of it.

I guess I'm both, Ann2...I need someone like Rhett to beat me over the head with reality every once in awhile, but Ashley is such a dear...;) And the Blues Brothers is such fun! It will grow on you, even if it is incredibly silly.

Teh Golden Globes are on tonight with some movie awards.

Did you hear when they announced the Best Movie "English Patient" that the Director thanked Colin????? (He thanked others too...I only remember Colin). Linda In Ga.

I know Linda. I was happy that he mentioned his name,too.

I must add my favorite comedy; ''The Court Jester'' with Danny Kaye. Once you see this movie, you'll recognise that every ''sword'' film since has stolen something from this little gem.

Oh Mari! "The pellet with the poison is in the vessel with the pestle, the flagon with the dragon is the brew that is true!" LOL! One of my favorites too! :-)

The vessel with the pestle has the pellet with the poison; the flagon with the dragon has the brew that is true! And I cannot believe that nobody (myself included) has yet mentioned Fantasia!

] Fantasia! and also Allegro non Troppo !

Fantasia. I can't tell you how many times I have watched it, in bits and pieces, with my 2 year old. That and Babe are her 2 videos that I really like.

But ladies, dont't forget, that before they broke the chalice with the picture of the palace, it was the Flagon with the dragon had the pellet with the poison, and the chalice from the palace had the brew that is true!

Oooh, Fantasia! The "night on Bald Mountain" segment is my favorite...the animation is a sharp visual conception of the piece (I love Mussorgsky!). I'm also in love with the "Ave Maria"segment, which is juxtaposed to it.

Kali, Night on Bald Mountain is very disturbing! Scary and violent. I think it is beautifully done, though, and the Ave Maria is a great antidote.

Yes, my kids (aged 2, 4-1/2, 4-1/2) will make me promise to skip this part before they agree to a viewing of this video.

I think it's supposed to be disturbing, Jane! ;-P But that's why it's so enthralling...it's stimulating, magnetic, and seamless. Perfectly and symmetrically horrible! Mari, I'm certain that it will become their favorite part in ten years! ;)

Mari, you made my day. ROTFLOL re 120 and 124... talk about watching Errol Flynn in a different light... Mentionned the Wallace and Gromit trilogy which my 2 1/2 asks for almost every night, sometimes instead of her bedtime story. Nobody ever mention my fav US python-like : This is Spinal Tap. Stonehenge replica with dwarfs dancing around it is absolutely hilarious.

Fantasia... how could I forget it? I am waiting for the Fantasia II, although I fear it will be too computer-generated, because that is what bothers Disney cartoons nowadays (IMHO). I think they'd forgotten the story and concentrated too much on the visual side (although that would be an advantage in case of Fantasia). And one of the best things in Fantasia is its hand-made feeling... ah, those fairies, dancing hippos and daemons! Another excellent cartoon is Don Bluth's (former chief animator in Disney, but got out) classic "The Secret of NIMH", which is based on the story"Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert O'Brien. An excellent example of a Disney-style cartoon that doesn't put on the brakes - it is really scary at times (I love the Owl). I recommend both the book and the movie to everyone. Couldn't remember any links, but try Yahoo or Alta Vista or... BTW, I heard (not confirmed info) that the world's critics (or some critics association) selected the "Secret of NIMH" as the best cartoon movie in the 80's.

Favorite movies(too many to name, but as usual I'll try): above all Casablanca, GWTW, anything with Cary Grant(especially His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby with Katherine Hepburn), Vertigo, Now Voyager, The Maltese Falcon, The Razor's Edge, Laura, Midnight, Gaslight, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina(anything then with Audrey Hepburn), Hard Day's Night, Age of Innocence, the Sea Hawk, the Heiress, A Man and a Woman, Umbrellas of Cherburg, Cyrano, Top Hat, The Bandwagon, Singing in the Rain Rebecca, Citizen Kane, the Third Man, Summertime, the lady Eve.....

Cassandra, a lot of my favorites are there too! ;-) Re A Hard Day's Night..are you a big Beatles fan? I got the Anthology videos for Xmas and am having a great time going through them...Eight Days a Week! ;-)

I LOVE His Girl Friday...Roz is a goddess! --- I'm also fond of Kate Hepburn...faves are Morning Glory ("My stage name is Lovelace, Eva Lovelace...") and Stage Door...lots of great young actresses in that one!

Cheryl-I absolutley adore the Beatles-I saw the anthology on TV. Fantastic. And, I was lucky enough to see Paul in concert a few years ago. And, yes with Linda.a Actually, I have an even sronger connection to the Beatles. My Mother was supposed to marry Ringo. She sent him a box of candy and a lipstick-covered offer of marriage, but according to her-it got lost in the mail. That would have been interesting-Cassandra Star. And-I read that you love MGM musicals, too. I'm a complete fanatic-Singing in the R in, the Bandwagon, Gigi-I can watch them for hours.

I love HIS Girl Friday-ROZ is a Goddess! Kali-I'm starting to think that we were separated at birth. I love RR! Have you seen her in the Women? And Kate Hepburn, one of my idols. I really enjoyed her autobiography. I love all of those movies you listed. Stage Door-Yes great cast, KH, Ginger Rogers, Lucy, and even a young Anne Miller. Have you seen Alice Adams or Summertime?(great shots of Venice in that one)

Oh Cass! A kindred spirit! Did you know that there is almost 5 hours more of the Anthology in the videos that was not shown on TV? Yes indeedy! I saw Paul in concert too, yes, we are on a first name basis, and it was wonderful...a life-long dream! *sigh* MGM musicals-- the BEST! ;-)

Oh Cass! A kindred spirit! Did you know that there is almost 5 hours more of the Anthology in the videos that was not shown on TV? Yes indeedy! I saw Paul in concert too, yes, we are on a first name basis, and it was wonderful...a life-long dream! *sigh* MGM musicals-- the BEST! ;-)

I hate when that happens! :-(

Oh Sister! I'm going to have to rush out and buy the video set. You can never have too much of John, George, Paul & Ringo! And, do you like Help? That's really a showcase for DAD, I mean Ringo. And-Yes MGM musicals are the BEST. THAT's Entertainment!!!!They don't make em' like that anymore. TO have danced with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Sigh.

Cass: TO have danced with Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Sigh. And now they are making Fred dance with a vaccuum! Sacriledge! Blasphemy!

Forrest Gump started this treand.

How about that "Groundhog Day". Everytime I try to rent it is gone.

Donna, I love Groundhog Day as well...perhaps the time of year has something to do with the scarcity of the video? ;-)

Cheryl - are you still around? Why aren't you reading???

I did Sister dear! Check your mailbox! ;-)

Donna, is it happening to you? are you going to videostore at the same day and time over and over an over again?

Oh my! That must be it. Oh my! That must be it, be it, be it,be it, be it (echo)

What about the Astaire/Rogers pictures? Any other fanatics out there? I have them all except The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle, and some books about them. Also some of Fred's solo flicks, like Royal Wedding, though he & Ginger were utterly perfecto together whatever he said about it himself. My top fave at the moment is Swing Time, and the highlight of that is the "Never Gonna Dance" sequence. That is what entertainment in heaven will be like.

Anne3, I LOVE the Fred and Ginger movies! I have so many favorite dances that that it is hard to narrow them down, but I shall just mention the "Pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again" dance in Swing Time, the "Isn't it a lovely day to be caught in the rain" from Top Hat, the "They Can't take that away from me" from The Barkley's of Broadway... My favorite solo Fred dance is "Stepping out" in Easter Parade...for the moment, anyway! ;-)

And what about the "Night and Day" number in The Gay Divorcee? I love the end, when he gently lowers her down and she gazes up at him in speechless wonder . . . "who is this man I've been dancing with, who suddenly turned into a god . . ."

After watching and enjoying Valmont this month, a movie I had previously avoided because I had not enjoyed Dangerous Liaisons at all, I decided to rewatch the Glen Close-John Malkivich movie. Last night, I saw Dangerous Liaisons through 'new eyes'. It is a powerful movie. The maliciousness of the central characters and the ending death and destruction had really caught me by surprize the first time. Maybe I was expecting romantic comedy. Valmont was more fun and would be more pleasant to 'rewatch' - prettier, sweeter, less obsessed by revenge and destruction - but I believe Dangerous Liaisons was the be ter movie.

I'm partial to the "Drum Crazy" number from Easter Parade.

Anne, Cheryl-I absolutely adore Fred Astaire. I too have all of his movies and many books about his art and life. My dance teacher used to call me Ginger, because that's all I talked about. FRed, Fred, Fred!!! You can imagine how much I enjoyed that one. It's hard picking my favorite Astaire dance-but I guess I love Night and Day from the Gay Divorcee-the chase-surrender aspects. The moment she slaps him and he staggers, spinning in the dance. Sigh. Oh, but I also love the playful Isn't it a wonderful day to be caught in the rain, Smoke gets in your Eyes, Change Partners, and the exhuberant-They all Laughed from Shall we Dance when he lifts her onto the piano, lifts her down and spins her around, before ever so gently and gracefully depositing her back there. I also love Gene Kelly. I wanted to be Leslie Caron, gliding with him along the Seine in An American in Paris.

I love Astaire's and Kelly's smoothness. But I have a liking for the stiff springy raucous dancing style of Cagney as George M. Cohan or Brenner as The King. I saw part of the King and I last night and marveled at the way Yul hopped around as if on tight coiled springs in "Shall We Dance?" Some of you have mentioned you saw him in the role on stage in his later years. Could he still bounce?

Amy-I love Cagney too-the Cohan strut-Wow! And who didn't want to be Deborah Kerr, being spun around and around by Brenner in the King and I? Have any of you seen the movie Love Me or Leave me, with Doris day and Cagney? I really like that one-it has some great dramatic scenes and one of the few movies that, for me, successfully re-creates the 1920s era. Great songs too! Just to get back to Astaire-Do you also like some of his later, non-Rogers films, namely the Bandwagon and Funny Face? I really love FF-It has everything Astaire, Hepburn, Paris and Gershwin!

#151 I believe Dangerous Liaisons was the better movie. I agree, even though I did enjoy Valmont also. They're just very different. Someone else mentioned Late for Dinner. Excellent movie I highly recommend. Funny and very loving.

Cass: Just to get back to Astaire-Do you also like some of his later, non-Rogers films Of his Non-Rogers films, I think that Bandwagon is my favorite...I love the dance in Central Park with Cyd Charis...what a romantic dance and Cyd is a Goddess! Easter Parade is my other fave non-Ginger...I'm with Ann as to being very fond of the Drum Crazy number, and it's just plain funny! When Fred is auditioning Judy Garland...LOL! I like Funny Face, but not as well...Audrey Hepburn is lovely to look at, but she can't sing or dance! :-(

Ok, now on to my other idol...Gene Kelly! :-) My favorite is (of course!) Singing in the Rain...fave dance is Moses Supposes with Donald O'Conner, they just look like they're having so much fun! I'm also very fond of the Gotta Dance sequence, especially the part with the Goddess Cyd...the sexiest dance ever! (Of course that the actual Singin in the Rain number is a fave goes without saying, right?) I also like Summer Stock, the dance with the newspaper...and everything in An American in Paris...as Amy said, the Our Love is Here to Stay dance is so lovely! *sigh* And also everything else that Gene ever did! :-)

"I also like Summer Stock, the dance with the newspaper" Oh Yes!!!!! What that man could do with a piece of newspaper and a squeeky floor!

I love Yule in The King and I...and I ADORE the Beatles...but everybody knew that already...;)

I love Yule in The King and I...and I ADORE the Beatles...but everybody knew that already...;) Oh yeah...and I saw Evita and I liked it. Forgive me...

Regarding Yul Brenner, he had an important pulminary disease (emphysema I think) and had a lot of difficulty breathing. He convinced the producers he was capable of doing it and felt strongly in doing the dance sequence himself. So when came time to film the dance, he would take a needed brake to inhale oxygen (from bottle and mask) between takes. You could never have guessed it by watching him hop around, would you... saw that on Biography

Cheryl-I agree that Audrey is no Ginger Rogers. Still, I think she held her own with him in the Funny Face dance when he spins her around the chair. It's simple, but elegant-doesn't push her capabilities too far. I love the movie-two of my favorite stars together. And Oh sister-the dancing in the dark dance from the Bandwagon. YES!Yes! Fred in that white suit and those beige and white shoes. And-Cyd looking ever so lovely in that simple white dress. My favorite moment is when the music builds and he lifts her off the bench and the very end-when they spin up the stairs. Pure Astaire! I also like the Girl Hunt Ballet-Cyd in that red sequined dress-she is magnificent. Oh-and I also love Easter Parade. The look on Judy's face when he dips her ever so gently and then hollers-lunch. That's priceless. Love Drum crazy-too-but my fav Astaire solo has to be Fancy Free from Top Hat when he wakes Ginger up.

] It's simple, but elegant-doesn't push her capabilities too far __ I adore Audrey, but you have to admit she was lucky so many people thought she was so great they bent over backward to accomodate her shortcomings. Like Moon River, written for her for Breakfast at Tiffany's, especially for her one-octave range? Hey, I should add BatT to the fave movies thread. Holly Golightly is a fellow ladie eccentric.

I forgot Gene Kelly-As I said, I've dreamt about being Leslie Caron, dancing along the Seine to Our Love is Here To say. And the Ameican in Paris Ballet-Breathtaking. I also love On the Town(especially the dance on the Empire State Building) and of course Singing in the Rain. I like his Fit as a Fiddle with Donald and of course Good Morning. My absolute fav-the romantic, whimsical you were meant for me with Debbie Reynolds. Gene's really at his best here. Sigh. Have any of you seen Roman Holiday with Hepburn and drop-dead goregeous Greg Peck( I don't know why but Jeremy reminds me of a young Gregoru Peck). It's every bit as a romantic as an Astaire/Kelly movie. I love the end-the tears in her eyes when she looks back at Peck.

Speaking of Leslie Caron, how about the movie Gigi? It's one of my favorites.

I love reading all your posts, and agree with them. I have a difficult time deciding which is my favorite between FA and GK, and loved all the movies everyone has mentioned. And Roman Holiday--oh yes, one of my all time favorite movies. I can rewatch that over and over again. Just love it. Also Gigi, but Roman Holiday is still No. 1 with me.

Susan-Gigi is another of my all-time favorite films.(and yes-I am a movie-maniac) The scene that I remember most fondly is Louis Joudan's Rex-Harrison like rendition of the title song set in the Tuileries Garden. And-then it's replayed again when Gaston decides to marry her-all of those wonderful, atmospheric shots of Paris at night. I like the line too-Bad table manners have broken up more households than infedelity.

Yes, Cassandra, I love that Garden scene also; he's finally become aware how much he loves her. I enjoyed the entire soundtrack and just thought Leslie Caron was delightful. I got the biggest kick out of her "education."

moved from topic 167 HAMLET Wed, Feb 5, 1997 (09:33) | Laura McCarthy (LauraMM) Everyone must see this movie. It is incredible. Kenneth Branagh, I think outdoes himself everytime.

I just caught part of the recent "Othello" w/ Branagh as Iago. Very intense, very good in that part as well.

[an interrupted submission -- drat!!] I meant to add that this was on cable tv tonight (Wed), and Branagh was looking ever so fine.

kathleen: and Branagh was looking ever so fine. Hie thee over to the Branagh Drooling Topic! ;-)

You can rent Othello.

Not enough can be said about Hamlet. It was most certainly a mesmerizing movie. You're barely conscious of the passage of 4 hours. Close-ups make you feel as thought you're in the middle of the action, not more than 5 inches away. You can see and feel every twitch, wince, freckle and fear. Branagh's eyes frequently fill with tears;at first, there is nothing more than a feeling of tears and then, just an impression of tears, slowly they build, as does his emotions, and then you are in the midst of a te pest. All parts were wonderfully cast and scenes painstakingly set.

I thought the soliloquy was interesting. It almost wasn't a soliloquy. It seemed almost intentionally aimed at Claudius, who was hiding behind the mirror. It was quite interesting. Usually you see that scene only from Hamlet's perspective, here you saw it more from Claudius'. There was the standing question throughout: Did Hamlet know he was talking to his Uncle, or was it, from his standpoint, a pure soliloquy?

Ladies, I am dying to see this movie, but the hassle of getting (and paying) for a baby-sitter usually limits my movie theater experiences to three or four times a year. Since the end is no secret to me, please discuss all the best scenes freely; I prefer to have you excite my anticipation. I am finally going to see TEP with one of my sisters and my mom tonight! Hurrah!

I cannot wait for Hamlet to get here! I am all anticipation...tell me more about it! ;-)

Mari, how I know the feeling, good on you dear. Just cannot bring myself to trust a 13-14 year old (at 15 they don't babysit anymore cause to busy doing other stuff) of which you know practically zilch

Does anyone like Grease with John Travolta? Grease had a big impact on my life-I can't count the number of times I've seen it. My sister and I acted it out and played the record continuously. We would alternate between Rizzo and Sandy.

I have to watch it at least once a year. Pure magic.

I saw Grease 5 times in the theatre, and still have the album somewhere, gathering dust. My friends and I would "perform" the musical in the basement. Yeah, I guess you could say it affected me.... :-)

HELP! Anybody! Pleaase, HELP! While i was tring to come up with a chicken-house-robbery-justification, I suddenly remembered an old movie my mom and I used to watch (my dateless Sat. nights). I think it was Anthony Hopkins(or not) playing a younger man having a fling with a married, neglected lady (why do I want to say Ingrid Bergman?). Things move along, the man finds out (or gets suspicious or warned or...), resolves to mend his ways, Mrs. breaks it off with the young guy (this is where the crying comes in - so verry hard to break ff this wonderful, loving relationship), things get much better for Mr. and Mrs., then ends when hubby sinks back into old ways. So beautiful in its symmetry. I came to the conclusion that it has precious little to do with the chicken theives, but can anybody relieve my suffering and fill in the blanks?

I can think oof two justifications for it. for one thing, it gave Mr. Woodhouse his great "First six hens and now Miss Taylor" line. For another, it avoided the necessity of throwing in a brand new circumstance (the hen house robbery) after the central couple have come to their agreement to marry. This way poultry house robberies were old news and needed little attention to distract from the upcoming weddings.

The irony at the end would be if it were Mr. Knightley's chichens that were being taken. Also, it ended as it started.

Donna, where have you been? And what are you doing up so late? I have not talked to you in ages, dear.

Oh, I have been here. To much coffee today,Amy.

I sort of liked that movie "Fargo" that came out a while back. Interesting for the triple metaphores. (1)The centrifugal forces that pull people apart, such as the greed that motivated the staged kidnapping and how it rapidly flew out of control, coupled with the (2) centripetal forces pulling people together, such as in the case of the pregnant sheriff investigating the case and the closeness of her family. All this set against (3) a blank, white, souless universe, totally indifferent to whatever good or or whatever evil takes place in it. Kind of depressing and the violenc is shocking. Nevertheless it was riveting. Got my attention. It was supposedly based on a true story. Anyone know if the true story was ever published?

"It was supposedly based on a true story. Anyone know if the true story was ever published?" Actually, I heard Michael Medved, the critic on some TV show saying that Fargo wasn't actually based on any real events - he was using the film as an illustration to a point he was making about the blurring of truth by the entertainment industry. I was surprised by that, to say the least! I also enjoyed Fargo - I just love those Cohen brothers! Raising Arizona is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's sort of a flip side of Fargo: set in a hot, arid landscape, involves a kidnapping, but has a redemptive message at the end.....

Raizing Arizona, the song still rings in my mind : on a lighter side, no dark violence which is now so common aka Trainspotting

If Fargo is based on a true story, it is only in the sense that someone might have been murdered once in Brainerd. I live in Minneapolis (where much of Fargo was filmed), and the papers all did stories on how the movie is not based on a true story.

I liked Fargo very much...yah, sure, you betcha...;-)

I also liked Fargo, but one aspect of it bothered me a lot. I felt that we were being asked to laugh at a lot of good people for no reason other than they talked funny and were always friendly. I read somewhere that the Coen brothers grew up in Minnesota and hated it for its banality, and I couldn't help thinking that they were getting their own back with Fargo.

I saw Fargo in a Minneapolis theater, and we probably laughed harder than people in other parts of the country. The Coen brothers did grow up a few miles from where I am right now, in Saint Louis Park, MN (Minneapolis suburb).

Anne3: I felt that we were being asked to laugh at a lot of good people for no reason other than they talked funny... Speaking as a southerner, I totally understand that statement! Still, I never felt that the laughter was mean-spirited (or at least mine wasn't); it seemed almost a necessary ingredient in such a dark film. Johanne - Speaking of Raising Arizona music, I had the Ode to Joy as the recessional at my wedding (not the main theme, but the kazoo music that plays intermittently in the film) because I love it so much! Well, and because I figured I'd need a laugh to break up those wedding day jitters......

As usual I'm a day late and a dollar short! Ditto to almost all of the above (except the Groundhog Day stuff...it left me stangely unaffected). I know I will be incapable of making an actual list of my "favorites" since I'm an indiscriminate addict, but I was absolutely blown away by Wings of Desire--saw it years ago (88) in London, all alone, no one to share it with, wandered around in a daze afterwards. On the other hand, the movie Arthur has the best lines for quoting in day to day situations (I cra k myself up all the time that way). So you have my two extremes, I guess. Of course my list always starts with Born Free because it was made near where I was born. Let me think some more and get back to you (of course, there's no one here anymore, you all went to another party somewhere else!)

That's ok, we'll start a new party. And the other partygoers know they're welcome here anytime.

Hey! You're here! I thought I was all alone! So, I spent most of last night making notes about all the TV stuff I wanted to say (see my voluminous comments in that conference, topic "favorite shows"); maybe I'll try to sort out some thoughts for this section tonight. In the meantime, I meant to mention Peter Greenaway as the most amazingly painterly moviemaker ever--at the same time I saw WoD in London, I was also totally blown away by Drowning By Numbers--Whew!! Now thhat's a rich and satisfying vie ing experience. He can be grossout at times (CookThiefWifeLover has some unwatchable portions) but visually, they are so rich you almost can't even take it in. So I wanted to introduce a possible topic: Amazing Movie Moments--NOT really cool scenes that make thhe movie special, or great dialogue or a line thhat is eminently quotable (do I have to many rules here?) but those millimicor seconds on the screen that just blow you away. I have three off the top of my head: (1) Brideshead Revisited--the blo de guy has demanded that Ben Cross (?)(Jeremy Irons? this was a long time ago and my memory is poor) race to his side to aid and succor, but when Ben/Jeremy shows up it turns out the injury in question was grossly exaggerated...and the look of mingled exasperation and adoration that Ben/Jeremy shoots down just makes my heart explode just to think of it (2) Broadcast News--when Albert Brooks reveals his love for Holly Hunter, her flinch in response punches me in the gut every time I remember it (3) All hat Jazz--one of the dream sequences, Anne Reinking does this amazing leap (ok, let's call it a grande jete, shall we), doffs her top hat and blows a kiss, well, I wish I could freeze frame that into a poster. Anyone else have any?

Hey, this could be a new *topic*. Should I create it in the movie conference? Or would you like to create it?

If I try to create it, we'll have computers crashing from here to Zanzibar. I am having terrible trouble with my ("my"???it belongs to the dept!)computer today but I could sure try next week, or you could go right ahead with my blessing...do you have any movie moments (ONSCREEN I mean, this IS a G-rated show!)? The Sony theatre near me starts its movies with a great collection of clips that illustrate their various "rules" ie, no smoking is accompanied by Frankenstein lighting his thumb and Inspector Cl useau throwing a bomb to his sidekick, etc. It's so entertaining--do they have that at all the Sony's?

re your message in the tv topic about how easy it is to html (and yes, tho I know it doesn't, for me it always means HoT MeaL) etc--I'm sure starting a new topic is easy (I read through that most excellent intro for newcomers) and I'll get right on it!

I saw it last night. It was ok. I was kind of tired because it was the 12:15 show at the Great Hills. And I had just come from aerobics, swimming and dancing. It was a little too pat. Spielberg is ready to go on to something totally new and different, I think this one has run it's course. Well, I guess that up to Michael Crichton, what's he up to next? Anyone know? I'm talking about the Lost World.

there have been some great movies made over the years, in all genres. some of my favorites are: CITY LIGHTS, with charlie chaplin; BROKEN BLOSSOMS (1908)with lillian gish; FIVE EASY PIECES, a great one for jack nicholson; IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD with a large crew, including jonathan winters, spencer tracy, ethel merman, phil silvers, louie nye and spouse, milton berle, terry thomas, and so on; SCHINDLER'S LIST, the best by speilberg so far; THE GUNS OF NAVARONE, with anthony quinn and gregory peck; BLADE RUNNER; THE SHINING; ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, with deniro, woods, et al; THE UNTOUCHABLES, with sean connery and co; SLING BLADE, from this year; DAS BOOT; FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE; THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR; and one or two others that do not come to mind now.