Movie Reviewed: Kiki (1926) starring Norma Talmadge
Kiki is a beautiful romantic comedy, starring Norma Talmadge
Norma Talmadge plays Kiki in this delightful comedy made in the silent era (1926). Kiki is a young Parisian woman who sells newspapers for a living, but her sights are set to sing in the local Follies revue. With some difficulty she arranges to audition for a role and gets the part with some trickery and deception. Her performance equals that of Lucille Ball; a real screwball slapstick. Very soon she develops romantic interests in the manager played by Ronald Coleman who is already engaged to another chorus girl named Paulette Mascar (Gertrude Astor). Some of the hilarious moment of the movie is when Kiki hides in Coleman’s office; his fiancée finds out and she gets outraged and storms out. Later Kiki goes on a dinner date with him where she has cat fight with Paulette.
Kiki is very well restored in spite of the fact that it was reconstructed by the Library of Congress from incomplete English and French prints. A real gem and this must be treasured.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Movie Reviwed: Cain and Mabel (1936), starring Marion Davies and Clark Gable
Movie Reviwed: Cain and Mabel (1936), starring Marion Davies and Clark Gable
The main event
This movie is the brainchild of William Randolph Hearst to boost the film career of his mistress Marion Davies, and he persuaded Jack Warner to hire the services of Clark Gable from MGM studios. Davies starts as a waitress and turn herself into a star of a musical, and Gable stars as the heavyweight boxing champion. When they meet, the relationship is a little sour and even hostile but as the movie progresses, they fall in love. The romance is engineered by newspaper man Roscoe Karns to create a public image for both Davies and Gable. At the end they realize that they truly love each other and get rid of associated publicity to become private couples.
Gable offers his usual performance and Marion Davies is magnificent. The musical numbers are by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and it was staged by Bobby Connolly. In spite of collective effort, the movie was not a success. But it has many likable songs that include Coney Island, and Here comes Chiquita.
The main event
This movie is the brainchild of William Randolph Hearst to boost the film career of his mistress Marion Davies, and he persuaded Jack Warner to hire the services of Clark Gable from MGM studios. Davies starts as a waitress and turn herself into a star of a musical, and Gable stars as the heavyweight boxing champion. When they meet, the relationship is a little sour and even hostile but as the movie progresses, they fall in love. The romance is engineered by newspaper man Roscoe Karns to create a public image for both Davies and Gable. At the end they realize that they truly love each other and get rid of associated publicity to become private couples.
Gable offers his usual performance and Marion Davies is magnificent. The musical numbers are by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and it was staged by Bobby Connolly. In spite of collective effort, the movie was not a success. But it has many likable songs that include Coney Island, and Here comes Chiquita.
Movie Reviewed: Mexican Spitfire series, starring Lupe Velez
Movie Reviewed: Mexican Spitfire series, starring Lupe Velez
Lupe Velez is outrageously funny in this Mexican Spitfire movie series
Lupe Velez, the girl from Mexico plays Carmelita Fuentes and later as Carmelita Lindsay. Producer Robert Sisk Brought Lupe Velez back to the movies after 18 months of absence. She is cast as a fiery Latin entertainer who turns Manhattan topsy-turvy with her madcap activities; at best she is the Latin version of Lucille Ball. Donald Wood as bewildered ad-man becomes weak to the romantic onslaught of the Mexican Spitfire, and strongly supported by Leon Errol as uncle Lindsay/Lord Epping. Girl from Mexico became the pilot of the RKO's Mexican Spitfire series.
The Mexican Spitfire film is about Linda Hays as the former fiancée of Donald Wood and Elisabeth Risdon as her aunt to break up the marriage of Woods with Carmelita. Leon Errol plays the dual role of uncle of Donald Wood attempts to straighten the martial problems of the newlyweds and also as Lord Epping, the whiskey baron who is the client of Donald Wood acts in antagonistic fashion towards Linda Hays and his wife Elisabeth Risdon. RKO made a loss of $4,000 at a cost of $102,000 in 1939 in making this film, but it was hit in other ways and the studio went on to make several Spitfire movies that included; Mexican Spitfire out West, Mexican Spitfire's baby, Mexican Spitfire at sea, Mexican Spitfire sees a ghost, Mexican Spitfire's elephant, and Mexican Spitfire's blessed event.
This DVD set is an absolutely a great purchase and I am sure you will like Lupe Velez and her madcap acts. If you like Lucille Ball, you will like Lupe Velez.
Lupe Velez is outrageously funny in this Mexican Spitfire movie series
Lupe Velez, the girl from Mexico plays Carmelita Fuentes and later as Carmelita Lindsay. Producer Robert Sisk Brought Lupe Velez back to the movies after 18 months of absence. She is cast as a fiery Latin entertainer who turns Manhattan topsy-turvy with her madcap activities; at best she is the Latin version of Lucille Ball. Donald Wood as bewildered ad-man becomes weak to the romantic onslaught of the Mexican Spitfire, and strongly supported by Leon Errol as uncle Lindsay/Lord Epping. Girl from Mexico became the pilot of the RKO's Mexican Spitfire series.
The Mexican Spitfire film is about Linda Hays as the former fiancée of Donald Wood and Elisabeth Risdon as her aunt to break up the marriage of Woods with Carmelita. Leon Errol plays the dual role of uncle of Donald Wood attempts to straighten the martial problems of the newlyweds and also as Lord Epping, the whiskey baron who is the client of Donald Wood acts in antagonistic fashion towards Linda Hays and his wife Elisabeth Risdon. RKO made a loss of $4,000 at a cost of $102,000 in 1939 in making this film, but it was hit in other ways and the studio went on to make several Spitfire movies that included; Mexican Spitfire out West, Mexican Spitfire's baby, Mexican Spitfire at sea, Mexican Spitfire sees a ghost, Mexican Spitfire's elephant, and Mexican Spitfire's blessed event.
This DVD set is an absolutely a great purchase and I am sure you will like Lupe Velez and her madcap acts. If you like Lucille Ball, you will like Lupe Velez.
Movie Reviewed: Jungle Bride (1933), starring Anita Page
Movie Reviewed: Jungle Bride (1933), starring Anita Page
Jungle Bride (1933): Anita Page is gorgeous in this drama
This is certainly a little more interesting film than Hell Harbor, and if you are a fan of Anita Page, you would like this. The story is also a drama where a woman chases an entertainer around the globe in order to clear her innocent brother's name in a murder. When the ship sinks in the ocean only four people; the entertainer, his friend, the girl and a reporter land on a deserted island. There is a lot pre-marital sex, pregnancy, and partial nudity in this pre-code film just before Hay’s office started enforcing moral code.
Jungle Bride (1933): Anita Page is gorgeous in this drama
This is certainly a little more interesting film than Hell Harbor, and if you are a fan of Anita Page, you would like this. The story is also a drama where a woman chases an entertainer around the globe in order to clear her innocent brother's name in a murder. When the ship sinks in the ocean only four people; the entertainer, his friend, the girl and a reporter land on a deserted island. There is a lot pre-marital sex, pregnancy, and partial nudity in this pre-code film just before Hay’s office started enforcing moral code.
Movie Reviewed: Hell Harbor (1930), starring Lupe Velez
Movie Reviewed: Hell Harbor (1930)
A drama starring Lupe Velez
If you are a fan of Lupe Velez, you know that she is best at comedies. This movie is not as good as her Mexican Spitfire movie series where she performs beautifully. There is a lot of yelling and shouting’s in this drama in which her abusive father promises him to marry his only daughter to a much older merchant, played by Jean Hersholt, to pay off his debt. But Anita dreams of escaping the loneliness of her island home and go to Havana. During her struggles with her father, she meets an American and falls in love with him.
The movie is slow moving and boring; the dialogue and sound is awful and Velez’s performance is a little overdone.
A drama starring Lupe Velez
If you are a fan of Lupe Velez, you know that she is best at comedies. This movie is not as good as her Mexican Spitfire movie series where she performs beautifully. There is a lot of yelling and shouting’s in this drama in which her abusive father promises him to marry his only daughter to a much older merchant, played by Jean Hersholt, to pay off his debt. But Anita dreams of escaping the loneliness of her island home and go to Havana. During her struggles with her father, she meets an American and falls in love with him.
The movie is slow moving and boring; the dialogue and sound is awful and Velez’s performance is a little overdone.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Movie Reviewed: Annie Oakley, starring Barbara Oakley
Movie Reviewed: Annie Oakley, starring Barbara Oakley
Barbara Stanwyck is magnificent as Annie, “the little sure shot”
Over the years historians have documented the rise of Annie Oakley, the five foot girl from Ohio who donned the Wild West stage with Buffalo Bill as a sharp shooter. In this movie, her legend is beautifully portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck. She captures Annie's wits and spirit. Some critics suggested that she was born to play Annie Oakley. Stanwyck captures the minds and hearts of the viewer's better than Ethel Merman on stage and Betty Hutton in the 1950 movie, "Annie get your gun." Her performance is magnificent. The story simply recapitulates on how hard it is for a woman to be a success in an entertainment type of show. In fact she was the first female superstar.
Part of the movie is focused on the love life of Annie and her boyfriend, coach and co-performer, Toby Wheeler. When she steals the minds and hearts of the fans, their relationship suffers; rivalry and distrust grows leading to misunderstanding and their separation. This is a familiar story that is tackled in numerous movies where a successful girlfriend or wife causes jealousy in the mind of a guy.
Barbara Stanwyck is magnificent as Annie, “the little sure shot”
Over the years historians have documented the rise of Annie Oakley, the five foot girl from Ohio who donned the Wild West stage with Buffalo Bill as a sharp shooter. In this movie, her legend is beautifully portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck. She captures Annie's wits and spirit. Some critics suggested that she was born to play Annie Oakley. Stanwyck captures the minds and hearts of the viewer's better than Ethel Merman on stage and Betty Hutton in the 1950 movie, "Annie get your gun." Her performance is magnificent. The story simply recapitulates on how hard it is for a woman to be a success in an entertainment type of show. In fact she was the first female superstar.
Part of the movie is focused on the love life of Annie and her boyfriend, coach and co-performer, Toby Wheeler. When she steals the minds and hearts of the fans, their relationship suffers; rivalry and distrust grows leading to misunderstanding and their separation. This is a familiar story that is tackled in numerous movies where a successful girlfriend or wife causes jealousy in the mind of a guy.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Book Reviewed: Lonely Planet Discover New York City (Travel Guide) by Regis St Louis and Cristian Bonetto
Book Reviewed: Lonely Planet Discover New York City (Travel Guide) by Regis St Louis and Cristian Bonetto
Lonely planet’s New York City
This reference book has lot of useful up-to-date advice on what to see in Manhattan. The book is divided into six sections that detail the places to see and enjoy which includes. East Village and Lower East Side; the Financial District, Greenwich Village, Union Square, the Midtown Manhattan, Central Park area and Upper East Side.
While in Manhattan you get to see many museums, visit some of the best restaurants. If you are interested in bars, nightclubs or shopping then you may need this book. There is a wealth of information with maps; all in color, this makes your trip worthwhile with this book at your side.
Lonely planet’s New York City
This reference book has lot of useful up-to-date advice on what to see in Manhattan. The book is divided into six sections that detail the places to see and enjoy which includes. East Village and Lower East Side; the Financial District, Greenwich Village, Union Square, the Midtown Manhattan, Central Park area and Upper East Side.
While in Manhattan you get to see many museums, visit some of the best restaurants. If you are interested in bars, nightclubs or shopping then you may need this book. There is a wealth of information with maps; all in color, this makes your trip worthwhile with this book at your side.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Book Reviewed: The Higgs Fake: How Particle Physicists Fooled the Nobel Committee, by Alexander Unzicker
Book Reviewed: The Higgs Fake: How Particle Physicists Fooled the Nobel Committee, by Alexander Unzicker
A provocative account of the discovery of Higgs Bosons
This is a daring and highly provocative account of the handling of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) data that led to the discovery of Higgs Bosons. This discovery is deemed extremely important since it confirms the existence of Higgs field in the early universe when matter first acquired mass. The author comes swinging right from beginning to the end, and spare no physicist of current era. He is most critical of well-known physicists like City University of New York Professor Michio Kaku, Harvard University Professor Lisa Randall, Caltech Professor Sean Carroll and University of Manchester Professor Brian Cox. He targets all those popular physics writers and physics television personalities who have cozy relationships with TV folks. He alleges that they are pleased to say exaggerating things on television; he cites several examples to prove his point.
Author Unzicker’s hits hard at the politics that goes behind the closed door; the way experimental data from LHC is handled by a large group of physicists where only a few have significant say in the interpretation. He suggests that all data be available to everyone, make smaller groups and listen to the alternative interpretation of the data. Transparency of the data is the key, says the author. It is common to find in all scientific disciplines that leading scientists use experimental data to support one’s own theory; then what is the problem? The author points to the costs of LHC which works with a budget of 7.5 billion Euros; the most expensive and highly extravagant operation ever conducted in science. His argument is that this huge tax payer’s money is badly mismanaged! The author thinks outside the mainstream of physics and speaks out loudly. He has to look at the outcome of LHC experiments; it proved the existence Higgs Bosons that supports standard model of physics. We have also made significant advances in science and technology which means that our science investments are still working. There is also non-financial reward, the goodwill and pride; it is the amount that you need to pay for national pride.
A provocative account of the discovery of Higgs Bosons
This is a daring and highly provocative account of the handling of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) data that led to the discovery of Higgs Bosons. This discovery is deemed extremely important since it confirms the existence of Higgs field in the early universe when matter first acquired mass. The author comes swinging right from beginning to the end, and spare no physicist of current era. He is most critical of well-known physicists like City University of New York Professor Michio Kaku, Harvard University Professor Lisa Randall, Caltech Professor Sean Carroll and University of Manchester Professor Brian Cox. He targets all those popular physics writers and physics television personalities who have cozy relationships with TV folks. He alleges that they are pleased to say exaggerating things on television; he cites several examples to prove his point.
Author Unzicker’s hits hard at the politics that goes behind the closed door; the way experimental data from LHC is handled by a large group of physicists where only a few have significant say in the interpretation. He suggests that all data be available to everyone, make smaller groups and listen to the alternative interpretation of the data. Transparency of the data is the key, says the author. It is common to find in all scientific disciplines that leading scientists use experimental data to support one’s own theory; then what is the problem? The author points to the costs of LHC which works with a budget of 7.5 billion Euros; the most expensive and highly extravagant operation ever conducted in science. His argument is that this huge tax payer’s money is badly mismanaged! The author thinks outside the mainstream of physics and speaks out loudly. He has to look at the outcome of LHC experiments; it proved the existence Higgs Bosons that supports standard model of physics. We have also made significant advances in science and technology which means that our science investments are still working. There is also non-financial reward, the goodwill and pride; it is the amount that you need to pay for national pride.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Book Reviewed: Jesus Is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered by Martin B Copenhaver
Book Reviewed: Jesus Is the Question: The 307 Questions Jesus Asked and the 3 He Answered by Martin B Copenhaver
Is Jesus the Answer Man? (four stars)
Contrary to the common beliefs in Cristian faith, Jesus is not the ultimate Answer Man, but he was more like questioner. We are familiar with Jesus’s parables and aphorisms stated in the canonical gospels of the New Testament. Through this, it becomes clear that Jesus answers questions indirectly through parables rather than provide a direct answer. It is up to the questioner/inquisitive to find answers in his aphorisms. The fact that Jesus did not write anything complicated the matter even further, and in this book, author Martin Copenhaver of Andover Newton Theological School, and former pastor of Wellesley Congregational church in Massachusetts describes Jesus from a different perspective, that is, through his questions. In the Gospels, Jesus asks 307 questions; but his followers ask him 183 questions and only three of those questions get a response. Jesus modeled the struggle; finding personal connection with god is by understanding ourselves and our role in god’s creation. An answer to a question may be short lived or it may be followed up with a series of question which could become endless.
There are more than 50 gospels in Christian Apocrypha that narrate the life and works of Jesus, and only four of them were canonized and made their way into New Testament. Gnostic gospels like the gospel of Mary Magdalene, gospel of Judas, gospel of Thomas, gospel of Philip, gospel of Truth, and gospel of James are not incorporated into the Bible, but they are relevant. In fact, gospel of Mary Magdalene is one of the most important gospels since she was the closest disciple of Jesus and knew him better than the other apostles. Gospel of Thomas is also one of the most important apostolic works.
The book is written well and the chapters are divided into the nature of questions as it pertains to compassion, about identity, faith, love, healing, etc. Chapter 13, the last chapter gives a summary of Jesus’s questions and reflects upon his life. I recommend this book to readers interested in the historical aspects of Jesus and Biblical Apocrypha.
Is Jesus the Answer Man? (four stars)
Contrary to the common beliefs in Cristian faith, Jesus is not the ultimate Answer Man, but he was more like questioner. We are familiar with Jesus’s parables and aphorisms stated in the canonical gospels of the New Testament. Through this, it becomes clear that Jesus answers questions indirectly through parables rather than provide a direct answer. It is up to the questioner/inquisitive to find answers in his aphorisms. The fact that Jesus did not write anything complicated the matter even further, and in this book, author Martin Copenhaver of Andover Newton Theological School, and former pastor of Wellesley Congregational church in Massachusetts describes Jesus from a different perspective, that is, through his questions. In the Gospels, Jesus asks 307 questions; but his followers ask him 183 questions and only three of those questions get a response. Jesus modeled the struggle; finding personal connection with god is by understanding ourselves and our role in god’s creation. An answer to a question may be short lived or it may be followed up with a series of question which could become endless.
There are more than 50 gospels in Christian Apocrypha that narrate the life and works of Jesus, and only four of them were canonized and made their way into New Testament. Gnostic gospels like the gospel of Mary Magdalene, gospel of Judas, gospel of Thomas, gospel of Philip, gospel of Truth, and gospel of James are not incorporated into the Bible, but they are relevant. In fact, gospel of Mary Magdalene is one of the most important gospels since she was the closest disciple of Jesus and knew him better than the other apostles. Gospel of Thomas is also one of the most important apostolic works.
The book is written well and the chapters are divided into the nature of questions as it pertains to compassion, about identity, faith, love, healing, etc. Chapter 13, the last chapter gives a summary of Jesus’s questions and reflects upon his life. I recommend this book to readers interested in the historical aspects of Jesus and Biblical Apocrypha.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Book Reviewed: Hatred: Islam's War on Christianity by Michael Coren
Book Reviewed: Hatred: Islam's War on Christianity by Michael Coren
Scholarly work
Islamists are persecuting and murdering Christians all over the world. Where in the world is Network news or our political leaders who downplays the atrocities perpetrated by Muslims against Christians and religious minorities? The murder of Christians, ethnic Kurds and others by Muslims are not episodic, but it is by design. It is part of a master plan to bully, threaten, intimidate and destroy or subject to mass evacuation. How would our politicians and media pundits would react if Christians were murdering Muslims, blowing up mosques, and driving Muslims from their homes.
This book is not rhetoric of the persecution of Christians in Islamic countries, but it is the most pernicious example of Christian genocide since the Holocaust. The recent rise of ISIS and it's atrocities in Iraq and Syria has continued unabated with numerous examples of death and destruction of some of the most ancient Christian communities. There is a significant complacency among much of Muslim population and the liberal media that there is no such thing Islamic terrorism. One example is the mass killings at Our Lady of Salvation Syrian Catholic Cathedral in on October 31, 2010, when ISIS murdered at least fifty-eight people and wounding more than seventy-five. For the first time in 1,600 years, Sunday prayers were cancelled at the Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Priest Ibram in Degla, in Egypt. In Cairo, Franciscan nuns watched as the cross over the gate to their school was torn down and eventually the school itself was torched. Christians are systematically tortured, raped, beaten, arrested, forcibly converted; crucified, exiled, and murdered. Tragically the rest of the world, including Western countries are doing very little to stop this holocaust.
Middle East is the homeland of the Christian Church. Where is it heading to? At the current level of Muslim intolerance, Christians and religious minorities may be wiped out in Middle East within two to three generations. Quran preaches that non-Muslims pay a head tax, never preach publicly about their faith or try to convert Muslims into other faiths. Christians have to lead a life of subservience. Criminal laws punish non-Muslims much more harshly than Muslims, but Muslim men are treated with utmost respect by the Islamic law. These laws are currently in force in most Islamic countries.
We need awareness and need authors like Michael Coren to write their scholarly work about Islam so that the message is carried thorough to the larger population.
Scholarly work
Islamists are persecuting and murdering Christians all over the world. Where in the world is Network news or our political leaders who downplays the atrocities perpetrated by Muslims against Christians and religious minorities? The murder of Christians, ethnic Kurds and others by Muslims are not episodic, but it is by design. It is part of a master plan to bully, threaten, intimidate and destroy or subject to mass evacuation. How would our politicians and media pundits would react if Christians were murdering Muslims, blowing up mosques, and driving Muslims from their homes.
This book is not rhetoric of the persecution of Christians in Islamic countries, but it is the most pernicious example of Christian genocide since the Holocaust. The recent rise of ISIS and it's atrocities in Iraq and Syria has continued unabated with numerous examples of death and destruction of some of the most ancient Christian communities. There is a significant complacency among much of Muslim population and the liberal media that there is no such thing Islamic terrorism. One example is the mass killings at Our Lady of Salvation Syrian Catholic Cathedral in on October 31, 2010, when ISIS murdered at least fifty-eight people and wounding more than seventy-five. For the first time in 1,600 years, Sunday prayers were cancelled at the Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary and Priest Ibram in Degla, in Egypt. In Cairo, Franciscan nuns watched as the cross over the gate to their school was torn down and eventually the school itself was torched. Christians are systematically tortured, raped, beaten, arrested, forcibly converted; crucified, exiled, and murdered. Tragically the rest of the world, including Western countries are doing very little to stop this holocaust.
Middle East is the homeland of the Christian Church. Where is it heading to? At the current level of Muslim intolerance, Christians and religious minorities may be wiped out in Middle East within two to three generations. Quran preaches that non-Muslims pay a head tax, never preach publicly about their faith or try to convert Muslims into other faiths. Christians have to lead a life of subservience. Criminal laws punish non-Muslims much more harshly than Muslims, but Muslim men are treated with utmost respect by the Islamic law. These laws are currently in force in most Islamic countries.
We need awareness and need authors like Michael Coren to write their scholarly work about Islam so that the message is carried thorough to the larger population.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Movie Reviewed: Divorcee (1930), starring Norma Shearer
Movie Reviewed: Divorcee (1930), starring Norma Shearer
Norma Shearer shines like a star in this pre-code film of 1930
This is one of the early pre-code films that test the nerves of Hays office that would later police the morality depicted in Hollywood films. Jerry (Norma Shearer) and Ted (Chester Morris) are happily married couple until their anniversary, when Jerry discovers that Ted is unfaithful to her. When confronted he dismisses it as "it doesn't mean a thing." In an hurtful mood, she responds with her own one night stand. One of the prominent features of this film is that not only discusses very openly the double standards in judging with regards to morality but Shearer offers an outstanding performance as a married woman who is hurt and angry. Rightfully so, the Academy honored her with an award in the best actress category.
The movie has a bit of history, when MGM was seriously considering Joan Crawford for the role but Shearer placed a bid on it. But her own husband and MGM executive Irving Thalberg thought she is not glamorous for the role, but after seeing her publicity shots made with photographer George Hurrell, he agreed to cast her in the movie. This caused a serious rift with Joan Crawford who was very interested in this project. The story is based on the novel Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, which was directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Norma Shearer shines like a star in this pre-code film of 1930
This is one of the early pre-code films that test the nerves of Hays office that would later police the morality depicted in Hollywood films. Jerry (Norma Shearer) and Ted (Chester Morris) are happily married couple until their anniversary, when Jerry discovers that Ted is unfaithful to her. When confronted he dismisses it as "it doesn't mean a thing." In an hurtful mood, she responds with her own one night stand. One of the prominent features of this film is that not only discusses very openly the double standards in judging with regards to morality but Shearer offers an outstanding performance as a married woman who is hurt and angry. Rightfully so, the Academy honored her with an award in the best actress category.
The movie has a bit of history, when MGM was seriously considering Joan Crawford for the role but Shearer placed a bid on it. But her own husband and MGM executive Irving Thalberg thought she is not glamorous for the role, but after seeing her publicity shots made with photographer George Hurrell, he agreed to cast her in the movie. This caused a serious rift with Joan Crawford who was very interested in this project. The story is based on the novel Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, which was directed by Robert Z. Leonard
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Movie Reviewed: Toast of New York (1937)
Movie Reviewed: Toast of New York (1937), starring Cary Grant and Frances Farmer
A drama based on historical facts and Frances Farmer is superb!
Toast of New York (1937) is a fascinating story of greed, treachery and love. The story is partly based on historical facts of Jim Fisk, a con-man who collaborates with fellow financier and American railroad builder Jay Gould and their attempt to corner the gold market in 1869. Jay Gould illegally issued new stock for Erie Railroads to compete with Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt employed the Bowery Boys against Fisk over his meddling. Bowery Boys were a Manhattan gang later used in Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York."
The main story is the love triangle between Jim Fisk (Edward Arnold), Nick Boyd (Cary Grant) and Josie Mansfield (Frances Farmer). When the factious schemes of Fisk go awry, Josie finds love with Nick. The love triangle causes some anxious moments between two best friends; in real life Jim Fisk was shot and killed by Nick over Josie Mansfield.
I am a big fan of Frances Farmer and Cary Grant; I wished they had shown more romantic moments in the movie. Frances Farmer looks stunning in colonial attire and Cary Grant looks as charming as ever. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it is highly recommended.
A drama based on historical facts and Frances Farmer is superb!
Toast of New York (1937) is a fascinating story of greed, treachery and love. The story is partly based on historical facts of Jim Fisk, a con-man who collaborates with fellow financier and American railroad builder Jay Gould and their attempt to corner the gold market in 1869. Jay Gould illegally issued new stock for Erie Railroads to compete with Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt employed the Bowery Boys against Fisk over his meddling. Bowery Boys were a Manhattan gang later used in Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York."
The main story is the love triangle between Jim Fisk (Edward Arnold), Nick Boyd (Cary Grant) and Josie Mansfield (Frances Farmer). When the factious schemes of Fisk go awry, Josie finds love with Nick. The love triangle causes some anxious moments between two best friends; in real life Jim Fisk was shot and killed by Nick over Josie Mansfield.
I am a big fan of Frances Farmer and Cary Grant; I wished they had shown more romantic moments in the movie. Frances Farmer looks stunning in colonial attire and Cary Grant looks as charming as ever. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it is highly recommended.
Movie Reviewed: Born to be bad (1933), starring Loretta Young
Movie Reviewed: Born to be bad (1933), starring Loretta Young and Cary Grant
Loretta Young plays “BAD” in this pre-code film
The highlight of this movie is Loretta Young playing a single mother and leading a wayward life. In fact she plays a bad mother completely ignoring the welfare of her son and even goes to the extent of bilking a fortune (in a fabricated law-suit) from a wealthy couple played by Cary Grant and Marion Burns. This is one of the several movies that Hollywood made openly challenging the moral code prescribed by Hay’s office. Many reviewers have rated this movie poorly, since it deals with a ’trashy’ story. I liked the performance of Loretta Young doing her best to portray the “image” of a bad mom. Cary Grant’s performance is acceptable. In fact he had just finished doing his best performances with Marlene Dietrich (“Blonde Venus”) and May West (“She done him wrong” and “I’m no angel”).
Loretta Young plays “BAD” in this pre-code film
The highlight of this movie is Loretta Young playing a single mother and leading a wayward life. In fact she plays a bad mother completely ignoring the welfare of her son and even goes to the extent of bilking a fortune (in a fabricated law-suit) from a wealthy couple played by Cary Grant and Marion Burns. This is one of the several movies that Hollywood made openly challenging the moral code prescribed by Hay’s office. Many reviewers have rated this movie poorly, since it deals with a ’trashy’ story. I liked the performance of Loretta Young doing her best to portray the “image” of a bad mom. Cary Grant’s performance is acceptable. In fact he had just finished doing his best performances with Marlene Dietrich (“Blonde Venus”) and May West (“She done him wrong” and “I’m no angel”).
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Movie Reviewed: You Can't Fool Your Wife (1940), starring Lucille Ball
Movie Reviewed: You Can't Fool Your Wife (1940), starring Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball is outrageously funny in this screwball slapstick
I thoroughly enjoyed this comedy, starring Lucille Ball. When her husband of five years spend a little too much time at work than at home, it becomes obvious that he may be cheating on her. When he is thrown out of the house, his boss who is partly responsible for their break-up, tries to reunite the couple. Finally all ends well, but at the party where Lucille Ball had to impersonate a famous Latin American actress, Dolores Alvaredez, the real Alvaredez also shows up (also played by Lucile Ball). You must really watch this, and I guarantee plenty of laughs: Highly recommended.
Lucille Ball is outrageously funny in this screwball slapstick
I thoroughly enjoyed this comedy, starring Lucille Ball. When her husband of five years spend a little too much time at work than at home, it becomes obvious that he may be cheating on her. When he is thrown out of the house, his boss who is partly responsible for their break-up, tries to reunite the couple. Finally all ends well, but at the party where Lucille Ball had to impersonate a famous Latin American actress, Dolores Alvaredez, the real Alvaredez also shows up (also played by Lucile Ball). You must really watch this, and I guarantee plenty of laughs: Highly recommended.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Book Reviewed: National Geographic Traveler: Peru, by Rob Rachowiecki
Book Reviewed: National Geographic Traveler: Peru, by Rob Rachowiecki
Helpful traveler’s guide
I have been interested to visit Mach Picchu for several years and this book seems to serve my interest. This is a beautifully illustrated book with many color pictures and descriptions of many destinations including my favorite Machu Picchu. The book focuses mainly on experiencing the culture, food and the beautiful countryside of Peru. You can find everything in this book from peaks of Andes Mountains to the wilderness around Amazon River. You get useful suggestions and tips for experiencing the city of Lima, the Southern Lowlands, Cuzco, high Andes or Machu Picchu. The author suggests many places of interest, hotels and restaurants to visit and enjoy. I like some of the tips on local food, and the walking tours along the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. I recommend this book to anyone interested in visiting Peru.
Helpful traveler’s guide
I have been interested to visit Mach Picchu for several years and this book seems to serve my interest. This is a beautifully illustrated book with many color pictures and descriptions of many destinations including my favorite Machu Picchu. The book focuses mainly on experiencing the culture, food and the beautiful countryside of Peru. You can find everything in this book from peaks of Andes Mountains to the wilderness around Amazon River. You get useful suggestions and tips for experiencing the city of Lima, the Southern Lowlands, Cuzco, high Andes or Machu Picchu. The author suggests many places of interest, hotels and restaurants to visit and enjoy. I like some of the tips on local food, and the walking tours along the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. I recommend this book to anyone interested in visiting Peru.
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