TCM
TiVo ALERT
For
May
1–May 7
DAVID’S BEST BETS:
THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS (May 1, 10:15
pm): This is Orson Welles' amazing follow to Citizen
Kane starring
Joseph Cotten (one of film's greatest actors in only his
second film) as Eugene Morgan, a charming and successful
automobile manufacturer in the early 1900s. Twenty years after he
returns to town, Eugene falls in love with Isabel Amberson (Dolores
Costello), a former flame who is widowed. But Isabel's son,
George (Tim Holt), steeped in his family's tradition and name,
interferes in the love affair between his mother and Eugene, who want
to marry. The film is beautifully shot with incredible acting and a
compelling storyline about those who go to unbelievable lengths
to keep their pride at the expense of their own personal happiness
and of their families. Were it not for Citizen
Kane, this would have
been Welles' masterpiece. It also showed his versatility as
a director as the two films are about completely different topics.
BEYOND
A REASONABLE DOUBT (May 4, 12:15 am): The last
American film directed by Fritz Lang is an excellent one with Dana
Andrews convinced by his newspaper publisher father-in-law to plant
clues implicating him in the murder of a woman. The plan is to prove
the weakness of circumstantial evidence and make a fool out of the
local district attorney. The problem is the plan works and Andrews'
father-in-law is killed in a car crash with the evidence that he
didn't do it burned to a crisp. This leaves Andrews on death row and
heading for the chair. The concept and subsequent plot twists are
fascinating and riveting, and the film's conclusion is outstanding
and brilliantly executed (pun intended).
ED’S
BEST BETS:
THE
OFFICE WIFE (May 1, 6:45 am): This is a good, solid,
Pre-Code soaper featuring two of the most beautiful women
of their era: Dorothy MacKaill and Joan Blondell. The
plot is already worn by this time - a secretary (MacKaill) in love
with her boss (Lewis Stone), but who can’t fool around until
she learns his marriage has hit the rocks, and it’s full steam
ahead. Actually MacKaill is the replacement for the
boss’s original secretary, who also was in love with him and
quit when she learned he was getting married. (I don’t know
about you, but I’m rather confused as to how Lewis Stone can be
such a stud muffin.) MacKaill is fine in her role, but
it’s Blondell, who steals the film playing the younger
wisecracking sister. We first see her in the bathtub, and later
pulling underwear on and off. Well, it is Pre-Code. Also look in the
opening scenes for Blanche Friderci as a cigar-smoking,
mannishly dressed lesbian getting a writing assignment from boss
Stone. Made in 1930, it has the usual hindrances for an early talkie,
such as stilted dialogue and obvious blocking, but it does entertain
and entertain well.
QUEEN
CHRISTINA (May 2, 10:00 pm): When History meets
Hollywood, Hollywood always comes out the victor, and this film is a
testament to how convincingly Hollywood could revise the past,
especially in terms of glamour. And in these terms, Garbo comes
out as a clear victor. This is one of her most popular films, both
with critics and the public, and unlike some of her others, it has
withstood the test of time quite well. Garbo makes for a
most glam Christina, who in real life was rather plain, and with the
help of co-stars John Gilbert, Ian Keith and Lewis Stone, gives us an
excellent portrait of one of history’s most unique characters.
The direction by Rueben Mamoulian is excellent,
keeping the motion picture moving, which could be quite a challenge
in Garbo’s other films. Gilbert, whose reputation was by
this time in tatters, acquits himself nicely as the Queen’s lover,
Don Antonio de la Prada, and Stone makes for an effective
Chancellor Oxenstierna, who was the Queen’s adviser. The
real reason this film continues to stir up interest is because of the
Swedish Garbo, now known to be bisexual, playing a Swedish queen
who was also known to be bisexual. For those with a prurient interest
this film will not disappoint, given the strictures of its time, but
beyond this it is a solid, entertaining film. Even those who are not
exactly fans of Garbo will have no trouble liking this one.
WE DISAGREE ON ... I WANT TO LIVE! (May 4, 8:00 pm)
ED:
B. I Want to Live! is a good film with a
good, but over the top performance from its lead, Susan Hayward, a
prostitute-crook who - according to the picture - is framed for
murder and condemned to the gas chamber. Robert Wise, the director,
stand backs and lets Hayward rip. It’s a typical Hayward
performance, not all that removed from her previous turn as Lillian
Roth in I’ll Cry Tomorrow, for she was at her best
playing troubled characters, where she could fully emote. Wise also
spent some hours prepping by going to San Quentin and watching actual
executions to give the film a truthful ring, as he knew the execution
scene would be the pivotal scene in the film. All well and good, but
the film comes across more as a propaganda piece for the abolition of
capital punishment than as a human drama. Sure, Hayward may portray
Graham with more than a few character flaws, but the impression we’re
supposed to take away is the Graham is really just a party girl who
was framed by two skels out for revenge. Again, it’s one
of Hayward’s patented two hankie performances, playing to the
viewer’s sympathy by pulling out all the stops, such as
parading around Graham’s infant child as a symbol of the
righteousness of her innocence. Yes, it is a good film and ably
directed, but its flaws prevent it from being graded higher.
DAVID:
A. Let's not quibble about the factual accuracy of
this film. It's one perspective of the life and death of Barbara
Graham, a career criminal who insists she was framed for murder. We
also shouldn't quibble about what Susan Hayward does with this role.
She is brilliant and memorable playing Graham. I strongly
disagree with Ed that this is a typical Hayward performance. Yes, she
played other girls-in-trouble before, but never with the emotional
intensity and shattering tragedy in her flawless portrayal of Graham
in this film. While there are many film fans who don't know her or
only recognize the name, Hayward was one of the finest actresses of
her era. She earned a remarkable five Best Actress Oscar nominations
between 1947 and 1958, winning in the latter year for her performance
in I Want to Live! Hayward's ability to show the
many sides of Graham in this film – from prostitute/career criminal
to convicted murderer who is about to be executed – is something
that stays with the viewer long after the movie ends. Hayward is at
her best waiting for the reprieve she never receives while those
around her prepare the gas chamber for her death. Her performance is
devastating and heartbreaking. Whether Graham was guilty or not –
and this film wants to convince you she was innocent – I Want to
Live! shows the unpleasant realities of capital punishment
in a way never before presented. It is a groundbreaking piece of
cinema that gives the viewer pause. Director Robert Wise does some
great work here with interesting framing, jump cuts and overhead
shots. I agree with Ed that Wise lets Hayward do her thing without
interference. But why shouldn't he? Hayward gives a haunting and
captivating performance. Adding to the quality of the film is a great
moody jazz score.
For the complete list of films on the TCM TiVo Alert, click here.
For the complete list of films on the TCM TiVo Alert, click here.
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