TCM TiVo Alert for November 23-30

TCM TiVo ALERT

For

November 23–November 30

DAVID’S BEST BETS:

NETWORK (November 24, 1:15 am): This brilliant film is not only the best satire of television ever made, but it is decades ahead of its time showing how reality TV could and did capture the attention of the viewing audience. As the years pass, this 1976 film becomes more relevant as society's interest in the obsession of pseudo celebrities and our insatiable appetite for around-the-clock garbage news increase. At times, you can see yourself in the film watching some of the crap that litters the airwaves today. You know it's awful and/or outrageous, but you can't help but watch. The film shows the mental breakdown of anchorman Howard Beale (Peter Finch) and how it captures the attention of viewers whose voyeur tendencies only grow. Finch, Faye Dunaway (as an overly ambitious and sexy network executive), and Beatrice Straight (in a bit but important role as the wife of a TV executive played by William Holden) won Oscars in three of the four acting categories. Like Finch, Holden was nominated for Best Actor, but obviously didn't win. Finch's "Mad as Hell" speech is one of cinema's finest and one of its top five most iconic moments. It's drop-dead serious while also being outrageously funny.

THE PETRIFIED FOREST (November 26, 1:30 pm): In one of his first major roles, Humphrey Bogart plays Duke Mantee, a notorious gangster on the run. Bogart was so great in this 1936 film as the heavy – bringing depth, emotion and character to the role – that Warner Brothers spent nearly five years casting Bogart in other movies as the bad guy. But very few were of this quality. Duke and his gang end up in a diner near the Petrified Forest in Arizona with the police chasing them. The gang takes everyone inside hostage, including Alan Squier (Leslie Howard), a once great writer who is now an alcoholic. Not fearing death because of what life has become for him, Squier engages Duke in conversation, pushing his buttons. The interaction between the two is outstanding. Also at the dinner is Gabrielle Maple (Bette Davis), who owns it with her father and grandfather. Davis is excellent and even subdued as a secondary character.

ED’S BEST BETS:

GRAND ILLUSION (Nov. 24, 3:30 am): This is a “Must See” in every sense of the word. Jean Renoir directed this classic about three French prisoners in a German POW camp and their relationship with the Commandant. Jean Gabin, Pierre Fresnay, and Marcel Dalio (Remember him as the croupier in Casablanca?) are the prisoners and Erich Von Stroheim is the Commandant. It was the first foreign film to be nominated for an Oscar, but more importantly, Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels banned any showings during World War II. That alone should ensure it immortal status.

I, VITTELLONI (Nov. 26, 4:00 am): Originally released in the U.S. as The Young and the Passionate, it’s usually translated as “The Young Bulls.” However, a more idiomatic translation would be “Adolescent Slobs.” An early effort from Fellini about five frustrated small town boys with big plans. The five are sons of indulgent, middle-class families who live off their parents while loafing and dreaming of riches, glory and especially, women. While their ideals are lofty, their execution is often pointless. They waste their time and energies on dubious pursuits and whatever dreams or ideas they have are childish. The brilliance of the film lies in Fellini’s observation of them without any hint of disdain; while his tone is satirical, he balances it with warmth and a certain amount of nostalgia. The film influenced a host of directors both in Europe and America. We can see its influence in such films as Scorsese’s Mean Streets, Lucas’ American Graffiti, and Levinson’s Diner. The film is autobiographical, and Fellini’s character, Moraldo (Franco Interlenghi), is the only one to escape from the futility of life in the small town. The film launched the career of Alberto Sordi and was awarded The Venice Film Festival’s Silver Lion (best director) in 1953.

WE DISAGREE ON ... LIFE WITH FATHER (November 23, 11:45 pm)

ED: A. Right off the bat I have to tell you this is not on the level of a Citizen Kane or The Thin Man, but it does have Powell and Dunne and you can’t go wrong with them. The movie is a faithful and charming adaptation of Day’s affectionate memoir with Powell giving the film’s strongest and funniest performance as a strict father of four boys in 1883 New York City. All he wants is to enjoy a simple family life. However, his wife, played by Dunne, and his children have other plans. Time and time again his quest for peace is upset by visiting relatives, a new love, money matters and the repeated attempts by his wife to get him baptized. Powell and Dunne. They make a very believable married couple and are the best part of the movie. Day, in filling his storyline with plenty of anecdotal humor and nostalgia, makes it clear that one of his main goals is to reveal the inanity (and futility) of his father’s dated patriarchal beliefs. That he manages to preserve his father’s character while simultaneously skewering much of his nonsensical drivel is the secret to the film. And keep an eye out for Elizabeth Taylor as a teenager. She plays the role witty and what can only be called earnest loveliness. And Michael Curtiz’s direction helps move the proceedings smoothly along. Life With Father will probably hold minimal interest for modern film buffs, but if you're in the mood for light, harmless family fun than this film will probably suit you fine.  

DAVID: C+. I absolutely adore William Powell. No matter the role, he was charming, witty and entertaining. That's why I'm so disappointed with Life With Father. While Powell gave his typical wonderful performance, there's nothing he or the talented Irene Dunne can do to breathe life into this film. Their performances are fine, but the plot, based on the actual life of a stockbroker, is a real snoozer. The main storyline is finding a way to get Powell's character, Clarence Day Sr., baptized. Among the subplots is Day believes he controls his house when he doesn't, and the wooing of a teenage Elizabeth Taylor by Day's oldest son. It's a comedy with few laughs. It's far too sweet and sentimental for me, but worse than that, it's largely boring.

For the complete list of films on the TCM TiVo Alert, click here.