TCM
TiVo ALERT
For
July
1–July 7
DAVID’S
BEST BETS:
2001:
A SPACE ODYSSEY (July
3, 11:15 pm): It's one of the most visually-stunning and fascinating
films every made. 2001:
A Space Odyssey is
the story of man from pre-evolution to a trip to Jupiter, and how
superior beings on that mysterious planet made it all possible. The
storyline is fascinating and the ending is very much open to
interpretation, which makes the film even more compelling. The
interaction between astronaut David Bowman (Keir Dullea) and the HAL
9000 computer that controls the spaceship and has a mind of its own
reflects how mankind has experienced gains and losses through the use
of advanced technology. The cinematography, special effects and
music take this film to a special level.
THE
CANDIDATE (July
7, 2:45 am): This is an excellent political satire, and its message
of having to sell your soul and give up your integrity to get elected
is timeless. Robert Redford is Bill McKay, a liberal attorney and son
of a former California governor (played by the great Melvyn Douglas),
recruited by Democratic political operative Marvin Lucas (Peter
Boyle) for a long-shot challenge to popular Republican Senator Crocker
Jarmon (Don Porter). At Lucas' recommendation, McKay softens his
message a little bit, compromising his principles – and
it works. McKay and Jarmon essentially become one as both say the
same thing, but the difference is McKay is young and good-looking,
and Jarmon is older and doesn't look like Robert Redford. The
storyline is intelligent and compelling, giving viewers a fascinating
inside look at the political process in a documentary-style of
filming.
ED’S
BEST BETS:
1776 (July
4, 1:30 am): A musical about the signing of the Declaration of
Independence? You’re kidding, right? No, we’re not kidding, and
furthermore, it’s quite good. Based on the play, it retains many of
those originally performed it. William Daniels is splendid as John
Adams, Ken Howard makes for a most effective Thomas Jefferson, and
Howard DaSilva is the spitting image of Ben Franklin. Throw in
Virginia Vestoff as Abigail Adams and Blythe Danner as Martha
Jefferson, and the film really rocks. Watch out, however, for John
Cullum as Edward Rutledge of South Carolina. He brings down the house
with “Molasses to Rum to Slaves.” Other numbers to look for
include “But Mr. Adams,” “Cool Cool, Considerate Men” (my
favorite), and the heart tugging “Mama Look Sharp.” American
history was never this much fun.
ANNIE
OAKLEY (July 5, 2:15 pm): Barbara Stanwyck is a
marvelous actress. Even in bad movies she still manages to shine. Put
her in a film worthy of her talents and there’s no ceiling. This is
such a film – a wonderful, lively biography of one of the legends
of the West. It’s Stanwyck’s picture and she dominates as the
woman popularly known as “Little Miss Sure Shot.” Preston Foster
provides solid support as Toby Walker, at first Annie Oakley’s
rival at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and later the love of her
life. George Stevens’s direction is nearly flawless as he keeps a
tight rein on the picture, which in turn amps up the realism and
believability. The result is a movie that’s fun to watch and can be
seen numerous times without tiring out the viewer.
WE
DISAGREE ON ... CAPTAIN BLOOD (July 1, 5:15 am)
ED.
B. Captain Blood is a solid adventure
with great performances from its cast, including Errol Flynn in his
first swashbuckler, Olivia de Havilland as his leading lady, Lionel
Atwill and Basil Rathbone as the heels, and that wonderful Warner’s
stock company in support. The only fault, and that which prevents a
higher grade, is the rather primitive way it’s presented. The use
of title cards makes it almost seem as if it were made in the silent
era or as an early talkie. This is 1935, and sound recording had been
mastered. Perhaps the reason was due to it being a low-budget
production; Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland were unknowns at this
time. Note the difference in production values between this film and
later Flynn adventures. Otherwise, it’s a great way to spend one’s
time.
DAVID:
A. The movie that launched the career of Errol Flynn
as a swashbuckling icon is not only historically important, but is an
excellent film. The cast is top-notch with Olivia de Havilland, Basil
Rathbone, Guy Kibbee and Lionel Atwill. Flynn is Dr. Peter Blood,
condemned to a Jamaican plantation to serve out a sentence for
treating an English rebel. When the Spanish invade Jamaica, the fun
and the action begins. Blood leads a prison rebellion with the men
stealing a Spanish ship – the Spaniards are busy looting the town –
and later the French on his way to becoming a hero when England is
overthrown by William of Orange. Flynn is as dashing as you'll see
him on screen showing great charisma during the fight scenes, though
he needed work at times with dialogue. There's no arguing that it's a
low-budget film. It was so low budget that stock footage from silent
films were used. However, I strongly disagree with Ed that it
diminishes from the impact of the movie. The action sequences are
top-notch. Flynn and de Havilland are perfect together without being
over-the-top in the romance department, and of course, Rathbone is
outstanding.
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