Movie Chat

Frankly, I enjoyed the Fess Parker Alamo as much as any of them.

Wasn't that the final episodes of the series "Davy Crockett?" I can't find a movie listed, even a TV movie during that period.

The Wayne film had its problems even with the effectiveness of the grand staging -- there were several miscastings including Frankie Avalon fresh from the beach and Richard Widmark just didn't make a good Jim Bowie -- Jason Patric who I wouldn't have expected to excel had the rough-hewn nobility of the character down right. I'd have to see the new film again to really access what happened beyond my first impression and considering that it did not draw an audience. Was it just too much of a docudrama?

Yes, I saw the Fess Parker Al;amo as part of the tv series. The episodes have appeared strung together on tape in the past.
I can't say why the new film didn't click, but the formula Disney is using lately doesn't satisfy me all that much either. You need a little razzle-dazzle here and there, a splash of bright color. The humor isn't the kind that grabs me when it appears. And as I pointed out earlier, the music scores are ponderous and uninspiring to me.

John Wayne's version got a little too strung out on some very florid dialogue. The dialogue in the new one was a bit too much like poor man's James Goldman. I think the aftermath would have worked out better if it were a written epilogue over the conquered fort. It wasn't that the actors didn't play their parts well, it was a lack of characterization in spending so much more time on chatter.

We should have written and produced it ourselves, LW.

I borrowed the boss's copy of - something with Dennis Quaid. Global warming strikes prematurely, destroying with a vengeance. I thought most of the effects were very well done. The activities of Dennis are outlandish, but performed pretty well. I didn't feel too cheated, knowing what to expect before it started.

Out of sheer boredom, I watched She Creature the other night. It was NOT bad. I was impressed with the new slant on mermaids, and the acting was really good.

I caught a flashback of Peabody and the Mermaid when I read that, Letty.

My word, edgar. Anne Blythe, right? Who was the actor. I've forgotten.

I don't know for sure. Guess I should Google.

'Tws William Powell - and I was leaning toward David Niven or even Walter Pigeon.

By the way: Ann Blythe is the reason my last name online is Blythe.

I've just got to know, Edgar. Why Ann Blythe? She was sweet in The Great Caruso and spunky in Kismet and Rose Marie, but she was a selfish, spoiled brat in Mildred Pierce - one of the meanest movie characters ever. Please, my curiosity is killing me.

A boy don't know from nothing. I just liked her then and while casting for a pseudonym, her face and name flashed before me. All I had to do then was run down possible first names until I came to "Edgar."
Ann Blythe was also my favorite card in the line of collector's cards from Mother's Cookies. Robert Newton was second.

Thank you, Edgar. I never heard of Mother's Cookies, but I remember Robert Newton as Long John Silver in Treasure Island. He scared me.

Sheeeeeeze. I need to check out William Powell and Robert Newton....thinking....Do any of you all remember Anthony Dexter (I think).....

edgar blythe....wow! who would have thought.

Hi, Raggedy, new puzzle today. Have barely had a chance to look at it.

Robert Newton played Bill Sykes in the old version of Oliver Twist. He was the schoolmaster in a version of Tom Brown's School Days. And he not only played Long John Silver in the movies, he starred in a television series called Long John Silver.

I remember Anthony Dexter. He played "Valentino". And then, some swashbuckler (can't remember who offhand) ,and then, poof, he was gone. I'll have to check him out on IMDb.

Letty, I can't believe it. I threw last week's puzzle away accidentally. I'm looking at the answers, but I'll be danged if I can remember the questions. What does that tell us?

Aaah. I remember Newton as Bill Sykes, now. Alec Guinness was Fagin. That was a great version.

But, Edgar, please, because I've got to know, again. What is "Mother's Cookies"?

It's a brand of Cookie, just like Nabisco. I ate them in California and here in Texas.