For all Movie Buffs, and especially English ones

You would probably enjoy this article from today's Torygraph on classic British movies .

A good friend and I have long admired the English for their acting abilities. It's our theory that they're so good because in their own society, (particularly in decades past) they were keen observers of nuances in social status and pecking order -- thus giving them keen insight into playing desparate characters to a "T." Also, at least in "bye gone" times, terrifically good actors, "stars" -- would be happy to play a smaller "character" role if was suited to them.

Having said that, (are you ready for the handgrenade?) -- I can't STAND Lawrence Olivier's HENRY V. I wouldn't have followed him to the corner, much less "the vasty fields of France." And he was too OLD to play Hamlet.

Pay no attention to that man....

behind the curtain. Honestly, is Zero so stupid that he thinks he can pretend the climategate scandal hasn't been exposed for what it is? This cigar blew up in his face two years ago, and he's trying to pretend he has a viable Havana in his mouth.

Bob Hope KNEW all about democrats...

Best laugh I've had in the last week.

(From Ghost Breakers, 1940)

Isn't This a lovely Day to Be Caught in the Rain?

As long as it's not a traffic accident!





We're having the kind of weather today where the animals are gathering two by two. Best to curl up on the couch with some meatloaf and watch Fred and Ginger.

Latin Mass fans should appreciate the precise execution of the choreography.

Liza - before she started doing imitations of herself

A little fun for the weekend. It strikes me how everyone in this video is now over 60.






This is from estBay ootFay OrwardFay - yes, use your pig latin. - the off-B'way show done in 63 -
She is joined by dancers Gene Castle, Don Slaton, and Paul Charles.

I'm sure you TLM folks will enjoy the precision! ;-D

How about You?

This week I'm in need of extra smiles -- this one always puts a smile on my face.





They don't make them like they used to. Mickey and Judy from Babes in Arms. Enjoy. 5:50 length - dialup use http://keepvid.com
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We All Need Heroes

Recently, Father Tim had an article on his website regards the book called "Priestblock 25487" - it's the memoirs of a Catholic Priest, , Fr Jean Bernard, from his time in Dachau. It looks like a great read. In addition to these two books, I can think of a few other books by or about Catholic priests regards their difficulties in serving the people of God when they put their very lives in jeopardy.

Here are some good reads in a similar vein:

1. With God in Russia by Father Walter Ciszek, S.J.

Father Ciszek (1904-1984) hailed from Schuylkill County, Pa., the same neck of the woods as my own father. After the decimation of the Russian Orthodoxy clergy after communism took over, many priests answered the call to the Russicum, which specificially trained priests from different countries to answer a call to serve in Russia. Fr. Ciszek was in Russia for 24 years, and was in and out of prison, including the infamous Lubianka and the northern reaches of Siberia. In between times of his imprisonment, he also established a "parish" of sorts, serving the Orthodox and Catholics. In 1963 President Kennedy exchanged him and released a Soviet who had been spying. A cause for canonization has been put forth for him. Amazon has a good deal on it now. He also wrote a follow on book called "He Leadeth Me" -- about his spiritual journey.

There is also a film of the same name, quite good.

2. Autobiography of a Hunted Priest - John Gerard, S.J.

This account is a breath taking read, by a Catholic priest guided his flock in the Elizabethan years. Many of my English readers are probably already familiar with this one, but my US and other anglophone readers perhaps not as much. Father Gerard was ordained in France and then secretly landed in Norfolk and ministered to Catholics and brought many Protestants back into the fold. He was responsible for many vocations, and was constantly on guard for imminent arrest. He served as a priest in England for 17 years. Once he was captured and had a dramatic escape from the Tower of London. He also knew many Catholic martyrs such as St. Henry Walpole and St. Southwell. There's a little bit more in this old Time Magazine Article book review.

3. My Thirty Third Year by Fr. Gerhard Fittkau

Also well worth a read, if you can find it. Your best bet is a used book store or ebay. It was originally published in German. He was a priest in East Prussia, and when the church was overrun from the Russians in the east towards the close of WWII, he was shipped off to the Arctic Circle. His account is of the daily struggle keep his priestly dignity intact under severe conditions and also his tale of survival and ministry to those around him.

4. Bishop Walsh of Maryknoll - Prisoner of Red China -- by Ray Kerrison

I believe a used book store is also your best bet here. Bishop Walsh was among the first to attend Maryknoll in 1912, and institute founded for development of those called to foreign missions. In his time he founded many hospitals, clinics, schools, seminaries and orphanages. He returned to the United States in 1936 but in 1946 went back, and suffered under the Communist regime. At one point being sentenced to 20 years. He was released in the early 1960s

I'm sure I've missed others. Please feel free to add them in the combox.

Appealing movies with Military Themes / Backgrounds

My mom and dad and I always were partial to movies which were placed in a war or military setting. Some of these movies are serious, some frivolous, some a combination of both - but here were some favorites:

Stalag 17: Starring William Holden - first a stage play on Broadway, then translated to screen and directed by Billy Wilder. It's set in a German prisoner of War camp for US non-coms. Otto Preminger plays the commandant. This film has the best mixture of serious plot, with broad touches of humor. The Germans have placed an informer in the camp. The ever cynical Bill Holden gets to the bottom of it - but not first without being himself accused and beaten up. Watching Holden figure out who the guilty party really is -- and then trying to figure out how to trap and punish the same is riveting. It's one of those movies where every time you watch it you see something you didn't notice before.





The clip above is a little under 3 minutes long. It's the "Mouse Race" scene - one of the lighter moments.

Casablanca: Round up the Usual Suspects. Of all the gin-joints in the world....

The Great Escape: Based on true story of Mass escape from German prisoner of War camp. International cast. A true classic and fine performances.

Patton: The opening speech alone is a favorite. You can see it here. (Longish at 6 minutes, you can use keepvid.com to download if you have dial-up.) This movie covers from when Patton took over command of US forces in Africa, and covers through the end of WWII. A real tour de force. Patton's ego's bigger than all of Texas and Alaska combined ... but what's not to like about a prima donna who admits it?

The Longest Day: All about D-Day - multinational cast with some fine performances all around. I especially enjoyed the light relief moment when the English Chaplain loses his Mass kit when his team landed off course in waist deep water. They managed to find it. Everyone from Hank Fonda, Richard Burton, Peter Lawford and a similar cornucopia of talent....

The D.I. - With Jack Webb as a Marine Drill Instructor at Parris Island. He's got 79 "headaches" the biggest one a quitter whose brothers and father were honored vets. Turns out his mom doesn't want a little boy either - but expects her youngest son to finally come through. You can see the opening 5 minutes here.

From Here to Eternity: About the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The beach romance scene is often parodied. Not for the youngest kids, but teens and up can enjoy it.

Tora! Tora! Tora! -- here's what you do if you want to get your country nuked. About Pearl Harbor - some historic film footage used.

Mr. Roberts: XO Hank Fonda vs. tyrant Capt. played by James Cagney. Fonda plays Roberts, who is the chief reason why his ship has such a great record keeping the front line troops supplied with material goods. Roberts is not happy being out of the action, and continually tries to get the Captain to release him for combat duty. The Captain, knows Roberts does the work most likely to get the Captain an increase in rank, so he refuses a transfer. The captain denies port liberty to the men, and Roberts is blackmailed to get liberty for the men by shutting about about wanting a transfer. He is not to comply. On VE day, he HAS it though, having "missed the war" and he fears he'll never get to fight. He throws the captain's prized palm tree overboard, and it comes out that Roberts, far from "playing ball" with the old man, has sacrificed so the men could have liberty. The whole crew has a "Captain's name signing contest" to forge the captain's approval for transfer. Roberts gets his wish - and his destiny. Jack Lennon is in it too. Hero worships Doug - but is personally afraid of the captain. The scene where the laundry blows up is not to be missed. If you can find the original book, it's wonderful. You can see about 7 minutes of the "liberty" scene here.

Operation Petticoat: Cary Grant, Tony Curtis. Cary takes over a recently repaired submarine and Tony is a playboy wheeler dealer assigned to him. Tony's motto is "Where there's confusion, there's a profit to be made." The guys, while in port are hosting Navy Nurses for a holiday meal, while they are surfaced. They are strafed and have to clear the decks and get out of there - they have to take the nurses - and the expected hilarity ensues. Terrifically fun movie - and you can show it to 10 year olds too. Lord knows the Hollywood of today wouldn't know how to keep it "family."

Father Goose: Cary Grant is shang-hied into being a Pacific Coast watcher in a danger zone. He gets sent to rescue another coast watcher; but ends up with the stranded Leslie Caron, and her 7 boarding school children. Predictably "Goody Two shoes" falls in love with "The Filthy Beast." Great fun all the same. This was one of my favorites growing up. And I can remember mom walking me "uptown" to see it at one of the fine old long-gone movie palaces in Allentown shortly after it opened.

Kelly's Heroes: Screwball comedy - some Germans got a stash of gold, and these renegades are going to get some of it. Donald Sutherland and Don Rickles and a cast of zillions.

Von Ryan's Express: Men released from an Italian prisoner of War camp end up commandeering a German train and have to make it through Germany and into Switzerland. One of the best scenes is the Anglican chaplain having to fake being a German officer. Multinational cast.

Bridge on the River Kwai: Pride, baby, pride. Show of hands here: How many of you know the parody song sung to the theme song? It involves "Comet" and "Vomit." Do 10 year olds change much?

Yanks: About US troops in the UK before D-Day. Three romances, with different outcomes. Very enjoyable to see the interaction of cultures. A few brief scenes not suitable for younger children.

Mrs. Miniver: About the effects of WWII on an English family. Done during the early years of WWII. It shows the English at their stiff upper lift best. Was a book first.

Enchantment: David Niven. Teresa Wright. An orphan girl comes to live with an English family, and a budding romance between Niven and Wright is shortcut by conniving sister. Wright marries another, but the Niven (now a retired general) has his American great niece come to visit him during WWII. Wright's Canadian grandson meets the niece - and these two fall in love. Lots of flashbacks. Very endearing. One of Niven's best performances - as a young officer, and as an old general.

Hope and Glory -- I think this is terrific. About the British home front during WWII - a more recent vintage, but superb performances. A few scenes are not appropriate for younger children. War scene through the eyes of a young boy and his family. My mother and I particularly enjoyed Alec Guiness as the curmudgeonly grandfather.

Canterville Ghost: Charles Laughton as a 17th century ghost. Lady of the manor played by youngster Margaret O'Brien ... Americans (including Robert Taylor) are billeted in an English manor, inhabited by a Ghost - who is not allowed his final rest because he was a coward in keeping up the family honor. A "kinsman" must avenge and the family before the Ghost can rest. Turns out Robert Taylor is a distant relative, as evidenced by the family birthmark - and the young Lady and her ghost relative are counting on Cuffy not to be a coward. At first he fails in battle, but later redeems himself. Quite fun.

The Patriot: Okay, you British readers can skip this one. Loosely based on US Marion Francis and British Dragoon Tavistock. Mel Gibson's family drawn into Revolutionary War. Dad was a hero of the French and Indian War - but we don't find out until later why. Many good performances. Story line a little pat and idealistic. But it "works for me."

The Crossing: Excellent movie regards George Washington's crossing the Delaware with his troops to fight the Battle of Trenton. The US forces were at its lowest ebb. And attacked the German held garrison town and won a great victory - prompting the colonies to stay with the fight, rather than throw it in. Great performances, and shows Washington as a forceful character. Too often Americans think of Washington as that weakly looking gentleman on the dollar bill - but this movie probably gives a true to life performance of what the real man was like. Exceedingly tall and fit, and an expert horseman who exhibited leadership and had a disregard for personal safety time and again.

Secret of Santa Vittoria: The Italians have a stash of millions of bottles of wine. The Germans are approaching. They hide it. Anthony Quinn is the mayor - who, infuriatingly won't give up the secret of where the wine is hidden. Even as the Germans are pulling out and the commander threatens to kill him. The German commander threatens him in front of the whole gathered village: "Isn't anyone going to tell me? Not even the priest? You'd rather see him DIE? -- What kind of people ARE you?" They leave in disgust - the secret being kept. There's a tense moment with all in town looking at Quinn - he at them -- then Quinn mocks the commander "What kind of people are you?" Everyone breaks up into laughter.

Gone with the Wind: Not a war movie per se, but set in that backdrop. How can any red-blooded woman fail to go weak in the knees at what Rhett Butler says to Scarlett before he kisses her for the first time? How could the stomach not sink at the famous pull back shot of the wounded in the Atlanta train yard? Who doesn't get a lump in the throat at the dying boy dictating a letter to his mother in the hospital? Who doesn't hear the heartbreak when all the names are announced at those lost at Gettysburg? Who can't feel for Melly and Ashley when he makes his way up the driveway after the war? Who doesn't see the poignancy of the old soldier slinging the young soldier over his shoulders and carrying him as if carrying a child in the retreat?
Who can fail to admire Melanie Wilkes for picking up a sword in her weakened state, to come to the aid of Scarlett, not realizing at first it was Scarlett who killed the marauding stray Union soldier and not the other way around? You can see 8 minutes of Rhett and Scarlett getting out of Atlanta - followed by THE movie kiss of all time here. Sharp eyed viewers will catch the fact that though Rhett threw his hat on the ground before the kiss, it was conveniently on the fence post after the kiss. Maybe the horse kicked it up there. First "continuity" flub I ever caught at age 10. It was a big deal to be taken to a theatre re-release with a friend and I and our moms.

Gallipoli: Australian, starring Mel Gibson and it has a great cast. Austrailian boys join up with the ANZAC forces in Turkey. Very compelling in its directness and vivid performances. The first time I saw this I suddenly realized that at least one of the main characters was bound to come to a tragic end - the question was which one? Or both? Also a good mix of a drama with many funny and toucing moments.

Trivia question: In which movie above was Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind parodied?

These are my personal top films in this category. I know there are other movies, many of recent vintage, that others may like -- feel free to add your favorites.

Trivia answer: The movie was Stalag 17. Two downed airmen get thrown in the jug, and one of them does imitations. In this case: "Now see here, Scarlett, I give you kisses for lunch, and kisses for dinner, but now I find you've been eating out."
ukase

The Nimble Tread of the Feet of Fred Astaire

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whenever I need a smile



You're all the World to Me

this number from Royal Wedding never fails to do the trick. (Yes, it's in the public domain-no need for the net police.) Brownie points for you if you know the real life name of Fred's love interest in this film. Ditto for the patron saint of actors, and the patron saint of dancers. Enjoy.

This clip is 4 minutes 48 seconds in length. For slower connections, right click and copy url, then paste to www.youtubex.com to save and watch at leisure with flash player. (You can get a free one here.)
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Favorite Movies with Religious Themes

Can't have enough of them. Hollyweird et al, often gets a bad rap, and deserves one for the trashy movies they can put out. But there have been gems. Some very religious in a direct way, some touch on religious themes. Some are very serious, others a lot less so, but I love them all:

Passion of the Christ - An absolute tour de force. Although there's a fair amount of metaphor and things which are not strictly speaking "in the bible" I still find it profound. For instance, Mary (Theotokos) seeing Jesus fall while carrying the crossbeam...and then a flashback to her picking Him up as a young child after He was crying. It would be very likely that something like that really happened. What a quick way to illustrate the hypostatic union. I think I remember reading somewhere that Mel gave himself an uncredited cameo as the soldier (in the helmet and plumes) who nails Jesus to the cross.

A Man For All Seasons - Thomas More is my favorite male saint. God willing, after I get to heaven (after probably a long period in purgatory!) after I check in with God and the family - I'm looking up Tom. I don't care how long I have to stand in line to shake his hand.

Song of Bernadette - I don't know if it happened or not, but I loved the priest giving Bernadette the [now] tattered Holy Card the witch of a nun insisted she not get because she was "Stupid and slow." I had thought the priest was a hardass, but it turned out he had "the right stuff." A beautiful movie.

Come to the Stable - A 1940s movie, about nuns who wanted land to build a hospital on, and managed to convince the owner that that would be the right thing to do. It was the last movie my mother and I saw together on her birthday. She died a few days later. It's been 12 years and two days since she died and I miss her more every day. She hadn't seen it since her youth, and I managed to find it for her. An obscure "Christmas movie" now....but it's like "mom knew." When we were watching it I could hear what I tried to dismiss as her death rattle. I still get misty eyed now, just watching that movie.

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima - How noble of these children of peasant families to stand up for what they believed they saw [I believe this "private revelation" too] in the face of anti-clericalism rampant in Portugal. And Lucia was having to fight mom, especially, on the home front, who some say never quite believed her.

Au Revoir les Enfants - My favorite foreign movie of all time. About life in occupied France in WWII where the school is hiding Jews. The priest/headmaster is a noble figure. Based on a true story from Louis Malle's own life. [Even if you don't speak French, you would probably enjoy it. The yellow subtitles are awfully good.]

The Cardinal -- the book is much, much better and more richly detailed, but good all the same. VERY loosely based on the life of, I believe, Cardinal Spellman. The book makes reference to historical figures like Cardinal Merry del Val. I love the scene in the movie where Fermoyle takes on the KKK...and how one of his likely tormentors comes back the next day to see if he's all right.

Jesus Christ Superstar -- What can I say, I was 16 and in the summer between my junior and senior year in high school when it came out. I still think it's well constructed and very powerful. It was a very big deal - two of my "Jesus freak" friends and I went to the theatre 1st showing of the day... and we stayed all day .... and then we did it the next Saturday. That was "Back in the day" of the huge theatre with the huge screens, and as long as you didn't walk out, they didn't throw you out! We sang the songs all summer.

The Robe - I love the scene where "the robe" is strangling Richard Burton. [I love Richard Burton as an actor!] Sorta kinda hokey. But sorta kinda in a really good way!

ditto Demetrius and the Gladiators - sequel to "The robe" -- Victor Mature rocks.

Friendly Persuasion - Not "Catholic" but how could I not love this film about the gentle Quakers? Papa is a bit of a backslider, with having that very human desire to own the fastest horse in the county and get a little music in the house. Set against the backdrop of US civil war. Jessamyn West, a 2nd cousin of Richard Nixon, wrote the original book it was based on.

The Scarlet and The Black - based on true story of Msgr. Hugh O'Flaherty and his assistance to the Jews and the opposition to the 3rd Reich. Really dug that snazzy ferrouila Msgr. Hugh was stylin' in at the opera. Some people seem of the opinion that that would draw too much focus now. Probably. But still: that's a checkmate on white tie or dinner jacket.

Going My Way - not so much because of der Bingle ... but because of Barry Fitzgerald -- especially him keeping his Whiskey behind a copy of the Life of General Grant. Ditto the scene where he sees his 90whateveryearoldmother at the end of the picture after der Bingle arranged it. Older than the hills...and his too-ra-loor-a-loora lullaby singin' mama shows up at the very end.

Bells of St. Marys - der Bingle and Ingrid Bergman --- Father and Sister butt heads.

Lilies of the Field -- Aayy--a---aayy---men.......Ay----a-----a----men.....yada, yada... I loved each and every one of those nuns ... reminded me of all those women that spread all across the US and helped spread the Good News and did good works come hell or high water. Sidney Poitier was no slouch either.

It's a Wonderful Life - if you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for. The scene at the end is ripping where Jimmy Stewart's life is being recounted about all the positive effect he had on people. "...and all those people on the troopship died, because you hadn't been there to save Harry, and he wouldn't have been there to save them."

Agony and the Ecstasy - loved it, the pope as a REAL person, instead of some insipid soul in the ether. Strap on that armor and get to it! Don't let that Michelanglo jack you around ... he's probably padding his expenses!!! Let him paint that flunky who hates the nudes with donkey's ears ... that guy always did irritate you anyway!

I Confess -- Hitchcock. Set in Montreal, a Catholic priest can't reveal a killer due to the seal of confession...and the killer frames him for the murder. My favorite Hitchcock.

Millions - slightly imprefect due to one scene, but overall excellent. The saints and one small boy have an intimate working relationship, and he finally comes to grips with his mother's death. His "worldly wise" older brother provides great comic contrasts -- the main character being so innocently naive. Should have won the academy award for best film, IMO.

and finally, my all time favorite FUN movie:
The Trouble with Angels - Roz Russell as a GENIUS of a nun, and her "war" with boarding school inmate Hayley Mills, and her friend "Rachel". Scathingly brilliant.
See here for a 30 second clip of Mother Superior taking on Rachel's former headmaster re: Rachel's "colossal ignorance." She takes no prisoners.

and

Where Angels go Trouble Follows -- Roz Russell stars, not a sequel strictly speaking, but Roz butts heads with the "new wind blowin' through the church" nun. Stella Stevens is the new nun, and the sisters are all back. This time they take their charges cross country for a "youth rally." Very new in '68. This clip is just under 3 minutes long and has the disco scene where Mother and Father "Kewl" are both concerned about their respective charges getting a little too friendly. Seems Sister Mary Goodfaith of the girl's school staff didn't know the "host" school along the way for an overnight staff was an all boys school. (if you've got slow speed internet, right click the link can copy it. Then paste to www.youtubex.com and save to your hard disk to watch at your leisure.


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Special category -

Brideshead Revisited - not a "movie" in the strict sense, but the best miniseries of all time. All about the Catholic faith, but most people don't realize that at all until they are well into it and hooked. Unforgettable. I'm a "Cordelia" but not such a sobersides as a grownup. But the young Cordelia is "right on."

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Three that left me cold:

The recent one about St. Therese of Lisieux - Phooey, supposed to be "factual" but any student of her life picked out zillions of mistakes. I wanted to walk out but my friend Michelle was with me at the time or I would have.

Godspell - Nertz. But if you like it "whatever."

Brother Sun and Sister Moon - Bosh and double Bosh - I like the fact that St. Francis was good with animals and all that, but I always thought he was the original hippy....and that his elevator maybe didn't go to the top floor anymore. I mean, really, taking off all his clothes and declaiming in the public square. I thought that was reserved for nutcases in Colorado or wherever that was the moron priest recently went jogging in the all together before dawn. I'll pet your dog, Francis, but no thanks on the Tofu. Yes, yes....I know the wonderful Fr. Groeschel is a Franciscan, but even a blind groundhog finds an acorn once in a while.

Anyone else have any favs?

Update: (I've been surprised at how popular this thread is over time, it still keeps getting hits - you may also want to check out this additional post.
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