tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post4106151564890282731..comments2024-02-05T21:23:49.249-08:00Comments on Lady Eve's Reel Life: VINTAGE YEARSThe Lady Evehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-67993135648216683982013-08-02T22:17:16.837-07:002013-08-02T22:17:16.837-07:00Leslie - "Mrs. Miniver" is a great addit...Leslie - "Mrs. Miniver" is a great addition to the list of memorable films from 1942 - thanks for the reminder!The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-21362030551055349572013-08-02T19:16:34.320-07:002013-08-02T19:16:34.320-07:00Dear Lady Eve...I concur with your extension of th...Dear Lady Eve...I concur with your extension of the great years to be from '37-42...I was surprised, however, to note that you omitted from 1942 "Mrs. Miniver" which I believe definitely belongs on the 1942 list. Leslie Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09100248299901879844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-69010558279176871412013-03-13T12:08:16.508-07:002013-03-13T12:08:16.508-07:00Kevin, That is a very long list! If I do host a &q...Kevin, That is a very long list! If I do host a "vintage years" blogathon, 1933 will be reserved for you. The only problem with films of the early '30s is that they often aren't as technically polished as those that came later. That said, I love many from the early sound years (and in '33, particularly "General Yen," "Dinner at Eight" and "Sons of the Desert"). Of course, among my favorite movies of all time is the string of stunning films Josef von Sternberg and Marlene Dietrich made for Paramount from 1930 - 35. The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-61533144424630115332013-03-13T08:47:27.329-07:002013-03-13T08:47:27.329-07:00Great discussion here on some fabulous movie years...Great discussion here on some fabulous movie years. I have a soft spot for 1933 and there's a series going on in New York that is emphasizing that year. I wish I could be there. But some of the greatest comedies, musicals and horror movies ever made came out in 1933, as well as some undisputed classics. Here's a list of some of my favorite 1933 releases. There's a lot of vitality and electricity to many of these films that are still evident today.<br /><br />42nd Street<br />Baby Face<br />The Bitter Tea of General Yen<br />Bombshell<br />Cavalcade<br />Design for Living<br />The Devil's Brother (Fra Diavolo)<br />Dinner at Eight<br />Duck Soup<br />Employees' Entrance<br />Flying Down to Rio<br />Footlight Parade<br />Gabriel Over the White House<br />Gold Diggers of 1933 <br />Hallelujah I'm a Bum<br />Hard to Handle<br />Heroes for Sale<br />I'm No Angel<br />International House<br />The Invisible Man<br />King Kong<br />Lady for a Day<br />Lady Killer<br />Little Women<br />A Man's Castle<br />Morning Glory <br />Mystery of the Wax Museum<br />Penthouse<br />Picture Snatcher<br />Pilgrimage<br />The Power and the Glory<br />Queen Christina<br />Roman Scandals<br />She Done Him Wrong<br />Sons of the Desert<br />Wild Boys of the RoadKevin Deanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07697597405552599370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-87908878179795302222013-03-10T13:16:46.468-07:002013-03-10T13:16:46.468-07:00CFB, To contemplate the 1970s as a film era would ...CFB, To contemplate the 1970s as a film era would be an interesting experience for me. At the time, I was constantly "at the movies" (as was everyone I knew), seeing new American films and becoming familiar with foreign films, old and new. It was in then that I saw Cocteau's "Beauty and the Beast" (which left me speechless), Carne's "Children of Paradise" and P&P's "The Red Shoes" for the first time. Also, in revival, American classics I'd seen only on TV or not at all. But the period itself - from the late '60's "Bonnie and Clyde" to maybe "Raging Bull" (1980) would be fascinating to look back on.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-2821231000649502462013-03-10T12:22:23.237-07:002013-03-10T12:22:23.237-07:00I will agree about 1967, but it was a transition y...I will agree about 1967, but it was a transition year from old Hollywood to new Hollywood. I have always thought that 1940 was another golden year, a continuation of 1939 with great films made before the shadow of WWII fell over Hollywood. Still, I think 1944 ended up with a fantastic number of films released in that year. I always thought of the early 1970s as an era unto its own, and I'd love to read your take on that period. Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-9346203491099851162013-03-08T13:02:52.449-08:002013-03-08T13:02:52.449-08:00R.A., The late '60s to the mid- to late '7...R.A., The late '60s to the mid- to late '70s probably deserves a post all its own in terms of "vintage years" of film. I hadn't thought of the era in quite that way 'til I started to work on this post.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-36976480425405960822013-03-08T07:54:59.772-08:002013-03-08T07:54:59.772-08:00I never thought about 1972 being a big year for in...I never thought about 1972 being a big year for influential movies, but clearly it was. Thanks for a thought-provoking post.Silver Screeningshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04955048716754142299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-33108475496701192942013-03-04T10:57:29.800-08:002013-03-04T10:57:29.800-08:00Page, Having seen "The Last Picture Show,&quo...Page, Having seen "The Last Picture Show," "What's Up, Doc?" and "Paper Moon" when they were in release - and been astonished by all three - I was surprised when Bogdanovich's career all but evaporated for 10 yrs. following "At Long Last Love" (1975). Francis Coppola made it through the '70s before he hit a very rough patch, but he diversified - owns a winery and resorts, etc. Then there's Michael Cimino...<br /> <br />I saw "Texasville" when it was out but it might be interesting to watch back-to-back with "Picture Show" (such a beautiful film in so many ways).The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-43568470719593512722013-03-04T09:03:31.293-08:002013-03-04T09:03:31.293-08:00Lady E.,
Another interesting article. I really enj...Lady E.,<br />Another interesting article. I really enjoyed your insight, picks for 'Best Year In Cinema" and the reasons why.<br /><br />As you've pointed out here, 1939 seems to be written in stone as the 'best'. Thanks to MGM and their talent for churning out blockbusters, classics that stand the test of time.<br /><br />With that said, I wanted to touch on Bogdanovich's article and opinions on the subject. (For the record, I'm quite fond of his work.)<br /><br />I am such a fan of The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon that just reading the titles here make me want to see them again for the 30th time. Any time anyone lets me know that they've never seen TLPS I'm quite surprised but then I do everything in my power to convince them that they must see it ASAP. I also add that they need to watch "Texasville" 1990, the sequel to it, also directed by Bogdanovich. While it didn't get a very warm reception upon it's release, the film is very funny and I admire P.B. for giving us a glimpse into the characters lives so many years later. Always a bold move when the original film was such a critical success. <br /><br />You highlight "Stagecoach", it's your pick for that year and I must say that after doing so much reading as of late on how films were made, I've come to respect the film, look at it with fresh eyes and admiration for what Ford with the studios blessing, achieved. <br /><br />Well, as usual, I've written a book but this really is such an interesting topic and one that's fun to debate.<br /><br />If you're a fan of The Last Picture Show, give Texasville a chance, everyone! ha ha<br /><br />PagePagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15063277863578004836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-80704519933616542332013-03-03T20:40:36.008-08:002013-03-03T20:40:36.008-08:00Christian, I'm not sure if Bogdanovich's v...Christian, I'm not sure if Bogdanovich's view of '70s films has changed very much. His career as a successful filmmaker ended in three short years and I have to wonder if that had an impact on his view of the era as a whole. His blog post "The Greatest Year" was published in 2011 and though he clarified why he selected 1939 for the original Esquire article, he made no reference to the opinions he expressed in it related to the movies of the early '70s. In any case, his great interest seems to be the golden era classics.<br /><br />I mentioned in reply to a comment above that the reponses to this post have given me the idea to host a blogathon in which participants select a specific year and post on its best films. Maybe that would be a chance for you to to cover the greatest films of 1935 (or other). The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-27005026220354585102013-03-03T12:35:47.541-08:002013-03-03T12:35:47.541-08:00Lady Eve, I very much appreciate your contemplatio...Lady Eve, I very much appreciate your contemplation and historical review of the "greatest films" theme. When CMBA had the "Greatest Films of 1939" blogathon I had thought of doing a subsequent "Greatest Films of 1935" blog post, or picking another year in the 30s. One can make a good case for several years, including of course the ones you bring up. I think in regards to Bogdanovich that when you experience the year as it develops (say 1972), then you see all the bad movies that are also playing. So for 1972, one can throw in less than great movies like The Poseidon Adventure, The Valachi Papers, Fritz the Cat, Blacula, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Frenzy, 1776, Chato's Land, Super Fly, Joe Kidd, The Last House on the Left, and The Last Tango in Paris, among others. Thanks for this provocative subject.Christian Esquevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04442827724576856379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-67731681148398473452013-03-01T21:24:12.208-08:002013-03-01T21:24:12.208-08:00MCB, As I recall the late '60s - late '70s...MCB, As I recall the late '60s - late '70s, it seemed there was general knowledge that we were in a great movie era. Emerging directors became household names (only Hitchcock had such cachet previously). Film criticism became prominent and certain critics (Kael, Kauffman, Sarris, etc.) became celebrated. Of course, that's not to say that every film or director or style touted then (with hype and/or awards) stood the test of time.<br /><br />I agree that all forms of art - from painting and literature to music and film - will reflect the spirit of their time and place. The really great works will also have an element of the timeless. These are the classics.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-65929017943914788122013-03-01T20:19:45.234-08:002013-03-01T20:19:45.234-08:00It's interesting that Bogdanovich contrasted t...It's interesting that Bogdanovich contrasted the supposedly slight offerings of 1972 to the treasures of 1939 - as you stated, Eve, 1972 was also a banner year for films. Of course, a lot of what we consider to be "great" is developed over time and is determined in retrospect. I also feel that what we call great is often based in what style of film, or any other art form, we favor. In painting there are various styles and eras, whether it be classical, impressionist or abstract expressionist, and often we may limit greatness to the style that we favor most, so someone who judges Monet to be great might dismiss Pollack. When it comes to the classic era of american film I agree with the five year span that you put forth - those are wonderful years for film that capture the spirit of where america was at the time. I feel, though, that most great films reflect in some way or another what's in the air at the time they're produced, the dynamic of the era, even if it's a period film (there are many examples that demonstrate this). This would be a very interesting area to go into in-depth because it not only brings into focus great films of the past but our current perspective and values as the audience.<br />Motorcycle Boynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-85551331880528915382013-03-01T19:58:06.303-08:002013-03-01T19:58:06.303-08:00Ken, I haven't read anything Bogdanovich has w...Ken, I haven't read anything Bogdanovich has written about his own era and would be interested in his take on it now. He didn't have an easy time of it after "Paper Moon," but from 1971 - 73 he had an admirable run (Best Picture nom for "Picture Show," etc.). And his films stand the test of time (which does, indeed, determine what is truly classic and what is not) - though the last lines of "What's Up, Doc?" might mystify anyone who hasn't seen "Love Story."The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-4581250469923352762013-03-01T18:39:37.206-08:002013-03-01T18:39:37.206-08:00R.D., I envision 1937 - 1942 as a sort of "mo...R.D., I envision 1937 - 1942 as a sort of "mountain" of greatness, with '37 and '38 as the beginning of the heights (foothills?), 39 - 41 as the peak and '42 as the other side of the mountain, a tapering off into the war years. Not that there weren't great films made during WWII.<br /><br />The late '30s - early '40s does seem to have been a time when women's roles - strong women, at that - flourished. There could easily be another blog post on the subject of women's film roles pre- and post-WWII, I think. The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-16896487794709592662013-03-01T16:34:27.639-08:002013-03-01T16:34:27.639-08:00I might just do it later this year.I might just do it later this year.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-82722284722560440812013-03-01T16:14:12.240-08:002013-03-01T16:14:12.240-08:00Thanks for calling attention to Bogdanovich's ...Thanks for calling attention to Bogdanovich's thoughtful piece and especially bringing to light his "lack of perspective" stance on the films of 1972. It's fascinating to ruminate on what goes on economically and sociologically to produce specific eras in which film seems to rise to its potential, but I always think that time ultimately has the last word on all the boxoffice, hype, and award-show smokescreens. Time turns former flops into enduring classics and renders forgotten films that were once inescapable. Thanks for a thoughtful piece that broadens the term "classic" to include contributions as historically close as the 70s. It's still my absolute favorite cinema decade.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-86205796325121437322013-03-01T15:06:01.478-08:002013-03-01T15:06:01.478-08:00Sounds like a good deal. I would be in on that!Sounds like a good deal. I would be in on that!John/24Frameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14719659042858962026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-45326250544355515182013-03-01T12:44:29.401-08:002013-03-01T12:44:29.401-08:00John, One hope I had in posting on this subject wa...John, One hope I had in posting on this subject was that others would share their opinions on the great year/years of film. Happily, that's happened. I'm starting to think the subject might make for a good blogathon, with each participant reviewing the great films of a particular year. '59 might be the year for you if such a blogathon takes place...The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-10168864059773788012013-03-01T12:03:07.580-08:002013-03-01T12:03:07.580-08:00Kim, I've really only considered the film year...Kim, I've really only considered the film years I favor in a general way - the late '30s - early '40s and late '60s - late-ish '70s are my pet eras. As you say, though, most years have a few good films to offer.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-17847414178082867412013-03-01T05:23:30.542-08:002013-03-01T05:23:30.542-08:00Eve, I agree with a lot of what you say here. You ...Eve, I agree with a lot of what you say here. You put up a good arguement. I also agree with Rick's thoughts on 1967. I would add 1959 into the mix. Consider the following...<br /><br />Anatomy of a Murder<br />Some Like it Hot<br />Rio Bravo<br />Pillow Talk<br />The 400 Blows<br />North By Northwest<br />Ben-Hur<br />Shadows (if for no other reason than its innovativeness)<br />Hiroshima au Amour<br />Room at The Top<br />The Diary of Anne Frank<br />Odds Against Tomorrow<br />Jazz on a Summer's Day (great doc. on the 1958 Newport Film Festival)John/24Frameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14719659042858962026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-71288731518611762982013-02-28T23:54:43.974-08:002013-02-28T23:54:43.974-08:00Eve, I'm (almost) completely on board with you...Eve, I'm (almost) completely on board with you on this one, and I'm glad somebody has written such a persuasive post discussing this idea. I agree with most that 1939 is the greatest single year in American film, based on the number of great movies released that year. (And thank you for the background on how this view came about.) But I also think that 1939-41 is the greatest three-year run in American film. As you point out, 1940 and 1941 had nearly as many great films as 1939. I wouldn't include 1938 or even 1942 myself, but I can see throwing 1937 in too. So my favorite run would be 1937 and 1939-41. <br /><br />It's interesting to me that those years contain a large number of films showcasing actresses and an unusually large number of memorable performances by actresses. 1949-51 also strikes me as a good run, and of course 1970-75 too.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-48742764944622883012013-02-28T23:53:30.921-08:002013-02-28T23:53:30.921-08:00Some years are better than others, right? When I ...Some years are better than others, right? When I wrote about Hugo and 2012 being a standout year, I pondered this question, too. I came up with my top 10 years for film: 1939, 1940, 1941, 1950, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1976, and 1994. Of course, most people can find at least one or two films from every year that they consider classic(s), but it is more difficult to pinpoint a whole year's worth of cinema. Intriguing post, Eve.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-52469519786545636112013-02-28T15:43:27.514-08:002013-02-28T15:43:27.514-08:00CW, The first movies that come to my mind from 194...CW, The first movies that come to my mind from 1944 are "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "Laura" - so it's not hard to see how it became your favorite year. What an undertaking, though, I'm not sure I could do it.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.com