tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post8025441003114633717..comments2024-02-05T21:23:49.249-08:00Comments on Lady Eve's Reel Life: CMBA Movies of 1939 Blogathon - The Private Lives of Elizabeth and EssexThe Lady Evehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-8253902667598069152021-08-28T01:51:38.824-07:002021-08-28T01:51:38.824-07:00Inter Series - ซีรี่ย์ฝรั่ง doonungth เว็บดูหนัง ซ...Inter Series - ซีรี่ย์ฝรั่ง doonungth เว็บดูหนัง ซีรี่ย์ฝรั่ง ซีรี่ย์เกาหลี Netflix <a href="https://doonungth.com/category/%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9D%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87" rel="nofollow">ซีรี่ย์ฝรั่ง</a>cooking copyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10868742553239602805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-19464126647641651702015-01-16T04:05:41.960-08:002015-01-16T04:05:41.960-08:00Great review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.Great <a href="https://filestubealternative.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">review</a>. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14971980118581107399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-55366343751646497912011-05-23T06:19:43.050-07:002011-05-23T06:19:43.050-07:00Hi Lara - good to hear from you and glad you stopp...Hi Lara - good to hear from you and glad you stopped by. Was watching "In This Our Life" the other night - Bette and Olivia. Both excellent actresses and great Warner Bros. stars at the time. Interesting film, too. Thanks for your kind words about this blog - yours is coming along ver nicely. It's a lot of work, isn't it?<br />TLEThe Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-32588442704590828022011-05-23T03:19:51.156-07:002011-05-23T03:19:51.156-07:00I love this movie so much! Marvelous performances ...I love this movie so much! Marvelous performances all around, I always enjoy when Bette and Olivia, two of my favorite people, are together on the screen! You have a wonderful blog, and I really like how in-depth it is. My classic film blog is just getting off the ground, and I really want to make it like this. Thanks! -Lara (at Backlots)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-7083127037665943132011-05-22T03:20:54.270-07:002011-05-22T03:20:54.270-07:00Hope you don't mind, Eve, but in visiting I sa...Hope you don't mind, Eve, but in visiting I saw <br />Rushblog's comment and your response. I was interested (of course) and also thought Forsyte Woman was a good part for him because he almost disappeared as "Errol Flynn" in that sombre part, always a good sign that a good acting job is being done.<br /><br />I think my 2 favorites of his best acting, aside from his wonderful swashbuckler, were Uncertain Glory (which is in your set, Eve), and the supporting role in The Sun Also Rises. He was particularly good in that one. Just some thoughts.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-9311596371433118012011-05-21T23:30:54.608-07:002011-05-21T23:30:54.608-07:00My own favorite of Errol Flynn’s performances is a...My own favorite of Errol Flynn’s performances is as Soames Forsyte in “That Forsyte Woman.”<br /><br />From what I’ve read about Flynn on movie sets, it sounds as though he was fairly undisciplined and irresponsible. Of course, many things may have contributed to that. For example, through the early part of his Hollywood career he worked often but contentiously with Michael Curtiz. In 1941 he began working often and much more contentedly with Raoul Walsh.<br /><br />Next weekend I’ll be giving away the TCM Spotlight/Warner Home Video boxed set “Errol Flynn Adventures.” Four Raoul Walsh films are featured - "Desperate Journey,” “Northern Pursuit,” “Uncertain Glory” and Objective Burma!” - plus “Edge of Darkness,” directed by Lewis Milestone. I’ll be posting giveaway details early next week along with more on the films included and the career of Errol Flynn.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-42985434165134966592011-05-21T21:04:17.756-07:002011-05-21T21:04:17.756-07:00Actually Flynn was a pretty first-rate actor. He ...Actually Flynn was a pretty first-rate actor. He gave the best performance in the 1949 movie, "THAT FORSYTE WOMAN". I think he had a tendency to be a bit lazy on the set. Except for 1940's "THE SEA HAWK". He was on time and knew his lines, due to his admiration of co-star Flora Robson. Michael Curtiz was flabbergasted, because Flynn had never been this disciplined before.The Rush Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667282586023023623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-16619426370033001082011-05-20T12:33:10.584-07:002011-05-20T12:33:10.584-07:00Gypsy - Fortunately for me, "Perry Mason"...Gypsy - Fortunately for me, "Perry Mason" airs on a local San Francisco station every day at noon. I'm going to see if I can locate a detailed schedule. Would love to see Bette's episode - thanks!The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-21008334900827375722011-05-19T16:44:26.265-07:002011-05-19T16:44:26.265-07:00Eve, I wanted to share some entirely unrelated tri...Eve, I wanted to share some entirely unrelated trivia that you might find interesting. A local channel airs re-runs of the Perry Mason show, and last night's episode was titled, "The Constant Doyle" and starred Bette Davis. The episode was shot during a period in the series's run when Raymond Burr had been injured and called on friends to help fill the void during his absence. If you have a chance, try to record the show, you won't be disappointed.whistlingypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126688373252306609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-92096805913141146242011-05-19T11:34:44.129-07:002011-05-19T11:34:44.129-07:00Thank you, Kitty, for such kind words and high pra...Thank you, Kitty, for such kind words and high praise. You might be interested to know that (and I think Jacqueline will appreciate this, too) "Tricky is the determined female" nearly became the secondary title of this blog.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-43086636435017470282011-05-18T23:52:56.720-07:002011-05-18T23:52:56.720-07:00Astute, intelligent, and above all, wonderfully en...Astute, intelligent, and above all, wonderfully entertaining, this is one of the best critiques of a classic film I've come across in recent memory. Your passion is palpable and result is infectious-- THANK YOU for letting us be a part of it! (Oh yes: "Tricky is the determined female" is my new mantra!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-36702620442211993662011-05-18T22:20:58.223-07:002011-05-18T22:20:58.223-07:00Normally I try to respond to every comment, but th...Normally I try to respond to every comment, but this blog posted on a weekday - and I'm a working lady with a long commute - plus, these comments came in so quickly that I was almost instantly way behind with no chance of catching up.<br /><br />I want to thank you all for taking the time to read about "Elizabeth & Essex" and comment on it.<br /><br />I watched the film a few times as I worked on the blog. I'm not sure why I picked "Elizabeth & Essex," really, it may have been out of curiousity about a film that starred Bette with which I wasn't too familiar and about which I had mixed feelings. Not sure. But once I got into it I was swept away. I didn't come away from the process with an entirely new opinion of the film. I still think it is flawed - primarily because it seems to have a "split personality" (Curtiz/Flynn Tudor epic vs. Bette Davis historical drama). As R.D. observed, the technical fireworks can overwhelm the drama. But I do have a more positive view of it than I did going in. I don't think Essex was Errol Flynn's finest hour, but he has his moments (Gypsy made an incisive comment on the dynamics between Essex and Elizabeth as reflected in Flynn's situation, as an actor, with Davis). I have to say, though, that I would have been thrilled to see what Davis and Olivier might've been together. And Bette...she all but spontaneously combusts as Elizabeth - this has to be one of her most flamboyant performances. It may not be her best ("The Letter" is my personal favorite right now), but damn, Bette Davis is good and there's never been anyone like her...The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-66177804041866948002011-05-18T16:00:59.463-07:002011-05-18T16:00:59.463-07:00Although I enjoy historically based films; I haven...Although I enjoy historically based films; I haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching Bette Davis in this iconic role. I have seen Katharine Hepburn in Mary Queen Of Scots (1939), but I have no explanation for why I haven’t watched The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex, it is a bit mystifying in light of your fascinating look at the making of this film. My first observation is the extraordinary quality of the Technicolor in the photos you have included with your post, which match the beauty in the all too brief “slap scene.” Your description of Elizabeth’s world as “an enormous chest of jewels” seems to reflect both the historical accuracy and the lavish qualities of a Warner Bros. production. I believe Bette Davis had keen intuition in wanting Laurence Olivier in the role of Essex; he was both gorgeous and glorious in Fire Over England (1937) with Vivien Leigh. Perhaps, given the characters each was playing, the uneven match between Davis’s Elizabeth and Flynn’s Essex more accurately reflects the original dynamics between a sovereign and her subject. A nice moment between Bette and Charles; I especially like that he was willing to let her kid him regarding their “filial” relationship while giving her fatherly advice. Eve, as always your review is entertaining and informative; your research intrigues and your perspective shows me I need to add this to my list of films to watch.whistlingypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126688373252306609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-66919658603793730282011-05-18T11:46:28.827-07:002011-05-18T11:46:28.827-07:00Great review! I had no idea Bette Davis wanted Oli...Great review! I had no idea Bette Davis wanted Olivier for the part of Essex (although I have heard she had a rather large crush on him). I haven't seen this film, but now I think I just might add it to the lovefilm queueKendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249077643561441898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-17266324803665862012011-05-17T23:42:59.322-07:002011-05-17T23:42:59.322-07:00Eve, an admirably thorough post on a movie I find ...Eve, an admirably thorough post on a movie I find enjoyable if not exactly great. I especially liked your detailed consideration of the costumes, production design, and lovely color photography. These things are so impressive that for me they tend to overwhelm the dramatics. Davis is great, though. Her total commitment to this role is evident the whole way through. But she does seem to be working so hard that it isn't exactly a relaxed performance. Maybe that wasn't so bad, in that it added to the intensity of the character. Flynn had obvious limitations as an actor, but in a way he is quite convincing as a brash but rather vapid stud. One thing that disconcerted me, though, was the way Davis was continuously giving little palsied jerks of her head throughout the movie. Did anyone else notice this? At times, it was all I could focus on!R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-61524974187016788132011-05-17T21:25:51.494-07:002011-05-17T21:25:51.494-07:00Eve, you would certainly know that I would read th...Eve, you would certainly know that I would read this article with great enthusiasm! Like Rick, I think Flynn was underrated. His beauty and charisma were so strong that I think his acting ability took second place when people watched his movies. I think in this movie, he was excellent in most ways, particularly with anger and ambition. But even I, (forgive me Errol) thought he did one scene pretty badly -- it is in the trailer you provided, where he says I love her, I hate her, I adore her. Not well delivered! But, I don't care! LOL! I think it's silly for Bette or others to say Olivier would have been "better". He was a classically trained actor, considered the best of his generation, so yeah, he would have been great. I don't think that takes away from Flynn's particular portrayal.<br /><br />Bette Davis -- to me the greatest of actresses. That woman could do anything. She WAS Elizabeth, and her deep dedication to the part shows in every frame of the film. Your background information is just fascinating, and your assessment of the movie thoughtful and insightful.<br /><br />Excellent as always, Eve. Important contribution to the blogathon. Many thanks!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-7531724095047054622011-05-17T17:51:35.312-07:002011-05-17T17:51:35.312-07:00The photo of Bette as the queen at the beginning o...The photo of Bette as the queen at the beginning of your post took my breath away - she really is a portrait come to life. I always wonder why the dvd of this film is included in the Errol Flynn Collection and not the Bette Davis one - it's clearly her film. What a pity she and Laughton never made a film together - imagine those 2 powerhouses together onscreen! Thanks so much for your informative and excellent post, I really enjoyed learning about the movie's background and creative personnel.Grand Old Movieshttp://grandoldmovies.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-67449034456724222942011-05-17T17:21:35.160-07:002011-05-17T17:21:35.160-07:00Umm Ummm Ummm - what a FANtastic review! Chock ful...Umm Ummm Ummm - what a FANtastic review! Chock full of insights and tidbits - one of my favorites - just great!FlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-82846036752338440202011-05-17T17:13:21.944-07:002011-05-17T17:13:21.944-07:00Eve,
I have to agree with others that this was an ...Eve,<br />I have to agree with others that this was an enjoyable film to watch and lets be honest here, the off camera drama added to it's appeal!<br /><br />Your post is beautifully done and it does do justice to a controversial but stellar piece of cinema. <br />PagePagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15063277863578004836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-26949912964015394252011-05-17T16:10:07.718-07:002011-05-17T16:10:07.718-07:00There’s a reason I didn’t include the often cited ...There’s a reason I didn’t include the often cited story that Bette Davis eventually changed her mind and decided that Errol Flynn had been a great (or “damn good” or “marvelous” or “brilliant”) Essex. It’s because she continued to grouse in her late years about how perfect Olivier would have been in the role - and she also continued to say that, although “beautiful,” Flynn was “no actor,” etc. I decided to just leave it alone.<br /><br />Thanks to all for your kind comments.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-21996190353738808892011-05-17T15:45:12.829-07:002011-05-17T15:45:12.829-07:00Eve - You have done the Queen proud with your usu...Eve - You have done the Queen proud with your usual fascinating backstory. 1939 was certainly a great year for Davis, but for me Errol Flynn is just not in the same league with the lady and it shows. It would have been a different film with Mr. Olivier in the role.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808503055317962289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-41273320866640246802011-05-17T14:35:44.372-07:002011-05-17T14:35:44.372-07:00A wonderful post and review of Elizabeth and Essex...A wonderful post and review of Elizabeth and Essex. You've provided evrything we would want to know about this film and its production. It remains a classic and a model to study of how the studio system worked. The design aspects are especially interesting to me and I love the anecdote you added about Orry-Kelly's costumes. Thank you.Christian Esquevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04442827724576856379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-5551745043462048502011-05-17T13:47:29.154-07:002011-05-17T13:47:29.154-07:00good film...great post...certainly better than HEN...good film...great post...certainly better than HENRY VII...good shout out to ANTON GROT & SOL POLITO, the "little people" who make the difference!!doctor sabelotodohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17753057330165133638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-54602839535579401562011-05-17T11:47:45.137-07:002011-05-17T11:47:45.137-07:00Wonderful post, Eve. I always liked this film, eve...Wonderful post, Eve. I always liked this film, even before I knew what was happening off-camera. Bette and Errol made a good combination, and she was clearly up to the challenge of playing Elizabeth. I prefer this to her later "Virgin Queen." And, that tidbit at the end about Laughton is dynamite. Don't all the great ones follow that advice?Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-19419575087915749672011-05-17T10:52:44.552-07:002011-05-17T10:52:44.552-07:00This was a wonderful post. I've yet to see thi...This was a wonderful post. I've yet to see this one and now I'm thinking I should put it at the top of the list. Whether or not you like Davis, you have to admire her sheer courage as an actress. The anecdote about her and Laughton at the end was touching.Aubynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00446079492480611898noreply@blogger.com