Truly honestly, these are really must-buy for me. "Midnight" is just superb!!! And "Easy Living" I have never seen, but I yearned for it! Preston Sturges (who scripted both) rocks!
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 9:33 am
by Dewey1960
AnnHarding, that's the best news I've had all day, despite the fact that it's not quite yet 7:00 am. MIDNIGHT is one of my favorite films of all time and, I think once it becomes widely seen (with the hopes that it does) it's quite likely that MIDNIGHT will take its rightful place as one of the supreme comedies from Hollywood's golden age. An absolutely hilarious, brilliantly written, directed and played film, as the scene featured below readily proves.
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Posted: January 12th, 2008, 10:41 am
by Ann Harding
I completely agree Dewey!
Brackett & Wilder wrote one of the most hilarious script ever. It's always been one of my favourite comedies.
Easy Living which I saw recently on a big screen boast a really funny Preston Sturges script. Some scenes are just wonderful: Jean Arthur and Ray Milland fighting their way in a automated self-service is quite amazing.
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 11:05 am
by Dewey1960
AnnH, have you read David Chierichetti's book Mitchell Leisen: Hollywood Director? If not (and I suspect you have) I recommend it highly. Incredibly interesting background on the man and his films. Leisen truly is a director in need of serious re-evaluation. And now that MIDNIGHT and EASY LIVING are slated for DVD release, possibly we will see REMEMBER THE NIGHT (also scripted by Sturges) on DVD sometime soon. I believe it rivals MIDNIGHT as Leisen's finest film.
[youtube][/youtube]
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 11:41 am
by Ann Harding
No, I haven't. But, I'll definitely look for it.
Next summer, the Paris cinémathèque organises a full retrospective of Leisen.
I can't wait to see some of his rarest films.
So far, I have seen Midnight, Easy Living, Arise My Love, Death Takes a Holiday, Hands Across the Table.
I also recommend James Harvey's fabulous volume 'Romantic Comedy in Hollywood'. There is quite a lot about Leisen in this book.
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 11:49 am
by movieman1957
Being apparently one of only a few to have a VHS of "Easy Living" I am thrilled it is coming on DVD. No one I have introduced it to has ever been disappointed. It is great fun. Jean Arthur having found her stride in this type of comedy is great and some might get a new perspective on Ray Milland. Edward Arnold is at his typical "fat cat" best.
"Midnight" I managed to tape from TV. Colbert is fun. Barrymore is a wonderful surprise. I think people might see a new Don Ameche.
This is great news and long overdue.
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 12:44 pm
by feaito
feaito wrote:Wow!! Thanks for the news Christine!!
Truly honestly, these are really must-buy for me. "Midnight" is just superb!!! And "Easy Living" I have never seen, but I yearned for it! Preston Sturges (who scripted both) rocks!
What was I thinking of!! Sorry for the gaffe, as Christine correctly says, it's Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett who scripted "Midnight"... I most probably mixed it up with "Remember the Night", another jewel I have on VHS, scripted by Sturges.
Posted: January 12th, 2008, 3:05 pm
by feaito
Ann Harding wrote:No, I haven't. But, I'll definitely look for it.
Next summer, the Paris cinémathèque organises a full retrospective of Leisen.
I can't wait to see some of his rarest films.
So far, I have seen Midnight, Easy Living, Arise My Love, Death Takes a Holiday, Hands Across the Table.
I also recommend James Harvey's fabulous volume 'Romantic Comedy in Hollywood'. There is quite a lot about Leisen in this book.
"Hands Across the Table" & "Death Takes a Holiday" are both excellent! I wonder how it would be like seeing them on the Big Screen. It should be a wonderful experience. I have never seen "Arise my Love".
On the other hand I have Leisen's "No Time For Love" on tape and waiting to be seen!
I second the recommendation regarding the Harvey Book. I read it and it's very enlightening. I also read "Fast-Talking Dames" by Maria Di Battista and while not as good as Harvey's book it was still worthwhile. I have also "The Runaway Bride"- Hollywood Romantic Comedy of the 1930s by Elizabeth Kendall, but have not yet read it.
Sorry for the gaffe, as Christine correctly says, it's Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett who scripted "Midnight"... I most probably mixed it up with "Remember the Night", another jewel I have on VHS, scripted by Sturges.