The Fighting Sullivans, RKO 1944
 

To me, there is no war picture more heart wrenching than the true story of The Fighting Sullivans.
My hobby is WWII history and classic films, and the story of losing five brothers on the USS Juneau and how it impacted the
nation and military policy (pre-private Ryan) has always had an affect on me— along with the movie which was nominated for Best Story.
I wanted to share the scene when Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan receive a personal visit from three naval officers to deliver the news that their
sons had died. Mr. Sullivan (played by Thomas Mitchell) asks, "which one?" The naval officer (Ward Bond) replies, "All five."
The scene is not available so I'm posting a lighter sequence of the Sullivans as young boys along with other facts.
Enjoy the clip from this great movie, and the memory of the five Sullivan brothers.

The Fighting Sullivans, RKO, 1944

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26zUEV25nmE"]YouTube- Lessons Lost in Today's World - Lesson #64[/ame]



Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

"The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy,
inspired me to write you this personal message. I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief.

"As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know that the entire nation shares your sorrow.
I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit
in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has informed me of the expressed desire of your sons;
George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship.
I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by side. As one of your sons wrote,
`We will make a team together that can't be beat.' It is this spirit which in the end must triumph.

"Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of
your sons. I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfishness
and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the
face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people.

"I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort
and help that only He can bring.

Very sincerely yours,

"/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt"

I love The Fighting Sullivans, but I think my favorite war, well post-war movie, is 'The Best Years of Our Lives' - great film!! Myrna Loy & Frederic March - it just don't better then that!

The Best Years of Our Lives IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALLLLLLL TIME. I have the movie, the main title, and iI've seen it like 100 times. The best movie ever, and the best from William Wyler, my idol.

Quick correction-The Fighting Sullivans
 

The Fighting Sullivans was released through Republic Pictures, not RKO.
helps if i type in the right studio, heh.

My def. of film noire: fist fights and their hats never fall off.

Edited to add: I've googled Rita's bio, and they all say she was born in Brookly, NY - now I've read dif versions of her origins, so who knows which version is true...


Hi, Petal - ol' classic movie fanatic here!!!

Yeah, I love that shot!!!

Little known fact about Rita - she was Spanish. Her real name was Rita Cansino. She had jet black hair with a very prominent 'widow's peak' on her forhead removed via electrolisis. Then her tresses were colored the red she became famous for. Intensive speach and eloqution lessons got rid of her Spanish accent. She had been a dancer in Spain - teamed with her brother - a skill and talent that served her well in Hollywood.

She'd been married to Orson Welles - le enfant terrible, and directorial genius, and consumate actor as well. Then she married Ali Khan, and became America's first princess (no, it wasn't Grace Kelly - Rita was the first.).

Poor Rita was struck with Altzheimers desease, and died quite young - I think in her 50's. Her daughter, Jasmin (issue of Rita's marriage to Ali Kahn), was a very big advocate and spokesperson for the Altzheimer's Desease organization.

Rita, bomshell and beloved by us all!! We remember and love you.

LOL, oh stop!!! The best description of Noir is dark, wet, sleek streets, shadows and dark alleys that go nowhere - deadend streets with no light...and the ongoing angst of the characters. ;)

Two 'stepchild' studios...add Columbia, usually rated in the same category. However, they never saw it coming when 'It Happened One Night' won the Oscar for best picture, plus 4 more Oscars that year! Not bad for a 'sleeper' film, and MGM's 'punishment' for Clark Gable, and Colbert's 'fill-in' between films and her vacation!!!

Just finished watchin A Duel In The Sun - Jennifer Jones at her best, IMO. I love this movie, because I love Jennifer Jones. The scenes at the end of the movie are the best - such passion!! Love/Hate at it's best. I've never seen anything to compare with those last scenes of this film - the music score enhances the momentum and drama - an exceptional film on all counts!!! Gregory Peck - Mr. Nice Guy, in a devilish and 'bad-boy' role, and Joseph Cotton with his smooth, velvety voice as the 'good' brother, is also exceptional in this film - one of my favorites!

Now playing on TCM: 'Indescretion of an American Housewife' - Jennifer Jones again. Terrific movie, add Monty Cliff, and it's a 'must-see' addition to your list!! Monty Cliff is in a category all his own which I won't go into right now!!

She's a beauty and married to Selznick. hey, seriously, when you think about it, watch fist fights. 9 times out of 10 their hats stay on lol...i'm being silly, comrade.


cya at the movies

I know, comrade, you're entitled...why am I feeling like Ninochka??? lol

You are more then welcome, Graphita2, thanks for joining us!! Would love to hear from someone who's experienced in the classic movie rhelm...please do come join in the discussion.

I am presently watching 'Anne Frank's Diary' - great film, outstanding actors. Anyone care to disuss?

Saw 'Room at the Top' this morning...couldn't sleep. Great performances by Lawrence Harvey, and Simone Signoret - two under-rated actors, at least in American film IMO. Signoret was probably bigger in France, her native country. Harvey, a British import, has done some wonderful films in the US. 'The Manchrian Candidate' (1962) being his tour-de-force IMO - steller cast as well.

This is awesome! Before we moved, our neighbor "Johnboy" had quite the few chickens. He named them all after Hitchcock's "chicks". We of course gave him mostly all things Hitchcockian for gifts... Christmas/ birthdays, etc.

Great collection of photos! Thanks

The first French woman to win the Oscar for that in the late 50s. Sexy as hell, I remember her in Ship of Fools (I believe)

Yes, sexy as hell, esp in 'Room at the Top'. Besides the Oscar, she also won the Cannes Film Festival award for this film as well.

Did you see her in 'Games' (1967) with Katherine Ross, James Caan. It was an intriguing film, with a strange twist at the end...good movie.

I know. You didn't read my post right. I said an Oscar for Room at the Top.
I was remembering her in Ship of Fools

I realized that after I posted. I went back and corrected my post.

i can do without a Forrest Gump marathon on AMC...enough already...there's plenty of oscar winners out there without them repeating this "yawrn". i didn't like it when i saw it at the theatre. and i don;t consider it a classic. my .02

One of my favorites from the old guard.
I liked his presence in his movies, his range of roles,
and the fact that, according to his bio,
"He was one of the first Hollywood celebrities to declare his support for the gay rights movement,
in his Playboy interview from January 1969. He further stated that he would have no problem playing gay
characters on screen, since he was secure with his own sexual orientation."
I'm watching The Dirty Dozen, a helluva lot more entertaining
than Forrest Gump.

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...Picture7-3.png

See ya at the movies.

I was watching this too - not one of my faves, as I'm not that keen on war movies, altho admitedly, there are some wonderful war flicks. I fell asleep before finishing it. Lee Marvin has a very strong personality - to me, he is the epitome of 'macho'. Indeed, he can be comfortable in his skin playing a gay man, or any 'deviant' role - who could ever question his manhood? Certainly not I!!!

John Casavettes who plays Franco in The Dirty Dozen won an Oscar for his performance. Everytime I see him, I can't help thinking of 'Rosmary's Baby', lol. He also directed, and worked behind the scenes alot. Married to Gina Rawlins, their son, John Jr. is a director himself.

Yeah, what's up with the Gump marathon?? I dislike AMC, and rarely watch it unless I come across a really good film they may be showing...it irritates me to no end that they have commercials. And if they *must*, good grief, why can't they show 'em BETWEEN movies!!!! grrrrrr.

Oh, btw, Ol' Jet...West Side Story will be showing soon - I think next Tuesday, but you can check TCM's schedule to make sure.

Ben Hur on on Sunday at 8pm.

Question - how do you like the 'between-the-films' discussions, commentaries, dialougues that go on? Robert Osborne, whom I admire greatly - the man's a 'walking encyclopedia' is very informative. I also love his 'guest programmers', interviews, etc. I have been watching TCM on a daily basis (well, almost) for 15 years - since it started. I have learned a wealth of background info on everything to do with Hollywood, so very interesting. I also have a large collection of books on Hollywood, it's history and beginnings, the studio system, bios on the stars, etc. I have Volumes I & II of Hollywood Bablyon - a very interesting (and eye-opening) insight to juicy scandal and little known facts about the Icons we love so much!!! A good read indeed!!!!

I'm having a southern dinner with my good friend Mel who has spent the day cooking southern. But I'll come back and respond later...just checking the thread for now...not on ignore. she's fixing food from the south carolina gullah..i'm honored to be entertained with this tradition....sorry for the derail

Derails are cool, Ol' Jet...
was perusing YouTube and came across this - mostly forgotton nowadays, but I love her.

Here's Nancy Wilson, one ebony beauty singing to the images of another...RIP Josephine, I love you!!

Ol' Jo, had both male and female lovers - and who can blame them! She was stunningly beautiful!!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3986lZE0Gc&NR=1&feature=fvwp"]YouTube- Tribute to Josephine Baker[/ame]

Another Simone Signoret film I'd forgotten about, but facsinating:
"Diabolique' - have you seen that one, Ol' Jet?

Oh, btw, I've been meaning to ask for the longest...did you ever get to see 'Sweet Smell of Success'? If so, what did you think of it?

West Side Story, I coulda been a Jet
 

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...n/OldJet-2.jpg

I was 5 years old when West Side Story was released in 1961.
I don't remember seeing it until I was maybe 7 or 8 at the drive-in with my parents. I loved the music and
choreoghraphy especially the Blues Promenade in the gym, The Jet Song, Somewhere, Tonight and Maria.
I'm glad we have these actors and performances on film, remaining timeless, and the sensitive,
intense Romeo and Juliet romance of West Side Story.

I could go on about Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins and Oscars and all of that, but I have a more of a heartfelt view.
I chose my screen name and composed my signature montage around West Side Story because if I could be anywhere,
anytime, anyone it would be a Jet in West Side Story—at least for a day. I like it's raw energy, it's streetwise edge,
the nuances of the early 60s, and the old school romance of falling in love at first sight.

That said....

This is my small tribute to the people that were so fortunate to make it happen and who they are now.
Thanks for reminding us that it will be on Cinderella. Long live West Side Story.

__________________________________________________ ____


Richard Beymer, Tony

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...icture16-3.png | http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...icture14-2.png


Russ Tamblyn, Riff

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...icture11-1.png | http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...ussTamblyn.jpg

George Chakiris, Best Supporting Actor, Bernardo

http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/a...aBernardo1.jpg | http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...icture12-1.png

Rita Moreno, Best Supporting Actress, Anita

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The late Natalie Wood, Maria

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The Jet Song

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exGJsv6ZNlo"]YouTube- West Side Story-Jet Song[/ame]

I've never seen Diabolique aired. Would you believe twice "Sweet ...Success" aired I missed it, lol. But i like that kind of drama, Lancaster, Curtis etc. so I'll watch for it again.

From WEST SIDE STORY: HOMOSEXUAL SPACE OPERA AT ITS FINEST by Edmund Yeo:
"a dystopian America in which menacing street gangs control New York, and violence (both physical and emotional) and repressed homosexual attraction are sublimated into spontaneous, flamboyant eruptions of singing and dancing."

From Robert Hilferty:
"IN THE 1950’s, four gay men of genius got together and created what is arguably the greatest Broadway show ever. The brainchild of choreographer Jerome Robbins, West Side Story was initially going to be called “East Side Story” and focus on Jewish–Catholic tensions. But once the more dramatic gang war idea took hold, pitting white Americans against Puerto Ricans on rough turf on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the team’s imagination was fired up. West Side Story was Stephen Sondheim’s first Broadway show as a lyricist and Leonard Bernstein’s fourth Broadway score (after On the Town, Wonderful Town, and the Broadway operetta Candide). Arthur Laurents, later famous for Gypsy, wrote the book.
West Side Story was a groundbreaking musical tragedy with two corpses on stage at the end of Act I. The dance-driven vehicle featured a stunning score with operatic and symphonic sophistication, an eclectic mix of memorable tunes unified through the use of the “tritone”—an interval of three dissonant whole notes that produced a feeling of tension or dread (you can hear it clearly at the beginning of “Maria”). The ever-resourceful Bernstein even included a jazzy 12-tone fugue in his number, “Cool.”
The show opened in 1957 and had a successful run of 732 performances. However, it lost the Tony for Best Musical to the more upbeat The Music Man. In 1961, a movie version starring Natalie Wood was released, nabbing ten Oscars. The LP of the movie soundtrack sold like hotcakes."

Love it!
And what's not to like about Anybodys?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/...cdfb21360f.jpg

Jet's Movie Mix - Romantic Tearjerkers
 

Remember bundles, comrade?
I want to suggest mixes of movies that work well together for night of popcorn and nostalgia. This is for the benefit of anyone isn't familiar with great movies and who would like to learn. I could do dozens of these. But two movies that come to mind for a night of romantic tearjerkers, are Made For Each Other, 1939 with James Stewart and Carole Lombard and Penny Serenade, 1941 with Cary Grant and Irene Dunn. Same themes—two great stories about marriage, struggles and heartache. Bring your Kleenex and plan on enjoying two classically tender movies. Here are a couple of samples....

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbM8VNSZaZY"]YouTube- Made For Each Other 7/12 (1939)[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZN4glAGNME"]YouTube- Penny Serenade 13/16 (1941)[/ame]

[QUOTE=Ol' Jet;58134]Remember bundles, comrade?
I want to suggest mixes of movies that work well together for night of popcorn and nostalgia. This is for the benefit of anyone isn't familiar with great movies and who would like to learn. I could do dozens of these. But two movies that come to mind for a night of romantic tearjerkers, are Made For Each Other, 1939 with James Stewart and Carole Lombard and Penny Serenade, 1941 with Cary Grant and Irene Dunn. Same themes—two great stories about marriage, struggles and heartache. Bring your Kleenex and plan on enjoying two classically tender movies. Here are a couple of samples....

Wonderful idea!
I recommend as a double feature:

Tod Browning's "Freaks"
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBXyB7niEc0"]YouTube- gooble gobble[/ame]

And "Les Diaboliques":
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdiybpH6wEQ"]YouTube- "LES DIABOLIQUES" - Excerpt[/ame]

I admire Robert Osborne totally. I did post the cover of Hollywood Babylon, the first edition earlier, don't know if you saw it. I didn't read the second one, but I was fascinated with the scandals etc. I have Hollywood coffee table hardbacks back home in storage, The MGM Story, 50 Years of Movies and The Movie Stars. They were given to me as gifts from my mom and friends. Anything I learned about movies just came from liking them.

Kenneth Anger is so freaking great.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CHLsN29AEA"]YouTube- THE FILMS OF KENNETH ANGER VOL. 1 DVD TRAILER[/ame]

Too bad Hollywood Babylon 3 was nixed.
http://old.disinfo.com/archive/pages...pg1/index.html

Cyclopea, thanks for correcting the spelling of Gina Rowlands name, sorry. I do that alot, lol. But it's good to see that folks are 'on their toes' about this sort of thing!! Warms my heart!!

I hope this doesn't come off as sounding pompous, or discourage folks that are not as knowledgeable into not participating - but it's such a pleasure to chat with you guys. You are both so knowledgeable and informed. I've tried starting a similar thread on another site, but with the exception of a couple of peeps, all I'm getting is titles, and 'Yeah, I liked that one', etc. No in-depth discussions which was what I was hoping for.

I suggested assigning a film for all of us to watch, then discuss. That too didn't work out as well as I would've liked it to. Perhaps it's my fault not having very good moderating skills, or perhaps not enough structure, whatever the reason...it's not working.

On this thread I am feeling more 'fulfilled' in my search for discussion, and the vids & commentaries are awesome. Yes, we may be 'all over the place', but I am enjoying this immensely.

Ol' Jet, I knew of your love for WSS - that's why I mentioned it. And you prob *were* a Jet in another life!! :)

One of my great fantacies is to be a guest programmer on TCM. Not only would I get to meet and chat with my idol - Robert Osborne, but I'd get to pick 3 great films!! Question - which 3 would you pick, and why? I know it's very hard to pick just 3, but if you had to, which would they be? Here's my choice:

1. My Cousin Rachel (Richard Burton's American debut) - because it's never been aired, and is a great Gothic romance, along the lines of Wuthering Heights (another favorite of mine)

2. Witness for the Prosecution - just because it's an awesome Billie Wilder film, and they just don't show it enough!

3. Judgement at Nuremburg (what an incredible cast!!) - reason, same as #2.

Freakishly mesmerizing!! Reminds me of a French film - Beauty & the Beast - Whoopie Goldberg's choice as a guest programmer on TCM. I will search for a clip of the vid on YouTube. It's an enchantingly strange film with somewhat of a 'freakish' twist.