“Still Safe At Home At the Movies….Toujours L’Amour” February 2021 Vol, II, No. 2 By Stephanie Mardesich
“Still Safe At Home At the Movies….Toujours L’Amour”
By Stephanie Mardesich
It’s February and love abounds with Cupid’s arrows piercing hearts and the passion of Aphrodite unleashed on countless lovers. On the “silver screen” traditional romance - unrequited or comic - quirky romps, exceptional scenarios, sensual moments, represent capricious and captivating stories. As the song goes “Love makes the world go round….” and much entertainment to be savored. Enjoy your favorite movie candy viewing some great films with deep sentiment, joy, laughter, and maybe a few tears.
Love Letters (USA, Hal Wallis Productions, 1945, 101 min., dir. William Dierterle)
Mystery and romance at the end of WWII with American soldier stationed in Italy Alan Quinton (Joseph Cotton) playing “Cyrano” and penning love letters for army buddy Roger Morland (Robert Sully) to his sweetheart Victoria (Jennifer Jones). Roger married Victoria to an unhappy end, he’s killed and did she do it? Hard to say because she has amnesia and recalls nothing of her earlier life. It’s revealed that Alan fell in love with Victoria when they wrote anonymously and the plot becomes more complicated. Screenplay was adapted by Ayn Rand (known for her prose) from the novel Pity My Simplicity by Christopher Massie. Four Academy Award® nominations including “Best Actress” for Jones; and haunting score and theme song “Love Letters” still a classic ballad recorded over the decades.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037885/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
One Touch of Venus (USA, Artists Alliance/Universal International, 1948, 82 min., dir. William Heiter)
Department store window dresser Eddie Hatch (Robert Walker) is mesmerized by classic “mannequin” statue of the goddess of love Venus (Ava Gardner). Miraculously the statue comes to life and he falls head over heels in love. With Venus in the flesh, and the statue apparently stolen Eddie is accused of stealing the valuable objet d’art. Venus returns to her pedestal to save his hide. Having lost his love Eddie is forlorn until he’s tapped on the shoulder by new colleague Venus Jones, and potential “happy ever after.”
Adapted from Broadway musical stage hit of 1943 with many changes and only three songs in the picture including the haunting “Speak Low” that’s survived the decades and still performed and recorded. The movie probably inspired the popular film Mannequin (starred Kim Cattrall).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040669/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1955, 102 min., dir. Henry King)
True story based on Han Suyin novel of same name. When American journalist/correspondent Mark Elliot (William Holden), covering Chinese civil war who is posted in Hong Kong, meets Dr.Han Suyin (Jennifer Jones) it’s “restrained” love at first sight for these star and culture crossed lovers. Her family in the main land disdains her relationship with an Occidental and Mark who’s separated from his wife though clearly with divorce in mind. He’s posted to Korea where war is imminent and destiny doomed. Scenes of Hong Kong and Victoria Peak add to romantic allure. Three Oscars® for “Best” (beautiful classic romantic) song, score, costumes.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048316/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Picnic (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1955, 115 min., dir. Joshua Logan)
Script based on play by William Inge whose incisive in his rendition of America’s heartland. It’s Labor Day in small Kansas town and local beauty Madge Owens (Kim Novak) is to be queen of the holiday picnic. Transient Hal Carter (William Holden) arrives by boxcar, jumps off and goes door to door to find work and a meal. He’s looking for his college buddy Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson) whose one of the local gentry and aims to wed Madge, though she’s from the other side of the fence. When Madge and Hal meet it’s that sort of smoldering chemistry movies are made of. Hal gets into trouble and has to flee and Madge is torn between adhering to the caution of her mother Flo (Betty Field) who wants a more prosperous future for her daughter. Six Oscar® nods, two wins. Compelling performance by Rosalind Russell as the “spinster” school teacher Rosemary, award worthy yet no nominations. Arthur O’Connell as her erstwhile suitor Howard did garner Academy Award® for “Best Supporting Actor.” The sultry mood of the dance number with Blanche and Hal evening of the picnic with the haunting theme is a screen “classic.”
https://www.imdb.com/find?q=picnic&ref_=nv_sr_sm
Love In The Afternoon (USA, Billy Wilder Productions, 1957, 130 min., dir. Billy Wilder)
It’s Paris c. 1957 and American businessman Frank Flanagan (Gary Cooper) is being tailed by local private eye Claude Chavasse (Maurice Chevalier) on behalf of a client Mr. X (John McGiver) who suspects his wife of infidelity with the American, threatening to kill him. The threat is overheard by Claude’s musician daughter Ariane (Audrey Hepburn) who feels concern for the alleged “playboy” and contrives to meet him presenting herself as a mysterious “gal about town”, who intrigues Flannagan and a delightful afternoon ensues. He’s mildly intrigued, she falls in love. A day later he wings back to the U.S.A. with Ariane following his escapades via the news. He returns to the “City of Lights” a year later and he seeks out the mystery girl who fascinates him with her fabricated tales of love, that actually makes him jealous. Ergo he hires her father the detective to sleuth and find out who she really is.
The lovely tune “It Was Fascination” adds to the beguiling mood of the amusing, romantic movie, charming for any afternoon or evening. Especially with a bottle of “bubbly”! Three Golden Globe nods and Wilder nominated for DGA Award. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050658/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Note: Cooper was 28 years older than Hepburn, and the mid 1950s yielded several movies with older leading men and younger leading ladies, e.g. Daddy Long Legs (Fred Astaire & Leslie Caron), Funny Face (Fred Astaire & Audrey Hepburn), Sabrina (Humphrey Bogart & Audrey Hepburn) that was quite acceptable of the era, though the converse might not be so well received. There’s something about older women and younger men that’s never seemed as appropriate (e.g. Sunset Boulevard) until Something’s Gotta Give (Diane Keaton & Keanu Reeves) though ultimately it’s the older guy (Jack Nicholson) who she prefers.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050658/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Beloved Infidel (USA, Jerry Wald Productions, 1959, 123 min., not rated, dir. Henry King)
Adapted from book by English born entertainment writer Shielah Graham (Deborah Kerr) who came to USA from UK c. 1936 where Graham recounts the story of her significant relationship with F. Scott Fitzgerald (Gregory Peck) who she met very soon after arriving in Hollywood. His literary career brought him to “Tinsel Town” to make (quick) money writing scripts to sustain expenses of his child Scotti, and keep his infamous wife Zelda comfortably installed in mental institution. Graham was immediately smitten and broke off her engagement to another beau and began the long term relationship A truly bittersweet romance that culminated with his unexpected early death. Though Peck doesn’t resemble Fitzgerald he gave a credible, often heart wrenching performance.
Note: A successful syndicated “gossip”columnist, en par with Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper, Graham carried on after Fitzgerald’s demise, marrying and had two children and eventually retired to Palm Beach with some professional endeavors.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052617/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
The Yellow Rolls Royce (UK, MGM, 1964, 122 min., dir. Anthony Asquith)
Three stories in one movie that begins in late 1930s when aristocrat Lord Charles, Marquess of Frinton (Rex Harrison) purchases the unique yellow RR, belated anniversary present, for the his wife the Lady Eloise, Marchioness (Jeanne Moreau) that turns out to be a vehicle (pun intended) for her act of adultery.
Lord Charles sells the elegant vehicle and it moves on to the “continent” and the transportation for American gangster Paolo Maltese (George C. Scott) cavorting around Italy with his moll Mae Jenkins (Shirley MacLaine) whose naïve sweetness is abused by him and his neglect. He must temporarily return to the U.S.A. and leaves Mae to her own devices. She takes the car on the road becoming enamored with the landscape and Stefano (Alain Delon) a photographer who takes more than photos, leading to more illicit love in the aphrodisiac auto.
Movie culminates on the eve of WWII with accidental heroic effort of American heiress Gerda Millet (Ingrid Bergman) who takes the wheel to help Yugoslav resistance leader Davich (Omar Shariff) and more romance ensues. Song “Forget Domani” should have had Oscar® nod, as and for superb art direction, transports to another era. Nostalgic, romantic, intriguing, unforgettable.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059927/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Romeo & Juliet (UK/Italy, BHE Films, et al; 1966, 124 min., PG, dir. Franco Zefferilli)
Shakespeare’s famed story of polarized love between the descendents of the feuding Mantagues vs. Capulets. Juliet (Olivia Hussey) and Romeo (Leonard Whiting). The film was hugely popular in its time, and introduced youth of the world to the classic play vis a vis the silver screen, with such beautiful and handsome leading players. Curiously with four Oscar® nods, and two wins, the iconic and memorable theme and song “A Time For Us” was overlooked.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063518/awards?ref_=tt_awd
Two For The Road (UK, Stanley Donen Productions/20th Century Fox, 1967, 111 min., dir. Stanley Donen)
American collegian Johanna (Audrey Hepburn) on European tour with other students encounters British budding architect Mark Wallace (Albert Finney) then diverts from her group and takes up with him leading to marriage. They live in London and have one child. It’s a glorious romance and bumpy ride over the course of the next ten years that goes back and forth in time as the couple takes a journey from UK to St. Tropez. The poignant musical theme, by prodigious composer Henry Mancini, punctuates the story that yours truly has always remembered though didn’t see when the movie when debuted as it was much too “adult” yet with propriety. Hepburn is compelling in her metamorphosis from ingénue to adult; and ever the fashion plate in (her favorite) Givenchy couture, with equally chic hair styles. Finney is confident, totally sexy, at times caddish in this all too realistic view of the complications love and marriage. Oscar® nomination for best original screenplay well deserved and the score should have had a nod.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062407/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Love Story (USA, 1970, 100 min., dir. Arthur Hiller)
True “tear jerker” adapted from book by Erich Segal of same title with famous line “love means never having to say you’re sorry” uttered by Jenny Cavilerri (Ali McGraw), salt of the earth Italian stock, outspoken Radcliffe coed who Harvard man Oliver Barrett, IV (Ryan O’Neal) falls for against the “old money” New England credo of his family. In spite of their disparate backgrounds and cultural obstacles they do get together, marry and have what looks to be happy future ahead. Until Jenny becomes (fatally) ill and then it’s the beginning of the end. Their respective fathers Phil (John Marley) and Oliver Barret, III (Ray Milland) add to the pathos and tension.
Seven Oscar® nods, one win for beautiful “Best Score” that’s become a classic heard over the decades. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066011/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Camille Claudel
(France, Les Films Christian Fechner,Lilith Films I.A., Gaumont1988, 175 min., R, dir. Bruno Nuytten)
Tragic true love story of artist Camille Claudel (Isabel Adjani) talented protégé who became mistress of renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin (Gerard Depardieu). The 19th century suppressed women in the arts and Claudel struggled to get out from the shadow of Rodin and her own demons. Academy Award® nods for Best Foreign Film and Best Actress for Adjani exquisite (as always) in exuding the pathos and passion of her character.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094828/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_23
Romulard et Juliette (France, Cinéa, Eniloc Films, FR3 Films Production, 111 min., 1989, PG13, dir. Coline Serrau)
(renamed Mana, There’s A Man In Your Bed)
Well to do rich (caucasian) man Romulard Blindet ((Daniel Auteuil falls in love with Juliet Bonaventure (Fermine Richard) the zaftig (black) woman who cleans his offices in the evening. He learns that his wife is having an affair with one of his partners in business and he’s left is sabotaged, bereft and broken. Juliet takes him in and he learns what real love is. Unique and charming love story that offers hope to all. BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Film.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098220/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Impromptu (USA/UK/France, MGM, 1991,107 min., PG, dir. James Lapine)
George Sand (Judy Davis) impudent and infamous French romantic writer of early 19th century was the nom de plume of Amantine Lucile “Aurore” Dupin who cavorted with a coterie of celebrated musicians, artists and literati of the era. Known for her independent style, often dressing in men’s clothing and smoking cigars, she had a rather notorious relationship with Polish composer Frederic Chopin (Hugh Grant) that the film depicts, if not interprets. As “Aurore” George states to Chopin, who she has pursued with ardor, “ my love is strong, and bold and true” and she is passionate about the composer who she had a ten year liaison with ending two years before his rather premature death (age 39).
Excellent supporting cast includes: Mandy Patinkin (Alfred de Musset), Julian Sands (Franz Liszt), Emma Thompson (Duchess D’Antan), Bernadette Peters (Marie D’Aboult), Ralph Brown (Eugene Delacroix). The musical score of compositions by Chopin, Beethoven, Liszt, is captivating unto itself. Indie Spirit Award for Davis for “best actress” and nod for Thompson for “Supporting”; deserved many other awards consideration.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102103/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Crazy Stupid Love (USA, 2011, 118 min., PG-13, dir. Glenn Ficarra, John Requa)
Curious twists to the plot can’t be revealed or spoils the experience. Suffice to state that the seemingly perfect marriage of Cal (Steve Terrell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) is in jeopardy when Emily asks for a divorce. They separate
and Cal moves out leaving home, hearth and children. Under the tutelage of a younger bachelor buddy Jacob (Ryan Gosling) he gets out on the singles scene with amusing consequences, though the tone of the film covers gamut of
emotions, including eldest child Hannah (Emma Stone) coping with her own romantic conflicts and work challenges. The script was Oscar® worthy for “Best” original, and unfortunately didn’t get a nod.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1570728/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)