Back At the Movies….Seven for May By Cinematic Expert Stephanie Mardesich
May is a month of infinite variety with 31 days of different holidays from “old fashioned” May 1st, “National” Truffle Day (2nd), Quiche Lorraine Day (20th), Wine Day(25th), Hamburger Day (28th), and solemn respectful “Memorial Day”, the last Monday of the month, honoring those who died in military service to the United States of America.
“Monsoon season” seems to have concluded, though don’t stow away that umbrella yet. If there are more showers deterring going out to the cinema consider being cozy by the telly and view one of these seven movies for May via links, with some subtle connection to the lusty month, for your viewing pleasure and curiosity.
Seven Days In May
(USA, John Frankenheimer Productions/Seven Arts, 1964, 118 min., dir. John Frankenheimer)
U.S.A. President Jordan Lyman (Fredric March) waning in popularity yet manages to get a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union through the Senate, but finds that the nation is turning against him. Marine Colonel Martin “Jiggs” Casey (Kirk Douglas) is director of Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCOS) and finds evidence that General James “Matoon” Scott (Burt Lancaster), extremely popular chairman of JCOS, and likely Presidential candidate in next election, is not planning to wait to usurp the White House. Casey goes to the President with the information, spawning a web of intrigue with each side unsure of who can be trusted, all in the course of seven intense days.
Based on 1972 novel of same name by Fletcher Knebel, with excellent script by Knebel, Charles Bailey, II and Rod Serling. This political thriller echoes contemporary history of U.S.A. President John Kennedy administration, Bay of Pigs Invasion and Cuban Missile Crisis. Stellar cast also includes stunning Aver Gardner, and ever reliable thespians Martin Balsam, Hugh Marlowe, Whit Bissell, and Andrew Duggan among others.
Director Frankenheimer renowned for edgy style and content. Two Academy Awardâ nominations, one win for Edmond O’Brien as best supporting actor.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058576/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen’s Journey (documentary)
(USA, Produced by Brian Jamieson, Lawrence K.W. Tseu, Bo Hing Chan Tseu, 2010, 104 min., dir. Brian Jamieson)
The true-life story of Nancy Kwan who as a young Eurasian actress and dancer from Hong Kong captured the hearts and minds of film audience around the world with her celebrated motion picture debut in The World Of Suzie Wong (1960). Her personal story is as magical as a fairy tale, poignant and compelling with recounting of personal tragedy taking the viewer on a personal journey with great humanity and grace, as evocative as it is inspiring.
Note: In 2010 LA Harbor International Film Festival programmed Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song and star of the movie Nancy Kwan attended our red carpet Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute along with book’s author C.Y.Lee. We were so honored with her gracious presence, and meeting the author was truly special.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587357/?ref_=ttpl_ov
Li’l Abner
(USA, Triad Productions, 1959, 114 min., dir. Melvin Frank)
It’s soon Sadie Hawkins Day (February 29 of a leap year), in Dogpatch U.S.A, when girls can pursue and propose to the boys. Daisy Mae Scragg (Leslie Parrish) has a crush on and hopes to capture Li'l Abner (Peter Palmer) by catching him in the traditional race. Though Abner is smitten with her he resists marriage while his rival Earthquake McGoon (Bern Hoffman) avidly pursues Daisy Mae.
When Senator Jack S. Phogbound (Ted Thurston) arrives in to tell the residents that their town is to be used as an atomic bomb testing ground, unless they can find “something necessary” about the town, at first the town is elated, then they realize where do they go, and how can they save their homes.
Is it possible that MammyYokum's (Billie Hayes) “Yokumberry Tonic”, that she still dispenses to Abner who’s fully grown, could be the solution? The movie derived from the successful Broadway musical comedy based on Al Kapp’s popular satiric cartoon strip. Rousing song and dance with clever casting includes likable Stubby Kay (Marryin’ Sam), Julie Newmar (Stupefyin’ Jones), and Stella Stevens (Apposionata Von Climax). The popular movie garnered Oscar®, Golden Globe and Grammy nominations.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053001/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
The Oscar
(USA, Paramount Studios, 1966, 119 min., dir. Russell Rouse)
The story of mercenary performer Frankie Fane (Stephen Boyd) who claws his way to the top of the Hollywood heap is almost like a caricature. As Frankie gets closer to his ruthless determination to win the Oscar®, his friend Hymie Kelly (Tony Bennett) reminisces about their struggle to attain fame and fortune, and Frankie's brutal ambition and the people he's stepped on climbing the ladder to the top, from which he ultimately will topple. Stereotype characters are straight out of prestigious “central casting” with some real Oscar® winners among them including in no order: gorgeous Elke Somer, slinky Jill St. John, elegant Joseph Cotton, Ed Begley, Milton Berle, Ernest Borgnine, Edie Adams, Eleanor Parker in “winning performances”.
The picture actually has two Oscar® nods for best art direction and costumes (Edith Head), though the theme song Maybe September, sung by Bennett was worthy of Oscar®, considering the composers Percy Faith, Jay Livingston and Ray Evans winning record – no pun intended, ironically it was overlooked – it was a big year for “best” songs.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060801/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Camelot
(USA/UK, Warner Bros./Seven Arts, 1967, 179 min., dir. Joshua Logan)
The film version of Lerner & Lowe’s hit Broadway musical inspired by legendary story of King Arthur (Richard Harris), knights of the Round Table, Guinevere (Vanessa Redgrave) and Lancelot (Franco Nero) ill fated “affair” earned five Oscar® nods, three wins; and five Golden Globe nominations with three wins. Full of pageantry, drama, romance with memorable tunes (not least The Lusty Month of May) that recall halcyon days of the mythological place in ancient England - “in short there’s simply not, a more congenial spot” - called Camelot that’s become symbolic with a faraway time that’s disappeared, if it ever existed.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061439/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
She Done Him Wrong
(USA, Paramount, 1933, 66 min., dir. Lowell Sherman)
It’s the “Gay Nineties” and seductive nightclub singer Lady Lou (Mae West) has many suitors, including jealous escaped convict Chick Clark (Owen Moore) and handsome temperance league member Captain Cummings (Cary Grant). Lou is ambitious and knows how to fend for herself, if not a bit naive, with regard in the complicated corrupt world around her. Complicated plot leads to mayhem and ultimately she prevails.
One of West’s most famous, and memorable lines in cinema history, was her suggestion to Cummings “why don’t you come up, sometime, and see me” that’s usually quoted with as “Come up and see me sometime….” The film was adapted from West’s Broadway play Diamond Lil and received Academy Awardâ nomination for best picture. Supporting cast included suave Gilbert Roland, Noah Beery, Sr. , and Louise Beavers.
This movie was pre “Hays office” code so a little risqué, though by today’s standards that’s questionable. Always a treat to see Mae West with her sexy swagger and double entendres. She was a very talented lady, and enduring living legend, take a look at her extensive screen repertoire. You will be enthralled and entertained.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024548/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Star Wars
(USA, Lukas Film/20th Century Fox, 1977, 121 min., PG, dir. George Lukas)
Intrepid Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) joins forces with cocky pilot Han Solo (Harrison Ford), a Wookiee Chewbaca (Peter Mayhew) and droids R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) , mentored by Jedi master Obi Wan Kenobi (Alec Guiness) to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) held hostage by imperial forces of mysterious Darth Vader (James Earl Jones), and help the Rebel Alliance and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.
The movie captivated its audience leading to 12 movies in the “franchise” with multitudes of accolades and awards.
“May the force be with you” has become iconic phrase introduced in the first Star Wars film that subsequently was renamed Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope.
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)
