A Lucky Pair: The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Double Feature!
By Michael Lyons
Neither movie was released in March, but through the years they have become as closely associated with St. Patrick’s Day as Parades, corned beef and cabbage, green beer, bagpipe music, shamrocks and even shamrock shakes!
“The Quiet Man” and “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” have become viewing staples for many on or around March 17th. Sure, there are many other films set in Ireland and/or that use the Irish culture as its background, but “The Quiet Man” and “Darby O’Gill” truly capture the beauty, the wonder and yes, even the magic, of Ireland.
The two couldn’t be more different in their story or tone, but together, they make the perfect St. Patrick’s Day Double Feature!
And, our double feature begins with...
“Darby O’ Gill and the Little People” (released June 26, 1959)
One of Walt Disney’s most under appreciated live-action films, the film tells the tale of the title character (Albert Sharpe) an aging, ner do well, who acts as a caretaker of a local estate in a small village in Ireland and regales the townsfolk in the local pub of tales of leprechauns or Little People.
When Darby finds himself captured by King Brian and the other Leprechauns, he uses his wiles to not only escape back into town, but he captures King Brian, and also tries to use the leprechaun’s magic to play matchmaker for his daughter Katie (Janet Munro) and the town newcomer Michael (Sean Connery in his first US film).
Michael has been sent to town to replace Darby at his job and other complications, and a wee bit of magic, soon arise.
Directed by Robert Stevenson (who would go on to helm “Mary Poppins” and become a stalwart Disney director), “Darby O’Gill” is brimming with charm, starting with the film’s actors.
As Darby himself, Sharpe is amazing: a constant glint in his eye, perfect comic timing and the ability to deliver real emotion during the film’s gripping climax. Munro is full of charm as Katie and Connery’s charisma was evident even in his early days. Additionally, Jimmy O’Dea as King Brian proves the perfect antagonist for Darby.
Another star of the film are the visual effects. Not only is the scale and world of the Little People brought to life believably, Sharpe’s ability to exists within it is nothing short of amazing. If there’s a chance to check out the DVD’s bonus features on how this was accomplished, it’s worth checking out, as a glimpse into the trials of bringing visual effects to life decades before computers were a reality.
There is also a finale involving a banshee that is extremely effective and surprisingly scary. All of this practical movie magic brings Irish folklore perfectly to life.
Many of the Studio’s films have eclipsed it through the years, but “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” is, without a doubt, the best Disney classic you’ve never seen.
After a brief intermission, we will begin the second film in our St. Patrick’s Day double feature...
“The Quiet Man’ (released September 14, 1952)
Never has the Irish countryside and its people come to life more fully on film than in “The Quiet Man.”
In it, John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, an Irish born American, who returns to Inisfree, the small town of his birth in Ireland. While there, he falls for the fiery read head Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara) and causes quite a commotion in the community, upsetting Mary Kate’s brother Will (Victor McLaglen), a bullying farmer and landowner, which results in a finale fight between the two of them that goes on for almost ten minutes!
The cinematic joys of “The Quiet Man” begin during the film’s comforting opening credits that play over shots of Ireland and last until the final shot of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara walking into their “wee humbles cottage.”
In between, is a leisurely paced story that never once is dull, but instead is loaded with colorful characters that we come to know as close friends and neighbors by the film’s end.
This is thanks in all parts to the supporting cast of “The Quiet Man,” which includes the the scene stealing and amazingly impish Barry Fitzergald as Michaleen “Og” Flynn, the village matchmaker and bookmaker; stalwart actor Ward Bond as the village priest and Mildred Natwick as the spinster widow Tilane.
Directed by Hollywood legend John Ford (who would win an Oscar for his efforts), “The Quiet Man” is a labor of love that’s evident with the care that’s evident up on the screen.
This is filmmaking at its finest and watching “The Quiet Man,” it’s easy to see why the movie influenced an entire generation of filmmakers, most notably Steven Spielberg, who featured a scene from the film as part of a pivotal moment in “E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial.”
Like that film, “The Quiet Man” is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. This tale of family, tradition and life’s real treasures is not just a perfect “St. Patrick’s Day” film, it’s a film for all seasons.
And so, the curtain closes on our double feature. Now, off to the pub for a pint!
Wishing you all the Luck in the world and a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sources: Wikipedia
IMDb
Anniversary Alert! Built Ford Tough: The 25th Anniversary of “The Fugitive”
By Michael Lyons
“Thrillers are a much-debased genre these days, depending on special effects and formula for much of their content. “The Fugitive” has the standards of an earlier, more classic time, when acting, character and dialogue were meant to stand on their own, and where characters continued to change and develop right up until the last frame. Here is one of the year’s best films.”
-Film critic Roger Ebert, August 1993
Mr. Ebert’s thoughtful words reflected the response of both critics and audiences twenty-five years ago when “The Fugitive” debuted in theaters. In the ‘90’s when the fad of bringing every classic TV show to the big screen encompassed everyone from Jed Clampett to Fred Flintstone, here was a small-screen adaptation that was striving for something unique and not just leaning on the fandom and built in audience that would come with it.
Based on the TV series of the same name that ran on ABC from 1963-1967 (and became most famous for its series finale), the film “The Fugitive” tells the taught story of Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) who is wrongly accused of his wife’s murder and, after escaping from prison, spends his days not just on the run from Deputy Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and a team of US Marshalls, but also trying to track down his wife’s real killer.
Directed by action-movie-maestro Andrew Davis, “The Fugitive” is like a coiled spring that snaps into action so quickly that the murder of Dr. Kimble’s wife, the Dr.’s arrest, trial and incarceration all unfurl during the film’s opening credits.
Then, there is Kimble’s escape, in a scene in which a bus full of convicts, including him, collides with a train. Undoubtedly one of the best action sequences placed on screen, even after multiple viewings, the audience is exhausted when its over.
From there, the hunt is on, in a cat-and-mouse story, in which audiences find themselves rooting for parties on both sides. As the cynical, tireless Deputy Gerard, Tommy Lee Jones is at the top of his game, with a career pinnacle performance that rightly brought him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. The character is a combination of surliness and sympathy that’s truly unlike anything seen before and we get to watch Gerard’s perspective shift and change throughout the film.
In the lead, as Dr. Richard Kimble, Harrison Ford’s performance still ranks as one of Oscar’s notorious snubs. Ford brings brings a vulnerability and emotion to the role (particularly in his early, interrogation scenes) that reveal just what a wonderful actor he is.
With strong supporting performances from character actors like Joe Pantoliano, Jereon Krabbe and Sela Ward, coupled with a perfectly executed script by David Twohy and Jeb Stuart, “The Fugitive” has that rare re-watchability factor that makes it no surprise that fans still talk about the film twenty five years after its debut on August 6, 1993.
If the anniversary isn’t enough to entice one to re-visit “The Fugitive,” consider it as the perfect movie for this time of year, as it takes place on and around St. Patrick’s Day. An extended sequence in the film occurs during Chicago’s famed St. Patrick’s Day Parade (complete with the river dyed green), where deputy Gerard pursues Kimble through the festivities.
One could almost say that accusing Dr. Kimble of murder is a wee bit o’ Blarney!
Sources:
RogerEbert.com
Wikipedia
The Losers‘ Club: Seldom Seen Best Picture Oscar Nominees
By Michael Lyons
“The Wizard of Oz,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Star Wars” and “E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial.” Not only are they cinematic masterpieces, they’re all “losers.”
These four films have been remembered by audiences through the years, but they were forgotten by The Academy Awards. Each movie was nominated for Best Picture, but lost out to other films, during their respective years.
They can all take comfort in the fact that they are in good company. With The Oscars this Sunday, it’s the perfect time to celebrate some other, seldom seen, Best Picture Nominees.
“The Yearling” (1946) - Lost to “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
Based on a novel by author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, “The Yearling” tells the tale of a family of farmers living in Florida, just after the Civil War and how their young son Jody adopts an orphaned doe, that he raises as a pet.
Adolescent Jody grows and the young Doe named Flag, grows into a deer, in an unforgettable and heartbreaking coming of age story. Directed by Clarence Brown in gorgeous Technicolor, “The Yearling” brings the landscape of this natural story to beautiful life.
“The Yearling” also features an outstanding Cast, such as the one and only Gregory Peck, turning in a wise, peaceful performance as Jody’s father and child actor Claude Jarman, Jr whose performance earned a deserved special “Academy Juvenile Award.”
Through the years, this film has earned a special place in many moviegoers hearts and rightly so. “The Yearling” is a Hollywood classic in every sense of the word.
“Giant” (1956) - Lost to “Around the World in 80 Days.”
With a fitting title, movies don’t get bigger or more epic than “Giant.” Spanning several decades in the life of a Texas Cattle rancher “Bickley” Benedict, “Giant” sprawls across the screen at three and a half hours in length.
Legendary director George Stevens brings to life the span and scope of Texas in grand, ‘50’s, wide screen style that has truly never been matched since on film.
As if all this wasn’t enough, the three leads in “Giant” are legends Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean (in his final role).
It’s an investment of time for the viewer, but “Giant” is so worth it: a perfect example of “they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”
“The Towering Inferno” (1974) - Lost to “The Godfather Part II.”
Many scoff, but in the ‘70’s Disaster movie era, there were few that more action packed, effects heavy, melodramatic, all-star and indicative of the decade than “The Towering Inferno.”
With Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Fred Astaire, Jennifer Jones and William Holden in the cast, its a wonder that there were any stars left in Hollywood while they were filming it.
“The Towering inferno” tells the tale of a massive fire breaking out at the unveiling of the world’s tallest building. While the story may be strictly soap opera, the pyrotechnics and effects steal the show and will have you either glued to your seat or covering your eyes.
There were many like it at the time, but when it comes to disaster movies, “The Towering Inferno” reaches new heights.
“Quiz Show” (1994) - Lost to “Forrest Gump”
Who would have thought that a movie about TV game shows would make for a compelling, real-life mystery, but director Robert Redford’s film is just that.
Telling the true story of the scandal that rocked game shows in the 1950’s, Ralph Fiennes stars as Charles Van Doren, an audience favorite contestant who finds himself seduced by the allure of cheating to continue his game show “star” status, while a government investigation quickly catches up to him.
“Quiz Show” brings to life the decade in great detail, while using the scandal as an analogy for the loss of innocence that was looming for the country. What could have easily been TV-movie-of-the week-like fodder becomes a gripping glimpse into a dark moment in TV history and human frailty.
“Michael Clayton” (2007) - Lost to “No Country For Old Men”
Writer/director Tony Gilroy’s legal thriller was so compelling when it was released that many wondered what novel it had been based on, only to learn it was written directly for the screen.
That’s how rich and deep “Michael Clayton” is. George Clooney is the title character, an attorney who discovers corruption with one of his firm’s major clients and, in the process, unearths some dark and deadly secrets.
Tilda Swindon, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her amazing, brittle and fragile performances as a corporate attorney. Along with Tom Wilkinson and Sydney Pollack, she is just one of the many amazing and startlingly real performances in “Michael Clayton.”
The film’s screenplay is also a tightly-wound example of brilliant storytelling. From it’s quiet opening moments to its twist ending, there is no way not to be glued to every minute.
With themes of how those we love will ultimately save us, “Michael Clayton” is a masterpiece that improves with each viewing and is truly one of the best films of its decade.
So, when the final envelope is opened on Sunday night, don’t feel too bad for the films that go home without a Best Picture Oscar. They join an outstanding club of “winning losers.”
Sources: IMDb
Wikipedia
Toon Titans: Remembering the original “Marvel Super Heroes” TV Cartoons
By Michael Lyons
Low-budgets, questionable effects, catchy theme songs.
Three things one would never associate with today’s Marvel Universe of films. But, when the Marvel heroes first leapt from comic book pages to the screen, on TV, they did so with shoestring animation and opening theme songs that still act as ear worms for an entire generation.
With “Black Panther,” the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that’s currently tearing up the box office and a decade of Marvel blockbusters that started with “Iron Man” in 2008, it’s the perfect time to re-visit Marvel’s humble, small screen beginnings.
“The Marvel Super Heroes” animated series debuted on TV in syndication in September of 1966, as a series of five minute segments, where each focused on a different Super Hero: Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner and Thor.
TV stations showing the cartoons could show them individually, or together as a half hour show. “The Marvel Super Heroes” would bring the characters to life, for the first time, in a medium outside of comic books. However...to say that the segments were animated would be stretching things...”animated” is more appropriate.
In a creative approach that helped preserve the look of a comic book, the creators of the show used a process in which images from the comics were photocopied and then small moving elements within each (mouth moves, eye blinks, hand or arm movements, background effects) were added. It was limited animation in every sense of the word, but audiences were able to literally watch a comic book on TV.
Additionally, Stan Lee himself was directly involved with the stories, creating another direct bridge from page to screen.
Then, there were those theme songs:
“When Captain America throws his mighty shield,
All those who chose to appose his shield must yield!”
“Tony Stark makes you feel,
He’s a cool exec with a heart of steel”
“Cross the Rainbow Bridge of Asgard,
Where the booming heavens roar,
You’ll behold in breathless wonder,
The God of Thunder, Mighty Thor!”
In a brilliant act of synergy, Marvel comics announced the series in action-packed full page ads in their comic books, featuring the Heroes jumping out of a TV set!
Through the years, “The Marvel Super Heroes” appeared and disappeared off and on of local syndicated stations, where they were relegated to “filler” during post-school afternoons.
While the show was released to home video during the days of VHS, an official DVD has yet to be seen. Of course, they can be found on You Tube and other forgotten video sources on the internet.
While “The Marvel Super Heroes” does definitely pale in comparison to the smorgasbord of Marvel choices we have today, it’s innocent ‘60’s-comic-book-kitsch is extremely comforting. They are definitely worth seeking out for fans who have never seen, or haven’t seen in a while.
After watching them, however, just be prepared to hum the theme songs for the next couple of days.
Sources:
Wikipedia
You Tube
Anniversary Alert! Simian Celebration: The 50th Anniversary of “Planet of the Apes.”
By Michael Lyons
That scene where we first see the apes.
That scene with the line that begins, “Take your stinkin’ paws off me...”
That ending. That. Ending.
So much of the original 1968’s “Planet of the Apes” is iconic, filled with scenes that have now become part of film history. Almost a decade before “Star Wars” legitimized science fiction and forty years before the word “franchise” was a thing in Hollywood, “Planet of the Apes” was a game changer that revolutionized a genre and movies overall with ripple effects that are still felt today.
It is so hard to believe that a half-century has passed since “Apes” first debuted. With the film hitting this milestone this month, it’s the perfect time to look back at this most revolutionary film.
Based on a book by author Pierre Boulle (“Bridge on the River Kwai”), “Planet of the Apes,” tells the story of an astronaut named Taylor (Charlton Heston) whose spacecraft crash lands on a planet inhabited by apes who have evolved into beings with human-like speech, abilities and traits, including having their own government, philosophies and caste system.
Taylor then enlists assistance from two Chimpanzees Cornelius and Zira (Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter) to help him escape, from this bizarre planet...or is it ?!?
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (who would go on to win the Best Director Oscar for 1970’s “Patton”), “Planet of the Apes” is crafted with a finesse that alternates between quiet tension and impeccably paced action sequences (the scene in which Taylor first encounters the Ape soldiers as they beat through a corn field is still chilling).
With a screenplay by none other than Rod Serling, who brings his innate ability to comment on society and humanity so prevalent in his classic TV creation “The Twilight Zone,” “Planet of the Apes” works not only as a compelling science fiction adventure, but also as a chilling warning about the missteps that sadly, are still prevalent in the world.
Then, there are the apes themselves, brought to life through groundbreaking latex makeup created by effects artist John Chambers. Watching the movements of the actors today may seem quaint in our world of motion capture, but the practical effects actually add an element of realism and leaves room for amazing performances (Roddy McDowall’s subtle reactions are still wonderful to watch).
“Planet of the Apes” debuted on February 8, 1968 and went on to be a blockbuster of its time, spawning four sequels, a TV series, a Saturday morning cartoon and a slew of merchandise (oh, to still have the Mego action figures whose price tags now match a 401K contribution).
Over thirty years after its debut, Tim Burton remade “Planet of the Apes” in a unfairly maligned film and over the past eight years, reboots/prequels (ironically using motion capture in every extent) have brought the films back to the forefront.
The impact that the original “Planet of the Apes” has had on film, pop culture and storytelling can, in no way, be underestimated. Five decades have done nothing to diminish the film’s underlying messages of a world that needs to come closer together if we ever plan on peace in our time.
Traits not just of a great science fiction film, but simply a great film, period.
And, that ending. That. Ending.
Sources: Wikipedia
IMDb
All Heart: “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus”
By Michael Lyons
One drawing, just a few words, tremendous heart, life’s simple pleasures. With that, the comic strip “The Family Circus” has found its way into everyone’s hearts since first appearing in daily newspapers in 1960.
Cartoonist Bil Keane took the simple, everyday, ‘round the house or neighborhood adventures of parents Bil and Thelma (not often referred to by name) and their children Billy, Dolly, Jeffy and PJ as the centerpiece for some very universal, warm-hearted humor.
On the heels of the success of The Peanuts Holiday specials, the ‘70’s saw a number a number of comic strip characters make the leap from the newsprint page to the TV screen and “The Family Circus” was no different.
Their first animated special, “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus,” debuted on February 10, 1978 on NBC and turns 40 this year. With Valentine’s Day approaching next week and this particular special now eclipsed by more popular characters and holidays, this anniversary seems the perfect time to re-visit this family.
The opening of the special actual pays homage to the fact that “Family Circus” comes from newspapers, by opening on the comic pages, all shown in black and white, except for “The Family Circus” color panel. Zooming in on this color panel, “A Special Valentine” begins to tell its story that’s as simple and cozy as the comic strip itself.
In it, all the kids are creating valentines to give to their parents, when toddler PJ reveals his to be no more than scribbles, his brothers and sister laugh, hurting PJ’s feelings. When the older siblings feel bad, they attempt to create a valentine on PJ’s behalf that will be truly special. However, their dog Barfy gets involved with disastrous results. But never fear, when the kids all present their parents with valentines, there is a happy ending that truly speaks to what constitutes a gift that comes from the heart.
The threadbare plot of the special reflects the day-to-day focuses of “The Family Circus” comic strip and the characters look at home in the animated (albeit limited) world. With its slower pace and story, the special may not thrill everyone, but fans of the comic strip and students of television animation will appreciate this 30 minute flashback to a time when prime time animation truly was special.
And, while it may not have the re-watchability of Charlie Brown or Garfield (one viewing may satisfy your curiosity), there’s no denying that “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus” is, indeed, all heart.
Sources: Wikipedia
“Super” 70’s: “Bowl”-ed Over by Football Themed Episodes from classic ‘70’s Sitcoms.
By Michael Lyons
Looking to get in the right Super Bowl frame of mind and don’t have time to invest in the movies “Any Given Sunday,” “The Longest Yard,” “Brian’s Song” or even “Gus” (ya know, the live-action Disney epic about the football kicking mule)? You may want to consider some of these episodes of classic ‘70’s sitcoms that celebrate the sport of football, in their own unique way.
“The Odd Couple”: “Big Mouth” (Originally aired September 22, 1972)
With Oscar Madison a Sportswriter for the fictional New York Herald newspaper, there were a number of episodes that centered around football, but this one is not only hysterical, it sets up a fictional rivalry between Oscar (Jack Klugman) and guest star, sportscaster Howard Cosell, that would carry over to another episode in a later season.
In the episode, photographer Felix (Tony Randall) has been given the assignment of photographing Cosell for a magazine ad. When Oscar finds out, it ignites an ongoing feud between him and Cosell, who was known for his loud, large personality.
When Oscar accidentally prints a ridiculing column about Cosell, the sportscaster gets even but inviting Oscar, at the last minute, into the booth during a “Monday Night Football” game. When Oscar freezes in front of the microphone, Felix (known for his lack of athletic knowledge) grabs the mic, with hilarious results.
With “Monday Night Football” and Cosell both at the height of their popularity at this time, coupled with the fact that it aired on ABC, along with “The Odd Couple,” this could almost be considered an early example of a “crossover” episode, or, at the very least, ingenious marketing synergy.
Most of all, like all episodes of “The Odd Couple,” it’s extremely funny, with the humor generated from the character’s clashing personas and Cosell fitting in perfectly stuck in the middle.
“The Brady Bunch”: “The Subject Was Noses” (Originally aired February 9, 1973).
Known to fans everywhere as the “Oh my nose!” Episode, Marcia accidentally takes a football to the face while Bobby and Peter play a game of catch in the backyard. For Marcia (Maureen McCormick) this is nothing short of tragedy, as her nose bruises and swells, just as she is about to go out on a date with her high school’s football star, Doug.
However, Marcia broke a date with nice guy Charley to go out with Doug and she soon learns a humbling lesson about beauty being skin deep. Filled with the standard “Brady Bunch” perspective of life’s small trials and tribulations, this episode has become very well known among fans (mostly for the slow motion and multiple replays of the football colliding with Marcia’s face during a funny “dream sequence”).
There have been other football themed episodes of “The Brady Bunch”- one guest starring Joe Namath and another where Greg kidnaps a rival football team’s mascot - but this particular episode wins...by a nose.
“Happy Days”: “Football Frolics” (Originally aired January 20, 1976)
While gathered around the ol’ black and white TV in 50’s Milwaukee, Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) and the gang watch The Bears win and become obsessed with getting tickets to the next big game.
When they realize they can’t afford the price for the tickets, Richie, along with Potsie and Ralph, (Anson Williams and Donny Most) hatch a plan to open a day camp in their house, (“Camp Cunningham”) charging parents to watch their kids. Little do the three teens know how difficult it is to corral a group of out of control, hyperactive children.
The easy charm and humor of this series is in full display here, along with the rare appearance of spinoff friends Laverne and Shirley (Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams).
What’s most fun is how it provides a glimpse into fandom during the early, innocent days of football on TV, before the sport became the behemoth of broadcasting it is today.
“Where’s Huddles?” (1970)
Here’s not just one episode, but an entire football-themed series. Never heard of this Hanna Barbera animated sitcom? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This rarity from the far reaches of the HB vault ran for just ten episodes.
In the mold of “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons,” “Where’s Huddles?” followed a family, but not from the Stone Age or the future, this family was contemporary, as the show followed the misadventures of the title character Ed Huddles, quarterback for the fictional Rhinos football Team.
Also on the show, Ed’s best friend Bubba McCoy, center for the Rhinos and their fellow teammate Freight Train. Rounding out the cast was Ed’s wife Marge, their daughter Pom Pom, Coach Maddog, Claude Pertwee, their officious neighbor and the Huddles’ dog Fumbles (a Mutley-like clone who always wore a helmet and cleats). In fact, the Huddles were SO into football that their house was designed to look like a stadium and their front yard like a football field.
Like “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons,” “Where’s Huddles?” also ran in prime time. While not one of the Studio’s shining moments, “Where’s Huddles?” is still extremely “Hanna-Barbara-y,” from its music, to limited animation and voices: Mel Blanc is Bubba, Jean (Wilma Flintstone) Vander Pyl is Marge and none other than Paul Lynde himself is Claude Pertwee. This, like many of Hanna Barbera’s offerings, doesn’t make it high art, but it does make shows like “Where Huddles?” a comforting reminder of a TV time gone by.
While the Super Bowl will take center stage on most TVs, remember that each of these football-themed shows are only about 30 minutes, which would leave plenty of time to get your game face on or, more importantly, watch one of the many million-dollar commercials while dunking another Buffalo wing in ranch dressing!
Sources: IMDb
Wikipedia