And So It Begins...

One of my favorite parts of a movie is the title sequence.  They have certainly developed over the years. I remember as a kid how it seemed they would go on forever.  In most cases, the credits were in the beginning of the film, including the cast of characters.  Everyone received their due before the audience had a chance to walk out on where the credit lie in the production they had just experienced.  I certainly enjoy a contemporary film where this is done; however, with so many films involved with computer graphics and digital work, the audience could possibly wait a full ten minutes before the movie even begins (as is with the 1978 Superman joke)!

For the most part, the title sequence in its infancy was just this – to give the audience all the information on the production crew and the cast they would see throughout the film.  However, there were films early that began to use the title sequence to move the story along to our point of induction.  Any good film uses every scene to further the story line, hence the continual love/hate relationship between editor and director (and why we have so many films in director’s cut versions).

Saul Bass (of Rankin – Bass Productions) was a pioneer in the evolution of the title sequence.  He created title sequences for the likes of Anatomy of a Murder, Around the World in Eighty Days, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and North by Northwest. You can see many of these title sequences on YouTube©.  Further reading on Saul Bass is available in the book, Saul Bass: A Life in Film and Design (©2011), by Jennifer Bass, Pat Kirkham, and Martin Scorsese.  (My family can find this on my wish list!)  

I have several favorite title sequences.  They may have a great score that accompanies the visual, and this sucks me into its vortex of fascination, luring me into the story’s web.  Interestingly enough, as in past blogs, some of these titles will appear on future blog postings.

Here are snapshots of just a few:

 Kiss of Death (1947)

Through the typed pages of the manuscript, the audience feels like they are reading right from the story.  The pica font is classic and in a whimsical way lures the audience into this dark tale.  Not one of my favorite films, but I love the creativity here.

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

Right from the initial animation, we get the idea there is a chase about to ensue.  The frantic pace of the world and those within her are about to realize it's mad AND madcap.

The Pink Panther (1963)

Who would have ever thought that this panther (a diamond of great worth) would become a popular cartoon franchise? Here, Henry Mancini writes one of the most easily identifiable themes in the history of the movies.

The Great Race (1965)

With another Henry Mancini's score, this sequence is presented in the form of old lantern show slides.  Even as one catches fire and burns, and another is placed into the projector incorrectly, the 'boos' and 'huzzahs' for the characters are right from an old-time melodramatic play.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The shadowy figures pre-tell the story in a most mesmerizing fashion.  The film itself is a 'fashion piece' using '60's style art and John Williams' frenetic score.

Casino Royale (2006)

When Daniel Craig took on James Bond, the buzz was wild, and so is this sequence of mixes media that is accompanied by a rocking title song by Chris Cornell.  By the time it's over, the audience is pumped and ready to take on any assignment with 007.

My favorite title sequence might be surprising. It is neither cute nor cartoon. It is highly political and graphic.  It does exactly what it is supposed to do.  It brings backstory to us and emotionally grabs us, whether we agreed with it or not.  And once it is complete, we are ready for the rest of what is to take place. 

Here is the title sequence for the 2005 film, Lord of War, starring Nicolas Cage.

 As I have mentioned before, blogging about film is about as easy to find as a weed in a vacant lot.  I have found one blog dedicated strictly to the art itself at: 

http://www.artofthetitle.com

I don’t need to reinvent the wheel.  Those at the Art of the Title, have made a terrific compilation video of the evolution of the title sequence.  I found it interesting to find several of my favorites included here.  I must not all that crazy!

As with the Saul Bass book, there are many other books and video resources on the subject of the title sequence at through bookstores and internet sources.

Once again I leave you with the question - What are your favorite title sequences? Is it time to revisit an 'old friend'?

***** On a side note – it is hard to believe there are just 12 weeks left in this year.  

I will be out of my movie room and not post a blog next week. I will return to post again October 18.

"I'll Take 'Potpourri' for $1000, Alex!"

Last May I brought the first round of hodgepodge, and this week brings the "double round"! - twice as many movie trivia & drivel as my last variety post!

The Catagories are: "Play Me," "Tea for One," "Moon River, " "Super Secret," "Always a Bridesmaid," "Room with a View," "There She Goes," and "When I Grow Up."

First Up:

"Play Me"
I have always enjoys most of Tom Hanks' acting work.  Even back to his "who's that?" days on Bosom Buddies, he has been a favorite.  And as I've mentioned in an earlier blog post, I even knew his dear Aunt Hilda.  But I have to say, I was a bit disappointed to hear he would be playing Walt Disney in the bio pic, Saving Mr. Banks.  This will tell the story of how Walt acquired the rights to P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins.  Now I know special effects and make-up artists these days are a huge part of the industry, but it's going to take some major vocal coaching and stylizing to get me to believe he is portraying one of the greatest creative minds of the 20th Century.  I know, I know...perhaps Edward Norton or even Jean Dujardin, Academy Award winner for The Artist.  Hollywood looks for the big bucks, but I think story-wise, they're locked-in with a money maker, so why not select someone who allows us to be part of the dream?


"Tea for One"
This past week I watched The Bitter Tea of General Yen.  I had received a (wanted) book for my birthday titled, Barbara Stanwyck: The Miracle Woman, and right out of the gate, they mention this film.  I still had my TCM Movie Guide for the month of September and curiously took a look to see if it was listed in the playlist.  Sure enough, it was there and had not yet run.  I set the TiVo and was able to watch at my leisure.  This interesting 88-minute film directed by Frank Capra in 1933 was produced before his "caper days," and I learned that it was not well received.  The heroine falls in love with the ruthless general and vice-versa, and is culturally not acceptable at the time.  Nils Asther, a Swedish silent film actor, portrays General Yen, and both he and Barbara create deep characters in the well-thought screenplay.

"Moon River"

Wanting to say 'thank you' to Andy Williams for a lifetime of memories. Granted, he is most remembered for his television show, Christmas variety specials, and recording career, but he is the voice of many film themes.  What would "Dear Heart," "The Shadow of Your Smile," or the "Theme from Love Story" sound like without Andy?  Andy was in a small handful of films (usually singing uncredited with his brothers), but did have a role in the film I'd Rather Be Rich; a film I have not seen, and since it is not on dvd currently, I will continue to check the TCM for a possible future listing.  I'm so glad Andy recorded Henry Mancini's "Moon River." Where would Breakfast at Tiffany's or Fletch be, for that matter, without it?

"Super Secret"
Have you read about this?  Why I would never have had to write my "Rules of the Rude" blog back in January if these stealthy creatures were about!  Check this out:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/prince-charles-cinema-introduces-ninjas-silence-370090

"Always a Bridesmaid"
Back in 1978, on a trip to Universal Studios, my dad was selected out of an early waiting audience at the "Airport '77" simulation show to be part of the show.  With his Cliff Robertson good looks, he was an obvious choice.  I was left in the audience only to watch my dad be 'the star.'  It was back in the day before most common households could afford a videotape machine, and since we did not have one, we didn't even think of purchasing the $20.00 tape after the show.  I know I begged and begged, but alas, we have no record of that performance, except in photos.

My dad is in the center scene, standing with clipboard

"Room with a View"
One of my favorite accomplishments was designing the den of our home. I fondly call it 'the entertainment room,' only because the walls were strategically designed with wall to wall entertainment memorabilia and ephemera. Once in a great while I might change out a movie soundtrack record album or a size match poster, but for the most part, favorite items are on display 24/7/365 and I am surrounded by cinematic inspiration.

"There She Goes"
 I have been asked if I am a movie critic (which I'll get to in category #8), but alas, I just tell those who are curious, I "just love movies"!

"When I Grow Up"

I had several careers in my life, the last being a middle school educator.  But if I had to do it all over again, I know where I'd go looking.  I went to a high school where I received a well-rounded education.  I am proud of the teachers I had and what I accomplished during those four years.  But the one place we lacked was in counseling.  It would have been nice if our counselors were there NOT just to make sure we completed all the necessary requirements to receive our diplomas, but to see what truly interested in life - to provide us some roadmaps to discover avenues to look toward.  Here are careers in the movie industry that I would have loved, that would have loved me, and that I could be proud to have been a part:
Film Critic
Continuity Editor
Film Historian with an emphasis on the Musical
Set Dresser
Costume Research and Acquisitions
Casting Director

And with the mention of Casting Director, that takes me back to Category #1, and the circle is complete!

Shear Delight - A Collection of Dance Clips

I happen to be a fan of the television competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. The season ended this week with its winner finale episode, and knowing that this was coming, I thought I would save this week’s blog in honor of dance on film.

Any regular reader will know that movie musicals are near & dear to my heart, so creating a true “Top 10 List” almost feels impossible.  To paraphrase a long-popular bumper sticker, “So many dance sequences, so little time.”  Rather than attempting to make a “written in stone” countdown list for this category (or get slammed for not mentioning someone else’s favorite (“You dummy! How could you forget/not like [such and such]…?” – you get the idea), I thought I would select a few memorable ones or unique standouts that I enjoy.  Perhaps these are already on your lists, too; and perhaps if they are new ones for you, and you might find yourself adding a few more discs to your Netflix© queue.

None of these clips contain stand-ins, as Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, 1983) needed – these are just honest to goodness hoofers (or in some cases, quick-taught).  I have also purposely not included any clips of Gene Kelly, as he was the focus of my August 23^rd blog, nor have I included my favorite Fred Astaire clip from Holiday Inn (1942), the featured clip of June 29^th.  There are some movies that are so filled with non-stop dance amazement, that I have just not included a clip - as with West Side Story (1961) or A Chorus Line (1985); there are no clips of the ‘slow and easy’ style (as in “Our Love is Here to Stay” from An American in Paris (1951). I would have started this list off with “The Barn Dance” from (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 1954), but it was not available to share. Another clip that was not available was “Everything’s Up to Date in Kansas City” (Oklahoma!, 1955) Gene Nelson can often be forgotten as one of Hollywood’s best.  This number showcases his talent and the likes of so many other under-contract dancers from the era.  I’ve always loved it.  It makes me happy.  Who says cowboys can’t dance? So with all things considered, here’s to those who can actually move their feet and entertain us at the same time. 

“Step in Time” (Mary Poppins, 1964)

I always find myself tapping my feet and smiling from ear to ear!  What a delightful number from a favorite Walt Disney live production! This clip is a bit long, but I ‘dare you’ not to watch it in its entirety…

“The Alley Dance” (My Sister Eileen, 1955)

This film was fairly new to me, but this sequence choreographed and starring Bob Fosse shows his otherworldly talent. His co-star here (Tommy Rall) is not as strong, but he pulls his weight alongside an American master.

“Take Me to Broadway” (Small Town Girl, 1953)

I first saw this clip as it was featured in That’s Entertainment Part II (1976)(as seen here).  I had always enjoyed Bobby Van and his wife, Elaine Joyce, on the TV game show Tattletales, but when I saw this clip, my appreciation for him went up exponentially.  His untimely death in 1980 at the age of 51 left us wanting more from an absolutely delightful human being. And, I guarantee the tune will bounce around in your head just like Bobby!

“The Red Blues” (Silk Stockings, 1957)

Well, my dad always had a thing for Cyd Charisse – do you blame him? Wow! She was a knockout in every role she was given.  Even as Comrade Ninotchka Yoschenko in Silk Stockings (yes, a musical remake of Ninotchka, 1939) she puts sex appeal into a turtleneck, long skirt, and black hosiery. Va-va-va-voom!

“The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” (White Christmas, 1954)

I couldn’t find a clip of “Choreography,” (my favorite number in this feature), but I do love this one.  Every year when we watch it, I cannot get the song or the syncopated rhythms of the boat sequence out of my head!  White Christmas was to be a re-uniting of Bing Crosby with Fred Astaire (Holiday Inn, 1944), and I am so glad it didn’t pan out.  Danny Kaye does this film so much justice.  He is a perfect foil for Bing and dance partner for Vera Ellen!

“The Dance” (White Nights, 1985)

Another Cold War pic makes this list, but one of a darker nature.  Mikhail Baryshnikov is a defector whose plane happens to emergency land behind the Iron Curtain.  As he tries to makes his way back to a free society, he lives with an American (Gregory Hines) and his Russian wife (Isabella Rossellini) who decide to (re)defect along with him.  I love this clip as two completely different backgrounds of dance come together in this routine of grace and strength all wrapped up together.

“(And now) A Tap Dance” (Chicago, 2002)

Once I mulled over why I did not like the stage production of Chicago (where it originated), I finally realized that a big part of that was this scene.  “A Tap Dance” is so brilliantly formulated that I can only fawn over it again and again.  Mixing the struggles of the tap (by the character) with his ‘tap dancing’ in court with the judge, jury, and prosecution team, it epitomizes what every attorney (whether we like them or not) must do in order to win the case.  It is exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time.  Which, I’m sure for a dyed-in-the-wool attorney, is much the same feeling. (With apologies, this clip has an attached commercial...)

“Begin the Beguine” (Broadway Melody of 1940, 1940)

Well, maybe I did put these in a countdown order. The first time I saw this number, was in That’s Entertainment! (1975) If you’ve read my blogs at all, this movie set the tone for the rest of my movie-loving life; and when I saw this number, I almost felt empty, because I wanted more.  With effortless feet, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell literally glide across the floor of this MGM set.  The film is enjoyable, but just renting or watching it strictly for this dance number is worth it.  Direction for this number is also outstanding, as the use of full-length mirrors around, as well and the highest glossed reflective floor underneath these two dancers says it all.  It is truly spellbinding.

And as usual, please feel free to add your favorites in the comments (or comments about these clips!)  I may find myself adding to my Netflix© queue, too!

"...and I say to myself, "What a Wonderful World!"

It’s a fairly well known fact (if you know me at all) that I love Disney.  But if I had to put myself in a ‘box,’ I would have to go in the “Disneyland” category.  I am a traditionalist (pre-Eisner days), but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy anything that has come along since.  But along with my Park affection, I love the films of the early days - Walt’s animated cartoons and those from Walt Disney Studios.  I do appreciate the talents of the Pixar team and contemporary Disney Imagineers©, as well.  But I wanted to include one entry in my blog this year on the subject, so this week is dedicated to memories of the “wonderful world of live-action Disney.”

My first live Disney film (that I am aware of) in a movie theatre (a drive-in, no less) was The Gnome Mobile.  I was fascinated by the thought that these two children were privy to the little people in the forest and how much fun it would be to be able to fly in that car.  A re-release of Mary Poppins in 1973 gave opportunity for my mom and me to see it on the big screen. I am so glad I had that opportunity.  I love the story of how ‘Uncle Walt’ was finally able to purchase the rights from P.L. Travers and turn these dark stories of hers into a delightful story of what really matters most in life.  Over twenty-plus years later, a local public showing in our small town gave my (then young) children and me the chance to see Walt Disney’s Song of the South. This film expresses the lessons of character and friendship, loyalty and trust through stories and songs far better than films today. It still brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes.

I did not see many Disney films in the theatre, as many were ‘before my time’ or ability to sit and watch a movie in the theatre; many first were seen by me during the television program, Walt Disney’s The Wonderful World of Color.  This is where I first saw Mr. Disney himself, like so many other children who watch this charismatic man talk about his amusement park and future projects.  I wanted to be part of that so very much.  But here is where I saw films such as The Three Lives of Thomasina (Karen Dotrice still tears my heart out!), Pollyanna, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (I still have a huge crush on Kurt Russell), The Parent Trap, The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin, and the Toby Tyler stories.

School times allowed my classmates and me to see the Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventure films.  Yes, these actually were educational films, but we didn’t care. We were learning Disney-style. (And when I became a teacher myself, I knew that my students, too, would be ever so receptive to learning in the same way.  Disney magic works!)

Believe it or not, ‘back in the day,’ during parent-teacher conferences, my school would show movies in the multi-purpose room for the kids, while their parents were in conference.  These were days off from school, and since I live just around the block, I would walk over to the campus and watch whatever was on those fascinating huge film rolls.  One case in particular, was the feature film Walt Disney presents Third Man on the Mountain.  The mountains of Switzerland looked so massive on that screen! Although my children would put this movie in the ‘snore’ category, I believe there are still some great nail-biter sequences in this film that stars the late James MacArthur (with whom I also had a crush!)  

Other films such as The Love Bug, Blackbeard’s Ghost, The Apple Dumpling Gang, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks fill my childhood memories of fun, laughter, and happy times with unmistakable Disneyness.  There was ‘a look’ about a Disney film. The way it was filmed or directed, the sound and of course the musical orchestrations gave these films a ‘birthmark’ of sorts that said nothing less than “I am Disney.”  And I loved it; and I still love that feeling.  Even today, when I see a film begin with the Buena-Vista or Walt Disney Pictures leader, I get a feeling that I’m ‘home again.’  Memories of so many wonderful films and moments come flooding back to me.  It is no wonder that the genius of Walt Disney and the matchless talents of countless artisans and technicians that have brought these stories to the screen for our enjoyment charm millions of people.  Whether it’s stories from history like The Great Locomotive Chase or Johnny Tremain, or stories of fantasy like Summer Magic and Babes in Toyland, any one of these films can bring the darkest of days some moments of happiness. They are part of the wonderful world that created by Walt Disney, and I love them.

Falling Star Clowning Around

I'm still out birthday celebrating - I'll be back next week to finish out the year with just a few more thoughts before the year is out!  I'll see you here September 13!

In the meantime, here's a short clip from one of my very first starring roles!

And yes, that's me in the light yellow dress already doing my best impression of 
Harpo Marx! This clip co-stars my sister, mom, and the ever-popular Bozo the Clown (which still is in my possession - surprise!)