Mary Pickford: America's Sweetheart (1990)

 

I have mentioned earlier on this blog that Scott Eyman is becoming one of my favorite film historians. Since Mary Pickford is one of my favorite actresses naturally his biography of Mary Pickford was a must read for me. I was not disappointed. 

Not only does this book give us an in-depth look at the life and career of Mary Pickford but also at the film industry from the silent era through the early talkie era. One of Scott Eyman's great gifts as a film historian is how well he can put old movies into the context of the time they were made and the films coming out at the same time. Reading this helps you understand how Mary's films fit into the time period they were made in yet also stood out from the pack. It also helps us understand how changing culture and advances in filmmaking changed Mary's films over the years. We see how she adapted to these changes and when she failed to adapt. Because of this book also giving us such a peak into the eras that the films were made in, it is perfectly accessible to those who are new to silent films or those who only have a passing familiarity with Mary Pickford. In fact, if you are a newcomer to silent movies, this book will probably enhance your appreciation of them and encourage you to seek more out.  

As for looking at Mary's life, this book does a wonderful job. Having talked to many who personally knew Mary, Eyman creates a very vivid portrait of who Mary was as a person. This book neither comes off as an overly positive fluff piece nor an attack on her. It instead provides a very fair and honest depiction of Mary. Eyman talks about her drinking problem as well as some of her means to control any situation. Yet he also talks about her generosity and how deeply she cared for her friends and family. It also delves deep into her relationships with others. This includes her complicated and sometimes adversarial relationship with Charlie Chaplin, her friendship with Lillian Gish, her relationship with her mentor D.W. Griffith and most of all her relationships with husbands  Owen Moore, Douglas Fairbanks and Charles "Buddy" Rogers. Her undying love for Douglas Fairbanks, even after they divorced, and Buddy Rogers' devotion to her are especially very touching. I did not expect to feel my heart being moved so dearly by a biography of Mary Pickford, but I did. 

Scott Eyman's writing style also adds a lot to this book as well. He writes so well that it doesn't feel like a biography but rather a novel. He also does a great job of making us relate to these people and feel like we are right beside them through thick and thin. 

This is a top-notch movie star biography in every way. 

Movie Review: Ikkis

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very moving war film from India.

Many Bollywood war films too often suffer from overly simplistic jingoism.  Luckily that is not the case here. This film takes no real sides but instead focuses on the effect that war has upon two countries and those fighting. This film's message is one that is not exactly simplistic. In many ways it is an anti-war film but at the same time it honors the bravery of those who fought. This is frankly the best way to make a war movie because to give a true honest look at war requires something more complex than simple black and white or good and evil. This film also does a great job of exploring the main character and what turns him from a naive boy to a war hero in short time. It also examines what it truly means to be brave through this character. Even the romance, while quite cliché is pretty touching at times. The scenes with his elderly father many years later are also quite touching. This is another very well-developed character. These scenes are also where the film gives its most intelligent commentary about the aftermath of war. 

This movie does however have its problems with clumsy filmmaking at times. The film cuts back and forth between the story of the young war hero and his dad decades later trying to understand the death of his son. Unfortunately, the transitions between these two stories and separate time periods are abrupt and distracting. Sometimes it seems like it cuts from one time period to another at random times. It seems like both characters' stories are intruding on each other throughout. The pacing is also off in this film. Some scenes go on much too long (especially the climactic battle sequence), while others are too rushed (after the romance having been the focus of the film from a while, it is soon sidelined and later given a very rushed conclusion). 

This is a smart and intelligent movie; however, it could have benefited from stronger direction and especially stronger editing. 

Movie Review: Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent Lupin the III movie. 

This is the 12th animated feature film from this anime and manga franchise that has been around since 1967. With this in mind it is impressive just how good this movie is. This is not a film that is trying to break any new ground or make any sort of commentary. Instead, this is simply a fun action/adventure movie. As such it works incredibly well. Our heroes are just the type of lovable scoundrels that we have liked for so long. The movie never tries to play down that these aren't exactly moral people but still makes us like them regardless. Despite the film's shorter runtime each of our main characters gets a chance to shine, even if Lupin is clearly the main character. This movie also has a great sense of danger throughout. This is one of the few anime franchise films that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is because the stakes are so high and the villain so powerful, that we can't figure out how our "heroes" could possibly make it out alive. Not only does the film create a sense of suspense but it also lives up to it. The conclusion is very intelligent and does not feel rushed or forced (as is the case in most films with very powerful villains). On top of all this the action scenes are excellent, and the animation is of a very high quality. 

This movie does have some problems though. The film starts with a fairly long recap. However, this is unnecessary as the storyline is simple enough for even someone who has never heard of Lupin the III to follow it perfectly without any recap. It feels as if this recap was simply a way of making what was a very short feature length movie to a runtime that goes over an hour and a half. I also felt the villain's design was distracting as he was done in a different art style than our other characters. Also trying to make it seem like this episodic franchise was all leading up to this story can feel a little forced at times.

Overall, this is a worthy addition to this beloved franchise. 

Video Link: How Donald Duck’s Snowy Battles Became Carl Barks’ Secret Weapon - West of Neverland

Cowboy Church #250

 Hello, my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Lord is Counting on You. This Christian song was written for younger believers by Stuart Hamblen. This was appropriate as Stuart Hamblen had been a singing cowboy on radio since back in 1926. Probably his most famous compositions were It is No Secret (What God Can Do) and This Old House. The Lord is Counting on You reminds kids of the importance of Sunday School. This recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1959 gospel album, Jesus Loves Me.

This is followed by Washington Phillips with Train Your Child. Phillips recorded this on December 4, 1928, in Dallas, Texas. This is an interesting recording as it starts with Phillips simply speaking with no musical accompaniment. After he is finished speaking comes an instrumental solo. 

Afterwards comes Patty Loveless with Where I'm Bound. This comes from her 1997 album, Long Stretch of Lonesome. 

Then comes Merle Haggard with On the Jericho Road. For each of us there will be tough times in our lives (though some will have tougher times than others). However, it is lucky for us that none of us have to walk through any hard time by ourselves. Jesus is there beside us comforting us through every tough time we may ever have. He will be our true friend through all of it. This recording comes from Merle's 1971 album, The Land of Many Churches. This album features gospel songs recorded live at four different places. These were the Big Creek Baptist Church in Millington, TN, Assembly of God Tabernacle in Keyes, CA, San Quentin's Garden Chapel and Nashville's Union Rescue Mission. The female backing vocals for much of this album were by The Carter Family.

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. The song dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually, the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.

This is followed by Brenda Lee with Precious Memories.  Though this is a sweet uplifting song, it was based upon a tragedy. In 1922, John Wright lost his five-year-old son. Wright would later say about this song, “’Precious Memories’ was born in the midnight hours as I bathed by pillow with tears, likewise all my songs came through life’s severest tests.” Though this is a very famous hymn, John Wright only received $36 for writing it. He would remain a janitor that was always struggling to make ends meet for his entire life.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash performing Have Thine Own Way Lord. This hymn was written by Adelaide A. Pollard. It was partly inspired by how in 1902, she heard an old woman praying at a prayer meeting, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord -- just have your way with our lives." Adelaide wanted to be a missionary in Africa, but this was not happening as quickly as she would have hoped it would happen. Not long before writing this song, she tried to raise funds to go to Africa but this proved not as successful as she had hoped. This lead her to follow into what she called a "distress of soul." It was then that she attended this prayer meeting, heard that prayer and wrote this hymn. She eventually did become a missionary in Africa, even if it was only for a brief time. This recording features only Johnny Cash and his guitar with no backing band. 

Today's movie is Take Me Back to Oklahoma (1940) starring Tex Ritter.

Now for a message from the Reverand Billy Graham.

Psalm 87

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain.

2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion

    more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.

3 Glorious things are said of you,

    city of God:

4 “I will record Rahab and Babylon

    among those who acknowledge me—

Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—

    and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”

5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,

    “This one and that one were born in her,

    and the Most High himself will establish her.”

6 The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:

    “This one was born in Zion.”

7 As they make music they will sing,

    “All my fountains are in you.”

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Spencer Tracy Speaks About Will Rogers

Though not as well remembered today as he should be, Will Rogers was a major celebrity in the 1920's and 30's. He wrote humorous newspaper columns, appeared on stage as part of the Ziegfield Follies, spoke on radio and appeared in movies. However, it was his homespun personality and his down-to-earth commentary that made him so beloved. I am personally quite a fan of his movies from the 1930's (he appeared in some good silent films, but he was better suited for talkies), which are always quite a bit of unpretentious fun. During the 1930's he even appeared in some films by one of the greatest directors the movies ever had, John Ford. Not shockingly those movies (Doctor Bull (1933), Judge Priest (1934), Steamboat Round the Bend (1935)) remain the highlight of his screen career. 

Here is an article from an issue of The New Movie Magazine (dated December 1933) where another movie great, Spencer Tracy, talks about his good friend Will Rogers. If you have trouble reading it click on the following pages and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here. 

Here is one of Will's best feature length movies. 

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #262

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning. Once again it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with the first Daffy Duck cartoon directed by Chuck Jones, Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur (1939). Today many cartoon fans associate Chuck with being one of the main people who changed Daffy from his early high energy crazy self into a more vain, jealous and greedy character. This film however features Daffy in his early crazy high energy mode. A review in The Motion Picture Herald even stated, "The gags and situations are appropriately matched to the zany personality of the duck." Another review in The Motion Picture Daily stated, "Leon Schlesinger delivers good color cartoon work in this "Merrie Melody," but the striving for whimsy hits only in spots." The following is an exhibitors' review also from The Motion Picture Herald, "Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur: Merrie Melodies—Very few laughs in this one. Not up to standard of most cartoons in this series. Running time seven minutes. - Don Bloxham, Place Theatre, Exira, Iowa, General and rural patronage."

Next is the Screen Songs cartoon, Boilesk (1933). The song I'm Playing with Fire is performed by the Watson Sisters. The Watson Sisters consisted of Kitty and Fanny Watson. The duo worked in burlesque, vaudeville, Broadway and radio. One Broadway show they appeared in was Monte Cristo, Jr. (Feb 12, 1919 - Oct 04, 1919). Kitty performed a song called Jazz Marimba and Fanny performed a song called (Who Played Poker with) Pocahontas. That show ran for 254 performances. As well as their stage and radio careers they also recorded various songs for Victor, Columbia and OKey. In 1931 Fanny Watson was teamed with Thelma White in a series of two-reel short films for Vitaphone. The song itself was written by Irving Berlin and was first recorded by Jack Denny & His Orchestra in December 1932. Other artists who recorded the song include Rudy Vallee, Jack Johnson and his Orchestra, Gracie Feilds, Bing Crosby and Guy Lombardo (all of those artists recorded it in 1933). 

Next is The New Three Stooges cartoon, That Was the Wreck That Was (1965). The Stooges voiced themselves in this made for TV cartoon. 

Next up comes an early black and white Silly Symphony, Mother Goose Melodies (1931). Like many other early Silly Symphonies, this film doesn't feature much in the way of plot and spends most of it time with characters dancing and reacting to the music. Yet this is an important film in the series as it is the first one to have lyrics sung by the characters. The songs here are rather simple affairs with little of the complexities that would appear in later Disney music (JB Kaufman and Russell Merritt's indispensable book on the Silly Symphonies credits these songs to "Bert Lewis and/or Frank Churchill). The opening scenes beginning the parade (animated by Ben Sharpsteen) would later be reused in a special short for the 1932 Academy Awards titled Parade of the Award Nominees. This film would be remade as the color Silly Symphony, Old King Cole (1933). The following is a review from The Film Daily, "Walt Disney and his assistants have turned out a synchronized cartoon comedy that will be hard to beat. It has all the Mother Goose rhymes worked into one story and the transportation from one to another is accomplished by turning the pages of a huge story book. Drawings on the pages come to life and preform real laugh-making antics. Gags are new and plentiful. This one will make audiences laugh plenty." The following is a review from the Motion Picture Herald, "Walt Disney has done a most unusual piece of work in this "Silly Symphony" number. There is indicated a great step forward technically, in animation and synchronization, in addition to excellent subject material, clever animated ideas, and rapidity of action. There is almost the illusion of real life in some of the figures, the animation is so fine. Many well-known Mother Goose stories are included with the stories neatly running together. Old King Cole is featured, and little Jack Horner is featured as well. The youngsters will devour this and ask for more and the elderly children will enjoy it hugely by all means do not miss it. It is great." Walt Disney voices Little Jack Horner himself. Layout work on this film started on January 26, 1931. Animation was done from February 2nd to the 28th of 1931. Sound was recorded on March 31, 1931. It was delivered on April 11, 1931. This cartoon made its TV debut in an episode of Mickey Mouse Club that aired on November 21, 1955. 

Now for a commercial break.

Next is Heckle and Jeckle in Pirate's Gold (1957). This short was directed by Eddie Donnelly. This is one of my favorite Heckle and Jeckle cartoons, especially due to the ending gag. 

Now for the Aesop's Fables cartoon, Fly Frolic (1932). As with many of these cartoons, the real treat is Gene Rodemich's music. 



 

Next is the Pepe LEw Pew cartoon, Louvre Come Back to Me! (1962). This is the final theatrical short to star Pepe and was a very strong one to go out on. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Bart's Nightmare (1989). This is one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman Show before the cartoon family got their own TV series. 

Thanks of joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Resources Used

Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin

Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman 

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/monte-cristo-jr-8842

https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/mastertalent/detail/100857/Watson_Sisters

https://www.fleischerallstars.com/im-playing-with-fire.html