tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post116668902211421000..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Forgotten flicks Part IIBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167329370592397182006-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:002006-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00Don't forget Used Cars. Very funny movie with Kurt...Don't forget Used Cars. Very funny movie with Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, and the two guys from Laverne and Shirley (yes, Lennie and Squiggy).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167297524990677662006-12-28T01:18:00.000-08:002006-12-28T01:18:00.000-08:00Okay...I have one that meets the criteria... How m...Okay...I have one that meets the criteria... How many here have ever seen "Little Murders"?<BR/><BR/>Hilarious (especially the diatribe by the judge) and quirky, with Elliot Gould, and a host of character actors, I think it was Jules Pfieffer, or something. NEVER have seen it since like 1970-something. <BR/><BR/>Also "The Great Brinks Job".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167234143105761752006-12-27T07:42:00.000-08:002006-12-27T07:42:00.000-08:00I interviewed Carl Reiner several years back, and ...I interviewed Carl Reiner several years back, and he revealed that the original ending of "Where's Poppa" alienated the audiences. In it, George Segal does not wind up with Trish Van Devere. Instead, he returns to Ruth Gordon, gets into bed with her, and says, "Poppa's home." I wish we could see <I>that</I> on the DVD!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167200381664320812006-12-26T22:19:00.000-08:002006-12-26T22:19:00.000-08:00Pelham is indeed a great movie but it also has wha...Pelham is indeed a great movie but it also has what may be the very best 70's action soundtrack of all, despite not being written by Lalo Schifrin. Stunning.<BR/><BR/>To Live and Die in LA is also an excellent film and also features a pretty good soundtrack, especially if you consider the fact that it's turned out by Wang Chung.John Eje Thelinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07490509151010353590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167163202130541532006-12-26T12:00:00.000-08:002006-12-26T12:00:00.000-08:00Since you mentioned Karen Allen, I'd mention Starm...Since you mentioned Karen Allen, I'd mention <I>Starman</I>, which I've heard described as "<I>E.T.</I> for grownups", "<I>E.T.</I> with sex", "<I>E.T.</I> without the omnipresent Hand of Spielberg", or, simply, "<I>E.T.</I>, only good." John Carpenter isn't exactly an obscure director, but some of his movies have fallen under the radar fairly quickly without becoming cult favorites. Another one that falls in this category is his adaptation of Stephen King's <I>Christine</I>, which is far superior to the book. <BR/><BR/>Overall, I think that it's hard to find a movie that's truly "forgotten"; it's more a matter of deciding where the cutoff is for cult status.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167155886537191922006-12-26T09:58:00.000-08:002006-12-26T09:58:00.000-08:00Holiday greetings from Chicago. Just discovered yo...Holiday greetings from Chicago. Just discovered your blog and will be a frequent visitor. As for "Where's Poppa," I interviewed Carl Reiner once, and he told me the film's original ending scandalized audiences. In it, George Segal does not end up with Trish Van Devere, but instead, returns home, gets into bed with Ruth Gordon, and says, "Poppa's home." I wish they'd include that on the DVD!<BR/><BR/>Another forgotten flick: UFOria: Harry Dean Stanton, a great country soundtrack, Cindy Williams and Fred Ward channeling Waylon Jennings. Out of this world!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167122145812830262006-12-26T00:35:00.000-08:002006-12-26T00:35:00.000-08:00I haven't read every comment, but my hands-down fa...I haven't read every comment, but my hands-down favorite:<BR/><BR/>After Hours<BR/><BR/>A swell little Scorcese film starring Griffin Dunne, but MAN, what a supporting cast:<BR/><BR/>Cheech and Chong<BR/>Verna Bloom<BR/>Teri Garr<BR/>Catherine O'Hara<BR/>John Heard<BR/>Linda Fiorentino<BR/>Rosanna Arquette<BR/>Will Patton<BR/>Scorcese himself<BR/><BR/>...and too many more. Larry Block has five seconds of the best glower on film EVER when Paul Hackett is about to stiff him on cab fare.<BR/><BR/>A classic example of one incredible scene after another. Just a great ride.Howard Hoffmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05377628524697677407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1167059780503445302006-12-25T07:16:00.000-08:002006-12-25T07:16:00.000-08:00Anybody seen "Man On a Swing"? Starred Clift Rober...Anybody seen "Man On a Swing"? Starred Clift Robertson and Joel Grey.<BR/><BR/>"Gloomy Sunday"?<BR/><BR/>"Little Murders"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166943685250553562006-12-23T23:01:00.000-08:002006-12-23T23:01:00.000-08:00The Americanization of Emily--the film that raises...The Americanization of Emily--the film that raises the question, "why didn't James Garner become a movie star?"<BR/><BR/>They Might be Giants--an odd comedy starring the always hilarious George C. Scott as a man convinced he's Sherlock Holmes. Trust me.<BR/><BR/>The Remarkable Andrew--William Holden as a town clerk wrongfully accused of embezzlement, defended by the ghost of Andrew Jackson among other spirits, in a film by Dalton Trumbo.<BR/><BR/>No Way to Treat a Lady--Rod Steiger as a serial killer, pursued by George Segal as a mama's boy cop caught between Eileen Heckhart as his mother, and the terribly missed Lee Remick.<BR/><BR/>The Big Combo-a Joseph Lewis noir starring Richard Conte as a mobster who murders his deaf mentor, played by Brian Donlevy, in a silent gunfire sequence.<BR/><BR/>The Great McGinty--Preston Sturges writes and directs a wonderful political satire starring the apparently ubiquitous Brian Donlevy.<BR/><BR/>The American Success Company AKA Success--Jeff Bridges stars in an indescribably odd film made in the '70s.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166938514796256682006-12-23T21:35:00.000-08:002006-12-23T21:35:00.000-08:00I would like to weigh in and add "Start the Revolu...I would like to weigh in and add "Start the Revolution Without Me"<BR/><BR/>Night. Still 1789Oh. It's Kristen Again. *sigh*https://www.blogger.com/profile/02059444551763120295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166932595644523052006-12-23T19:56:00.000-08:002006-12-23T19:56:00.000-08:00"Bad Company", the 1972 western directed by Robert..."Bad Company", the 1972 western directed by Robert Benton, with Barry Brown and Jeff Bridges.<BR/><BR/>I think this movie was forgotten the minute it was released. The early 70's were just too good for American film. What the hell happened?<BR/><BR/>"I'd like to get my hands on the son of a bitch that told me to go west."Warren Fleecehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04993724978603318934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166929812332692532006-12-23T19:10:00.000-08:002006-12-23T19:10:00.000-08:00OK, I hate to again be the "another vote" guy, but...OK, I hate to again be the "another vote" guy, but I am also a big fan of "Cold Turkey" (I remember they used to show it in every year on CBS), and "It's In the Bag" (as I remember Martin Scorcese was, since he brought it up in an NYT magazine interview years back.) Fast-paced, charming movie. I also really loved another great comedy with a radio actor, "So This is New York" with Henry Morgan. Hard to find on video, but very ahead of its time, full of dry Letterman-ish satire.Rob Bateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743540135575747985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166919236484288322006-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:002006-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:00A couple more forgotten ones: The Stunt Man, from ...A couple more forgotten ones: The Stunt Man, from 1980. This one has aged a bit, especially in terms of some cheesy 70s-style music. But it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director for Richard Rush and Best Actor for Peter O'Toole. Steve Railsback is a fugitive who takes refuge on a movie set and O'Toole is the film's larger than life director. Nifty film. I actually saw it in a 500-seat theater where I was the only patron. This film deserved better. Came out on DVD a few years ago.<BR/> Also, a real oldie: 1936's Dodsworth, with Walter Huston and Mary Astor. Terrifically mature and thoughtful film about a collapsing marraige. A lot of 30s films can be pretty creaky but this one really holds up. And this one is out on DVD too. <BR/> Thanks for all the other suggestions from everyone. Look forward to seeing them all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166912660147378692006-12-23T14:24:00.000-08:002006-12-23T14:24:00.000-08:00Is there a subcategorization of Forgotten Flicks? ...Is there a subcategorization of Forgotten Flicks? For example, a "small" movie that you enjoyed for the story plus other factors? "My Bodyguard" is a sweet film but not a classic. But I love it for its locations (Chicago, which I think was a seldom used location at that time) not to mention glimpses of actors who went on to other things (in this case Joan Cusack and Baldwin brother. Maybe that is a Nostalgia Flick as opposed to a forgotten one. A few people remember it fondly, many others would never have seen it and might be immune to its charms. . .<BR/>--MeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166912603628003262006-12-23T14:23:00.000-08:002006-12-23T14:23:00.000-08:00It's not that old, but "Second Hand Lions" is a gr...It's not that old, but "Second Hand Lions" is a great film. As is "Leon"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166909706603851162006-12-23T13:35:00.000-08:002006-12-23T13:35:00.000-08:00I almost met Karen Allen once. I was having a rea...I almost met Karen Allen once. I was having a reading of one of my screenplays in New York and she agreed to be in it. But at the last couldn't get a baby sitter. :( <BR/><BR/>Oh, well. May next one.By Ken Levinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166907556453131432006-12-23T12:59:00.000-08:002006-12-23T12:59:00.000-08:00Ken, Somewhat off topic but you mentioned your cr...Ken,<BR/><BR/> Somewhat off topic but you mentioned your crush on Karen Allen. Thought you'd be interested in this <BR/>http://www.karenallen-fiberarts.com/<BR/><BR/>Yes, she's talented along with being lovely. I stopped by her store a few weeks ago when traveling through the Berkshires. And speaking of Karen Allen movies, how about Starman?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166904574168669192006-12-23T12:09:00.000-08:002006-12-23T12:09:00.000-08:00Gary: Ken was listing films that he feels are gems...Gary: Ken was listing films that he feels are gems, and have been FORGOTTEN by TV, cable, and DVD. Your list is great, but those films can be found on cable TV almost any day of the week. I see your post was at 2:15 AM so maybe you weren't able to read for comprehension at that wee hour. While I'm at it, I loved "Stalag 17" but, it too, has been on cable in the last couple of years. "Rancho Deluxe" - yes, GWG!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166903496109545042006-12-23T11:51:00.000-08:002006-12-23T11:51:00.000-08:00Trust me on these rarely-seen great films, very li...Trust me on these rarely-seen great films, very little commentary necessary:<BR/><BR/>Comedyish:<BR/>Smile! (didn't know KL had written about it!)<BR/>Rancho deluxe<BR/>So Fine <BR/>Tall Guy (seconded)<BR/>Modern Romance (seconded)<BR/>Real Life (strongly seconded - that was co-writer Harry Shearer 'under' the camera!)<BR/>Used Cars<BR/>Brewster McCloud<BR/>H*E*A*L*T*H<BR/>Mother Juggs & Speed<BR/>Funny Bones<BR/>The hospital (seconded)<BR/>Cold Turkey (Carl Reiner, by Bob & Ray, starring a huge comedy-goldmine of familiar faces. Ahead of its time in 4th-wall busting and 'knowing', ironic humor)<BR/><BR/>(I feel I must add the "Modern Problems" and "Deal of the Century" were never very funny, and they certainly don't hold up. they are both in constant rotation these days on HBO's channels, for proof of this.)<BR/><BR/>Actionish/Dramaish:<BR/>Thief<BR/>Charley Varrick (Walter Matthau as true action hero!)<BR/>The Border<BR/>Straight Time (seconded)<BR/>Shoot the Moon<BR/>Who'll Stop the Rain (seconded)<BR/>Hard Core<BR/>Busting (more great Gould - plus great Garfield)<BR/>Point Blank (forget that ninny Gibson's silly "Payback" - this is the real thing.<BR/><BR/>(Tom Quigley: you are aware of the "ultimate' twist of "Manchurian" aren't you"? I don't believe its ever addressed in the commentaries.)<BR/><BR/>Thank you, KL and commenters - I thought I'd seen "everything", but I got a good 10+ films to hunt down for the holidays.<BR/>Hope everyone's holidays are kind!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166901376270723632006-12-23T11:16:00.000-08:002006-12-23T11:16:00.000-08:00In keeping with the season, how about "A Christmas...In keeping with the season, how about "A Christmas Story" by Jean Shepherd. I used to listen to Shep on the radion in NY when I was growing up. A truely funny human.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166899293051398362006-12-23T10:41:00.000-08:002006-12-23T10:41:00.000-08:00I have a soft spot for Ron Howard's "Grand Theft A...I have a soft spot for Ron Howard's "Grand Theft Auto" Also featuring the Real Don Steele, and 10-Q!<BR/><BR/>I met Boyd R. Britton at a college radio conference at UCLA, and he invited me and a friend over to the studios on Western to take a tour. It was right after they had filmed "GTA" there, and the production studio was still dressed for the shoot. <BR/><BR/>Those were really great studios.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166896252376591302006-12-23T09:50:00.000-08:002006-12-23T09:50:00.000-08:00Nice to see To Live and Die in LA flagged up.Other...Nice to see <I>To Live and Die in LA</I> flagged up.<BR/><BR/>Other favorites:<BR/><BR/><I>Night Moves</I>, <I>Thief</I>, <I>The Keep</I>, <I>Gone to Earth</I>, <I>Static</I>...Good Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10789861569691613179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166894082283659282006-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:002006-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00Does anyone else remember"It's In The Bag" (1945)?...Does anyone else remember<BR/>"It's In The Bag" (1945)?<BR/><BR/>Fred Allen, Jack Benny William Bendix.....<BR/><BR/>Fred Floogle(Allen) owner of<BR/>a flea circus inherits 5 chairs<BR/>and a Frank Sinatra record from his rich uncle. He sells the chairs<BR/>then finds out that one of chairs<BR/>has a fortune in cash stuffed in it.<BR/><BR/>He goes on a wild hunt for the chairs and runs into some funny<BR/>situations along the way.<BR/><BR/>Mel Brooks must have liked it too!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166893177802867692006-12-23T08:59:00.000-08:002006-12-23T08:59:00.000-08:00Here are a few that aren't on your list: -Heroes (...Here are a few that aren't on your list: <BR/><BR/>-Heroes (another Winkler classic) <BR/>-My Bodyguard (fond memories of this one) <BR/>-Inside Moves (John Savage and David Morse)<BR/>-Modern Problems (Chevy actually funny)<BR/>-Hot Stuff (Dom Deluise)<BR/><BR/>one I just rented recently, <BR/><BR/>-Times Square (a flawed classic from what almost seems like a different century)Williamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09464531948766525587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-1166891666589775872006-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:002006-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:00Yeah! "Who'll Stop the Rain" was really good. And ...Yeah! "Who'll Stop the Rain" was really good. And speaking of Chayevsky, I was quite entertained by "Altered States" when it came out. The direction by Ken Russell was goofy, but I loved the story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com