Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Bambi B (A) on May 14, 2008 at 13:18:22

In Reply to: RE: And the best film about cigar smoking..... posted by patrickU on May 14, 2008 at 11:46:39

Patrick,

Yes, I find "Witness for the Prosecution" an interesting movie because it it is one of the few novie that has a real "twist"- a surprise, but I can still see it again and again because of Laughton's blustery cigar-smoking barrister. In some ways I wish the Tyrone Powers character had been someone else, but Elsa Lanchester as Nurse Plimsoll- you know a "plimsoll" is the kind of canvas and rubber soled shoe worn by nurses- was a wonderful detail and of course the amazing dual roles of Marlene Dietrich. The British were never afraid to put first-rate actors in minor roles- something Americans never do- their agents won't let them.

By the way, my favourite Dietrich movie is still, "Destry Rides Again".When Dietrich asks Jimmy Stewart, "Have you ever been to New Orleans", it was the best comic question of, Have you ever had sex?" in movies!

"the Skin Game" I saw years ago, but yes it's one of the best early Hitchcock- I think more intersting than "The 39 Steps" becasue of the social qualities, the greedy devloper against the old money aristocrats. I must see it again, thanks for the reminder.

Cheers,

Bambi B