To Gratify Your Curiosity

King Kong (1933), promotional image

Unexpected demands upon my time came up over the past few days, leaving me with little time to blog. However, I'm not complaining; it's better than being sick or pointlessly idle. Nevertheless, we can't let the day pass without celebrating the 80th anniversary of the release of King Kong.

Although it has been remade, spoofed, and copied on more than a few occasions, the classic 1933 movie still provides a compelling story, filled with thrills and adventure. Yeah, the narrative techniques and characterizations do feel antique and awkward, by modern sensibilities, but, if one is willing to suspend disbelief, to turn off the contemporary critical standards, King Kong still makes for good viewing.

Then there is the whole historical appreciation angle, assessing how it influenced subsequent "monster" films and the development of special effects in movie-making. And has there ever been a "Scream Queen" as compelling as Fay Wray? ;-)

Barbie as Fay Wray, caught in Kong's clutches (2002).

Anyways, here's to the Eighth Wonder of the World.

And remember, it was Beauty that killed the Beast.

Oh, A Wise Guy, Eh?

Detail from The Three Stooges' Columbia Intro Card

With the upcoming Three Stooges movie coming out this weekend, it's got me thinking about my childhood enthusiasm for the Stooges and their crazed antics, outrageously violent. It's weird to imagine the outrage that would ensue nowadays, if the television broadcasters scheduled such "antisocial" material, intended for child viewing. ;-)

Well, I'm not such a fan of "slapstick" or buffoonery any more, but, sometimes, I'll come across old reruns of these films. There's a guilty pleasure when I pause to give a quick viewing. I'll appease my shame over the lowbrow enjoyment by exclaiming it to be unbelievably imbecilic, mind-numbingly stupid.

But, I have to admit, though my complaints are perfectly justified, there's something authentic to physical humor. Buffoonery is an ancient form of comedy, transcending culture and language.

"Don't worry! I got it!"
Three Little Beers (1935)

I guess that the lack of sophistication makes it easily accessible. The physical mishaps, the pratfalls and slaps, these all speak directly to us in a visceral and inarticulated manner. Yet, there is certainly an art to setting up the joke, managing the expectations, building comedic tension.

"Ok, buddy, it's your tooth."
All the World's a Stooge (1941)

When the Stooges are left to their own devices in a dentist's office or stacking barrels on the back of a truck, you know something both absurd and atrocious is going to happen.

It's Going to be a Bumpy Night

Bette Davis in Jezebel (1938)

One of my all time favorite actresses, Bette Davis, was born on April 5, 1908.

I've previously written about my adoration for her, but it's a topic about which I can endlessly discuss. Her sharp and snappy characters, so full of passion and vivacity, were always compelling, even if only in a "love to hate" sort of way. And her unique look, with those unforgettable eyes, had a commanding quality, a strange beauty.

All About Eve is one of my favorite movies. Bette Davis delivers on a perfect performance as Margo Channing. The manner in which she conveys subtle psychological nuances, in counterpoint to her overt "drama queen" campiness, brings about a rich appreciation for the character and her sad situation.

Bette Davis in All About Eve (1950)

So, let's take a moment to celebrate the wonderful artistry of this legend of Classic Hollywood.

Modern Prometheus

Detail of Monster of Frankenstein #1 cover art (1973) by Mike Ploog

Published on January 1, 1818, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus founded two genres of fiction dear to my heart, Horror and Science Fiction. Certainly, there are older instances that could claim the credit, but Shelley's novel isn't merely a "scary tale" or "speculative" fiction; it gets to the philosophical and aesthetic premises that define each of these genres.

As regards Horror, the exploration of transgression, the danger of human genius removed from moral concern, and the hubris of finite humanity imposing its limited awareness upon a Nature that surpasses both comprehension and control, these are themes and topics that characterize the best of the genre since Frankenstein.

For Science Fiction, the intellectual quandaries posed by the novel, such as the concept of "person" or the ethical concerns raised by pressing into uncharted realms of technology, have become staples of speculative fiction. No "Artificial Intelligence" story can be told without being compared to the progenitor of the genre.

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's Monster (1931)

Therefore, we can't let this day pass by without celebrating this literary treasure:

"I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation."

Powerful stuff!!!

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Vivien Leigh as Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)


It's been a while since I posted about a cinematic topic, but Vivien Leigh, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful women to grace the silver screen, was born on this day in 1913.

There is a cliche that great beauties are not great actresses, a sentiment that receives ample anecdotal evidence in the eye candy fluff churned out by the modern movie industry, but this fallacy crashes and burns when applied to Vivien. Two Oscars and a Tony Award are proof of her ability, as are the iconic performances that become immortalized in Hollywood history.

Were all of her performances great? No. She would occasionally let her looks carry the dramatic weight. Other times, it seemed as if the directing was showcasing the "pretty" and undercutting her acting abilities. Regardless, Vivien brought more stage presence and dramatic sensibility in her right eyebrow than you could draw out of a bevy of contemporary beauties.

Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind (1939)

So, let's take a moment to think about the many wonderful memories and images that Vivien Leigh has left us. What are your favorite scenes or lines?

Backwards and in High Heels

Today we celebrate the birth date of Ginger Rogers, born in 1911. Not only was Ginger one of the beauties of the classic silver screen, but she was hands down the best film dancer of her era. Yeah, that includes Fred. ;-P

I'm not a big fan of musicals, but a well choreographed dance number can grab my attention. And whenever Ginger is on stage, she will make even the most uninspired arrangement look like genius. With grace and poise, she sweeps the viewer away in captivating movement.

I can go on and on, but it's Saturday afternoon. And Ginger's moves can defend themselves better than even the most epic blog post that I can offer.

Bigger Than Life

Thirty years ago, Kim Carnes was dominating the Billboard Hot 100 with "Bette Davis Eyes". It would spend a total of nine weeks at the top spot and win the Grammy for Song of the Year. The song is about an aggressively sexual woman, with undercurrents of deception and objectification. Behind her external charms, she's a manipulative person, willing to use you for her own gratification.

"She'll take a tumble on you

Roll you like you were dice

Until you come up blue

She's got Bette Davis eyes."

Here's the original vid:

A great deal can be said for the vocal qualities of the performance or the engaging rhythm, but I think that the thing that makes this song stand out is the evocative qualities associated with the primary cultural reference, the "Bette Davis" eyes.