cocoanut_grove Reviews

Waterloo Bridge (1940)

A beautiful picture that you will never forget

[10/10 · 14 February 2003]

I recently had the pleasure of seeing "Waterloo Bridge" on the big screen, and it was an experience not to be missed! One of the most beautiful, saddest and romantic movies ever made, "Waterloo Bridge" has, in the words of noted film historian Bill Collins, "never been accorded the esteem it so richly deserves", despite being an audience favourite for over 60 years.

What's with all this carping about Robert Taylor's accent? I do not think his voice was jarring or anachronistic at all...Taylor's cultured 1930s American accent is reasonably close to British voices as displayed in this movie, as were the accents of most American stars of the period- which is why someone like (say) Ida Lupino could convincingly play the sister of Joan Leslie, Roland Young and Douglas Fairbanks Jr made a sterling father-and-son combo, and did American Myrna Loy stand out like a sore thumb next to Irishman George Brent in "The Rains Came", in which they both played British aristocrats? No, she did not. Besides, even if Taylor's accent was not perfect, (and I think it was perfection), isn't it more important that he played the role of Captain Cronin so wonderfully, with such romantic energy and heartbreaking sincerity? (Look at all the emotion he conveys, using just his eyes, in the final scene on the bridge.) And my goodness, he is just fantastically good looking as well!

I do not think he comes across as overly "American" in personality, either. As we all know, the British do not have a monopoly on such characteristics are reservedness and restraint, just as brashness and confidence are not strictly American qualities. Besides, nationalistic stereotyping is something we need *less* of in movies, not more! (As an Australian, I know whereof I speak- Steve Irwin, can you hear me?)

Robert Taylor's fine performance is matched by those of Vivien Leigh, Virginia Field (who probably should have won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this movie), Lucile Watson and C. Aubrey Smith. Special mention should also be made of the outstanding musical score by Herbert Stothart, whose arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne" sets the scene for one of cinema's all-time great romantic scenes in the Candlelight Club. We also get such favourites as "Smiles", "It's A Long Way to Tipperary", "The Minstrel Boy" and "Loch Lomond" as well as Stothart's memorable original theme- a sad little waltz underscoring the doomed romance of Myra and Roy.

All in all, if your heart doesn't break during this movie, you may want to check for a pulse, or perhaps consider emergency cardiac surgery!!

Laughter (1930)

Wonderful and delightful charming picture

[10/10 · 1 September 2001]

"Laughter" is a glorious romantic comedy with a terrific cast including that great man of the screen, Fredric March. It concerns a young woman who has married for stability and wealth, but can't forget the love of her life, played by the delicious Mr March. It was made at Paramount's Long Island studios, and some scenes were shot on location in New York, giving the movie a different "look" to many others of the period. Some people think of this movie as the first "Screwball" comedy. "Laughter" was Frank Morgan's first talkie and the last movie for Diane Ellis who plays his daughter. She died on her honeymoon in December 1930.

The Longest Night (1936)

The Shortest Picture

[10/10 · 14 July 2001]

"The Longest Night" is a great and entertaining motion picture. Set in a department store, the participants include two sisters, the young owner of the store, annoying little brats, a kleptomaniac, a murderer and assorted cops. The movie had suspense, thrills, romance and laughs. What more could you ask for? Its short length meant a sad lack of screen time for the lovely Robert Young. But, as the saying goes, always leave them wanting more!!

Paradise for Three (1938)

This is terrif! It's simply sensaish!

[10/10 · 21 June 2001]

"Paradise for Three" is a wonderful movie, full of laughs and winter sports. The delightful and handsome Robert Young is a contest winner who is mistaken for a millionaire by villainous Herman Bing, with Frank Morgan (at his befuddled best) as the real millionaire, mistaken for a hobo. It's also got Sig Rumann, and Mary Astor as a shameless gold-digging hussy. 10 out of 10.

The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000 TV Movie)

Possibly the worst movie ever made

[5 March 2001]

Despite the other comments on this page -apparently submitted by the Jennifer Love Hewitt Appreciation Society (or the Denial of Terrible Movies society), there can be no doubt that "The Audrey Hepburn Story" is one of THE WORST movies ever made. Yes, no one could ever recapture the magic that was Audrey Hepburn, but for God's sake, why did they even try? From the shonky knockoffs of Givenchy gowns, to the blatant errors in the film recreations, to the extremely poor Bogart impersonator, this movie is so bad in fact, is is grotesquely fascinating.

And at the centre of it all we have Miss Hewitt herself, all stiff grey wigs (who designed THEM?!), phoney Continental accent and smug little smile. Honey, that your bust is a little larger than Audrey's should be the LEAST of your worries!!!

I shudder to think that future generations might stumble upon this cinematic travesty (OK, I know it was made for television) and take it as a serious tribute to the lovely Miss Hepburn. They will surely wonder what we all saw in her. But that will never happen. Audrey's movies will be remembered forever- long after this Z-grade piece of rubbish is consigned to pop-culture oblivion.

Take a bow, filmmakers. You've managed to reduce the life of one of the screen's most beloved icons to Audrey's one-note obsession with finding her father (how's *that* for a fresh idea!) and producing offspring.

To the sadly misguided Hewitt fans (you know who you are) who took it upon themselves to insult Audrey Hepburn in a vain attempt to make JLH look better, you ought to get your heads examined.

JLH you should be ashamed of yourself!!!! (I'm ashamed of myself too, that I actually took the time to write this thing for such a poorly acted, written and directed- not to mention every other aspect of production- waste of videotape.)

Footlight Serenade (1942)

Delightful backstage musical

[5 January 2001]

Highly entertaining 20th Century Fox musical stars Betty Grable as an aspiring actress, Victor Mature as a heartthrob boxer and John Payne as co-stars in a new Broadway show. Good tunes by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, nifty dancing from the stars and an enjoyable story combine to make Footlight Serenade a sprightly and underrated musical, filmed in glorious black and white. 10/10!!!

Smilin' Through (1932)

A beautiful romance, one of the best movies ever made

[10/10 · 5 January 2001]

One of the most wonderful romances to have come from Hollywood in the 30s, Smilin Through stars three legendary actors- Norma Shearer, Leslie Howard and the gorgeous and talented Fredric March- with and without moustache! Also wearing uniform!! If that doesn't make you want to run out and buy all available copies of Smilin Through, you may want to check your pulse. You'll love it, as long as you aren't a cold-hearted beast. Its the cat's mieow. So put on the kettle for some mighty good tea, settle back with Mrs Crouch's sinkers and dumplings and maybe a slender cookie or two, and watch this fabulous romantic movie right now. 100 out of 10!