It's another Thursday and, in keeping with the romance month, it's all about May/December Romances or the typical old coot lusting after a young chick. Today it is known as your typical old rich famous guy marrying a gold-digging tart with her IQ placed in her triple D chest. Going against the grain, Harold and Maude would fit perfectly here(Old gal with a young man) but I have yet to see the movie (I know!!-I have to see it), so I have chosen the 3 below. Head on over to Wandering Through the Shelves to see what other bloggers have picked.
1. DADDY LONG LEGS-1955
I love this movie even though Leslie Caron could be Astaire's young daughter. She plays a young orphan in France who gets the chance of a lifetime when her "Daddy Long Legs" happens to see her when his car breaks down and offers the orphanage tons of money to have her get the proper schooling in America. We all know how much better the schooling is in the States (eyes roll into the back of my head). She never laid eyes upon him when he was in France but just saw his silhouette so she calls her benefactor DaddyLL. She writes to him but he never answers until his romantic secretary, played by the wonderful Thelma Ritter, tells him to get his butt over to the school. He does just that and sees what a young, beautiful girl she is turning out to be. He takes her out on the town and literally sweeps her off her feet. The dancing is excellent and it has one of my favourite songs "Something's Gotta Give" in it. I do enjoy this movie even though she is a young thing-Fred Astaire felt the same way for his role in this film.
2. LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON-1957
"Hello Grandpa! My, you look sexy with all those wrinkles and pained look on your face but, no worries, I can fix your hot water bottle for ya." It seems Audrey Hepburn had many on screen romances with some of the oldest guys around from Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire to Gary Cooper. Only this beautiful elegant lady could pull it off. She plays the daughter of Maurice Chevalier who is a PI. One of his clients wants a man shot for playing footsies with his wife and the man playing footsies is Gary Cooper(known to have been quite the ladies' man). Audrey "saves" him and the romance is on. She knows how to drive him batty and forget his "amour" ways. Directed by Billy Wilder, it is clever even though you feel Cooper should be giving her a lollipop rather than his lollipop.
3. VENUS-2010
This is actually quite an excellent film and Peter O'Toole got another Oscar Nomination (although, once again, didn't win) for his portrayal of an aging one time big star. I saw this film only a year ago and I loved the relationship between him and his best friend's niece who is a bit of a wild child. You sense there might be more to their relationship but you also know he is a great teacher to her and a friend. A wonderful film.
It seems every old guy with money seems to be marrying very young girls who say their hearts belong to Daddy. I say, if that man was Ernie Schwartz from midtown Wisconsin on a basic pension, there is no way in little green acres Fifi Boobitart would give him a second glance. On the other hand, men look at this set up, notice this old coot getting his all from va va Voom and all men say "What's wrong with that?" I guess they are right....ughhh
What 3 films would you choose?
Harold and Maude is cute - you should watch it.
ReplyDeleteI'd pick Underworld's Selene and Michael. Hey, he's about thirty and she's a couple centuries old! It counts...
Underworld does count! She is older than most. Someone picked The Twilight movie for the same reason
Deletelol old farts with dough get the bimbos indeed. Never saw any of these ones, never even heard of Venus, sounds interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteVenus is quite good and I enjoyed it at my hood
DeleteI've never seen any of these, but I remember Venus being in theaters. I never caught that one.
ReplyDeleteI saw Venus last year and thought it was quite good.
DeleteLove in the Afternoon!!!!! I went with that one too! UGH, I wish that Hepburn had won her Oscar for that role instead of Roman Holiday. She's just luminous!
ReplyDeleteHepburn is great in anything she does but I liked her better in Roman Holiday:)
DeleteHi, dear Birgit!
ReplyDeleteNow that I am older, I am much more annoyed by May/December love affairs. As a child of the 50s and a teenager of the 60s, I learned the facts of life watching movies and TV shows depicting May/December romances. I remember Deanna Durbin throwing herself at Walter Pidgeon in It's a Date (1940). There was also a rather disturbing daddy-daughter scene on a bed between Jane Powell and Walter Pidgeon in Holiday in Mexico (1946). Did anybody else notice what they did there? Play that "pencil sequence" in slow motion and it will pop right out at you! Remember Betty Anderson on Father Knows Best? Betty and every other high school girl of the 50s and 60s regarded boys her own age as immature, shallow and boring, and dreamed of dating and marrying an older man because older men are so much more intellectual, worldly and sophisticated, and they know how to treat a woman. (They must also be rich, though, or the deal's off.) In the 1970s things turned around thanks to the Women's Movement. A greater number of female characters had power and status and older women often played with boy toys, which was equally disgusting. There's no getting around it. "Love," for lack of a better word, follows the money trail, and life imitates art much too often.
Have a happy Thursday, dear friend BB!
You bring up valid points for sure! I have not seen Holiday in Mexico but now I am intrigued for that scene alone. I am just that into really old dudes...I call it the Tony Randall syndrome
DeleteI have to agree with Alex, Harold and Maude is a cute movie. I haven't seen (or heard) of these, but they do sound interesting :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I do have to see that movie. These films are quite good overall
DeleteThe first husband was an old fart, twice my age. Unfortunately, he had no penny to his name. I can't even get that right. lol. I wonder if it were all those May/December movies and books I saw and read that made it seem normal. Movies? Any Hepburn and Tracey one. Also, Little Women and Emma.
ReplyDeleteOh boy-it sounds like your first husband was a winner...glad you now have your true gem:)
DeleteYeah, I've been fortunate to have married two genuine gems. Better than greenbacks any day. :-)
DeleteHaven't seen any of these. Guess I should watch Love in the Afternoon since it's popping up in a few places today. You should see Hqrold and Maude. It's excellent. Now where can I meet this Fifi Boobitart?
ReplyDeleteUnless you are a wealthy 80 yr old man Fifi will not look at your twice:)
DeleteMy favorite part of Daddy Long Legs, aside from the dancing, was Thelma Ritter. Fred and Leslie never connected for me enough to buy that she'd ever fall for him especially since she doesn't come across as the golddigging type.
ReplyDeleteAudrey & Chevalier are wonderful in Love in the Afternoon but Gary is stiff as a board, he apparently realized before going into the film that he was too old for it and was uncomfortable throughout shooting, which shows. He was quite the infamous stud in his younger days, all the way up to and including his notorious affair with Patricia Neal, but by this time had settled down and this was his last real romantic lead.
I LOVE Peter O'Toole but I hated Venus. It was akin to watching paint dry.
I did a mix of old woman/younger man and the reverse to balance things out for the week.
Murphy’s Romance (1985)-In her early thirties divorcee Emma (Sally Field) and her young son are new in town where she is trying to make a go of a horse farm. Middle aged druggist Murphy (James Garner) takes a shine to her and tries to send business her way while slowly romancing her. Things are progressing nicely until Emma’s irresponsible but charming ex-husband turns up and tries to win her back. Complications ensue. Amiable, ambling comedy netted Garner a best actor Oscar nomination.
Forty Carats (1973)-Fortyish Ann Stanley (Liv Ullman) has a brief fling with 20 something Peter Latham (Edward Albert) while on vacation in Greece. Returning to her New York home she runs into Peter again at a party and he wishes to pick up where they left off. Ann mindful of their age difference is leery. Peter however will not be put off. Somewhat stagy (it’s based on a play) but it’s nice to see Ullman loosen up and character actress Binnie Barnes is a hoot as her irrepressible Mom.
Autumn Leaves (1956)-Lonely 50ish spinster Millie (Joan Crawford) meets equally lonely 30ish Army vet Burt (Cliff Robertson). Despite her initial reluctance they marry after a whirlwind courtship. One day Burt’s ex-wife and father show up telling Millie Burt is mentally ill and their presence does seem to spark a great deal of agitation in him. Millie, sensing there is more than meets the eye, attempts to help Burt and get to the bottom of the situation. With the high priestess of 50’s anguish in the lead you just know that will include much melodrama but the film does try and provide some insights into mental health issues. The title song is sung over the credits by Nat King Cole.
Honorable mention-Leon: The Professional (1994)-When her entire family is murdered by an out of control DEA agent 12 year old Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is reluctantly taken in by professional assassin Leon (Jean Reno). Hunted and sworn to vengeance they form an intense connection during which he teaches her his trade. Not so much a May/December romance as a tale of extreme emotions under extraordinary circumstances. Both leads give wonderfully nuanced performances.
I always felt Cooper was not the greatest as he is placed today. I liked him in High Noon and Mr. Deeds.. but, in this role he looked tired and, you are right, he was really uncomfortable filming this because of the age difference. I love the dancing in DLL and wished for a dress like Leslie Caron when they go out on the town. She is too young for Fred and he knew it. Thelma Ritter was more for him-She is one of my favs! I love your picks! Murphy's Romance is a wonderful film and is perfect for this week. I have not seen the other 2 but I always felt Joan Crawford was the cougar of her day. The Professional is another gem. Do you have your own blog? If not, are you thinking about having one?
DeleteI haven't seen any of these. And yes, Harold and Maude would fit perfectly here, I absolutely need to re-watch it because everyone is saying it's cute and I remember not liking it much.
ReplyDeleteI have to see this film as I only have read good things about it
DeleteI almost picked Daddy Long Legs - I can't stand Leslie Caron but I really like that movie. I ADORE Audrey so I will get around to Love in the Afternoon some day. Venus, too, since I've heard such great things about O'Toole's performance.
ReplyDeletePoor Leslie Caron-I don't mind her and she came at the final high of the musical. Audrey is great and so is Chevalier in Love....
DeleteI've only seen Daddy Long Legs. I've read the book too - even as young as I was I found the idea of a school girl and her guardian rather disturbing. I totally agree with your commenter Shady on this, also interesting that Little Women and Emma were raised. I love Emma, but can't help feeling it's a bit sleazy of Mr Knightly to fall in love with her when she was only 13. I did once meet someone who had married a family friend who, as she said, used to dandle her on his knee when she was a baby so it does happen...
ReplyDeleteOh boy does it happen. I like Morgan Freeman but my respect for him went down because he left his wife for her granddaughter! I thought it was his granddaughter when I saw a picture of the 2 of them but then I read the article. His wife was married before and that union brought children. He knew this little girl since she was a baby as his step grandchild only to marry her later! They talked about Woody Allen but nothing about this...ick!
DeleteOnly one I can think of is "Sabrina," the original with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. I've seen the remake with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond but the pairing just isn't wrong enough.
ReplyDeleteSabrina works for sure and more with the original which is a better film anyway.
DeleteHollywood was once enamored with the idea of old men cavorting with younger women,, like in Gigi, but these days that's off-putting.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is it still happens! George Clooney is often paired with costars who are 20 years younger. What is sadder is how many real life marriages are taking place between the old farts and the youngins
DeleteTo the author of the blog and these comments - you are so insanely judgmental and hurtful in your close-minded opinions, it's seriously infuriating to read.
DeleteOld dudes, young girls.
ReplyDeleteEww.
Ewwww is right!
DeleteHonestly, I just don't see the attraction for a young girl in an old man. I can also say I get annoyed when old farts hit on me (which is 99.9% of the hitting on I receive). The thing is I know for a certainty that in their minds they see themselves as young and vibrant. (They've invested in circus mirrors or something.) All I can see is someone I'm going to caretaking in a few years. Frankly, I've had enough healthy issues of my own that the LAST thing I need is to take care of someone who is so old they need help getting to the bathroom.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say... none of these sorts of movies appeal to me. I truly believe that we should try and date/marry someone who is actually in our generation. Five years either way is ideal. Ten years is pushing it (but doable depending on the person). More than that... you're just asking for punishment.
That said... there will always be exceptions to my rule. More power to the people who can make it work.
You are right and to think of looking at an old man in his 70's or 80's and think he would look good naked makes me hurl. Tony Randall, who was in his 70's married someone in her young 20's! They had kids!! Ewwwwwwww. Reminds me of a Sex and the City episode where Samantha (of course) has an affair with an older man. She is happy enough but when he gets out of bed and walks to the bathroom she and us, see his sagging, wrinkly ass and she is grossed out. My parents were actually 15 years apart. My mom was 30 and my dad was 45 when they met but they were perfect together. It's strange how this can happen.
DeleteI haven't seen any of these. Venus always struck me as one to check out, though. Poor Peter O'Toole. That dude should've won a damn Oscar. No doubt.
ReplyDeleteHe should have and it's a crime he never did
DeleteHave enjoyed #1 & #2 movies...a bit of fluff fairytale. Have not seen #3. This was a funny & very observative post...yeah, take away the green, might not be so romantic, huh? TFS & giving a good chuckle.
ReplyDeleteIt is fluff and seems nice enough until you see the old guy naked...shivers!
DeleteHave to just add one more comment: Read Robin's comment, and having seen 2 cases of that recently, a 40yr female marrying a 20+ older guy, and ends life being a very tired & confined caregiver to someone who becomes a crotchety patient at the end. I have to agree with Robin's assessment of some sad punishment...no matter how much love is involved.
ReplyDeleteOh Robin is so right! I would not want to be that caregiver...unless the guy is 95 yrs old, a billionaire and has one foot in the grave
DeleteThe Graduate seems to be the go-to film for this subject.
ReplyDeleteNever Say Never Again - Connery (53) and Basinger(29). Bonus points because it's a Bond movie.
Chloe, with Julianne Moore (48)and Amanda Seyfried (23), was good for a while, but those final few minutes - eesh.
The Graduate works very well here and so does the Bond film! You do get points:) I have not seen Cloe
DeleteI did enjoy Daddy Long Legs and Love in the Afternoon. Never saw Venus.
ReplyDeleteHarold and Maude... I don't know if I'd call it cute. There are some dark themes in there, but they do gloss over them. I just saw that they're showing it locally at a cemetery someplace.
I think I'd add Goodbye Again with Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Perkins (yes, from Psycho) as the May/December, with he May and she December.
The movie is being shown in a cemetery?? I think I have seen that film with Bergman and Perkins-Good choice!
DeleteIt appears to be a Valentine's Day tradition.
Deletehttp://thefridacinema.org/event/harold-and-maude-sunnyside-cemetery/
I need to think about this... This is like 7 miles from me. So doable. And it's quite the cemetery. Great atmosphere.
Oh, I suppose I should mention why this makes sense. Harold and Maude met at a funeral. Both of them like to go to funerals. They don't know the deceased. They just like funerals. For different reasons.
DeleteAll of these are new to me= although I have heard of Love in the Afternoon. So many movies to catch up on! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
These are good movies and one day you may see one or 2:)
DeleteI haven't seen any of these, but they all sound like good films!
ReplyDeleteThey are good especially if you like musicals then you will enjoy the first one.
DeleteI don't know why, but I've somehow missed seeing Love In the Afternoon. The dancing in Daddy Long Legs is a treasure. I'm not wild about Venus.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hmm...I'm stumped. I can't think of any May/December romances, so I'd say you did pretty well coming up with three!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the first two... somehow missed Venus when it made its rounds. How about Sabrina?
ReplyDeletex Asha