Thursday, July 14, 2016

Wandering Through The Shelves-Female Ensemble


So, I am on vacation this week and we high-tailed it to My hubby's Aunt's Place who owns a home right on the Richelieu River which is near Montreal (she is South from This great city). I may not be visiting as much but we shall see. I hope to get back to card making sooner than later and maybe even some fun stories. Ya never know:) So this week is female ensemble movies and, at first, I was stumped  but then my mind started to snap and crackle. I am staying away from Steel Magnolias, Sex and the City and the First Wives Club and will, once again, go old school. They may be older films but they are goodies. Head on over to the host, Wandering Through The Shelves, to see what the others have picked. Here are my 3....

1.  THE WOMEN-1939


There isn't a man insight in this film but they are definitely the hot topic! The film starts by showing the women to their animal counterpart which made me laugh and grabbed me at the same time. A socialite woman finds out, via her "friends", that her husband is having an affair with a common shop gal who puts new meaning to the word bitch. You find out all the gossiping hijinks and how the husbands, never seen, carry on behind their wives. You meet the wives and some of the women they are carrying on with. In lesser hands this film would have been frightful but it is deftly directed by George Cukor whom all women adored. He brought out the best in their acting abilities and they were thankful for it. This film is still a heck of a lot better than the remake.

2. THREE CAME HOME-1950


This is a little known gem based on the memoirs of Agnes Newton Keith who lived with her husband and young son in North Borneo before the outbreak of World War 2. It shows how the family is separated once the Japanese have taken control of the place and the women are separated from their husbands and undergo brutal treatment. For a film made in 1950, it really conveys the brutality the women had to endure but it also showed how the one Japanese Commander, played brilliantly by Sessue Hawakawa,  sympathized with their ordeal. We feel their anguish, horror and hope as they live day in and day out in the camps. If you like World War 2 movies like this, then you should see this film.

3. HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONIARE-1953


Let's talk froth....This is the film for it. It is fun and better than one realizes once you sit down and let your 2015 way of thinking got bye-bye. 3 friends (I always think of them like the precursor to Charlie's Angels) decide to land a very wealthy husband and make their mark to land the gullible idiots. Lauren Bacall is behind the scheme and is the most cynical of the three. Betty Grable, the World War 2 pin-up queen is all sass  and Marilyn Monroe is all Ass...inine but fun. Actually, I feel Monroe steals the picture with her near sighted comedic approach and I am not a huge Monroe fan. Will the 3 gals get what they want? You just have to watch and see.

What films would you choose? In keeping with the animal spirit of the first film, which animal would describe you? I asked my hubby who said he would not even attempt to answer this because he would get in trouble. Of course, I prodded him and he quickly said A mouse! "Why am I a mouse?" He raised his hands in the air and said he knew he would be in trouble. I am laughing but I don't think I'm a mouse.....yup, he is in trouble.:)

73 comments:

  1. I've not seen any of those.
    I don't think you're a mouse.

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    1. Maybe one day. I think I'm more like a Doggie not a mouse

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  2. Seen one and three but never even heard of two. I'll add it to my list. I like Monroe, but can't stand Russell or Crawford which made watching 'The Women' years and years ago a bit of a problem.

    Animal? I have always thought of myself as a female tiger.

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    1. Tiger is good:) I highly recommend Three Came Home

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  3. I haven't seen any of these, but this is the 2nd time I've seen The Woman so I think I'm going to watch that eventually.

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  4. Hi, Birgit!

    I have seen picture #3 with the underrated (and unfairly hated) Marilyn Monroe, but I don't remember seeing the other two films. Mrs. Shady and I love WWII dramas and I will be sure to show her the trailer for Three Came Home.

    I am currently watching the Fox TV series Scream Queens. Modern actresses like Emma Roberts have mastered the "bitch face" and often play mean, shallow, egocentric characters. The first movie, The Women, and the third, How To Marry a Millionaire, remind us that movies featuring bitchy female characters, gold diggers, social climbers and cheating spouses are nothing new and not strictly a reflection of modern society.

    Thank you, dear friend BB!

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    1. You are so right that not much has changed has it? The same old way of thinking is still there. I hope you see Three Came Home because it is so under-rated and so good.

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  5. lol do you like cheese or squeak a lot?

    I've seen parts of the last one I think years ago, never heard of the other two though.

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    1. I never squeak and I only eat some cheese but I think I am more like a doggie. I am not a dog in the" oh my, she looks like a" variety but I am loyal, affectionate but can nip when need be. Hope you see these films one day

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  6. I haven't seen any of these, but I've been meaning to watch "How to Marry a Millionaire" for a while.

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    1. I enjoy How to Marry a Millionaire because it's well written and each gal has quite a bit of character

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  7. Fab picks! Thought you'd pick The Women which was the first to occur to me but I figured it would get its due and moved on. I actually just ran across it on TCM the other day at about the mid point and watched to the end. Great fun, the leads are all super but I have a soft spot for Mary Boland's brilliance as the Countess and Paulette Goddard's flip former showgirl. I like the musical remake The Opposite Sex too though they should have left the men out but it's miles better than that crap redo they did a few years ago.

    Love it when lesser known films get a spotlight shone on them and that would be Three Came Home. It's a harsh picture but worthwhile and Claudette was a perfect choice, a lady but a tough one giving her character a commonality that is relatable. She was supposed to go from this into All About Eve but hurt her back during filming this film which forced her to withdraw...we all know what happened then.

    How to Marry a Millionaire is a hoot. All three of the ladies are terrific in their special way and it has so many great sequences. I think my favorite is the three dreams, it gives a peak into the way each looks at their mission.

    This is one of the themes I was looking forward to most and I ran into a problem when I was compiling. I could only get down to six! So I've split into two entries, Golden Era and more recent. I also left off Steel Magnolias since I'm assuming it will show up too but it killed me. Love that movie.

    Studio Era:

    Cry “Havoc” (1943)-As WWII rages in the Philippines a group of women volunteer to help the army nurses in a hospital unit on Bataan. Set mostly in their protective bunker and the switchboard that brings increasingly more dire war news this focuses on the struggles and hardships endured by the women as the front moves ever closer. The cast is comprised almost exclusively of great actresses, Margaret Sullavan, Ann Sothern, Joan Blondell and Fay Bainter among them, with only very brief glimpses of men, including a young Robert Mitchum. A compelling heavy drama leavened by doses of gallows humor.

    Westward the Women (1951)-Unvarnished look at the hard road faced by a group of women settlers on a wagon train to California. Robert Taylor, weathered and hard is the rough but fair wagon master and has the only significant male role. Hope Emerson stands out as a plain speaking, no nonsense traveler but all the performances are very good. The cost of the trip is honestly depicted as heavy with human lives. Written by Frank Capra and directed with an unflinching eye by Wild Bill Wellman, an involving, unusual picture.

    The Doughgirls (1944)-Frenzied comedy with a dated situation, the housing shortage in DC during WWII, and an amazing cast of brilliant actresses. Ann Sheridan, skillful with a quip or a withering look, Jane Wyman, sweet and endearing but a borderline idiot, and an ultra-glamorous Alexis Smith. They’re former chorus girls who all camp out in one of the few available rooms when they find their recent marriages called into question as many colorful characters pass through. They’re delightful but don't stand a chance when Eve Arden swoops in as a Russian commando stealing scenes with undisguised glee tearing into her character with abandon and wiping everybody out of the picture.

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    1. I am not seeing The Women as much as I thought I would and I had to pick it. I knew you would know Three Came Home and it's quite. Film for its time. I think this is one of Monroe's best performances in my book. I haven't seen any of the films you picked but they are now on my list to see. You always pick great movies

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  8. And the ones of more recent vintage:

    8 Women (2002)-As a wealthy French family, comprised it seems entirely of women, gathers for the holiday the patriarch is murdered off stage and they are trapped by a snowstorm to figure out which of the eight has committed the crime, occasionally bursting into song along the way. Unique, wacky and bizarre semi-musical comic murder mystery set during Christmas is jam packed with great French actresses including Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, Fanny Ardant and Isabelle Huppert. They make the often preposterous goings on plausible.

    Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982)-In a dusty Texas town near the location the movie Giant was filmed a devoted group of female James Dean fans reunite 20 years after the film wrapped at the Five & Dime that is was the center of their world. They laugh, argue and reminisce while wondering whether their sole male club member will return. Ultimately long buried secrets are revealed. Highly eclectic cast, Cher, Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and a just starting out Kathy Bates all give excellent idiosyncratic performances. Robert Altman’s filmization of the play he directed on Broadway with the entire cast returning is entertaining and unique.

    Tea with Mussolini (1999)-In 30’s Florence young Luca, motherless and ignored by his father due to his illegitimacy, is taken under the wing of the father’s secretary (Joan Plowright), her group of women friends, somewhat affectionately known as The Scorpioni (including Maggie Smith and Judi Dench), as well as old friends of his mother, Georgie and Elsa (Lily Tomlin and Cher). As Mussolini moves the country progressively towards Hitler’s ideology all their lives are affected but the strength of their spirit and devotion to each other never waver.

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    1. 8 Women seems to be the popular choice and I want to see this one especially for Danielle Darrieux . I have seen Tea with Mussolini which is an under-rated film in my eyes. It really is a gem

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  9. I don't see you as a mouse either :) Sounds like a nice time you are having on your vacation; hope it is relaxing!

    Haven't heard of these movies but all seem like fascinating plots.

    I think I would be a dog; loyal and eager to please :)

    betty

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    1. I. Not a mouse and he has since retracted which is a wise thing. I also think I am a doggie...loyal, affectionate, happy to see loved ones but can nip when it calls for it.

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  10. Haven't seen any of your picks but Three Came Home sounds interesting, never heard of it before.

    What animal would best describe me? not sure, but I know I'd like to be a Meerkat - They have get potential in advertising.

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    1. What animal would best describe me? not sure, but I know I'd like to be a Meerkat - They have great potential in advertising.

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    2. Love that you picked Meerkat...they are so neat and fun to watch. Very family oriented. Three Came Home is excellent.

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  11. I saw The Women years ago and loved it. Never saw the other two, believe it or not.

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    1. It's so good ...I love The Women...so well acted and love some of the characters. Hope you get to see the others one day.

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  12. I've not seen any of these. I have watched the remake to The Women and wasn't impressed. Never bothered with the original. I keep hearing I should watch it. Maybe I should.

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    1. Oh gosh..no comparison...watch the original!

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  13. I've not seen any of these. I have watched the remake to The Women and wasn't impressed. Never bothered with the original. I keep hearing I should watch it. Maybe I should.

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  14. Thank you for picking things that weren't Steel Magnolias, Sex and the City, or the First Wives Club! Not a fan of any of those. I haven't seen any of the movies you listed, but I love the premise of The Women. Very creative not showing any of the men, while being all about them. Might have to check that one out.

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    1. These are all excellent in my book but The Women and Three Came Home would be the ones for you to watch and I think, like.

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  15. Bridesmaids - Ellie Kemper, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne

    Mean Girls - Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fey, Rachel McAdams

    Dancing at the Blue Iguana - Daryl Hannah, Charlotte Ayannna, Sheila Kelley

    Anyway, enjoy Montreal. It's the second most populous municipality in Canada.

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    1. I have only seen Bridesmaids but I have heard of the second movie. We are South of Montreal and have a great view of the Richelieu river

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  16. I never saw what everyone loved about The Women. I didn't particularly like it. It just seemed... I don't know. Not one of my favorites.

    I do love How to Marry a Millionaire. I do enjoy many of Marilyn Monroe's movies. I guess I just like light and frothy.

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    1. The women is quite biting and some women may even take offence to it but I like it. Monroe film is. Fun one

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  17. I haven't seen The Women but I go to a play reading group sometimes and we did a scene from the original script. I got to be quite bitchy which was fun! The leader of the group stressed how good the film was so I must look out for it now you've recommended it too. She hadn't seen the remake because she didn't want to spoil it.

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    1. Don't see the remake...not really that good at all. I hope you see it

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  18. My wife loves "The Women" but it doesn't do much for me in spite of the great cast.

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    1. I love it! It is catty but I don't think most men would care for it

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  19. Great picks!!! Love this theme!

    I've only seen the remake of The Women so I should see the original. Three Came Home looks and sounds brilliant - also I love Colbert

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    1. The original The women is the film to see and if you like Colbert then you will love this film

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  20. YAY for The Women! Greatest female ensemble of all time if you ask me! I've not seen Three Came Home, but am adding it to my list (thank you!), and I also LOVE How To Marry A Millionaire. One of my favorite Marilyn Monroe performances.

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    1. Glad you love The Women and hope you like 3 Came home

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  21. I've got lots of love for the Ghostbusters today but will ALWAYS adore How to Marry a Millionaire.
    We're in Montreal for Fantasia Film Fesitval - hello!

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    1. Oh wow...we are so close! Enjoy the festival!

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  22. I haven't seen any of these, but I do love older film recommendations! Have a good vacation!

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    1. Hope you get to see some of these. I am loving my vacation

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  23. Would The Devil Wore Prada and Clueless count? I liked Heat with Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock. Ah, Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah. That one had a great all-female ensemble. I like to think that a crow describes me. Caw, caw, caw.

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    1. All your films count! A crow? Well they are intelligent and live a long time

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  24. Hi, BIRGIT ~
    The first one that popped into my mind was 'TWO WOMEN' from 1961. It's one of few foreign movies I've ever really liked.

    >>... During World War II, Italian widow Cesira (Sophia Loren) must leave Rome with her devout daughter when the city comes under attack by Allied forces.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. I know the film well but have yet to see it! I know...I must rectify that situation

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  25. I do not see you as a mouse. Possibly a cat with sass and you know I like cats:)
    How To Marry a Millionaire is a classic.

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    1. My hubby retracted which was the best thing for him. I think of myself as a doggie...loyal, loves to play but can defend loved ones when need be

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    2. :)
      That's a good description.

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  26. Birgit, the first two movies are new-to-me. How to Marry a Millionaire we saw a few years ago on Netflix and it was a lot of fun to watch. I highly recommend it, too. I plan to see if the new movies are available for streaming. Thanks for the recommendation & review.

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    1. I hope you get to see them. Hope you get to see them

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  27. I havent seen any of these, but I've at least heard of the third one. I'll probably check these out on Netflix or Amazon and give them a watch when I'm home alone (the bf doesnt much care for older movies, let alone all female casts)

    Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

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    1. I hope you can find them. I know what you mean, there are movies I have to watch when my hubby is out because he doesn't care for them and will even start commenting which infuriates me.

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  28. Mrs. Penwasser thought she was marrying a millionaire.
    Silly girl.

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    1. Well, like Betty Grable, she found love instead...much richer

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  29. Mrs. Penwasser thought she was marrying a millionaire.
    Silly girl.

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  30. I'm going to have a retro night at the movies, and I'm including The Women in it. Look at that cast. Listen to that dialog.

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    1. Oh good! Let me know what you think. It is excellent I my humble opinion.

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  31. How To Marry a Millionaire looks brilliant. I'm gonna have to check that out.

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  32. I haven't seen any of your picks, Birgit. I can't even think of a female ensemble movie that I've seen and loved!

    Susan at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos



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  33. I haven't seen any of those. Now I want to have a movie marathon! :)

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  34. The Women sounds like a fun movie.

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  35. I think 3 Came Home would be too depressing for me.

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  36. I haven't seen these movies yet but you know the eye filling dimensions of these Hollywood babes sure caught my attention - I only wish some would come my way so I could marry one of them and if shes a millionairess so much the better but hey I'm not picky, lol.

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  37. I watched the last clip, and the music made me laugh. But I love it. Now that'd be a fun movie to watch. Thanks for another great recommendation.
    I'm not sure what animal I'd be - something little and fierce.

    Be well, Birgit.

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  38. Pretty sure I've seen #1, but not remembering what it's about. And if #2 is the one with Claudette Colbert, I saw that, and it was excellently done. Really tore at the heart. And of course #3...I'm not a huge MM fan either but she was good in this one. Of course I loved the other 2 ladies and the rest of the cast was terrific. A good fun movie. They don't make 'em like the oldies anymore...which is a shame. TFS & enjoy your vacation. Mouse? No, don't think so. Interesting question. TFS

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  39. Never seen any of those. Good entertainment on my train ride...

    Damyanti

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  40. I'd probably be a penguin. Dressed nicely, but dopey and clumsy. Has wings, but decides to swim instead. LOL
    Interesting choice for women films. Could you consider films where women are the heroes? That would have to be Aliens for me. Ripley is great in that film and Newt steals the show.
    I'm not sure if I'm going to see it, but they just redid the Ghostbuster film and replaced all the leading actors with girls. So that might be in the list as well.
    PS - I meant to stop in earlier. I'm sorry I've been away.

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  41. I trust you're enjoying your vacay.

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  42. Hi Birgit, Great picks. I have not seen any, but now have something to go looking for. I'll check out Netflix and see if any are available there. If not, there's this great little treasure of a movie shop (like the last one in the city) that I'm a member of - I'll see if they have any or all.

    In the meantime, regarding "the mouse" - I once captured a wild mouse out in the field behind our cottage. My dad told me that if I kept her (he said it was a her) I would be taking away the most important little creature from nature. He said a field mouse was a very special - I've since learned they are highly evolved and very social animals.
    So, smile and thank your hubby for the compliment. :) :)

    Sending smiles and happy thoughts your way, Jenny xxoo

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  43. Not seen any of those but I love strong female characters. Hope you are enjoying a great holiday.

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