tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post3297182190780187758..comments2024-03-29T01:11:38.129-07:00Comments on DREAMS ARE WHAT LE CINEMA IS FOR...: THE LATE SHOW 1977Ken Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-6987916583570200912019-02-13T20:43:54.913-08:002019-02-13T20:43:54.913-08:00Superb delineation of the distinct differences bet...Superb delineation of the distinct differences between Simon and Kael. You capture precisely why as critics they were such a good balance for me. <br />Reading their essays actually taught me how to look at film because I learned to appreciate my passionate, emotional take on a film, while through Simon I learned that there can be two truths at once in everything we see. Because they were so different and rarely saw <br /> eye to eye, together they cured me of the need to "agree" with a critic, instead concentrating on manner in which subjective opinions were expressed. <br />I relate most to Kael, because I too thought Simon to be a snob of the worst sort, but I learned a wealth about how to analyze and look at film from him. <br />I've got a collection of nearly all of their books (thanks, eBay) and I visit them often when I tire of online film "reviews" that amount to little more than the person writing "I liked it" or "It sucked." ZzzzKen Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-82495667401895010362019-02-13T03:04:54.340-08:002019-02-13T03:04:54.340-08:00I love reading Simon, and I think he is one of the...I love reading Simon, and I think he is one of the most cultivated and intelligent critics we've ever had in this country. His style is powerful, authoritative, and engaging, and his reviews are almost a tutorial in Western Civilization, taking in everything from Attic Drama to Post-Modernism. And he is very comprehensive, providing the reader with an in-depth consideration of practically every aspect of the film he is reviewing, as well as the film-making process itself. <br /><br />But a horrible snob. Sneering. Looking down his nose at everything. Very, very cold. And most of the time, I can't stand his critical taste. All of those judgments, those sweeping dismissals. His contempt for almost everything that is not a part of so-called 'High Culture.'<br /><br />His collection Reverse Angle: A Decade of American Film is a case in point. As I said before, Simon hates EVERYTHING. But the period he is covering, the 1970's, is considered to be more-or-less a Cinematic Renaissance, The Golden Age of American Film. But you don't get that at ALL from Simon. Page after page of sneering contempt for virtually every film released in this country between January, 1970 and December, 1979. <br /><br />And I get it, I get it. The man was trying to hold film to a higher critical standard. But there's a fine line between that, and sneering contempt.<br /><br />By contrast, consider Kael's writing during this same period. Simon is cold. Kael is warm, even hot. He's is shrill, scolding, she is irrepressible, enthusiastic. He's a hater, she's a lover. There's a good reason the titles she chose for her collected reviews are borderline obscene. As she once said, she practically made love to the movies...<br /><br />David Thomson once wrote a great piece, an obituary actually, about Kael practically having an orgasm during a screening of DePalma's The Fury, which isn't even a very good movie. No other critic can prompt a eulogy like that. But that's what you get from the woman. For all of her many faults, reading her, you sometimes get taken up, up and away. By contrast, Simon usually drags you down. A real BUMMER, as they used to say back in the early 70's... Rick Steven D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-30101579071470107222019-02-04T22:52:08.626-08:002019-02-04T22:52:08.626-08:00Hey Rick!
Yes that IS a great Margoism! For all hi...Hey Rick!<br />Yes that IS a great Margoism! For all his rather pathologically misogynist preoccupation with the appearance of women, Simon is one of my favorites. When not harping on the superficial like the madman I'm certain he was, he often had such intelligent observations on film. I have a book or two of his work and I remember that he liked this film.<br />I feel as you do about the ending, as well. The two are such likeable characters one feels ready to settle down to see what happens next (I felt the same at the end of PAPER MOON). I'm forever gald a sequel was never made, but I'd be shocked if there didn't exist at least a treatment for a TV series gathering dust somewhere (or perhaps an unsold pilot). The odd couple pairing and the private eye thing made it such a natural for CBS (their love of old folks solving crimes: Murder She Wrote, Barnaby Jones). <br />Again, thanks for terrifically personal and informative comments, Rick!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-27431100953702577072019-01-28T10:11:58.852-08:002019-01-28T10:11:58.852-08:00Ken, how can you POSSIBLY forget my all-time favor...Ken, how can you POSSIBLY forget my all-time favorite Margo-ism: "Does the pope s--t in the woods?" Outrageous! Unforgivable!<br /><br />Great, great movie. You may recall John Simon, the critic from the 1970's who hated EVERYTHING, and who everyone hated (Sylvia Miles famously dumped a plate of spaghetti over his head at a restaurant)? I remember Simon used to criticize actresses in terms of their looks, in a manner that today would get him fired, but even HE admired The Late Show, writing, as I recall, "Lily Tomlin, who I have never previously liked, is very winning here". Which meant a lot coming from him, since he had once said Lily had the face of a horse. <br /><br />I always get sad at the end. Not that the ending is sad, necessarily, but because I will never get to see Ira and Margo again. Couldn't there have been a TV series, or at least a sequel? Maybe if it had been a hit, I guess. Perfect chemistry, between the two of them. Always leaves me wanting more...Rick Steven D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-54769405286660298392017-05-03T12:38:39.727-07:002017-05-03T12:38:39.727-07:00Hi Chris!
As an Altman fan, I think you will like ...Hi Chris!<br />As an Altman fan, I think you will like The Late Show. Even not being an Art Carney fan might not prove a hindrance since there is a feel of the ensemble about the cast. I think most people who would have a problem with the movie would be those who have a short tether for Lily Tomlin. But she's light years away from what she does in "Moment By Moment," which challenges even MY fandom.<br />I hope you get a chance to check this one out, and when you do, you enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks very much for reading this post, Chris!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-53938395082867777592017-05-03T12:32:46.338-07:002017-05-03T12:32:46.338-07:00You beat me to it! Yes, I was stunned to hear the ...You beat me to it! Yes, I was stunned to hear the news, especially given that I had only become aware of Jean Stein due to your referencing her book. The sad ambiance of the book just got appreciably sadder.<br /><br />As for "Still of the Night," the stylized stiltedness of Streep's performance (and the weak screenplay) is not the best mix, especially if you catch snippets of it. I think it's an experiment in style that didn't pan out.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-30665176183155645432017-05-03T05:47:47.815-07:002017-05-03T05:47:47.815-07:00Argyle again. And now I see that Jean Stein has d...Argyle again. And now I see that Jean Stein has died.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-57932427796486804722017-05-02T09:33:21.669-07:002017-05-02T09:33:21.669-07:00Argyle again. I have a feeling I'll "get...Argyle again. I have a feeling I'll "get" Lily next time around. What you say about her defense mechanism seems so right. I hope you'll do "Still of the Night" some day. I happened to catch a Meryl monologue and was slack-jawed. I think "Fat City" is definitely worth checking out. The photography is gorgeous and Susan Tyrrell is amazing. Hope you enjoy (wrong word?) "West of Eden". It was a little hard to keep track of whose kid was whose at times, but the general ambience is fascinating and sad. Thanks again!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-16865001791876323912017-05-02T06:11:41.224-07:002017-05-02T06:11:41.224-07:00Late to the Late Show party, Ken, but I've had...Late to the Late Show party, Ken, but I've had such a good time reading about this. Have never seen it, though now I must. No wonder you thought this was an Altman film, with so many of his usual suspects...and as you note, Considine, Ruth Nelson, and Howard Duff are all in my all-time-favorite, little-known Altman - A Wedding (which YOU of course do know about!!) I did not know that Considine, who is so funny in A Wedding as the Secret-Service-type security guard, wrote the screenplay as well. <br /><br />I have never been an Art Carney fan, which kept me from ever checking this one out, but now, having read your essay, I am more than willing to give it a chance...excited, in fact. Thank you!<br />-Chrisangelman66https://www.blogger.com/profile/16471674180789592940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-55176032898639313022017-04-30T22:50:52.622-07:002017-04-30T22:50:52.622-07:00Hi Argyle
I enjoyed reading your impressions on Th...Hi Argyle<br />I enjoyed reading your impressions on The Late Show. I can totally understand how you could find Tomlin's character annoying and perhaps a bit "familiar" - like one of the characters from her act. <br />I think a lot of what works with certain roles/actors is a kind of charisma/appeal an actor can strike with an audience. If it misses the mark with someone, then the entire role can feel contrived or at least artificial.<br />There's something about Tomlin that always feels like it comes from an authentic place for me, so what worked was that her somewhat arch character blended with Carney's more natural one. His reactions to her gave the audience permission to find her annoying, then when she has those moments where she's not so "on," it felt to me like it became clearer that all of her shtick was part of an defense mechanism act developed to protect her vulnerability; much in the same way Ira’s old-school gangster patter does.<br />The look of the film is very much on-point, and the conveyance of an authentically seedy Los Angeles is one of the more entertaining aspects of the movie for me.<br />Like you I'm a little soft on Kramer vs Kramer. I wasn't too crazy about it when it came out and it's unlikely to be much different now.<br />Still of the Night is a big favorite of mine even though I don't think it even works very well. I love Streep in it (mostly her look) but frustrated at the missed potential. Also, I have the hardest time with the rather grotesque (to me) womanizing old coot at the center. He's such a WTF? Lothario to hang a mystery on, I find the casting of the actor the hardest thing to get past.<br />I've never seen the film Fat City, maybe it's worth checking out?<br />By the by, that book you mentioned sounds fascinating. I think I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip, Argyle. And for reading my post! A pleasure hearing from you, as always.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-5862200132120205072017-04-30T22:47:29.880-07:002017-04-30T22:47:29.880-07:00Hi Michael
Glad to hear you enjoyed the film. In y...Hi Michael<br />Glad to hear you enjoyed the film. In your comments you highlight what I think is the film's chief asset: balancing a delicate mix of narrative tones. That balance is probably why it was a film that was so hard to sell. I've never seen a trailer for the film (I'll check out YouTube) but I could well imagine a poor selection of clips would leave a person thinking The Late Show is, as you described it, a wacky noir pastiche. <br />I've seen it many times and I'm still impressed with how it manages to pull of what it does. The casting is ideal.<br />Your citing of the cliche's the film avoids is as sharp as your being able to pinpoint what elements in particular worked for you. <br />In my most recent viewing, Eugene Roche reminded me a great deal of a certain orange con man/public figure. Not only because of the doughy countenance and the wife who obviously hates him, but because, as written, he's an obscenely cruel and vicious man who nevertheless takes high-minded umbrage when confronted by anyone opposing him: "(Ira Welles) is behaving in a cheap, immoral fashion!"<br /><br />I thank you for your kind words and for granting us the opportunity to read how this 40-year-old film comes across to someone who once purposely avoided it, and who's now seeing it for the first time. Without all my nostalgia attached to it, your commentary might inspire a reader or two to check out the film.<br />Thank you so much, Michael!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-72342848920599958662017-04-29T14:37:49.453-07:002017-04-29T14:37:49.453-07:00Ken,
The Late Show is a movie I had avoided for y...Ken,<br /><br />The Late Show is a movie I had avoided for years because I thought it was going to be a wacky noir pastiche, and nobody has time for that. I was surprised at how good it was, and you're right, it had a strong Altman feel to it. Its mix of character-driven comedy; a complicated, but realistic mystery; and bursts of unexpected violence was artfully balanced. It felt that if one element was emphasized or down played by just a smidge, the whole movie would collapse. I was very impressed with the restraint throughout. In other movies, something like the scene of Birdwell swimming in his hat, for example, would most likely have been played for a big laugh but the scene was given just the right amount of emphasis. <br /><br />This was one of the best neo-noir movies I have seen. It eschewed the stylistic tics that a lot of modern noir imports from the films of the 1940s. The lack of fedoras, trench coats, Venetian blinds casting metaphorical shadows and cigarette smoke curling in a shaft of light was refreshing. I loved how everything was so seedy and frayed around the edges here. I think with a lot of 40s and 50s noir I get so caught up in the dark beauty of the images and I forget how grimy things must have been. There's no forgetting that in this movie. Noir in broad daylight is not quite so romantic. <br /><br /> The acting was excellent throughout. I thought Eugene Roche was particularly good as the bad guy. There is something about a jovial crook that is much scarier than a bad tempered villain. And Art Carney and Lily Tomlin were excellent, as well. Your essay was excellent, as usual. It inspired me to see a fine movie I had overlooked, which is always a welcome treat, so thanks. <br /><br />Michael<br />Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-87554128631849668512017-04-28T07:50:10.454-07:002017-04-28T07:50:10.454-07:00Argyle here. I saw this for the first time a few ...Argyle here. I saw this for the first time a few months ago on TCM while I was in a Robert Benton research phase. I enjoyed it but was not transported; that’s always a dangerous expectation. I really liked the at-loose-ends mise-en-scene, the waiting for buses, the tired clothes, Art Carney in general. I have to say Lily Tomlin bugged me a little sometimes (I really like her!) She seemed to be doing her schtick sometimes rather than inhabiting a character. I hate to say that - and when I see it again - could have a whole different reaction. It’s a very delicate flower of a film. I loved the red apartment (Lily’s?) and grieved for the gun riddled woodwork in Art Carney’s little rented rooming house. That whole aspect of him living in a rented room with the sweet little old landlady was believable, relatable, sad, charming, a relief from so much unexplained prosperity (cars, houses, clothing, etc.) in most films. Always loved the Amsel publicity art for this and remember it from when it was released - the film was just not what I was into in 1977. Great to be able to discover it now. Mr. Benton has a such a strange filmography, from half writing the sublime “Bonnie and Clyde” to the questionable (for me) “Kramer vs Kramer” and “Places in the Heart”. I happened to see a little of “Still of the Night” again a while ago and couldn’t believe how close to camp it (and its star) were.<br />Anyway, “The Late Show” is definitely a watch-it-again film for me. It has a nice, open quality that doesn’t try to explain everything. And I love (and would like to experience) the walkable, humble LA that it presents. It reminds me a little of John Huston’s “Fat City” in that way.<br /><br />Sort of related - I just finished reading “West of Eden: An American Place” by Jean Stein. It’s an oral history of five unrelated/related pieces of southern California history. It’s sort of like an Altman film maybe with a Robert Towne script, overlapping narratives, heavy tragedy, Jack Warner, Jennifer Jones (woah!), family blind-spots. You almost don’t want to watch another Hollywood film in you life! Thanks as always, Ken!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-61716408982861281532017-04-26T04:23:21.991-07:002017-04-26T04:23:21.991-07:00Hi MDG
You're right about what was Art Carney&...Hi MDG<br />You're right about what was Art Carney's talent, such a natural screen presence. Even in comedy he appeared to be simply "being," not performing.<br />That Mike Douglas interlude sounds hilarious and right in line with everything I've ever read about him. <br />Your mentioning Slaughterhouse Five is interesting in that it is another film I saw when it came out and haven't seen since (nor do i remember much about it). <br />I always write about the films that have stuck with me, perhaps one day I'll delve into why I think certain films have failed to leave their mark on me.<br /><br />And you remember Music Scene?! It sticks in my mind as the first post-Hullabaloo/Shindig music program that reflected the changing music styles. Because I loathed David Steinberg even as a kid, I stopped watching as soon as he became the main host. I wonder who owns those tapes? The show didn't last long, there can't be many of them. I suppose licensing all that music for DVD release would be prohibitively expensive.<br />Thanks, MDG!<br />Oh, and as for the details of the plot of The Late Show escaping you, I would bet that even fans of the film would have a hard time explaining the plot!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-60054121054372636162017-04-25T09:39:26.556-07:002017-04-25T09:39:26.556-07:00I watched this a couple years ago and liked it ver...I watched this a couple years ago and liked it very much, though the details of the plot escape me. Tried re-watching recently by streaming TCM on demand via Sling, which is always an exercise in frustration. Got to the funeral scene before it froze.<br /><br />Carney is pretty amazing in this and in Harry and Tonto--he always seems very natural, never "acting." (Every time I see him I remember an appearance on--I think--Mike Douglas where they brought out and Ed Norton hat for him. He was none too pleased, but put it on a couple seconds for the audience. All but threw it off-set after taking it off.)<br /><br />Eugene Roche is another great character actor. Able to do some very good work with the right part (e.g., Slaughterhouse Five).<br /><br />I don't think I've ever seen anyone reference Music Scene before! I forgot there was an ensemble before David Steinberg took it over.MDG14450https://www.blogger.com/profile/01123092027299291617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-84045676474287194712017-04-24T03:03:33.310-07:002017-04-24T03:03:33.310-07:00I think they're both quite good (first one a l...I think they're both quite good (first one a little better). I'm pretty sure they're both too male-characters-centric for you -- that's something consistent I've gotten from your writing. You're not going to learn too much about the human condition from them, unless those humans are Edinburgh junkies.<br /><br />I'm definitely not in favor of watching the first a first time, then watching the second a day later. Having many years' distance between the two is an important ingredient in the appreciation. Rather, I would propose walking into the second cold, and if you like it, backfilling afterward.Allen Knutsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15616422252030334511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-15986679476966824452017-04-23T23:49:19.133-07:002017-04-23T23:49:19.133-07:00Hi Chick!
I didn't know that about Eugene Roch...Hi Chick!<br />I didn't know that about Eugene Roche and MAGNUM PI! That's a pretty cool transition. I think I'd get a kick out of seeing him do the private eye bit. When THE LATE SHOW came out I only knew Roche from a series of TV commercials for some dishwashing liquid. He played a character very much like Mel in ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE. He's so good in this, but it took me several years to knock that image of him from those commercials out of my mind.<br />You know a lot about television so maybe you've heard of this: <br />THE LATE SHOW had a short-lived unofficial TV series spinoff (according to Leonard Maltin) loosely based on the film's premise, titled: "Eye to Eye" starring Charles Durning. I don't recall it at all, but a brief clip on YouTube doesn't make it look promising.<br />Thanks very much for your informative contribution to the comments section!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-20978866151231964232017-04-23T23:36:47.470-07:002017-04-23T23:36:47.470-07:00Wow...I'd forgotten Bill Macy is in MY FAVORIT...Wow...I'd forgotten Bill Macy is in MY FAVORITE YEAR! I haven't seen that one in ages.<br />And it's certainly appropriate to bring up post 80s movies here (although they are woefully underrepresented), only the problem is my response is often "I haven't seen that one!"- which gets tiresome.<br /><br />Just today my partner and I were speaking of TRAINSPOTTING 2, with my relaying that I've (here it comes) never seen the original. I'm going to assume that the sequel relates to the points mentioned in the paragraph you mentioned?<br />I always assumed I just wouldn't relate to TRAINSPOTTING, but if it's a worthwhile movie to check out, let me know.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-316782645239889862017-04-23T23:29:50.453-07:002017-04-23T23:29:50.453-07:00Some journalist pointed out that if we all survive...Some journalist pointed out that if we all survive this current administration, the cultural upheaval will produce a HELL of a lot of interesting films.<br />Post Watergate disillusion will be nothing like post-Drumpf self-examination and self-reproach. Thanks, Rick!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-60743937062464616072017-04-23T21:55:28.243-07:002017-04-23T21:55:28.243-07:00Hi Ken,
I don't know if you know this but late...Hi Ken,<br />I don't know if you know this but later on "Magnum, P.I.", Eugene Roche played the recurring role of Luther Gillis, a self-styled hardboiled private eye from St. Louis, with all the 40s lingo to boot. Of course, unlike Carney with this film, this is largely played for laughs, as his old methods often resulted in trips to the holding cell with Magnum or run-ins with the villain of the week. Chynna Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01857709217067584091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-67323090366081308312017-04-23T18:19:43.730-07:002017-04-23T18:19:43.730-07:00Oh goodness. One reason it's always a treat to...Oh goodness. One reason it's always a treat to read your stuff is to see pictures of actors I tenth-remember from childhood. In this case it was Bill Macy. I'm not sure I remember him from Maude as much as from My Favorite Year.<br /><br />On the paragraph below "The Stuff of Dreams"... have you seen Trainspotting 2? (I'm never sure if it's appropriate to mention any movies past 1980 here!)<br />Allen Knutsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15616422252030334511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-56077137476200701872017-04-23T10:02:08.779-07:002017-04-23T10:02:08.779-07:00Ken, you're right about the Vickers' mix-u...Ken, you're right about the Vickers' mix-up!<br /><br />Also, good point you made on the '70s movies that mixed nostalgia from Hollywood's golden years with the '70s realism, esp. post-Watergate. That appealed to me a lot as a teen...the best of both worlds! <br /><br />I am going to seek this one out,<br />Cheers, Rickhttp://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/https://www.blogger.com/profile/14243899548141583461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-63124481647161805102017-04-23T07:36:10.117-07:002017-04-23T07:36:10.117-07:00Hi Rick
*sigh* I know what you mean. I eventually ...Hi Rick<br />*sigh* I know what you mean. I eventually had to drop Netflix as anything but a streaming site (need my Grace & Frankie and MSTSK fixes) because my "Availability Unknown" list was twice as long as my queue.<br />I don't really recommend movies (or try not to, anyway) because my tastes are so particular, but I was mad about THE LATE SHOW from the first time I saw it, and it has only improved for me over the years. The pairing of Tomlin and Carney is irresistible to me, but their brilliant timing and delivery makes me laugh each and every time.<br />I only saw THE BIG SLEEP in its entirety for the first time about five years ago. Funny to have a film totally live up t its reputation. As for Martha Vickers, she passed away in a hospital (no picnic, anyway) but I think you might be thinking of B-movie queen Yvette Vickers as having had the particularly bad end. Always so sad to read about.<br />Thanks, Rick! And should Netflix ever get a copy and you check it out, you must report back!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-10109925314978935352017-04-23T06:57:21.349-07:002017-04-23T06:57:21.349-07:00Hi Ron
In recounting your childhood experience of ...Hi Ron<br />In recounting your childhood experience of seeing THE LATE SHOW on TV I think you fairly summed up why (at least in part) the film proved a critic's darling but didn't fare as well with the public. <br />Both Lily Tomlin and Art Carney were rather hot in 1977, and their pairing stuck obvious comedy chords with the public. THE LATE SHOW, an unorthodox blending of genres and more a character-based comedy, was a hard sell, so marketing was misleading in pitching it as an all out comedy.<br />When I was usering I recall a couple coming out and asking (after watching almost the entire film) if they could go tot he movie playing next door (The Alhambra had split itself into two by that time) because THE LATE SHOW wasn't what they'd expected. <br />It was darker and sadder than the ads led people to believe, and the central murder mystery was hard to follow. Critics took to the performances and witty script, but the general public was left scratching their heads.<br />Your recollection of one of my favorite scenes (the interrogation of the beautiful mystery woman) is pretty spot-on, and Tomlin plays her inappropriate/appropriate emotions beautifully. Witch the whole dramedy thing being something of a staple now, I wonder of THE LATE SHOW would play different for you as an adult?<br /><br />As for "A Prairie Home Companion," thats a film I think I need to see again. I saw it when it came out, but despite it being far more recent than most of the movies I write about, I don't remember any of it. I just recall that I was rather high on Altman after GOSFORD PARK and THE COMPANY, and that I was disappointed by PRAIRIE because it had such a remarkable cast. Apparently the lesson here seems to be that expectations can blind you to what a movie actually is, maybe I need to give Altman's last film another chance!<br />Thank you, Ron...for reading this essay and taking us down memory lane with you!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-66882056460702757552017-04-22T19:59:57.675-07:002017-04-22T19:59:57.675-07:00Ken, Always meant to see this one. Just put it in ...Ken, Always meant to see this one. Just put it in my Netflix queue where it joins all the other movies I TRULY want to see in "Availability Unknown." I'm a good movie sleuth too, I'll find it!<br /><br />Just saw Martha Vickers in "The Big Sleep" recently. Fascinating as the sicko sister Carmen. And Vickers did not come to a good end, as I recall!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Rickhttp://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/https://www.blogger.com/profile/14243899548141583461noreply@blogger.com