tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post7030459554396383549..comments2024-03-26T05:01:57.793-07:00Comments on DREAMS ARE WHAT LE CINEMA IS FOR...: WALK ON THE WILD SIDE 1962Ken Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-4145776988001252432016-12-04T08:08:40.519-08:002016-12-04T08:08:40.519-08:00Hi Chick
Yes, the women do seem to carry this film...Hi Chick<br />Yes, the women do seem to carry this film. I like that you found so much to appreciate about the film even when other aspects (Harvey's accent) left you wanting.<br />I also love what you noticed about Jo's reaction at the ending compared to Dove's! It's so true...she's FAR more visibly upset.<br />It was fun reading your take on the film. I haven't seen it in a while, but you sparked a few memories. Thank you for stopping by after your recent viewing and sharing your thoughts with us! (I laughed aloud at "Missy" Stanwyck!)Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-42061358109156110092016-12-03T17:00:30.726-08:002016-12-03T17:00:30.726-08:00I watched this yesterday. The moment Laurence Harv...I watched this yesterday. The moment Laurence Harvey opens his mouth, belief goes right out the window. It's not like his natural accent is peeking through, but even to a Canadian like me, his accent is anything but authentic. "Missy" Stanwyck, Fonda, and Moore are actually quite good, and Richard Rust is downright terrifying. Poor Capucine, you can tell she's trying hard (it wouldn't even be so bad if her character was actually French), but a lot of her lines are just awkward to hear. Anne Baxter's enjoyable for me too (that accent though). A lot's been said about the treatment of Hallie in terms of character, but also, literally all there is to Dove is the need to "save" Hallie, making him look absolutely stupid that he never realizes the Doll House is a bordello until much later. And I am CONVINCED Stany played Jo as a lesbian (even though keeping Hallie cooped upstairs despite being the most popular girl makes little sense business-wise). At the end, while Dove has already been badly hurt and dazed, the fact that Jo is most visibly upset at Hallie being shot does not reflect well on his character. It also doesn't help that through the whole movie Dove and Hallie have the chemistry of drying paint :PChynna Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01857709217067584091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-52286986390740990442016-08-24T15:54:36.627-07:002016-08-24T15:54:36.627-07:00Ha! That's hilarious! Sanitized for your prote...Ha! That's hilarious! Sanitized for your protection.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-66143879630334822252016-08-24T12:54:22.300-07:002016-08-24T12:54:22.300-07:00The film's "safe" approach to the ma...The film's "safe" approach to the material just reminds me of the "Simpsons" bit with an "Up with People"-esque group singing Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-QT74bzHFQChynna Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01857709217067584091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-85710857631443224942016-08-19T21:38:45.165-07:002016-08-19T21:38:45.165-07:00Hello Allen
Thank you! What a very kind comment! I...Hello Allen<br />Thank you! What a very kind comment! I had to laugh at Anne Baxter signaling the point where your patience ran out with this film. Trust me, I understand! <br />As enjoyable as the scenes with Barbara Stanwyck are, I would never encourage folks to subject themselves to Harvey and Capucine as Texans. Sometimes life is just too short. <br />But I'm pleased as all getout that you enjoyed the post and that perhaps you'll visit the site again. <br />Great last name, by the way, always makes me think of Judy Garland! Take care!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-49362393732302057842016-08-19T18:06:13.861-07:002016-08-19T18:06:13.861-07:00Just discovered your blog, Ken, and feel as if I&#...Just discovered your blog, Ken, and feel as if I've come across buried treasure! <br /><br />As to "Walk," I tried to sit through it about fifteen years ago and just couldn't make it. I managed to get through Laurence H. and Jane F as hobos, but when Anne Baxter came on as the Mexican cantina gal, I had to stop. <br /><br />With your review, though, and the many thoughtful comments that followed it, I think I may now be properly prepared to undertake it again. <br /><br />Many thanks and I look forward to reading more of your reviews of our "cinema dreams."Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17398717936230097925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-36083898100041875672016-01-24T08:39:40.192-08:002016-01-24T08:39:40.192-08:00Hi Gregory
Yes, I think this is one of those movie...Hi Gregory<br />Yes, I think this is one of those movies that doesn't immediately present itself as having much to offer. At casual glance I think it can look rather flat and uninspired. But surrendering to its silliness helps, as does that inexplicable something Barbara Stanwyck possesses, and you've got a film that perhaps is not destined to be many people's favorite, but is good for a hooty laugh.<br />Thanks for letting us all in on your personal discovery of this film and reminding me of that 60s rumor about Capucine (I'd forgotten that!). The films you mentioned at the beginning of your comment brought back the days when so many films on TV seemed so far beyond my understanding in my youth. They all seemed so serious and stark.<br />Thanks for the kind words, too. It's been a big boon to the comments section to have you weigh in on the films you remember from your youth as well. Appreciate it!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-77865754528223398482016-01-23T14:17:44.638-08:002016-01-23T14:17:44.638-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Gregoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04072841840657518591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-33271537348809094362016-01-21T02:19:59.112-08:002016-01-21T02:19:59.112-08:00Hi Michael
I hope you know how much I genuinely ap...Hi Michael<br />I hope you know how much I genuinely appreciate your kind remarks, and how flattered I am that you find some of my observations amusing.<br />I'm also impressed that ANYONE would ever evoke Nancy Kovack's name! I mostly remember from an episode of "Bewitched" but in the all the small parts I've seen her in over the years, her very 60s look remained unchanged, no matter the character. And Ms. Welch's ginormous ratted hair in "Bandolero" (along with her liquid eyeliner and pale lipstick) are the only things that got me through that western.<br />By the by, I'm ashamed I hadn't thought of Paris, Texas, apropos Capucine...I must be slipping. But she really is a striking, mysterious-looking woman. I like her in the comedies I've sen her in...drama, not so much.<br /><br />As for Stanwyck, I am fully in accordance in not being able to think of another actress who so beautifully handles such a wide variety of roles. She really could do anything. When i was young I only knew her from "big Valley", but thanks to TCM I got to see a great many of her films and I became convinced that she was one of Hollywood's best and most versatile actresses.<br />How terrific you named your terrier after her (and Ruby is a much warmer name),I love dogs with names like that. Whenever you call her, people around must smile.<br />Thanks, Michael. Your comments were a cheery way to end my day!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-85322403332132891102016-01-21T00:07:23.851-08:002016-01-21T00:07:23.851-08:00Ken-
I have been laughing all day about your Capuc...Ken-<br />I have been laughing all day about your Capucine and Pierre Cardin comment. I have seen this film a few times and I always thought it took place in the sixties. I had no idea that it was supposed to take place in an earlier era. <br /><br />Capucine really was beautiful. With that face she should have been a star in the 30's. Very Garbo-esque. <br />Not much of an actress, but lovely.<br /><br />Alot of those films in the sixties that were set in another time period are hilarious depicting period correctness. Think Nancy Kovack in Jason in the Argonauts or Raquel in Bandolero. Hmmm sweety all that desert air must have the same effect of a can of Aqua net hair spray and the feed store has a great selection of false lashes. The prehistoric era had the same effect for her too.<br /> <br />Apparently, Dove & Hallie spent some time in "Paris" Texas to acquire the patina of Euro chic and rid themselves of ranch & rodeo rube-ness.<br /><br />Barbara Stanwyck aka Ruby Stevens is always fabulous.<br />So many good movie performances. I named my dog Ruby (a small fiesty terrier) in homage to Missy S. I am hard pressed to name anyone who essayed so many diff type of roles.<br /><br />I love your take on all of this. I have re-read this review quite a few times and enjoyed it more each time. You could write a book on some of the ideas you touched on here. <br /> Best to you & thanks--michael<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />MIchaelChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04752064475964914955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-19626758266949861162016-01-19T22:30:45.035-08:002016-01-19T22:30:45.035-08:00Hi Rick
I haven't looked back at the earlier p...Hi Rick<br />I haven't looked back at the earlier post, but I too believe we have co-commented on this enjoyably uneven film. <br />I think most people are fine with a certain ck of period accuracy in motion pictures. The deco look of so many many older period films is a good example of when inaccuracy makes way for a stylized view of the past, which I often enjoy (like in Bonnie and Clyde). <br />I think it really only becomes a problem for me when (as I find in this) I'm in the middle of a film and have absolutely no sense of what era it's taking place in. I recently watched "Where Love Has Gone" and was surprised to know it was supposed to take place in the 40s. The look was so OFF!<br /><br />I never wondered who might have been better cast in this film, but I like your ideas of McQueen and perhaps Lee Remick. Pretty inspired choices! But in the end you're right with your bumper car analogy, it's what makes this film fun. Had they cast it successfully I might actually have to pay attention to the unremarkable plot.<br />Stanwyck of course perfect as is the somewhat overripe Jane Fonda. Thank you for re-living this post with me. Although I think all of your observations are very fresh!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-67391483240998433612016-01-19T19:25:57.448-08:002016-01-19T19:25:57.448-08:00Ken!
I'm getting deja vu with you, I think we&...Ken!<br />I'm getting deja vu with you, I think we've chatted up "Walk on the Wild Side" before, but I love your write-up of this crazy, over-cooked melodrama. You nailed it.<br /><br />Regarding the lack of period accuracy in Hollywood costume design prior to the 1970s was the norm, I think. The silents and '30s costume flicks always looked deco to me, like Claudette Colbert's "Cleopatra." I remember once reading an unhappy Edith Head quote about Hal Wallis always on her about leaving any period detail OUT of her costumes for his films. By the time the '60s rolled around, all Hollywood studios cared about was getting people into the theaters.<br /><br />This movie's cast reminds me of a bumper car ride, with clashing styles and eras, instead of the ensemble it should be. But that's part of the fun here, right? Producer Feldman was one of the most successful proponent of movie "packaging" at the time. And this package feels like a ham and cheese combo!<br /><br />My mother and I watched this movie about a year ago and we laughed all the way through it! In his American roles, Harvey always seemed to be rehearsing for "The Manchurian Candidate." Steve McQueen in his early years might have made a great Dove. Elizabeth Taylor already played a classy, unhappy hooker opposite Harvey in "Butterfield 8." ET coulda played the role in her sleep and still come across livelier than Capucine! Perhaps Lee Remick or Natalie Wood? Anybody but the statue-like ex-model. Amazing that Feldman was trying to put over Capucine, already 34, as a new movie star. A producer and his "protege!" And of course, Anne Baxter as the Mexican hot mama. Lots of chuckles from my Mom's living room! My mother was actually a bit shocked that Stanwyck played a lesbian. But Barbara's days of sporting black leather riding gear on "The Big Valley" helped prepare her! And Jane Fonda is fun, though her early performances always seem energetically bad in a fun way to me. Ever notice that Jane Fonda and Laura Linney have that same earnest, finishing school voice?<br /><br />So much fun reading and thinking about "Walk on the Wild Side," I might have to watch it again!<br /><br />Rick<br /><br />http://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/https://www.blogger.com/profile/14243899548141583461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-48031218159963905932016-01-19T11:41:44.153-08:002016-01-19T11:41:44.153-08:00Hi Chris
I'm so in agreement that no one could...Hi Chris<br />I'm so in agreement that no one could have played the madam of the Doll House with as much strength and vulnerability as Stanwyck. <br />She always had this uncanny ability to transcend her material. And such an intense screen presence she possessed! <br />It must not have been much sport to act Capucine off the screen, but you really can't watch anyone but her when she's on.<br />I too like Laurence Harvey a great deal, but of all his films, I think this movie challenges that affection the most.What saves him are all those dreamy close ups they give him.<br />And of course, Jane Fonda is always a delight. Likewise, hearing from you, Chris, thanks so much!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-30602856902248657832016-01-19T11:30:26.205-08:002016-01-19T11:30:26.205-08:00Hi Deb
I've got that volume you mentioned, and...Hi Deb<br />I've got that volume you mentioned, and I couldn't agree more. Barbara Stanwyck is one of the few really great classic screen actresses. She's versatile as all get out, and she's so believably real in every role I've seen her in.<br />The lack of imagination shown by filmmakers during the hunt for all things youthful int he '60s was such a waste. To Stanwyck's credit, I'm glad she turned to television rather than allowing her reputation to be sullied in a lot of horror-hag opuses like so many of her peers.Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-29811855859408848682016-01-19T11:26:06.976-08:002016-01-19T11:26:06.976-08:00Hi Roberta!
i have to confess, I think I have the ...Hi Roberta!<br />i have to confess, I think I have the most fun writing about the turkeys. I try not to make EVERY movie on my blog a so-bad-it's-good favorite, but as you note, there's a certain delight one finds in a film with egg on its face.<br />I'm glad to hear you enjoy so many of the same things i do. I love "Doctor Zhivago" and especially Julie Christie, but her mod 60s bangs are forever a distraction.<br />I'm also crazy about your idea of TCM doing a week of potboilers gone wrong. maybe we could petition a Thanksgiving day turkey marathon or something.<br />Thanks for giving me a good laugh with you comments (the Addison DeWitt reference), and of course for your very flattering words.<br />Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-6989744933656833772016-01-19T11:12:41.443-08:002016-01-19T11:12:41.443-08:00I'm with you tanyadiva, Kitty Twist is an exce...I'm with you tanyadiva, Kitty Twist is an excellent drag name. I know this film isn't all that well known in some circles, but surely, someone must have seized upon it by now! <br />And thank you for crediting Jimmy Smith for the have Brooke Benton's vocal rendition on my ipod, but I have to get ahold of the instrumental, The into alone!<br />Thanks so much!Ken Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04940648971296673233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-55831108660098172882016-01-19T10:59:50.314-08:002016-01-19T10:59:50.314-08:00Oh, YUMMM. I had a feeling you would be doing this...Oh, YUMMM. I had a feeling you would be doing this one for the Stanwyck blogathon. What a juicy role for Stanwyck!! This is a very fun movie, though far from perfect. Not a Capucine fan, and I agree with Roberta that Anne Baxter is totally, laughingly miscast... But I do dig Laurence Harvey, he is such a camp sort of a leading man....loved him most opposite Liz Taylor in Butterfield 8 and in Night Watch. <br />But this is Missy Stanwyck's film, all the way. Nobody could have played this embittered lesbian better, with more gusto (and with vulnerability underneath of course!) Love it, and need to see this one again, as usual!! My Le Cinema Dreams must-watch list is getting longer and longer. <br />-Chrisangelman66https://www.blogger.com/profile/16471674180789592940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-88872166195294581242016-01-19T10:29:01.047-08:002016-01-19T10:29:01.047-08:00One of my favorite film books in the 1970s was Les...One of my favorite film books in the 1970s was Leslie Halliwell's THE FILMGOER'S COMPANION, an alphabetic compendium with plenty of opinion from Halliwell. His entry on Stanwyck (written before she had her brief late-career blooming in THE THORNBIRDS) decries the fact that she was given so few big-screen acting opportunities in the 1960s. "She could give the youngsters a run for their money," Halliwell asserted, "if only someone would let her." It really was shameful how A star of Stanwyck's caliber was just cast aside by the studios once she became "a woman of a certain age."DiscoDollyDebnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-87212881347503264042016-01-19T10:28:23.506-08:002016-01-19T10:28:23.506-08:00Ken, I adore your thoughtful, gracious and tastefu...Ken, I adore your thoughtful, gracious and tasteful observations about the art of the cinema. And then there's Walk on the Wild Side. Love it when you let loose! Why is it that all of us who truly love movies and celebrate them as an art form also secretly delight in the turkeys? First off, I love/hate movies that are set in a past era yet the actors are dressed, coiffed and made up in contemporary fashion. I've spent way too much time enjoying a 60s WWII movie wondering how false eyelashes and winged eyeliner made it behind enemy lines.<br /><br />I also enjoy wildly miscast actors. Anne Baxter as a Mexican diner owner? What would Addison DeWitt think??<br />Laurence Harvey and Capucine as Lone Star staters? Why not?!?<br /><br />This movie is going right to my bucket list. We should all beg TCM to carve out a week of programming just for potboilers gone wrong like this. I'm sure even Robert Osborne would enjoy it.<br /><br />As I said at the beginning, Ken, I love you for many wonderful reasons. But with this post, you had me at "hobo hanky panky."Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11553379265410073042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627032459273165000.post-2629256863907280112016-01-19T10:06:40.800-08:002016-01-19T10:06:40.800-08:00Oh god I love this awful movie and Jimmy Smith'...Oh god I love this awful movie and Jimmy Smith's version of the opening song. Why are there no drag queens named Kitty Twist, I'm really curious?! Thanks for the great write up, Ken!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com