tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post5585274624392294862..comments2024-01-31T05:21:16.492-05:00Comments on ClassicBecky's Brain Food: A Powell and Pressberger Masterpiece - The Red ShoesClassicBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-53380981827230946342012-04-04T15:56:59.248-04:002012-04-04T15:56:59.248-04:00Ha! I love the way you think, Becks! I'm remin...Ha! I love the way you think, Becks! I'm reminded of Daffy Duck in BOX OFFICE BUNNY: "Dance, if you're not a coward!" :-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-4073951956344767432012-04-02T22:21:20.686-04:002012-04-02T22:21:20.686-04:00Christian is a wonderful writer with a great blog ...Christian is a wonderful writer with a great blog -- take care of yourself, Tom!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-21820327076604344372012-04-02T21:38:09.385-04:002012-04-02T21:38:09.385-04:00I hope he writes as well as you. I'll check ou...I hope he writes as well as you. I'll check out what he has to say.<br /><br />Feelin a bit better...taking one day at time.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16206243406054156058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-89982943921010042482012-04-02T17:42:30.237-04:002012-04-02T17:42:30.237-04:00Hi Tom. Of course I completely agree that the peo...Hi Tom. Of course I completely agree that the people in front of the camera are not the only thing that makes a movie what it is. My focus in this article, however, was on those particular people. Christian, at Silver Screen Modiste, was also writing about The Red Shoes for the blogathon, and he took on more of the behind the scenes artists. We figured between us we would do justice to all elements of this brilliant movie.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-32807481788654991892012-04-01T22:53:00.266-04:002012-04-01T22:53:00.266-04:00I'm sorry to say I've never seen the film....I'm sorry to say I've never seen the film. You said the actors made the film what it is/was. I must disagree with you on this point. You can have the best actors in front of the camera, but if you haven't a great cimematographer *behind* the camera to ease the actors onto film you have nothing. Jack Cardiff is an unsung hero of this and other films he worked on, and deserves much more credit. I've seen a number of his films and I think if another cameraman tried to re-create what Jack did, the camerman would fail.<br /><br />The camera person is an actor too. He creates a performance too. I'm learning that some of the films on my blog some are truly awful films. But they've been saved from the ash heap of obscurity by a competent cameraperson. Without this person we wouldn't have half the movies we do today.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16206243406054156058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-39598094631207014512012-03-30T22:59:23.970-04:002012-03-30T22:59:23.970-04:00I'm glad you liked it, Rudy, and welcome you a...I'm glad you liked it, Rudy, and welcome you as a member!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-22947792855794610722012-03-30T19:29:25.866-04:002012-03-30T19:29:25.866-04:00Dorian, I'm glad you liked my article even if ...Dorian, I'm glad you liked my article even if the movie is not to your taste. You could actually just lift The Red Shoes Ballet and watch it -- it is incredible. I have a running joke with my sisters (who always tease me about The Red Shoes, insulting it just to try and make me mad)-- I told them that I will leave them money in my will, with the strict codicil that they have to watch The Red Shoes or they won't get it!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-26317055935714513412012-03-30T19:27:01.385-04:002012-03-30T19:27:01.385-04:00Ivan, what I like best about P&P is just what ...Ivan, what I like best about P&P is just what you said -- they never try to dumb down, but film what they believe in. And you are so right -- there is no better way to see it than the big screen, which I got to do in one of our huge old movie palaces here in Indy before it was re-done and made into the symphony's home. (At least they didn't make a parking lot out of it!)ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-60163751914815785222012-03-30T19:19:46.130-04:002012-03-30T19:19:46.130-04:00Becky, your writing is always fun and fascinating ...Becky, your writing is always fun and fascinating even when you're writing about a subject that doesn't really grab me. However, even though THE RED SHOES isn't my cup of tea -- nor Aurora's, apparently (I'm sorry, Becks, but from the bits I've seen, I think the dancing would be the only part I'd like) -- we can nevertheless agree that you wrote about this classic film with great affection and fascinating detail! And now I'm wishing I could get ahold of the original British version of GASLIGHT! :-) Also, count me in as another fan of that hilarious quip "The trouble with nude dancing is that not everything stops when the music does!" :-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-27872024836809628372012-03-29T00:27:47.162-04:002012-03-29T00:27:47.162-04:00I will never forget the first time I saw The Red S...I will never forget the first time I saw <b>The Red Shoes</b>. I had a passing familiarity with the plot (the HCA story), but anyone will tell you that this will not prepare you for what is a truly splendid film. There's always been this quality about the P&P films where the dynamic duo never seemed to be too concerned as to whether a film was going to do boffo b.o...they just seemed to want to tell a good story and entertain an audience with never any intention of "dumbing it down" for them.<br /><br />Now, I need to come clean and admit that I haven't revisited <b>The Red Shoes</b> as often as I have other entries in the P&P oeuvre simply because I'm not really what you'd call a ballet fan. But I would like to get the opportunity to see this on a big screen someday -- I'll bet the cinematography would be amazing!Ivan G Shreve Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04067177808320053382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-17021185280344767242012-03-27T15:15:34.290-04:002012-03-27T15:15:34.290-04:00Rachel, I agree that Goring's performance was ...Rachel, I agree that Goring's performance was too much, but it didn't ruin anything -- oh that goodbye scene -- really, Marius! Walbrook and Shearer, and all the rest -- superb. Thank you for the lovely compliment!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-66162003748603176462012-03-27T15:13:39.329-04:002012-03-27T15:13:39.329-04:00Jenni, I'm glad you enjoyed this look at the a...Jenni, I'm glad you enjoyed this look at the actors and dancers behind this wonderful movie. Wasn't Helpmann a man for all seasons? He could do so much - very talented man. I got to see The Red Shoes on the big screen when I was about 13, and I never forgot the experience. It definitely was a wonder!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-90913217820488564672012-03-27T03:10:46.142-04:002012-03-27T03:10:46.142-04:00Beautifully detailed post, Becky! I've always ...Beautifully detailed post, Becky! I've always wondered just what P&P intended with Goring's performance. He doesn't sink the movie or anything but it's not like he's making any great case for irresistible love here (his expression when he kisses Vicky goodbye always makes me want to giggle inappropriately). But Walbrook's performance more than carries the film and Shearer had an extraordinary presence. Again, great post!Aubynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00446079492480611898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-77216551259933862162012-03-27T01:12:41.056-04:002012-03-27T01:12:41.056-04:00I really enjoyed your post about The Red Shoes, Be...I really enjoyed your post about The Red Shoes, Becky. I had no idea that Robert Helpman was also the evil child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Oh how he scared me as a kid! Now that I can relook in my mind's eye at his part in that film, he did move quite gracefully when looking for those children! I recently got to see The Red Shoes on the large screen as the University in our town showed it for free to the students and the community. It was a wonder to see!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-35083343662376008942012-03-26T23:17:29.425-04:002012-03-26T23:17:29.425-04:00I'm glad you stopped by, Aurora! The Red Shoe...I'm glad you stopped by, Aurora! The Red Shoes is certainly not to everyone's taste, but I'm glad you enjoyed my article. Try it sometime when you feel in the mood -- you might just love it!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-32973120373754716082012-03-26T22:47:47.526-04:002012-03-26T22:47:47.526-04:00Becky,
I've been reticent to watch this film....Becky,<br /><br />I've been reticent to watch this film. It simply doesn't seem like something I'd enjoy. But your post is wonderful and your admiration for The Red Shoes is palpable. A great read!<br /><br />AuroraCitizen Screenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11596338896095275116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-6181820142492325072012-03-26T19:58:26.101-04:002012-03-26T19:58:26.101-04:00Eve, we do have a lot in common in our opinions ab...Eve, we do have a lot in common in our opinions about Goring, Walbrook and Gaslight! Is there anything nicer to hear than that you did justice to something you love? Thank you, Eve.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-26602850411154940972012-03-26T19:57:00.068-04:002012-03-26T19:57:00.068-04:00Yvette, you got me laughing about Goring's fac...Yvette, you got me laughing about Goring's face and lipstick, and mixing up Norma and Moira. You know, I found myself typing Norma a couple of times while I worked on this! I appreciate your lovely compliments so much -- this movie is to me one of the best examples of films at their best.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-65147849279605297312012-03-26T19:54:27.354-04:002012-03-26T19:54:27.354-04:00Dawn, it feels so good to have introduced you to m...Dawn, it feels so good to have introduced you to my favorite! I knew you would love it. It is indeed an extraordinary movie!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-70125607414829445452012-03-26T19:53:38.516-04:002012-03-26T19:53:38.516-04:00Hi Kendra -- well, if a part calls for hammy actin...Hi Kendra -- well, if a part calls for hammy acting, Goring is your man! He wasn't horrible to me, just a little over the top. I too was surprised to find that The Red Shoes wasn't an instant hit. Makes you wonder about people sometimes!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-42037840039098377252012-03-26T19:52:27.788-04:002012-03-26T19:52:27.788-04:00Thanks you so much R.D. I totally agree with you ...Thanks you so much R.D. I totally agree with you about Walbrook -- marvelous actor. Your information from Powell's autobiography is fascinating -- thanks for sharing it!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-43883225487967524382012-03-26T19:48:39.229-04:002012-03-26T19:48:39.229-04:00I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kim. I love Black Na...I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kim. I love Black Narcissus a lot, but The Red Shoes is my top choice. I'm sure you are right about Fonteyn and Shearer. It's dog eat dog in show biz!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-39259472408987512642012-03-26T19:46:59.490-04:002012-03-26T19:46:59.490-04:00Thank you, CFB! I have such a passion for this fi...Thank you, CFB! I have such a passion for this film.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-12256656102114688922012-03-26T19:44:15.451-04:002012-03-26T19:44:15.451-04:00Christian, bless your heart for your lovely compli...Christian, bless your heart for your lovely compliment. I am dying to read your article -- I'm sure it will be every bit as good as your pieces always are!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969235851384102162.post-53469006986339861202012-03-26T19:42:34.347-04:002012-03-26T19:42:34.347-04:00Toto, it's so good to hear from you! You are ...Toto, it's so good to hear from you! You are so complimentary, and it means a lot! It is sad about Shearer, isn't it? But at least she will continue to be loved by those of us who adore this movie.ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.com