tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435448003077731913.post5119544357874965364..comments2023-12-21T11:09:00.632-05:00Comments on Rants of a Diva: Oscar Bitch Fight: 1939Dame Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02684030137746709310noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435448003077731913.post-41915701626839012062007-04-26T16:43:00.000-04:002007-04-26T16:43:00.000-04:00I just saw Dark Victory for the first time last we...I just saw Dark Victory for the first time last week, and I was impressed, but mostly that the film holds together at all. It's a testament to the sheer force of will that is Bette Davis that this film doesn't veer over the top, which it could very easily have done. <BR/><BR/>And I had no idea Ninotchka was 1939, as well as Love Affair, The Women, WIzard of Oz, GWTW....amazing year--no wonder some call it the best year in history for film.Criticlasmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942568777607340234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435448003077731913.post-88448183434533578342007-04-25T03:19:00.000-04:002007-04-25T03:19:00.000-04:00Thanks to Stinky Lulu, I was directed to your site...Thanks to Stinky Lulu, I was directed to your site. I'm so glad! What a wonderful commentary on that fantabulous movie year, 1939. My thoughts:<BR/><BR/>I'm most likely stating the obvious, but a new Bette Davis movie in the late 30s/early 40s must have been as exciting as a new Meryl Streep performance is nowadays. It's unfortunate that Davis didn't sustain (at least as substantially) as long as Streep has for the past three decades.<BR/><BR/>I love Irene Dunne (and, like you, find her perf in "The Awful Truth" to be her crowning achievement, though "Theodora Goes Wild" is a very close second). What was amazing about her, beyond the fact that most people under the age of 40(?) don't even know who the hell she is, was her versatility. She was great in so many different genres. Perhaps that versatility is why she is so forgotten today?<BR/><BR/>Garbo? Nothing to add, except this link: http://www.notstarring.com/actors/garbo-greta<BR/><BR/>Agreed on Garson...a supporting role. Unfortunately, for those who have NOT forgotten her, there seems to be a lingering backlash re: "Mrs. Miniver" (due to those horrible bedfellows of politics and sentimentality, it seems). Too bad, because however one feels about that movie, Garson does not deserve the blame.<BR/><BR/>On Leigh, I'd argue that she not only gave the best performance ever (though I sort of hate those types of proclamations...no offense), but along with "Streetcar"...well, you get my point. When she was good, she was BEYOND. (And compare the differing Southern accents in those two films for the fun of it).<BR/><BR/>You are so right-on regarding Garland. How sad that she was denied that 1954 Oscar. For shame!<BR/><BR/>As for Oscar, it also saddens me that Ms. Arthur (and Ms. Dunne) never won an Oscar. I'm glad to see her on your 1939 list (she is also on mine). For what it is worth, if they couldn't have given the award to her for "The More the Merrier" in 1943 (look at the competing performances!), her supporting role in "Shane" at least deserved a nomination.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the long post, but I have a feeling that you understand my need to rant (and rave). You are a welcome new addition to my movie blog check-ins!mistyh92104https://www.blogger.com/profile/05527208713016039669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435448003077731913.post-52278187369201989582007-04-25T00:24:00.000-04:002007-04-25T00:24:00.000-04:00Oh I would definitely have to agree with you about...Oh I would definitely have to agree with you about the greatest performance ever. A few come close, but Leigh stands above the rest.Dame Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02684030137746709310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1435448003077731913.post-11439924236624561202007-04-25T00:18:00.000-04:002007-04-25T00:18:00.000-04:00I'd go so far as to say that Vivian Leigh gave the...I'd go so far as to say that Vivian Leigh gave the greatest screen performance ever. Or at least if she's not in your Top 10, you suck.J.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17126912928153855523noreply@blogger.com