Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Tuesday's Top Three...

Once again, we continue the Katharine Hepburn lovefest...



Stage Door 1937

Terry Randall (Katharine Hepburn), rich society beauty, has decided to see if she can break into the Broadway theatre scene without her family connections. She goes to live in a theatrical boarding house and finds her life caught up with those of the other inmates and the ever-present disappointment that theatrical hopefuls must live with. Her smart-mouth roommate, Jean, is approached by a powerful producer for more than just a role. And Terry's father has decided to give her career the shove by backing a production for her to star in, in which she's sure to flop. But his machinations hurt more than just Terry.

This film stars a wonderful cast including Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball and Constance Collier. The speech at the end of the play completely devistates me everytime... such a pure perfomance moment captured by Kate. "The calla lilies are in bloom again..."



The African Queen 1951

The 1951 John Huston classic, set in Africa during World War I, garnered Humphrey Bogart an Oscar for his role as a hard-drinking riverboat captain in Africa, who provides passage for a Christian missionary spinster (Katharine Hepburn). Taking an instant, mutual dislike to one another, the two endure rough waters, the presence of German soldiers, and their own bickering to finally fall into one another's arms.

What a great performance by Kate and Bogie... here's a great moment in the movie:
Charlie Allnut: How'd you like it?
Rose Sayer: Like it?
Charlie Allnut: White water rapids!
Rose Sayer: I never dreamed...
Charlie Allnut: I don't blame you for being scared - not one bit. Nobody with good sense ain't scared of white water...
Rose Sayer: I never dreamed that any mere physical experience could be so stimulating!




Desk Set 1957

The mysterious man hanging about at the research department of a big TV network proves to be engineer Richard Sumner (Spencer Tracy), who's been ordered to keep his real purpose secret: computerizing the office. Department head Bunny Watson (Katharine Hepburn), who knows everything, needs no computer to unmask Richard. The resulting battle of wits and witty dialogue pits Bunny's fear of losing her job against her dawning attraction to Richard.

A very funny, light-hearted movie. The scene between Spencer and Kate in Bunny's apartment is a classic. Their chemistry shines through. This one's for you, MSUgal86 ... (and The Philadelphia Story was featured in my first Tuesday's Top Three a few weeks ago!)

3 Comments:

At 4:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have NEVER seen African Queen all the way through. I've probably seen the entire movie - but never at one sitting. Isn't that sad?

 
At 10:26 AM, Blogger JoeinVegas said...

I think those three are some of the best movies. Stage Door, with Ginger Rogers and Adolphe Menjou is typical of the 'let's put on a play' stuff from the 30's, moving from my favorite Busby Berkely flicks with about the same cast (minus Kate). And her calla lilly line - really emotional. The the one with Boggie - great love story.

You made some very good picks.

 
At 10:44 AM, Blogger Pamela said...

we should have a movie night...

these are the best. Love the African Queen so much

 

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