THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Ivan wrote: "Rick wrote: "Kimberley wrote: "Rose wrote "Girl with the Red Dragon Tatoo is excellent as well as the sequel"

That book is on my reading list and I hope to get round to it in April or May."

t..." Ivan.....right you are. A very young Angela Lansbury plays the cabaret singer and George Sanders play the aristocratic friend of Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield). Sanders' part is based on Wilde and he spouts lots of Wilde epigrams....he is terrific. The film is interesting and is made in black and white with one scene in technicolor. When you see the film you will understand why.

I'm just about to start reading A Girl in Winter by Philip Larkin as I'm trying to read a book by each of the top 50 Authors since 1947 as voted by The Times. It's for part of my book group that I started on this site :)

Jill wrote: "Ivan wrote: "Rick wrote: "Kimberley wrote: "Rose wrote "Girl with the Red Dragon Tatoo is excellent as well as the sequel"

That book is on my reading list and I hope to get round to it in April or..."


I am a major George Sanders fan- from his early "Saint" and "Falcoln" films to his later efforts- All About Eve, The Ghost and Mrs Muir, the folms with Laird Cregar- The Lodger,
His brother was Tom Conway- who took over from Sanders in the falcon series- Conway went the way of the bottle
George Sanders married two of the Gabor sisters (zsa zsa & Madga?" and is renowned for his suicide in 1970 in which he wrote a suicide note stating he was simply bored life.

actually it was 1972 when Sanders took his own life

On 23 April, 1972 Sanders checked into a hotel in Castelldefels, a coastal town near Barcelona. He was found dead two days later, having taken five bottles of Nembutal.[2:] Sanders was 65 years old. He left behind a suicide note which read:

"Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck."
Sanders' body was cremated and the ashes were scattered in the English Channel.

David Niven wrote in his autobiography The Moon's A Balloon that his friend Sanders, in 1937 at the age of 31, had predicted he would commit suicide when he was 65.[citation needed:]

I've always mourned the loss of Sanders he's also one of my favorites along with Claude Rains. Somehow they remind me of each other...even though there is no resemblance and Rains died much later (1967 at 77). Don't know why that is...but anyway both great actors.

Mike wrote: "I've always mourned the loss of Sanders he's also one of my favorites along with Claude Rains. Somehow they remind me of each other...even though there is no resemblance and Rains died much later (..."

I can see that Mike- both were urbane- had excellant diction, never gave a bad perfomance- stole every scene they were in- both also had hint of British Accent- not overpowering- but their voices were unique- and if you watch closely- they become the roles they play- both somehow so original- without need to be over the top while performing

Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said they "were" the character. For example in the 45 version of The Picture of Dorian Gray... Sanders, Lord Henry Wotton is in most ways actually the "villain" of the piece, yet remains urbane and witty, stealing the scenes and to my mind the movie. You realize he "led" Gray "down the wide path" but still "sort of like him". A really good creepy performance if you think about it, understated yet quietly evil. You don't see that much now.

Mike wrote: "Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said they "were" the character. For example in the 45 versio..."

key word is "Understated" when an actor like Sanders or Rains- or a Herbert Marshall and of course our man James! can play role after role understated- and yet be the most memorable character in the film...thats acting
Ironic
Claude Rains played Mr Jordon in original
James Mason in Heaven can wait remake

Rick wrote: "Mike wrote: "Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said they "were" the character. For example in ..."

Guys........you have mentioned all my favorite actors....Sanders, Mason, Rains and Herbert Marshall. They don't have gentlemen like that in film anymore. Did you know that Marshall lost his leg in WWI......it was very hard to detect in his walk but as he got older, it began to be more obvious. All those gentlemen were so suave, which I guess is now considered old hat for modern actors. I guess the old phrase "they don't make 'em like that anymore" rings true.

Jill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Mike wrote: "Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said they "were" the character. Fo..."

so true Jill- and yes - I was aware that Marshall had a wooden leg- What a voice!!! add to the list- Ronald Colman, Paul Douglas, Eugene Pallette(far from urbane but a true original! like SZ Sakall, George Raft also had a great presence and voice as did edward G.
as for actresses- THELMA RITTER!!!!! then Zasu Pitts, Marjorie Main, May Robson and Connie Gilcrist and last but NOT LEAST- ALICE PEARCE!

I've fallen in with element here...people who appreciate quality. It took me years to get my children to watch any movie that wasn't in color...I believe it was Arsenic and Old Lace that finally broke through tp them.



There's a story I like, I can't remember "who" it's about but; an older man opened the door for a young woman who took umbrage at the action.

She turned and snarled at him, "I suppose you thought you had to open the door for me because you think I'm a, LADY?"

"Oh no my dear", he replied. "I held the door because I'm a gentleman."

I grew up watching all these movies late into the night with my mom. They are all some of my very favorites. I got my boys to watch It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol (original) every year as a tradition. They loved those movies and it had never been a challenge to get them to watch old movies. Arsenic and Old Lace and Harvey are two of their favorites. They can quote from both. All the Hitchcock films they love as well. It's so refreshing for them to see and appreciate old films. My oldest is currently reading A Tale of Two Cities and we will watch the film (Coleman) once he's done.

Rick wrote: "Jill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Mike wrote: "Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said they "were" the ..."
Zasu Pitts!!!!!!!!!! What a great character actress. If you have ever seen "Greed", the great silent film by Erich von Stroheim in which she was the female lead, you are blown away by her beauty and acting skill. She looked very much like the silent mega-star, Lillian Gish. Ms. Pitts certainly had a long career in film and television. A true original.
Loved Mike's story of the gentleman holding the door.

Jill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Jill wrote: "Rick wrote: "Mike wrote: "Agreed. They could and did play such a range of characters....angel to devil, hero to scoundrel, and you bought it each time. And as you said the..."

Interesting anecdote on Zasu Pitts
Zasu was her real name- She had two aunts- One named EliZA and One name SUsan- her mom took the ZA from Eliza and SU from Susan and ....Zasu!

Mike wrote: "I've fallen in with element here...people who appreciate quality. It took me years to get my children to watch any movie that wasn't in color...I believe it was Arsenic and Old Lace that finally br..."

sounds like something Clifton Webb would say!!

love Arcenic and Old Lace- with a cast like Cary Grant- supported by Josephine Hull (Elwood's sister in Harvey) jean adair, Edward Everett Horton, Jack Carson, Peter Lorre and Raymond Massey!
Interesting- the play was still selling out on Broadway when filming began - and they wanted one cast member to remain with the play- Boris Karloff offered to stay- Masset was great as usual- but the "boris karloff" references to his character would have had more bite if the real Karloff was in the film
also special note must be made of John Alexander as Uncle Teddy- He was "BULLY!!!!" in the role
loved him in it- so much so- if you look at first poll question on site- there is a pic of as Uncle Teddy

I am now reading Soulless and Villette.

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I know, I was always a little sad that Karloff didn't do the part, though Massey's makeup was very good in giving the impression.

Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.


"

Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.


"

Hi Jamie
Villette is a terrific read- the prose is just magnificant! good choice!!!

I am currently reading Shutter Island. I am reading this because I saw the movie and I loved it so I wanted to read the book and see how different the book is from the movie, and it is actually pretty close to the movie. The dialogue is spot on and so is the description. Finally I can read a book and think to myself "oh yeah I remember them saying that".

Traci, I'm glad to hear the Shutter Island movie is faithful to the book. I really liked the book; Lehane is one of my favorite authors.

Just received "The Last Lincolns" by Charles Lachman. It is about the rather tragic descendants of the great Abraham Lincoln. Will let you all know how I like it.

Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. I am reading it because I find the heroine quite inspiring as she risen in station thanks to her bravery and wisdom.

I have just started Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

I am reading (and loving) War and Peace. Why? Because it has been sitting on my 'to-read' list far longer than necessary.

Sawyer wrote: "I will just quietly add that I adore Poe, ever since hearing a reading of "Annabel Lee" in a high school poetry class. It just entranced me, and I've tried to discover more about Poe since then. ..."

Sawyer.....I just finished Poe's short story "The Purloined Letter", one of the first mysteries. It is brilliant.

I am reading The Likeness by Tana French and liking it very much. It is an modern crime fiction thriller.

Sawyer wrote: "I will just quietly add that I adore Poe, ever since hearing a reading of "Annabel Lee" in a high school poetry class. It just entranced me, and I've tried to discover more about Poe since then. ..."

very sad that Robert Parker passed away- he was a favorite of mine- read most of the Spencer books- and really liked his more recent Jesse Stone character

Sheila wrote: "I am reading The Likeness by Tana French and liking it very much. It is an modern crime fiction thriller."

facinating looking book, Sheila
here is author's website
http://www.tanafrench.com/

of the three books I am currently reading!! The Princes in the Tower- a historical biography of Edward IV's sons and the mystery surrounding their murder(Was it Richard III??) is driving me nuts!!! so many names,titles, about 10 Edwards and Richards- on page 51 and determined to finish it- but seems one really needs to be more than a neophyte in 15th. 16th century Royal history to appreciate the first several chapters.

Rick wrote: "of the three books I am currently reading!! The Princes in the Tower- a historical biography of Edward IV's sons and the mystery surrounding their murder(Was it Richard III??) is driving me nuts!!!..."

I agree, The Princes in the Tower is a struggle! One just isn't as familiar with that era. I just finished The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir which is about the fall of Anne Boleyn--more familiar territory! That prompted me to re-read The Six Wives of Henry VIII (also Weir) because one hears so much about Katherine of Aragon and Anne Bolyn but not much about the other four wives.

Mary wrote: "Rick wrote: "of the three books I am currently reading!! The Princes in the Tower- a historical biography of Edward IV's sons and the mystery surrounding their murder(Was it Richard III??) is drivi..."

I really wish she simply told a straight-foward story in THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER - but it is near impossible to keep up with all the names and titles and families ect ect ect ect- but I shall finish it!!
ps- it would be nice if every other person wasnt named Edward or Richard!!! or Elizabeth!!!

Catamorandi wrote: "I have just started Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier."

I've read Rebecca and really enjoyed it. I'll be interested in what you think.

I just finished "Little Women" for the first time and loved it. I now want to read The Pilgrim's Progress, which is the book that the girls use as a handbook for their own lives.

Sadie wrote: "I just finished "Little Women" for the first time and loved it. I know want to read The Pilgrim's Progress, which is the book that the girls use as a handbook for their own lives."

Sadie - here is a link for a free online- unabridged version of The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/21171

justfinished SAFER - a thriller by Sean Doolittle- I must say - it kept my interest- and the "hero" was not some super-hero but rather a professor of English- overall- a good read- interesting plot- 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

I am about to read Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure.(first reads)

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Thus far it's very good.

~♡Katie♡~ wrote: "starting on Kissing Coffins tonight"

did you read Vampire Kisses, Book 1 ? Katie?
I guess you did since you are reading second one- how was first one?

Ivan wrote: "The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Thus far it's very good."

compared to film???

i have decided to purchase all of Joan Hackett's films on DVD

Rick wrote: "Ivan wrote: "The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Thus far it's very good."

compared to film???"

I have never seen the film.

I am reading Breakfast at Tiffany's because I LOVE the movie!

Jamie wrote: "I am reading Breakfast at Tiffany's because I LOVE the movie!

"

They are quite different - though both have their charms and champions. I prefer the book; and, if your copy features three stories at the end, don't skip reading "A Christmas Memory" - my favorite short story of all time.

Rick wrote: "i have decided to purchase all of Joan Hackett's films on DVD"

Just a wee bit of trivia. My mother (an oncology nurse and Encino Hospital) took care of Miss Hackett throughout her final illness. She thought her a very special person, lovely, graceful and very kind. She was very friendly with my mother (though I wouldn't say they were "friends").

Ivan wrote: "Jamie wrote: "I am reading Breakfast at Tiffany's because I LOVE the movie!

"

They are quite different - though both have their charms and champions. I prefer the book; and, if your copy fea..."

Yes, I have noticed from the beginning they are different. My book does have three stories at the end so I will make sure to read them. Thanks!

Gary wrote: "It certainly showed how versatile the woman really was... not sure marilyn was nearly as much... my opinion. I actually like Marilyn too,and think she was great in her own way.

Wait Until Dark is ..."

Hi Gary in response to post 509 you are thinking of THE CHILDRENS HOUR which Audrey starred in with Shirley Maclaine and a rather gorgeous James Garner.....

Hi I am currently reading MRS ZHIVAGO OF QUEENS PARK by Olivia Lichtenstein to cleanse my brain after reading The Blind Assassin and before reading THE READER..

Ivan wrote: "Rick wrote: "i have decided to purchase all of Joan Hackett's films on DVD"

Just a wee bit of trivia. My mother (an oncology nurse and Encino Hospital) took care of Miss Hackett throughout her ..."

very facinating Ivan- thanks for that story- I marvel that facing terminal cancer, Joan Hackett retained her inate kindness- I still mourn her death- only 49-
she was so wonderful(with James Coco) in one of last films- ONLY WHEN I LAUGH

Rick wrote: "Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.


"

Jamie wrote: "I am now reading Soulless and Villette.

I love Villette. It's a darker and more disturbing version of Jane Eyre.
"

Hi Jamie
Villette is a terrific read- the prose is just magnificant!..."