When I think of movies made prior to the early 1950's, before American cinema began a steady shift toward naturalistic acting styles, I tend to think of what I would deem stage acting for the camera. Musical speech patterns, big gestures, and “charm” come to mind.  I have yet to find my way into embracing that style of filmmaking.  I’d like to think that I will grow to appreciate it for its own virtues, but I don’t have to grow today.

 Grand Illusion, spine number 1 of the Criterion Collection DVD releases, feels fresh and modern despite more than seventy years passing since filming wrapped.  Given the current policies in America toward POWs with Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, Desert Storm seems quaint.  By starker contrast, the interactions in director Jean Renoir’s classic POW camp film, set during the First World War, are friendlier than a current day trip to the post office.  Renoir addresses this directly in an included introduction, filmed for an American theatrical re-release of the film after the end of WWII.  (It seems that after WWII, it was important to clarify that these Germans weren’t necessarily the noble guys depicted in his pre-WWII film.)

 Renoir was exploring a wartime chivalry that probably never existed (despite what the Hogan’s Heroati might have you believe).  He uses the setting of POW camp life to explore the broader issue of class and religious discrimination.  Erich Von Stroheim plays the unforgettable Capt. Von Rauffenstein, an injured and now sidelined pilot placed in charge of a German POW camp.  Von Rauffenstein affords captured French officer De Boeldiue, portrayed with appropriate stuffiness by Pierre Fresnay, special privileges due to their common upper class backgrounds and military rank.  Von Rauffenstein relates more closely to the French officer than his own German soldiers and pines for some suitable company.  Despite de Boeldiue’s refutations of such privileges, Renoir shows that class discrimination is a two way street.  Jean Gabin is the star of the film, portraying Lt. Maréchal, a direct report of de Boeldiue.  While Maréchal is privy to his Captains refutations, and they clearly like each other, they still mutually remain at arm’s length. 

 Furthering his social and class examination, Renoir introduces fellow prisoner Lt. Rosenthal.  Rosenthal (played wonderfully by Marcel Dalio) is the product of a wealthy Jewish background and receives large packages of wine, food and assorted sundries shipped to the prison from his family.  Rosenthal is entirely generous with the abundant goods, sharing the items with all of his bunkmates in the prison.  Despite the obvious class differences between himself and most of the others, he is not treated with equal distance as is Capt. de Boeldiue.  Renoir seems to be pointing out that religious prejudices overrode the class differences between men in his time.  Even Gabin himself slips into anti-Semitic territory with Rosenthal late in the film before righting himself.  This aspect of the film would become all too realized just after completion of Grand Illusion in 1937.

 I was interested to find out that this was the first POW escape film.  You can see most of the conventions associated with this subgenre of films present in Grand Illusion.  Also of note, perhaps a more appropriate translation of the film’s title would be The Great Illusion as this is the intended commentary Renoir is making about the notion of war and class in human society.

 The Criterion print of the film is absolutely beautiful with startling clarity and depth that was believed lost prior to the rather incredible discovery of the original film negative in the 1990’s (originally saved in, of all places, the Reichsfilmarchiv vaults). The commentary by film historian Peter Cowie is academic, though it should be remembered that this was recorded fairly early in the life of audio commentaries.  The special features on the disc are small in number and much of them are of the text variety, a convention less common on DVD releases of the past several years.  I will say that I don’t typically enjoy reading my special features, but the information on the discovery of the camera negative is quite fascinating and the accompanying demonstration of the film’s restoration shows the incredible improvements made upon this release.

Hedge Fund manager Leon Cooper, from Omega Advisers, Inc. had this to say about the current stock market free fall:

``We've approached the edge of the cliff...''

``Do we go over the cliff or begin to recede? History says we recede, but there's no guarantee. This is the most difficult financial environment I've lived through.''

What has been very interesting though...is the lack of intelligent response, or any response at all, that we have seen from either Presidential candidate regarding the American economy and more specifically, the huge downward momentum that the stock markets are currently exhibiting; why have neither one of these supposed "leaders" used their constant media attention to communicate to the American people and let them know what they feel and how they propose to help out or lead the nation through this economic crisis?

We know that President Bush is absolutely worthless at this point...are there any other REAL leaders who are willing to step up and help guide this nation to better days?

McCain? Obama?

Anyone?

    “Ripped from the Headlines!”

    “Marked Woman” is a typical Warner Brothers crime drama, hard-bitten, gritty, realistic and based on current headlines, the kind Jack Warner craved. Naturally, when he read an article about the downfall of boss of bosses Charles “Lucky” Luciano, he quickly jumped on it. Charlie Lucky controlled prostitution in New York City and was pursued by D.A. Thomas Dewey who continually raided Luciano controlled Bordello’s arresting hundreds of prostitutes many who eventually assisted in turning state’s evidence against Lucky in order to avoid going to jail themselves. Dewey got the jury to convict Luciano of running one of the largest prostitution rings in the country.       

    That same year, Warner Brothers made “Marked Woman” the story of four “night club hostesses”, aka prostitutes, working in a “clip joint” recently bought over by crime boss Johnny Vanning (Eduardo Ciannelli). Vanning tells the girls that they will now be working for him and a percentage of their take goes straight to him. If they don’t like it, they are out. Worldly Mary Dwight (Bette Davis) knows all the angles, and sees Vanning for what he is, and is straight talking enough to tell him face to face. She protects her co-worker Estelle (Mayo Methot) when Vanning tells her she too old for the business.  Mary, Estelle and two other girls, Gabby (Lola Lane) and Emmy Lou (Isabel Jewel) share an apartment together. When Mary is implicated in the murder of a customer and interrogated by D.A. David Graham (Humphrey Bogart), he tries to get her to tell all she knows about Vanning. When Vanning's trial comes up, she lies on the stand and helps get Vanning acquitted. Things get a bit tougher for Mary when her innocent kid sister Betty (Jane Bryan) comes to visit and finds out from Emmy Lou what Mary really does for a living. Upset, Betty defies Mary and goes to Vanning’s club. When she refuses to do more than just dance with a customer, Vanning hits her causing her to fall down a flight of stairs resulting in her death.

    Upon learning of her sister’s death, Mary decides to tell all she knows about Vanning to D.A. Graham however before she gets the chance, Vanning’s goons beat up her up so severely she ends up in the hospital near death. Mary does survives, badly bruised and scarred she testifies at a new trial for Vanning this time resulting in a conviction. The film ends with Graham, a hero, surrounded by newspaper writers wanting to know the story while the four girls, Mary and her fellow hostesses who are the real heroines walk off into the foggy night.   

    This was Bette Davis’ first film after returning to Warner Brothers after a long battle with studio heads, Warner’s finally realizing that Davis was an important draw they took her back and put her in this picture. She glows in this role, strong, sexy and giving us plenty of those Bette Davis eyes. Humphrey Bogart, whose career was still mostly playing gangsters or other characters on the wrong side of the law was given a chance to expand his range and manages to give a strong and sensitive performance as the D.A. David Graham. An example of the depth of Bogart’s ability is shown in one great scene, mentioned in the DVD featurette, where Graham has to tell Mary about the death of her sister Betty. Bogart and Davis would make five films together. In addition to “Marked Woman”, they made “Three on a Match”  “Kid Galahad”, Dark Victory” and “The Petrified Forest”. 

It started simply enough, but has become a worldwide sensation.  It was meant to be a story for the author's son, but millions upon millions of adults have embraced it.  It's popularity led the publishers to ask for a sequel, and what resulted was one of the most important works of fiction ever created.  But such was the power in the phrase - "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." - written on a scrap of paper, that could so affect literary history.

"The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien's story of Bilbo Baggins, has all the elements that a child (and maybe a grown-up) requires in an adventure story.  There are strange races of people (hobbits, elves, dwarves, trolls, and goblins), there is a wizard, and mountains, and secret doors, and maps, a key, and a magic ring.

But above all else, there is a quest.  Bilbo Baggins is thrust into the middle of an adventure he desperately wants to avoid.  And throughout the pages of the book, we watch as Bilbo is transformed from a sort of bumbling fraidy-cat to the leader of an expedition, as the adventures he and the dwarves encounter serve to refine our hero.  So by story's end, Mr. Baggins is no longer the homebody hobbit who passes out at the mere mention of death, but a bold adventurer who faces his fears and is willing to walk into the dragon's den.

I think my first exposure to Tolkien was watching the Rankin-Bass cartoon production of "The Hobbit" back when I was 12...maybe 13 years old.  It's a decent rendition, though I think Glenn Yarborough's singing is atrocious.  My first reading of the book was not long after.  I read it every year, usually in August, and my count of readings now approaches 30.  But I still love the tale.

A couple of interesting things: my uncle built an earth home years ago, and his mailbox was custom-painted with "Middle Earth" on it.  My younger brother proposed to his wife while reading the chapter "Riddles in the Dark" to her.  He got to the Bilbo's question ("What have I got in my pocket?") and, well, you know...

The greatest value "The Hobbit" has is that its popularity made the publication of "The Lord of the Rings" a reality.  And while the 3-volume sequel required that Tolkien alter certain aspects of Bilbo's story, it still remains the same classic adventure story today that it was when those first 1,500 books rolled off the presses on September 21, 1937 (the original cover is shown above).  And if you can find one of those original copies...

Recommended Reading:  The Hobbit - I just finished what I think is my 28th or 29th reading last month, so pick up a copy and go for it!

Few things can make up for such depressing financial times (Lehman's bankruptcy, Merrill's sale, AIG's hunt for cash, Wall Street's worst day since 9/11 aftermath). One are the institutions that prevent the entire economy from collapse. Another of those few redeemers is old-school college humor. Back then, if you had over a 2.0 GPA, you were golden. In 1938, there was even debate at Dartmouth to have unlimited class skips if such marks were attained. Students were still horn-dogs, but at least they could be discreet about it, as evidenced in many of the following:

The Dartmouth Pictorial, May 7, 1938.

The various possibilities beside dancing and drinking over the week-end.

• The golf course, with its romantic setting, makes a charming afternoon's entertainment for any athletic couple.
• Perhaps, however, sleeping in the sun would be more appealing after an evening of festivity. Then, if you are really ambitious, you can show your date just how that Trig problem is worked.
• It takes real ambition, but there are some girls who will want to see just what classes at Dartmouth are like, so we suggest taking her to your eleven-fifteen on Saturday.
• You may even prefer the solitude of the ravine below Tuck School.
• The Chubbers will all be off to Mt. Washington for the last skiing, and we hope that the girls will be prepared for it, as there is nothing they can do about it.

jack-o-lantern, Thanksgiving 1937

"That's a hot number," said the steer, as the glowing brand was pressed against his tender flank. - Log

When Sue found out about the Peeping Tom across the street it meant curtains for him. - Punch Bowl

They were seated on the divan, tighly clasped in each other's arms. "My parents may come between us," she faltered. "If they do," he exclaimed hotly, "they must be pretty small." - Bored Walk

For the modern girl: "There's seldom a slip between the gown and the hip." -Ski-U-Mah

"How do you like my new evening dress?" "I can't tell until you get up from the table." - Ski-U-Mah

jack-o-lantern, Christmas 1937

He: "How do you know I'm a freshman? What did I do wrong?" She: "Nothing." - Sundial

She: "Do you think you're Santa Claus?" He: "No; why?" She: "Then leave my stockings alone." - Jester

Father: "Mary, who was that Man I saw kissing you last night?" Daughter: "What time was it?" - Exchange

Any girl looking for a real thrill should kiss a man with hiccoughs. - College Widow

Junior: Let's teach that dumb blonde the difference between right and wrong. Senior: You teach her what's right. - Brigadie

jack-o-lantern, Harvard Issue 1937

"Even if you were the last man on earth I woldn't marry you." "It wouldn't be necessary." - Sun Dial

Lovers, like all people who are blind, develop a wonderful sense of touch. - Jester

YOUTH
him and her in a field
of grain
with robins and clouds
and beating hearts
she gives him the wink
and on he comes
no time to think
as the universe drums
hot diggety sex! - Octopus

There were as named:

Superintendent - Bro. Gregory

Sec'y & Tres. - Mrs. W.C. Farley

Teachers

Class No. 1 - Bro. W.W. Gibson

Class No. 2 - Sister Lois Lee

Class No. 3 - Bro. Bill Bundren

Class No. 4 - Sister Helen Freeze

Janitor - Haskel Farley

There being no other business, conference adjourned.

W.C. Farley, moderator

Mrs. W.C. Farley, c.c.

No other business on hand.

Conference adjourned.

W.C. Farley, moderator

Mrs. W.C. Farley, c.c.

Bro. Gregroy, mod.

Mrs. W.C. Farley, C.C.

There being no other business, it was moved and seconded conference adjourn.

W.W. Gibson, mod.

Mrs. W.C. Farley, c.c.

Bro. Gregory was appointed to have gravel and be credited for same on his new $100.00 pledge.  Bro. Gibson, was appointed to have timber on his pledge and also to have some cut at the church's expense.  The clerk was instructed to have the following names erased fro the church book: Mr. Winnefred Kelly, Mr. Joe Kelly, Miss Helen Stidman.

There being no other business, conference adjourned.

Bro. Gibson, moderator

Mrs. W.C. Farley, church clerk.

Bro. W.W. Gibson, mod.

Mrs. W.C. Farley, C.C.

Bro. G.A. Armstrong, mod.

Mrs. Farley, c.c.

Due to the absence of our church clerk William Sherrell, the church elected Mrs. W.C. Farley, to serve as church clerk.

As no other business was brought before the church, conference adjourned.

Mr. W.W. Gibson, moderator

Mrs. W.C. Farley, C.C.

Date 11-19-39   $25.00

Date 03-07-37   $ 7.00

Date 12-14-39   $18.00

Total                   $50.00

editors note**(this page was written at the top of a page dated 4-25-1937)

Bro. Gregory, moderator

William Sherrell, c.c.

August 20, 1937 was the night before Seaman First Class Freddie Falgout's 21st birthday.  It was also movie night for the sailors aboard the cruiser USS Augusta.  But for Falgout and his fellow crew, every evening was "fireworks" night, as they witnessed first-hand the increasingly violent conflict that pitted the Chinese against their Japanese invaders.

The Augusta had been sent to China as part of a small flotilla of ships to protect (and evacuate if necessary) American citizens and other people who were residing in the international areas of the city.  Arriving in port the week prior (August 14th), the ship's crew watched the two opposing forces shell each other.

The movie wasn't scheduled to begin until well after dark, but the men began to assemble early...the best seats went fast on a ship.  Though not under direct fire, artillery and anti-aircraft shells sometimes have a mind of their own, so the "theater" was set up on the well deck, where the ship's smokestacks and seaplane catapults offered the best protection.

At about 6:40pm, low-flying Chinese planes passed nearby, on their way to attack Japanese positions and, of course, the Japanese opened up.  An errant pom-pom shell, shot up into the air and hitting nothing, landed right in a group of the Augusta's sailors, almost precisely at the feet of Freddie Falgout.  Nineteen sailors were hit by shrapnel, but only one dime-sized fragment got Falgout.  Unfortunately, that one fragment got him right in the heart, killing him almost instantly and giving the 20-year old from the Louisiana Bayou the sad distinction of being the very first of the more than 300,000 U.S. soldiers killed in World War II.

Recommended Reading: Best Little War Stories From World War II - A treasure trove of unknown or little-known facts from the War.

(Billie Holiday - They Can't Take That Away From Me)

end of the teachings...beginning of the journey.

epilogue

'Three weeks on the road and all that greets me are smouldering ashes,' sighed the Merchant-Sage, Ni.

'What was it that you expected,' said a voice behind him. 'With all the provinces in such chaos! where have you been?'

Turning round the merchant saw a young man in a bedraggled state, his face stained with blackened smoke and blood. Getting down from his horse Ni said. 'I had hoped that I would arrive before the Emperor Ch'in's outrages had reached this outpost. But, I see that I am too late. Has all been lost?'

'If you are a former graduate of this Academy, as I suspect you are,' said the man, 'you would be wise to take care. For they are imprisoning all who are followers of the ways of the ancients.'

'My ancestor, the renowned Merchant Ni, was the grand-nephew of the founding Patriarch, Yen Tzu. Our house is loyal to the philosophy he and his followers taught. And you...,' Ni once more surveyed the man before him, '....what part have you played to be in such a sorry state?'

'I, too, came here for a similar purpose, but alas I was also too late. My name is Lu, of the House of Chou, whose founding father was also a pupil of Yen Tzu. My young heart and legs were sent by my Uncle in an attempt to rescue what parchments I could. But all was already aflame when I arrived this morning. It must have burned all night. I have fallen many times and scorched myself in my frantic search, but to no avail.'

The two paused in silence as they surveyed the ruins around them. As they did so, their eyes rested on the main gate keystone that now stood alone, unaccompanied by it's former walls. The charred words were still clear to see.

'So, not all is lost,' said Lu.

'Indeed, none of it can ever be lost,' added Ni, as together they read the stone's inscription.

Wisdom comes from one great Sage,
A true source for every age.
Mind, the door, Heart, the key,
Spirit guide, the path to be.
Listen within, Trust to feel,
Illusions vanish, Truth is real.