Little Glory

Chiefly because every video collection should include something from “Auntie Mame” (1958, dir Morton da Costa), but here the estimable Rosalind Russell is upstaged by Joanna Barnes as Gloria. The very semi-finals, mind you.

Wordsmanship

Again, in Shakespeare’s Henry V (1989, dir Kenneth Branagh) we see the brilliant wordplay that Shakespeare introduced into the English language. While staged here as a semi-comic device (the long list of descendants required a massive understanding of history available to the literate only), there is the nice mirror effect of the twists and turns the Tudors (the then-present monarchs occupying the throne) took to justify their sovereignty.

What A Flatbush Girl Can Teach Us All About Broadway

In this mess of a film (1967, dir Mark Robson), Susan Hayward tells off Patty Duke — yes, that Patty Duke — in no uncertain terms. From a very messy novel. And everyone is a mess. Helen Lawson is based on Judy Garland, of course (note the sequined pantsuit so reminiscent of JG’s 60s ensembles). Hayward was the second choice for the role; they actually wanted the real Garland to play her on-screen self. Good Lord, what a mess it all was.

I. Could. Cry.

From “A Chorus Line.” Kay, Christine, and Maggie let — in the parlance of the 70s — it all hang out. I know Sheila Bishop plays Kay; I’ll get back to you on the others.

For The Edith Evans Junkie

Of which I am one. “The Chalk Garden” is a very odd movie (1964, dir Ronald Neame) but it features great performances from all involved, especially EE, who was nominated for an Oscar. “The flaming impudence!” — don’t you wish you could use that retort in your life?

The Best Bugs Bunny

Chuck Jones gets all the glory, but for me it’s Robert McKimson who is the best director of the BB cartoons. This one is rarely seen, maybe because it has a less than ideal view of race relations, but it is full of the Brooklynese that endeared Bugs to us all. The furious exchange between BB and the First Nation fella rocks all over the place. Best delivery of a great line: “But that pouch deal is OUT!”

Take Your Teeth Out, Dad

In 1948’s “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (dir, John Huston), Walter Huston does an inspired bit of business to accentuate his contempt for his fellow gold hunters, played by, of course, Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt. Walter and John won Oscars for the film, and moviegoers everywhere still enjoy that dance.

Try Again

The brilliant “A Question of Attribution” (1992, dir John Schlesinger). Here, the about-to-be-exposed traitor Anthony Blunt (James Fox) has a confrontation with HMQ (Prunella Scales). As in all of Alan Bennett’s work, there is so much more going on here than meets the eye. The scene is about 20 minutes long, but you can get a nice taste of the tension in the air, and who really has the upper hand, in this short glimpse. Enjoy!

Goddam Actors

Maggie Smith in her Oscar-winning role of an Oscar-losing actress.  The sole bright spot in an otherwise dismal movie (“California Suite,” 1978, dir Herbert Ross).

There Is No Hope For You

. . . if you get this clip.  It is brilliant in a demented sort of way.