List of Shame #10 | Bringing Up Baby (1938)

★★★★
Directed by HOWARD HAWKS

Starring CARY GRANT and KATHARINE HEPBURN


THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF THE LIST OF SHAME PROJECT: 100 MOVIES THAT WILL SHATTER MY CREDIBILITY

Bringing Up Baby is the story of a paleontologist, David Huxley, who has a very delicate task at hand: he needs to ensure that Mrs. Carleton Random donates one million dollars to his project, and for that he must impress her layer, Mr. Peabody (George Irving). Such a donation is described as a very white thing to do - a curious, now perceived as offensive expression that was fairly common at the time Howard Hawk's film was made. Less common is David's response when Aunt Elizabeth (May Robson) asks why he's wearing woman's clothes: Because I just went gay all of a sudden!. This may be one of the earliest use in film of the term gay as a reference to homosexuals, and it is said to have been a improv of the actor, Cary Grant. The exclamation is accompanied by a mocking jump in the air, and it is an example of Grant's excellent comedic style that thrives throughout the entire film.

If you are used to see the great Cary Grant in classy, seductive roles, than brace yourself, for David Huxley could not be further from the sleekness of Mr. Devlin: though still undoubtedly handsome, with and without his glasses, in Bringing Up Baby this fine actor is, in the full extent of the word, a nerd. And he carries his nerdy self in a funny, ever charming way, revealing great talent for physical comedy. His character always trying to keep up (or keep away) with the over-excited and inconvenient Susan Vance, played by Grant's co-start, Katharine Hepburn.

In this screwball comedy the poor man is trying to get married and she keeps trying to stop him, through machinations that revolve around Baby, a tamed leopard her brother inexplicably sent from Brazil. And she does so in the most annoying way you can imagine: by being a tornado of too much nonsense talk and childish pleads. It's hard to resist the temptation of struggling her exquisite neck, and it would appear Huxley often fights  the very same impulse. And for that, for being so desperately irritating, Katharine Hepburn deserves the tip of my most beloved hat, for if your playing an annoying character, it better be, in fact, annoying. And because no matter how irritating she is, there's an irresistible charm about her, the same one that makes Grant's awkward character so appealing: there's a huge, warm heart inside her with the best of intensions. It was love at first sight, he just didn't know it yet, for like Susan learned: the love impulse in men frequently reveals itself in terms of conflict. 

The scene in which Susan's dress is ripped was inspired by something that happened to Cary Grant. He was at he Roxy Theater one night and his pants zipper was down when it caught on the back of a woman's dress. Grant impulsively followed her. When he told this story to Howard Hawks, Hawks loved it and put it into the film.  (x)

imdb | trailer

Valentine's Day Movie Meme

Before I start, a few notes: first, a shout out to Meredith at Forever Classics for this great meme. I've had a lot of fun answering these questions. Second, there are so many great films, scenes and actors that  it becomes extremely hard to choose only one. Therefore, I've come up with a simple way to include as many as I can: if I've mentioned a film (or anything) in one answer, I won't be mentioning it again, unless there is absolutely no doubt it is my one favorite pick for another question.  

Example: Atonement for best score - it could've made it in the most romantic scene category as well, but by this method, it didn't. 

I hope you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Make sure you answer this meme too!

What is your favorite romantic comedy?

It's necessarily a tie between Four Weddings and a Funeral and Annie Hall, and I'm not sorry!

First, Hugh Grant haters to the left - the man is simply irresistible. An adorable dork with a british accent and fluffy hair is leading man material. Not to mention those geek (now seen as hipster) glasses. Always meant to sweep the classy woman off her feet with his facial expressions of panic, his apparent speech problem, and that state of constantly being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Until reality strikes, and he knows he must do something or the girl will never be his. So he calms down, stops talking nonsense, and tries to avoid digging the awkward holes he frequently buries his head in - and as he finally speaks, between one thousand and twenty three apologies, he manages to say just what she wanted to hear.
On that matter, he almost resembles a Woody Allen character  - and indeed Allen must have noticed that himself for they worked together in the hilarious Small Time Crooks - except most people don't see Woody Allen, or his films, as particularly romantic. Well, here goes another possibly unpopular opinion: I do, very much, so Annie Hall had to be here, too. It's hard to think of a more intelligent, funny, and yes, romantic film.  

What is your favorite romantic drama?

Again, an unavoidable tie. This time between the classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Before Sunrise. 

What I love most about Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is how most of it consists of passionate and intense arguments between all the characters, and it is through these interactions that we discover its story, gradually. It would never work if not for all the actors involved - and for the purpose of this meme, I'll only mention the two leads, and lovers, Brick (Paul Newman) and Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor). Their deep couple issues, that go far beyond his drinking problem, are clear from the start and it is from this low point in their relationship that the plot is built. Every scene between them is bursting with emotion, whether it is concealed or furiously unleashed. It's like they have been waiting for years to pour their hearts out, and now they finally did. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a clever, sensual, and gripping romance, that could have only been written by the great Tennessee Williams. 

Then there's Before Sunrise, a film that takes story development through dialogue to the extreme - the entire movie is one single conversation between a man and a woman that just met. It's hard to pull it off, and said like that I'm sure it sounds incredibly boring. Yet, it is not. In fact, the moment I finished watching it I had to see the sequel, and I did! I watched Before Sunrise and Before Sunset on the same night, and I wished it never ended. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy make a compelling portrait and have such chemistry that nine years later it's still there. And it is one of the few examples of sequels that were as good as the first installment (or very close). I can only imagine what it must have been like for those who actually had to wait nine years until Before Sunset came out. 

Worst romance film you've seen?

Gigli. I don't care how you look at it, unless you're mocking it, it will never be funny nor romantic. It's cheesy in the worst way, it tries to be tough but comes through as ridiculous, and it's just... wrong. Everything in it is so, so wrong. To clarify: I don't have anything against Jennifer Lopez, nor Ben Affleck (though I am a much bigger fan of his work as a director than as an actor). The issue I (and every sane person) have with Gigli is not them... it's everything else. 

How do you feel about the majority of romantic films being labeled "chick flicks"?

I think it's commonly acknowledged that women are the ones who most watch and like romantic films, read romantic books and dwell in love songs. And that may very well be true, but it is also true that some of the greatest romantic pieces were directed, written and sung by men. I just mentioned Tennessee Williams above. The film, also directed by a man. A more recent example than everyone can relate to, Jane Eyre. The book may have been written by a woman, but look at the way Fukunaga retrieved small details and displayed them in such a gorgeous, romantic way. Same thing goes for Pride and Prejudice. Also, look at Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin... there's no denying there. 
So yes, we, women, watch and love those films - but you, men, are the ones who make them. 

Favorite on-screen couple?

Though they've done only three, and I've only seen two, they sure are the best: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail are delightful, particularly the first one: they never actually meet until the very end, and yet there so much going on there. How they achieved that is simply unbelievable. I wish they worked together again. 

Favorite off-screen couple?

I've answered Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward on the last survey... And I'm going to choose them again! Sorry, but there's no one like these two. 

Best kiss in a movie?

Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair: by far, the sexiest film moment I've ever seen. Beautifully shot, capturing the smallest details that display such intense sensations it makes us feel them; outstandingly performed by Dunaway in all her exquisite elegance, silently seducing McQueen's character who tries to resist her with that rugged but charming look, but inevitably fails to do so, and gives in with the best line, let's play something else. All this creates enormous anticipation, so when the kiss finally happens... just watch.

Let's Play Something Else
The Thomas Crown Affair — MOVIECLIPS.com

Favorite romantic scene?

There were several candidates here, it was not an easy one. But I have to answer the opening scene in When a Man Loves a Woman. I found it original, for a change, and a nice way to start the film. And it was the first time I saw Andy Garcia outside the gangster scenario. At first I didn't like his character, honestly. I though it was too perfect, like Nora Roberts leading character in Midnight Bayou, Declan Fitzgerald - I'll hold a grudge on that one forever. You see, he had blondish hair, gray eyes, and a very manly jaw. He worked hard, was sweet and smart. And for all that, I hated him. And so I hated Garcia's character too - his lavish looks, kind eyes and successful career as a pilot were despicable. Even when he lost his temper, it was just too good.  But in the end, it got better - they worked around it, somehow. And Meg Ryan's character is the perfect counter-weight, she's an alcoholic mess of a mother, but still, you can't hate her. When a Man Loves a Woman is funny at times, but mostly filled with drama, for their lives are far from perfect. And yes, Bolton's cheesy hit is the main theme.

-- watch it --

Who are 2 film characters you wished had gotten together, but never did?

I know it's a movie meme, but I gotta say Ally McBeal and Larry Paul. He was charming, handsome, and crazy enough. That show should've ended in the fourth season, while they were perfectly happy, acting like adorable fools. But if you want a movie answer, it has to be Jack and Ennis, from Brokeback Mountain - that was just cruel. 

Two actors you think would have great chemistry, but have never done a film together?

This is really hard one. I'm not sure if this counts, because they did work together, and they even kissed, but he was gay and not meant to be with her, so... it should be fine right? Because Colin Firth and Julianne Moore in A Single Man got me craving for more between the two, and like I said, he was playing a gay man, so imagine what would happen if there was in fact meant to be a romance between them! here's proof

Favorite romantic song in a film (doesn't have to be from a musical)?

Best score from a romance film?

Ah that's easy! Dario Marianelli. Anything he has ever done, and he did some good ones: Atonement, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, all of which are personal favorites. But I'll choose Atonement. I've developed this topic in the  first Murmur of Film post. The typewriter is something else.

Most romantic film quote?

I might be the only person on the face of the earth that knows you're the greatest woman on earth. I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do, and how you are with Spencer, "Spence," and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean, and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good. I think most people miss that about you, and I watch them, wondering how they can watch you bring their food, and clear their tables and never get that they just met the greatest woman alive. And the fact that I get it makes me feel good, about me. (fast forward) You make me want to be better man.
-- Melvin Udall, As Good as it Gets

A film you'd recommend to watch on Valentine's Day?

As much as I adore films like A Single Man - which I perceive as very romantic - I couldn't possibly recommend something like it, because... let's just say that on this day the film should leave you in a happy mood. So perhaps I'd like recommend something like The Holiday - everyone likes it, and it's probably one the few recent romantic comedies that is actually good. 
But knowing that probably every single person on Earth has watched it already, I'd  recommend... Garden State, for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary. I know it may seem depressing at first, but I promise it won't end that way. For oldies lovers, anything with Cary Grant or Paul Newman - but if you are an fan of that time, you probably knew that already. Now there is one film... I honestly can't remember if it has a happy ending... in fact I'm not even sure if you can call it a romance, but I'm gonna say it anyway: I enjoyed The Young Philadelphians, despite of the some negative feedback I've received - not to mention how few people I know have seen it, hence the recommendation. Hum... I kind of suck at recommendations don't I...?
Alright, I'll try it again: if you need something that is clearly happy and recent, then I'd recommend Leap Year. I didn't notice it when it came out, so chances are some of you missed it too. It's sweet, charming, and entertaining. It's not a masterpiece, but I don't think it deserves that nasty one star rating at Rotten Tomatoes either. And it stars Amy Adams, and Matthew Goode, with a lovely accent. Oh and Adam Scott makes an appearance, so if you're a parks and rec's fan, you'll be satisfied. Plus, it's set in Ireland, so it instantly becomes a must-see, at least for me. 

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I (2011)

★★½

Directed by BILL CONDON

Starring KRISTEN STEWART, ROBERT PATTINSON and TAYLOR LAUTNER

I've expressed my thoughts on Eclipse, and I believe I vented a bit there about my feelings regarding the whole Twilight Saga. I promised I'd be there when the fourth installment premiered but, well, clearly I wasn't. I was there yesterday, at about 3AM. I know, what was I thinking, but it's Stewart/Colbert's week off so there was nothing else to watch. 

But despite the time, or precisely because, I found myself enjoying it. It's a very narrow field of enjoyment yes, but still it was there. And this is not something that pains me to say - I am not a Twilight hater. The books shift from mildly interesting to boring. The first film was intriguing, I enjoyed most of it. The other two... I believe the words I most often use to describe it is painfully ridiculous. It's hard to even laugh at them. Breaking Dawn, however, had some really nice bits. And it's refreshingly easy to mock. 

The story is well known by now: Bella is marrying Edward, going on a honeymoon to Brazil, and accidentally having a baby that should be somewhere between a human and a vampire. Then there's the whole Jacob thing that has been going on for a couple of years now - my feelings towards this character/actor remain the same.  

The film kicks off with the wedding, and this is probably the part that goes by with less fuss: despite being perverse in so many ways, there's a nice atmosphere, almost an adult one, and the dialogue is fairly normal - which is quite a feat for the script is one of my main issues with this saga. There's no denying Charlie (Billy Burke) is charming. 

Then we have the most anticipated part of Breaking Dawn, possibly of the entire saga, and at this point I am incredibly glad that I'm not at the premiere, because I know too-well Twi-Hards' extreme reactions, from past experiences - if they nearly swoon for Jacob's bare back, god knows what they did when the bed broke. Anyway, it's in the paradisiacal brazilian private island that the film walks a thin line between the unfortunately familiar teenage angst and a not so familiar ridiculous behavior, borderline nymphomaniac - from Bella's part, naturally. Still, despite all the absurdness that surrounds this part, there were some funny and even sweet scenes, yes.

When Bella and Edward return from their disastrous honeymoon, director Bill Condon adds the element of horror with Bella's shocking appearance in a surprisingly disgusting birth scene - a very welcomed bloody moment, worthy of the vampire tale this saga should always have been.

We also get a little bit more action, but overall the film is much quieter than the previous. Pardon the comparison, but it does resemble Deathly Hallows Part I is this particular aspect, kind of like the stillness before the storm. 

Finally, I maintain my opinion on Robert Pattinson: he's good, I see no reason to think otherwise; Kristen Stewart seems to have gotten the memo, no more twitching, and overall a pleasant and calm performance. But for God's sake, what have they done with Carlisle's face?

imdb | trailer

Happy Birthday, James Dean {'12}

An actor must interpret life and, in order to do so, must be willing to accept all the experiences life has to offer. In fact, he must seek out more of life than life puts at his feet. In the short span of his lifetime, an actor must learn all there is to know, experience all there is to experience, or approach that state as closely as possible. He must be superhuman in his efforts to store away in the core of his subconscious everything that he might be called upon to use in the expression of his art.        
--- JAMES DEAN

Classic Film Survey

I may not know that much about the classic era, but I can't miss a good survey. And Rianna's is splendid, just like her blog. Be sure to visit, and take the survey yourself! 

Favorite classic Disney?

Snow White and Seven Dwarfs is not only my favorite Disney film, it's also one of my all-time favorite films. Classic Disney would shift between sweet, warm moments to the darkest scenario in the blink of an eye. And that is just so good. Snow White is the perfect example. I don't think there's another image (above) that left a bigger impression on me as a kid. Except perhaps Dumbo's drunk elephants. That was some wicked stuff.

Favorite film from the year 1939?

I can only answer Gone with the Wind. I'm currently reading Wuthering Heights, and I plan on reading Of Mice and Men soon, so no film adaptations until then. I will, however, watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington soon, and I hear that's a fine candidate for the top spot.

Favorite off screen couple? 

the following quotations pretty much say why I chose them. anyone who knows me vaguely has heard me go on and on about these two. 

I`ve repeatedly said that for people as little in common as Joanne and myself, we have an uncommonly good marriage. We are actors. We make pictures and that`s about all we have in common. Maybe that`s enough. Wives shouldn`t feel obligated to accompany their husbands to a ball game, husbands do look a bit silly attending morning coffee breaks with the neighborhood wives when most men are out at work. Husbands and wives should have separate interests, cultivate different sets of friends and not impose on the other…You can`t spend a lifetime breathing down each other`s necks. 

-- PAUL NEWMAN

It was a hot August day and I had been out making the rounds… And I was hot and sweaty and in those days you had to wear your high heels, your gloves, and everything, you know. And I went into my agent’s office because it had air conditioning and I was sitting out talking to a friend of mine who was the receptionist. I was sitting out there and what look like an ad for an ice cream soda, there was Paul in a seersucker suit which looked so pristine and a shirt and no sweat, big blue eyes, lots of curly hair and everything. And I though “Euch! Oh, that’s disgusting."  

-- JOANNE WOODWARD

Favorite pair of best friends?

I honestly don't know any best friends from that era, I'm not really aware of their privates lives. but I do recall and find truly sweet what Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck had. 

Favorite actor with a mustache? 

I've said it before already - after 3AM, that mustache comes to life. Clark Gable.

Favorite blonde actress?

so that I don't repeat myself: GRACE KELLY and all her flawless beauty

Favorite common on screen pairing that should have gotten married? 

I don't know if they should've gotten married, but it was quite a pair. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

Out of these actresses which one do you like best: Lucille Ball, Ingrid Bergman, Natalie Wood, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Greer Garson, or Katharine Hepburn?

There's no one quite like Lucille Ball. Except perhaps Katherine Hepburn. And Audrey, and Kelly...

Shadowy film noir from the 1940’s or splashy colorful musicals from the 1950’s?

obviously.

Actor or actress with the best autograph.

I've never thought about it, so I had to do a little research. Humphrey Bogart's.

A baby (or childhood, or teenage) photo of either your favorite actress or actor.

she was pretty young here, but she always looked much older, stunning.

I couldn't answer the following questions, I'm terribly sorry!
Favorite Carole Lombard Screwball role? Favorite pre-code? Favorite I Love Lucy episode? Which studio would you have liked to join?