1072. Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!
1955
Directed by Fred Zinnemann

I am not the biggest fan of musicals, although I will fight anybody who says Hamilton isn't the best thing to happen to America. By "fight" I mean pen a hurtful haiku about that person. I do like old Hollywood musicals, but why is there always that one number that just goes on wayyy too long? You know which one I mean.

Curly McLain is in love with Laurey Williams. She loves him too; she even bakes him his favorite pie! But Curly had the gull to wait until the morning of the party to ask her to be his date. What nerve! So she decides to go to the dance with the psycho farmhand instead. You know, to make Curly jealous.

So this is obviously an aggressively wholesome movie. It's not just Oklahoma...it's Oklahoma! But it can be fun if you let it be. Some of the songs actually weren't too bad. "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" is catchy, although I might just like that because I have positive When Harry Met Sally associations. "Many A New Day" has a refreshing message; most women in musicals come to the conclusion that they are nothing without their closeted male counterparts.

I think this should have replaced Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in my edition. This is much less creepy. Well, it's a little less creepy.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Set in 1907, before Oklahoma territory was admitted to the Union.

Cost $6.8 million to make.

Inspiration, for next time that certain fellow snubs you:

256. From Here to Eternity

From Here to Eternity
1953
Directed by Fred Zinnemann

I saw this film quite awhile ago and am going off memory here, mostly because I have no desire to watch it again.  So freaking boring.

It seems like it has the potential to be great.  With names like Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, and Donna Reed, you would think it wouldn't matter what was going on with that kind of eye candy.   You also have the very iconic beach scene and a great setting.  Yep, I thought it would be epic.  I was wrong.

And it is not just me who thinks so.  Even The Book seems to be semi apologetic, saying that the task was too big for the director to take on.

Another Best Picture Winner that is a total snore.  Watch it for the sheer iconic value but don't expect much entertainment.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Montgomery Clift could not box so they had to use an obvious stunt double.

Clift was actually drunk for scenes when his character is drinking.

The rumors that the Mafia got Frank Sinatra the part in this film are false.  Ava Gardner actually got him the role by talking to the studio head.

Deborah Kerr's performance enabled her to be cast in sexier roles from 1953 on.

The horizontal surf kiss was Burt Lancaster's idea.

250. High Noon

High Noon
1952
Directed by Fred Zinnemann

All right, this post has to be super quick because I have to be ready to go in a half hour and I am still in my Dr. Seuss boxers.  I just could not resist doing this one because we have reached…

250!

We are a quarter of the way there, people.  Well, actually, I am a lot farther then that in the book but for the purpose of this blog, hooray!

Anyway, speeding through.  Gary Cooper plays the role Gary Cooper always plays.  An outlaw that he put away is returning to the town at (gasp!) noon.  He tries to get people to help him but people are cowards.  Kind of like Odd Man Out.  Oh yeah and Grace Kelly makes an appearance as a beautiful quaker.

This film is pretty awesome.  First, it was shot in real time; I felt like I was watching an episode of 24.  In addition, my sister can do a great impression of Katy Jurado.  If you are ever at a party with her, ask for it.  She will no doubt be scared that you know that and run away from you.  You should still give it a try.

This is a great movie, one that makes you think about bravery and friendship.  I would go on more but my lateness has now become a serious problem.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

An allegory for people in Hollywood refusing to stand up to the House of UnAmerican Activities Committee.

Bill Clinton's favorite film of all time.

#27 in AFI's top 100.

Grace Kelly and Gary Cooper had an affair during filming.