Jess: A movie roundtable. Participating in our roundtable are The Third Estate Sunday Review's Ty, and me, Jess, Rebecca of Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude; Cedric of Cedric's Big Mix; Mike of Mikey Likes It!; Elaine of Like Maria Said Paz); Ruth of Ruth's Report; Trina of Trina's Kitchen; Marcia of SICKOFITRDLZ; Isaiah of The World Today Just Nuts and Ann of Ann's Mega Dub. Betty's kids did the illustration. You are reading a rush transcript.On Sunday, TCM aired -- or is airing as we being this roundtable, the following films: PROTOCOL, SWING SHIFT, BEST FRIENDS, THERE'S A GIRL IN MY SOUP, CACTUS FLOWER, BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES, FOUL PLAY, FIRST WIVES CLUB, SHAMPOO, DOLLARS and CRISSCROSS. It's August and TCM is focused on block programming focusing on a single star. Sunday, it is Goldie Hawn. We love those movies and have highlighted three of them -- CACTUS FLOWER and SHAMPOO and FOUL PLAY-- in our ongoing Film Classics of the 20th Century.
Ty: And we've also highlighted Goldie Hawn's HOUSESITTER and her THE DUCHESS AND THE DIRTWATER FOX which weren't included in TCM's line up. I don't believe that we've highlighted anyone in that series, Film Classics of the 20th century, as much as Goldie Hawn.
Rebecca: Because she's a star. She's a real star, a first-rate star, a first-rate actress, someone who has made the country happy in so many movies. They programmed 24 hours of Goldie and they still had films that were left out -- like HOUSESITTER, THE DUCHESS AND THE DIRTWATER FOX, the thriller DECEIVED, the classic DEATH BECOMES HER, the classic PRIVATE BENJAMIN, THE GIRL FROM PETROVKA, the classics WILDCATS and OVERBOARD, the Woody Allen film EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU, the Steven Spielberg film THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS, SNATCHED, THE BANGER SISTERS, THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS and BIRD ON A WIRE. Some of those were huge hits. It's a testament to Goldie's star power that they programmed 24 hours of her films and still had so many strong films that didn't get included.
Cedric: And that's something I made a point to catch, the Goldie block. I love her movies.
Jess: Trina highlighted her ten favorite Goldie Hawn films back in May.
Trina: I did. I feel for TCM, seriously, in picking just 11 films. When I picked my top ten, I noted that I loved many other Goldie films but those were just my top ten favorites. We, as a family, we always made Goldie one of our go-tos. Snow day, feeling down day, Goldie Hawn movies can bring you around. I think PROTOCOL is wonderful but I love them all.
Mike: I'm looking at the films my mom picked:
1) Housesitter
2) Private Benjamin
3) Shampoo
4) First Wives Club
5) Death Becomes Her
6) Protocol
7) Overboard
8) Foul Play
9) Crisscross
10) Best Friends
Mike (Con't): So they played six of the ten that were my mom's picks. And we did watch Goldie growing up. My mom and dad both love her movies, my brothers and sisters do too. She's someone we grew up watching and loving.
Elaine: She's a good ad for them. She's a star. She's a star who is popular and she's a star who became a type. The great stars, the biggest, became types. You knew, going into the movie, who they were going to be. Joan Crawford, in the 30s, working woman, Bette Davis would be high drama, Marilyn Monroe would be the lovable blond, Cary Grant would be Cary Grant -- that's not an insult. The world loved Cary Grant even Cary wished he could be Cary Grant. Goldie's a great actress and a wonderful star.
Ann: And it's about time that TCM started adding stars who have emerged since the start of the 1960s. Most of the movie stars they focus on are from the 30s, the 40s and the 50s.
Isaiah: Great choices when it's people like Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford, Barbara Stanwyck, Audrey Hepburn, James Stewart, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Lana Turner, Alan Ladd, Ava Gardner, etc.
Marcia: But not so much when it's Greer Garson, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Janet Gaynor, Gregory Peck, Norma Shearer, William Holden, Luise Rainer, Robert Montgomery, Joan Fontaine, Jane Wyman if she's not co-starring with Rock Hudson --
Isaiah: Dull and boring. Every one that Marcia's listing.
Marcia: And offensive when it comes to John Wayne's westerns.
Cedric: On the westerns, my question is always: Why? They end up showing them on a Friday night lately. The genre's not that popular to begin with. It's not going to draw new viewers. There are already multiple channels that offers westerns. Why would you use your prime real estate of Friday nigh ton TCM on a movie whose genre is going to reduce the number of potential viewers. And I'm talking about people who just don't like the horse operas. But it's also true that, for many, the whole issue of the treatment of the Native Americans in these films is going to run off audiences. TCM needs new movies to show. Sunday's block of Goldie Hawn films is a good start.
Ty: We're doing this feature for two reasons: Goldie Hawn got recognized and we're thrilled about that. They've been slowly including her films more and more over the last ten months or so. Expanding beyond, for example, CATCUS FLOWER and adding BEST FRIENDS and SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES -- both of which were very popular per the 'most popular' section of their streaming site. We love Goldie and are thrilled to see her recognized. But the second reason is we have done a lot of TCM pieces and Jonelle e-mailed asking for more "because it seems like you make suggestions at your site and it ends up happening at the network." We wish.
Ann: Because Stan's made suggestions at his site and they've been carried over here for many of the George Segal films that are not available to be aired -- films like WHO'S KILLING THE GREAT CHEFS OF EUROPE?, for example.
Ruth: There are so many films that could be included and are not and I am especially feeling that to be true of the films that are not available on home video.
Isaiah: I'd like to think that recognizing Goldie could lead to more recognitions. I'm thinking Sidney Poitier, for example. He's noted, or his films are, but I don't think he's been a block in August.
Marcia: Let me do that. Let me program a block with Sidney's films. I'll pick eleven: CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY, THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE, LILIES OF THE FIELD, TO SIR WITH LOVE, THE DEFIANT ONES, LITTLE NIKITA, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, THEY CALL ME MR. TIBBS, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, SNEAKERS and PARIS BLUES
Jess: That was 12, by the way. That's fine, they showed 12 Goldie Hawn films. And it would be great to see that day of Sidney in August.
Ty: As opposed to Black History Month, agreed.
Cedric: Support. Let's not ghettoize Sidney by making highlighting his films something we just do in Black History Month. He's an Oscar winner and a star. He belongs on the schedule any month of the year.
Ann: I agree with that. And hopefully the recognition of Goldie will lead to the recognition of others from the 70s, 80s and 90s. I absolutely want diversity I'd like to see a day -- and I'll take any month of the year -- dedicated to Alfre Woodard and my 11 would include Robert Altman's HEALTH, CROOKLYN, DOWN IN THE DELTA, RADIO, CROSS CREEK, PASSION FISH, EXTREMITIES, BOPHA!, GRAND CANYON, BLUE CHIPS. FUNNY VALENTINES and PRIMAL FEAR.
Isaiah: And there are White actors I'd like to see highlighted as well. Before we get to them, though, it's an absolute crime that Eddie Murphy does not have a day in August. NORBIT, DADDY DAY CARE, DREAMGIRLS, COMING TO AMERICA, BOWFINGER, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, DOCTOR DOLITTLE, NUTTY PROFESSOR II, TRADING PLACES and BOOMERANG. I'm leaving out the BEVERLY HILLS COPs and the two 48 HOURS pictures due to language that might be a problem for TCM. But I'd like to see some blocks around actors of color. There's also a lot of White actors that haven't gotten blocks who should have them.
Rebecca: Meryl Streep is not a star. She's a leading actress but she's not a star. I know Isaiah's not going to say her but I want to get that on the record. She doesn't have films that America loves. The films she has that are popular, they're popular for someone else. OUT OF AFRICA is a lousy film and was a lousy one in real time but racists chose to look the other way. Even so, it's Robert Redford's film. DEATH BECOMES HER belongs to Goldie Hawn. THE DEVIL WORE PRADA belongs to Anne Hathaway. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY belongs to Clint Eastwood. She's not a star, she's never been a star. Even when she tried to be box office -- or maybe especially when she did -- she's failed: THE SEDUCTION OF JOE TYNAN, LIONS FOR LAMBS, FALLING IN LOVE, PLENTY, THE RIVER WILD, THE STILL OF THE NIGHT, etc. She is an actress whose critical reputation is greater than her box office appeal -- far greater.
Isaiah: Agreed. Her career is a joke. It's a sign of mistaking ugly for talent. Diane Keaton has talent -- which is why she walked away with MARVIN'S ROOM, stealing it from Meryl. Diane's a star and she should certainly get a block on TCM. Even if you leave out THE GODFATHER trilogy, Diane's acted in important films. LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR, SLEEPER, ANNIE HALL, LOVE & DEATH, MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY, BABY BOOM, THE GOOD MOTHER --
Marcia: I love that film!
Isaiah: It's a good one. REDS, SHOOT THE MOON, SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE, FIVE FLIGHTS UP --
Rebecca: I love that movie!
Isaiah: Another great one. MANHATTAN, POMS -- I'd argue that it's a better film than it's given credit for and if they hadn't tried to hide in the ads that Diane dies in the film -- it would have been received better, CRIMES OF THE HEART, MANHATTAN and THE FIRST WIVES CLUB.
Elaine: Great suggestions. I also agree that Diane deserves a block.
Jess: Is there a film you would have noted, Elaine?
Elaine: THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL is flawed but it's a fascinating film. I'd also note a very little known comedy that she did, PLAN B. I enjoyed that film.
Mike: Of her under-rated films, I'd go with HANGING UP -- strong direction from Diane and strong acting from Diane, Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow and Walter Mathau.
Ruth: Going back to FIVE FLIGHT UP, Danny Glover is someone who should get his own block of films on TCM. There's that one, with Diane Keaton, FIVE FLIGHTS UP, SILVERADO, PLACES IN THE HEART, BELOVED, ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, SHOOTER, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN, TO SLEEP WITH ANGER, GONE FISHIN', GRAND CANYON, FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER, Ann's pick of BOTHA! for Alfre Woodard also works here for Danny Glover, THE SAINT OF FORT WASHINGTON -- I would have given Mr. Glover and Matt Dillon Oscars for that film -- and, of course, THE LETHAL WEAPON films.
Jess: Danny Glover would be a good choice. And he's popular already but I don't think most people realize how many great roles he's played. Picking him would be a way to shine a light on a star who has repeatedly surprised us and entertained us.
Ty: Good point. Now Goldie won an Oscar in 1970. Barbra Streisand won an Oscar a few years before. Could they build a block around her.
Rebecca: A real block? No. Barbra? How do you do it? Do you do a musical block? Okay, FUNNY GIRL, ON A CLEAR DAY, the awful FUNNY LADY, A STAR IS BORN and YENTL. Throw in the awful HELLO DOLLY, I guess. If you go with drama? THE WAY WE WERE, THE PRINCE OF TIDES and NUTS. If you go with comedy? FOR PETE'S SAKE, WHAT'S UP DOC, UP THE SANDBOX and THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES. A block combining that would be erratic. Barbra's a star, there's no question that she is.
Trina: She directed three of the films you named. It's a shame she hasn't directed more.
Rebecca: I guess you could use the theme of quality. In which case, the films would be: FUNNY GIRL, ON A CLEAR DAY, WHAT'S UP DOC, UP THE SANDBOX, THE WAY WE WERE, ALL NIGHT LONG -- with Gene Hackman, YENTL, THE PRINCE OF TIDES and THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES. How many is that?
Jess: Nine.
Rebecca: Yeah, it's not easy pulling together a Barbra block. But it's not easy doing it with Mae West and Mae's a star as well.
Ruth: They just do not have enough movies for a full day block?
Rebecca: That's what I feel.
Mike: I am amazed by how many films she has that I can't stand. The ones that I like, though, I tend to love. I think YENTL is amazing and the finest musical she's starred in -- yes, I know she directed it. The next one that I love is THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES and I love that one. It's really funny and it pulls at the heart and it's a classic film. Yes, she also directed that one. Of the films she did not direct? I'd go with WHAT'S UP DOC -- great throughout. That's a real problem with her films -- THE WAY WE WERE, for example -- the middle tends to sag. I'd like to see Wesley Snipes get a block. WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP, WILDCATS, THE WATERDANCE, MURDER T 1600, BLADE, DOWN IN THE DELTA, MO' BETTER BLUES, PLAY IT TO THE BONE, TO WONG FOO THANKS FOR EVERYTHING JULIE NEWMAR!, UNDISPUTED, my personal favorite of all of his films THE ART OF WAR, PASSENGER 57, MONEY TRAIN, ONE NIGHT STAND and U.S. MARSHALS. How many is that?
Jess: 15.
Isaiah: Until Mike listed it right now, I didn't realize that Wesley Snipes had that many films I liked. I think, like we were saying earlier about Danny Glover, a day highlighting Wesley could really elevate how we see him. I'd also argue we need a day of Halle.
Marcia: I feel you. Let's note what would be programmed on a block of Halle: SWORDFISH, BULWORTH, B*A*P*S*, WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE, DIE ANOTHER DAY, MONSTER'S BALL, GOTHIKA, CLOUD ATLAS, THE CALL, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, JOHN WICK 3, THE RICH MAN'S WIFE, LOSING ISAIAH, THE PROGRAM, JUNGLE FEVER, EXECUTIVE DECISION, BOOMERANG and maybe one or two X-MEN films. How many is that?
Jess: 19 with 2 X-MEN films. Why doesn't Halle have a block already? She's won the Oscar, she's made some incredible films. Where's her block? I agree with Isaiah and Marcia, she deserves one.
Ann: For me, the ones that come to mind right now are the Doris Days. Doris gets blocks all the time -- and deserves them. But what about the more recent rom-com stars? Meg Ryan.
Elaine: WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN -- not a comedy, I know, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, YOU'VE GOT MAIL, KATE & LEOPOLD, FRENCH KISS, CITY OF ANGELS, JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO, PRELUDE TO A KISS, the underrated ADDICTED TO LOVE, IN THE CUT, COURAGE UNDER FIRE and HANGING UP.
Jess: That's 13.
Ann: Good. Now Julia Roberts?
Ty: RUNAWAY BRIDE, PRETTY WOMAN, MYSTIC PIZZA, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, THE PELICAN BRIEF, FLATLINERS, EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU, CONSPIRACY THEORY, STEP-MOM, NOTTING HILL, ERIN BROKAVICH, EAT PRAY LOVE and WONDER.
Jess: That's 16.
Ann: Sandra Bullock?
Marcia: THE PROPOSAL, THE NET, SPEED, WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, THE HEAT, MISS CONGENIALITY, A TIME TO KILL, TWO WEEKS NOTICE, CRASH, OCEAN'S 8, HOPE FLOATS, GRAVITY, FORCE OF NATURE, 28 DAYS, PRACTICAL MAGIC, THE LAKE HOUSE, MURDER BY NUMBERS, PREMONITION and THE BLIND SIDE.
Jess: That's 19.
Ann: One more, Drew Barrymore.
Ruth: NEVER BEEN KISSED, MUSIC AND LYRICS, IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES, BAD GIRLS, BOYS ON THE SIDE, FIRESTARTER, POISON IVY, DONNIE DARKO, EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU, EVER AFTER, THE WEDDING SINGER, BLENDED, 50 FIRST DATES, CHARLIE'S ANGELS, CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE, RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS and CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND.
Jess: No E.T.? Okay, without E.T., that leaves us with 17 films.
Ty: And what about Hugh Grant? He was in some of the movies mentioned -- TWO WEEK'S NOTICE, NOTTING HILL and MUSIC AND LYRICS. There's also FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, SMALL TIME CROOKS, IMPROMPTU, THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, BRIDGET JONES' DIARY, THE MAN FROM UNCLE, ABOUT A BOY, CLOUD ATLAS and LOVE ACTUALLY.
Jess: That's 13.
Trina: Jack Nicholson deserves a block, Susan Sarandon does, Michelle Pfeiffer does, Cher does. Yes, Cher has made fewer films than Barbra Streisand but Cher's catalogue, her filmography, makes for a strong block.
Cedric: I'd note that Denzel Washington and Jessica Lange are two more who deserve an all day block of their films.
Elaine: I agree with Trina and Cedric.
Jess: Agreement. That's a great note to go out on. This has been a rush transcript.