Wednesday, February 22, 2006

DeMille movie #1


In retrospect this movie doesn't hold up well at all. Terribly overacted, today it more resembles a poor man's version of "Desperate Housewives" I marvel at how it ever won the Oscar for Best Movie. I especially like the part where "Holly" does an ankle drop (with a mechanic) and the press is immediately notified.
On the other hand the footage of the Ringling performance, setting up the show and moving from town to town is wonderful and improves with age.

Posted by Buckles at 2/22/2006 06:35:00 AM

7 comments:

B.E.Trumble said...

I suppose in a remake "Brad" would go marching in to the K & N office demanding not a "full season" but "three full rings."

22 February, 2006 09:30
Anonymous said...

The film is now over 50 years old.
In my opinion, the best thing about it is that it provides a historical visual record of what the giant tented show looked like, how it moved, how it set up, how it tore down and how it delivered an amazing, exciting, thrilling, jam-packed performance. With a DVD, you can freeze frames and study everything, including the interior of the big top. You get a sense of just how powerful the performers and the performance were. Also outstanding, several of the Miles White designed specs have been captured forever on film.
-- ToddP

22 February, 2006 10:03
Anonymous said...

From Eric:

According to some accounts I've heard, a Paramount second unit camera crew filmed the entire 1950 performance plus miles of footage showing the unloading of the train, setting up the Big Top, back stage action, etc. Then they did much the same during the 1951 season. I wonder what happened to all that footage and if it is still sitting in a film vault somewhere, waiting to be rediscovered. One can only hope.

Eric

22 February, 2006 13:14
Buckles said...

I have some taped footage of the interior of the big top while the performance and filming were in progress.
The center ring seat wagons had been left out leaving an open area for DeMille to set up shop.
The most surprising part was Concello in a cashmere coat very prominently taking part in the operation.

22 February, 2006 13:34
Bob Cline said...

Hey Karen,
Where did you find it on DVD? I've been looking for some time now.
Bob Cline
Cheraw, South Carolina

23 February, 2006 07:17
Bob Cline said...

Thanks to Henry and Karen,
One was listed on eBay this morning for 5.50 and 10.00 by time it's shipped. I bought it.
Bob

23 February, 2006 09:15
Down the Road by Jim said...

I just happen to have that "Bandwagon" handy , Barry -- it's the november-december 1991 issue -- has a red cover ,and a Van Amburgh poster of a huge tent with flags all over it--- the article is well worth digging out to re-read

23 February, 2006 09:25

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