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Post by topbilled on Dec 12, 2023 12:13:15 GMT
Our next Home Front melodrama is another MGM production that stars Fay Bainter, this time with Mickey Rooney.
Join us on Sunday for THE HUMAN COMEDY.
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Post by topbilled on Dec 13, 2023 16:11:12 GMT
Trailer for the film:
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Post by topbilled on Dec 14, 2023 13:49:54 GMT
THE HUMAN COMEDY has been uploaded on YouTube:
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Post by Andrea Doria on Dec 16, 2023 11:20:54 GMT
Ooh! I just watched the trailer and it looks really good!
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Post by topbilled on Dec 16, 2023 15:25:30 GMT
From TCM's article:
Though sophisticated critics insisted this tale of small-town family life during World War II was overly sentimental, THE HUMAN COMEDY was popular with audiences. It turned a big profit for MGM and was said to be Louis Mayer's most favorite film.
Mayer was a fan of the picture's populist author, William Saroyan, who had earned a Pulitzer Prize for his writing. Mayer asked studio producer Arthur Freed to work with Saroyan, to create a new story that could be dramatized on screen. Saroyan, who lived in his hometown of Fresno, decided to develop an idea based on his memories of growing up there.
Saroyan didn't just want to write the film, he wanted to direct it and produce it as well. Mayer humored him at first. But Saroyan's episodic screenplay would have produced a four-and-a-half hour movie, so Mayer paid him for his writing, then assigned the re-write to studio scribe Howard Estabrook. Saroyan tried to buy the script back, then ended up turning it into a novel. The book came out the week the movie opened and became a best seller, driving ticket sales for the film.
Saroyan had written the role of Homer Macauley with Mickey Rooney in mind. Working with director Clarence Brown, Rooney turned in one of his most sensitive performances, earning an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor. The film's small-town charm was in distinct contrast to Rooney's off-screen life at the time.
More in keeping with THE HUMAN COMEDY's small-town values was the life of Jackie "Butch" Jenkins, who almost stole the film as Rooney's younger brother. The spirited six-year-old was spotted clowning around on Santa Monica Beach by a Metro talent scout and tested for his role, which led to a long-term contract. Jenkins scored a big hit with his performance then followed it with similar roles in other MGM productions during the 1940s. His final film would be 1948's SUMMER HOLIDAY in which he'd once again play Mickey Rooney's kid brother.
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Post by topbilled on Dec 17, 2023 17:26:40 GMT
Some comments on the YouTube page where the film's uploaded:
This one transcends cinema.
A time when there was no suburbia. There was just city and country.
Mickey Rooney at his best.
The best movie Mickey Rooney ever made.
Fabulous movie...outstanding cast.
This movie is mentioned in Angela's Ashes.
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Post by Fading Fast on Dec 17, 2023 19:38:16 GMT
The Continuing Adventures of Fawn and Me
Fawn: [proudly] "You know, I have many relatives who are reindeer."
Me: "You don't say. And do any, well, you know, work at the North Pole?"
Fawn: "Of course, I come from a prestigious family."
Me: "But you're not a reindeer yourself?"
Fawn: [looking down] "No, I'm from a different branch."
Me: "So no flying?"
Fawn: [quietly] "No."
Me: "No rooftop landing?"
Fawn: [looking away and even quieter] "No."
Me: "No glowing red nose."
Fawn: [blushing] "Only when I've overindulged a bit."
Me: "We all get that. Umm, have you ever met Santa himself?"
Fawn: [barely audible] "No."
Me: "Hey, cheer up, we can still write him a letter. Later, we'll get our stationary out." [patting the spot next to me on the sofa] "Come sit over here for the movie. In addition to popcorn and Sno-Caps, I got us some candy canes and chocolate christmas trees."
Fawn: "I mixed us up some eggnog."
Me: "Nice, thank you. It's going to be a fun movie-watching afternoon." [thinking to myself] "I know the kitchen must be an absolute mess now, but he means well."
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Post by topbilled on Dec 17, 2023 19:40:54 GMT
Hilarious. Yes, I imagine the kitchen would be an absolute disaster area!
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Post by Andrea Doria on Dec 17, 2023 19:58:10 GMT
LOL I made fudge all afternoon so my kitchen is a mess, too.
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Post by topbilled on Dec 17, 2023 19:58:14 GMT
Pressing play...
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Post by galacticgirrrl on Dec 17, 2023 20:00:06 GMT
Yet another movie I have never seen. Looking forward to it.
Sure wish I had some fudge right now.
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Post by Fading Fast on Dec 17, 2023 20:01:08 GMT
Hey, look, Marsha Hunt is in it. I wish we knew a Marsha Hunt fan. 
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Post by topbilled on Dec 17, 2023 20:01:28 GMT
Gophers and trains. The simple joy of being a kid.
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Post by galacticgirrrl on Dec 17, 2023 20:03:22 GMT
Gorgeous shots of Ulysses and the train
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Post by Fading Fast on Dec 17, 2023 20:04:21 GMT
Gophers and trains. The simple joy of being a kid.
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