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Post by topbilled on Feb 2, 2024 18:46:15 GMT
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 2, 2024 19:04:22 GMT
I'd add to the list Bette Davis in 1945's "The Corn is Green" and, for controversy, Maggie Smith in 1969's (a good year for controversy) "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."
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Post by topbilled on Feb 2, 2024 19:12:16 GMT
I'd add to the list Bette Davis in 1945's "The Corn is Green" and, for controversy, Maggie Smith in 1969's (a good year for controversy) "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."
Other lady educators who come to mind: Edna May Oliver as schoolmarm turned sleuth Hildegarde Withers. And Anne Shirley whose character in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES became a teacher in the sequel ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS (1940).
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 2, 2024 19:15:25 GMT
I'd add to the list Bette Davis in 1945's "The Corn is Green" and, for controversy, Maggie Smith in 1969's (a good year for controversy) "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie."
Other lady educators who come to mind: Edna May Oliver as schoolmarm turned sleuth Hildegarde Withers. And Anne Shirley whose character in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES became a teacher in the sequel ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS (1940).
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Post by topbilled on Feb 2, 2024 20:05:11 GMT
I still have never seen THE CORN IS GREEN. There was a TV movie remake in the late 70s with Katharine Hepburn, which was directed by George Cukor. I should take the time to watch both versions.
Other lady educators who come to mind: Edna May Oliver as schoolmarm turned sleuth Hildegarde Withers. And Anne Shirley whose character in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES became a teacher in the sequel ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS (1940).
I can never fully commit to her as an actress. Also, I consider her a character actress who bulldozed her way into lead parts, instead of a lead actress who eventually transitioned to character roles. I don't begrudge anyone who likes her and enjoys her screen work, but for me, I really struggle with most of it. I'd rather spend the energy on actresses I truly admire. That's probably why I skip something like THE CORN IS GREEN, which might mean I am missing a good story.
When I look at the Hildegarde Withers movies, I get plenty of pleasure watching those because Edna May Oliver (and replacement Helen Broderick) serve the character, serve the audience, and it's entertaining. I don't like watching a movie that seems to be an elongated exercise of the performer's ego or narcissism. And definitely, Bette Davis is not the only one guilty of this practice. Some of the men are worse (especially the action hero types). But since you mentioned Davis, I do want to try and understand why she doesn't work for me on screen...and now, I think I understand why a bit more. LOL
I am sure I will try watching THE CORN IS GREEN at some point. I don't entirely rule it out. Thanks for mentioning it as an example of a film about a lady educator. Other ones are Sandy Dennis in UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE and Michelle Pfeiffer in DANGEROUS MINDS. |
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