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Post by topbilled on Feb 21, 2023 14:59:46 GMT
 
Ahead of its time
from Lechuguilla on the IMDb
Cary Scott (Jane Wyman) is a middle-aged, wealthy woman whose husband recently died. Ron Kirby (Rock Hudson) is Cary's younger, independent-minded landscape gardener. Ron reads Thoreau, respects nature, and values simplicity and honesty. Cary and Ron are attracted to each other. For Ron, marriage to Cary is an easy decision. But for Cary, the decision to marry Ron is harder. She must confront the disapproval of her grown children, and the disapproval of friends whose materialistic, country club values are inconsistent with the values of Thoreau.
Scathing social commentary masking as soap opera
from wjfickling
Douglas Sirk is a truly underrated director, and this film shows why. Although this film becomes more highly regarded as the years go by, especially by non-Americans, it is usually regarded as just a well made soaper. Big mistake. This is a very angry film, a scathing commentary on the conformity and mindlessness that characterized much of the 1950s. Remember, this film was made in 1955, before there were any beatniks or hippies, before the civil rights movement, before there was any pot smoking, before anyone beyond the fringes questioned any of the basic values underlying capitalist America.
Douglas Sirk's visual extravaganza
from Michael27-1
At times, the aesthetic appeal of a film is so overwhelming, it surpasses the draw of the big-name stars and plot. And "All That Heaven Allows" is one of those rare examples. Anyone familiar with Douglas Sirk-directed projects knows his grandiose style. And this 1955 masterpiece sums up the best of Sirk drama, with the surface sheen, thundering music, noted stars and biting social commentary. This film, in fact, is so beautiful, that it requires repeated viewings just to be able to take it all in. |
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 21, 2023 15:46:08 GMT
Looking forward to it. I always get "All That Heaven Allows" and "Magnificent Obsession" tangled up in my head. "Magnificent Obsession" is one we could watch on a Sunday Live sometimes also. Also, "All That Heaven Allows" has echoes of "My Reputation."
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Post by kims on Feb 21, 2023 18:12:08 GMT
I like all three films you mention,FF. Watch them every time they air, though that reenforces I'm not a discriminating film patron. Most of the films highly rated by those who are supposed to be experts, I don't care for, or think are okay but won't watch again. I'm mostly an escapist viewer.
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Post by Andrea Doria on Feb 22, 2023 15:28:09 GMT
Oh I hope you watch with us on Sunday, Kims. Even if it's something you've seen before, the comments by others point out things you might have missed, or just make it more fun in general.
I've seen "All That Heaven Allows." before, but always enjoy it. The whole Douglas Sirk style captivates me. One of my favorite modern movies is "Far From Heaven" (Dennis Quaid, Julianne Moore.) The director, Todd Haynes, deliberately copied Sirk's style as a tribute and it is beautiful to look at.
Topbilled says it for me on both of these films:
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Post by topbilled on Feb 25, 2023 2:15:34 GMT
When we watch ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, we may want to ask ourselves a few questions. First, is the director trying to elevate the status of women? Or is he presenting a damning indictment of upper middle class America?
Douglas Sirk is an expert when it comes to taking melodramatic stories (that often feature women as the main characters) and using them to critique social mores.
The inclusion of Henry David Thoreau's philosophy in this picture supports that notion. It shows that Sirk wanted his filmmaking to stand for a return to the natural order. As a result, there are more than a few moments within the film that play up the horror of material trappings. In Sirk's view, materialism poses an outright danger to humanity-- it engulfs not only the landscape, but the heart as well. |
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Post by Andrea Doria on Feb 25, 2023 12:02:11 GMT
I'm going to look for more of that this time. Rock Hudson's house, a renovated old mill, set in the woods, shows Thoreau's philosophy and Jane loves it.
I think it's also about women as full human beings and not just mothers and wives. it's interesting that in this as well as, "My Reputation," society seemed to expect young widows to spend the rest of their lives in mourning. It reminds me of the public outrage when Jackie Kennedy married Onassis.
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Post by topbilled on Feb 25, 2023 15:12:13 GMT
I think it's also about women as full human beings and not just mothers and wives. it's interesting that in this as well as, "My Reputation," society seemed to expect young widows to spend the rest of their lives in mourning. It reminds me of the public outrage when Jackie Kennedy married Onassis.
***
Looking forward to tomorrow's discussion on this thread! The restored Criterion print of ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS can be viewed here:
ok.ru/video/2451470092827
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 26, 2023 19:58:02 GMT
Good afternoon Team Sunday Live!
Two screen up and I'm ready to go.
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Post by topbilled on Feb 26, 2023 19:58:16 GMT
Looks like the film is around 88 minutes. Just about to start play...
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 26, 2023 20:00:27 GMT
Reminds me of the opening to "Peyton Place."
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Post by topbilled on Feb 26, 2023 20:01:42 GMT
Forgot how good the background music is in this film.
Love these outdoor scenes on the Universal backlot.
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Post by topbilled on Feb 26, 2023 20:02:45 GMT
Jane Wyman and Agnes Moorehead first worked together in JOHNNY BELINDA. They both costarred with Rock Hudson a year earlier in the remake of MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION.
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 26, 2023 20:02:47 GMT
I get that Wyman's outfit is suppose to show how "proper" she is, but darn it, they look like some really nicely made clothes.
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Post by Fading Fast on Feb 26, 2023 20:03:31 GMT
Jane Wyman and Agnes Moorehead first worked together in JOHNNY BELINDA. They both costarred with Rock Hudson a year earlier in the remake of MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION. |
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Post by topbilled on Feb 26, 2023 20:04:46 GMT
Coffee and rolls, no chicken or salad.
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