Two Women (1960)

Two Women (1960)
Directed By:
Starring: Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo & Eleonora Brown

Interesting Film Facts:
Film also known as: "Dos mujeres"
Foreign film done in Italian and duped into English.
First foreign film to attain Academy Award for best Actress for Sophia Loren.

Notes from the classic movie gentleman:

The very first time watching this classic was over this past weekend. I enjoyed the film though should have not watched the dubed into English version rather the Italian. Have never been much of a fan of duped films and would rather watch with subititles to get the real acting and overall atmosphere. That is the one complaint I have is loosing some of the power of the film due to it being duped. I highly recommend if you are to watch this classic to watch the original in Italian that is if it is a choice...now enough of me!!! This is a very real and darker look at what real people in Italy had to deal with during WWII which is not pretty. I appreciate how it was not made to be pretty at all but very dark colors and script which made this fan really believe he was there.

Plot:
"Two Women" is set during World War II in Rome. The movie centers on Cesira the single mother with a young twelve-year old daughter Rosetta (Brown). Cesira is trying to protect her young daughter from the ravages of war and decides to flee Rome for the countryside area of Ciociara. Cesira being a widowed shopkeeper was smart with all money earned from her business and saved every nickel possible. The trip takes awhile via a train ride with many soldiers onboard taking notice of the young mother then walking a good distance afterwards. During this travel the young mother and daughter meet a lovely older lady and her son's who are a-wall from the war. Then the trip is finally made to the mountainous village.

 On this trip Cesira and Rosetta run into a young intellectual named Michele (Jean-Paul Belmondo) who has communist views. Michele and Cesira get along very well and start having healthy conversation which is very good for both. Cesira has not gone through a nice adult conversation and time with another gentleman for a long while. Days later in the village German soldiers show-up and need water and food from the fellow townspeople. Afterwards the soldiers decide to get out of the moutains they need to take one of the villagers with them as a guide. No one wants to volunteer so Michele is chosen against his parents wishes. Michele then is suppose to head back to the village but does not appear back so Cesira and Rosetta leave and find that he was found dead. The money that Cesira kept is now gone and next a turn of events that the mother always was able to protect her daughter is frightening done. No parent wishes such a horrible act done and Rosetta falls into a spiral downwards with life and her decisions. All of this kills Cesira which she tries to fix. The love a mother and daughter have for one another is great and the bond can never be broken no matter what. A very well done film.

Houseboat (1958) "That's Amore!"

Houseboat (1958)
Directed By: Melville Shavelson
Starring: Sophia Loren, Cary Grant & Martha Hyer

~ Nominated for 2 Academy Awards - Best Music & Best Writing
~ Edith Head was the fashion designer for the picture.

Note from the classic film gentleman:
"Houseboat" was my introduction to Sophia Loren and her pictures when growing up. I thought Cary Grant and Sophia were a match in heaven as a couple that I knew had to be a couple when things were al said and done. Sophia Loren shows her comedic skills as well does Cary Grant which noth together are sublime! I instantly loved Sophia and then had to watch other of her films and became a loyal fan.....now enough of me and back to talking about the film itself.

Plot:

Tom Winters (Grant) a very loyal U.S. Department employee who works in Washington D.C. is a workaholic. The three children he has and wife all live abroad in Europe with a marriage that is estranged. Tom never was close to his three children nor his wife whom sought comfort with her family. Sudden news that his wife passed away brings Tom reunited with his children in Europe. The visit is very cold to say the least between dad and children since no one really knows one another nor wants a new life. The little one's end up going home with there dad to the states and things end up going bad.


One of the kids, Robert decides to run away while they are attending a outdoor cocnert. Tom is frantic but Robert is found by a young lady named Cinzia Zaccardi (Loren) who is daughter to an Italian conductor. Cinzia brings the little lost child back to his home and is wonderful with children. Tom is thrilled that Cinzia found his son, then and there offers Cinzia a position with the family as a maid. At first Cinzia is unsure but eventually accepts the offer.

Carolyn (Hyer) the sister-in-law offers the new family a guest home that is larger and more equipped for a family. The family is on the road off to the new home and then a surprise occurs and not a good one.....the new home being relocated to a new foundation is ruined by a train crash hitting the home. This of course puts a wrench in the plan of the family until Angelo Donatello (Guardino) the tow truck driver who feels horrible. Angelo in fact should feel bad since being the root cause of why the home was ruined since trying to flirt with Cinzia. In return of his bad action he offers the family a houseboat to live on which they accept. Tom finds out that Cinzia is not too domestic since not being able to cook nor clean which makes for many laughs. Romance blossoms between Tom and Cinzia whom end up being a great force for the children and the new floating home. What a great romance and comedy combination!!!

In Pictures: Sophia Loren

In Pictures: Sophia Loren

Here is our ninth installment of this feature to "Love Those Classic Movies!!!" where we simply enjoy via beautiful pictures some of our favorite golden age classic stars. Not a lot of writing at all or tid bits or extras just simply as it is stated, "in pictures!"
Hope you all enjoy Sophia Loren in pictures, cheers!!!!

The Black Swan (1942) "Love, Gold and Adventure!"

The Black Swan (1942)  20th Century Fox
Directed: Henry King
Starring: Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, George Sanders, Laird Cregar, Thomas Mitchell & Anthony Quinn

Quote:

 "I always sample a bottle of wine before I buy it. Let's have a sip, see if you're worth taking along."

I love this quote!!! lol

Taglines:

Seas Ablaze...with black villainy, with fiery romance, with breathless deeds of daring...in the roaring era of Love, Gold and Adventure!

---

Notes from the Classic Film Gentleman:

I have always loved this film ever since watching it when growing up. The bright technicolor for the film is perfect especially for the stunning Maureen O'Hara with her fiery red hair! Maureen makes a good and very strong leading lady to Tyrone Power and loved that she was not a push over. My introduction to Tyrone Power was through three films: "Marie Antoinette,"  "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "The Black Swan" with each being diverse. A dramatic, musical and comedic/action side to Tyrone Power and to me he shined in each genre. After my Tyrone Power intro 101 and determining I really enjoyed his films growing up came others. Later came "Blood and Sand" "The Mark of Zorro" amongst others for my further viewing pleasure and enjoyed each for different reasons. Now let's talk about "The Black Swan"!!!!




Plot: 

Ex pirate Henry Morgan (Cregar) has taken the position of Governor of Jamaica from Lord Denby (George Zucco). This is due of finding the error of his ways and has agreed to eliminate people of power of the island and others of rank whom pose problem. Both the local people of Jamica and the pirates that plunder the local seas do not care for the new Governor.

Captain Jamie Waring (Power) along with his lieutenant Tom Blue (Mitchell) with a heavy heart decide to go along with there old friend Henry Morgan and give up the practice of the pirate trade. However, there are other pirates such as Captain Billy Leech (Sanders) and Wogan (Quinn) that are refusing to let go of the pirate trade and side with the new Governor. These pirates are going to what it takes to keep a lifestyle that they truly love and do what it takes to get rid of Henry. On one of many actions prior to the new Governor being put in place Jamie has a run in with Lord Denby's daughter, Lady Margaret Denby (O'Hara). From the first site of Lady Margaret Jamie is taken back by her beauty. Margaret is a very fiery lady and is not someone to be simply pushed over and told what to do. Intimidation is not going to easily work on this lady. Jamie later finds out that Margaret is engaged to an English nobleman named Roger Ingram (Edward Ashley). To Jamie's amazement he finds out that Margaret's fiancé is a spy for the pirates and is selling them information such as treasures on ships and when they are set sailing.

The pirates Captain Billy Leech and Wogan are not to be stopped. They are massing a great fortune thanks to working alongside Roger Ingram. That being said they of course are not stopping and continue to do there deeds on the seven seas. With these issues going on it looks that perhaps the new Governor is questionable to the homeland. This is where Capatin Jamie comes in and has to help the new Governor prove that he is innocent of pirating and looting ships and clear his name. To do so Jamie decides to set sail and take matters in his own hands. With doing so he decides to take the beautiful Lady Margaret by kidnapping her and then they set sail for a long journey. 

The Mark of Zorro (1940) "The Dashing Don of California Rides Again!"

"The Mark of Zoro" (1940) / 20th Centry FOX
Directed By: Rouben Mamoulian
Starring: Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone & Gale Sondergaard

Taglines: "Ride With Zorro . . . The Dashing Don Of California's Most Adventurous Era !"

Nomianted for an Academy Award for Best Music.

Plot:
The classic movie gentleman loves this 20th Century FOX take on Zoro. The back story they shed light on and the cast of Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell is simply a perfect way to spend a day or evening of classic film watching. The black and white for this film is perfect rather than color.

Setting nineteenth century Madrid. The film opens with Don Diego de Vega (Power) a young dashing young man from a wealthy family in California rides amongst the commission abroad being raised in millitary school. The Don is a very well accomplished swordsman and horseman and is displeased upon receiving a letter from his father at home in California to come home at once. Diego does not like the idea of heading home since he loves his place in Madrid but travels home. The trip home finds a place at a new state and not a good change. Diego finds that his home that he grew-up in has been taken over by the millitary and is now the barracks led by the sinister Captain Esteban Pasquale (Rathbone). Don Luis Quintero (J Edward Bromberg) the Mayor whom serves the Alcalde has been forced to step down and stop serving the peons of California whom are the peasants and the commoners and now Esteban has taken over. The family home that Diego grew-up in now is the barracks and home to the new Captain and his money hungry/social climibing wife Inez (Sondergaard). Inez is immediately taken by the handsome Diego with the covnersation of living abroad and the finer things of life such a fine silks. Diego get's a glimpse of Luis Quintero’s beautiful niece Lolita (Darnell). Lolita is just turing 18 and is also taken back by Diego's dashing looks but is thwarted by her aunt Inez. Diego brings the mask of zoro alive and robs the evil local politicians of wealth by day on his horse in the name of the people and the land. Zoro always leaves his mark of the "Z" where he travels getting his vengence on Captain Esteban. The question is, will the famed Zorro be able to free the people of California from the evil acts of Captain Esteban? The people and Lolita hope so!! I love the the screen combination of Tyrone Power and his love Linda Darnell and then his battle all film with Basil Rathbone, love this classic film!    

Tyrone Power: "King of the Movies"

Tyrone Power: "King of the Movies"

Note from the classic movie gentleman:
The classic movie gentlemand here for "Love Those Classic Movies!!!" thought Tyrone Power was the king of the seas and got my attention with the charisma and dashing perfect looks. The acting from films such as "Marie Antoinette" to "Blood and Sand" and "The Witness for the Prosecution" proved to me that there was A LOT more than looks on the outside it was the inner core of pute talent that captivated this classic movie and Tyrone Power fan. So, it was natural when sitting at my desk thinking whom would be a great leading man for 2011 since I had a field day last year with the leading ladies of the silver screen and need to give the gentleman due time that Tyrone was here and had some rspect shown. Now to the legendary actor Tyrone Power and enough of me and the background! 

Tyrone Power started our in his acting career at the young age of twenty-two.  From his very first motion picture being credited was a starring role "Lloyd's of London" (1936) for Twentieth Century Fox. This to me is such a big credit to Tyrone to get his first credited role and to have it be a leading one at that should speak to his craft. In this film he plays Jonathan Blake whom falls in love with a married woman and helps start the huge financial institution that the Lloy's of London is today. This film gets just like many take large liberty with fact to make it more glamorous and to them film worthy. The film is soo well received that six months after in 1937 Tyrone is asked to place his hands and feet in cement at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Not bad for this young actor! Tyrone Power became a huge box office draw and simply there answer to MGM's big star at the time Robert Taylor.





A diverse actor:

Tyrone Power starred in mant diverse film genres from musicals, comedy, romance, westerns, drama and others and excelled in each. Screen fans took note of his talent and between 1939 - 1941 was voted "King of the Movies." Many critics credited these awards from fans due to his dashing good looks rather than acting ability which is simply not true. I believe it was a combination of both that he was an actor that fans loved to see on the screen for his acting and looks.

 

 

  

Tyrone Power Highlighted Films:

• Lloys of London (1936)
• Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)

• Marie Antoinette (1938)
• Suez (1938)
• Jesse James (1938)
• Rose of Washington Square (1939)
• The Rains Cames (1939)
• Johnny Apollo (1940)
• Brigham Young (1940)
• The Mark of Zoro (1940)
• Blood and Sand (1941)
• Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake (1942)
• This Above All (1942)
• The Black Swan (1942)
• Crash Dive (1943)
• The Razor's Edge (1946)
• Nightmare Alley (1947)
• That Wonderful Urge (1948)
• Prince of Foxes (1949)
•  Rawhide (1951)
• I'll Never Forget You (1951)
• The Long Gray Line (1955)
• The Eddy Duchin Story (1956)
• The Sun Also Rises (1957)
• Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Tyrone outside the cinema:

During World War II, Tyrone Power enlisted into the United States Marine Corps as a pilot. During this time Tyrone Power did not make films and was a pilot flying suypplies.

Battled post WW II with his career being frustrated though finding great work in theatre.

Tyrone Power passed away in 1959 while filming "Solomon and Sheba" due to a heartattack.

Tyrone Power's romantic interest in 1947 was none other than the beauty Lana Turner. They were a couple for that year but never married. Tyrone married a total of three times: Annabella (divorced), Linda Christian (divorced) and Debbie Ann Minardos (married to up until his death).  Had a total of 4 children all whom went into acting.

Quotes from noteable people about Tyrone Power and his impact:

~ "Working with Ty Power was exciting. In those days, he was the biggest romantic swashbuckler in the world. Murderously handsome! But what I loved most about Ty Power was his wicked sense of humor." - Maureen O'Hara actress

~ "Ty was warm and considerate. He had a beautiful face." - Gene Tierney actress

~ ""He had an aura about him that set him apart from everybody else. I had an enormous crush on him and felt his feet never touched the earth."  - Coleen Gray actress