tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post8194217707147127830..comments2024-03-17T07:25:56.478-04:00Comments on Thrilling Days of Yesteryear: CMBA Guilty Pleasures Movie Blogathon: Brenda Starr, Reporter (1945)Ivan G Shreve Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04067177808320053382noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-52543603644136351162011-09-24T11:23:37.532-04:002011-09-24T11:23:37.532-04:00As always, Ivan, a fascinating post, filled with h...As always, Ivan, a fascinating post, filled with history that I was unaware of. Thank you for sharing!Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-12009509005982991232011-09-22T02:04:48.767-04:002011-09-22T02:04:48.767-04:00Since I wasn't aware of the Brenda Starr seria...Since I wasn't aware of the Brenda Starr serial, I had the idea you'd chosen that '80s Brooke Shields vehicle, "Brenda Starr," for your blogathon entry. What was I thinking?!?<br /><br />I had an obsession with Brenda Starr the comic strip as a little girl - it's probably impossible for me to watch anyone portray her - she's a character in my imagination that no one could live up to. Those beautiful sparkly eyes, deep dimples, her fabulous job as a globe-trotting reporter and...mysterious Basil St. John (plus something to do with black orchids). Well, Bonita Granville never fulfilled my image of Nancy Drew, either...<br /><br />I may have been ignorant before but am less so now. I hit the motherlode: a thorough discourse on the Brenda Starr series, cliff-hanger serials, Republic Pictures (and so much more). Great stuff, Ivan, and so entertaining.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-41624487229537444682011-09-21T22:58:24.948-04:002011-09-21T22:58:24.948-04:00From whistlinggypsy:
Ivan, you are speaking my la...From whistlinggypsy:<br /><br /><i>Ivan, you are speaking my language with Brenda Starr, who always makes me think of an adult Nancy Drew (Bonita Granville paved the way for plucky cinematic heroines everywhere).</i><br /><br />You're talkin' my Mom's language with Nancy Drew--she is a nut about that famous girl sleuth (she has all the books). I showed the Granville films to her one afternoon and though I thought she was going to recoil in revulsion she actually found them entertaining.<br /><br />gypsy also made me laugh by observing:<br /><br /><i>the scene now appears to have been filmed while “smudge pots” burned off camera.</i><br /><br />FlickChick gushed:<br /><br /><i>this was my most favorite comic strip of all time and I flew into a panic as an adult when my local newspaper cancelled Brenda Starr (address; the Lovely Arms Apartments)</i><br /><br />By the time the Savannan paper cancelled Bren, she was in the back of the paper amongst the ads where people declare they'll no longer be responsible for their debts. Also, considering the threadbare budget of a Katzman production, Brenda's "crib" in this one is more like the <i>Empty</i> Arms Apartments.<br /><br />My cliffhanger pal Operator_99 pointed out:<br /><br /><i>You also mention one of the worst, IMHO, Who's Guilty. My wife and I suffered through that baby about 6 months ago, and it was no easy chore.</i><br /><br />I'm glad you set me straight on that, 99...for some reason I thought you were a fan of that one. I watched it many years ago and it may very well be, along with <b>Jungle Queen</b>, the worst serial I've ever watched.<br /><br />GOM wrote:<br /><br /><i>The B-level universe of golden-age Hollywood is so interesting; it's like a whole different history running parallel to the better-known one of the major studios. I'm almost sorry you didn't write about The Black Widow instead of Brenda Starr; that sounds like it might be a good one!</i><br /><br />B-pictures are like oxygen to me. I find them endlessly entertaining. I did write a review on <b>The Black Widow</b> back in the Salon Blog days...if it hasn't been vaporized I'll try and get it up on the new blog soon.<br /><br />Kev has the last word:<br /><br /><i>For years I heard how dire the Columbia serials were but when I finally saw them I enjoyed quite a few of them.</i><br /><br />They really do get a bad rap, and I think it's probably because a lot of them simply don't have the knock-down-drag-out fistfights of the Republic entries, with balsa wood furniture a-flyin'. I can't remember what I did with my copy of <b>Mysterious Island</b> but I do wish Sony Home Entertainment would see about releasing the full enchilada...it's actually one of Columbia's better serial efforts.Ivan G Shreve Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04067177808320053382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-10191261991632781992011-09-21T22:57:26.212-04:002011-09-21T22:57:26.212-04:00Thanks to everybody for the kind words on my bloga...Thanks to everybody for the kind words on my blogathon entry and as always, for encouraging my behavior...just wanted to fish a few inquiries out of the TDOY mailbag:<br /><br />From the always entertaining Jacqueline:<br /><br /><i>Years ago, a co-worker of mine - I don't know how the conversation came up - confessed, looking furtively around the office to make sure she was not overheard - that she loved "Brenda Starr" and cut out the comic strips as a kid and saved them. People are always coming up to me and telling me these things. I don't know why.</i><br /><br />You would have been a natural for TV commercials, J.T...I can picture someone cornering you and confiding: "Jacqueline...can I talk to you about...diarrhea?"<br /><br />From ClassicBecky (Driscoll):<br /><br /><i>I would especially like to experience Billy Benedict (is he Andy Warhol's twin brother, or what?!)</i><br /><br />Honest to my grandma...that's the first time I've noticed the resemblance. You'd think I would have caught on to that earlier.<br /><br />Our Lady of Great Caftan was then handed the mic:<br /><br /><i>My daughter's Kindergarten to Grade 8 school was named for their first principal, a fellow called John English. Would it surprise you to learn that any jokes related to a director of movies were greeted with blank stares?</i><br /><br />Girl, there is no end to your coolness. First the cats called Buddy and Sally...now the in-joke with the grade school. (I'll refrain from the "too cool for school" pun.)<br /><br />Then Rebecca of Sunnybrook Dairy took the microphone out of C.W.'s hands:<br /><br /><i>And to illustrate that, I will tell you about a REAL guilty pleasure -- I just love a movie that came out in the 80's, "Angelheart."</i><br /><br />This probably won't come as any big surprise, but this is not a favorite of mine...simply because the denouement makes no sense at all. Sister Kat and I went to see it and she <i>loved</i> it. The mind boggles.<br /><br />And now we'll hear from one-half of TeamBart:<br /><br /><i>Among his other supporting roles, look carefully at the scene in AFTER THE THIN MAN when Nick and Nora are coming home by car, with pals and well-wishers greeting and chatting with them: there's Billy!</i><br /><br />Because, as Beckers as pointed out, he so closely resembles Mr. Warhol, Benedict is one of the easiest character actors to pick out of a lineup. One of these days, when I find the energy to get the Mayberry Mondays posts going again, we'll get to see Billy in two of the episodes.<br /><br />Both Phillyradiogeek...<br /><br /><i>I was expecting this post to be about the notorious 1989 Brooke Shields film that went straight to video. What a pleasant surprise to find out it wasn't.</i><br /><br />...and Rick29...<br /><br /><i>So this isn't the Brooke Shields version that was shelved for a few years? Thank goodness (just jokin').</i><br /><br />...were concerned that this was a <i>different</i> <b>Brenda Starr</b> film. They had every reason to be worried. I've seen the Brooke Shields version, and I had to break out the eyewash for fifteen minutes afterward.Ivan G Shreve Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04067177808320053382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-28372882443146335952011-09-21T22:07:00.588-04:002011-09-21T22:07:00.588-04:00Ivan G - Your posts are always jam packed with inf...Ivan G - Your posts are always jam packed with info. I love serials myself and have been picking up quite a few new ones lately. I'm going to have to add Brenda Starr to my list. Great post as usual ...Dave the Movie Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10706646923615786483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-34214170068246302222011-09-21T15:00:15.361-04:002011-09-21T15:00:15.361-04:00I must admit I was looking forward to your review ...I must admit I was looking forward to your review of the immortal "The Phantom Creeps", with that unforgettable last chapter of Bela Lugosi merrily cackling away as he throws bombs out of his airplane and causes all kinds of havoc on the ground via stock footage, such as the Hindenburg blowing up. <br /><br />But Brenda Starr is an acceptable substitute. I rented this one and found it most enjoyable. For years I heard how dire the Columbia serials were but when I finally saw them I enjoyed quite a few of them. <br /><br />The backgound info on Sam Katzman was most interesting. There's a chapter of his "Mysterious Island" serial on his Icons of Horror DVD collection and it's intriguing enough that I hope to see the entire chapterplay one day. <br /><br />I also appreciate Columbia because they produced several serials in the swashbuckling genre, which the other studios didn't. I've never seen them, and they may be terrible, but I do hope to see them one day.<br /><br />Great post, Ivan. Really enjoyed it.Kevin Deanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07697597405552599370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-50063376809203843932011-09-21T09:17:23.285-04:002011-09-21T09:17:23.285-04:00I have not seen many serials but, this one sounds ...I have not seen many serials but, this one sounds like one that I would really enjoy. With all of it's cliffhanging action and adventure and with a side order of comic relief. Brenda Starr, I have to admit.. is a great name.. Loved reading your wonderful review.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476174860119487509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-80072258500845980042011-09-20T22:06:59.585-04:002011-09-20T22:06:59.585-04:00I admit, I am absolutely NOT up on my serials, but...I admit, I am absolutely NOT up on my serials, but I found the in-depth information in your post fascinating, and I definitely want to see them now. The B-level universe of golden-age Hollywood is so interesting; it's like a whole different history running parallel to the better-known one of the major studios. I'm almost sorry you didn't write about The Black Widow instead of Brenda Starr; that sounds like it might be a good one! Thanks for such a great article.Grand Old Movieshttp://grandoldmovies.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-37192774132327635402011-09-20T21:45:30.714-04:002011-09-20T21:45:30.714-04:00Great review Ivan. Got my copy the day it released...Great review Ivan. Got my copy the day it released and enjoyed it in a non-guilty pleasure way. Having screened over 140 serials over the last 15 years or so, I'd put it somewhere in the middle, and it was quite enjoyable. You also mention one of the worst, IMHO, Who's Guilty. My wife and I suffered through that baby about 6 months ago, and it was no easy chore. :-).Operator_99https://www.blogger.com/profile/14819912040219743778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-75940373195668716172011-09-20T19:12:14.658-04:002011-09-20T19:12:14.658-04:00Wow - that was awesome! This has got to be on my l...Wow - that was awesome! This has got to be on my list, as (and I confess to yet another guilty pleasure) this was my most favorite comic strip of all time and I flew into a panic as an adult when my local newspaper cancelled Brenda Starr (address; the Lovely Arms Apartments). Super entry for sure!FlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-34680648037899409122011-09-20T18:10:46.134-04:002011-09-20T18:10:46.134-04:00Ivan, you are speaking my language with Brenda Sta...Ivan, you are speaking my language with Brenda Starr, who always makes me think of an adult Nancy Drew (Bonita Granville paved the way for plucky cinematic heroines everywhere). You might accuse me of showing off my ignorance of serials, but what I know is due entirely to Kane Richmond. “Richmond does what he does best: the square-jawed hero whose acting is merely so-so but rises to the occasion whenever gallantry is called for” is a perfect description of the actor, but that’s why I think of him as “the king of the serials”. The first time I saw Kane Richmond was as the character “Nifty,” a memorable appearance in a Marie Dressler~Polly Moran comedy, but he made his reputation as the perfect hero of a wide variety of serials. Your screen captures do, indeed, reveal the extensive restoration, unfortunately, in removing the artifacts on the negative, the scene now appears to have been filmed while “smudge pots” burned off camera. Despite the flaws, it is wonderful to have an opportunity to see Brenda Starr in action.whistlingypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06126688373252306609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-1441930642055400332011-09-20T17:29:52.053-04:002011-09-20T17:29:52.053-04:00So this isn't the Brooke Shields version that ...So this isn't the Brooke Shields version that was shelved for a few years? Thank goodness (just jokin'). I grew watching the later Republic serials like RADAR MEN ON THE MOON, so I have a soft spot for all serials. I haven't seen BRENDA STARR, REPORTER, but it sounds like a blast, especially with that cast (but Whitey as the most memorable Bowery Boy?). As always, a imppecable post, Ivan.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-48047024945938494362011-09-20T15:48:36.079-04:002011-09-20T15:48:36.079-04:00Ivan,
Yes, I'm strange because I've said ...Ivan, <br />Yes, I'm strange because I've said "Brenda Starr, Reporter" about 20 times with different voice inflections because I just love the way it rolls off of my tongue. (It really is the simple things) <br /><br />Now on to the important stuff. You've got that gift Ivan, the one I dream about. That clever, writing gift. Your wit shines through once again here with another excellent review. <br /><br />I'm not that familiar with the stars of this little film and I have to say that I'll be looking for Jack Ingram and Anthony Warde to rough everyone up in every gangster film I see going forward. <br />Like others have mentioned, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing many 'serials' but this sounds like a fun little film from beginning to end.<br />Well done as always Ivan G.<br />PagePagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15063277863578004836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-38185702252487313932011-09-20T14:54:36.188-04:002011-09-20T14:54:36.188-04:00Great post, as always. Like Dorian, I remember the...Great post, as always. Like Dorian, I remember the Brenda Starr comic strips from childhood; however the serial is new to me. The detailed background information was fascinating, especially the part about the LOC and how the film finally found its way to home video. I am glad they made the decision to release it despite the poor condition in spots.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-38899208039269517642011-09-20T13:38:53.793-04:002011-09-20T13:38:53.793-04:00Great article, great blog!
I was expecting this p...Great article, great blog!<br /><br />I was expecting this post to be about the notorious 1989 Brooke Shields film that went straight to video. What a pleasant surprise to find out it wasn't.Phillyradiogeekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06898493001431352624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-84881089154150678252011-09-20T12:30:07.019-04:002011-09-20T12:30:07.019-04:00Ivan, I loved the BRENDA STARR comics when I was a...Ivan, I loved the BRENDA STARR comics when I was a youngster, so I was particularly interested in reading your blog post about the serial. What a delight! Your affection for BRENDA STARR and movie serials in general shine through. and your captions cracked me up, especially the bits with "Tondelayo" and the "Il Duce"-looking bad guy. <br /><br />I'm glad you also took the opportunity to discuss attempts to restore ...STARR and other films in sadly poor condition. I liked seeing Billy Benedict as Pesky Miller, as we've liked him since we first saw him on the BOWERY BOYS movies on TV as kids. Among his other supporting roles, look carefully at the scene in AFTER THE THIN MAN when Nick and Nora are coming home by car, with pals and well-wishers greeting and chatting with them: there's Billy! Excellent post, Ivan!DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-90403319150956639232011-09-20T10:02:26.201-04:002011-09-20T10:02:26.201-04:00OK, I had to think about this, but I agree complet...OK, I had to think about this, but I agree completely that there are very few things I would actually call "guilty pleasures." And to illustrate that, I will tell you about a REAL guilty pleasure -- I just love a movie that came out in the 80's, "Angelheart." This movie was considered to be gross, disgusting, and ruined the career of the girl from the Cosby show. But darn it, Mickey Rourke was tremendous, the story was great, the atmosphere, music, everything just pulled me in. So there - that is a true guilty pleasure that shows me up to be the perv I really am! LOL!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-85041677253437668362011-09-20T10:01:50.565-04:002011-09-20T10:01:50.565-04:00Very cool cast in that "Brenda Starr". ...Very cool cast in that "Brenda Starr". I think I'd get a kick out of it. You make me long for things I don't have! <br /><br />My daughter's Kindergarten to Grade 8 school was named for their first principal, a fellow called John English. Would it surprise you to learn that any jokes related to a director of movies were greeted with blank stares? The real world is a vast wasteland.Caftan Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936895555808823221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-30442928802841912102011-09-20T09:55:51.168-04:002011-09-20T09:55:51.168-04:00You must have spent a lot of time putting this all...You must have spent a lot of time putting this all together--well done. It wasn't until about a year ago that I even heard of Brenda Starr, and it was the comic not the film serials that was discussed. I don't know that I have ever watched a film serial. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your review.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-91327838439520877102011-09-20T09:47:43.987-04:002011-09-20T09:47:43.987-04:00Just have to show off your extensive knowledge, hu...Just have to show off your extensive knowledge, huh? Well, it works. Really fascinating stuff. The only serial I've ever seen was Flash Gordon and Ming the Merciless, which I just loved. I would like to see Brenda Starr. I know I would like it a lot, right up my alley. I would especially like to experience Billy Benedict (is he Andy Warhol's twin brother, or what?!) <br /><br />Your picure captions are great, and my favorite is "I am...Tondelayo." I'm not sure why they felt the need to dress Woodbury as if she were an extra in White Cargo...but I have to admit, girlfriend makes it work." Very funny!<br /><br />Good stuff, Ivan. But then, that's what I always find at TDOY!ClassicBeckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03591715859057540467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7307577717655310918.post-89193632449537401332011-09-20T08:30:54.083-04:002011-09-20T08:30:54.083-04:00I love the background detail of the chapter play s...I love the background detail of the chapter play side of the industry you've included. Serials are fun, though I've never seen this one. (Years ago, a co-worker of mine - I don't know how the conversation came up - confessed, looking furtively around the office to make sure she was not overheard - that she loved "Brenda Starr" and cut out the comic strips as a kid and saved them. People are always coming up to me and telling me these things. I don't know why. Your post reminded me of this incident.)<br /><br />I think a common thread in a lot of these "Guilty Pleasures" posts is that we don't feel guilty about liking this stuff. That's what makes us old movie buffs. If we felt guilty about it, we wouldn't be fans of classic film. Or chapter plays.<br /><br />Great job, as usual, Ivan.Jacqueline T. Lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11047941886908178350noreply@blogger.com