March 2004

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So long, at least for awhile

Filed under: Imported

First, and a day late, last week's quiz movie was Sons of the Desert, probably the best of the features made by the movies' funniest duo, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. It was identified by surprisingly few, and they were the usual cast of unstumpable quiz regulars: Wayne A. Palmer, E. Yarber, Joe Rosenberg, Hank Parmer, and Bill Hearne. Congratulations as usual, and heartfelt thanks to all for taking the time each week to participate and help make the quiz an enjoyable challenge for yours truly.

As you might be able to tell from the tone of the above, and the title of this entry, this will be the end of this weblog, at least for awhile. After almost a year of keeping it fed, real life has been intruding lately to the point where I have too little time and too few good ideas to keep things going. For now.

I hope to be back soon, so keep an eye on the City Pages Babelogue main page for news of my resurrection. Email is always welcome, and you can continue to send it to the Couch Pundit address that's on this page. (I also owe replies to some of this blog's best friends and emailers, and will be doing that very soon, I swear!) So until we meet again, thanks for reading whatever this blog was, and I hope we meet again here soon.

P.S. My hero Raymond Huffman also wanted to say farewell.

Posted by Steve Monaco at March 9, 2004 5:13 PM

 

The Monday Movie Quiz #41

Filed under: Imported

Since it's time for another easy quiz, it's a picture clue this week, with two of the most recognizable and beloved faces the movies ever saw. As for which of their films the still comes from, the items that the two are holding should be the giveaway. Really, I think this quiz is as easy as can be, at least if you know your vintage movie comedy. So if you do, send me an email with the name of the film by late Sunday night, and next Monday you can see your name in our arid winners circle.

Posted by Steve Monaco at March 1, 2004 4:39 PM

 

Last week's Movie Quiz winners

Filed under: Imported

Sure, you can identify Lionel Barrymore, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in this scene from Key Largo, but it takes a real film buff to recognize Harry Lewis as the nattily-attired Edward "Toots" Bass.

It always gives me a perverse thrill when a quiz actually tricks someone into giving a wrong answer, and last week's sound clue inspired a few. Much as I admire To Have and Have Not, the title most people guessed, the dialogue is still not in the league of Key Largo (1948), directed by John Huston and written by Huston and Richard Brooks (from a play by Maxwell Anderson). It's at the top of my list of "Best Tough-Talking Movies Ever Made," with a cast that makes the most of the snappy patter.

Besides Bogart and co-star Edward G. Robinson, who was at his absolute best as the gangster Johnny Rocco, the movie also featured Thomas Gomez, an underrated actor with a gift for delivering a wise speech. (He's the speaker in the first part of the sound clue.) Also, Claire Trevor gave the performance of her career as Rocco's alcoholic girlfriend, Gaye Dawn, and her wobbly performance of "Moanin' Low" is one of the film's best moments. It's one of those rare movies where all the stars are character actors, and of the highest order, and the kind of picture that Hollywood couldn't make today if it wanted to, which-- alas-- it doesn't.

So congratulations to the following quiz winners: Wayne A. Palmer, E. Yarber, Hank Parmer, Joe Rosenberg, Dan Andreasen (a new name-- welcome!), Bill Hearn (two in a row!) and Mike Hardenbrook. Champagne and pompano for all!

 

Posted by Steve Monaco at March 1, 2004 4:33 PM

 

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