(I *almost* wish I wasn't going on vacation in one hour… it'll probably be a couple of weeks before I actually write this thing)

not trying to talk you out of anything, y'unnerstand–we've all got our own preferences (nothing can stop me from hating John Ford)–but I wanted to toss a little Cassavetes (and Rooney!) love into the mix

you've actually got me thinking about writing a piece that synthesizes my love for both Strike up the Band and Faces, so I really have to thank you for that!

Dave

Thanks for writing.

I know that John Cassavetes is widely admired, but his appeal has always eluded me. I'd say it's because — to me, at least — the emotional "rawness" found in his films always felt artificial and calculated.

As for "Strike Up the Band," I'm sure I wouldn't have suffered from those horrific nightmares had the exuberant couple putting on a show been, say, Judy and June (Allyson) or Judy and Virginia (O'Brien) or Judy and Joan (Blondell) or Judy and Betty (Hutton) or Judy and Glenda (Farrell) or — especially — Judy and Alison (Skipworth).

I've promised myself that one of these days — even if I have to sleep with the lights on for months on end — I'll check out "Babes on Broadway." (Probably on a double bill with Nicole Kidman's "The Others," another horror flick I still haven't had the courage to watch.)

P.S. Now I remember … From the foggy past comes a distant memory … I've actually watched "Babes in Arms" as well. I can't recall a thing about it, except that someone, somewhere, puts on a show, and then SOMETHING too horrible for words happens…

Cassavetes' indie films, however, contain some of the most vibrant, nakedly human expressions of human personality ever captured on film… they're melodramatic, sure, in the sense that they aren't aiming for terse/drawing room realism… but we're melodramatic beings…

likewise–the Mickey and Judy films are extraordinary showcases for pure performance of a different sort–the stories are hokum, of course, but the two protagonists will astound any viewer who allows them to

oh–June Allyson's number in Girl Crazy IS extraordinary

Dave

LOL, I really have to see this now.

Not much of a Garland fan here, though I adore her in The Pirate (1948). For that film at least her insecurities are mostly in check and used effectively in her characterization.