AFI Names Top Ten Fantasy Films of ... Jul 24, 2008
Judy Garland is teenaged Dorothy, who longingly sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Stars: Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Bert Lahr. 1939.Lord of the Rings: The Fellow ship of the Ring 2001. In this Tolkien classic, a young Hobbit named Frodo, has been entrusted with an powerful ancient ring and embarks on a quest. Frodo is joined by Gandolf, Legolas the elf, Gimli the Dwarf, Aragom, Bobomir and his three Hobbit friendly. The characters travel through... (Suite101.com)
HEATH LEDGER OSCAR-BOUND?... Jun 28, 2008
I guess you have all forgotten about Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Lionel Barrymore, WC Fields, Judy Garland ... I guess you have all forgotten about Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Lionel Barrymore, WC Fields, Judy Garland. (The Drudge Report)
Pre-code Hollywood Mar 8, 2008
-- ''A Free Soul'' (1931): Shearer again, this time playing a free-spirited San Francisco socialite who dumps her upper-crust fiance (Leslie Howard) after she gets one glimpse of the rugged gangster (Clark Gable) her lawyer father (Lionel Barrymore) is defending in a murder trial. Shearer is as appealing as ever, and Barrymore won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance, but it's Gable, in one of his first major roles, who stands out. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Happy Birthday, George Bailey Dec 26, 2007
George's nemesis, Mr Potter (Lionel Barrymore), is the pre-redemption Scrooge reincarnated ... According to an internal memo dated May 26 1947, the film "represented a rather obvious attempt to discredit bankers by casting Lionel Barrymore as a 'scrooge-type' [sic] so that he would be the most hated man in the picture. This...is a common trick used by communists." Capra was "grey-listed" for his supposed liberalism, yet Joseph McBride's 1992 biography revealed that the director had collaborated... (Guardian Unlimited)
A holiday lesson from the mortgage crisis Dec 24, 2007
The bad guy, Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore, schemes to extract rents from slum housing and take over the Building and Loan, run by good guy George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart. George's bank makes loans to families who otherwise wouldn't be able to get them - low-income families, families of color, people who, in his words, "do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community." As far as we know, George doesn't sneak escalation clauses into his mortgages or base... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Credit due to awonderful life that was Dec 21, 2007
He took over the bank only due to the fact that had he not, the bank would have closed, leaving the small little town firmly in the clutches of the bullying local plutocrat, Henry Potter (Lionel Barrymore). But things are not going well for Bailey. (Asia Times Online)
FROMA HARROP: Pottersville not as bad as ocean of foreclosures Dec 21, 2007
Call: (800) 877-3400. Potter was not above drawing the last drop of blood, but at least borrowers knew whom to hate. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Floyd Norris: The mortgage mess, viewed from a Christmas past. Dec 20, 2007
But as I read the rules, I couldn't get George Bailey (Pa's son and successor, played by Jimmy Stewart) or Potter (played by Lionel Barrymore) out of my mind. And I began to fantasize about some sort of interactive television, in which the Baileys and Potter could see into our world as we see into theirs. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Critic's corner Dec 14, 2007
Sit yourself down at precisely 8 p.m. to get a little lesson in the dangers of capitalism, as embodied by Mr. Potter, played by Lionel Barrymore. And then go out and shop, baby, shop. (Boston Globe)
Christmas Classic Movies Revisited Dec 12, 2007
With Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore as a despicable villain, it's a little dark, but always moving, even when you've seen it dozens of times. George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. (CBS News)
Capra's 'Wonderful Life' lingers as earnest chestnut Dec 8, 2007
His up-the-hill nemesis is Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), a Scroogian ogre with none of the quacky cuteness of Disney's Uncle Scrooge. George stays in Frank Capra's cozy, all-American Bedford Falls, trapped by the fate of serving others. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
In 'This Wonderful Life,' one man plays everyone in Bedford Falls Nov 23, 2007
Actor Lionel Barrymore, who played the greedy, embittered banker, was confined to a wheelchair in real life, so he remained seated throughout the film. "That makes the transitions easy for the audience and me," says Casey. (Boston Globe)
Laraine Day, 87, actress during Hollywood's Golden Age Nov 14, 2007
Starring Lew Ayres as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie, the chief of surgery, the Kildare films were tremendously successful. Day described her character as "good, marvelous, true, honest." For years after Nurse Lamont was hit by a truck while rushing to buy furniture in "Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day" (1941), people would stop Day on the street and ask, "Why did you die, Mary Lamont?" The movies became the basis of the television drama "Dr. Kildare" in the 1960s. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Hollywood's Power Dynasties Nov 10, 2007
In addition to actor parents, Jaid and John D. Barrymore, she s the granddaughter of renowned actor John Barrymore and the great niece of Academy award-winning actors Ethel and Lionel Barrymore. Even those who don't appear to have the genetic upper hand often do. (Forbes -- Business)
Ryan Gosling's latest onscreen love is a real doll Oct 17, 2007
" For moviegoers who might, sometime, have imagined it nice to be a character in a Frank Capra film, the experience of "Lars and the Real Girl" provides a kind of interactive alternative, a chance to leave your seat for a higher moral plane: Will you get aboard a film that's about a man in love with the sex doll he buys online, an act that causes a crisis for his sister (Emily Mortimer), brother-in-law (Paul Schneider) and, basically, most of the small town around them? Will you buy into a movie... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
O'Brien's Braves blog Aug 17, 2007
I did enjoy watching Constance Bennett s baby sister and Lionel Barrymore s baby brother in somebody s adaptation of Melville s Moby Dick during the wee hours whatever it was, it wasn t that which was intended by the author. Romance, comedy, Ahab methinks not, but Joan was beautiful and John was John hopefully, the Braves will have less of an identity crisis and won t lose focus it s there for the taking. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Character actor Charles Lane dies at 102 Jul 15, 2007
In Capras Its a Wonderful Life, he was a rent collector who shocks his boss, the evil Lionel Barrymore character, by telling him that hero James Stewarts character is a good businessman. One of Lanes most cherished possessions, meanwhile, was a letter from the fabled director declaring, Well, Charlie, youve been my No. 1 crutch. (MSNBC -- Television)
Just the facts -- and they're always right Jun 6, 2007
Australian-born reporter Yvonne Abraham reads critiques from female readers, and movie critic Ty Burr channels Lionel Barrymore while reading a letter from a reader who complains that our hate mail just isn't hateful enough. At , and on iTunes. (Boston Globe)
Six lost films to be seen on TV Apr 4, 2007
"One Man's Journey," from 1933, is a compelling potboiler chronicling the life of a brilliant country doctor (Lionel Barrymore). Joel McCrea plays his young son, who also goes into the medical profession. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Made in Maryland Mar 23, 2007
Starring Robert Young, James Stewart, Florence Rice, Billie Burke and Lionel Barrymore. Nothing But a Man (1964)A young black man in Alabama seeks respect from those around him, especially the minister's daughter with whom he falls in love. (Sunspot.net -- Business)
Undertaking to be entrepreneurial Mar 3, 2007
Big business gets played by Lionel Barrymore. No wonder the softwaremakers are glad to be able to call their offerings for big- business clients "enterprise-level" products and services. (ABC News -- Business)
Walker Edmiston, 81; voice artist, puppeteer was host of early L.A. children's TV show Feb 27, 2007
Edmiston, who began imitating actor Lionel Barrymore and other movie figures to entertain his family while growing up in the 1930s, could do impressions of a variety of celebrities, including Red Skelton and Lawrence Welk. Actor Will Ryan said Edmiston's versatility was exemplified on "Adventures in Odyssey," a radio series set in a small town produced by the nonprofit Focus on the Family. (Los Angeles Times)
HOW THEY REVIVED LOST RKO CLASSICS Feb 22, 2007
This extremely well-told story of a dedicated small-town doctor is a low-budget but far superior remake of a 1933 film called "One Man's Journey" with Lionel Barrymore, which is also in the series. The series, which will be shown on TCM in April, also includes another film and its remake. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
D.W. Griffith: A movie director points the way Jan 13, 2007
Griffith also made stars of Mary Pickford and Lionel Barrymore. He gave Mack Sennett, later progenitor of the Keystone Kops, his first chance at comedy. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Radio Dickens: Live performance holds listeners spellbound with magical storytelling Dec 23, 2006
The show is a re-enactment of the 1939 radio classic starring Orson Welles and Lionel Barrymore. Walrath and crew remained true to that original, right down to the sponsors. (Missoulian, MT)
`Capra Collection' features best work Dec 12, 2006
You Can't Take It With You is the wacky tale of Martin Vanderhof (Lionel Barrymore), head of a family of frustrated artists. He uses his money to encourage his family in its eccentric pursuits. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Entertainment)
Holiday not-so goodies Dec 6, 2006
"It's a Wonderful Life" (8 p.m. Dec. 16, repeats 8 p.m. Dec. 24, NBC, Channel 36): Classic 1946 Frank Capra movie about man finding his worth stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. "Elf" (8 p.m. Dec. 16, CBS, Channel 3): Will Ferrell, James Caan and Mary Steenburgen star in a comedy about a man raised as an elf at the North Pole who is sent to New York in search of his true identity. (Charlotte.com, NC -- Entertainment)
My Free Time: Holiday DVDs Dec 2, 2006
And with the evil banker, Mr. Potter (a deliciously villainous Lionel Barrymore) in charge of the town that never got to experience Bailey's positive influence, things aren't looking very pretty. It's a real tearjerker that never grows tired. (Click2Houston, TX)
This Day Give Thanks Nov 27, 2006
Madam Sally Stanford, groaning, getting out the rubber sheets because Lionel Barrymore was coming to town. Poet Sterling killing himself at the Bohemian Club because he'd been passed over to introduce H.L. Mencken at a dinner. (San Francisco Chronicle)
New DVDs: Mission: Impossible III Oct 31, 2006
The inspirational classic from director Frank Capra stars James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and one of the most lovable supporting casts ever assembled in the story of a despondent man on the verge of suicide until an angel shows him all the good hes done and what a darker place the world would be without him. The new DVD is billed as a 60th anniversary edition of the 1946 film, though the disc has the same extras that appeared on an earlier, out-of-print release, including a... (MSNBC -- Movies)
This Weekend's Hottest Tickets Oct 27, 2006
Two decades before Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter made George Bailey's life miserable in "It's a Wonderful Life," he murders a man in the 1926 silent film "The Bells" only to be foiled by a hypnotist played by future Frankenstein monster Boris Karloff. "The Bells" and two shorts will be shown at the ninth annual Silents in the Cathedral at 7 p.m. today at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th, where Dr. Marvin Faulwell will accompany the films on the pipe organ in this free event sponsored by... (Topeka Capital-Journal -- Entertainment)
Lorre, Karloff, Lugosi return from the grave Oct 26, 2006
Mark of the Vampire from 1935 finds Bela Lugosi in fine form as a faux vampire, while the authentically bizarre Lionel Barrymore vehicle The Devil-Doll (1936) casts the noted thesp as the vengeful creator of a crew of criminal dolls. All except the last-mentioned come equipped with film-historian audio commentaries to further enhance the home-horror marathon experience. (Washington Times, DC)
Boris Karloff, 'The Bells' to toll at cathedral Oct 22, 2006
This proves to be the downfall of the film's star, Lionel Barrymore, who plays Mathias, a debt-ridden innkeeper with political aspirations ... FILM PRESERVATION ASSOCIATES The Mesmerist (Boris Karloff), left, tells Mathias the innkeeper (Lionel Barrymore), "I can make criminals confess their crimes and good men tell of their good deeds," in this scene from "The Bells," which will be the feature film shown Friday at Silents at the Cathedral. (Topeka Capital-Journal -- Entertainment)
New on DVD Oct 20, 2006
Before an ending you'll either love or hate in director Tod Browning's Mark of the Vampire (1935), Bela Lugosi actually gives a more subtle performance than Lionel Barrymore and in Browning's The Devil-Doll (1936), Barrymore shrinks his enemies to peanut size. (You would, too. (USA Today -- Life)
Turner Classic Movies Plays Sleuth, Discovers Six Previously Lost RKO Classics Oct 19, 2006
ATLANTA, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- In its ongoing commitment to preserving cinematic history, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has purchased the copyrights and all right, title and interest to six RKO films previously thought lost from the silver screen, it was announced today by Tom Karsch, executive vice president and general manager of TCM. This selection of rare motion pictures includes works directed by William Wellman, John Cromwell and Garson Kanin, and starring such silver screen luminaries as... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
VIDEO PREVIEW: Variety the spice of life with week's top video debuts Oct 10, 2006
Just in time for Halloween, "Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection" (also from Warner) spotlights such vintage creepfests as 1935's "The Devil Doll" and "The Mark of the Vampire," both with Lionel Barrymore, and "Mad Love," featuring Peter Lorre. Boris Karloff takes on the sinister title role in "The Mask of Fu Manchu" (1932), while more mad-scientist mayhem ensues in "Doctor X" (1931) and "The Return of Doctor X" (1939), the latter starring Humphrey Bogart as the eerie title character. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Life)
UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News Sep 25, 2006
Larson began his Hollywood career as a messenger at MGM studios, cashing paychecks for acting legends such as Lionel Barrymore and hunting down stars such as Judy Garland when they were late, The (Portland) Oregonian said Sunday. He later became a studio screenwriter, writing shorts for features that ran before films. (Washington Times, DC)
Rewind: In The Movies, At Least, Size Still Matters Jul 26, 2006
The fact that, once shrunken, a person's free will disappears allows a cross-dressing escaped con (legendary actor Lionel Barrymore) to use the doll-sized living zombies as tools of revenge against the corrupt businessmen who framed him and sent him to jail. The movie's a campy curiosity, but it was groundbreaking in terms of its simple yet effective effects. (VHI.com -- Music News)
The Man in the Bubble Jul 22, 2006
Herbert Marshall, Gladys Cooper, Robert Morley, Basil Rathbone, Lionel Barrymore, Jack Hawkins, Sir John Gielgud, Edward G. Robinson, Robert Newton, James Coburn, Burgess Meredith and the dearly and recently departed June Allyson. Write to Joe Morgenstern at. (Wall Street Journal)
Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition Highlights in Tomorrow's Issue Jul 8, 2006
-- Joe considers what makes a movie actor's voice unmistakable, both in the golden age (Lionel Barrymore, Cary Grant, Orson Welles) and today (Joey Lauren Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Morgan Freeman). Style. (Primezone Releases)
A pirate's life, Hollywood-style Jul 6, 2006
This "Treasure Island" is the real Robert Louis Stevenson thing, directed by Victor ("Gone With the Wind") Fleming, featuring Wallace Beery at his best as Long John Silver, plus Jackie Cooper as Jack Hawkins -- plus Lionel Barrymore and the best production values then available. "Captain Blood" (1935). (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Robert Sterling, star of "Topper" TV series, dies at 88 Jun 1, 2006
He proved a versatile player, especially in romantic roles, and appeared in five films in 1941, including the romantic comedy "Two-Faced Woman" with Greta Garbo and "The Penalty" with Lionel Barrymore. After "Topper," Sterling retired from acting to become a businessman and worked in the early stages of computers. (NEPA News, PA)
Everything you didn't want to know about practically everything Apr 25, 2006
Lionel Barrymore died while reading Macbeth aloud. (Wonder if the reading occurred in a theater. (Benton Courier, AR)
Philly Icons: Movie And TV Stars From Here Jan 20, 2006
Kevin Bacon, Philadelphia Chuck Barris, Philadelphia Danny Bonaduce, Broomall Peter Boyle, Philadelphia David Brenner, Philadelphia Bill Cosby, Philadelphia Norman Fell, Philadelphia Larry Fine, Philadelphia W. C. Fields, Philadelphia Richard Gere, Philadelphia Sherman Hemsley, Philadelphia Jack Klugman, Philadelphia Chris Matthews, Philadelphia, Pa Will Smith, Philadelphia M. Night Shyamalan, Penn Valley, Pa Maria Bello, Norristown, Pa Jim Cramer, Wyndmoor, Pa Grace Kelly, Philadelphia, Pa... (NBC10, PA)
Argentina Brunetti Jan 2, 2006
With the help of the Building and Loan Company run by George Bailey (James Stewart), the Martinis and their children are able to move out of the slums run by the mean banker Potter (Lionel Barrymore) and buy a home of their own. Brunetti was often cast in mother roles - such as Ma Romano, mother of a young delinquent (John Derek) in Nicholas Ray's powerful drama Knock on Any Door, and the mother of the gangster and actor George Raft (Ray Danton) in The George Raft Story. (The Independent, UK)
