tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post5228868274629029622..comments2024-02-10T04:53:42.121-05:00Comments on Tales of the Easily Distracted: Dark Passage: The Softer Side of Bogart and BacallDorianTBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-69208130782869366372013-07-18T18:52:25.481-04:002013-07-18T18:52:25.481-04:00Kristina, beaucoup thanks for your rave review and...Kristina, beaucoup thanks for your rave review and comments for my DARK PASSAGE post! I'm delighted that we're on the same page when it come to DP. How do you and I love it? Need we count the ways? :-) And like you, I always have the vision of that ideal vintage typewriter in my head, too, though now I have to stand up and stretch every so often so my backbone doesn't get sore at me! :-) I'm glad that both you and Karen enjoyed this post; no wonder it's become my favorite Bogart & Bacall film, and that you gals love it, too!<br /><br />P.S.: By the way, earlier this week I posted the TotED version of THE ASPHALT JUNGLE, with swell pix and the address so others can get their own Dark Pages Sterling Hayden/Robert Ryan edition! If you have a moment, we'd be thrilled and grateful to see what you think! :-D<br /><br />http://doriantb.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-asphalt-jungle-out-there.html<br /><br />http://doriantb.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-asphalt-jungle-out-there.htmlDorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-78205804524907691042013-07-18T17:22:55.633-04:002013-07-18T17:22:55.633-04:00Hello! I hope you had time to hide the good cutle...Hello! I hope you had time to hide the good cutlery before my arrival :) like many of your commenters, I too just love Dark Passage, though it may not be the most known or most popular Bogart-Bacall teamup, I always recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it. And you run through many reasons why: Bogart's character, the scenery, subjective pov, the chemistry, Bruce Bennett, Bacall looking so sophisticated and young, Agnes Moorehead who is just so fantastic here (I vote for an Agnes blogathon too!!), I just dig it all. There's just something "off" about it, but lovably and attractively so. Must've been a weird experience for the moviegoers though, to see (or not see) Bogart in this way. Goodis churned out a good many great stories. I think all of us writers have an idealistic image of the pulp writer; I sure do, always wanted to have nothing to do but be hunched over a typewriter (I even have the ideal vintage typewriter!) and pound out some cool crime tales like this one. cool review as usual, I just had to say how much I enjoyed,& thanks for it! <br />also thanks on beharlf of the OTHER DP, Dark Pages (creator/editor Karen has already dropped in up above) for the kind plugs, and for being part of that noir party so often. cheers!Kristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11659951781597698530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-68742089960348640292013-07-06T11:47:56.176-04:002013-07-06T11:47:56.176-04:00Ruth, my friend, thanks so much for your rave revi...Ruth, my friend, thanks so much for your rave review of DARK PASSAGE! You're so right, one viewing of DP is never enough, especially with the tenderness between Bogart and Bacall! I wish Agnes Moorehead had gotten an Oscar nomination, but watching her steal the show will do just fine! :-)<br /><br />Speaking of Bogie and Baby, TCM is showing KEY LARGO tonight on THE ESSENTIALS at 8 p.m. It's the only Bogart & Bacall film I haven't had a chance to see yet, so I'm looking forward it! Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend! :-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-60833119048698025902013-07-06T09:07:21.426-04:002013-07-06T09:07:21.426-04:00Fabulous review, Dorian. I've seen this film o...Fabulous review, Dorian. I've seen this film only once which, I now realize, is not nearly enough. I always enjoy the Bogie-Bacall chemistry, but I like that this film shows a more tender relationship, as you've pointed out.<br /><br />Agnes Moorehead really does steal the film, doesn't she? SUCH a great actress!Silver Screeningshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04955048716754142299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-60130441557988901932013-07-05T12:41:02.473-04:002013-07-05T12:41:02.473-04:00John, like you, I've been meaning to read more...John, like you, I've been meaning to read more of David Goodis' books, too, but life keeps interrupting me! I need Cliffs Notes to catch up with all my reading! :-) True, the movie has its flaws, but somehow that just intrigues me all the more, especially Agnes Moorehead's unforgettable performance. I've read that some audiences were frustrated by not getting to see Bogart sans bandages immediately, while others thought it heightened the suspense. Either way, I find DP unforgettable. Thanks so much for your praise and comments, John, and all of us at Team B. hope you and Dorothy are enjoying the holiday weekend! DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-33636961376279406892013-07-05T09:04:43.960-04:002013-07-05T09:04:43.960-04:00I have been meaning read David Goodis for some yea...I have been meaning read David Goodis for some years now but never seem to get around to. While I don’t think this is the best of the Bogart/Bacall films its got a lot going for it; the San Francisco backdrop and a terrific performance by Agnes Moorehead as you point out she just about steals the film. I wonder if filmgoers were disappointed that Bogie was wrapped up in bandages for half the film. As always, enjoyed your entertaining take on this very watchable film.John/24Frameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14719659042858962026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-89232906115144278502013-07-05T08:40:40.529-04:002013-07-05T08:40:40.529-04:00Thanks for a great post. I loved all the detailed...Thanks for a great post. I loved all the detailed background you've included, right down to Bugs Bunny.Jacqueline T. Lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11047941886908178350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-38027759339653344162013-07-03T17:52:13.884-04:002013-07-03T17:52:13.884-04:00Karen, I'm truly grateful and flattered by you...Karen, I'm truly grateful and flattered by your rave review of my DARK PASSAGE post. Beaucoup thanks indeed, my friend! And thanks for thinking it was so nice you praised it twice! :-) <br /><br />Seriously, Karen, I especially appreciate your comments here, because over the years I've developed a soft spot for DP and the tenderness between Bogart and Bacall, not to mention those unforgettable character actors. I'd say we're both having a great day! All of us here at Team Bartilucci HQ hope you and yours will have a happy, fun and safe Independence Day celebration! :-DDorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-52512681762826484112013-07-03T10:17:19.011-04:002013-07-03T10:17:19.011-04:00Dorian, I think this is my favorite post of yours ...Dorian, I think this is my favorite post of yours so far! Entertaining, made me laugh out loud, and I learned so much that I didn't know before -- like about Goodis and The Fugitive, and that Clifton Young was in the Our Gang shorts! What a great way to start what promises to be a most awesome day! (And thanks so much for the Dark Pages link!!) (I tried to post this earlier, so forgive me if it shows up twice. . . )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-89422096353567984532013-07-03T08:43:42.544-04:002013-07-03T08:43:42.544-04:00Dorian, I think this is my favorite post of yours ...Dorian, I think this is my favorite post of yours so far! Entertaining, made me laugh out loud, and I learned so much that I didn't know before -- like about Goodis and The Fugitive, and that Clifton Young was in the Our Gang shorts! What a great way to start what promises to be a most awesome day! (And thanks so much for the Dark Pages link!!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-83915258564187040272013-07-02T16:49:48.234-04:002013-07-02T16:49:48.234-04:00Rich, while I enjoyed DARK PASSAGE more than you d...Rich, while I enjoyed DARK PASSAGE more than you did overall, I especially liked your comments about subverting the "hiding-Bogey's-face" gambit. While I like both DP and LADY IN THE LAKE in their different ways, if I had to pick just one of the two movies, I'd choose DARK PASSAGE as the best of the two. I thought the plot and the acting worked more smoothly in DP, while LADY IN THE LAKE's subjective camera was often clunky and awkward. That said, when LADY... worked, it really nailed it, like with that harrowing scene when Robert Montgomery is injured in the car accident. Thanks for your comments, Rich, as always; drop by and chew the proverbial fat at TotED anytime!DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-6309483829211201032013-07-02T15:19:16.651-04:002013-07-02T15:19:16.651-04:00I wasn't as sold on this movie as you were, th...I wasn't as sold on this movie as you were, though I did like the hiding-Bogey's-face angle. It seems like a clever way to subvert his image and shift the focus elsewhere. You compared this to LADY IN THE LAKE. Which movie would you say does this first-person trick better?Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-61514748257207037052013-07-02T14:13:58.957-04:002013-07-02T14:13:58.957-04:00Vienna, thanks for your kind praise of my DARK PAS...Vienna, thanks for your kind praise of my DARK PASSAGE post! I agree with you that it was a challenge to keep Bogart offscreen for what must have felt like a long time for most moviegoers, but it sure was worth it the the impact once we get to see him at last. I especially liked Tom D'Andrea, too; he had just the right mix of wariness and compassion. I'm glad you stopped by to comment about DP; feel free to drop by anytime!DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-33383783169259990502013-07-02T11:45:52.289-04:002013-07-02T11:45:52.289-04:00Great review. A film I can watch over and over. An...Great review. A film I can watch over and over. And thanks for info that Delmer Daves was in the photo of Irene's dad.<br />One of my favorite characters is Tom D'Andrea - what a smooth performance ,making Sam the cab driver so likeable.<br />It is surprising that Warners kept Bogie's face off the screen for so long.But it added so much to the dramatic effect. <br /><br />Vienna's Classic HollywoodViennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06907591161822012949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-77148171098102144992013-07-02T10:54:28.454-04:002013-07-02T10:54:28.454-04:00Dawn, I applaud you and your dad for being fans of...Dawn, I applaud you and your dad for being fans of DARK PASSAGE, like us here at Team Bartilucci HQ! Your dad clearly raised you right! :-D And like you, I love the San Francisco locations and the great character actors, with Agnes Moorehead stealing the show! You have great taste, my friend! All of us here at Team B HQ hope you and yours have a great Independence Day Weekend!DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-66633336889223874972013-07-02T08:59:11.350-04:002013-07-02T08:59:11.350-04:00I love this films moodiness and it's many unfo...I love this films moodiness and it's many unforgettable views of a beautiful foggy San Francisco. I agree.. of all the Bogart/Bacall pairings, this was the most romantic. My dad called me the other day to remind me to watch it.. He said "this is a must see classic film". I agree.. it is a great film. <br /><br />I'm a huge Agnes Moorehead fan and love every performance she does, good, bad or the ugly.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09421976438809816553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-11746300940610663882013-07-01T11:17:10.744-04:002013-07-01T11:17:10.744-04:00Many thanks for your positive comments, Gilby! I ...Many thanks for your positive comments, Gilby! I really appreciate your patience with the Nook snafu, too; your comments are always worth waiting for! It's a shame Clifton Young actually died relatively young; I keep hearing conflicting reports that he'd either committed suicide or had accidentally fallen asleep while smoking. Either way, it's a shame, because he was a terrific character actor. Hmm...an Agnes Moorehead Blogathon...Gilby, you clever girl, you're giving me ideas... ;-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-3227551391022092452013-07-01T10:16:00.686-04:002013-07-01T10:16:00.686-04:00YEAH! It appeared -- a little delayed but at least...YEAH! It appeared -- a little delayed but at least I don't have to remember what I wrote and repost!Gilby37https://www.blogger.com/profile/12559239743969365425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-14815642207963248702013-06-30T19:34:09.188-04:002013-06-30T19:34:09.188-04:00Marsha, no need to be "sorry" -- after a...Marsha, no need to be "sorry" -- after all, how could we ever find the multitalented, amazing Agnes Moorehead to be anything less than "Bewitching"? :-D She's long been one of my favorite character actresses. Our pal and fellow blogger Jim Lane of JIM LANE'S CINEDROME had mentioned here that Agnes would have been playing Lady Macbeth opposite Orson Welles if it hadn't been for scheduling conflicts on the big screen; oh, what could have been! Oh well, at least we've got plenty of Agnes' work to watch and enjoy! :-)DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-88547073087458525162013-06-30T18:58:08.667-04:002013-06-30T18:58:08.667-04:00Great post, Dorian - very absorbing. And oh that A...Great post, Dorian - very absorbing. And oh that Agnes - she was a cut above the rest - a really fascinating actress that brought something special (and sometimes sinister) to everything she did. She was Bewitching! (sorry).FlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-66238701395051288022013-06-30T17:12:54.302-04:002013-06-30T17:12:54.302-04:00Jim, I think I first experienced the subjective ca...Jim, I think I first experienced the subjective camera gimmick when I watched LADY IN THE LAKE on the late show when I was growing up in the Bronx, and that enticed me to seek out DARK PASSAGE, inspiring me to find DARK PASSAGE. I bet lots of moviegoers were impatient to see Bogie's mug already when DP came out in theaters! :-)<br /><br />I never knew Agnes Moorehead was supposed to play Lady Macbeth for Orson Welles for Republic! I agree, Jim; Agnes would have been GREAT as Lady Macbeth opposite her fellow Mercury Theatre co-star/director! It might even have gotten her an Oscar at last. Darn movie schedules! >:-(<br /><br />On the more upbeat side, Jim, I laughed out loud over your quip "The sonofabitch made me look like Humphrey Bogart!" You know, I've heard some folks claim there really is an outtake somewhere with Bogie and Baby removing the bandages, with Bacall quipping to Bogart, "Here's looking at you, kid," and Bogart joking back, "That's my line!" :-D Swell to have you join the chat here at TotED, Jim, as always!<br /><br />DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-89123426585457331652013-06-30T14:35:55.214-04:002013-06-30T14:35:55.214-04:00I first saw Dark Passage on TV as a kid, and I rem...I first saw <i>Dark Passage</i> on TV as a kid, and I remember being fascinated by the extended use of the subjective camera; it may have been my first exposure to that kind of thing. At the time I thought something along the lines of: "Humphrey Bogart's supposed to be the star of this movie; are we ever going to <i>see</i> him?"<br /><br />Nowadays, knowing a little more, I think of <i>DP</i> (I confess, a little resentfully) as the picture that tied up Agnes Moorehead's schedule and kept her from doing <i>Macbeth</i> with Orson Welles over at Republic. What a Lady M. she would have been!<br /><br />I also have a cherished fantasy about this movie. You know the scene where the bandages come off and we finally see Bogart's face as he wonderingly beholds his new puss in the mirror? My fantasy is that somewhere in the Warner Bros. vaults there's an outtake where the playful Bogie couldn't resist staring at the mirror for a few seconds, then muttering, "The sonofabitch made me look like Humphrey Bogart!"Jim Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00981196894914646656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-37310909430646993922013-06-30T11:26:20.358-04:002013-06-30T11:26:20.358-04:00Caftan Woman, I love your anecdote about your husb...Caftan Woman, I love your anecdote about your husband's reaction to Agnes Moorehead! She gave her roles all she got in all her performances, but when the versatile Agnes played dangerous, unpredictable dames like Madge in DP, I for one was glad it was only a movie, because our family has known people like that in real life. Agnes sure nailed what that kind of gal is like! *BRRR*!<br /><br />I hadn't realized Edward G. Robinson had been gray-listed. Boy, those darn HUAC bullies wreaked havoc on so many lives, the so-and-so's! I agree with you, C.W.: "Politics is politics. No matter the era, most people shake their heads and turn to the funny papers."DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-24743501523651163532013-06-30T11:08:44.128-04:002013-06-30T11:08:44.128-04:00Yvette, beaucoup thanks for your enthusiastic prai...Yvette, beaucoup thanks for your enthusiastic praise of my DARK PASSAGE post! Though Bogart and Bacall's playful, insolent films are my favorites among their movies, I assure you I also love their more tender performances like in DP. Loved your smart and sassy comments, especially: "Did you ever know a 'hero' to have such continuously rotten luck as poor Vincent Parry? I mean, really. If he wasn't Bogart he'd be border-line schmucky. Ha!" So true, my friend, but you gotta admit proves again that Bogart had range as an actor! :-D <br /><br />When it comes to hot movie dames, Agnes Moorehead may not be to all tastes beauty-wise, but I've always liked her regal air and her versatility as an actress, from CITIZEN KANE to Samantha's literally witchy mom on the TV sitcom BEWITCHED. Agnes didn't get 4 Oscar nominations and Emmys for nothing! Well, the world need both apples and oranges, right? :-D DorianTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01357778472575080022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509497574816685109.post-46526308903713109622013-06-30T09:22:19.906-04:002013-06-30T09:22:19.906-04:00My husband caught "Dark Passage" for the...My husband caught "Dark Passage" for the first time last week. He came up from the rec room shaking his head and all he could say was "Agnes Moorehead - holy *beep*!" <br /><br />I think you're right about the movie's rough edges making it less successful, not any HUAC connection. In Edward G. Robinson's autobiography he wrote about going on the road and wondering how audiences would react to him since he was grey listed in Hollywood. No one ever mentioned it. Politics is politics. No matter the era, most people shake their heads and turn to the funny papers.Caftan Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936895555808823221noreply@blogger.com