cocoanut_grove

I recently had the pleasure of seeing "Waterloo Bridge" on the big screen, and it was an experience not to be missed! One of the most beautiful, saddest and romantic movies ever made, "Waterloo Bridge" has, in the words of noted film historian Bill Collins, "never been accorded the esteem it so richly deserves", despite being an audience favourite for over 60 years.

What's with all this carping about Robert Taylor's accent? I do not think his voice was jarring or anachronistic at all...Taylor's cultured 1930s American accent is reasonably close to British voices as displayed in this movie, as were the accents of most American stars of the period- which is why someone like (say) Ida Lupino could convincingly play the sister of Joan Leslie, Roland Young and Douglas Fairbanks Jr made a sterling father-and-son combo, and did American Myrna Loy stand out like a sore thumb next to Irishman George Brent in "The Rains Came", in which they both played British aristocrats? No, she did not. Besides, even if Taylor's accent was not perfect, (and I think it was perfection), isn't it more important that he played the role of Captain Cronin so wonderfully, with such romantic energy and heartbreaking sincerity? (Look at all the emotion he conveys, using just his eyes, in the final scene on the bridge.) And my goodness, he is just fantastically good looking as well!

I do not think he comes across as overly "American" in personality, either. As we all know, the British do not have a monopoly on such characteristics are reservedness and restraint, just as brashness and confidence are not strictly American qualities. Besides, nationalistic stereotyping is something we need *less* of in movies, not more! (As an Australian, I know whereof I speak- Steve Irwin, can you hear me?)

Robert Taylor's fine performance is matched by those of Vivien Leigh, Virginia Field (who probably should have won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this movie), Lucile Watson and C. Aubrey Smith. Special mention should also be made of the outstanding musical score by Herbert Stothart, whose arrangement of "Auld Lang Syne" sets the scene for one of cinema's all-time great romantic scenes in the Candlelight Club. We also get such favourites as "Smiles", "It's A Long Way to Tipperary", "The Minstrel Boy" and "Loch Lomond" as well as Stothart's memorable original theme- a sad little waltz underscoring the doomed romance of Myra and Roy.

All in all, if your heart doesn't break during this movie, you may want to check for a pulse, or perhaps consider emergency cardiac surgery!!

"Laughter" is a glorious romantic comedy with a terrific cast including that great man of the screen, Fredric March. It concerns a young woman who has married for stability and wealth, but can't forget the love of her life, played by the delicious Mr March. It was made at Paramount's Long Island studios, and some scenes were shot on location in New York, giving the movie a different "look" to many others of the period. Some people think of this movie as the first "Screwball" comedy. "Laughter" was Frank Morgan's first talkie and the last movie for Diane Ellis who plays his daughter. She died on her honeymoon in December 1930.

"The Longest Night" is a great and entertaining motion picture. Set in a department store, the participants include two sisters, the young owner of the store, annoying little brats, a kleptomaniac, a murderer and assorted cops. The movie had suspense, thrills, romance and laughs. What more could you ask for? Its short length meant a sad lack of screen time for the lovely Robert Young. But, as the saying goes, always leave them wanting more!!