Titanic (1953)

With the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic rapidly approaching, I wanted to take the opportunity to revisit the history of that unfathomable disaster and some of the films inspired by it. Particularly the "other" Titanic films, beginning with the 1953 classic Titanic starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb. While this film lacks the gloss, spectacle, and budget of its more famous 1997 counterpart, actually I prefer it. Yes, it lacks the more impressive special effects and spectacle of the James Cameron film, and one can take issue with various historical liberties (particularly common in Hollywood's "Golden Age"). But I think at least one of the many reasons a general public fascination with the Titanic has endured is that it is in many ways a cross-section of humanity. On that ill-fated liner were some of the richest and most privileged individuals in the world (i.e. John Jacob Astor) alongside the poorest of immigrants, and in the face of that iceberg all men and women were equalized. And that is the greatest strength of this 1953 classic -- bringing a human face to the tragedy.

At the centerpiece of this film (which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay) is the strained relationship between Julia Sturges (Barbara Stanwyck) and her husband Richard (Clifton Webb). As the film opens Julia is fleeing her society-obsessed husband with her two children, Annette (Audrey Dalton) and Norman (Harper Carter) for a more humble, grounded life in her home state of Michigan. She almost makes a clean "getaway," if you will, but Richard foils her plans by purchasing a steerage passenger's ticket and coming aboard. Webb and Stanwyck are two of classic Hollywood's brightest stars, and they positively shine in their roles as the estranged couple. The tension and genuine sense of heartbreak in their scenes -- particularly evident in Stanwyck's expressions (Webb is much more stoic), as she throws herself whole-heartedly into the role of Julia -- is practically palpable. The emotion and the history and the heart-wrenching sense of lost opportunity between these two characters makes their road toward the film's inevitable conclusion -- the sinking -- that much more wrenching, driving home the human toll of the tragedy in a brilliant, heartfelt fashion.

There's a youthful love story here as well, one that crosses class boundaries and foreshadows the changing and loosening societal standards and norms of the still-young 20th-century. Annette Sturges is a daughter of privileged, raised (in particular by her father) with an eye to making a brilliant marriage. In only his tenth film appearance, a very youthful Robert Wagner plays the very middle-class Gifford Rogers, a Purdue student who determines to pursue an acquaintance with the lovely Annette despite her initial disdain of his distinct lack of antecedents. Their budding romance is a joy to watch, principally because one cannot help but like the energetic and determined Giff. And while some may argue Giff's eventual survival is contrived (he falls from the Titanic while attempting to cut a lifeboat free & is subsequently rescued), personally I like the fact that the sweet Giff and Annette romance has a chance of surviving post-sinking.

One of the biggest sticking points between Julia and Richard is her view of his general uselessness outside of transient social obligations. The biggest blow to Richard prior to the sinking isn't the dissolution of his marriage -- it's the discovery that his beloved son, the "prize" who will carry on his name, is actually the product of an affair. Norman idolizes his father, and seeing Richard shut the child is an extraordinarily painful moment. However, when it becomes clear that the ship is going down and that many will not survive thanks to an appalling lack of lifeboats, Richard steps up in an extraodinary fashion. In large part the reason this film works so well for me is the character of Richard and his actions during the ship's final moments. Watching Richard realize that family, not social trappings, are the only things that matter is just one way in which this film serves as a powerful reminder of the best that humanity is capable of in the worst of times. And I defy you not to shed a tear during Richard and Norman's final moments. That, people, is why Clifton Webb is a classic.

I can't go without mentioning Thelma Ritter's performance as Maude Young, her character one of the nouveau riche who is Margaret Brown (the "unsinkable Molly Brown") in all but name. Her no-nonsense, unflappable attitude towards, well, everything and everyone is an absolute joy to watch. She takes a particular interest in George Healey (Richard Baseheart) a former priest suspended for his reliance on alcohol. Healey is an absolutely heart-breaking character, completely lost and without purpose until during the sinking he resolves to try and rescue crewmen trapped in the engine room. Both Healey and Richard become unexpectedly heroic during the sinking, providing two of the film's best performances.

Clocking in at a relatively short ninety-eight minutes, Titanic is a well-paced, smartly executed film that holds up extraordinarily well over fifty years after its release. This is not a big, glossy epic by today's standards -- and even by the standards of Hollywood's classic era this film feels remarkably understated. By focusing on the Sturges and a handful of other passengers for the first half of the film, this becomes a remarkably intimate viewing experience -- so by the time of the collison and sinking, we as viewers are well-invested in the lives of this handful of players caught up in a horror beyond their imagination.

I found this quote by Stanwyck, on filming the scenes where the lucky passengers to acquire spots in lifeboats flee the doomed liner --

"It was bitter cold. I was 47 feet up in the air in a lifeboat...the water below was agitated. We were re-creating an actual tragedy and I burst into tears. I shook with great racking sobs and couldn't stop."

That sense of responsibility, if you will, towards the material and the history is glaringly apparent in Stanwyck's performance. Leaving the lifeboat this is a woman eviscerated. It is a brilliant showcase for Stanwyck's considerable acting talent and a testimony to the enduring power of a little film with a lot of heart. Worthwhile viewing, especially as we approach the 100th anniversary of that infamous weekend in April that saw the loss of so many lives.

Casting Call: Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington

Well, I meant to post this over a week ago, shortly after my review of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss…but life has a way of disrupting the best-laid plans, don’t you know? *g* Since so much time has passed, this isn’t going to be quite as comprehensive a “Casting Call” post as my first for Cara Putman’s Stars in the Night. But since these casting ideas have been knocking around in my head ever since I read Victory Heights, I just had to make sure I shared them. As a refresher, here’s a bit about the novel with a link to my review.

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie’s fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the local Boeing plant, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her “Seattle’s Own Rosie the Riveter,” and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie’s strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent…but will it claim victory over love?

**Here’s a link to my review of the novel.**

Barbara Stanwyck as Rosalie

Rosalie Madison, played by Barbara Stanwyck: You know those fabulous “Rosie the Riveter” posters from World War II? Well, it’s no coincidence I’m sure that Rosalie is quite similar to that image which inspired countless women to leave their homes and join the war effort. However, if Victory Heights was going to be made into a film (and I do so wish it would, I think it would be perfect – Hallmark, are you listening? *g*), I was stymied as to what actress could represent Rosalie’s combination of strength and vulnerability. I finally settled on Barbara Stanwyck. She’s not only a class act, but she’s got an all-American, girl-next-door kind of look that would be perfect for this story. As to whether or not Stanwyck is the best actress to portray Rosalie’s strength and vulnerability on-screen – I must refer you to films like Annie Oakley, Ball of Fire, The Lady Eve, and East Side, West Side – no one can balance spunk, sass, and vulnerability like Ms. Stanwyck!

John Payne as Kenny

Kenny Davenport, played by John Payne: I have a very definite image of on-screen reporters during the World War II time period – fast-talking, fedora pulled low over the forehead, always wearing a suit. It’s hard for me to put the ideal description that resides in my head into words, but when an actor’s got that “it” quality, I know they’d be perfect for the role. In the case of Kenny, the reporter who struggles with his career aspirations and serving his country, I kept coming back to John Payne as being the perfect actor. Kenny is an absolute sweetheart, kind, handsome, and with a great sense of humor, all qualities that Payne embodies in many of his classic Hollywood films (plus, I think he’d have great on-screen chemistry with Stanwyck – the sparks would fly!). Personality-wise, I think Kenny’s character is best represented best by Payne’s role in Miracle on 34th Street, as well as a few of his turns in musicals, believe it or not (thinking Springtime in the Rockies or Hello Frisco, Hello to name a few).

Peter Lawford as Nick

Nick, played by Peter Lawford: Nick is Kenny’s close friend, and described as very handsome, a charismatic ladies’ man. And when I think charismatic ladies’ man, Peter Lawford is one of the first actors from classic Hollywood that comes to mind. Nick worked overseas for a contract ambulance service, and when he was severely wounded in the leg he was sent home with no benefits, since he didn’t work through the Army (even though he served on the front lines). His character comes across as almost overly suave and compelling as a way for him to mask his emotional and physical wounds. Since Lawford was British, and possessed this almost aristocratic bearing, it seems like he played many roles where he comes from a rarified, privileged background and he has to work to overcome the bias that comes as a result of that. For some good examples see his appearances in films like Good News, Little Women, or Easter Parade.

Veronica Lake as Lanie

Lanie, played by Veronica Lake: Lanie was an interesting character to cast. She’s described as a head-turning, gorgeous blonde who rather improbably works at the Boeing aircraft plant with Rosalie. She’s also a singer, which is how she meets Nick. Half the time Lanie seems incredibly sweet and nice, and the other half of the time I wanted to smack her upside the head for being, well, a snake in the grass. Who better to play a woman of such contradictions than the lovely Veronica Lake, renowned femme fatale of the silver screen? Now in the Lake films I’ve seen, I’d say I end up liking her more than Lanie (*g*) – my favorite role of hers is in the film noir classic The Blue Dahlia (which really, REALLY needs to come out on DVD already!). This picture is from Lake’s appearance in the military-themed drama So Proudly We Hail!, and I thought it was wildly appropriate given that she looks like she could be working a shift at the Boeing factory.

Jane Powell as Birdie

Birdie, played by Jane Powell: Birdie is Rosalie’s best friend, and the two decided to room together when Birdie got work at the plant after her husband was deployed overseas. Birdie’s another girl next door, all-American type, extremely kind but with a backbone of steel. Jane Powell seems perfect for the part. If you’re familiar with Powell’s work, you can probably guess the role that inspired my choice – yep, I’m thinking of her turn in the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Powell’s turn in that film embodies her balance of delicate beauty, spunk, and strength.

Lana Turner as Lana :)

Lana Turner, played by Lana Turner of course! I cast Lana Turner in my first Casting Call post, but this time around she gets to play herself so of course I had to include her. Turner plays a critical role in Rosalie and Kenny’s “meet cute” and the subsequent direction of their relationship. Victory Heights takes place in Turner’s pre-blonde days – she was a stunner whether brunette or blonde, no?

Dean Jagger as Rev. Davenport

Reverend Davenport, played by Dean Jagger: Just in case you don’t recognize Dean Jagger’s name, I have two words for you: White Christmas. Yes, Jagger is the name of that guy who plays Major General Thomas F. Waverly, who never fails to bring tears to my eyes every time I watch White Christmas. I think he’s perfectly suited to play Reverend Davenport, Kenny’s father, who is sent stateside when he’s wounded overseas and ends up losing a leg. Jagger’s turn in White Christmas is the perfect embodiment of Reverend Davenport’s patience and kindness, plus I think he could do a decent job passing for John Payne’s father in the looks department! *wink* Note on the photo: I'm not sure what film this still is from, but since Jagger is in uniform I had to use it to illustrate this post!
 
The world of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, is populated with many more characters that need to be “cast,” but this post represents most of the characters that made the biggest impression on my mind when I read the book. These characters just begged to be brought to life by some classic Hollywood legends. If you haven’t read the book, I hope you get the chance, and if you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my casting call!
 
And just for fun, here's a photo of John Payne from Miracle on 34th Street - his stance in this photo really "fits" the character of Kenny in my opinion! :)

Kenny interrogating Santa :)