Mr. North

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:54pm

This isn't a brilliant movie, but it's one of those DVDs I keep coming back to. It was made in 1988.

I love the story (by Thornton Wilder). I love the setting (very Gatsby-esque) in Newport. The locations are authentic, and the costumes are beautiful.

And the cast is incredible! Really a dream cast:

Anthony Edwards (with hair!)
Robert Mitchum
Lauren Bacall
Harry Dean Stanton
Angelica Huston
Mary Stuart Masterson
Virginia Madsen
Tammy Grimes
David Warner
Christopher Durang
Katharine Houghton
Mark Metcalf
Christopher Lawford

The music is beautiful (by David McHugh), and the direction is by Danny Huston (John's son and Angelica's bro!).

This would make a great musical, IMO.





I've been escaping into it this afternoon, and I couldn't be happier!

Updated On: 10/17/08 at 08:54 PM

[tazber]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:06pm

I've never heard of it, but on your recommendation I'll check it out.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:18pm

I hope you like it, Taz!

It's great for an evening's "swell" diversion. And I really like the overall philosophy of the main character.

One favorite line, uttered by a dotty old butler: "Newport! No lady here has ever heard the beginning of a concert, or read the end of a book."

Makes me chuckle every time.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:24pm

I used to see this movie on the shelf at the video store all the time, and I was intrigued by the cover. But I never saw the film itself. That was in the "old days" before the Internet, so my only resource was Leonard Maltin's movie book, and he (or whoever really "reviewed" MR. NORTH) didn't care for it, so I always backed away.

But now that you've told me about it, I'll have to see it!

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:34pm

It's a lovely ensemble movie with a stellar cast.

I just fell in love with Virginia Madsen watching it. I do every time.

And Tammy Grimes and David Warner make wonderful "villains."

Angelica Huston is stunning, regal, playful and mysterious.

Harry Dean Stanton is a delight!

Christopher Durang is a hoot.

Lauren Bacall holds court with a great wit in her boarding house full of retired servants.

Mary Stuart Masterson is a delicate, sad flower (an unusual part for her!) Katharing Houghton ("Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?") and Mark Metcalf ("Animal House") are her concerned parents.

Robert Mitchum is the wise old wealthy owl, who rises from his death bead to enjoy life again.

Add in the gorgeous location scenery, the memorable music and the light directorial touch of Danny Huston.

No wonder I keep coming back to it!

EDIT: And I forgot the glue that holds it all together... a winning, thoughtful, underplayed performance by (a very handsome) Anthony Edwards... as "Mr. North!"

Updated On: 10/17/08 at 09:34 PM

[Mamie]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:39pm

I'm watching Finnian's Rainbow right now and my favorite bit is just starting..... "Oh, the Lord made Adam, the Lord made Eve, He made them both a little bit naive...."

[Mamie]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 9:41pm

"When the begat to to gettin' under par
They begat the daughters of the DAR"


LOVE IT