They sure don't make them like the used to...

from JoeUser Forums

As I went to bed last night and was surfing the channels trying to find something to watch for a bit before I actually fell asleep I found the old Henry Fonda classic 12 Angry Men on Turner Classics (or one of the other classic channels, I believe it was Turner though).  Since that is one of my "all time" favorite flicks, of course I camped on that channel to watch it through to the end.  Most definitely one of the best films ever made, though the trivia that was brought up after the film had finished noted that it was far from a commercial success and and in fact it lost a fair amount of money for Mr. Fonda.  Apparently enough money lost that he decided to never again go into producing and financing a film.  Such a shame that the film wasn't recognized for its value until so much later, but of course there are plenty of films out there that fit that category really.

I wish I could say the modern era was full of under-appreciated films, but in that area, well, I don't think so.  At least not to the same levels as the golden age of film.  Sure there might be one or two films that squeak by and don't get noticed like they should (Idiocracy is one of my modern favorites that I might claim that about, but there are plenty of people that point at it and claim it has no real reason to be claiming such), but in reality I think a lot of what Hollywood produces today is rightfully seen as over-hyped and not nearly as good as the classics of old.

It would be nice to think that Hollywood could find more new content, things that would surprise us and stun us, but they seem more intent on stealing from themselves and tossing bunches of remakes at us, or tossing us "new" content that is anything but (I'm looking at you Dances with Avatar...)  Yeah, I know the old proverbs about there only ever having been one original story/thought and everything else was just a rip-off of that, but there are new things written fairly constantly and it seems very rare that we discover a Rowling or Grisham rather than getting the latest from someone that is simply ripping off the same formula that those people used to wow us with as they hit the scene.

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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

It was TCM - they were running a Henry Fonda day (I know, I caught "In Harm's Way" and noted Midway before I checked the evening lineup to see if there was a reason for all the war movies - nope, just Fonda Movies).

I have not seen 12 angry men, but based upon your recommendation, will definitely catch it the next time!  And I agree with you about recent movies.  When Hollywood starts remaking BAD movies of years past, you know they are bankrupt of ideas.  I heard that my favorite movie - It's a Wonderful Life - was also a commercial failure.  I guess back in the day, the public was more discriminating and their tastes are not ours.  Too bad.  That means a lot of old movies are hard to watch since they are not household words, yet are great pics (I find most of the movies I like to watch are from the 60s or earlier - when surfing for something to watch).

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

I have not seen 12 angry men, but based upon your recommendation, will definitely catch it the next time!

EEEEEK! :O

How could you not have seen that one before?!  It truly is a classic.  There's been a remake of it (with the very talented Jack Lemon serving in the Hendry Fonda role if memory serves) in the last few decades, but I still prefer the original even with it having a few warts of its own.

It really is a classic.  12 jurors having just heard a case, trying to decide whether the evidence that they've heard is enough to convict someone of a capital crime (meaning they'd face the death penalty).

That's all I'll say about it other than to note that besides Fonda the cast itself was ALL STAR.  There may be a couple of cast members that were lesser known, but most were fairly recognizable stars in their own right.

 

I did notice that there seemed to be a Fonda marathon running and would have caught a few more of his works if I could have stayed awake, but thankfully I think I fell asleep fairly well soon after the film had ended.

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

12 jurors having just heard a case, trying to decide whether the evidence that they've heard is enough to convict someone of a capital crime (meaning they'd face the death penalty).

I knew that much about it.

Please accept my humblest apologies. I knew waht it was about, but no one ever recommended it so strongly.  I will make an effort to get a copy and watch it.

Another one they had (and I have seen because Col. Sherman T. Potter recommended it) was My Darling Clementine.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Another one they had (and I have seen because Col. Sherman T. Potter recommended it) was My Darling Clementine.

Admittedly, I need to apologize for not having seen several of the other flicks that TCM aired in the marathon, or at least not remembering them if I had seen them.

Fonda did so many good films that just about any could be called classics and all probably deserve to be watched.

In the case of 12 Angry Men part of what makes it so great to me is how it just works so well.  It flows in near real time and focuses on something that you can easily imagine is very realistic.  Yeah the rules for jurors and legal cases have changed over time and there are some nits to pick, but for the most part the film is just too good and too fascinating as it all unfolds in front of you.  It was masterfully directed (Sidney Lumet) and again so well acted by the stars that you are just sucked into it and fascinated by it throughout.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

It is a great movie.  In the vain of not so successful classics, try "Lifeboat".  Grainy black and white is an acquired taste, I know, but I really like to watch old and semi-old movies to see who became someone and who didn't (as well as for the content, of course).  I just this afternoon watched "Lifeguard", one of Sam Elliots' first movies.  Movies from the seventies are a special favorite of mine for the lack of technology.  I always titter when Steve McQueen has to pull over to find a phone booth to call the police station. Heehee. 

Terp:  you should run a "Friday Five" on classics that weren't so popular at their birth!

Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

I always titter when Steve McQueen has to pull over to find a phone booth to call the police station. Heehee.

That is a very recent change, but then most kids entering college these days will never understand it.

As for Lifeboat, yes!  That one was great!  Not all men making bad decisions are evil, nor are all men caring for everyone good.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

I remember Lifeboat well and thoroughly enjoy it too.  A powerful film really, and again done with a fairly small cast that came together so well.