The Plot: Duke Ellington and his band perform “C Jam Blues” in a bar. That’s it. That’s the whole thing.
Why It Matters: The NFR mentions this film’s designation as a Soundie, described as “a musical film played on jukebox-like devices found in social clubs and bars.” An essay by jazz film expert Mark Cantor gives a thorough history of the Soundies.
But Does It Really?: We’ll get more of Duke Ellington throughout the Registry, but this short gets a pass for its representation of the Soundies. To quote the aforementioned essay “The significance of this film is clear, and its placement on the Registry well warranted!” Yeah, Cantor actually ends his essay with that. The exclamation mark is there too. Go ahead, click the link.
Everybody Gets One: Many of the band members also appear in Duke’s other NFR entry “Black and Tan”, but I’ll give them a shout-out anyway. On violin, Ray Nance! On trumpet, Rex Stewart! On saxophone, Ben Webster! On trombone, Tricky Sam Nanton! On clarinet, Barney Bigard! And on drums, Sonny Greer!
Wow, That’s Dated: “Harlem Cats Eatery”. Plus the halcyon days of the clarinet as a jazz instrument. It was mainly just Barney Bigard and Benny Goodman.
Other notes
Did RCM Productions steal their logo from 20th Century Fox?
“The Soundies” seems like it should be the uninspired name for a sound mixing award, doesn’t it? How many times has Kevin O’Connell lost that one?
Lunch is only 23 cents! That’d be about $3.50 today! It’s a steal!
Trombonist Joe Nanton earned the nickname “Tricky Sam” from Duke’s saxophonist Toby Hardwick. The tricky part I get, it’s the Sam part that doesn’t add up. I guess you had to be there.
So if I play jazz in a bar, women will randomly show up and fawn over me? Noted.
In doing my research, I learned that one of the companies that made Soundies was called “L.O.L. Productions”. As best I can tell the initials stood for the founders, two of which were Arthur Leonard and Sam Oliphant. Oh, where are you, second L?
Legacy
While Soundies went out of fashion with the advent of television, it did pave the way for the modern music video. I have an unlimited selection of music video I could link to, but God help me, it’s Mick Jagger and David Bowie’s “Dancing in the Street” that’s calling to me right now.
“C Jam Blues” has been covered many times over the years. Lyrics were eventually added and the song came to be called “Duke’s Place”.
Director Josef Berne would direct many Soundies, including a few more with Duke. His moment in the sun came when he directed the 1943 short “Heavenly Music”, which won the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short.
An animated show where Duke Ellington is an advice-spewing ghost voiced by Jordan Peele? I mean, you’re picturing it, and we’re talking about it…
Directed & Written by Frank Tashlin. “Based” on the play by George Axelrod.
Class of 2000
The Plot: Rock Hunter (Tony Randall) is an ad writer trying to impress the bosses (Henry Jones & John Williams), while also trying to start a life with his secretary/girlfriend Jenny (Betsy Drake). To keep their client, Stay-Put Lipstick, Rock proposes a celebrity endorsement from buxom movie star Rita Marlowe (Jayne Mansfield). While visiting Rita to discuss the idea, Rock pretends to be Rita’s boyfriend to help her upset her TV star ex, Bobo (Mickey Hargitay). The ruse goes public, and Rock finds himself with instant fame, and the new nickname “Lover Boy”. But will success spoil him? Yes…wait, no. Um…pass!
Why It Matters: The NFR calls the film a “wry and risqué comedy” and states that the film’s satire “comes across as fresh and daring as it did in the 1950s.” I….don’t know about that.
But Does It Really?: This is another one of those movies that seems to have skipped ahead in the film preservation line. “Rock Hunter” has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments (thanks mostly to Tony Randall’s solid performance), but the plot wears thin pretty quickly, and the multiple dated references makes it all age poorly. A comedy classic? Hardly. An entertaining time capsule of Madison Avenue satire? Absolutely. I give it the slightest of passes.
Everybody Gets One: Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay (aka the future Mr. Jayne Mansfield), and Betsy Drake (aka the then-current Mrs. Cary Grant).
Wow, That’s Dated: This film is 100% the flannel suit-wearing, psychoanalysis-obsessing, Madison Avenue-centered world of 1957.
Take a Shot: The title is said three times, twice in the pre-credits sequence, and once during a “commercial interruption”.
Seriously, Oscars?: No Oscar nominations, but a little bit of precursor love. Tony Randall’s performance lost the Golden Globe to Frank Sinatra in “Pal Joey”, while Frank Tashlin’s script lost the WGA Award to “Love in the Afternoon”.
Other notes
For starters, this film is an adaptation of the play in pretty much name only. The play is more of a modern Hollywood riff on Faust than a satire of Madison Avenue. And Rock Hunter himself isn’t even in the play!
Just a reminder that due to a recent business transaction, this film is technically a Disney movie.
I do love when a movie futzes with its opening logo. I also enjoy this film’s occasional fourth wall breaking, which is done sparingly, but always to great comic effect.
This film is an excellent reminder that sometimes a good performance is about the quality a performer brings rather than their talent. Nobody ever called Jayne Mansfield a brilliant actor, but she plays a “Marilyn Monroe-type” very well.
Is it any wonder David Hyde Pierce played the Tony Randall role in “Down with Love”? They both play fastidious yet funny so well.
If Stay-Put needs a new ad agency, there’s always that up-and-coming Sterling Cooper.
Practically every scene in this movie is dubbed! Did CinemaScope cameras come attached with jet engines? Did Sergio Leone direct this?
The setting and era make me suspect that Rock Hunter will run into C.C. Baxter at some point.
So many utterances of the word “poop”. The Hays Code people must have stepped out for a smoke or something.
The squealing noise Rita makes is really annoying. Did she swallow one of Shamroy’s chew toys?
I was quite amused by the newspaper headlines. Now there’s your topical humor!
The scene of Rock being chased by fans is a lot of fun. Plus, they could have sued those “Hard Day’s Night” guys.
This film is a waste of Joan Blondell.
It makes sense that director/writer Frank Tashlin started off in animation (see “The Way of Peace”). A lot of this film’s action feels “cartoony”.
When he tries on Bobo’s suit, Tony Randall IS David Byrne.
So Ed Sullivan won’t appear in this film, but has no problem with “Bye Bye Birdie”?
Just a reminder that Tony Randall’s second wife, Heather Harlan, would not be born until 13 years after this film’s release. As you were.
Towards the end, when Rock realizes just how important the average Joe is, he tells Jenny “Who elects the Presidents? Nobody but us!” Well…
Love that surprise guest star. The secret word is “catch”.
Legacy
I feel like this film’s main legacy is Jayne and Mickey’s daughter: Mariska Hargitay.
OR “The First Indy Movie” (I am not proud of that one)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Written by Lawrence Kasdan. Story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman.
Class of 1999
The Plot: 1930s archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is enlisted by the U.S. government to find the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the power-hungry hands of Nazis, aided by Indy’s rival Belloq (Jonathan Freeman). Indy’s trip to Egypt is sidetracked by a rendezvous with Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), a former flame, as well as the daughter of his old mentor. With their combined knowledge of the Ark, as well as the skill set of local digger Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), they travel from action sequence to action sequence in a mission to find the Ark.
Why It Matters: Despite a detailed plot synopsis, the NFR write-up has no justification of why “Raiders” is on the list. Whoever wrote some of these did not care for the more populist entries.
But Does It Really?: If the NFR won’t put in a good word, I will. “Raiders” is one of the rare films that completely succeeds at what it wants to be. Spielberg, Kasdan, and company made an updated version of the classic adventure film serials that doesn’t feel like a tribute, but rather like the real thing. The film is endlessly inventive, and is still as fresh and as fun as it was in 1981. Its impact on filmmaking can still be felt, and it is undeniably deserving of a place in the NFR.
Shout Outs: Indy’s truck stunt is an homage to a similar stunt in “Stagecoach”. And be on the look out for a brief reference to “Star Wars”.
Everybody Gets One: Most of the supporting cast, notably: Jonathan Freeman, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, and a young Alfred Molina in his film debut!
Seriously, Oscars?: The runaway hit of 1981, “Raiders” scored eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. But the trend of small indie darlings taking home the grand prize was just beginning, and the Academy opted for “Chariots of Fire”. “Raiders” did, however, win four competitive awards (Art Direction, Editing, Sound, & Visual Effects), as well as one special award for Sound Design. Spielberg lost Best Director to Warren Beatty for “Reds”, and John Williams’ legendary score lost to Vangelis for “Chariots of Fire”. Another iconic score for sure, but come on.
Other notes
How did this film not get an Original Screenplay nomination? Another count of “Seriously, Oscars?”
And that’s how you introduce an iconic film character!
The iconic boulder chase wins the award for “Best Movie Scene Based on an Uncle Scrooge Comic“
The establishing shot of Indy’s school was filmed at the University of Pacific in my hometown of Stockton, California. It looks like an Ivy League school, but is remarkably cheaper to film at!
One of the government agents is Britain’s go-to American William Hootkins, aka “Porkins”.
This may be the first mainstream film to turn Hitler into an archetypal film villain. The real Adolf Hitler wasn’t obsessed with the occult, but an action-adventure movie’s embodiment of evil would be!
What happens to Indy’s class when he goes off on his adventures? Is there a boring substitute? Or does Indy only schedule his trips around weekends and holidays?
Marion’s drinking game is one my favorite scenes in the film. I’m a sucker for a good one-shot sequence.
Shout-out to Ronald Lacey as the dreaded Gestapo agent A Peter Lorre-Type.
I hear you, Frank Welker as the Nazi Monkey. Those are your Abu noises!
This movie does not portray Egyptians well. Where’s Omar Sharif when you need him?
One of the film’s subtle joys is that they only give you the essential exposition, and then it’s back to another action scene. It helps the pacing tremendously.
The “just shoot the guy” scene is a classic for a reason. It makes me laugh out loud every time.
How did the Nazis know Marion’s dress and shoe size? Is that the information they tortured her to get?
I have no problems with snakes, but this film doesn’t help.
Unless I missed something, that’s the first “Wilhelm Scream” on this blog.
And then a Jeep veers off a giant cliff that was not geographically established earlier and seemingly comes out of nowhere. It’s the only time I laughed at the film, as opposed to with.
Let the record show that once the steamer ship is captured, Indy does not wear his trademark hat for the rest of the film. He wears a similar but different hat in the last scene to match the suit.
I know it’s coming, but the exploding heads are always a bit gruesome. Someone please invent the PG-13 rating!
Can we use the Freedom of Information Act to get the Ark back?
Legacy
For starters, this is the reason Harrison Ford stopped being known only as Han Solo.
Three sequels (Okay fine, two sequels and one prequel. Happy?) with another one slated for 2020, should we all live that long.
A TV series that amped up the more “Forrest Gump” aspects of young Indy.
Perhaps the most video game spin-offs of any NFR film (except for “All About Eve”, of course).
Countless knock-offs in the ‘80s, including a misguided attempt at turning 1880s literary character Allan Quatermain into an action hero.
With its exotic locales and iconic action scenes, is it any wonder “Indiana Jones” has lent itself so well to theme parks?
This is another one of those movies where literally every shot has been spoofed at some point.
Speaking of, some kids spent most of the ‘80s filming a shot-for-shot remake. It’s “Raiders” meets “Boyhood”!
“Raiders” was inspired in part by the “Scrooge” comics, and “Ducktales” got the go-ahead thanks to “Raiders”. Cue “Circle of Life”!
And finally, some loser on the internet keeps trying to make “Belloq Film” a thing. Let it go, man.
Further Viewing: Back in the late ‘00s, YouTuber Ivan Guerrero created a series of “premakes”: trailers for classic films comprised solely of clips from earlier films. His “Raiders” video pays tribute to the film’s original influences, primarily 1954’s “Secret of the Incas”. Check out his channel, they’re all great.
Long-time readers of this blog are familiar with my recurring segment “Wow, That’s Dated” in which I point out elements of a film that show its age. As we approach the end of 2017 it seems only fair that I look at my own work and acknowledge the passages that will make readers from the future say, “Wow, That’s Dated”.
And one update: My “Godfather” post refers to the Sacheen Littlefeather incident as “[t]he most awkward moment in Oscar history”. That moment has since been surpassed by this:
Happy New Year! We’ll be back with more movies in 2018!
The Plot: Mickey Mouse (voiced by Walt Disney) is the pilot of a steamboat run by the mean-spirited Pete (also voiced by Walt Disney). Mickey spends most of this short singing and dancing with his best gal Minnie (also also voiced by Walt Disney), and tormenting every animal in sight. All of this set to the new modern miracle of synchronized sound!
Why It Matters: The NFR describes it as “the film that introduced the world to Mickey Mouse” as well as the one that “established Walt Disney as a key player in the animation industry”. There’s also a detailed essay by Disney Archives Chief Emeritus Dave Smith.
But Does It Really?: It’s certainly not the laugh riot it was back in the day, but the historical and cultural significance of “Steamboat Willie” cannot be denied. Definitely worth a viewing as a pivotal moment in film history. Plus the songs are really catchy.
Shout Outs: The film gets its title and general premise from Buster Keaton’s “Steamboat Bill Jr.”, which makes sense seeing as how no one in this short is named Willie.
Everybody Gets One: We’ll see plenty more from Walt and his crew, but this is the only NFR entry for Walt’s brother Roy. Eight years older than Walt, Roy Disney was by all accounts a loving and supportive big brother. When Roy moved to Los Angeles after World War I, he became a banker, and when Walt joined him in L.A. a few years later, the two founded the Disney Bros. Studio, with Walt focusing on the creative aspects and Roy being the finance guy. Roy was a producer on “Steamboat Willie” and many previous shorts, before Walt bought out Roy’s shares in 1929. Roy continued to serve as CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board at Disney until his death in 1971, five years after Walt.
Wow, That’s Dated: Steamboats. That’s a big one. Also, the only reason this film exists was to cash in on the new sound craze in movies.
Other notes
“Steamboat Willie” preceded the film “Gang War” in theaters. The short is considered culturally significant, while the film is so obscure it no longer exists.
In addition to co-directing and co-writing, Ub Iwerks animated nearly every frame of this film himself.
While not the first animated film with synchronized sound, it was the first one to be successful. As always, history is written by the winners.
The song Mickey is whistling at the beginning is “Steamboat Bill”. Did you know that the song has lyrics? I sure didn’t.
Ah yes, back when Peg Leg Pete actually looked like a cat. And no longer had a peg leg.
Wow, an extended tobacco chewing sequence, you don’t see that anymore.
What is Minnie wearing? Is that a coconut bra? Pasties? A weird shirt design?
Say what you will about Minnie, she is a runner. She’s practically caught up with the boat!
Mickey Mouse’s film debut features him recklessly swinging a cat around in the air.
Excellent pre-“Flintstones” use of animals for instruments. It’s a living.
Primitive as it may be, the animation of Mickey’s reactions is quite good. Well done, Ub. I’ll do what Walt never could and give you the credit you deserve.
Legacy
As previously mentioned, this put Walt Disney on the map. So let’s blame “Steamboat Willie” for that Disney nature documentary where they pushed lemmings off a cliff.
“Steamboat Willie” gave us Mickey Mouse as we know him. Disney is still making shorts with the Mouse, and if you’re not watching the new ones, you are missing out.
The mouse caught the cat. The success of “Steamboat Willie” led to Pat Sullivan trying to convert Felix the Cat to sound. The attempt was unsuccessful and all but ended the Felix shorts.
The famous shot of Mickey steering the boat is the current logo for Walt Disney Animation.
Many spoofs over the years, including several by Disney. But the best will always be “Steamboat Itchy”.
“Saving Private Ryan” references “Steamboat Willie” in the most desperate attempt by a Nazi to appear American since “The Producers”.
In addition to its artistic legacy, “Steamboat Willie” is responsible for how long films are copyrighted in this country. The latest extension on “Steamboat Willie” (good until 2023) was in 1998, the same year the short was added to the NFR. What an amazing coincidence that had nothing to do with any sort of push from Disney.
Further Viewing: One more of the new Mickey shorts. They’re just great.
The Horse's Head 