“At The Movies - Showers Bring Flowers” Vol. III, No.4 (May 2022) By Stephanie Mardesich Cinematic Expert
“At The Movies - Showers Bring Flowers” Vol. III, No.4 (May 2022)
By Stephanie Mardesich Cinematic Expert
Is it a truism that the often rainy month of April showers brings May flowers? With that cliché in mind some interesting thoughts to consider here: https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/flowers-in-art/april-showers-bring-may-flowers-origin/
Also some films with floral metaphor, title reference, or invisible fragrance for your consideration to view.
The Blue Dahlia (USA, Paramount Pictures, 1946, 96 min., dir. George Marshall)
WW II veteran Johnny Morrison (Alan Ladd) returns home from the war to find his wife Helen (Doris Dowling) in the arms of Eddie Dowling (Howard DaSilva) owner of Blue Dahlia Night Club. He’s angry and hurt learning that because of her drunken state Helen was responsible for the death of their son and he could kill her, though someone else does just that. Johnny is the key suspect and it’s his mission to find out who done it and clear himself. Along the way Johnny is beaten up, rescued by his war time buddies always interesting William Bendix and Hugh Beaumont (later to become the father in Leave It To Beaver popular 1959s TV show), encounters and falls for sultry Joyce Hardwood (Veronica Lake). Original script by master of noir Raymond Chandler who received Academy Award®. nod for best original screenplay.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038369/
Please Don’t Eat The Daisies (USA, Euterpe Productions, 1960, 112 min., dir. CharlesWalters)
Inspired by Jean Kerr’s book of same title about family life with her husband NY Times drama critic Walter Kerr. The scenario changes their names to Kate (Doris Day) and Larry McKay (David Niven) parents of four rambunctious sons who reside in crowed Manhattan apartment until Kate finds their decadent dream house in the country, that’s transformed by movie magic and many mirthful moments including Kate participating in local drama; and Larry being (falsely) tempted by Broadway vamp Deborah Vaughn (Janis Paige). Typically the filmmakers found a way for Day’s vocals to shine with the charming song “Please, Please Don’t Eat The Daisies” as she playfully serenades a group of children. Delightful Spring Byington, veteran Patsy Kelly and amiable Jack Weston add to the terrific cast.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054188/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Send Me No Flowers (USA, Martin Melcher Productions, 1964, 100 min., dir. Norman Jewison)
Hypochondriac George Kimball (Rock Hudson) gets another patient’s diagnosis and thinks he only has a few weeks to live. Out of concern for his wife Judy (Doris Day) he does not reveal his pending doom and attempts to find a substitute husband to take his place. She misconstrues and thinks he’s having an affair. Some hilarious antics, though not as great as the two films Hudson and Day starred in prior. Ever neurotic Tony Randall, pretty Patricia Barry, handsome Clint Walker, and droll Paul Lynde add to the amusement.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058571/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Cactus Flower (USA, Frankovich Productions, 1969, 104 min., M, dir. Gene Saks)
Philandering dentist Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) tells his lady friends he’s married so he can stay “uninvolved” though he decides to take the plunge and commit to his kooky rather girlfriend Toni Simmons (Goldie Hawn) who works in a bookstore. When Julian says he’ll divorce his wife for Toni she’s concerned about her and the children (who also don’t exist) and how they’ll cope. Dr. Winston recruits his office nurse Stephanie Dickinson (Ingrid Bergman) to pretend to be the betrayed wife and amusing antics ensue. Will the cactus flower bloom? Tune in and find out. Hawn garnered Academy Award®. for Best Supporting Actress, that truly launcher her successful career.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064117/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Purple Rose of Cairo
(USA, Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffee Productions/Orion Productions, 1985, 82 min., dir. Woody Allen)
Set in 1935 depression era waitress Cecelia (Mia Farrow) is trapped in a rotten marriage to reprobate Monk (Danny Aiello). After losing her job she escapes to a matinee movie and the leading man Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels) walks “out of” the screen, or so she imagines, and woos her. Apparently it’s also happening in other cinemas and leaving the film actors adrift to continue to perform. Unique circumstance akin to magical realism ponders will there be a truly happy ending? Oscar®. nod for Allen for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089853/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Jean de Florette (France, DD Productions/Films A2/RAI, 1986, 120 min., G, dir. Claude Berri)
Based on novel by Marcel Pagnol the film is set in lovely Provence (France) soon after WWI. Two local farmers César Soubeyran “Le Papet”(Yves Montand) and his nephew César (Daniel Auteuil) plot to swindle newcomer Jean de Florette (Gerard Depardieu) out of his recently inherited property where he’s taken residence with his wife Aimee (Elizabeth Depardieu) and young daughter Manon (Ernestine Mazurowna).
Jean has a romantic view of the country, though obstinate and hard working; and refuses to sell though due to lack of water, because Le Papet has blocked the spring, the property is in jeopardy. Jean is determined to dig a well and subsequently uses dynamite that causes his fatal demise. His wife can’t afford to remain on the farm and Le Papet buys them out and they prepare to depart. The denouement finds Manon discovers the deception about blocking the spring and the charlatans are symbolically cleansed. The three leading actors were at the top of their form and the film received great critical praise.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091288/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Steel Magnolias (USA, Tri-Star Productions, 1989, 117 min., PG, dir. Herbert Ross)
The mixture of comedy and drama takes laughter into tears and vice versa in the sentimental movie wit its “starry” cast. The plot spins around Shelby (Eatonton) Latherie (Julia Roberts) preparing for her wedding. New beauty operator sweetly naive Annettte Dupuy Desoto (Darryl Hannah) has recently arrived northern Louisiana town and employed in the local hair salon owned by Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton) that’s the focal point for action and gossip. Shelby is a serious diabetic and in precarious health yet undaunted in her desire marry and to be a mother. Her own mother M’Lynn Eatonton (Sally Field) is ever protective to the point of frequent conflict, yet there’s genuine maternal filial love. Drum Eatonton (Tom Skeritt) is the patient solid guiding force father. Acerbic Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine) and caustic Claree Belcher (Olympia Dukakis) add to the zealous amusement and “steel” of the magnolia ladies, strong yet fragile and feminine. Dylan McDermott as Shelby’s husband Jackson Lateherie, and Sam Shepherd as Annette’s beau/husband Spud Jones add some masculine moments.
Script by Robert Harling adapted from his 1987 play of same name based on story of his sister.
Get out your hankie and also prepare to “focus on the joy of the situation” as Truvy proclaims. Roberts nominated for Oscar®. for “Best Supporting Actress.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Driving Miss Daisy (USA, The Zanuck Company, et al, 1999, 99 min., PG, dir. Bruce Beresford)
Elderly widow Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy) resides in Atlanta in the 1950s and no longer permitted to drive her automobile. . Her son Boolie (Dan Ackroyd) insists on engaging a driver to be in her service. In that era it meant an Afro-American. She resists however Hoke Coburn (Morgan Freeman) is hired by her son. At first Daisy refuses to allow Hoke to drive her anywhere. He slowly wins her over with his calm patient manner. The story takes place over 20 years depicting the relationship they slowly builds and transcends their differences.
The endearing story was a hit Alfred Uhry stage play adapted for the screen by the playwright had nine Academy Award®. nominations and four wins including “Best Actress” star Jessica Tandy, “Best Picture”, “Best Screenplay”, and “Best Make-up.”
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)
