Intriguing descriptions of Mary's work. You've outdone yourself, FC!
This very well done early talkie deserves to be polished, cleaned up and made available, as it is an interesting companion to the more famous 1938 version.But sometimes you have to move out of your comfort zone to grow Aubyn - yes, the DVD was really unwatchable and I almost gave up, but I wanted to soldier on for the event. This opportunity comes in the form of a savvy stock trade, and indeed, when the play opened on Broadway in November, 1928, it was still feasible for a man like Johnny to have made $20,000 in one good investment. She is so impressed with Johnny and so heartbroken that her beloved sister Julia will be leaving the house that she insists on having a small, intimate engagement party, one with very few guests. Still, I enjoyed your write-up very much. The first film version of Holiday was not the more famous 1938 version, but one from 1930, starring Ann Harding as Linda, Mary Astor as Julia, Robert Ames as Julia’s fiance Johnny Case, and Monroe Owsley as Julia’s and Linda’s brother Ned. Gone and unearthed a real gem. Harlot!The 1930 version uses many of the same techniques as silents, including having characters walk in and stand there for a few seconds, framed by the camera as an obvious introduction; all that’s missing is the little title card:The staging is stiff with boring blocking, as you can see in the toast above, where the two women are sitting while the two men stand, each on the proper metaphorical side for that particular scene.
; HD): As it turns out, Criterion's special edition is a double feature, also including the 1930 film adaptation of Holiday. He has the look down pat, so much so that he reminds you of someone like a young Richard E. Grant or Hugh Laurie in one of those modern films set in the 1920s. All rights reserved.
It’s probably inconsistent, or would be if her true feelings beyond a sort of mild rebellion against her own wealth were ever revealed.Julia is never warm to either the business couple or Nick and Susan. 2 (All Mine to Give / Holiday Affair / It Happened on 5th Avenue / Blossoms in the Dust) 3.9 out of 5 stars 18. Glad to see that you're made of tougher stuff than I am :). The two tell jokes in that peculiar late-1920s manner, where the joke is really just a wacky story that doesn’t make much sense.
Though I like Kate, I always relish seeing Ann Harding. Sean - it was pretty hard on the eyes. It cuts directly to a large ball and from that moment on Ned is angrier, Julia is colder, and Linda is more high strung. Love your cropped picture at the end! Art Direction - Stephen Goosson, Ralph Hammeras.
Hi Page - yes, the billing order gives a good clue on the importance of the sister relationship. Astor’s performance reminds me of Bette Davis’ in Wow – terrific analysis of this movie, and it sounds like Mary Astor is fabulous here. You really delved into Mary’s dedication to her craft as an actress, as well as being strong enough to stand her ground when people tried to take advantage of her.
Her insistence on using a quavery, high-tone voice that becomes more shrill with more emotion means that when she gets upset, she is unintelligible.Linda does get upset, and often. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
Yes, even with Doris whatsit, and Ayres' drink-induced apathy impresses me with every viewing, but after watching lots of movies with either Harding or Astor, I'm itching to see the 1930 version.
Holiday 1930. Without any real allegiances shown, we’re left to assume that what Julia says is the way she feels.
FlickChick, I tried to watch this one on Youtube and gave up--it looked more like a moving Rorschach test than an actual film. It’s on YouTube but as far as I know was never released on VHS or DVD, so it’s either YouTube or a “collector’s copy” unfortunately.Wow!!
I'm intrigued by the idea of Mary Astor in the sister role since, as you say, Doris Nolan is so forgettable. Much of the problem with Harding is her phrasing, which is incredibly poor. I've always liked the casting of the Kate/Cary version.
So nice to know hay Kate’s and Barry’s lives connected during the 1930s. I might have to return and put up with the Youtube version... anyway, really enjoyed your piece and your comparisons with the famous remake.
Johnny never makes much sense here, partly because of Ames, but also partly because of the writing. Le - it seems Robert Ames was a lot more interesting off screen than on screen!
It's hard not to think of Cary when watching Ames, but if you take the time to read up on this actor, you'll see that he was quite the scoundrel who lived fast and died young (clickSo, it is our Mary and her lusty chemical reaction with her co-star that sets this version on " have had a real adult romance.
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