tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post1251758077514977614..comments2024-03-08T18:49:51.289-05:00Comments on Classic Film and TV Café: William Wyler's "Detective Story"Rick29http://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-46140056510839183332020-01-07T10:56:22.297-05:002020-01-07T10:56:22.297-05:00I don't understand why Douglas is never consid...I don't understand why Douglas is never considered to be America's greatest actor. Uniformly this is usually bestowed on Marlon Brando (shaking my head). These are the movies of Douglas that I would consider as great movies. Out Of the Past, Champion, Ace in the Hole, Detective Story, 20,000 Leagues, Gunfight at O.K. Corral, Paths of Glory, Spartacus, Lonely Are the Brave, List of Adrian Messenger, Seven Days in May, and There Was a Crooked Man. The movies I rank as only very good would be I Walk Alone, Young Man With a Horn, Ulysses, Lust for Life, The Vikings, Last Train from Gunhill, Town Without Pity, The Last Sunset, For Love or Money, In Harm's Way, The Way West, The War Wagon, A Gunfight, Mousey, Posse, The Final Countdown, The Man from Snowy River, Eddie Macon's Run, Draw, and Tough Guys. Douglas has played every kind of role from hero to heel, fantastic actor.Randyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09695616699919723759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-11109507223781664812012-08-11T04:31:43.667-04:002012-08-11T04:31:43.667-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.traslation services from Arabic to Italianhttp://traduttorearabo.biz/about.phpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-89212417394642105182012-08-11T04:31:07.185-04:002012-08-11T04:31:07.185-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.biglietti juventushttp://biglietti-juventus.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-71691807532685753622012-07-29T07:41:42.937-04:002012-07-29T07:41:42.937-04:00Returning to say that I've now seen this film ...Returning to say that I've now seen this film and absolutely loved it - it feels very similar to Wyler's earlier adaptation of 'Counsellor at Law' in the way it takes a stage play and sticks to the confined space, with characters coming to and fro and different stories going on at once, but with one agonised figure at the centre. This film must surely have been hugely influential on later police procedurals. I definitely agree that it is quite obvious what the doctor's real profession is, despite the Code. Kirk Douglas is superb in the central role - I did find Joseph Wiseman well over the top, but everyone else is excellent. Great review, Rick!Judyhttp://movieclassics.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-89618888186657643342012-07-05T15:08:30.071-04:002012-07-05T15:08:30.071-04:00I adore this film, and greatly enjoyed your first-...I adore this film, and greatly enjoyed your first-rate post. I love Kirk Douglas's intense performance, as well as the other performances, especially those of Joseph Wiseman, Lee Grant, George Macready, Gladys George, and William Bendix. I've seen it countless times -- can't get enough of it.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02939607801184112943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-39333807765886987772012-07-02T22:03:17.541-04:002012-07-02T22:03:17.541-04:00This is an excellent review. I have never seen thi...This is an excellent review. I have never seen this movie in its entirety, but you've made me want to see it again ASAP!Silver Screeningshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04955048716754142299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-25146386354377105682012-07-01T09:07:56.580-04:002012-07-01T09:07:56.580-04:00I'm not sure I have seen the classic film, &qu...I'm not sure I have seen the classic film, "Detective Story." It sounds like a very interesting classic film and it's now on my "must see" list.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476174860119487509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-36319050308684260362012-06-29T18:19:47.676-04:002012-06-29T18:19:47.676-04:00Great Review. Let me just echo others and say the ...Great Review. Let me just echo others and say the movie never seems "Stagey" - great direction on Wyler's part. Two, I don't think the production code hurt this film in the slightest, its quite obvious what's going on, even though it isn't S-p-e-l-t-o-u-t.<br />Third, I would've loved to have seen Heston, Bellamy, or Bogart in the role. Kirk does well in the 1st part, but was less successful in the 2nd. Finally, Wiseman gives one of the most over-the-top hammiest performances ever in Classical film. But I'm glad someone wasn't bothered by it.rcoceanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17102201338319611538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-23161545643768233292012-06-29T14:40:26.321-04:002012-06-29T14:40:26.321-04:00Rick, I always think of a taut drama when I rememb...Rick, I always think of a taut drama when I remember Detective Story. Both Douglas and Parker deliver stellar performances, and Wyler's shot-framing was very inventive. Nice review.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-11816070139127039602012-06-29T11:52:52.532-04:002012-06-29T11:52:52.532-04:00Once again, Wyler shows his versatility with what ...Once again, Wyler shows his versatility with what should be a "static" film. He didn't back down from the material, and the performances are top-notch. Great review!Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-48435778775608594552012-06-28T15:04:41.622-04:002012-06-28T15:04:41.622-04:00Rick, I was to realize I hadn't seen "Det...Rick, I was to realize I hadn't seen "Detective Story." It's possible I confused the title with "The Detective" or another film similarly named. You've certainly described an interesting film and it's now on my to-watch list.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-41577879216294102812012-06-28T12:25:25.225-04:002012-06-28T12:25:25.225-04:00I think this is one of Kirk Douglas' finest pe...I think this is one of Kirk Douglas' finest peformances, and the intensity he brings to the role is frightening (in a good way). I've often wondered how many takes Wyler did in the confrontation scene between Douglas and Parker. Douglas would have been wiped out emotionally after one scene, let alone the many re-takes that Wyler customarily desired. Douglas' energy level must have been terrific. <br /><br />As others have pointed out, like "The Little Foxes", one never gets the sense of watching a play adaptation.Kevin Deanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07697597405552599370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-10761423056398563092012-06-28T10:31:47.290-04:002012-06-28T10:31:47.290-04:00"Even with Wyler's enhancements, Detectiv..."Even with Wyler's enhancements, Detective Story's stage origins are obvious--and that's not a bad thing." So true. I believe that my early viewing of this movie made me a theatre fan as well as a movie fan.<br /><br />Over the years, I've become a major fan of Horace McMahon's performance in this film. He's always "in the moment" and note perfect. On the other hand, Joseph Wiseman's work is really starting to grate, but for the life of me, I don't know how else he could play that part.<br /><br />Ralph Bellamy went to New York precisely because he couldn't get the type of roles he wanted in Hollywood. I would have loved to have seen him.<br /><br />Interesting trivia: Lydia Clark (Mrs. Charlton Heston) replaced Meg Mundy in the role of Mary MacLeod in New York. She and her hubby later played in "Detective Story" in regional theatre. Heston auditioned for the movie and it was a major personal disappointment in that he wasn't chosen. However, he did get to work with Wyler in a couple of other little flicks!Caftan Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936895555808823221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-47424596106426474762012-06-28T05:08:51.348-04:002012-06-28T05:08:51.348-04:00Rick, I haven't seen this one yet, but hope to...Rick, I haven't seen this one yet, but hope to do so very soon. Really enjoyed your review and I will look forward to rereading it after I do get to see the movie!Judyhttp://movieclassics.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-63313263457178313192012-06-28T00:56:07.467-04:002012-06-28T00:56:07.467-04:00Fabulous essay on a film that must surely be inclu...Fabulous essay on a film that must surely be included in the top tier of Wyler's career output. Most people will always think of Eleanor Parker as Baroness Schraeder in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and to a lesser degree as Zosh in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM, but her best performances were in THE DETECTIVE STORY and as the prison inmate in CAGED, both of which earned her deserved Oscar nominations. Douglas is excellent here, and Wyler again shows why he's a master at the very difficult art of stage adaptation. This is not a perfect film, but on balance it scrapes the top level of Wyler artistry.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-30239621137677462752012-06-27T22:59:05.242-04:002012-06-27T22:59:05.242-04:00Toto, it's always interesting to see how the P...Toto, it's always interesting to see how the Production Code shaped certain movies--some for the better.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-30998769691741107762012-06-27T22:58:25.622-04:002012-06-27T22:58:25.622-04:00RDF, the only performance I'd consider overwro...RDF, the only performance I'd consider overwrought is the one from Joseph Wiseman. Then again, his character is a four-time loser/psycho! As my wife accurately pointed out, it makes no sense to leave him in the detectives' office area instead of locking him up. Of course, if they had done that, the ending would have been very different.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-80390896459910543442012-06-27T22:55:38.811-04:002012-06-27T22:55:38.811-04:00Christian, I agree with Toto--the sketch sounds co...Christian, I agree with Toto--the sketch sounds cool. I like how Edith "dressed down" Eleanor Parker to make her look as plain as possible (though it's hard to hide her natural elegance).Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-84404440675572712102012-06-27T22:53:18.726-04:002012-06-27T22:53:18.726-04:00I hadn't seen it in a long time and enjoyed wa...I hadn't seen it in a long time and enjoyed watching it again. The ending still packs a good punch!Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-1583967618408815142012-06-27T22:52:29.306-04:002012-06-27T22:52:29.306-04:00GOM, I can't imagine Ralph Bellamy as McLeod. ...GOM, I can't imagine Ralph Bellamy as McLeod. It seems like a part tailor-made for Douglas. Yes, the doctor's real profession seems pretty apparent despite the censor's efforts.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-59142587377402624262012-06-27T22:50:51.830-04:002012-06-27T22:50:51.830-04:00John, another fine "filmed play" that ne...John, another fine "filmed play" that never seems static is 12 ANGRY MEN. In both movies, the confined setting contribute the close dynamics of the characters.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-55047449488545019062012-06-27T22:49:10.422-04:002012-06-27T22:49:10.422-04:00FlickChick, I agree about Wyler's versatility....FlickChick, I agree about Wyler's versatility. When it comes to directors capable of working in multiple genres, I always think of Wyler, Robert Wise, and Michael Curtiz.Rick29https://www.blogger.com/profile/08358116647815569722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-61878113381225090842012-06-27T18:14:35.437-04:002012-06-27T18:14:35.437-04:00Your sketch of Eleanor Parker in a costume designe...Your sketch of Eleanor Parker in a costume designed by Edith Head sounds awesome!toto2https://www.blogger.com/profile/09652682900471649463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-23643148795560154762012-06-27T18:10:43.202-04:002012-06-27T18:10:43.202-04:00This is an outstanding post about a work that is p...This is an outstanding post about a work that is perhaps less known but should be required viewing by anyone studying Wyler or Kirk Douglas. I tend to truly appreciate films with a restrained setting, and though this can yield a more theatrical presentation, in the hands of a seasoned director it can rise to the top. I especially appreciated your information about the Production Code's influence on "Detective Story." Extraordinarily well done, Rick!toto2https://www.blogger.com/profile/09652682900471649463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344878851139332715.post-59674609838053601302012-06-27T17:37:14.842-04:002012-06-27T17:37:14.842-04:00Rick, an excellent, concise post. Your post shows ...Rick, an excellent, concise post. Your post shows that this film is a good illustration of Wyler's skill at adaptating stage plays for film, something he was especially known for. He met the challenge of their confined settings by turning this confinement into a virtue, and I liked your discussion of the way he used deep focus and staging to emphasize character relationships and psychology over space. I was particularly impressed by your discussion of Wyler's staging of that scene between Douglas and Parker. <br /><br />Some of the situations in the film strike me as overwrought, and some of the performances too emphatic, those of some of the stage cast who Wyler didn't or couldn't get to tone down their performances. But I thought the passionate performance by Douglas was fine, and he's an actor whose outsized emotionalism I often find hard to take. I was also very impressed by Eleanor Parker, for some reason not a favorite of mine but here giving the rare performance I like, the year after another I admire, her Oscar-nominated turn in "Caged."<br /><br />A appreciative post on a film not as well known as some of Wyler's work, but one that those who've seen tend to admire.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.com