One more recommendation, if that's ok, is for "Rather," on April 24 on Netflix. Some of you here might already be on Dan Rather's Substack https://steady.substack.com/ and he was one of the first people I was delighted to subscribe to because he has been indirectly a part of my life since childhood. A legend in my opinion, still going strong at age 92. Halloween birthday, 1931.
"This unprecedented documentary will weave the past, present and future of journalism as it delves into the man behind the legend. We’ll revisit Dan Rather’s 60+ year career and the biggest moments in American journalism. With unrestricted access, we’ll offer an unfiltered look at both his esteemed career – exploring where and how he became one of journalism’s resounding force – and his present renaissance as the last beacon of quality reporting, unfettered and in direct contact with Americans through social media."
I've been enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow. I read the book, but I think I'm enjoying the mini series even better. I did LOVE reading The Lincoln Highway also by Amor Towles. Such a good book! I'm looking forward to seeing that on the screen also.
I watched “Seven Days in May” last night. I remember seeing it way back, but it resonated so much more now. It was made in 1964, Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. A prescient movie and I highly recommend it. And of course has those subtle human nuances that I love in the older movies. I watched it on prime but you might be able to find it somewhere else too.
yes, it plays around. Interestingly enough, there's a momentary shot in the film of a weird-looking ship with big cranes on it - it's the old "USS Rustbucket," aka "Piney-Maru" aka USS Pine Island, tied up to India Dock at North Island.
It's very well done. Impressive that the guy who put it together was Damien Lewis, who's never been less than incredibly interesting in every role he's taken on since Band of Brothers.
I am bracing myself to bid sayonara to "Shogun" which is one of the VERY best things I've ever seen on the tube. Luckily, we're behind by one episode so I can delay the pain a wee bit past Tuesday night, assuming I have that much restraint. Thank you for the other suggestions!
My personal preference is reading over watching and I've consumed all six of James Clavell's Asian saga novels
Shogun (Japan 1600+)
Tai-pan (Hong Kong 1841)
Gai-Jin (Japan 1862)
King Rat (semi-autbiographical Japanese POW camp, Singapore1945)
Noble House (Hong Kong 1963)
Whirlwind (Iran 1979)
Clavell would usually commit to several years of research before writing each of his historical fictions. In reading them I gained a far greater understanding of the culture and politics of those times and places than I did from all of my formal education. Plus, they are riveting, glorious, grand epics of tales.
Bonus tidbit: Did you know James Clavell also wrote, directed and produced 'To Sir With Love' starring (Sir) Sidney Poitier?
However, I must confess that I am currently 80% of the way through watching the three seasons of Deadwood on Blue-Ray. Such a filthy, racist, foul-mouthed, depraved, whoring, back-stabbing, murderous, conniving, bunch of low-lives. Loving it, particularly pom Ian McShane stealing the show as the aptly named Albert Swearenger.
I notice it's back on Max here. I think I'll watch again. You won't want to eat any of Woo's "pork". The first season does the death of Wild Bill Hickock perfectly. Keith Carradine was perfect casting.
You forgot 'Tootsie.' Friday night, 8 pm E/P. Also, 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'Woman of the Year.' But the event I'm looking forward to is Mango Mussolini having to endure a trial for the next six weeks. I'll give Secretariat-at-the-Belmont odds El Guapo of Queens spends time in a holding cell by weeks end.
"Things like my recommendations of things to watch that won’t rot your IQ is one of the benefits you find here"
Don't forget to mention, the occasional shared glimpses of your feline companions and accompanying stories!!!! 🐈🐱😻
Them too, and we're overdue for a feline invasion.
A feline in "Ripley" may win an Emmy for best supporting actor/actress. The cat is something like the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg in "The Great Gatsby."
Jessica Craven of Chop Wood, Carry Water linked to your site today.
I've met her and her husband; they're very impressive individuals.
Lucky you!
One more recommendation, if that's ok, is for "Rather," on April 24 on Netflix. Some of you here might already be on Dan Rather's Substack https://steady.substack.com/ and he was one of the first people I was delighted to subscribe to because he has been indirectly a part of my life since childhood. A legend in my opinion, still going strong at age 92. Halloween birthday, 1931.
"This unprecedented documentary will weave the past, present and future of journalism as it delves into the man behind the legend. We’ll revisit Dan Rather’s 60+ year career and the biggest moments in American journalism. With unrestricted access, we’ll offer an unfiltered look at both his esteemed career – exploring where and how he became one of journalism’s resounding force – and his present renaissance as the last beacon of quality reporting, unfettered and in direct contact with Americans through social media."
Thanks for picking up on that, since I don't do Netflix.
"Steady" is one of the substacks that keeps me from keeling over every day!
The Cambridge Five/historical is all about Kim Filby and his 4 other friends who all infiltrated the early MI5/6
and were recruited Russian spies.
Always like your reviews Tom.
I've been enjoying A Gentleman in Moscow. I read the book, but I think I'm enjoying the mini series even better. I did LOVE reading The Lincoln Highway also by Amor Towles. Such a good book! I'm looking forward to seeing that on the screen also.
I may have to resubscribe to Showtime to watch the series. Towles has a new book out, “Tea for Two.” He’s become one of my favorite authors.
You subscribe to Paramount-plus (which is something around $10/month) and you get Showtime included.
Thanks for the info! Can’t wait to see this one. Also, Shogun wouldn’t have been a go to for me, either, but I’ll look for it now.
Trust the Auld Mo'om Pitcha Curmudgeon. :-)
I watched “Seven Days in May” last night. I remember seeing it way back, but it resonated so much more now. It was made in 1964, Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. A prescient movie and I highly recommend it. And of course has those subtle human nuances that I love in the older movies. I watched it on prime but you might be able to find it somewhere else too.
yes, it plays around. Interestingly enough, there's a momentary shot in the film of a weird-looking ship with big cranes on it - it's the old "USS Rustbucket," aka "Piney-Maru" aka USS Pine Island, tied up to India Dock at North Island.
" A Spy Among Friends". Director: Nick Murphy 🎯
It's very well done. Impressive that the guy who put it together was Damien Lewis, who's never been less than incredibly interesting in every role he's taken on since Band of Brothers.
'the horror' said by Marlon Brando' in Apocalypse Now was epic
You mean "The howwow, d'howwow..."????? :-)
HA - you made me laugh ! May a few current leaders descend into the madness like Colonel Kurtz's heart of darkness & make them incapacitated.
I am bracing myself to bid sayonara to "Shogun" which is one of the VERY best things I've ever seen on the tube. Luckily, we're behind by one episode so I can delay the pain a wee bit past Tuesday night, assuming I have that much restraint. Thank you for the other suggestions!
Ep 9 will definitely "get you."
They all have so far!
So much to do and see. So little time. This could be a welcome break from current non-event overload. Thanks, Tom.
Your recommendations are almost like prescriptions for what ails us. Thanks, Tom. Will record and rewatch "Network".
I watched Network several weeks ago. It’s very good and to repeat my word of the evening: prescient.
Indeed!
I wouldn’t have watched Shogun without your recommendation. Will do so and report back.
My personal preference is reading over watching and I've consumed all six of James Clavell's Asian saga novels
Shogun (Japan 1600+)
Tai-pan (Hong Kong 1841)
Gai-Jin (Japan 1862)
King Rat (semi-autbiographical Japanese POW camp, Singapore1945)
Noble House (Hong Kong 1963)
Whirlwind (Iran 1979)
Clavell would usually commit to several years of research before writing each of his historical fictions. In reading them I gained a far greater understanding of the culture and politics of those times and places than I did from all of my formal education. Plus, they are riveting, glorious, grand epics of tales.
Bonus tidbit: Did you know James Clavell also wrote, directed and produced 'To Sir With Love' starring (Sir) Sidney Poitier?
However, I must confess that I am currently 80% of the way through watching the three seasons of Deadwood on Blue-Ray. Such a filthy, racist, foul-mouthed, depraved, whoring, back-stabbing, murderous, conniving, bunch of low-lives. Loving it, particularly pom Ian McShane stealing the show as the aptly named Albert Swearenger.
I notice it's back on Max here. I think I'll watch again. You won't want to eat any of Woo's "pork". The first season does the death of Wild Bill Hickock perfectly. Keith Carradine was perfect casting.
You forgot 'Tootsie.' Friday night, 8 pm E/P. Also, 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'Woman of the Year.' But the event I'm looking forward to is Mango Mussolini having to endure a trial for the next six weeks. I'll give Secretariat-at-the-Belmont odds El Guapo of Queens spends time in a holding cell by weeks end.
Those're good too. But the Main Event is the non-fiction Trump Trial.
Kind of like watching the a planet of the Apes in orange.
What planet do you live on, TC? I can't figure out how you manage to write, read, and watch and fit it all within a 24 hour time frame. Do you sleep?
I don’t stream much , but I’ll keep these in mind.
FYI, Jessica Cravin of Chop Wood, Carry Water linked to your site today.