tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118574901486983093.post4893989744855285446..comments2024-03-03T10:32:45.969-08:00Comments on Mr. Peel's Sardine Liqueur: To Hollywood and GloryMr. Peel aka Peter Avellinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10553482286909862975noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118574901486983093.post-55631183515090967942010-06-26T14:35:35.993-07:002010-06-26T14:35:35.993-07:00Whole-heartedly agree! Saw 1941 during its opening...Whole-heartedly agree! Saw 1941 during its opening weekend, with hardly anyone else in the theater. I couldn't understand why no one was there, and to this day, still don't understand the critical reaction. I will say it is Spielberg's most underrated, and easily one of my favorite of his films. From Jaws through Temple of Doom, I loved all of his films, and this one is right up there. The timing and choreography of the dance-hall brawl is like a Swiss-watch - flawless. The model work is maybe the best model work ever. This is at the top of my Blu Ray wish list. "No you won't" "Yes I will", "No you won't" "Yes I will". What a great movie!Michael Learnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118574901486983093.post-64903087435977161102008-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:002008-10-29T16:11:00.000-07:00James--The Cugat theory certainly makes about as m...James--<BR/><BR/>The Cugat theory certainly makes about as much sense as anything I could think of. There is definitely a little of 1941 that anticipates the opening of TEMPLE OF DOOM, particularly the department store scene that was cut from the theatrical version. I just have a real fondness for that mania of 1941. Thanks very much for the comment and for reading!Mr. Peel aka Peter Avellinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10553482286909862975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2118574901486983093.post-56310458909843549652008-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:002008-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00Mr. Peel,The reason for Joe Flaherty and the mouse...Mr. Peel,<BR/><BR/>The reason for Joe Flaherty and the mouse on his shoulder could be a nod to Xavier Cugat, a bandleader of the 40s. His trademark was to hold a little tiny Chihuahua dog while he conducted the orchestra with his free arm brandishing his baton. And that band/fight sequence is a marvel. I always think of it as a great moment for Spielberg and would love to see him direct a musical. It was echoed in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom opening. 1941, for me, is a guilty pleasure. I had the opportunity to see it in its original form and the dvd release. I recall disliking it at first ... yet went back to see it again in the theater with a friend. It mesmerized me by its antic fevered pace and Rube Goldberg plot construction. I totally agree wit your assessment of the Gale/Zemeckis trio of first films. They were so entertaining and so well plotted with winning comedy. You could see 40s screwball influenced them all. They don't make 'em like this today. <BR/><BR/>Always anxious to see your new postings, sir.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10423356407811648416noreply@blogger.com