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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Oct 7, 2011 12:02:43 GMT
So here's my monthly question to members of the forum. ???The cinema of the 1930's was an eruption of creativity not just because of the coming of sound but the development of existing and new genres and forms of film making. While we tend to associate Dwight with the fashionable horror movies of the early thirties, he also made a few appearances in the other blossoming brand of thirties cinema- the gangster movie. Film Noir, The Godfather and Scorcese be damned, I personally think the gangster movies from ths period are the best.
Moving on... my question is which of Dwight's criminal characters do you like the best?
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Post by Luna on Oct 7, 2011 23:43:42 GMT
Wow, a tough question as he played some memorable characters in this style of film. I agree first though that the films from this era are the best. At least I believe that they are- they were made during the height of gang land activity, and therefore I think that while they had to heed the censors to a point, due to the time that they were made in, they still reflected that lifestyle the best. Future films could never compare. They lacked the touch of wry or dark humor that can often accompany crime, and they never seemed to reflect the era as well. Obviously because the films of the 1930's were made there and then, as I said.
But moving on to Dwight. I just can't choose. I probably think it's a three way tie between Wilmer, Monk, and Swanson.
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Post by liz on Oct 8, 2011 9:07:27 GMT
Monk, definitely. There is so much heat in his character *SWOON* and plus he plays the role so masterfully.
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Post by Luna on Oct 8, 2011 19:38:13 GMT
I suppose that Swanson isn't considered the "typical" gangster of the era, since "Beware of ladies" wasn't really a gangster film. The same could be said of Wilmer, although that character is closer to type- so that being said I am left with Monk and I guess that would have to be my final choice as well if we are going to get very technical about what qualifies as a gangster role, but if the definition is broad then it's still a three way tie for me:)
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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Oct 9, 2011 17:08:02 GMT
I probably should have worded the question better, which fedora-wearing character of Dwight's do you like the best? But then Renfield and Vint also wear (the same) fedora so we'd be let with the same problem.
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Post by Luna on Oct 9, 2011 20:02:33 GMT
No, you worded it just fine, I am just getting far too analytical as always *LOL*
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Post by leah2359 on Oct 11, 2011 15:33:04 GMT
I never thought about Vint and Renfield wearing the same fedora, but you're right! I've noticed the same coat turning up in a few of his early 1930's films, and I'm sure the suits he wore were really his too. What a snappy dresser.
This was a hard question, I'm torn between Monk and Wilmer.
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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Oct 11, 2011 21:17:56 GMT
I've seen the same tie turn up in a few of his films as well. Up until the late thirties actors had to provide their own dress, so when you think about it, Dwight, who already had enough financial woes had to fork out for tailors bills but YES he was a snappy dresser.
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Post by leah2359 on Oct 11, 2011 22:40:59 GMT
And damn he looked good in those tailored suits!
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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Oct 16, 2011 20:56:46 GMT
I guess my favourite of Dwight's gangster-ish roles is Wilmer. Even though he hardly has any dialogue and is definately not as significant a role as Elisha Cook would latterly play, I love is scowling, clearly affronted but dangerous performance. I also like Elisha Cook's more famous, interpretation of the role but I like the fact that Dwight's is different. They both play Wilmer as a young thug but I think Cook's version is more emotional in certain respects, he looks as if he's on the verge of tears when he is suggested as a fall guy where as Dwight is angry but also almost naive as to how far Gutmann will go to get the falcon. Dwight's version of Wilmer sort of reminds me of Richard Attenborough's performance of Pinkie Brown in Brighton Rock. While I love Dwight's performance of Wilmer I can't honestly say it is better than Elisha Cook's just different.
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Post by Monk's Moll on Oct 29, 2011 19:42:07 GMT
Speaking for yours truly here, I have to say Monk. He is, as Jim Carrey's Mask character would say, "SSSSSSSMOKIN!" Especially when he's striding across the pool hall, GUH!!!!!!!!!! I'd like to have a loop video of that, and play it for hours . He goes from having a baby-faced look to one of pure coldness in a second. I agree, the gangster movies back then were far better. Yes, they had violence, but it wasn't extreme. I have watched Brighton Rock, Mrs. V., I thought Lord Richard was great in that.
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Post by Monk's Moll on Oct 29, 2011 19:45:23 GMT
And yes, he certainly knew how to wear a suit and work it !
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Post by liz on Oct 30, 2011 23:20:59 GMT
Here, here, MM!
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Post by catgaga100 on Oct 31, 2011 0:33:04 GMT
Dwight Frye Lovers
Cool <3
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Post by Mrs Vindecco on Oct 31, 2011 20:54:28 GMT
Hello and welcome!
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