Memorable Film and TV Characters (10): Uncle Charlie (SHADOW OF A DOUBT)

  The man in question, Charlie Oakley

I know I haven't did one of these in months...not since last October when I talked about one Fran Kubelik. So sorry everyone, my only excuse being busy at work and so many blogs that I contribute to. My apologies to Irene as well. But here I am with a brand spanking new post about one of my fave film characters ever...Uncle Charlie from Alfred Hitchcock's 1943 classic, Shadow of A Doubt. As played by Joseph Cotten, Uncle Charlie Oakley is the sophisticated and world traveler who is always on the mind of his niece, Charlotte "Charlie" Newton. Well Uncle Charlie also happens to be the Merry Widow killer, and heads home to visit his family while hiding out from the police.

The impressionable Charlotte and her Uncle Charlie enjoying a nice meal

Uncle Charlie is all polite and good manners, you just don't suspect him to be a murderer of women. But he is, much to the dismay of his niece. Uncle Charlie may be a monster, but he's so gosh darned charming too. So sincere and patient and kind. But can flip the switch just like that and become very menacing and physical. One of Hitch's best characters ever to grace the screen. Does every family have an Uncle Charlie? I mean not a murderer mind you, but someone so suave and smooth, that everyone just loves to death. Probably so.

Memorable Film and TV Characters (9): Fran Kubelik (THE APARTMENT)

One of the screen's best characters has to be Fran Kubelik (played wonderfully by Shirley MacLaine). Fran is an elevator girl who had an affair with a married man named Sheldrake (played against type by Fred MacMurray). Up and comer C.C Baxter (played by Jack Lemmon) at the same insurance company where Sheldrake works meets Fran and they go out on a date. Everything is great until C.C. learns about Fran's affair with his boss and then things get complicated. Fran is so gosh darned lovable you just hate to see her used by Sheldrake when you see she would be better off with C.C. She may be slightly neurotic but that's one of the things you love about her.

Now I know audiences today maay claim Fran is too submissive and vulnerable but the time period is the 60's so I won't argue the point. But I do believe seeing Fran find true unconditonal love is well worth the wait and reward. I think she is one of the most memorable characters in film ever.

Memorable Film and TV Characters (8): SHANE

Shane, one cool gunfighter...

I'm a big western fan and there is no greater character in westerns than of ex-gunfighter Shane (wonderfully played by Alan Ladd). Shane is looking to put his violent past behind him as he comes across rancher Joe Starrett and his family. The Starretts and other settlers are being bullied by cattleman Ryker and his cronies into giving up there land. Shane doesn't want to get involved but once he is pushed, there's no turning back.

Shane meeting Joe Starrett

Shane is a classic character with a dubious past that is trying to put those bad years behind him. And he is so mellow and low key, you really don't think of him as violent man. But once he straps on his pistols...let's just say old habits die hard. There is no doubt that Shane is a flawed man, but he is also kind and helpful. And doesn't like seeing good people being pushed around. When there is no other option, he jumps in to stop the bad guys from running off the settlers, or worse yet, killing them. He rather have the blood on his hands than the good settlers becoming what he is. It's a poetic character study and one that you will never forget.

Shane meeting Little Joey...

And the young Starrett kid calling "Shane, come back Shane!" gets me everytime.

Memorable Film and TV Characters (7): MARY POPPINS

One of the most famous nannies in film history is the delightful Mary Poppins (played by Julie Andrews). She always manages to get the job done no matter how unruly the children may be. Well it helps that Mary is a magical nanny, as she can do some pretty cool tricks. I mean Mary is so delightful in going about her task of watching over children, that it is a joy to watch her at work. Prone to break out with a song and dance on a whim, Mary is the only choice when you have to choose a nanny. And I love her philopsy as with all the magic and zaniness going around, when asked by others how this is possible..she responds "I never explain anything". BAM! And like I said, it's a joy watching her work. Don't tell me you don't hum along as Mary is singing so many of her memorable songs. Her exuberance will rub off on even the most close-minded and unfriendly people. Now I'm in the mood to go fly a kite or something.

Top of the morning Mary...

I have a feeling a song is about to start

Even birds are amazed by Mary

Memorable Film and TV Characters (6): Norman Bates (Psycho)

Norman in one of his quieter moments

Probably the most maladjusted young man you will ever meet. Norman Bates. As the young man who runs the Bates Motel, a run down place just off the main highway to California, Anthony Perkins is top notch in his performance. Norman is so quiet and nice, you wouldn't think he harbors a terrifying secret. Well when bank teller Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals money from her bank and high tails it out of town, she stops that night at The Bates Motel. She meets Norman, who tells her it's just him and his ailing mother who you sometimes hear calling for Norman to bring her something. Now for those who have never seen Psycho, I won't spoil how things turn out. Let's just say it's not pleasant.

Chatting with Marion..don't think Mother would approve

Norman is the type of guy when you first meet may seem a little odd, but is very gracious and understanding. A person who you could talk to and hng out but always say.."that Norman is a nice man, a little strange, but nice". Norman Bates is probably one of the best characters ever to grace a horror/thriller movie. And his film appearances run all the way from 1960 to 1986. Wow! So personally I guess I would talk to him in passing just to say hi, but I would definitely not spend a night at his hotel. I think I would keep on driving and find another spot.

Oh My God! Mother! What have you done?

The infamous Bates Motel

Memorable Film and TV Characters (5): The Girl (The Seven Year Itch)

Hey everyone..just call me The Girl..

You know a character is memorable when she does not even have a name, just an adjective.  That would Marilyn Monroe as The Girl in The Seven Year Itch (1955). She is the dizzy, curvy blonde that lives upstairs above her neighbor, Richard Sherman (played by Tom Newell) whose wife and son are away for their summer vacation. Richard fantasizes a lot about being pursued by lots of women and now this beautiful blonde is right there as a temptation. The Girl is a struggling actress, who lands commercial spots. And she is never given a full name. Just The Girl. She is ditzy, but ditzy in a good way. What I mean, she is very logical in some of her thoughts and sayings. Like putting her undies in the icebox on long hot summer days, so she will be cool when wearing them. Makes a lot of sense doesn't it?

The famous scene....

Marilyn gives one of her best performances as The Girl. You can't help but fantasize about her. And she makes lovely company to be with. Things never get too serious between her and Richard and The Seven Year Itch is a wonderful movie. The Girl is one memorable character to say the least.

Memorable Film and TV Characters (4): Lisa Fremont (Rear Window)

Lisa Carol Fremont

By far one of the best roles of a female in an Alfred Hithcock film is Lisa Fremont from Rear Window. As played by the wonderful Grace Kelly, Lisa was pure magic on screen. She was girlfriend to photographer L.B Jeff Jeffries (played by James Stewart). Who was laid up in his apartment with a broken leg. Lisa worked as a high society fashion consultant, so naturally she got to wear all the lastest and best clothes. And my god did she look amazingly beautiful. Every time she appeared on screen, you couldn't help but get lost in her beauty. Well I know I couldn't. And she was so playful and fun and engaging, that you always liked listening to her talk. The kind of person you could just listen to for days on end.

Lisa was unbelievably sexy ...

and a bit of a tease....

And once Jeff tells her about his neighbor and that he may have killed his wife, Lisa becomes very interested and even becomes Jeff's wingman so to speak. Since he can't move, Lisa takes it upon herself to do some snooping. No argument from her either, and it's not like Jeff can talk her out of doing it. Lisa Fremont is a wonderful character and one of Grace's best roles. She brings, pardon the pun, grace to the screen with her very presence. Rear Window is one of my favorite movies of all time and Grace Kelly has a lot to do with that. I really can't think of another actress doing justice to the character of Lisa.

Check out the fashion show Lisa put on in Rear Window...

Memorable Film And TV Characters (3): Nick and Nora Charles

Why it's Nick Charles and his lovely wife Nora. The ace detective who retired once he married Nora to settle down and enjoy life and all the pleasures that come with it. Namely large quantities of alcohol consumption.

It helped that Nora came from a very rich family and the pair could travel and do whatever they wanted. The couple were wonderfully played by William Powell and Myrna Loy for an amazing six films. I love all the films in the series but the earlier ones are the best.

Nicky, I don't think you should be playing in the house with that....

Nick is the type of guy who doesn't want to get involved but always does before too long. He may be retired but murder and trouble just seems to follow him everywhere. He would like to be left alone to continue to relax and drink but a dead body always seems not far away. He doesn't like it but Nora loves it. She loves nothing better than to be involved in a nice juicy mystery, much to the dismay of Nick. They are both comical and always seem to be having fun no matter how dire the situation may get. 

Ahhhhhh....the loving couple...

Nick is a pretty smart chap as he manages to solve the mystery before the final reel. Nora always look fabulous and shares in her husband's triumph, with some witty remarks of her own. They made one of the silver screen's most entertaining couples. I loved how Nora always called Nick..Nicky. They just seemed so great together as husband and wife. Another trademark of the series was the class of people that Nick used to hang around when he was a full time detective. Nora's interaction with them was always hilarious. As was Nick's meeting her upper crust family members.

 

Hey don't forget me!

So here's to Nick and Nora Charles, my favorite onscreen couple and film's best husband and wife. Oh and Asta too. I can't forget him, now can I?

 

Nora, Asta and Nicky...

Check out the video below for some of Nick and Nora's most witty lines...

 http://youtu.be/PG3NZjRv2nM

Memorable Film and TV Characters (2): Captain Jack Sparrow

It's about yay big, my buckos.....

The roguish and charming Jack Sparrow. Sorry..Captain Jack Sparrow. Played to perfection by Johnny Depp in four wildly entertaining Pirates of the Caribbean films. Flashback to 2003 and the first time we meet him. He arrives in town with majestic music soaring and you think this guy is so freakin cool. And as the camera pans back you see that Jack is not at the head of a massive ship but a little dingy. And you know right away that Jack is not your typical pirate.

                              Evidently there was a misunderstanding between Jack and his friends....

He is a pirate with flair. And very eccentric. His mannerisms and way of speaking takes awhile to get used to but he is one chap you definitely like hanging around. Jack has the distinct habit of always managing to get out of trouble. He's very good..and very lucky. He also has a thing for the ladies. As he romances women in every port of call. Which makes it hard when he returns to said ports and they come looking for him, wanting explanations of why he hasn't written them.

Easy with that sword, mate....

Jack is also very handy with a sword. And he can hold his own in any fight he gets into. Funny thing is he rather not. If given the opportunity he would just run away and live to fight another day. That's why Captain Jack Sparrow is such a memorable character. He is not the straight heroic guy you have seen in countless movies before. He is actually like one of us normal folk. I know most people think they would be all gung ho and ready to take on the world, but in reality we would kind of be timid and say let's find someone else to do this. I'm not feeling it today.

Between me and you Elizabeth, I have to tell you that hat looks ridiculous...

Anyway, Jack is a memorable character we have loved now for almost 9 years and through 4 movies. Here's hoping he returns for further adventures. As a matter of fact, let's all drink to that. Where is the rum? Why is the rum all gone?

Jack Sparrow: [after Will draws his sword] Put it away, son. It's not worth you getting beat again.
Will Turner: You didn't beat me. You ignored the rules of engagement. In a fair fight, I'd kill you.
Jack Sparrow: That's not much incentive for me to fight fair, then, is it?

Memorable Film and TV Characters (1): Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson

 Walter and Hildy in one of their quieter moments....

It is so good to be feeling well umm good. Back after a one day sickness I am raring to go. I recently started a photo album on Facebook called Memorable Film and TV Characters, and I thought to myself... "that would make a cool new series for Irene's wonderful blog here." I have over 100 characters photos I have posted over on FB so this will be a long running series. And what two better characters to begin with than Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson from His Girl Friday, which just happens to be my favorite movie of all time. I know what you're thinking..Monty is so shameless..starting with his favorite movie of all time. What can I say but yes...I'm shameless when it comes to His Girl Friday.

Listen to me, you great big bubble-headed baboon!

Embodied by the great Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, Walter and Hildy make one of the silver screen's most entertaining pairs ever. The fact that they are ex spouses just make everything that much better. Walter is a big city newspaper editor who is manipulative and a schemer. Hildy was his ace reporter and ex-wife before she left due to always chasing around after the next big story. When she blows back into town, it's to tell Walter she is about to remarry. But Walter tricks her into covering one last story and before you know it these two are at it again...just like old times.

Sorta, wish you hadn't done that Hildy. Divorced me. Makes a fella lose all faith in himself. Gives him a... almost gives him a feeling he wasn't wanted

I suppose I proposed to you?

 The verbal sparring between Walter and Hildy are legendary as they speak at warp speed. You will not believe how fast they are talking. Especially Hildy. The two trade barbs back and forth pretty much the entire movie. They never let up. But you also begin to understand that they are perfect for each other. I don't think anyone else would put up with these two. Especially Walter. 

Look at these two in their element....

His Girl Friday is awesome and Walter and Hildy are two of the best characters in the history of film. Of course I may be biased so I would love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Well, isn't that a coincidence, we're going to Albany! I wonder if Bruce can put us up.