Two Warner Bros. films, based on plays (the first shouts its three act structure at you - the second is more subtle), photographed respectively by the Italians who came up with the Warner Brothers' 'look', Sol Polito and Tony (Antonio) Gaudio.
In Old Acquaintance, I would have to argue that Miriam Hopkins gives an over-the-top theatrical performance, whereas Bette gives a cinematic performance that is infinitely superior - notice how Sherman and editor Terry Morse will stay on Bette and not cut to Gig Young, for example.
It's a rich, fruity pudding, most enjoyable. Written by John van Druten and Lenore Coffee, based on his play (and, uncredited, Edmund Goulding and Howard Koch). With John Loder, Dolores Moran (To Have and Have Not), Roscoe Karns and (uncredited) Jimmy Conlin.
Alexander Walker described it as 'one of the most sympathetic portraits that Hollywood ever drew of the unmarried woman'.
The music's by Franz Waxman.
Then, as Q wanted a Christmas film, we stayed in the same box set and watched the incomparable Mr. Sheridan Whiteside in the beautifully structured and timed Man Who Came to Dinner, with its fabulous cast (everyone's fantastic) of Monty Woolley, Bette, Ann Sheridan (brilliant), Richard Travis, Jimmy Durante, Billie Burke, Grant Mitchell, Reginald Gardiner, Elisabeth Fraser, George Barbier and Mary Wickes. Music by Frederic Hollander. Notice how dynamic the editing becomes towards the ending (Jack Killifer).
Music (so important): Frederick Hollander. Also can't say how much I love Durante singing 'Did You Ever Get the Feeling That You Wanted To Stay' in which I'm sure he's playing the piano himself (without hardly looking at it). And Whiteside "Shut your nasty face!"
But the bit that stuck in my head this time was dotty old Ruth Vivian saying "A merry Christmas to you, dear Mr Whiteside!"
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