Classic Film : Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Pretty shocked to read the official message about the loss of the message boards.

I think it's such a shame how downhill this board has gone over the last few years, so many off topic threads, backbiting etc. So few of us actually seem to want to discuss film anymore, which is a real shame as this was one of the best boards(Noir is another)for detailed and civil film discussion.

I just want to say many thanks to the members here who I have had some great film discussions with over the years: misspaddylee, canterburytale, osullivan60, hobnob, clore, jessicarabbit, mattgarth(thanks for all those race against the clock games)spikeopath, rcocean, L-Mayberry, marshamae, telegonus, pitcairn, farne, trevoraclea, amyghost(thanks for the Ian Richardson recommendations),timshellboy, flaiky, morrison-dylan-fan, divtal and many others; you have made visiting the boards a pleasure. Some of you have become friends, and I thank you once again for your support during the last few months.

Thanks to zetes for the weekly what did you watch last week thread, always fun reading peoples reviews of old and new films here. Some really good discussions on this thread. Thanks for the polls too.

I wish everyone here all the best for the future. Does anyone know of any classic film sites that we could join to continue film discussions?

Take care, and all the best to you in the future.

Maddy x



Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Oh, fare thee well, Maddy! I was so glad to find another fan of Ian's, and so pleased to trade recommendations of his work. It's my great hope that we'll find other places where those discussions, and others can continue. Til then, I wish you the very best, and thank you heartily for making this board the great place it was and is.

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Thanks,that is very kind.

I wish more people shared the Richardson love, one of the best British actors. As I've said before, I'm gutted never to have seen him on stage.

I know you love Ian Holm too, I want to recommend his miniseries Game Set and Match, I saw it for the first time a few months back and highly recommend it, it's on YouTube if you want to check it out. Kept me gripped throughout.




Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Must watch this, Holm has been another great favorite as you note (one of the 'Ian trifecta', lol--Richardson, Holm and Bannen. I suppose I mustn't slight the great McKellan by leaving him out, so perhaps The Ian Quartet would be more appropriate). Like you, it's a wrench to know I never got to see him in live performance, am actually hoping someday to make it to the new Stratford Theatre, where his ashes are interred beneath the first aisle, center. I'd like to think he's there, in spirit, for every performance.

Thanks so much for this recommendation, and all the others you've so kindly pointed me to over the past several years.

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Hope you enjoy it. It's somewhat similar to the Tinker Tailor series, not so much in terms of plot, but how the work of a spy impacts on them emotionally and on their life. Holm is great. I cam across it by chance and was very pleased I did.

Love Ian McKellen too, very much enjoyed the recent episode of Who Do You think You Are? in which he was the focus.

Been rewatching some of Doctor Finlay(90's TV series) recently, in which Ian Bannen plays Dr. Cameron. Love his scenes with Annette Crosbie as Janet.





Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I'd been getting some chuckles out of McKellan and Derek Jacobi in Vicious, which has been airing sporadically on our PBS outlet. Not sure how this went over in Britain, as it's very much in the style of typical American 'insult-a-minute' comedy, but there's no doubt the two of them are able to generate laughs.

Holm easily made the best Hercule Poirot I've seen on film, and I'm looking forward to catching him in this series. If you've never seen the American miniseries Holocaust, it is worth viewing to see his performance as Himmler: brief, understated, and very chilling. He's a true actor's actor. Short of his having been in TTSS or Smiley's People, this sounds like the next best thing to catching him in the bleak spy genre, which he seems a natural for.

I've heard of Doctor Finlay, and would love to find it. I haven't seen a great deal of Bannen's latter-day work, and am always on the lookout for it.


50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I didn't know that Holm played Poirot! Thanks for the information; I will have to look for that.

Holm was in a very early 1970s NAPOLEON AND LOVE with the great Billie Whitelaw. Fortunately it is now on dvd. It was the first thing I saw when I got cable.. The old CBS arts channel (not confused with A&E) in the early 1980s. It hadn't been around since then so it's great it finally made it to dvd. He gives a tour de force performance, along with Whitelaw.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I love Billie Whitelaw. If you've never seen her in the 1981 mini, Private Schulz, look this up (Youtube did have the entire series up recently, it may still be there). She's beautiful in it, in fine comic form; also has the added attractions of the late, great Michael Elphick, and Ian Richardson giving one of the most memorably hilarious Nazi sendups ever.

She's also incredible as the mother of the criminal Kray twins in The Krays.

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I also love Billie Whitelaw. My favorite performance of hers is as Elizabeth Taylor's glamorous, duplicitous "best friend" in one of my guiltiest of guilty pleasures, Night Watch.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Lordy, have not seen that one in decades. I'd forgotten Billie was in it. That's a good reason to hunt it up for another watch.

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

amy, as I mentioned, it's a favorite guilty pleasure of mine, so I have the DVD. Like X, Y & Zee, released the previous year, Night Watch is a valentine to Elizabeth Taylor's fans. Filmed at the height of her baroque period, her weight and British accent fluctuate from scene to scene, but just try looking away from her. Billie Whitelaw's silky villainy and horsey glamour make her a superb foil, and she can be spotted frequently in this YouTube "tribute":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0DxK5IS4UU#t=229.797375

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Hi amy,

I loved Vicious, I think it took a couple of episodes to get going, but once it did I really enjoyed it. When it first aired it was a very marmite reaction, people either hated it or liked it. The recent Christmas special/series finale contained an extremely moving scene, with McKellen in particular breaking my heart. I loved all the scenes with unseen, and ancient dog in the basket.

Hope you get to see Doctor Finlay someday, it's often repeated here in the UK. Great performances from the entire cast, and it always reminds me of All Creatures Great and Small.

I didn't know that Ian Holm played Poirot! Where do I find that? It's been ages since I last saw Holocaust, I'm afraid I don't remember Ian's performance in that. Will have to give that a rewatch, one of the best miniseries ever in my opinion.





Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Sorry for the delay in responding--here's the Holm Poirot:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0201788/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_73

As you can see, it's not an Agatha Christie mystery, it's a mystery involving Christie and her famous creation. Holm is spellbinding and the story is a really clever conceit.

I've only seen this in recent months as a VHS on Amazon, but I've seen it on DVD in the past. There is a Youtube vid with some slightly annoying Dutch subtitles, but worth watching all the same. And Dame Peggy Ashcroft is splendid as the other Dame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrjfCLp8l0g

BTW, I love the phrase 'marmite reaction'... may start using it and confuse the Yanks. I don't think the Vicious Christmas special has aired here, so I might try tracking it down on the internet. Please don't tell me the unseen dog dies!

50 Is The New Cutoff Age

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Thanks so much. Will check it out.

I'm saying nothing about the Xmas special, beyond that it includes tears and laughter. Hope you enjoy it. Have you seen Derek Jacobi's other series Last Tango In Halifax? If not, then I recommend that too.



Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I've seen some episodes of Last Tango. It's another of those series that our PBS outlet has got in the annoying habit of showing sporadically, then replacing it with something else, and then bringing back months later. I'm hoping it'll be put up on Youtube so I can possibly get to view it in proper order. Looks good, and I like Jacobi a lot, though I think he's never bested himself as Claudius. I'll admit that whenever I see him I have to laugh a little, as I've read somewhere once that he and Ian Richardson supposedly cordially despised one another. Oh these actors!

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Adios, Maddy. I'll miss you.



Reconfiguring the Sixties

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I'll miss you too cschultz.

You are someone who I wish had posted more often. I know you encountered some unpleasantness here a while back and cut back posting, a real shame. I always looked forward to seeing you pop up here.

All the best to you for the future.


Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Thank you, Maddy, and we'll all miss you too. I hope we can all find one another again on some forum on this vast worldwide web!

Meanwhile it's not the end quite yet, so please keep posting as long as you can, will you?

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I'll Miss You, HOBNOB! (Big Time.... ) It had to come, though. If there'd been even Mild Moderation on the boards in the beginning...instead of letting them turn into the National Enquirer, maybe the Pornography wouldn't have got in.

People were more interested in calling Matthew Broderick a murderer, and making "jokes" about Gabby Sidhibe being unable to clean herself...and TPTB let it happen, in the name of "Freedom of Speech".

As I said, HobNob... I'll miss you...but I'm on FB, and I'll check in there.







I do hope he won't upset Henry...

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Likewise and ditto many times over, joystar. I have to go just now but look for a PM in the next day.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Meanwhile it's not the end quite yet, so please keep posting as long as you can, will you?

Hi hob,

I'll still keep trying to stop by(work permitting)over the next two weeks. Thought I should post my goodbyes now, just incase the boards are disabled earlier(you never know).

I'm really hoping someone will post some other classic film sites we could all go to.



Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

"We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when? But I know we'll meet again some sunny day..."

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Oh, lol, I was just thinking of that--complete with exploding mushroom clouds in the background...

50 Is The New Cutoff Age.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB


Oh, lol, I was just thinking of that--complete with exploding mushroom clouds in the background...


That, Life of Brian and Apocalypse Now were the first images that came to my mind (well, this is the Classic Film Board, ain't it?) You have the exploding mushrooms and some of the lyrics on Clore's thread (one among... how many? I certainly don't intend to start another, enough is enough).

EDIT & PS. At the end I did (start a thread). Never say I won't sing that song because life will always prove you wrong.




🔺

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I have an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach, Maddy. Truly taken aback and saddened. This place has been a haven of wonder and discovery over the last two or three years for me. It has become so much of what I am. If Mr. Needham does end up doing away with the boards, there'll be a gaping hole in my existence. I've learned so much and discovered so much through my interactions on here and found out that I still have so much more to discover. So many amazing, fascinating, and inspiring people are on these message boards and their insights and humanity have enriched my sense of the world and my place in it. I shall lose so many cherished acquaintances if this dreaded day of apocalypse comes to pass.

Take care of yourself, Maddy. You are a shining human being.

All the best,
Roger (Pulbrook)


That's all, folks!

Re: Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I've expanded my film knowledge exponentially thanks to the messageboards - at least as much as trawling through the recorded information.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Bookmark (thanks).

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

---Look what happens. I decide to say hello and the board decides to go byebye. I am on Facebook. hiho everyone----


Jane
My Movie Blog, The Ancient Pelican here:http://purpleladyj.blogspot.com/

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

The same thing happened to me. I wanted to check on a TV show I watch and saw the notice and came to my favorite board to see what the comments on here were. I can't believe there won't be boards any longer. I don't check them out as often as I used to, but it's depressing to think they won't be here.

Great To See

It's great to see that you're still there, doing your thing, Jane.

I joined the boards just a couple of months after you did, and it's been quite a ride. We've had some great times here.

Last Round.at the Alamo Bar and Grill.

Good Golly Ms Molly, it's the one and only Ishallwearpurple. The indomnitable Jane, bottle of booze in hand, has returned for a last drink with the gang.

For a while there I feared you might have succumbed to the ravages of age and become part of the universe.

I should have realized you would not go gentle into that good night.

That you are still with us and have popped in to say hello and goodbye has brought a glowing ray of golden sunshine to an overcast morning in South Africa.

Your appearance, however brief, has made my day girl. It's good to see a post from you again.

Hope life in Missouri is treating you well and you are still tending your flowers during the day and, come evening time, propping up the bar in the local saloon.

Much love and fond regards

Jefferson Cody (bane of the CFB, thorn in Addie's side)



Ps: I like to think I am unforgettable, but I hope you still remember me Jane.





Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Thanks Maddy. You were one of the main people keeping CFB alive.

The ICM board is the probably the best one I've come across in terms of having true film buffs and and being pretty active. I've only posted a couple of times, but might start going more regularly: http://www.icmforum.com/index/


Stop listening to the static.

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Hi flaiky,

Just had a quick look at that site, might very well check that one out. Thanks for the recommendation.

All the best to you.

Maddy


Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Fare thee well, Maddy. You were among the best of the recently regular posters. I hope you'll consider joining the Facebook group...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1661997737433609/


It may never take this one's place, but it's worth a try...



Facebook link

Wes, when I click on the link, it takes me to the imdb message boards page. Don't know what's going on, but thought you should know. Or maybe there's something wrong with my computer. . .who knows?

The time of the singing of the birds has come.

Re: Facebook link

I clicked and got here, too... but in a preview, it worked. Will try again...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1661997737433609/

Okay, it worked in the review post

Re: Facebook link

Worked for the moment... but the other one did not. There may be some Internet explanation...

Re: Facebook link

Thank you. If I don't sign up (I don't have a Facebook account), I just wanted to say it's been nice chatting with you here at CFB, and that I hope all goes well with your new endeavor.

The time of the singing of the birds has come.

Re: Facebook link

Thank you. I held out for years before joining Facebook and Twitter. The latter is too big for me, but Facebook is fun and has the "group" option. I see some other boards and will try them, too. Good wishes, always.

😎

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Hi Wes,

Afraid I'm not on Facebook. Glad to know that there is one way some here will be able to keep in touch.


All the best to you.

Maddy


Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I see people mentioning other boards. Maybe I will see you somewhere, Maddy. Until then, we'll always have Paris.

😎

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

"...good night Mrs Calabash, wherever you are...!!!"

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Don't be too quick to say goodbye. They might still change their minds, if enough people complain.

Why don't they just remove all the old threads and have people start over? There are so many threads on the boards which haven't been touched in years. Why don't they just do a "reboot" of all the boards? Remove ALL the threads and people can get new threads going. I'll be sorry to see certain threads go, but it would be better than to have the message boards shut down.

~~~~~
Proud to be Canadian! 🇨🇦

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

I made a petition a couple hours ago, getting closer and closer to 1000 sigs:

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petition-to-keep-the-imdb-messageboards-going#

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

We were told a couple of years ago that they were going to be shut down via a thread on Film General. I guess no one believed it. Complaining rarely gets you what you want in life so I don't think that would do much good.


Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Thanks Maddy, and all the folks I have connected with in some small way over the years. I originally posted here as basildeardenfan, several years ago, but then dropped off the radar for a while, before returning in 2014. No deception was intended, merely a fresh start. I haven't been as avid a poster as others, but I have picked up so many wonderful recommendations (Maddy, I have you to thank for The Great Profile, and Guns At Batasi, to name just two), and been amazed by the sheer breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm of the members.

This is sad news, but, remember, we'll always have the films themselves.




"Barney Sloane...That's my new name...My old one's a little more Italian."

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

And thank you, Maddy. Talking with you has always been a pleasure. You're one of the people who made it worth coming back here. You've been tireless in starting threads and keeping this place interesting and, I'm sure like a lot of other people, I always try and read your posts, even if I haven't seen the film or don't have much to contribute (or even less than usual!).

I remember the first time we met, I'm pretty sure it was on your Quatermass thread, and then on your epic British horror films thread. I was impressed by your friendliness, and your diligence in replying to everyone who responded. On the rare occasions when I've started a thread, I've always tried to follow your example. (And check out my List of Adrian Messenger thread from last week - hours of fun there trying to decide if it really is Tony Curtis disguised as an organ grinder!)

Incidentally, if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend the Ian Richardson film An Ungentlemanly Act. Coincidentally, his role was originally intended for Ian Holm!

I know some people are hoping to reconstitute the forum elsewhere, and even continue the yearly polls, so you never know, it may not be over yet.

All the best to you.



Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Hi farne,

I'd forgotten about the Quatermass thread! I was pretty chuffed with the response to the British Horror thread, I wish I had saved the replies now because it generated some quality discussions.

It was because of that thread that I checked out The Devil Rides Out(I think it may have been Trevor or yourself who recommended that)I was so pleased I did. Great to see Christopher Lee playing a hero for once; I though they could have easily done a film series featuring Lee's character, fighting the forces of darkness.

I've only seen a few clips from An Ungentlemanly Act, really want to see the whole thing. There's Ian Richardson and my other favourite, the much underused Bob Peck.

Will drop by your Adrian Messenger thread. That is one crazy flick! You are another poster who I wish would have posted more often.

All the best to you.

Maddy



Go to bed Frank or this is going to get ugly .

Re: Farewell, lads and lasses of the CFB

Maddy, I will miss you. You've been a light on this board. Thank you for that. I wish you all the best in your next sojourn. I know this is going to be a lot harder than I'm ready to grasp at the moment: Saying goodbye to strangers who have become friends, you certainly among them. But so it must be, apparently.

I posted the following on Old Ale's "The End" thread, but I'd like to post it here, too, if you don't mind:

"What a stunning and heartbreaking decision after spending 16 years here.

Thanks to all the good souls who have shared their thoughts with kindness, generosity, and intelligence. I'll be forever grateful for the wonderful dialogues I've had here; for the things I've learned; for the knowledge I've been able to impart. I can't imagine not being able to come here and share the love of a lifetime with others who feel the same.

Farewell, kindred spirits. I wish all of you joy in the next part of your journey. Que Sera Sera." 😢

The end is nothing; the road is all.
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