Friday, March 15, 2013

What Have You Been Watching?

I know it's that time of year when the snow starts melting so we have the urge to get out of the house or if we're really motivated,  we start our Spring cleaning.

Well, if you've been stuck indoors due to the weather or if you've decided to watch a few movies or TV shows during this time, I would love to know what you've been watching.  I'm sure the next thing you want to know is what I've been watching. Oh, you weren't?  Hmmm I'm gonna tell ya anyway.  ( I really wish I could see all of your 'thrilled faces' right now!)

A film that I happened upon that I want to discuss today is "Changeling" from 2008. (Yes, I've seen a lot of films recently, mostly those that were nominated for Oscars but they've been discussed to death already. So I went back a few years for something interesting late one night.)  "Changeling" takes place in Los Angeles during 1928. Focusing on the disappearance of a little boy, and his mothers plight as she searches for him while taking on a corrupt and out of control, LAPD.

We can all agree that Clint Eastwood is a brilliant director and he's up to the task once again with "Changeling". The sets, clothing, dialogue are spot on for that era as he tackles a true story. An actual murder case and the events that surrounded it while a single mother searches for her missing boy. Plus, you have to give Eastwood credit for taking on this true story, these horrific crimes that threw southern California into chaos and unimaginable fear during the late 20s and early 30s. He tells the story in a very respectful way, without shoving gore and graphic details at us.

Jolie plays the desperate mother, Christine Collins. Even though it's hard to 'dress her down' to look like a working class mother, she was pretty believable as the film takes a disturbing turn, she winds up in an asylum where she's muzzled. Then there's John Malkovich who plays a tenacious preacher who makes it his life mission to take down the LAPD while helping Jolie's character get to the bottom of what happened to her son.

I haven't been crazy about most of the roles Jolie has taken on in the past few years. (I'm still angry about sitting through "The Tourist") but due to the subject matter. (It's based loosely on the true story of the serial killer, Gordon Northcott who kidnapped young boys and took them to a chicken farm in Riverside , CA in 1928.  The case was best known as the Wineville, Chicken Coop Murders.) I gravitate to true crime stories and when there's a great director behind the project who's very particular about getting every detail right, you can count me in. Of course, the icing is the fact that it takes place during my favorite era, The Roaring Twenties.

I won't give all of the plot away in case you haven't seen "Changeling" but I'll give you some screen grabs of this beautifully done film. If you haven't seen it, hopefully it will entice you to give it a try.

Even with the opening credits, I know Eastwood is on top of his game. 

 I could watch this film over and over just for a feel for what LA was like during the 1920s. The only thing that's distracting is how gorgeous Jolie is even while dressed down and on her way to work as a supervisor of a telephone company. (I know, she can't help it! And please don't think I'm implying that working women aren't beautiful because they absolutely are.)

We even get Jolie and other operators on roller skates and several scenes of those wonderful old switchboards. 

Being a telephone operator looks hard!  I'm not sure what operators used to make but hopefully it was a lot. 

Clint's daughter, Morgan Eastwood, gets a cameo. (on the right) She looks just like her mother! The neighborhood is turned on it's head when a little boy goes missing. 

Perfection! Loving the view of the old LAPD headquarters in the background. I can imagine it looking just like this during 1928. 

Jeffrey Donovan does a great job as the corrupt and smarmy police captain. 

I would wear that hat and coat. Shoot, I would even find room for that velvet couch. 

We don't run into our serial killer played by Jason Harner until about half way into the film. After Jolie's character is institutionalized for questioning the LAPD and their motives for giving her a different little boy. This guy is a level 12 creepy.

One of the good guys in the LAPD finds his way to the chicken farm. (The film doesn't really go into great detail, everything that occurred here in 1928.) Focusing mostly on the Christine Collins storyline of her missing boy and the LAPD cover-up. Everything does tie in at the end though so I'm satisfied. 

*After I saw the film I went to Wiki to read up on every person portrayed in the film. It's a horrifying story and quite shocking. You can get all of the details of the case by clicking HERE

It takes a lot to stand up to the LAPD but she fights the good fight.

 Christine is put through hell thanks to the LAPD. We also realize, through her stay in the asylum, that the LAPD threw anyone who defied them, went against their corrupt agenda in there as well. It's scary to think that this actually went on during that time.

Malkovich and his finger waves kick some ass. Another genius decision by Clint to cast him as Reverend Briegleb. A major thorn in the LAPD's side.

We get a glimpse of the trial of Gordon Northcott and then the hearing on LAPD corruption which took place due to one detective who tied the Wineville murders into the Christine Collins case.

Both of the little boys who played Walter were great although you want to ring this one's neck.

Eastwood gives us another glimpse of the Chicken Coop Murders trial. 

Another chilling moment in the film comes when Christine visits Northcott in prison. 

There's a few more twists and turns but I won't give anything else away. 

One last shot of Eastwood's, 1920s Los Angeles.

TRIVIA:

"Changeling" was actually nominated for 3 Oscars for Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography and then Best Actress for Angelina Jolie. All well deserved nods.

Hillary Swank and Reese Witherspoon both lobbied for the role of Christine Collins but Eastwood went with Jolie at the suggestion of Executive Producer, Ron Howard.

Some of the scenes were filmed at the San Bernardino Train Station.

This was Eastwood's first time working at Universal since making "In the Line of Fire" in 1993 due to the Eiger Sanction.

There are several details left out of the film, such as the boy who was found alive at the chicken farm being part of the kidnapping of other young boys. Of course the film doesn't touch upon Northcott's mother and her role in the murders either. The original version of "Changeling" ran another 50 minutes but two major scenes were cut from the released version.

An episode of the television show "Dragnet" titled The Big Imposter was based on the Wineville Chicken Farm murders.

The actual town in California where the murders occurred, changed it's name from Wineville to Mira Loma due to negative publicity from the events.

Episode 93 of the television show, Criminal Minds also highlights the murder case.

Have you seen "Changeling"? If you have I hope you'll share your thoughts here. If you've seen some good films recently that you want to chat about, or a few films you want to recommend, then have at it in the comment section. We're always up for some good movie chat and suggestions around here. (Anything to postpone Spring cleaning!)

Thanks for stopping by!
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36 comments:

  1. This movie depressed me, but Jolie was quite good in it. And, no, she can't help how beautiful she looks--even wearing rags! LOL!

    I haven't seen any new films that have done much for me. The Master was horrible. Flight and Beasts of the Southern Wild were passable. I have The Sessions in my DVD player right now, but I'm concerned it will be like watching soft porn. LOL

    Here's a good movie that most people haven't seen: Last Night (2010), starring Keira Knightley. It's a wonderful indie!

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  2. Hi, Kim!
    I've decided that Jolie is a very good actress when she's not doing terrible accents. Of course, Eastwood has a way of getting the most out of his actresses. ha ha

    I'm not sure if you'll enjoy The Sessions. I did but it isn't for everyone. I agree that The Master wasn't up to the hype although I did enjoy seeing Phoenix in a decent role again.

    I haven't seen "Last Night" but I'm going to add it to the list. Thanks for the suggestion. Loving Indie films and doing my best to see the good ones, I can't wait to give it a go.

    One Indie film I saw recently was "West of Memphis". Produced by Peter Jackson, the documentary covers the West Memphis Three Murder case and brings us up to date with the accused and their release from prison. Having seen all three films in the Paradise Lost series, I wasn't sure it would offer anything new but it covered a lot that wasn't touched upon over the years. (Of course, I'm furious that the step father was never tried for crimes.)

    I've been watching a few really good BBC series that I'll be touching upon in another post.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kim and have a great weekend!
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  3. Honestly, I thought CHANGELING was only average-level Clint - not as good as MILLION DOLLAR BABY or LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA - but you're absolutely right about the period set design and costumes. They look completely convincing.

    Two movies I recently saw that I haven't blogged about were INHERIT THE WIND and IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD. The former is Spencer Tracy at arguably his best; the latter, not so much (it wasn't as funny as I had hoped it would be).

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    1. Rich,
      You may not believe this since I go nuts trying to see every Oscar nominated film, but I have not seen Million Dollar Baby. It came at a time after there were so many 'boxing' films out like "The Hurricane" and "The Cinderella Man". I wasn't feeling another one and then there's the fact that I'm just not a fan of Hillary Swank.

      As far as Mad, Mad World. I did not find it funny either. As much as I wanted to like it as much as everyone else, I just didn't.

      Thanks for sharing with us. I guess the reason I reviewed Changeling is because of the era and the sets, how well it was visually.
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  4. I've been having fun with old TV programs lately. Coincidentally, a "Dragnet" marathon took up a lot of my time although, unfortunately, "The Big Imposter" was not among the episodes.

    The most recent new-to-me film I saw was "Hand in Hand", an award winner from 1961, and I was moved to post about it. A more uplifting experience than "The Changeling".

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    1. CW,
      Wouldn't it have been crazy, fun if The Imposter had been one of the epi's you saw recently? I love Dragnet so much. Nothing wrong with taking time for a marathon of it either.

      I need to get over to your place and read your review of Hand in Hand.

      Thanks for sharing your recent viewings with us. : )
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  5. Page, I'm not an Angelina Jolie fan but I did see "The Changeling" because I was interested in the subject matter (knowing it was based on a true story) and have a thing for films that depict L.A. or any part of Southern California in earlier times - teens to the 1960s, especially (my favorite of these is "Chinatown"). I thought he captured the era and that the story was engrossing - grim, but compelling. Otherwise, I don't remember much about it. But I haven't been that impressed with Eastwood's more recent efforts. For me, he'll never top "Unforgiven."


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    1. Lady E,
      I get what you mean about Eastwood and recent films. My favorite of his will always be Bridges of Madison County. Man, it was good and I wore two of the soundtrack CDs out through the years.

      I love films based on true stories and when it occurs in LA during this era, that makes it a must see for me too. While Chinatown is up there for me, my favorite to date is L.A. Confidential. I have seen that film so many times but I could watch it once a month. Kevin Spacey is my favorite working actor and James Elroy is also one of my favorite true crime authors so perhaps I'm a bit biased.

      Thanks for your input on this topic.
      Have a great weekend!
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  6. The film looks beautiful, but I don't think I could handle the plot. So thank you for giving me the part I can stomach! Hope you're doing well Page.

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    1. KC,
      I get what you mean with the subject matter. I really didn't leave any gore out because there was none. They don't show any crimes occurring or even awful crime scenes like you would think. Eastwood doesn't even allow gruesome details, and for that I'm grateful.

      It doesn't always have to be in your face for you to understand the severity of something.

      I'm doing great, KC. Barreling into Spring like everyone else with this hot weather. I hope you and the family are doing great and enjoying your Spring break.
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  7. I loved "Changeling," but I don't think I could watch it again. Like you point out, there's not much gore, but it is so psychologically intense and disturbing. Part of that was probably because I had no idea what it was about when I watched it, so I'm sure the impact was increased. But still, I thought it was very well done and Jolie was wonderful. (And I agree with you about "The Tourist." Why? Why why why?)

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    1. JG,
      I can understand where you're coming from. I cheated and read the reviews on IMDb so I knew going in what the film was about but I didn't know how far it would go in showing the details of the crimes. Just imagine if Scorsese had gotten a hold of this script. YIKES!

      As I mentioned above, when Jolie tries accents she fails miserably. I think she gets so focused on trying to make the accent work that she forgets about everything else and actually 'acting'. Don't even get me started on her in "Alexander". What was that about? lol

      Depp and Jolie should have been fined for accepting a part in that stink bomb in the first place. It's been awhile since I've seen a film with so little substance. (The Tourist)

      Thanks for stopping by to talk movies and Changeling with us.
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  8. I do love those photos of the period look of the film, although I'm not generally an Angelina fan. I've been humoring the husband with more recent movies lately - THE STATION AGENT, SKYFALL, WHIP IT, and SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN - and we're also making our way through the British version of WALLANDER. When I get some viewing time to myself, I'm favoring Jean Harlow and Clark Gable. So many movies, so little time! Thanks for piquing my interest in CHANGELING - I haven't seen that one.

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    1. Jennifer,
      Of the films you mentioned, I liked Salmon Fishing the most. (A sucker for anything starring McGregor but it was a very entertaining film.)

      I haven't heard of Wallander. I'll take a look. I've been watching a lot of BBC series lately. Of course, the critical darling, Sherlock then the new version of Upstairs, Downstairs, Call the Midwives and Ripper Street. BBC has been churning out some brilliant TV.

      Thanks for sharing your viewing list and please come back soon for more on film and old Hollywood.
      Have a great weekend!
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  9. I've never seen nor even heard of "Changeling," but I rarely watch current films, so I suppose that is not surprise. The only way I even know of most film names is because my kids mention them, but they have never talked about "Changeling." The last current film I saw was "Lincoln," which we went to on Christmas Day, and I found it so boring that I actually dozed off in the theatre. (I did think the acting was good, but I'm not into politics at all, and there was so much of that.)

    I'm still in John Garfield mode, so I've been enjoying a re-watch of some tried and true faves, plus I've had a chance to watch 2 of his films that I had never seen before, leaving only 2 Garfield films I need to see.

    When I only have a small amount of time to spare, I love watching an episode or two of "Hazel."

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    1. Hi, Patti!
      There's nothing wrong with a little John Garfield when you get free time. : )

      If you are going to see only one current film during the holidays, Lincoln is a good choice. It did have it's moments though that lagged.

      You know, I've never seen Hazel. I'll have to find a couple of episodes.
      Thanks for sharing your recent viewing list.
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  10. I was never interested in seeing "The Changeling" but your post has changed my mind. A friend of mine saw it and said in one scene, everyone gasped and commented on how thin Angelina Jolie looked.

    As for recent fare...I finally saw "Argo" last week and, even though it was VERY loosely based on true events, I enjoyed it very much. However, the cynical side of me was not surprised to see it win Best Picture - after all, it's about Hollywood saving the world.

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    1. Hi, SS!
      Jolie is very thin in the film but with she is always covered up with coats or flowy dresses (A change for her) it's not that noticeable. I hope you'll give it a try. Although the subject matter is disturbing, Eastwood takes it on in a very tasteful way.

      While I did like Argo, I found Silver Linings Playbook and The Impossible much more enjoyable films.

      Thanks for adding to our movie, TV discussion.
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  11. I doubt I could sit through Changeling without getting horrified or depressed. However, I do plan on watching it when I know I'm ready for depression and nervousness. After all, I have to deal with the ugly side of American History sometimes.
    As for recent movies that I watched for the first time, I saw The Red Shoes, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), and Tootsie (1982). I love all of them with The Red Shoes being my favorite of the three. You might even see me do a post on them sometime later this year. Hint. Hint.
    Sharing what you just saw is a really good smart idea. Keep up the good work. :) See ya later.

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    1. Matt,
      Your recent movie choices are great. I'll look forward to your reviews on them. Becky, is your girl when it comes to all things The Red Shoes. She loves the film. It is beautifully done.

      Hopefully you'll give Changeling a try. I think you might be pleasantly surprised. I didn't feel depressed due to how the film avoided graphic details.

      Thanks for stopping by.
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  12. Hi Page! I loved everything about "The Changeling" except..... Angelina Jolie. I won't go into all of the things about her that irk me, but the movie was good enough to make me get past it. Hey, when you have an awesome story and a great director it's got to be good. As for me, I have been watching the NetFlix series "House of Cards" - which I can't recommend highly enough (Kevin Spacey is beyond wonderful). Also, a dear friend got me the DVDs to a BBC series I loved many years ago called "The House of Eliot" - heaven!

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    1. FlickChick,
      It looks like Jolie is not on everyones favorite actress list. ha ha There are quite a few things about her that annoy us.(Sorry Angelina!)

      I waited and waited for House of Cards to be streamed after Spacey (My favorite working actor) was on the House of Cards pre-release tour) I watched it in 2 days. Such a great series! And a brilliant idea by Netflix to release the season all at once. (I hope others take note on this new way of releasing shows.) I don't usually watch my favorite series during their regular season. (Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey, Revenge, The Killing, Sherlock) because of the whole, waiting week to week thing. I've been waiting until I can get the full season at once.

      I was very impressed to say the least at Netflix first go at a series. (Can't wait until season two) ha ha

      I've been watching a lot of BBC shows as I mention above in the comments but I haven't seen House of Eliot. I'll check it out. (Love these posts due to all of the great recommendations by you guys)

      I hope you're having a great weekend.
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  13. I have not yet seen the film, "Changeling". I will look for the movie trailer to see if it is something I would be interested in. Thank you for the awesome review.

    My list of recent movies and series I have been watching:

    Game of Thrones
    Skyfall 007
    Life of PI
    Downton Abbey
    Anna Karenina (2013)



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    1. Hi, Dawn!
      A very nice viewing list you have there. ha ha

      I watched Downton Abbey, Season 3 before it was shown here in the states so when it finally aired, I found other things to watch like Ripper Street and Call the Midwife. (I'll be doing a post on all of the great BBC shows in a few weeks, hopefully.) Like HBO, they are superb at their series.

      If you do decided to see Changeling I hope you'll let me know your thoughts on it.

      See ya soon over at your place!
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  14. Thanks for bringing up these two subjects Page. I haven't seen The Changeling but I'll be on the lookout for it. I tried to see all the films that were Oscar nominated for costume. And the one that won, Anna Kerinina, I found to be the weakest in film quality. I really liked Lincoln, Snow White and the Huntsman, and the Hobbit. On cable I'm really getting into Game of Thrones and I found Parade's End much more interesting that Downton Abbey.

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    1. Hi, Christian!
      I thought Snow White and the Huntsman was very visually appealing. I think I even mentioned on one of your Oscar costume posts how gorgeous the costumes were for it.

      Interesting that you've been watching Parade's End. I've been telling anyone that will listen about it via Twitter. I found it while trying to get my Cumberbatch fix after I finished watching both seasons of Sherlock. (Just heard that Season 3 of Sherlock is now filming, so I'm thrilled about that.) Parade's End is another show that is so well done and the costumes and cinematography are something else.

      Thanks so much for taking the time to give your input on this topic.
      See ya soon over at your place! Off to watch the Thunder vs Mavs game then catch up on Ripper Street.
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  15. I have watched very diverse movies, from Fantasia to War and Peace!
    It´s been a while I don't watch an Eastwood movie, and I really prefer when he works besides directing. One day I'll give this one a chance, being so beautifully filmed and with the amazing 1920's look.
    Kisses!

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    1. Hi, Le!

      Good to see you're still being your fabulous self and your movie selections are sure to match. : )
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  16. Hi Page, neat post! CHANGELING was a terribly sad but meticulously-produced movie, and I agree, Jolie was very good in it.

    I haven't seen much of note when it comes to recent movies, but since you've teased some good BBC TV dramas, I'll mention a couple I've watched and enjoyed. Speaking of child murders (yeesh!), David Tennant headlines a gripping, 8-episode murder mystery called BROADCHURCH. Also good is SHETLANDS, based on a 5 book series by Ann Cleeves, starring Dougie Henshall as a humane police inspector and featuring lots of spectacular scenery. I also enjoyed the heck out of the gritty RIPPER STREET, the cozy, breezy fun of DEATH IN PARADISE series 2 and the final series (perhaps) of the INSPECTOR MORSE spinoff, LEWIS. So far, 2013 has been a good year for Brit mystery fans.

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    1. Hey, Jeff!
      I agree that BBC is bringing it is far as mystery and suspense. I'm counting down the days until I can get my Sherlock fix again.

      Thanks for the other suggestions. I'm going to have a look for them. Always up for more BBC series.

      So glad you decided to drop in for our movie, television viewing dish.
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  17. I thought "Changeling" was pretty terrific, as was Jolie. But those huge lipstick-stained lips made her look like she was auditioning for a remake of "Countess Dracula" or "Dracula's Daughter" or...you get the idea.

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    1. Hiya, Kev!
      I'm pleasantly surprised that so many of my friends have seen "Changeling". I may have to do a 'what are you watching' post once a month now. : )

      I agree on Jolie's lipstick too. That deep red color was quite distracting and I don't see that shade being worn during that time, especially for 'day wear'. (Scandalous telephone operator fashion! ha ha)
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  18. I did like "Changeling," although I thought the screenplay could have been tighter. However, Jolie was excellent and the look of the film was to die for, especially for all of us who like a glimpse of LA from the golden years of films.

    As for what I'm watching now, I must recommend a documentary from 2010 called "Bill Cunningham in New York." I knew nothing of him and was fascinated at his life-long devotion to fashion. It's pretty amazing so find it if you can.

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    1. Hi, Bry!
      Hmmm, Always up for a good documentary so thanks for the recommendation. I've been watching a few recently, as I mention above. It's obvious now that I need to read more and watch less TV, movies. ha ha

      I hope you're doing well. Thanks for stopping by and giving your opinion on this Eastwood beauty.
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  19. I haven't seen Changeling, but I'll definitely add it to the list now! I didn't remember it's a period piece, and I'm always game for an Eastwood picture :)

    I feel like it's kind of the dead period for films now that it's after the Oscars, so I haven't seen much in the theater lately. Pretty much just counting the days until Game of Thrones and Mad Men come back!

    Lindsay

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  20. Such a good film could be made on the subject of the murder of director William Desmond Taylor (192x) that one wonders why it hasn't happened yet. King Vidor and Colleen Moore wrote a book about it called "A Cast of Killers", in which they exonerate Mabel Normand, and put the finger on ingenue Mary Miles Minter's mother, Charlotte. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle is a marginal figure in the story. Mr. Eastwood would be perfect to make it. I hate to think of some lesser director not doing this lurid story justice.

    DW

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