Click to view attachmentPlenty of advance notice, to watch Joan Crawford in what I consider to be her finest performance. Humoresque, Ms. Crawford's post Oscar vehicle, is a haunting, brooding, melodrama of epic proportions. Masterfully photographed in atmospheric black and white. A soaring musical score. Superb performances, by all. No cardboard soap opera! Crackling dialogue, written by Clifford Odets. A finale that will stay with you, for the rest of your life. Total knockout. Anyone with even a passing interest, in the late Miss Crawford's career . . . must see this film. Commercial free, and uncut. Watch too, for the 'uncut,' phallic imagery. Startling.

Click to view attachmentBumping up . . . there's still time to set your VCR!! If you haven't seen this Crawford classic . . . don't miss it!! I believe it's her best. Takes a little time for La Crawford to enter the action, but once she does . . . the fireworks don't subside. Robert Blake plays 'little Paul.' Oscar Levant lends witty supporting barbs. The finale, will knock you out.

If I were mega-rich, I might be a bit like her character, Helen Wright, sans the NFL shoulderpaddingLOL. I had some sympathy for the character. Howerever, the plot and character developement could be better. It is not even hinted what made helen a broken needy person. My fave JC role (WWJCD?: "What whould JC do?") was probably Mildred Pierce.

Click to view attachmentMorticia . . . it's true that Helen appears to exist simply to seek a life devoid of sables, waterfront mansions, country estates, and fabulous jewels. But, if you think carefully about Odets' script . . . there are hints of why Helen became 'what she was.' She was married first at sixteen . . . to a cry baby. Next, at twenty-one. To a 'cave man.' Next comes Victor . . . who can't cope with Helen's expressive personality: 'Is that the final sum and substance of our marriage? Courtesy and birthday greetings?' The character appears shallow, but I don't think Helen was. I think Helen was nuts . . . and incapable of finding happiness. For whatever reasons that were so important, to her. btw: last night, I watched BOTH Mildred Pierce, and Humoresque!! It's a wonder I didn't jump off the nearest bridge.

Oh, Zachary!! WHAT an elegant man. Sophisticated and chic, beyond what words can express. Every movement. The way ZS held his cigarette, high against his chest. His ability to show clothes!! Truly, one of a kind.

Great film!!! I've seen it 2 times already. Loved Joan's character, Helen and John Garfield's brooding character too. John was an acting GOD, IMO. He was a Brando before Brando came onto the scene with his true acting method acting/just being so honest in his portrayals of being the average man. So sad that he ended his life like he did when he got blacklisted in the early 50's. He was a true talented acting legend, IMO.

He was also great in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" with Lana Turner (her first, to me, actual grown up/in your face "Sex Goddess" role). That scene of her all in white with that white turban at the door just smolders of sensuality to me whenever I see it and she meets John Garfield in that scene too.

I just adore the music, Humoreque, too. I love Erroll Garner's great piano rendition of this classical piece. Erroll's version is very jazzy/hip and flat out brilliant!

I loved John Garfield, too! He was one of the few actors who could stand up to Joan Crawford, and not be chewed up and spit out, in a thousand pieces. BTW: I have also imagined Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, in these parts!! They just do NOT make movies like this, anymore. The music, the atmosphere, the acting, the conclusion!! FORGET IT. I love too, that telephone conversations, were so pivotal in many of these films!!