I want only to add that Mitchum’s appeal grows over time. Maybe you said that and I missed it or forgot already, age being what it is. In case you didn’t, Im saying it.
Really enjoyed Something About Mitchum. Sharing some of the same stomping grounds here on the Delmarva peninsula, albeit for me decades later, your bullet points sparked my interest. My mom was an avid fan, hence my introduction to his work when I was very young. I’ll always remember how scary he was in Night of The Hunter. Seeing it on television ten years after it was released in theaters in 1955, a year after I was born, as an eleven year old with my younger sister we were glued to the television screen. That sinister preacher forever stayed with us.
Funny how I'm from a different generation and grew up o the other side of the world to you yet I still have my own memory of the sinister Preacher Harry Powell forever tattooed (pun intended) in my memory.
These days we need more of that all but faded repository of the Greatest Generation strength and stoicism -- and humor. My parents were of the greatest generation and instilled much of that thinking and culture in me. I so fear that strength and collectivism will fade without leaving even a tinge in the upholstery. Happily, we have the black and white movies to set an example. Anyway, thanks for writing this enlightening profile of Mitchum. You made so many interesting points, too many to address here in this little box. And, most importantly don't stop writing here -- poetry, whatever inspires you. Yours was the first publication I came upon when I started my Substack last May. When I get bored with my own writing and want to just stop, you inspire me to go on. I really enjoy your work both at The Commonplace and the STSC. You provide a peaceful respite from the -- to use a polite term -- numbskullery going on in the world.
That's very kind of you to say. And if I were to have an explicit mission statement for what I do- the idea of providing a haven away from the numbskullery would be exactly it. Thanks for reading Samantha, it's very much appreciated.
I only found you a year or so back, but I have loved the Commonplace Newsletters that have come through since, not to mention the back-issues I then sought out. Thank you for this sterling body of work.
Thanks Rosie, this has made my day. It's really gratifying to know that there are not only people reading but that there are also readers out there who really *get it*. Thank you.
Thank you for this piece about Mitchum. I have always found Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, to be one of the best movies. I've enjoyed it for years. Gone but never forgotten as we endure the 21st century and all its nonsense.......
I want only to add that Mitchum’s appeal grows over time. Maybe you said that and I missed it or forgot already, age being what it is. In case you didn’t, Im saying it.
I thought it and maybe kinda alluded to it but didn’t say it. And yes, you’re absolutely right. They don’t make em like they used to etc.
Really enjoyed Something About Mitchum. Sharing some of the same stomping grounds here on the Delmarva peninsula, albeit for me decades later, your bullet points sparked my interest. My mom was an avid fan, hence my introduction to his work when I was very young. I’ll always remember how scary he was in Night of The Hunter. Seeing it on television ten years after it was released in theaters in 1955, a year after I was born, as an eleven year old with my younger sister we were glued to the television screen. That sinister preacher forever stayed with us.
Funny how I'm from a different generation and grew up o the other side of the world to you yet I still have my own memory of the sinister Preacher Harry Powell forever tattooed (pun intended) in my memory.
LOVE HATE…
These days we need more of that all but faded repository of the Greatest Generation strength and stoicism -- and humor. My parents were of the greatest generation and instilled much of that thinking and culture in me. I so fear that strength and collectivism will fade without leaving even a tinge in the upholstery. Happily, we have the black and white movies to set an example. Anyway, thanks for writing this enlightening profile of Mitchum. You made so many interesting points, too many to address here in this little box. And, most importantly don't stop writing here -- poetry, whatever inspires you. Yours was the first publication I came upon when I started my Substack last May. When I get bored with my own writing and want to just stop, you inspire me to go on. I really enjoy your work both at The Commonplace and the STSC. You provide a peaceful respite from the -- to use a polite term -- numbskullery going on in the world.
That's very kind of you to say. And if I were to have an explicit mission statement for what I do- the idea of providing a haven away from the numbskullery would be exactly it. Thanks for reading Samantha, it's very much appreciated.
I only found you a year or so back, but I have loved the Commonplace Newsletters that have come through since, not to mention the back-issues I then sought out. Thank you for this sterling body of work.
Thanks Rosie, this has made my day. It's really gratifying to know that there are not only people reading but that there are also readers out there who really *get it*. Thank you.
There was a great article about Mitchum in the London Review of Books a few months ago- it's paywalled, but here's the link anyway, in case you can find a way in... https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v24/n02/miranda-carter/beefcake-ease
Thank you for this piece about Mitchum. I have always found Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, to be one of the best movies. I've enjoyed it for years. Gone but never forgotten as we endure the 21st century and all its nonsense.......
Very true, Don. Funnily enough I covered Heaven Knows, Mr Allison during a very short lived film reviewing project which is collected here:
https://thomasjbevan.substack.com/p/a-milestone-and-a-gift?utm_source=publication-search
I've always considered it to be criminally underrated and overlooked.
Thanks for reading.