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The Lovable Cheat (1949)
Big surprise here for drama lovers
This thoroughly enjoyable adaptation of Balzac'c story may not be a great film, or even close to one. But it does feature the delightful performance of Charlie Ruggles whose long career in films was well past its peak of a decade earlier.
The plot, a deceptively frothy bit of Gallic farce, centers on the financial conundrums of a slightly over middle aged man and his friends, family, creditors, and neighbors. There's much to enjoy here, so much as a matter of fact, that the great playwright Samuel Beckett stole a basic plot line and even the character's name.
You see our "loveable cheat" is bankrupt because his business partner has sailed away in an effort to secure wealth for both. Only thing is he hasn't returned. Every one is after poor Charlie Ruggles for their long overdue loans, payments, and such- all they get from him is "When my partner's ship comes in" In short everyone has to wait for the partner's return, and then all will be well.
Perhaps by now you've guessed the partner's name- yes, it's Godot. This story, and perhaps even this very film, is the source for Beckett's most famous play "Waiting for Godot" Incidentally in the very last frame of the movie, as the screen is "Irising" out Godot returns, and Charlie holds up a hand full of money. Beckett left that out.
Fratello sole, sorella luna (1972)
There is one redeeming grace
Back in the early 70's when I saw this movie, the theater was filled with smiling Francis wannabe's. There were even people who walked through the streets barefoot in robes and tonsured heads to attend. They were not Franciscans. I think only those most endowed with Hippie sentimentality were not disappointed.
HOWEVER, there is one astonishingly effective scene worth sitting thought the rest of the film to see. Towards the end, Francis is in Rome hoping the Pope will grant his order recognition. The Pope is seated on a throne any king would envy, in splendid vestments bedecked with gold and jewels. The great chair is on a platform high above the floor of the great church. There are at least a dozen wide steps leading up to the almost Godlike heights at the top. After Francis presents his plea, the Pope, in one of Alec Guiness' typically perfect portrayals, stands up as the music swells and slowly begins to descend. But Zeffirelli positioned the cameras in such a way that you can only see the vertical portion of the steps, each of which is an intricate mosaic. The resulting shot makes it appear that Guiness is gently descending from heaven itself, like an angel floating down a beam of light.
Francis looks on in awe, and grovels before the Pope, who quietly lifts Francis up and then bows himself to kiss his feet.
That was more than thirty years ago. I've only seen this film once. Not the greatest to be sure, but this moment of genius has never left me.