"Manchurian Candidate" is one of my favorite films, not because of Frank Sinatra or Laurence Harvey, but because of Angela Lansbury, a wonderful actress. She is a joy to watch in anything, but in this particular role, she is excellent as Eleanor, the cruel and manipulative mother of Raymond Shaw. The curious thing about her casting is that she was only 2 years older than Laurence Harvey.

I never cared much for Laurence Harvey as an actor, except for this particular movie. I always thought he was a thoroughly English cold fish, but apparently he was Lithuanian born and lived most of his early years in South Africa. He was, apparently, never very well liked by his peers either. Wikipedia states: "In his posthumously published autobiography Knight Errant, Robert Stephens described him as "an appalling man and, even more unforgivably, an appalling actor." In her autobiography, Judi Dench talked of being bewildered at how Harvey never actually looked at her during his speeches when they appeared together in the play "Henry V".

It is very interesting, the facts you pick up when you go to the computer to look someone up. The above mentioned Robert Stephens was married to Dame Maggie Smith, and was once considered to be the heir to Sir Laurence Olivier as an actor. I had never heard of him before, but recognized him from his picture as having played the Prince in "Romeo and Juliet" - "see what a scourge is laid upon your hate?" he said to the Montagues and Capulets as Romeo and his Juliet lay dead at their feet.

Sorry for the digression.

I agree with you z, Angela Lansbury is very good. I've enjoyed her ever since she played Elizabeth Taylor's older sis in "National Velvet" all those years ago.

I have to say I never thought Laurence Harvey was much of an actor...kinda wooden and stuffy. JMO, of course.

Seems his situation with A.L. was similar to Dustin Hoffman's and Anne Bancroft's in "The Graduate"... there being little difference in age and all.

Since I'm not familiar with Thirteen Days and only know some of the music from PG, I'd like to comment on Manchurian Candidate, one of my favorites. When a unique movie like MC is remade I find it almost sacrilegious. It was made at a particular time in history, reflecting the tense political situation, not to mention the new psycological warfare of brainwashing.

Which brings me to another thought: isn't advertising a little like brainwashing? When you see or hear an ad over and over aren't you supposed to be subtly persuaded to buy that product? Either that or you hate the sound and look of the ad and vow to never buy that product.
Advertising is a way to get you to buy something you may not need but think you have to have. IMO

I was a little confused at Janet Leigh's role in MC. At first I thought she was involved in the conspiracy, the way she was talking to Frank Sinatra. It almost seemed like she was using code words to find out how "connected" he was. I'm glad she turned out to be one of the good guys.

It's been mentioned before somewhere on this site about Don/Dick's ability to compartmentalize his life. He seemed more relaxed and charming when he was with Anna. As Don he always seems like he's holding his breath and doesn't let his real feelings show, except maybe with his son. Reminds me of how Raymond was before with his girlfriend and after the events in Korea. Of course, Raymond was being controlled and wasn't making conscious choices.

Angela Lansbury is such a talented lady. She was the original Aunty Mame on Brodaway and I wish she had been cast in the movie. Her first role was in The Picture of Dorian Gray where she sang a lovely song: Good by little yellow bird...etc. She was unforgetable.

Nice post, rozsie...and I agree with you about advertising being a form of brainwashing...create the need (you don't know you need it until they convince you that you do!) reinforce the need (ads seen/heard repeatedly) and then close the deal...consumer buys the advertised product.

I was one of those Maddicts posting about Don/Dick's compartmentalizing his life...but, I probably wasn't the first. He definitely has a special talent for that!

Just a quick reminder....
Get ready!......June's discussion movies will be
"Cape Fear," "Rope," and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."
The movie star discussed will be Tony Curtis.