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Why The Remake of THE WOMEN is a Good Thing

posted 16 years ago by HarlowMGM
9 replies | jump to latest

Whether or not the film itself is any good, the remake of THE WOMEN is a good thing for the original film because

1. It will cause Norma Shearer, Rosalind Russell, and Paulette Goddard to be mentioned in major newspapers and magazines that probably haven't mentioned them in 20 years.

2. It will bring attention to "Joan Crawford, the actress" in similar publications, letting people know that Joan Crawford was not just some alleged child abuser but one of the greatest stars in film history.

3. It wouldn't surprise me if several cast members will get career retrospective articles spun from interest in the current film.

4. It will cause scores of people to seek out the original film out of curiosity.

5. It may even create "new fans" for "old movies" - young people who have never given old black and white pictures a chance.

[–] karmala2 16 years ago

Optimist!

"I told you a million times not to talk to me when I'm doing my lashes"!

[–] HarlowMGM 16 years ago

It's the Mary Haines in me !!

[–] HarlowMGM 16 years ago

One bad review for the remake that is syndicated in newspapers did just that - noting the original starred Shearer, Crawford, and Russell and the current cast was definately "not quite the stellar collection (of stars)" as the original.

[–] blackno31 11 years ago

You can say that again. I'll watch the original anytime I come across it on TCM; I have tried 3 times to watch the remake and each time end up changing the channel. It is simply too horrid for me to get through. So I'll not try to watch it again.

LLR

[–] ddeakin 16 years ago

Well, I just saw the remake. I enjoyed it. I have never seen the original. However, I'm told the original is going to be on TCM Monday 9/15 at 8 PM eastern. So I'm setting the TIVO so I can watch it sometime when I can get all the men in my life (husband, 3 sons) out of the living room :-)

I'm not a real movie buff, and I've never really gone back to see older movies I don't know a lot about. If my grandmother was still here, I'm sure she could tell me all about it.

Here's hoping others will take my lead.

[–] Stellaaaa 16 years ago

I agree with all of that. I tuned into TCM on Monday for your #4. Granted I hate remakes, loathe them, and try my damnedest to stay away from them. And if there is a remake out there I truly want to see, I make it a mission to see the original. I dunno why, but thats how I've always been. Makes me appreciate the original even more. hmm, but all of your points make sense not just for this particular remake, but remakes in general. Because they all will suck, so only the smart and mature movie fan will seek out the originals.

~You wanna have like 10,000 of his babies~
Angela Hayes

[–] stareyes24 16 years ago

To the op, I really agree. I haven't seen the remake yet, but it will definitely make a whole new generation seek out classic films. I'm 26 years old, but I love old movies, I've been watching them since I was a little girl and there something different about them that some films today lack. So if a new generation discovers older films, it will be amazing.

[–] phoebe_grove 16 years ago

I tottally agree with you. I enjoyed THE WOMEN. I would have love to have seen more of Jada & Debra though. But yes sometimes remakes, good or bad, sparks interest to the original films. It has to me. I saw the original trailer just now. Like i want to watch the origal DEPARTED & I'm sure theres more.

[–] Pmdmnym 9 years ago

Thank you for writing this. Because I absolutely HATED the remake! There is nothing like the original of this film.

Wait! Wait! Where are you going? I was gonna make Espresso!