Surma hinda küsi surnutelt [Ask the Dead About the Price of Death] (Kaljo Kiisk, 1977)
Dec
1
1924
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A woman wearing a crochet skull cap and an ominous look on her face. DP: Jüri Sillart.
“A scientist is not like a politician who can answer every question.”
宇宙人東京に現わる [Uchūjin Tōkyō ni arawaru / Warning from Space] (Kōji Shima, 1956)
Nov
30
1955
The News Herald reports (with the wrong type of headers): “Supreme Headquarters Of The World Council” “Suspend All Activities In Launching Artificial Satellites Until Notice”. DP: Kimio Watanabe.
– Japanese Bar' Ucyū-ken' Madam Ohana
Belle (André Delvaux, 1973)
Nov
28
Belle (Adriana Bogdan) in front of her cabin on the moors. DPs: Ghislain Cloquet & Charles Van Damme.
“Mister Moldovan, this is not for the first time that a criminal case is entrusted to you. It is precisely your political objectivity that made us choose you.”
Un comisar acuză [A Police Inspector Calls] (Sergiu Nicolaescu, 1974)
Nov
26
1940
DP: Alexandru David.
Takes place on the night of November 26-27, 1940.
– Alexandru Dincă
“Oh, it's you.”
Mix-Up ou Meli-melo (Françoise Romand, 1986)
Nov
21
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One of the daughters, here as a child, with one of their mothers. DP: Emile Navarro.
A heartfelt reunion scene*
– Margaret Wheeler, welcoming the viewers to this curious retelling of her life's events
Through an unexplained muddle, the Wheeler and the Rylatt girls were mixed up at the maternity ward. One of the mothers, Mrs Wheeler, had a hunch something was off. Her girl was suspiciously long and skinny, unlike the one that was entrusted to her. Over the years and to Mrs Rylatt's increasing chagrin, Mrs Wheeler kept in touch with that woman from the maternity ward. And was proven to be correct. This film is one breezy yet tense reunion scene. Heartwarming, awkward, and – like all that's nostalgia – slightly surreal.
* the Bales 2025 Film Challenge for November is, again, not date-based, but follows a sloppy schmaltzy all-American Thanksgiving-y narrative. Trying to make it work my way.
“I'm not just an entertainer. I'm an influence, a wielder of opinion, a force… a force!”
A Face in the Crowd (Elia Kazan, 1957)
Nov
21
1956
Variety blares L. R.'S BLOOPER TOPS UNK DON'S. It's Wednesday, November 21, 1956. DPs: Gayne Rescher & Harry Stradling Sr..
– Lonesome Rhodes
“It's sort of like a mockery, in a way, of reality, because they think everything is smiles and sweetness and flowers, when there is something bitter to taste. And to pretend there isn't is foolish.”
Ciao Manhattan (John Palmer + David Weisman, 1972)
Nov
21
1971
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A newspaper, partially obscured blares “[…], Andy's Star of '65, Is Dead at 28”. The article mentions she (Edie/Susan) died “a week ago today”, making the newspaper's date November 21. DPs: John Palmer & Kjell Rostad.
– Susan
“Oh, my God, Gerald! Shall I die?”
Women in Love (Ken Russell, 1969)
Nov
18
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Bates and Reed in post-jostle bliss, bathing in the fireplace's glow (via). DP: Billy Williams.
A memorable fire or fireplace scene*
– Gudrun Brangwen
Oddly, one barely remembers the fireplace.
* the Bales 2025 Film Challenge for November is, again, not date-based, but follows a sloppy schmaltzy all-American Thanksgiving-y narrative. Trying to make it work my way.
“You take away my life and offer me a favor in return. That's what I call a 'bargain'.”
The Walking Dead (Michael Curtiz, 1936)
Nov
16
John Ellman (Karloff), dead man walking. DP: Hal Mohr.
– John Ellman
