Period Movies
General Discussion
This is probably the best part (using "best" as a relative term).
Classic 40s buffoonery with typical war-time home-front references such as "I'm against hoarding"
Forum Activity for @aldo-stern
General Discussion
Period Movies
General Discussion
wonderful image, Joan.
Two things strike me:
1. How drop dead gorgeous Lucille Ball was in her younger days.
2. What an interesting decision it was having Red Skelton play Louis XV.
Period Movies
General Discussion
I would agree about "Ridicule," which although it is in affect a illustrative parable set in the court of Louis XVI, it is an historically plausible parable. It is described on Cliomuse.com (the excellent "history in the movies" review website) as follows
Although 'Ridicule' is set in the Versailles court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the King plays only a small role in the movie, and Marie Antoinette is glimpsed only at a distance. Yet this brilliant film exposes the pretensions and hypocrisy of the monarchy and the French aristocracy more succinctly, subtly and effectively than either the 1938 'Marie Antoinette' or Sofia Coppola's more recent version. The film is historical drama at its best, combining historical accuracy and insight with a compelling love story and intriguing characters.
The film's clever plot focuses on Ponceludon, a minor aristocrat from the provinces, who is a resourceful scientist hoping to drain the region's mosquito-infested swamps in order tro ensure better health for the local peasants. This humanitarian project requires money which can only be obtained from King Louis XVI. But Ponceludon's decency and provincialism do not suit him for the intrigues of court, so he is tutored by a physician, Bellegarde, another minor noble (who has a beautiful, intelligent, scientifically-minded daughter) in the arts of ridicule and reparte needed to gain attention at Versailles. In order to get the King's endorsement of his swamp-draining project, Ponceludon is forced to engage in the vicious rivalries - sexual, political and financial - that contaminates the court.
Ridicule succeeds on many levels. It is witty and at times blackly humorous. The main characters are distinctive, interesting and unpredictable, and the two female leads are both presented as forceful and intelligent women. The portrayal of the King as an essentially decent wanting to do well by his subjects but unable to overcome the social conventions of his own court seems to be historically accurate. The fatal moral decay of that court is cleverly conveyed not by lingering on details of the extravagant lifestyle but by showing through speech and deed its lack of empathy and generosity. And the ending is a real cliffhanger.
There are also some very interesting additional articles on this page, including pieces about Louis XVI and his interest in science, and women in the Englightenment, and some clips (in French, no subtitles) which may be found at
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
"So, the conclusion is evident: lets dilute the Escargots in Brandy... That way their power will dilute into the Brandy and we will all be MUCH happier..."
putting the snails in brandy may also make them happier as well...
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
do you mean leeches or the snails, Signora?
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
Quite so, Doctor--my favorite example being that of gentlemen who were wounded in combat, and the treatment for the stab or gunshot wound was a bandage and BLEEDING. I take a certain perverse delight in the knowledge that your average 18th century physician would treat someone who had already lost a great deal of blood due to being punctured with an enemy's weapon, by proceeding to TAKE MORE BLOOD from the victim.
assistant: "Oh look the patient's passed out on the floor..."
physician: "Ah, splendid, that means he's getting better! Here, put some more leeches on him while he's holding still like that..."
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
What? The Signora Panacek does not like the house snails? Does she prefer the yard snails then?
As for the treatment, it could be worse. Ask your good husband the Doctor about standard treatment for resuscitating drowning victims. It involves tobacco, but not at the end you expect.
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
"So, the conclusion is evident: lets dilute the Escargots in Brandy... That way their power will dilute into the Brandy and we will all be MUCH happier..."
putting the snails in brandy may also make them happier as well...
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
do you mean leeches or the snails, Signora?
18th Century Medical Treatments: The Cough of the Lungs.
Bloggers' Corner
Quite so, Doctor--my favorite example being that of gentlemen who were wounded in combat, and the treatment for the stab or gunshot wound was a bandage and BLEEDING. I take a certain perverse delight in the knowledge that your average 18th century physician would treat someone who had already lost a great deal of blood due to being punctured with an enemy's weapon, by proceeding to TAKE MORE BLOOD from the victim.
assistant: "Oh look the patient's passed out on the floor..."
physician: "Ah, splendid, that means he's getting better! Here, put some more leeches on him while he's holding still like that..."