Entertainment

John Wayne in John Ford’s ‘The Searchers’ – My Blog

When our favorite Bates College professor and classic film consultant, Dr. Jon Cavallero and I began talking about the theme of this year’s classic series, “The Great Directors,” we, of course, started with Maine’s own John Ford who has been called Hollywood’s greatest chronicler of American history. But before I could even ask which movie—thinking how hard to choose between “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Quiet Man,” John did not miss a beat in continuing, “and you will want to choose “The Searchers.” As the child of a father who only went to a movie if it starred John Wayne, I was intrigued, but honestly had no memory of ever seeing it and didn’t even really recognize the title. But he went on to say that it had to be seen on the big screen and that it what probably the best acting of Wayne’s career.What he did not say, but what has become very clear to me as I have begun to read about this film, considered by many as the best western ever made, was that its impact goes far beyond the exquisite cinematography and stellar acting. Its plot reappeared in “Star Wars” and “Taxi Driver.” Wayne’s character’s line, “That’ll be the day” inspired Buddy Holly. But what was most important about this film was the blatant, unapologetic racism of Wayne’s character, Ethan Edwards. Roger Ebert had this to say about Ford’s viewpoint. “Countless westerns have had racism as the unspoken premise; this one consciously focuses on it. I think it took a certain amount of courage to cast Wayne as a character whose heroism was tainted.”The story follows Edwards as he returns home to Texas after the Civil War. When members of his brother’s family are killed or abducted by Comanches, he vows to track down his surviving relatives and bring them home. Eventually, Edwards gets word that his niece Debbie (Natalie Wood) is alive, and, along with her adopted brother, Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter), he embarks on a dangerous mission to find her, journeying deep into Comanche territory.Sadly, when the movie came out in 1956, the negative portrayals and attitudes regarding Native Americans was likely not even noteworthy because those views were accepted by many audiences. And we don’t know if Ford was buying into these images or if he was trying to hold them up for criticism. What I do know, is that I eagerly await the chance to see how this film holds up in 2023, especially because I will have just watched Scorsese’s, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” My heart tells me I will never experience as dramatic a juxtaposition in stories as this unintended and perhaps life-changing artistic pairing.Please join us for “The Searchers” at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 11, with introductory commentary via video by Dr. Cavallero.

Entertainment

‘Australia’s most sexually active woman’ reveals outrageous bedroom goal for 2025

A woman who has been dubbed the “most sexually active woman” in Australia has set her sights on a big goal for 2025.

You’ve probably heard of Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips attempting to break outrageous records in the bedroom – and Annie Knight has now thrown her hat into the ring too.

“When I watched that clip of Lily crying and everyone was saying, ‘Oh my god, this poor girl,’ I just thought, well, she’s been getting railed all day by 100 different guys… imagine putting your body through that,” Knight told Metro.

“Yes, it’s emotionally taxing, but isn’t that like any job?” she added. “Everyone has moments where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ You do get really stressed. She’d be exhausted; her body would be exhausted. When you’re tired, your emotions are high.”

Knight also noted that some of the men involved in Phillips’ session were reportedly rude to her, emphasizing that dealing with negativity can be challenging in any profession.

Entertainment

Sophia Loren timeless beauty

Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:

Processed with VSCO with b3 preset

3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .

Entertainment

Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.

### Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.

### Justin Baldoni’s Response

Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”

In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.

### Industry Reactions

The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.

Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.

### Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.

The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.