MovieChat Forums > To Have and Have Not (1945) Discussion > Hoagy Carmichael has dated terribly, wis...

Hoagy Carmichael has dated terribly, wish he'd been cut

posted 14 years ago by gl-733-211404
49 replies | jump to latest

HC's singing persona has dated so terribly, it makes you even more amazed that Sinatra, Crosby and even Hope are so listenable today. His scenes were never needed. They could be cut now. He sings in a kind of whispery monotone whine, and could anything be more affected than that awful toothpick in his mouth, and his hunchy piano playing. I well remember than when I was a kid in the fifties, the answer to the trivia question, "most popular song ever recorded" was always Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael. Time has made him as unbearable as Phil Harris or Jolson. Not really a criticism of Carmichael, but a remark about time passing. And no, I don't think Lil Wayne is a great improvement. In seventy years Lil Wayne will be Hoagy Carmichael.

[–] MelCooley 14 years ago

Quite a few events, characters and situations in classic films are dated. But by removing them, you've erased an essential piece of the puzzle that makes up the film and gives the viewer a glimpse into that very special period in time. The fact that Hoagy's voice isn't 'American-Idolized', (he's not forcing himself to emote or reach the long, high notes), that's it's technically flawed, so to speak, is what makes it charming and real.

[–] geode 14 years ago

HC's singing persona has dated so terribly, it makes you even more amazed that Sinatra, Crosby and even Hope are so listenable today. His scenes were never needed. They could be cut now. He sings in a kind of whispery monotone whine, and could anything be more affected than that awful toothpick in his mouth, and his hunchy piano playing. I well remember than when I was a kid in the fifties, the answer to the trivia question, "most popular song ever recorded" was always Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael. Time has made him as unbearable as Phil Harris or Jolson. Not really a criticism of Carmichael, but a remark about time passing. And no, I don't think Lil Wayne is a great improvement. In seventy years Lil Wayne will be Hoagy Carmichael.

Did his singing style suit the 1940's ? This is a 40's film set in the 40's and the style is just fine for that reason. If you find this does not suit your sensibilities now, how does that make it wrong to have included his delightful numbers back then ? I still like them, and even if I did not they mesh well in the production which was intended for its time. I also still get a kick out of
Jolson and Phil Harris.

BTW, Who is Lil Wayne ?

Oh Lord, you gave them eyes but they cannot see...

[–] smrhyne-1 14 years ago

Lil Wayne is a rapper currently doing jail time. I can't stomach him now,leave alone 70 years from now. By the way, I like Hoagy.

[–] beavertoof 14 years ago

I think the OP should be cut from IMDB.

[–] layton59 14 years ago

QUOTE:

I think the OP should be cut from IMDB.

The above made me laugh.

I finally watched the film from start to finish and I quite liked the Hoagy Carmichael performance.

Hoagy makes a great Cricket.

Lauren makes a great Marie/Slim.

Bogey makes a great Harry/Steve.

Walter makes a great Eddie/Rummy.

***********************************************
Ye Olde Sig Line:

It should be "I can NOT care less."

You are at the lowest level of caring.

[–] london777 8 years ago

I had not released rapping was a criminal offense in the USA. Way to go!

[–] june-sasser 11 years ago

Hoagy Carmichael is great in this! I also love Phil Harris. I think Dean Martin copied some of Harris' country cool persona.

[–] CharlieMike 14 years ago

He is only one of the most influential and respected songwriters of the first half of the 20th century. No big deal.

We deal in lead, Friend.

[–] ABetterDay 14 years ago

I often see comments on IMDB and wonder if they the most idiotic of all the comments ever made. You're not the title-holder but you are competitive.

Unbearable? What an amazing misunderstanding of the era in which this film was made. You may want to consider sticking to the mindless, politically correct nonsense that passes for "great" films today.

What the hell is "Lil Wayne?"

Remember When Movies Didn't Have To Be Politically Correct?

[–] tad58 14 years ago

Hoagy's performance in this historic film is just one of the many highlights.

One of the best films ever made.

Ever been bit by a dead bee?

[–] gnolti 14 years ago

Hoagy's cameos in this film are one of the many things I relish about Have Not.

There, daddy, do I get a gold star?

[–] GoUSN 11 years ago

A little bit harsh . . . .

[–] dane-70 14 years ago

Absolutely. Then the film could have been colorized as well, and maybe a Dolby sound-track added. There are some really great opportunities to splice in some 3-D effects as well.

[–] tad58 14 years ago

That made me laugh, dane. Thanks!

[–] june-sasser 9 years ago

Awesome comment. wish I'd said it!

[–] nscom-1 14 years ago

You are one of the silliest people I've seen on this site.

[–] TeenVamp 13 years ago

Cricket can stay,Eddie needs to gooooooooooo!

[–] ck1-5 13 years ago

The Beatles are dated, too, so I think that any scene containing them should be cut from "A Hard Day's Night".

[–] noobzilla 13 years ago

Charlie Chaplin in 'The Tramp' is dated too.. cant believe they left out one of the most important things like SOUND.. whats your point ?

Hoagy isnt any more dated in this film than other films soundtrack/performer from any other time period. Lauren Bacall's song 'Am I Blue' w/Hoagy is considered a classic by many..

Hoagy contributed is many ways with his writing & music and won many awards..

-- 'you're a good man, sister.' Humphrey Bogart

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 13 years ago

OP,
You'd better not watch "The Las Vegas Story", starring Victor Mature and Jane Russell, if Hoagy Carmichael bugs you. He does an absolutely hilarious number called "The Monkey Song" (watchable on YouTube) that makes most people bust a gut laughing. But you'd better not watch it, 'cause you don't like Hoagy.

"She was a long, tall, authentic blonde. I loved her as much as I loved my .45..."

[–] RobbieCalifornia 13 years ago

Loved Hoagy in this film. He was a very cool guy in his time. What a ridiculous idea. Might as well say take Lauren Bacall out because her clothes are dated. Take Carmichael out because he's dated? The whole film is "dated", that what's so great about it. It takes us back to another time and place.

I can't believe you're serious, OP. Go watch Transformers or something.

[–] SouthBandWatch 10 years ago

I love Hoagy and just watched "The Monkey Song" on YouTube. Thank you, because I have not seen that movie nor the clip of Hoagy.

I think the OP is just a hater; this being his only post. Some people waste their time trying to cause a ruckus.

p.s. Favorite actor, Favorite performance, Favorite movie: Robert Duvall, Augustus McCrae, Lonesome Dove (1989)