Frank Sinatra "A Hole in the Head" (The CT Wit's 200th Post)

Last night attended with the family a screening at Wesleyan University of Frank Capra's 1959 film, A Hole in the Head, starring Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Carolyn Jones, Eleanor Parker, Thelma Ritter, Keenan Wynn, and "introducing Eddie Hodges."

My initial reaction was "Man, old movies are SOOOOOO much better in a real theatre rather than at home."

Secondly, kids today (at least a certain 10- and 13-year-old) can really enjoy 50-year-old movies, too.

Thirdly, do kids today still get the job of filling cigarette lighters with lighter fluid?

Fourthly, James Komack traveled a long way in a decade from idiot son Julius to cool Uncle Norman in the television series The Courtship of Eddie's Father.

Fifthly, I'd choose Eleanor Parker (above) over Carolyn Jones (left) any day of the week and twice and Sunday.

And, finally (and most importantly), while I've always enjoyed E.G.R.'s performance (no one says "You're a bum" better!), and that Eddie Hodges had one heckuva voice, Frank's performance in AHITH (which I've in the past have tended to dismiss) was a revelation. His tearful entrance into his hotel after the dog track scene was remarkable -- perhaps all the more powerful since his face filled the big scene.