I'm in Arizona, and as I've posted before, in 1969 Once/West played only in second-run theaters, not in the bigs at all (no scene of Bronson getting up after being shot by Strode, no "but sons of bitches...yeah". When Once/America played first here, it was the butchered chronological version, and my brother saw it. In early 1985 the full version played at one of the two "art theaters" in town (the type that showed "Adventures of Robin Hood", etc., as VCRs were just starting to take off). All I can say is "wow", and I knew I'd have to see it again many times to fully digest it. I've never seen the chronological version, and don't intend to. Yes, and the 2003 extended DVD is nice. Reference to another post: I also loved the "going to bed early", and felt that just meant that he was keeping his nose clean, staying out of trouble, just a great line.
To be honest: I agree. I've been able to experience a lot, from World Series 1960 Game 7, World Series come-from-behind wins in 1971 and 1979, five Pittsburgh Super Bowl championships, my kids' sports chamionships and successes, the Leone films in theaters on original release (except Once/America not until restored version in 1985). Heck, I even saw My Name is Nobody, three Sabatas, Day of Anger, Death Rides a Horse, the Stranger films, all in theaters as first run, plus stuff like Casablanca, Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, How the West was Won (cinerama). Like Noodles: I have my memories.
Wow Cusser, you're a lot older than I thought. So you're a Pittsburgh fan huh? Oh boy, I can't stand the Steelers. hahaha it's all in good fun though.
Careful how you speak about the Steelers, or I'll lynch you.I agree that some of the fans are obnoxious, but there's nothing wrong with the team, it's one of the classiest organizations in the NFL.
Careful how you speak about the Steelers, or I'll lynch you.I agree that some of the fans are obnoxious, but there's nothing wrong with the team, it's one of the classiest organizations in the NFL. At least it used to be, dunno how things will play out with Cowher gone.
Too bad your team hasn't been good in years.
I'm 54. Born and lived my first 14 years in Pittsburgh. My brother and I used to take streetcar into downtown, over the Monongehela River, get a transfer to Forbes Field, then reverse it after the game; of course I was 13 at that time (he was 14), these days no one would ever let kids that age do that on their own. Would like to go back, but my job is very specialized, and in Arizona. We're getting streetcars here soon - they call them "light rail" now. I figure we're about 100 years behind Pittsburgh.
TB, I completelly agree with the title you gave this thread, because I experienced it myself... It's really a big pity with what they did to this film on its original release. Leone was at least a bit retaliated by the fact I got the FULL version of this in the USA... And you're right about the feelings like you were there. It has awesome atmosphere, more than atmosphere. I really felt like being there. I'm wondering how would I feel if I hadn't visited Brooklyn before seeing it, though... but I guess I would feel almost the same. The difference only is, that now I know it haven't changed that much since then...
I'm happy that I own this piece of brilliance!
I'm happy, too, and I'm happy that I finally kicked myself to see it!