Movie Chemistry and Other Notes

Maybe, even likely, Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper had “chemistry” off screen. In the film, “Bright Leaf,” shown yesterday on Turner Classic Movies, they demonstrated incredible passion, both good and bad, on screen.

I had seen “The Fountainhead” and all it entails. That was from 1949 and now seeing “Bright Leaf” made a year later, I marvel at their work. The cast included Lauren Bacall, surely no slouch in the passion/chemistry department but she had her best “chemistry” with eventual husband, Humphrey Bogart.

Patricia Neal was a marvelous performer, who showed strength and determination throughout her life. One note: “Patricia Neal” is also the “real” name of actress, game show great, and author Fannie Flagg.