“I Don’t Understand”

[Brian]

With all the humor surrounding a certain DS heroine’s very frequent use of the phrase “I don’t understand,” I have found myself in recent weeks noticing the use of the phrase by characters in movies and TV shows.  Among them were JJ on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in a recent scene with the character Abe, and in a 1931 movie I streamed called THE DEVIL PLAYS (as well as in another movie I streamed last week.).

This phrase now jumps out at me whenever I hear it—and it seems to be quite common.   

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Among them were JJ on DAYS OF OUR LIVES in a recent scene with the character Abe

I noticed that, too, and immediately thought of DS. 

[michael c]

it was stock dialogue on DS (like "you MUST"). everyone said it. unfortunately Vicki's been saddled with it in the fandom like an albatross.

another soap cliche frequently employed was one character in a scene repeating what the other character had just said in the form of a question:

Barnabas: "i'm here to see you, Vicki".

Vicki: "see me?"

it's still used constantly to this day.

[Uncle Roger]

Repetition is part and parcel of soaps.

My pet peeve was that when people mentioned the name Barnabas, it was often followed with: Barnabas Collins? Like there were six hundred people named Barnabas in a small town in coastal Maine.

[patrickm]

I seem to recall when somebody would ask Julia something she would respond.. "In what way?"
a lot.

[michael c]

the soap opera spoof 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' was called that just for this reason. on soaps everything is said twice.

[Patti Feinberg]

Brian, may I ask where/how you streamed those movies? (I'm 'assuming' they're old/er movies.)

Thanks!

Patti

[Brian]

I have Amazon Prime which includes streaming video.  It's somewhat costly for it, perhaps,but with prime free delivery and a lot of free older movies and TV shows (including early DS) to stream, I find value in it--no more HBO or Showtime, or Hulu+, which all cost, too.  Brian