Thursday Movie Picks:TV Edition- Sports-Non-Reality

 

The last Movie Picks for this year but, I hope, there will be more from Wandering Through the Shelves. This year end we will talk about sports themed tv shows….sigh. This is not my forte but I chose 3 that I did watch…on occasion. Here are my 3…

1. THE WHITE SHADOW-1978-1981

This TV show was iconic because, aside from Ken Howard who was the star, it mainly starred people from other nationalities, African Americans, Latinos etc… He is a former athlete who can no longer play and becomes a teacher at an inner city school. This was one of the first shows that dealt with some major issues concerning race, sexuality, abortion etc.. it was a critics favourite and paved the way for future tv shows like St. Elsewhere.

2. THE BAD NEWS BEARS-1979-1980

I love the original film starring Walter Matthau but this show was  not as good. It starred Jack Warden as the over the hill, boozing manager of a kids baseball team that sucks….they really suck. He tries to make them better. It was ok but not great and the network started moving it around which was the death knell for the series.

3. COACH -1989-1997

This is one series I did watch on a fairly regular basis. It stars Craig T. Nelson as a former football player who ends up as a University coach with Jerry Van Dyke and Bill Fagerbakke as his assistant coaches that left some brain cells at home. It started off with Nelson’s daughter  wanting to know her father more but it later concerned Nelson and his long time girlfriend, later wife, played by Shelley Fabares. I found this show funny and engaging.

What non reality sports shows can you think of?

I am wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Where’s My Snow!

 

It’s been raining, warm and very foggy for Christmas which sucks! Today and tomorrow a high of 8C and rain, rain, rain. Blechhh….i miss my snow. Yes, you can kill me now because most people do not care for snow. Anyhoo, I am joining the Monday Music group over at Curious For A Cathy which is all about Christmas music and I’m joining in but based on snowy themes. So these are not songs that truly move me for Christmas but they state how much I want snow😁⛄️

1. WINTER WONDERLAND SUNG BY DEAN MARTIN-1959

This was written back in 1934 by Felix Bernard with lyrics by Richard Smith and has become a Christmas staple sung by many, many, many people over the decades but Dino’s is my favourite for some reason. 

2. SNOW, SNOW, SNOW SUNG BY BING CROSBY, DANNY KAYE, ROSEMARY CLOONEY AND TRIDY STEVENS (SORRY VERA-ELLEN)-1954

This was written by the great Irving Berlin who wrote the songs for this Christmas classic film that stars Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney(George Clooney’s aunt), Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen who could dance like no one can but could not sing at all so all her songs were dubbed by Trudy Stevens.

3. LET IT SNOW SUNG BY VAUGHN MONROE-1954

This is a song often associated with Frank Sinatra but he’s not my favourite singer so I chose the original plus it was in Die Hard 2 which is not a Christmas movie but more a Christmas movie than The Sound of Music ( takes place in the summer and has Nazis). Anyway, I think this is a great song that was written by Sammy Cahn with music by Jules Styne during a heat wave! They were dreaming about snow…just like me.

I had a lovely Christmas spent with friends on Friday evening followed by Christmas Eve celebrating with my brother since we were born. The only time were were separated was when he was married to a shrew which lasted 2 years and Covid. What’s nice is the shrew time has actually been forgotten until I wrote this. Love always lasts!

How was your Christmas? I hope it was lovely whether it was quiet or filled with family, as long as you were happy. By the way, I received some calendars, which I love, craft supplies, a couple of books and movies plus a beautiful dragon carved in wood from Indonesia and a CD all from Dave Brubeck. I am happy that everyone loved what they received and that’s what counts.

Thursday Film Picks- My Favourite Christmas Movies

 

I can’t believe we are a few days before Christmas arrives. The year feels like a slap in the face, at least for me. I decided to choose my favourite movies that I have been watching since I was a kid. I will say I have many others that I love like, “White Christmas”, “A Christmas Carol” with Alastair Sim, “A Christmas Story”, “Christmas Vacation”, “The Bishop’s Wife” with Cary Grant, “Holiday Inn”,  and so many more. I have not even mentioned the great TV specials that I grew up on…you know the ones⛄️🎅🏻🦌

1. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE-1946

Well, duh! LOL. Anyone who knows me, knows this is my favourite film…period! When I was young and bullied so, feeling that my family would be better off without me since I was told this repeatedly, I watched this film which was life changing. George Bailey had no idea how much he helped until an angel showed him the way. This is a great film and Jimmy Stewart is brilliant as George Bailey which he portrayed with more poignancy since he was dealing with PTSD at the time. 

2. GOING MY WAY-1944

I always think of this film as a Christmas movie because of the sweet ending and the musical pieces especially Ave Maria sung by Bing, the Boys Choir and the great Rise Stevens who, to me, is the best Carmen. I love how the young priest and old priest bristle at first but become so close at the end. This film won many Oscars including Oscars for the 2 leads.

3. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET-1947

This is the best and the original of the story of Santa and how his good cheer and warm heart brought the Christmas spirit to, not only a disillusioned mother and her daughter, but to the whole city. Edmund Gwynn deserved the Oscar playing Santa and, when you see him talking to the huge crowd after the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, there is no CGI or any other special effects, there were that many people greeting Edmund Gwynn as Santa. Maureen O’Hara plays an independent woman in an executive position which is pretty cool for this time. I just love the warmth and Christmas isn’t just a day but a state of mind. 

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Which Song Won the Oscar-1942

 

Had a rough day today with clients. They were all nice but just very sad. One lady, in the span of a few weeks, back in 2022, lost her daughter to suicide, her brother died suddenly, her mother in law and a dear friend. Another client had her baby son in November but he died 4 days later on November 15th and she was still able to attend her meeting with me a Month later. Finally, I spoke with a client dealing with severe PTSD, anxiety, depression and other issues because, 3 years before her ex boyfriend tried to murder her on December 24th by repeatedly hitting her skull a dozen times and was stopped by a cop. If not for the cop, she would not be here but he is free because he comes from a very wealthy family who paid the million dollar bail and hired lawyers getting him off. Very sad day so I want to say thank you to everyone who provided some great music and showcased their furbabes plus made me laugh. 

Now, let’s see if you can guess which song won the Oscar, which one was nominated and which song got nadda…

1. WHITE CHRISTMAS SUNG BY BING CROSBY AND MAJORIE REYNOLDS

This is still the top selling song of all time written by Irving Berlin, a Jewish song writer, and one of the most famous of song writers. This song comes from the film, “Holiday Inn” starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. I have no clue how many singers and musicians have sung this song but it is beautiful and I do consider it a Christmas Carol.

2. JINGLE, JANGLE, JINGLE SUNG BY KAY KYSER

This song is considered one of the most famous Western songs ever made written by Joseph J. Lilley and Frank Loesser from the film, “The Forest Rangers.” I’m certain we have all heard this song at one point in our lives

3. HOW ABOUT YOU SUNG BY MICKEY ROONEY AND JUDY GARLAND

I always loved this song that was written by Burton Lane with lyrics by Ralph Freed for the musical, “Babes on Broadway.” These 2 teens, yes, teens…well, young 20s, seem to enjoy singing this song and it’s another song that has been done many times over. I love the “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucy sings and dances with Van Johnson to this song.

Before anyone asks…I am not ready for Christmas…but I will be.

So who won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed?

Thursday Movie Picks- Movies with Day or Night in the Title

 

I wanted to choose something related to Christmas and nothing horror, I’m just not into an evil Santa. I actually have chosen 2 films I haven’t seen…yet! Head on over to Wandering Through The Shelves to see what the others have chosen. Here are my 3…

1. REMEMBER THE NIGHT-1940

I have not seen this film and it’s a holiday film to boot! I’m certain Joel has seen it:). This film stars Barbara Stanwyck who is caught trying to steal a bracelet and Fred MacMurray as the prosecuting attorney who takes her on as his charge during the Christmas holidays. They go on a journey back to their families for Christmas with romance in tow. This film was written by Preston Sturges, the last one before he went on to directing and I really enjoy his work so this is a must see.

2. THE CROWDED DAY-1954

This is a British film that is an ensemble cast about a group of women who work at a department store during the Christmas season. One woman, engaged to a man who seems to love his old car more than her and another gal who is quite depressed and wondering about her life. These are just 2 but this film sounds like a good Christmas movie that is also forgotten today and one I want to see.

3. SILENT NIGHT-2002

This is a film I did see and I think it’s quite a good film somewhat based on a real event that was showcased on the tv show, “Unsolved Mysteries.” During Christmas, a German mother and son are living in a small cottage in the Ardennes Forest near the battle lines which happened to be the Battle of the Bulge. There is a knock on the door and it turns out to be 3 American soldiers and one is wounded. Despite the fear of death for helping the enemy, she welcomes them in and proceeds to help them during this Christmas Eve. Later, there is another knock on the door and there are 3 German soldiers. The German woman tell them to hand in their guns as it is Christmas, they all comply and proceed to enjoy Christmas Eve together sharing in a potato soup. This truly did happen but the film made things a bit more dramatic with an extra evil Nazi coming around to disrupt detente. It’s well acted and pretty cool that this truly did happen. 

What films can you think of with Day or Night in the title?

Christmas Memories in Song

 

Christmas was always special and that was due to my mom. She showed me how to make the Advent wreath, decorate with the Nativity scene and the tree with the tinsel. The tinsel from Germany is..or was...with lead so it hangs nicer but we paired it with the tinsel here because it Sparkles more. I save all the tinsel so, yes, I take it off the tree each year. We played some great music and ours was not the rockin' kind but just so ...beautiful, to me. I am showcasing 3 albums, yes, albums because I can't choose songs plus, I don't want to. Lol head over to Curious as A Cathy to find out what the Monday Music Moves Me have all chosen. 

1. CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY-1960

This was my parent's 2nd album they bought and I just love the bells and the sweet voices plus that one guy's deep voice. I have to play this on the 1st of Advent.

2. JOY TO THE WORLD WITH ANDRE KOSTELANITZ-1959

This is the 1st record my parents bought when they got together and, yes, I have this exact album. I love it.

3. CHRISTMAS ON THE PONDEROSA-1963

Christmas would not be the same without this album, which I own now. This TV Show was a huge hit so why not make a Christmas album! Dan Blocker knew he couldn't sing all that well but Michael Landon thought he could and appeared more than once on TV shows singing away. My dad bought this album as soon as it came out and it was and is a prized possession. None could sing like a famous star be it classical or country or rock but it's done like a family. Lorne Greene sounds like he is having a blast and so do the others. I love the story line behind it even with that little Suzie gal. I always wo Derek how Little Joe figured out it was a "he" angel. As Little Suzie Gal says "It's a he angel, can't you tell?" They even touch on Ben's last wide not being there for Christmas. I like to think that my dad and Cathy's are now those bright shining stars. 

Decorating...and Decorating

 

Between work being nuts and Christmas, I have not visited much and my apologies. I thought I would showcase how I create my Nativity scene snd the Christmas village which I hand painted. I am hooking up to Inspire Me Monday so hope you like this and  yes, I did much more around. Still working on my tree.

Thursday Film Picks: Christmas Musicals

 

I’m really late today. I’ve been off my game for the last bit, maybe it’s all the Christmas stuff happening or I’m just screwed up with time. I have decided to write about Christmas musicals because I can.  Here we go…

1. HOLIDAY INN-1942

This is the film that introduced “White Christmas” to the world and it’s still the #1 song in terms of sales and being played. I have no clue how many versions there are but Bing is still the best. This film stars Crosby and Fred Astaire as partners who separate when Crosby, finding out the gal he loves, has been two timing with Astaire. She was the other part of their act. Crosby buys a farm and realizes that farming is not relaxing so he makes the farm into a nightclub that is open only on holidays. The girl he hires is a big hit especially with Astaire who danced with her one drunken New Year’s. Yeah, the other chick dumped Astaire and now Astaire is after this blonde….its funny( love the canned peaches part), charming and the dancing and singing are excellent.

2. GOING MY WAY- 1944

This is more dramedy with musical interludes but it’s still quite musical starring Bing Crosby as a priest sent to a New York Church to help out the elderly priest, played by Barry Fitzgerald, who is not very happy with this new priest. He has no idea that Bing actually runs the show to try and get the church out from near bankruptcy. Along the way, Bing helps out delinquents become a choir and meets up with an old friend, also a priest and his old girlfriend, now an opera star played by the great Rise Stevens. To me she epitomizes Carmen!

3. WHITE CHRISTMAS-1954

We know this musical well that stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as war buddies who become hit entertainers. They meet up with Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen as sisters who are trying to hit it big. They all end up on a train heading to an inn and find out their old war commander owns the Inn and is in financial trouble. What does one do but put on a show! Misunderstandings screw up a potential love but there is a lot of dancing and singing. Today, I can’t help but see how rail thin Vera-Ellen is and that she only wears outfits that hide her neck. Regardless, she was a superb dancer

My mom and her brother, Uncle Harry, called one another on this date no matter where they were in memory of their brother, Uncle Kurt, whose birthday is today. He would be 97 years old if he were alive but he died June 30th at 19 in his hospital bed by the Russians who murdered 178 wounded German soldiers that day. So, in honour of his birthday, I am showcasing his favourite Christmas Carol called, “Leise Rieselt Der Schnee” which means “Softly falls the snow”

Happy Birthday Uncle Kurt!

Christmas Music!

 

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas and we are officially in the Christmas season because the First of Advent was this past Sunday. I decided to choose 3 songs from famous bands that, I believe, could even be called carols. If you want more Christmas songs head on over to Curious As A Cathy to enjoy more tunes. 

1. LITTLE THINGS SUNG BY ABBA-2021

This is from their newest album and I, of course, love it. It’s so sweet and nostalgic. 

2. A CHRISTMAS SONG SUNG BY JETHRO TULL-1972

I really love this song and think it’s great. It’s written by Ian Anderson who was lead singer for this great band. I never read much about this band or him but he sounds very cool. 

3. I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS SUNG BY GREG LAKE-1975

This is my favourite Christmas new song from Greg Lake famous from Emerson, Lake and Palmer and King Crimson. He wrote this song in protest of the commercialism of Christmas and this was back in 1975! It seems even more important now considering Black Friday and all the crap out there. This is magic.

What Christmas songs come into your head that is more …modern?

December Star of the Month: Humphrey Bogart

 

HUMPHREY BOGART

BIRTH: December 25, 1899

DEATH: January 14, 1957

AGED: 57

DIED FROM: Esophageal Cancer

NICK NAME: Bogie

MARRIED: 4 times. The 3rd to Mayo Methot and last to Lauren Bacall

AFFAIRS: Lauren Bacall and, apparently, his wig maker, Verita Peterson

CHILDREN: 2, with Bacall- Stephen named after his role in To Have and Have Not.  Their daughter was named after Leslie Howard (Leslie Howard Bogart), the famous actor who made sure Bogart secured his stage role in the film role of The Petrified Forest.

OSCAR WINS: The African Queen-1951

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Casablanca-1943, The Caine Mutiny-1954

TALENT:  He flunked out at school due to disinterest but he was an avid reader and could recite over a 1,000 passages from Shakespeare. He dreamed of being in a Shakespearean play but knew people would never see past his on screen persona

KNOWN FOR:  His lisp which has been attributed to a childhood accident, some run in with a door to his time in WW1. Apparently, his son has the same type of impediment. He loved drinking and loved the sea on his own boat called The Santana.

Bogie is arguably considered the greatest actor and he would be considered in the top 5 best actors ever. He didn’t grow up poor but came from a comfortable home and just gravitated to acting. He could be very sensitive and could often cry but could also be a real jerk on occasion, just ask William Holden and Audrey Hepburn whom he derided when he played opposite them in Sabrina. He became famous on Broadway as Duke Mantee the nasty killer from The Petrified Forest and was going to passed over by the studio until Leslie Howard stood up for him. Due to that, he got into films but made some not so great movies like, “The Return of Dr. X” a horror movie that I must see one day. He became famous after making High Sierra and became a romantic lead with Casablanca. During this time, he was married to Mayo Methot who was a jealous nutbar who once tried to kill him. They loved feverishly but battled so furiously they were known as the Battling Bogarts. When he Made To Have and Have Not, he didn’t expect to fall in love with Lauren Bacall who was only 19 but he did and she returned the emotion. A few days after he got his divorce from the nut, he married Bacall. They had a great love for each other although his wig maker claimed he had an ongoing affair with her…whatever…I think Bogart and Bacall  truly loved one another.  When he got sick, he started a club with Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and her Husband Sid Luft etc… after one night of drinking, Bacall woke up to see them sprawled around and called them one sorry looking rat pack and the name stuck. Yes, Bogart was the starting member of that famous rat pack. He made a great many films that I am not mentioning all here but are worth checking out. He died too young…

FILMS

1. The Petrified Forest-1936

2. High Sierra-1940

3. The Maltese Falcon-1941

4. Casablanca- 1942

5. To Have And Have Not-1944

6. The Big Sleep-1946

7. Treasure of the Sierra Madre-1948

8. Key Largo-1948

9. In A Lonely Place-1950

10. The African Queen-1951

11. The Caine Mutiny-1954

12. Sabrina-1954

13. The Barefoot Contessa- 1954