Thursday Film Picks-Sacrificing Moms

 

My mom would have given her life for me and my brother. She felt we were her biggest accomplishments ( thankfully, not disappointments). Since Mother's Day just past, I thought I would talk about 3 films where mom did her all for her ungrateful..er scratch that, for her sweet children. Here are my 3...

1. STELLA DALLAS- 1937

I may have spoken about this film before but it's a great film starring Barbara Stanwyck as a woman, from the wrong side of the tracks, who marries a rich guy and has a daughter. As soon as she has the daughter, her love goes to this baby even though she didn't show much aptitude for anything before. She makes sure her daughter has the best and, when she realizes her daughter is embarrassed by her mom's classlessness, she makes sure to stay out of the picture. It's very well acted but I will say, even when I saw this as a kid, I thought her daughter was a bit of a jerk, or jerkess. 

2. JOHNNY BELINDA-1948

This is a favourite film of mine starring Jane Wyman ( the first Mrs. Reagan) as a deaf mute living on a farm with her dad and Aunt. Along comes this kindly Dr who realizes that she has intelligence but must cut through the blindspot of the dad and aunt. When they notice that she can talk through sign language, they are overjoyed until she is raped by the local thug. No matter, she loves her baby and will do everything she can to protect her baby. It is a touching and sweet film despite the violent part but, thankfully, they don't show anything( unlike today where they feel they have to show this). I love this movie and thought the acting was excellent.

3. IMITATION OF LIFE-1959

Lana Turner plays a somewhat ok mom who loves her ambition of being an actress over being a mom or 50s housewife( I am with her on the latter). She meets up with Juanita Moore, a black lady with her own daughter who could pass for white. This beautiful mom cares for both girls and even the other mom living with Lana and caring for everyone. We follow the ups and downs of the 2 moms and the daughters. When the daughter from Juanita does not want to be known as black and doesn't want anyone to know her mom. Her mom, devastated, accepts what her daughter wants and sacrifices everything for the love of her ungrateful bitch of a daughter. Sorry, too harsh? This is a lavish soapy directed by Douglas Sirk known for these films and the lush style. I still need to see the 1934 original with Claudette Colbert and Louise Beavers which I will, one day. Oh, this film came out around the same time that Lana’s 14 yr old daughter was on trial for the stabbing death of Lana’s mafia boyfriend. The rumour is that Lana stabbed her boyfriend but her daughter took the rap declaring she was protecting her mom. WHO knows what is true except he was dead…good riddance.

What film can you think of that represents a sacrificing mom?

Which Won The Oscar 1947

 

The year is 1947 and, not controversial at the time, today 2 of these songs would not ever make it on the soundtrack. It’s sad because I actually like both but I am not known to be politically correct so let’s see if you can guess who won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up nil. I’m joining Monday Music Moves Me over at Cathy’s blog, Curious As A Cathy.

1. ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH SUNG BY JAMES BASKETT

This song was written by Allie Wrubel with lyrics by Ray Gilbert for the film, “Song Of The South” and was a big Disney hit that you heard on the TV Show and in all the theme parks because it’s supposed to be a happy song but now it is very controversial. It’s considered racist and an Uncle Tom feel. I guess this man, who sang this song, is happy even though he was a former slave. You know, I still have not seen this film but plan to. Sadly, James Baskett died after making this film at only age 44. He suffered from diabetes and heart problems. Young Johnny is played by Bobby Driscoll who ended up hooked on drugs and died from a drug overdose at 31. He was buried in a paper's grave. 

2. PASS THE PEACE PIPE SUNG BY JOAN MCCRACKEN

This song is from the film, " Good News" about kids in school( I danced like this, didn't we all?). The song was written by Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin and Roger Edens and sung and danced by the inimitable Joan McCracken and dance troupe. I'm certain kids today would be incensed by the Indian musical references which is how the white folks thought the Indians sounded. Anyhoo, it's a lot of fun and a rare time to see this actress who died of diabetes at age 44. She was the wife of Bob Fosse who helped him in his career and she helped Shirley MacLaine too. 

3. CHIQUITA BANANA SUNG BY XAVIER CUGAT

We must have heard this song in many commercials for bananas but it actually wad in the film, "This Time For Keeps". Lina Rimay sang the song but it became more famous when Carmen Miranda sings it. I always liked this song.

So...which one won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up zilch?

I can't resist....

Best Picture of 1988

 

I travel across the years and pick an Oscar category and decide which or who should have won the Oscar instead of the one who did. 1988 was a big year because that was the year my dad died (on April 30th) but also the summer when I had a lot of fun with my 2 best friends. In between the sorrow and the frolic, I saw quite a few films although I have not seen all …unlike Joel who seems to have had the ability to see so many 😁. I will tell you which won, which I think should have won and one that was nominated. I am certain many will disagree and that’s aok in my book.

1. THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING

This is one sensual film but classy unlike Poor Things which was anything but. This film stars Daniel, “be still my heart”, Day Lewis as a surgeon in, what used to be known as, Czechoslovakia, who is quite a womanizer but finds a soul mate in the sensual Lena Olin until he meets a naive Juliette Binoche. He brings Juliet to meet Lena and is surprised at how well the 2 gals get along. Juliet takes many photos especially during the uprising of 1968 where many people are killed when Russian tanks drive in and squelch the uprising. It is beautifully shot by Sven Nykvist who was nominated for an Oscar. I think Lena deserved an Oscar nomination for best supporting but the film was not nominated at all and I would have chosen this as best picture because I love it. It is not for everyone because it is a character study, a remark on the political times all set against a backdrop of the artisticness that this film captures. I would have had the Melagro Beanfield War nominated as well as A Fish Called Wanda and The Last Temptation of Christ.

2. RAIN MAN

I will be honest, I still have to see this movie so, yes, I know, can I truly say this should not have won the Best Picture Oscar? The answer is …yes. I have seen parts of the movie but never from the beginning and, although it is well acted, especially by Dustin Hoffman, who also won Best Actor, I just found this film typical with the rah rah at the end. Tom Cruise plays a huckster who finds out his dad died and left his $3 million fortune to the mental health facility where his much older brother resides. He had no idea he had a brother never mind one who is an autistic savant. He takes his brother out of the facility hoping to get a hold of the money especially when he finds out that his brother can add up numbers…boy can he add them up! On their road trip, they learn about each other and grow from there…ok..sure. It’s good but hardly great.

3. DANGEROUS LIASONS

This is a remake of a French film but I have only seen this version and thought it was quite good and vicious. During the Royal courts, we see Glenn Close and John Malcovich as 2 scheming, bored a-holes who like to ruin peoples’ lives for sport. We see how they manipulate people and toy with their lives but when John develops true feelings for the upstanding and sweet Michelle Pfeiffer, their plans start imploding. This is well acted with a great story, great costumes and interior design. 

Just so you know, the other films that were nominated were, Working Girl, The Accidental Tourist, and Mississippi Burning. My choice was not even nominated which still annoys me. Would you have chosen Rain Man or one of the other 4 or another film  that wasn’t even nominated?

Latin Music Cha Cha Cha

 

Monday Music Moves Me is going Latin! This is one fun challenge that I may keep doing next week. I love Latin music because it’s so infectious and fun plus just beautiful. Cathy over at Curious As A Cathy, has showcased her Latin music plus she has the links to everyone who has joined in on the fun. 

1. CHICA CHICA BOOM CHIC SUNG BY CARMEN MIRANDA AND DON AMECHE-1941

This song was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon  which is from  the 1941 film, “ That Night In Rio”  sung by the Brazilian Bombshell, Carmen Miranda. During the 1940s, Hollywood  fell in love with everything Latin. Many musicals, starring Betty Grable, Don Ameche, Tyrone Power etc..would take place, either in Mexico or Rio and you could count on Carmen Miranda and her tutti frutti hat to give it her all in some great singing wearing very outlandish outfits. She was over the top but she was famous and, at one point, the highest paid woman in the U. S. Sadly, she died at 47 from a heart attack but I always smile when I see a Chiquita banana.

2. BRAZIL PERFORMED BY XAVIER CUGAT-1955

This is a famous piece of music written by Ary Barroso in 1931. There are so many renditions of this song that it’s hard to know which one to pick but Xavier Cugat was the first name that came into my head ( call me strange) so I looked to see if he did a version and he did! I always found this man gentle in my eyes.

3. GRANADA SUNG BY DESI ARNAZ -1953

I have to showcase Desi and could have gone with his signature tune, “Babaloo”  but I really loved when he sang this famous song, written by Augustin Lara in 1932. In fact, I find his rendition one of the best and find it enchanting.

Which Latin songs can you think of. Have you ever danced the Tango?

Star Of The Month: Glenn Ford

 

GLENN FORD

BIRTH: May 1, 1916

DEATH: August 30, 2006

AGED: 90 yrs

DIED FROM: old age but had years of issues with circulation issues, heart attack and a series of strokes

REAL NAME: Gwyllyn Ford

MARRIED: 4 times- Eleanor Powell ( great dancer and star), Kathryn Hays, Cynthia Hayward, Jeanne Baus…all divorced. Eleanor gave up her film career for him to raise their son and make a home.

CHILDREN: 1 child, son.

AFFAIRS: SLUT Alert!! Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Crawford, Gene Tierney, Eva Gabor, Angie Dickinson, Judy Garland, Stella Stevens, Loretta Young, Suzanne Pleshette, Debbie Reynolds, Hope Lange, Marilyn Monroe( a one night stand) and sex star Liz Renay. In total about 146 actresses, Hayworth got pregnant and had an abortion since it would have destroyed their marriages ( hahahaa) and their careers.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Nil! 

TALENT: Aside from being a man whore, excellent horseman, quick on the draw with a gun, plumber, electrician and air conditioning fixer

KNOWN FOR: seducing everyone.  Keeping many women as friends, just not his wives. Taping his phone calls and making a diary of his conquests.

Who knew this young Canadian man would become a star during Hollywood’s golden age even if he didn’t hit the big time like John Wayne, James Stewart, Gary Cooper and his best friend, William Holden. He was still a big enough name to carry many a film and could play drama, western, comedy and  suspense with equal aplomb but almost always playing someone with integrity unlike his issue with sex..can we say sex addict anyone. When he expressed interest in being an actor, his dad suggested he study a back-up trade, just in case so he actually became a certified plumber, electrician and air-conditioning repairman and he would fix things for fun. He was also an expert horseman and was the best in drawing a gun, better than John Wayne, James Arness and many others. He missed out on World War 2 due to illness that ended up as pneumonia creating a lingering illness. This didn’t stop him during the Vietnam War where he  was part of the crew for combat training films and found himself in the demilitarized zone in the Mekong Delta where he dealt with enemy fire.  He also took up handgliding and liked this challenge but failed miserably when he tried to raise 140 leghorn chickens. When a fox appeared, eating his chickens, he stayed up with his rifle which was the final straw for the fancy people in California. The cops came and shut down his illegal chicken coop. From what I have read, his 5 times co-star and 40 year love affair ( off and on) with Rita Hayworth was the closest to true love to the point where they were “neighbours” with a gate adjoining their gardens and Ms. Hayworth could freely come and go.  They each had a picture of the other on their bed stand and when she died, from complications  Alzheimer’s disease, he was a pallbearer. When Ford died, his son found tapes that his dad made of his many, many conquests detailing the lovemaking etc.. but, he also taped his conversations he had with his many friends from Holden, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne and Charlton Heston and many more. He learned from his former studio boss, Harry Cohn that taping might be a good idea so he started taping his, then, wife, Eleanor Powell to find out what she knew about all his dalliances. To say he was F&## up is an understatement but, many of  the gals still remained good friends with him, just not his wives.

FILMS

1. So Ends Our Night-1941

2. Gilda-1946

3. A Stolen Life-1946

4. An Affair In Trinidad-1952

5. The Big Heat-1953

6. Blackboard Jungle-1955

7. The Teahouse Of August Moon-1956

8. 3:10 To Yuma-1957

9. The Sheepman-1958

10. The Pocketful Of Mircles-1960

11. Experiment In Terror-1962

12. The Courtship of Eddie’s Father-1963

Mayday!

 

Yesterday was Mayday where you can traipse around a colourful pole, dancing and feeling happy and/or doing some goose steps surrounded by Russian tanks. I thought of plane crashes because they says Mayday 3 times. Hey, it fits….

1. FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX-1965

Jimmy Stewart is the pilot and Richard Attenborough his co-pilot and friend who are taking a group of oil men from one place to another( it’s been a while since I saw this). A sandstorm hits and they end up crashing in the desert, way off course. They now must try to survive with very little food and water and without getting on each others’ nerves. An arrogant German builder of planes figures out a way to make the crashed aircraft fly again but can it be done? It’s well acted and a tense film plus a character study and a much better film than the remake.

2. AIRPLANE-1980

I could have chosen Airport, Airport ‘75, Airport ‘77 and, of course, Concorde but I went with this very funny movie that makes fun of these Airport flicks especially the one with Charlton Heston, which is funny on its own a group of characters are on a plane when people start getting sick and the plane needs someone to fly it. It’s full of one liners and absurdist scenes like Barbara Billingsly( the mom from Leave it to Beaver) who knows how to speak jive. I still love Leslie Nielsen in this role that restarted his career in many movies like this one…he is hilarious as is Peter Graves ( Billy, ever been to a Turkish prison?) I love this movie.

3. SULLY-2016

Tom Hanks plays Sully, the famous airline pilot who had to land the plane into the Hudson River. He remained calm and was successful in getting the plane down in 1 piece without any loss of life. What I didn't know was how he and his co-pilot were put on trial, almost like a trial, having to defend their actions. It's very well acted and Tom Hanks seems perfect as Sully. 

What mayday movies can you think of?

I wanted to show a picture of my Harley yesterday but forgot to include his photo yesterday so here is the tyke. 

For My Dad

 

This is my dad at the age of 28 in 1941. He looked quite dapper especially with the Clark Gable/ Error Flynn mustache. Sorry for the bright light on his cheek, it caught my flash. Yesterday, was the 36th anniversary of his death at age 75 from brain cancer. The last year of his life was a tough one, but he met it with his forthright manner and gentlemanly ways, albeit with some orneriness thrown in. At this time, he was ready to join the Canadian army to fight in the war. He was part of the liberation of Holland and was wounded in the battle in the Reischwald Forest very near the end of the war. He loved all sorts of music even missed my mom's funeral music when she had to go home for medical reasons back in 1960. Oh, that's classical music to you and me and, he did really appreciate classical music and liked it, later on. Anyhoo, here are 3 musical pieces he loved...

1. OLD MAN AND OLD WOMAN WITH DON MESSER

Don Messer and his Jubilee was a Canadian institution first on radio and then on CBC TV from 1959-1969 and when it got cancelled, Channel 11 took this variety show over from 1959 to 74 when Don passed away. He played the ole fashioned fiddle music which my dad loved. In fact, his grandfather was a fiddler who played at dances, weddings etc... pretty cool. 

2. WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER SUNG BY VERA LYNN-1942

Vera Lynn was and is a British singing institution that made the soldiers dream of happier times. My dad really enjoyed her voice and the war songs of this time, like so many. 

3. RINGO "SUNG" BY LORNE GREENE-1964

My dad loved "Bonanza" ( so do I) and Canadian Lorne Greene became a household name plus being routinely called one of the best fathers a person could have. His unique and deep voice was known as " The Voice of Doom" because he would give the events of the war on Canadian airwaves and lent his voice to a couple of war documentaries plus he read out the casualties, a sad event. Anyhoo, this song became a big hit the year I was born and, yup, I have this album. He didn't sing as much as talked the lyrics to great effect. 

He would have loved our dog, Harley, looking like " What? Me worry?"