Sweets

 

Before I begin, yesterday, was my, “Who won the Oscar song” and the one who won was “The Shadow of your Smile”. The nominated song was “What’s New, Pussycat” and the song that came up empty was, “Baby, the Rain Must Fall”…always interesting. 

The summer was always a fun time to walk to the local convenience store to buy Popeye Cigarettes, sweettarts, delicious chocolate…you name it. This made me think of  movies that showcased sweets in some way and I came up with these 3…

1. CHITTY, CHITTY, BANG, BANG-1968

This is a favourite of mine that stars Dick Van Dyke as a widower with 2 kids who is an inventor of just about anything. He loves Truly Scrumptious, yup that’s the name of a young lady, who has fallen for Penis Van Lesbian…er..Dick Van Dyke and they end up in a car, with his 2 kids that makes the sound like Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. Before they know it, the car sports wings and flies, bringing them to an idyllic looking town where there are no children. You find out that, the nasty King and Queen hate kids so they are rounded up and enslaved beneath the castle by this ugly catcher ( played with great  Robert Helpmann who creates a great evil character) who entices kids with candies and treats. This is a fun and sweet film ( sorry) that has a favourite song of mine called “Toot Sweets” about a sweet invented by Dickie. We also have Benny Hill as a toy maker who helps the family out. It’s quite a good movie and fun all around.

2. WILLIE WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY-1971

This movie is far superior to the remake starring a very creepy Johnny Depp, about a kid who finds the 5th golden ticket to enter a factory of this mysterious Willie Wonka. It stars Gene Wilder as Willie Wonka who is looking for someone who is true and honest to take over his factory. Wilder plays this character as one who appears a bit off centre but honest and yet, Machiavellian. There are 4 other kids that also have a ticket but each are gross in their own way and meet different fates. Along for the ride are the very creepy Oompa Loompas who are very orange and help out Willie Wonka in all ways. Funny, it was thought that these freaky Loompas would become a huge hit but the opposite was true, so many stores were stuck with stuffed Oompa Loompas. The visuals are quite striking and so are the costumes which make this strange musical even more appealing in a strange, effed up way.

3. CHOCOLAT-2000

This is a romantic film with a dash of the sensual thrown in about a woman and her young daughter who, almost literally, blow into this quaint small, French town. The townsfolk are scared to let go and bring colour into their lives because of the mayor who forbids anything decadent. Enter this beautiful woman, played by Juliette Binoche, who creates a magical chocolate shop which is just too decadent for the mayor.  This is 1959, just before Lent and the mayor means war where Juliette just wants to spread love and peace via chocolate. She instinctively knows what each person needs in chocolate opening up temptations that this town needs. I love the characters from Lena Olin as the abused wife, Judi Dench as the old lady, Leslie Caron as a widow and Johnny Depp as a free spirited man, who travels with a group of Gypsies on a bunch of small boats who come into the lives of the townsfolk, Juliette and Johnny strike up a relationship culminating in mayhem. This is an enchanting film with great characters and with a slice of bewitchment. 

What types of candy did you love when you were a kid? Any movies that you can think of involving sweets?

These were my favourite suckers but I don’t know what their name is…

Which Song Won The Oscar-1965

 

This is freebie week for Monday Music Moves Me and it’s my “Which song won the Oscar”  time and we shall see if you guess things correctly for this year, 1965 when I was only 1 yr old. It’s an interesting array of musical tastes this year but “The Sound of Music” is not in this because  the songs were all part of the Broadway show so could not be eligible for an Oscar. Let’s see if you can figure out which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed.

1. BABY, THE RAIN MUST  FALL SUNG BY GLENN YARBROUGH

This song, from the movie with the same name, was written by Elmer Bernstein and Ernest Sheldon and it’s quite a  good song sung by this man with the warbly voice. To be honest, not my favourite but it was a big hit in mid 60s times.

2. THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE SUNG BY ASTRUD GILBERTO

This song, written by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, comes from the film, “The Sandpiper” and it seems to fit the film and it works with Astrud’s voice. Sadly she died in 2023. 

3. WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT SUNG BY TOM JONES

Tom Jones is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to singing due to his strong voice and vocal range. This song is fun and I think Burt Bacharach, the music, and Hal David, lyrics, captures the fun of the film and Tom Jones can make any song sound sexy.

So, which song won, which was nominated and which song got zip? 

Canada and The U. S.

 

We all know the crap going on right now with that orange F#)’ who get his makeup from a cheesos bag, filibusters and places more and more tariffs because it’s his way of trying to force people to capitulate. This is not surprising because, if you read or watch documentaries or news reports about him from the 90s you will find out how, when an elderly woman refused to sell her childhood home, in Atlanta, to Trump, he tried to force her out but stopping her heat, hydro and water forcing her to find a lawyer. Thankfully, the lawyers worked for her pro bono since they were disgusted by Trump’s nasty antics. She won and Trump built his Casino, now bankrupt and gone, around her. She smiled and was happy she kept her home. When Trump wanted to build  a golf course and uber expensive resort for him and his cronies in Scotland, he wanted to buy up this small town, but was met with resistance headed by a lady upset that he wanted to destroy their unique hamlet. He pulled the same antics, stopping their water, heat and hydro, buying off people trying to force the townsfolk out. This one woman held her ground and she won! What did the asshole do? He made sure all all the dirt that was taken off his gold course was placed  in front of her view of the ocean so all she could see was the huge hill. Guess what? The golf course went bankrupt and another bites the dust. Canada will never…ever be part of the States and we won the war of 1812. The States thinking of Manifest Destiny did not work in 1812 and won’t work today. 

I decided to look at some Patriotic films including one that is very much The U. S.  rah rah type that I had to include because it is a good film. Here we go…

1. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY-1942

This is a very patriotic, U. S. Movie musical tht stars James Cagney as George M. Cohan, the songwriter, dancer, singer, writer, producer from Broadway who wrote Yankee Doodle, You’re a Grand Old Flag and Over There. It’s a great musical that showcases how musically gifted James Cagney was and showcases his versatility. It’s not an accurate account, obviously, but you can’t help but feel invigorated and was a great showcase to bring out ones’ patriotism during these dark days of World War 2. By the way, today is James Cagney’s birthday.

2. CANADIAN BACON-1995

Michael Moore, of the great documentary films he creates, wrote and directed this film which is a great satire about the U.S. wanting to invade Canada. Yes, how apropos! It’s an excellent satire that is also quite dumb but that’s what makes it hilarious and it stars the great John Candy is his 2nd last film before his untimely death. It also stars Alan Alda as the inept U. S. President with a variety of famous people who are either involved in the U. S. Hijinks or the Canadians. I love this movie and laugh every time I watch it. 

3. COME FROM AWAY-2021

This is from a musical stage play that became a huge hit and has been playing  for over 20 yrs before finally ending, I believe, this year. This film takes the play and places it on screen depicting the disastrous moment in time when the twin towers were destroyed by planes hijacked by terrorists. The planes were not allowed into the States so some planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, a very small town, who opened their doors and hearts to the 7,000 stranded U.S. residents building friendships that have lasted to this day. It is a musical but so much more and lets us know how we are truly friends no matter what.

So, just an FYI, the amount of fentanyl coming from the States into Canada in triple the amount than the other way around. The amount of guns and other illegal arms, come from the U. S. Into our country. Sadly, Trump says patriotic words for his own agenda and lies about what really goes on. Not surprising so, let’s remember to laugh and to know that we are friends despite the political crap.

Bikini Time!

 

Chili Williams was never a star but she became a big hit during WW2 with this Life photo and I thought this would be perfect to use this week since it’s about swim wear and water fun. I owned 2 bikinis and that was when I was 40! My bikinis covered, no ass floss bikini for me. Now, I am happy wearing a one piece and I love the ones with a skirt. Check out Curious As A Cathy to see what they chose for their Monday Music Moves Me post. Here are my 3…

1. GERONIMO SUNG BY NANCY SINATRA-1966

This comes from the film, “The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini”  and you can clearly see a lot of gals in that swimwear. I love this hokey flick about a ghost trying to help her dead lover by making sure his former lawyer does not get a hold of his money but go to his rightful heirs, 2 young people who bring a bus load of kids up to the mansion for some beach party fun. This scene is by the pool where Nancy Sinatra sings a song that make the  bodies shake to jiggly effect.

2. HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI SUNG  BY THE KINGSMEN-1965

There are a few songs from this bikini/surfer flick that stars Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon but, I thought I’d go with this one that sings about bikinis..at least, I think it does…:))

3. DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE SUNG BY THE SUPREMES-1965

This flick was a fun spoof of the spy films especially James Bond, that stars Vincent Price as a mad scientist who builds robot bikini clad women who seduce millionaires into giving t(eir money to…guess who. I was surprised that the Supremes sang this song. It is catchy and a fun song for a fun flick.

I will never own an Itsy, Bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini and nor should I wear one. Any bikini type songs you can think of?

Which Film should Have Won The Oscar-2017

 

Oh, I feel this is one charged year because you had many films that were not nominated for Best Picture like “Blade Runner 2049”, “ The Florida Project” and “The Big Sick” all films I have yet to see. I decided to stick with films I have seen that I chose in the nominated area and should have been nominated or should have won. I hope this makes sense but if not…oh well. This is just my own opinion, but one, I think, shared by many…at least for the film that should not have won. I am speaking about Best Picture for the films that came out in 2017…

1. THE SHAPE OF WATER

I like Guillermo Del Toro who directed this weird love story about a mute cleaner who works in a top secret facility who meets a creature, kept by evil scientists, and falls in love with the creature from the black lagoon. Oops, sorry, wrong movie, but you know Del Toro must love this 50s film. This movie was a huge hit but I just didn’t get into it. I had no care for the lead actress nor slime boy and their wet and wild times. My favourite was the always great, Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins who created great characters in this movie. This film won Best Picture but I don’t know why…he deserved it much more for “Pan’s Labyrinth”. 

2. 3 BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

This film was nominated and Frances McDormand won best actress for her portrayal of a grieving mom trying to find answers that the cops could not. This film left me with so much emotional sadness but also, strangely, hope. It’s a character study of a grieving mom, a dying cop and his angry deputy played to perfection by the ever great, Sam Rockwell, who, also, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This film may not be for everyone but, I think it’s such a great story about loss, anger, love and redemption.

3. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

I love this film! Hugh Jackman is great as the showman, P. T. Barnum who  started the famous circus, “Barnum & Bailey’s Circus”  which showcased trapeze artists, clowns, animals and, yes, circus freaks. Thankfully, after over 100 years, they no longer have animals..oh..nor the circus “freaks” but still entertain people after restarting in 2023. This film was highly criticized for its inaccuracies but, duh! It’s a Hollywood musical and almost all biopics have creative licences to make a film people wish to see. Hugh Jackman excels as the man who coined, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Dancing and singing dreaming he will create more musicals in the style of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I love how he gathers up some future famous people like “Tom Thumb” who suffered from dwarfism and only stood at 3ft 4 inches but he was all proportionate, as well as, the bearded lady, Siamese Twins etc.. The music is excellent and I am dumbfounded that it was not even nominated for best score which should have won Best Oscar as well. It is a film more about people who are different and ostracized, but find a family within their own world rising above the people who snubbed their noses at them. Love the songs, costumes, art direction and the cinematography. This deserved to be nominated.

What do you think? Any films you think should have won Best Picture  or do you agree with me?

I Love These Tunes

 

My Lexi knows how to chill before she goes nutsy because that’s what she does. She reminds me of..me when I went out dancing, some 40 yrs ago..ugh…I can’t believe I’m talking like this because I am too young to talk like this. Now, I am recalling how I would sit around until some music would start to play, usually the 80s music which was great but, I love the older music too and I recalled going to one place, in Toronto, with 3 levels and the main floor centered on the 60s. I danced the night away and went crazy before plopping down somewhere, just like my Lexi. I’m joining on the Monday Music Moves Me which is freebie week.

1. HOUSE OF THE RISING SON SUNG BY THE ANIMALS-1964

I can’t believe this fantastic song came out the year I was born..holy Hanna Banana!! This is a great song and, when I went to the local pub in University all those years ago, some random student grabbed the mike and sang this song and he was …amazing! I still recall how great he was singing this song.

2. WILD THING SUNG BY THE TROGGS-1966

I always found this band’s name to be found in the film “One Million Years B.C.” This British band came out with this great tune which I danced to, many times, .but the best was in that disco I spoke of with all the psychedelic colours splattered onto the walls.

3. SOMEBODY TO LOVE SUNG BY JEFFERSON AIRPLANE-1967

I have this album and need to listen to it again. I love this band including the lead singer, the astounding Grace Slick whose voice is one of a kind. This song was written by her brother in law, Darby Slick but Grace and the band made it her own. 

What 60s songs do you love..hahahaaa, there are too many to love!

Stay Out of The Sun…Good Luck!

 

I am writing this on July 2nd, the day back in 1997, when my favourite actor, James Stewart died at the age of 89. I was praying he would not die that week because I was getting married on July 5th, but he did and I was bummed. You bet your sweet bippy that I spoke about him at my wedding and I’m glad I did. Today is supposed to be National Stay Out of the Sun Day so I combined the 2. All I can say is that it’s stinkin’ hot outside and it is good to stay out of the sun…if you can. Here are my 3 films…

1. REAR WINDOW-1954

This is one of my all time favourite Hitchcock films and Jimmy Stewart films. It takes place around this courtyard during a sweltering summer with Jimmy Stewart as an adventurer photographer sidelined by a broken leg. He is holed up in his apartment with a cast all the way up to his upper thigh. He has a nurse who comes in every day, played by the incomparable Thelma Ritter and his beautiful fiance, played with great finesse by Grace Kelly. You meet all the people Stewart is peeping..er watching from Miss. Lonely Hearts, to the composer, the dancer, the couple with their dog and the husband with his invalid wife. You can feel the heat which just confines you even more than this intricate set. When the invalid wife is gone one day, Stewart expects foul play but is it? You get taken into his world and become a voyeur and can’t wait to  see what all the people are up to. Grace looks exquisite in her outfits and seems to be the only one who doesn’t sweat. It’s a must see film

2. ANATOMY OF A MURDER-1959

This takes place during a sweltering summer when a man is accused of murder and the only one who may be able to get him off is “aww shucks” James Stewart as the Defense Attorney. The accused, played by Ben Gazzara, claims he has no memory of killing a man who was accused of raping his wife, played by Lee Remick. The prosecutor is played by George C. Scott who was nominated for an Oscar for this role and, thought for sure he would win. When he didn’t, he was so disillusioned by the whole Oscar process, he vowed never to accept an Oscar if he ever won…and he kept that promise. Anyhoo, you feel the heat while in that court room especially when they used risqué words like panties, rape etc… In fact, these words caused quite the furor in its day and Stewart’s dad was so disgusted by the film he took out an ad, in his hometown, telling everyone to stay away from this film. It is quite well acted by everyone and I love Eve Arden as Stewart’s secretary. I can’t help but think this is the inspiration for the show Matlock with Andy Griffith in the title role.

3. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX-1965

This is an all star cast with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot flying between to places in Libya carrying a variety of people associated with oil rigs. A dust storm takes them off course and they crash land in the desert. The group of men must now deal with the hot sun, doing their best to stay in the shade while rationing what little food and water they have. When an arrogant German ( who else?) finds a way to make the plane fly again, everyone gets to work despite the antagonism between Stewart and the German, played so well by Hardy Kruger. They must deal with all sorts of trials hoping they can find their way back to civilization before they die and shrivel up in the sun. This is a fun adventure film and a great character study. I enjoy watching this film whenever I get the chance. 

So, what movies can you think of that makes you think of staying away from the sun because it’s just too damn hot?

National Day- Celebrating Canada Day, Our Own Country!

It’s about National Day over at Monday Music Moves Me and I am so happy that Curious As A Cathy provided a link for all the days we celebrate something. Since yesterday was Canada Day, what better way than to celebrate the country I love. Here we go…

1. CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY SUNG BY GORDON LIGHTFOOT-1967

This is considered part of Canada as much as Gordon Lightfoot who is a Canadian institution. He wrote this as part of our centennial and sung this during the celebrations back in 1967. He almost, always ended his concerts with this great song.

2. LAND OF THE SILVER BIRCH SUNG BY BONNIE DOBSON-1972

This is an iconic song that many kids know especially  when they go canoeing because they can sing it to the rhythm of paddling. Ok, it’s what I read…but it’s a song from a poem written by Pauline Johnson and it is used, to great effect, in the 2019 film, “Brotherhood” about the true story where 10 Boy Scouts and the Counsellor die after capsizing  in an Ontario lake. Rather a sad way to showcase this iconic song that now has come under fire being called racist. I’m just tired of all this complaining because just about every song can be construed in a negative way. 

3. CANADA-THE CENTENNIAL SONG SUNG BY A GROUP (Sorry) -1967

Oh gosh, I am trying to figure out who sang the song here but I was unable to find out. If you can find out, please let me know:)). This was written by Bobby Gimby for the Canadian Expo of 1967, again, to celebrate our centennial. I thought this song was appropriate as well.

So, any songs, about Canada, can you think of..aside from our National anthem?

July Star of the Month-Janet Leigh

 

JANET LEIGH

BORN: July 6, 1927

DEATH: October 3, 2004

AGED: 77 years

DIED FROM: Vasculitis 

REAL NAME: Jeanette Helen Morrison

MARRIED: 4 times, 1st one was annulled, she was young 15/16 yrs. 3rd to Tony Curtis. Few days after that divorce, she married Robert Brandt, a stockbroker, from 1962 until her death.

AFFAIRS: Arthur M. Loew Jr. Possibly Frank Sinatra

CHILDREN: 2 daughters, Kelly Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis. Was pregnant, much earlier, but miscarried.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Psycho- 1960

TALENT: highly intelligent-graduated high school at age 16. She could sing and dance  was in a choir when she was young.

KNOWN FOR: The first sream Queen.  Her versatility. Her bodacious ta-tas..sorry, but true

Everyone knows the famous shower scene when Janet Leigh let out those screams before grabbing the shower curtain and falling onto the floor, still as a dead person is supposed to be( except her eyes are not dilated as Doctors noticed). She had to lie there for a long time which is no easy feat and this scene caused her to never take showers ever again. This young girl, born to very poor family, excelled at school and graduated high school by the age of 16. The impetuous girl decided to marry but, this marriage was annulled. When she turned 18, she married again right around the time, Norma Shearer, a huge actress during the 1930s, saw her photo at a ski resort where Leigh’s parents were working. Shearer was struck by the beauty of Leigh, sought her out and decided to bring her to Hollywood. That is how Leigh ended up in the big town and onto to celluloid. The good thing is this very pretty gal with the 37-23-25 measurements could fill out a torpedo bra like no one, but she could, also, act. She met Tony Curtis at a party and soon, they were an item. She divorced her 2nd husband and, at age 23, married Tony Curtis with great friend, Jerry Lewis, as Best Man. To say their marriage had its ups and downs, is an understatement. She dealt with his numerous affairs and his narcissistic jealousy. Finally, after 12 yrs of marriage and 2 daughters, he filed divorce! He claimed adultery etc.., which blindsided Leigh to the point where she, allegedly, overdosed and her stomach had to be pumped. she was able to survive this publicity ridden fiasco and find the love of her life and married in 1962 staying with this man until she died. 

She was well liked, amiable and was a pretty good actress who could also sing and dance but when she took on the role in Bye Bye Birdie, the one dance scene was enough for her to say, “Never Again”. She ventured onto TV giving some great acting spots like the aging, forgotten star who commits murder in Columbo ( a really excellent episode if you can watch it). She starred with her daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis in “The Fog” and "Halloween:20 Years Later” confirming that both mom and daughter could be scream queens together. Sadly, she developed this Vasculitis and struggled with it in the final year of her life. I looked it up and saw a picture of a person’s lower legs…it’s not pretty. It’s a sad end to someone who was a solid leading lady in major roles and supporting roles. I chose most of the films from what I have seen. I always like to see Joel’s top 10 who has seen far more films than me:) 

FILMS

1. Bye, Bye, Birdie-1963

2. Psycho-1960

3. Who Was That Lady-1960

4. Holiday Affair-1949

5. Angels in the Outfield-1951

6. The Manchurian Candidate-1962

7. The Naked Spur-1953

8. My Sister, Eileen-1955

9. The Vikings- 1958

10. Touch of Evil- 1962

I'm going more by her performance, than the actual film which is why "The Manchurian Candidate" is low on my list. "Touch of Evil" is a star-studded film considered a gem in film. Everyone seems to love it, except me. Charlton Heston as a Mexican is as true as the Pope wearing the white jump suit from Elvis. 

I believe this interview is from a Canadian TV Program called, Saturday Night at the Movies with host, Elwy Yost..I miss this man.

Thursday Films Picks- German POW Camps

 

Before I begin, this week’s film theme, I wanted to let you know that I finally remember to let you know who won the Oscar for best song- Fight For You…meh. Song that was Nominated- Husavek and the song that received no love was Glasgow which is a shame because that’s my favourite.

I decided to write about a favourite theme of war films..the POW camps which usually involves an escape or 2..or more. I have spoken about “The Great Escape” more than once and, it’s one of my all time favourite films, but I decided to go with 3 films I recently watched. 

1. LA GRANDE ILLUSION-1937

We can ThNk a German officer, stationed in Paris, who saved an original copy of this great film, when the French and the Germans wanted it destroyed. He brought it back…to Berlin which, when the war was done, was taken by the Communists, back to Moscow. There, it stagnated for a few decades before it was finally found and has been lovingly restored. It’s based during WW1 when 2 French men are taken prisoner and must stay in an old fortress headed by German air ace, played to perfection by the great Erich Von Stroheim. This is not just a war film, that doesn’t show the war, but it’s about class distinction and how war is futile. The one Frenchman, from a blue collar background is portrayed by the French acting legend, Jean Gabin who, along with another, escapes the prison. I love this film from the actors who speak  different languages to how rigid the German character is yet, very compassionate. This is a must see film.

2. THE COLDITZ STORY-1955

This was a pleasant surprise to watch and one I could watch again. It's a British film showing how the Brits, French, Polish, etc were all placed inside this old castle as a POW prison which the Nazis felt was inescapable. Of course, the men tried but were all captured because everyone were acting on their own. They decide to join forces and act as a cohesive team to disrupt the guards and make an escape. It's a cat and mouse game with thrills, Sadness and some hilarity thrown in. A very solid cast makes this film one to see.

3. VON RYAN’S EXPRESS-1965

I really enjoyed this film that stars Frank Sinatra as an American pilot who was sent to a POW camp in Italy. He is able to create a mass deportation of the British POWs  along with an Italian who never wanted to be part of running this POW camp. From there, you follow them on the run, taking over a train attempting to get Switzerland. The character Sinatra plays, is not well liked by the fellow prisoners because they feel he is a turncoat and give him the name Von Ryan. It's tense filled plus action oriented. A very good film with Sinatra in the lead.

What POW films can you think of?

Who Won Best Song Oscar for 2020

 

Ok, I normally write this theme the 3rd week of the Month, but I like doing the themes on Monday Music Moves Me so I placed this theme of mine now. I am not much for the newer songs because they don’t make me  hum the tune. They all sound the same or they are, simply, annoying. Anyways, let’s see if you can guess which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up nadda!

1. HUSAVIK SUNG BY WILL FARRELL AND MOLLY SANDEN

My head must have been up my ass but I never knew about the Eurovision contest even though that is how ABBA  came to be famous. This is a catchy song written by Richard Goransson(music) and Fat Max Gus’s and Savan Kotecha (lyrics). I was surprised by Will Farrell but he’s pretty good. Oh, the Iceland town of HUSAVIK has adopted this song as their main song.

2. FIGHT FOR YOU SUNG BY DI MILE AND H.E.R.

This is a song that I am not a fan of…I believe it was a big hit but, for me, meh. It was written by H.E.R.  and Tiara Thomas. Whatever happened to just having a regular name? 

3. GLASGOW SUNG BY JESSIE BUCKLEY

This is a really nice song from the indie film, “ Wild Rose”, that got a lot of accolades when it was shown at TIFF in Toronto. Believe it or not, this was written by Mary Steenburgen, who, during Covid, had this music come into her head. She said wherever she went and looked she would see the music and hear it but she had no idea how to put it to paper so along came Caitlyn Smith who helped, greatly, to place this music onto paper.

So…..who won the Oscar? Who was nominated? Who got nuttin? This was a weird year because of….Covid. One song seems to have come out in 2018 but was up for the Oscar this year. It seems the songs were from different years because the Oscar’s were delayed. Anyhoo, these songs were for this year’s Oscar.

Dinosaurs!

 

I was going to have a completely different theme but, I was watching PBS, which had a couple of interesting shows about dinosaurs and I had my 25watt bulb go off, so decided to write about this theme instead. I am purposely straying away from the Jurassic Park franchise because, they’re just too easy, plus after the 3rd one, they just got boring and stupid. Even the last one, of the first 3, with the pterodactyls, makes no sense. The group escape, terrified but, as they are leaving on helicopters, the kid and Sam Neil smile in Wonder as they watch the big, nasty birds fly beside them. First, I’d still be terrified because, they tried to eat me and, second, they are flying away from the island toward civilization. WTF is wondrous about that? Oops…I’m ranting, so, here are my 3 dinosaur movies.

1. THE LOST WORLD-1925

I do love silent film and this is a classic, believe it or not, which freaked out people who went to see the movie. It was considered wondrous for its day in special effects and even Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the book, was part of the film where he introduced it, unfortunately, some prints don’t have this part. Bessie Love plays the daughter of a missing explorer who brings her dad’s journals to the head of British museum, played by Wallace Beery. He sees the drawings and it convinces him that dinosaurs exist, so he decides to take some people to South America to explore the mysterious plateau. Once there, the group end up on the plateau needing to fend off some hungry dinosaurs and a jerk of an ape man. This film is 100 years old and it’s pretty cool to watch this. I can’t help but think how the people from 1925, must have felt. This was their Jurassic Park film for that time. Stop motion was used to great effect and the actors did a great job acting against these beasts. It’s fun to watch  an old film and transport oneself back to that time.

2. KING KONG-1933

I hope most of you have seen this game changer of a beast movie that stars, Canadian, Fay Wray, who has the best scream ever, as sexy Ann Darrow. It starts off with Ann looking at food and fainting because she is so hungry. Carl Denham is a film director who see her, feeds her and  tells her  he will make her a star and she will star against a dark and hairy man. She says yes and before you can say, Epstein and Trump party, she is on board a ship of men, much to the chagrin of the running mate, played by Bruce Cabot. Of course, he falls for Ann and so do the Natives when the ship finds Skull Island. The natives kidnap Ann, tie her up and summon Kong. In enters, tall, dark and hairy, Kong who decides not to eat her but bring her to his lair.  We watch as he protects her from all sorts of baddies like the tyrannosaurus, a giant snake( get your minds out of the gutter) and a pterodactyl. Of course, the men from the boat go to rescue Ann with most meeting their fate in very bad  ways. Good ole Cabot frees her and they escape with Kong hot on their trail. This is when the dumb ass Producer decides to bring Kong back to NYC. This is a classic with a capital C and I remember watching this on “Movies for a Sunday Afternoon” on ABC. He wanted all of us to sit and watch the movie which we did, and it made a big impression on me. Decades later, I realize my dad was one of the many, many people who were dumbfounded by how realistic it looked( obviously, back in the day). My dad was only 20 at that time and it must have throw him in awe at the revolutionary stop motion method used to make King Kong come alive.

3. ONE MILLION BC-1966

Oh, we all know how famous this film is because it stars the voluptuous Raquel Welch in her fur bikini which gained further fame when her poster was shown to full splendour in the gret film, “The Shawshank Redemption”. This is …not a great film, maybe not even a good one but that’s what makes it fun because it is rather dumb. John Richardson plays Tumak( not Tupac, although that could be his Rapper cousin) who is banished from his dark haired, primitive tribe to the desert where he must fight some bad dinosaurs, he ends up meeting Loana, yes, fur bikini Raquel, part of the blonde, more sophisticated ( aka intelligent) tribe. He learns from them but fights ensues when another blondie wants Tupac..er Tumak for herself so enter 2 women fighting in their skimpy outfits. All you need is some jello and you have all the boys go to heaven. Anyhoo, it ends up the tribe cast Tarmac..oops, Tumak out and Leona decides to go with him. Before you can say, “birdie!” a pterodactyl snatches Leona, of course, to bring her to her hatchlings for a morsel. Will she be saved in time, by Tupac..Tarmac…sorry, Tumak? Will those little critters pick off her fur bikini?  This is, actually, a remake of the 1940, film starring Victor Mature and Carole Landis which was a big hit in its day as well. The dinosaurs in both movies are fun to watch with the usual fights between 2 dinosaurs and the tyrannosaurus hungry for some humans. It’s a cult film that one should see, at least, once.

Which dinosaur movies, aside from Jurassic Park, come to your mind?

Have a Sunny Day

 

I’m late here plus I am so late in responding to your wonderful comments because I am just exhausted. In my work, I counsel, approximately, 7 people per day, discussing the financial distress, budgeting and credit. After each session I need 20 minutes of paperwork. I can’t stop people from talking with me about their loss of a job, illness, marital breakdown, deaths so I often take the full hour with the people. This means, I must complete all the paperwork resulting in getting home around 9 pm, mentally exhausted. I read your blogs, but end up falling asleep. So, when I saw this week’s Monday Music Moves Me theme, I took it as a sign. I’m late writing this, but I enjoyed thinking bout ll the sunny songs which made me smile. I just took the 3 songs that popped into my head…

1.  LET THE SUNSHINE IN SUNG BY PEBBLES AND BAMM BAMM-1965

I love The Flintstones which was a big hit back in the mid 60s when I was born and a wee tot. Obviously, I watched this show in reruns and loved it all especially when they had famous guest stars like Stony Curtis, Ann-Margrock and even “Bewitched” stars Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York as their characters, the witch, Samantha and her mortal husband, Darren. Anyhoo, I got sidetracked, this song, written by Stuart Hamlin in 1954, became a hit when Pebbles ( sung by Rebecca Page), the daughter of Fred Flintstones and Wilma and Bamm Bamm ( sung by Ricky Page, Rebecca’s mom), the son of Barney and Betty Rubble, sung this song on the TV show. It’s catchy and sweet and always put a smile on my face.

2. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE SUNG BY BING CROSBY-1941

My mom sang this to her granddaughter from the time she was born ( today, Camden is transitioning to a man) and loved her deeply. Even if my mom would question Camden’s decision, my mom would embrace her and still sing this song to him because love is bigger than judgements, one’s own beliefs and intolerance. This song has been debated in the origin, but it became big and is now the state song of Louisiana. The song was first published in 1940 and has been recorded way over 300 times. I think Bing does a great job of this classic.

3.  SUNRISE, SUNSET SUNG BY TOPOL-1971

This is another song that my mom just loved. It is from the film, “Fiddler on the Roof” starring Topol who also played the character on Broadway. It was written by Jerry Brock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. His daughter is getting married and the dad is remembering how his children used to be young and always near you until you must let them go. It’s a bittersweet song but so beautiful.

Here’s a picture of my mom and my cousin, Dieter, whom my mom adored. Dieter was born 6 months after my mom lost her baby brother. I believe Dieter saved my Oma from the grief of losing her son and saved my mom as well. When bombs would fall and, afterwards, the Russians marched in, followed by starvation, my mom would sing to Dieter who was just 4 when the war ended. She sang to him here, just 3 months before she died. I miss her so…

Who Should Have Won Best Director-1951

 

I love Alfred Hitchcock and I am not alone, since he is considered one of the best auteur directors ever! So we are left, dumbfounded, knowing he never won an Oscar for the many great films he directed. I could choose more than one year, but I decided  to go with 1951 the year of one of my all time favourite films…

1.  STRANGERS ON A TRAIN DIRECTED BY ALFRED HITCHCOCK

I think this film was badly overlooked because it deserved Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Editing but, alas, it was grossly overlooked. This film stars Stewart Granger as a tennis pro who boards a train to visit his ghastly wife to ask her for a divorce. He meets Bruno, played to perfection by Robert Walker, who ingratiates himself with Guy and suggests to swap murders…he’ll kill Guy’s slutty wife and Guy can kill Bruno’s dad. Guy doesn’t believe Bruno until his wife ends up dead. Now the police believe Guy is the murderer and Bruno is a psychopath. The cat and mouse game begins and you are swept up into their lives that take place in the shadows. Along for the ride is the exquisite Ruth Roman as Guy’s love interest and Patricia Hitchcock( Hitchcock’s daughter) as Roman’s younger sister who steals every scene. You need to see this film. Hitchcock deserved the Oscar, in my humble opinion.

2. A PLACE IN THE SUN DIRECTED BY GEORGE STEVENS

This is an excellent film, that stars 2 of the most beautiful people of the time, Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. Clift plays a poor man who wishes to climb the ladder of success and at a party, he meets the beautiful Liz Taylor and they both fall for each other. The problem, Monty has started an affair with a fellow worker, played by Shelley Winters, who informs him that she is pregnant. What is Monty to do with 2 women who love him? This is an American Tragedy which was the title of an earlier film, from 1931 and based on the 1925 book of the same title. It is an excellent film with great performances by the main cast. George Stevens won the Oscar and I understand why but Alfred should have won but he wasn’t even nominated.

3.  THE AFRICAN QUEEN DIRECTED BY JOHN HUSTON

Talk about a great movie with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart as 2 very different people caught up in Word War 1 and falling in love in the process. It’s so much fun, comedic timing is perfect as is the dramatic parts but this is one of the best films ever done and, to be honest, I wouldn’t have minded if Huston won because it is well directed. The acting is top notch as is the cinematography, editing and writing. Hepburn plays a prim and proper missionary who must leave immediately since the Germans will overrun the place very soon. The only way she can get out is by boat owned and run by Bogie, playing a Canadian mail carrier. You are not sure when Bogie last took bath, has a rough and ready style that makes Hepburn’s nose sniff in arrogant disagreement. Before long, they must fix the boat getting covered in leeches, blow up a German boat and fall in love. It is a must see adventure, romance that had just as much adventure off screen as on that books have been written about it. The leeches were real, they did film on location with crocs in the water and everyone getting dysentery except for Bogart and Huston because they only drank whiskey. Poor Hepburn, at the beginning of the film, is playing the piano but you can see she looks a bit pekid because she was so sick that a bucket was placed by the piano so she could throw up between takes. It’s a great film but my heart belongs to Strangers:). At least Huston was nominated. 

Do you agree with me or do you believe Huston should have won? Do you think Vincent Minelli should have won for Am American in Paris which won Beat Picture?

Songs When I Graduated

 

I’m tired and, yes, I’m writing this up now but I thought this would be a good time to continue from last week’s theme, over at Monday Music Moves Me, of when you graduated. I chose 3 songs from 1983 but, this time, I am choosing 3 songs from 3 different years when I graduated from different schools and here they are…

1. AMERICAN WOMAN BY THE GUESS WHO-1970

In 1969, I went to a 2 room school house for Kindergarten. It was called St. Malachy’s, if I remember how to spell it. It took an hour to get to the school transferring from one bus to another before finally reaching the little school house. I graduated in 1970 and moved on to St. Elizabeth grade school but I did like that little school and it’s still s5anding but it’s now a private home. This song was big at this time and it’s one of my favourites from this classic Canadian band.

2. LOVE IS LIKE OXYGEN SUNG BY SWEET-1978

In 1978, I finished Grade school and just turned 14 and was looking forward to High School ( bleach). I loved this song and still do. It’s just iconic, to me. 

3. WITH OR WITHOUT YOU SUNG BY U2-1987

Skipping High school, since I spoke about it last week, I finish this with my graduation from university back in 1987. U2 is a big band and still going strong but, for some reason, they are getting some backlash which I don’t get. This is one band I saw, back in 1987, winning 2 tickets. How did I win? I have no clue, too long ago but I do remember being on a bus, with my roommate, heading to Toronto. They were in top form and I really loved seeing them live even though we were far away from the stage. 

Did you go to a 1 or 2 room school house? What songs were around when you graduated from Grade school or University or college? Pretty cool to see what was around back in the day.

Time to Open the Pool

People, who have pools, have probably opened up their pools already but my not have swum in them since its been quite cool out. it got me thinking about pools and movies with pools in them. Now, i could have done nothing but Esther Williams' movies but, I hang my head low because I have not seen any of her films except for "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". I realized that her movies were not shown on TV and she is a forgotten star, sadly. I could do a couple of posts about movies with swimming pools but I am going with 3 films that I have not spoken about before..um...almost... 

 1. CAT PEOPLE-1942

This is a B horror film but a classic cult film that is a step above many A films. It stars Simone Signoret as a beautiful woman who believes she turns into a cat whenever she becomes sexually aroused. She meets a man at the local zoo and they fall for one another and marry but she can’t consummate the marriage for fear she will tear him apart. He thinks he’s married a nutbar and has her see a psychiatrist while he falls for his assistant. A famous scene takes place in the basement pool of the apartment building Alice, the assistant, lives in. It’s all in the shadows and darkness with subtle camerawork that brings this alive. The acting is quite good as well and it’s a film that should be seen.

2.  THE SWIMMER-1968

This film stars Burt Lancaster who is at a pool side party in a swanky neighbourhood and figures out that he could swim his way back home and so begins his journey. Along the way, he meets all sorts of characters from the babysitter who used to babysit his daughters to a couple of old nudists. You know, I read the short story as well and it’s just as nutty as the film. You realize Burt is on some sort of mission and seems to be losing reality but, I don’t know, I just kept thinking, “Have a point!” It ends where I just think, “Is that all there is to a pool” ( sorry, channeling Peggy Lee here). I watched it and I don’t think I will see it again.

3. COCOON-1985

I can’t believe this film is 40 years old…jumping Johosephat! I watched this in the theatre and I do consider it a modern film. Anyways, now that I am showing my age, this is a sweet film about people living in an old age home. You meet the men, headed by the wonderful Don Ameche ( who won an Oscar for his role) who loves his single life and is young at heart, there is Hume Cronyn, married but he is frail. The great Jack Gilford, a crochety old bugger and Wilfred Brimley as the most level headed of the bunch and happily married. Maureen Stapleton is Brimley’s wife, Herta Ware is the wife of Jack Gilford  and she suffers from dementia. Hum Cronyn’s real life wife is Jessica Tandy as his long suffering wife and, finally, Gwen Verdon as the free loving love interest to Don Ameche. The men always venture to an empty home that has a pool so they can enjoy themselves. On another note, Steve Guttenberg is hired by a group of so-called mariners, headed by the great Brian Dennehy,  to go out into the ocean while they scuba dive and bring up these weird looking egg shapes. These people have rented out that home and place the eggs into that pool. When the old coots go to swim, they see what’s in the pool and make sure not to disturb them but as they swim, they begin to feel more energized and younger. You soon realize these mariners are not what they seem and lives are dependent on more than just what is under the water. It’s well acted and adult even though it can be silly too. I enjoy watching this Ron Howard film but am still in shock that Wilfred Brimley was only 49 in this movie,

What pool movies can you think of?

High School Ends...Thank God!

 

Yes, it's January, 1983, and I am done with high school. I am ecstatic because to say I hated High School, would be an understatement. As you, probably, know I was very badly bullied...the usual plus having to go to the ER, every year, because they tried to break my fingers, threatened to cut my throat from ear to ear, told to kill myself as everyone would be better off, yadda, yadda...I was glad to be done. That being said, I was starting on the best school years of my life come September, so 1983, was a big change and these songs were big on the airwaves. It's theme week over at Monday Music Moves Me, and it's to choose songs from the year you graduated.

1. HOT GIRLS IN LOVE BY LOVERBOY

Loverboy was a huge band, from Calgary, Alberta, back in that time, creating some classic hits including this song and " Turn Me Loose" which was so overplayed  that I, still, hate hearing it. This song about hot girls, I can still enjoy.

2. SAFETY DANCE BY MEN WITHOUT HATS

I love this song by this band, from Montreal, Quebec. I really like the video even though it is not liked by critics. Who knows why, just enjoy.

3. TELL KNOW LIES BY THE SPOONS

The Spoons actually appeared, a couple of times, at Brock University, since they were considered a local band. They were from Burlington, Ontario and we were proud that they made it big. I'd see them now, if I could. 

What songs were big the year you graduated?

June Star Of The Month: Dean Martin

 

DEAN MARTIN

BIRTH: June 7, 1917

DEATH: December 25, 1995

AGED: 78 yrs old

DIED FROM: Lung Cancer and his COPD

REAL NAME:Dino Paul Crocetti

NICK NAME: Dino, The King Of Cool

MARRIED: 3 times. 

AFFAIRS: Inger Stevens, Angie Dickenson, June Allyson, Elizabeth Montgomery- that’s a rumour, Dinah Shore

CHILDREN: 8 kids! All but one went into show business in some form

FAMOUS FRIENDS: Frank Sinatra

FAMOUS PARTNERS: Jerry Lewis and the Rat Pack team. Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop

FEAR: claustrophobic- wanted his hotel rooms on the main floor or would walk up. Considered elevators moving coffins

TALENT: take a wild guess?…lol…singing- That’s Amore, Remember Me, etc…

KNOWN FOR: his Affable Manner, being a lush( he wasn’t really), having 3 Stars on the Walk of Fame

Dean Martin is one of the most well known entertainers in the world for his singing, his movie making and his television work but most don’t know his humble beginnings. He grew up in Ohio to Italian parents and only taught him to speak Italian because, they only spoke Italian. This lead to many issues when Dino started school since he could not speak English which resulted in constant bullying. He learned how to fight back because he became a boxer winning a few matches in his level plus he and his roommate started a fight club in their apartment as a way to pay the rent. He had quite a few jobs including rubbing too close to crime when he helped in bootlegging even dating Meyer Lansky’s daughter for a time( thank God he lived through that!). He worked at a gas station, a dealer at a casino and as a steel worker. He found his way onto the stage and met up with Jerry Lewis where they started to talk about teaming up. When they did…they bombed! They decided to just free talk through their schtick which included Dino singing and the stars made it big. They became so popular, that they ended up making many films plus starred on TV shows like Ed Sullivan. It seemed the star was more Jerry Lewis who was the clown up against Martin who was the straight man which went straight to Jerry Lewis’s head. Martin was becoming more disgruntled especially when he saw Lewis and actress, Sheree North on a magazine cover and Martin was cropped out! The last film they made, “Hollywood or Bust”, was not pleasant since neither spoke to the other once a scene was done. They ended up not speaking for years until Frank Sinatra surprised Jerry Lewis, on his annual telethon ( for Muscular Dystrophy), bringing Dean Martin on and they seemed to bury the hatchet…kinda. Dino was also part of the very famous Rat Pack group ( originally created by Humphrey Bogart and whom Lauren Bacall, Bogart’s wife, coined them the “Rat Pack” the morning after booze laden night) that consisted of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. Actually, Shirley MacClaine and Judy Garland were part of this troupe as well, but the men were the most famous. They were major liners at Las Vegas singing, drinking, making jokes, drinking and having tons of fun. Later on, it seems Dino never really drank and had apple juice in his glass but I’m not completely convinced. Maybe he did this often, but not all the time and I recall him being quite inebriated when on The Johnny Carson Show. It is quite a funny time to see him on the show.

Speaking of TV, he had his own Dean Martin Show that I have only seen snippets of and often, you see Martin lose it when a comedian was just way too funny. He, also, started the “ Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts” where, unlike the ones we see today which, are about “stars” no one cares about plus are way too rude and off-putting, he roasted some very famous people like Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and Michael Landon. He had his staple of comedians that came on like Phyllis Diller, Don Rickles, Nypsy Russell, Jonathan Winters but also famous stars from the people mentioned above to Bob Hope, Flip Wilson and President Ronald Reagan. Did I mention Foster Brooks?  I LOVE Fister Brooks who truly knew how to play a drunkard. 

Dean was also quite a good actor who could hold his own against stars like Wayne and Stewart plus could make fun of the James Bond franchise and his own cool image, but when Sharon Tate was murdered ( she was to be his co-star in the next Matt Helm movie), devastated over her death, he stopped making that movie and never went back. The same thing happened a few years earlier when he was to star opposite Marilyn Monroe in the film, “Something’s Got to Give”. When she was fired from the film, he went to bat for her and, it seems the Execs decided to hire her back but, when she died, Dean would not make the film without her and it was shelved ( later to be made with James Garner and Doris Day in “Move Over, Darling”).

By the 1970s, his chain-smoking habit was doing a number on his lungs and his voice but he continued to croon until his beloved son, Dean Jr., died in an air accident when the F14 Phantom jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1987. Dean never recovered despite help from family and friends like Sinatra. Dean became somewhat of a recluse going out to his regular restaurant haunt to eat dinner looking nothing like the charismatic, handsome man he used to be. When he developed lung cancer, he was told her could get surgery which would prolong his life but he refused and died on Christmas Day with his family believing he wanted to see his son again. It’s a sad end to a most gregarious and loyal ( to friends) man who deserves all the accolades he got and, I think, was better than Jerry Lewis. 

My Favourite Films:

1. Rio Bravo-1959

2. The Sons of Katie Elder-1965

3. Some Came Running-1958

4. Scared Stiff-1953

5. The Young Lions-1958

6. The Silencers-1966

7. Bandolero-1968

8. Airport-1970

9. The Cannonball Run-1981

10. Ocean’s 11-1960

I still need to see a few of his others like “The Bells are Ringing” but that’s my list for now.

Thursday Film Picks- Birthdays

 

The month of May is a busy month for me as there are 8 birthdays with my hubby’s 68th birthday on the 25th and mine coming up June 2nd. Ok, yes, June, but it’s so close to my husband’s so I just include it in the 8. Friends, my brother and the 2 of us went out to a nice restaurant for dinner which is a tradition we do with my friends, Peter and Ron, both born in October. So I chose 3 films that are about birthdays and hope you enjoy the read…

1. ON GOLDEN POND-1981

This was Henry Fonda’s last film but it’s a good one with Katherine Hepburn, playing his wife and Jane Fonda playing his daughter which was not out of keeping since she is Henry Fonda’s daughter. The old couple travel to their cottage to hear the loons and celebrate Fonda’s 80th birthday. He is a curmudgeon and talks about death while his wife tries to make him believe in life. Their daughter( Jane Fonda) comes with her fiancée ( Dabney Colman  who just starred with Fonda as her sleazy boss in 9 to 5) and his young son. It’s a tense time since father and daughter had a difficult relationship, very similar to their real life relationship,  and are unsure how to be with each other. They celebrate his 80th birthday before taking off to Europe for a month leaving the kid with the old couple. From there, the kid and the old man develop a special bond and the young kid learns so much. Both Fonda and Hepburn won Oscars for their roles but, I believe, Fonda won because, he never did and was going to die so better give one to him now. Jane Fonda credits Hepburn for helping her heal the wounds between her and her dad. It’s a nice film worth seeing.

2. 16 CANDLES-1984

I think this is the first film directed by John Hughes who also wrote this and stars many of his ensemble cast including Molly Ringworm..oops…Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, John Cusack and Joan Cusack. Molly plays the younger sister to her older sister who is getting married. She is just happy that it’s her 16th birthday but her happiness is dashed when she realizes that none of her family remembers her birthday because they are all consumed with the wedding. At school, you realize she has a crush with the football guy but she is pursued by the nerd who thinks he’s the coolest thing since nightmare whip. Enter her grandparents who say the most inappropriate things and bring their foreign exchange student whom they help out. There is the teen dance followed by a big party where Duck Dong enjoyed along with booze, Molly loses her panties to the nerd for a favour and the wedding day turns into a bit of a clown show. It’s a good movie even though I don’t care for Molly Ringworm and never got how she made it big. I don’t care about how bad it was to show Dong as a typical gag or that the popular girl is so drunk she could be taken advantage of because it’s just supposed fun so just enjoy and fast forward through the parts you dislike.

3. 13 GOING ON 30-2004

Jennifer Garner is a 13 year old who is having her birthday but is frustrated with her life and wishes she could be 30. When she awakes ( in a closet) she is 30 and is, at first scared but later embraces being 30. Somehow, she meets up with her childhood chum, played by Mark Ruffalo, convincing him she is the 13 year old whom, he thought, disappeared all those years ago. She gets a big job and is able to resurrect a dull executive party by dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I just watched this a couple of months ago and it was better than I thought it would be. It’s cute and fun and forgettable so perfect when you just need to unwind. 

What birthday movies can you think of? I can’t wait to hear some of your choices.

Eurovision As I Age

 

I was not quite finished from Last week’s theme about music from another country and so I decided to go the Eurovision route choosing 3 stages of my age, 1964, 1974 and 1994. I was born in 1964 and went to 10 years old and 30 years old. Why did I skip when I was 20? Well, I took a look at who won that year and, not meaning any disrespect but that song and boy group that won, just made me want to hurl. I have to see whom they were up against and then, still wonder how that boy group won. If you want to check it out, just look up who won in 1984, go to YouTube and bring a tums with you so you won’t feel nauseous. This week it is freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and I hope you check out the others.

1. NON HO L’ETA SUNG BY GIGLIOLA CINQUETTI FROM ITALY

This sweet girl with a sweet voice was the big winner the year I was born. I never heard f her before nor the song but, I thought, it was lovely to listen to.

2. WATERLOO SUNG BY ABBA FROM SWEDEN

 Um, Hello! My favourite band ( along with the Moody Blues and ELO) and the most famous to have won this contest is ABBA. It all started here with this iconic song. Be thankful they didn’t use, “The King Kong Song” because, I think, they would have had a different outcome.

3. ROCK N’ ROLL KIDS SUNG BY PAUL HARRINGTON & CHARLIE MCGETTIGAN FROM IRELAND

When I read the title of the song, I was scared that it would be a bunch of kids singing like they were in a rock and roll band but was I ever pleasantly surprised when I heard this song from these 2 Irish dudes who made this song one of nostalgia. I was 30 years old….S@&$! I’m almost 31 years older and I think I’m only 33. Oh well, I really like this song. 

So, what songs came out when you were born, or when you were 10, 20, or 30?

Psychiatrists, Therapy and Menace, Oh My!

 

I received a box set of Film Noir movies that I have been watching and am surprised how many involve psychiatry which became very popular after the war. This corresponds with  how many though Freud was the next best thing to popcorn and out came the ink blotches, the couch and the dreaded shock therapy ( Vivien Leigh underwent this more than once, you know her as Scarlett O’Hara). One of the more famous films is The Snake Pit,” which stars Olivia DeHavilland and it is quite a good film but I went with 3 films that I recently watched. Here are 3 Film Noir/ Psychosis movies..what a combo!

1. THE DARK MIRROR-1946

I hope this is a half-decent film trailer on this film that stars Olivia DeHavilland in 2 roles, twin sisters, one good…and one evil( I wonder if she used her actual sister, Joan Fontaine as inspiration for the evil twin because, they hated each other’s guts). The good sister works at a store frequented by a very nice, intelligent and good looking psychiatrist, played by Lee Ayres. When a man is found dead and the cops zero in on sweet Olivia, they soon realize that she has a twin…evil Olivia so they enlist the aid of the doctor to ferret out what the hell 8s going on. He can soon discern which twin is which and realizes that the good Olivia has been manipulated almost her whole life. It’s well acted and gives an insight into the fascination people were having with psychiatry. I thought the acting was solid and I like the dark noir vibe. 

2. SHOCK-1946

I’m not giving anything away with this clip since it is near the beginning of the film. A sweet, anxious girl comes to a hotel to meet up with her husband whom she has not seen for a long time due to the war. She is nervously waiting for him and looks out her balcony window when she sees a husband and wife arguing viciously. Suddenly the man picks up a candlestick and  “Wonk!” The woman is dead. The sweet gal goes into a catatonic shock and does not move even when her husband finally arrives in the morning. He is beside himself and calls the doctor who says she must have witnessed something so traumatic that she is paralyzed in shock ( geez, what would she do now?). No worries because the doc knows a great psychiatrist who can help and in enters…the killer…aka Vincent Price. He recommends she be taken to his hospital/sanitarium to help her. When they all arrive at the home, you meet the nurse, vixen Lynn Bari who has her hands all over the Doc and he has his all over her. Now they must find a way to make sure the sweet gal never remembers. The acting from the young bride is not the best but I just love the mild speaking Price as well as va va vavoom Bari who is one bad ass Femme Fatale. I like the look of this film and, even though, I have seen better films, I enjoyed the cat and mouse play.

3. WHIRLPOOL-1950

Poor Gene Tierney is married to a very nice psychiatrist, played by Richard Conte, who likes his woman to be…traditional… it is the post war vision of women in high heels making bread while all dressed up. Anyway, his remark, makes Gene go a little crazy where she steals things because she is a closet klepto. When she is ready to be arrested, in comes Jose Ferrer to save the day and he wants nothing in return…if you believe that I have some great swamp land to sell you. Before one can say blackmail, she is at his mercy but not if her husband has anything to say about it as well as the cops. This is a nice little psychiatric  noir that makes you wonder when everything will unravel or will it? It’s well acted film with manipulation at its core even by the good natured husband who wants his wife to be the way he wants her to be setting in motion the klepto in his wife’s psyche. I hope you get a chance to watch this which must have been tough, somewhat, for Gene to do since she also had mental issues and was dealt more than one blow in her life time.

What psychological films can you think of?