World War 2 Japan

 

I’m writing this late but I had to do a special on World War 2 with Japan because September 2nd was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 with Japan. This marked the total end of this World War  and so much is talked about the war in Europe but so many suffered and died during the Japanese siege on the many islands in the Pacific. You know, I remember when a Japanese soldier was found on an island, in 1974, still believing the war was on. I was dumbfounded that he hid for all those years. Anyhoo, here are my 3..

1. THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA-1949

This stars John Wayne as the head of a group of men he must get into shape to survive the perils of the jungle and the Japanese force. He is not liked by his men but, when they start fighting, the quickly realize why he was so hard on them. Over time, many men die in battle but the men start to gain more respect for the soldier in charge. This is a pretty gritty war film that does hold up even after all these years. It’s well acted and the cinematography is great.

2. HELL IN THE PACIFIC-1968

This stars only 2 people, Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune as 2 men stranded on a deserted island during the war. They are enemies trying to outwit the other with the Japanese man having water and the American needing it. Over time they form an uneasy alliance as they try to survive and find a way off the island. It is well acted, tense and leaves you riveted wanting more. The stars own the film and this was my introduction to the great actor Toshiro Mifune.

3. HACKSAW RIDGE-2016

This is an excellent film based on a true story of Desmond Doss who signed on, but refused to carry a gun. Labeled a conscientious objector, he worked as a medic, during the battle of Okinawa. He ended up saving 75 men, carrying each one to the edge of the cliff they were on, lowering them down to the men below before going to the next one. Even when wounded, he continued to save the men, while under fire, before, finally, lowering himself to safety. He is the only conscientious objector to receive 2 bronze stars. This film stars Andrew Garfield who delivers a superb performance as the deeply religious man who wants to be part of the war but without killing anyone. You see how badly he was mistreated by his own fellow soldiers until he saves all the men. It is a brutal film without relenting the horrors of war. It is directed by, yup, Mel Gibson, and despite my dislike for this man, he delivered an A1 film. The editing is excellent and the acting, superb. 

What films about WW2 films, set in the Pacific, China, Japan can you think of?

Songs Connected to Events

 

I was thinking about events that happened on September 3rd and the songs that instantly popped into my head so I hope you enjoy. I joined the Monday Music Moves Me which you should check out. By the way, doesnt my sweet Lexi look like she’s hyped on her favourite drug? Here we go…

1. I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU SUNG BY FRANK SINATRA-1962

I am praying I have the Sinatra version that sings the original lyrics which are pre-code. The original lyrics have “I get no kick from cocaine…” I always loved this Cole Porter song that was sung by Ethel Merman in the Broadway hit, “Anything Goes”. Today, that horrible woman, Griselda Blanco was shot to death while she was walking in 2012. To say she wasn’t a nice person is an understatement because she is responsible for many, many murders. She became a huge kingpin in the cocaine world of the 70s and 80s earning millions on the deaths of thousands. This song was written long ago for a Broadway show but the 1920s was rife with cocaine as well which is why the lyrics are in there. 

2. RAPTURE BY BLONDIE-1980

I just love this song and, at one point, learned the lyrics which I found quite funky. It’s considered a hybrid of rock, 70s disco style, hip hop and rap. Back on this date, in 1976, there was the first Mars landing and what better way to celebrate than listening to this song. Her “Man from Mars” just made me laugh because it was so off the wall but works so well. 

3. TILL THE END OF TIME SUNG BY PERRY COMO-1945

This became a big hit for Perry Como and his Pied Pipers in 1945 and was showcased in a film, of the same name, of the returning WW2. September 2nd was the end of the War when the Japanese finally surrendered. Sadly, it took the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for them to capitulate and freed the many soldiers and civilians from their POW camps where many were starving since the Japanese did not abide by the rules of the Geneva Convention. When I saw pictures of the soldiers in a Life Magazine spread, I was horrified how they looked. This song became a huge hit in August of 1945 and carried on into September when these men came home. 

What songs come into your head when you think of drugs, Mars and coming home from War?

Star of the Month-Mitzi Gaynor

 

MITZI GAYNOR

BIRTH: September 4, 1931

DEATH: October 17, 2024

AGED: 93 yrs

DIED FROM: Natural Causes

REAL NAME: Francesca Marlene De  Czanyi Von Gerber

NICKNAME: Mitzi

MARRIED: Once, to Jack Bean, talent Agent and her manager, until he died. 52 yrs.

CHILDREN: None

FRIENDS: Bob Mackie, Liza Minnelli

TALENT: singing, dancing, knew how to entertain

KNOWN FOR: her perky demeanour. Knew how to calm a situation ie. Ethel Merman was fuming when Marilyn Monroe was late or would not come out of her trailer. Mitzi would give a wink making Merman believe Monroe was having a sex time with someone. This would neutralize Merman’s anger.

Known for her perky and effervescent personality, this sweet gal wished she could be known for her sexiness so she could get some roles that went to Marilyn Monroe but she did pretty good for herself, regardless. She is, actually, from Hungarian aristocracy ( sorry Zsa Zsa but she really is aristocracy)on her father’s side, who was a classical violinist and music director and her mom was a dancer, so her talents were inherited. Her nickname, “Mitzi” is a German endearment from the name “Maria” and she was called this since she was a child. When she came to Hollywood, a talent scout( I think), decided to change her last name to Gaynor, from the film actress, Janet Gaynor, which was fine by Mitzi who loved the actress.  Her biggest time in film, were the 1950s with, her last film, being in 1963 when she realized her natural talents would be better utilized on stage. She began appearing in Las Vegas to sold out shows and she would often appear in Vancouver, BC- Canada, to try out a new show and loved the city and the people. She brought the house down during the 1967 Oscars when she sang the Oscar nominated song, “Georgy Girl” receiving a standing ovation that did not stop. The execs had a hard time to get the audience to stop clapping so they could continue on with the show. Mitzi, and her husband, who was her manager,  had many TV specials during the late 60s and 79s where she won many Emmys and other awards. She knew how to stop the show especially in her famous Bob Mackie gowns. She continued to perform, on stage, well into the 1990s before she semi retired. She still would dance every day even into her 80s and kept her gorgeous figure. A fun note, she appeared on the Ed Sullivan show when the Beatles performed back in 1964. Afterward, she went out to dinner with them and they asked for her autograph! I love that:)

I’m going to list her film from my favourite on down but the last 4, I did not see but want to.

FILMS

1. South Pacific-1958

2. Les Girls-1957

3. Anything Goes-1956

4. Were Not Married-1952

5. The Joker Is Wild-1957

6. For Love Or Money-1963

7. Happy Anniversary- 1959

8. Surprise Package-1960

9. The Birds And The Bees-1956

10. The “I Don’t Care” Girl-1953

3 Movies All the Same…Kinda

 

I think film land, at least Hollywood, is relying too much on remakes or, if the film is a hit, you will see a 2nd, 3rd or in the case of Fast and Furious, #350 in the series. There are some original films out there but, usually, they are made on a small budget. I just watched the latest version of a film based on a book by Erich Maria Remarque who fought in World War 1. So there are 3 versions based on his book, there may be others, but these films have the same title as the book. Here are the 3…

1. ALL QUIET IN THE WESTERN FRONT-1930

This is the first and, to me, the best version of this classic war novel that stars Lew Ayres as the young Paul who, along with his friends, get riled up by their school teacher into patriotic furor and join the German army in 1914. They must go through training with the trainer being their old postmaster who feels he is the next 5 star general and lords it over the kids. Soon enough, these young boys are in the trenches, terrified at the horrors facing them. Over time, one by one is killed until Paul is left alone in the trenches. This is an early sound film and was actually made as a silent until the higher ups realized that it must be a sound film. Sound is used to great effect from the machine gun blitzing the enemy like ducks in a game. The cinematography, by Arthur Edison, is stellar making the black and white come alive. Lewis Milestone is the director who understood what the book was about and knew how to end the film in a great way using his own hand at the very end. By the way, Lew Ayres was so affected by this film that he stated he was a conscientious objector during WW2 and faced taunts and threats. What many did not know is that he joined in the hospital medic field and was truly heroic coming to the aid of soldiers.

2. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT-1979

I’d love to see this version again which was a TV film that spanned over 3 nights. I had already seen the 1930 version so I was ready to be unimpressed by a tv movie but, I was wrong! This is an excellent adaptation that stars Richard Thomas ( John Boy from The Waltons) as Paul and Ernest Borgnine as the I,Der soldier that takes Paul under his wing. You also have the great Donald Pleasance as the tough commander faced with whipping these kids into shape. Donald Pleasance was in the war and was a prisoner of war for the last couple of years  of WW2. It is well acted and the first movie filmed in the former Czechoslovakia, a Communist held country at that time. I hope, one day, you can see this version which, to me, is not quite as good as the original but it’s so worthy.

3. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT-2022

I just watched this newest take of this classic book and film versions that stars Felix Kammerer as Paul who, along with his friends, join in the last 2 months of the war so they can be war heroes. They learn very quickly that there are no heroes only mud, blood, tanks and death. The bloody scenes are quite realistic and I will not get the image of one soldier, flattened by a tank, out of my mind any time soon. The grittiness and horrors are very realistic and almost too much but I was left wishing for more. Whoever decided to change the time and have it start near the end of the war made me feel like I was gyped. They cut out the scenes when they were being trained and when they visited some French girls. Here it was just one soldier who left and came back with a scarf. Again, I felt like I was cheated and I never felt the real warmth for the characters like I felt in the first film nor the 2nd. The editing, especially at the beginning, left me a bit confused and the friends died so quickly that I just didn’t ….care. This did win many awards and, if I didn’t know the book nor the other 2 films, it might have done more for me but I just didn’t fall in love with the characters like the first one. In the first film, when the first dies and you see another wearing his boots, you feel bad for that boy and icky that his friend took his boots but you understood why. In this film, they omitted the hospital scene but dealt with the footwear in a different way…which I have already forgotten.

Which films have you seen all the versions and which do you like the best? You have Superman, Spiderman, Dune but you have Love Affair as well. Maybe you prefer the first Dune film and, if you do, you might need some shock treatments:)

The Purple Heart

 

Yes, I’m Canadian and proud of it but I always liked the Purple Heart which we don’t have in Canada otherwise my Dad would have one. The theme this week, over at Monday Music Moves Me, is about the theme of Honour or the colour Purple and since most chose Purple, I went a different route and hope you like it.

1. SHUTTERS AND BOARDS SUNG BY DEAN MARTIN-1962

This song was written by Audie Murphy with music by Scott Turner and you wonder…how is this appropriate? Audie Murphy is the most decorated American soldier ever. He was small in size, which is why he was not accepted by the Marines and the Paratroopers, but it was the Infantry’s gain. You need to read about him because he was in more than one skirmish with the battle of Anzio being the most famous. He was wounded but, in a burning tank, held off a German attack with a machine gun. He was known to have killed close to 300 German soldiers in battles he was in. After the war, he wrote the book, “To Hell and Back” which was later made into a movie starring Audie Murphy. He did become a film star, mainly in Westerns and was a better than average star but he also suffered from crippling PTSD and was an alcoholic. He wrote many pieces of music as well with this song being one. Sadly, he died in a plane crash in 1971 at the age of 45. To red more bout Audie Murphy, you can go here

2. THEME FROM M.A.S.H.  SUNG BY THE RON HICKLIN SINGERS-1970

This song was written by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Michael Altman and the instrumental version was the theme for the great TV show M.A.S.H. in fact, you see the Purple Heart given a few times in the TV show. It does show Ferret Face…aka Frank Burns put in for a Purple Heart because he stubbed his toe ( I am certain things like this truly did occur) but, the Purple Heart finds its way onto a baby who survived being shelled by friendly fire. James Garner, from Maverick and The Rockford Files fame fought in the Korean War and received 2 Purple Hearts one in combat and one due to Friendly Fire.

3. DOES ANYBODY KNOW I’M HERE SUNG BY THE DELLS-1968

This song made me think of the Late Senator John McCain, who earned 2 Purple Hearts plus other medals during his time in Vietnam. He was severely wounded in the legs and chest and was taken by the enemy in 1967. The North Vietnamese tortured him, beat him severely and he suffered from dysentery. He was in this hellish condition until 1973 when there was a POW swap. He could have left earlier, but he gave up his freedom, more than once, to have his fellow comrades who left for freedom. When he returned he suffered from PTSD and physical issues where he could never lift his arms over his head. He became a senator for the Republican Party and was a vocal opponent to the Cheesy ( who treated this courageous and honourable man atrociously) but, sadly, he died from cancer. He is a true hero. I never thought I’d say that about. republican:)

What songs spring to your mind when you think of songs of valour?

Let’s Imbibe, shall we?

 

Today, I have, what I call, my sippy cup which is filled with 1 part orange juice and 3 parts soda water which has been my go to drink for decades now. Of course, back in the day, I would  imbibe …often and have been cut off in more than one bar but those are other stories for another day. I loved the summers for hanging out with my friends, dancing every weekend with a screwdriver in my hand. There have been many films where the drinks are free flowing starting with the Thin Man series which I love, but I chose 3 other films that fit the bill.

1. SWING TIME-1936

I love musicals ( duh!) and the Astaire/Rogers musical is a great one with many gob-smacking dance numbers. Along for the ride are the staples that appeared in many of their films which included Helen Broderick, Edward Everett Horton and the supreme, Eric Blore. Astaire plays a famous dancer ( again…Duh!) and gambler who wants to marry but her dad won’t allow it unless he can come up with $25,000. His friends don’t want him to marry and do whatever it takes to screw things up. Astaire meets Rogers and sparks fly which goes the usual route of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. In the meantime, you love how his friends do whatever they can to screw things up for him and Blore does it with great aplomb while holding a drink in his hand all the time. I love this character actor who deserves better recognition these days. He is so, so funny as the always inebriated friend.

2. MY MAN GODFREY-1936

Talk about a screwball comedy! This is one of the best that stars William Powell who is picked up by Carole Lombard, in the city dump as a homeless man for the Scavenger hunt her elite, rich friends are having. Before you can say, Holy insensitive, rich a-holes, Carole hires Godfrey as their Butler and he is now living at the wacky household that can make anyone go insane. The mother is constantly pixelated, Carole’s sister is a bitch, the dad is trying to keep things together and deal with his wife’s musical protege who is enjoying his freeloading ways. Carole is the younger daughter who knows Godfrey loves her and does everything to get him to admit this. During one party scene, Godfrey imbibes while serving drinks and it is quite hilarious. Carole is luminous and it’s always sad to know she won’t live much longer dying in a plane crash in 1942. This is a zany comedy that I enjoy watching.

3. THE PARTY-1968

Never mind when I was in my 20s, I would love to go to this party today! I think all 3 of these films are politically incorrect today but, I don’t care because they are funny especially this film that stars Peter Sellers as a bumbling, would be Indian actor( from India not Native American), who destroys a film set costing thousands. Somehow, he gets invited to a Hollywood party which is a party that is wild, to say the least. You have a very funny dinner scene, dancing, drinking, elephants, romance and Steve Franken as one of the butlers who keeps drinking the left over wine becoming quite drunk. This character actor, from film and TV is hilarious in a basic silent role stealing the scenes from Peter Sellers, not an easy feat. It’s a party I would go to in a minute especially when there are suds galore.

What party scenes can you think of?

Which Song Won The Oscar-1995

This is 1995, 30 yrs ago! I can't believe it because it seems so modern. I'm joining in for freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me. Let's see if you can guess which song won the Oscar  which one was nominated and which came up empty-handed in all areas..here are the 3...

1. CANCION DEL MARIACHI BY LOS LOBOS AND ANTONIO BANDERAS

This is from a fun flick, "Desperado" starring Antonio Banderos and Selma Hayek and it includes a lot of great music. When you look back, Hollywood always had a love for Mexican music starting in the 1940s. I love this soundtrack.

2. COLORS OF THE WIND SUNG BY JUDY KUHN

This song is from Pocahontas, with music by Alan Menkin and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, which depicts a nice sweet gal without any tattoos unlike the real Pocahontas who was covered in them and, died at 21 from, I believe, smallpox or pneumonia or TB…they are not sure.  

3. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME SUNG BY RANDY NEWMAN

This was written by Randy Newman for "Toy Story", a funny and endearing animated movie that we all know well. Frankly, there's something about Randy that just makes me want to bitch slap him upside the head. 

On that lovely note, which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed. 

Who Should Have Won Best Actress-1941

 

1941 was a big year for “ WTF won” due, mainly, to Citizen Kane not winning in almost every category and I do agree but I am going to talk about Best Actress because this is the year Joan Fontaine won over her sister, Olivia De Havilland. I can’t stand Joan Fontaine. As an actress, she is good, but the actress is a self righteous snot who portrays herself as  someone who always took the high road but she didn’t. I can’t stand say this because I read her autobiography and I just wanted to bitch slap her. I worked with someone like her and she was good at portraying a caring person but they are clearly narcissistic. These 2 sisters are famous for their hatred of one another and their competitive natures came out big time this year. Olivia was the expected winner so it was an upset when Fontaine won and as she made her way to the podium, Olivia stood to congratulate her but Fontaine snubbed her as she headed up to claim her Oscar. Needless to say, you know I won’t be choosing her as the winner, in my book.

1. BARBARA STANWYCK IN BALL OF FIRE

I easily could have gone with Bette Davis for her brilliant performance in “ The Little Foxes” but as I kept thinking about the roles, I felt that Stanwyck’s performance in this film and in “The Lady Eve” were stellar and much more nuanced in her role as a gangster’s moll who holds up in a place where the cops could not find her, a group of old professors except for a bewildered and innocent man, Gary Cooper, who, also, lives there. He went to her club to learn the slang of the day since he is writing a book on slang terms not knowing that she is in with a big mobster. As she stays within those walls, her hard heart begins to soften for the elderly men and she begins to feel something more for Cooper when in comes her Mobster boyfriend. Stanwyck can play a hardened gal but also a softened girl and she makes it believable. She was the best in this film and in “The Lady Eve” which she was equally excellent but wasn’t nominated for that role opposite Henry Fonda. 

2. IRENE DUNNE FOR PENNY SERENADE

Irene Dunne is one of the best actresses to never have won an Oscar and she was nominated many times but, strangely, not for this tear jerker Romance film  co-starring Cary Grant who plays her husband. The 2 meet in Japan, marry and are happy to learn she is pregnant but before you can say, uh-oh, an earthquake hits and she loses the baby. They move back to California and, at the suggestion of their friend, they decide to adopt. There are some humorous moments like when they have no idea how to change a diaper but also some gut wrenching scenes that showcases Grant’s acting ability as much as Dunne’s. She was so good in this film and helped evolve her character into substance creating a melodrama that I really enjoy watching.

3. JOAN FONTAINE IN SUSPICION

Yes, Joan won for her role in Suspicion  directed by Alfred Hitchcock and, don’t get me wrong, she is good as the wife of potential killer, Cary Grant but she didn’t deserve the Oscar as the nervous wife of cad, Cary Grant who can’t seem to hold down any job. In fact, I think Hitchcock should be recognized for his ability to make this actress look good in her role here and in “Rebecca”. Here, she goes against rich daddy and marries schemer, Cary Grant who, annoyingly, calls her monkey face. As time goes on, she believes her husband could be a murderer and becomes more on edge wondering when he will make his strike against her. The film is good despite the ending but, it was the time of the studios who had the last say, so I can forgive their oversight. I love Cary Grant who always delivers and Fontaine was able to capture a very nervous woman who just needs a good bitch slap.

Have you seen these films? Do you agree or would you pick someone different? 

Mid Summer Times

 

FYI- This is my friend's cute little doggie, not mine nor my pool:). It is mid summer, although I always think of July as mid summer, and summer seems to last into September when it used to be getting rather rainy and colder when I was young…I hate climate change which does exist, sadly. Right now, we have been having temperatures at 32-34C( 89.6-93.2F) but with the bloody humidity it feels more like 44C or 111F. My glasses fog up and I have a hard time breathing…I hate this weather. Anyways, venture over to Curious As A Cathy who co-hosts Monday Music Moves Me…here are my choices:

1. STEAM HEAT SUNG BY CAROL HANEY WITH BUZZ MILLER AND KENNETH LEROY-1957

It is mid summer, although I always think of July as mid summer, and summer seems to last into September when it used to be getting rather rainy and colder when I was young…I hate climate change which does exist, sadly. Right now, we have been having temperatures at 32-34C( 89.6-93.2F) but with the bloody humidity it feels more like 44C or 111F. My glasses fog up and I have a hard time breathing…I hate this weather. Anyways, venture over to Curious As A Cathy who co-hosts Monday Music Moves Me…here are my choices:

1. STEAM HEAT SUNG BY CAROL HANEY WITH BUZZ MILLER AND KENNETH LEROY-1957

Carol Haney originated her role in the original Broadway version of “The Pajama Game” ( Shirley MacLaine was her understudy and was able to go on, one night, when Haney was ill, creating quite the splash starting her career) and kept her role for the film version starring Doris Day and John Raitt( yes, the dad of Bonnie Raitt). This is a great dance routine created by Bob Fosse who danced with Haney before in “Kiss Me, Kate”. Haney was a favourite of Gene Kelly who would dance with him in other films but, sadly she died of pneumonia at age 33 brought on by diabetes and alcoholism.

2. WE’RE HAVING A HEAT WAVE SUNG BY MARILYN MONROE-1954

I consider this one of the lesser versions of this classic song but Marilyn sounds like she’s in heat during a heatwave and, well, I have no idea why I said this because I just don’t think about lust when I am not in air conditioning ( thankfully, we have air air conditioning). The song was written by Irving Berlin and Monroe just can’t help singing it like this and she did sing but, from what I read, in my musical books, she sang the song ( all her songs even Dimonds are…) many times, and the editors pieced the best together so it sounds good all the way through. She wasn’t a bad singer, but she could hit some notes flat or slightly off so they had no choice but to piece it together. Carol Haney originated her role in the original Broadway version of “The Pajama Game” ( Shirley MacLaine was her understudy and was able to go on, one night, when Haney was ill, creating quite the splash starting her career) and kept her role for the film version starring Doris Day and John Raitt( yes, the dad of Bonnie Raitt). This is a great dance routine created by Bob Fosse who danced with Haney before in “Kiss Me, Kate”. Haney was a favourite of Gene Kelly who would dance with him in other films but, sadly she died of pneumonia at age 33 brought on by diabetes and alcoholism.

2. WE’RE HAVING A HEAT WAVE SUNG BY MARILYN MONROE-1954

I consider this one of the lesser versions of this classic song but Marilyn sounds like she’s in heat during a heatwave and, well, I have no idea why I said this because I just don’t think about lust when I am not in air conditioning ( thankfully, we have air air conditioning). The song was written by Irving Berlin and Monroe just can’t help singing it like this and she did sing but, from what I read, in my musical books, she sang the song ( all her songs even Dimonds are…) many times, and the editors pieced the best together so it sounds good all the way through. She wasn’t a bad singer, but she could hit a flat note or miss one.

3.  SUMMER IN THE CITY SUNG BY THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL-1966

I have a feeling this will be popular, but this was the first song that came into my head and it is a classic song by this American-Canadian band that had a few great hits during the 60s. I always loved this song and seems to be perfect for a summer song.

What songs can you think of?

Bad Relationships

 

I talked about bad relationships yesterday and decided to extend this to my film day. I hear about bad relationships just about every day, sadly, which is one of the main reasons people end up in financial hardship. My best friend went through an emotional and mentally abusive relationship with a classic narcissist and another dear friend, now, is going through a separation with a man who has narcissistic tendencies but shows more emotional avoidance personality. In both cases, it’s their wife’s fault, never them. Men have been abused as well because women can also be narcissistic as well. I’m surprised how many narcissists are out there, to be honest. I’m showcasing 3 films that came into my head and there are so many more that I could do this theme a few more times…

1. OF HUMAN BONDAGE-1934

The book is excellent and so is this early film that made a star out of Betty Davis playing the guttersnipe waitress that a young medical student, Leslie Howard, falls for. He has a club foot, who has been bullied for most of his life so when he meets this waitress he becomes enchanted with her, although you wonder why? She’s not a beauty, she is slutty and rude but he falls for her and she berates, bullies and is just a downright bitch to him but he can’t let her go. I know of a couple of men who have fallen for women tht I just think…what the Fu$@!? Bette actively campaigned for this role an, finally Jack Warner ( who would be sitting right beside Harvey Weinstein if he were alive today)  relented believing she would suck in the role..boy was he wrong! When she was not nominated, for the Oscar, due to Jack Warner’s interference, there was a huge write in campaign which got Bette the nomination( she didn’t win). Leslie Howard was a bit too old for the role of the medical student but he acted very well as the man who could not shake this woman even when he meets a lovely woman who treats him with the respect he deserves. It’s a worthy film and should be seen.

2. BORN YESTERDAY-1950

This comedy made a star out of Judy Holiday, and rightly so. She was in the Broadway version so she knew this character very well and won an Oscar for her portrayal of a “dumb” mistress of a loudmouth, narcissistic jerk who happens to be rich( remind you of anyone) Whois buying his way into politics. To keep his mistress out of his hair and give her some class, he hires a professor, played by William Holden, to teach her about literature, history, art and culture which she takes to like I take to anything chocolate or desserts. The more she learns, the more she sees what a jerk her boyfriend is. Broderick Crawford plays the lout and he is superb portraying this idiot that we underestimate, until we see how brutal he can be when he forces her to sign a form she refuses to. In a comedy, you don’t expect such a nasty scene, yet it is there and your heart goes out to her when she wants to do the right thing. It is well acted and captivating which is why I rewatched it again recently.

3. LOLITA-1962

This is a controversial film even by today’s standards directed by the great Stanley Kubrick, starring James Mason as a professor who marries a loudmouth woman, played by Shelly Winters, just to be close to her 12 yr old daughter, played by 13 yr old Sue Lyon. When Shelly read Mason’s diary finding out what he thinks of her and what he feels for her daughter which is not fatherly. Poor Shelly runs in front of a truck leaving James and Sue to behave, well, not in a father/daughter  way. When Peter Sellers enters the scene who has his own desires on little Sue, well, it seems to go from bad to worse. Now, you think that the Mason character as well as Sellers, to be the nasty men taking advantage of this poor girl, but who is being abused here? Sellers’ character is not very nice at all and Mason’s character is a complete jerk to Winters who is totally repulsed by her but marries her just to be close to the daughter creating sympathy for Winters. The person whom you feel the least sympathy for is the young Lolita who knows exactly what she is doing and leaves Mason distraught when she takes off on him, more than once. It is  a controversial film, even by today’s standards, but it is excellent. I just watched this film, about a month ago and, even though I won’t see it my time soon, it is a film worth seeing.

What films can you think of that meets this theme?

Relationships Gone Bad

 

In my job, one of the main reasons people claim bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal is due to relationship breakdown. Yesterday, I spoke with a poor client who was beaten up by her spouse and she ended up in the hospital for 5 days where the cops came and charged her with abuse! To get away from the bastard, she bit his arm and he charged her. She moved out, but is living in her car with her 2 children waiting to get into a women’s shelter. She has retained legal aid and, to place icing on the cake, the doctors found out her cancer has returned with a cyst on her liver. 

One of my closest friends is going through a separation  and, eventually, divorce after 20 years.mi was her maid of honour and am surprised they lasted this long. She deserves better but she really tried, so hard, to make the marriage work with a man who is narcissistic plus has emotional issues. This made me think about songs regarding relationship breakdowns which is my own theme, this week over at Monday Music Moves Me and here we go..

1. WOULD I LIE TO YOU SUNG BY THE EURYTHEMICS -1985

I love this song by the Eurythmics about a woman who finds out her spouse is cheating on her. Annie Lennox sings her heart out as always. I saw them, at Canada’s Wonderland and, when she came out from behind the curtain singing this song in her black leather pants and a red bra, it brought the house down. One of the best concerts I have seen.

2. HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT SUNG BY PAT BENATAR-1980

Pat Benatar is an electrying singer with a pull no punches voice who often sang about women who have been abused or struggled in life but overcome all obstacles to become empowered and rise above their hardships. Pat Benatar actually was trained as a classically trained opera singer! My one friend loves her and has been to every concert she has been to when she was in Toronto.

2. PERSONAL JESUS SUNG BY DEPECHE MODE-1990

I love this song due to that constant beat which just, I find, primitive for some reason. They wrote this song after reading the book, “Elvis and Me” by Pricilla Pressley. How many people end up in a rebound relationship thinking the person they are now seeing is saving them when, in fact, they are often jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Other times, we have someone in our life, that is their own Jesus who truly, is there for their friend or, in some cases, their lover who is true. 

What songs do you think of when thinking of divorce or relationship breakdowns?

Star of the Month-James Coburn

 

JAMES COBURN

BIRTH: August 31, 1928

DEATH: November 18, 2002

AGED: 74 yrs

DIED FROM: Heart Attack, had Rheumatoid Arthritis 

MARRIED: 2 times

AFFAIRS: Lynsey De Paul plys many affairs during first marriage

CHILDREN: 2 kids

FAMOUS FRIENDS: Bruce Lee, Robert Vaughn, Sam Pekinpah

OSCAR WINS: 1 Best Supporting Actor for "Affliction"

TALENT: Played the flute. Songer and song writer with Lynsey De Paul- "Tigers and Fireflies"

KNOWN FOR: his bright and big teeth when he smiled. Card playing. Car racing, in fact, he owned a Ferrari Spyder that later was restored and sold for $10,894,400. Was a student of Bruce Lee in Martial Arts and was a pall bearer at Lee's funeral. Loved Tobetan Buddhism.

I always liked James Coburn who was a big star  for a brief time in the 1960s, but when he developed rheumatoid arthritis, the studios didn’t want to insure the actor or hire him. He started off in TV and had a very good career in TV before starring in film and came back to TV later on in his life. He could play a hard nosed cowboy as well as a hard nosed soldier but had fun playing a parody of James Bond in the 2 Flint movies ( based on the saying “In like Flynn” which was based on Errol Flynn’s sexual conquests). When he was married to his 1st wife, he did whore around and she took it until he asked for a divorce. Hell hath no fury and she took him for everything she could, I can’t really blame her to be honest. 

When he was going through this ugly divorce, the rheumatoid arthritis reared its ugly head and stress is one of the reasons for this arthritis to appear or become worse, not the only reason, but a big contributing factor. He suffered for years and was on many medications until he took MSM, an herbal supplement which severely curtailed his pain. At this time, no one wanted to hire him but Angela Lansbury came to his rescue and hired him. He often said, on talk shows, that she saved him in so many ways and he got his 2nd career back. He was, now, a character actor but this is when he won the Oscar and was doing really well since marrying a 2nd time. His wife stated he was playing the flute while they listened to music, when he suffered a major heart  attack and died in her arms ( she died 2 years later of cancer at just 48). He loved his cigars, but Rheumatoid Arthritis is known to attack other organs like the heart.  It came out later that he did partake in pot on a regular basis ( plus LSD and even, Cocaine on 1 occasion) and loved wearing those loosey caftans and liked to meditate and chill out. Quite a cool dude.

FILMS-I'm choosing my favourites first followed by some others

1. The Magnificent Seven-1960

2. Americanization of Emily-1964

3. A Fistful of Dynamite or Duck! You Sucker-1971

4. Maverick-1994

5. The Great Escape-1963 ( love this movie but he is supporting but love the character..maybe this should be #2)

6. Our Man Flint-1966

7. In Like Flint- 1967

8 . Cross of Iron-1977

9. Affliction-1997

10. A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die- 1972

Hotels

 

Summer is the time for many people to travel especially before school starts and it made me think of where we travel and we we hang our hats at night. Many love the hotels and it got me thinking of these films like What's Up, Doc, The Best Exotic, Marigold Hotel, The Grand Budapest Hotel and If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium. These are some of my most favourite films of mine but I chose 3 more that I love…

1. THE LAST LAUGH-1924

I recently watched this powerful film, directed by the great F. W. Murnau, starring Emil Jannings as a proud man who works at a prestigious Hotel as the main footman who opens the doors for the patrons, takes care of their bags and helps them in their daily needs. When he comes home to his neighbourhood, the residents think he is grand for holding such a great employment. They are all preparing for his niece’s wedding when, Emil’s jerk of an employer, decides Emily is too old to hold his position and asks for his coat and demotes him to bathroom attendant. This proud man is destroyed by this uncaring demotion and his own neighbourhood now think he was lying about his position and demean him even more. Honestly, how many have held a good job to only lose it due to “ restructuring” . We can relate to this film in many ways and the direction, acting and cinematography by Karl Freund  are exemplary. It evoked immense sadness in me and regardless of the ending, which Murnau was forced to add on by the studio, this is one of the great films of silent cinema and cinema of the last 100+ years.

2. GRAND HOTEL-1932

This is the epitome of hotel movies where Lewis Stone states how many people come here and year, nothing happens. HA!  We have a large assortment of people whose lives will be forever changed after staying in this Berlin Hotel. You have a brutish lout( no, not Trump) who comes to this hotel with his secretary/ mistress. A ballerina( that’s too funny because Greta Garbo is not, what I call, elegant) who wishes to be left alone, a penniless Baron, played by John Barrymore, who marks Greta as his meal ticket, you also have a sweet but dying man, played by Lionel Barrymore, who is living his final dream. We watch how the mistress feels more than just a whore when in the company of the sweet old man, the Baron falls for the ballerina and vice versa and the bullying, bankrupt lout, played by Wallace Beery, is just whom he appears to be. It’s a lot of fun, opulent and you get to hear Garbo saying how she wishes she could be left alone.

3. SILK STOCKINGS-1957

This is one of my favourite musicals, which I say about most musicals but I do know this was Cyd Charisse’s favourite of her films and she shows some of her best work in this fun movie based on the film, “ Ninotchka” that starred Garbo. Cud is sent, from Russia, to retrieve 3 comrades from Paris who seem to have been taken by the capitalist decadence in Paris. When she arrives she is dressed in brown but that does not deter Fred Astaire who falls for this beauty. Many scenes take place in this decadent hotel and Ninotchka succumbs to the charms dancing in a closet most of us dream about. Unfortunately, when the composer, who has allowed Astaire to change his classical pieces to fit the hip, he and Ninotchka are appalled and feel rooked, leaving Gay Paris to go back to soot laden Russia. The hotel is a great backdrop with many dance numbers happening in the walls of this majestic hotel( that we could never afford to stay in). When watching Astaire, it is hard to believe he was 58 years old here and Cyd is just her best in every way, we even get to see Peter Lorre dance!

Which hotel movies can you think of?

Live Aid 1985

 

 Monday Music Movies Me has the theme of Summer fun, chilling or, summer getaways. 1985 was a very fun year and the summer was a cause for many celebrations. I had my big party in July which started Friday evening and lasted until Sunday. Everyone brought their tents, booze, food and clothing…plus booze and music! I had set up my stereo so we could listen to and dance to a variety of music from The Monkees, the Beatles and the Who to Depeche Mode and a variety of 80s music. I lived in the country so we had plenty of space along with a campfire and we owned an Esther Williams pool for swimming, of course. I met my best friend at my party and we fondly recall how we bonded on Sunday when we  took a dune buggy ride ( I forget how or who owned this) to Lake Erie and waded into the water talking. I wanted to move out and Loretta told me her fiancé owned a home( his parents had, sadly, passed away) in Welland and it would be a lot of fun( think partying, booze and basic mayhem) so, I was in! I met my other dearest friend, VJ, who moved from South Africa to..Welland( yup, I don’t get it either but, VJ claimed Niagara College had a great tourism degree, which he never did finish). 

This was the summer of that major Live Aid concert put on by Bob Geldoff to help the people of Ethiopia who were going through a huge health crisis-a major famine. So many people were starving to death and Bob Geldoff decided to do something and this was it. I loved watching this and was mesmerized by the huge audience in London and the sister companion in the States. No one can take away the amazing concert put on in the summer of 1985, that many had not seen since Woodstock. I am showcasing 3 artists from this concert…

1. QUEEN- A VARIETY OF THEIR MUSIC

I just had to show their entire concert piece because it is iconic! Freddie Mercury was at his best here and really knew how to make this moment magic. He stole the entire show! It is long, but it’s worth it.

2. DON’T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME SUNG BY ELTON JOHN AND GEORGE MICHAEL

This is one of my favourite Elton John songs and when I saw Wham come on, my rolled my eyes until George Michael started to sing. He was, without doubt, one of the best at Live Aid. This was great!

3. DANCING IN THE STREETS SUNG BY DAVID BOWIE AND MICK  JAGGER

This seemed to be a cross over between Britain and the U. S.  Which was shown between the actual live performances of Live Aid. You watched these 2 sing this 60s hit in their funky clothes creating a huge buzz if these 2 great singers were having some sexual fun on the side. Actually, people still talk about it to this day, who remember this video. I say, who cares! Enjoy the fun these 2 seem to be having and disregard the dissing many people apply to these 2 greats. I always found it fun.

How many remember this concert performance? Did you watch it like I did? What was your favourite singer/band? Let me know

 

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!