Stuntmen

 

I always have had the greatest respect for the stuntman and woman. I first became enthralled by them when watching the silent films with the Keystone Kops and the antics they went through knowing it was all real. Later, I loved Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin and the great Buster Keaton who did all his own stunts and even broke his neck once but didn’t realize it until a few years later when a doctor asked when he broke his neck. Many of the early stuntmen came from rodeos and circuses who knew how to develop the safe stunt. The grandfather of making western stunts safe is Yakima Canutt, a rodeo star who came to the movies and disliked how horses were killed for the sake of a stunt and many men ended up in the hospital. Whenever you see someone fall off a horse, being dragged by a horse or the “star” jumping from the stagecoach into the horse team only to fall underneath, is all Yakima. Yakima taught John Wayne many stunts but he was also a double for Wayne. The most infamous scene that brought in many rules to help the Stuntmen, is the flood scene from “Noah’s Ark” from 1928. When you watch the scene and see the extras in fear trying not to drown…that is real fear! Michael Curtiz didn’t give a rat’s ass about the people so much so that the cinematographer, left the set. You had over a million gallons of water being thrown into the set with the extras…3 people died, one lost a leg and many were badly injured. John Wayne, Ward Bond and Andy Divine were all extras and Wayne said he almost drowned. So, without further delay, here are my 3 picks involving great stunts…

1. SEVEN CHANCES-1925

This is a film my brother and I stumbled across when we were visiting our Aunt and Uncle in Michigan. Buster Keaton plays a man who will receive $7million if he can get married within a day. He tries to find women who are willing to marry him to no avail but then, the women find out he will become very rich and a throng of women chase him. He ends up running down a hill with all sorts of rocks, big and small roll with him and he must avoid all of them. We were just laughing so much at this scene and didn’t realize how dangerous it was but that is how Buster worked. 

2. WHAT’S UP, DOC-1972

I love…love this comedy that stars Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal and introduces Madeleine Kahn as Eunice. All these cast of characters end up at a hotel and there are 4 bags that are identical, one holds top secret government information, another, priceless jewels, a third, clothes and lastly, igneous rocks. The climax is this amazingly funny chase scene through the streets of San Francisco( nope, you don’t see Karl Malden or Michael Douglas) creating much havoc, and damage. One man is in a convertible who goes through an awning before being hurled in the air into the bay. The stuntman suffered serious injuries and passed out and, later, could not remember the stunt. The director, Peter Bogdonavich, read that Volkswagens float so the stuntman drove the car into the bay only for the car to sink like a rock. After a tense 3 minutes, the stuntman finally came up for air but it was a close call. I have to watch this again…it is very funny.

3. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL-2011

Tom Cruise is crazy! I’m not one for this guy since he is a rabid Scientologist but I don’t mind many of his films and I do enjoy his Mission Impossible movies. He loves to run like no one can and he loves doing his own stunts like this one where he does climb up this building which is just way too high and then he swings across! Did I say he is nuts? Obviously, he is an adrenaline junky and loves climbing up these buildings, hanging from an airplane, riding a motorcycle off a cliff and jumping from one building to another (and breaking his foot in the process). The plot is a good one and I love the camaraderie of all the main people here which makes this one a fav of mine. 

Bonus…

HOLLYWOOD: HAZARDS OF THE GAME

I love the PBS series that aired in the mid 70s narrated by James Mason. Kevin Brownlow was a film historian who loved the silent film and could create this series that the average Joe loved to watch even if they didn’t like silent movies. It’s less than an hour but talks about the stuntman and what they did and went through. It’s pretty sad but, if you have the time, I hope you will watch this episode( one of 13) that makes your heart stop watching these stuntmen perform.

What stunts made you go…wow! No CGI either.

Which Song Won The Oscar-1969

 

So, it’s 1969 and times are a changing. There are quite a few songs, some traditional but you are hearing newer music coming to the fore. So let’s see if you can figure out which one won the Oscar, which was nominated and which one got no lovin’. I’m joining in on Monday Music Moves Me which you should check out what others love, music wise.

1. COME SATURDAY MORNING SUNG BY THE SANDPIPERS

This was written by  Fred Karlin with lyrics by Dory Previn shown in the film, “The Sterile Cuckoo”  which is a film I still need to see..one day I will.

2. MY PERSONAL PROPERTY SUNG BY SHIRLEY MACLAINE AND JOSEPH GERSHENSON

This song, written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, is another nice song from “Sweet Charity” which is a fun movie with some great singing and dancing from the main star along with Chita Rivera and Sammy Davis Jr. 

3. RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD SUNG BY BJ THOMAS

This song, written by Burt Bacharach with lyrics by Hal David comes from a western, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”  during a lull in the guys’ stealing. Etta Place, played by Katherine Ross, is having some fun with Butch, played by Paul Newman on a new tangled contraption called a bicycle. A modern song set during western times. 

So, which one won, which was nominated and which got nuttin’?

Who Should Have Won The Best Actor Oscar-1987

 

I wish to apologize for my unfinished post here. I just looked at it. Yesterday, my ex's sister in law died. Im still great friends with Jeff and his family was a huge part of my life. This is sad on many levels because she would still be here if she wasnt stubborn and refused to see a dr.  It is very sad and i was talking with Jeff and just winded. 

Some movies get all the accolades and others see no love. In 1987, I feel Spielberg’s film, “Empire of the Sun”  got very little love and it is, actually, not well known which is a shame. I’m going with best actor and this might bring controversy but, good, I welcome it! I will say whom, I think should have won, who did win and who was nominated so let’s go…

1. CHRISTIAN BALE IN EMPIRE OF THE SUN

I think this is one of the best Steven Spielberg films that he made. It stars a 13 year old Christian Bale( you know, Batman) as a spoiled kid of  English parents in China. When the Japanese invade, the family do their best to escape but they get separated from their son. The kid wanders back to his now empty home only to be on his own. The Japanese take him away along with many others to an internment camp. This kidl own how to survive and loves hanging out with the U.S. prisoners headed by John Malcovich. It's rich in story telling, acting, cinematography  and writing. I wish this you g Bale won. 

2. MICHAEL DOUGLAS  IN WALL STREET

Michael Douglas won the Os ar for playing this narcissistic, unscrupulous man who teaches the young guy, played by Charlie Sheen, how to get ahead in this crazy part of the world. It's a showy part but, I do t know, the movie was underwhelming for me and I wasn't into this character or Douglas's portrayal of him.

3. ROBIN WILLIAMS IN GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM

Robin Williams deserved this nomination plus earned respect on the acting field showing he was more than just Mork from Ork. It's based on a true story how this deejay brought great music to the GIs while butting heads with the establishment. It's really a good film.

I wrote this up quick and apologies that I did not see this until now. What are your thoughts for the year 1987?

Rain, Rain, Rain…With Some Snow, Sleet….

 

My Lexi wonders when warmer weather will come in our neck of the woods. We have been having rain but Toronto got some wet snow and other places had freezing rain. Honestly, I always think rain, at this time of year, is natures’ way of cleaning everything up. This week, at Monday  Music Moves Me, it’s about  Rain and, without further adieu, here are my 3…

1. SINGING IN THE RAIN SUNG BY CLIFF EDWARDS AND  THE BROX SISTERS-1929

This famous song did not start with Gene Kelly dancing with his umbrella, but in this 96 year old film with Ukelele Ike and the Brox Sisters introducing the song along with some of the most famous movie stars of the day. Joan Crawford is in this and she truly thought she could sing and dance…..no, just …no. I like seeing Buster Keaton in this and some of the greats that no one knows today. You can also see Arthur Freed who wrote the lyrics and Nacio Herb Brown who wrote the music. Freed became very famous with the Freed unit, his own production group that did  bring the very famous film, “Singing in the Rain”  to the cinemas.

2. THE RAIN IN SPAIN SUNG BY JULIE ANDREWS, REX HARRISON AND ROBERT COOTE-1956

 Of course, we know the famous film with  Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle who was dubbed by the famous voice, Marni Nixon but the role was originated by Julie Andrews on Broadway. When it came time to cast for the film version of the Lerner and Lowe musical, the studio didn’t want to take a chance on an unknown so they went with Audrey. Julie Andrews, instead, made a little film called, “Mary Poppins” and won the Oscar over…Audrey Hepburn.

3. ISN’T IT A LOVELY DAY TO BE CAUGHT IN THE RAIN SUNG BY FRED ASTAIRE-1935

This Irving Berlin song is sung by Fred Astaire and so wonderfully danced by Fred and Ginger Rogers. This is from their famous film, “Top Hat” that has so many great musical numbers and this is one of those great numbers. They, also, love to dance in the rain.

Any rain songs you can think of?

Thursday Film Picks

 

Richard Chamberlain died 2 days before he would have turned 91 on March 31st. I don’t know why but I just feel so very sad that he died even though he lived a nice long life ( unlike Val Kilmer, who just passed at only 65 from pneumonia but was dealing with Cancer for years although, I think, he was in remission). I think it’s because I had a crush on him when he became the King of the Miniseries back in the early 1980s. Strangely, I never saw him in his iconic TV series, “Dr. Kildare”  when women, all over the U. S. And Canada swooned over the handsome actor, but, one day, I will watch some episodes. I also love him in the Musketeer films that were so much fun and star filled( I consider these Musketeer films the best). I am talking about his miniseries roles and tv movies that I love…

1. SHOGUN-1980

This miniseries made Chamberlain a megastar after his Dr. Kildare series. The miniseries became a force since this show was on regular TV( yes, regular, no cable). He plays the Captain of a ship that became shipwrecked near feudal Japan and becomes embroiled in the war between 2 lords, one played by the legendary Toshiro Mifune,  and does his best to keep the peace while falling in love with a Japanese woman which is just not allowed. It is being remade now and getting huge accolades but this was the first.

2. THE THORNBIRDS-1983

This is an excellent miniseries with the legendary Barbara Stanwyck as a grande dame  who owns a very large sheep ranch. Her brother and his family come to help run the ranch and this is when we meet a very young Maggie who doesn’t get much love from her mom, played by Jean Simmons. Maggie is so happy to meet and become friends with the priest, played by Chamberlain. When, one New Year’s, she comes down the stairs, the priest has some very impure thoughts. Over the years, we see how their love for each other grows and grows culminating on a hot and heavy week on a beach. This mini series created a huge stir over at the Vatican that condemned this series for its depiction of a priest who dares fall in love and have sex with a woman( all altar boys were safe with this priest). It’s such a well acted series and remains faithful to the book which I did read, many moons ago.

3. WALLENBERG: A HERO’S STORY-1985

When I watched this mini-series based on the heroism of this Swedish diplomat and a man with royal lineage, I had no idea who Wallenberg was. After watching this excellent tv movie ( thank God all the different cable channels and streaming didn’t exist) I had to learn more about Raoul Wallenberg and was sad to know that he was 5ake n by the Russians and ended up in one of their prisons. This man, working at the Swedish embassy, was able to save thousands of Jewish people during WW2 only to be treated in such abhorrent manner by the Russian government. The Russians took this man, placed him in prison until he died never admitting they took this hero.

4. THE BOURNE IDENTITY-1988

Who thought Matt Damon played the first Jason Bourne? Well, you are incorrect because Richard Chamberlain played him first and, I think, he does a really good job as the amnesiac assassin who is trying to find out who he is with the help of the beautiful Jacklyn Smith. Of course, the Damon films have a much bigger budget with great effects not to mention, car chases but this is an under-rated gem, in my humble opinion which held my attention all the way through.

Any Chamberlain films you can think of? What about Val Kilmer? 

Dieter's Dance Party

 

The 1980s was a fun time for me, with many bars and Discos laid waste to my vodka and OJ drunken escapades. It was fun dancing the night away and I got a kick out of the many German songs that made it big during this decade.  Some were good but some are just ...dumb  as dumb can be. It's freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me  and I movin' to German songs baby..

1. DA, DA, DA BY TRIO-1981

I first heard this song when I was in Austria in 1982 and just thought it was the stupidest song I ever heard. That assessment has not changed. It took a while to make it here...still dumb as fu#$&. There was a commercial that used this song and it was funny.

2. 99 LUFT BALLOONS BY NENA-1983

This is a pretty cool song that still gets airplay in both the German and English language. What I find funny is how many guys found her sexy only to have their illusion shattered when she lifted her arms over her shoulders showing her hairy armpits. I don't know what it's like now, but the European gals never thought of shaving ...anything. I'll leave you with that. 

3. ROCK ME, AMADEUS SUNG BY FALCO-1985

This was a big hit for Falco who was inspired to write a song about this great composer after he saw the film about Mozart that starred Tom Hulce as Mozart and F. Murray Abraham as the jealous Salieri. I just recall dancing to it more than once. The Simpsons did a great parody of a musical Planet of the Apes with the words, “ Rock me, Dr. Zaius.”

What fun music did you rock to that came from  another country?

April Star of the Month- Melvyn Douglas

 

MELVYN DOUGLAS

BIRTH: April 5, 1901

DEATH: August 4, 1981

AGED: 80 years

DIED FROM: pneumonia and cardiac issues

REAL NAME: Melvyn Edouard Hesselberg

MARRIED: Twice-1st to Rosalind Hightower. 2nd to Helen Gahagan, an actress and the physical inspiration for the Evil Queen in Disney’s Snow White.  She became a 3 time Congresswoman(D)

CHILDREN: 3 kids. 1 from the first and 2 with his 2nd wife

GRANDKID: Illiana Douglas- check her out, you know her

FRIENDS: FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt 

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: “I Never Sang  For My Father”

OSCAR WINS: “ Hud” and “ Being There”

KNOWN FOR: winning trifecta in awards- Oscar, Emmys and Tony Awards

This man is a solid actor who had no illusions about age, stood up against tyranny, faithful to his wife and loved being an actor. His mom, came from high Southern family and  had her direct roots to the Mayflower while his dad was an immigrant from Latvia who was a Concert Pianist and composer and taught piano. Melvyn had no idea his dad was Jewish until he turned 14 years old and learned about his heritage from his aunts who were proud to tell him. He loved his Jewish ancestry and never hid from it where most people did in Hollywood, like all the studio heads. Melvyn never finished high school but signed up for WW1 and, after that, ended up on the theatre stage….his first love. He married twice, the first to  an artist and had one son with her who, in turn, had a daughter, Iliana Douglas, who made a name in her own right as an actress on film and TV. His 2nd wife was his big love and, together, they were a force, often fighting for injustice. When they visited Europe after they got married, in 1931, and saw first hand, the anti-Semitism in Germany and France, were appalled and fought fascism for the rest of their lives. After the 2nd World War, which he signed up and was head of  an Entertainment unit in Burma rising to Major, he and his 2nd wife started being called leftist sympathizers which caused a delay in his film career. I love that his wife became a 3 time congresswoman who went up against Nixon in 1950. Nixon fought dirty ( and won) calling her a Pinko and said he wouldn’t be surprised if her undies were even pink. She was the one that coined the term, “Tricky Dick”..I think I love her! When he returned to the big screen, he looked much older, probably due to his heart issues. Sadly, his wife died of cancer in 1980 and Melvyn was left bereft. He did make one more film, “Ghost Story” but sadly died before his scenes were done. The director worked around those scenes and it became his last film. A rare gentleman in Hollywood.

FILMS

1. Theodora Goes Wild-1936  ( my favourite)

2. Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream Home-1948

3. I Never Sang For My Father-1970

4. Hud-1963

5. Ninotchka-1939

6. Ghost Story-1981

7. Being There-1980

8. As You Desire Me-1932

9. That Gorgeous Hussey-1936

10. That Uncertain Feeling-1941

The Last 3 and others not mentioned, I have yet to see. I tried to placed the first 7 in order of my favourites…Ninotchka should be higher..just so darn hard.

 

The Mighty Beaver

 

Get your heads out of the gutter because I am talking about Canada’s emblem, the mighty beaver, that has turned 50 years old on March 24th. To be honest, I thought our beaver was older than that since l was 11 years old when the Beaver got the royal treatment. In honour of this  mighty rodent with the ever growing teeth and flat tail, I found 3 movies that has the beaver as the highlight.

1. THE BEAVER VALLEY-1950

I saw this when The Wonderful World of Disney was a staple at 7pm on Sundays with Walt Disney hosting (from beyond the grave) the hour long program. I know I watched this back then and was totally enthralled at how exciting Disney created this short documentary which won an Oscar! The male does all he can to protect his family from the elements, fun loving otters and predators. I always loved watching animal shows from Disney to Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

2. GREY OWL-1999

This film is quite a good movie that is directed by Sir Richard Attenborough and stars Pierce Brosnan as Archie Grey Owl who was a Canadian fur trapper who became involved with a young Iroquois woman. She is disgusted how animals slowly die in the traps and when, a beaver mom is trapped, the woman saves her 2 kits and rears them. The little beaver kits get under the skin of Archie and, with her help, he begins to see how wrong it is to trap animals especially the beaver that, in the 1930s, was endangered due to all the killing for its fur. He writes a book and is an early environmentalist becoming famous lecturing on the problem of over hunting and fishing especially the beaver. He even spoke in front of the British Royalty but it soon comes out that he is not Native to Canada at all. This is based on a true story which I never knew about until I watched this film. If you ever get a chance, you should see this film especially for the cute little beaver kits.

3. THE BEAVER-2011

Yes, this is one strange movie and one that was supposed to bring Mel Gibson back after his out of control downward spiral. Jodie Foster directed this movie and stars as Mel’s unhappy wife. He is the owner of a toy company ready to go tits up, his wife is leaving him and his son hates him( Anton Yelchin who, sadly died, in 2016). Mel finds this beaver sock puppet in the trash and starts wearing it and speaking only through the beaver puppet. It’s a bit odd but I can see how Jodie created this character and film for her friend, Mel Gibson. I’m not sure I would see it again but it was ok to see it, at least, once.

What rodent films have you seen?

I still miss Leslie Nielsen..

Spring is Here...Somewhere

 

Like Harley, I'm waiting for Spring. Well, Harley would love more snow and we may get more on Wednesday...today. Let's think more about spring the theme, this week, over at Monday Music Moves Me. 

1. SPRING, SPRING, SPRING SUNG BY CAST OF BROTHERS AND BRIDES-1954

I love this movie which is, somewhat, based on the Rape of the Sabine Women. The uncouth brothers, taught manners by the bride( Jane Powell) of the oldest brother( Howard Keel), decide to find brides of their own. They take their brides from the town and due to a major avalanche, the townsfolk can’t get the girls back. The girls are aok, more than actually,  and by Springtime, are very happy as indicated in this song with music composed by Gene De Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Spring is always about love or lust…interchangeable.

2.  SUDDENLY, IT’S SPRING SUNG BY HILDEGARDE-1944

This came from the film “Lady in the Dark”, a film I dislike that stars Ginger Rogers as a successful business woman but is unhappy because she doesn’t have a man..blecchhh. I should watch it again since I haven’t seen it since I was 20 but this song is nice, with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny Burke.

3. I LOVE PARIS IN THE SPRINGTIME SUNG BY ELLA FITZGERALD-1956

This song was written by the great Cole Porter and was introduced by the singer Lilo in the Broadway hit Can Can which was later made into a movie starring Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra. I had to go with the wonderful Ella Fitzgerald who is just exceptional.

Bonus…

SPRINGTIME FOR HITLER SUNG BY CAST-1968

Don’t get your tethers in a bunch as this was written by Mel Brooks who is Jewish. This is from his excellent film called, “The Producers” starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder who figure out how to become rich by making the worst musical ever. Mel Brooks, who fought in WW2 and saw the horrific events of the war and the starving Jewish people who had just left those camps vowed that the best way to get back at those murderous a-holes was to make fun of them. He knew that they would not appreciate  how he made fun of their thought process. I think it’s brilliant. 

Happy!

 

I think, today, is National Happy/Happiness Day so I decided to pick 3 films that have always made me laugh no matter how many times I have watched it. It is more special because I  watched these films with my dad who taught me to love movies. In all 3 of these films, I can recall when he started to laugh with tears streaming down his face, at the films we watched together. So here are the 3 films, I chose, that make me laugh ( there are so many more)…

1. ARSENIC AND OLD LACE-1944

Some people don’t care for this film because of Cary Grant’s manic acting but I think it perfectly fits with the feel of this classic comedy. Grant plays Mortimer Brewster, a famous author about how marriage should never be. Well, he is getting married to the very pretty, Pricilla Lane who was/is the girl next door. When they get back to their homes, she runs to her home to pack and he goes to his to do the same and tell his sweet aunts that he got married. The problem is that those sweet old Aunts are serial killers who give unsuspecting older men, they deem lonely, elderberry wine laced with arsenic. Their brother, who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt, believe the men are just another victim of yellow fever and must bury them in the basement. Mortimer finds this all out shortly after getting married and now must find a way to get his lovely aunts to stop killing men. Enter Mortimer’s evil brother, played with great relish by Raymond Massey, who along with a doctor, played by Peter Lorre, come home and wish to hide a body,  Massey’s latest victim, but has to deal with the nuttiness in the home. It’s so very funny especially when Massey reacts about looking like Boris Karloff( who played this character on stage). That reaction just made my dad laugh and laugh…and laugh. It’s a very funny film that I can watch over and over again.

2.  IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD, WORLD-1963

This is an all star cast headed by Spencer Tracy as a cop who asks his Dept. To watch over a bunch of people trying to reach this park after they find out money is hidden under the “Big W”.  You have many of the big comedians of that time all in this one film from Buddy Hackett, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Jonathan Winters to the great Terry-Thomas, Phil Silvers, and the very funny Dick Shawn as “Sylvester”. I can’t start on the plot but they are in a race to get to that park not realizing the cops are watching their every move. My friend Loretta (in the top pic with moi) and I have watched this film more than once and we just yell, “Sylvester!” In our best Ethel Merman impersonation making each other laugh. Dick Shawn’s stoned girlfriend, Barrie Chase (still alive) only dances in the film and I made my friend laugh when I got up and started to twist like Barrie….my dad was just crying from laughing when a bunch of the men end up on a whacked out fireman’s ladder. In fact, years later, my mom was just laughing so hard that I went upstairs to see what she was laughing about only to see the same scene. I sat down and we laughed together.

3. WHAT’S UP, DOC-1972

Every time this film came on TV, I had to watch it and it has never gotten old. It is a classic screwball comedy that stars Barbra Streisand as a madcap gal who ends up at this hotel when she sees Ryan O’Neil as Howard Bannister, a professor with his igneous rocks. You also see a crazy lady in hot pants who brings her jewels with her and a man with classified documents. Judy (Streisand), Howard, the lady and the man with the documents all own the same bag which creates confusion and mayhem resulting in one of the best car chases ever filmed. This film introduced Madeline Kahn as Eunice, Howard’s fiancée. The one scene, when she is dropped off at the address, she was told, the party would be, was so funny that, once again, my dad was laughing so hard that tears fell down his face. In fact thinking of her slowly going up those rickety stairs while she gently whines makes me laugh and I am not watching the movie as I write this. If you need to have a good laugh, this is another gem.

What films make you happy?

By the way, Christopher Cross won for Athur's theme, Sheena Easton was nominated  for Your Eyes Only and Neil got Nadda for America.

Which Song Won the Oscar-1981

 

It’s freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and it’s “Guess which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which got nuttin’ baby”  for the year, 1981. I hope people visit Cathy’s blog since she helps host this weekly music series. So let’s see who gets this right…

1.  AMERICA SUNG BY NEIL DIAMOND

At the height of Neil Diamond’s fame, Hollywood came calling and placed him in the lead of the film, “The Jazz Singer” that also starred Sir Laurence Olivier as his Jewish dad and Lucy Arnaz( Desi Arnaz’s and Lucille Ball’s daughter) as his wife. This is a remake of the famous film of 1927 that starred over the top Al Jolson, a film that brought in the Talking picture. The song was a great achievement for Diamond who wrote the song and became even bigger as time went on. It was a patriotic song after the 9/11 attacks with Diamond changing one lyric to make it more appropriate for that time.

2. THE BEST THAT YOU CAN DO SUNG BY CHRISTOPHER CROSS

This song was written a host of people including the lead singer, Christopher Cross, and Burt Bacharach for the film Arthur that starred Dudley Moore as a drunken playboy billionaire and Liza Minnelli as his lady love. Sir John Gielgud stole the show as his butler who knows how to deal with this nut of an employer. The song became a big hit and is also known as “Arthur’s Theme.”

3. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY SUNG BY SHEENA EASTON

This song, written by Bill Conti with lyrics by Mick Loeson became a huge hit for this Scottish babe, Shirley Easton, who sang this title song for the James Bond film of the same title that starred Roger Moore. In fact, it’s one of my favourite Bond films ever with great scenes taking place in Meteora, Greece, a place I must visit before I die even if I am scared of heights. I remember when Sheena sang this at the Oscars and her voice was spot on. Yeah, the Oscars must bring back the best songs being sung at the Oscars. That James Bond songfest, done this past year, was totally useless. 

So…do you know which song won, which was nominated and which song came up empty-handed? 

Jeff- A Great Guy!

 

This is my ex and my dear friend Jeff whom we recently took out for his birthday dinner. It was supposed to be on February 16th, his actual birthday, but we had a big snowstorm. Our friends, Peter and Ron, left on a cruise so, yadda, yadda, we finally took him out this past Saturday.

Jeff loves books, Shakespeare, Dante ( he memorized a classic piece  from Dante's Inferno..I think from there), Chaucer, but has great interest in architecture, the World Wars, snakes, camping, movies, humor  like the great Far Side, and ughh...his puns. He is a Master at that as many can attest like me. He has a great love of photography and bought a few cameras along with new lens. He loved being on Facebook and Instagram showcasing his talent and built quite a following until last Thursday. He joined a group called "Canadians Against Pierre Pollievre", but couldn't look further, as he was called away from his fun. About an hour later, he came back to read about that post, but he was banned, not suspended, but banned! Off Facebook and Instagram! A huge WTF is an understatement and devastated Jeff. Like you, with your blog or WordPress,  if you were suddenly cut off, I bet some of you would be pissed or upset.  He found out that this Facebook page about Pew Polyp, as I like to call him, was still up so it had to be someone following him that complained and got him banned. I mean, I showcased a wonderfully, sculptured head of Trump made from cow dung, and I'm still standing so, I just don't get it. 

I told Jeff about the wonderful blogs and people I have found on my Blog and some, yes, like Trump..I know, but they do( enter devilish grin with a wink to my blogger buds who like this person) and we all respect and get along and agree that Freedom of Speech is a must. I hope you look at his new blog and check out his posts with some great photos he has already posted. I will tell him about the Insecure Writer's Support Group and the A to Z  Challenge. Here is his link- https://jeffgaboury.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy his new blog

1960 Best Actor-Who Should Have Won

 

This is a tough one because all Best Actors were good this year but my heart goes to one that was not even nominated even though, later on, he sucked the life out of the character in sequels tht should never have been made. Anyways, I am picking the one who should have won, the won who did win and one who was nominated…did I tell you it was a tough year? 

1. ANTHONY PERKINS IN PSYCHO

Anthony Perkins was known as the kid next door, innocent but brave so, when Hitchcock was looking for someone to play Norman Bates, Perkins seemed perfect because nobody would suspect this innocent. Hitchcock used this ploy before when he had boy next door, Robert Walker, play the psychopath Bruno, in the brilliant, “Strangers On A Train.”  This film was shot on a low budget with his TV crew and, when it came out, Hitchcock made a trailer asking people not to divulge anything bout the film. If you haven’t seen the film yet, spoiler alert, you follow a young and Beautiful Marion Crane( Hitchcock had a thing about. Birds too) Who has taken money from her employer to run to her boyfriend but, after coming to a run down motel, she decides to go back and face the music. Unfortunately, she is brutally murdered in the shower by Norman’s mom and Norman must clean up the mess. What he does not anticipate is that her sister and Marion’s boyfriend trying to find her. It is well acted and Anthony Perkins excels as the nervous manchild who cleans up after mom. He truly deserved the Oscar, in my humble opinion, and, if you ever saw the last moment Perkins is on the screen, he conveys so much without saying a word.

2. BURT LANCASTER IN ELMER GANTRY

Burt Lancaster won the Oscar for his flamboyant role as a flim flam guy who sees his ticket in the preacher, played, brilliantly, by Jean Simmons. She has the way to seduce people into believing she can walk on water and people are coming to see her in droves. Of course, it’s not free and money is coming in much to his heart’s content. Actually, I think his toothy grin deserves a special Oscar all on its own because Burt soaked up every scene he was in. He is really great in this role and gave the character much more depth than one would think. Shirley Jones, mom from the “Partridge Family” won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar as a whore who knows Burt’s past but the one Jean Simmons was over-looked again, as the Minister who believes in what she is spouting. This is, somewhat, based on the famous Aimee Semple McPherson who was a huge “star” in the 1920s making a huge fortune on the gullible. 

3. SPENCER TRACY IN INHERIT THE WIND

Spencer Tracy was, rightly, nominated for his role as the defence attorney who comes to the small American town to defend a teacher who had the audacity to state that we descended from apes not  from God’s finger. Frederic March plays the prosecutor who is equally famous for his religious convictions and who ran to become the President. This is based on the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial where the poor teacher was persecuted for teaching, well, the truth ( Sadly, Florida and many others are hurtling backwards as we speak…freedom of speech where are you now). Both actors are legends by this point and Spencer really knew how to work up March. While March would give a glowing speech in the courtroom only to see Tracy pick his nose, obviously, off camera. This is an excellent film even if you don’t agree with what it states. It is well acted by, not only the 2 leads but Gene Kelly as a, somewhat, slimy reporter, and Dick York( Darrin from Bewitched) as the teacher. 

So, have you seen these films? Do you agree it would you say someone else was more deserving or that Burt should have and was the correct winner? I have to say, all 3 are excellent but what a shame that Perkins was not even nominated.

Green is My Colour...This Week

 

My Harley loves being kissed on the nose. He sighs and just sinks in as I kiss his cute nose.  Before I talk Green, I must give a shout out to the wonderful Robyn Engel, Life by Chocolate, which is German for Angel and I think she is one...a delightful chocolate angel who can write fun poems  that are full of double entrendres and promiscuity is the rage...I love it! Every year, she has an anti-Valentine challenge and, unbelievably, I won. Due to all the crappola of a certain orange carrot( no, not James Arness from "The Thing"), my gift from Robyn, was delayed at the border for a long time. Fearing they were eating my gift, it finally came this past Saturday! I was incredulous at how lavish my gift was. You can see it in the picture although I already ate 2 of the small raspberry chocolates, which were divine. It was so sweet and I love ya and think so highly of you, Robyn. Thank you so much...I mean this with all my heart. Oh, yes the chocoloate mints are gone too.

Ok, back to Green, over at Monday Music Moves Me, the theme is Green since St. Patrick's Day is this Monday. Here are my 3...

1. THE GREEN FIELDS OF FRANCE SUNG BY JOHN MCDERMOTT- 1992

This song was written by Scottish born, Australian, Eric Bogly back in 1976 about a soldier during World War 1. He always felt Canadian John McDermott, was the best singer for his song. He is a great Canadian who loves his roots and loves the soldiers who fought in the wars. 

2. THE GREEN ISLE OF ERIN SUNG BY THE IRISH TENORS-2000

Ok, I think  this is from 2000 but, no matter, it's a great rendition of this classic song written by John McCormack around 1904 or so. Originally, the Irish Tenors included John McDermott, but, when his mom died in 2000, he had to leave so the members were Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Finbar Wright. 

3. THE ORANGE AND THE GREEN SUNG BY THE IRISH ROVERS-1992?

These guys are part of the Canadian playbook. Their biggest song was "Wasn't It a Party"  and I could relatebto this song back in the day. This song was written by Anthony Murphy and this was sung by the great Jimmy Ferguson who lent a baritone to the group as well as humor. Unfortunately, he died in 1997 of a heart attack at the age of 57...way too young.

What green song can you think of? What's your favourite chocolate? 

By the way the art piece on the wall was created by my hubby. He does this by woodburning. It's what brought us together.

Elvis is in the Building

 

March break is almost upon us where many American guys and gals( not us Canadians, well, many of us) will venture to Florida or any beach place to whoop it up. This got me thinking about Sun and beach movies which got me thinking about Elvis the Pelvis who did many films that took time in the sun. Here are 3 that I have seen more than once ( I still have to see Viva Las Vegas!)…

1. BLUE HAWAII-1961

My uncle Ambrose loved Elvis and saw every Elvis film and I always think of my uncle who died at age 53,  back in 1971 when I was just 7 but I still remember how he lit up when he heard Elvis on the radio or saw him on TV. This film stars Elvis as a young man who doesn’t want to take over the family business much to his parent’s chagrin. His mom, especially, wants him to fly straight and do what he was supposed to do but he goes over to his girlfriend’s place and works there. It’s a fun flick with some great songs and the wonderful Angela Lansbury who plays his mom.

2. GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS-1962

I think I have seen this film the most but it’s still been a few years. Elvis is happy on his boat singing about girls and the girls loving to listen. A snotty girl gets him fired but he finds work singing in a nightclub. All he wants is his dad’s boat but now he has a couple of gals who want him. Not much on plot but always entertaining.

3. FUN IN ACAPULCO-1963

Elvis was intimidated by Ursula’s toned body refusing to take off his shirt when she was in the scene. He was glad to be friends with her but told his staff not to leave him alone with her because , well, it is Ursula undress…Elvis ends up as a lifeguard, dating someone who used to be the girlfriend of another guy. That guy is quite unhappy which culminates in diving off that cliff that could kill him. It’s all fun when you are somewhere hot, near water and enjoying music. 

I stuck with his beach and sun flicks but he did make some pretty good movies like King Creole. Have you seen any Elvis films? Are you an Elvis fan?

March! Don’t March But All About The Month

 

My Kaspar in his Tux( just left the Oscars) and my Lexi, in her sexy fur coat. Lexi is the lioness always pouncing on poor Kaspar, more a lamb. This week it’s freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and I wondered if there were any songs about the lovely ( not!) month of March and there are! In fact, I have one on a CD I own so, without further adieu, here are my 3…

1. MARCH WINDS AND APRIL SHOWERS SUNG BY RUTH ETTING-1935

I have a thing for Ruth Etting who led quite a colourful life which was brought to the silver screen in 1955 starring Doris Day as Ruth Etting. This song was written by Teddy Powell, Leonard Whitcup and Walter Samuels the same year and, I think Ruth does it justice.

2. MELANCHOLY MARCH SUNG BY JULIE LONDON-1956

Julie London can sing the phone book and she’d make it sound sexy. Anyhoo, here she is singing about March, which I do find melancholy. This was written by Herman. Saunders, a casting Director and Producer ( lyrics) and Dory Previn, married to Andre Previn, who composed the music. 

3. THE WATERS OF MARCH SUNG BY ART GARFUNKEL-1975

This was a song from the Brazilian, Antonio Carlos Jobim, who made this song famous so Art Garfunkel decided to sing it..in English. I have this song on one of the CDs I own of Garfunkel …I forgot I have this:)

What March songs can you think of?

Star of the Month: Jean Harlow

 

JEAN HARLOW

BIRTH: March 3, 1911

DEATH: June 7, 1937

AGED: 26 years

DIED FROM: Uremic poisoning/Kidney failure…Acute Nephritis which brought on a Cerebral Edema. 

REAL NAME: Harlean Carpenter- her star name is her mother’s maiden name

NICKNAMES: The Baby, Platinum Blonde, Blonde Bombshell

MARRIED: 3 times, once when 16, Paul Bern( murdered), Robert Rosson( famous cameraman who married her as a favour to quell all the gossip relating to Paul’s murder)

AFFAIRS: Gangster Abner Zwillman, Max Baer( boxer)

ENGAGED TO: William Powell ( he gave her a huge sapphire and diamond engagement r8ng which she wore in her films)

CHILDREN: nil

KNOWN FOR: Her Platinum hair ( everywhere)where many women died their hair like hers, Her sassiness, her friendship with Clark Gable who was the only one who called her “Sis.”

TALENT: Her self confident manner on screen. She wrote a book, “Today is Tonight” which was finally published in 1965

This girl packed a ton into her short life where, nowadays, we may not know her name since she died almost 90 years ago but we still see her pictures( usually by George Hurrell) in movies, tv and in many mall kiosks. The platinum blonde was overly doted on by her mother and even Harlow’s first name was a mashup of her mom’s name. Jean loved her dad but, when her parents divorced( not amicably), she ra4ely saw her dad. She eloped when she was a mere 16 years old to a wealthy man and, when he got his partial inheritance, these 2 kids had one hell of a great time drinking and partying. 

She was discovered by Howard Hughes who placed her in a starring role in his WW1 film, “Hell’s Angels” and she just took off from there. Her platinum hair( achieved by using bleach, chlorine and some other poison), over the top, pencil-thin eyebrows placed on her forehead where they would never grow, and her pale complexion was an explosion on the screen. Many women went to copy her look and there was even a competition to see who could copy Harlow’s hair..no one won. In later films, she softened her look but wears a wig because she destroyed her hair as did many of her fans. 

She was involved in a real-life murder mystery when her 2nd husband died. It was ruled a suicide and the claim was that his genitals were malformed- too small so he committed suicide. Sadly, this is what the studios put forth because they didn’t want “the Baby” to be negatively affected…aka, losing money. For decades, it was thought this nice man died by his own hand when he was, actually, shot in the back of his head. I read a book about his death and do believe, his first wife, left a mental institution and wanted to talk to her husband so Bern asked Harlow to leave. I believe his ex, ( might have still been married to her) shot him and, afterwards, threw herself into the river and drowned. 

Jean would live with her mom and her husband, a sleazy Lowe class mobster, Marino Bello who introduced Jean to some mobsters and was the godmother to Bugsy Siegel’s daughter. Jean adored her mom and her mom lived, vicariously, through her daughter’s fame. Jean would often be with much older men aka enter her great love, William Powell who was 45 when Jean died. He was devastated and made sure she was buried in lush surroundings meaning rare marble in a mausoleum. He made sure flowers were delivered to her grave every week until he died in 1984.

Everyone who met her seemed to like her and, even though, she was portrayed as a sassy harlot men enjoyed, women, also, loved her free spirit and how she didn’t take any guff from the men. She wore skin tight gowns, often in white, she died her pubic hair platinum (oh yes she did!) and would take ice to her nipples so it would show through her gown. She never wore underwear and slept in the nude, Will Hays must have been fuming smoke out of his censored head. She was great friends with Clark Gable who called her “Sis” and was her last co-star when she collapsed on set( he was, also, the last co-star to Marilyn Monroe who loved Jean Harlow). 

I have read many versions of what she died from, but it all seemed to affect her kidneys probably brought on by the Scarlet Fever she had when she was a teen plus all her drinking when she was a teen and in her early 20s. It was widely claimed her mom, who was a Christian Scientist, would not allow her to go to the doctor or hospital due to her religious convictions but, now, it’s said that she did go to the hospital after she collapsed on set of her last film, “Saratoga”. Her illness was too far advanced to save her and she died. Her funeral, run by MGM boss, Louis B Mayor, was a big showcase with Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy singing, “Sweet Mystery of Life”. William Powell had to be helped to the limo and Gable and Lombard were visibly upset. Nobody spoke in the commissary  which usually buzzed with chatter. 

It’s such a shame that this lovely girl, who made such an impact on film and in society that she would have been a great actress given the chance. We were robbed.

FILMS

1. Hell’s Angels-1930

2. The Public Enemy-1931

3. Platinum Blonde-1931

4. Red-Headed Woman-1932

5. Red Dust-1932

6. Dinner At Eight-1933

7. China Seas-1935

8. Wife Vs Secretary-1936

9. Libeled Lady-1936

10. Saratoga-1937 ( she died before it was completed, her stand-in completed it)

Love Through Heartbreak

 

Great love can suffer great sadness when one loses  their loved one. Most of us have lost someone close to our heart but we keep going and, as time moves forward, most of us can view the loss through a softer lens. We can smile at a memory or a photo rather than always cry. I follow John Holton’s blog, The Sound of One Hand Typing, who loves music, writing and life. He talked about one of my favourite films and that got me thinking about the theme of loss but, also, love so here are my 3 picks on this theme…

1. BLUE, THE FIRST COLOUR OF THE TRILOGY-1993

I love this trilogy of films with Blue being the first followed by Red and, lastly, White. Blue represents Liberty and it stars Juliette Binoche, a grieving wife and mother who has decided to close the world out to protect her heart from any further sadness. She was married to a famous composer whom she collaborated with  especially when her husband had writer’s block. They had a beautiful 5 yr old daughter and life was great until she lost them in a car accident. How does one heal from such grief? You see her go within, refusing help, but some friends refuse to give up. It’s a wonderful film that shows tragedy but how love can make us free from the severe pain that we, sometimes, cling to. I have to see this film ( plus Red and White) again.

2. RETURN TO ME-2000

This is the film John spoke about and it is a lovely film full of heart( pardon the pun). It stars David Duchovney as a happily, married man to a vet at a zoo. She is winning an award for the love she has for her animals and her work. You see her with the gorilla who places his hand on the glass and she does the same, making it known how connected she is with him. After the event, she has to drop by the zoo, so her hubby leaves to meet her back home but she never arrives. She gets into a car accident and dies. At that moment, Minnie Driver is in the hospital waiting for a heart and guess which one she receives? A year later, Duchovney and his friend go to a restaurant where Duchovney meets the waitress, Driver. He didn’t expect to meet anyone but, there you go. Driver’s granddad, played by the great Carroll O’Connor, in his last role, owns the restaurant and wants his special girl to be happy, so do her friends, Bonnie Hunt and Jim Belushi, who play a married couple.  When Driver visits the zoo and meets the gorilla, who places his hand on the glass and she, instinctively, places her hand up on his, it made me cry. This film is written by Bonnie Hunt, an actress who is quite intelligent and should be known more for her accomplishments behind the camera, not just in front. It is a sensitive, romance film that is worth seeing. 

3. EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE-2011

The 2 leads, played by Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, have, maybe, one scene together which occurs in flashback. The main part of the film involves their son who is acting out at school and gets little attention from his mom. His mom (Bullock) has gone within ever since her husband died in 9/11. She can be quite…bitchy. The son goes through his dad’s drawer and finds a key and becomes obsessed with finding the lock. They was a game he and his dad used to play so his mission is to figure out where the lock could be. Along the way, the boy meets different people from all walks of life and learns more about love, life and death. It is a different film that really spoke about love between a parent and child but also the love between a husband and wife, dad and son and mom and son. It’s a different take on the 9/11 attacks and about love and loss.

What films can you think of that would fit this theme?

Cabin Fever or just a Fever

 

The winter months can bring on cabin fever for many people and, many, also, feel the blues and  think they are ready to go nuts. Others embrace  winter and love being out in it and yet, others, take off to warmer climates, like my friends who are, right now, on a cruise before ending up in Florida for a couple of days.  Monday Music Moves Me has the theme of Fever, cabin or actual and I went this route that, I hope, works with the theme…

1. DANCING WITH THE MOUNTAINS SUNG BY JOHN DENVER-1980

Leave it to John Denver to make winter warm and inviting. I can’t ski worth beans but I would love to walk there. I still miss John Denver who died so many years ago but I place him beside John Candy and Robin Williams  for stars I miss.

2. 57 CHANNELS AND THERE’S NOTHIN’ ON SUNG BY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-1992

Many of us, work through winter and the cabin fever, by watching TV. I have watched quite a few movies and tv shows since the new year and enjoy watching them all. This song was written before we had  way too many streaming channels out there. I found this song very true because there is so much repetition and useless crap on TV. 

3. BRAIN DAMAGE SUNG BY PINK FLOYD-1973

This is one creepy song especially when that guy starts to laugh, who happens to be Naomi Watts’s father! I always thought this was and is a unique song that hits home for many people who feel they are going crazy all cooped up. My other friend, out in BC, says he needs his happy pills when there are too many blah days. I bet a few of you feel this way by the end of February:).

One more…

4. KOKOMO SUNG BY THE BEACH BOYS-1988

I love this song by the Beach Boys and we can all have a little dream being in a nice sunny area. My friends, 2 brothers, left Florida on a 5 day cruise to Bahamas and a couple other places. They do a cruise every year…I have yet to take one..lol.

What songs make you think of cabin fever or just having a fever.

Love Your Pet Day- TV Shows with Famous Dogs

 

I learned, over at Sandra Cox's blog that, today, is National Love Your Pet Day and I thought of all the animals that appeared on TV shows either as the star or scene stealing from the stars. I love dogs, well, I love all animals but I always gravitate to the dogs. There are pictures of me as a 1 yr old with our dog named Poke showing no fear and I still don't…unless they are chasing me showing their teeth :). I have not talked about TV shows for a Long time so it's time to showcase some dogs from TV shows.

1. GEORGE-1972-73

Is this a good TV show? No, not really but I loved watching it because it takes place in Grindelwald, Switzerland! I just would daydream that I was living there with a big, dumb St. Bernard, enjoying everything surrounding me. I actually had a St. Bernard, Luke, that would lumber down the snow pile, after me, plop on top of me and lick my face! They are such goofy dogs and this Canadian/Swiss series shows how often George gets into trouble but, eventually, helps whoever needs the help. His owner has to fix the mess George created but realizes how special his dog is. I should watch an episode of this show. Apparently, it comes from a movie of the same name with the same actor as the owner of the dog. 

2. THE LITTLEST HOBO-1979-1985

Tis is a Canadian TV show that was remade from the 1963-65 series. I really enjoy this TV show that had no budget but man, did they get some star talent: Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis( they starred together in this and in Forbidden Planet), Alan Hale Jr, Mike Myers, Patrick Macnee, Gary Merrill, Nehemiah Persoff, DeForest Keery, Donald O'Connor etc,.. This very smart dog wanders from town to town attaching himself to a person(s) who need help in some way. Sometimes, it is comedic and other times, it's more serious, but, once he has helped the person(s), he trots off wanting to keep going rather than be adopted. There was more than one dog who was adept in one area while another dog was better in another, like climbing a ladder. The most famous is London who was very photogenic and could really act.

3. FRAZIER-1993-2004

Frazier is a great comedy that stars Kelsey Grammar as Dr. Frazier Crane, made famous from the TV show, “Cheers”. When Cheers went off the air, Kelsey Grammar reprized this psychiatrist in his own show when the character moved back home to Seattle, Washington to take on a new job on the radio and reconnect with his widowed dad and his brother, Niles. His dad was a cop, wounded in a robbery, who needs more care so Frazier opens up his home (reluctantly) to his dad and the live in Health care worker, Daphne. Along for the ride is his dad's best buddy…Eddie. Eddie is a Boston terrier who can stare down everyone except his Pappa, Martin, Frazier's dad. There have been more than one episode involving Eddie and this dog delivers! I had no idea that John Mahoney, who played Martin Crane, was not a fan of the dog because the dog was standoffish and could bite. Moose is the dog that plays Eddie and who loved to mess with Frazier brain, roll on his couch, lick the dough before it is served to guests and play with his Barbie doll. This dog is great.

Any TV shows you love that stars an animal or chews the scenery and becomes a star along with the human stars? 

Yesterday, I asked if you knew which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty. There were so many great songs that year but the one that won was, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Cheek to Cheek” was nominated and “Broadway Rhythm” got no love at all.