Thursday Film Picks

 

Happy Halloween! I'm working today and late so my home is dark. I hate that but my hubby hates Halloween which I don't get. I'm going to share a couple of pictures when I was young and loving going out for candy. I thought it's a devilish night so I went with devils in films and here are my 3...

1. THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER- 1941

I need to see this film again because I have not seen this since I was a kid and I loved it. Basically, this man is down on his luck when the devil appears and promises him fortune without worry as long as he has his soul. What to do, what to do….of course he sells his soul and soon, the man’s luck changes and he becomes lucky and wealthy. This changes the man and not for the better, but when he meets Webster, a lawyer and senator, played so well by Edward Arnold, who defends him against the jury made up by the devil. This plot I have seen enacted in quite a few tv shows over the years. This is such an engaging film and makes one think how many people have sold their souls to get ahead.

2. CABIN IN THE SKY-1943

This is another film I need to see again because it is quite a good film and one with an all black cast directed by white, Vincent Minelli ( dad of Liza Minelli, mom being Judy Garland). Arthur Freed and Minelli both sought input from the black elders and spoke with the NAACP to make sure they did not  use racial stereotypes or be rude to the black people who were in the film or watched the film. It stars Eddie Rochester Anderson( from Jack Benny fame) as a gambler who ends up dying but is given a 2nd chance to redeem his soul and be let into Heaven. At first, he does well, working hard and paying more attention to his wife, Ethel Waters but, the devil, played so well by Rex Ingram, decides to tempt Eddie..in come Lena Horne. Lena is beautiful, an amazing singer and a gifted actress who lures Eddie away from his wife and down the hedonistic road of sin. What will happen?? Well, the devil seems very pleased with himself and is happy when Rochester succumbs to the hedonistic way of life. It’s a fun film with some wonderful acting and singing especially by, not only Lena Horne, but by Ethel Waters.

3. BEDAZZLED- 1967

This is a hilarious film that stars the comedy duo of Dudley Moore and Peter Cook who were big in the 60s for their comedy act and movies including this one. Dudley Moore works in a ho-hum diner who wishes he had enough nerve to tell this waitress how much he loves her but he can’t. He decides to kill himself when in enters the devil played so wickedly funny by Peter Cook. Cook grants Moore 7 wishes, along with the 7 Deadly sins, brought along for good luck. Moore can tell Cook his wishes and, if he has to leave, he has to blow a raspberry as he says” Julie Andrews” . Every time Moore thinks he has the devil  beat and Moore can enjoy his great love, the devil one ups him often with hilarious results. You have a funny cameo with Raquel Welch who plays, of course, Lust. This is the much better film to the remake that stars Elizabeth Hurley as the devil.

Which delish films can you think of? I’m working late so no kids this year but do you live in a busy area? 

When you went out for Halloween, what was your favourite costume? Here are a few of me in costume, of course.

I'm a witch with my brother, a Mexican Bandito. I'm also Luly Munster and Puss in Boots, with our neighbour, John, Dracula and my brother, who looks like an opium addled Confucius. I still have the witch hate and cape, Lily' cape but not Puss's costume. My mom created the outfits. 

One last song because I love it...

Happy Halloween!

Scary, Scary…

 

Our Kaspar ( no, not Hitler), is wondering when our little kitty will buzz off so he can come and sleep by us. To him, our Lexi is his horror and Lexi just wants to play and bug the hell out of him. I can’t believe that, tomorrow, is Halloween and, to be honest, I wish I could still go Trick O’ Treating because I loved going out all dressed up and knocking on doors waiting for candy and chocolate. In my day, we got regular size chocolate bars which were bigger than the ones sold today. We also got tons of those awful toffee candy, that Halloween candy cones and tons of peanuts. I will join freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me  and will do a spooky theme.  hope you enjoy my song choices…

1. THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND-1942

This is a great song by Harold Arlen(music) and Johnny Mercer(Lyrics) who wrote this with Judy Garland  in mind. Many stars sang it like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Marilyn Monroe but I went with Judy since she was their inspiration.

2. CROSSROAD BLUES PLAYED BY RY COODA AND TERRY EVANS

This is a song written and sung by Robert Johnson about a man who sells his soul to the devil. This version comes from the 1986 film, “Crossroads” starring Ralph Macchio as a kid with a gift who meets up with an elderly, black man and finds out about the legend of Robert Johnson and how he sold his soul to the devil but is it just a legend? This is a great version of this  piece of music which I think is in keeping with the spooky theme I went for.

3. THE BRIDES FROM BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA-1992

I love this soundtrack from the film, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” written by Wojciech Kilar and chose this theme when Dracula’s Brides are introduced in the film in a very erotic scene, might I add. I love this movie and the soundtrack is excellent.

What spooky songs can you think of?

A Few Cards...

 

CCAYR- Snowman

Inkspirational-  Which Season to Choose: The Winter Season

Simon Says- Christmas 

Mr. Snowman came out to play which I stamped in black and coloured it up with Gamsol pencils. I sponged on some distress inks in blues along the edges and glued itbon a glitter cardstock. I stamped the saying in versamark and used this Embossing powder that remains tacky so I can place the shiny stuff on top and it glues in place. I added the crystals and the snowflakes.

The Flower Challenge- Stencil It

Tic, Tac, Toe- tttc259 I chose Leaf, Frame, Embellishment

Addicted to Stamps- Any Occasion 

I missed the flower challenge, I missed but I am able to include this in the Tic, Tac Toe challenge. I used these pigment colours that are in jars and I applied it with the sponge applicator over top the Stencil that comes in 3 parts. I decided to use tombow markers to define the edges of the flower. I glued it onto the glitter cardstock and framed it with pear Embellishments. 

Christmas Card Throwdown Recycling 

Little Red Wagon-Emboss It.

Last week, this same challenge had Brown for the colour challenge. I took a few scrap pieces I have( ok, I have a ton) and created this card. I had a small piece with snowflakes on it and incorporated it onto the card. I embossed the background with stars and highlighted the stars with a distress chalk ink. I stamped the trees in white and embossed in a white glitter. I put all the pieces together and made this card.

Circus Time

 

Lee, from Tossing It Out, will enjoy( I hope), my theme this week since he use to be in a circus, from what I understand and was a pretty good juggler. I can only juggle my budget but I’m always amazed at what people can juggle and how much. It’s quite entertaining to watch along with the trapeze artists and even the good ole clowns. There are many films involving the circus including “ The Greatest Show On Earth” which should never…I mean, never have won Best Picture since it was up with “High Noon” and The Quiet Man” and “Singing In The Rain”. I didn’t choose this most obvious choice but went with 3 other movies and none are horror films….

1.  TRAPEZE-1956

This film stars Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis and Gina with her 2 Lollas…sorry..I couldn’t help myself..Gina Lollabrigida as members of a circus who work on the trapeze. Burt, who used to work as an acrobat in a circus before he drifted into acting plays a former trapeze artist who did 3 somersaults in the air, or something like that, before becoming injured and now trains people like up and comer Stony Curtis. In comes Gina who will do anything to become famous and who slithers up to Tony but Burt knows what kind of woman she is. Can you say love triangle? It’s quite glitzy and the costumes are great along with the tension on the high wire. It’s a fun movie and Lollo’s amazing figure makes my mouth drop never mind all the men. 

2. BERSERK! -1967

Joan Crawford owns this old circus keeping it going in any way possible. She loves the the man of ceremonies showcasing her legs every chance she can get with her hair wound up so tight that she doesn’t need a facelift. She is having an affair with a hunky, younger man who is a bit loose for brains and when there are killings on the circus grounds and business gets better, she is loving it. Is she the one killing people for her business?  Who knows but people are dying in the most gruesome ways( poor Diana Dors). I was expecting this film to be bad but I was pleasantly surprised. It won’t win any awards but it’s a fun film to sit back and watch with some popcorn.

3. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN-2017

I really like this film for the story, the songs and Hugh Jackman who portrays P. T. Barnum the way you wish he would have been. Except for P. T. Starting a circus, making it a huge moneymaker and a fire, most is fictional. Tom Thumb did really exist and was the smallest man, at that time who, along with other “Freaks” ( Love the 1932 film called Freaks) appear at Barnum’s circus. Barnum felt it was perfectly fine to have the freak show combined with the circus and really knew how to put on a show. The music is great as is the writing, acting and direction. I love the singing and am glad we have, so far, one film showcasing Jackman’s talent. A worthy film!

Which films can you think of?

Music I Dont Listen To

 

For some reason my Lexi loves to sleep by our Harley's butt. Maybe there's more warmth there. This week, over at Curious as A Cathy for the Monday Music Moves Me post, it's about Music that I don't normally listen to and I have chosen 3 songs representing the genre.

1. BABY GOT BACK BY SOR MIX ALOT-1992

I can't stand rap and consider most of it just dreck. There are very few rap songs that I don't mind but most are blecchh to me. This is one song that's just stupid, insulting but catchy. I'd never own this song but I could listen to this over M & M ( yes I know, but I can't help myself). 

2. STAYS IN MEXICO SUNG BY TOBY KEITH-2004

I don't care for country music except Johnny Cash and the more rock sided country like "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" but the true twang of country with Conway Twitty and Minnie Pearl..ughh, just give me a gun. Now, that being said, I didn't mind Toby Keith because he brought humor into his music and music videos. This song and the video I found hilarious especially when you take a close look at the guy's family picture. It's a shame he died this year..too young.

3. DROP KICK ME JESUS THROUGH THE GOALPOSTS OF LIFE SUNG BY BOBBY BARE-1976

Twang country mixed with Jesus save me songs.... kill me now.

Ok, some may hate that my last one but each to their own. Some love the religious songs that you hear on the rip off..er..evangelists shows and good for you but I can't hear these...I'd rather listen to fingers on a black board. 

Which songs or genres do you dislike or never listen to?

Thursday Film Picks: Houses

 

It’s October, we Canucks just celebrated Thanksgiving. I’m patiently waiting for the leaves to turn fabulous colours and Halloween will soon be here. I thought of the many homes that were stars of the film and it was so hard to choose only 3 so, since Halloween is around the corner, I went the spooky route.

By the way…the answers to yesterday’s  Oscar music fest is..”Say You Say Me” won the Oscar, “Miss CELIE’S Blues” was nominated and “Rhythm of the Night” got nadda! 

Here are my 3…

1. REBECCA-1940

Joan Fontaine ( I truly dislike this pretentious actress as she reminded me of a former colleague I had to work with. I read Joan’s autobiography which resulted in my dislike for her) plays a meek gal who is the companion for an elderly woman when she meets Laurence Olivier who sweeps her off her feet. They marry and he brings her to Manderley, this huge mansion near the ocean. When I saw this mansion and the huge fireplace inside it, I wanted to live there. Well, poor Joan meets the huge staff and, then, she meets Judith Anderson as Mrs. Danvers who makes the word “intimidating” sound like an understatement. She is the head maid and the loyal friend to Rebecca, Olivier’s first wife, who died under mysterious circumstances. Mrs. Danvers makes it her mission to drive port Joannie insane. Her new husband seems to be cold and aloof and his friends don’t seem to be of much help. This is a gothic romance/mystery/ almost horror film with this beautiful mansion at the core. It is well acted especially by Judith Anderson( the Vulcan High priestess in Star Trek 3) and very well directed by Alfred Hitchcock, of course.

2.  PSYCHO-1960

If you have not seen this film…you’ve been living under a rock…lol. It is a justly famous film by Alfred Hitchcock who had to use his TV crew to get this film done. We have heard about the shower scene, justly famous( chocolate syrup was used to simulate blood) and we know Anthony Perkins has mommy issues but we forget that Vera Miles, a favourite of Hitchcock( even though he couldn’t forgive her getting pregnant when he wanted to have her star in one of his films..I think it was “North by Northwest” but I’m going by my fractured memory..please correct me if I am wrong), played the sister of the ill fated Janet Leigh and square-jawed John Gavin was Janet’s love. John is the reason poor Janet( Marion Crane…Hitch had a thing for birds) stole the money( the McGuffin) which set the whole thing in motion. When Marion arrives at the run down motel, it seems dwarfed by the square box of the house at the top of a hill where mother resides with Norman. Most of the time, only the front facade of a home or business was built for a film but this home was built with all the walls and the roof and it is still standing! Nothing is inside it but it stands at the top of the hill and tourists can visit where Norman loses his mind. This is a brilliant film that caused quite the stir when it came out. Love the music and the camerawork.  If you haven’t seen it, you need to see it,

3. THE HAUNTING-1963

To me, this is the home to beat because it seems to be alive screwing with the minds of the people who are staying there. An anthropologist with a keen interest in psychic phenomena brings 2 women who seem to have an innate psychic ability. One is an unstable woman who wants to escape her sister’s clutches and feels a kinship to the home and the other is a cynical woman who can sense things. Along for the ride is the cynical owner of the home played by Russ Tamblyn known for his athletic dancing in films like “West Side Story.” This home has cold spots, sounds, footsteps, doors moving, which is quite scary and the feeling the home does not want them to leave. The cinematography is brilliant and the writing is excellent. Forget the horrible remake with Liam Neeson, stick with this one but I will give a shout out to the TV mini series that was on HBO or Netflix or whatever, I got this series for Christmas. It’s well done although the ending  was just ok for me but it is eerie. I still love this film. 

Which homes seem to take centre stage for you, in films?

Who Won the Oscar-1985

 

Over at Monday Music Moves Me, I have seen and listened to quite a few 80s songs so I decided to chose a year from the 80s and went with 1985. Let’s see if you will get who won the Oscar, who was nominated and which song got nadda…

1. SAY YOU, SAY ME BY LIONEL RITCHIE

Say You, Say Me…say Goodbye. This was the heyday for Lionel Ritchie who had several hits in the 80s and this one came from that blechh film, “White Knights”  starring Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov. I was so looking forward to the dancing but the camerawork forgot all about what Fred Astaire said, “show the whole body not just the feet” and would show their faces and just their feet, go slow mo when dancing off some table…ughhh. 

2. RHYTHM OF THE NIGHT SUNG BY DEBARGE

This song was written by Diane Warren for the film” The Last Dragon and became a big hit for this musical group. This is a movie I have not seen and doubt I will since it’s about Martial Arts with a young man, who adores Bruce Lee and wishes to become a master and glow..yes, glow. I do like Kung Fu and I do like the amazing work that Jet Li does and Jackie Chan but this just sounded like Ralph Machio would pop up somewhere. I don’t mind this song though.

3. MISS CELIE’S BLUES SUNG BY TATA VEGA

This is an excellent film by Steven Spielberg tht put Whoopi Goldberg on the map as a young girl, brutalized by her no good husband who is awakened to who she is as a person by Margaret Avery. Margaret Avery appears to be singing but she was dubbed by Tata. I guess Marni Nixon wasn’t available ( she was the go to gal in the 50s and 60s who dubbed many stars of the day). Oh, a gal, named Oprah Winfrey made her big screen debut in this film and did a great job getting an Oscar Nod in the process.

So, which one do you think won, which was nominated and which just got a carrot stick?