Rain…Thankfully, No Sleet, Freezing Rain or Snow

 

Yesterday, there was a bad storm that hit much of Southern Ontario, especially, Toronto and the surrounding areas. The Niagara Region, thankfully, was spared everything but the cold Rain which is my theme for this week.

1. SINGING IN THE RAIN-1952

Of course, this had to be on my list. This is a classic musical, comedy concerning the film industry’s movement from Silent Cinema into sound and the trials and tribulations they faced. If you think anything is exaggerated, think again! The writers knew all the details from the horrible voice of the great Jean Hagan as the nasty Lena Lamont to the microphones hidden everywhere to the frilly outfit that Don Lockwood, played so well by Gene Kelly,  wears which was one of Rudolph Valentino’s costumes. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are great Silent Cinema romantic pairings, who are the King and Queen of Hollywood. They are making their next movie when the Producer of the studio, played so well by Millard Mitchell, stops everything because  they must now convert the sound stages to sound. In the meantime, Don has met a pretty young thing, Cathy, played by the ever spunky Debbie Reynolds, and falls for her. Along with his best friend, Donald O’Connor, who upstages Gene and can match him dancing, no easy feat, decide to make the next film a musical since the Romantic movie sucked with. Capital S. This film is an excellent comedy on its own but the music sets it just that much above especially the dance ballet that showcases a sizzling Cyd Charisse, who slithers around Gene Kelly’s helpless body. Louise Brooks must have had a smile on her face since she was the inspiration for this character. This film is a must see.

2. THE RAINMAKER-1956

Katherine Hepburn, in an Oscar Nominated role as the spinster daughter of a cattle rancher, with 2 younger sons, pines for the sheriff who does not notice her at all. This part of the country has been experiencing a drought when in comes toothy grinned Burt Lancaster who promises rain. He ingratiates himself into the family and romances spinsterish Hepburn while the townsfolk slowly wish to run this conman out of town. It is a very well-acted play/movie, this type of film was big during the 1950s when many plays were adapted to the cinema. Yes, Katherine Hepburn is too old for this part and looks like her dad’s sister than daughter plus I just don’t feel the romance between Hepburn and Lancaster, maybe because Hepburn was not enamoured with her co-star, but it still works. I enjoyed the acting and the storyline and you route for this conman with the grin, you know you just can’t trust.

3. MIRACLE IN THE RAIN-1956

I saw this film Avery long time ago and just loved this romance between 2 lonely people, a woman who doesn’t trust men and a soldier who doesn’t give up on her before he must head off to war. Jane Wyman seemed to perfect the romantic woman in many films she starred in during the 1950s and Van Johnson always seemed to be a good support in these films but, in this, he seemed real. You follow these 2 during their brief love affair and know that he will return to her so when she doesn’t hear from him, we are left incredulous. When she is faced with a health crisis, you hope he will come to her and save her. There are subplots all about love in one form or another but the main players seem to bring this home. I hope to see this film again,

Did you get hit with the ice and sleet and snow yesterday? What film can you think of that represents the weather you experienced? 

Lavender or Amethyst in Song

 

What is this Monday’s Music Moves Me theme? February has the gem stone Amethyst, a beautiful purple stone and lavender is a shade from the purple family so, instead of the colour purple, I  went with Lavender and here we go…

1. THE LAVENDER SONG SUNG BY UTE LEMPER-1997

Way back, in a time far, far away, I was roaming around a bookstore and saw this book with the beautiful lavender colour and 2 young pretty girls on the cover. Thinking I was going to view a book about fashion, I opened it up and my eyes opened up to a WTF? After I put my eyes back in my sockets, I read the beginning of the book and found out that lavender is the colour for the lesbian community..um..or should I say the LGBT community. Please don’t be upset with me for getting this wrong. Anyhoo, this colour has been their colour for a very long time as indicated by this German Cabaret song from the 1920s. The Weimar Republic was briefly in power in the 1920s which afforded more rights and freedoms to many groups including the Gay and Lesbian rights ( before Hitler came to power and not only  took these rights away but many ended up in the same camps as the Jewish people and also, met the same fate). I love the Cabaret songs from the 20s which seem a lot more open than even today. This song was written by Mischa Spoliansky in 1920 and became quite famous in the 1920s.Ute Lemper is a leading German actress and singer specializing in Cabaret songs and has made many records which I’d love to explore more.

2. APPROACHING LAVENDER SUNG BY GORDON LIGHTFOOT-1970

I love Gordon Lightfoot but was not aware of this song that is from the album, “ Sit Down Young Stranger”. This song is about a romantic encounter with a free spirit named Lavender. It was a semi hit here in Canada, but didn’t chart anywhere else…a shame.

3. LADIES IN LAVENDER WITH JOSHUA BELL AND ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA- 2004

The score was written by Nigel Hess and  really resonates throughout the film about 2 elderly sisters( played by Maggie Smith and Judi Dench) who find a young man, almost drowned, in their garden on the Cornish coast. He states he is Polish and was on his way t9 America for a better life when the boat sank. They nurse him back to health and find that he is an exceptional violinist. This is such a romantic score that I have no idea why it wasn’t up for an Oscar.

Can you think up any lavender song? Amethyst? ..Purple, yes, aside from Jimi Hendrix’s great song, “Purple Haze”, or Prince’s, “Purple Rain” what other purple songs can you think of?

Best Supporting Actress-2014

 

I’m late today, I’ve been tired…yup, that’s it…lol. After working and coming home, I am just done in and, you would think I would compose this on the weekend, but tht would mean I am organized and ahead of the game….hahahaaa. So the movies of 2014 brought about some great performances in the Best Supporting Actress area and one ultra dull, boring, irritating one. Guess which one won?  So let’s get on with it.

1. PATRICIA ARQUETTE IN BOYHOOD

This film should have been called boredom. The director actually filmed this over the years to showcase this kid growing up in a family where the parents separate. The parents are played by Patricia and Ethan Hawke who do not get along and go their own way. The mom must rise her daughter and son on her own. We see the boy grow up and, when he’s a teenager, he becomes an asshole. Mom rewards him and he is unappreciative so, like kids we see today. Yeah…that’s all I remember of this dreck of a movie that received many accolades. Yeah, Patricia won the award and I just shook my head.

2. ADRIANA BARRAZA IN CAKE

This film is know for Jennifer Aniston’s performance in this film  about a former lawyer who survived a car crash that killed her son. She is a miserable, angry bitch of a woman who is in constant pain, due to the accident, who drove away all the people close to her except for her faithful caregiver, played by Adriana. We remember Jennifer partly because she is known for her comedic roles, notably Rachel in the TV show “Friends”, but also for her powerful performance as an addicted woman wallowing in self pity and chronic pain. What I got from this film is the role of her faithful companion, housekeeper, chauffeur played by this little known actress. She seems to be the only one who knows this woman and helps her throughout. Her acting stayed with me and, I believe,  deserved the Oscar.

3. LAURA DERN IN WILD

This is a film that stars Reese Witherspoon who decides to hike the epic trail- The Pacific Coast Trail, that stars nears the Mexican border and ends near the Canadian border. It’s a true story about this woman who is trying to find herself and Laura Dern plays her mom, in flashbacks, who died sending Reese’s character into a tailspin. She is the rock that Reese’s character relies on sending Reese on her path, literally, to redemption. This was a surprise nomination and one Laura deserves.

Have you see any of these films? Do you agree or disagree? Just so you know the other nominees in Best Supporting Actress are Meryl Streep in “Into The Woods” ( really? Meryl could play a rock and she would get nominated), Keira Knightly in “The Imitation Game”, and Emma Stone in” Birdman”.

My Brother’s Picks

 

My brother knows his music. I know show tunes, classical, ABBA, fun stuff from the 80s but my brother knows music especially the Blues, Classic Rock, Prog, Jazz etc… and he can tell you a thing or 2 about the origins of the music and that good old Rock music, etc… is still strong despite what we hear on the regular radio and TV. I asked my brother to let me know 3 songs he is liking right now and he chose the 3 below. I am joining in on  Monday Music Moves Me, even though it is Wednesday. I’ll ask my brother to comment and give more info on  his choices…

1. ANYHOW BY THE TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND-2016

My brother told me he saw Susan Tedeschi, a few years back, at Artpark and just fell in love with her voice and playing. I know I heard of her through one of you lovely people…it could have been John Holton, a great blogger who loves music in all forms. She sings it with so much depth that she reminds me of the classic gals from yesterday like Janis Joplin. She met Derek Trucks and they formed this band and travel all over showcasing their great musical abilities. 

2. FLY AT NIGHT SUNG BY BILL HENDERSON-2019

Bill Henderson is from the band Chilliwack who wrote this song back in the late ‘70s which became a big hit. Bill Henderson was on the Taylor James Show singing his classic.

3. BIRTHDAY CAKE BY MY SON, THE HURRICANE-2018

This is different and is from the Niagara Region. I love the full band sound but I might have to get used to the lead man’s voice because it’s Rap, not my favourite but my brother is more progressive than I am in this style of music. I do love the music and they are original which is excellent.

For people out there, what are you listening to at the moment?  If you have brothers or sisters, what are they listening to? 

Romance with Film

 

As you all know, I love film from the early silents to today’s celluloid. I was thinking about what to write about and was looking up what happened today, in history and found many bits about film including that today, United Artists was formed by D. W. Griffith ( director), Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks Snr, and Charlie Chaplin. I decided to choose 3 films created by 3 famous directors who loved( and loves) film. So here we go..

1. THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL-1896 DIRECTED BY GEORGES MELIES

When I first saw one of Melies’ films, I was mesmerized by how fetching these early films are. Where the Lumiere Brothers dealt with realistic and mundane pieces like A Train coming into the Station, Melies loved the fantasy, the magical and told a story using magic of film. In this short film, you see the devil in a haunted house who wants to capture a man’s soul but is thwarted by the man sporting a crucifix. I just love anything by this man and will watch whatever I can see of this great man’s work.

2. NICKELODEON-1976 DIRECTED BY PETER BOGDONOVICH

Bogdonovich was lucky enough to meet many of the early silents film stars and directors as well as many of the greats from the 30s, 40s and 50s. He could be and was an asshole to many when making his films where many actors never wanted to work with him again, but you can see how much he loved film especially the early days of cinema. This is a comedy and it is quite funny as 2 men who leave the film industry in New Jersey and head West to escape Edison’s bullies who tried to squash any studio who did not agree with the Edison Patent Company. Along the way he, Ryan O’Neal, picks up a variety of people including his lead tor played by Burt Reynolds. Much of what you see in this film, actually, happened  and was recounted to him by the early director, Allen Dwan. A very funny movie and I love it.

3. HUGO-2011 DIRECTED BY MARTIN SCORSESE

I love this film that takes on a fantasy feel and was made in 3D starring Ben Kingsley as George Melies, a now down and out early film pioneer, magician and toy maker, who has a magazine/newspaper stand. A boy lives way up in the attic of the train station who owns an automaton, a toy that can move and write things down, but doesn’t work because he doesn’t have the key. He is sought by the main guard of the station, played so well by Sasha Baron Cohen, who wants to send him to an orphanage. The kid meets up with Melies who hires him to help around his shop. The kid meets Melies’ Goddaughter who is wearing a necklace with the key dangling from it. Soon enough, the boy and the girl find out that the old man was. Film pioneer and try to get him the recognition he so richly deserves. You can see how much Scorsese loves film when you watch this movie. I find it magical like. Fairy tale and one you wish  you could be part of. Aside from the boy and his Automaton, the events of Melies in the late 20s is true which makes it all the more heartwarming.

Which films makes you feel the romance of cinema? 

Short, Short

 

This week is theme week over at Monday Music Moves Me, and it is to find songs with “Short” in the title. The very first song I thought of is the Randy Newman song, “ Short People” which many used this week. My mom liked that song and said short people have issues and always feel they have to prove something and can be difficult. I looked at her and reminded her that she was only 5’2” tall, if that and she said “Yes” and continued on bringing up Napoleon as an example. I know I should have songs with “Short” in the title, but most have been used ( you should check it out, some great songs showcased), but I went with short singers with big voices…

1. EARTHA KITT SINGS SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES-1953

This is one of my all time favourite songs and has been sung by many people throughout the years. It was written by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Otto Harbach for the Broadway show, “Roberta” and was made into an Astaire/ Rogers movie of the same name. I thought Eartha, at only 5’2” tall, did a great version of this song.

2. JUDY GARLAND SINGS THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY-1954

We all know that Judy has a powerhouse of a voice, plus was a great dancer and actress but she was only 4’ 11 1/2” tall. I thought she was 5’ 4” but, nope. This is one of her iconic songs that she made her own in this film where she should have won the Oscar. This song was written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Ira Gershwin which, also, should have won the Oscar ( over the dreaded, “Three Coins In The Fountain”).

3. EDITH PIAF SING LA VIE EN ROSE-1947

 This 4’ 10” tall singer with a voice that could bring people to tears and who lived a life that was anything but boring wrote the lyrics to this song, written by Louiguy with Robert Chauvigny completing the music. This be me her signature song and she became known as the Little Sparrow. 

Any songs you can think of with Short in the title or any singers who are short in stature but carry a big voice? I need to get rid of that Shorty Song sung by Fred Astaire that keeps running in my head.

February Star OF The Month-Charles Durning

 

CHARLES DURNING

BIRTH: February 28, 1923

DEATH: December 24, 2012

AGED: 89 years

DIED FROM: Natural Causes

NICKNAME: Charlie

MARRIED: Twice

CHILDREN: 3 children

FAMOUS FRIENDS: Burt Reynolds

OSCAR WINS: none

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Twice- The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas-1983 and To Be Or Not To Be-1984

TALENT: Ballroom dancing. His adeptness in acting

KNOWN FOR: his bravery and valour in WW2. His Privacy, his genial and helpful nature towards everyone.

This man was one prolific actor who appeared in many films, TV series and Broadway winning a Tony, Golden Glove and nominated for an Emmy 9 times, no small feat for an actor kicked out of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for having no talent. Thankfully, he forged ahead, not listening to the so-called experts, and became one of the most respected and well-liked actors and men of his craft. He could play drama and comedy with equal aplomb making laugh every time he was on “Everybody Loves Raymond” as the priest who must deal with the Ramone family.

This actor came from a family of 10 children but, sadly, 5 of his sisters died from Scarlett Fever or Small Pox 3 in the span of 2 weeks. Honestly, I don’t know how his mom dealt with such loss, nor his dad. His dad died when he was 13 leaving his mom to run the family. Durning was always a fighter but with twinkle toes because he taught ballroom dancing at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New York City! Yes, he was a professional ballroom dancer who caught the acting bug and got his break in Burlesque. From there, he worked he was to Broadway, onto TV and films. To say he was busy would be an understatement and he loved it. After his first marriage failed, he met up with his high-school sweetheart, marrying her and enjoying this second act. Sadly, they did separate in 2010 but remained married until he died.

War Hero!!! He never gave up and his bravery and luck got him through some of the most hellish experiences during World War 2. He was in the D Day invasion and was the only one from his unit to survive the landing on Omaha Beach. He was shot in the hip and leg( several times) where he convalesced for 6 months learning how to walk again. He pleaded, several times, to be released so he could join his unit in Belgium, but was told “No!” He left anyway and joined his unit in Belgium and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he had hand to hand combat with a German soldier who stabbed him 8 times with his bayonet. Durning still found the strength to find a rock and kill the soldier with the rock.  Shortly after this, he was captured by German Waffen SS. 90 U. S. Soldiers were marched by the German SS to Malmedy where they were grouped in a field only to be machine gunned down! The Malmedy Massacre is an infamous moment with only 3 survivors, Charles Durning was one of them. Durning mentioned he fell on to the bodies of his comrades faking death. I could not find more information how he survived the rest but, he did recuperating from all his wounds in a hospital until 1946. He took Ballroom dancing to strengthen his his and leg from the injuries he sustained. He did suffer from PTSD for years and  rarely spoke about his experiences. Later in life, he worked on behalf of the Legion promoting the valour of the soldiers in all wars. 

He received the Silver Star, The Bronze Star, 3 Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device, 2 Bronze Service Stars and World War 2 Victory Medal. He also received the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Bade with Rifle Bar, Honourable Service Lapel Pin and, from the French, The Legion of Honour but, in 2008.

FILMS

1. Tootsie-1982

2. The Muppet Movie-1979

3. The Sting-1973

4. Queen of the Starduxt Ballroom-1975

5. North Dallas Forty-1979

6. True Confessions-1981

7. Dog Day Afternoon-1975

8. Tough Guys-1986

9. The Hindenburg-1975

10. Sharky’s Machine-1981

11. O Brother, Where Art Thou-2000

12. Dick Tracy-1990

Many TV Shows as a guest star including one from NCIS as a war veteran which I must see now.

1. Evening Shade with Burt Reynolds-1990-1994

2. Family Guy-199-Present

3. Everybody Loves Raymond-1998-2002

4. Rescue Me-2004-2011