Thursday Movie Films-Hollywood

 

I’m inspired by Wandering Through The Shelves, who has reduced her posting themes to twice per month, to keep posting weekly but I’m choosing my own themes. Since the Oscars were just on( I talked about them on my previous post, with some Hollywood songs), I decided to keep with the Hollywood theme and chose 3 films that’s all about Hollyweird ( like that, Stephen) and I have a little bit of a theme within a theme…

1. A STAR IS BORN-1937

I decided to choose this early version of this oft filmed story somewhat based on a true story ( either based on Elizabeth Bergner’s marriage or Barbara Stanwyck’s first marriage). It’s all about a young woman who wants to make it in Hollywood who meets an alcoholic film star who sees her potential. They fall in love but as her film star rises, his declines. This is a really excellent film starring Janet Gaynor and Frederic March as the 2 lovebirds and they are so good in their roles with Janet exuding sweetness but strength dealing with the man she loves who selflessly promotes her star power. I do prefer the Judy Garland version the best but this is a good one to see.

2. THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL-1952

This film stars Kirk Douglas as a son of a famous film producer who also makes a mark for himself but on the backs of 3 of his former friends, a writer, an actress and a director. A movie producer mogul, played by Walter Pidgeon, brings these 3 together, Dick Powell, Lana Turner and Barry Sullivan and we learn, in flashback, how the producer, brought them to success but at a cost. Each one wants to kill him but, without Kirk, each one would not be famous. They are all a success. This is, apparently, based somewhat on Val Lewton, who was a producer and director most famous for his atmospheric, eerie films like “Cat People.” This film is well done with Kirk Douglas playing a bit of a slime and exceeds at it. Gloria Grahame won a Best Supporting actress Oscar as the wife of the writer.

3. SUNSET BOULEVARD-1950

I normally discuss the earliest film first but I wanted to showcase Hollyweird from a newcomer to established to, finally, forgotten. This is a great film and one that angered some like Louis B, Mayor who thought Billy Wilder, the director, should have been horsewhipped. I spoke about this film before but it is a must see with William Holden as a has been writer on the lamb from 2 guys who want to repossess his car. He takes a turn into an old place from yesteryear and meets a stern butler, the Lady of the house who seems larger than life and a dead chimp. Soon he realizes he has met the once, great Norma Desmond who was a major, silent film star but now is forgotten living in a decaying mansion that once hosted huge parties. Gloria Swanson just nails it as the slowly going insane Norma as does Holden as the insensitive cad who succumbs to Norma’s advances but doesn’t mind being used. So much of this film has great references to what was the dream time of Silent Cinema. Gloria was a famous silent film star who worked with Cecil B DeMille many times and, yes, he did truly call her Little Fella. Erich Von Stroheim, who plays her butler was a famous director during the silents and the house was one of many mansions, most now gone to the developers’ wrecking ball, sadly. I love Mae Murray’s reaction upon seeing this film ( she was a famous actress who, today, would be a reality star but a better one than the dreck that’s on today), “None of us floozies was ever that nuts.” I love that quote.

What a Hollywood films can you think of?

Going Hollywood!

 

If I was sitting behind that irritating cloud, out would come my scissors!

I'm all about Hollywood and, of course, I watched the Oscars. First, I picked 3 songs that just work for me and I am adding this to the Monday Music Moves Me post. Here are 3 songs I hope you enjoy...

1. GOING HOLLYWOOD-1933

This was the first song that popped into my head and I had to use Der Bingle's version. This was from. The 1933 film of the same name written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown.

2. HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD-1937

This was written by Johnny Mercer ( lyrics) and Richard Whiting (music). The lyrics have some slang and other things in it that we may not know but I do like that the one lyrics makes it a fact that a hatcheck girl can be a star if she does more than just act. The casting couch was already around for decades...sadly. This is sung by Frances Langford and Johnny Davis.

3. HOLLYWOOD OR BUST- 1956

I hope this is the song....This is also from a movie of the same name starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis when they wouldn't even talk to each other. It was the last film they made together. The song was written by Sammy Fain( music) and Paul Francis Webster ( lyrics). Dean always sings so well ...I do like his voice.

THE OSCARS...

Of course,  I watched the whole thing and it went rather swiftly kn 3.5 hours...lol. I thought Jimmy Kimmel was quite good but would have loved to have seen Ricky Gervais there. I'm so happy Michelle Yeoh won (Michelle Williams looked less enthusiastic with her sad clapping) as well as Ke Huy Quon who I last saw as a kid, with Harrison Ford, in the 2nd Indiana Jones movie. Funny, Kimmel was right, 2 stars from the movie, "Encino Man" won Oscars- Ke Huy Quon and Brendan Fraser. Angela Bassett looked pissed not winning the Golden calf, um , I mean the Oscar, Jamie Lee Curtis did and others seemed....hungry. 

2 bad things- Hugh Grant is a scrotum for being condescending, rude and obnoxious to the interviewer, plus size model Ashley Graham, who is not a professional at this. He was an ass! The second was the In Memorium part where they gave more to dumbass Lenny Kravitz singing with sunglasses on, than to the people who deserved more than a split 2nd on the screen. They gave Irene Cara some love but Angela Lansbury just a quick picture? Really? Here are the people they missed and I'm just mentioning some of the actors: Marsha Hunt, Stella Stevens, Nehemiah Persoff, Robert Blake, Anne Heche, Tom Sizemore, Leslie Jordan, Paul Sorvino, Charlbi Dean ( she was in Triangle Of Sadness which was up for 3 Oscars), Pat Carroll, Barbara Walters ( she did all those Oscar interview specials for years), Bo Hopkins, L. Q. Jones, Sacheen Littlefeather, Robert Morse, Virginia Patton, Andrew Prine, Henry Silva, Sylvia Syms, Topol, Jean Louis Trintignant, David Warner, plus more..add if you want.

Now, I got 19 oscar guesses right! That's pretty good if I say so myself. I missed with Best Score whom, I think, should have gone to Babylon. That music still resonates with me where the others don't. 

Now, to bore you even more I'm choosing 5 best and 5 worst outfits. There were a lot more blecchhs out there than wow, that's beautiful but I tried my best.

BEST DRESSED

Malala Yousafzai

Andie McDowell

Salma Hayek

Angela Bassett 

Jessica Chastain 

Yes, I love glitter...sue me. I didn't choose some others because I didn't like their attitude on the carpet. 

WORST DRESSED

Florence Pugh- Spanx + Bedsheets

Jessie Buckley- Evil Queen dressed badly

Tems- got caught in a cloud of shame

Melissa McCarthy- she farted red

Leslie Petersen- Barbie has an off day

OK.. ...2 more 1 good and 1 bad, Gorgon Star Trek Bad

Kerry Condon 

Janet Yang in Shimmer Gorgon look from Star Trek.

Which is your favourite and which is your worst? Watch any of it? Think of any Hollywood songs?

Thursday Movie Picks- Movies Loosely Based on Books

 

Wandering Through The Shelves  picked an interesting theme which put my thinking cap on. I believe I chose some good movies that work so here are my 3...

1. KISS ME KATE-1953

This fun musical stars Katherine Grayson and Howard Keel as a divorced  couple who play opposite one another in a musical version of the "Taming of the Shrew". The problem  is that these 2 bicker just like their Shakespearian counterparts. This is a funny, fun and musically gifted film with Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Bob Fosse, and Keenan Wynn rounding out the cast.

2. THE NUTTY PROFESSOR-1963

I decided to choose this original  film version rather than the remake with Eddie Murphy because this was Jerry Lewis’s baby. I am not a huge fan of Lewis and, to be Frank ( or Ralph or Archie), I found this character annoying... both the nerd and Buddy Love. I can't help but think Jerry Lewis was closer to his Buddy Love character. Anyway....nerdy scientist decides to take a potion which turns him into a suave, handsome man about town but who is rude and obnoxious. The object of the dual Lewis is nerdy scientist teacher's student played by Stella Stevens ( she recently died). Unfortunately, the potion wears off at the most inopportune times. This movie is based on Stevenson's, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

3. APOCALYPSE NOW-1979

This is an excellent film where the back story on the making of this film is just ad crazy. This film is based on the Joseph Conrad book, Heart of Darkness but, instead of the Congo, the film takes place duringbthe Vietnam War. Martin Sheen ( who suffered a heart attack while making the film) is required to go deep into the jungle and kill insane soldier, played my Marlon Brando. You join in with Sheen as he travels up the river  to kill Kurtz. I get mesmerized by many scenes and the music is excellent. This is a true classic.

So...what films can you piece together from a book  you have read?

I Am In Charge of a 4 Day Festival!

 

So, I can’t resist. Monday Music Moves Me that I find over at Curious As A Cathy, suggested that you have the ability to create a 4 day concert of music with people, living or dead ( in the case of the Rolling Stones…the Undead) to be part of your musical festival. I have to participate so this is lengthy but, you might like it…appreciate it? Oh well, I love it so, so there🤪.

DAY 1

ABBA ( well, duh!)

FERNANDO-1975

This was one of the very first songs I heard from this group I love so much. 

ABBA-THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO-1980

I think ABBA could create a song that, sounds, almost, classical. I think of my best friend, Loretta, when I hear this song. We are THE best of friends.

DAY 2

THE MOODY BLUES

DAWN IS A FEELING-1967

From their iconic album, “ Days of Future Passed”, I find this piece haunting.

THE MOODY BLUES-NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-1967

This is also from the same album and, maybe, their most famous song, understandably so. I love this s well as the lament.

DAY 3

ARTHUR FIEDLER AND THE BOSTON POPS-JALOUSIE-1956

I was a weird child as this guy was one I really wanted to see. I loved watching him on PBS especially when he conducted his famous symphony( due to him) during the July 4th celebrations. To me, he is one of the best conductors ever.

ARTHUR FIEDLER AND THE BOSTON POPS- 1812 OVERTURE-1976

Yes, lengthy but Tchaikovsky never sounded so good….I hope

DAY 4

ANDRE RIEU AND HIS ORCHESTRA- OH FORTUNA

I love Andre Rieu and his beautiful orchestra where the men are dressed in their best penguin attire and the women look like princessessesss. My mom loved him and we saw him twice and…I will be seeing him in Toronto with my mom’s best friend…who doesn’t know that yet, late Christmas and birthday present. Carl Orff’s music never sounded so good.

ANDRE RIEU AND HIS ORCHESTRA- AND THE WALTZ GOES ON-2011

Guess who wrote this beautiful piece? He was 19 years old when he wrote this waltz in 1964 but was too scared to ever have it performed until his wife sent it to Andre Rieu who decided to premiere it with this man in the audience. Who is this man? Yup, Anthony Hopkins, that’s who. 

Who would you have perform at your 4 day music fest?

Star of the Month

 

JEAN HARLOW

BIRTH: March 3, 1911

DEATH: June 7, 1937

AGED: 26 yrs old

DIED FROM: Cerebral Edema caused by uremic poisoning due to Kidney failure

REAL NAME: Harlean Carpenter

NICKNAME: Baby-she thought that was her real name until she went to school. Sis but only by Clark Gable. The Blonde Bombshell; The Platinum Blonde

MARRIAGES: 3-a rich playboy, Charles McGraw(1927-1928), Producer, Paul Bern (1932), Harold Rosson (1933-1934)

AFFAIRS: Abner Zwillman, notorious mobster; Max Baer, a famous boxer.

ENGAGED: William Powell

TALENT: Knew how to make sex OK before and during the censorship stronghold. 

KNOWN FOR: Being Godmother to Bugsy Siegel’s daughter. Cradled the famous dog, Rin Tin Tin when he was dying of old age. She was known for her peroxide, bleached hair and extreme, penciled in eyebrows. Wearing a lot of white gowns and, no underwear so had to, apparently, dye her pubic hair platinum. Took ice cubes to her nipples so they would stick out from the outfits she wore. 

This is one famous, classic film star that Marilyn Monroe idolized and where that term, blonde bombshell, was coined( by Howard Hughes). She was pretty free-spirited even though she and her mom were extremely close. Her mom credited herself for making “Baby” famous when, in fact, she and her mobster husband, often took advantage of their daughter’s fame and money.  When Harlow married Paul Bern, an MGM Producer, married, no one expected he was to die 2 months later leaving behind a note ending it with, “Remember, last night was only a comedy.”  The suicide by gunshot still stands but I don’t buy it nor do I buy that he had underdeveloped genitalia because, simply, this gal would never have  been with him as she loved sex, in my humble opinion. I believe, like a book I read ( I can’t think of it now…Maybe, it’s called “Deadly Illusion.”) that he was still married to his first wife whom he had institutionalized and never told anyone. She escaped and he had to tell his “new” wife about his actual wife but asked Jean to leave so he could talk to his first wife. This first wife shot and killed Paul Bern with MGM execs covering up the fact that their star was involved with a bigamist. His first wife was found a few days later, drowned and, it seems, she jumped off a bridge into the river. Jean Harlow never talked about it.  She married her 3rd husband, with his understanding, since they were good friends, to ward off unwanted publicity from her affair with the boxer, Max Baer because his wife was going to name Harlow in the divorce proceedings. 

She met and fell hard for William Powell who was quite a bit older than her, but they seemed to be quite happy until she started to get weaker. People commented on how she looked ashen and bloated but, when she saw a doctor, he misdiagnosed her. She was making her last film, Saratoga Trunk with her friend and oft-filmed companion, Clark Gable when she collapsed on set. When Gable went to visit her,  he could smell urine on her breath but, by this time, it was too late and, she died at only 26. For decades and, in many of my books, it was written that Her mother, Mama Jean, a devout Christian Scientist, refused to have her looked at by a doctor, but that seems to be debunked and, let’s face it, MGM would never let one of their stars languish like this without a doctor because she was too much of a commodity for them.

She was actually too young to die.

FILMS

1. Hell’s Angels-1930

2. Public Enemy-1931

3. Platinum Blonde-1931

4. Red-Headed Woman-1932

5. Red Dust- 1932

6. Dinner At Eight-1932

7. Bombshell-1933

8. China Seas-1935

9. Wife Vs Secretary-1936

10. Libeled Lady-1936

What I Watched in February

 

I feel, and know, I watched more than what I post but I already talked about it or I came across it and didn’t see the whole thing, so I don’t talk about those missteps. I also watch animal shows and the news and, sometimes, I find the animals are more humane than what I see on the news. So let’s get going and I am going to try to limit how much I gab…

MOVIES

1. GLORY-1989

Excellent and true film about a young Col. Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, who commands the first African-American regiment with expert performances by Denzel Washington(he won the Oscar for this role), Morgan Freeman and Andre Braugher( equally excellent) as some of the soldiers. Cary Elwes plays 2nd in command and Shaw’s best friend. Stirring, sad, excellent. The one time I can say Broderick deserved to be nominated for his role.

2. EVEN MONEY-2006

A sad sack of people who gamble and lose more than just their money. Kim Bassinger, the wife of nice guy Ray Liotta, gambles instead of writing her novel. Danny DeVito is a hasbeen magician and Kelsey Grammar is a rough PI trying to figure out a murder. A good movie but not one I'll see for a while.

3. ANTMAN AND THE WASP- 2018

Stupid, but I didn't expect much so it was fun and parts were funny. Take it with a grain of salt. Oh, the Ghost gal was just plain irritating.

4. TAR - 2022

It's a film that takes place in the world of classical music with references to Gustav Mahler. I enjoyed it but people may find it a shlog. I liked the film  and Cate rules every scene as a neurotic, caustic, brilliant conductor of the Berlin symphony. It's...a bit batshit crazy to be honest but it was worth watching. 

5. THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US- 2017

Kate Winslet and Idris Alba are on a small plane when the pilot has a heart attack and crashes the plane up in the mountains. They survive with the pilot's dog. Should they stay or should they go? They go and feel each other up on the way down. It's ok with more of a romance than I expected. 

TV

1. WHO'S LINE IS IT ANYWAY- 1998-PRESENT

I may have spoken about this before but it's so funny and the guys are hilarious! 

2. THE SALVAGE KINGS- 2019- PRESENT

Ted Finch leads his team to derelict places ready to be torn down where he grabs whatever he can from great wood beams to some neat finds that he can sell in his shop. I love that he saves as much as he can and sees more than the average Joe.

3. STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS- 2022

This series predates Capt. Kirk...well, kind of, since he appears in a later episode but it's about Capt. Pike and his crew which includes Spock, Uhura and #1. I enjoyed watching this series with some compelling episodes. We  have to dedicate an episode to Pike's hair. 

What did you watch?

Thursday Film Picks- A Lamb or a Lion?

 

This week it’s just me continuing on with a movie theme and I am still thinking …is March coming in like a lion or like a lamb which is why  I have chosen these 3 films. Wandering through the Shelves will be back next week. 

1. BABE-1995

I love this sweet film about a young piglet who escapes the fate of becoming bacon and ends up on a very pretty farm that seems to come from a fairy tale which is what this f8lm is…a fairy tale. The pig can talk with the other animals and vice versa with the female sheep dog feeling badly for the lonely piggie and takes Babe under her wing. The farmer also loves the little pig while his wife does too…for future bacon. Babe goes with his doggie mom and her partner, who dislikes Babe, to work the sheep but doesn’t like how the dogs treat the sheep. Babe becomes friends with the sheep and the farmer, played by James Cromwell, notices this and begins to train the pig to be a sheep dog for the annual competition as to who is the best in sheep herding. When the sheep are attacked and some are killed, the farmer thinks it’s Babe and  now Babe faces the knife but can the gentle farmer carry this out? I love the gentleness of this film that didn’t shy away from meanness but you just love the animals and the unique way they made it look like they talked. I loved the mice that  were the small( Haha) chorus that United one scene with the other. Ac5ually I loved these mice so much that I dreamed they were singing and I asked if I could join them which I did and we all sang that song arm in arm. The next morning my ex asked me what I was dreaming about and when I told him he knew what I was singing because I was singing out loud while dreaming. Apparently, I still sing that because my hubby, now, has heard That song.

2. THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS-1996

This is, apparently, based on a true story about 2 male, maneless lions who took a liking to human flesh and killed a number of Indian and African labourers who were building a bridge, for the British, in 1898. The skulls and stuffed lions are actually in the Natural History Museum in Chicago. This film stars Val Kilmer as Patterson, a British officer sent to Africa to take care of these animals and meets up with Michael Douglas, an American hunter who also tries to kill the animals ( Douglas’s character is completely fictional). It is a scary movie, to me anyways and one that makes me think why the cats worked in tandem and did not give up on their taste for human flesh. Now, it has been panned by many critics but I think it is quite a good movie and one that is freaky.

3. SECONDHAND LIONS-2003

This stars Haley Joel Osment before he turned into a creepy, pudgy adult, as a young boy sent by his derelict mom, to go live with his great uncles, played by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. At firs5 the 2 old men don’t want the kid around but they realize the kid is more like them than their greedy relatives and other public who are convinced the 2 old bears have a fortune hidden on their farm. The boy learns valuable lessons from the 2 and gains a friend in a gentle old lion that the 2 codgers buy thinking they can try their hand in  big game hunting. When they get the lion they soon realize the lion is old and from a circus who is gentle and a sweetheart. The lion thinks the corn field is his jungle and stays in there. This is another fairy tale type film that includes a sweet lamb like lion.

What kind of lion or lamb films can you think of?

Is It Snow, Is It Rain, Is It Ice? No! It’s Canada!!

 

There is Harley, Kaspar and hubby’s legs all vegging in front of the tele…they love their daddy-I love their daddy too. We have been having  a curious bag of typical Canadian weather with a major storm every week that starts off as snow becoming freezing rain before venturing to rain before going back to snow, or it could be the other way around….who the hell cares! It’s March 1st and I say I am seeing the lion instead of the lamb. I am joining up again with the Monday Music Moves Me that I always check out at Curious As A Cathy, which is a great blog. Here are my festive choices.

1. HAZY SHADE OF WINTER SUNG BY SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-1966

I always liked this song by this great duo who don’t really like each other but, boy, can they harmonize so well. I know it should say “Snow” in the title but, I don’t like rules and winter is finally coming to visit in my neck of the woods.

2. COLD AS ICE SUNG BY FOREIGNER-1977

This  was the first song that popped into my head and I remember when it came out enjoying the song knowing that it’s about a bad woman who took the man’s heart to the cleaners. I’m not sure what that says about my 14 year old self, but I loved this song and still do.

3. HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN SUNG BY THE EURYTHEMICS-1983

I love this group and have their greatest hits album because…I love their best hits which were many. I loved dancing to so many of their songs. This one was more just to listen to and watch their video which was…interesting. 

What type of songs would you choose for your weather?

Thursday Movie Picks: TV Edition- Friends to Lovers

 

There are quite a few shows where the guy and gal fall in love but usually they don't care for each other at first and are annoyed but that's just sexual chemistry. I was a bit flummoxed by friends becoming love nuts. Wandering through the Shelves made me put my thinking cap on so here are my 3...

1. M.A.S.H.-1972-1983

To say that I love this show would be an understatement and I was one of the millions who tuned in to watch the final episode which is still the biggest viewed episode ever when you take into account the # of TVs  less channels etc... This show is about an army surgical hospital that must do meatball surgery on the young men wounded during the Korean War. It started off as a very funny comedy but as Alan Alda  got more control over the series, it became more of a dramedy.  Alda played Hawkeye Pierce, a gifted surgeon who hates authority and is often in conflict with his higher ups. Margaret Hoolahan is a Major who, at first, was a nasty character often at odds with Pierce and his best friend, Trapper John  and, later, BJ Hunnicutt. Over the years, Loretta Switt, was given the chance to develop her character. Along the way, she and Hawkeye became more friendly which culminated in a 2 part episode where the 2 are stuck in a hut, bombs going off and they fall into each other's arms. Needless to say, it doesn't work out and they become good friends. Mind you...the finale still showed they had more than just a friendship.  I will use this show other times because it's just too good.

2. FRAZIER- 1993-2004

Another brilliant show with Kelsey Grammar as Dr. Frazier Crane who moves from Boston( Cheers) and reunites with his dad and his brother. He has a great job as a radio psychiatrist and his producer, man hungry, sexy Roz ( Peri Gilpin deserved an Emmy). They develop a strong friendship as does his brother, Niles with their dad's physiotherapist, Daphne. Actually, Niles loves Daphne from the beginning but Daphne looks at him as a nice friend. Finally, Niles and Daphne do get together and stay together. Frazier and Roz flirt and finally have a one night stand but realize they love each other as friends. A great show with their relationships only a small part of a much grander show.

3. FRIENDS- 1994-2004

This will be popular this week, I believe. 3 boys and 3 girls are all friends living in NYC. You have Rachel and Ross who were the big couple for the day, along with her hair. Finally, they get together which was a big to do back in the 90s. Their relationship went up and down and sideways. When Rachel screwed up Ross's wedding, everyone was shocked until we saw Chandler in bed with Monica! That shocked me when I saw that episode. This pairing turned out to be one of the best and funniest at times. I have to say I enjoyed watching that show.

What shows can you think of that involves friends becoming lovers?

Wednesday Music Fun

 

There's my Harley....who is truly stinking up the place. We gave him a new wet food...duck. you know what duck rhymes with? Yes, it's quite smelly right now. I'm joining the Monday Music Moves Me  on Wednesday. It's celestial time so let's get to it.

1. SHINE ON HARVEST MOON SUNG BY JANE POWELL, ANN SOTHERN AND LOUIS CALHERN-1950

This was the first song that popped into my head and one I am trying to get rid of to be honest. It's just so catchy! This was created by the Vaudville team of Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth for a Ziegfeld Follies show back in 1908. This song has been done by many but I liked this sweet version. It was between this one and Laurel and Hardy...maybe I should have chosen Laurel & Hardy.

2. A SPACEMAN CAME TRAVELLING BY CHRIS DEBURGH-1975

I love Chris DeBurgh's early music which was very original. This comes from his famous album " Spanish Train". 

3. ANUS FROM URANUS BY KLAATU-1976

I love Klaatu who took their name from the famous film, "The Day The Earth Stood Still" in 1951. I enjoy listening to their unique sound and  when they were around, a rumour came out that they were secretly the Beatles....they were not. 

Hope you like my take.

OK....here's Laurel & Hardy

Thursday Movie Picks- Forced Proximity

 

All month it is romance time at Wandering Through The Shelves and this week it's about couple who are stuck together, I  a room, a boat etc.. or handcuffed, no, not like 50 Shades of Crap. I know I am forgetting some great films and hope I see them suggested here. Oh, I forgot to mention about my Oscar post from yesterday...that rap song won the Oscar. The song fro. Chicago was nominated a d the LOTR: 2 Towers song was the Cinderslut. Personally, I love that song the best. Ok, back to the movies-I have picked my 3...

1. THE 39 STEPS- 1935

This stars, be still my heart, Robert Donat, as an innocent man( what else would he be in a Hitchcock film) who comes across a woman in distress. He helps her out bringing her to his flat but she is murdered and he is framed and goes on the run. He meets up with the beautiful Madeleine Carroll who wants nothing to do with him. He ends up handcuffed to her and, when thugs try to kill her, she starts to believe in him. There is much more to the story as it is classic Hitchcock film. It's one of my favourite of his films.

2. THE BLUE LAGOON-1980

One day I must see the one with Jean Simmons but, so far, I've just seen this dumb flick starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins as 2 young people who were the sole survivors of a shipwreck when they were little kids. They are on a deserted island who somehow survive and grow up into 2 beautiful adolescents. Being teens, they're horntoads and get it on resulting in young Brooke getting knocked up...Oh my! It's just so dumb but it has some cult status for its dumbness.

3. THE BREAKFAST CLUB-1985

A John Hughes film that made him and the young stars famous from Molly Ringworm ..er Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Ally Sheedy to Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson. These kids have all been bad boys and girls who must give up their Saturday and spend it in school detention. You have the popular kids like popular Molly and jock Emilio to the nerdy, brainiac Hall, the misfit, Sheedy and the very, very annoying loser delinquent, Nelson, who never shuts up. You get to learn why each are there and that they are more than just their stereotypes. Of course, romance blooms( if I was the mom of Molly Dingbat, I would be having a heart attack) except for the brain because, well, he is a nerd. It's a fun movie with some great 80s music. 

Which movies can you think of.

Oscar Song Picks for 2003

 

I decided to go more recent…more recent for me that is. It’s the 3rd week which means which song won the Oscar, which one was nominated and which one wasn’t even invited to the ball sitting by the cinders weeping into their tattered dress. Let’s see if you can guess which is which for 2003.

1.  I MOVE ON FROM CHICAGO SUNG BY CATHERINE ZETA JONES & RENEE ZELLWEGER

This was a new song for the film version of this Broadway hit that stars Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger as 2 opportunistic bitches in the entertainment industry. You can go ahead a minute or so before the song starts. This was composed by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb( lyrics). I like this film even though it stars Renee Zellweger whom I find annoying as hell.

2. LOSE YOURSELF FROM 8 MILE SUNG BY ENINEM

M & M stars in this flick with Kim Basinger as his mom. Meh, who cares. He plays a misunderstood teen from the wrong side of the tracks who gets to rap…ughh. This song became a huge hit that even I know it well. M & M, the green one, Jeff Bass and Luis Resto wrote this song.

3. GOLLUM’S SONG FROM LOTR:THE TWO TOWERS SUNG BY EMILIANA TORRINI

Never mind that I love these films but the music is outstanding and this song was originally written for Bjork to sing but she became pregnant and opted out so this Icelandic songstress stepped in. I think she did a great job that sounds haunting and cutting at the same time. This song, like the soundtrack, was written by Howard Shore. 

So, which one won the Oscar, which was nominated and which was was Cinderslut?

Thursday Movie Picks- Cinderella Plot Movies

 

The Cinderella theme is very popular in books and film all over the world. I, personally, love the original name of the Grimm Fairy Tale...Cinderslut. I’m not kidding...isn’t that great!? Wandering Through The Shelves has chosen a really good theme and I hope you like my 3 choices.

1.  SABRINA-1954

I spoke about this film before but I can’t pass this theme by without choosing this film and, besides, Audrey Hepburn just seemed to be a Cinderella. She is a chauffeur’s daughter who is sent away to Paris and comes back a swan. She catches the eye of playboy William Holden( who caught her eye off screen as they both had a torrid affair but when she found out he had a vasectomy, she stopped the affair because she really wanted children) who picks her up in town not knowing that is his family’s chauffeur’s daughter. He invites her to a fancy shindig his family is having still not realizing who she is but older brother, Humphrey Bogart does and prevents anything from happening much to Will and Audrey’s chagrin. Bogart decides to "woo” her because he feels she is after their money...wrong!  Little does he know that he is falling for this doe-eyed beauty. A great comedy romance even though Bogie was a disagreeable lout during filming who didn’t care for his co-stars. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and pairing of Hepburn and Hubert De Givenchy who designed most of her iconic gowns( not Edith Head).

2. THREE LITTLE NUTS FOR CINDERELLA-1973

This is a Czech film that is shown annually at Christmas in Europe because it takes place during winter. I saw it, repeatedly, on Sunday mornings, when I was young, on our CBC station and loved it. Cinderella is bullied by her stepmother but the stepmother only has one ugly daughter. Cinderella is a tomboy who can speak to the animals and when the stepmom tells her to separate lentils from the corn she has the help of white doves. This frees her up to enjoy riding her dad's stallion  especially when she meets up with the prince and his entourage. A worker, who is kind, tells Cinderella he will get her the first thing that hits him on the head and sure enough, 3 hazelnuts drop onto his head and he gives them to Cinderella. When the ball happens she talks to an owl and out from the nut comes a beautiful gown. Anyhoo, it is a really unique and different take on the theme. Actually, it's closer to the original than the Disney version.

3. EVER AFTER-1998

This is a charming take on the classic fairy tale tgat stars Drew Barrymore in the lead role and she never looked lovelier. Angelica Huston plays the wicked stepmother and there are 2 step sisters but one is not as mean as one would think. Drew meets up with the Prince but keeps her identity secret. There is nothing in the way of magic, just meeting Leonardo Da Vinci. It all comes to a head at the masquerade ball. The costumes are excellent and so is this story with a strong Cinderella just like in the 2nd film I spoke about. These 2 Cindersluts are anything but demure.

So, which 3 can you think of?

Love these Love Songs

 

Ok, Christmas is done but I thought it works to show how much we love each other. Valentine’s Day is next week and....meh....any day can be Valentine’s Day when you love someone so I am choosing 3 songs that I go all goo goo ga ga, batt my eyelashes and dream of my Prince Charming....Hugh Jackman. Hahahaaa sorry, honey. I’m joking on the Monday Moves Me even though I post on Wednesday. Enjoy my 3 songs that make me swoon.

1. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING SUNG BY GIORGIO TOZZI -1958

This is from the film version of South Pacific that starred Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi who is dubbed by Giorgio in this version. I love this musical,  by Rogers and Hammerstein, and when this song was sung, my little girl inside, sighed wishing to have someone sing that song to me. I just love this song and, I think, this is one of the best love songs ever created. It was originally sung by Ezio Pinza back in 1949 on Broadway with Mary Martin.

2. WITHOUT YOU SUNG BY HARRY NILSSON-1971

This song was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans from the British rock band, Badfinger. I had no idea until I looked it up. In fact, I love this song but didn't have a clue who sang it until I visited a fellow blogger, John from The Sound of One Hand Typing. Thank you for letting me know. I had no clue that this great singer died so young, age 52, from a heart attack.

3. FOR MY LADY SUNG BY RAY THOMAS- 1972

I believe I spoke about this beautiful song before, but I just love it. It's a song by The Moody Blues, one of my favourite bands and Ray Thomas is one of my favourite of this band. He created a great song and was the soul of the band  I believe.

So what love songs can you think of

Star of the Month

 

S. Z. SAKALL

BORN- February 2, 1883

DIED- February 12, 1955

AGED- 72 years

DIED FROM- Heart Attack

REAL NAME- Jakob Grunwald or Gero Jeno, Jacob Gero, Szoke Szakall

NICKNAME-Cuddles and Szoke Szakall meaning blond beard which he grew in his theatre days so he could look older.

MARRIED- twice to Giza Grossner and Anne Kardos

TALENT- Producer and writer and had his own production Company 

KNOWN FOR- his sweet-natured, befuddled uncle, grandfather, owner etc whom you just want to hug. He was 2nd only to one other man for his light Viennese romantic comedies. Known to always say " Everything is hunky dunky."

Most people have seen this great character actor but, like most character actors, we don’t know  their name. This loveable ham was given the nickname, “Cuddles” by, of all people, Jack Warner( some same it was Doris Day but I don’t think so) but S. Z. never cared for the nickname. He actually was a big name in Hungary, Vienna and Berlin not only for his acting, but also for his play writing. He was in WW1 but was bayoneted in the chest and was, obviously, invalided out. His star became bigger but, when Hitler came to power, he went back to Hungary since he was Jewish. When Hungary became part of that unholy axis back in 1940, he got the hell out of there and came over to Hollywood. He lost his 3 sisters, a niece plus his wife lost her brother and sister in the concentration camps. Cuddles hated the American food so his wonderful wife made the food he loved and brought it to him when he was on the set. She also was a known presence on the set often helping him learn his lines. . He was such a good scene stealer because of his befuddled ways and language  screw-ups that other actors got their egos up their asses. Alan Hale Snr( his son played the Skipper on Gilligan’s Island) really disliked the portly man because of his scene stealing ways. Sakall is one of my favourite actors and was in many musicals even though he couldn’t sing a note.

FILMS

1. That Night in Rio-1941

2. The Devil and Miss. Jones- 1941

3. Ball of Fire- 1941

4. Yankee Doodle Dandy- 1942

5. Casablanca- 1942

6. Christmas in Connecticut- 1945

7. Romance on the High Seas- 1948

8. My Dream is Yours - 1949

9. In the Good Old Summertime- 1949

10. The Student Prince- 1954

What I Watched in January

 

I might have posted this Harley pic before but don't you just love him? 

I watched quite a few flicks in January so here we go...

1. UNDERWORLD #4-2012

Vampire, Kate Beckinsale, in Emma Peel, catsuit, kicks some vampire and werewolf ass trying to save this hot dude who is a mix of vampire and werewolf. Fun and it has Bill Nighy...

2. THE FABLEMANS-2022

Oscar nominated film about Steven Spielberg's early life when he got involved with film and his family life. I felt like a voyeur and am not a Michelle Williams fan but it is good even though it's a bit long.

3. THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN-2022

Oscar nominated film with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as 2 friends who live on a remote island off the Irish coast back in 1923. Gleeson's character no longer wants to be friends with Farrell but Farrell can't accept this. Brilliantly acted and love the cinematography  but....I just can't....I thought this one major part in this film was just stupid. I won't give anything away but...really? Stupid. My hubby loved the movie.

4. TOP GUN: MAVERICK-2022

I had no desire to see this as I still don't care about the first one but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a fun movie with some great flying sequences that makes one dizzy. 

5. AIRPORT-1970

Get out the harvest gold shag carpeting for this action adventure with an all star cast lead by Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin. This started all the airport disaster flicks and disaster movies in general. I love the theme music and the acting is quite good especially Maureen Stapleton as the grieving wife. Helen Hayes won the Oscar for her conniving old lady who stows away on airplanes.

6. AIRPORT '77-1977

Another all star cast led by Jack Lemmon as the pilot of this large 747 owned by billionaire Jimmy Stewart. You have some big wigs on this flight heading for underwater disaster from Olivia DeHavilland, Joseph Cotton to Christopher Lee and Karen Black. Lee won a scuba diving medal for doing his own stunt. No surprise since he was in the OSS during WW2.

7. NOTES ON A SCANDAL-2006

Oh no you don't, Cate Blanchett! Don't get it on with a 17 yr old student....sigh. every boys' wet dream. Of course, repressed, gay Judi Dench witnesses the event. A difficult film but it is so well acted including Bill Nighy as Cate's husband who is 20 yrs older where she is 30 yrs older than her student.

8. ELYSIUM-2013

Earth sucks so the rich move into a huge beautiful space station that mimics sunny days with manicured lawns and these tanning beds that are actually healing beds for any disease. The majority of us live on the ugly planet called Earth but Matt Damon needs to get healed. Look for a bitch of a woman played by Jodie Foster who isn't that believable, to me. It's a fun flick.

9. MILDRED PIERCE- 2011

This was on HBO actually so could be TV but I stuck it here. Mildred has a gift for cooking and raising a nasty brat, Veda. Mildred gets that brat all she wants but it's never enough. Mildred makes it in the world with her restaurants  during the great depression, but Veda is always having her hand out. It's good and well acted but a bit long. Give me bitch Joan Crawford in the original film any day even though this is a worthy watch.

10. SURVIVOR-2015

Pierce Brosnan plays a real bad, bad man. He's a nasty killer for hire who tries to kill an operative, Milla Jovanovich when she survives a bombing that her fellow work people didn't. Now she's on the run to clear her name. It's nothing new but fun to watch.

11. SHATTERED-2007

Another Pierce film where he plays a baddie....well, this is quite the bender with family man, Gerard Butler who is thrown into a nightmare when his daughter is kidnapped by Pierce. He must do what Pierce wants in order to get his daughter back. Quite good, I thought, with some good twists and turns.

TV SHOWS

1. WEDNESDAY-2022

Brilliant! A must see!! The acting is great,  comedic but with dark turns and they have Gomez looking the part as he was meant to be. A great murder mystery with WEDNESDAY at the heart of it.

2. GREAT RIVER JOURNEYS-2021-2022

I would love to have a job where I travel to all these unique and not so unique places. This is a really nice short series, narrated by Bill Nighy, where you are taken to all sorts of beautiful countries, even North America...sorry, I had to say that for fun. I'd love to do these trips. 

3. DIGGING FOR BRITAIN-2010-PRESENT

We follow Dr. Alice Roberts as she travels all over Britain finding out about new findings in the archeological world. We see how they found Richard the 3rd in a parking lot to a beautiful mosaic in a field. I always dreamed of participating in a dig but now, there is no way I could kneel for hours.. bummer... so I watch others do it. 

What did you watch last month?

Thursday Movie Picks-Travel Romance

 

Wandering Through The Shelves  loves romance so each week there will be something about romance. Who says romance is dead! It's all about travel this week snd there is a wealth of travel films. Most of us have had some travel romance whether it be a one night stand in the sand where one is scraping sand out of....um....well you know or romance with your spouse, we all have been there at least once. Even if you travel 20 minutes away, it's still travel. Ok, so decided to go for a cruise...romance on the high seas. I am not choosing the Love Bost sinking aka Titanic from 1997. I am going in other directions...

1. ONE WAY PASSAGE- 1932

I haven't seen this in a long time but it stars William Powell and Kay Francis ( at the height of her career and a once, very famous and voted best dressed star of that time) who meet on a cruise ship and fall in love neither one knowing their dark and sad secret. Its a short film and an early talkie but there is something about this weepie that makes me want to see it again. I'm usually not a romance movie gal but this one I like even though it's an early talkie but that never bothers me.

2. DODSWORTH 1936

This is an intelligent film that is not only a romance film but one about marriage with actors who are not 22 years old. Walter Huston is a married millionaire, married to Ruth Chatterton, who wants to take a cruise to Europe. They set sail where she starts to flirt with some young dudes. He meets a divorced lady, played by Mary Astor, and falls in love with her. It sounds simple but this is a well written story that ages well to this day. It is an excellent film about love, marriage and loss. During the making of this film, Mary Astor was going through a bitter, nasty divorce and custody battle where her diaries about her sexual escapades became public knowledge. She was living in her trailer for the time she made this film. 

3. NOW, VOYAGER-1942

The music is famous, Betty Davis was at her peak, having a cigarette became very sensual( believe it or not) and sharing a sleeping bag got passed the censors. Bette plays a homely woman who lives under the thumb of her nasty mother. She is sent to a sanitarium run by Claude Rains who is a sympathetic psychiatrist who helps Bette overcome her own issues and bloom. Bette ends up on a ship traveling to South America where she meets the dashing Paul Henreid. When he lights 2 cigarettes in his mouth and gives one to her, she is in love. It is a Supreme woman's picture depicting a woman overcoming so much to blossom and find romance. Again, well acted with more to it than just a romance and worth the final smaltzy last words...those words always makes me sigh...lol.

Which travel romance films can you think of?

Different Musical Instruments

 

I do love unique musical instruments which often play in folk music from different countries...now don’t run away, I promise this won’t be bad. Ok, to me, I think these songs are great and are my favourites, of many, but I love these songs ...that they come from films is purely coincidental. I'm joining Monday Music Moves Me because I get moving on Wednesday:). The hostess is Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, a beautiful lady who loves music and more.

1.  THE THIRD MAN THEME BY ANTON KARAS-1949

I love the zither which is a standard instrument in many folk songs from Germany and Austria. This composer was found by Carol Reed, the director of "The Third Man”, playing in a small cafe in Austria and asked him if he could come up with a song for his film. The result is this very famous song also known as the Harry Lime theme. Yes, I do have a few CDs featuring this instrument.

2. ZORBA’S DANCE BY MIKIS THEODORAKIS-1964

This piece has become world famous and is played at just about every tourist Greek tavern and Folk dance  routine you can imagine but I love it. It is performed by the bouzouki, a unique looking stringed instrument. 

3.  LARA’S THEME BY MAURICE JARRE-1965

This is another beautiful theme song that we all know even if we have not seen the film( which is also excellent). Of course we hear other instruments but the balalaika takes centre stage. My mom loved this theme song and this was her favourite film. 

I love the music thst comes from crystal glasses, the banjo, many other pieces of music with different instruments. Which songs can you think of that have different instruments played in it.

Thursday Movie Picks:TV Picks-2022 Freshman Series

 

Wandering Through The Shelves has decided to do the TV edition each month and this is about the new TV shows from 2022. I have to admit, I have not seen many but was surprised that I could pick 3. Here they are...

1. WEDNESDAY 

I have only been able to see this brilliant series due to my ex sending me the series through One. He sends them to me via Messenger and I was not really expecting to be like everyone else and love it...but I do! Jenny Ortega, who is 20 but looks 15, plays the titular character and she does it par excellence. She is sent to a school of outcasts where, she is still an outcast but doesn’t give a rat’s ass. Thing is sent to watch her and report back to her parents but she finds Thing pretty much right away. I love the character of Thing. Strange that a hand can show emotion and become one of my favourites in this series. I also love her perky werewolf roommate who loves to hug. Did I mention there are horrible murders going on and Wednesday wants to find out who is the killer. It’s grusome but also very funny and Wednesday’s dance, which Ortega made up, has become a sensation. I can’t wait for the 2nd season

2. INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

I love the books and this series does stray from the books but still holds onto the meat of the story. It starts with an freakishly close sounding and looking Anthony Bourdain journalist interviewing Louis, in Dubai, about his life. It is a continuation from their first time they met, but the journalist is not as innocent as he used to be and has no problem asking tough questions. We meet Louis as a business owner in New Orleans who has a mother, sister and brother. He meets Lestat who talks freely and knows how to put on the charms but also gets himself in trouble with his no hozlds barred mouth. They love women...and each other even when Lestat makes Louis a vampire and Louis distances himself from his family. It is well acted by the leads and it is lush looking with great costumes. It’s worth a good look.

3. STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS

I do love Star Trek and this series is a cut above bringing back the old episodic style where the episode starts and ends in that one hour. It’s not like a soap opera style which is refreshing and the cast is well done  but I only know of Rebecca Romijn of Blue Mystique fame  from The X-Men franchise.  This Star Trek is about the adventures of Captain Pike, Spock and his #1 played by Rebecca.  And it is well played out. Now, Rebecca needs to stick with this and not that New Real Love Boat crap she did with her husband...dreck. no, I only saw the commercials for it and that's enough.

What new shows have you seen?