Eerie Music From TV Shows

 

It’s freebie week for Monday Music Moves Me and I went TV Themes. There have been a lot of scary TV shows over the decades…I mean, a lot! I was checking out all the T. V. shows that are supposed to be scary and I’m surprised at how many there have been and how few show up on TV except for The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The X Files and the gazillion Walking Dead shows ( just go to your local mall and you can view the zombies there). I didn’t want to choose the most famous music from these TV Shows and decided on ones that I love, but don’t get the love they deserve.

1. THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR-2020

I received this and The Haunting Of Hill House for Christmas and both mini series are excellent and very, very eerie. This mini series is based on The Turn of the Screw that was made into a brilliant film starring Deborah Kerr ( The Innocents) and the actors seem to be favourites of the creator, Mike Flanagan whom he uses in his other anthology mini series, “ The Haunting of Hill House”.  The music is very eerie and is used to great effect throughout this limited series. This music was created by The Nelson Bros. 

2. DARK SHADOWS-1966-1971

Ok, the original series has become a cult classic that starred Jonathan Frid as the tortured vampire Barnabas who returns to his home after escaping from his coffin. The family are odd in so many ways and supernatural elements follow them. What’s fun is this was a soap opera on ABC and it starred one the best film stars from the 30s, 40s and 50s, Joan Bennet. The music was composed by Robert Cobert 

3. FOREVER KNIGHT-1992-1996

This is a Canadian show that I love and have the full series. It stars Geraint Wyn-Davies as the tormented vampire who plays a detective and can often relate the crimes to his long past as a vampire. You learn about his philosophy along with his cohorts, Janette and Lucien the latter played by Nigel Bennett who, often, steals the show, as the vampire villain you love. Nick wants to become mortal again and, along with the pretty mortician, who shares a mutual attraction with the vampire, tries to come up with the “cure” to make Nick mortal. The music is eerie and mystical and was written by Fred Mollin.

Which TV music do you feel is eerie?

The Devil Made Me Do It

 

Yup, it’s spooky month but I am opting for this week and next for spooky times and what better way than to go the way of the devil. When I was a kid, I made my parents laugh  when, at the dinner table, I did something( what? I have no idea) and when my mom asked me why, I said, “The devil made me do it.” My parents were surprised by that and started to laugh and I felt good. Too good, because I overused this sentence and I did not get away with it which was a bummer. This just shows how the devil can rule us or not. I am choosing 2 films very well known and one old one but a gem that more should see. Here are my picks…

1. FAUST - 1926

I watched this film about 9 months ago and was blown away by the phenomenal direction, camerawork and acting. You have an old alchemist who wishes he could  stop the plague. Of course, you know who  ends up in front of Faust allowing him to end the plague, but for a price. When Faust agrees, he is made young by the devil, but must give up his soul once the day is done. Obviously, there is a love interest and Faust falls in love and she with him but that damn devil keeps getting in the way. Emil Jannings plays the devil and grabs the scenery in every scene but to great aplumb. The style of this film, the costumes and the brilliant photography, by Carl Hoffmann, is all orchestrated by the great director F. W. Murnau and is a must see.

2. THE OMEN-1976

Omen…Exorcist…Omen…Exorcist….I’m going with The Omen. This film still freaks me out in just about every scene and stars Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as a loving couple who are going to have  baby. He is an ambassador to London and strange events start to happen, mainly weird and freakish deaths all relating back to their sweet 5 yr old boy, Damien who is the Devil’s spawn. A priest tries to warn Peck bout his son and is rewarded by being speared to death. A photographer, played the great David Warner, notices that his photos showcase the death before it happens. Peck and Warner team up to find out what is going on and they find out, but is it too late? This is one film that still gives me the utter creeps and I still have nightmares from this film. I’m surprised that Gregory Peck starred in this film, but that was a good ploy since he was and is considered a heroic, good man that always wins in the end. You have scary dogs, a freaky nanny and a boy that plays the devil’s spawn really well.

3. CROSSROADS-1986

If you can find this gem of a film, watch it! I’m surprised this stars Ralph Macchio as a classical guitarist from Juilliard who has a fascination with blues music. He starts to investigate the life of famed Robert Johnson who, legend says, he sold his soul to the devil to gain his artistry in the blues. From there he finds a man who knew Johnson, Willie Brown, who is in prison but denies that he is Willie until he hears the kid play. He tells him he will help him find this crossroads but the kid must break him out of prison. Once he does, they end up on an adventure which provides the soul the kid needs when he plays the music. The kid finds out that Willie did sell his soul to the Devil and now, both of them are at the mercy of the Devil unless the kid can outplay the Devil’s best musical champion. If you love blues music, this is a must see film not only for. Great plot devised from a legendary story, but also the music which has its own character. I need to find this film on DVD and own it, but, I promise, not to sell my soul to the devil.

What devil movies can you think of?

Spooky Songs

 

Another crazy week with the normal zoo of work and my friend but my dear friend from Vancouver came down to visit me, Thursday evening and left this morning and it was a very busy, but very, very fun time. He is an active man that needs to go for his walks…an older friend of his calls it an airing which I love. I chased him out each morning for his airing..lol. On Saturday, we travelled to Elora, a pretty little town that is known for its Elora Gorge, but the month of October, they have “Spooky Month” with art pieces all around the town along with Ghost Walks and a “Monster Mash” in the evening which we didn’t see since it was at night and we were tired. Check out the other scary tunes over at Monday Music Moves Me and here are my 3..

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

This song, written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, had Judy Garland in mind when composing this famous song. We know it, mostly, by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe ( from the film, “Bus Stop”), but I wanted Judy since it was written for her voice.

2. NIGHTMARE BY ARTIE SHAW-1938

Artie Shaw composed this piece in 1936, but this is a recording from 2 years later. It’s quite moody, I think, with his clarinet playing.

3. WITCHCRAFT SUNG BY FRANK SINATRA-1961

I chose Ole’ Blue Eyes for this famous song since it is one of his many signature tunes and, I thought, he needs to be showcased here. This song was written by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, and sung by many musical stars over the decades. 

Which spooky songs can you think of?

Baseball Fever

 

What can I say except, I hope the Blue Jays win…but I doubt it. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think so. This made me think about America’s pastime and the many films  made about this sport. My brother loves baseball and has played baseball in 7 decades only stopping because his knees have given out ( he has to go for knee replacements). He has collected an immense array of baseball cards and is an expert on the value of baseball cards plus so much more. There are some major baseball films I still have to see-“ Pride of the Yankees”, “the Stratton Story”, “The Natural” and “Damn Yankees” plus more but I have chosen 3 that, I hope, I have not spoken bout before, but I could be wrong…lol.

1. FIELD OF DREAMS-1989

This is a very famous film now and I would consider it a classic which is rare for me since classics come from the early 60s back to the early 30s. This film is written and directed in a way that make a person believe  in themselves and in hope and faith. Kevin Costner is a farmer  who hears voices coming from his  cornfield, so builds a baseball diamond because, well, this will bring great sports men from the beyond to play ball. Everyone, including his wife, thinks he’s nuts but he keeps building things up and then takes off to find Darth Vader..er… Darth Vader’s voice, namely James Earl Jones who is a reclusive writer who hears the voices as well. They pick up an old Doctor, Burt Lancaster, who coulda been a contender, and they head back to the cornfield. This is an enchanting film that makes you believe in the common basics of human dignity, second chances and faith. It’s called a Capraesque film and I agree since you are left with a smile on your face and a belief in what we can’t see but we know it is there.

2. A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN-1992

I do love this film based on a true story about the women’s league in baseball during World War 2. Geena Davis plays the lead baseball gal who shows real promise as a player. Her sister, also talented, has some major jealousy issues as her sister gets a lot of press. Tom Hanks plays the old baseball great, once great, who is an alcoholic, doesn’t care about life and is now saddled as the coach of these young women who want to play ball. You have Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna who really make a great team as friends on the team. I love the other gals who shine in their roles as a mom with the most irritating brat to a “wallflower”   Aka ugly gal, who is a great ball player. It is fun, sad and endearing. Quick note, my brother met some of the actual ladies who were part of the women’s league which is very cool.

3. 42-2013

Chadwick Boseman, man, I miss this actor, plays Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player hired to play in the major leagues but must contend with the disgusting prejudice that he had to endure from the higher ups, the fans and his fellow players. Chadwick Boseman deserved all the accolades and Harrison Ford is excellent as his manager who believes in him and what he stands for. This is more than just a baseball film, it’s a film about a heroic man who set the way for Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and many others to make the big leagues. What this man faced shows how much strength he endured but with dignity despite the anger he felt and had to endure. 

What baseball films have you seen?

Who Won Best Song-1996

 

Well, it’s still a shit show with my friend who had to call the cops, again, on her ex, since he came with a UHaul and started taking her old furniture which he always belittled. She got a protection order yesterday which will prevent him from coming into the home when she is not there and can be arrested. The 2 daughters seem to be “coming around” and apologized for their actions last week. They are entitled brats but I do love them. Thanksgiving Monday I spent the day helping her move stuff out and to just be there since I can’t really lift or do much of anything. My friend is seeing her lawyer today and now I pray this house sells! 

Now onto the show! Monday Music Moves Me is Freebie week and I am talking about which song won Best Oscar for 1997, let’s see if you can guess which won, which was nominated and which song got nuttin’!

1. I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE SUNG BY BARBRA STREISAND 

Babs was a powerhouse becoming, not only a diva chanteuse and actress, but producer and director. This song comes from the film, “The Mirror Has Two Faces”  and was written by her and Canadian icon, Bryan Adams.  This song has been covered by many singers over the years.

2. I BELIEVE I CAN FLY SUNG BY R. KELLY

This is a song written and sung by R. Kelly for the film, “Space Jam”  that stars Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang along with Michael Jordan who are trying to save the world via a basketball gang. This song became a huge hit.

3. YOU MUST LOVE ME SUNG BY MADONNA

Madonna was at her best in the 1990s breaking out into movies with mixed reviews but she did really well in the Broadway hit made into a hit film, “Evita” . She played Eva Peron who is, to this day, revered by the people of Argentina. She was the poor woman who became an actress and, finally, the First Lady to the corrupt President, Juan Peron. Antonio Banderas played the revolutionary, Che Guevara, who is great in this film, by the way. This song was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

So..which song won, which was nominated and which song got nuttin’?

Best Actress-1940

 

Ughhh…my poor friend continues to get slammed by crap from every side. Now her children treated her horribly yesterday taking her out of an important meeting at work scaring her and when she got home, laughing  and saying she got punked. Her idiot estranged husband, came in and took more things including a small cabinet that belonged to her parents. It is one of the few things she had from her dad, but the jerk took it. I pleaded with her to get the U-Haul truck for tomorrow, my hubby will drive it and get. Her stuff out of there because he will take her bed, her clothes and whatever else he can grab just in spite. I am very upset for her and very disappointed in her girls. I’m crazy at work and blah blah blah. I do enjoy writing here but I can’t find the time to read and comment. I am sorry.

Ok, enough of that, I am choosing all the way back to 1940 when you had some strong women up for best actress like Bette Davis for “The Letter”, but you also had miss nervous, irrigating Joan Fontaine in “Rebecca”. Here are 3 ladies, one who won, one nominated and one not nominated but should have won.

1. ROSALIND RUSSELL IN HIS GIRL FRIDAY

This film is one rapid fire, non stop, hilarious, with some serious undertones, film that stars Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell as 2 newspapermen ( yes, I use this on purpose) who used to be married but are now divorced with the Russell character leaving the newspaper business to marry a nice Ralph Bellamy ( who handles himself with great aplumb and hold himself well up against these 2 firecrackers) who will never have a chance. Grant will pull all the stops to keep her with his newspaper bringing back into the fray of a stellar story involving a man who escapes custody claiming he is innocent. The dialogue never stops with most characters talking over other characters. This mayhem is conducted by the great director, Howard Hawks. Rosalind Russell is a powerhouse who can hold her own and overtake the acting of Grant and the many character actors. She never loses her femininity and you wonder how she could memorize all that dialogue but, I read, that she and Grant were allowed to adlib. I think she deserved the award but was not even nominated.

2. KATHERINE HEPBURN IN THE PHILADELPHIA STORY

Katherine Hepburn was excellent as the haughty Tracy Lord who comes from the rich, elite society planning to marry a man who is as exciting as the colour taupe. Her ex husband, played to great delight, by Cary Grant, crashes the big party and you have the reporter and his camera lady played with much glee by James Stewart who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and Ruth Hussey is the fellow reporter who loves the big lug. It is sophisticated and quite a funny screwball type of comedy. Hepburn played Tracy on stage and made sure she had the rights to making this film. She wanted Spencer Tracy for the role of her ex husband but she got Grant and she made sure she got Stewart as the cynical newspaper guy. She shines in this role and is equal parts, rich bitch, romantic girl, ditzy nut and quite beautiful. She earned the nomination and, if Rosalind didn’t give such a great powerhouse performance as Hildy, Kate would have received my vote as the best actress.

3. GINGER ROGERS IN KITTY FOYLE

Ginger Rogers got rid of her blond look and stopped dancing to appear in this drama about a honest working girl from the poor side of town who meets up with an upscale man who launches his own magazine, using his family’s money ( hmm JFK Jr. anyone?). Of course, his family is not into their son falling for this lower class gal. She ends up leaving and going to NYC meeting up with a good but poor doctor. Hmm, who will win her over?? This plot seems to be pretty basic but Ginger’s performance elevates this film but, I don’t think she deserved the Oscar. Looking at these 3 now, you wonder how the industry can get this so wrong but  maybe Katherine would have won if only she donned. Blonde wig. 

Well, time to go to bed, but do you agree or would you choose someone else for another role that  does not get the love it should? 

Is It Autumn?

 

Over at Monday Music Moves Me,  it’s all about music representing Autumn and I was close to showcasing Vivaldi’s Autumn from his 4 Seasons suite but I wanted to  have music from some greats in  musical jazz. Here are my 3…

1. AUTUMN LEAVES SUNG BY EVA CASSIDY-2023

This song was written by Johnny Mercer ( the English version as Jacques Prevert created the original French version) with music by Joseph Kosma in 1945. It has been sung by many famous people over the years but I chose this version by Eva Cassidy who died in 1996, at the young age of 33 from cancer. She went unknown until recently and her songs have been remastered and has found fame almost 30 years after her death. She has a great voice unlike Diana Krall..ughhh…I just don’t get her. 

2. SHINE ON, HARVEST MOON SUNG BY LEON REDBONE-1976

I do like Leon Redbone’s unique voice and take on this old classic  written for the Ziegfeld Follies in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes who starred in the show way back then. There have been many versions sung and a film was made with the same title, back in 1944.

3. WHEN OCTOBER GOES SUNG BY ROSEMARY CLOONEY-1987

This song was written by Johnny Mercer but could not complete it due to ill health. After he died, his wife gave this song to Barry Manilow since Mercer and Manilow were good friends. Manilow created the music for it in 1984 and it went off from there. Rosemary Clooney sang it, more than once and, I believe, this version comes from 1987..I think. 

What songs about Autumn can you think of?

Star Of The Month- Alistair Sim

 

ALISTAIR SIM

BIRTH: October 9, 1900

DEATH: August 19, 1976

AGED: 75 years

DIED FROM: Cancer

MARRIED: Naomi Plaskitt from 1932 to 1976 ( his death)

CHILDREN: A daughter

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:  None!!

TALENT: his perfect diction. After seeing Sim in a stage play, Alec Guinness, used Sim’s diction and language style when he played the lead in “The Ladykillers”.

KNOWN FOR: His need for privacy. His good heart for children and teens opening up their home to help delinquent boys. His love of theatre and his love of language.

We all know this man from his, justifiably, most famous role as Ebeneezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”, but this man embodied so much more as an actor. He was greatest in comedic roles, but he could act in anything and was equally adept on the stage as on screen. He fell into acting later in the game but he made the most of it. Before his acting gig, he taught elocution since he always loved language and he became the Rector at Edinburgh University which he was most proud of. 

He met his wife when he started a drama school for children, she was ..um…12. With her mom’s permission, she became Alistair’s secretary before marrying him when she turned 18. Despite the ewww feeling this brings on, their marriage was a very happy and monogamous one. They opened up their home to delinquent teen boys helping them out of their dismal predicaments, finding a much better path. One such boy was George Cole who played the 20 something Scrooge in the famous film. George Cole always praised both and considered Alistair his mentor.

This man very, very rarely, gave interviews, never gave autographs and declined a knighthood because it would take away from his privacy! He was a man who loved language and diction teaching elocution in University and to many boys, like George Cole, who wanted to get rid of his Cockney accent. Boy! Do we need this man now considering how poorly kids speak today. He was a great actor, loved his wife and tried to help  many children with the gift of language, elocution and acting. He is one of my favourites and I need to see more of his films. 

FILMS - (Most favourite to films I still need to see)

1. A Christmas Carol-1951

2. Happiest Days Of Your Life-1950

3. Green For Danger-1946

4. The Belles of St. Trinian’s-1954

5. Laughters In Paradise-1951

6. An Inspector Calls-1954

7. Rogue Male-1976( his last role)

8. Stage Fright-1950

9. Blue Murder at St. Trinian’s-1957

10. Escapade-1955

P.S. I want to apologize, yet again, for not responding to your comments. I red them all and love them. I mark down films you have seen and I still need to. To be honest, I feel very drained when I come home from work and my brain is fried. I have been helping my friend who is in a horrible situation, although it seems unusually quiet right now plus I have been very, very tired. I have been falling asleep while at work, while writing, typing and even speaking! This is not good. I am dealing with my constant pain but I should not be this tired. I am not dealing with sleep apnea so the Dr figures it’s a bit of narcolepsy. I am going to try melatonin and ask my doc if that is aok to try. So, I do apologize and want to comment. I love all of your blogs and read them even if I don’t comment. 

Nasty Abusive Bastards

 

Yes, I’m a so late writing this and, yup, I’m continuing the theme from yesterday. FYI…my friend’s soon to be ex did leave the house and did sign the document to sell the home. Now, let’s hope he doesn’t stall the selling of the home. Anyway, here are 3 pics of Nasty husbands and I am still not choosing the great film, starring Ingrid Bergman, “Gaslight” because it’s a perfect fit.

1. LES DIABOLIQUES-1955

Skip the horrid remake with Sharon Stone and watch this gem that stars Vera Clouzot as the abused wife of the he’d master in an all boys’ school. Another teacher, played by Simone Signoret, is having an affair with the jerk, but both women have had enough with the a-hole. They devise a plot to murder the husband even though Vera is not happy taking such a drastic step but she can’t take the abuse any longer. Once the deed is done, they feel free…until Vera starts to see her husband and thinks she is going insane. This is one of the best thrillers I have ever seen and, even though it is a French film, it is worth every minute. Sadly, Vera Clouzot died of a sudden heart attack just short of her 47th birthday in 1960.

2. SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY-1991

This film stars Julia Roberts, when she was hitting it big in Hollywood, when she stars as an abused wife to a very, very rich man, who has no idea how to leave this horrid jerk until she figures out a way to stage her own death. She ends up in a small town that is just so pretty especially in the Fall trying to keep to herself but soon falls for the gentle and good man who happens to be a school teacher. Does her nasty, rich, scumbag husband figure out that she is not quite dead yet? This isn’t a bad movie even though it is formulaic but Patrick Bergin shines as the narcissistic jerk who can’t let go.

3. THE GIFT-2000

Cate Blanchett plays a poor, widowed mom with 3 kids who has the gift of seeing people’s futures. Yes, we have a bit of the fantasy element here which really is integral to the plot of the film. There is the death of a young woman who seemed to love sleeping with every man in that small town. Keanu Reeves(yup, nice Keanu) plays an extremely abusive lout who beats his wife, played by Hilary Swank, and threatens Cate because she told Hilary to leave the a-hole. This is a gem of a film that is a thriller, a mystery and a fantasy but it all works. The acting is superb and Keanu shines as this extremely, frightening lout with nothing redeeming about him. A worthy look.

Lastly, 

ANN MILLER IN EASTER PARADE(1948)

Why am I showing this famous dance number starring the wondrous, Ann Miller? Ann Miller was married to Reese Milner, a steel millionaire, and pregnant, when he beat her up and threw her down the stairs breaking her back and resulting in early labour. She gave birth to a daughter that died shortly afterwards an, to top it off, she could no longer have children. During this number, she had to wear a back brace and was in incredible pain due to the abuse. Ever the professional, she danced on creating this famous number. I hope you watch this knowing what she endured.

So, which films can you think of dealing with abused women?

For My Friend

 

My dear friend hates confrontation and wants nothing but the best for most people so it took a lot to finally speak up to her ugly husband and say a separation is what is needed. Almost a year went by, still living in the same household but living separate lives, when they each sign the separation agreement. She is meeting up with friends she hasn’t seen in years but her mentally unstable soon to be ex husband wonders why she won’t cook for him and perform her “wifely duties.” Yup, he actually said that to her. She had to remind him that they are officially separated for over a year but when he found out that she reconnected with an old boyfriend, his temper went through the roof!! This past Sunday, she called me terrified as I heard him scream at her calling her everything disgusting you can think of. She told me he spat on her and I was scared for her so I called the police. He told me I was a disgusting old looking bitch and told me the info the cops needed. When I got to the house, the cops were there and he was full of anger making himself sound like he was the hurt party. He told me off and said that I’m not welcome and he will charge me with trespassing but the cops told him it is a matrimonial home and I am welcome if his wife wants me there which she does. I just was smiling as he ranted like a nutbar, and then I yawned. I got my friend to come with me ( and  the cops told her it is in her best interest to be away from him) and brought her to her mom’s place. She ended up throwing up and throwing up…the poor thing, but, I think, she needed this to find her strength. He has been emotionally and mentally abusive to her for years and she finally is breaking free. I don’t like her staying there but she does have a lock on her bedroom door and yesterday and today, her sister was with her. Thankfully, he signed the form in order to sell the house and now we shall see how things go. I went on and on. I am showcasing 3 songs for her and am part of the Monday Music Moves Me where it is freebie week.

1. YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE SUNG BY KATHERINE JENKINS-2016

I love Katherine Jenkins who just sings like an angel and this is one of my favourite Rogers and Hammerstein songs from the musical Carousel. It is very uplifting and a song I listen to when I feel I’m in a funk.

2. RESPECT SUNG BY ARETHA FRANKLIN IN 1967

I love this song by Aretha Franklin and, I believe, it’s what we all need when dealing with a bully. I had no idea this was an Otis Redding song because Aretha makes this her own.

3. I WILL SURVIVE SUNG BY GLORIA GAYNOR IN 1978

Here is an iconic disco song about women who think they can never do it, whatever it is. She sings this with such conviction and fun. I love this song  and hope it does right by my friend. She is beautiful and hope my friend knows she will triumph.  

What song goes with your life  right now?

Anniversary Card

 

Double D- Create Your Own Background 

Four Seasons- Fall Image 

Inkspirational Challenge-Trees

Inspiration Station- Fall Image 

Hubby and I have been together for 19 years! Our Anniversary is September 16th  and, I believe, most of my friends thought it would not last. We’ve been through job loss, mayhem with my mom, the dementia of my mom, death, car accident, pet deaths, major costs, major health issues and we are stronger now than ever. 

I created this card for him creating the background using colour bursts. I sprinkled some coloured dust in yellow, green and red onto watercolour paper. I spritzed water onto the card and the colours burst forth. It’s really cool to see. Once it was dry, I stamped the trees in black and glued the backings, finally adding the saying.

He loved the card!

Children With Their Mom or Dad

 

Daughters come in all shapes and sizes and so do their parents. I decided to take the daughters and find their inner blossom. No, no get your head out of the gutter, they change from plain into a swan with either the help or against their parent. Here are my 3..

1. NOW, VOYAGER-1942

Poor Bette Davis is a nervous, plain Jane daughter of a viper of a mom, played with great evil by Gladys Cooper. When we meet poor Bette, she is a beaten down woman who cannot escape the caustic diatribes of her mom until she is sent to a care facility. Under the careful, gentle guidance of head psychiatrist, played, as always, with great aplomb, by Claude Rains, she shines and finds her true self. She takes a cruise and meets Hubba Hubba Paul Henreid where they begin a sensual love affair. We know this because he lights 2 cigarettes and hands her one..a huge sensual innuendo that made many women swoon, not to mention they have to share a sleeping bag. The true test comes when she finally comes home to meet back up with her mamma who does not approve. It is a romantic film not just because of the love affair but because of the romance Bette finds within herself and how she comes to find her destiny in helping a smaller version of herself. It’s a great film with a great score by Max Steiner.

2. SABRINA-1954

I just rewatched this enchanting tale that stars the exquisite Audrey Hepburn who is the daughter of the chauffeur dad played by John Williams, a prolific character actor that we know the face but not the name. When we meet Sabrina, she is a sweet girl in bare feet ( you actually see how big Audrey’s feet really are!) who longs to be part of of the party atmosphere of her dad’s employer specifically, in the arms of playboy William Holden ( in fact, they had a very intense love affair and he was planning to divorce his wife but when she spoke about having children, he crushed her dreams because he had a vasectomy. She ended the affair but Holden always carried a torch for her). Her dad was able to save money and invest wisely, by listening in on his employer’s stock tips, to send his daughter to Paris to become a chef. 2 years later, she returns and , boy, does she return dressed to kill in a very chic ensemble complete with toy poodle. Holden sees this lady and stops his little sports car offering to take her home not realizing this is the girl of the chauffeur. He invites her to another party his parents routinely give. She appears in an outstanding gown and is noticed by every man there but she only has eyes for playboy Holden. She is so excited when he asks her to meet him at his usual seduction place but is very disappointed when his older, all business brother appears in the form of Humphrey Bogart. Bogie decides to “woo” her to stop this romantic liaison between her and his brother because the family needs him to marry the daughter of some gazillionaire for business reasons. Audrey enchants as she wears one great dress to another and, although the costumes were designed by Edith Head, this is when Hepburn met Hubert De Givenchy who did design the iconic gowns including the little black dress. Hepburn rarely wore any other gowns after this and had a beautiful friendship with the designer until her early death, from cancer in 1993. This is a fun film by Billy Wilder even though Bogart seems a little too old for the role.

3. GYPSY-1962

Natalie Wood is the plain daughter to a stage mom to end all stage moms, played by the brilliant Rosalind Russell. Russell doesn’t think too much about Wood because she puts all her efforts into blond top-billed Baby June ( as in June Havoc who was a good actress in her day) during the heyday of Vaudeville. When Baby June leaves the act to elope with her boyfriend to escape the overbearing clutches of her mom, mom is devastated not thinking she has another daughter that will blow her socks off. Wood develops into a vavavoom siren but she doesn’t know it. Her mom, still wanting to be famous, reaches a new low by offering Louise as a stripper at the burlesque theatre. Louise goes on stage, reluctantly, and appears awkward but, somehow, she finds her confidence and wows the crowd after taking off one glove. Before you can say, 1st rate stripper, Louise becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, the most famous stripper ever, and finally stands up to her domineering mom. This is based on a true story from the book Gypsy Rose Lee wrote, becoming a famous play and musical.

What parent/daughter films can you think of? Any where the daughter blossoms under their guidance or against it?

Dear Diary

 

This week on Monday Music Moves Me, it’s about dear diary…not diarrhea which is what I have written about regarding past loves and sad times I have been through. To be honest, I don’t keep a diary…too much work but I did keep a travel diary every time I went on vacation especially when I went to Europe so here are my diary choices…

1. IF IT’S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE BELGIUM SUNG BY BOJOURA-1969

I love the movie about group of American tourists who travel across Europe where they must follow the umbrella, deal with a variety of complications including a teen who hates being there ( I thought the girl was stupid, and still think so) until she meets up with the cool hippies listening to Donovan. Donovan wrote this song and it was sung by J P Rags in the film but I chose this lady who was big in the 60s and 70s.

2. TWO FOR THE ROAD THEME BY HENRY MANCINI-1967

Henry Mancini, a great musician and composer, considered this piece his favourite. This is from a great European road picture starring Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finley which takes you throughout Europe from the time the couple meet to when they are less than enchanted with each other.  

3. VIENNA SUNG BY BILLY JOEL-1977

I have been to Vienna more than twice and I wish to go back, over and over and over again. I love that city and know I have only seen a small part of it. In fact I could rhyme off more things I have not seen than what I have which means I must go back. I love St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is a brilliant piece of gothic architecture plus I love walking around this musical city where the greats such as Beethoven and Mozart both lived. 

Time to get back to Europe…one day….one day…

Films of Robert Redford

 

Robert Redford just died  on the 16th of September at the age of 89 and it really affected me because he is one of the last of the giants of the big screen even though he is from the modern era. I’m changing this up just a bit because I can’t  just choose 3…. I tried, but I couldn’t and I am choosing more than 3 going from my favourite on down and will not give a synopsis. There are some famous films he made that I have yet to see like, “All The President’s Men” so I won’t showcase some famous films he did make. You can let me know which ones I should watch in your comments. Here we go…

1. THE STING-1973

2. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID-1969

3. JEREMIAH JOHNSON-1972

4. BAREFOOT IN THE PARK-1967

5. THE GREAT WALDO PEPPER-1975

6. THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN-1979

7. THE HORSE WHISPERER-1998

8. THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR-1975

9. BRUBAKER-1980

10. THE GREAT GATSBY-1974

You can see there are some major omissions because I have not seen them yet. Redford started the Sundance Festival in his home state of Utah but he was prolific behind the scenes as well as a Producer and Director. He won an Oscar for “Ordinary People” a film I still need to see. I noticed that I really like his directing style and here are 3 films I love…

1. THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR-1988

2. QUIZ SHOW-1994

3. A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT-1992

If you watch all these trailers…thank you!!  We lost a great one this week and I bow my head to this classic gentleman.

Who Won Best Song-1973

 

I'm writing this late, again, but I just heard that Robert Redford died. I'm in shock because I thought he would keep going well into his 90s. He looked boyish most of his life which just makes it even more shocking. He was someone who believed in film creating the Sundance Film festival and directing many films winning an Oscar for “Ordinary People”. I love his films he directed and produced because they were quiet films that spoke volumes but in hushed tones like “The Milagro Beanfield War”, one of my favorites. On with the music where I am choosing 3 songs, one that won the Oscar, one that was nominated and one that received 0 love. Let's see if you can choose the right way…

1. HOOKER'S HOOKER BY MARVIN HAMLISCH

Tis is a great film with a great soundtrack famous for the Scott Joplin tunes that became famous again because of this film. Marvin Hamlisch created some original works for this film and this is one of them evoking the Jazz style of that time.

2. YOU'RE SO NICE TO BE AROUND SUNG BY PAUL WILLIAMS

Has anyone seen “Smokey and the Bandit?” You see a short, freaky blond guy early in the film and, again, near the end and that hobbit looking guy with that stupid haircut is Paul Williams who wrote a ton of famous songs back in the 1970s and 80s including this song where he wrote the lyrics with John Williams writing the music. Now this song was not from Smokey but from “Cinderella Liberty” a film I still need to see.

3. THE WAY WE WERE SUNG BY BARBRA STREISAND

We should all know this iconic Streisand song that comes from the movie of the same name that costars her with the brilliant Robert Redford. This is another song written by Marvin Hamlisch that moves the film along on its romantic story about 2 people who fall in love despite their major differences. 

So, who won the Oscar, who was nominated and who was jilted on both counts?

Just a few cards

 

Christmas Kickstart Challenge-Santa

The Male Room- Create Your Own Background 

I have a lot of  stuff hanging around my craft room that just wants to be made into a card and one is this Santa that I stamped a long time ago. I decided to make it vintage looking since I felt the actual stamped image wasn’t clear, to me. I used a couple of Tim Holtz distress ink pads, my foam piece to place on the ink pad and rubbed the whole image in a light colour. I took darker inks to sponge along the edges. I layered the image and added some gold corners and framed it in. Some bling was added onto the card and my Christmas card is done.

Tic, Tac, Toe Challenge- tttc279- diagonal. rectangle, 3 or more colours, embossing

Simon Says- Layer It Up

Crafty Animals- Anything Goes

I had this peacock on my desk for so long so he needed some loving. This is a stencil I had used and so I finally glued him in place on a background I created using yellow dye inks. I started stamping the ferns and other stamps I have to create a scenic frame. The peacock is viewed in a small clearing. I used green, brown and merlot distress inks to create the scene and coloured in the edges. I layered up the card with the last layer covered I  tissue. The final bit were the borders in gold and some bling and stickles.

Finally, a couple of cards 

Who Should Have Won Best Supporting Actor for 1997

 

This is a toughie because 1997 was a good year for movies of all genres, well, almost all. I decided to choose Best Supporting Actor and will just say it...Don't hate me. This is the year the great Robin Williams won and he did give a great performance and a memorable one but I feel there is one equal and am going out on a limb here because it is for a comedy. Now, I miss Robin Williams so much and was very upset when he died. It was the same when John Candy died, some just leave a mark. I am trying to go by performance and, maybe on another day, I might choose Robin but not today...

1. VINCENT D'ONOFRIO IN MEN IN BLACK

This comedic gem in acting is the best thing from this comedy. I’ve watched this film more than once because it’s brainless fun but I always get a kick out of Vincent D’Onofrio’s  character. In fact, each time I’ve watched this, I am quite amazed how dexterous Vincent is moving in a jerky style with every joint seemingly going in different directions. He starts off as an a-hole husband with the IQ of a turnip, who investigates a crash and is quickly taken by some alien only to appear different, his face not quite attached. He asks his wife for sugar in water, gulps it down, freaks out his wife, who faints, and then proceeds to locate a galaxy. As he searches, he is looking more decayed but he continues to talk and move in a hilarious style that makes me laugh every time even though he is looking more gross by the second. I find his performance quite stupendous because of his range, his physical dexterity and, through the makeup, still be able to move his face making me laugh every time. He wasn’t even nominated and, I feel he should have won.

2. ROBIN WILLIAMS IN GOOD WILL HUNTING

Ughhh, Robin is so good in this film that, not picking him, feels like I just dropped kicked a kitten across the gorge. He did win the Oscar this year and I am happy about this but he deserved it for other years which I won’t say because I will pick this another time. Robin Williams is someone I still weep over because, I thought, he would live to be 95 years old. He was such a force of energy that it defied belief how much he knew and how he could use it to make us laugh. Thankfully, he rose above Mork from Ork, showing his huge range in films from the very funny like “Mrs. Doubtfire” to the very eerie like in “One Hour Photo.” In this film, he plays a professor who takes Matt Damon under his wing to help this bratty jerk develop his genius in mathematics and science. He won’t take bullshit shocking Matt Damon’s character and us. He made me cry when sharing, with Matt, his memories of his late wife who would fart while sleeping. In other hands, that scene may not worked but, in Robin’s hands, he made us laugh and cry at the same time. I don’t mind, at all, that he won the Oscar but, I just feel that Vincent’s comedic turn deserved to award more.

3. BURT REYNOLDS IN BOOGIE NIGHTS

Burt was very good in this role as a slimy director/ producer who cares for his porn people who seem to get into all sorts of icky situations. This film made a star of Mark Wahlberg as the lead porn star during the heyday of porn in the 1970s. He is recruited by Burt who sees potential( think long shlong) in this kid and, to make sure, has him have sex with Rollergirl, played by Heather Graham. You meet a number of people who work under Jack ( not “that” under) who deal with all sorts of issues not the least is cocaine which was a big problem back in the 70s and 80s. Jack becomes very angry when his higher ups want these films to go straight on video, not film which makes Jack feel will diminish his films. Burt knows this era having lived it but, not as a porn star, but as the biggest actor in the 70s. His character is believable as someone who truly cares about his actors, cameramen etc… while producing films that is the lowest of the low…porn. Burt was nominated and, I believe, he thought he was going to win, but didn’t. I remember seeing his face after he lost and his hidden anger and disappointment carried through the camera lens. Oh well, be happy you were nominated. 

Do you agree with my assessment or are aghast that I chose someone other than the great Robin Williams (I’m sorry)? Would you choose someone completely different? Let me know.

Grandparents Day

 

For the Monday Music Moves Me theme it is a celebration of Grandparent’s Day. I never met my dad’s parents because my grandmom died, bleeding to death, after giving birth to another son( who also died) in October 1919 at the age of 39 and my granddad died in 1956 at the age of 86. I did know my mom’s parents and only met them a few times before my beloved Oma died on December 29th, 1986. I met her a few times, when they came here, back in 1968-69, in 1972, 1980 and 1982 when I brought them here for their 60th wedding anniversary. She was so tiny at just 4ft 8in. But she had a fierce will, a lovely way around her and such loving eyes. Opa came to live with us by June, 1987 when my mom’s sister had had enough of him. Opa was known for his quick temper, his artistic talent, and his incredible, I mean, incredible slowness. Where he was ultra slow,  Oma was the opposite…she must have been very concerned thinking that he was dead. Anyhow, I have listed 3 songs that for this theme, seems to fit the bill.

1. MUSS I DENN SUNG BY NANA MOUSKOURI-1978

This is a traditional German folk song published back in 1827 after being adapted by Friedrich Silcher. It gained major notice when Elvis sang it back in 1960. I know my Oma loved folk songs and Nana Mouskouri so this works on both counts. 

2. I LOVE LUCY AND SHE LOVES ME SUNG BY DESI ARNAZ-1953

My Oma loved this famous TV show and she would watch it every chance she could get. She often said that my mom, her youngest daughter, reminded her of Lucy and, I agree. My mom often got into some mischief and she also looked great in the hairstyle Lucy wore.

3. CARDINAL SUNG BY KASEY MUSGRAVES-2024

My Oma loved birds and would feed them near the window so she could watch them. She loved the little songbirds and, when her and Opa came to visit, in 1982,  she loved the bright red of the cardinal and the beautiful blue of the blue Jay. My mom, also, loved birds and would feed the birds and watch them congregate together naming many blue jays because each had a different pattern. Anyway, after Oma died, I just felt a little empty which was strange since there was an ocean between us. The few times I was able to be with her, I just felt a huge kinship and, I know, she felt the same. When I think of my Oma, I often hear the cardinal and just felt that was her speaking to me and this was way before the cardinal was linked to the spirit world. Almost every morning, I hear the cardinal sing and see him perched letting me know she is near. 

One more…

4. BREAKING AWAY THEME SONG BY PATRICK WILLIAMS-1979

This film was the sleeper hit of 1979 that was such a small film but ended up with many awards. The music was up for an Oscar, but didn’t win, but it’s often played on the Classical radio station. Why did I pick this film about a teen’s dream to be in the Tour De France?  Well, I found out that my Opa was in bicycle races when he was young. When my mom told me he raced, I just about fell off my chair. When Oma died, 6 months later, Opa came to live with us in 1987. My mom was the only one who could handle Opa. He was living with Tante Ilse but that did not work and he had no desire to live under the rules of Uncle Harry so my mom was the best choice…and only choice. She never put up with his bullshit or his anger. To say Opa was slow would be like saying the Pope is slightly Catholic. He was THE slowest man on earth! I’m not kidding! My best friend didn’t believe me until I made her sit and watch him eat breakfast. When he buttered his toast, very slowly, he would sit back, a little burp coming from his lips, taking a deep breath as if he just rode 10 miles, before beginning to butter his 2nd piece of toast. His slowness is legendary amongst my friends. 

Which songs remind you of your grandparents?

My Oma

Yes, I am Back Creating!

 I took quite a leave from creating cards. After Christmas, I chilled a bit while my hubby created more shelving to hold our film Collection. I think we must have over a 1,000 Dvds and we have run out of room so hubby has to create more shelving. The shelving, above, holds the actors we love plus action/adventure/crime films. We had 5 big, plastic tote boxes full of films, which I went through, slowly, dividing them amongst genres but, also, certain film stars.  After getting this all organized and placed in a book, I finally made the keepsake box for my best friend's son's wedding. 

It took a long time because I only had the weekend and often, just Sunday, because I had to do the stupid groceries and clean the house. This was my first time creating something using napkins, braids, fly away sparkly shit that went everywhere! I'm certain my colon will look sparkly the next time I have a colonoscopy. Here are some pics...

This is the interior. I stole..um, I mean, grabbed a serviette from their wedding and glued it into the box.

This is the stuff I used for all the edges on the box but it was very messy! In my hair, pants slippers...never again.

This is the inside of the top of the lid. Their colour was blue, like the cornflower which is my favourite flower. I used a variety of colours, in blues, and glued the photo of them that they used for their invitation.

These are serviettes I had which fit the style perfectly. I took off the 2 layers and glued on the patterned layer onto the box, already painted white. I shaded the edges, added the @*$# glitter, used modgepodge as well as varnish in semi-glossy. The dog is Moose, who is their child, at least, for now. If you can see, above and under the doggie, I have their first initials glued in place. The bling and braids adds the finishing touch. This box, I started in January and finished it at the beginning of June. 

I am back to making cards and getting my mo-jo back. 

Have a beautiful day and week!