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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’m writing this late but I had to do a special on World War 2 with Japan because September 2nd was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 with Japan. This marked the total end of this World War and so much is talked about the war in Europe but so many suffered and died during the Japanese siege on the many islands in the Pacific. You know, I remember when a Japanese soldier was found on an island, in 1974, still believing the war was on. I was dumbfounded that he hid for all those years. Anyhoo, here are my 3..
1. THE SANDS OF IWO JIMA-1949
This stars John Wayne as the head of a group of men he must get into shape to survive the perils of the jungle and the Japanese force. He is not liked by his men but, when they start fighting, the quickly realize why he was so hard on them. Over time, many men die in battle but the men start to gain more respect for the soldier in charge. This is a pretty gritty war film that does hold up even after all these years. It’s well acted and the cinematography is great.
2. HELL IN THE PACIFIC-1968
This stars only 2 people, Lee Marvin and Toshiro Mifune as 2 men stranded on a deserted island during the war. They are enemies trying to outwit the other with the Japanese man having water and the American needing it. Over time they form an uneasy alliance as they try to survive and find a way off the island. It is well acted, tense and leaves you riveted wanting more. The stars own the film and this was my introduction to the great actor Toshiro Mifune.
3. HACKSAW RIDGE-2016
This is an excellent film based on a true story of Desmond Doss who signed on, but refused to carry a gun. Labeled a conscientious objector, he worked as a medic, during the battle of Okinawa. He ended up saving 75 men, carrying each one to the edge of the cliff they were on, lowering them down to the men below before going to the next one. Even when wounded, he continued to save the men, while under fire, before, finally, lowering himself to safety. He is the only conscientious objector to receive 2 bronze stars. This film stars Andrew Garfield who delivers a superb performance as the deeply religious man who wants to be part of the war but without killing anyone. You see how badly he was mistreated by his own fellow soldiers until he saves all the men. It is a brutal film without relenting the horrors of war. It is directed by, yup, Mel Gibson, and despite my dislike for this man, he delivered an A1 film. The editing is excellent and the acting, superb.
What films about WW2 films, set in the Pacific, China, Japan can you think of?
I was thinking about events that happened on September 3rd and the songs that instantly popped into my head so I hope you enjoy. I joined the Monday Music Moves Me which you should check out. By the way, doesnt my sweet Lexi look like she’s hyped on her favourite drug? Here we go…
1. I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU SUNG BY FRANK SINATRA-1962
I am praying I have the Sinatra version that sings the original lyrics which are pre-code. The original lyrics have “I get no kick from cocaine…” I always loved this Cole Porter song that was sung by Ethel Merman in the Broadway hit, “Anything Goes”. Today, that horrible woman, Griselda Blanco was shot to death while she was walking in 2012. To say she wasn’t a nice person is an understatement because she is responsible for many, many murders. She became a huge kingpin in the cocaine world of the 70s and 80s earning millions on the deaths of thousands. This song was written long ago for a Broadway show but the 1920s was rife with cocaine as well which is why the lyrics are in there.
2. RAPTURE BY BLONDIE-1980
I just love this song and, at one point, learned the lyrics which I found quite funky. It’s considered a hybrid of rock, 70s disco style, hip hop and rap. Back on this date, in 1976, there was the first Mars landing and what better way to celebrate than listening to this song. Her “Man from Mars” just made me laugh because it was so off the wall but works so well.
3. TILL THE END OF TIME SUNG BY PERRY COMO-1945
This became a big hit for Perry Como and his Pied Pipers in 1945 and was showcased in a film, of the same name, of the returning WW2. September 2nd was the end of the War when the Japanese finally surrendered. Sadly, it took the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for them to capitulate and freed the many soldiers and civilians from their POW camps where many were starving since the Japanese did not abide by the rules of the Geneva Convention. When I saw pictures of the soldiers in a Life Magazine spread, I was horrified how they looked. This song became a huge hit in August of 1945 and carried on into September when these men came home.
What songs come into your head when you think of drugs, Mars and coming home from War?
MARRIED: Once, to Jack Bean, talent Agent and her manager, until he died. 52 yrs.
CHILDREN: None
FRIENDS: Bob Mackie, Liza Minnelli
TALENT: singing, dancing, knew how to entertain
KNOWN FOR: her perky demeanour. Knew how to calm a situation ie. Ethel Merman was fuming when Marilyn Monroe was late or would not come out of her trailer. Mitzi would give a wink making Merman believe Monroe was having a sex time with someone. This would neutralize Merman’s anger.
Known for her perky and effervescent personality, this sweet gal wished she could be known for her sexiness so she could get some roles that went to Marilyn Monroe but she did pretty good for herself, regardless. She is, actually, from Hungarian aristocracy ( sorry Zsa Zsa but she really is aristocracy)on her father’s side, who was a classical violinist and music director and her mom was a dancer, so her talents were inherited. Her nickname, “Mitzi” is a German endearment from the name “Maria” and she was called this since she was a child. When she came to Hollywood, a talent scout( I think), decided to change her last name to Gaynor, from the film actress, Janet Gaynor, which was fine by Mitzi who loved the actress. Her biggest time in film, were the 1950s with, her last film, being in 1963 when she realized her natural talents would be better utilized on stage. She began appearing in Las Vegas to sold out shows and she would often appear in Vancouver, BC- Canada, to try out a new show and loved the city and the people. She brought the house down during the 1967 Oscars when she sang the Oscar nominated song, “Georgy Girl” receiving a standing ovation that did not stop. The execs had a hard time to get the audience to stop clapping so they could continue on with the show. Mitzi, and her husband, who was her manager, had many TV specials during the late 60s and 79s where she won many Emmys and other awards. She knew how to stop the show especially in her famous Bob Mackie gowns. She continued to perform, on stage, well into the 1990s before she semi retired. She still would dance every day even into her 80s and kept her gorgeous figure. A fun note, she appeared on the Ed Sullivan show when the Beatles performed back in 1964. Afterward, she went out to dinner with them and they asked for her autograph! I love that:)
I’m going to list her film from my favourite on down but the last 4, I did not see but want to.
