I post this on the 2nd week of each month and …I forgot! So, I’m posting it now and this one is close to my heart. In October1972, my mom took my brother and I to Europe to visit family, but before we traveled to Graz, Austria, we went to Vienna and then, to Salzburg. I loved every moment and my heart belongs to the mountains. When The Sound of Music made its premiere on TV, without editing, I was beyond excited! I remember watching the clock all day and telling my dad that we must watch this, not the news, and it starts at 7pm. That opening, showing the beauty of the land, had me enthralled and then, there was Julie twirling on that mountain in love with life. To say I was overjoyed, would have been an understatement and I bought the record, memorized all the tunes and dreamed of going back to Salzburg ( which I did in 1980 and 1993). So, I bet you can guess whom I think should have won for Best Actress…
1. JULIE ANDREWS IN THE SOUND OF MUSIC
This scene just captivated me and brought my tween romantic self out in full tilt! In this scene, not only did Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer dance this Liedler so sweetly, with great ease plus they show how much they have fallen for each other. While Christopher has that confidence, Julie shows raw emotion from love, sexual tension, realization and embarrassment. This, to me, showcased her acting range plus Julie carried the movie. She is in almost every scene with her strength, exuberance, charm and wondrous voice taking control of every part of the film. She won the previous year for Mary Poppins but, I think, she should have won for this film.
2. JULIE CHRISTIE IN DARLING
I confess, I still must see this film so it’s somewhat wrong of me to say Julie deserves the Oscar more but, I know I would still vote for Julie….Andrews. Julie Christie won the Oscar playing the selfish, mod model/actress who values her career and surface fun over people and their feelings. She dabbles through men to get ahead using her wiles to get where she wants, but she doesn’t even know what she wants. Julie Christie had a big year in 1965 playing the narcissistic model as well as playing Lara, the beautiful paramour to Omar Sharif’s Dr. Zhivago. I must see this movie in the on coming year…if I can find it.
3. CATHERINE DENEUVE IN REPULSION
I have no clue why Catherine Deneuve was not even nominated for this demanding role as a beautiful but emotionally detached woman who lives with her sister, but has an inability to cope with life. When her sister leaves with her boyfriend for Rome. While they are gone Deneuve’s character falls deeper and deeper into madness and Deneuve carries the role so well. Seeing her descent is very unnerving especially when she kills the man who loves her. You realize she was broken long ago and those cracks she concentrates on, are the cracks she is experiencing in her mind. It’s considered a horror film, but you can easily call it a thriller. Maybe because of the chilling motif, she was not even nominated, but this is a crime.
Have you seen Darling? Would you agree with Oscar or with me? Do you think someone else should have won? Love to know:)
FYI- I love the Glasgow Gallanter and read it every week but, for the last few weeks I can’t log in and leave comments! I tried logging in the normal way and even via Facebook and …nothing. It’s very frustrating. She has a great blog and my hubby and I had the privilege to meet her and her hubby and take them around Niagara Falls for the day. I love all her walks and what she sees.
I’m late, as per norm, but doubly late since I, normally, have this post in the 3rd week of each month. Why now? For the big reason that…I forgot! Better late than never, I always say and this week, over at Monday Music Moves Me, the theme is to choose songs that can make you happy and this fits for the Oscar songs from 1945. Let’s see if you can pick the song that won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up short…
1. THE WORRY SONG SUNG BY GENE KELLY AND JERRY THE MOUSE
This song, written by Sammy Fain and Ralph Freed, was a breakthrough moment in film production because Gene Kelly dances with a cartoon character. Gene danced with one of his favourite off-screen partners, Carol Haney and the. The animators got to work and created Jerry the Mouse dancing to Carol Haney’s movements and, through the creativity and magic of film, have Gene teach Jerry that this King can sing and dance and that everyone has talent. It’s a wonderful fantasy sequence in the film, “Anchor’s Aweigh” and one of the highlights in musical film
2. IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING SUNG BY LOUANNE HOGAN
Jeanne Crain plays the lovely daughter of farmer parents who have entered the state fair, Mom for her mincemeat pie and dad for his boar, Blue Boy. Jeanne longs for something more while her brother is disheartened that his girlfriend can’t make it to the fair. This is the only musical that Rogers and Hammerstein created for film, not Broadway. This is a romantic comedy musical, not just romance between Crain and Dana Andrews (who actually had a great singing voice) but romance with family and happiness in the simple things.
3. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE SUNG BY BING CROSBY AND SONNY TUFTS
This is a famous song written by the famous team Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen originally sung by Bing Crosby and Sonny Tufts in the film, “Here Comes the Waves”, it was made more famous when Bing sang the song with the Andrew Sisters. I always loved this fun and happy song even though this song was sung in blackface, with the help of the WAVES, on a war ship to the troops. I could not find the excerpt from the actual film so, I hope, this version will do. Just an FYI, WAVES stands for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services.
Ok, so can you guess which song won, which was nominated and which got 0 love?
I realized I totally missed my Oscar events in music and in film so I hope to do this next week…we shall see:) I was gone last week, Thursday to Saturday for our early Christmas party in Toronto and fell behind here which is typical, sadly. My work put on a great event during the day. We ate at their local synagogue and the food was delicious. They hired 2 ladies to teach us line dancing, but since we were in the synagogue, women and men had to be separated. I tried the line dancing but my pain would not let me continue so I sat on the sidelines and the women were great. Since my pain was quite intense, I could stay and watch the men…that was hilarious especially when they had to do some hip movements…hahahaaaa. The night was at an Italian restaurant and it was excellent. I forgot how many courses comes before the main course followed by some decadent cakes…there must have been a dozen different cakes. I cheated and had carrot cake and strawberry shortcake.
Now, my friend, VJ, had a great time riding a camel into the desert Staying overnight in a tent which is another tick off his bucket list. I am continuing the desert and Moroccan theme choosing 3 pics that fit this theme..
1. MOROCCO-1930
This is Marlene Dietrich’s first U.S. film and she was nominated for an Oscar for her film role in this drudge of a film. Yup, I said drudge because it seemed all so exciting at the beginning when she first meets Gary Cooper, playing a French Legionnaire. She plays a Cabaret headliner, in her men’s tuxedo with top hat, who ends up kissing a girl. To say this is racy, in pre-code Hollywood, is an understatement and made Marlene a huge star. In this film, she is damaged goods who does not want to fall in love with cad, Gary Cooper, a handsome, narcissist who screws them and leaves them. They fall in love despite his reluctance and knowing she would have a better life with rich, secure Adolphe Mengou, who wants to marry Marlene. This all take place in Morocco and the Saharan desert and the famous ending where, spoiler alert, she runs into the desert with her high heels before taking them off and going barefoot…in the Sahara..it gets extremely hot n the day and quite cold at night. It’s an early sound film and it’s neat to see Marlene at a young 29 and Gary, the same, but I was not enamoured with this movie, but, maybe, I need to give it a second chance.
2. CASABLANCA-1942
Even though this Classic, brilliant film was all filmed on a set, it really evokes all the intrigue and drama that did take place in this Moroccan city. If you haven’t seen this film yet…what the F#@, are you waiting for…lol. Humphrey Bogart plays Rick, who owns Cafe American, where intrigue and drama takes place every minute. His best friend, Sam (Dooley Wilson, who couldn’t play a note) plays the piano and we meet many characters including the bartender, played by S. Z. “Cuddles” Sakall, Madeleine Lebeau as the floozy involved with Rick, Peter Lorre as Ugarte who has Letters of Transit ensuing 2 people to leave this port, the great Claude Rains as the corrupt Capt. Renault, Sydney Greenstreet as Ferrari who would love to own Rick’ Cafe and the evil Nazi, Major Strasser, played by Conrad Veidt. Conrad was German, married a Jewish lady and was openly hostile against the Nazi regime. He was held by the Nazis and, due to British government intervention, he was allowed to leave. Actually, many German Jews played Nazis in films including this one. Anywho, enter Paul Henreid as Victor Lazlo with his wife, the stunning Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa where you soon find out she had an affair with Bogie back in Paris. The acting, directing, art direction and cinematography is excellent and the writing? The writing is great with so many one liners that became famous. It’s a must see.
3. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX-1965
I love this film, starring James Stewart, as the pilot bringing back a group of men, mainly oil workers, to Benghazi but they run into a Sandstorm and crash in the Saharan desert. They have only enough water for 10 days or so and try to find water, make friends with some very bad Arab men( it didn’t turn out well) and try not to kill each other. A German aeronautical engineer feels they can fix this plane and get it running to get home, so the men are all tasked to help fix the plane. I find the acting brilliant and the writing, the same. There is a shocker I did not see coming near the end of the film which also made me laugh. It’s a great thrill of a movie.
Bonus…
THE SHEIK-1921
I have to include this luscious film that stars Rudolph Valentino as a Sheik who abducts an independent British lady, played by Agnes Ayers, and brings her to his home in the Saharan desert. Women swooned watching this film hoping Rudolph would take them away and make love to them under the sandy stars. This was a mega hit and solidified Rudolph’s immortality.
My dear friend, VJ, is on another adventure and right now, he has taken a trip into the Sahara, by Camel, and is staying in a tent overnight. He arrived in Marrakech, Morocco on Saturday and met up with a friend ready to embark on a 2 week travel around Morocco. This excursion has been on his bucket list and now it has been fulfilled! He contacted me via WhatsApp just to show me the golden desert and the caravan with his camel out front, resting where they will be pitching their tents. I told him, I hope no snakes or scorpions visit him in the night, but he is not fazed by this one bit. So, in honour of his escapade, I am choosing some desert songs that will work with the free theme over at Monday Music Moves Me.
1. WE’RE OFF ON THE ROAD TO MOROCCO SUNG BY BING CROSBY AND BOB HOPE-1942
This is a famous song sung by these 2 greats in their 3rd Road picture they did together. It’s sung almost tongue in cheek since they sing about making a picture with Dorothy Lamour who appeared in all but one of their famous Road pics. This song, written by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke is a fun entry to this funny movie as well as a great introduction to this famous duo. Well, you meet them beforehand, but this still helps develop these characters as they sing while fluffing up the camel’s hump. I wonder if VJ fluffed up his camel’s hump….not that there’s anything wrong with that.
2. THE DESERT SONG SUNG BY GORDON MACREA AND KATHRYN GRAYSON-1953
This is the 3rd remake of this Broadway operetta written by Sigmund Romberg with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein which takes place in Morocco and the Sahara Desert. Here we have Triple D Kathryn Grayson sing oh so lovingly to Gordon MacCrea, the hero in this film. I am certain that VJ is rolling his eyes to this loving tune sung by 2 great singers/actors that deserve better recognition today.
3. MARRAKESH EXPRESS SUNG BY CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH-1969
After the Hope and Crosby song, this was the 2nd song that came into my head and one that I thought was done by Bread or even Simon and Garfunkel but, nope this comes from this trio ( Neil Young was gone) and was written when Nash was in this city and took note to paper to develop these characters’ songs.
4 DESERT ROSE SUNG BY STING AND CHEB RABAH-1999
I am not a Police fan and not really a fan of Sting’s voice but I really like this song and felt it was perfect for my Desert theme. I really love Cheb’s singing which gives that Moorish feel.
I hope VJ looks at this post and can’t wait to hear about his escapades. What desert song can you think of?
This Betty Grable photo, with her famous, insured legs, was the biggest pin up during WW2 surpassing the seductive portrait done by Rita Hayworth in 1941. This 1943 photo, by Frank Polowny, was created when Betty was clowning around for the photographer and became a beacon for millions of GI’s. During WW2, musicals became huge box office because it made people forget the horrors of this war. Hollywood cashed in( of course!) with tons of musicals taking place in front of GI’s, on glittering ships with sparkly guns, and flags everywhere. Here are 3 films that invoked the patriotic fervour…
1. STRIKE UP THE BAND-1940
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were a perfect pairing when they were in t(sir late teens/early 20s and became lifelong friends. It’s the 2nd of the “Let’s put on a show” musicals that were huge hits with the American audience, the soldiers overseas and, well, worldwide. Mickey Rooney must have had severe ADHD because he always looks like he is ready to bounce off the walls and his conducting is something less than to be desired. The simple plot is that Mickey wants to put on a show, this time in Chicago in front of the famous band leader Paul Whitman. Things never go smoothly but all is well in the end and these kids never sounded so good.
2. SHIP AHOY-1942
The great Eleanor Powell is, sadly, not very well known today but she was big for a few short years in the early 40s dancing her way to the very top. She can tap dance like no one else and has a very unique style with a strength that just leaves me gobsmacked. In this film, she believes she is helping the allies when she is hired as a performer on board a cruise ship. Red Skelton plays a writer, with writer’s block, who is also on the cruise ship and comedic mayhem ensues. Soon Powell realizes she was duped by Nazi agents and finds a way to help the true allies by taping in Morse code. It’s a fun film highlighted by Eleanor's dancing. This gal danced as if she was on a battleship with huge guns in the background and, famously, with Fred Astaire in “Begin the Beguine”. Fred was extremely impressed with Eleanor but he felt she danced like a man and I can see that. She does not have that ladylike grace, at least to me.
3. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY-1942
Of course, I’m going to include this film that stars James Cagney as George M. Cohan, the theatrical giant at the turn of the century into WW1. Cagney played him perfectly including his dancing style and won an Oscar for this energetic role. You get the chance to hear many of his songs that were written with a patriotic flair. This scene hits perfectly with the feelings of the times. The States just entered WW2 6 months before and this film was to promote patriotism, give the soldiers something to live for, and have more people enlist. This is a good film even though the patriotic fervour hits you over the head.
I have to add this
This is from Strike Up The Band, a unique interlude, which was created by George Pal. Maybe he took a hit of acid before coming up with this…lol
This week, on Monday Music Moves Me, it is all about remembering the fallen heroes in the wars of WW1, WW2 and beyond. To me, the heroes are all the men, women, civilians and animals that served and endured the wars that shaped our countries and our future. It would be a much grimmer world if the Allies did not win over the Nazi Regime. My dad fought in WW2, was part of the Liberation of Holland before being wounded in one of the last skirmishes in April 1945 in the Reischwald Forest. My Uncle Joachim was only 1 yr old when he died in his mother’s arms (my Oma) and my Uncle Kurt was wounded in the Russian Front recuperating in the hospital, near Wittenberg when the Russians came in, June 30, 1945, and shot and killed all the German soldiers, 178, including my Uncle. They were thrown into a pit and buried stating that they all died of their wounds. My mom was only 12 when she saw her brother, dead, in her mom’s arms and was devastated when her big brother, Kurt, was killed. They were very close and the last time she saw her brother, he bought her a 3 strand pearl necklace. She survived both the bombings of Hamburg and Dresden and was part of the German Resistance movement who set the dynamite under the bridges because she was small enough to get under the steel girders. She was the enemy, so, too, my Uncles, obviously, more my Uncle Kurt who fought at the front, but, in the end, he was just a scared 19 yr old kid facing down the barrel of a rifle. In honour of my family, I am showcasing 3 songs…there are so many…
1. THE GREEN FIELDS OF FRANCE SUNG BY JOHN MCDERMOTT-2023
This sad song was written in 1977 by Eric Bogle about a fallen soldier in WW1. It’s such a beautiful song and sung by the great John McDermott, a proud Canadian singer who dedicates a lot of his time and money to the veterans of the wars. I am so proud to say the My ex and I took my mom and his parents to see John McDermott around this time, back in the 1990s. My mom was crying and dad, my in law, was visibly moved since he, too, was in WW2, as a medic who saw many horrors including a concentration camp where he was shocked to see a huge pile of shoes that went way, way above his head. It was something he would never forget. At the end of the concert, we met McDermott who was glad to take a picture with my mom and my in laws.
2. WE’ll MEET AGAIN SUNG BY VERA LYNN-1939
Vera Lynn is a British Institution who sang this song, written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, in 1939 and became an instant hit. Many servicemen thought of leaving their home not knowing if they will meet again so this was a song close to everyone’s hearts. In 2009, Vera Lynn, had a record of her hits which became a best seller at the age of 92!
3. AULD LANG SYNE DONE BY GUY LOMBARDO AND HIS ROYAL CANADIANS-1939
My dad loved Guy Lombardo and daddy would turn on the TV on New Year’s Eve, to watch Guy and his Royal Canadians, much to my chagrin. I was a bratty kid who thought this guy and his music was old and did not appreciate the music and how much Lombardo meant to the Canadians during WW2. This song became his signature tune which he played at the end of each concert.
Bonus…
BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLICAN SUNG BY JOHN MCDERMOTT-1999
Both my parents loved this song but, especially, my mom who took the lyrics to heart since she lived under Hitler and then, the Russians. She escaped, more than once, many skirmishes and, in 1950, got my grandfather out and into the West before the Russians had a chance to take my Opa, again, to the Gulags. We, are very, very lucky to be born in a free country with the wealth that we take for granted ( look at what we ll have in the grocery stores) and we have the freedom to speak our mind. We are blessed.
I was thinking of movies that take place over a day and then I thought, what about the night which does not involve zombies, vampires or homicidal maniacs. Here are my 3…
1. ARSENIC AND OLD LACE-1944
I want to own this film which I find hilarious. Cary Grant plays Mortimer Brewster, an author who writes about how marriage is so wrong, but he is marrying his girl next door, played so well by Pricilla Lane. After avoiding the reporters, they go back to their childhood homes to pack things up and start their life together. Little does Mortimer know that his 2 beautiful aunts have been killing men they feel are all alone. He finds out that the elderberry wine is spiked with something a bit stronger than wine. Their brother, who believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt, is told there is another yellow fever victim. The night is young and gets even worse when Mortimer’s murderous brother and his sidekick doctor make an appearance at this wonky home. Over the next few hours, Mortimer saves an old cuss ready to drink the wine while trying not to be killed by his brother and get his aunts committed to the home for the missed nuts. Frank Capra directed a very funny comedy with many character actors shining over the lead, Cary Grant. In fact, Grant hated his over-enthusiastic portrayal of his character. Some people agree but I think his acting fits right in. It’s a very funny screwball comedy.
I can’t believe this film is 52 years old….it just can’t be, since I remember when this came out. This is a classic film about the last night of kids who will be venturing off to college the next day. There are many different mini plots from Ron Howard and Cindi Williams as 2 high school sweethearts hoping their love will keep going as he goes off to college to Richard Dreyfuss trying to locate the blonde he saw in a car( memorably played by Suzanne Somers). We the the Toad, played by Paul LeMat, trying to impress a gal and John, Harrison Ford, who has to deal with a precocious 12 yr old, played by a young Mackenzie Phillips. It is set in 1962 and it’s a perfect telling of kids in all sorts of angst. The feel of the film and the great music provided the real DJ, Wolfman Jack, just sets this film on another level of teen films. It is a major film one needs to see.
Have you seen all these films? I know Stephen may have seen American Graffiti(LOL) and recommends it every time he can but are there any films you can think of that take place in one night that is not a horror film?
John Lodge is a founding member of The Moody Blues, one of my all time favourite bands, and a leading contributor to the stupendous music this band created and performed. “Days of Future Passed” is an iconic album that is heralded, quite rightly, as one of the all time best albums ever. When he died, on October 10th, I was gut punched because I thought he would live into his 90s. There have been many tributes showcasing his most famous songs, “ Ride My See-Saw,” “Isn’t Life Strange,” “Evening Time To Get Away,” and “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock ‘N Roll Band.” I’m going with some songs that may not be as famous but just as inventive and great. I’m joining on freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me
1. EMILY’S SONG-1971
2. TORTOISE AND THE HARE-1970
3. MINSTRAL’S SONG-1970
4. EYES OF A CHILD-1969
5. SEND ME NO WINE-1968
6. HOUSE OF 4 DOORS-1968
9. ONE MORE TIME TO LIVE-1971
10. SLIDDIN’ IN A SLIDE ZONE-1978
And his final album “10,000 LIGHT YEARS AGO”-2015…just the one song.
DIED FROM: Acute Anemia…I wonder if her Christian Scientist views contributed to her death
REAL NAME: Leatrice Johanna Zeidler
MARRIED: 3 times, the first to John Gilbert, a huge star who had a very sad and dramatic downfall when sound arrived.
CHILDREN: one daughter, Leatrice Joy Gilbert, an actress but an author of “Dark Star”, a biography on John Gilbert. This is an excellent biography which I highly recommend.
TALENT: her knack for understanding what women want from her clothes, perfume and hair
KNOWN FOR: Her portrayals of independent women in a corporate world often in Mannish suits but, also, exquisite gowns setting off fashion crazes. She was a Christian Scientist, a devoted follower.
A woman, who called herself “a ham at heart”, seems like quite the hoot when she was interviewed for the famous 13 part documentary, “Hollywood” by Kenneth Brownlow( a big film historian)..yup I own this but only in VHS since they ran into major problems trying to get permission from all these Estates. She is hilarious and you can see how much she loves the limelight. Her name was, originally, supposed to be Beatrice, but, on the way to her christening, her mom recalled that her husband’s former girlfriend was named Beatrice, she went through the alphabet until her mom came to a suitable replacement…Leatrice. She was one of the biggest stars of the 1920s, so big, that when, she impulsively cut her hair into a bob, it became a new craze for women around the world. When she started in films, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin were already famous, she recalled seeing in restaurant windows that no dogs, cats or actors, were allowed. Later she earned over $250,000 for a film. ShE became Cecil B. DeMille’s muse placing her in romantic fare showing off some great fashions. When sound came, her career waned, partly due to her thick New Orleans accent, but she still acted until 1952 that starred Marilyn Monroe. She captivated John Gilbert whom she rebuffed at first, but, later, became his first wife and they had 1 child, Leatrice Joy Gilbert, famous for her book, “Dark Star” about the life of her dad, John Gilbert. The marriage didn’t last long and she married twice more but, I believe, John Gilbert, was still the love of her life. When she was interviewed about John Gilbert, she remembered his quote he left on a photo he gave her, “To my beloved wife, for whom God patterned the angels.”
FILMS- (Most I have not seen but want to remedy this)
Yup, that's me as a witch and my brother as a Mexican Bandito. I wore my mom's old dress along with my Bavarian sweater and a cape my mom made. My mom made the hat which I still have! This was before one could buy all the Halloween outfits, so you had to create your own. My mom was great in creating something from her wealth of stuff she had. She made my crooked nose out of bandaid and used regular make up for our ghoulish looks.
Since this is the day before Halloween, I was thinking of some shows that scared the hell out of me and I kept thinking of The Twilight Zone. I recall some of the episodes that really unnerved me when I first saw them and decided to share them with you.
1. IT'S A GOOD LIFE-1959
To this day, this Twilight Zone episode freaks the hell out of me. A young Billy Mumy, known for "Lost in Space"( and now over 70 yrs old), plays the supreme brat that no one dares defy. This kid just thinks what he wants and it happens which makes all the adults very terrified. They know, if they dare disagree with Trump, er, I mean this brat, they will be sent to the cornfield. Billy Mumy was really good as nasty, vile kid.
2. THE HOWLING MAN-1960
When I was a kid, I saw this episode and I did not expect this scene at all. A traveller ends up in a monastery where he hears a man ..howling. The monks, especially the head monk ( played, impeccably, by John Carradine) tells the traveller not to believe anything he says and that they captured the devil. Of course, the traveller is sceptical. I truly thought this would be some parable about not assuming a man is evil for some reason, but..I was wrong and thought that montage where the man turns into the devil shocked me. The way this was photographed was inspiring and the makeup is great.
3. THE HITCHHIKER -1960
Inger Stevens plays a young woman driving to a new city and a new life. She sees this man who is hitchhiking but she feels uncomfortable to pick him up, but she continues to see him. She feels nervous and uncertain so, she calls her mom but she hears her mom say that her daughter died in a car accident. The hitchhiker is the person to lead her to her final destination. This was one of the first episodes I watched and it was eerie and unsettling.
4. THE MASKS-1964
Yeah, I have to place 2 more episodes that are creepy. This episode is not so eerie but it is disturbing when an old, dying, rich man brings his remaining relatives to celebrate Mardi Gras. The 3 relatives are not nice at all, greedy, vain and lazy and only want the old man’s money but, in order to get the money, the old man told them that they must wear these Mardi Gras masks. He had them created to represent their main character trait. I love this episode because it stays with you and you feel justified in the end but what an ending.
5. NIGHTMARE AT 20,000 FEET-1963
Before he became Capt. Kirk, William Shatner was in this very famous episode as a man, who is recovering from having a nervous breakdown and was in the sanitarium to heal. While on the plane, he sees this monster on the wing of the plane trying to damage the wing. Understandably, he becomes very upset but no one believes him. He is trying to have someone believe him but to no avail. When Shatner opens up the cover over the window to meet the monster looking back at him, I jumped. I was a kid and it really got to me where I still look at the wings of the plane, when I am flying. Yes, I admit to this and I can’t help it.
Have you ever watched the original Twilight Zone? Which episodes creeped you out?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
