AGED: 91, a couple months short of his 92nd birthday
DIED FROM: Heart Attack after a series of major strokes
MARRIED: 3 times, the first ended in her tragic death a year after they married. The other 2 ended in divorce
CHILDREN: None
OSCAR WINS: “How Green Is My Valley”
OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Once, see above
TALENT: beautiful, operatic voice( who knew?), keen business sense becoming one of the wealthiest actors. Acting talent but also directing as well as a Production and Studio Exec.
KNOWN FOR: His soft, but commanding voice. His love of acting, keeping his private life private. Slightly( HA!) exaggerated early life. Was an Intelligence Officer in WW1 and in the army reserves in WW2 becoming a Colonel.
Joel spoke about Donald Crisp when I mentioned “Broken Blossoms” last month and I thought Donald would be perfect for Star of the Month ( Thanks Joel:)). He was known stature and large hands, but with a soft, mellifluous voice. He spoke about his Scottish heritage, his dad as a physician to the King, graduating from Oxford and fighting in the Boer War. The problem is that Mr. Crisp slightly exaggerated….well, lied about his more common lineage. He was not Scottish at all, but English and born, the youngest of 10 kids to a labourer dad and mom. He went to school, but not Oxford and there is a question about him being in the Boer War since he was living at his parent’s home driving a horse and buggy for a job in 1901. He could have been part of the Boer War as a trooper before being injured but not sure on this one. Don’t think too badly on this man since we have no idea what it was like to deal with class discrimination. No matter, he was very studious and highly intelligent plus he could have easily taught elocution lessons. It was decades later that the truth came out about his lineage and, in fact, my books uphold his elaborations. I found out this information on the internet with many spots, like IMD, still quoting that he is Scottish with a dad as a physician to the King ( or a cattle farmer) and an Oxford (or Eton) graduate.
When he came over to the U. S., he was found to have a beautiful singing voice, while on the ship, and was hired for the Grand Opera House in New York City. There he met George M. Cohan and became a stage manager where he met D. W. Griffith who took him out to Hollywood. He became his assistant director and acted in a few of his films like “The Birth of a Nation” portraying Ulysses S. Grant. During the teens and 20s, he not only acted but directed many silents including “The Son of Zorro” with Douglas Fairbanks and Buster Keaton in “The Navigator” ( Keaton did fire him though). He was also a Production and Studio Exec. but tired of all the crap he had to deal with so, when sound came, he stayed with acting. Well, not exactly, he was keenly adept at business and became a power broker and was a huge help to the Bank of America! He was on their board and was a chairman, held in great respect since this was during the Great Depression and WW2. Many films can be thankful to Donald Crisp because he was a main reason the producers got the financing to make so many of these classic films.
This man knew how to make money and command respect while enjoying making movies. He really enjoyed acting and we know him from his looks and his speech even if most no longer know his name
FILMS ( My Favourites)
1. How Green Is My Valley-1941
2. Lassie, Come Home-1943
3. The Uninvited-1944
4. National Velvet-1944
5. Broken Blossoms-1919
6. Son Of Lassie-1945
7. The White Angel-1936
8. Wuthering Heights-1939
9. The White Angel-1936
10. Svengali-1931
11. Jezebel-1938
12. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-1941
13. Charge of the Light Brigade-1936
14. City For Conquest-1940
15. The Birth of a Nation-1915 ( there are other films he has been in that I would choose over this, if I saw them…this film is a big film historically, but very racist and reinvigorated the KKK)
One of the last of old Hollywood died last week at the age of 98… Ann Blyth. She would have been 99 in August and I was really hoping she would live to 100. I’m not sure why her death struck me but, I think, it is because so few are still alive. Hell, this gal worked with Joan Crawford and had nothing but nice things to say bout her! I first saw her in a musical and fell in love with her voice before I saw her as the viper brat to Saintly Joan. So, here’s to Ann..
1. MILDRED PIERCE-1945
This is the film that established Ann as a star and revitalized Joan Crawford’s career( she won the Best Actress Oscar accepting the award in her bed since she was, cough… sick with the flu) where Joan plays Mildred, a woman who has the worst daughter one can think of. Mildred and her spouse divorce after losing their sweet daughter to pneumonia. Mildred spoils he oldest daughter who is quite happy taking. Mildred finds a job as a waitress and before you can say, “Crocodiles eat their young,” Mildred opens her own restaurant and becomes quite successful. Mildred meets this suave A-hole who sweeps her off her feet while seducing her bitch of a daughter, very willingly, I might add. This is a must-see film, in my opinion, for all the noir imagery, the acting and Crawford’s shoulder pads. Ann Blyth excels as the nasty bitch of a daughter who takes and takes making her mom feel bad for making her into a nasty bitch….hmmm..maybe some parents should watch this on how not to raise their children.
2. MR. PEABODY AND THE MERMAID-1948
I love anything dealing with mermaids and saw this fun movie years ago when the great Elwy Yost hosted Saturday Night At The Movies on TVO( the Canadian PBS) who showcased 2 movies with interviews from the famous stars, directors, producers et al from the classic days of Hollywood (I wish TVO would bring this back because I would watch this all over again). This film stars William Powell who, to help regain his strength after being ill, takes a Caribbean holiday with his wife. When he goes out fishing he is shocked when he reels in a mermaid, played so well by Ann Blyth. For whatever the reason, he brings her back to the resort and dumps her into the deep pool right near his room. This mischievous mermaid sings and smiles but is unable to talk, but that doesn’t bother Powell who falls in love with her, forgetting all about his wife. This is not a classic but it is fun movie that makes you smile.
3. THE STUDENT PRINCE-1954
This is the first film I saw Ann Blyth in and just fell in love with the movie and with her as the barmaid who falls in love with the Prince. Her exquisite, operatic voice is in full form as we follow the Prince( originally was supposed to be Mario Lanza but he was fired due to his diva-like ways and Edmund Purdom stepped in) who is a student of the old Heidelberg University. He and the other boys end up at an Inn which is popular with students who love to drink. There the Prince meets Kathie, the innkeeper’s daughter, and they fall in love but can their love survive the duty that the Prince is expected to adhere to? It is a beautiful musical that struck me deeply as a 10 year old kid. I loved the romance, the colour photography, the acting of Blyth as well as the character actors Edmund Gwenn and S. Z. Sakall and the singing. Thankfully, the producers still had Mario Lanza’s singing voice and used it to dub Edmund Purdom. I’d love to see this film again.
I am Canadian! I am a proud Canuck but I am only showcasing 1 patriotic song which should do just fine. It’s freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and so, let’s get on with the show…
1. NORTHWEST PASSAGE SUNG BY STAN ROGERS-1981
This song is a standard for Canada and Stan sings this a cappella. It’s all about his journey across Canada.
2. SLEIGH RIDE IN JULY SUNG BY JULIE LONDON-1956
I am showcasing this chanteuse every month singing a song about the month of July. It was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke and it’s a nice song that Julie sings in her own inimitable way.
3. COME BOYS SUNG BY ANN BLYTH-1954
Yes, the name of this song could mean so many things and could be sung by the Village People, but I am straying. Why do I choose this song? The pretty and petite Ann Blyth, known for her role as the viper brat in the film, “Mildred Pierce”, died last week at the age of 98. She is one of the last of the classic stars of Hollywood and I first saw her in the film, “The Student Prince.” I love her voice and wanted to show how wonderful she sounded during the waning years of the Hollywood musical. The song was written by Sigmund Romberg and I think she does a great job.
Am I watching any of the football ( aka soccer) games? No…lol. I am not into sports but this is. Big deal all over the world…except for North America, more the States than us, Canadians. We are embracing this sport much more than the States, I believe, so to honour this sport, I chose 3 films, that I have actually seen nd here they are..
1. ESCAPE TO VICTORY-1981
I have not seen this film since 1981, but I remember it being quite good even if it felt like a mashup of the films, “ The Great Escape” and “The Longest Yard”. It stars Michael Caine as a British POW officer and Sylvester Stallone as a U.S. POW who was part of the Canadian Army. Max Von Sydow plays the German Commandant who, with Caine, agree to a Soccer match between the German guards and the POW’s. Stallone uses a match to escape and makes it to the Paris, French underground. They compel him to go back to the camp so he can give vital information for the POW’s to escape en masse. Stallone agrees but, when recaptured, he is sent to solitary confinement. The match between the 2 will happen, but will the POW’s get the vital information from Stallone? I recall it being pretty good, not great, but an enjoyable David and Goliath film that was directed by the great John Huston. It is also noted to have some of the best Football greats of this time like Pelé.
2. LADYBUGS-1992
This is a dumb, silly flick that stars Rodney Dangerfield as a man who gets no respect. He hopes to get a promotion and more money at work nd his boss agrees provided he can get this all girls’ high school, soccer team into a winning team. As you probably guess, they suck until Martha comes on board. Little do they know that Martha is a plant put there by their coach, Dangerfield. They also don’t realize that Martha is actually a boy, Rodney’s girlfriend’s son so you know there will be silly jokes that probably, would not fly today. It’s dumb, but I like Rodney Dangerfield who always had my respect even though when he was born, the doctor slapped his mother:)
3. BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM-2002
I need to see this film again, it’s been too long. It stars Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightly as 2 gals who meet and become friends while playing football. Parminder shows a natural talent for this game but her parents forbid her from playing. They expect her to go to school and marry which is the last thing this gal wants. She sees her sister all into getting married and wants to play football even more so she secretly goes to all the matches telling her family that she has a job. All hell breaks loose when Nagra’s picture ends up in a newspaper and her family see this. She is grounded and is forbidden to play, her friendship is tested when she feels Keira has “stolen” the man she also likes and her mom( played so well by Sheheen Khan) thinks her daughter is in a lesbian relationship with Keira. This is a funny, heartwarming and thoughtful film that shows the love of football as well as the cultural issues that this Indian family tries to uphold in a different country. This was a breakout film for Keira Knightly and paved the way for Parminder Nagra who starred in ER and Archie Panjabi who went on to star in The Good Wife winning many awards.
I was visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Ann Arbor, Mi. They had 3 kids, the 2 eldest, Kurt and Reimar took me to play tennis. The next day, my Uncle Harry, told his bored son, Kurt who was 10 or so( I was 14), to go and play tennis with me. He judged a bit and told his dad, "aber, Papa, Sie kann night Gut Spielen." At which i said, " I know i cant play well, but I try my best. We can do something else." My Uncle teamed with delight because his son thought I could not understand German. This is one of my favourite moments.
Over at Monday Music Moves Me, its all about Tennis since Wimbledon is THE Tennis tournament. So let's hear some songs about Tennis...
1. CAN I BE YOUR TENNIS BALL SUNG BY JAMIE FOX-2003
This is a funny, suggestive song sung by Jamie Fox, who also wrote the song, to Serena Williams during the ESPY Awards.
2. THE TENNIS SONG SUNG BY JAMES NAUGHTON AND DEE HOTY- 1989
This is a song from the musical, "City of Angels" that won a Tony Award. Another double entrende song sing with romantic tones.
3. THE MAIN THEME BY DIMITRI TIOMKIN-1951
Why this piece? It's from the great film, " Strangers on a Train," by Alfred Hitchcock where the main protagonist is a Tennis star. Only Hitchcock could make a tennis match full of suspense.
This Sunday, millions of dads will be so happy to receive a tie. It’s Fathers Day and, I hope, most have wonderful dads. I had a wonderful dad even though, at times, he could be mean and unfair, but, overall he was a very good man and one who could be downright sweet. I miss my dad every day and he died 38 years ago. This got me thinking, for every Gregory Peck, who played the best dad ever, Atticus Finch, you have Darth Vader who tortures and fights his children, cutting off his one kid’s hand. I decided to go the mean route and choose dads who are just nasty S. O. B.’s. So here we go…
1. BROKEN BLOSSOMS-1919
I know I spoke about this 107 year old movie( holy crap! I saw this film when it was only 65 yrs old) before, but it really fits this theme because it is one of the first films to show an abusive parent. Donald Crisp plays the brutish, ex-boxer who takes out his frustrations on his sad, little daughter who has no clue what kindness means, played so well by the great Lillian Gish. She can only smile by using her fingers to move her lips into a smile. On another part of the city is a Chinese man, played so humbly, by white Richard Barthlemess, who came to America to spread the word of Buddhism. He quickly finds out that the States is not wanting to know anything about Buddhism ( except for Richard “ anyone see my pet gerbil” Gere) and he is relegated to have some smoke in their own opium dens. When he sees the young girl, he falls, very innocently, in love with her. When he finds her, nearly beaten to death by her dad, he brings her to his tiny oasis of his home and treats her with respect and reverence. This is the first time, she has ever experienced kindness and is unsure how to react. When her nasty father finds out where she is, all hell breaks loose. This film, directed by D. W. Griffith, is chock full of rascist stereotypes from the opium dens to all the white guys getting high on opium playing Chinese men. I saw this film in film class and we all laughed when the words came up letting us know what each was saying. Gish kept calling her friend, “ Chinky” just not the right thing to say. The professor, quite rightly, chastised us for laughing and to remember when the film was made and by who. Griffith meant to show this with respect and that this was a love story, pretty bold for the times since it is between a white girl and Asian man. It is worth a look.
2. THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET-1934
This is the true story of the love affair between Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning and the major conflict they had to deal with regarding her dad, played so menacingly by Charles Laughton. This evil bastard makes sure to keep his daughters all to his own literally crippling his one daughter, Elizabeth ( played by Norma Shearer), by mental and emotional abuse. Her poetry becomes famous bringing Robert Browning( played by Fredric March) to write to her and, before long, their letters become one of affection and love. When Browning and Elizabeth meet, love is in bloom, but not if Laughton has anything to do with it. I need to re-see this film since it has been decades, but I was enthralled by their love for each other and the nastiness of Laughton. In fact, Laughton suggested via his mannerisms, that he loved his daughters the way you are not supposed to which makes him more heinous. Due to this film, I started to read poetry starting with these 2 and venturing to other greats like Byron and Shelley.
3. CHINATOWN-1974
“My Mother, ( slap), my sister ( slap), my daughter” so yells Faye Dunaway to her lover, Jack Nicholson, who slaps her when he realizes she is not telling him the truth. This is a modern film noir, directed by Roman Polanski, who, memorably, makes a cameo as a short, freak thug who slices Jack’s nose. Throughout most of the film, Jack wears a Nose bandage throughout most of the film. He is hired by femme fatale Dunaway, and becomes involved with the water reservoir and the fight between the land owners and the money men who control the water. Head of that fight is the very evil Cross, played so perfectly, by John Huston. Huston’s voice and mannerisms create a character that is both charming and evil to the core. What he does to his daughter is beyond reprehensible. Well acted, with a typical, convoluted plot and music that evokes the feel of this film noir set in the 1930s, helps you become invested in this film.
What Nasty dads can you think of?
By the way, the newer to yesterday’s music post, “Sooner or Later” won the Oscar, “Somewhere In My Memory” was nominated and “ It Must Have Been Love” came up empty-handed. FYI..the other nominees were, “Blaze of Glory” by Bon Jovi from Young Guns 2; “I’m Checkin’ Out” written by Shel Silverstein from the movie, Postcards From The Edge; and “Promise Me You’ll Remember” by Carmine Coppola with lyrics by John Bettis from The Godfather 3.
It is freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and It’s that time again to wonder which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which got nuttin’! It is also the time for me to forget to post, the following day the answers…I hope I remember, but let’s see if any of you guess correctly.
1. SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY SUNG BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR
This song was composed by the esteemed John Williams with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and is from the little Christmas movie, “Home Alone.” We most often hear this song done by a children’s choir with a symphony orchestra which sounds quite beautiful.
2. IT MUST HAVE BEEN LOVE SUNG BY ROXETTE
This song is from the blockbuster “ Pretty Woman” and was written by Per Gessle who was the male half of this Swedish Pop group. Marie Fredriksson was the lead singer of this iconic song. Sadly, she died in 2019 from complications of her cancerous brain tumour she had been fighting for the past 17 years.
3. SOONER OR LATER SUNG BY MADONNA
This song, written by Stephen Sondheim, comes from the film, “Dick Tracy” that starred Warren Beatty and Madonna who had a brief affair with him during this time ( who didn’t sleep with Beatty….who hasn’t slept with Madonna?). When she was shown this song that she needed to sing, she thought it was old fashioned crap. I can’t recall her exact words but she was not enamoured with the song…sigh.
So…can you guess which one won, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed? Let me know.
My choice for Best Actress for 1982 will be controversial because most everyone loves the actress that did win and feels she deserved it for this year…except me…lol. So let’s get on with it with my choice for Best Actress…
1. JESSICA LANGE IN FRANCES
This is a film that I have not been able to watch since 1982! This is not because I didn’t like the film, but because it was so harrowing and disturbing that I still am emotional when I think about this film. Jessica Lange gave a mind boggling performance as the 1930s actress Frances Farmer, a beautiful woman who starred in a few films before her alcoholism and erratic behaviour took hold. In this film, it is very much implied that Frances’s mother, who wielded a power over the household, did not like her daughter’s independent spirit and was an active proponent to have her daughter committed to the insane asylum. You see Frances’s descent where she is raped while in the asylum and, finally, given a lobotomy. Once out, she is a shell of her former self. It is an incredibly sad film especially since it is based on a true story. Now, it is called a highly fictionalized film version but the real Frances Farmer was a proponent for better treatment of the patients and wanted an end to lobotomies that were in place back in the 40s and 50s. Jessica deserved her Oscar for this role and not the boring romantic foul to Dustin Hoffman’s Tootsie. Personally, I think she won that Best Supporting Oscar as a comeuppance for not winning the Best Actress.
2. MERYL STREEP IN SOPHIE’S CHOICE
I know, I know…sacrilege! How dare I say that Meryl should not have won for her role as a Polish woman, in the concentration camp being told to decide which of her children should live and which one should die. It is beyond disgusting but, for this moment, I just had a hard time dealing with her meh Polish accent and the long winded storyline of her love affairs with Kevin Kline, whom I love and Peter McNichol…um the very short guy who played the creepy nut in Ghostbusters 2. To be honest, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open watching this movie because, I found it…boring. Told you this would be controversial.
3. JULIE ANDREWS IN VICTOR/VICTORIA
Julie was, rightfully, nominated for her brilliant comedic turn as a starving woman in Paris, taken in by an old Queen, played by Robert Preston, who comes up with a brilliant premise. Julie is a woman, who pretends to be a man who pretends to be a woman. She/he sings up a storm and becomes a major star on stage winning the hearts of the audience especially visiting gangster, James Garner, and his moll, played so well by Lesley Ann Warren ( up for Best Supporting Actress)and Alex Karras, who steals many scenes as Garner’s secretly gay bodyguard. This is a brilliant comedy with some wonderful singing scenes showcasing Andrews’ 4 Octave range. I’m glad she was nominated and, if it wasn’t for Jessica Lange, I would have given the Oscar to Julie over, yes, Meryl.
Have you seen these films? I bet you disagree with me but if you don’t …thank you! Is there another actress you would have given this Oscar to? Let me know.
It’s a fun theme this week over at Monday Music Moves Me where we pick songs that makes you think of long summer days and warm nights. Nowadays, I enjoy the evenings, before the mosquitoes dive bomb to suck the blood from me, sitting and enjoying the flowers and that evening air which is just hard to explain. My 20s were filled with sadness but also contained a lot of fun! I often danced the night away and enjoyed a few parties, some with campfires, making friends that are still in my life. When I hear these songs, I always reflect back to those fun times. Here are 3 that I just love…
1. SUMMER IN THE CITY BY THE LOVIN’ SPOONFUL-1966
I love this song, which has been used by a couple other people this week, but I still had to place this in, because I just love this song. I recall, sitting by many a fire listening to this song in the warm air, smelling of mosquito repellent, enjoying hearing this song.
2. GOOD VIBRATIONS SUNG BY THE BEACH BOYS-1967
Now, I danced to this song many, many times at the countless discos that were around in the 80s. They would play music from the 80s, but also the 70s and the 60s. The Beach Boys seem to epitomize the long summer days and I was happy dancing to their many tunes.
3. PARADISE BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHT SUNG BY MEATLOAF AND ELLEN FOLEY-1977
This song comes from the album, “Bat Out Of Hell” which I own and except for the song of the same name as the album title, I love all the songs and this particular song reminds me of the time when, at a campfire, we started to sing their song with us gals singing, “stop right there” and the guys miming, “sleep on it.” It was fun and dancing to it, sometimes, out on some patio, created memories that I will cherish. I still dance to it recalling times when it was paradise by the dashboard light. Come on, haven’t we all had fun in the backseat of some old car? Hmmmm, maybe I’ll take my hubby out to watch the submarine races.
What summer songs remind you of long summer days?
By the way, the picture was taken in 1985 at my parent's home. I had a 3 day party with tents, music, fires and yes, lots of booze! We still talk about it!
I have 8 birthdays in May including my hubby on May 25th and ending June 2nd with mine and it was nice. I am loving all your comments you have left on my blog posts..they just bring a smile to my face when I read them…I wanted you to know that. I wondered, how many movies celebrate birthdays, whether it’s the main theme or just a part of the movie and I realized, it was hard to recall movies I have seen where a birthday takes place but I did think of 3…
1. THE LITTLE PRINCESS-1939
This film stars the ever perky Shirley Temple who is left at a fancy boarding school, by her dad, who is off to fight in the Boer War. The woman who runs the school is a nasty, beady-eyed bitch who treats Shirley with wonder since her daddy is rich. A sumptuous birthday party, with all the trimmings and grand gifts is given to Shirley until a letter comes with the message that her dad died and his money gone since it was in property which was seized. As soon as you can say, “Happy Birthday, my little pretty”, the bitch grabs Shirley’s gifts and takes almost everything for herself before grabbing the poor girl and brings her to her new digs. It’s the cold, damp attic that she must share with the other girl who cleans and scrubs the home. Shirley doesn’t believe the report that her father died and goes on a search to the local hospital to find her dad. It’s a sweet story with Shirley in top form still playing a young girl and does a great job as does all the actors. I love the side story about the rich, crotchety old man who has his Indian manservant help the 2 young maidens in The attic by providing, food and warm blankets. This film is also done in technicolour which is great to see in the original format.
2. HEAVEN CAN WAIT-1943
This is not the famous film done by Warren Beatty, which was from 1978, not 1943. This film stars Don Ameche as a rich but spoiled man about town who meets the beautiful Gene Tierney and marries her. We learn about their life together through his birthdays and if he is in the right place, He’ll, or if he should be in Heaven. I love this movie and find the writing, acting and directing superb and it should be better known.
3. 16 CANDLES-1984
I like this film better today than when it first came out, but it’s still not a favourite of mine because I’m just not a fan of Molly Ringworm..er…Ringwald. I never understood why she became so famous to be honest and it started with this comedy by John Hughes. You have a nice family, in a very nice home dealing with the upcoming nuptials of their eldest daughter completely forgetting that their younger daughter( Ringworm) has her Sweet 16 that day. Topping it off, aside from her grandparents coming in for their wedding knocking her out of her room, she must deal with her major crush on this hunky boy, but deals with a horny kid who is always bothering her in that gross adolescent way boys do, to her sister’s wedding day. The girl who plays the sister, Blanche Baker, did a very funny performance of a stoned out bride. I also love the foreign exchange student played by Gedde Watanabe who gets into quite a pickle. Actually, this character and the writing received harsh criticism, but, I believe, it’s just how these 2 old people think about foreign exchange students and , like every other kid, he just wants to party.
So what movies can you think of that is about birthdays or has a birthday party in the film?
I had a great birthday yesterday by doing almost nothing and watching a fun comedy with 2 of my dearest friends, Peter and Ron. They are brothers who do just about everything together. They have their own lives but they go on vacations together and do many fun events-today they will go to Niagara Falls and do some fun events since everything is half price this day. We watch, “Dodgeball”, a politically incorrect comedy, stupid but, I find, very funny. Peter did not like it…lol but, I think, Ron found it fun. Comedy is a hard one because not everyone likes the same thing. I like just bout every comedy style even the 3 Stooges. By the way, the deer picture was taken by my best friend, Loretta, who saw this outside her window. Ok, I digress, I am choosing songs about the wonderful month of June and I will join Monday Music Moves Me on Wednesday and here we go..,
1. MEMPHIS IN JUNE SUNG BY JULIE LONDON-1956
Julie created the album, “Calendar Girl” and I am enjoying all her songs and this one, written by Hoagy Carmichael and Paul Francis Webster, back in 1944, is special since it is bout the month of June.
2. JUNE COMES AROUND EVERY YEAR SUNG BY BING CROSBY-1944
This was written by the famous Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer and I always enjoy Der Bingle who sings this song with his usual flair.
3. JUNE IS BUSTIN’ OUT ALL OVER SUNG BY CLARAMAE TURNER AND BARBARA RUICK-1956
This is a great song by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein for the musical, “Carousel” that became a film starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MaCrea. He is a lout who marries a sweet gal who takes his crap. It takes place in June when the fair comes to town. The townsfolk with some special gals sing about this month. It’s fun and full of frolic.
DIED FROM: Overdose, ruled a suicide, but I do believe she was murdered
REAL NAME: Norma Jean Mortensen or Baker
MARRIED: 3 times- James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller
AFFAIRS: where does one start…Johnny Hyde( famous agent), Yves Montana, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Elia Kazan, Milton Berle, Charlie Chaplin Jnr. And his brother, Sydney, Elia Kazan, Andre De Dienes and JFK and RFK
CHILDREN:Sadly, none-3 miscarriages
FRIENDS: Jane Russell, Dorothy Dandridge, Hildegard Knef and Ella Fitzgerald Whom she helped get into higher end clubs that she, normally, couldn’t have entered due to her colour. Monroe got her in and made sure she used the front door!
OSCAR NOMINATIONS: none!
TALENT: her ability to know how to model and use her face and body. Wrote poetry, painting
KNOWN FOR: loving books, a stutterer( got help from diction coaches), wore glasses, loved children and animals. Active equal rights activist, her mental instabilities, lateness and anxieties.
There are over 60 books about her not counting all the film books that mention her, of which I have quite a few few. June 1st was her 100th birthday( today is my birthday, but I’m just 62 which is why I am late with this today), but she died, way too young, at 36. If she would have lived, I bet she would have had. Weight problem, like Elizabeth Taylor, she would have gone to Studio 54 and would have ended up at the Betty Ford Centre. I do believe she would have been a co-star on the Love Boat, helped Bob Hope entertain more troops and made more films finally being nominated, if not winning, an Oscar….If only.
Her childhood was horrible start8 g with a mom, who did love her, but suffered from mental health problems often ending up in a sanitarium. Monroe ended up in Foster Care, bouncing from one place to another and being raped by one of foster parents when she was 11. By the time she was 16, she was told she would have to go back to the orphanage or marry. She ended up marrying a childhood friend, James Dougherty, who went off to war soon after. She was one of the many gals who started working in a factory when, now sure how, Ronald Reagan saw her, and singled her out to be in films. She was already modeling, so she decided tht it was time to become a movie star. When her husband came back home,she g e him a kiss goodbye and off she went. She did a few extra roles, but times were tough which is when she posed for those famous nude photos. When they were “found”, she spoke to the reporters openly and said she was very hungry and needed the money. When asked what she had on, she famously said, “The radio”. You can see her climb the movie ladder from her short role in, “Love Happy” with the Marx Brothers to her breakout roles in “The Ashphalt Jungle” and “All About Eve”. When she finally hit the big time, she said, “Thank God that’s the last cock I have to suck”. She knew all about the casting couch and used it to get to the big times.
Today, they make it that she was raped by big time producers like Darryl Zanuck, but she used her assets to get a head, er, sort of speak. Today, she would be part of the Me Too movement, but there was no such thing back in her day. I have been reading and seeing videos making Monroe out to be the next Einstein, but, sorry, she was not this extremely intelligent woman who knew how to get more money by being late on the set and delaying production for her equal rights blah, blah, blah. She was average, but she was very curious and, never having a proper education, she was a veracious reader and loved learning. One director did note that he saw her start many books, but not sure she ever read the whole book. Unfortunately, she did inherit her mom’s mental issues and deal with extreme anxiety, depression and, later got hooked on barbiturates and alcohol. She was constantly very, very late on the set, stuck in her trailer, not wanting to come out and do the scene. The actors were often, very frustrated and angry with her because they would start at 8am and she would not come out of her trailer, often until 3, 4, or 5 pm! Sometimes, the actor or actress would be of great help like Jane Russell from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” but you had Tony Curtis who claimed “Kissing Monroe was like kissing Hitler.” Because of his extreme frustration working with her on the set of “Some Like It Hot”. He later claimed they had an affair during this time but I don’t believe him. He never said he had an affair with her until decades later when he was writing his tell all book plus he was just too narcissistic in praising his prowess. Marilyn relied too much on her acting coaches, like Natasha Lytress and Lee Strassberg and his daughter, Paula Strassberg creating tensions on the set. Finally, her last film, “The Misfits” was hell to make. She was acting along side her teen-age crush, Clark Gable, but her marriage to Arthur Miller was failing and her mental health was not the best. Her delays on the set was upsetting Clark Gable who was always prompt making this set full of friction. Gable did many of his own stunts ( being dragged by a horse, for example) in high heat and with all these issues, he had a severe heart attack. While recuperating in the hospital, he suffered mother heart attack and died at just 59.
Marilyn, according to director/writer Billy Wilder, did not show any huge allure when you met her in person, but the camera captured something our eyes could not see. She looked beyond luminous and captured her sexual vulnerability on film. Despite not being able to remember her lines ( they did 76 takes when she walked into Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis’s room asking where the bourbon was. Wilder finally, pasted the line in the dresser when she opens up the drawer), being late, having major anxieties, she brought effervescence, gaiety, and gret humour to her roles. She enjoyed being photographed and having fun which Richard Avedon found when she created looks of the famous film stars from the turn of the century to the early 30s. She called her friend/lover, Andrede Dienes in the middle of the night to capture her inner feelings which is very haunting and sad. She wanted children so badly but suffered from endometriosis and suffered 3 miscarriages. She was rekindling her love for Joe DiMaggio at the end of her life and was going to have a Press Conference to talk about JFK and RFK when she died. It is, officially, ruled a suicide but, I do believe, she was murdered. She was a mess, mentally and hooked on drugs and alcohol, so it is easy to say she called it a day, but I don’t buy it. I watched an excellent documentary, years ago, about JFK’s death and all the people associated with his murder. It took a step by step approach about his murder and how over 170 people all died within the first 5 to 6 years after his death. The famous scene where Jack Ruby gunned down Lee Harvey Oswald to the many low lying people who just knew too much. Dorothy Kilgore was said to have committed suicide, but she was just way too logical to do this. Plus she stated she had the proof that JFK was shot by someone else and was going to go to the News with this, when she died. All her papers were gone. Marilyn showed no signs of the barbiturates in her stomach which would have shown up in the autopsy. They did find a needle mark between her toes! The maid could not open the door so, rather than calling the police, after she looked in Marilyn’s bedroom window, she went to the home in the back of Monroe’s yard to Peter Lawford who was the brother in law to JFK and RFK. He looked in and was on the phone with god knows who. It was a couple of hours before the police were called. Her diary, certain papers were ripped out, and other papers were gone. It is circumstantial but it does make one think. OK, this is lengthy, but she is an icon. I am going to showcase her unique photos by Richard Avedon and then the very sad images that Monroe said captured her soul, by Andrede Dienes.
I just got home from the conference, which was excellent, and now, having to go to work. We stayed at a nice conference centre surrounded by nature and those bloody June bugs. I was able to go for a hike where they said it take a little over 15 min….i took over an hour but I could do it! I am sore but am so overjoyed that I did it. The bonfire was a bust because of those bloody June bugs that went into peoples’ hair, including mine, hitting into our heads, and one buzzed right into someone’s ear. So I thought I would talk about having an outdoor picnic, Barbeque or party with food and a fire. So here we go…
1. TO CATCH A THIEF-1955
This Hitchcock film stars Grace Kelly and Cary Grant who meet in Monaco ( this is when Grace met her future husband, Prince Ranier of Monaco) and have a famous picnic, on the side of the road overlooking the beautiful city. At one point she asks Grant if he wants a leg or a breast and Grant was perfect in his look and hesitation which just added to the sexual energy. Grant is wrongly accused of rejuvenating his old job as a cat burglar and he must clear his name. Kelly plays a rich daughter of a great mom( played by Jessie Royce Landis who was only 8 years older than Grant where Kelly was 25 yrs younger than Grant) who is certain Grant was to steal her jewels, amongst other things. Grant wants to clear his name and finds a way with the help of the mom and daughter plus the insurance agent. His old gang are angry with him believing he is the Cat but the daughter of Grant’s friend, helps him out. It’s a great fluff piece from Hitchcock. The luscious colours, gowns( I want that white and blue gown), it is luscious in colours, ambience and scenery. It’s a fun film with all the Hitchcock elements.
2. GRAN TORINO-2008
This is a great movie about a widower, played by Clint Eastwood, a Polish bigot who is not happy that people from China but are Hmong, move in next door. When the young son, urged by his deadbeat gang member cousin, to steal Clint’s Gran Torino, he reluctantly tries but is caught by Clint. Clint decides to use him to clean up around the house and the homes of other older people who can no longer do those things. Slowly, mainly due to the boy’s sister, Clint warms up to the neighbours and is invited to their Barbeque. He meets their grandmother who is equally bigoted and dislikes Clint. Clint teaches the boy about values and understanding and respecting the value of items. When the gang beat up the young boy, Clint makes a visit and goes all Magnum force on the gang. The gang retaliate by beating and raping the older sister which breaks Clint’s heart and makes hi one angry bear. This is a great film that I love and the bigoted words and prejudices shown are meant to showcase the narrow-mindedness of people, even people with an inner good heart. I love the Gran Torino, love the writing and the story. Very heart felt and the Barbeque scene is when Clint learns more about himself and tolerance of other people.
3. GROWN UPS 2-2013
Yup, this is a stupid comedy, it stars Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph and Maria Bella as the suffering wives of these bozos. These friends decided to move back to their home town and get into all sorts of escapades, at one point, ending up jumping off a cliff, nude, into the pond below when bullied by these Fraternity brats. It culminates at Sandler and Hayek’s home where they are having a big 80s themed party with a big fire. Tons of people arrive and start to party down, but when the Frat brats arrive ready to rumble, all hell breaks loose and a big fight ensues which is quite funny. This is a stupid comedy, not a great one, but one that makes me laugh which we all need on occasion.
Which picnic, BBQ. or bonfire movies can you think of?
Sorry that I have not visited any blogs, but I am away at a conference. I am writing this fast and funny, last night we were all supposed to have a nice big fire and have s’mores, but there were a ton of June bugs flying everywhere and they got into my hair and freaked most of the people back inside. It’s BBQ season and Monday Music Moves Me and I thought of 2 of these songs and my brother came up with the other one. I promise to visit everyone later this week.
1. LIGHT MY FIRE- BY THE DOORS-1967
I remember hearing this song at many BBQ’s over the years plus at campfires. It is a song sung, badly, but with great humour by Tom Hanks in the film, “Castaway”. Tom Hanks, surviving a plane crush ends up on a small deserted island and is overjoyed that he was able to make a fire. This is a great song, by the Doors, was, primarily, written by Rob Krieger, the guitarist for the Doors.
2. PROUD MARY BY CCR-1969
This Creedence Clearwater Revival was a favourite of my mom-in-law who loved this song and she loved playing it when having dinner outside. She loved camping and this song was a favourite of her’s. It was written by John Fogerty. We had so much fun sitting by a fire eating our food and listening to this classic.
3. HARVEST MOON- NEIL YOUNG-1992
Funny, I thought of this song because I have heard it while sitting by a fire many times. I asked my brother for. Suggestion and he thought of this song right away. This was written and performed by the Canadian Iconic, Neil Young.
Last night, we were ready to eat some s’mores beside a big campfire but this bloody June bugs were everywhere. I walked back to the retreat with a big June bug attached to my top in the front. More shrieks occurred while I walked back outside to flick it off.
I have no idea if saying or wring deaf and mute is politically correct or not but I don’t really care. It’s not supposed to mean anything degrading except that there are people who can’t hear and are unable to talk. It got me thinking about movies involving people who are deaf, either from birth or from when they were young so are often unable to voice words because they just don’t know how to voice an actual word. Anyway, here are 3 films I chose that fit this theme.
1. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME-1923
This film has been done many times beginning with this very famous version of the Victor Hugo book about a deformed, deaf man who rings the bells for the famous cathedral in the late 1400s. My favourite version is the 1939 film version starring Charles Laughton as Quasimodo and Maureen O’Hara as the beautiful Gypsy, Esmeralda, but I wanted to pick this film because of the epic work of Lon Chaney. Lon Chaney was known as the Man of a Thousand Faces due to his many characters he played in film and suffered due to the make up he fabricated. This make up included a contact lens that created pain in his eye plus it damaged his sight, a heavy piece, that he developed, attached to his back not allowing him to stand upright along with a constrainment of his legs which also caused much pain for Chaney for the rest of his life. Lon Chaney helped Patsy Ruth Miller, who played Esmeralda, with her character and how to convey the emotions just with her eyes and motions. Lon Chaney grew up with deaf mute parents where he used facial expressions, movements and sign language to communicate with them. This added to his acting prowess in film. Through all this makeup, he conveyed so much emotion that your heart bleeds for this human being treated so harshly by the crowds, except for Esmeralda who gave him water. This film, although over 100 years old, is a must see film.
2. JOHNNY BELINDA-1948
I love this gentle film about a young deaf-mute girl, played so brilliantly by Jane Wyman ( who won an Oscar for her role), whom her dad and his sister believe is not that bright. It takes the new Doctor of the village, played by Lew Ayres, to open their eyes that Belinda is anything but dumb. The Doc teaches her sign language and when her dad sees how well she can speak using sign language he is overjoyed that his daughter can “speak”. Unfortunately, ( spoiler alert) a brutish lout decides to rape the young girl resulting in a pregnancy. The girl only loves her child and will protect her child no matter what. Yup, this gentle drama has some wowzers in the film but it never loses its genteel feel. Her dad and aunt were not very approachable at first, but they change when they see Belinda can learn and has a voice. I love when her dad starts to learn sign language so he can talk with his daughter. I also developed a major crush on Lew Ayres who was so gentle and good looking with that moustache:))
3. THE MIRACLE WORKER-1962
This is the famous story about how a young Annie Sullivan is hired by this aristocratic Southern family to care for their, so-called, simpleton daughter, a young Helen Keller. Little does the family realize that Annie means to teach this brat sign language but not before teaching her some manners. The pivotal scene in the dining room, where Helen must learn how to fold her napkin, and eat her food with a knife and fork, is shocking when Helen does not get her way and Annie refuses for Helen to take Annie's food from her plate. A battle of wills ensues making Annie the winner ( albeit the dining room is a disaster). Annie is allowed to take the 8 year old Helen to a cabin, away from her family who were just enabling her, so she can teach Helen sign language. Helen is not only deaf and mute, but blind so teaching her words is quite the task but will open up the world. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke both deserved their Oscars for the stellar performances. Helen and Annie were inseparable for the rest of their lives( Annie passed away in 1936 and Helen in 1968. Helen became a world lecturer, writer and activist for the blind, equal rights for women and the poor plus she learned 5 languages- German, French, Greek and Latin! So, when we feel despondent that we can’t do something, think of this lady.
Can you think of any films about a character being deaf and or mute?
Oh, the answer to yesterday’s musical Oscar song is “ The Way You Look Tonight” won the Oscar, “ I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was nominated and “A Fine Romance” got nuttin’. The other nominees were, “ Did I Remember” from Suzy; “ A Melody From The Sky” from Trail of the Lonesome Pine; “ Pennies From Heaven,” from Pennies From Heaven and, “ When Did You Leave Heaven,” from Sing, Baby, Sing. I don’t know some of these songs at all which beat out some very famous songs we stil, know today like , “ Easy To Love,” “ Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” San Francisco.”
It’s been crazy weather..we went all the way up to 32C (89.6F) for the last 3 days and now we are down to 16C (60.8F). Work is crazy from the clients to stress that we must get the stragglers in before June 30th or their Consumer Proposals and Bankruptcies will be opposed and rejected. I am not sure how I will get through them all but it must get done. Last night I had an idiot for 6pm who finally called me at 6:45pm. She picked up stuff at the groceries and got her nails done completely forgetting about this Mandatory appointment that she asked for, because she can only do these appointments at 6pm because of work. Since the first session must be done in the first 60 days, I took her because my next free 6pm isn’t until the middle of July. I wish I could say that she got into debt due to illness, loss of job, marital breakdown but, nope, she went back to school, at 48( which is great), got the credit cards and wanted a truck so bought a big ass truck. She didn’t realize how much interest there would be so now she did a Proposal. Ughhhh!
Ok, I bitched enough:) It is freebie week over at Monday Music Moves Me and it is time to see if you know who won the Oscar for Best Song of 1936. Let’s see if you can guess which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed. It’s a huge year for great songs, by the way.
1. I’VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN SUNG BY VIRGINIA BRUCE
This song is from the musical, “Born To Dance” starring Eleanor Powell and James Stewart ( who sang “Easy To Love” and, as he even said, he couldn’t screw it up since it’s such a great song) and sung by the ethereal Virginia Bruce as the other gal. All the songs were composed by Cole Porter.
2. A FINE ROMANCE SUNG BY FRED ASTAIRE AND GINGER ROGERS
This is a great song, written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields from the Astaire/Rogers film, “Swing Time.” It is sung by the 2 with a hopeful Astaire trying to woo the jaded Rogers. They each sing it I. The style of their emotions and it works so well. I love the chemistry of these 2 greats.
3. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT SUNG BY FRED ASTAIRE
Another great song from the film, “Swing Time” written by Kern and Fields where Astaire serenades Rogers who dissed him just before she washes her hair. It’s a beautiful song.
So which one won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed?
I stamped the Angel in silver and embossed her in a silver sparkle . I took Tim Holtz Distress inks and, with a soft brush, coloured the background with a soft blue and pink. I placed it on a grey card background, added the border stickers and the stars. Nice and simple card today.
Best Actor for the films of 2003 was quite a good year in film. I thought most of the actors nominated deserved to be there..most of them. This will be a Bit different because, this year I agree with the Academy, barely, but I agree. So let’s see what I chose..
1. SEAN PENN IN MYSTIC RIVER
Sean Penn is a controversial figure because, he seems to be an a-hole, but one with conviction. In this film he plays one of 3 childhood friends where he grew up the become the local gangster. The other, played by Kevin Bacon, is a cop and Timothy Robbins plays an ex-convict who owns a convenience store. Penn’s daughter is found murdered and wants to find justice, his way while cop Bacon is just trying to find the killer. When Robbins shows up bloodied with an injured hand changing his story every 2 minutes, he comes the prime suspect. The issue is, is he guilty? I will have to say, Penn deserves this Oscar. It’s a showy role, but a great one and Penn delivers one of his best acting especially when he shows up at the crime scene. He’s intense but for all the right reasons. So, yes, he deserved this Oscar but I almost chose another actor for an understated performance who should have been nominated.
2. JEFF BRIDGES IN SEABISCUIT
My hubby and I just rewatched this stellar film a couple of weeks ago and it just grabs your heart in so many ways. It is about the famous horse, Seabiscuit who grabbed the nation’s attention back during the Great Depression of the 1930s. 3 lost men, feeling out of place in a world changing around them come together due to a horse feeling much the same way. Each are damaged and hurt by the world they live in. Chris Cooper plays a rodeo performer and cowboy who no longer fits in with the modern world. He is hired by Rich Jeff Bridges, who made his money in cars but becomes enchanted with the world of horse racing. Bridges wants nothing to do with cars since his son died in an accident, his wife divorced him and he is unsure where his life will go. When he sees Seabiscuit, he sees something in himself and buys the horse and asks Cooper to train him. Cooper meets up with Red, played by Tobey Maguire, a defiant kid working in the stables and sees that he is just as lost and damaged as Seabiscuit. You follow all 4 of these damaged souls become famous because of The little horse that could. It culminates when Seabiscuit and the Great “War Admiral” come together for a race and the country stops to listen on the radio about this mighty race. Jeff Bridges gave a quiet, resilient performance as the rich man who understood what broken means and quietly restores the health of all 3, the cowboy, the jockey and the horse. How Jeff didn’t even get nominated is beyond me and if he would have won the Oscar, I would have been happy. Where Penn’s performance was flamboyant and magnetic, Bridges was calm, steadfast and equally magnetic, just in a different way.
3 JOHNNY DEPP IN PIRATES OFNTHE CARIBBEAN
Yup, Depp was nominated for his comedic performance in the comedy fantasy about a blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) and a Governor's daughter (Keira Kneightly who meet and fall in love amidst the Mahem of the Pirates who want to retrieve the medallion since it is part of a treasure horde they need to retrieve to undo the curse they are under. It’s a fun movie that grossed a ton of money and made many sequels. Johnny Depp developed this character that is flamboyant and over the top. I don’t mind it but I never thought he deserved to be nominated. To be honest, I now find the character a bit irritating and wish Depp would stop all those quirky mannerisms of this character. These films are funny and the make-up deserves an Oscar but not Depp.
Do you agree with my assessment? Just so you know, the other nominees were Ben Kingsley for “House of Sand and Fog”, Jude Law in “Cold Mountain” and Bill Murray from “Lost in Translation.”
