Thursday Movie Picks-Secret Agents and Spy Films

Another week and the first Thursday in November to pick three films that work with the topic which is Spy Films and/or Secret Agents (That song Secret Agent Man is going through my head right now-Love the British TV show and The Prisoner). Head on over to Wandering Through the Shelves to see what the other bloggers have chosen.

I love spy films. I could have picked so many from The Bourne films to the Jack Ryan Films, Red...you name it! I should call myself a new name, you can call me...Ta-Tania...Ta-Tania Enassenwhopper. OK so I am no Pussy Galore, Plenty O'Toole or Ivana Humpalot but then that name can still work:)

1. THE MAN BETWEEN-1953

This is a great post war spy intrigue film. I consider it a spy film since it takes place post World War 2 Berlin where intrigue was rife at this time and tensions were high between East and West. James Mason plays a man caught between 2 forces who tries to find a way to be able to stay in the West and not in jail. When a British diplomat's sister is taken by the East's spies by mistake, Mason's character is her only hope to get her back safely to the West. I love the music in this film. This film is rare and has not been released on DVD in North America which is a crime!

2. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE-1962

This is one disturbing film that was not seen for over 30 years either because Sinatra decided not have it shown or the studio just didn't show it due to lack of interest. I had heard it was banned due to the content. Whatever the reason, it was not re-shown until the late 1980's. A troubled war hero is used as a pawn by the Communists to infiltrate high levels of government. Brainwashing, torture, PTSD are all involved in this film and it is riveting. Angela Lansbury, of Murder She wrote fame, plays one nasty mother.

3. THUNDERBALL-1965

You think I would not post a James Bond film? Listen, he is an egotistical, alcoholic whose dick will probably fall off due to gangrene and his lungs will implode from his smoking but...who cares! It's fun and the gals all swoon for him while he finds the bad guys. I always love the opening numbers and Tom Jones belts out the main theme. It also introduces another Bond music that is played during the action sequences, the highlight being under the water. I had to include a Bond film even though my favourite opening is not from the Bond films but from a Leslie Nielsen parody called Spy Hard:)

Gosh I could have picked so many more....

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen O'Hara was born in Ireland on August 17, 1920 and just passed away on October 24, 2015. She was strong, beautiful with her red hair and green eyes, and about the only woman allowed in the Men's club of John Ford's group that included John Wayne and Ward Bond.

She is one of my all time favourite leading actresses and one woman I wish I could have met. It is a shame that Hollywood of today talks more about overly botoxed idiots that never show any ounce of working than speak of someone with such class, grace and wonder like Maureen O'Hara, who, incidentally, could sing as well.

I have put together a list of my favourite top 11 films I have seen her in. There are some films I have not seen like "The Black Swan" or The Spanish Main," but I think I still put together a pretty decent list that I hope, some of you, will get the chance to see some of these one day. So here is my list:

11. BIG JAKE-1971- She had a small part in this film but yet you could feel the warmth and genuine respect she and John Wayne had for each other. She plays his estranged wife who has requested for him to find their grandson.  A wonderful western.

10. THE RARE BREED-1966- She stars with both James Stewart and Brian Keith in this film that has some comedic overtones. Her daughter has trained their bull, meant to produce new stock, to come when whistled for. Of course, Ms. O'Hara is the object of affection from both Stewart's and Keith's characters. This film is not shown much, which is a shame.

9. THE PARENT TRAP- 1961- This is a famous Disney film where twin girls try to reunite their divorced parents.  It is a fun movie to watch especially with Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith as the parents. By the way, Maureen O'Hara was not too happy with Disney.

8.  RIO GRANDE-1950- This film is the first of 5 films she made with John Wayne and she loved him from the start...and vice-versa. She plays his estranged wife come to take her son back who has joined the regiment his father leads. A great western showing a beautiful tenderness between the 2 leads.

7. MR. HOBBS TAKES A VACATION-1962- James Stewart takes his wife, Maureen O'Hara and their brood to a seaside cottage. It is fun and a very pleasant comedy with teens being frisky as only a G rated movie can show them...in other words, unrealistic, but it is so much fun.

6. ONLY THE LONELY-1991- I have not seen this film in a long time but yet it is one of the sweetest that John Candy ever made. He plays O'Hara's son who falls in love with a cosmetician who works in a funeral home. His mom is not pleased with her son's romance even though her son seems very happy with his new girlfriend. In turn, Anthony Quinn plays a neighbour who has the hots for the mom. On a side note, John Candy had a big trailer compared to the much smaller one for Maureen O'Hara. He requested the executroids to give her the same size trailer but they stated the budget wouldn't allow it. Candy gave her his trailer and took the much smaller one. When the Execs found out, they gave him a new trailer!

5. HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY-1941- A great John Ford non-western showing a small village and the family living in this village and working in the mines. Maureen O'Hara is the beautiful daughter who falls in love with the local  minister and vice-versa. This won the Oscar that year over Citizen Kane. Even if Citizen Kane is the better film, this should not diminish how good this film is.

4. MCLINTOCK-1963- What a fun, rousing western! Of course she plays the estranged wife of John Wayne who has come back to town and knows how to rattle his chains! He knows how to do the same and they know how to "duke" it out. She often did most of her own stunts so the famous mud scene has most of the actors doing the stunts themselves although she stated that falling from the ladder into the horse's trough was the most dangerous.

3. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME-1939- She plays the beguilingly beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda to Charles Laughton's hunchback. Charles Laughton actually discovered her and brought her to Hollywood with this being one of her first films. This film still makes me tear up and is my favourite of all the remakes (sorry Lon Chaney).

2. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET-1947- We all know this classic and who else could play the beautiful, independent mom in charge of many people than Maureen O'Hara. She plays the scenes with such conviction and can show authority and compassion equally.

1. THE QUIET MAN-1952- Oh of course this would be #1!! She was never more beautiful, starring in a John Ford film with all the favourites in it including John Wayne who falls for the beautiful maiden. He plays a former boxer who refuses to fight. She falls for him but feels he is a coward for not fighting for her dowry that her brother refuses to give. It all culminates in a wonderful drag out fight. Wayne's character literally drags O'Hara off the train, through the fields over cow doo-doo to "talk" to her brother. I found that scene one of the most romantic moments!

So there is my top 11. I could not do only 10.

Here she is singing Danny Boy...enjoy.

Thursday Movie Picks-Ghost Movies and a couple of cards:)

It's Thursday which means movie pick time! Wandering Through The Shelves has created a blog hop where a topic is picked each week and you pick 3 films that work with that topic. It can be movies, you love, hate or just feel a big rousing "meh." This week it is Ghost movies and there is a plethora (love that word) of them out there. Here are my 3...

1. REBECCA-1940

You may not think it is a ghost story and it isn't in the typical way but that doesn't mean the 2 main characters are not haunted by the now dead Rebecca. A very rich, attractive man whisks poor, innocent(hah! It's Joan Fontaine who is anything but) young lass into marriage and to his mansion with huge fireplaces, that I would love, and the head housekeeper who would freak out Nurse Ratched. Everywhere one looks, one is reminded of Rebecca, his first wife and Ms. Danvers, The creepy head housekeeper, will make sure no one ever forgets her. Creepy and suspenseful and, yes, A Hitchcock film.

2. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR-1947

Yes I must mention this great film again because I love it. It is pure Gothic in its approach from the very beginning of the film. The main heroine, played by the beautiful Gene Tierney (no man will ever want her overbite to go away), is a strong character who moves to a home with her young daughter and housemaid to start over once her husband dies. The home is not all that it appears to be. It has great comedic moments, a great romance and a sadness that gently permeates throughout the film. It is rich and makes you long for more.

3. THE SPIRIT IS WILLING-1967

I could have picked "The Haunting" which is one of my favourite films (not the dreck of a remake but the original), but I have to give some love to this comedy that probably very few have seen and that I love. It has the Spirit(nyuck, nyuck) of Disney but with a little sass and some sex innuendo. Nothing R rated and perfectly fun. Sid Caesar and Vera Miles play the parents of a teenage son who can see ghosts (parents can't). Of course hijinks ensues because nobody believes the teen when he says there are 3 ghosts-2 of whom have the hots for one another. Loved John Astin in his small role. I want to try to get this on DVD.

Now which ghost films do you like?

I have included a couple of cards as well.

Animal Friends-Halloween
Eclectic Ellapu-Purple Team-Halloween/Dark/Horror

I LOVE Al Hirschfeld. I find him a fantastic artist who drew thousands of caricatures of many famous people. I knew he had to have done one of good Ole Hitchcock so I looked it up on the internet and then free hand drew it. I did not photocopy:) What's fun also is when his daughter, Nina, was born he always placed her name somewhere in the drawing (It was in Hitchcock's hair). I tried some watercolour with distress ink to make it look like blood, stamped some spiders around to frame it, added sticker borders  and edged the side in red. Boogedy-boogedy.

Dream Valley Challenges-Use some blue
Craft Your Passion-Anything Goes

This card was inspired by the Battle of the Bands post. I love listening to the battles and deciding which one I like better... even when they are heavy metal, blast my ears off, music (music??) -heehee. I am learning a great deal and decided to create a card inspired by one of the songs a blogger has chosen for the challenge. Over at Angel's Bark (I love the title because all dogs are angels in my book), her Battle was on the song, "California Dreamin." (is it "on the song"...doesn't sound right but it's late so forgive me). I stamped the trees in black and embossed them in silver pearl for that grey November blah look. I also stamped clouds because clouds can look dreary on a November day. I sponged on some faded blue die ink. I stamped the sun and embossed it in Gold pearl and then used yellow, orange and red die inks to create a California feel (you know, without the earthquakes, drought, fires, oh the list goes on). I stamped the saying in yellow and blue, added some border stickers and adhered the card to Grey cardstock. Hope you like my inspiration.

Sorry for the lengthy post...well, not really but some can skip the first part and other can skip the 2nd part:)

Sparkle and Shine

CASE Christmas-Review the card and be inspired by it
Christmas Cards All Year Round- No Stamps
Craft Your Passion-Always Anything Goes

A wonderful lady, named Asha, who creates beautiful cards and adores her fur babies, created a card over at CASE Christmas (You should check it out). I don't have the beautiful stamp she has (reminds me of Russia) but I had this die cut and created a little scene with snow falling. I didn't use any stamps! It's hard to see the village I think because I was compelled to use glitter paper . I coloured the tree and houses and steeple with markers. I used stickers, crystals and a white pen for snow. It is silver and blue (of course blue).

ABC Christmas-Unusual Colours
Crafty Creations-Don't be blue
CraftyHazelnut's Christmas Challenge 2-Anything Goes

3 colours...or non colours depending how you wish to view it:) Black, white and silver. Again No stamps so it still works for the other challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round. My mom always loved Black and white and I decided to make a Christmas scene as if one was in the Alps at some ski chalet. I won't ski...I'll be in the hot tub drinking wine.

I have to pay homage to Maureen O'Hara soon since this beautiful lady passed away. Hmmmm, maybe someone will pay homage to her and pick a beautiful Irish tune. I will also post Halloween cards soon. I know Christmas before Halloween-I am crazy.

The last 15 of my Favourite films

So, as promised, here is my list of the last 15  movies that are my favourites. They are not the list from the American Film Institute or anything like that, just my own favourite films. Stephen T. McCarthy asked if I would participate in making my top 25 favouirte films of mine. The first ten I blogged about last Friday. Anyone can join and make their list which he would like by October 31st ( but it might be extended:) If you love a trilogy then don't name each but just the trilogy (ie-Star Wars first 3 films). Oh yes, instead of the usual poster, I went with my favourite scenes. So on with the show ...

1. A NIGHT TO REMEMBER-1958

THIS is the Titanic movie not that crap from 1997 which is basically the Love Boat sinking with great music and great special effects. If you want the real story down to the drunken baker (who did survive), then watch this film!

2. THE BAND WAGON- 1953

I love musicals and this is a great one with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Any man who doesn't drool over her when she dances has got to be dead. It's all about a one time big Hollywood star who decides to conquer Broadway. It is funny, satirical, well-acted and the dancing is wonderful.

3.THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL-1951

Forget the remake (blechh)-this is the film that introduced "Klaatu Barada Nikto" plus that eerie music that starts playing every time  Gort is summoned. It is a great science fiction film that talks about peace  in the depths of the Communist fears

4.  THE DIRTY DOZEN-1967

Gosh this is a rollicking adventure war film and we see very little of war. All these men have done something to either see them hanged or in prison for a long, long time. They get a reprieve if they work for Lee Marvin to infiltrate a Nazi command post. It's rough, they are put through their paces and when they band together to defy their leader, he makes sure they can not bathe or be given basic toiletries...Yup, everything's coming up roses.

5. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR-1947

This film starts with no music! One sees the gothic moodiness of the setting. The beautiful Gene Tierney stars as a young widow who meets a ghost, who used to be a sea captain. When I was a young girl I was so hoping they would kiss. Great movie, funny and poignant.

6. THE GREAT ESCAPE-1963

No, this is not a scene from this great movie but some of the actual men from this POW Camp that built the tunnels. I just had to put this picture here to honour them. I had no idea how many Canadians were part of this escape so that makes me even more proud. The film has funny moments and very sad ones as well. One of my favourite characters is played by Donald Pleasance who actually endured a POW camp in WW2.

7. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH-1959

Yes, I know, what's with the duck? If you have seen this film then you know it is Gertrude who joins in on the escapade to the center of the earth. I love this duck and found this film so entertaining. Yes, they just showed lizards instead of actual dinosaurs  and Pat Boone is in it, but it's fun! Every time it was on TV I would watch it.

8.  LE GRANDE ILLUSION-1937

This film is directed by Jean Renoir...the son of the famous painter and a great artist himself but in film. When I saw this movie I was mesmerized by the writing and great acting. It is not shown as black hats and white hats but as men in a difficult war. The French leader of his men and the German officer become friends. One sees class distinction, honour, sadness and hope all in this movie.

9. LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY-2001,2002,2003

I am one of these nerds that would love to learn the elfin language. This is a classic even though it is only a few years old. I wish I could go to this magical place called Rivendell. If you haven't seen it...please do.

10. NORTH BY NORTHWEST-1959

Of course, Hitchcock has to be here again. I could make a list just with his movies. A case of mistaken identity- a man (Cary Grant) meets one devious devil played by the superb James Mason and must take an adventure to clear his name. He ends up in Lincoln's nose....

11.  NOSFERATU-1922

This film freaked me out especially when he rises from his coffin. The great F.W. Murnau directed the German expressionist film starring Max Schrek (means Terror). The make-up, to this day, is one of the best. (On a side note, you should see Shadow of the Vampire-Willem Dafoe plays Max and he deserved an Oscar).

12.  REAR WINDOW-1954

I love Jimmy Stewart and I love this movie which is another Hitchcock film. It takes place on this set and even though, we can't move, just like Jimmy's character can't, we are brought into to being a voyeur and see what he sees. We realize, soon enough that we want to know all the goings on of the people around. Hitch was fun playing with our heads.

13. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION-1994

I know it is different from the book but I don't care. This is a great movie about patience and defiance. When  Tim Robbins' character locks the door and plays this beautiful aria, it was magic. I could see me do this because I like to defy jerks.

14. TOP HAT-1935

The Astaire-Rogers musicals are heaven! Thank god for film because we no longer see the beauty of great dancing any more the way we used to. They made 10 films together and I would say to see all of them but I picked this one because of the plot, which is typical, the character actors which were often in their movies, the over the top set (Venice never looked so white and deco) and the dancing. This is one of my favourite dances and I agree with Ginger-the dress is great (she helped design it). Fred hated the dress-sorry Fred.

15.  TRUE GRIT-1969

I could make a list just with Westerns! John Wayne alone! Now THIS is the film to see not the remake...sorry. I liked Hailee  Steinfeld but Jeff Bridges tried too hard to sound like a gravel voiced oldie. I hated his take on it. HATED it! John Wayne brought in everything about this character, roughness, drunkenness but also tenderness. I even prefer Glenn Campbell over Matt Damon. This scene when he tells Ned Pepper to fill your reigns, got my heart a thumpin with awe.

So there is my list:) Have a great weekend!!

Thursday Movie Picks-Werewolf...There Castle:)

This week, over at Wandering Through the Shelves, It is Werewolves. There is a theme each week where you pick three films that work with the topic.  Every time I hear the word Werewolf...I think of Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein saying to Gene Wilder..."There Wolf...There Castle".  Cracks me up and makes me giggle every time. This can lead to weird moments when people just look at me as if I just stepped off the weird truck but, then again, I have. Here are my picks:

1. THE WOLF MAN-1941

This is the granddaddy of them all...in my book. I think this started the happy go lucky life of the werewolf even though this was not the first film depicting the werewolf. This poor man didn't ask for this curse but as the great gypsy, played by the wonderfully weathered, Maria Ouspenskaya, told him, he's in for it now. Lon Chaney picks up where his famous dad left off and had a less than stellar career than his dad but he should be known, in his own right, as a famous monster. I love it that Claude Rains is in this film because anything he did just made a film that much better. I should also mention Jack Pierce, the great make up artist, created this look which is iconic.

2. I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF-1957

I love this movie especially since it stars "Little Outhouse on the Prairie", Michael Landon. This is before Michael Landon gained huge fame as Little Joe in Bonanza (I love Bonanza). I had to choose this campy poster because it looks like they just had a great time kissing-her lipstick looks smeared and it looks like he has some on him as well. Anyhoo, Landon plays a mixed up teen(wow what a shock) with an attitude and in bad need of anger management. He ends up going to a very bad psychologist who injects him with some serum to bring out the beast within. I thought all that took would be a scolding and taking away his cell phone...oops wrong era. Yes, Landon is over the top but I just love this campy film and it is fun to watch.

3. VAN HELSING-2004

It stars Hugh Jackman (hubba, Hubba). The main plot involves the evil Dracula and his 3 wives but there is a sub-plot with a werewolf. Throw in Kate Beckinsale  for some men to drool over and you have a fun flick. It is nothing to overwork your brain but I find it fun to watch. I enjoyed the special effects and the masquerade ball was really quite good. I think my favourite character was the sidekick monk/friar played by David Wenham. Leave your brain at the door and enjoy the fun, besides did I mention it stars the luscious Hugh Jackman? Did I? Yummy.

Which Werewolf movie do you love to watch or scared you? As you can see, I did not pick some really scary ones because I haven't seen them...too scary.

Movie List...The First 10!

Stephen T McCarthy has requested a list of the top 25 films that are your favourites. He asked that the first 10 be separate from the other 15. Also, it is not a list of what you think of the best films but which films you love and could watch over and over again.  You can combine a trilogy (Star Wars trilogy, the first 3 for example) but you can't choose  Stars Wars and Empire Strikes Back to be as one film when they are not. They don't have to be listed from your most favourite to least either...just your favourites as is ...is fine:) If you can place them in alphabetical order that would be nice. He would love the list done before October 31st...I think. Oh Heck, just go to his blog and read. So without further delay, here are my first 10. One more thing, I decided to find pictures of my favourite scenes from the films rather than a poster.

1. CASABLANCA-1942

A great film! A Great cast! Great one-liners! Great Romance! A Great Bar! The Great Claude Rains

2. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE-1946

This is my favourite film! We all need to view our life this way. I love every scene so this is the start.

3. LA BELLE ET LA BETE-1946

This IS the BEST version of a fairy tale ever done! Period! It simply took my breath away when she opened the doors and went down this hall. Jean Cocteau is a genius (he's the director).

4. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES-1987

"Those aren't pillows!" I can't fathom of someone not having seen this film. Perfect pairing of 2 fun and great actors. Great priceless scenes and the music just adds to the brilliance of the film.

5.  THE QUIET MAN-1952

The all man John Wayne falls in love with the beautiful but spitfire Maureen O'Hara in a great comedy romance set in Ireland. I have to admit, if a man didn't get put off by my high-falooten ways and dragged me through 5 miles of country, I would be bruised up but I would look at him with happy excitement dreaming about breaking the bed (see the film).

6. THE SEARCHERS-1956

I love John Wayne and Westerns! This is one of his best acting roles ever. He showed tenderness, loneliness, anger, hatred,  and so much more. When I saw him look back at a woman, this look reminded me of my dad who could shoot the same look. Powerhouse film

7.  SINGING IN THE RAIN-1952

Great musical! Stunning dancing! Great story when the movie industry went from Silent films to sound. If you think they overdid the issues of silent movies and stars going to sound...think again. Jean Hagen as the big silent film actress just about steals the show (but not Cyd Charisse's legs)

8. STRANGERS ON A TRAIN-1952

Hitchcock at his best. 2 men meet on a train-one is nuts and he wants to swap murders...criss-cross. So many scenes are brilliant and you never think of a carousel ride the same way again.

9.  THE THIRD MAN-1949

Post war Vienna, shot on location brought me to film noir with unique angles. I am not sure if there is any shot done that does not have a crookedness to it. Add the wonderful Third Man theme played by Anton Karras with his Zither and you have a stellar film.

10.  WHAT'S UP DOC-1972

Crazy ass comedy hi-jinks at its best! a tribute to all the screwball comedies from the 1930's and early '40's. When my dad saw this scene, he laughed so hard, tears were streaming down his face. This film has a car chase scene to end all car chase scenes.

So this is my top 10 of films I can watch over and over...and over again. This was hard but this is it. My next 15 will be next week:)