Music on a Wednesday - Teenage Artists & Belated Happy Birthday Joel

 

The lady above is Linda Darnell, a famous actress from yesteryear, whom Joel loves and this is for his Birthday, which was yesterday when he turned ….29?…39? Who cares! He’s a great commenter on mine and other film nuts’ blogs and I always look forward to reading what he says. I decided to join the Monday Music Moves Me, which I always do on Wednesdays because, that’s just me. This week it’s about teenage artists and 2 came to mind and, I think, Joel will like these gals.

1. LA TRAVIATA SUNG BY DEANNA DURBIN-1937

Deanna Durbin, that beautiful, operatic-singing, Canadian was born in 1921 who single-handedly saved Universal Studios from Bankruptcy. Here she is, before she turned 16, performing with the famous Conductor, Leopold Stokowski. The Met was truly interested in her but she felt she was not up to snuff yet…wow! This gal, disillusioned with her career, married, retired and settled in Paris never to talk about Hollywood again ( except for a rare interview in the early 1980s). She was happy, content and lived to be 91.

2. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND-1937

What more can one say about Judy. We know about her tragic life and early death at the age of 47 from a drug overdose but we forget that she was part of the Gumm Sisters (her real last name) and was the break out star. When she sang this song for Clark Gable at an MGM birthday party for him, the studio was so impressed that they placed her in the film, “Broadway Melody of 1938” where she played a lovelorn teen pining for Dear Mr. Gable. This song was written in 1913 by James Monaco with lyrics by Joseph McCarthy ( not the nut job senator from the 50s) and became one of her many signature tunes. She was only 15 here.

3. SWING SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND AND DEANNA DURBIN-1936

This song comes from a short called “ Every Sunday”  which was, basically, a screen test for the 2 young teens. MGM boss, Louis B. Mayer wanted to sign both up but Durbin’s contract lapsed and was swooped up by Universal. I just thought it was fun to show these 2 different musical artists together plus I love the old guy going 1,000 mph in his wheelchair…cracks me up every time.

Hope you had a great birthday Joel.

Thursday Movie Picks- Seasons in Title

 

Wandering Through The Shelves decided on the seasons which is a good theme and more difficult than I thought it would be but I think I found 3 that work. Let’s get this going…

1.  SUMMER STOCK-1950

I like this movie with some quite good musical numbers aside from the justly famous “Get Happy” number with Judy Garland. I love the routine Gene Kelly created with newspaper and the dance between Garland and Kelly. This is the last film Garland made for MGM before being fired by them due to her addictions and mental state. You can see that Garland does not look all that well…tired but she does a great job, regardless, as the sister who works the farm singing away on a tractor( yeah, not a great opening scene of Garland) whose other sister comes with a troop of performers and her boyfriend, Kelly, only to leave everyone stranded when given a better offer. Enter Garland to save the day and the musical troop. Not one of the better films they made but still enjoyable.

2. THE FOUR SEASONS-1981

This film was written, directed and stars Alan Alda as a happily married man to Carol Burnett who have 2 other married couples as friends who vacation each season together. This idyllic fun is blitzed when the one  couple split because he is unhappy in his marriage and winds up with a much younger woman. The other 2 couples must deal with their own feelings about this and what to do with their friendship with the former wife who now feels betrayed by everyone. I saw this film when it first came out and again a few years later but have not seen this in decades. I thought it was funny and thought provoking. I remember liking Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno in their roles. This is when Alan Alda, famous as Hawkeye Pierce from MASH, wrote, directed and starred in quite a few films during this time.

3. DEAD OF WINTER-1987

This is a horror thriller film more than just a horror movie starring Mary Steenbergen in 3 roles and co-starring Roddy McDowell as a creepy valet/right-hand man of this old coot in a wheelchair. Mary plays an actress approached by McDowell to appear at an audition to a director ( I think, it’s been a while) out of the city in some country mansion. You know this is not a good idea but now she is in it up to her fingers and slowly realizes that she is in some deep doodoo. I find this is more of a thriller than horror as there are no zombies or killers that keep coming back no matter how many times they die. It’s well done overall and there are some good surprises. 

So, what films can you think up that have a season in the title.

Weddings...Too Many

 

This picture is not from a wedding but from the German Open House during Folk Arts Festival. My friends and I still enjoy going to this and hope it keeps up. Weddings...I have been to so many, not my own...I am no Liz Taylor or Zsa Zsa Gabor, but have been to quite a few since I was a young teen. I'm joining with Monday Music Moves Me over at Curious as a Cathy. Since June is the proverbial Wedding month, I thought we should celebrate...

1. GOING TO THE CHAPEL SUNG BY THE DIXIE CUPS -1964

This was the first song that popped into my head...and stayed. I have to get it out of my head now. It was written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich when they were newly married.

2. LOVE AND MARRIAGE SUNG BY FRANK SINATRA- 1955

This song became more famous when used as the theme for the TV Show, " Married With Children." I just like it andcwas not surprised when I saw the name Sammy Cahn attached to it with music by Jimmy Van Heusen.

3. WHITE WEDDING SUNG BY BILLY IDOL-1982

Now this is a song I played at my wedding …it was the 3rd one to be played and the first fast dance. My first and, so far, only wedding was back in 1997 and it was fun! It was at my in-laws’ home situated just outside the city. We had a big tent and I picked all the songs and my brother placed all the songs on tape cassettes…yup, those old things. I have to say, it was a blast and this was just the right song to start off the night.

Now, a final song…

The blasted Chicken Dance!

How many of you danced to this at weddings? Don’t be shy, admit it. I’ve done this one and the Macarena. The Macarena is better than this one. My mom loved doing the Chicken Dance…oy vey.

What wedding songs come into your head?

Star Of The Month

 

BASIL RATHBONE

BIRTH: June 13, 1892 in South Africa

DEATH: July 21, 1967

AGED: 75 years

DIED FROM: Heart Attack

REAL NAME: Philip St. John Basil Rathbone

MARRIED: Twice 2nd to Ouida Bergere from 1926 to his death. She was an actress and writer and later, his manager.

CHILDREN: 1 son with first wife. Had a daughter in 1928 with his 2nd wife but she died in infancy. Adopted a daughter in 1939.

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Twice- “ Romeo and Juliet” - 1936 and “ If I Were King”-1938

TALENT: an expert swordsman who helped train Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power in the films they made together.

KNOWN FOR: His diction in the English language; 14 films he made as Sherlock Holmes and the very famous parties he and his wife gave. 

I always liked this character actor that made many films better because he was in it. He often played the bad guy done in by the likes of Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power and Danny Kaye but he was also known as the greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes, in 14 films with Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. I felt he often did his roles a bit tongue and cheek especially, later on, when he made movies like “The Girl In the Invisible Bikini” (a favourite of mine) to “Hillbillies in a Haunted House”. He was happy to be a good guy when he made the Sherlock Holmes movies only to be happy to be done with it by appearing on the New York stage in, “The Heiress” for which he won a Tony Award. Later, he often mimicked his Holmes character in TV Commercials. 

He was in WW1, under the London Scottish Regiment and was given the Military Cross for his daring venture of scouting out enemy lines in broad daylight under disguise( a white outfit with leaves and benches attached). He was also very angry when his younger brother died in battle in 1918. 

He got his acting chops playing Shakespeare notably, Romeo before he went to Hollywood. He was known as a genial man who gave some of the best parties with his wife, Ouida who really knew how to be the best hostess. I would have loved to have gone to one of their parties which were so famous Bob Hope made a quip about them in one of his movies. 

He was a professional in his field and more and had fun with it later on in his life. One of the best character actors to grace the screen.

FILMS

1.  David Copperfield-1935

2. Anna Karenina-1935

3. A Tale of Two Cities-1935

4. Captain Blood-1935

5. Tovarich-1937

6. The Adventures of Robin Hood-1938

7. The Dawn Patrol-1938

8. The Hound of the Baskervilles-1939

9. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes-1939

10. The Mark of Zorro- 1940

More…

11.  Crossroads-1942

12.  The Woman in Green- 1945

13. The Court Jester-1955

14. Tales of Terror-1962

15. The Comedy of Terrors -1963

Great sword fight between Rathbone and Tyrone Power

As Sherlock Holmes…

More Cards

 

Tic, Tac, Toe- #tttc211- I used Embossing, DIE Cut, Butterfly

I had 8 birthdays in May so I made a few cards. The 3 I showcase here are for my dear friend and her 2 girls. I stuck with a theme involving Spring and butterflies. I had this die cut frame from before and used my cuddlebug to emboss the flowery design. I used my tombow markers to highlight the images. I stamped the letter A( for Ali) and coloured it with the markers. I sponged around it to create a vignette and taped it all in place. Finally, I had this piece of paper I was using as a backsplash for other things and thought it would look good to create a butterfly so I die cut it on my sizzex and glued them in place.

Color Throwdown- CTD#745 colours are Green, yellow a d white.

For her youngest daughter (Zoe) I had another die cut frame and used a silver pen to highlight the edge. I stamped the letter and coloured it in tombow markers and used some white sparkle for the actual letter. I die cut the butterfly from a silver paper and, voila!

Butterfly Challenge- colours used- baby blue, Banana Yellow, Briar Rose, bow

Where the F#^* did my bow go? It's hand drawn and it must be under the one flower petal but it is there, I swear! I took another frame remnant and embossed it through the cuddlebug. I took my versa pad and gently skimmed it across so the pad was only on the top part of the embossed areas. Next, I brushed on the perfect pearl powders in a darker shade and lighter shade of blue to make it shimmer. I stamped the letter T ( for Tori, my friend's older daughter) and coloured it with the tombow markers. I die cut the butterfly using the same scrap piece of paper which looks pretty darn good, actually, and glued it in place. 

I've been busy and making some headway with the never-ending scrapbook. I had a great 4 days off. I hope all of you had a nice weekend. 

What I Watched In May

 

This time I am better and am not late. Yesterday was my Birthday too so I did nuttin’ Honey! I just took today and Monday off and plan to enjoy my weekend. So let’s get the party started..

1. CAST AWAY-2000

Tom Hanks plays a, by the time, FedEx man who is the sole survivor of a plane wreck and lands on a deserted island. It’s quite good with some sad moments and funny ones too. Who knew Wilson could out act Helen Hunt? Well, that just says how much I like Helen Hunt…

2. DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATORS-1954

Victor Mature is the gladiator who was just trying to defend his gal when the mean centurions are trying to find the red robe Jesus wore at his crucifixion. This is a sequel to “The Robe” which I still have to see. To say Jay Robinson, as Caligula, overacts and devours the scenery is an understatement,

3. MR. HULOT’S HOLIDAY-1953

This is considered one of the best comedies ever made and it is very funny but in a more subtle way. Mr. Hulot’s is a sweet but bumbling Frenchman who drives his beat up old car to the seaside  staying at a small hotel with many other French people also on holiday. Antics ensure but not over the top, beat it on top of your head kind of way, but more subtle. I do find other movies funnier but I’m glad I saw this movie.

4. THE HITCHHIKER-1950

2 men go on a fishing trip, pick up a hitchhiker not knowing he is a crazed nut on the lamb. They find out but are at the loon’s mercy. Quite intense and a good direction from Ms. Ida Lupino who should be better recognized for her directing and not just her acting.

5. ALL THAT JAZZ-1979

Finally, I saw this somewhat autobiographical film of Bob Fosse, the alcoholic, drug addicted, constantly smoking, womanizing but brilliant dance man and director. It’s quite revealing and very sexual. Roy Scheider ( of Jaws fame) plays the lead and he deserved an Oscar, in my opinion. Ann Reinking, who had a long affair with Fosse, played the min lover in this film. It’s worth seeing.

6. THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE-2007

Halle Berry plays the wife of a good man who was murdered and Benicio Del Toro plays the best friend who has a major drug habit. She doesn’t like the friend but slowly they help each other out while dealing with the loss. Better than I thought it would be.

7. HOME OF THE BRAVE-2006

This movie really reminded me of the great film, “ The Best Years of Our Lives” which is about WW2 vets returning home and dealing with battle fatigue as it was called then. In this film they are returning from Iraq and must deal with PTSD. It’s sad but so good. Not as good as the original but worth a look.

8. THE LITTLE FOXES-1941

Great film starring Bette Davis as a vicious  maven of a rich family where she and her 2 brothers scheme to get more money but not sure how until her ailing husband comes back. She berates her husband mercilessly while her sweet daughter watches horrified at how mean her mother is. Great film made famous on the stage by Tallulah Bankhead but Bette does a such a great job as this viper. 

9. SOUTH SEA WOMAN-1953

A fun adventure WW2 yarn with Burt Lancaster and Chuck Connors as 2 Marine buddies and the gal who gets between their friendship, played by Virginia Mayo. I never thought I would see Burt dressed up in some freaky statue performing in a tribal dance. 

TV SHOWS

1. A SMALL LIGHT-2023

This is still playing on TV based on Anne Frank and her family but centred on their main protector, Miep Gies and her husband. We see how difficult it was to hide the families behind the bookcase as well as be part of the Dutch resistance. Knowing what happens makes it, always, sad but you applaud Miep, her husband and the others who risked their lives to save the Jewish people and fight against evil. These are the true heroes, not sports people.

2. LOST CAR RESCUE-2022-PRESENT

Hubby and I enjoy this Canadian show about young men, a woman pilot and an older hippie looking for cars left in the trees, bogs, water, in old sheds…you name it. What I love is that they are saving these heaps, cleaning up the environment and can see the potential in these cars. Of course, they must bargain for a good price and they usually win out. 

What did you watch in May?

Springtime MishMash

 

I have decided to keep doing Thursday Movie Picks, inspired by Wandering Through The Shelves, who has decided to scale back to a bi-weekly event. I just enjoy it so much and now that spring is definitely here and, this week it feels like mid summer all of a sudden. This is so typical in the area I live but I’m going stop being Canadian and stop talking about the weather:). I decided to choose 3 movies that take place during the spring time and here we go…

1. MAYTIME-1937

This is the first film I saw starring Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, that operatic team that became famous for their formulaic romance films only to disappear a few short years later, their films not the actors. My teen girl heart just fell for this film about an operatic diva telling her young friend about her life and the man she loved. We see how she falls passionately for Nelson but feels loyalty to the man that has shaped her career, played by John Barrymore. You know I love the music and the pure schmaltz that are their films, but they belong to this time period, just before the war, during the Great Depression when you heard wonderful singing and saw some great costumes. Thanks, Joel, for reminding me of this film since you chose this in one of your previous comments. The last time I watched this, was with my former mom in law, who loved their movies and the more romantic the movie got, the more her crossed leg would move back in forth. I love that memory.

2. WENT THE DAY WELL-1942

About face! This takes place in a small,  quaint English village who welcome a group of men who seem nice, at first, until we and the villagers, realize all is not right in the early spring world. It turns out this group are nasty Germans who are invading England and no person is safe from their wrath. Time and again, the villagers try to get help to the outside only to get kiboshed in one form or another. This film was obviously made when World War 2 was going on but, thankfully, the threat of invasion was much, much less. This “what if” story is quite intriguing and one of the baddies is played by, be still my heart, David Farrar, whom I find very handsome and had, apparently, brilliant violet eyes. It’s a quirky film that is quite bold for its time.

3. FERRIS BEULLER’S DAY OFF-1986

Matthew Broderick became famous playing this devil may care high school kid who wakes up, notices what a beautiful spring day is out there, and decides to play hooky. He talks to us, breaking down that wall in film, while getting his hypochondriac best friend to play hooky with him. After getting his girlfriend out of school, the 3 enjoy the day while his sister, played by Jennifer Grey ( they were dating in real life) is steaming that her brother gets away with all this while people rally around the dying Ferris. The principal doesn’t believe Ferris is sick either and goes to great pains trying to locate him and get him expelled. It’s a fun flick directed by the great John Hughes who seems part of the 80s in so many ways. 

I was all over the place with my films but I stuck to Spring. What Spring movies can you think of?