Me and Veronica Lake

Hello Folk, 

     If you read my blog about my 40's sing-song you know that my family and I are friends with an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Guy. We were at the Guys' for lunch again this afternoon (steak, anyone? Yes, yes, yes!), and after lunch we were sitting around chatting and playing piano (of course). Then Mr. Guy asked my aunt how long she was going to let her Veronica Lake bangs grow. Of, course my aunt didn't know who Veronica Lake was, so Mr. Guy came and asked me if I knew her - my answer? "Of course!". Then Mr. Guy said something to the effect of "See? I had to ask someone sensible. Someone from our generation."...their generation? Let me just tell you I had to hold onto the piano to keep from floating away! Happy is not the word - I was elated. I love being thought of like that - an old soul or whatever you want to call me. I also love it when people tell me that they heard something about Stany or Vera Lynn or something pertaining to old music/movies and that it made them think of me. :)

     There, now that I'm done with my story I will tell you about Veronica Lake (since I'm guessing most people don't know her very well). Veronica Lake was a actress/pin-up girl from the 40's who sort of created her own hair style - long waves and long bangs that covered one eye. Like this:

 

See? By the way, my aunt's hair doesn't really look like this.

 

Isn't she pretty?

     Okay, I'm done. What do you think of my skill in coming up with reasons to talk about random people? Ha! ;) 

Until Later On~

Clash by Night (1952)

Hello All,

     Dad and I have a running joke about Barbara Stanwyck's on-screen marriages - anytime I'm watching one of her movies, even before he asks what the name of the movie is, he asks "does she have a good marriage in this one?". Clash by Night...I have to say "uh...no". For some strange reason I was dying to see this movie - I don't know why, probably because it was one Stanwyck I hadn't seen yet (by the way, this makes it 61 Stanwycks in all!). I actually really enjoyed this movie. 
     Hard and cynical and selfish - not how I normally imagine Stanwyck, but her performance here was stunning none the less.  What else do you expect from her? <3
     Paul Douglas played a big, unassuming, unsuspicious, good-hearted sailor. Sort of reminded me of the Skipper from Gilligan's Island - he looks like he could rip your arm off, but is the kind of person who couldn't hurt a fly. Paul Douglas is NOT one of my favorites, but I actually thought he did a good job in this movie as far as acting goes. I couldn't believe he was the same age as Barbara Stanwyck, he looks like her grandpa.
     The final part in our romantic triangle is Robert Ryan - his character was nice on the surface, but really cruel underneath. Oh, boy. On my list of favorite actors Robert Ryan's somewhere way down at the bottom at the moment. So, my judgment may be a bit early since this is my first of his movies; but I didn't like him at all.
     By the way, this was my first Marilyn Monroe movie. Fans of Marilyn Monroe, please forgive me, but I was greatly annoyed by her. I was hoping her part would be small, and it was - hallelujah. 
     As far as the story goes: Mae Doyle comes back to her home town, tired of life and lonely, after ten years of living in a big city. Her view on life is more or less: you do what you do, and the results are the results. Her view on her life in four words is: "Big ideas, small results". Upon returning home she meets a slew of (let's say) interesting characters including: Jerry D'Amato who has his heart in the right place, and his crude, impertinent "friend" Earl Pfeiffer, who has his heart in the wrong place. Eventually Mae marries Jerry and they have a baby. Then when she gets tired of day-in-day-out life Mae and Earl (ughhh) start having an affair. When Jerry finds out, he's not happy (who can blame him?); then Mae and Earl tell him they're going to run away together, but before they actually do Mae realizes what a selfish person she's been. Even though she doesn't know whether she'll be able to get Jerry to forgive her she's willing to take a chance. She says goodbye (good riddance) to Earl then goes to see Jerry...
    I really like this movie's ending - talk about change of hearts! The last line that Jerry says is great, big smiles from me (and Stany's character). ;) All-in-all - cast, story, ect. good and bad parts accounted for - I thought this movie was really good. I guess there's not much more I can say about it, I just liked it. :)  
    Let's see, as far as morality goes: obviously there's the affair between Mae and Earl which is a minus one. In a few scenes Mae walks around in her slip, and in one scene during a fight with Jerry one strap of her slip falls off her shoulder. We see Marilyn Monroe is a bathing suit in one scene, but for the most part it's relatively modest. A few kisses, including one extremely passionate kiss between Earl and Mae. I thought I heard one use of "God" as a cuss word, but I'm not sure. Also in almost every scene someone is either drunk or drinking or smoking. Other than that - and that being quite a bit for one of my movies - I didn't see anything else.
     
     Best Movie Lines:


Jerry: Get something for that headache! 
Mae: Yeah, a new head. 

Mae: Confidence! I want a man to give me confidence. Somebody to fight off the blizzards and the floods. Somebody to beat off the world when it tries to swallow you up. Heh, me and my ideas.

Until Later On~      

Waterloo Bridge (1940)

Hello Everyone, 

    Wow. Waterloo Bridge is just one of those movies: I want to say it was wonderful, even though I couldn't hold back my tears; I want to say I liked the story even though what happens in it is absolutely depressing; and I want to say I absolutely loved it, but it's hard to say that when every minute drags you towards what I'm going to say is the saddest ending I remember ever seeing. Despite everything I've said prior to now, this really is an amazing movie. That's it - I'm just going to say it: I absolutely loved this movie.
     This movie was good proof of the fact that, no matter what you do, you can't really ruin a good movie for me before I watch it. I listened to a radio version of this (with R. Taylor and B. Stanwyck <3 as the leads) so I knew the story already, but I still enjoyed the movie just as much.       
     Waterloo Bridge was nominated for two Oscars (for B&W cinematography and for Original Score). Two. Oscars. I just have a few questions: What about Vivien Leigh's brilliant performance as the girl just trying to live? What about Virginia Field as Vivien's sacrificial friend Kitty (I thought she was fantastic)? What about Robert Taylor jerking tears as the romantic soldier? What about the fact that this movie was just fantastic all around? I'm no professional (not in any sense of the word), but I think it deserved more than two nominations; of course, that's just me. 
     I'm going to lie and tell you this was my first Vivien Leigh movie - that's a lie because I've seen GWTW, but I remember very little about that movie (I was 8 when I saw it) so I don't count it. Lovely, lovely, lovely Miss Leigh. I think that word describes her nicely - just absolutely lovely. Like I mentioned before she was absolutely fantastic in this - I'm dying to see GWTW again now that I saw her in this. 
     And Robert Taylor...I went through a very brief time of being madly in love with Robert Taylor (who can blame me?). The madness has worn off now, but he's still very high on my "list" of favorite actors - it's not often that I turn down a chance to see Bob on screen. He was so great in this. I think this was the first time he ever made me cry (unless I was crying because I was laughing so hard, but that's a different story). Just fantastic. 
     Whew, long intro; but this movie deserved it. The story goes like this: The year is 1939 - the English have just declared war on Germany, and we're introduced to General Roy Cronin (Robert Taylor). On his way to Waterloo Station he stops on Waterloo Bridge, and as he stands there near the railing he remembers a time on Waterloo bridge during the first World War...during an air raid Roy (only a captain at the time) meets a ballerina named Myra (Vivien Leigh). During the next few days before Roy leaves to France he and Myra fall in love, then Roy leaves to France. Because Myra was with Roy when she should have been at a ballet performance she gets kicked out of the ballet group and her friend, Kitty, also gets kicked out for standing up for Myra. Myra and Kitty go out and try to make a living, but they fail pretty miserably. Then Myra reads in the newspaper that Roy is dead and she becomes terribly ill for a long time. When Myra gets a bit better she inquires of Kitty as to where their income has been coming from and Kitty admits to having been picking up soldiers at Waterloo Station. Then Myra, also having given up hope, starts to do the same thing. One day while she's down at the station she runs into Roy. Roy - not knowing what she's been doing since he left (and since she thought he died) - takes her home to his family; and they plan to be married. At first, Myra thinks that she may be able to get away with deceiving Roy, but when she realizes she can't do it to him she leaves a note and runs away. Roy follows her back to London, but he can't find her - he enlists Kitty to help him, but she can't find Myra either. Then we see Myra standing on Waterloo Bridge - distressed out of her mind; and she makes one last fatal choice... The movie ends as we see Roy drive away, on his way to France again. As he drives away "Auld Lang Syne" plays (beautifully) in the background. 
     Maybe I'm over-sentimental, but I can't even write this without crying. It's heartbreaking, but it's still such a fantastic movie.
     Morally, it's pretty decent. No cussing, ect. Other than a lot of kisses and everyone's implying that Myra's been up to no good it's very clean.
     Cry your heart out if you need to in between scenes, but go watch the movie. You WILL NOT regret it. <3 

<3 Vivien and Robert a.k.a. Roy and Myra <3

Best Movie Line:

Roy: Myra, what do you think we're going to do tonight?
Myra: Well, I, I...
Roy: Oh, you won't have time for that.
Myra: For what?
Roy: For hesitating! No more hesitating for you!
Myra: No?
Roy: No!
Myra: Well, what am I going to do instead?
Roy: You're going to get married. 


Until Later On~
    

The Great Lie (1941)

Hello Everyone,

     My friend picked this movie for me - I gave her three choices and she said this title sounded interesting, so, this is what I watched; but I didn't really like this movie that much. 
     As far as the cast goes, the story was based on a romantic triangle involving: George Brent, Bette Davis, and Mary Astor. 
     In all of the other movies that I've seen him in I've really liked George Brent, but I didn't like his character in this movie at all. Why? That's a good question - one deserving an answer. I think it's because, in all of the other movies I've seen he seemed to me to be in control of something. In this he couldn't even control his own airplane!
     This was my first Bette Davis movie - I may try to sit down and watch another of her movies soon - I liked her well enough. Of the three main characters she was probably my favorite. Bette Davis reminded me so much of Margaret Sullavan, it was the voice I think.

     Finally, Mary Astor. Miss Astor's character bugged me so much! Selfish, oh, so selfish! I much prefer her when she's walking around like a chicken, clucking her head off. She did get an Oscar nomination for this role though; and, although I disliked her, thinking back on the movie, I think she deserved it. 

     The story was decent - but not exactly my cup of tea. Basically: Pilot Peter Van Allen (George Brent) marries concert pianist Sandra Kovak (Mary Astor) on the day that her divorce finalizes. Then it turns out that she got her days mixed up and she isn't really divorced yet, thus they aren't really married. When Pete presents Sandra with the facts and a real proposal she turns him down and he runs back to his true love, Maggie (Bette Davis). Pete and Maggie marry and live together very happily for a while. Then one day Maggie runs into Sandra and Sandra tells Maggie that she's going to have a baby (Pete's baby). After that Pete leaves on a flying mission for the government. When Pete gets lost and is presumed dead, Maggie pays a visit to Sandra - Maggie realizes that Sandra doesn't really want the baby so she offers to raise it as her own so that Sandra can keep playing piano. Sandra agrees and they move to Arizona until the baby is born at which time Maggie takes young Pete (the baby) home and Sandra moves on with her life. Then, when Pete (the adult Pete) is rescued it (obviously) causes some problems. Maggie lies to Pete and tells him that the baby is theirs, and they act like a happy family until Sandra decides that she's going to try to win Pete back again. Sandra forces Maggie to tell Pete the truth about the baby - when Pete hears the truth he has a choice to make, and when he's done deciding Sandra has a choice to make too...
     The end. This movie has relatively high ratings on IMDb; in other words, plenty of people thought the picture was swell. Plenty of people - I'm just not one of them. What I'm trying to say is: if the story interests you, go watch the movie. You may love it...even if I didn't. 


     Best Movie Line: 


Pete [to Maggie who has a cold]: Your nose is pink. Your eyes are red.
Maggie: And violets are blue, and sugar is sweet, and I wish you'd go!  

Until Later On~

Apples to Apples

Hello Everyone, 

     During my family's travels, whenever we do an outreach at a park, my brother and cousins and I normally make balloon animals for all of the little (or not so little) kids. We've been doing it for quite a while, but we're still not professionals - the kids seem to like it though. Anyway, I wanted to post a picture of my all-time favorite balloon animal: 

 

     See? It's an apple! How cool is that?! Sadly, I never get to make it for any of the kids - I can see why though. I mean, really? "Hey there, kiddo. Do you want me to make you an apple?". They prefer a sword or an airplane and that's fine; but when no one is around I make apples for myself! ;) 

   

     Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck <3 in The Lady Eve (1941) - I love this picture (and the whole movie)! It is possibly one of the reasons that the balloon apples appeal to me. ;) 

    

Until Later On~

Executive Suite (1954)

Hello Again,

     It's my own fault, but it took me a while to understand what was going on in this movie. Let me tell you this though: once I caught on, I was hooked.
     When you put together: William Holden as young, idealistic Don Wallling; Frederic March as power-hungry Loren Shaw; Louis Calhern as greedy George Caswell; Walter Pidgeon as controllable Frederick Alderson; Paul Douglas as gutless J. Walter Dudley; Dean Jagger as sick-of-politics Jesse Grimm; and Barbara Stanwyck as distressed, suicidal, major stock-holder Julia Tredway - you have the main cast of "Executive Suite" (1954).   
     In the movie: when Avery Bullard, president of Tredway Corporation dies and leaves no vice president to take his place it's up to the seven aforementioned characters - with their varying goals, personalities, and ideals - to elect a new president. 
     I found this movie extremely interesting - I think 'absorbing' fits the situation nicely. I like movies like this - anything concerning crooked politics or shady deals. As long as the good guy wins at the end - like William Holden did here.     William Holden was fantastic in this as the designer who, although once thought too young to be president, receives an unanimous vote after giving an captivating speech on pride. And that speech he gave before the movie ended really was great - I was stunned. I've never considered Holden as an actor I really wanted to watch in a movie, and if it wasn't for that fact that Stanwyck was in this one I never would have watched him in it. I can only say that I was surprised by him and very happily so.
     On the subject of Stanwyck (which seems to be a very common subject for me), this was my 60th Barbara Stanwyck movie. 60...I can't believe that. Anyway, I was very surprised to see how little screen time Stany had - even though her character was rather important. 
     Morally: anything that was wrong with wasn't seen, it was more or less suggested though. No cussing or anything of that nature.  


     Best Movie Line: 


Julia Tredway [to Don Walling's wife]: Would you tell him something for me. Say 'Thank you, for saving my life'.


Until Later On~
     
P.S. I got my tenth follower today! It may seem like a small number, but 10 followers is a colossal achievement in my book! Here's to you, followers; and here's hoping that my ramblings never bore you. ;)

Photograph: Babs and Jimmy

Hello Everyone,

     I was looking through a bunch of pictures of Barbara Stanwyck today and I ran across this one. I thought I was going to die: my two favorite actors - dancing! Oh, joy - yes! 

 

Until Later On~

Classic Movie Review Writing Competition? Ummm...Heck Yes!

Hello Everyone, 

     Last month, through YouTube, I found a website (FilmClassics) with lots of up-loaded classic movies to watch for free. It just so happens that said website also holds two seasonal Classic Movie Review Writing Competitions every year. Of course, since I love both writing and competing, I entered. 
     Now, this is where you come in: the voting started this morning, and anyone who visits the site is allowed to vote on their favorite review. There were only two entries this "season": mine and another review (on the same movie, no less). If you feel like voting click on the link below, then read the reviews (please read both!), and pick your favorite. :)

Here's the link:  http://www.film-classics.com/?page_id=3508

Until Later On~ 

P.S. This evening I found out that the the other blogger who entered the contest wrote this about the contest. :) I enjoyed what they said, that's why I passed it on. 

Random Harvest (1942)

Hello Everyone,

     I started this movie thinking "I've never seen a Greer Garson movie, I've never seen a Ronald Colman movie; Goodness, I hope I like this". I loved it! "Random Harvest" was absolutely fantastic! The story was captivating; and the acting - phenomenal! This movie was nominated for seven Oscars and I can't believe that out of seven it didn't even win one.
     Like I said, this was my first Greer Garson movie. Although I don't plan on adding Ms. Garson to my all-time-favorites list, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her act. She was SO good in this - she was breaking my poor heart! 
     Ronald Colman was also amazing. I'm no actor, but I can't imagine that his part was easy to play. He had to play two completely different characters in one movie and he did it so convincingly. He was nominated for Best Actor, but he sadly didn't win.

     The movie was a little over 2 hours, but it didn't seem half that long to me; sometime towards the end I was actually thinking to myself that it should be longer.
     The story goes like this: The year is 1918. The story starts in Melbridge (in England) at the county asylum where an amnesiac soldier called Smith (Ronald Colman) is being treated. One night Smith escapes from the asylum and runs into an actress named Paula (Greer Garson). Paula takes "Smithy" under her wing, and when he's in danger of being found and sent back to the asylum she takes him with her to the country. While they're there in the country Smithy's condition improves considerably, although he still has no memory of his pre-war life. Paula and Smithy eventually fall in love, marry, and have a baby. Then it's 1920 - Smithy leaves for a day on business he is hit by a car; the memories of his pre-war life come back, but everything since the war is gone. So, Smithy, now Charles Rainier, goes back to his rich family and during the next 12 years becomes the "Industrial prince of England". Then we find out that his secretary, Ms. Margaret Hansen, is really Paula. During the past years Paula had been searching for Smithy, but when she finally found him he didn't remember her; so, she's working for him hoping that someday something will make him remember her. Later on, Charles decides that he needs a wife and he asks Ms. Hansen to marry him. They enter into a sort of marriage-of-convenience and three more years pass, but Charles still doesn't remember Paula. Then Charles goes to Melbridge on business...
     I don't want to ruin the ending, but I don't think I can help it. The ending made me so happy I was crying and laughing at the same time - it's going on my imaginary "best movie endings" list. This movie had so many good points and so few bad points (if any). I really liked how the movie used the voices of other characters to tell what happened during the years that didn't actually play out on screen. Morally the movie above reproach. 


Best Movie Line: 


Paula: Smithy, do I always have to take the initiative? You're supposed to kiss me! ;)


Until Later On~
     
      

Happy Birthday, Stanwyck!

     Today, Barbara Stanwyck would've been 104. In honor of the day I wrote this: my tribute to Stanwyck, my favorite actress by far. She stole my heart a long time ago, and she still hasn't give it back. ;) I like to say I've learned a lot from knowing Stany, because - even though I don't really know her - I have. <3

    Ruby Catherine Stevens was born on July 16, 1907 in Brooklyn. By the age of four she had been orphaned and was being raised by her older sister. At 14 she quit school and started working; and at 15 she got a job as a chorus girl. During the late 20’s she became a hit on the stage and changed her name to Barbara Stanwyck. Then she moved to Hollywood where she got parts in a few flops. She finally made it big when Frank Capra let her star in his “Ladies of Leisure” (1930) - after that she was on a roll. She did a ton of good movies before 1940 when she hit her peak and starred in greats like “Ball of Fire” (1941) and “The Lady Eve” (also 1941). During the 50s she slowed down a bit; but as soon as TV became popular during the 60s Stany was there: first with her own “The Barbara Stanwyck Show” which only ran for a short first season, then during the mid-60s when she starred in “The Big Valley”. She won an honorary Oscar in 1982, and did her final acting job 3 years later. Stanwyck died on January 20, 1990. 

     Stany was a multi-talented actress like no other. She was heart-wrenching in dramas and hilarious in comedies; she knew her way around in westerns and did film-noir just as well as anything else. Each of her characters is different and every one of them is as perplexing or endearing as the next. People have said that Babs was the “greatest actress never to win an Oscar” - I believe it. She was nominated four times for best actress: first for playing Stella Dallas in the 1937 movie of the same name. Then in 1941 for playing the darling “Sugarpuss” O’Shea, a night club dancer on the lam in “Ball of Fire”. After that she was nominated for playing crooked Mrs. Dietrichson in 1944’s “Double Indemnity”. And last but not least she got a nomination for her character, Leona Stevenson, in “Sorry, Wrong Number” (1948). 

     Stanwyck: hard-as-nails with a heart of gold - whoever said that first hit it right on the head. As far as her personality goes, she was: sincere, kind-hearted, humble, and generous. She was also a very hard worker. She was a favorite of many of the people she worked with - directors like Cecil B. Demille and Douglas Sirk said she was their favorite actress. Fred MacMurray said he was lucky to have been able to work with her; David Manners said he adored her; Joel McCrea said that she was the finest actress he ever worked with; and Henry Fonda confessed that he was in love with her. As far as her looks go I've read people say that she wasn't a "conventional beauty". I've even heard people go as far as to say she wasn't good looking in the slightest! It may just be me, but I think Stany was gorgeous. Just absolutely gorgeous. I don't think she ever started looking her age until the 50s; and she had such beautiful eyes - if you're watching one of her movies look at her eyes!

     I love Barbara Stanwyck! In my mind, she hasn't got any competition. Whether she's playing good or bad, rich or poor, happy or broken-hearted - she's always great. And, to think, she was born with all that talent! A dame from Brooklyn. A natural actress. A ruby in the rough. That was Stanwyck: she was fantastic, and that's all there is to it!

Happy Birthday, Babs! <3

 Until Later On~

The Mad Miss Manton (1938)

Hello All! 

 

     

     "The Mad Miss Manton" (1938) stars Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. It's a hilarious murder mystery with a great cast and fantastic dialogue and slapstick so funny you'll cry (like I do). Plus, there are so many gorgeous fur coats in this movie it'll make your head spin! I just love it!  

     Barbara Stanwyck is adorable. <3 In this movie she isn't breaking our hearts - she's showing us her versatility by playing a very charitable (but slightly mad) socialite; and let me tell you it's wonderful! You can't help but to smile at her and her crazy antics. Our leading man, Henry Fonda, plays Peter Ames, a newspaper editor. Henry Fonda is very close to the top of my "Favorite Actors" list. He amuses me - very much so - and is also terrific in this. Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck are by far my favorite screen couple. They work perfectly - and they just look so darned cute! :)

     Now, normally I don't mention the character actors in movies, but this supporting cast is the best that I can think of off the top of my head. Everyone is funny: from Stany's maid (Hattie McDaniel) to Stanwyck's seven manicured millionaire friends who are continually getting in the way of the law.

     In addition to everything else, this movie contains my all-time favorite movie line - "You're up to your beautiful hips in murder!" says Fonda to Stanwyck. 

     The story goes something like this: One night after a party, Melsa Manton (Stanwyck) goes for a walk. As she's walking she sees Ronnie Beldon running out of the abandoned Lane Mansion. When she goes to investigate she finds a dead body and promptly calls the police; but when the police arrive the body is gone. The next morning, in his newspaper, Peter Ames (Henry Fonda) accuses Melsa of playing a practical joke on the police. Then, in order to prove that she's not crazy, Melsa and her "park avenue pranksters" set out to find the murderer. Following this Melsa and her gang break into the Lane Mansion (fur coats and all), get arrested a few times, and find a couple more dead bodies (in the most unlikely places; for example, the refrigerator). Then while Melsa and one of her friends are investigating they run into Peter. Just when Peter and Melsa think they've found the evidence they're looking for, Eddie Norris walks onto the scene...holding a gun. The police arrest Eddie for murdering three people; but, of course Melsa doesn't believe he's guilty. Melsa and her darling debutantes prove Eddie's alibi and he goes free. As the girls continue to dig up clues it gets more and more dangerous for everyone - then Peter gets shot. Melsa, who is led to believe that Peter is dying, tells the police everything she knows. Then the police come up with the brilliant idea that Melsa should be used as bait for the murderer. The bait works (Melsa gets a few gunshots fired towards her) but they don't catch the murderer. When Melsa is able to get away from Peter that evening she goes to do a little more investigating of her own and she finds that her alibi-proving may have let a murderer go free. Then when she gets to her penthouse she finds that Eddie Norris has come to pay her a visit. Eddie admits to being the murderer, then he tells her that he has to kill her since she knows it. When everything looks as dark as it's going to get for Melsa, it's up to a certain newspaper editor to save the day...

     I think my favorite scene in this movie is when Henry Fonda is in the hospital pretending to die because he's trying to drag another clue out of Barbara Stanwyck. All I have to say is: never give Stany access to forks when she's angry at you. ;) This movie is really great, and witty like nobody's business. Did I mention that I love watching Henry Fonda get tied up by seven girls? That's worth it in its self!  

     As far as morality goes there are a couple of kisses. I think that's it - devastatingly immoral, no? ;)

Best Movie Lines (and trust me, there are a lot more than this):

Lieutenant Brent: Do you think I like to do this? Do you think I like to take people - men and women, human beings - and harass them? Pound them? Beat them? Humiliate them? Nah, but to these girls I'm gonna love it! 

Peter Ames: Listen, before I knew you I disliked you intensely. When I met you I disliked you intensely. Even now I dislike you intensely. That's the sensible, sane portion of me; but there's an insane side of me that gets a little violent every time I think of you. 

Lieutenant Brent: Won't somebody please cooperate and confess?!

Melsa: I can't stand it anymore! I'll confess! I did it! 

Lieutenant Brent: You did? Why'd you do it?

Melsa: Because you asked me to cooperate!

Until Later On~    

Easy Living (1937)

Hello Everyone,

 

     This week, I watched (for the second time) "Easy Living" (1937) starring: Jean Arthur and Ray Milland. This was one of the classic movies that I watched when I was just starting to introduce myself to them - these are the kind of movies that will get you hooked on classics. I remember enjoying it a lot when I first watched it, but it was much funnier the second time than I remembered! "Easy Living" has it all: ridiculous slapstick, hilarious dialogue, and misunderstandings that just keep getting funnier. I love it! 
     As far as actresses go, Jean Arthur is second in my mind only to my Stanwyck. Jean Arthur is adorable, and such a fantastic actress. She's hilarious in this movie, it kills me. Jimmy Stewart said of her: "Jean was the finest actress I ever worked with. No one had her humor, her timing." - it's true, she's great.
     Like I said before I watched this movie very early in my classic-movie-watching days, and I remember distinctly thinking very happily (upon seeing Ray Milland for the first time) "WHO is THAT actor?!" I haven't seen many more Ray Milland since then, but what I have seen I've enjoyed quite thoroughly. Ray Milland is great, but he isn't absolutely hilarious. He definitely doesn't steal the show, but he surely adds to it! :)
     The movie starts one morning in the home of the rich banker, J.B. Ball (Edward Arnold, from "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". This time playing a much less greedy person than I'm used to). That certain morning, Mr. Ball and his wife have an argument about a $58,000 mink coat that she bought for herself. During their fight Mr. Ball throws his wife's mink coat of the roof of their penthouse and it hits poor, unsuspecting Mary Smith (Jean Arthur) in the head. When Mr. Ball meets Mary on the street he gives the coat to her (but he never tells her his name, so she has no idea who gave her the coat), and because of the price of the gift, the people who see him giving it to her think that they're having an affair (which, of course, they aren't). Then we're introduced to Mr. Louis, the owner of the Hotel Louis, who owes Mr. Ball three years mortgage. When Mr. Louis hears about Mr. Ball and Mary he decides that the best way to keep Mr. Ball from foreclosing on him is to let Mary live in the Hotel Louis so that she can put in a good word to Mr. Ball. Despite her rather luxurious living quarters Mary still hasn't got much money so she goes to the Automat to eat, and she meets John Ball (but doesn't realize that it's Mr. Ball's son). John loses his job trying to help her, so she invites him to come stay with her at the Hotel Louis. The next morning, a man from the stock market comes to see Mary to ask her what Mr. Ball's opinions are on steel stock. She thinks that he's talking about John so she asks him and John says that since the weather looks like it's going to be bad the steel will go down. She tells the stock market guy that and then the whole country starts to sell their steel. At the same time, Mr. Ball thinks that steel is bound to go up so when the steel starts dropping he starts buying as much as he can and that starts his empire to tottering. When John hears that his father is about to go bankrupt he leaves Mary and goes to talk to his Dad. Then Mary makes some important name connections and goes to visit Mr. Ball. Now that they've sort of got the whole mix-up un-mixed, in order to save his father financially, John comes up with the idea that since Mary had enough influence to mess up the stock market once maybe she could do it again. She gives it a try. Within the last 5 minutes of the movie: Mary and John have a falling out, Mary gives back the sable coat to Mrs. Ball, Mary runs away, Mary gets arrested, Mary and John make up, Mary and John get engaged, Mr. Ball's finances stablilize, and Mr. Ball throws his wife's sable coat off the balcony again... ;)
      Morally: there's one kiss. According to IMDb one of the main characters cusses, but I can very honestly say I didn't hear it. 
     "Easy Living" is one of the dizziest sprees you're likely to see in a long time - it's brilliant.

 

Mr. Ball, Mary, John. 

Best Movie Lines:


Mr. Ball: You own a fur coat?
Mary: Well, no I don't; but I still don't-
Mr. Ball: That's where you're wrong - you own that one. Happy Birthday! 
Mary: Now, just a minute Santa Claus! What's the matter with it? Is it hot?
Mr. Ball: I don't know I've never worn one. 
 
Mary: You know, you don't have to get mad just because you're so stupid! 


The moral of this story: Don't give fur coats to strangers... ;)


Until Later On~

It's a Wonderful World (1939)

Hello Folks, 

     Blackmail...murder...a man sentenced to death! I just watched "It's a Wonderful World" (1939). ;) This movie wasn't funny at all...no, it was beyond funny - it was ridiculously hilarious! I haven't laughed as hard as I laughed at this in a long time. I LOVED this movie! And just let me tell you this: you have not lived until you've seen Claudette Colbert tackle a boyscout! 
     James Stewart is the star of this movie. He's stolen my heart - I love Jimmy Stewart! Jimmy (amidst all the slang he spews) plays a money-hungry, detective, on the lam in this picture - different than what I've seen before, but wonderful none-the-less. He was great in this, and so very funny. I think the fact that his character in this movie was so different from what I've seen before is what made his performance so hilarious.
     Then there's Claudette Colbert, the leading lady. She's a very good actress, I must say. I've never really adored Claudette Colbert, but I think she's growing on me...she gets better all the time! This was by far the best Claudette Colbert movie I've ever seen. She was so utterly hilarious in this movie - she was brilliant! I can't say enough about how funny she was...she was killing me.
     Now the plot: Guy Johnson (Jimmy Stewart) is a detective. When his client, Willie Hayward, becomes a murder suspect Guy hides him until he can find the real murderer. Guy searches up and down - but to no avail - for the owner of the half-of-a-dime charm that he found in the hand of the murder victim because he figures it has something to do with the murder. Then Guy is struck with the idea that it may have been Mr. Hayward's wife (and her accomplice) that committed the murder and framed Mr. Hayward. Before Guy can find out if he's right the police find their hiding spot and Mr. Hayward is sentenced to the electric chair and Guy is sentenced to a year in jail for hiding a criminal. On the train, on his way to jail, Guy finds a clue that he thinks will help him find the real murderer (a personal add in the newspaper asking someone to meet the writer at the theater in Saugerties, signed "Half-a-dime") so he jumps off the train. When he gets rid of the police officer he was handcuffed to he runs into Edwina Corday (Claudette Colbert), a poetess. Guy kidnaps Edwina, steals her car, then drops her in the middle of nowhere, and drives on. When he finds that a few hundred cops are on his tail he turns around and runs into Edwina again. From then on Guy and Edwina start dodging the police together - they also set her car on fire, tie up a boyscout and his leader, and pose as an eloping couple. They slowly make their way to Saugerties, and all the while Guy is trying to get rid of Edwina; but she just won't leave him alone. When Edwina and Guy get to Saugerties Edwina gets Guy a part in the play that "Half-a-dime" is in. Guy figures that "Half-a-dime" (Mrs. Hayward's real husband whom she thought was dead) has been blackmailing Mrs. Hayward so she's going to have him bumped off. Guy tries to find "Half-a-dime" and he gets it narrowed down to three possible actors; and at the same time he and Edwina start looking out for Mrs. Hayward and her accomplice (you know, waiting for them to murder "Half-a-dime"). Despite their efforts the actor they thought was "Half-a-dime" is murdered, but it turns out that the actor who was killed wasn't really "Half-a-dime". When Guy finds that out, he finds out where "Half-a-dime" really is, then goes to catch him. Guy runs into the police before he can get anywhere, then it's up to Edwina and a crazy story she cooks up to help Guy catch the real murderers...
     Jimmy Stewart's and Claudette Colbert's characters played perfectly off one another, adding another great element to this already fantastic (hilarious) film. As far as the morality of the movie goes, there was 1 kiss. :)    

 

Jimmy and Claudette in an apple orchard...I think this was when she was trying to be his psychiatrist. ;)

Best Movie Lines: 


Edwina [reciting her poem]: The night will be here when we are gone, though we are gone the stars will still be here, and other throats will sing in the dawn. It's a wonderful world my dear.
Guy: I don't get it.
Edwina: It just means that when you and I are dead others will continue to enjoy the beauty of life as we do.
Guy: Well, 200 cops on motorcycles ain't my idea of beauty.


Edwina: No, my mind's made up! You need me! 
Guy: I need you? I need you as much as I need a giraffe! 


Edwina: I swear by my eyes! ;)

Until Later On~

Gambling Lady (1934)

Hello All,

     I caught another Stanwyck on TCM last night - that makes 54 all together. I must say, TCM picks the most ridiculous times (1:45 AM) to play the best movies. I really loved this one! It was adorable!
     I've recently realized that the more classic movies I watch the more character actors I recognize; this time it was Robert Barrat. He played Barbara Stanwyck's father in this movie, he also played her father in another film which is what I remembered him from. 
     Then, of course, there's Stanwyck - amazing as always. I really loved her character in this movie - I was smiling every second she was on the screen (I mean, except for at the sad parts). I can't exactly put my finger on what I liked about her though: maybe it was the sort of idealistic honesty or maybe it was the fact that Stany was absolutely gorgeous in this movie. I really think Babs was prettiest during 1933 or 1934 - I thought she looked stunning; but, then again, maybe it's just me. :) She gave a wonderful performance again as the girl from the "wrong side of the tracks", she was great.
     Joel McCrea was the leading man. If you ask me, he looked very young; but, I guess that makes sense since this is the earliest of his movies that I've seen. Joel McCrea still isn't my favorite actor, but I like him a lot better when he's starring with Stany.      
     Stany and Joel McCrea are a cute couple. As far as I know she was his favorite actress - they did six movies together (this being the first) I've seen all except the very last one which was filmed in 1957. 
     Now, on to the plot (which I personally adored): Lady Lee (Stany) is the daughter of Mike Lee, an honest gambler. When her father dies Lady picks up the racket herself and honestly (in both senses of the word) does a very good job of it. Then one night she meets the rich Garry Madison who falls for her instantly, and invites her to Norway (of course, she doesn't go). Eventually, (after a big misunderstanding) Lady falls in love with Garry too. They get married,(despite their social differences) then go on a honeymoon to Monte Carlo. While they're there they meet one of Garry's old friends, Sheila Aiken, who insists on flirting with Garry even though she knows he's married. After that, Sheila follows them back to America and keeps making trouble. Then, when Charlie (Lady's gambling friend) ends up in jail, Lady bails him out. This upsets Garry very much (because he thinks Charlie is "more than just a friend") and he goes to talk to Charlie about it. When Charlie gets bumped off (killed, for those of you not up on your 30's slang) Garry is the first suspect. Garry of course says he didn't do it, and Lady finds that (sadly) Sheila can prove his alibi. Sheila says that she will testify for Garry on one condition - that Lady divorce Garry so that she can marry him. Lady agrees and (much to her dismay) divorces Garry. But when Garry finds out that Sheila made Lady divorce him he says 'goodbye' to Sheila then runs after Lady who is just setting sail for Norway...
     Morally, there's a few kisses. At the beginning during the opening credits there's a questionable statue in the background, but you only see it for a minute. Possibly one "Oh my God", but I don't think so. That's it. I really loved this movie. I wish I could find it somewhere other than on TCM because I would love to re-watch it. <3
    
Best Movie Lines:


Garry: Highball, Lady?
Lady: No.
Garry: Dance?
Lady: No.
Garry: Theater? 
Both: No. ;)

Until Later On~
     

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Hello Everyone, 

     In honor of Independence Day, I was going to watch "Meet John Doe" (1941); I figured it was a good patriotic movie to watch to get ready for Independence Day. But, since I have a sort of unspoken rule about not watching Stanwyck movies too frequently I decided to watch "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) instead. I didn't know whether or not it would be the right patriotic start to this year's celebrations, but I finally convinced myself that: "heck, it's all Capra-corn!". May, I just say that I think I made a very good choice! This movie was one of the best I've ever seen (yes, I know I say that a lot), definitely one of the most patriotic I've seen!
     I was reading on IMDb that this movie was supposed to be a vehicle for Ralph Bellamy (Oh horrors of horrors); then it was supposed to be a sequel to "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" starring Gary Cooper again (which wouldn't have been quite as bad, but I don't know how the stories would've meshed). Thank goodness, Jimmy Stewart finally stuck and starred in this movie. Jimmy gave an absolutely spectacular performance! While reading my blogs you'll probably (definitely) hear me say that this actor or that actor is one of my favorites; or I'll mention the fact that I like or "love" a certain actor. When it comes to Jimmy Stewart I really mean it - I love him! I think Jimmy Stewart is my favorite actor of all time. If you ask me, a good actor ought to be able to make you feel exactly how their character feels - Jimmy does that. James Stewart was nominated for Best Actor for his performance here and (if you ask me) he deserved it, because, like I said, he was fantastic. 
     Then there's Jean Arthur, the leading lady. This character of hers was a lot like her character in "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936) (more Capra-corn! ;) ). I can't complain though; Jean Arthur is my favorite actress after Barbara Stanwyck. She's been really great in everything I've seen (which is quite a bit). She's got a very unique voice too, it's fun to listen to. ;)
     Of course, this is Frank Capra at his finest - seems to me he was always at his finest. I've seen and loved 11 of his movies; he's by far my favorite director. By the way, when I said "it's all Capra-corn" I was making reference to the fact that most Frank Capra movies are extremely sentimental and idealistic (for example: "It's a Wonderful Life" or "You Can't Take it with You"). I love Capra-corn!
    Whew...talk about long introductions...the (brilliant) plot goes like this: When Senator Foley dies, the patriotic and idealistic leader of the Boy Rangers, Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), is picked to replace him. Jefferson Smith comes awestruck to Washington to work along side his childhood hero Joseph Paine. While Jeff is there he starts working - along with his secretary, Clarissa Saunders (Jean Arthur <3) - on a bill that will set up a boy's camp in his home state on "about 200 acres of the beautiful country that ever were". His opposition comes from a machine run by the very wealthy, Jim Taylor (Edward Arnold, who played this part and also the villain in "Meet John Doe" very well), who plans to build a dam for his own profit right where Jefferson plans to build his boy's camp. When Jefferson finds out about the dam he smells something fishy. Then, when Jeff won't stop asking questions about it, Jim Taylor asks him to join their machine. When Jeff refuses, they decide to get him out of the way by even crueler methods. When Senator Paine shows how easily he can be controlled by corrupt people, Jeff's ideals start to fall apart and he's ready to give up. Then Clarissa comes around and helps him back to his feet - with her help he puts on the biggest fight he can muster. He holds the floor of the senate (filibuster!) for 23 hours and 16 minutes; all the while he's trying to tell the truth, trying to get everyone on his side; but his every effort is being smashed by the Taylor machine. Then as Jeff stands there voice-less and bleary-eyed he gives Senator Paine a lecture on lost causes. Then he collapses...
     For anyone who has not yet seen the movie...GO WATCH IT! The ending is amazing! "Yippee!" in the words of Miss Arthur. I loved this movie! Everything about it: the acting, the story...the spirit of the movie is perfect! So very American...I love it!
This movie (as far as I'm concerned) was on the same level as "It's a Wonderful Life" and if you knew how much I loved that movie (I am still on cloud nine after watching IAWL, and that was more than seven months ago) you would know that this was quite the film. If you can, go watch it - it's worth the 2 hours of your time. 


Best Movie Lines: (I'm only posting one because I want all of you to go hear the dialogue for yourself!)


Clarissa [in a note to Jefferson]: Diz says I'm in love with you. P.S. He's right! <3 


Until Later On~

The Miracle Woman (1931)

Hello Everyone,

     In honor of Canada on Canada Day (July 1st) I watched a movie starring a Canadian actor (David Manners). And in honor of me on my birthday (July 1st) I watched one of my favorite movies, and by favorite I mean WAY at the top.
     Okay, so, the Canadian thing was really a joke (even though it's true), it was something I thought of after the fact. But "The Miracle Woman" (1931) really is one of my very favorite movies. I just LOVE it! Of course, since it's one of my favorite movies it stands to reason that it should star Barbara Stanwyck, which it does. A very young (24), very lovely (as always) Stany. She's really spectacular, and she's such a good actress even so early in her work. I just love Barbara Stanwyck! Did you know that? ;)
     Then there's David Manners (the Canadian)...this is the only David Manners movie I've seen so far. In most cases, having seen only one movie, I wouldn't say this, but: I love David Manners! He's a good actor and (I'm sorry) he is so good looking! I want to see him in other movies, but the only ones I can find are horror movies (like "Dracula"...I don't want to have nightmares for the rest of my life) and a movie set in the civil war, so...the search continues. <3
     Oh, yes, and the director: Frank Capra. I really enjoy Frank Capra movies! He did: It's A Wonderful Life, Meet John Doe, and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Plus tons of other good ones, I reviewed another Capra flick "The Bitter Tea of General Yen" (1933). That one was not the same style really as what he's known best for, but it's still good. 
     The movie starts with credits that roll like this: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing..... Mat. VIII, 15. "The Miracle Woman" is offered as a rebuke to anyone who, under the cloak of Religion, seeks to sell for gold, God's choicest gift to Humanity ---- FAITH."
     Now the plot <3: Florence Fallon (Stany) is a pastor's daughter. When her father dies of a broken heart because his congregation is getting a new pastor, Florence runs away from God and from church right into the plans of a con man, Mr. Hornsby. He convinces her to use her knowledge of the Bible to get rich, famous, and even with the people who killed her father. Then one day: the blind, ex-pilot John Carson is about to commit suicide, but as he stands there getting ready to jump out the window he hears Sister Fallon's voice coming from across the way on his neighbors radio. The things that she said were exactly what he needed to hear, so he decides not to give up on his life. Later Sister Fallon meets John standing outside of her tabernacle in the rain waiting to meet her. When she realizes he's blind she gives him a ride in her car. They go to his apartment and she spends the evening with him learning how to laugh again. Florence and John start spending more time together and they fall in love; he also gives her a desire to tell the truth about herself to all the thousands she's lied to and come back to God. But when Florence expresses her desire to come clean to Hornsby he decides that it's time for them to take a trip...to Monte Carlo. When she tells him she won't go he shows her all of the evidence he has that would prove her guilty of larceny and a murder. Later, when she's saying goodbye to John she breaks down and confesses to him about all the lies she's told and what a hypocrite and a faker she's been. He tries to convince her that she's not really a fake because she's helped him, so she must have helped other people. The next day, before Florence is to give her farewell sermon, John shows up and (with help from his housekeeper, Mrs. Higgins) pretends that he can see - he's trying to prove to Florence that God is real and that He answered her prayer that he would see again. Then Florence finds out it's not true, but she's so touched that she goes out in front of the crowds that have come to say goodbye to her and tries to tell them the truth. She says to them: "During the past few months many of you have come up here to confess your sins and tell how you were saved, now I'm going to tell how I sinned and how I was saved...I've wandered far away from God, but now I'm coming home..." then disaster strikes and it's up to Florence to save the assembly and up to John to save Florence...!! 
     This is just such a beautiful story! <3 By the way, at the beginning of the movie there's a scene where Barbara Stanwyck is in a cage with lions, and the lions were REAL! And there wasn't anything between Babs and the lions except a thin net! Also, at the end, when disaster is striking, that's all real too! What actors now-a-days would do that?!?...none, that's why I like old movies. ;) Morally, this movie was still a lot cleaner than movies today. Florence's chauffeur holds up his tall finger in one scene, but it's so quick I didn't even see it the first two times I watched this movie. God's name used in vain at least once. :( Oh, and a few kisses. Otherwise, this movie is very clean and very good. I just love this movie!

 

So, I told you all that I think David Manners is terribly handsome - the funniest thing is that when I was reading the plot to this movie before I saw it I imagined him as an old guy with a long white beard...I done imagined wrong. ;)

 

Sister Fallon and her blind boyfriend. David Manners said of Stany: "I adored her". Simply put, I feel the same.

 

John, Hornsby, and Florence. Sorry, I couldn't find a movie poster - I guess I'm more upset than any of you though.

Best Movie Lines: 

Al (John's ventriloquist's puppet) [to Florence]: Where you been all my life sister? 

Mrs. Higgins (the Housekeeper): What are you laughing at?

John: I'm laughing at you for telling me nothing comes after Z! 

Mrs. Higgins: Well, what does come after Z?

John: A! 

Mrs. Higgins: A what?

John: A good punch in the news for being such a wet blanket!

 

Florence [to John]: I'm glad I saved your life. 

Ah...I love this movie! <3