Preston Sturges
AND
Ernst Lubitsch!
Two very amazing, and hilarious directors!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Oh, no!
I just realized that I had some how forgotten two of my very, very , very favorite directors!
Preston Sturges
AND
Ernst Lubitsch!
Two very amazing, and hilarious directors!
Preston Sturges
AND
Ernst Lubitsch!
Two very amazing, and hilarious directors!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Rest in peace lovely lady!
"I've lived by a man's code designed to fit a man's world, yet at the same time I never forget that a woman's first job is to choose the right shade of lipstick." -Carole Lombard
Today is the 67th anniversary of the passing of Carole Lombard.
She was one of the most beautiful and talented actresses ever. And I just love her.
She died in a plane crash, in the service of the United States, selling war bonds, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Roosevelt as the first woman killed in the line of duty in WWII.
Here are some of my favorite pictures of her:
Her and her second husband Clark Gable (her first was William Powell).
Her and Robert Montgomery on the set of "Mr. And Mrs. Smith".
And some individual shots of the gorgeous Carole.
Dear, Carole I will always love her!
-Millie
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Even more of my favorite things...
Here are some of my favorite directors...the first is the only one with a place. The rest are in groups...groups of favoritism by me.
Favorite Directors:
1. Alfred Hitchcock
Why? He was an absolute genius! He could make bad characters be rooted for, he could make mysteries be movies to watch over and over, he could make films be both critical and box-office champions, he could do anything. And that is why he is my favorite director. Also, besides being a genius, he was witty, clever, and kind. Oh, I have so much more I could write about him! But, I shall try and limit myself.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orson Welles
Why? He is genius number two (not necessarily second favorite director). He was a burst of amazingness...that never will leave us. He also did something amazing. He could write, direct, and star in GREAT movies ("Citizen Kane", anyone?). One of the things about him that make me laugh is the fact that he said what he felt like saying. (A contributing reason for him only winning one award for "CK" is because he likened the "studio heads" to "over-paid office boys". OUCH! LOL!
Billy Wilder
Why? Because he didn't go by the name William (what a time I'd have then...see next post). Billy was Extraordiary. He could do drama and comedy with such fluidness and skill...it is difficult to say which he was better at. I especially love his comedies! But, his dramas are equally amazing...especially "The Lost Weekend"...one of my favorite films EVER!
William Wyler
Why? Because he went by the name William (see post above). Wyler was also extremely able at both drama and comedy (or mixed together, as in "Roman Holiday"). Although, as usual I hold a special place for his comedies. He did so much of every genre that he is sadly not as well known as say, Hitchcock or Welles is. That is a true tragedy! But, I will always love him!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Hawks
Why? He also did a bit of everything. And he has my favorite comedy ever: "His Girl Friday". He also showed that he could do everything...having highly acclaimed classics in nearly every genre.
Leo McCarey
Why? He was THE "gentleman director". So very good at romantic comedies (and he took a crack at drama too...mostly meladrama). He helped to create Cary Grant as we know him (although I for one do NOT believe that Cary stole Leo's personality, as others do). "The Awful Truth" is in my top ten comedies ever too!
George Cukor
Why? I love him. Always making people mad and getting kicked off sets, he nonetheless made some of the greatest films of the last century. And I for one am glad he got kicked off "Gone With The Wind" (a film I don't care for very much). Because he never would have made, "The Women"!
George Stevens
Why? Because he was outstanding. He made "Swingtime" (a nice little dancing musical, Fred and Ginger style), but he also could make "Giant" (sweeping Texas epic starring Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor). He always brought you straight to the heart of the story though, no matter how large the landscape was.
Next up:
Favorite singers/bands of vintage times.
Favorite Directors:
1. Alfred Hitchcock
Why? He was an absolute genius! He could make bad characters be rooted for, he could make mysteries be movies to watch over and over, he could make films be both critical and box-office champions, he could do anything. And that is why he is my favorite director. Also, besides being a genius, he was witty, clever, and kind. Oh, I have so much more I could write about him! But, I shall try and limit myself.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orson Welles
Why? He is genius number two (not necessarily second favorite director). He was a burst of amazingness...that never will leave us. He also did something amazing. He could write, direct, and star in GREAT movies ("Citizen Kane", anyone?). One of the things about him that make me laugh is the fact that he said what he felt like saying. (A contributing reason for him only winning one award for "CK" is because he likened the "studio heads" to "over-paid office boys". OUCH! LOL!
Billy Wilder
Why? Because he didn't go by the name William (what a time I'd have then...see next post). Billy was Extraordiary. He could do drama and comedy with such fluidness and skill...it is difficult to say which he was better at. I especially love his comedies! But, his dramas are equally amazing...especially "The Lost Weekend"...one of my favorite films EVER!
William Wyler
Why? Because he went by the name William (see post above). Wyler was also extremely able at both drama and comedy (or mixed together, as in "Roman Holiday"). Although, as usual I hold a special place for his comedies. He did so much of every genre that he is sadly not as well known as say, Hitchcock or Welles is. That is a true tragedy! But, I will always love him!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Hawks
Why? He also did a bit of everything. And he has my favorite comedy ever: "His Girl Friday". He also showed that he could do everything...having highly acclaimed classics in nearly every genre.
Leo McCarey
Why? He was THE "gentleman director". So very good at romantic comedies (and he took a crack at drama too...mostly meladrama). He helped to create Cary Grant as we know him (although I for one do NOT believe that Cary stole Leo's personality, as others do). "The Awful Truth" is in my top ten comedies ever too!
George Cukor
Why? I love him. Always making people mad and getting kicked off sets, he nonetheless made some of the greatest films of the last century. And I for one am glad he got kicked off "Gone With The Wind" (a film I don't care for very much). Because he never would have made, "The Women"!
George Stevens
Why? Because he was outstanding. He made "Swingtime" (a nice little dancing musical, Fred and Ginger style), but he also could make "Giant" (sweeping Texas epic starring Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Elizabeth Taylor). He always brought you straight to the heart of the story though, no matter how large the landscape was.
Next up:
Favorite singers/bands of vintage times.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Some more of my favorite things...
Here are my top ten favorite actors:
1. Gregory Peck
Why? He is an extremely skilled actor...at both comedy AND drama (something that is very important to me). And he has the most heart-melting smile ever. LOL!
1. Dana Andrews
Why? My dear Dana. So under-appreciated even among "the" classic film buffs. Many of them say he was card-board and boring, not so. But that is another story for another time. He is an extremely subtle actor...perfect in every nuance. And he too has a gorgeous smile...
1. William Powell
Why? Funniest actor ever. Not a comedian. He was an actor. He just happened to be a hilarious actor. I will watch absolutely anything he was in...just because he was in it.
1. Ray Milland
Why? The Magnificent Mr. Milland, is amazing (well, that's what I say about all my favorite actors). He was immensely good at comedy, but he was even better at drama. As a murderer you root for him ("Dial M For Murder"). As an adult man in love with a "teenager" you completely trust him...he doesn't seem creepy at all ("The Major And The Minor"). But (in what I feel is his greatest role) as an alcoholic you ARE him ("The Lost Weekend"). That's how good he is. And he has a killer Welsh accent.
1. Fred Astaire
Why? Because he is Fred Astaire. 'Nuff said. Okay, also, his voice just happens to be one of my favorite things in the world (I'm not just talking about singing). Watching him dance makes me happy. Hearing him talk makes me joyful. Serious!
.....I simply cannot choose a favorite between those five! They are all tied for first....the next few are in no particular order....maybe a few more than ten.....
Joel McCrea
Why? Good old Joel NEVER gets enough credit. Although, I was pleased when TCM put him in their "Leading Men" book...even over Orson Welles (who I also ADORE, but I am saving him for a directors post). Joel is one of the ten funniest actors of the fourties, in my opinion! Simply marvolous at everything he did. My favorite is "The More The Merrier" though (also starring Jean Arthur). I once watched that three times in a row...right after each other. And he has an adorable smile.
James Dean
Why? I was slightly hesitant about putting him on a top ten (or a few more) actors list, because his filmography is so small. But, I love him that much. His three starring roles are so mind-searing that you can never forget them. And that is definitely a great actor. Many people acuse him of over-acting. But, when you think about it, his three starring roles called for over-acting. And he delivered it. Besides which, he put across such a sensitive, gentle, almost needy exterior in his films, one can't help but love him.
Cary Grant
Why? Cary Grant is just like William Powell. He made everything look easy. And every film he had a part in, turned out to be wonderful! He was clever, elegent, gentle, witty, confident, and on top of it all he was Cary Grant. He WAS wonderful. I just love him. I have memories of watching his movies when I was five years old.
Jack Lemmon
Why? Because he makes me laugh. He also can make me sad. But, more often he makes me laugh. No one else could have played such opposite roles as "The Apartment", "Some Like It Hot", and "The Great Race" (just to name a few) with as much amazingness as Jack.
Robert Montgomery
Why? He was funny (now you may begin to see a pattern in my choices). He was absolutely funny. Just watch any given scene from, say, "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" and you will know what I am talking about. I especially love the "cat" scene and the scene at the mountain lodge...classic. Someone on the TCM Message Boards once pointed out to me that he was a great "re-actor". That is so amazingly true. His reactions in every film are priceless.
Tyrone Power
Why? He fascinates me. Many people push him aside and say, "Well he was just a matinee idol. Except maybe a few good performances in 'Witness For The Prosecution', 'The Razor's Edge', and 'Nightmare Alley' ". Now, those were all great performances! But, he was way more than that. He brought so much to even his "fluffy" roles like "The Mark Of Zorro" or "A Yank In The RAF". And he had the most beautiful eyes ever created!
Bob Hope
Why? He is the funniest comedian ever (differing from the funniest actor ever...William Powell)! Although he did do some great dramatic turns in "The Seven Little Foys" and "Beau James", he was the greatest at comedy. He can ALWAYS make me laugh. It doesn't matter what...he always does. And I just love how great a person he is in real life too.
...and this list goes on and on forever too!
Next up:
Favorite Directors.
1. Gregory Peck
Why? He is an extremely skilled actor...at both comedy AND drama (something that is very important to me). And he has the most heart-melting smile ever. LOL!
1. Dana Andrews
Why? My dear Dana. So under-appreciated even among "the" classic film buffs. Many of them say he was card-board and boring, not so. But that is another story for another time. He is an extremely subtle actor...perfect in every nuance. And he too has a gorgeous smile...
1. William Powell
Why? Funniest actor ever. Not a comedian. He was an actor. He just happened to be a hilarious actor. I will watch absolutely anything he was in...just because he was in it.
1. Ray Milland
Why? The Magnificent Mr. Milland, is amazing (well, that's what I say about all my favorite actors). He was immensely good at comedy, but he was even better at drama. As a murderer you root for him ("Dial M For Murder"). As an adult man in love with a "teenager" you completely trust him...he doesn't seem creepy at all ("The Major And The Minor"). But (in what I feel is his greatest role) as an alcoholic you ARE him ("The Lost Weekend"). That's how good he is. And he has a killer Welsh accent.
1. Fred Astaire
Why? Because he is Fred Astaire. 'Nuff said. Okay, also, his voice just happens to be one of my favorite things in the world (I'm not just talking about singing). Watching him dance makes me happy. Hearing him talk makes me joyful. Serious!
.....I simply cannot choose a favorite between those five! They are all tied for first....the next few are in no particular order....maybe a few more than ten.....
Joel McCrea
Why? Good old Joel NEVER gets enough credit. Although, I was pleased when TCM put him in their "Leading Men" book...even over Orson Welles (who I also ADORE, but I am saving him for a directors post). Joel is one of the ten funniest actors of the fourties, in my opinion! Simply marvolous at everything he did. My favorite is "The More The Merrier" though (also starring Jean Arthur). I once watched that three times in a row...right after each other. And he has an adorable smile.
James Dean
Why? I was slightly hesitant about putting him on a top ten (or a few more) actors list, because his filmography is so small. But, I love him that much. His three starring roles are so mind-searing that you can never forget them. And that is definitely a great actor. Many people acuse him of over-acting. But, when you think about it, his three starring roles called for over-acting. And he delivered it. Besides which, he put across such a sensitive, gentle, almost needy exterior in his films, one can't help but love him.
Cary Grant
Why? Cary Grant is just like William Powell. He made everything look easy. And every film he had a part in, turned out to be wonderful! He was clever, elegent, gentle, witty, confident, and on top of it all he was Cary Grant. He WAS wonderful. I just love him. I have memories of watching his movies when I was five years old.
Jack Lemmon
Why? Because he makes me laugh. He also can make me sad. But, more often he makes me laugh. No one else could have played such opposite roles as "The Apartment", "Some Like It Hot", and "The Great Race" (just to name a few) with as much amazingness as Jack.
Robert Montgomery
Why? He was funny (now you may begin to see a pattern in my choices). He was absolutely funny. Just watch any given scene from, say, "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" and you will know what I am talking about. I especially love the "cat" scene and the scene at the mountain lodge...classic. Someone on the TCM Message Boards once pointed out to me that he was a great "re-actor". That is so amazingly true. His reactions in every film are priceless.
Tyrone Power
Why? He fascinates me. Many people push him aside and say, "Well he was just a matinee idol. Except maybe a few good performances in 'Witness For The Prosecution', 'The Razor's Edge', and 'Nightmare Alley' ". Now, those were all great performances! But, he was way more than that. He brought so much to even his "fluffy" roles like "The Mark Of Zorro" or "A Yank In The RAF". And he had the most beautiful eyes ever created!
Bob Hope
Why? He is the funniest comedian ever (differing from the funniest actor ever...William Powell)! Although he did do some great dramatic turns in "The Seven Little Foys" and "Beau James", he was the greatest at comedy. He can ALWAYS make me laugh. It doesn't matter what...he always does. And I just love how great a person he is in real life too.
...and this list goes on and on forever too!
Next up:
Favorite Directors.
Some of my favorite things...
I love everything vintage! Especially film and music!
I thought I would share some of my very, very favorite vintage things! Which can be difficult...because I have SO many! I am going to split this up into separate posts for actresses, actors, directors, and music. To name my favorite films would be too hard and too long of a post!
First up: Actresses. I am going to narrow this down to ten, because past that it would go on forever and ever and ever!
Actresses:
1. Ingrid Bergman
Why? She is absolutely amazing. She is also gorgeous...which helps...hahaha.
She uses her eyes extensively in showing emotion, I love that. One can see so much more depth of performance from eyes, actors that use them are quite talented.
She was also a natural beauty. When she first came to America from Sweden, the studio producers told her she would need to cap her teeth, pluck her eyebrows, and wear a lot more make-up. She refused. She never did cap her teeth or pluck her eyebrows, and she wore barely any make-up...even during filming.
2. Audrey Hepburn
Why? Audrey was a classy lady on and off the screen. She was a talented actress and an even better person. Kind, thoughtful, stylish, funny, gorgeous, clever...she was everything.
I just love her style too. Absolutely timeless. Although, I seriously wish the big sunglasses weren't so popular, because then I could wear them without looking like every other person...LOL!
3. Grace Kelly
Why? She WAS Grace Kelly. A real-life princess. With extraordinary talent. I love he acting. I love her style. I love her.
.....the rest have no particular order........
Jean Arthur
Why? She was a great actress and an especially gifted comedian. Forever shy, insecure, and withdrawn in real life, it was a struggle just to act. But, she did...and she did it well. Also, she was just beautiful!
Carole Lombard
Why? I love Carole. One of the funniest ladies to ever grace the screen! Tragically she died all too soon, but she still left a wonderful body of work behind. She always make me laugh. And she could do drama just as well.
Sandra Dee
Why? Sandra Dee was a truly gifted actress. She never really has gotten the attention she deserves though. Also, she was beautiful and I love her as Gidget...hahaha
Barbara Stanwyck
Why? Because she could act. That is all that is necessary, but she also added a great comic timing, beauty, and poise.
Doris Day
Why? She could sing, act, dance, make me laugh. And in all she brought freshness and bubblyness. You can't help but feel happy watching one of her films.
Gene Tierney
Why? Because she made an under-bite look GORGEOUS! Also, you could believe her as the sweetest, clueless ingenue ("Laura") or the most evil, scary lady ("Leave Her To Heaven")....quite an accomplishment!
Olivia De Havilland
Why? Because she was totally ruled Joan Fontaine (sister)! And she was a good actress. She had no fear in accepting parts, and was more than willing to do any role...as long as it challenged her. She didn't even mind trying to look ugly ("The Heiress"), although it was quite impossible to even make her look ugly in that film!
I have so many other favorite actresses...the list goes on forever and ever! I will certainly be highlighting them though in future posts!
Next up:
Favorite actors!
I thought I would share some of my very, very favorite vintage things! Which can be difficult...because I have SO many! I am going to split this up into separate posts for actresses, actors, directors, and music. To name my favorite films would be too hard and too long of a post!
First up: Actresses. I am going to narrow this down to ten, because past that it would go on forever and ever and ever!
Actresses:
1. Ingrid Bergman
Why? She is absolutely amazing. She is also gorgeous...which helps...hahaha.
She uses her eyes extensively in showing emotion, I love that. One can see so much more depth of performance from eyes, actors that use them are quite talented.
She was also a natural beauty. When she first came to America from Sweden, the studio producers told her she would need to cap her teeth, pluck her eyebrows, and wear a lot more make-up. She refused. She never did cap her teeth or pluck her eyebrows, and she wore barely any make-up...even during filming.
2. Audrey Hepburn
Why? Audrey was a classy lady on and off the screen. She was a talented actress and an even better person. Kind, thoughtful, stylish, funny, gorgeous, clever...she was everything.
I just love her style too. Absolutely timeless. Although, I seriously wish the big sunglasses weren't so popular, because then I could wear them without looking like every other person...LOL!
3. Grace Kelly
Why? She WAS Grace Kelly. A real-life princess. With extraordinary talent. I love he acting. I love her style. I love her.
.....the rest have no particular order........
Jean Arthur
Why? She was a great actress and an especially gifted comedian. Forever shy, insecure, and withdrawn in real life, it was a struggle just to act. But, she did...and she did it well. Also, she was just beautiful!
Carole Lombard
Why? I love Carole. One of the funniest ladies to ever grace the screen! Tragically she died all too soon, but she still left a wonderful body of work behind. She always make me laugh. And she could do drama just as well.
Sandra Dee
Why? Sandra Dee was a truly gifted actress. She never really has gotten the attention she deserves though. Also, she was beautiful and I love her as Gidget...hahaha
Barbara Stanwyck
Why? Because she could act. That is all that is necessary, but she also added a great comic timing, beauty, and poise.
Doris Day
Why? She could sing, act, dance, make me laugh. And in all she brought freshness and bubblyness. You can't help but feel happy watching one of her films.
Gene Tierney
Why? Because she made an under-bite look GORGEOUS! Also, you could believe her as the sweetest, clueless ingenue ("Laura") or the most evil, scary lady ("Leave Her To Heaven")....quite an accomplishment!
Olivia De Havilland
Why? Because she was totally ruled Joan Fontaine (sister)! And she was a good actress. She had no fear in accepting parts, and was more than willing to do any role...as long as it challenged her. She didn't even mind trying to look ugly ("The Heiress"), although it was quite impossible to even make her look ugly in that film!
I have so many other favorite actresses...the list goes on forever and ever! I will certainly be highlighting them though in future posts!
Next up:
Favorite actors!
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