My 10 Favorite Kate Hepburn Movies

Before I begin this post: guys, I forgot something REALLY IMPORTANT in my last post. I've been accepted into the Classic Movie Blog Association! Initiation is based on voting by other members, so thank you to any CMBA members that might have voted for me. :) I was really excited to get in - I've been awaiting membership since I got this blog last July! So I was really rather happy and I didn't mean to excuse it so rudely, it just totally slipped me somehow. Thanks again, guys!

It's not really Katharine Hepburn's birthday or anything, but I was just thinking about how so many of her films are my favorites. Not to mention I've seen a lot of her filmography, so I thought it would be fun to make a list like this! Of course, I haven't seen everything of Katharine Hepburn's, and there are still a few really prominent films of hers that I need to see: like On Golden Pond (1982), The Lion in the Winter (1968) and Morning Glory (1937). So this is just a list from my opinion on what I've already seen - a lot of her films albeit not ALL.

(THIS IS IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

10. Little Women (1933)

The book "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is one of my favorite books and I've seen all the onscreen adaptions. Though I like the other two versions well enough, this is easily my favorite, mostly because of Kate. She makes the perfect Jo. When I read the book as a little girl, I was set on being a tomboy, and therefore Jo became my favorite character. Besides, she liked to write, like me. :) Today I'm far from a tomboy - as you might be able to tell from all the pink and polka dots on this blog - but I think Jo might still be my favorite character. Kate gave her justice better than any actress who ever played her, because to be honest, I think Katharine Hepburn and Jo March are very much alike: strong willed, feminist, tomboyish, etc. This also contains nice supporting cast members like Joan Bennett and is directed by George Cukor, Kate's favorite director.

9. Summertime (1955)

I'm not going to get into this one that much for two reasons. #1: Not many other people like this film so oftentimes I feel kind of stupid when I rave on about it, though I just fell in love with it last week. And #2: I just did this week's Sunday Movie Review about it, you can read all the things I like about this film here. A lot of it has to do with a really delicate performance by Kate that is unlike anything she did before, her romance with Rossano Brazzi, and the beautiful setting of Venice, Italy. Anyway, this movie is kind of the dark horse of this list since no one likes it. I guess everyone's entitled to an opinion, though, and I liked it a lot.

8. Alice Adams (1935)

It's been a few years since I saw this one, so I can't get into intense detail about why I liked it, but I do remember enjoying it! :) In the review I'd written at the time I basically said that this film was really charming, refreshing, and I liked the realistic way it dealt with domestic issues. And though Alice Adams wasn't always a completely likable character, I really loved the way Kate played her. Also, how can you turn down a film which has a cast that includes the likes of Fred MacMurray, Hattie McDaniel, and Hedda Hopper - in addition to Kate. 

7. Stage Door (1937)

I just love this film for so many reasons. I love the characters and I love the plot, and most of all I love the cast. It's very rare to find your favorite actresses in a movie together, because usually a leading actor plays with a leading lady - so, unless your favorite actress is a character actress... But for me this film is one of those rarities. Kate and Lucy. KATE AND LUCY. Oh my gosh. <3 And then of course you have the others like Ginger Rogers and Ann Miller (who I can't believe was only 13!) - but back to Kate and Lucy. Oh, how I would love to go on and on and about some of the backstage stories about the two of them but I properly ought to return to the movie. ;) It's a wonderful film and one of my favorites that I don't talk about all that much. It's fun to see actors, playing, well actors - or better yet, well established actresses playing hopefuls trying to break into the business. "The calla lillies are in bloom again!" And it's funny, because in the Italian movie episode of I Love Lucy - the one in where she famously stomps grapes - she dramatically declares the same line that was such a big deal to Kate Hepburn in this movie.

6. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

I think a movie like this would be a big deal in 1967. Though Sidney Poitier was already helping break the barrier of miscegenation, this film prominently displayed a happy interracial couple, not to mention that Poitier's character was a very successful doctor. That being said I think it's really commendable for both Kate and Spence to take on a project like this in such a tumultuous time as the 1960's. This was their final film together and Kate never watched it, she never could - because Spence died before the film was even released. I believe she had to take some kind of a salary cut to convince the producers to cast him in this, as they weren't even sure he would make it through the filming. But if there was one way to cap off their string of eight films (this being the ninth), this was definitely it. And aside from the plot and what it dared to do, since this is the last Hepburn/Tracy film it's certainly sentimental for the viewer. Watch Kate's eyes during Spencer Tracy's big speech about equality at the end of the film. I think it was more than an acting - I think she knew the end of this great partnership was about to come to a close. 

5. The African Queen (1951)

Kate and Bogie were really good friends in real life. In Bogie's last weeks as he began to succumb to his cancer, Kate and Spence would visit nearly every night, which I think is terribly sweet. It's wonderful to know that these two legendary actors (if you go by the AFI's list of 100 stars, Kate's #1 for women and Bogie for men) were good friends in real life. Though it's a bit peculiar seeing them as lovers in this, their friendship really shines through in a film like this. The characters are a lot of fun to watch, and seeing this is the film that finally got Bogie that long deserved Oscar, it's quite easy to like this movie. Plus, there's a great treasure of memories that are behind the filming of this movie, which Kate wrote about in her book, How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall, and Huston and Almost Lost my Mind. I haven't read it - not yet - but I'm sure it must be a fun read. I like that they were all friends, Kate and Bogie and Bacall and Huston.

4. Woman of the Year (1942)

It's really hard for me to pick a favorite Hepburn/Tracy pairing, but if you boiled down to it, it's either this or Adam's Rib (1949). I love the characters that Kate and Spence play in this. Tess Harding is a symbol of femininity in an era where woman were expected to stay at home and do the cleaning and the cooking. People take her seriously, and she is important, whereas the character Spence plays is simply a sports reporter. Despite the fact that he's a man, Kate's character is of more importance. But to counter this, or make it more equal, Spence's character is oftentimes a lot easier to like. Another thing that balances out this movie really well is the ending, which, instead of asking Tess Harding to become the average housewife like you may expect it to, offers a compromise that the viewer can be satisfied with. This was the first Hepburn/Tracy pairing, the film that they fell in love on the set of, and I think you can really see that on film. I think out of all the couples they played, Tess Harding and Sam Craig are the most romantic, perhaps because it's their attraction to one another that becomes the glue in keeping the two of them together.

3. Adam's Rib (1949)

As I said in the last one, it's hard to pick a favorite Hepburn/Tracy but this film and Woman of the Year (1942) are the strongest contenders. Once more Kate is playing a very successful woman, though this time Spence is right on her par. They are husband and wife lawyers, Amanda and Adam Bonner. This film is one I can watch over and over again because it's so riveting each time around. Though Amanda Bonner definitely twists the jury in her favor in such a way that might not realistically work, she easily has you taking her side. She's persuasive, to say the least. :) Also this has Judy Holiday playing the woman in the hot seat and I just love her in it each time I watch this movie. 

2. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

This film was the turning point in Kate's career. Before this, you know, she was actually box office poison, or at least, that's what the critics said. Which is pretty awful because she made some of the best films of her career before 1940 and won that Oscar for Morning Glory (1937). But anyway, if there was a film to turn around her career this was definitely a good one to do it. Tracy Lord is simply fabulous, perhaps a little crazy to have divorced C. Dexter Haven (or AKA, Cary Grant), but I love her anyway. Needless to say Kate is perfect as her. AND THEN THERE IS CARY GRANT AND JIMMY STEWART. So back in #7, I said how it's hard to find your favorite actresses together in a film and the same goes for actors, but this movie does just that. My number one favorite actor and my number two favorite actor together, it's enough to make a girl weep, it really is. :) Did you hear the story? Which story? The Philadelphia Story. Oh, and Cary pushes Kate down. I love this movie. 

1. Bringing up Baby (1938)

I said this list was in no particular order... but I really mean it when I list this movie as number one. It's one of my all time favorite movies, ever. :) To begin with, I'm sentimentally attached to it because it's, as I mentioned before, one of the first classics I ever watched. I loved it so much I watched it over and over, I had it rented out for a month I think, I was so in love with this movie. I find Kate Hepburn positively adorable in this and I think I might want to be Susan Vance when I grow up. :') And then well, Kate and Cary Grant, I mean I don't really need to go there because if you've seen anything, just anything with the two of them, you know how wonderful they are. And then there's the leopard, Baby - I'm actually tearing up a little bit, I JUST LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH! It's definitely my number one screwball comedy! Oh my gosh, so many wonderful lines, too! Like, "Susan, he's eating your car!" And so many favorite scenes! Like when Kate tricks Cary into coming over by pretending to be "attacked" by her leopard, or even the part when she's trying to catch olives in her mouth. Gahhh, this film is so perfect. :3 I can't believe it wasn't well liked in 1938. I'll leave you with I can't give you anything but love, baby.... Oh my goodness I could go on about this movie for FOREVER, for forever I tell you!

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So, there you have it, my ten favorite Katharine Hepburn movies. Which of her movies are your favorites???

Again, thank you to all who may have voted me into the CMBA! I can't believe it'd slipped me earlier because I appreciate it so much. I guess my brain was just boggled with all the crazy homework I've had lately, forgive me! :) 

Oh by the way! So every year at school we do this big fundraiser where we put on cultural performances, except this year my class is doing America in the 1940's instead of a country - I know, I was absolutely thrilled! Therefore, we're learning the jitterbug - and it's SO much fun! I pretty much have two left feet but even I'm doing pretty good with this dance, which to me is just further proof that I was totally born in the wrong era. I keep wishing on 11:11 and blowing away eyelashes, but no matter what I do I'm still firmly stuck in 2012. ;) 

P.S: I'm really pleased with the way the Oscar nominations turned out, are you? I noticed a lot of people didn't like it, but then again, I really do not keep up with new movies, I was just pleased so many of the nominations were performances or movies that took place in the 20th century. 

The Big 10: My Favorite Actresses REVISED

Hi everyone,

Way back about a month and a half ago, when I first started this blog, was totally naive to this funny blogging game (it's strange how much you can learn in just a little bit) and I had like, zilch, followers, I made a list of my favorite actresses as well as my favorite roles they played.

Well, I guess blogging did it because over that short period of time my taste in actresses has changed slightly. I stepped out of my comfort zone and watched more movies from the actresses mentioned in this list, a list of ten actresses I loved but I swore I needed to see more of. I kind of stuck to that list and as a result, I moved around my list a little. Some things will always stay the same, like my Top Five, for example, which are featured in "My Favorite Actresses and Actors" tab. But I did alter the rest of my list.

I was forced to remove a few favorites from the original list; I still love these actresses, only an adventure farther into this world of classic film has set them back, just a little. If I did a top 20 list (hey, maybe I should do that someday!) they'd most certainly be right behind my top ten.

But anyway, you see, that's how the ball bounces. Here is my REVISED and currently withstanding list of my ten favorite actresses and my favorite movie roles they played - I made some revisions on that, too.

After Lucille Ball, it is in no particular order.

1: Lucille Ball

Look, this will never change. Ever :)

However, I did make a revision to my favorite role of hers. In the original I listed it as Bubbles from "Dance, Girl, Dance." Now I have changed it to Gloria from "The Big Street." This is not a good movie, either. Gloria is not a likable character at all. She is mean and has a cold heart. But I think it was such a change of character from anything we have EVER seen Lucy in, and she does so wonderful, and it's fun to see her glamorous.

2: Ingrid Bergman

My favorite role of hers is still Alicia Huberman from "Notorious."

3 : Natalie Wood

Not much change with Natalie, either; it's still Alva Starr from "This Property is Condemned."

4: Audrey Hepburn

Yesss... it's still going to have to be Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

5: Grace Kelly

I have decidedly changed this to her role as Frances from "To Catch a Thief." Now, I didn't love this movie as much as I hoped it would, despite the triple threat combination of Grace, Cary, and Hitchcock. However, I liked her character and her ambitions and her chicness and all of that.

6: Elizabeth Taylor

I decided to go for Maggie the Cat from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Yeah, I did find this character annoying but I liked the way Elizabeth played her. And, as much as I love Liz, I kind of have to remedy  the films of hers I've seen. I've seen plenty, but not the substantial ones that won her an Oscar.

7: Katharine Hepburn

Mhm... this won't change, either! :)

8:  Vivien Leigh

Yes, yes, yes, I landed up adding Viv into the top 10! She was on my list of actresses I wanted to see more of and I have an I have really been enjoying her. So, welcome to the top ten, Vivien. And - of course, my favorite role will be Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone With the Wind."

9: Olivia de Havilland

Yes, it would seem that Viv's co-star and pal, Olivia de Havilland, would make it into my top ten as well! I am strictly Team Olivia and I really have been loving her films. My favorite role as of now will have to be Virginia from "The Snake Pit," a really great movie, but that may change as I have lots of more Olivia flicks waiting in my Netflix queue for me.

10: Bette Davis

YES, BETTE HAS MADE IT INTO THE TOP 10! :) I'm Team Bette, I have decided. However, I really don't hate Joan Crawford or anything. I saw her in "Mildred Pierce" last night, by the way, and I loved it and her performance and everything. Joan  would probably be in my top 20. But, alas, it is Bette who would make it into my top 10. My favorite role is of course Charlotte Vale from "Now, Voyager" -- I'm sorry there was no proper clip, you'll have to settle for the trailer!

So, there it is, my current top 10 with all the revisions in place and all of that. I'm happy with it, I think. I was forced to remove the lovely Doris Day, Jean Arthur, and Sophia Loren! It's not that I don't love them anymore because I still do.... just... oh well. I may continue onto a top 20 list so you all will know where the latter mentioned actresses still stand with me, because I still really like them.

Okay, that's all. I'll be back tomorrow with the Sunday Movie Review, as usual, and a little rememberance of 9-11 thing.

Have a good weekend! :)

The Big 10: Female Characters (in TV and film)

Hi everyone,

I'm all chirpy and happy today for a few reasons - 1) It's FRIDAY! I love Friday, it's my favorite day of the week (Rebecca Black did not ruin it for me). Not because I have great classes today, either (I don't). But I just love reaching the end of the week and taking a big sigh, like, "Few, that's over. Until Monday!" And I can finally watch a movie, too. Tonight it will be "Mildred Pierce" - a movie I have been dying to see since, like, forever.

However, I don't think I'll do a review for it this particular Sunday because I thought I'd pick a patriotic movie to review this week since Sunday is the tenth anniversary of September 11th... that, of course, deflates my happy mood a bit. But more on that on Sunday.

And 2) The sun is finally shining!!!! The whole week it was gray and rainy and awful, but now the sun is just shining and it's beautiful outside, even if there are still puddles on the ground. Also, school went pretty well today - among other things, I was given a big compliment by one of my teachers on my writing skills in front of the whole class; embarrassing, but I get happy like a little kid whenever someone sincerely compliments my writing. As Lina Lamount says: "Our hard work ain't been in vain!" And, guess what else????? We have a songbook for our music class and in it today I found this big picture of Lucy and the song "Hey, Look Me Over!" from her Broadway musical, Wildcat. I know. INSANE HAPPINESS. Vivien Leigh cat smiling. I'm so going to request for us to learn that song!! :)

Okay, babbling is over. :) Today I'm going to list my top ten female characters. I'm doing television and film, because if I limited myself to movies alone I'd be forced to exclude Lucy Ricardo. ;)

This is pretty much in no particular order. Enjoy!

1 : Scarlett O'Hara

played by Vivien Leigh, Gone With the Wind

Well, yes, I LOVE Scarlett. I know that Melanie was a lot nicer and very sweet and who doesn't love Melanie? But it's just so much fun watching Scarlett be... Scarlett. No to mention Viv played her to an exact point of perfection! Yes, it is often argued that Scarlett was a b*tch, and I guess she was. But in her defense, Scarlett is probably one of the most exciting characters to grace the screen. She could be hardworking when she wanted to, and she retched out that carrot without flinching. So yes, love her or hate her (though I do love her), Scarlett is one of the most awesome characters, female or male, EVER. Here's to you, Scarlett O'Hara!

2 : Lucy Ricardo

played by Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy

My darling Lucy! I have heard people also call Lucy Ricardo annoying and conniving and things like that, but the fact remains is that there was a special quality about Lucy that make us love her, flaws and all - in fact, that was the premise of the show. And... she was also smart, clever, resourceful, and beautiful in ways people don't give her much credit for - not to mention hilarious and zany! That's why we love Lucy :)

3 : Holly Golightly

played by Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's

In which Scarlett can be called a b*tch, Lucy obnoxious, Holly can be called a gold digger. But like the latter characters, there is a special quality about her - not to mention the brilliance of the actress who played her! - which makes Holly a character to love and remember. Despite her faults, I think Holly is the girl all women sort of want to be: glamorous and sophisticated and very fashionable; not to mention she lived life as if it was all a big gulp of fresh air. And she had a pretty cute cat, too!

4 : Alicia Huberman

played by Ingrid Bergman, Notorious

Yes, yes, one of my favorite Ingrid roles ever! I love Ingrid in the Alicia role, she just comes across as this ultra sophisticated spy to me, and it does help that her character is madly in love with Cary Grant. ;) She wears some really chic gowns and puts her life on the line for her country. Yeah, I just really found her character quite marvelous!

5 : Hildy Johnson

played by Rosalind Russell, His Girl Friday

As an inspiring girl writer, Hildy Johnson is really one of my favorite inspirations! I like her because she kept her femininity but proved she could write or report as good as the next guy in that busy newsroom. Plus, okay, okay, yes: I really love the way her name sounds. "Hildy". It really does roll off your tongue, doesn't it?

6 : Maria
played by Natalie Wood, West Side Story

I guess I have no particular reason for liking Maria. Maybe it has a lot do with the way Natalie played her; because everytime I watch West Side Story I always feel for Maria's character and even relate to her. "I Feel Pretty" is one of my favorite dance sequences and even though Maria does some stupid things in the movie (I would blurt them out here but there must be some of you who have not seen WSS - well, what are you waiting for?? Go watch it. NOW. :D), I still really like her character. The Puetro Rican Juliet. 

7 : Charlotte Vale (II, anyway)

played by Bette Davis, Now, Voyager

I say "Charlotte Vale II" because... because... well, I didn't hate the shaky Aunt Charlotte from the beginning of the movie, but I love her progression into the confident, sophsticated woman of the world she becomes. I explained a bit of that in my Now, Voyager movie review. Bette Davis portrayed her perfectly, I thought!

8 : Alva Starr

played by Natalie Wood, This Property is Condemned

"This Property is Condemned", a Tennessee Williams movie, did not really do so well at the box office at the time, but truth be told I really enjoyed it when I watched it. Maybe it was the pairing of Natalie and Robert Redford together for the second time (they'd teamed up before for "Inside Daisy Clover", a not so good movie...), but I did enjoy it. I also loved Natalie's Alva Starr character. Most of all because I enjoyed seeing life through the fabricated eyes of Alva; the whole world to her is literally a box of chocolates - one of my favorite scenes from the film is when Alva insists to Robert Redford's character that the sky is white, not blue. She wants to go to New Orleans because she believes people are buried above the ground there, where they can breathe forever. I simply love the way the character looks at life as if it's a dream.

9 : Susan Vance

played by Katharine Hepburn, Bringing Up Baby

It's screwball time! "Bringing Up Baby" was one of the first classics I ever watched and I think it's really what pulled me into classic films. My God, I LOVE the Susan character. This is my favorite Kate performance ever. Susan is just adorable and hilarious and Kate's special Bryn Mawer accent somehow makes the character even funnier. And she has a pet leopard. Named Baby. Susan makes me smile! Look, I just love this movie and I love this character and if you haven't seen it then where the heck have you been?

10 : Gilda 

played by Rita Hayworth, Gilda

I have to have a femme fatale on this list, and Gilda will be it! "Gilda" was some of the first film noir I saw and I was really enthralled by Rita's Gilda character: it was one of my first exposures to femme fatale and it's riveting how she pulls Glenn Ford into her trap and "putting the blame on Mame" and all of that. 

Well, there it is for you! I had a hard time narrowing it down towards the end and I had to leave out a few other favorites, like Ingrid Bergman's Ilsa Lund (Casablanca) and Sister Benedict (The Bells of St. Mary's) as well as Vivien Leigh's Blanche DuBois (A Streetcar Named Desire), and, of course, Bette Davis's Baby Jane Hudson (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?). I'll try to get together a list of my ten favorite male characters, though that may be a little while before I get around to it.

The film noir contest at Film Classics will close tomorrow. So just one tiny little last reminder if you haven't voted yet or anything. I think I'm currently tied for first place which is a shocker times a thousand - especially considering the zero confidence I had in my post. Another big thanks to Film Classics for sponsoring this contest; it was great fun to participate and the possibility I may actually win first place like, fills me with an abundance of joy (<<< hey, I like that phrase! I think I'll say it more often), though I'd better not jinx it. ;)

I'll leave you with yet another awesome picture of Old Hollywood folks hanging out together --

Viv and Lauren. Yes, yes, yes. I love this picture.

Ta-ta for now, dahhhlings!! 

^^ All Tallulah Bankhead esque, of course. :) This is, indeed, a happy Friday!

August in Review

I did this at the end of last month, but I didn't really have that many followers then so I guess this will be new to you all. ;) At the end of every month I choose the top ten highlights of that month in classic film or in my blog. August was an exciting, exciting month for me, mostly because my darling Lucy turned 100 and I had a party of my own celebrating it!

Before I get started, it's time to reveal the baby face from my post on Sunday. This little girl is actually.....

Ava Gardner!

Audrey (Fedoras and High Heels) was the first to guess and she got it right! Mostly, I was surprised that she figured it out so easily because when I first found the picture I was surprised because it didn't really look a thing like Ava. I showed the dad the photo and he couldn't figure it out either - in fact, he quite guessed everyone BUT Ava (He was onto Eva Marie Saint when I stopped him). But anyhow, Audrey did figure it out. Now that I look at the photo, I can see her smile is a little like Ava's, and the "drab" clothing may be attributed to her growing up kind of poor in a small town. But that's our Ava ;) lol.

I think it'll be fun to do another one in a future, but I plan to do it... I don't know... in a more organized way of sorts, I guess? And, I'll be sure to pick a harder picture. In fact, I already think I know who I'm going to do! ;)

Also, a heads up: I have joined yet another blogathon. Already, I'm going to be participating in the Fashion in Film blogathon (at The Hollywood Revue) and the Carole-tenniel[+3] blogathon (at Carole's number one blog, Carole and Co). Yesterday, I threw my hat into the ring for Sophie's (Waitin' On A Sunny Day) Darling Deborah Blogathon, for Deborah Kerr's 90th birthday this September. Sophie is one of the biggest Deborah fans, and I, too, often indulge in Deborah films and really enjoy it, so I'm happy to participate. The banner is now on my sidebar. I advise you other bloggers to join in the fun, too! 

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THE BIG 10: RIANNA'S AUGUST IN REVIEW

1. August 1st - August 5th, blogging for the the birthday girl, Lucy, in anticipation of her approaching 100th birthday! I blogged on these days solely about Lucy on different subjects, like how she is THEE game show queen and shared with you this beautiful documentary about my favorite redhead (among others).
2. August 6th: THE BIG DAY ARRIVES!!! I wrote a humongous post for her filled with enormous birthday wishes. (Not to mention I totally flipped out at how the media reacted to her 100th birthday and how, at least for a few days, Lucy was everyplace - online and on TV.)
3. The same day I also participated in my very first blogathon! "The Loving Lucy Blogathon", hosted by True Classics, was an exciting and great experience to be a part of. I was one of many blogs who blogged for Lucy, and it also got me a little more acquainted with the Classic Film Blogging Community. It was wonderful to see what everyone else wrote about Lucy and there were some really fascinating, beautiful posts -- just shows to give how much everyone loves Lucy!
4. Also, my Lucy birthday tribute video goes up on Youtube and did pretty well!! I was extremely happy - not just because my video did well but more because the great amount of views it got proved that people love Lucy.
5. Fast forwarding to a few weeks later, Meredith of Forever Classics tagged me for my first blog award, the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award! (I was also tagged by Natalie and Clara -- many thanks to them all!!!) If that wasn't fabulous enough, I was also tagged with the Liebster Blog award by yet another great blogger, Craig of Blame Mame. 
6. The latter events brought me a SURGE of lovely, new, awesome followers!!! Right after I recieved these awards, my followers, like doubled, which was amazing. Now I have over twenty more followers then I did at the start of the month. It's always so thrilling to get a new follower, and I appreciate it so much -- here's to 30!!!?
7. I gave my blog a makeover. ;)
8. I install a new weekly series, The Sunday Movie Review.
9. I usually do a "worst movie of the month" and a "best movie of the month." I watched so many great movies this month ("Woman of the Year", "The Snake Pit", "Splendor in the Grass", "Now, Voyager"), and I couldn't possibly just pick one. As for the worst, I can't chose here, either. Yes, "Forever Darling", which I rewatched, wasn't the greatest but I couldn't possibly count it as my worst, either!
10. As for the actors and actresses that sparked my interest most this month, I'd have to say (for the actresses) that it is a tie between Vivien Leigh and Bette Davis. I've been on a Bette high all summer long (in fact, I started my vacation with Bette and ended it with a Bette movie, as well), and really enjoying myself. I also think I've come to the conclusion that I'm Team Bette (but I most certainly don't hate Joan -- i just think I may like Bette better). Also, Vivien Leigh: I've really been enjoying her movies and just really liking her. As for the guys, I don't think there was really once consistent actor I watched all month long.

I run a couple segments here on Frankly, My Dear. The only weekly one is the Sunday Movie Review, but among others I've done:

• "You know you're obsessed when..."
• "Rianna Recasts"
• A Movie in 10 Minutes

I also plan on starting a new segment called "What's My Line? Wednesday". It won't be weekly but this is just a heads up to be looking for my favorite WML? clips with Old Hollywood celebrities on some Wednesdays. I planned to throw it in yesterday, but yesterday's blog got way too long. So, though this will be for WEDNESDAYS, I  hope you don't mind me kicking it off on a Thursday. All further posts for this segment will really be on Wednesdays.

Before I head off (I have homework -- yuck!!!), I'd like to know, which segments of mine do you enjoy the most??? Out of those ones mentioned. Tell me what you want to see more of and I'll be happy to comply. I just want to get some "reader input" so I can better my blog to what you all like.

Here's your "WML? Wed" clip, that happens to be one day late. Sorries!!!

Roz Russell - This one is a total riot. Enjoy!!! :)

Olivia vs. Joan (and a multitude of other things)

Bonjour!

I've got, as the title says, a multitude of different things to talk about today, so we'd better get started. You're forewarned: this blog may get a little long.

The first thing I guess is today is July 31st, or AKA, the last day of July. Making tomorrow the first of August, and that marks six days away from the All Time Exciting Event: (drumroll please) LUCILLE BALL'S 100TH BIRTHDAY!

As you can tell, I'm super-excited.

So, starting tomorrow, I am going to begin Six Days of Blogging for Lucy. That's exactly what it sounds like: On the 1-6, I will be blogging solely about Lucille Ball, and any topics related to her. I mean, it's Lucy, so I have tons of material and promise to keep you all entertained. Plus, a few specials from Frankly My Dear TV. This is, of course, also in addition to the Loving Lucy Blogathon that I have joined.

Next, since today is the last day of July (which I already said, of course) I thought I'd do a little, "My Month in Old Hollywood Film" tidbit. Basically the highlights of what I've watched over the month - or anything relating to classic film, excreta.

So here is my Big 10:

• I start my classic film blog, and call it "Frankly, My Dear."
• I start "Frankly My Dear TV" on Youtube. The first video goes up on July 20th as a tribute video for Natalie Wood's birthday. I have now reached 100+ views, and have gotten 3 likes and 1 dislike (obviously from a person who's got problems in their life... lol).
• I get four new Old Hollywood related books. See them here.
• I watch the epic "Gone With the Wind" (1938) all over again, over the course of two days, in the big movie theater in our basement.
• Films of note - "The Big Sleep" (1946) (yes, believe it or not, I hadn't seen it yet and it confused the bloody L out of me!), "Sex and the Single Girl" (1964), so to chalk up another point in my Natalie Wood movies, "Mogambo" (1953) - everyone said it was going to be bad, but I actually rather enjoyed myself. Of course, I have yet to see the original, "Red Dust," so we'll see what happens after that.
• Best Movie of the Month: "Gone With the Wind" ~ revisited, but still. Still 5/5 Still amazing when they burn Atlanta down. ;)
• Worst Movie of the Month: "Bombers B-52" (1957) with Natalie Wood and Karl Malden. Bought it on pay-per-view to chalk up another Natalie movie, but it turned out to be a man's movie with airplanes and little to no romance, really.. then landed up fast forwarding through the whole thing. So :(
• I got my friend to watch "West Side Story" (1961) and "What ever Happened to Baby Jane?" I think she enjoyed herself, especially with WHTBJ? and they're old movies, so yay :)
• Actresses that most sparked my interest in this month were: Bette Davis, Ava Gardner (especially because of "Mogambo"), Olivia de Havilland.
• Actors that most sparked my interest: Gregory Peck.

***

So, I will also be bringing some new rules to the polling game. I'm going to allow a longer period of time for people to vote in the poll - at least a full week, so we can get more results. The results of the first poll were good with nine votes, but in the past two polls, we have been fading. 

This week's results were: One point for Olivia de Havilland, one point for Undecided, and zero points for poor old Joan Fontaine!

Anyway, as promised here is your "Olivia vs. Joan" Blog.

For starters, who's side am I on? I am Team Olivia. Especially with the amount of interest her movies sparked in me this month - not to mention I watched two films of hers - I am quickly starting to like Olivia more and more. In all fairness to Joan, I have not seen that many of her movies. But I still like Olivia better. ;)

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND

"The Big Sister"

born July 1st, 1916, in Toyko, Japan (hey, she's got the same birthday as Princess Diana! Well, not the same year. But STILL.)

JOAN FONTAINE

"The Little Sister"

born October 22nd, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan

Sibling Rivalry

The fact was that little Olivia and Joan as kids had never really liked each other. When Olivia was nine, she made up a will and the legend goes that she bequeathed a very special gift to sister Joan: her beauty, for "since she has none." (I laugh a little at this, because I'm thinking of Olivia as Melanie in "Gone with the Wind" as I write this). Another rumor claims that Olivia used to rip up Joan's hand me downs so Joan would be forced to sew them back together for herself. (Uhm, seriously??)

Of course, Hollywood didn't help. You can imagine how the animosity between the two of them grew when they were both nominated for an Oscar in 1941 - Olivia for "Hold Back the Dawn" and Joan for "Suspicion." (What was the Academy thinking??!!) Matters got a lot worse when Joan won for "Suspicion." That did it.

Apparently at the ceremony, Olivia extended a hand to Joan to congratulate her. In return, Joan ignored her and turned to the next person as she flaunted her Oscar.  Another story claims that it was the other way around. I guess it's a matter of dispute - but in all fairness, Olivia went on to win two Oscars of her own... one more golden man than Joan.

Still, they weren't totally estranged from each other until the 1970's. It is said that their mother always favored Olivia, and forced Joan into making up her own surname when she decided to venture into Hollywood herself (Olivia, however, became an actress first - using their own last name). Joan claimed in a 1979 interview that Olivia wanted their 88 year old mother to be operated on, a the time in which she was dying, and Joan became so annoyed she stopped speaking to her. (??) Apparently, Olivia also neglected to inform her about a memorial service for their mother, and also "didn't call her" when their mother had first passed away.

It's hard to imagine Olivia being the mean one since she always had that "sweet face." Of course, a lot of this is hearsay. who knows? Maybe it's a publicity stunt (but how boring would that be?) from way back when. it also depends who's side you choose, and then what stories you believe.

Of course, we're lucky to still have both Olivia and Joan with us - one of the few leading ladies from Old Hollywood left. They're both in their 90's, but they still haven't patched things up. Last September, the president of France honored citizen Olivia (who has been living their since the 1950's), and Joan refused to attend the ceremony.

(Wow - they must have good genes!) Anyway, I think they should clean things up between the two of them! That's just my opinion. And it's pretty easy for me to say, because I don't have a sister - or a sibling at all. ;)

I hear a biography about their sibling rivalry comes out next year, so I'll be excited to read that and learn more about it.

That's all for now - and don't forget, blogging for Lucy starts tomorrow.

Ciao!

The Big 10 - Actresses I Like, But... (Plus: Poll Results!)

Hello there, all of you out in Blogland!

I'm sorry for my rant yesterday. Well, actually, I'm not sorry... but anyway, I'll just inform you all that I'm feeling better. It took a few weeping sessions to get through, but I'm okay. I think.

Anyway, I'll just busy myself in my Blog, a good use of technology. So, before I get into today's topic, I'd like to give the final results of the "1939 Golden Year of Film" poll. Your options were -

• "Goodbye, Mr. Chips"
• "Wuthering Heights"
• "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"
• "The Wizard of Oz"
• "Stagecoach"
• "Ninotchka"
• "Dark Victory"
• "Of Mice and Men"
• "Love Affair"
• "Gone with the Wind"

9 votes came in. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is the winner with four, "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz" tie at two each, and "Dark Victory" comes in third place with one. The rest didn't receive any votes at all! :(

I'm telling you the results because the poll will be going down in a little bit and replaced with a poll about Natalie Wood in honor of her upcoming birthday. Be sure and vote, vote, vote!

Okay, now, down to business. A few days ago I posted a Blog about my ten favorite actresses of all time. I closed the blog with a promise to post about ten actresses I like, but haven't seen enough of their movies and hope to.

Well, here is the blog as promised! (: (This is an no particular order):

1. Greta Garbo

"My Favorite Swede", as I like to refer to her, will always be Ingrid (: 

But Garbo is classic, and therefore I vow to watch more of her. (Btw - don't you adore her hair in that photo? I want it!)

2. Barbara Stanwyck

Maybe it's just me, but I've realized a lot of appeal for Barbara, or "Stany", and that's encouraged me to see more of her. Unfortunately, I have only seen her in "The Lady Eve," "Double Indemnity," and "Christmas in Connecticut."

3. Rita Hayworth

If you've visited my "Favorite Movies and TV Shows" tab, you're well aware that I've listed "Gilda" as one of my favorite films. That's a Rita film, but it's among the few I have seen! I need to see more of the "Love Goddess" - did you know one of my aunts was named after her?

4. Ava Gardner

I like Ava, but haven't seen enough of her either. I hope to watch "Mogambo" - I hear it is not a terrific film, but apparently Ava is hilarious in it and that I'm looking forward to! (So says Via Margutta 51, another Blog)

5.  Lana Turner

Yep, that's right. I haven't seen enough of the "The Sweater Girl," either!

6. Lauren Bacall

Yes, Lauren, too! How embarrassing.. :) Actually, I recently saw her in "Sex and the Single Girl," with Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, and Henry Fonda. Not the best movie, but she's hilarious.

7. Judy Garland

Judy, Judy, Judy! I've seen some of her essential films, and that I am proud of - "The Wizard of Oz" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," is what I mean, of course. I've also seen "In the Good Old Summertime", and her spot in "Ziegfield Follies" (which I watched because of Lucy). However, she's so talented, and I can always see more of her.

8. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford 

^^ Oh my God, what an interesting photo! Anyway, I have seen both Bette and Joan's films. I am reading Joan's biography currently - as the sidebar will tell you - and hope to jump into Bette's afterwards. This is in all in impending research for a "Bette vs. Joan" Blog I hope to do soon!! What side am I on? I still need to figure out! 

9. Vivien Leigh

Yes, Scarlett O'Hara herself! And this Blog is called Frankly My Dear! 

10. Carole Lombard

She and Lucy were great friends and Lucy always insisted that Carole was the real Queen of Comedy. There is also a rumor that Carole appeared in Lucy's dreams while Lucy was contemplating on whether or not to do "I Love Lucy," and Carole encouraged her (in the dream) to "give it a whirl." (Thank you, Carole!) I've seen her in "Nothing Sacred" and "To Be or Not To Be," and quite enjoyed her, so I hope to see more of her in the future. It's sad how she died so young (in a plane crash) and her marriage to Clark Gable sounds interesting!

Well, there it is! Of course, I haven't not seen any of their movies - that would be shameful! - I just want to see more, I guess. So I'll add tons of movies featuring these ladies into my Netflix queue, I guess!

What about you? Which actresses do love - but want to see more of? (If that makes any sense. :D)

The Big 10 - My Favorite Actresses

You must be wondering, "This girl obviously doesn't have anything to Blog about, because we already know her favorite actresses..." Well, check one more time! ;) I have listed five of my favorite actresses in the "My Favorite Actresses and Actors" tab. But there are a couple more I love, and so I thought I'd publish a list of my ten favorite actresses with my favorite movie roles of theirs, and post some videos too. 


So, here it is. I love most Old Hollywood actresses, but these are the ones I tend to watch the most of and really enjoy.

1. Lucille Ball

Favorite role: Bubbles in "Dance, Girl, Dance" (1940)

(the movie isn't all that great, but Lucy sure is and she has an awful lot of fun dancing away to glory!)

2. Ingrid Bergman

Favorite role: Alicia Huberman in "Notorious" (1946)

3. Natalie Wood

Favorite role: Alva Starr in "This Property is Condemned" (1966)

4. Grace Kelly

Favorite role: Lisa Carol Fermont in "Rear Window" (1954)

(couldn't find a clip of Grace Kelly in this - so had to settle for the trailer. Apologizes!)

5. Audrey Hepburn

Favorite role: Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961)

(this was so hard to pick!)

6. Elizabeth Taylor

Favorite role: Leslie Benedict in "Giant" (1956)

7. Doris Day

Favorite role: Jan Marrow in "Pillow Talk" (1959)

8. Katharine Hepburn

Favorite role: Susan Vance in "Bringing up Baby" (1938)

(once again, I apologize for having to settle for the trailer)

9. Jean Arthur

Favorite role: Clarissa Saunders in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939)

10. Sophia Loren 

Favorite role: Cinzia Zaccardi in "Houseboat" (1958)

Soon, I'll be posting a blog on my top ten actresses that I also enjoy, but haven't seen that many of their films yet and hope to see more. 

Ciao for now!