Reel Reflections--something a little new

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support of this blog... and this is by no means a goodbye. I am simply starting something fresh and new.

I've changed so much and I felt that in order to embrace classic films again, I needed to alter my approach. I hope you don't mind too much.

Please come see what I've been up to over at:

Reel Reflections

See you soon!

Such a "Notorious" Evening

There is nothing quite like sharing one of your favorite movies with someone... Especially when they've never seen it before. Tonight we watched one of my favorites: Notorious.
Watching my friend squirm and hold her breath was so satisfactory because I've seen the movie dozens of times and I still feel my stomach drop each time Claude Rains lays eyes on Ingrid Bergman.

Notorious is such a quintessential Hitchcock and I love using it to introduce classic film newbies to his style. People often times have the wrong idea when they think about Hitchcock. Horror movies have changed dramatically since the golden era. When people think of scary they automatically think of paranormal death threats, haunted ghost children or dismemberment by clowns... cheap tricks if you ask me. Hitchcock played on our fears in a more psychological way. When Ingrid Bergman is securing the key to the infamous wine cellar without her husband knowing, you can't help but cringe. You can see her husband's shadow as he's talking to her from the bathroom as she fiddles with his key chain... she gets it off just in time as he walks in and approaches her. He grabs her hands (all the while she is clutching the key) and opens her palm to kiss it. You can feel yourself tighten up, terrified that he's going to discover what his secret agent wife is really up to. That's how Hitchcock works: subtly. That singular scene is so short, so important and is a perfect example of how simple our fears really are.

Yes, the shower scene from Psycho is brutal. Nothing subtle about that. But that isn't my favorite Hitchcock. I prefer the artistry of his slow build and Notorious is the perfect display of his film artistry. There aren't any hippy-haired girls crawling out of TVs or chainsaw wielding rednecks but I dare you to watch Hitchcock and not feel fear growing in your belly.

I feel that suspense trumps gore everyday of the week especially when wielded by a master craftsman.

Side note: This is also a very sexy movie! There is an entire scene where Grant and Bergman are constantly kissing... they even deliver lines while kissing. Their arms and lips never leave the other. It creates such a deep warm intimacy, I almost feel like I'm encroaching on a private moment between two lovers. When Grant comes back with the mission in tow, the change is painfully evident. The covers are thrown back and a coldness creeps in. I always feel my heart break as the two characters push the other away. Hitchcock knew how to get around the production codes and he never fails to add sensuality into his films.

Playing "Charade"s

Why do I love the film Charade? Too many reasons to count!
Maybe it's because my high school gym coach/history teacher made us watch it in class... which was amazing! (Of course he is the same man who would show Andy Giffith reruns on Fridays when he was prepping for the Football game).
Perhaps its because of Cary Grant's oh so charming portrayal of several differnt men--and yet is always the same wonderful guy... confused? So was Audrey Hepburn!
Speaking of Audrey... I do absolutly love her in this film... She is audacious, gullible, brave and I like how she always knows exactly what she wants... even if she isn't sure what that is!
The movie is a bit dirty in places... that could be a major reason for my constant rewatching of it. I mean, there is a whole scene of Cary Grant rubbing an orange all over a woman's bosom using his chin! ... Juicy...Those French knew how to throw a floor show! Audrey comes on so strong and it's amazing Cary keeps his composure for as long as he does... If you need some good flirting tips ladies, just watch Audrey and take some notes! Brilliant! "How do you shave in there?"
That could even be another post one day... How Audrey Hepburn taught me to flirt without the use of Marilyn Monroe techniques! (Cuz let's face it, we weren't all blessed with a decent pair of those!)

 

** You can catch it on Instant Netflix**

Showin' Style

If I could open my closet door and find these 4 looks ready and waiting.... I would be one happy girl!

1. Clara Bow in an adorable layered look. I love the striped sleeves and the patterened bandana together.
2. Plunging neck line.. Check! Fringe.... Check! Flapper galmour... Double Check! Yes please!
3. How could Clark Gable do anything but succumb to Norma's charms in this delightful number? Every girl should have her own sexy velevet robe (complete with a rope belt!)
4. The cut of this dress with the flora print and lace looks so romantic. I would love it in a deep burgundy with white lace and print. ( I wouldn't scoff if the bracelet accompanied the gown either...)

Lost...Almost Found

I've been gone from here for a long time. Between school and work, life had gotten unbearably busy.

Then the unspeakable happened. My family and I suffered a devestating, earth shattering loss... and I think I am still trying to pick up the pieces, the trouble is... I don't even know where to start.

In the wake of grief, people tend to remember what makes life worth living, and I've decided to reclaim what is mine... it may not be much, but my thoughts and opinions belong to me. And this blog, this outlet, is my comfort. Sharing with others who understand my interests and hobbies makes me feel connected and no so alone in such an ecclectic passion.

So, I've revamped the blog's image, (a gorgeous Clara Bow) and will put this piece of my life back together...

What I'm Watching this Week...

Gidget! My favorite beach movie. I remember staying home sick from school and finding this on TV. I fell in love, and there's no such thing as the next best thing to love.

Picture Bomb!

My last post had no pictures! Shame on me! To make up for my mishap, I went through my pics and picked out some of my favorites :) Hope it makes up for the blunder!

I just watched Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee in That Funny Feeling. My aunt's little black poodle was watching it with me. This picture felt appropriate. 

Um.... Wow. This reminds me why I love guys in hipster glasses. 

Howard Keel.... LOVE

He looks like he's misbehaving. So adorable!

Oh the Glory of Technicolor! I need a green dress....

He looks like a polar bear, a handsome, charming, cuddly polar bear!

Lillian Roth!!! If you don't know who she is.... Look her up! Amazing talent!

Hope that makes up for my last picture-less post. :)

Been a While...

I haven’t been very consistent in my postings here lately. Between working full time and going to school at night and on the weekends, my plate has been way too over loaded. I’ve missed posting and I’ve missed reading other blogs as much as I would have liked. It doesn’t mean that I have stopped watching movies, however. I’ve been watching those tried and true favorites. So, I went back through all the VHS/DVD movie boxes strung out all over my floor (because I have a bad habit of not putting things away after I use them) and compiled a list of those films I unconsciously grab for after a long day.

Singing in the Rain

Sabrina

How to Steal a Million

Bridget Jones Diary (not old, but one of my absolute all time favorites!)

Summer Stock

The Philadelphia Story

I was wondering what that says about me. 3 Hepburns, 2 Kellys, Colin Firth (and a partridge in a pear tree!) Sorry, couldn’t resist. I tend not to think about what I am putting in the player when I do finally get home at night, but I don’t find the films surprising choices.

I have a soft spot for Sabrina and Singing in the Rain. They were a couple of the first old movies I can remember watching (them and anything on Nick at Night). I remember I used to keep Sabrina on a loop. It would play over and over again in my room. Singing in the Rain was one I would watch (and still do) when I would wake up with a bad dream. Technicolor can drive even the scariest of ghosts away!

The Philadelphia Story is one of my loves. It isn’t perfect (I hate how nonchalant the father is about his cheating ways), but I really like Tracy Lord. Katherine Hepburn was marvelous playing women with strong ideals and principles. I can relate to that. I have strong sensibilities and standards for myself, however I don’t push them onto other people like Tracy does. Cary Grant and James Stewart were great in their scenes together! They had wonderful chemistry and should have been in more films with each other.

Summer Stock and How to Steal a Million are ones I watch when I am studying. I like to have noise on in the background. It helps me focus (I know, a little strange). There are so many Givenchy outfits I want from Million. Audrey’s style in that movie is pure magic!

And good ole Bridge Jones. I know, I’m going off the beaten track here. Its an odd combination. I don’t always like Renee Zellweger (I’m picky on her movies) and Hugh Grant is not my preferred leading man, but this movie is one I can (and often do) quote at length. I LOVE Colin Firth in it; a gentleman with a bit of a naughty streak. The second Bridget Jones was okay, but the first one is where the girl in me takes over.

So… there’s a post to make up for lost time!

John Wayne Film Fest

I am really excited because not 1 hour from my house, in good ole' Snyder, TX, there is going to be a 72 hour John Wayne film fest! I am SO going to be there! This includes screenings in an indoor theater (The Ritz) and an outdoor screening on local ranch land! What a great way to see The Searchers that in open prairie land during a West Texas sunset! Like I said.... UBER-EXCITED! 

So... If you are around these parts, come check it out! All proceeds benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

Ciggies....

I don't like cigarettes. There's the smell, the yellow teeth, the old women with deep, course voices and wrinkles surrounding their mouths. It's never been something I've wanted to do however, I must admit, some guys really know how to use a cancer stick to their advantage... Case in Point:

Take Michael Caine here for instance.... He's just begging you for a lighter. Just don't get an open flame too close to those bedroom eyes... your liable to set the whole room on fire!

Then you have a man like good ol' Mr. Cooper! His ciggies always looked like an extension of his body. They look so natural between his lips, as if they were molded to fit him.

For others, it added style and class. Montgomery doesn't need much in the way of charisma... in my opinion, he had it in spades... but I have to admit... the cigarette smoke really makes this picture. Talk about smolder!

I think James Dean was a major influence in making cigarettes cool in the 50s. He made smoking playful and nonchalant. As if it were as natural as breathing. Dean really made it look good....

Oh the parted lip cig hold... Peter O'Toole knew how to make a girl go weak in the knees! Pinch yourself honey, you just got wooed! 

And finally.... some men just made smoking look so dang sexy. A very wise older woman once told me that you can always tell how a man touches a woman by the way he holds his cigarette.... Long drags, short puffs, it's all in-sight into a man's subconsciousness. - I'm not quite sure about that... but if Brando's hold on that cigarette is any kind of evidence towards his other *skills*, its no wonder he was such a lady's man!

I am in no way advocating smoking...instead...I am encouraging photo appreciation ;) So go ahead, light up (a candle) and appreciate!

I really wished I like you.....

So..... Jean Simmons is the star of the month on TCM... and I really wished I liked her. I watched two movies with her the other night... just to give her a fair chance, but alas... I am still not a Simmons fan.
It started off with her in a movie with the adorable Dirk Bogarde called So Long at the Fair  followed by Adam and Evelalyn. Her performances weren't bad or anything. In fact I find her acting honest and quite believable... my issue lies in the tenor of her voice... The woman has the most annoying, nasal, 5 year old girl voice. I just have such a hard time getting past it.

I know... totally shallow of me. I feel almost guilty about that assessment. I can't help it. I re watched Guys and Dolls later, another Simmons staple. I have always loved G&D, the ensemble works so well. Brando and Sinatra might not have been the best of buds, but the two of them in the same movie is absolute perfection for me. Brando has such wonderful suave and Sinatra is always so charming. Simmons is okay. I love her songs (not her voice) but her character is so sweet and well played. I was sitting there watching and wishing that Simmon's just sounded different some how.

She was a great actress, a sweet woman and from everything I've seen, a real down to Earth individual. But for the sake of my sanity... I will have to keep watching her films to a minimum.

** On the up side... that Dirk Bogarde is so cute! **

Happy Birthday Robert Montgomery!!!

Saturated in Ameche

I must admit that I never knew who Don Ameche was until last week. I had heard the name and seen the face, but never put 1 and 2 together. Thanks to Netflix, the movie Midnight with Claudette Colbert, Don Ameche and John Barrymore arrived in my mailbox on Monday. I put it in the player and was introduced to my first (knowingly) Ameche movie. So cute!

The movie follows penniless but determined Colbert in her pursuit of a wealthy life. Sound familiar? The story line isn't anything new... but the humor in this movie more than makes up for the often-done plot. Colbert first meets a charming taxi driver... Ameche. He drives her around while she unsuccessfully auditions for nightclub singing acts. Through the course of the evening, Ameche becomes smitten with the ever witty Colbert, but the feeling isn't mutual. She is determined to marry wealthy (or acquire wealth somehow). A taxi driver, however cute, just isn't in her plans. She ditches him while he pumps gas and wanders into a high class private party. She meets and plays cards with rich so and sos and loses quite a bit of money in friendly betting. Barrymore, after careful snooping, discovers that Colbert is not in fact a member of the Paris elite, but sneaks the money to cover her bets into her purse.

Barrymore then offers her cash to woo a rich playboy away from Barrymore's wandering wife. Colbert agrees and begins her mission. Ameche, meanwhile organizes a taxi-man hunt to look for Colbert. He finds her, poses as her Baron husband and begins to win over her affection.

The movie is so very entertaining, its funny, romantic and proves that, no matter his age, Barrymore was always a class act! I found Colbert delightful and I am now a full-fledged Ameche fan. I quickly rummaged through my "too watch" movie pile and pulled out Love is News. Ameche was only a supporting player... but oh so handsome!

The movie centers around Tyrone and the always lovely Loretta Young. To get back at a scheming reporter (Power) a rich heiress (Young) fabricates a story that the two are engaged, turning the reporter into front page news. Ameche plays Power's boss. He feels duped by his employee due to their paper being the only one in town without the breaking story. This movie is positively adorable. Well casted, great tempo and such a sweet story. Can't wait to get my hands on more Ameche!   

When I am not here... I am....

Okay... so I've been experimenting with a second blog. It has little to nothing to do with classic movies... but I thought it might be nice to have another outlet. If you want to follow it, I would be delighted, but because it will not be classics related (those posts will be reserved for this blog only!) I will not be offended if you choose to ignore it. Again, it is mainly just me rambling on about randomness... thus its name: Rambler.

Happy Birthday James Garner!

I really REALLY wish I were at home curled up on the couch celebrating James Garner's birthday today watching the TCM min-thon. Instead, I must celebrate from afar...

Happy Birthday James Garner!

Name Change

So... I decided that it was time for a little reinvention. Spring is the season for re-birth (and dirty windy skies if you live in west texas!)... so here's to a new name, a new picture, but the same old blogging :)

Milland Night

This minor (well... used to be minor) is so ready for the MAJOR Ray Milland tonight!

Anyone else excited???

For a schedule of Milland films tonight... (and all month long! *YAY*) you can visit TCM's website.

Stylish Blogger Award

Thanks to Monty over at All Good Things for rewarding my blog with the Stylish Blogger Award! 

No one ever forgets their first anything... and I can assure you that I will never forget Sarah for giving me my first blog award! Please go and check out her fantastic blog over at  And Scene. Her blog is one of my favorites!


According to the rules of the award, I have to post a link to Sarah's wonderful blog and reveal seven facts about myself then I pass the award along to seven other stylish bloggers:

1. I have a Cary Grant paper doll that sits on my desk at work. Right now he is in a stylish outfit from The Philadelphia Story


2. I have a super sweet dog (1/2 basset hound 1/2 Lab) named Sawyer and a sassy cat named Myrna (yup named her after THAT Myrna!)


3. I watch the movie Gidget an unhealthy amount of times whenever I happen to be sick. 


4. Calvin and Hobbs is my favorite comic strip.


5. Like most, I collect old movies and the goal is to own every Robert Montgomery film I can possibly get my hands on. Its a work in progress :)


6. I sing show-tunes in the shower. " A medley of old favorites...." Quick! Name that Movie!


7.  Finally, (who knew 7 facts could be so draining!) I love Shakespeare. Much Ado is the play I read most often.
  
Here are my picks for the Stylish Blogger Award: 
1. Classic Montgomery
2. Rosalind Russell
3. Silents & Talkies
4. A Noodle in a Haystack
5. Black and White: Cinema and Chocolate
6. Classic Film & TV Cafe
7. Hollywood Heyday
If you haven't checked these out... please do! They are all such wonderful blogs!

There you have it! Yay for blog awards! They are such a great way to be introduced to new bloggers in the community!

Bye, Liz

Elizabeth Taylor 1932-2011

You will be missed but not forgotten...

TCM Star of the Month- Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow is getting the much deserved TCM star treatment all month, and I couldn't be more pleased! Harlow was gorgeous, spunky and from everything I've read and researched, she seemed to be a genuinely sweet, gentle girl. Her death at the age of 26 at the peak of stardom is tragic. Her career was only just beginning, and us fans can only imagine the movies she would have made had she not left us so soon.

My Harlow picks this month:

1. Red Headed Woman-  Harlow plays a conniving, wickedly fun gold digger who sets her sights on more than just one man. Watch out Chester Morris! Tuesday March 8th at 8 pm est.

2. Bombshell- A famous actress gets taken advantage of by her friends and family. Surprise, its a comedy! I wrote a post on this film last year after seeing it on the big screen at Cinecon. Loved it! Tuesday March 15th at 9:30 pm est.

3. Libeled Lady- This screwball comedy is one of my all time favorites. It stars Harlow, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy and William Powell. This cast had amazing chemistry, and the movie is hysterical. My favorite part is when Powell is learning how to fish and hooks Harlow in the rear. (The two were a couple in real life and were engaged to be married when Harlow passed away.) Tuesday March 15th at 11:15 pm est.

4. Personal Property- This was based on the play Man in Possession (and is actually the second film adaptation of it. The first one starred Robert Montgomery and Irene Purcell. Read about it here.) This was the last film completed by Harlow and co-starred Robert Taylor. While checking the time for this film on TCM's website, I read something really interesting. Harlow wore her engagement ring from William Powell all through the filming of this movie. I am going to be looking for it! Tuesday March 15th at 2:45 am est.

5. The Secret Six- I have never seen this one. It is the first film pairing of Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. The two of them were always so wonderful together. Should be a real treat! Tuesday March 22 at 2:30 am est.

Make sure to double check TCM for any schedule changes or updates. Also you can check out the other Harlow films being shown. This is just a small sampling of all that TCM is offering on our favorite bombshell!