Announcing our 2017 Year-Long Partnership with Fathom Events: “TCM Big Screen Classics” Movie Tickets Giveaways!

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

The Continuation of a Beautiful Friendship…
Classic Movie Hub and Fathom Events Partner Again for
Year-Long Movie Ticket Giveaways for “TCM Big Screen Classics” 

Yes, Gene Kelly will sing in the rain, Bette Davis will fasten her seatbelt, Jack Lemmon will get engaged — and Classic Movie Hub will be giving away tickets to 14 TCM Big Screen Classics throughout 2017, thanks to our 2nd consecutive year-long partnership with Fathom Events!

We are thrilled to say that this year we’ll be giving away EIGHT PAIRS of tickets to EACH FILM in this fabulous series of classics. And, just like last year, it will be simple to enter… All you have to do is check back on this Blog every month OR follow us on Twitter at @ClassicMovieHub or on Facebook for our monthly contest announcements. Then complete that month’s entry task, and you will be entered into a random drawing to win a pair of tickets to that month’s movie event! That’s it! And there is no limit to how many contests you enter (and win) during the year — so feel free to enter all 14 of them…

Fathom Events TCM Big Screen Classics Calendar for 2017 and Classic Movie Hub Contest

…..

So now, just a little bit of info about the series…

The “TCM Big Screen Classics” series presents one or more films each month at select theaters nationwide – all accompanied by specially produced commentary from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz or Saturday-afternoon host Tiffany Vazquez that provides unique insight and behind-the-scenes stories and tidbits. The films span over five decades and include some of the most fun and/or beloved classics of all time, in the format in which they were meant to be seen — on the Big Screen!

If you can’t wait to win tickets, and prefer instead to buy them, they can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

And, now, for the fabulous films 🙂 AND I must admit, some of my all-time favorites!!!

…..

JANUARY: Singin’ in the Rain 

Singing in the Rain, TCM Fathom EventsSingin’ in the Rain 65th Anniversary (1952): Sunday Jan 15 & Wed Jan 18

Silent film movie star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) finds his muse in Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) just as Hollywood discovers talking pictures, but mega-star Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) isn’t going to stand for it. With the help of Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor), Don and Kathy will find a way to overcome the scheming Lina.

…..

FEBRUARY: An Affair to Remember

An Affair to Remember TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

An Affair to Remember 60th Anniversary (1957): Sun Feb 12 & Wed Feb 15

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr star as the two lovers who meet by chance on a trans-Atlantic voyage and fall in love despite their existing relationships. When they agree to meet six months later atop the Empire State Building, they cannot foresee the tragic circumstances that will test the limits of their devotion.

…..

MARCH: All About Eve

All About Eve TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

All About Eve (1950): Sun March 5 & Wed March 8

Backstage backstabbing and treachery has never been as deliciously fun or as intensely dramatic as it is in All About Eve – which is tied only with Titanic for the most Academy Award® nominations for a single film. With a record-breaking four nominations in female acting categories (Bette Davis and Anne Baxter as Best Actress and Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter as Best Supporting Actress), it remains one of the most riveting dramas ever made.

…..

APRIL: North by Northwest and The Graduate

North by Northwest TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

North By Northwest (1959): Sun Apr 2 & Wed Apr 5

This Alfred Hitchcock cross-country adventure offers non-stop thrills and a bit of romance. Cary Grant stars as Roger O. Thornhill, a man wrongly accused of murder, who hops on to a train … and into the lap of Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint). All the while, he’s pursued by the sinister Philip Vandamm (James Mason), who is convinced that Thornhill is a spy.

…..

The Graduate TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

The Graduate 50th Anniversary (1967): Sun Apr 23 & Wed Apr 26

Dustin Hoffman stars as the confused, floundering Benjamin Braddock, a new college graduate who seems to have no ambition in life until he crosses paths with the very married Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft).

…..

MAY: Smokey and the Bandit

Smokey and the Bandit TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

Smokey and the Bandit 40th Anniversary (1977): Sun May 21 & Wed May 24

The Bandit (Burt Reynolds) has 28 hours to drive a truckload of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia while avoiding the relentless “Smokey,” Sherrif Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason).

…..

JUNE: The Godfather and Some Like It Hot

The Godfather TCM Presents Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

The Godfather 45 th Anniversary (1972): Sun June 4 & Wed June 7

This epic crime drama combines legendary performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton and Robert Duval, and the impeccable direction of Francis Ford Coppola, for a towering achievement in American filmmaking, a powerful saga that redefined cinema.

…..

Some Like It Hot TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

Some Like It Hot (1959): Sun June 11 & Wed June 14

This hysterical comedy from director Billy Wilder finds Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon masquerading as women in order to elude irate Chicago mobsters while befriending a beautiful singer, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe).

…..

JULY: Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fast Times at Ridgemont High TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

Fast Times at Ridgemont High 35 th Anniversary (1982): Sun July 30 & Wed Aug 2

Director Amy Heckerling’s adaptation of Cameron Crowe’s book defined a generation by observing the behaviors and habits of teenagers in the early ‘80s with sharpness and an endless wellspring of humor.

…..

AUGUST: Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde TCM Big Screen Presents Fathom Events

Bonnie and Clyde 50th Anniversary (1967): Sun Aug 13 & Wed Aug 16

Faye Dunaway is Bonnie Parker and Warren Beatty is Clyde Barrow in Arthur Penn’s violent, sexually charged and deeply influential crime drama, a nostalgic look back at notorious outlaws filmed with the passion and zeal of filmmakers who were beginning to explore the boundaries of their craft. Features supporting performances by an exemplary cast that includes Gene Wilder, Gene Hackman, Michael J. Pollard and Estelle Parsons.

…..

SEPTEMBER: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 35 th Anniversary (1982): Sun Sept17 & Wed Sept 20

Thirty-five years since its release, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains a singular achievement, a movie that enchanted a generation with its sheer moviemaking prowess and its simple, exquisite story of the bond between a little boy and an alien. Directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Melissa Mathison, it’s one of the rare movies that can be universally defined by a single shot: Elliott and E.T. flying on a bicycle against a full moon.

…..

OCTOBER: The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

The Princess Bride 30 th Anniversary (1987): Sun Oct 15 & Wed Oct 18

Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles… Director Rob Reiner’s charming fantasy-adventure is a fairy tale like no other, a movie that is as beguiling to adults as it is to children, infused with magic and beauty. Robin Wright stars as Princess Buttercup, with Cary Elwes as her dashing Westley, and Mandy Patinkin as the revenge-seeking Inigo Montoya. The perfect cast also includes Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, Peter Falk, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane and, as the young boy who gets the best bedtime story ever, Fred Savage.

…..

NOVEMBER: Casablanca

Casablanca TCM Big Screen Presents Fathom EventsCasablanca 75 th Anniversary (1942): Sun Nov 12 &  Wed Nov 15

Perhaps no other movie has become as beloved and as synonymous with Hollywood glamour as Casablanca. Humphrey Bogart is Rick Blaine, owner of Rick’s, the nightclub that everyone in Casablanca attends – including resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) and his wife, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), whose sudden appearance leads to some of the best dialogue ever written for the movies.

…..

DECEMBER: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner TCM Big Screen Classics Fathom Events

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner 50th Anniversary (1967): Sun Dec 10 & Wed Dec 13

Sidney Poitier delivers a commanding performance as John Prentice, who accompanies his fiancée, Joey, (Katharine Houghton) to her parents’ home – without telling them that he is black. As her parents, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy star in their final film together. Produced and directed by Stanley Kramer and written by William Rose, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was a box-office sensation across the country. It is, in the words of The New York Times, “a deft comedy and – most of all – a paean to the power of love.”

…..

That’s some lineup IMHO 🙂 So please stay tuned for contest announcements throughout the year for your chance(s) to win!

Click here to see the contest rules and more info!

And, click here to enter our first contest of the year!

…..

–Annmarie for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Fathom Events, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Top 10 Classic Christmas Movies as Rated by CMH Fans!

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

Celebrating Christmas with our
Top Ten Fan Favorite Classic Christmas Movie List! 

Okay, so I’ve got to be honest with you… I am sooooo tired of looking at Top Ten Lists, Best of Lists, Must-See Movie Lists, etc, etc, etc on websites that have no regard for the Classics – and at times, even poke fun at these sentimental favorites, calling them corny, sanctimonious, and downright bad…

But — THANKS to our fans who rate their favorite films all year long here on CMH, we’re able to compile and publish over  200 Classic Movie Charts, updated daily, that list fan favorite films across genres, lots of topics, and even decades.

That said, today I’ll be sharing our Top Ten Fan Favorite Classic Christmas Movie List — again, as rated by fans…  What better way to see how your own favorites ‘measure up’ — or to find more movies to put on your own ‘must see’ list — then to find out from other die-hard fans… At least that’s what I was thinking when we put this all together…

Top Ten Christmas Movies as voted by CMH Fans 2016, Classic Movie Hub

…..

One more thing before I start… I was particularly blindsided today when I stumbled upon a Time article from a few years back that lists the Top Ten Worst Christmas Movies of all time, and – are you ready for this? – they included The Belles of St. Mary’s and Miracle on 34th Street on that list! Wow! Really??? Yep, the same list that also includes Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and Silent Night Deadly Night... Anyone want to weigh in on that 🙂

So, let’s try to set the record straight right here and now, from a classic-movie-fan point of view, with this video version of our Classic Movie Countdown Chart… Personally, I was surprised by the order of #1 and #2, but let me know what you think…

…..

If you want to see the entire list of Fan Favorite Christmas Films (totaling 47 to date), click here.

And, remember, ‘YOUR VOTE COUNTS’ 🙂 — so if you don’t like what you see, you can change things by rating your favorite films here! And if you don’t see one of your fave classic-era films on our site, please let us know so that we can add them.

SPOILER ALERT: if you want to be surprised by the video, read no further 🙂 because we are listing the Top Ten Movies below…

…..

10) Going My Way (1944)

Going My Way, Barry Fitzgerald Bing Crosby

Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald, Frank McHugh, James Brown …

…..

9) The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)

The Bells of St. Mary's, Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman

Directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, Henry Travers, William Gargan …

…..

8) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Meet Me in St. Louis, Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien

Directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor, Leon Ames, Lucille Bremer …

…..

7) White Christmas (1954)

White Christmas, finale, Bing Crosby and cast

Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera- Ellen …

…..

6) Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street, Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood

Directed by George Seaton and starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood, Gene Lockhart …

 …..

5) Meet John Doe (1941)

Meet John Doe, Barbara Stanwyck, Gary Cooper

Directed by Frank Capra and starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward Arnold, Walter Brennan …

…..

4) Holiday Inn (1942)

Holiday Inn, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, New Year's bells

Directed by Mark Sandrich and starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, Walter Abel, Virginia Dale …

…..

3) Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

Christmas in Connecticut, Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Christmas Tree

Directed by Peter Godfrey and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, Reginald Gardiner …

…..

2) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life, last scene, James Stewart, Donna Reed, Zuzu, every time a bell rings

Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell …

…..

 1) The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

The Bishop's Wife, Cary Grant, Loretta Young, Christmas tree

Directed by Henry Koster and starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley …

…..

 Many THANKS to all of you who are constantly rating films to keep our charts fresh and true. You can click through here to see the entire Top 40+ Christmas Movie List. 

Let me know what you think…

Have a Merry Christmas and/or a Happy Holiday Season!

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

Posted in Christmas, Classic Movie Charts, Holiday Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Leave a comment

Kino Lorber Studio Classics DVD and Blu-Ray Holiday Giveaway (Facebook/Blog December)

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

Our Kino Lorber Holiday Celebration Continues!
DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway, Winner’s Choice of 8 Classic Titles

Contest is over, and we have our two winners: Emily and Shawn. Congratulations!

Now it’s time for our Facebook/Blog version of our Holiday Celebration DVD/Blu-ray giveaway! That said, we’ll be giving away TWO Kino Lorber Studio Classics via this contest (winner’s choice from the 8 titles below)… These are in addition to the TEN Studio Classics we’re giving away via the Twitter version of this contest — so please feel free to enter both contests for even more chances to win! A Big Thank You to Kino Lorber for providing the prizes!

8 Fabulous Studio Classics to choose from!

  • The Vikings (1958) starring Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine and Janet Leigh (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Marty (1955) Academy Award Winning Film starring Ernest Borgnine (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • British Noir (Five Film Collection: They Met in the Dark, The October Man, Snowbound, The Golden Salamander, The Assasin) (DVD only)
  • Moby Dick (1956) directed by John Huston, starring Gregory Peck (DVD only)
  • Gog 3D (1956) 3D Sci-Fi Classic directed by Herbert L. Strock (Blu-Ray only)
  • Witness for the Prosecution (1957) directed by Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Diary of a Lost Girl (1929) Silent Classic starring Louise Books (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Phantom of the Opera (1925) Silent Classic starring Lon Chaney (Blu-Ray or DVD)

In order to qualify for this Facebook/Blog contest giveaway, you must complete the below entry task by Saturday, January 7 at 10PM EST. We will pick two winners via a random drawing and announce them on Facebook or this Blog (depending on how you entered) the day after the contest ends (Sunday January 8).

Kino Lorber Studio Classics contest selectionWe’ll pick two winners via this Facebook/Blog contest on January 7, 2016. For more chances to win, you can also enter our Twitter version of the contest as well by clicking here…

…..

ENTRY TASK to be completed by Saturday, January 7 at 10PM EST…

Answer the below question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog post

THE QUESTION:
Which one of the 8 available prizes would you like to win, and why?

NOTE: if for any reason you encounter a problem commenting here on this blog, please feel free to tweet or DM us, or send an email to classicmoviehub@gmail.com and we will be happy to create the entry for you.

…..

For more information on the eight titles up for grabs, click here.

And if you need to buy some Holiday Stocking Stuffers, Kino Lorber is offering a special coupon code CMHDEC for CMH Fans — for 10% off Sale Prices through 12/31!

Kino Lorber Studio Classics Coupon Code CMHDEC

…..

Click here for the full contest rules and more details. 

You can visit Kino Lorber on their website, on Twitter at @KinoLorber or on Facebook.

Please note that only Continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico) entrants are eligible.

And — BlogHub members ARE eligible to win if they live within the Continental United States (as noted above).

For complete rules, click here.

…..

Good Luck!

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged | 13 Comments

Cagney, the Musical: Exclusive Interview with Robert Creighton

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

Made it Ma! Top of the World!
“Cagney” Interview with Star and Co-Author Robert Creighton

It would be no exaggeration to say that I was on ‘top of the world’ when I left the Westside Theatre in NYC after seeing the musical, Cagney. The show was exhilarating, and I walked out of the theater on cloud nine, smiling from ear to ear. What an all-around good time it was! And I will add here, that my ‘plus one’ was my mother, who is a Senior Citizen that takes her classic movies very seriously, and who was very worried that the cast was going to ‘botch things up’… Well, I am happy to report that, about 10 minutes into the show, my mother was elbowing me and whispering — wow, the actor who plays Cagney is GREAT!

So, there you have it… From mother and daughter, the reviews are in: thumbs up on the acting, thumbs up on the singing, thumbs up on the dancing, thumbs up on the music — and an exceptional thumbs up for the star and co-author of the show, Robert Creighton.

the company of Cagney the musical

…..

The Interview

That said, after the show, I decided that I just had to interview Robert, so I circled back around to the Cagney office to ask if Robert could squeeze in some time for us, and they made it happen. So a Big Thank You to Cagney, and to Robert Creighton who so graciously and generously spent some time chatting with us for this exclusive 20-minute YouTube interview.

Robert Creighton sits and chats with us before showtime 🙂

…..

So, for all my fellow classic movie friends and fans — if you’re ever in the NYC area, you can see the show at the Westside Theatre at 407 W 43rd Street. For more information, you can follow Cagney on Twitter at @CagneyMusical and Robert on Twitter  @RCreightonNYC.  Last but not least, you can buy tickets here at Telecharge.  Again, highly recommended…

But that’s not all… thanks to our friends at Cagney, we have a special coupon code offer for you. Use code CGLSP59 for 33% off tickets, valid for performances through January 8, 2017.

Cagney the Musical Coupon Code good through March 5, 2017

…..

Last but not least, you can buy the fabulous soundtrack (I loved the songs from the show) on amazon via this link:

…..

Hope you enjoyed the interview.

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Interviews, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Children of Divorce (1927) DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway Contest (via Facebook/Blog in December)

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

Children of Divorce DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway!
Qualifying Entry Task for Facebook/Blog

Okay, now it’s time for the Facebook/Blog version of our Children of Divorce DVD/Blu-Ray giveaway contest, courtesy of Flicker Alley, in which we’ll be giving away one copy of this silent classic. And, don’t forget, we’re also giving away FIVE MORE copies via Twitter this month as well, so please feel free to enter that contest too…

In order to qualify to win this collection via this Facebook/Blog contest giveaway, you must complete the below entry task by Saturday, December 31 at 8PM EST. We will pick one winner via a random drawing and announce the winner on Facebook and on this Blog the day after the contest ends (Sunday January 1).

If you’re also on Twitter, please feel free to visit us at  @ClassicMovieHub for additional giveaways — because we’ll be giving away FIVE MORE sets there as well! (Click here for twitter contest details as well as more information about the collection.)

CMH Children of Divorce DVD contest

…..

ENTRY TASK to be completed by Saturday, December 31 at 8PM EST…

Answer the below question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog post

THE QUESTION:
What is it about Clara Bow or Gary Cooper, or their films, that you enjoy or respect most? 

NOTE: if for any reason you encounter a problem commenting here on this blog, please feel free to tweet or DM us, or send an email to classicmoviehub@gmail.com and we will be happy to create the entry for you.

…..

You can read more about the DVD here…. And here is a sneak peak via the official trailer:

…..

Click here for the full contest rules. 

Please note that only Continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico) entrants are eligible.

And — BlogHub members ARE eligible to win if they live within the Continental United States (as noted above).

Good Luck!

And if you can’t wait to win the DVD/Blu-Ray, you can purchase it on amazon via the below link (click on image):

Good Luck!

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | 15 Comments

The Agnes Moorehead Blogathon: A Silent Desperation

Posted on December 5, 2016 by minooallen

 

Agnes Moorehead in All That Heaven Allows
A Silent Desperation 

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” The quote’s probably Henry Thoreau’s most famous, and lies at the center of Douglas Sirk’s All That Heaven Allows. Like much of Douglas Sirk’s “greatest hits,” the film is a highly glossed and succinct critique of American bourgeois values masquerading as romantic melodrama. It examines the pressures, contradictions, and sheer hypocrisy faced by women in a patriarchal society. The plot is simple: recently widowed Cary (Jane Wyman), falls in love with her younger and much poorer handyman, Ron Kirby (Rock Hudson). Although the pair love each other, their class and age difference creates quite the scandal in her world of small town suburbia, leading Cary to a difficult choice: play the role society expects of her or choose her own path, even if it means rejecting the comfortable life she knows.  And, while the film concentrates on the quiet desperation of Jane Wyman’s character Cary, chronicling her journey from the tight confines of suburban society to the freedom of living for the self, I want to focus on another character held firm by the trappings of American suburban culture: Sara Warren, played brilliantly by the wonderful Agnes Moorehead.

agnes-moorehead-on-setRock Hudson, Jane Wyman, director Douglas Sirk and our gal Agnes Moorehead on the set of All That Heaven Allows

The introduction to Sara is quick. She is the first character to speak and the first character to interact with the film’s protagonist, Cary. It’s through Sara that we get our first glimpse at the constrictive environment the two women inhabit. Their ladies’ lunch is cancelled because Sara’s husband last minute guest of honor has forced her into a situation where she must host a “club party,” leaving her with no time for her previous engagement with her friend. And with that exchange we are introduced to the film’s underlying theme: external societal expectations vs. personal desire – that “quiet desperation” I was talking about earlier.

While Cary learns the depths of her own quiet desperation through her interactions with Rob and his friends, Sara is fascinating to watch because she seems to have accepted her own “quiet desperation” a long time ago. Throughout the film we get the impression that she is well aware of her own quiet desperation, and with that knowledge, works within its confines. She would never dream of turning her back as a pillar of the community, even if it’s a position she doesn’t actually enjoy. What I love about Moorehead’s performance in the film is the almost unconscious duality she brings to the role of Sara. Sure, she’s a card-carrying member of cocktail society and accepts her role, but she also seems to harbor a certain distain for it well. She is the only “society” character in the film to try and understand Cary’s motivations in her relationship with Ron Kirby, yet at the same time she tries to manipulate the situation in a way that conforms to their cultural norms. There is both a genuine sympathy in Moorehead’s performance and an unintentional smothering that is representative of the highly constrictive society she and Cary belong to. Just take a look at their first scene together.

agnes-moorehead-opening-sceneBut take a second to just look at those glorious Technicolor eyes. I’m currrently lost in them…

While explaining her predicament with the club party, Sara tells Cary, “Sometimes I think you’re smart for not being a club woman.” Although it seems like a simple offhand remark made in response to her mounting responsibilities, it also reveals an understanding of how much of her time is occupied by the club and its members – how much she must sacrifice in order to “keep up appearances”. The statement also shows a certain understanding into her friend’s ungregarious behavior. Despite this ability to empathize with her friend’s understandable anti-social behavior (she is a recent widow, after all), Sara ultimately invites Cary to the very club dinner she was just complaining about. Cary initially refuses but Sara will not take no for an answer and politely but firmly states she already has a date lined up for the recent widow.

In this scene Moorehead has a tricky task. Not only must she introduce the films theme and early exposition about the protagonist, she also must act as an understanding empathetic friend and external societal force. She plays it small and contained, reacting to Wyman’s expressive acting more so than creating her own emotions.  If you think about it, Sara’s actions in the scene are actually rather distasteful. She’s canceling lunch with her friend then coercing Cary to go to a party she clearly doesn’t want to attend.  However, her gentle tone and empathetic reactions paint Sara in a positive light and gives shape to what could be a clueless character. Already, you get a sense that Sara is a good person but is trapped in the confines of her world. All of her actions are dictated by the expectations of her bourgeois surroundings, even her acts of friendship. However, just because she follows the rules of society, doesn’t mean she likes them. This can clearly be seen at that last minute party.

agnes-moorehead-party-scene

I’m pretty sure Moorehead is contemplating just how inappropriate it would be to “accidental trip” her

Here, we see Sara in her element. She’s the beautiful wife, gracious hostess, and all-around pillar of the community. Basically the picture perfect Americana wife. In the scene she once again plays the sympathetic friend to Cary’s nervous energy, taking her by the hand and introducing her to all the VIPS. But then Mona, the town’s number one source of all things gossips, prances into the conversation uninvited. Honestly, Sara’s scenes with Mona are some of my favorite in the film because I find her quiet contempt for Mona’s brand of gossipy small talk simply delicious. She completely nails that carefully confined “nice” hatred only a 1950s melodrama could produce. She doesn’t scold Mona or kick her out – that wouldn’t fly in polite society, however, the hatred is palpable. With nothing but a slew of accusatory glances and a tone of bitter disbelief, Sara makes her feelings towards Mona clear without ever outright confronting her.

This contempt of Mona becomes even more interesting when you consider Mona’s function in the film. Sure, she’s the town gossip but more than that, she acts as an agent of fear that keeps everyone “in line”, so to speak. If Mona sees a person act in way that’s contrary to the country club range of acceptable behavior, soon the whole town will know. Mona is the all-seeing eye of moral judgment that is attached to a very big and very loud mouth. So, beyond having contempt for Mona on a personal level, Sara’s feeling for Mona also represent her relationship to her surroundings in general. Although Sara has a clear distain for Mona, she will never truly confront her toxic presence. Perhaps even more than her friendship with Cary, Sara’s cold relationship with Mona represents her suburban duality – that quiet desperation of accepted duty and passive distain.

And while Sara’s relationship with Mona best demonstrates her duality as a character, Moorehead’s best acting scene is when she finds out about Cary’s relationship with Ron.

agnes-moorehead-kitchen-scene

I can feel the awkward from over here

When Cary confirms her relationship with Ron to Sara, she basically can’t even believe it. It goes contrary to everything she knows about her dear friend and against every rule of polite society. A rich older widower with a younger, poor man? Say it ain’t so.

A this moment Sara is basically in full “country club woman”-mode, and for the first time, appears to have some certain contempt for Cary’s actions. She recites the myriad of reasons why a relationship with Ron is a bad idea, with all of them, of course, stemming from the bourgeois values Sara allows to dictate her life and basically amount to the notion of: “What will people say?” I must say that this is probably the biggest “Agnes Moorehead” moment in the film. Her tone, her posture, and her face are all stern, cold and far more judgmental than we’ve seen throughout her performance. In Sara’s own words she admits that “Maybe I’m a snob.” But when Cary makes her intentions to marry Rob clear, Sara softens. And as quickly as she became the stern voice of societal reason, she reverts back to the friend with soft eyes and a big heart. She then tries to remedy the situation the only way she knows how: through the country club.

Yes, instead of just simply accepting Cary’s decision and letting it end there, Sara must make sure it’s done with approval of their small social circle. Rather than live with the uncomfortable nature of Cary’s relationship with a younger and less privileged man, Sara tries to spin the situation in a way that would bring Ron into the fold and invites him to the clubhouse dinner. Unlike Cary, Sara refuses to exist outside the confines of country club society and tries to assimilate those around her rather than accept that perhaps some people are just different.

What I love about this scene is that it shows just how much Sara is shaped by her surroundings. Despite her clearly empathetic and kind nature, she just cannot allow herself to go against the grain of society. Yet, at the same time, she fully admits the only thing really keeping Cary from enjoying her new love life is the toxicity of those they surround themselves with. Sara tells Cary “You’ve got stubbornness…and courage.” I personally think this is one of Sara’s defining lines in the film, revealing her true feelings not only about Cary but also about herself. Cary has the gall to stand up to the gossip-mongers in town and defy the rules of “polite society.” Sara, despite her clear contempt of it, does not.  Cary is able to overcome that quiet desperation in her life with the added weight of the town watching her. Sara, on the other hand, will never overcome her life of quiet desperation. Cary has courage whereas Sara has conformity. Sara will continue to host predicable club parties for predicable club people until her desperation is so smothered by her bourgeois surroundings that not a peep of it will be heard. Sara will live a life of silent desperation.

…..

A Big Thank You to In The Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood for hosting this wonderful event! There are so many more wonderful Classic Bloggers participating in this Blogathon so please be sure to check out the other entries.

–Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Blogathons, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Kino Lorber Studio Classics DVD and Blu-Ray Holiday Giveaway (via Twitter December)

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

A Happy Holidays to All from Kino Lorber and Classic Movie Hub!
DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway, Winner’s Choice of 8 Classic Titles

Contest is over and we have our ten winners… Congratulations to Shelia, Jo, Freeman, Heather, Ellie, Laurie, Mark, David G, David H and John L!

In celebration of the Holiday Season, we will be giving away a total of 12 Classic DVDs/Blu-Rays, courtesy of Kino Lorber! Kino has so graciously offered us a selection of eight titles to choose from… so that each winner will be able to pick their own prize from that list! So get ready, winners, for some tough choices 🙂

That said, right now we’ll be giving away 10 prizes via this Twitter version of the contest (another blog post will follow later this week, in which we’ll be giving away 2 more prizes via our Facebook/Blog version of the contest).

In order to qualify to win one of these prizes via this Twitter contest giveaway, you must complete the below entry task by Saturday, January 7 at 10PM EST. However, the sooner you enter, the better chance you have of winning, because we will pick two winners on five different days within the contest period, via random drawings, as listed below… So if you don’t win the first week that you enter, you will still be eligible to win during the following weeks until the contest is over.

  • December 10: Two Winners
  • December 17: Two Winners
  • December 24: Two Winners
  • December 31: Two Winners
  • January 7: Two Winners

We will announce each week’s winner on Twitter @ClassicMovieHub (or this blog, depending how you entered), the day after each winner is picked at 10PM EST — for example, we will announce our first week’s winner on Sunday December 11 at 10PM EST.

If you’re also on Facebook, please feel free to visit us at Classic Movie Hub on Facebook for additional giveaways (or check back on this Blog in a few days) — because we’ll be giving away TWO MORE prizes via Facebook/Blog as well!

Here are the titles up for grabs:

  • The Vikings (1958) starring Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine and Janet Leigh (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Marty (1955) Academy Award Winning Film starring Ernest Borgnine (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • British Noir (Five Film Collection: They Met in the Dark, The October Man, Snowbound, The Golden Salamander, The Assasin) (DVD only)
  • Moby Dick (1956) directed by John Huston, starring Gregory Peck (DVD only)
  • Gog 3D (1956) 3D Sci-Fi Classic directed by Herbert L. Strock (Blu-Ray only)
  • Witness for the Prosecution (1957) directed by Billy Wilder, starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Diary of a Lost Girl (1929) Silent Classic starring Louise Books (Blu-Ray or DVD)
  • Phantom of the Opera (1925) Silent Classic starring Lon Chaney (Blu-Ray or DVD)

For more information about these titles, scroll way down below…

Kino Lorber Studio Classics Coupon Code CMHDEC …..

ENTRY TASK (2-parts) to be completed by Saturday, January 7 at 10PM EST — BUT remember, the sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win…

1) Answer the below question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog post

2) Then TWEET (not DM) the following message:
Just entered to win the “Kino Lorber Studio Classics” #DVDGiveaway courtesy of @ClassicMovieHub & @KinoLorber

THE QUESTION:
What Classic Movies would you want Santa Claus to leave in your holiday stocking this year? 

*If you do not have a Twitter account, you can still enter the contest by simply answering the above question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog — BUT PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ADD THIS VERBIAGE TO YOUR ANSWER: I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message.

…..

Also — Just for CMH Fans!!! Use our exclusive Kino Lorber Coupon Code CMHDEC for an extra 10% off the sale prices of titles on the Kino Lorber website, The Offer is valid through December 31, 2016, so that gives you plenty of time to peruse and use :)

Kino Lorber Studio Classics Coupon Code CMHDEC

You can visit Kino Lorber on their website, on Twitter at @KinoLorber or on Facebook.

Please note that only Continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico) entrants are eligible.

And — BlogHub members ARE eligible to win if they live within the Continental United States (as noted above).

For complete rules, click here.

…..

About the Films:

The Vikings: A Spectacular and Brawling Adventure! Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas (The Devils Disciple), Tony Curtis (Taras Bulba), Ernest Borgnine (Marty) and Janet Leigh (Psycho) dazzle in this epic chronicle of brutal rivalry and bloodthirsty ambition. Roaring through the 9th century with powerful performances and brilliant visuals, The Vikings is a riveting spectacle. Bitter hatred divides two brothers. Prince Einar (Douglas) is the son and heir of a savage Viking chieftain. Prince Eric (Curtis) is his unknowing half-brother, the bastard offspring of Einar’s father and an English queen. When the Vikings kidnap a princess Morgana (Leigh), her beauty inflames the desires of both men, forcing a bloody duel that decides their fate… and the future of the English throne. Beautifully shot by the great Jack Cardiff (Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes) and wonderfully directed by legendary filmmaker Richard Fleischer (Mr. Majestyk, The Spikes Gang). The stellar cast also includes James Donald (The Great Escape) and Alexander Knox (Wilson) ; Narrated by Orson Welles (Touch of Evil).

Marty: Mastered in HD – “I’ve been looking for a girl every Saturday night of my life,” says Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine, The Wild Bunch). Yet, despite all his efforts, this 34- year old Bronx butcher remains as shy and uncomfortable around women today as on the day he was born. So when he meets Clara (Betsy Blair), a lonely schoolteacher who’s just as smitten with him as he is with her, Marty’s on top of the world. But not everyone around him shares Marty’s joy. And when his friends and family continually find fault with Clara, even Marty begins to question his newfound love – until he discovers, in an extraordinary way, the strength and courage to follow his heart. Winner of 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Director (Delbert Mann, Separate Tables), Actor (Borgnine) and Screenplay (Paddy Chayefsky, Network).

British Noir (Five Film Collection): While the film noir movement may seem like a distinctly American phenomenon, British studios embarked on their own shadowy thrillers, laced with postwar cynicism. This five-DVD collection assembles some of the lesser-known Brit noir titles from the Rank Studios, featuring such major talents as actors James Mason, Trevor Howard, and John Mills; and directors Ronald Neame and Roy Ward Baker.  THEY MET IN THE DARK (1943): Discharged for treason, a former Navy Commander (James Mason) sets out to expose the espionage ring that destroyed his career – Directed by Carl Lamac. THE OCTOBER MAN (1947): After a traumatic brain injury, a young engineer (John Mills) tries to repair his life. But his recovery is thwarted when a woman (Kay Walsh) is found strangled-and he becomes the prime suspect – Directed by Roy Ward Baker. SNOWBOUND (1948): A British Army vet (Dennis Price) exposes a plot by ex-Nazis to reclaim a stash of gold bullion hidden at a ski resort. This edition was derived from a master suffering from moderate deterioration and is presented in a less-than-ideal condition – the stellar cast included Robert Newton, Herbert Lom and Stanley Holloway – Directed by David MacDonald. THE GOLDEN SALAMANDER (1950): A British archaeologist (Trevor Howard) finds himself caught between a gang of North African gun-runners and the woman he loves (Anouk Aimee) – the top-notch cast included Herbert Lom and Wilfrid-Hyde White – Directed by Ronald Neame. THE ASSASSIN (aka Venetian Bird) (1952): A private eye (Richard Todd) arrives in Venice in search of a fugitive, but soon discovers that the city’s winding waterways hold dark secrets – Directed by Ralph Thomas.

Moby Dick: Mastered in HD! (One of the great motion pictures of our time!) The New York Times – This spectacular retelling of Herman Melville’s classic, masterfully directed by John Huston (The Unforgiven), is unsurpassed in entertainment, imagination and high adventure. From the screenplay by Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451) and Huston, Moby Dick is a brilliant film – consumed by an insane rage, Captain Ahab (Gregory Peck, On the Beach) has but one purpose in life – revenge on Moby Dick, the great white whale who maimed and disfigured him. The obsessed skipper of a whaling boat, Ahab uses his command as an excuse to sail the seven seas in an unrelenting search of his prey while battling a mutinous crew, tropical heat and violent storms in this epic struggle of non-stop fury and inevitable doom. The amazing cast includes Richard Basehart, Leo Genn, Harry Andrews, Bernard Miles, Royal Dano and the great Orson Welles.

Gog (3D): Newly restored in HD and 3-D! In a remote, underground research laboratory two scientists, engaged in space travel research, are frozen to death in a cold chamber when their instruments comes under the control of an unknown power. A security agent, Dr. David Sheppard (Richard Egan, The 300 Spartans) arrives at the secret space research base, home of two experimental robots to investigate the possible sabotage. Early in his investigation, Sheppard finds that the underground laboratory under the control of the Supercomputer NOVAC and experimental robots GOG and MAGOG. Herbert L. Strock (The Crawling Hand) directed this Sci-Fi/Horror classic with a stellar cast that includes Constance Dowling (Black Angel), Herbert Marshall (The Letter) and William Schallert (TV’s The Patty Duke Show).

Witness for the Prosecution: Screen legends Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton star in this “brilliantly made courtroom drama” (Film Daily) that left audiences reeling from its surprise twists and shocking climax. Directed by Billy Wilder, scripted by Wilder and Harry Kurnitz, and based on Agatha Christie’s hit London play, this splendid, one-of-a-kind classic “crackles with emotional electricity” (The New York Times) and continues to keep movie lovers riveted until the final, mesmerizing frame. When a wealthy widow is found murdered, her married suitor, Leonard Vole (Power), is accused of the crime. Vole’s only hope for acquittal is the testimony of his wife (Dietrich)… but his airtight alibi shatters when she reveals some shocking secrets of her own! Nominated for 6 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Laughton) and Supporting Actress (Elsa Lanchester).

Diary of a Lost Girl: The second and final collaboration of actress Louise Brooks and director G.W. Pabst (Pandora’s Box), DIARY OF A LOST GIRL is a provocative adaptation of Margarethe Böhme’s notorious novel, in which the naive daughter of a middle class pharmacist is seduced by her father’s assistant, only to be disowned and sent to a repressive home for wayward girls. She escapes, searches for her child, and ends up in a high-class brothel, only to turn the tables on the society which had abused her. It’s another tour-de-force performance by Brooks, whom silent film historian Kevin Brownlow calls an “actress of brilliance, a luminescent personality and a beauty unparalleled in screen history.” – Thomas Gladysz

Phantom of the Opera (1925): A forerunner of the American horror film, and one of the most lavish productions of the silent cinema, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has inspired countless remakes and imitations. But none of its successors can rival the mesmerizing blend of romance and mystery that haunts every frame of the Lon Chaney original. This edition presents the 1929 theatrical version, restored from archival 35mm elements by Film Preservation Associates. It is highlighted by the Technicolor Bal Masque sequence (in which the Phantom interrupts the revelry wearing the scarlet robes of the Red Death), as well as meticulously hand-colored sequences (replicating the Handschiegl Color Process). The film is presented at two different historically-accurate projection speeds, each with two different soundtrack options. Also included is the 1925 theatrical version, which survives only in poor-quality prints, but contains scenes that were removed from the 1929 release version.

Good Luck!

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged | 43 Comments

The Cary Grant Blogathon: My Favorite Wife (1940)

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

“Make up your mind old man. You’re not allowed to have two wives, you know”…

Like many Classic Movie fans, I just adore Cary Grant — and I just adore about every film that he ever made in his 30+ year film career. He can play anything from suave, sophisticated and sexy — to befuddled, nervous and downright goofy. He can easily weave comic elements into his dramatic roles, and can play comedy with such a straight-laced seriousness, that it’s endearing. But what I love most about Cary Grant, is that he is simply mesmerizing on the screen — you just can’t take your eyes off him…

That said, I have lots of Cary Grant films on my favorites list — – Arsenic and Old Lace, Bringing Up Baby, Houseboat, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and North by Northwest just to name a few — so you would think that it would be extremely difficult for me to pick just one Cary Grant film to cover for this Blogathon… and yet, it was extremely easy for me to choose — my choice was set in stone from the get-go…

My Favorite Wife movie poster

My Favorite Wife is one of my all-time favorite movies, not to mention one of my ‘desert island picks’ — but it’s even more than that… It’s also my ‘go-to’ movie when I’m feeling ‘down in the dumps,’ or sick, or stressed — or if I I simply need to relax and set aside some time for a guaranteed laugh…

So, why do I adore My Favorite Wife?  Well, it’s the delightful screwball comedy plot and the wonderful cast, as well as the witty repartee between Cary Grant, Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott… But most of all, it’s Cary Grant’s portrayal of the frantic and frazzled Nick Arden as he reacts to the crazy (and unforeseen) circumstances that have descended upon him… And, it’s probably no surprise that Grant plays the role to perfection, as he pivots from astounded newlywed – to nervous bigamist – to jealous husband – to annulled and ‘confused’ spouse.

The Plot in a Nutshell: Ellen Arden (Irene Dunne) who was shipwrecked on an island for seven years and presumed dead, returns home on the day of her husband Nick’s (Cary Grant) second marriage. Awkward Honeymoon aside, complications arise when Nick finds out that Ellen wasn’t alone on that island for all those years!

The Featured Cast:

  • Cary Grant: Nick Arden
  • Irene Dunne: Ellen Arden
  • Gail Patrick: Bianca (Nick’s new wife)
  • Randolph Scott: Steve Burkett (the gorgeous man stranded on island with Ellen for all those years!)

A Few Fun Facts:

  • The film was loosely based on the Alfred Lord Tennyson poem Enoch Arden about a fisherman presumed lost at sea who returns home to find that his wife has remarried.
  • Cary Grant and Randolph Scott were good friends and long-time roommates.
  • This is the second of three films that starred Cary Grant and Irene Dunne: The Awful Truth, My Favorite Wife, Penny Serenade.

And now for some of my favorite scenes and quotes:

Cary Grant, the ‘astonished husband,’ upon seeing his wife Ellen for the very first time in seven years — at the hotel, on his Honeymoon with new wife Bianca.

…..

Cary Grant My Favorite Wife

As the ‘nervous bigamist’ — with lots on his mind!

 …..

As the ‘jealous husband’ — with quite a cause to be, upon seeing Steve Burkett for the very first time!

Lady by Pool: Young man, is that Johnny Weissmuller?
Nick: No, I wish it were.

 …..

my favorite wife courtroom sceneAs the annulled and ‘confused’ spouse — who must now ‘make up his mind’ 🙂

…..

And, what does Nick finally decide? Will he move on with his new wife and life, or will he  reconcile with his true love??? Well, I won’t tell, but perhaps you’ll remember this famous image from the end of the film…

Cary Grant as Santa in My Favorite Wife

…..

A Big Thank You to Phyllis Loves Classic Movies (@Solidmoonlight) for hosting this wonderful event! There are so many more wonderful Classic Bloggers participating in this Blogathon so please be sure to check out the other entries.

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Blogathons, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged | 7 Comments

5 Things You May Not Know about Busby Berkeley

Posted on November 29, 2016 by minooallen

 

5 Things You May Not Know about Busby Berkeley

 BERKELEY, BUSBY

Like that today is his birthday. Happy 121st Birthday to the legend Busby Berkeley!

…..

1) He was a performer and a fighter

 set-picture-for-kidI couldn’t find a a picture of him as kid, so enjoy this behind the scenes photo instead!

At least that’s what I gather from his childhood. His mother was an actress and this led the young Busby to appear in a few small stage productions as a kid. However, he received most of his formal education at the Mohegan Lake Military Academy in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Which means he trained more as a solider than a creative performer. Which brings us to fact number 2…

 …..

2) His started his career as a choreographer in the army

my-forgotten-manHis military experience clearly seen in this number, Remember My Forgotten Man from Gold Diggers of 1933

That’s right, I said the army. Berkeley served as a field artillery lieutenant in World War I, where he was in charge of conducting and directing military parades. After a cease-fire was declared between the warring nations, he was then tasked with putting on stage camp shows for the military men. Considering how his choreography was all about losing the individuals dancers into the complex whole of the number, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that military drills were some of his earliest inspirations.

…..

3) He was a doctor

docBerkeley lookin’ pretty “doctor-y” in this photo, tho.

OK, so he wasn’t an actual doctor. During his time working on Broadway, Berkeley wore many different hats: director, stage manager, producer, dance, director, etc. He often served multiple roles in a single production and was damned good at it. He was so good, in fact, that people referred to him as a “show doctor,” a person who could turn a failing production into a profitable hit. So, I guess that’s close enough to a real doctor, right?

 …..

4) He never took a single dance lesson

on-setNo dance lessons, no problem

For a man who revolutionized the musical number, it’s amazing that he never took a dance lesson in his life. This was basically unheard of at the time, but that didn’t stop Berkeley. Because of his lack of dance training, Berkeley had a unique approach to creating musical numbers. He would often have elaborate sets built and sit in them for days on end, thinking about how best to utilize the space for dance numbers.

…..

5) His numbers are subject to intellectual analysis

geometicYup, there’s people in them shapes

Since the beginning of the academic study of film, Berkeley’s numbers have been analyzed by film scholars everywhere. Many view his numbers, with their emphasis on how a group of individuals can create something greater than the parts, as a celebration of the collective, and much in the spirit of Roosevelt’s New Deal Program. Berkeley, however, states he had no lofty political ideas in mind when creating his dance numbers. His goal was simple: innovation and creating something that the soundstage had never seen before.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Birthday Legends, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children of Divorce (1927) DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway Contest (via Twitter in December)

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Annmarie Gatti

Children of Divorce DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway Contest 
1927 Classic Starring Clara Bow, Gary Cooper and Esther Ralston

Okay, it’s time for our next Giveaway! In celebration of its December 6th release date in just a few short days… CMH will be giving away FIVE COPIES of  the newly-restored 1927 silent classic, Children of Divorce on DVD/Blu-Ray, courtesy of Flicker Alley via TWITTER (plus ONE more copy via Facebook and this Blog, details to follow later this week).

Children of Divorce 1927

…..

Before we move on to the Contest, I just want to say that I had the pleasure of seeing this film on The Big Screen at Capitolfest earlier this year, and it is a gem! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it (as did my cohorts), and was amazed to see how incredibly beautiful the stars were, including a very young Gary Cooper who is captivating onscreen… Here is a sneak peak trailer:

…..

Okay, here we go…

In order to qualify to win one of these prizes via this contest giveaway, you must complete the below entry task by Saturday, December 31 at 8PM EST. However, the sooner you enter, the better chance you have of winning, because we will pick a winner on five different days within the contest period, via random drawings, as listed below… So if you don’t win the first week that you enter, you will still be eligible to win during the following weeks until the contest is over.

  • December 3: One Winner
  • December 10: One Winner
  • December 17: One Winner
  • December 24: One Winner
  • December 31: One Winner

We will announce each week’s winner on Twitter @ClassicMovieHub (or this blog, depending how you entered), the day after each winner is picked at 8PM EST — for example, we will announce our first week’s winner on Sunday December 4 at 8PM EST.

If you’re also on Facebook, please feel free to visit us at Classic Movie Hub on Facebook for additional giveaways (or check back on this Blog in a few days) — because we’ll be giving away ONE MORE copies via Facebook/Blog as well!

Children of Divorce, Clara Bow, Gary Cooper, Esther Ralston

…..

ENTRY TASK (2-parts) to be completed by Saturday, December 31 at 8PM EST — BUT remember, the sooner you enter, the more chances you have to win…

1) Answer the below question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog post

2) Then TWEET (not DM) the following message*:
Just entered to win the “Children of Divorce” #DVDBluRayGiveaway courtesy of @flickeralley and @ClassicMovieHub

THE QUESTION:
Why would you like to win this DVD/Blu-Ray? 

*If you do not have a Twitter account, you can still enter the contest by simply answering the above question via the comment section at the bottom of this blog — BUT PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ADD THIS VERBIAGE TO YOUR ANSWER: I do not have a Twitter account, so I am posting here to enter but cannot tweet the message.

NOTE: if for any reason you encounter a problem commenting here on this blog, please feel free to tweet or DM us, or send an email to classicmoviehub@gmail.com and we will be happy to create the entry for you.

…..

About the Release: Almost 15 years after the release of its first publication, Flicker Alley, in partnership with the Blackhawk Films® Collection, is proud to celebrate 50 fully-published titles with the Blu-ray/DVD world premiere of Children of Divorce, starring Clara Bow and Gary Cooper. The film begins in an American “divorce colony” in Paris after the First World War, where parents would leave their children for months at a time. Jean, Kitty, and Ted meet there as children and become fast friends. Years later, in America, when wealthy Ted (Gary Cooper) reconnects with Jean (Esther Ralston), the two fall deeply in love, vowing to fulfill a childhood promise to one day marry each other. But true love and the most innocent of plans are no match for the scheming Kitty—played by the original Hollywood “It” girl, Clara Bow—who targets Ted for his fortune. After a night of drunken revelry, Ted wakes up to find he has unwittingly married Kitty. This unfortunate turn of events, however, carries with it the traumatized pasts of the three players, whose views of marriage have been shaped as children of divorce. Sourced from the original nitrate negative held by the Library of Congress, as well as their 1969 fine grain master, this new restoration of Children of Divorce was scanned in 4K resolution, and represents over 200 hours of laboratory work by the Library of Congress in order to create the best version possible. Though some deterioration remains, this is the first time the film has ever been released on home video, allowing audiences to enjoy a rare viewing of classic performances from two of early cinema’s most recognizable stars. Flicker Alley is delighted to reach the milestone of its 50th publication with Children of Divorce. This Blu-ray/DVD dual-format edition features a new score by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, and was made possible thanks to the Blackhawk Films® Collection, Paramount Pictures, and the Library of Congress.

…..

Click here for the full contest rules. 

Please note that only Continental United States (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and the territory of Puerto Rico) entrants are eligible.

And — BlogHub members ARE eligible to win if they live within the Continental United States (as noted above).

Good Luck!

And if you can’t wait to win the DVD/Blu-Ray, you can purchase it on amazon via the below link (click on image):

Good Luck!

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments