Memorial Day: Hollywood Stars that Served their Countries

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Wishing everyone a Happy Memorial Day as we honor and remember all those who so bravely served our countries…

In the Classic Movie ‘theme’ some stars who served (photo): James Stewart, Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, David Niven, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Carole Lombard, Bob Hope, Paul Newman, Eddie Albert, Audie Murphy, Henry Fonda, Harold Russell, Jeanette MacDonald and James Garner…

Memorial Day Tribute: Classic Movie Stars who served their countriesMemorial Day Tribute: Classic Movie Stars who Served their Countries

For a more complete listing of Classic Movie Veterans, click here: List of Classic Movie Stars and Directors that served in the military

And to read last year’s blog post about some of these extraordinary stars, click here: Honor, Duty, Country: Veterans of the Classic Hollywood Era

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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Mini Tribute: Barbara Luddy

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born May 25, 1908 Barbara Luddy!

Barbara Luddy ‘appeared’ in over 35 roles but is probably best remembered as the voice of Lady in Walt Disney’s animated classic, Lady and the Tramp.

Barbara Luddy as herself and Barbara Luddy as Lady from Lady and the TrampBarbara Luddy as herself and as Lady from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp

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Annmarie Gatti from Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Barbara Luddy by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

 

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Five Fun Classic Movie Dances on Roller Skates: Charles Chaplin, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Donald O’Connor, Gene Kelly and Barbra Streisand

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Just for Fun:

1936:  Charlie Chaplin, marvelous — poetic and funny — on roller skates in Modern Times, with Paulette Goddard (1936, Charles Chaplin director)

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1937:  Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers skating to “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” in Shall We Dance (1937, Mark Sandrich director)

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1953:  Donald O’Connor skating to “Life Has Its Funny Little Ups and Downs” in I Love Melvin (the little girl singing is Noreen Corcoran) (1953, Don Weis director)

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1955:  Gene Kelly tap dancing on roller skates to “I Like Myself” in It’s Always Fair Weather (1955, directors Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly)

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1968: Barbra Streisand starring as Fanny Brice tapping and skating to the Roller Skate Rag and “I’d Rather Be Blue” in Funny Girl (1968, director William Wyler)

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Those are my favorites, how about yours?

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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TCM Film Festival Day Four: I’m going to be one of the first to enlist (for next year!)

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

 

Turner Classic Movies Festival Day Four: Sunday, April 28

The Birds with Tippi Hedren Interview by Ben Mankiewicz (TCL Chinese Theater): Yes, another highlight for me! I always love to hear Stars talk about working with renowned directors — so I was really looking forward to this particular interview. Now, of course, I was fully aware of the controversy surrounding Hitchcock’s ‘working’ relationship with Hedren, so I was a little curious as to how Hedren would handle that subject and I was hoping that it wouldn’t impact the conversation in a negative way. I am happy to report that Hedren, quite the ‘class act,’ was eloquent in her discussion about Hitchcock and the challenges she faced when working on the film.

Tippi Hedren in The BirdsTippi Hedren as Melanie Daniels in The Birds (1963 , Alfred Hitchcock director)

Tippi Hedren The Birds Screening TCMFF 2013Tippi Hedren at The Birds Screening

“When I first read the script, I said, Mr. Hitchcock, why would Melanie Daniels go up those stairs knowing what has happened to everybody in town, the children, the farmer…we are boarded up in a house because they are out there. And — why would I go up those stairs all by myself. Well that’s the first thought he ever had about that question — and he said ‘because I tell you to’.” -Tippi Hedren

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Three Days of the Condor with Max Von Sydow Interview by Robert Osborne (TCL Chinese Theater): I originally planned to go see It Happened One Night at the Egyptian Theater during this time slot, but at the very last minute I decided to ‘try’ Three Days of the Condor. I had never seen this film before, and although my first instinct was NOT to see another post-1970 film at this festival (my first being The Twelve Chairs), I’m glad I gave it a shot. The film kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and the performances were excellent (you really can’t go wrong with Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway and Max von Sydow!). Prior to the screening, Robert Osborne interviewed von Sydow, with much of the interview being ‘informationally’ similar to yesterday’s interview by Ben Mankiewicz. 

Max Von Sydow in Three Days of the CondorMax Von Sydow in Three Days of the Condor (1975, Sydney Pollack director)

Robert Osborne interview with Max Von Sydow TCMFF Three Days of the CondorRobert Osborne interview with Max Von Sydow at Three Days of the Condor Screening

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The General with live music performed by The Alloy Orchestra (TCL Chinese Theater) and an Introduction by Robert Osborne: This was yet another treat for me! I had the immense pleasure of seeing Metropolis with The Alloy Orchestra on the TCM Cruise a few months ago, and I just couldn’t wait to see (I mean hear) The Alloy Orchestra again.  The screening started with a Buster Keaton short, called One Week — a delightful little comedy about newlyweds who are putting together a ‘build it yourself’ house (without knowing that Keaton’s rival re-numbered the packing components!).  Needless to say lots of chaos and slapstick ensue, so it was a wonderful way to start the evening. The main feature, The General, starring Buster Keaton and Marion Mack, was quite impressive on the big screen! It was hard not to marvel at all of Keaton’s dangerous stunts (wow!) and the explosive ending when the train plummets off the burning bridge into the river below.  The movie was terrific — but I must say that, at this point, I was a little melancholy knowing that this was the last film of the festival for me. Oh well…

Buster Keaton One Week Short FilmBuster Keaton as The Groom in the Short Film, One Week (1920, Edward F. Cline and Buster Keaton directors)

The General Buster KeatonBuster Keaton as Johnnie Gray in The General (1926, Clyde Bruckman and Buster Keaton directors)

The Alloy Orchestra TCMFF 2013 The GeneralThe Alloy Orchestra provided the live music

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Now for a sad note about the TCL Chinese Theater (aka the HISTORIC Grauman’s Chinese Theater): Before The General screening, Robert Osborne told us all that the TCL Theater was going to be completely renovated in just a few days…turned into one of the largest IMAX theaters in the country. Of course Osborne tried to put a positive spin on things, saying that the integrity of the building would be maintained etc, but it was almost ‘surreal’ to hear that such a historic building — so integral to Hollywood History (a landmark if you will) — could be marginalized into just ‘another’ theater. Very VERY tough to hear… But that said, here are some pictures to remember it by…

Graumans Chinese Theater Outside TCMFF 2013 TCL Theater Hollywood

Grauman’s Chinese Theater (TCL Theater) from across Hollywood Blvd.

Graumans Chinese Theater Lobby TCMFF 2013 TCL Theater HollywoodLobby

Graumans Chinese Theater Inside TCMFF 2013 TCL Theater Hollywood

Graumans Chinese Theater Inside TCMFF 2013 TCL Theater HollywoodGraumans Chinese Theater Inside TCMFF 2013 TCL Theater HollywoodThe Historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater (now known as TCL Theater and soon-to-be-renovated, sadly enough)

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The Farewell Party at Club TCM: Well, a wonderful way to end the festival, chatting with my twitter friends poolside at the Roosevelt Hotel: @willmckinley @CitizenScreen @Paula_Guthat @tkguthat @AlanHait @nebraskanellie.

That all said, thumbs up for the 2013 TCMFF!  Until next year…

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Henry Fonda

Posted on May 16, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Henry Fonda, born May 16th, 1905!

Some people are introduced to Henry Fonda via The Grapes of Wrath. For others, it’s On Golden Pond. As for me, well, my first Henry Fonda film was something a little darker, a little spaghetti western called Once Upon a Time in the West

A poster for Henry Fonda‘s film, Once Upon a Time in the West. You may have heard of the director, I think his name is Sergio Leone. (1968, Sergio Leone director)

In the film Fonda plays Frank, a ruthless, opportunistic bandit with the moral compass of a hyena with rabies. He doesn’t think twice about murdering an entire family, including three children, when he was hired to merely intimidate them. In fact, when chastised for the deed, his only response is: “People scare better when they’re dying.” The performance was so perfectly cruel, so perfectly evil that it tainted my view of Henry Fonda.

When I finally saw films like The Grapes of Wrath or The Lady Eve, I was halfway expecting something sinister to happen. As warm and affable as his on-screen persona may have been, I simply couldn’t let his chillingly sadistic performance escape from the forefront of my thoughts. And, to me, that is the mark of a truly talented performer – the ability to move beyond the carefully crafted screen persona and play against type with as much skilled nuance as the roles that made him a household name.

Below is one of my favorite scenes of the movie. SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t seen it, then you might want to skip this clip. It gives a lot away.

Once Upon a Time in the West: Clip

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Henry Fonda by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

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Atticus Finch: Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Michelle Kerrigan

Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, played by Gregory Peck (Academy Award for Best Actor)

I saw To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time 40 years ago. To this day, it still moves me to tears when I watch it. Tragically, the subject matter of racial prejudice is still an issue, even after all these years.

The story takes place in the Depression-era South. Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), an innocent black man, is wrongfully tried and found guilty of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell.  In the midst of much hatred and bigotry is the quiet, calm presence of Atticus Finch, the attorney who defends Tom.

Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in To Kill a MockingbirdPhoto: Peck as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Robert Mulligan director)

Atticus is told not to take the case, but he earnestly defends Tom, and appeals to the jury to focus on the overwhelming evidence of Tom’s innocence instead of the color of his skin.

For me, Atticus Finch is the quintessential American hero, because of his unwavering courage and conviction to stand up for what he believes–that all men are created equal.

–Michelle Kerrigan for Classic Movie Hub

 

Michelle Kerrigan is an expert in workplace performance who helps clients achieve success by developing the skills they need to increase their confidence. She shares “Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence” because each of them has inspired her. She hopes that they inspire you too. For more about Michelle, visit www.workplaceconfidence.com.

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Joseph Cotten

Posted on May 15, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Joseph Cotten, born May 15th, 1905!

A favorite performance is a matter of taste. Some people are moved by grand gestures of feeling, the kind of acting where it seems as if the actor has abandoned all sense of self, living in the emotional moment. Others prefer the method approach in which an actress works from “the inside out,” becoming, rather than emulating, the character they play. As for me, my favorite performances tend to be the more sinister ones, the ones that require an actor to play a dual role of criminal mastermind and their placid public front. To play a role that requires treachery of the public is much more complex and interesting than that of the noble-cowboy. The nobleman is straightforward and honest. What you see is what you get. But the deceiver, well, he must be more complicated. It’s a role within a role, playing a character whose playing a character. When done right, its glory on screen and my favorite male performance, is just that: glorious.

Joseph Cotten gives my favorite male performance in Shadow of a Doubt (1943, Alfred Hitchock director)

In Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt, Joseph Cotten plays Uncle Charlie, a charming, charismatic man visiting his family in sunny, idyllic Santa Rose. He also plays Uncle Charlie, the serial killer known as the “Merry Widow Murderer,” the seducer/murderer of wealthy widows. In his performance, he is both a kind, loving uncle and a ruthless, cynical psychopath. He offers material gifts of love and worldly advice of hate. He is complicated, rich and deep. He is not evil incarnate, just a man who has gladly succumbed to the evils of the world. In short, he is what potentially lurks inside all of humanity – that justified and reasoned selfishness that overrides all sense of ethics or morality. That is why the performance is so powerful, so glorious. Click the link below and you will see why.

Shadow of a Doubt: Bar Scene

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Joseph Cotten by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Katharine Hepburn

Posted on May 12, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legends, Katharine Hepburn, born May 12, 1907!

The Great Katharine Hepburn

While growing up, pretty much every teenager looks for an idol – that unobtainable being that serves as both mentor and deity. For some people, it’s an actual deity. For others, it comes in the form of a professional NBA player. For me, it came in the form of an actress named Katharine Hepburn.

Katharine Hepburn with Cary Grant in The Philadelphia Story (1940, George Cukor director)

My first Katharine Hepburn film was The Philadelphia Story. I remember watching it because, at the time, I was in the midst of my Cary Grant obsession. However, after watching it, my obsession shifted from its lead actor to its leading actress. Although Hepburn’s Tracy Lord is pretty much the embodiment of so many things I politically rally against, personally I became fascinated with the woman. Her strength of character, her assertive personality and her need of independence (almost to a fault) were awe-inspiring to a shy, film-geek traversing through that most awkward time in everyone’s life called high school. After that, I moved on from Grant and began to devour any and all of Hepburn’s films that I could get my hands on. She became my on-screen mentor and my personal idol, even going so far as to dress up as her for my high school’s “dress as your hero” day.

And today, I keep a 7” by 10” plaque of an elderly Hepburn propped up next to my computer as a reminder to myself – a reminder that by staying motivated, assertive, and strong, I too can be as accomplished at 70 as she was.

Just workin’ with my buddy, Katharine Hepburn

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Katharine Hepburn by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

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TCM Film Festival Day Three: But in my mind I know they still will live on and on…

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

 

Turner Classic Movies Festival Day Three: Saturday, April 27

To Sir, With Love with Lulu Interview and Performance (Chinese Multiplex): I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was when To Sir, With Love was added to the film schedule — and the appearance of Lulu, well, outside of seeing Mr. Poitier himself, was more than I could have hoped for! To Sir, With Love is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite films, and no matter how many times I see it, I am absolutely moved to tears by the end. However, this was the first time I actually cried before the film — and that was due to Lulu’s heartfelt version of the song which she performed live for all of us at the screening. This was such a treat for me — and a memory that I will never forget — such a magical moment — thank you Lulu!

Lulu in To Sir With LoveLulu singing To Sir, With Love in the film To Sir, With Love (1967, James Clavell director)

Lulu singing To Sir With Love at TCMFFLulu singing “To Sir, With Love” at the screening of To Sir, With Love

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On Golden Pond with Jane Fonda Interview by Robert Osborne (Egyptian Theater): This was another highlight for me, and Jane Fonda did not disappoint at all – she was candid, honest, sincere and even funny — as she spoke about working with the great Katharine Hepburn, and when she spoke so emotionally, to the point of tears, about what it was like working with her legendary father, Henry Fonda. It was a lovely, warm and heartfelt interview.

Jane Fonda and Henry Fonda in On Golden PondJane Fonda and Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond (1981, Mark Rydell director)

Jane Fonda and Robert Osborne at TCMFF On Golden PondRobert Osborne and Jane Fonda at the On Golden Pond screening

“So I turn around totally desperate and I look up, and there, crouching in the bushes, is Katharine Hepburn. I don’t know if Mark (director Mark Rydell) could see, but she just kind of stood up like this and she raised her fists and she said ‘you can do it’.  Her eyes were fixed on mine — ‘you can do it Jane, you can do it’ — and it was mother to daughter and it was actor to actor. She knew — and she willed me into the scene with her fists and her eyes.  And I turned around and I did the scene.”-Jane Fonda (discussing about getting ready to perform a difficult scene with her father)

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The Seventh Seal with Max Fon Sydow Interview by Ben Mankiewicz (Egyptian Theater): All I can say now is that this was a stunning film, heavily metaphorical and allegorical, with beautiful and haunting imagery – set during the Black Death and telling the story of a knight who plays chess with Death who has come to take his life. This was my first time seeing it, and I think it demands at least one more viewing before I can comment further.

The Seventh Seal with Max Von Sydow and Bengt EkerotMax Von Sydow as Antonius Block playing chess with Bengt Ekerot as Death in The Seventh Seal (1957, Igmar Bergman director)

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Max Von Sydow and Ben Mankiewicz TCMFF Seventh SealMax Von Sydow and Ben Mankiewicz at The Seventh Seal Screening

“I think it is wonderful what TCM is doing for the classics. Wonderful”  -Max Von Sydow (from the Red Carpet)

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Mildred Pierce with Ann Blyth Interview by Robert Osborne (Egyptian Theater): This was another big event for me. Ann Blyth was charming and humble as she shared memories with us about working with Joan Crawford — but what struck me most about Blyth was that she was stunning, simply stunning.  I happened to be lucky enough to sit relatively nearby Blyth during the film, so every so often I could hear her whisper to her companions or even giggle during some key scenes. And the best part of all — the audience was so immersed in the film that everyone cheered and applauded whenever Veda ‘got her due’! And when Mildred Pierce slapped Veda, well all you-know-what broke loose.  Marvelous, simply marvelous!

Ann Blyth as Veda in Mildred PierceAnn Blyth as Veda in Mildred Pierce (1945 Michael Curtiz, director)

Ann Blyth at TCMFF Mildred Pierce ScreeningAnn Blyth at TCMFF Mildred Pierce Screening

“I have nothing but wonderful memories of her.  So All I can say is that it was a wonderful learning experience.  She was kind to me all during the making of the movie and kind to me in private afterwards for many many years.” -Ann Blyth (about Joan Crawford)

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Well, that was another full day and I had no steam left to see the midnight showing of Island of Lost Souls. So onward to tomorrow via another blog post…

–Annmarie Gatti from Classic Movie Hub

 

 

 

 

 

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Irving Berlin

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Songwriting Legend, Irving Berlin, born May 11 in 1888!

George Gershwin once said that Irving Berlin was “the greatest songwriter that has ever lived”.  That is no small compliment!!!  And how could I possible argue with the great George Gershwin?  I couldn’t — and I certainly wouldn’t — because for me, Irving Berlin, along with Cole Porter and George Gershwin, are the ‘trifecta’ composers of  20th Century American Popular Music, bar none. Again, no small compliment…

That said, I could list the hundreds of popular Berlin songs that ‘everybody’ knows and loves (White Christmas, God Bless America, Easter Parade, How Deep is the Ocean, What’ll I Do, Blue Skies, Always, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, to name a very few) — but instead I am going to post just a few of my favorites, from films of course.

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For me, this wouldn’t be a ‘proper’ Irving Berlin post if I didn’t start with the iconic Fred and Ginger dancing to “Cheek to Cheek” in Top Hat ! Beautiful, in every respect…

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” in Top Hat (1935, Mark Sandrich, director)

“Heaven, I’m in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak…”

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Now for something a little more obscure, but eloquent and touching none-the-less… this time from Follow the Fleet sung by Harriet Hilliard with tears in her eyes…

Harriet Hilliard singing Irving Berlin’s “But Where are You?” in Follow the Fleet (1936, Mark Sandrich)

“Have you forgotten the night that we met? With so much to remember, how could you forget? The dreams I dreamed have yet to come true. My dreams and I are here but where are you?”

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And now just for some pure fun, a little something from Annie Get Your Gun!

Betty Hutton singing Irving Berlin’s “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun” from Annie Get Your Gun (1950, George Sidney director)

“I’m quick on the trigger, with targets not much bigger than a pinpoint I’m number one, but my score with a feller is lower than a celler! Oh you can’t get a man with a gun!”

“Cause you can’t shoot a male in the tail like a quail! Oh you can’t get a man with a gun!”

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

 

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