Beyond Casablanca Book Giveaway Starts Today!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

The BEYOND CASABLANCA Book Giveaway starts today!

I am happy to say that, Classic Movie Hub will be giving away some copies of the FABULOUS Classic Movie Book Beyond Casablanca: 100 Classic Movies Worth Watching written by veteran Classic Movie Blogger and CMH BlogHub Member, Jennifer Garlen of Virtual Virago!

We have a total of FIVE BOOKS to give away — including ONE AUTOGRAPHED COPY — so we will give away one book a week for the next five weeks (now through Friday May 3), and then on Sunday, May 5 (after all five winners have been chosen), there will be a special drawing to determine the winner of the exclusive autographed book.

Beyond Casablanca: 100 Classic Movies Worth Watching by Jennifer Garlen

Here’s how the contest will work:

1) I will tweet a Qualifying Entry Task on Mondays, with some re-tweets of that same Qualifying Entry Task throughout the week. I will include the hashtags #BeyondCasablanca #QualifyingTask on the Qualifying Entry Task tweets.

2) You will need to successfully complete the Qualifying Entry Task before its Specified Due Date/Time (which will typically be Friday afternoon/evening*). The Entry Task will be EASY and you can do it at your convenience, but you must complete it by the Specified Due Date/Time in order to be eligible to win the book (see #3).

3) Then, on Friday night 10PM EST**, I will post a special trivia question.  The FIRST PERSON (who already successfully completed the Qualifying Entry Task) to tweet the correct answer to the special trivia question will win the book!

See complete information and rules here.

BlogHub members are eligible to win.

Only United States (excluding the territory of Puerto Rico) and Canada entries are eligible.

*For the week of April 22, the Qualifying Entry Task may be due significantly earlier, potentially Wed 4/24 (still to be determined)

**For the week of April 22, the Trivia Question may be tweeted significantly earlier, potential Wed 4/24 (still to be determined)

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Books, Contests & Giveaways, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Johnny Case: Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Michelle Kerrigan

Johnny Case in Holiday, played by Cary Grant

Let me be clear—Cary Grant, for me, was, is, and will always be, the king of confidence. The way he talks, walks, and acts with such ease and enjoyment is pure classic movie gold. (I think he’s the only actor, besides Fred Astaire, who looks fabulous—not hilarious—in tails.)

In Holiday, Grant plays Johnny Case, a man with a plan: make enough money, then quit working and see the world while he’s still young enough and healthy enough to enjoy the ride. Johnny also has a fiancée—snooty, rich Julia Seton (Doris Nolan), who, with her stuffed-shirted father, tries to control our hero’s future, so that Johnny’s dream is turned into the one nightmare he’s trying to avoid: compromising freedom for fortune.

Cary Grant as Johnny Case in HolidayPhoto: Cary Grant as Johnny Case in Holiday (1938, George Cukor director)

Johnny Case has kickass confidence on so many levels, but what grabs my heart most is his dead-on clarity about what he wants, and his strong determination to get it.  That kind of quality of focus is a rare and beautiful thing, and usually takes you places you thought you’d never go.

Johnny gets his dream, and goes for the ride of his life. I can hear him now…“oh, c’mon darling, let’s not let the fun get out of it!”…and he never does.

–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.

 

 

Posted in Characters with Kickass Confidence, Posts by Michelle Kerrigan | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Jane Powell

Posted on April 1, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Jane Powell, born April 1st, 1929!

Some classic movie stars are timeless. Whether gracing the cover of Vogue in the 1950’s or having their likeness used for a product campaign in the 2000’s, they seem to never be out of style. Other classic movie stars, however, are representative of a precise time in movie making history. For me, Jane Powell is one of those stars.

Jane Powell: winner of ‘Most Adorable’

Jane Powell was the epitome of the 1950’s “girl next store.” Although never overtly sexy, there was an attractiveness to her that is undeniable. I mean, at 5 foot even, with wavy blonde locks and sky blue eyes, she was pretty much the epitome of the saccharine cute-ness her home studio of MGM prided itself it on. Add in her larger than life singing and enthusiastic performance style and you have THE embodiment of the MGM 1950’s musical. I mean look at her.

As I said, so sugary sweet, she could only belong in the 1950’s. And that’s why she’s so wonderful — because to look at her is to look at a time capsule. The most adorable time capsule ever.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

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

Mini Tribute: Producer Pandro S. Berman

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born March 28, 1905 Legendary Producer Pandro S. Berman!

Before I start, I must add a quick ‘disclaimer’ —  this post is only labeled a ‘Mini’ tribute because it is ‘mini’ in ‘written’ content — but given that Pandro S. Berman produced some of my all-time favorite films — this post is by no means ‘mini’ in terms of my respect for him!

So to celebrate Berman’s birthday, a pictorial tribute…

First, some behind-the-scenes photos:

Pandro S. Berman with Katharine Hepburn & Vincente Minnelli on set of Undercurrent Producer Pandro S. Berman (right) with Katharine Hepburn & Director Vincente Minnelli on set of Undercurrent (film released 1946)

…..

Ginger Rogers, director Garson Kanin and producer Pandro S. Berman on the set of Bachelor MotherProduction Manager Pandro S. Berman (aka executive in charge of production) (right) with Ginger Rogers and Director Garson Kanin on the set of Bachelor Mother (film released 1939)

…..

Elvis Presley, Barbara Lang and Producer Pandro S. Berman on the set of Jailhouse RockProducer Pandro S. Berman with Elvis Presley near the MGM or Paramount Studio gates (location not confirmed) around the time of Jailhouse Rock (film released 1957);  also pictured is actress Barbara Lang who was originally slated to appear opposite Presley in Jailhouse Rock (but the part ultimately went to Judy Tyler)

…..

Now for some of my personal favorite Berman films:

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dancing to Cole Porter's "Night and Day" in The Gay Divorcee (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1934)Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dancing to Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”  in The Gay Divorcee (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1934)

…..

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" in Top Hat (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrick director, 1935)Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” in Top Hat (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1935)

…..

Harriet Hilliard (Harriet Nelson) and Randolph Scott in Follow the Fleet (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1936Harriet Hilliard (Harriet Nelson) and Randolph Scott in Follow the Fleet (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1936)

Bilge (Randolph Scott): Well, watch my maneuvers — you can’t beat the navy.
Connie Martin (Harriet Hilliard): All right, sailor, I surrender.
Bilge: unconditionally?
Connie Martin: Well, I’m will to discuss terms.

…..

 Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in the original Father of the Bride (Pandro S. Berman producer, Vincente Minnelli director, 1950)Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in the original Father of the Bride (Pandro S. Berman producer, Vincente Minnelli director, 1950)

…..

Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in Stage Door (Pandro S. Berman producer, Gregory La Cava director, 1937)Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in Stage Door (Pandro S. Berman producer, Gregory La Cava director, 1937)

…..

And, yes, there are SO many more wonderful Pandro S. Berman films including National Velvet, Sweet Bird of Youth, Of Human Bondage, Roberta, The Hunchback of Notre Dame — so I’m sure this post will be continued at some point soon 🙂

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

Posted in Mini Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Producers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Gloria Swanson

Posted on March 27, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Gloria Swanson, born March 27th, 1899!

There is a common myth in classic movie folklore. Well, there’s many myths in classic movie folklore actually, but I plan to focus on just one for now…

Sunset Boulevard (1950, Billy Wilder)

In 1950, a movie you might have heard about came out, a little movie called Sunset Boulevard. The story revolves around a writer, an aging actress, and whole mess of lies, deceits, and, ya know, the Hollywood usual. I’d tell you more about it but I’m not in the business of giving away spoilers. I am, however, in the business of spoiling myths — and the myth that needs spoiling in this particular case revolves around the before-mentioned aging actress.

Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1950, Billy Wilder)

In Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson plays Norma Desmond, a delusional, unwanted, aging silent actress desperately clinging to the fantasy that her best years are yet to come — when clearly they’ve already passed. In real life, Gloria Swanson was also an aging actress who had been out of filmic limelight since about the silent era and was desperately seeking a comeback. Well, actually, only part of that is true. Yes, Swanson was an aging actress, but I’m an aging writer and you are an aging human. And really, other than that, the similarities between Swanson and Desmond end. Sure, they were both huge stars who didn’t transition past the silent era, however, Swanson’s handling of the situation couldn’t had been more different than Desmond’s.

Gloria Swanson lookin’ fly in her old age.

Instead of isolating herself for 20 years in a mansion made of decadence (as Desmond did), Swanson moved to New York and started an inventions and patents company called Multiprizes. The company’s sole purpose was to rescue Jewish Scientist and inventors from war-torn Europe. She also began painting, sculpting, writing columns, and engaged in political activism — all while making appearances on the stage. Oh, and she also designed and marketed clothing. To compare, at this point in her life, all Desmond seemed to accomplish was buying a monkey then watching it die. So, despite the claim that Swanson was merely “playing herself” in Sunset Boulevard, well, we can consider that myth busted.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

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

Introduction: Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

I’m happy to announce that Michelle Kerrigan, expert in Workplace Confidence — who just so happens to be a passionate Classic Movie Fan — will be doing a series especially for CMH called “Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence!”  The series will kick off on Monday, April 1 — and will feature Michelle’s insight on some of our most beloved Classic Movie Characters and how they exude strength and confidence!

Can’t wait to see the first post 🙂

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

 

Posted in Characters with Kickass Confidence, Posts by Annmarie Gatti | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: David Lean

Posted on March 25, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend David Lean, born March 25th, 1908!

As human beings, and by reading this I assume you are one, we love seeing things grow. We plant tiny little seeds to watch them grow into bright colorful flowers. Parents save photographs of their babies to document their development from tiny little people to adult big people. We buy tiny foam capsules to watch them grow into less tiny foam dinosaurs. Ok. Maybe that’s just me but the point is that we love to watch things grow and develop. And this is why I love David Lean. Not following? It’s ok. Let me explain.

David Lean, being a B.A.

You see, in my opinion, David Lean’s directorial career is a perfect example of organic artistic growth and development.  Like many directors, Lean started his career in the editor’s room, cutting away at others’ work for 10 years before finally getting a chance to sit in the director’s chair. His first three films, In Which We Serve, This Happy Breed, and Blithe Spirit, were all based on Noel Coward plays and demonstrated not only his ease with actors, but also his ability to transpose the staged play into motion picture. Although his first three films gave a glimpse of his talents, his next film, Brief Encounters, also based on a Coward play, showed the evolution of that talent. In the wrong hands, the film could have easily been a tripe British romance, full of stuffy people and stuffy melodrama. But with Lean, we got something more. We got two perfectly played and perfectly subtle performances. We got an unique atmosphere that’s equal parts mystery, romance, and secrecy.  With Lean, we got to see him grow.

Cecil Johnson and Trevor Howard in Brief Encounter (1945, David Lean)

And of course his growth didn’t stop there. He went on to further develop his craft through novel adaptations such as Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, and by working with actors on location in places like Venice. Constantly growing and evolving, it seems the logical next step that Lean would go on to direct Bridge on the River Kwai — and forever change his place in film history. You see, before Bridge on the River Kwai, Lean had not directed anything close to an epic. Sure, his films were “epic” in that they were very well crafted while also being very entertaining. But the Lean we know today, the Lean that directed Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India; The Lean that directs Epics, didn’t exist until 1957. That’s the beauty of Lean — rather than finding a niche and staying with it, he grew. He sought new challenges, new locations, and new ways to grow. Because of that, the boy who directed funny plays became the man who directed classic epics.

David Lean on the set of Lawrence of Arabia

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Birthday Legends, Directors, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Classic Movie Legend Tribute: David Lean

Mini Tribute: Paula Winslowe

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born March 23, 1910 Actress Paula Winslowe! 

Paula Winslowe appeared in over 30 roles, mostly on TV — including Mrs. Martha Conklin in Our Miss Brooks (radio and TV), Mary Dunkle / Mrs. Peabody on  The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (TV) and Mrs. Netwick in My Mother the Car (TV). She was also the voice of Greta Gravel on The Flintstones.

Winslowe’s Feature Film ‘Claim-to-Fame’ was her Debut Film role as Bambi’s Mother in the 1942 Disney film classic, Bambi.

Paula Winslowe as Bambi's mother in 1942 Disney Film BambiPaula Winslowe as ‘herself’ and as Bambi’s mother in the 1942 Disney Film Bambi

…..

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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

 

Posted in Disney, Mini Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, TV Roles, Voice Actors | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Joan Crawford

Posted on March 23, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Joan Crawford, born March 23rd, 1905!

So, I’m going to honest with you all – my first impression of Joan Crawford was not actually Joan Crawford. Like many young children with a taste for flair and flamboyance, my first Joan Crawford experience was Faye Dunaway screaming “No more wire hanger!” in the movie Mommy Dearest. Now, I don’t want to start a debate over the validity of the film or claims against Crawford because, well, that’s just been done to death. What I want to say is that I’m glad I was able, in my teen years, to overcome that first impression and develop an appreciation for Crawford as a movie star.

What I appreciate about Crawford is not simply her on screen glamour, though glamorous she most definitely was. What makes me truly appreciate and respect Crawford was her dedication to her fans. Living under the credo that she was nothing without her fans, Joan Crawford would sit down for hours at a time and write personalized responses to her fan letters. If Joan Crawford were alive today, that would be the equivalent of answering every fan tweet she received — except instead of doing it in 140 characters, she, ya know, wrote whole entire letters. It’s estimated that in her lifetime, she wrote over three million letters. I can’t help but think that there are many people who probably haven’t written three million words, let alone three million letters, in their lifetime. So, to celebrate this most gracious of classic stars let us observe her being just that.

…..

Joan Crawford smiling at all her fan mail.

…..

Joan Crawford signing head shots.

…..

Joan Crawford writing her devoted fans.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

 

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

Classic Movie Birthdays, March 22

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Trying something a little new today… a tiny tribute to Classic Movie Birthdays…

Classic Movie Birthdays, today March 22 include:

…..

Chico Marx – Born March 22, 1887:  A Day at the Races, A Night at the Opera, Duck Soup, Horse Feathers…

Chico Marx A Day at the Races Tootsie Fruitsie Ice CreamChico Marx (as Tony) selling Racing Books to Groucho (as Dr. Hackenbush) in the Marx Brothers’ A Day at the Races (1937, Sam Wood director)

“Getta your tootsie-fruitsie ice cream!” -Chico Marx in A Day at the Races

…..

Karl Malden –  Born March 22, 1912: A Streetcar Named Desire (Best Supporting Actor Oscar), On the Waterfront (Supporting Actor Nomination), How the West Was Won, Nevada Smith -& of course TV’s Lt. Mike Stone on The Streets of San Francisco! Karl Malden as Father Barry in On the WaterfrontKarl Malden as Father Barry in On the Waterfront (1954,  Elia Kazan director)

“You’d better get rid of that gun unless you haven’t got the guts — and  if you don’t you’d better hang on to it!” -Karl Malden in On the Waterfront

…..

Joseph Schildkraut – Born March 22, 1896: The Life of Emile Zola (Best Sup Actor Oscar), Marie Antoinette, The Shop Around the Corner, The Diary of Anne Frank, Cleopatra 1934…

millie perkins and joseph schildkraut The Diary of Anne FrankMillie Perkins (as Anne Frank) and Joseph Schildkraut (as Anne’s father, Otto) in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959, George Stevens director)

“Always remember this Anna, there are no walls, no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind.” -Joseph Schildkraut in The Diary of Anne Frank

…..

Marcel Marceau – Born March 22, 1923: “Master of Silence” legendary mime, survived the Nazi occupation, joined the French Underground and saved children during WWII.

Marcel MarceauMarcel Marceau

…..

Virginia Grey – Born March 22, 1917: All That Heaven Allows, Another Thin Man, The Big Store, The Rose Tattoo, Madame X…

Actress Virginia GreyVirginia Grey

…..

James Westerfield – Born March 22, 1913: On the Waterfront, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Absent Minded Professor, True Grit…

James Westerfield Character ActorJames Westerfield

…..

Werner Klemperer – Born March 22, 1920: The Wrong Man, Judgment at Nuremberg – & of course he was Colonel Klink on Hogan’s Heroes!

Werner KlempererWerner Klemperer

…..

William Shatner – Born March 22, 1931: handful of parts in some Classic Movies (i.e. The Brothers Karamazov 1958 starring Yul Brynner), lots of TV roles – most famously as Sgt. T.J. Hooker AND of course Star Trek’s Captain Kirk!

Wiliiam Shatner as Captain KirkWiliiam Shatner as Captain Kirk

“I drink Labatt’s, not Romulan ale!” -William Shatner

…..

Herbert Rudley – Born March 22, 1910: The Seventh Cross, A Walk in the Sun, The Silver Chalice -& Eve Arden’s husband in The Mothers-in-Law!

Herbert Rudley Character ActorHerbert Rudley

…..

Wilfrid Brambell – Born March, 22 1912: I know him best as Paul’s Grandfather in A Hard Day’s Night! 🙂

Wilfrid Brambell A Hard Day's Night Paul's GrandfatherWilfrid Brambell as Paul’s Grandfather in The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night (1964, Richard Lester director)

“I’ve been in a train and a room, and a car and a room, and a room and a room.” -Wilfrid Brambell in  A Hard Day’s Night

…..

TO SEE WHO’S BORN ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (or any given day) check out the CMH Birthday Database

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

Posted in Birthday DATABASE, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Quotes, Today's Birthdays, TV Roles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment