The Post I Should Have Posted Yesterday: My Top 15 Favourite Actresses

So, here I am...intending to share with you my favourite actresses. A few years ago I went through a phase of making this list so frequently you wouldn't believe, and with all but the very first actress changing every time. I think I still have the lists somewhere, I might look them out to see how much they've changed! However, for today, it's my current favourite actresses. These ladies have been up in there in my favourite of favourites for quite a long time now...and I'm sure they'll be staying there for quite some time to come. Also, I can never make up my mind which order to put them in after the first 5! Also, because I can never decide, and because I feel [stupidly] bad about leaving people out I'm going to do my Top 15. I would to my Top 20, but that's a bit excessive (especially when I ramble so much!), so 15 fits the bill nicely! (;

Without further ado, I'll get started! My Top 5 are the actresses who I really, really admire and love...to an obsessive level! ;D

No. 1 (by a mile) Deborah Kerr

Reasons: Ever since I was really, really small I've loved Deborah. The reason I loved her then was because she always radiated warmth. She was comforting to watch, even in her more, uh, earthy (? I have totally the wrong word...) roles (most of which I didn't see 'til I was older, but even then the same holds true). When I watched her films (mainly The King and I over and over again (; ) I felt safe and happy. There was something so very reassuring in her poise, the way she spoke, and in the kind, brightness of her eyes.

When I started to appreciate people's acting skills more aged about 11/12 (before that, if I liked an actor/actress, I would have said they were the best in the world...EVER!!), I started finding something totally new in Deborah. She wasn't at all a showy actress, but the thing that really struck me was how well, or cleverly maybe, she used her eyes and her voice. It does sound silly saying that, I know, but really, if you just close your eyes and listen to her voice...it's amazing. She channelled so much emotion into it...it's really astounding! And her eyes, well, they speak volumes!

Although not an exotic beauty like Ava Gardner or Hedy Lamarr, she was an astonishing natural beauty. Also, she didn't care about going without make up in films. Check out The Sundowners...no make up, and she looked so radiant!

And lastly, she was, by all means, a wonderful lady off the screen. Jean Simmons once said of her "She is the most beautiful person, inside and out, I think I've ever met." (that's not word for word, by the way, as I can't remember it exactly!). She was very kind to her fans, and I once read a lovely story of how a fan wrote to her (I think it was in the 80s or 90s) telling her about her life and how she had a lot horrible things going on in it, and Deborah replied with the most beautiful letter, and after that they corresponded for many years. I also read that even when she became too ill to write letters any more, she used to get someone to write a Christmas card to this certain fan (I'm not sure if it was the same one as I just mentioned), and then she would sign it, and when she became even more ill and couldn't sign, she made sure to put two little kisses. I think that speaks for itself. She really was a lovely person! I wish I could have had the honour of meeting her! ♥

No. 2 - Greer Garson

Reasons: Ok, so No. 2 was really hard to choose. I was tussling with Greer and Barbara for ages, and I had already put Barbara there...but as I started to type out my reasons, I saw Greer with a really sad face begging me (in her delicious voice) to put her in the No. 2 slot. So, here she is! And that's kind of one of the reasons, because she talks to me inside my head. To be fair, I have conversations with a lot of my favourite actresses - for example, whenever I'm scared of something or someone, I talk to Bette Davis! (I'm actually not joking either...sooo, that make me really weird, yes?...I thought as much...)

The reason Greer Garson is No. 2, apart from the voices in my head, is because she was such a beautiful actress - and I'm not talking solely about her looks (I'm not that shallow, I hope!). Yes, she was extremely beautiful, but, aside from her physical beauty, she was beautiful in everything she did. The way she moved, the way she talked, the way she used her eyes...the way she used all of herself to make her acting absolutely stunning to watch! Greer was a wonderful lady!

No. 3 - Barbara Stanwyck

Reasons: She was just a stupendously amazing actress. She always delivered, and, in my humble opinion, she is definitely one of the greatest actresses of all time. To top off her exceptional acting chops, she was also sickeningly gorgeous and had a to-die-for voice!

No. 4 - Rosalind Russell

Reasons: Roz was just unbelievable. I really don't know what to say. I just love her. She was an amazing comedienne, but she was equally good in more serious roles (although, I must say I do love her comedic films the most...). I think she is surprisingly underrated :(

No. 5 - Bette Davis

Reasons: Bette Davis was cool. Really cool. She was so cool it hurts. There'll never be anyone who can match up to Bette Davis and her coolness. Oh, did I mention she's cool?

Aside from her coolness, she was an amazing actress. Yes, she did get a little stale towards the end of her career...much as I hate to admit it...but, still, it doesn't take away from the fact that she was one of the most glorious actresses of all time. She's up there with Babs.

...she was also waaaaay more amazing than Joan Crawford...

(The next 10 are in no particular order)

Eleanor Parker

Reasons: I would say that Eleanor Parker is one of the most underrated actresses of all time. I've always been extremely puzzled as to why she's never got the recognition she deserved. She was an incredible actress. Her versatility was quite astonishing, and she is always a pleasure to watch. She was exceptionally talented, beautiful and very, very charming. - so, why oh why didn't she get more appreciation and acknowledgement? I was buying some DVDs online the other day, and I happened to come across The Man With the Golden Arm. Apparently it doesn't star Eleanor Parker any more, it stars Rita Hayworth! Geez.

Audrey Hepburn

Reasons: Audrey was astounding. Simple as. There'll never be another Audrey. I think that often her films, other than Breakfast at Tiffanys and Roman Holiday (and the other 2/3 that are always in Audrey Hepburn Box Sets), are forgotten. It's sad, because she was in many other fine films! I sincerely hope that in the years to come she will be remembered not just as a fashion icon and the star of B+T, but as the fantastic actress that she was!

Jean Simmons

Reasons: Jean was an incredibly beautiful actress. In the same way as Greer Garson almost, but she was more fresh, youthful and exuberant. She oozed energy, especially in her earlier films. If I want cheering up, Jean is the one for the job!

Kate of the Clenched-Jaw Hepburn

Reasons: I used to love her...and then I really went off her. Now, I love her again - not as much as I used to, but she's back in my top 10. I think she was a brilliant actress, but, like Bette, she kind of went a bit stale towards the end. That was what made me dislike her for a while, but then I kind of got past that and saw her for her amazing talent again. I also love her voice. I don't care what anyone says...she did have a really cool voice. I take my hat off to Cate Blanchett for her portrayal of Kate in The Aviator - she almost had the voice down perfectly! (The same can't be said for Kate Beckinsale - WHY was she cast as Ava!?)

Maureen O'Hara

Reasons: She was an amazing actress, and her role as Maggie in The Parent Trap (one of my fav. films, and the first I saw her in) will always hold a special place in my heart! She was also way too gorgeous and had the perfect smile. ♥

Celeste Holm

Reasons: Because if it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't re-watch High Society. Well, it does have Frank, Bing and Louis in...so, I probably would. I don't think Celeste ever got the credit she deserved either! She was so charmingly funny...I just want to jump into the screen and hug her. Even photos of her, that aren't meant to be funny, are funny (in a good way...). She was infectiously charming and witty.

Lauren Bacall

Reasons: She was style. And she could act. So...she was a stylish - with a capital S - actress. Oh, and not only was she stylish and a great actress, she was drop dead gorgeous too. Absolutely stunning.

Ava Gardner

Reasons: Ava is another actress I think was, and is, incredibly underrated. Now wait, before you start thinking I'm off my rocker, let me explain. I think she's underrated for her acting ability. She's always been known as one of the most beautiful women in the world, and I think that has detracted from her recognition as a terrific actress. And, secretly, I wish I looked like her...or at least had her eyebrows.

Clara Bow

Reasons: The "It" girl certainly had it...whatever that "it" may have been. No one's had it since, and I venture to say no one will have it for a long, long time to come...if ever. She'll always be my favourite flapper, and the one whose hair I wish I had (you know you want it too...). Every time I mention her to someone and they say "Who?", as if she was never the most popular actress of the early 20s and received more fan mail than anyone else, it makes my heart sink. She paved the way for people like Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe...and even Maddona. And she was ten times greater than all of them too! :D

Louise Brooks

Reasons: She was incredible. Just watch her in anything. It was all in her eyes!! I'd like to see Keira Knightley (ugh) or any other modern "actress" try starring in a silent film. Actually, I wouldn't. It would be really, really painful. But yeah, back on track, Lulu was astounding. I dare you to watch Die Büchse der Pandora (Pandora's Box) and not come back and tell me that you think it's one of the best performances you've EVER seen.

(I love how the two silent film actresses clumped together...it was completely unintentional...)

So, there you have it! My 15 Favourite Actresses. The ladies who unfortunately didn't make it onto the list, but who would have if I'd have had more time (!), are:

Ingrid Bergman, Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse, Olivia de Havilland, Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow and Gene Tierney.

I hope you've enjoyed this post - I know I love reading who other people's favourite actors/actresses are, and their reasons for why.

Also, I was actually going to post this yesterday, but it took more time and energy than I had expected...so you get it today instead! (;

A presto!!

Photos For (hopefully!!) Autographs!

EEP! I am sooooooooo excited!! Really, really, really!!!! I just bought 12 photos in a BOGOF offer on Movie Market, and I'm so hyped! I decided to treat myself, because I just got some money and, also, I've been wanting to buy some photos to send for autographs for a loooong time. So, I finally bought them! YAY! Anyone who isn't so insane as I am would probably say that I went a bit OTT, which is why I'm not saying how much I spent (also, I don't like talking about money...it makes me uncomfortable...). I will say how much I saved with the offer though. I saved, wait for it....wait for it...*drum roll*...nearly £25!! The postage was also incredibly cheap, and they have so many gorgeous photos, posters etc. etc. that I could have spent all day browsing! I advise you to get over there straight away! (:

(Only the 10x8" photos are BOGOF, but it is really good value in my opinion. Oh, and it's for a limited time only, so just go on and check it out and see if there's anything that catches your fancy! (;)

I'll show you the photos I bought, in the order that I hope to send them! I had to switch and swap some photos several times after reading that Maureen O'Hara only signs one photo (so, if you're intending writing to her, don't include more than one photo!), after finding out that no one has had a "success" with Zsa Zsa Gabor for a long time (she is in her 90s though...it's understandable that she wouldn't want to be hassled with fan mail), and after also discovering that no one seems to have received anything back from Deanna Durbin for a while. I probably will write to Deanna and Zsa Zsa sometime, but for the moment I've decided to get the letters off to the others. Eventually, I whittled down my overflowing 'basket', and chose my final photos. For the actresses I wanted to send more than one photo too, I wanted at least one photo with a good view of her face, because autographs on photos like that seem more personal! (Well, to me anyway...)

(First, the 12 10x8" photos)

Olivia de Havilland

Maureen O'Hara

(Movie Matters don't have many photos of Maureen *sob* but there was such a gorgeous photo of her, however it wasn't a particularly appropriate for an autograph, so, as I can only send her one, I decided on this - which is still stunning.)

Eleanor Parker

(I'm not sure why I chose the last one...it just really stood out to me, and I would love to have it autographed! Oh, and it's a still from the 1966 film The Oscar if you're wondering...)

Lauren Bacall

(Gah! There were so many fabulous photos of Lauren that I spent aaages picking them. The first one I adore...like, really adore. And the last photo is just stunning. Wasn't she just glorious?)

Debbie Reynolds

(As with Lauren, there were lots of lovely photos of Debbie to choose from. I'm not sure if I'll send the first one, but I really love it! She looks so happy, and it makes me feel happy! ♥ The second is one of my all time favourite photos of Debbie, so to have it autographed would be a.m.a.z.i.n.g.!)

Gina Lollabrigida

(I really adore this photo of Gina! There were several others I really wanted to get, but they were either really dark or too cluttered so, I went for this one!)

Celeste Holm

(I didn't really have much choice in the matter of a photo of Celeste as this was the only photo they had of her. It's not my favourite, but it's not the worst they could have had, so I'm happy!)

Joan Fontaine

(Joan, Joan, Joan. How happy I would be to get a 'Sister Set' of autographs! There were only two photos I liked of Joan on the website, and the other was a bit to 'facey', so I picked this!)

(Next, the 4 6x4" photos I just couldn't resist...)

Olivia de Havilland

(I just love this one...)

Lauren Bacall

(I wanted a photo of her that was a bit closer to her face, and I just fell in love with this ♥ )

Debbie Reynolds

(Ok, this one is just so adorable. The moment I saw it I wanted to buy it, but I'd already decided on the other two photos, so I was like "Musn't buy...musn't buy...". But Debbie made me. It's all her fault, honestly ('; )

Gina Lollabrigida

(This isn't my favourite photo of Gina, but as I said before, a lot of the other photos weren't appropriate for [hopefully] autographs. However, I do still love this photo. Let's face it, Gina always looks beautiful! )

I'm not sure which I will send, and which I won't. I might send some of them two, and others just the one. I don't know. But whatever I do, I will keep you all updated with the writing and sending of the letters to the above lovely ladies, and of course I will [excitedly] inform you if I receive any of the photos back signed!!

I hope you've enjoyed this post, and it's not been too hyper and overwhelmingly mad! I'm feeling a lot better than I have for a couple of weeks, so that's another reason I'm excited too! Although, we are cancelling out holiday in France that was set to be a week yesterday, but hopefully the gîte owners will be dears and let us push it back to the middle of August! I really hope they do as I've been looking forward to the holiday since we booked in January! In hindsight, it was silly of us to book then because of my ridiculous health, but we learnt the hard way! Ah well. If we do go, it will be lovely! All summer dresses, sun hats and sunglasses. And pastries. Lots of them.

Anyway, that's enough of a ramble from me! Congrats if you got to the end! (;

A presto!

Star of the Day

Celeste Holm

I can't remember whether I first saw Celeste in High Society or All About Eve, but, whichever it was, she certainly made an impression on me.

I think it was her wonderful facial expressions that endeared her to me (endeared me to her? It's one of those phrases that I'm never quite sure which way around it goes...) and the fact that, if needed, she was always there ready to bring some comic relief. Hmm...that sounds like possibly High Society was the first film I saw her in! She doesn't have much to be comical about in All About Eve...

(from l-r: Gary Merrill, Bette Davis, George Sanders, Anne Baxter, Gregory Ratoff and Celeste)

I've seen in a fair amount of films, and she never fails to bring a smile to my face. I also love her voice. She reminds me a lot of Barbara Stanwyck, especially in looks and a little in voice too!

Don't you think? They were both too gorgeous! Grr...

I'm actually gearing myself up to write a letter to her at the moment. Having not had the chance to send letters to Deborah Kerr, Jean Simmons and Cyd Charisse (all of whom I was in the process of writing to, or about to write to at the time of their passing...), I've finally decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I'm a bit nervous because, and I know it's silly, it almost feels like I probably shouldn't write in case she...passes away too! I will let you all know when I write to her and when I hopefully get a reply of some description! I would go absolutely bananas...

A presto!!

Le Wonderful Survey

Well, as last night I couldn't get to sleep until gone 7 A.M. I decided that today I would make an easier going post. 'Tis a wonderful survey by Kate of Silents and Talkies and Millie of ClassicForever.

Which actors do you always (or did you always) mix-up?

Jean Simmons and Vivien Leigh. I used to think Vivien Leigh was in Jean's role in Great Expectations and I thought that Jean was Scarlett's daughter in Gone With the Wind. I was a confused child. Nowadays, I get Julia Roberts and Jennifer Garner mixed up.

Gidget or Beach Party?

I have no opinion on these, so...

Favourite Movie Outfit?

Oh.my.days. I have no idea. I was always enamoured with Deborah Kerr's dresses in The King and I and especially the banquet scene dress...so, I'll go with that. Oh, and definitely both of Audrey's little black dresses in Breakfast at Tiffanys.

If you could be ANY character in ANY movie...who would you choose?

This sounds really dull BUT, I always loved Mrs. Miniver. Like, really. Maybe I just want to be Greer Garson :/ Or perhaps Auntie Mame...

If you could live in ANY movie...which would you choose?

The Parent Trap because it's such a wonderful happily-ever-after film, or The Grass Is Greener or Singin' In The Rain.

Black & White movies you wish were in Technicolor, or vice-versa?

I always kind of thought Sabrina could have been more enjoyable in colour. I used to wish From Here To Eternity was in colour...but now I don't.

Favorite Movie Soundtrack?

Ahhhh...just to be loyal to Deborah - The King and I (; It's definitely my most played!

Favorite Movie Dance Sequence?

Oh my word. Gah. As you're forcing me to pick...

The Broadway Melody from Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YWBOfsXsDA&feature=related

Coolest Movie Star?

Ooof. Robert Mitchum. He was very cool. Or Steve McQueen - but that's too obvious.

Sophia or Gina (Oh, how Kate enjoys replaying Gina's sad defeat OVER AND OVER!)?

Gina...purely for the fact that she grew up quite near to my family's hometown in Italy.

"Isn't It Romantic" in most Billy Wilder films, or "Red River" in most John Ford films?
"Isn't It Romantic"

If you could re-cast ANY role in ANY movie, what would it be?

Ooh. Probably Julie Andrews as Eliza in My Fair Lady instead of Audrey.

Favorite movie character with your first name?
I can honestly only think of Sophie in Sophie's Choice and Sophie in Mamma Mia (weirdly connected to Meryl!), so I'll go with the former purely because of Meryl (:

One movie that should NEVER be remade? (under THE THREAT OF A SLOW, PAINFUL DEATH!)

Definitely Gone With the Wind, Casablanca and The Sound of Music *nods* Oh, and His Girl Friday...

Actor or Actress who you would love to be best friends with?

I would have loved to have been in a little 'gang' with Deborah Kerr, Greer Garson, Roz Russell and Bette Davis - eventually we would expand to include Celeste Holm, Maureen O'Hara, Jean Simmons and Kate Hepburn. Oh, and eventually Audrey Hepburn would come along and join the gang. What fun we'd have! Tea parties galore!

Are you an Oscar or a Felix?

I would say I'm more like Felix BUT Oscar is amazing (;

Actor/Actress you originally hated and now love?

Ava Gardner

Actor/Actress you originally loved and now don't like?

None that I can think of. I never used to have an opinion on Joan Crawford, but now I'm on Team Bette which means I strongly dislike her soooo...kinda sorta, yeah?

Favorite performance that was looked over by Oscar? (Not to be confused with the aforementioned Oscar of Felix fame.)

Deborah Kerr in The King and I and the Sundowners. It's disgusting she never won for those roles.

Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie?

Agnes Moorehead cannot be bettered - Bewitched forever.

Hannibal Heyes or Kid Curry? (Hint for those who don't know who they are: pick Kid Curry.)

Kid Curry.

Favorite Style Icon: Fred Astaire or Cary Grant?
Sorry Fred, but Cary was the most stylish stylish person ever to exist :')

Single most favorite movie scene EVER?

Oh deary me. Possibly the Shall We Dance? scene in the King and I; possibly the first, second and last scene in Breakfast At Tiffanys; possibly, the most confusing scene of all time in His Girl Friday; possibly...oh come on, I can't pick.

Movie you really "should" see, but have subconsciously been avoiding for who knows what reason?

The Blair Witch Project (which I used to think was real :| ) because I know I'd be scared out of my mind.

(I'm not entirely sure why I should see it...but w/e)

Movie quote you find yourself most often repeating in real life?

(I'm so original...not) 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn' and, recently, just because I've heard it so much, when people do something for me 'I[we] thank you very sweetly, for doing it so neatly' :|

50's Westerns or 60's Spies? (I can't even answer this myself...but you have to! MWAHAHAHA!)

50's Westerns

Favorite splashy, colorful, obnoxious 50's musical?

Singin' In the Rain is the ultimate.

Favorite film setting (example: Rome, Paris, Seattle, Siberia, Chile, Sahara Desert, etc)?

Probably Paris or Rome.

If you could own the entire wardrobe of any film, which would it be?

Deborah's clothes in Dream Wife (minus the ridiculous hats!) or Holly Golightly's - just for those lbd's.

Carol Burnette or Lucille Ball?

Lucille

Favorite Voice. Ever. Period?

Katherine Hepburn's has always intrigued me, but I adore Greer Garson's, Deborah Kerr's, Bette Davis' and Glynnis Johns' (what a marvellous, melodious voice!). If we were stretching further forward than the Golden Age though...Jeremy Iron's, David Suchet's, Zoe Wanamaker's, and Gillian Anderson's (:

Favorite movie that takes place in your home-state?

n/a

Which actors would you want for relatives? (Mother, Father, Grandma, Crazy Aunt, annoying cousin, older brother, etc...)

Mother: Definitely Deborah Kerr :yes: A sort of Susan-Julie/Lorelei-Rory thing :D

Father: Walter Pidgeon

Grandma: Katharine Hepburn

Granddad: Frank Sinatra (Kate and Frank :O Oh my word!)

Aunts: Greer Garson (the young aunty who takes you shopping and buys you nice things), Roz Russell (the hilarious aunty who people don't take seriously...but who is amazing) Bette Davis (probably the black sheep of the family - but amazing, and she'd get on well with her neice (; ), and Glynnis Johns (totally hilarious).

Sisters: Celeste Holm (the awesome sister who comes shopping with Aunty Greer and I) Maureen O'Hara (the sister with hundreds of boy friends! but she's cool!) Cyd Charisse (the artsy, enthusiastic sister who is also very caring), Jean Simmons (the youngest. Cute and cuddly), and Barbara Stanwyck (just awesome!)

Brothers: Peter O'Toole (the older, amazing brother)

Annoying Cousin: Joan Crawford (just so that Bette has one up on her...being her Aunt and all!)

Cousin: Audrey Hepburn (quiet, bookish, but awesome!)

Uncles: Cary Grant and Robert Mitchum (:

That's all folks!

A Continuation [of sorts]...

Here I am again! (: As I said I would at the end of yesterday's post, today I'm continuing [to ramble] on the topic that I introduced yesterday. I can't seem to stay on topic because of silly brain fog, so bear with me.

I belieeeve I was discussing Jean Harlow just before I ended the post yesterday, so I shall continue in that vein. I suppose I may as well just write about my favourite actresses from those wonderful four decades (20s through 50s, if you'd forgotten!!) and ramble along the way. It's more fun that way.

So, I've mentioned Deborah Kerr and Jean Harlow. I briefly touched on Joan and Bette, but both of them (however much I dislike Joan) deserve more elaboration. I couldn't possibly put both of them in post together (!) so I shall rave about my favourite today: Bette.

Yes, yes, yes...as I said yesterday, I am proud to proclaim myself as being on Team Bette. She was one.of.a.kind. And I love.love.love.her!

Although I'd never seen any of her films until about 3 years ago, I'd always known who she was. I remember my parents making references to the song Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes, which, if you haven't heard it, contains nods to Jean Harlow ("Her hair is Harlow gold...") and the wonderful Greta Garbo ("She got Greta Garbo standoff sighs...") as well as the obvious nod to Miss Davis. Bette was apparently a fan of the song and said in her memoir that "It was a thrill to become a part of the rock generation." Such a typical Bette thing to say. I can hardly imagine Greta Garbo saying something like that.

The first Bette film I watched was the famous All About Eve and I can safely say that I wasn't disappointed one bit. The rest of the cast was amazing (cue my adoration of the grossly underrated actress Celeste Holm) but Bette gave a stunning performance. She was Margo Channing. However, after seeing more of her films, I've realised that she was each and everyone of her characters - and that's what I love about her. I can't remember who said it (it could have been the author of Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud) but I think this quote speaks volumes "Joan was the movie star and Bette was the actress". It's so true. Bette was an actress through and through, whereas Joan and lots of their contemporaries were mere 'movie stars'. I would venture to say that even Joan was more actress than most of the 'actresses' nowadays, however. (That doesn't include Meryl Streep (; You know the type I mean...)

I should probably give her D.O.B. and D.O.D. as everyone likes to know useless bits of info:

Bette Davis: April 5th, 1908 - October 6th, 1989.

Those eyes. That smoulder. Just...wow.

I think I'll take myself off now! As I seem to have managed to only post about Bette Davis today, who knows who I'll be posting about tomorrow!

Here are a few of my favourite photos of Bette and Kim Carnes' Bette Davis Eyes...enjoy!! A presto!