Star of the Day

Donna Reed

She's never really been one of my favourite actresses, and I just tend to forget about her a lot of the time! It's sad, I know...she was so lovely.

I suppose the reason I'm not fond of her is because I've not seen that many of her films - and I've never seen the Donna Reed show! I want to get around to watching it one day, but for now, I have other things I'd rather watch!

I do, however, think Donna is an absolute darling, and that's why I gave her this spot as the Star of the Day. I know a lot of people love her, and I would like to watch more of her films, so hopefully one day I'll get around to it!

(do you not think her eyes look so beautiful in this photo!?)

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!!

Star of the Day

In Memory of Cyd Charisse

Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

I'm convinced if Shakespeare had been writing that in the '50s, he'd have been writing it about Cyd.

Words cannot describe my love for Cyd (real name: Tula Ellice Finklea). When I was little, she was one of the people I 'wanted to be' when I was older. I wanted to look like her and, of course, be able to dance like her. Hah. In my dreams!

I was really upset to hear of her death, 2 years ago, to the day, June 17th, 2008. It's actually really strange, because I didn't know who or what to blog about today, so I thought "Oh, I'll just do a star of the day!" So, I decided to blog about Cyd, even though it had completely slipped my mind that today was the 2 anniversary of her death. I was searching for a couple of extra photos to put in this post, when I remembered. I was quite gobsmacked for a moment!

Cyd is most remembered for her amazing ability as a dancer (but she was a wonderful actress too!). She is definitely my all time favourite. I'd pick her over Ginger Rogers any day. Don't get me wrong though, I love Ginger too! There's something about Cyd that just completely mystifies me, always has done.

It's hard for me to pick one of my favourite Cyd dance numbers, but I think I would probably go with her dance number in Singin' In the Rain. I've always loved this scene - it makes me want to get up and dance, and then it makes me want to cry! Oh, the power of dance!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc16m2B2K1g&feature=related

(I can't embed either, unfortunately)

I also love this scene from The Band Wagon

And this scene from Silk Stockings

Whenever Cyd danced, it was magical. It just seemed so natural and easy for her - it was a part of her!

Rest in Peace, Cyd. I'm sure that you're dancing to your hearts content up there in the clouds - without getting all bruised (if you're dancing with Gene!) ♥

(I wish I had her looks...)


(...and her figure!)

Star of the Day

Maureen O'Hara

I think Maureen is absolutely wonderful! I first saw her in The Parent Trap, and even after having seen quite a few of her other films, it's still one of my favourites. She's witty, beautiful, charming and...I love her wardrobe!

I'm highly jealous of the fact that she even manages to look good in a dressing gown!

Maureen starred in over 40 films, in a career spanning from the late '30s to the mid '70s (although she did undertake a few film and t.v roles in the '90s). As well as being beautiful, she also had a real flair for acting. She is a joy to watch in any of her films. As clichéd as this sounds, she does brighten up the screen whenever she appears. I'll never tire of her beaming smile, melodious voice, and the little Irish twinkle in her eyes!

(in The Parent Trap)

(with her famous on screen partner, John Wayne)

(and again...)

(I wish this was my signed photo!)

(as Lady Godiva)

(I really, really want her dress in this photo! *swoons* )

My Mind Is A Time Machine!

Hello everyone!

Per prima cosa: Ho alcuni lettori italiani! Grazie e benvenuto! Vi amo! (:

Well, I was watching Doctor Who last night (this does get more interesting, I promise!) and at the end they showed a sneak peek of next week's episode - the first half to the series finale. Once again, the 'Pandorica' was mentioned as it has been throughout this series (it's been quite tantalising really!) but last night it made me realise just how much my brain isn't living in the present time at all. Every time the 'Pandorica' has been mentioned this series, I see Louise Brooks' face, and last night they showed what I presume to be Pandora's Box. As soon as I saw it I got an image of it opening and Louise Brooks' jumping out...

...and the image is odd to say the least.

I just thought that was really funny (and strange). On numerous occasions things like that happen to me, but it only just hit me last night. I don't know...is it a good or a bad thing? I like to think that it's good! My Grandmother, step-Granddad and I have conversations that must seem really strange to onlookers. We talk about long since forgotten actresses, singers and dancers from the 30s through 50s (my Grandparents don't go back as far as I do!!) and events that happened during those years. My Mum has said how strange it sounds because it seems like I was there too! Oh, I wish! But, it is really, really interesting. Ever since I was little, I've always loved to listen to older people talking. They've lived, they have things to talk about and they are much more interesting than my peers! It really angers me when people of my generation don't give older people the respect they deserve by listening to them. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here!

Rant.over.

So, does anything like that happen to you? I'm sure it does, it seems like quite a common 'symptom' of people who are in love with the past.

I may as well post more photos of Louise Brooks - she can be the Star of the Day.

A presto!

Star of the Day

As I'm still not feeling up to posting much, here is a little something to make me feel like I'm not neglecting this blog! A question in the classic film survey I posted the other day inspired this...

Gina Lollabridgida

I adore Gina, to put it simply. I often think she's been unfairly forgotten, whilst Sophia Loren is still out there...remembered by everyone.

I never much liked Sophia, but...ti amo, Gina!!

I think Gina was more beautiful, more talented, and much more charming. Plus, she grew up very near to my family's home town in Italy. Although, Sophia was also quite near too...well, Gina was closer! (;

(I want that dress...)

She was exceptionally talented (I'm not quite sure why I'm using the past tense, so I'm going to switch...). She is a photographer and sculptor (sculptress?), and I believe she also dabbled in politics at one point.

Anyway, that's all for today!