Hi. Click on any photo below to bring you directly to the page of that post. Thanx!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE & WAR & AVA
posted: Ava’s Birthday 12 / 24 / 22
I wanted to explore a coupla times AVA faced off with competition in a movie. The Bechdel Test be damned. Whether she’s verbally sparring, uses one-upsmanship or just all out goes to WAR with another woman, Ava is always interesting to watch. How to get your man . . . or throw him back. See how it’s done girls. See how it’s done!
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ALL ABOUT AVA
posted: December 1st, 2022
TCM’s December Star of the Month is the legendary AVA GARDNER. I went down to her hometown in Smithfield North Carolina where the Ava Gardner Museum is celebrating her centennial with a weekend festival. This post will cover the music, places, photos and artifacts related to Ava, showing she was more than a pretty face. But then again . . . what a face!
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THE MUMMY . . . HAS VERTIGO?
posted: October 15th, 2022
How do these two movies mirror each other? Let me count the ways.
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THE CAFTAN WOMAN BLOGATHON ~ MARKED WOMAN ( 1937 )
posted: May 6th, 2022
My contribution to the blogathon honoring the late Patricia Nolan-Hall, a favorite blogger among bloggers, is a movie she’s covered: “MARKED WOMAN”
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MY FIRST TIME: Looking Back at the 2011 TCM Film Festival
posted: April 7th, 2022 Part 2: Los Angeles & Hollywood
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MY FIRST TIME: Looking Back at the 2011 TCM Film Festival
posted: April 6th, 2022 ~ Part 1: Getting There
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8th ANNUAL FAVOURITE TV SHOW EPISODE BLOGATHON
posted: March 19th, 2022
A hilarious episode of “THE GOLDEN GIRLS” has Dorothy’s old college classmate fall in love with Rose. The thing is —-
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CAFTAN WOMAN ( RIP )
posted: March 7th, 2022
What can I say . . . this hurts.
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ELLERY QUEEN for the “We Love Detectives” Blogathon
posted: February 25th, 2022
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SUZANNE PLESHETTE: Sultry, Ravishing & Seriously Funny
posted: January 31st, 1937
The unforgettable Suzanne Pleshette. She really could do it all.
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SEEING IT AGAIN…FOR THE FIRST TIME
posted: 02 ~ 02 ~ 2020
I thought I knew this movie backwards and forwards. I saw little things I never saw before.
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WENDY’S CINEMATIC FRIENDSHIPS
posted January 18th, 2020
by Wendy Merckel
“…Just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships have been forgot
Ours, will still be hot.”
Today is my blog’s FIFTH anniversary. Now while I’m out and about celebrating my own birthday on this snowy NYC Saturday, I shall leave you in the very capable hands of my friend Wendy, one of the best writers I know. On her guest essay, she’s going to talk about friendships in movies. If you click on the photos above, you’ll read Wendy’s baker’s dozen of movie friendships. It’s a refreshing read. Thanks, Wendy.
I know I’ve slowed down my posting a bit. I want to thank you all for your continued reading of my Essays from the Couch. I appreciate your support.
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A DAY AT THE RANCH
posted November 23rd, 2019
by Ruth Mundsack
My Classic Film Sista Sistuh ~ Ruth Mundsack ~ has a Guest Essay spot here on the Couch.
Ruth, President of the Silver Screen LBC-Classic Film Club and TCM Backlot member writes about her experience spending the day at the McCrea Ranch out in Thousand Oaks, CA. with a group of other classic film fans. This was a working ranch owned by actor Joel McCrea and his actress-wife Frances Dee where they raised their family of sons.
You’re one click away from the Ranch.
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SUNRISE: THE SUNSET OF SILENT CINEMA
posted April 25th, 2019
Would I be up to appreciating this classic so many revere?
With the help of my friend Wendy, she guides me through Murnau’s masterpiece of film- making with her wonderful essay.
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2018 TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL
posted March 11th, 2019
I am one month away from attending TCM’s 10th ( count ’em, TENTH )
Classic Film Festival. What better time than now to talk about last year’s
festival. If you have a moment, please tip toe through the tulips of a
swell classic film memory. Thanks!!
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MY NICK and NORA:
Couples Who Movie Together
posted: March 1st, 2018
One of the friendships I happily made at the Turner Classic Movie Classic Film Festival is with Andrea and Richard Rosen. Andrea has recently passed away and she will be missed. Here is a brief essay about their experience at the 2018 TCMFF.
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STEPHEN McNALLY
posted: December 14th, 2018
He’s a bad guy. He’s a good guy. He’s a good bad guy. For the annual ‘What A Character Blogathon’, I’m going to talk about some films actor Stephen McNally did. Whew! He was good when he was bad.
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EVELYN ANKERS
posted: August 17th, 2018
Just a small shout out to a delightful actress of Universal horror films.
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CLASSIC FILM FANS: INTERNATIONAL STYLE
posted: July 9th, 2018
Americans don’t have the sole claim of loving films from the ‘Golden Age of Hollywood.’ Meet seven fans from around the world who share with me, their journey in classic films. I cover the waterfront ( and continents ) with this issue. And I couldn’t have done it without these fans. Thank you!!
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LESLIE HOWARD: What Was And Might Have Been
by Wendy Merckel
posted: June 27th, 2018
I’ve got a lovely Guest Essay for you here on the couch written by my friend
Wendy Merckel about Leslie Howard. Oh yeah, he was more than just THAT
one movie…
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THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
posted ~ Friday, March 23rd, 2018
My write~up of an episode called “APEX” where a man and his mistress conspire to kill his wife.
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VERTIGO
posted ~ Tuesday, March 20th, 2018
“You shouldn’t keep souvenirs of a killing. You shouldn’t have been that sentimental.”
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THE FREE FOR ALL CLASSIC FILM BLOGATHON
posted ~ March 3rd, 2018
I’ve got a smorgasbord of topics here from twenty~seven bloggers. Why don’t you set a spell on ye olde couch and work your way through this interesting array of writing for my free~for~all blogathon.
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OUT OF THE PAST
by Trudy Ring ~ posted March 1, 2018
She walks in out of the sunlight. And so it begins…in flashback. Trudy
talks about the quintessential film noir.
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THE SHANGHAI GESTURE
posted ~ February 25th, 2018
I am here to give you a wild, rip~roaring ride through von Sternberg-land. Your host, Mother Gin Sling. Who is she? If you don’t know, I’m here to tell you. Just click her photo. Carefully, now. Carefully. She bites.
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WHO WEARS THE PANTS?
posted ~ February 9th, 2018
Today, I’m posting some fotos of some of Hollywood’s most popular leading ladies from back in the day, going with the casual look of wearing slacks. I think they look fantastic. What do YOU think.
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by Fernando Silva ~ posted January 29th, 2018
It’s absolutely Paramount you read these reviews. ( See what I did there?! Nyuk! Nyuk! )
If you click onto the Paramount logo, you’ll get directly to Fernando’s page. If you click on the movie posters, it will take you directly to his individual reviews. Start clicking! And enjoy!
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by Robert Regan ~ posted January 23rd, 2018
French actress JEANNE MOREAU would have turned 90 years old today. She died six months ago this past July 2017, leaving behind a wonderful body of work as her legacy …and many admirers still captivated. My friend, guest writer Robert Regan writes this piece about her.
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BLOGATHON DIRECTORY
posted ~ December 30th, 2017
Click here to see how 2017 went down in the world of blogathons.
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WILLIAM WELLMAN: A WHAM-BAM-THANK YOU-MA’AM DIRECTOR
Wendy T. Merckel ~ posted December 9th, 2017
.
Pretty simple. Pretty straightforward. Pretty wonderful. The director and the writing. On the anniversary of losing one of the great directors of the classic era, Wendy Merckel kindly contributes her thoughts about her ten favorite films of Wild Bill Wellman.
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THERE’S NO FRIGATE LIKE A BOOK ~ posted November 24th, 2017
by Fernando Silva
In Fernando’s Corner, there are a couple of book recommendations, that might make nice Christmas gifts for your friends who like classic films. Come…check this out.
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TOUCHEZ PAS AU GRISBI ( 1954 )
Post for November 17th, 2017
Need to brush up on your French? This means ‘how in the bloody hell did we get in THIS predicament?!!’ No, it doesn’t. But you can read all about it for the IT TAKES A THIEF! blogathon this week~end. That’s right…it’s all about the money. Or is it.
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THE STRANGE LOVE OF MARTHA IVERS ( 1946 )
Guest Essay by TRUDY RING ~ posted October 25th, 2017
When STANWYCK first strides into this 1946 film noir classic, you know she means business. There’s almost twenty years of screen experience taking command, taking your attention. Taking you by the lapels and saying “kiss me…for old time’s sake.” Check out writer Trudy Ring’s account of one of the top five films of the genre. It’s got everything. Hey, her writing commands attention, too! Enjoy!
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CRÉPUSCULO
Posted October 15th, 2017
In this 1945 film starring Arturo de Còrdova, it’s love at first sight. That always ends well…
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THEY WON’T BELIEVE ME
posted October 5th, 2017
When a man cheats on his wife AND on his mistress AND is on trial for a murder he didn’t commit, I’d say you stumbled onto a little fan~fared Film Noir Classic. See the film this Sunday on TCM’s NOIR ALLEY, and be sure you read my review.
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JENNIFER JONES ~ TCM STAR OF THE MONTH
posted September 5th, 2017
She is TCM’s Star of the Month…and I am a very happy camper.
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KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES ~ JENNIFER JONES
Both my friends Bob and Fernando weigh in on Jennifer Jones
FERNANDO’s CORNER ROBERT REGAN
posted 9 / 5 / 2017 posted 9 / 5 / 2017
Jennifer Jones mixes the ethereal Revolutionary~style Jennifer Jones
with the earthy as a gypsy as a Cuban fighting for freedom
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FERNANDO’s CORNER ~ posted August 26th, 2017
CHARLES BOYER
August 28th, 1899 ~ August 26th, 1978
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
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ANN HARDING
posted August 21st, 2017
ANN HARDING might not be the first name that comes to mind to even the most ardent classic film fans. Beats the Hell outta me…
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THE BEST OF EVERYTHING
posted ~ August 20th, 2017
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JEANNE MOREAU
posted ~ July 31st, 2017
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SABOTEUR ( 1942 )
posted ~ July 28th, 2017
Hitchcock uses his WRONG MAN theme to good effect in this thriller where an innocent man MUST catch a saboteur…but runs into those behind this treason. Could practically be ripped from TODAY’s headlines. Enjoy!!
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‘TILL DEATH US DO PART Blogathon
posted on July 24th, 2017
Beware when you click on this post folks. For my blogathon I want writers to cover murders where one spouse tries to kill the other. You can enjoy this from a vicariously safe distance. Thanks for reading. And for giving you ideas????
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HISTORY IS MADE AT NIGHT ( 1937 )
posted on July 20th, 2014
This film stars Jean Arthur ~ Charles Boyer ~ Colin Clive in a tale of spousal abuse that made my jaw drop. I hadn’t thought there were such things in movies in 1937. Well not normally…but director Frank Borzage goes there. Please…check out my review. You’ll
be surprised.
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BARBARA STANWYCK: OSCAR’S PERENNIAL BRIDESMAID
Posted by Trudy Ring ~ July 16th, 2017
Guest writer Trudy Ring writes about Barbara Stanwyck’s Oscar~nominated performances.
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TEXANS TALK TURKEY ABOUT CLASSIC FILMS
Posted ~ July 5th, 2017
In this post, I let the Texans do the talking as I ask them about their love of classic films and how being from Texas might have shaped this love
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THE NITRATE PICTURE SHOW ~ Posted June 5th, 2017
Me and Wendy went to Rochester New York to the Nitrate Picture Show. Let me tell you all about it.
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Posted ~ May 30th, 2017
I took the 30-DAY MOVIE CHALLENGE. And you can too. Click here to see my answers.
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I’ll just leave her right here ~ Posted May 18th, 2017
You know what to do…
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FIVE STARS BLOGATHON
Posted ~ May 16th, 2017
Who are my five favorite movie stars? You can read this short fluffy piece to find out. And who are YOURS?
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CONSTANCE FORD: A DISH…BEST SERVED COLD
Posted ~ April 29th, 2017
HEY GUYS! WHERE YOU BEEN?
For the fourth annual Great Villain Blogathon, I’m going to talk about a Mother who has no good maternal instincts…at all. None. Nada. Zilch. I’ll explain above.
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DEAR ROBERT…
Posted ~ March 6th, 2017
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The 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival
Posted ~ April 28th, 2016
About time I recapped my trip to Hollywood, and TCM’s film festival.
Join me…there’s a lot to unpack.
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GUEST ESSAY ~ JEFF LUNDENBERGER
Posted ~ March 6th, 2017
MY FIRST TIME AT THE RODEO
It is one month before the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival and Jeff recounts his thoughts on the first time he attended the TCMFF, back in 2011. Come…take a trip down memory lane.
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‘THE OX~BOW INCIDENT”
Posted ~ February 17th, 2016
Who knows WHAT course America might’ve taken if the Academy could have voted this the Best Picture of 1943 . . .let me tell you why.
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AND THE WINNER IS…
by Jeff Lundenberger ~ posted February 17th, 2016
The contest for the Best Actress of 1950 was a fierce one. Read my Guest writer’s exploration of five fantastic performances that still have film buffs arguing to this day.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!!!
I’ll start this new year off right with my friend Fernando’s writing about the lovely Ann Harding. Check out these three reviews by merely clicking on the poster.
Posted ~ January 6th, 2017
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HERE A BLOG…THERE A BLOG…EVERYWHERE A BLOGATHON
Posted ~ December 31st, 2016
I’ve created a blogathon directory for 2016. You can click here for topics and blog posts
created throughout the year. A lot of good writing has been going on. Please, check it out.
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TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY
Posted ~ December 16th, 2016
For the fifth annual “WHAT A CHARACTER!” blogathon, I thought I should honor the
dark, beautiful and talented RUTH ROMAN. It’s about time, don’cha think? C’mon,
have a read.
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I WALK ALONE
Posted ~ December 9th, 2016
Burt Lancaster spends fourteen years in prison for a robbery he AND Kirk Douglas
commit. Now out of prison, Lancaster expects Douglas to keep his end of the bar-
gain, but he doesn’t. Here’s where the trouble begins.
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EVE ARDEN
Posted ~ November 18th, 2016
When you gotta have friends…Eve Arden fits the bill
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A FACE IN THE CROWD
Posted ~ November 6th, 2016
A woman creates a tv personality, who takes things to a whole dangerous ‘nuther level. My thoughts on this film seemed ripped from today’s headlines.
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ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN
Posted ~ October 31st, 2016
A woman is attacked by an extra~terrestrial giant and contact with him causes her astounding growth. One of my favorite sci~ fi films of the 1950‘s.
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PITFALL
Posted ~ October 23rd, 2016
An insurance agent meets a woman who’s received stolen goods. One things leads to another and well…it won’t be what you expect.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’S CORNER ~ Posted October 23rd, 2016
THE APARTMENT THE DEVIL’S CIRCUS
The KEY to success in the com- A young Norma Shearer works in a
pany is to sleep your way to the circus where two men, a young crook
top. Well, you don’t actually sleep who loves her, and an old lech who
but you lend your apartment so stalks her. What’s a girl to do?
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NORA PRENTISS
Posted ~ October 16th, 2016
A doctor’s life spirals out of control when he has an extra~marital affair.
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ October 16th, 2016
A young policeman is ill~equipped to handle the femme fatale he
runs across in a jewel robbery case. There is nothing like her in
the police manual.
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A FAREWELL TO ARMS
Posted ~ October 9th, 2016
In the midst of war…these two fall in love.
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ October 9th, 2016
Love in a garret. It’s been done before and Fernando tells us what he thinks of this re~make.
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THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
Posted ~ October 2nd, 2016
A lie is as good as the truth if you can get someone to believe it. Could you live a lie?
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
FORT APACHE JOHNNY GUITAR
Posted ~ October 2nd, 2016 Posted ~ October 2nd, 2016
Respect has got to be earned, but some Crawford has her hands full in this old
folks gotta learn the HARD way. Western town. The railroad’s coming
through, two old gunslinging lovers fight
over her…and she has to battle Mercedes
McCambridge.
THREE GODFATHERS ( 1936 )
Posted ~ October 2nd, 2016
Fernando finds this not heralded film needs another
look.Three desperadoes have to take care of a baby
along the way and finds it not only cramps their
style…but helps them find their way back to
themselves. Check out his review, and then hunt
down this movie.
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IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND ( 1951 )
Posted ~ September 19th, 2016
A phony fortune teller can’t see his own future in this Mexican film noir starring Arturo de Cordova.
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INGRID BERGMAN
Posted ~ August 15th, 2016
Ingrid Bergman’s centennial was August 2015. She was such an amazing actress,
I don’t see why not give her another little shout~out. See video by Sarahismyname.
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GUEST ESSAY ~ CAPITOLFEST DIARY
by Jeff Lundenberger
Posted ~ August 29th, 2016
Jeff went to Rome for a Silent Film Festival featuring Gary Cooper. Well…he can tell it
better than I can. Please photos for story.
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THE DEVIL COMMANDS
Posted ~ August 26th, 2016
Scientist Boris Karloff finds a way to communicate with the dead. He wants
to really explore and implement his experiments in a big way.
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HIGH BARBAREE
Posted ~ August 25th, 2016
An old classic film, on-line pal ( KINGRAT ) recommended I see Van Johnson and June Allyson in “HIGH BARBAREE” ~ a film he describes as one of the ten “delicate romantic films from the 1940’s.” I watched it. Folks…it is. IT IS! Please, check this out.
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VALENTINO
Posted ~ August 23rd, 1926
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GUEST IN THE HOUSE
Posted ~ August 16th, 2016
You meet and fall in love with your fiancee, who’s from the mental institution
you work in. You bring her home to meet your family. What could go wrong?
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GUEST ESSAY by Karin Mustvedt-Plüss
July 18th, 2016
My classic film fan friend gives me a lesson on why I should really check out more
pre~code films, by telling me why these films are among her favorites. Lets go back
…to 1932.
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THE FILMS OF 1932 ~ Posted July 10th, 2016
Hi! Step right in. Don’t be shy. Aurora’s Once Upon A Screen and my Essays from the Couch are co~hosting our first blogathon together and it’s going to be steamy. We’re covering films made in the pre-code era, specifically 1932…a VERY good year. Are you ready? Just click on the banner above. Gee. It’s getting hot in heeere!
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GUEST ESSAY ~ CYNARA ( 1932 )
by Trudy Ring ~ Posted July 10th, 2016
You just KNOW Ronnie’s in trouble if he’s on trial. It’s murder. And he’s got a lot of
mansplaining to do. My Guest Essay this week is from writer Trudy Ring does a
wonderful job writing about the 1932 Ronald Colman film: “Cynara.”
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TROUBLE IN PARADISE
Posted ~ July 6th, 2016
My entry for our HOT ‘N BOTHERED blogathon features a pair of jewel thieves trying to rook a high society gal out of her jewelry. But what happens when one of the thieves falls
in love with his victim? And what happens when that victim steals his heart. If you know Lubitsch like I know Lubitsch…ANYTHING can happen.
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ July 5th, 2016
A man is torn between two women. How does a girl, in a small Oh yeah, this romance
One, a free-spirited artist ( a friend town restore her ruined re- is doomed.
with benefits ) who he can also talk putation?
to, and the other…a glamorous, se-
ductive socialite who he marries.
What could go wrong with a set-up
like this.
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CLASSIC SYMBIOTIC COLLABORATIONS
Posted ~ July 1st, 2016
Re-visit the blogathon where bloggers talk about the collaboration between Director & Actor.
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GUEST ESSAY
by Jeff Lundenberger
Posted ~ June 24th, 2016
TWO MOMENTS THAT MOVE ME
Sometimes it doesn’t matter HOW many times you see a movie, if you can discover just one…more…thing…about…it. Like in Jeff’s case, above. See what he means by clicking
on Judy or Liza ( with a “Z.” )
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THE PARADINE CASE
Posted ~ June 14th, 2016
You would think that an attorney who falls in love with his client would work in her benefit to get her off for murder. Geeez…you’ve never seen an Alfred Hitchcock film, have you?
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REEL INFATUATION
Posted ~ June 13th, 2016
For this blogathon, we get to wax on, unabashedly, about what movie character we have a screen crush on. Well I talk about mine. Here. Just click on Errol Flynn’s lovely face above.
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ORDER IN THE COURT! BLOGATHON
Posted ~ June 10th, 2016
Second Sight Cinema and CineMaven’s Essays from the Couch join forces for our joint blogathon where we cover Classic Courtroom Movies. Peruse the entries we’ve received from writers all over the blogosphere. We’re in and out of court with adjournments, habeas corpuses, subpoenas, objections both sustained OR overruled and all manner of courtroom theatrics from the serious to the sublime.
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FERNANDO’S CORNER
Posted June 11th, 2016
Fernando is over the moon about this pre-code courtroom drama “The Kiss Before the Mirror.” See what he’s raving about by checking out his brief essay.
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* * * GUEST ESSAY * * *
“CASS TIMBERLANE” by the Honorable Michele S. Price
Posted ~ June 8th, 2016
Yep, you read that correctly. We’ve got a bonafide actual Judge contributing her essay on the life of a judge in M-G-M’s 1947 film “CASS TIMBERLANE” for our weekend blogathon, “ORDER IN THE COURT! The Classic Courtroom Movies Blogathon” Sit up straight and start reading.
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SEND ME NO FLOWERS
Posted ~ May 20th, 2016
This film is the perfect antidote for whatEVER ails me.
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FIVE MOVIES ON AN ISLAND
Posted ~ May 16th, 2016
My snoring finally did me in. I’ve been exiled to a deserted island. But at least,
I can bring five movies with me. These are the five I picked. Which ones would
YOU choose? Let me know.
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DEVIL’S DOORWAY
Posted ~ May 15th, 2016
Meeet Verne Coolan:
If he were on the ballot in November, I daresay he’d get a sizable vote. Louis Calhern plays the despicable race-baiting villain of “Devil’s Doorway.” He was so gallingly evil that I literally screamed “Eeeeeeeeeeeewwwwww” as I watched his dirty shenanigans. Egads! He was bad. And he’s in good company… in this year’s GREAT VILLAIN BLOGATHON.
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THE SILVER CORD
Posted ~ May 8th, 2016
When a man has to choose between his wife and his Mother that fish of a different color is already overcooked. Fernando and I each have our own thoughts about this very interesting, provocative and must-see film. Check out both posts.
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HOT & BOTHERED
Posted ~ May 7th, 2016
I am co-hosting a blogathon with Once Upon A Screen. You’re just a click away from writing about some great pre-code films. Go on…touch that poster above and get all hot and bothered. Go on…I dare ya!
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2016 TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL
Posted ~ April 28th, 2016
Yep…my yearly mecca to TCM’s Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Saw some movies, saw some movie stars and saw my peeps. You can read all about it here.
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HOLDEN
Posted ~ April 15th, 2016
Just a little sumthin’ sumthin’ about William Holden
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ April 11th, 2016
Now HERE is someone your Grandpa Penrod would have done cartwheels over, in the early 20’s. She’s CORINNE GRIFFITH. And Fernando talks a little about her most famous film “The Black Oxen.”
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ April 11th, 2016
Even early in William Powell’s career he was someone who got attention.
Fernando notices him in this early Paramount talkie, “Behind the Make-Up.”
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FERNANDO’S CORNER
Posted ~ April 11th, 2016
Can you imagine…hoodwinking a blind kid into believing YOU’RE his Mother.
Tsk! Tsk! What won’t Kay Francis stoop to in “The False Madonna.”
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ Aprill 11th, 2016
Yeah you’ve seen Michael Redgrave and Cliff Robertson and Anthony Hopkins play ventriloquists…but methinks you haven’t seen anything until you see von Stroheim go
mad in “The Great Gabbo.”
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ April 11th, 2016
A man comes to realize that family counts more than anything in “Massacre.”
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GUEST ESSAY
A LOVE LETTER TO TCM
Posted ~ April 10th, 2016
How does one get from here to here? The journey is an interesting one, the way
JEFF LUNDENBERGER tells it. Please check it out. It’s a universal story.
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A DOUBLE BLOGATHONING WHAMMY THIS WEEK~END
THE FOUNTAINHEAD ( 1949 ) and a TRIPLE FEATURE SCI-FEST
Posted April 8th & 9th 2016
Friday ~ No, I’m not reading the book. But I have seen the film…and I have to tell you, it’s pretty good. Big ideas, big performances…I’ll take ’em in bite-sized bits and pass ’em on
to you:
Saturday ~ I’m covering a sci-fi triple feature for the Blogathon from Another World blogathon. And the reason is NOT the monsters…
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ April 6th, 2016
Fernando recommends this bizarre little film from 1931, with stars long forgotten, except
by classic film fans.
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FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ April 5th, 2016
Fernando writes about a great costume drama you owe it to yourself to see.
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THE TWILIGHT ZONE – “WALKING DISTANCE”
Posted ~ March 25th, 2016
You can’t go home again? Well…
According to one of my very favorite tv episodes, you certainly can.
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GUEST ESSAY
THE WAY WE WATCH
Posted ~ March 16th, 2016
A rose by any other name…is the way Jeff Lundenberger watched old movies.
With all the movie-viewing options that now exist – film, digital, 3D, theatre, television, tablet, phone – is there a right way and a wrong way to see a movie?
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ORDER IN THE COURT!
Posted ~ March 5th, 2016
Come and check out the details for our blogathon covering folks’ favorite court room
movies. You are being served.
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SUNSET BOULEVARD
Posted ~ February 26th, 2016
This is it. Hollywood’s most supreme cautionary tale. And the worst Oscar snub in the history of motion pictures. Oooh…this Norma Desmond thing is contagious. MAX! Get
me my blog!!
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CREED and BROOKLYN
Posted ~ February 23rd, 2016
Growing up and growing older. Both of them is hard to do. Two good
performances illustrate why.
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INGRID BERGMAN: IN HER OWN WORDS
Posted ~ February 22nd, 2016
My friends and I made a whirlwind, one-day trip up to Cambridge,
Massachusetts to see the documentary about Ingrid Bergman.
_________________________________________________________________________
BLOOD OF DRACULA
Posted ~ February 20th, 2016
The best laid plans of mice, men and scientists, often go awry.
Louise Lewis mixes Science with superstition and theology in
this 1957 gem. Suspend your disbelief at the laboratory door.
Oh, and don’t look too deeply into the omelette…amulet. What
ever…
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DUANE JONES in “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD”
Posted ~ February 15th, 2016
The dead have risen from their graves. Can the living survive the night?
This is much more than the zombie horror film you think it is. And it’s due
to one man.
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KISS & TELL: “OUT OF THE PAST” and “VERTIGO”
Posted ~ February 14th, 2016
For this weekend’s “Kissing Blogathon” I’m going to write about the screen kisses
from two of my favorite movies. If you see Madeleine or Kathie enter the room…
you’d better run away as fast as you can. But you won’t…
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SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
Posted ~ February 13th, 2016
COMING TO A BLOGATHON NEAR YOU!! Want to swim with the sharks? Want to dive into a cesspool? Want to lay down with dogs and come up with fleas? Want to get
snubbed by the Academy Awards? Well have I got the movie for you. C’mon in. The water’s fine.
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GUEST ESSAY ~ IMITATION OF LIFE
Posted ~ February 10th, 2016
Guilty pleasure or serious cinema? Guest writer Jeff Lundenberger explores
this question about one of the iconic movies of the 50’s: “IMITATION OF LIFE.”
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LOVE LETTERS
Posted ~ February 3rd, 2016
How can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met?
Easy, if you watch this 1945 romantic drama of a man who does just that.
Joseph Cotten and Jennifer Jones are wonderful in this modern day
Cyrano de Bergerac tale. Look, I’ll explain…
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CLASSIC SYMBIOTIC COLLABORATIONS
Posted ~ January 23rd, 2016
JOIN US. Bloggers from far and wide write about some of their favorite
Star – Director combinations from the classic era.
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BARBARA STANWYCK
Posted ~ January 20th, 2016
I want to give my thoughts on BARBARA STANWYCK’s overall career. To-
day, especially.
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A CLASSIC SYMBIOTIC COLLABORATION
Posted ~ January 18th, 2016
For my Star – Director Blogathon, I want to talk about the three
films Ida Lupino and director Raoul Walsh made together.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GUEST WRITER
Posted ~ 1 / 12 / 2016 Posted ~ 1 / 19 / 2016
How lucky am I to have guest writer Trudy Ring do back–to–back contributions for
the Essays from the Couch. Her first article is about that great director George
Cukor and the men in his life, and her second article is about Barbara Stanwyck
and her reputation. Please check out both of these enjoyable reads.
__________________________________________________________________________
ANITA LOUISE
Posted ~ January 9th, 2016
I’m captivated by the lovely allure of Anita Louise.
She mostly played supporting roles throughout her
career. I think the studios hid her light under a bushel.
But could they really? We just don’t talk about her
enough. For her birthday today, I will.
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THE EARRINGS OF MADAME De….
Posted ~ January 8th, 2016
Who would think that a pair of earrings could cause so much
tragedy. Max Ophuls will show you how that happens.
_________________________________________________________________________
THE STRANGER
Posted ~ January 6th, 2016
Do you know all you need to know about who you love and
marry? Watch what happens when Loretta Young slowly
finds out she doesn’t know what she needed to know.
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CITY LIGHTS
Posted ~ January 5th, 2016
What does love at first sight really mean? See Chaplin as
The Little Tramp trying to help a flower girl out. Oh yeah,
there will be tears…
________________________________________________________________________
GUEST ESSAY – JEFF LUNDENBERGER
Posted ~ January 4th, 2016
On the Couch this new year of blogging is a Guest Essay from
Jeff Lundenberger, who’ll muse a bit on how art imitates life,
( or does it ) in some classic films he’s seen.
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LOEW’S VALENCIA
Posted ~ January 1st, 2016
I took a ride out to Jamaica Queens to see a movie theatre built in 1929.
I was transported to another world.
* * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ January 1st, 2016
Lets start off the new year with a bang. John Wayne is in good hands with Howard Hawks in “RED RIVER.” How good? Fernando will tell us a bit about this classic Western.
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CALLING MORE BLOGATHONS
Posted ~ December 31st, 2015
Where ELSE can you, in one fell swoop, read essays covering a particular topic? At a blogathon, of course. Check out my handy dandy directory of blogathons for the last half of this year. If there are some you might’ve missed, you can go here. Enjoy! And thanks for joining us in 2015! See you next year.
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THAT REMINDS ME . . .
Posted – December 23rd, 2015
Tell me, what movie does THIS remind you of?
* * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted – December 23rd, 2016
Fernando covers three Pre-Code films and one eerie 1940’s film in this quadruple year end post
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JOAN BENNETT
Posted – December 7th, 2015
Because, Joan. Yeah, we don’t talk about her enough.
______________________________________________________________________________
SUN VALLEY SERENADE
Posted – December 6th, 2015
My friend Sheila and I chew the chat as we MovieCHAT about
an old Sonja Henie movie. All’s fair in love and war when you
are trying to get the man you love. Even if you’re a sweet little
pixie like Sonja Henie. Sometimes talking about a movie is tal-
king about everything else BUT the movie.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted – December 6th, 2015
Fernando talks up a nice little gem of a comedy about beer
pushing gangsters out of a job now that prohibition is over.
< Sigh! > What’s a guy to do?
* * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted ~ December 5th, 2015
Fernando takes a look at Antonioni taking a look at the idle rich. Who doesn’t
want to look at The Beautiful People. But this one will make you think…
_________________________________________________________________________
BLOGATHON ANNOUNCEMENT – PART DEUX
Posted ~ November 23rd, 2015
Here is where you can check out an updated roster for my upcoming January blogathon. Sign up to talk about your favorite Star-Director collaboration. It’s super easy. Just click.
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PETER LORRE – CHARACTER ACTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
Posted ~ November 21st, 2015
The “What A Character!” Blogathon is in it’s FOURTH YEAR, so this time around…
I thought I’d talk about my newly re-discovered old favorte: the great Peter Lorre.
What a character? Ha! What a character, indeed!
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QUAI DES ORFÈVRES
Posted – November 17th, 2015
A picture is worth a thousand words…
…but I want you to read my words any way about a wonderful French classic from the late 1940’s. It’s a murder mystery and it’s solved in the most charming, but dogged way. Merci beaucoup.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GUEST ESSAY – ROBERT REGAN
Posted November 17th, 2015
My most knowledgeable friend about classic films is Bob Regan, who I’ve known since our days at Hunter College. I’ve been after him for a while now to write something for my blog. Well I finally convinced him, and just in time for the Criterion Blogathon. Not being one to follow the crowd, Bob writes his thoughts on one of François Truffaut’s lesser known films. Enjoy!!
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WITHOUT PITY
Posted November 8th, 2015
In war-torn Italy, boy meets girl, boy tries to keep girl. Oh boy, does greed
and blackmail and violence get in the bloody way of boy getting girl. A must
see film.
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ANNE OF THE INDIES
Posted November 7th, 2015
I think JEAN PETERS is one of the great unsung actresses of Hollywood. Always a bit under the radar, but if you look closely, you’ll see fine work. This week here at the Couch, I’ll walk the plank with pleasure to talk about Peters playing a pirate. Won’t you join me for this Swashathon Blogathon?
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DOUBLE DUTY
Posted October 29th, 2015
This weekend it’s a celebration of movies from Universal Pictures. So I’m
going with one horror film and one film that’s a horror. Here.
* * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted October 29th 2015
Paranormal activities go on in this old house investigated by a doctor and people
with heightened extra-sensory perceptions. Is it possible…can a house be insane?
Go on I dare you to watch this movie alone…in the dark. After all, it’s just a movie.
________________________________________________________________
…LOVES ME NOT
Posted October 18th, 2015
Sometimes it works out in life and in the movies, where there is a wonderful
“Happily Ever After” ending. But boy when it doesn’t…look out! This is what
it looks like when she…or he, is just not that into you.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted October 18th, 2015
And in keeping with this week’s theme of unrequited love…
Lucy was not very loveable Falling in love is one thing. But keeping faith in love
in 1942’s “THE BIG STREET” is quite another. See Marcello Mastroianni try to
and that’s why we love her. hold on to Maria Schell in “LE NOTTI BIANCHE.”
__________________________________________________________________
LA OTRA
Posted October 11th, 2015
Over at the Once Upon A Screen blog, Aurora’s holding her second annual
Hollywood’s Hispanic Heritage Blogathon. So I decided to write about a
Mexican film noir I saw this summer over at MoMA. Who’s that in the picture?
Oh, just an actress who left me stunned and amazed.
__________________________________________________________________
CAT PEOPLE
Posted October 9th 2015
Such a good plot idea, Hollywood made it twice…forty years apart. I’ll talk about
both versions this week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LEWTON’D: My pal Fernando is thunderstruck by Val Lewton’s fims:
Posted October 9th, 2015 and December 23rd, 2015
___________________________________________________________________
BLOGATHON ANNOUNCEMENT
Posted October 7th 2015
These collaborative teams go together like a horse ‘n carriage. I’m hosting my first
blogathon, diving in…feet first.
_________________________________________________________________
THEY WON’T FORGET
Posted October 3rd 2015
In our American judicial system, you are innocent until proven guilty. When it turns out to be the other way around…
* * * * * * * * * * *
FEDO’s CORNER
Posted – October 4th 2015
Love comes in unexpected places. And if you know anything about Powell & Pressburger films, the unexpected is to be expected. Read Fernando’s wonderful recommendation here.
________________________________________________________________________
TWO OF THE FUNNIEST SEQUENCES YOU’LL EVER SEE
Posted Sunday, Septemer 20th, 2015
MR. MUCKLE BLAZING SADDLES
The “SEE YOU IN THE FALL“ Blogathon wants us to celebrate Autumn by talking about our favorite moments of pratfalls, sight gags and bodily functions. I think my two selections have all the bases covered in those departments. Oh my…
________________________________________________________________________
Just put your fingers together…..and click:
To call my BACALLATHON entry a soap opera is doing it a disservice, however
“accurate” that might be. I think it is about unrequited love and the many forms
it manifests itself in. I’ll focus on the performance of Lauren Bacall this week and
celebrate what would have been her 90th birthday.
______________________________________________________________________
SAFE IN HELL GUEST ESSAY
Posted September 13th, 2015 Posted September 10th, 2015
What if the safest place for you My Guest Essay today is by Wendy T. Merckel who
to be is with the worst criminals writes about the compelling tale of two people who
ever lived. That’s the situation. must live by their wits to survive all that life throws
Read about a Wellman classic. their way in William Wellman’s “BEGGARS OF LIFE”
_________________________________________________________________________
DR. JEKYLL and MR. HYDE INGRID THE SCANDINAVIAN
Posted August 29th, 2015 Posted August 28th, 2015
For the Wonderful World of Ingrid Berg- This is truly a treat. This Guest Essay hails man Blogathon, I chose a role I think all the way from Norway, and I think it gives stretches Bergman as an actress and us a perspective on Ingrid Bergman as only is the first of many multi-faceted perfor- a native Scandanavian can. What we may mances from one of the great beauties see as exotic, guest writer Karin Mustvedt-
of classic cinema. Plüss sees as “home”.
_____________________________________________________________________________
THE INGRID CONNECTION
Posted August 28th, 2015
I’ve been really looking forward to this weekend, because it
is Swedish screen legend Ingrid Bergman’s 100th birthday.
She is truly one of my favorite actresses of classic films. Now, I
did a couple of things to celebrate her. I wrote an essay for an
Ingrid Bergman blogathon. I went to the post office to pick up
stamps made in her honor. AND I convinced one of my elusive
friends to write a guest essay about this international movie star.
Soooo, come back and be sure to check out my August 29th
entries. In the meantime, click on me ( and my new stamps
above /\ ) and browse through some great photos of a great
actress.
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FEDO’s CORNER
Posted August 26th, 2015
What happens when you mix jewel robbery with love? Well,
Fernando is here to tell you. Check it out.
______________________________________________________
ELLA RAINES in “PHANTOM LADY”
Posted August 16th, 2015
If you need someone on your side, have I got
a gal for you. It’s Ella Raines and she will be
relentless on your behalf. Just check out
“Phantom Lady.”
________________________________________________________
ETHEL BARRYMORE in “NIGHT SONG”
Posted August 15th, 2015
Look who’s sitting dead-center. That’s
right. Right where she belongs. Ethel
Barrymore has the best lines in the 1947
romantic drama: “Night Song.”
________________________________________________________
DODSWORTH
Posted August 9th, 2015
After doing business for over twenty years
a man retires, wants to explore life again.
This changes everything for him…
______________________________________________________
TERESA WRIGHT
Posted August 4th, 2015
Underneath that sweet demeanor
is a fine determined actress.
_____________________________________________________
TCM’s SUMMER UNDER THE STARS
Posted August 2nd, 2015
These are some of the stars up on the roster for TCM’s annual
Summer Under the Stars festival. August is the month for you to
spend an entire day viewing the work of a particular actor or actress.
See who’s up.
__________________________________________________________________
NIGHT & THE CITY REVANCHE
Posted August 2nd, 2015 Posted August 2nd, 2015
Want to see a man whose reach What happens when you want revenge for
exceeds his grasp? Well you’ve something YOU are responsible for?
come to the right post…
________________________________________________________________
TORCH SINGER
Posted July 26th, 2015
An unwed, pregnant woman gives up her child
for adoption. That’s only just the beginning…
________________________________________________________________
SHE HAD TO SAY YES
Posted July 19th, 2015
Who KNEW office life was a mine field,
when keeping your job depends on you
having to say “Yes.” Check out Loretta
in this pre-code drama.
_________________________________________________________________
THE MACOMBER AFFAIR
Posted July 13th, 2015
Something goes terribly wrong in a marriage
during the couple’s trip on safari.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FEDO’s CORNER
Posted July 13th, 2015
Anne Baxter’s shenanigans did not start with
“All About Eve.” In Fedo’s review this week,
Baxter was all about turning households all
topsy turvy.
____________________________________________________________________________
ON DANGEROUS GROUND
Posted July 10th, 2015
A hard-driving detective is assigned to
solve a murder in a rural community and
the case, and his life take an unexpected
turn.
__________________________________________________________
CHINA SEAS ( 1935 )
Posted July 5th, 2015
Gable and Harlow together again, but this time at sea.
Add a cast of M-G-M favorites and you’ve got a good
one.
__________________________________________________________
OLIVIA DeHAVILLAND’s 99th BIRTHDAY
Posted July 1st, 2015
A consummate actress and one of the still remaining icons
of the Golden Age of Hollywood, I think about her career
today.
________________________________________________________
PRIDE IN CLASSIC FILMS
Posted June 28th, 2015
I want to talk a little about the LGBT
experience in classic films. Oh it was
there alllrighty. Hidden, in plain sight.
________________________________________________________
HEAT LIGHTNING ( 1934 )
Posted June 27th, 2015
Aline MacMahon runs a gas station out in the desert
but her past catches up with her anyway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FEDO’s CORNER
Posted June 27th, 2015
This week Fernando talks me down off the ledge
where this 1935 film is concerned. His post is in-
cluded in the CLASSIC MOVIE HISTORY PROJECT
BLOGATHON. C’mon and check him out.
____________________________________________________________
THE CROWD ( 1928 )
Posted June 26th, 2015
Sometimes ordinary people lead extraordinary lives. But what
happens when ordinary people lead just plain old ordinary lives?
Check out the beautiful simplicity of “The Crowd.”
________________________________________________________
THE SMILING LIEUTENANT
Posted June 19th, 2015
When a Lieutenant smiles and winks at his lover, and a different
girl mistakes that attention is for her, well…a whole lot happens,
especially in the hands of the Master, Ernst Lubitsch.
_______________________________________________________
THE FLAME WITHIN
Posted June 14th, 2015
What happens when a psychiatrist does not want to get married?
Why it wreaks havoc on the social structure and topples civiliza-
tions, that’s what.
_____________________________________________________________
THE LIEBSTER AWARD
Posted June 10th, 2015
What’s an under-rated film I’d recommend? What movie do I watch every time it’s on tv? What’s my favorite western? These questions and more are asked and answered when a blogger receives the prestigious LIEBSTER AWARD. You can read all this, and more on my blog post.
____________________________________________________________
MY TIP TOP TOP TEN FAVORITE FILMS OF THE 1930’S
Posted June 10th, 2015
In this post, I list my top ten favorite films of the 1930’s…one film
for each year. C’mon…lets compare lists.
___________________________________________________________
BOMBSHELL
Posted June 7th, 2015
Today was a sad day in Hollywood when Jean Harlow passed away at age 26. Here’s a movie to show you what made her so popular. The girl could do comedy. Oh…and be sexy too.
______________________________________________________________________
MY FAVORITE FILMS OF THE 1930’s
Posted June 1st, 2015
Hey…you wouldn’t BE here if you weren’t just a little bit curious. Click onto the photos below to see what were my most favorite films of each year. A lot to swallow? Can’t eat the whole smorgasbord all at once. No worries. Just take a year at a time:
( 1930 ) ( 1931 ) ( 1932 )
( 1933 ) ( 1934 ) ( 1935 )
( 1936 )
( 1937 ) ( 1938 ) ( 1939 )
___________________________________________________
T-MEN
Posted May 24th, 2015
You meet the loveliest people when you try
to bust a ring of treasury counterfeiters. Any
one of them can kill you. Be safe. Read it here.
_______________________________________________________________________
THE RECKLESS MOMENT
Posted May 17th, 2015
A woman deals with her daughter’s black-
mailers and gets more than she bargains
for in this Max Ophüls classic.
_______________________________________________________________________
WENT THE DAY WELL?
Posted May 10th, 2015
May 8th, 1945 is V-E Day, and in perhaps some small measure, it’s circumstances like those depicted in this movie that leads to the end of the war in Europe.
_________________________________________________________________________
HAVING IT ALL
Posted May 10th, 2015
Does it have to be an “either / or” situation for women?
* * * * * * * * * * *
FEDO’S CORNER
Posted May 10th, 2015
In Fedo’s Corner, love is in the air when these two meet
in a vacation camp. Of course, the chase begins…in “Having
A Wonderful Time.”
_________________________________________________________________________
WEEKEND MARRIAGE
Posted May 3rd, 2015
Who would think that wanting to financially contribute to her
new marriage would be a bad thing? Hey, this is pre-code.
* * * * * * * * *
FEDO’s CORNER
Posted May 3rd, 2015
Boss Warren William doesn’t want to be tempted
by glamorous secretaries. So he hires a nice mousy
gal.
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HIS GIRL FRIDAY
Posted April 26th, 2015
Divorced journalists sure pick a roundabout way to get
back together again: covering an escaped convict story.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER FERNANDO’s CORNER
Posted: April 24th 2015 Posted: April 26th, 2015
Stanwyck, as a recent widow, struggles Irene Dunne as a serious working girl
to live her own life and find her new iden- resisting the advances of her boss.
tity
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WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Posted April 19th, 2015
The first pairing of one of Hollywood’s great screen teams.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER GUEST ESSAY
Posted April 19th, 2015 April 19th, 2015
Uh-oh, it’s pre-code and you know One of the great classics of the 40’s is
Norma’s experimenting again. Yay! discussed by Guest Writer, Trudy Ring
_____________________________________________________________________
VILLAIN BLOGATHON: SO BAAAAD, IT’S GOOD:
Posted: April 22nd, 2015
Go here to recap the five days of entries for the Great Villain Blogathon,
and read my comments about five villains.
_____________________________________________________________________
PISTOL-PACKIN’ MAMA
Posted April 13th, 2015
Have you ever seen a dream walking…well this ain’t her. Wait a minute, let me not be so hasty. Annie-Laurie IS one man’s dream girl, and what they have in common is they’re both gun crazy. Check out my post by clicking Peggy Cummins’ pix above. It’s the only safe way to touch her. And check out some more villains in The Great Villain Blogathon.
_____________________________________________________________________
Posted April 3, 5, 8 and 12, 2015
Posted April 5th, 2015
_____________________________________________________________________
Posted April 2nd, 2015
is the conductor during the Pre-Code Blogathon.
COMPARISONS and COLLABORATIONS
Posted March 15th, 2015
How “NightSong” is like “Vertigo” and the similarities between John Ford and
Alfred Hitchcock. Also a visual look at some of Hollywood’s most famous col-
laborations
* * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’S CORNER
Posted March 15th, 2015
One of the best films of the 1930’s
and Fernando highly recommends it.
_____________________________________________________________________
VERTIGO – WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT Posted March 8th, 2015
“The idea is that the beautiful mad Carlotta’s come back from the dead and taken possession of Elster’s wife. Now Johnny really…come on.”
* * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER MovieCHAT – “VERTIGO”
Posted March 8th, 2015 Posted March 8th, 2015
What happens when you use love Yes, the noshing and gnashing is fast and
as revenge? furious as the four of us discuss “VERTIGO.”
_____________________________________________________________________
I CONFESS Posted March 1st, 2015
Would you hold fast to your beliefs…even if it means your own life?
Alfred Hitchcock takes an institution and twists it until it’s all pretzeled up in a
strait jacket. This time, he wraps the noose around religion tighter than a priest’s
collar.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER GUEST ESSAY
Posted March 1st, 2015 Posted March 1st, 2015
Megalomania Mother knows best
A man finds a place where Lindsey Wilson writes about being transfixed by where he can be king. Some- “The Manchurian Candidate” since the first time
how it doesn’t work out for him. she saw it.
_____________________________________________________________________
CineMAVEN’s OSCAR MUSINGS
Posted February 23rd, 2015
Here are my thoughts on the 87th Academy Awards: host, presenters, fashion, winners.
______________________________________________________________________
CineMaven’s OSCAR EXTRAVAGANZA
Posted February 22nd, 2015
EVERYTHING you always wanted to know about my favorite Academy Award winners, but were afraid to ask…because I’d tell you.
_____________________________________________________________________
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Posted February 14th, 2015
You’ve got 365 days of the year to shower that special person you love with affection and sweet gifts. Today is just the day corporations make money off it. So while I look at love in the movies, you run out and get boxes of chocolates and red roses…oh, and diamonds and furs. Then you can read my blog post together and figure out how you’ll surprise each other on one of those other 364 days.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER Posted Feb. 14th, 2015
Check out Fernando’s thoughts:
Love just turns out all wrong for Constance Bennett on so many levels in 1932’s “Rockabye.”
_____________________________________________________________________
LIZABETH SCOTT
Posted February 7th, 2015
My thoughts on the 1940’s film noir icon, who passed away at age 92.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“OUT OF THE PAST” – TWITTERED AWAY Posted February 7th, 2015
I like Ricky Nelson. And I, like Ricky Nelson, went to a garden party…but I had a better time than he. See, I attended a Twitter party. Actually, Twitter’s #TCMPARTY where the movie discussed, dissected and gushed over was the film noir classic: “OUT OF THE PAST.” Talk about keeping up with the Joneses, WHEW! …at 140 characters a pop! Check it out:
_____________________________________________________________________
31 DAYS OF OSCAR BLOGATHON Posted Feb. 2nd, 2015
The most perfect motion picture ever made.
And if you AREN’T mad as Hell…you are in big trouble, my friends.
_____________________________________________________________________
TWENTIETH CENTURY
Posted February 1st, 2015
Lies, double-crosses, egomaniacal manipulation and flat out insanity. All Aboard the 20th Century Limited as it travels cross-country with the looniest cast of characters and shena- nigans this side of Congress. Strap yourself in folks.
_____________________________________________________________________
DUELING DIVAS: LIBELED LADY vs. EASY TO WED
Posted January 31st, 2015
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In the fourth annual Dueling Divas Blogathon hosted by BackLots, lets see how true that is as I pit an M-G-M remake against its original: “Libeled Lady” and “Easy To Wed.” Check out the tale of the tape and YOU be the judge.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER Posted Jan. 31st, 2015
Fernando re-visits two films by Esther Williams: “On An Island With You” and “Dangerous When Wet.”
_____________________________________________________________________
A CANTERBURY TALE Posted January 25th, 2015
I suspect parables are tricky things. These stories are not told for the sake of itself, but to illustrate a larger idea. So I ask you, how could a story set in war-torn, blitzkrieged WWII England be simultaneously lyrical and dark, mystical and light. Simple. Two words: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER Posted Jan. 25th, 2015
The magic and romanticism of “Portrait of Jennie.”
_________________________________________________________________________
UNJUSTLY NEGLECTED Posted January 22nd, 2015
I want you should meet a girl…
_____________________________________________________________________
TIP TOP TOP TEN FAVORITE FILMS OF THE DECADE Posted January 18th, 2015
Mom always liked YOU best. So I’M going to pick my ten favorite films for the decade.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FERNANDO’s CORNER Posted Jan. 18th, 2015
Would you care for a spot o’ tea?
A documentary about a group of women who have had lunch together for the past fifty years.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GUEST ESSAY GUEST ESSAY
Posted Jan. 18th, 2015 Posted Jan. 18th, 2015
An extra-marital affair goes wrong. What can Bette Davis teach you?
Christy Putnam writes about Sheila Schlesinger-Simon makes a good
Cary Grant’s and Ingrid Berg- case for why Millennials should watch clas-
man’s comic pairing sic film
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FAVORITE FILMS OF 1940 – 1949 Posted January 18th, 2015
I’m making a list…I’m checking it twice…Why don’t you find out…What films I find nice. Click on these photos to find out my ten favorite films for each year. What are yours?
( 1940 ) ( 1941 ) ( 1942 )
( 1943 ) ( 1944 )( 1945 )
( 1946 ) ( 1947 )
( 1948 ) ( 1949 )
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CineMaven's ESSAYS from the COUCH 