I forgot to post on Monday and Christmas Day but here's a few extra quotes that make up for it!
I hope all had a beautiful, merry Christmas and I wish all a Happy New Year!
Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. -Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness. -Bob Hope
Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends. -Margaret Thatcher
Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. -Peg Bracken
There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. -Erma Bombeck
Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. -Dale Evans
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Irving Berlin's White Christmas (1954)
"Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, all that snow!"
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, not restricted to just Christmas time. I can sit down, the windows open with the sun shining, in the middle June and watch this film. I know this because I have done it and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Growing up, we were not a family that HAD to watch many holiday films around Christmas and New Years. "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" are wonderful films, but I don't remember seeing them every year, unless we caught them on television. The only film we were required to watch was "White Christmas".
Of course I welcomed this because I loved old movies and musicals, but I'm not sure how much my brothers really cared for this film. I do remember my sister enjoying it because she's classy and knows a good thing when she see's it. The one person that really loved it, other than me, was my Dad. It seemed to be the only movie besides "McKlintock" that he could watch over and over without it ever getting old. I loved to watch this film with Dad because he always laughed so hard at Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Also, being a military man, he probably saw himself and friends in the guys on the screen. He maybe even knew his own "General Waverly".
Let's move on to the music!
I can't remember ever skipping any songs. From "Count your Blessings" to "Choreography", they were all utter perfection. Thank you Irving Berlin!
My favorite songs (in no particular order):
"The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing": It's basically the first big dance number and it's very acrobatic and fluid. Laura (sister) and I used to call the Vera-Ellen "Barbie" because she was so skinny. I've since seen her in many other films and am genuinely a big fan. She was an amazing dancer!
"Gee I Wish I Was Back In The Army": This song is catchy and visually stimulating. There's another element about it that certainly stands out but I will leave that too myself as not to spoil the movie.
The "Abraham Number": This song is really quite random and doesn't seem to go with a holiday theme at all. It's more of a dance in which to showcase the immense talent of Vera-Ellen. She's in a very short, yellow dress and her hair is down, instead of pulled back. She's beautiful and quite a force to be reckoned with. The dance, unlike the rest, only last a few minutes but it always seemed to be the one that stood out.
"Mandy": Very-Ellen once again is the star of this dance. Though the other three, Rosemary/Bing/Danny also appear in this with a wonderful little "minstrel" thing, she's the focus when it comes to the dancing. It's full of bright colors and dance moves that makes you question your flexibility. The best part may be at the end of this big production number, when you find there are only two people watching. Of course this is on purpose, because it's a dress rehearsal, but still.......it's hilarious! "This'll bring in business, Grandpa!"
"Sisters": Rosemary and Vera-Ellen perform this one. If we were being technical, my sister Laura, being older, would have been the Rosemary character and I would have been Vera-Ellen, but I always wished and pretended I was Rosemary. She had such a beautiful voice that was unique and smokey and unmatched by anyone else.
"Love You Didn't Do Right By Me": I've basically mentioned or described every song in this film and this is definitely not one you leave out. Rosemary SLAMS this song out of the park. It's personal and revealing and beautiful. She wears a beautiful black dress with long black gloves up past her elbows and she's surrounded by young men all dressed in black. It's simple and elegant. 'Nuff said.
I feel it's my duty as an avid lover of this movie to encourage you all to watch it. There really are no excuses that are at all acceptable in my book.
I don't care if you don't like old movies.
I don't care if you don't like musicals.
I don't care if you don't like snow.
I don't care if you don't like X, Y or Z.
You should watch this movie if only to better yourself as a person!
"Let's just say we're doing it for a pal in the Army."
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
From cradle to tomb, it isn't that long a stay!
About a week ago, I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just couldn't turn off the video I was watching on youtube. I was mesmerized by the songs and stories and GRAND personality. She certainly is quite a dame!
Liza "with a Z" Minnelli!
I had my laptop sitting on top of me, while in my pajamas and under the covers of my bed. I was watching "Inside the Actors Studio: Liza Minnelli" and I couldn't stop it; I had to finish it!
Liza is someone, for me, that seems familiar while at the same time being such a stranger. I discovered how little I actually knew about this amazing woman. Before last week, I could have told you her name, big movies or things she's done in her life, and who her parents were, but beyond that................not much.
Plain and simple: I'm a fan of Judy Garland, not Liza. That by no means implies that I do not like Liza. Quite the contrary. Instead, she's just always been "Judy's daughter" to me. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
Of course I know that she's appeared on Broadway, television, movies, and wow'd audiences for years with concerts and appearances. She's won an Oscar, Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys and a BAFTA and I'm assuming I'm even missing some more. She's decorated with all this recognition and that is just as it should be.
Despite all this fanfare, I've still only really ever seen her as "Judy's daughter" only because I haven't actually dove into her own work to really see her in a separate way. When I'd watch an interview with her, it was just to see what she'd say about her mother, knowing it was a matter of time before she'd be asked those personal questions. I was always fascinated how she remembered her mother and also how she'd share stories having to do with both the good and bad times. I'd only see "Judy's daughter" sharing stories.
That is until now.
Last night, watching "Inside the Actors Studio" with her as the guest, I finally saw Liza Minnelli in an interview. Of course she was still the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli (basically royalty in the Golden Era of musicals), but she was also her own person. She was very gracious in answering questions about her parents, family struggles and her own demons, but I respect her immensely in how she chooses her words when speaking of her family. She speaks with a dose of blunt honesty but also an air of protection. She knows if she admits, "yeah she/I had some problems", that people won't push the buttons anymore. And she is always quick to finish up any story on a positive note.
She told a wonderful story of Judy and her concert at the Palladium in the 60's and described how Judy was a hard worker and loved the spotlight. Liza ends the story saying she (Liza) could "work with anybody after that, because I worked with her; the greatest there ever was!" Talk about a wonderful note to end on.
Here's a quote from Myrna Loy about Liza, who also knew Judy well from MGM and just being in show business. It's a wonderful quote.
"I love Liza. She is so original. People speak of her in terms of her mother, but she is herself, very definitely. A good, strong, unique person."
So true! I can finally see that.
Liza "with a Z" Minnelli!
I had my laptop sitting on top of me, while in my pajamas and under the covers of my bed. I was watching "Inside the Actors Studio: Liza Minnelli" and I couldn't stop it; I had to finish it!
Liza is someone, for me, that seems familiar while at the same time being such a stranger. I discovered how little I actually knew about this amazing woman. Before last week, I could have told you her name, big movies or things she's done in her life, and who her parents were, but beyond that................not much.
Plain and simple: I'm a fan of Judy Garland, not Liza. That by no means implies that I do not like Liza. Quite the contrary. Instead, she's just always been "Judy's daughter" to me. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
Of course I know that she's appeared on Broadway, television, movies, and wow'd audiences for years with concerts and appearances. She's won an Oscar, Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys and a BAFTA and I'm assuming I'm even missing some more. She's decorated with all this recognition and that is just as it should be.
Despite all this fanfare, I've still only really ever seen her as "Judy's daughter" only because I haven't actually dove into her own work to really see her in a separate way. When I'd watch an interview with her, it was just to see what she'd say about her mother, knowing it was a matter of time before she'd be asked those personal questions. I was always fascinated how she remembered her mother and also how she'd share stories having to do with both the good and bad times. I'd only see "Judy's daughter" sharing stories.
That is until now.
Last night, watching "Inside the Actors Studio" with her as the guest, I finally saw Liza Minnelli in an interview. Of course she was still the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli (basically royalty in the Golden Era of musicals), but she was also her own person. She was very gracious in answering questions about her parents, family struggles and her own demons, but I respect her immensely in how she chooses her words when speaking of her family. She speaks with a dose of blunt honesty but also an air of protection. She knows if she admits, "yeah she/I had some problems", that people won't push the buttons anymore. And she is always quick to finish up any story on a positive note.
She told a wonderful story of Judy and her concert at the Palladium in the 60's and described how Judy was a hard worker and loved the spotlight. Liza ends the story saying she (Liza) could "work with anybody after that, because I worked with her; the greatest there ever was!" Talk about a wonderful note to end on.
Here's a quote from Myrna Loy about Liza, who also knew Judy well from MGM and just being in show business. It's a wonderful quote.
"I love Liza. She is so original. People speak of her in terms of her mother, but she is herself, very definitely. A good, strong, unique person."
So true! I can finally see that.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday is Quote Day *Christmas Edition*
He went to the church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to and fro, and patted the children on the head, and questioned beggars, and looked down into the kitchens of homes, and up to the windows, and found that everything could yield him pleasure. He had never dreamed of any walk, that anything, could give him so much happiness.
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday is Quote Day *Christmas Edition*
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Well, Where Have You Been?
I recently received some new music from my cousin. Though we have similar taste in music, she often has music I have never heard of and for the most part would never come across. She's kind of like a hipster in this way that she always has new music but could care less if it's popular or everyone knows. So, I guess she's nothing like a hipster. Instead, she's just someone I'm related to that likes good music and is always happy to share.
Yeah, that's it.
Though I could list the 20 or so songs I received from her, the one that stood out was "Between The Raindrops" by Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield. I like Lifehouse. I have one or two songs of theirs and they have a good sound. I do not however LOVE them to the point I feel a need to find more songs. One or two will suffice. This song stands out, however, because of Natasha Bedingfield.
She happened into my life in my first year or so of college around when the song "These Words" came out on the radio. The song was energetic and lively and clever. I fell in love immediately. I bought the album Unwritten, which is where you'll find that song among many others that I loved just as much. One by one, more songs from the album were put on the radio and released as singles. I loved them all.
Then she came out with another album near the end of my college career and I bought that too. Listened to it from start to finish and though I didn't love them all, there were a good many that still became favorites, but it just didn't capture me like the first album. And that's okay. But with the second album being a bit lackluster, I didn't really follow her much after that.
Then this new song with Lifehouse was brought into my life.
Her voice brought me back to my first year in college when she was still so new to me and the music world. Her voice in this "Raindrops" song is strong and filled with personality just as I remember it to be. It also has an energy and positive chords that are very much associated with her for me.
I don't mean to make this seem like a love letter to Natasha or even her music; rather it's a love letter to music in general. It can transform your emotions or make you recall not only a memory of a different time but also of a different self. Of course, I've changed in many ways from my first year in college, but it's amazing how much of that same girl/woman/person is still inside me somewhere that is no longer on the surface. It's amazing that the simple act of hearing Natasha's voice brought me back to that person, even if only for a moment. It was a wonderful feeling of home that has changed in many ways. The feeling of home has changed just as it should. Seasons change. Cities change. People change. Relationships change. Change is not a bad thing, but that doesn't mean it can't be difficult.
There's a wonderful image I was told once of a clever way to think about your past. Imagine you're in a boat, rowing across a lake to the other side; you are facing the shore you left behind, but moving toward a new shore. That is how I visualize my past. It's not bad to look back at your past, the good and bad, while still always moving toward to the future. Do not stay stagnate in the past but instead, remember everything while moving on.
Hearing Natasha's voice brought into focus a time in my life that made me smile while recalling many different emotions: sadness, friendship, frustrations, fear, excitement and love. It's a wonderful gift to have been given! A chance to remember everything while continuing to move on.
It's fun to glance back!
Yeah, that's it.
Though I could list the 20 or so songs I received from her, the one that stood out was "Between The Raindrops" by Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield. I like Lifehouse. I have one or two songs of theirs and they have a good sound. I do not however LOVE them to the point I feel a need to find more songs. One or two will suffice. This song stands out, however, because of Natasha Bedingfield.
She happened into my life in my first year or so of college around when the song "These Words" came out on the radio. The song was energetic and lively and clever. I fell in love immediately. I bought the album Unwritten, which is where you'll find that song among many others that I loved just as much. One by one, more songs from the album were put on the radio and released as singles. I loved them all.
Then she came out with another album near the end of my college career and I bought that too. Listened to it from start to finish and though I didn't love them all, there were a good many that still became favorites, but it just didn't capture me like the first album. And that's okay. But with the second album being a bit lackluster, I didn't really follow her much after that.
Then this new song with Lifehouse was brought into my life.
Her voice brought me back to my first year in college when she was still so new to me and the music world. Her voice in this "Raindrops" song is strong and filled with personality just as I remember it to be. It also has an energy and positive chords that are very much associated with her for me.
I don't mean to make this seem like a love letter to Natasha or even her music; rather it's a love letter to music in general. It can transform your emotions or make you recall not only a memory of a different time but also of a different self. Of course, I've changed in many ways from my first year in college, but it's amazing how much of that same girl/woman/person is still inside me somewhere that is no longer on the surface. It's amazing that the simple act of hearing Natasha's voice brought me back to that person, even if only for a moment. It was a wonderful feeling of home that has changed in many ways. The feeling of home has changed just as it should. Seasons change. Cities change. People change. Relationships change. Change is not a bad thing, but that doesn't mean it can't be difficult.
There's a wonderful image I was told once of a clever way to think about your past. Imagine you're in a boat, rowing across a lake to the other side; you are facing the shore you left behind, but moving toward a new shore. That is how I visualize my past. It's not bad to look back at your past, the good and bad, while still always moving toward to the future. Do not stay stagnate in the past but instead, remember everything while moving on.
Hearing Natasha's voice brought into focus a time in my life that made me smile while recalling many different emotions: sadness, friendship, frustrations, fear, excitement and love. It's a wonderful gift to have been given! A chance to remember everything while continuing to move on.
It's fun to glance back!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
This isn't as much a quote as it is lyrics, but no matter; take them in and never forget them. You can be reminded on a clear, Summer night when the moon is full just how beautiful our world is and how "The Best Things In Life Are Free". Or even when the sunbeams come shining through the clouds and sprinkle their rays on the ground that....well you get the picture. The version I have on my iPod showcases the incomparable Lena Horne. It's a wonderful rendition and I highly recommend it!
The moon belongs to everyone. The Best Things In Life Are Free.
The stars belong to everyone. They gleam there for you and me.
Flowers in Spring. The robins that sing.
The sunbeams that shine; they're yours, they're mine.
And love can come to everyone. The Best Things In Life Are Free!
The moon belongs to everyone. The Best Things In Life Are Free.
The stars belong to everyone. They gleam there for you and me.
Flowers in Spring. The robins that sing.
The sunbeams that shine; they're yours, they're mine.
And love can come to everyone. The Best Things In Life Are Free!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Few and Far Between
Other than the "Monday is Quote Day" posts, I have not posted about anything in quite awhile.
Without sounding too "hippie", my interests and behaviors have always been pretty organic. I've never been the type of person to force an interest or behavior in my life. If I want to like this or that, I will. If I want to act or not act like this or that, I will or won't. It's pretty simple. I try and surround myself with a minimum amount of stress, so simple is my mantra.
Of course with that being said, my behavior for this blog is to go in and out of posting many entries to barely anything at all. The frustration in this for me is that I genuinely want to write more but it goes against my organic way of facing life. In order to write a blog post, most days, it will involve me forcing myself to sit down and write. And as I described, this goes against my natural inclination. However, when it comes to writing, I long to go against my natural inclination of just "going with the flow" and instead write until it becomes a natural behavior.
Growing up, I always wanted to be an actress or a singer, just like all the stars I loved. I mean who wouldn't want to be Doris Day or Julie Andrews! They always made everything seem like such fun that, naturally, I wanted to do that too. They always seemed so happy!
Now that I'm in my late 20's, I've recalled that childhood dream. I'd still love to try my hand at acting but I have also longed to become a writer; which is why I began this blog. I figured it would give me a chance to write about anything I'd want, when I'd want, with the hope that people would enjoy it. As you may have already noticed, I love to watch movies and then talk about them. I wish that I had more interests that I want toput to paper write on my blog, but I truly LOVE to write about films. But my point is this: sometimes, you have to write about other things and you may even have write when you don't feel like it. That is what makes you a writer. You actually have to write. It's quite simple. It's common sense.
So not every blog entry will be a grand slam, home run, or even me getting on base. Maybe it will mean I strike out but as I recently read as advice for writers, "fail magnificently". So with that, I will write and fail sometimes but I will do it with charm and pizazz. And hopefully, you'll still come back for more!
And if you don't........I will still write.
Without sounding too "hippie", my interests and behaviors have always been pretty organic. I've never been the type of person to force an interest or behavior in my life. If I want to like this or that, I will. If I want to act or not act like this or that, I will or won't. It's pretty simple. I try and surround myself with a minimum amount of stress, so simple is my mantra.
Of course with that being said, my behavior for this blog is to go in and out of posting many entries to barely anything at all. The frustration in this for me is that I genuinely want to write more but it goes against my organic way of facing life. In order to write a blog post, most days, it will involve me forcing myself to sit down and write. And as I described, this goes against my natural inclination. However, when it comes to writing, I long to go against my natural inclination of just "going with the flow" and instead write until it becomes a natural behavior.
Growing up, I always wanted to be an actress or a singer, just like all the stars I loved. I mean who wouldn't want to be Doris Day or Julie Andrews! They always made everything seem like such fun that, naturally, I wanted to do that too. They always seemed so happy!
Now that I'm in my late 20's, I've recalled that childhood dream. I'd still love to try my hand at acting but I have also longed to become a writer; which is why I began this blog. I figured it would give me a chance to write about anything I'd want, when I'd want, with the hope that people would enjoy it. As you may have already noticed, I love to watch movies and then talk about them. I wish that I had more interests that I want to
So not every blog entry will be a grand slam, home run, or even me getting on base. Maybe it will mean I strike out but as I recently read as advice for writers, "fail magnificently". So with that, I will write and fail sometimes but I will do it with charm and pizazz. And hopefully, you'll still come back for more!
And if you don't........I will still write.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"It is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
-Aristotle
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving 2012
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
It's not only fun to make a list of all the things you're thankful for but it's also a good thing to sit back and think of everything you may not realize you're thankful for or forget to mention.
"Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once." - Audrey Hepburn
With that said, here is my list of things after taking time to remember and absorb everything in my life for which to be thankful.
Megan's Thanksgiving List:
Family - I wouldn't be here without Family and the love we all share
Friends - They've shown me love can be from people that aren't family and they kept me sane when my family is crazy!
Apartment - Decent priced and has truly become HOME
Garage - Necessary for MN or Midwest in general, especially in the winter
Job - Both for funds and to have something to do and new people to meet
Car - To get from A to B like work, visiting friends, visiting family, etc
Money - pay bills and still have a little fun
Clothing - keep me warm or cool and still be a little stylish
Silk Milk - making the fact that I'm lactose intolerant that much better
Cellphone - Keeps me in touch with important people in my life and can be helpful in emergencies
Movies - For entertainment and learning purposes
Books - To find new worlds and meet new people
Music - there's nothing that makes me happier than dancing and singing
Coffee - to make me a better person in the morning
Food - so I don't die!
Water - so I don't die!
Letters - I love getting real mail from friends and family *hint*
Megan's Other Thanksgiving List (list of random, silly things):
People who are willing to be President - quite a job
Toilet Paper - well, you know why.
Cursive Writing - Making me look like a classy dame
TV Shows - Helping boring moments pass 20 to 40 minutes at a time (Bones, Modern Family, 30 Rock, Parks and Rec)
Bowling League - There's nothing like getting a strike or a spare to make your day.
Old Movies - I seriously think I would go crazy batty if I didn't have classic films and musicals to watch.
Smartphone Apps - It's pretty great that on your phone you can have both Cribbage and a Flashlight. Both of these I use quite often.
White Elephant Gifts - I know these are silly and just gather dust, but the immediate silly joy I get when I receive one.....Priceless. ALSO, they're good to save so you can bring that same joy to someone else in the future.
My VHS Player - 'Cause I still rock the VHS tapes. Why? WHY NOT!
My "Big Girl" bed - I had a twin bed up until a few years ago. I now have a queen bed. I'm a better person because of this upgrade.
"Blondie" Lobby Cards - I have 12+ lobby cards from various "Blondie" movies. Google it.
My Judy Garland signed photo - This is something that I could totally live without but since I own it, I will be forever thankful for it and happy I bought it!
Inside Jokes - You don't need to know someones middle name, or first name for that matter because when you share an inside joke, there's an instant (though temporary at times) bond.
Jokes in General - "I LOVE to laugh. Ha-ha-ha-ha. Loud and Long and Clear! I LOVE to laugh. Ha-ha-ha-ha. It's getting worse every year! The more I laugh, the more I fill with glee. And the more the glee, the more I'm a merrier me."
I know there are many, many more, but that's all I can come up with right now.
What are some things you're thankful for?
Share them with family or write them down and then post them somewhere you will see them on a regular basis.
Thanksgiving is the time we are given to stop, remember and absorb everything we have and experience on a day-to-day basis for which we are thankful.
It's not only fun to make a list of all the things you're thankful for but it's also a good thing to sit back and think of everything you may not realize you're thankful for or forget to mention.
"Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once." - Audrey Hepburn
With that said, here is my list of things after taking time to remember and absorb everything in my life for which to be thankful.
Megan's Thanksgiving List:
Family - I wouldn't be here without Family and the love we all share
Friends - They've shown me love can be from people that aren't family and they kept me sane when my family is crazy!
Apartment - Decent priced and has truly become HOME
Garage - Necessary for MN or Midwest in general, especially in the winter
Job - Both for funds and to have something to do and new people to meet
Car - To get from A to B like work, visiting friends, visiting family, etc
Money - pay bills and still have a little fun
Clothing - keep me warm or cool and still be a little stylish
Silk Milk - making the fact that I'm lactose intolerant that much better
Cellphone - Keeps me in touch with important people in my life and can be helpful in emergencies
Movies - For entertainment and learning purposes
Books - To find new worlds and meet new people
Music - there's nothing that makes me happier than dancing and singing
Coffee - to make me a better person in the morning
Food - so I don't die!
Water - so I don't die!
Letters - I love getting real mail from friends and family *hint*
Megan's Other Thanksgiving List (list of random, silly things):
People who are willing to be President - quite a job
Toilet Paper - well, you know why.
Cursive Writing - Making me look like a classy dame
TV Shows - Helping boring moments pass 20 to 40 minutes at a time (Bones, Modern Family, 30 Rock, Parks and Rec)
Bowling League - There's nothing like getting a strike or a spare to make your day.
Old Movies - I seriously think I would go crazy batty if I didn't have classic films and musicals to watch.
Smartphone Apps - It's pretty great that on your phone you can have both Cribbage and a Flashlight. Both of these I use quite often.
White Elephant Gifts - I know these are silly and just gather dust, but the immediate silly joy I get when I receive one.....Priceless. ALSO, they're good to save so you can bring that same joy to someone else in the future.
My VHS Player - 'Cause I still rock the VHS tapes. Why? WHY NOT!
My "Big Girl" bed - I had a twin bed up until a few years ago. I now have a queen bed. I'm a better person because of this upgrade.
"Blondie" Lobby Cards - I have 12+ lobby cards from various "Blondie" movies. Google it.
My Judy Garland signed photo - This is something that I could totally live without but since I own it, I will be forever thankful for it and happy I bought it!
Inside Jokes - You don't need to know someones middle name, or first name for that matter because when you share an inside joke, there's an instant (though temporary at times) bond.
Jokes in General - "I LOVE to laugh. Ha-ha-ha-ha. Loud and Long and Clear! I LOVE to laugh. Ha-ha-ha-ha. It's getting worse every year! The more I laugh, the more I fill with glee. And the more the glee, the more I'm a merrier me."
I know there are many, many more, but that's all I can come up with right now.
What are some things you're thankful for?
Share them with family or write them down and then post them somewhere you will see them on a regular basis.
Thanksgiving is the time we are given to stop, remember and absorb everything we have and experience on a day-to-day basis for which we are thankful.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"I think that carrying on a life that is meant to be private in public is a breach of taste, common sense, and mental hygiene."
-Myrna Loy
I have written and deleted several comments I wanted to include with this quote, but then I realized it stands strong on it's own.
Any comments I add may only distract or dilute the quote. So instead, take a moment for yourself to let these wise words from Myrna sink in and do whatever is needed to restore your mental hygiene.
-Myrna Loy
I have written and deleted several comments I wanted to include with this quote, but then I realized it stands strong on it's own.
Any comments I add may only distract or dilute the quote. So instead, take a moment for yourself to let these wise words from Myrna sink in and do whatever is needed to restore your mental hygiene.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Living History
There have been so many things that have happened in my life already that I hope I will be able to remember, with at least some detail, for the next generations. There may be a day, in the near future, that my nephews and nieces will come to me asking what I remember about insert event here . What will I say? What will I remember?
I've always been very interested in history. This stems from my love of old films, so it was quite natural for me to be interested in what was happening the same time many beloved films were being made. This coincidentally was the key to helping me remember certain dates for history tests.
I remember asking my parents and grandparents their memories of so many important events in history, such as (in no particular order):
-What do you remember about the Pearl Harbor harbor attacks?
-Where were you when JFK was shot? RFK was shot? Martin Luther King Jr. was shot?
-Cuban missile crisis?
-The Women's movement?
-Civil Rights movement?
-Roe vs. Wade?
-Geraldine Ferrraro running for Vice President?
-Home televisions, Johnny Carson, I Love Lucy?
-Rationing during War time?
-The Great Depression?
-FDR Fireside Chats?
-The Kennedy/Nixon debate?
-When Rock Hudson died of AIDS and revealed he was gay?
-Moon landing?
-The Munich Olympic hostages?
-Did you see Kramer vs Kramer, Gone With The Wind, etc in theaters?
-The Challenger exploded?
-Nixon resigned?
-The Berlin wall?
-When baby Jessica got caught in the well?
-Shirley Temple becoming a U.S. Ambassador?
-And last but not least.....Has Robert Redford/Paul Newman always been so pretty?
_________
Of course these questions range from very big events to not so big events, and often time and media dictates what we deem as important and what we remember.
I'm pretty sure it was not important news, for an extended amount of time, that Shirley Temple was a U.S. Ambassador. It may have made the headlines initially and then sporadically during her time serving, but it has now become a piece of trivia rather than an event in history. Of course it's an interest of mine because of her history in movies so it's a very natural question for me. But how many others know this?
All this brings me to a question:
Of the events happening now and the people involved, which will be deemed only trivia and which will be historical moments to be remembered for generations?
Things I've already lived through:
-September 11, 2001 attacks in NYC and The Pentagon.
-The death of (Princess) Diana.
-The death of Mother Teresa.
-The death of JFK Jr.
-The passing of Jackie, Audrey H, Katharine H, Jimmy Stewart, etc.
-Home computers, Internet, cellphones.
-Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.
-Saddam Hussein capture and death.
-Osama Bin Laden found and killed.
-First Female Secretary of State, First African American Secretary of State, First Female African American Secretary of State.
-The trial of O.J. Simpson.
-"Titanic" sweeping the Oscars.
-Oprah.
-Many wars in the Middle East.
-The release of important world dignitaries/leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.
-First African-American President of the United States.
-The meltdown of several celebrities (Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, etc).
-2008 Economic Collapse
-No ban on Same Sex Marriage across many states.
(Sidebar: I'm hoping that the celebrity of Snooki and cast of The Jersey Shore will not stand the test of time because this will not inspire pride or respect from future generations. It will instead make them question if what they've learned from us comes from sound judgement.)
I know there are obvious answers but it makes you wonder as to what will actually stand the test of time. In the Venn diagram of history, what will fall into the circle of important and what will fall into the circle of trivial? What will overlap?
One answer: Only time will tell?
But I also believe that whatever has effected you in your life, that is what will be important and that is what you will pass onto future generations.
I feel that being in the younger generation, it is our job to look between the cracks of "important events in history" and find the other events that have been forgotten. That is truly how we remember and how we learn. I also find that, when asked, so many are willing to share their thoughts and memories. It is also in the questioning that they begin to remember.
I encourage us all to take inventory of our lives and instead of picking and choosing what's "important", make a list or keep a diary as to what happens in our lifetimes. Much of the list will become less important as time goes by, but the list will help you remember the forgotten events and the effect it had on you. That is what you can share.
I think that passing on ALL the information is the best thing we can do for future generations.
This type of effort should not only be duplicated but greatly encouraged when it comes to our personal lives. It has been commonplace for people over time and across the world to pass down stories to younger generations and this should not be forgotten for our families. Never hesitate to share stories from your youth or about Grandparents and beyond. Family history is not less important than public history. In fact, it's MORE important!
To quote Holly Hunter's character in Little Black Book, "Omissions are betrayals", so with that in mind, don't leave anything out. Don't think that you know what will and will not be important or what will matter to the unique personalities in our future generations. Everything is interesting and we should not allow time or the media to dictate our memories.
I've always been very interested in history. This stems from my love of old films, so it was quite natural for me to be interested in what was happening the same time many beloved films were being made. This coincidentally was the key to helping me remember certain dates for history tests.
I remember asking my parents and grandparents their memories of so many important events in history, such as (in no particular order):
-What do you remember about the Pearl Harbor harbor attacks?
-Where were you when JFK was shot? RFK was shot? Martin Luther King Jr. was shot?
-Cuban missile crisis?
-The Women's movement?
-Civil Rights movement?
-Roe vs. Wade?
-Geraldine Ferrraro running for Vice President?
-Home televisions, Johnny Carson, I Love Lucy?
-Rationing during War time?
-The Great Depression?
-FDR Fireside Chats?
-The Kennedy/Nixon debate?
-When Rock Hudson died of AIDS and revealed he was gay?
-Moon landing?
-The Munich Olympic hostages?
-Did you see Kramer vs Kramer, Gone With The Wind, etc in theaters?
-The Challenger exploded?
-Nixon resigned?
-The Berlin wall?
-When baby Jessica got caught in the well?
-Shirley Temple becoming a U.S. Ambassador?
-And last but not least.....Has Robert Redford/Paul Newman always been so pretty?
_________
Of course these questions range from very big events to not so big events, and often time and media dictates what we deem as important and what we remember.
I'm pretty sure it was not important news, for an extended amount of time, that Shirley Temple was a U.S. Ambassador. It may have made the headlines initially and then sporadically during her time serving, but it has now become a piece of trivia rather than an event in history. Of course it's an interest of mine because of her history in movies so it's a very natural question for me. But how many others know this?
All this brings me to a question:
Of the events happening now and the people involved, which will be deemed only trivia and which will be historical moments to be remembered for generations?
Things I've already lived through:
-September 11, 2001 attacks in NYC and The Pentagon.
-The death of (Princess) Diana.
-The death of Mother Teresa.
-The death of JFK Jr.
-The passing of Jackie, Audrey H, Katharine H, Jimmy Stewart, etc.
-Home computers, Internet, cellphones.
-Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.
-Saddam Hussein capture and death.
-Osama Bin Laden found and killed.
-First Female Secretary of State, First African American Secretary of State, First Female African American Secretary of State.
-The trial of O.J. Simpson.
-"Titanic" sweeping the Oscars.
-Oprah.
-Many wars in the Middle East.
-The release of important world dignitaries/leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.
-First African-American President of the United States.
-The meltdown of several celebrities (Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, etc).
-2008 Economic Collapse
-No ban on Same Sex Marriage across many states.
(Sidebar: I'm hoping that the celebrity of Snooki and cast of The Jersey Shore will not stand the test of time because this will not inspire pride or respect from future generations. It will instead make them question if what they've learned from us comes from sound judgement.)
I know there are obvious answers but it makes you wonder as to what will actually stand the test of time. In the Venn diagram of history, what will fall into the circle of important and what will fall into the circle of trivial? What will overlap?
One answer: Only time will tell?
But I also believe that whatever has effected you in your life, that is what will be important and that is what you will pass onto future generations.
I feel that being in the younger generation, it is our job to look between the cracks of "important events in history" and find the other events that have been forgotten. That is truly how we remember and how we learn. I also find that, when asked, so many are willing to share their thoughts and memories. It is also in the questioning that they begin to remember.
I encourage us all to take inventory of our lives and instead of picking and choosing what's "important", make a list or keep a diary as to what happens in our lifetimes. Much of the list will become less important as time goes by, but the list will help you remember the forgotten events and the effect it had on you. That is what you can share.
I think that passing on ALL the information is the best thing we can do for future generations.
This type of effort should not only be duplicated but greatly encouraged when it comes to our personal lives. It has been commonplace for people over time and across the world to pass down stories to younger generations and this should not be forgotten for our families. Never hesitate to share stories from your youth or about Grandparents and beyond. Family history is not less important than public history. In fact, it's MORE important!
To quote Holly Hunter's character in Little Black Book, "Omissions are betrayals", so with that in mind, don't leave anything out. Don't think that you know what will and will not be important or what will matter to the unique personalities in our future generations. Everything is interesting and we should not allow time or the media to dictate our memories.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"I never cut class. I loved getting A's. I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I thought being smart is cooler than anything in the world."
-Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America (4 more years!)
-Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America (4 more years!)
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." -Friedrich Nietzsche
The Greatest Team.....Back Again
Another Brian and Megan story!
The house that we lived in until I was roughly 8 years old was right across from our church which was where my Dad was serving as pastor. My father has been a pastor as long as I've been born but this was the one time I remember living directly across from the church he served. Our next house, when we moved to a new town, was a block away from the church, so it wasn't far but not right across the street.
This memory took place in late October, early November around when I was 5 or 6 years old. Brian and I were outside playing catch and running plays with the football. Brian was the quarterback and he would tell me which way to run and turn so I'd be where the ball would be thrown. Of course, every catch equaled a touchdown and because I loved sports and did well, there were A LOT of touchdowns. <------That was me tooting my own horn!
So, we were outside in the Fall air and leaves playing football when all of a sudden Dad asked us if we'd run over to the church, go to his office and grab his monthly planner. Of course we happily obliged and brought the football with us.
I know you think you can see where this is going but trust me....you're wrong!!
So we walked across the street and went into the church. I'm not sure it was because this was a while ago or if it was because we lived in a small town but the church was ALWAYS unlocked. I always loved the idea that the church was open to the congregation or even strangers if they wanted to be in a sanctuary and pray. Of course events happen and things change and so many churches now are locked to the world. It's unfortunate and symbolic really, but I digress.
When you walked into the church from the particular door we always used, to the left was the fellowship area and kitchen. When you walked into that area you could see into the sanctuary through windows and there were double doors to the middle isle into the sanctuary. If you were looking at the alter there were two podiums on either side. The left podium (lecturn) was usually where the readings from the bible were read, the right was where Dad would give his sermon and read the gospel (the pulpit). The pulpit was bigger and a bit more pompous in comparison. If you were a visitor to the church in general, you would assume that's where the big presentations come from, and you'd be right.
Sometimes pictures are a helpful tool so below is a picture that is similar to how our church looked but minus the HUGE pillars on the side. Basically, where the pillars start is where our church ended. It was a big church but not that big! The white door on the right was how you got to Dad's office.
So we walked down the center isle to the alter and then walked in front of the pews and went through the door to Dad's office. His desk was immediately to the right when you opened his door and though he wasn't the most organized person, the desk was never too messy. His monthly planner aka appointment book had a red cover so it was quick to spot. We grabbed it and went on our way.
As we were walking through the church it was only natural to run down the center isle toward the back fellowship room and go for a "Hail Mary" pass. (I feel the stars are aligned when you throw a "Hail Mary" pass in the sanctuary of a church. It feels the most natural place for that pass to happen and we did not allow for this irony to pass us up!)
We played catch up the isle but then we started to actually play football. This usually meant that Brian would pretend to tackle me, lifting me up in the air and laying me down slowly. We LOVED doing everything with slow motion movements and sounds. You'll have to look at my last blog entry about the "mountain avalanche" for a visual of slow motion action at it's best.
We then realized that the fellowship hall was this huge expanse of open space just calling for us to play football. So the geniuses we were (are), remembered that the pews had cushions on them that could be removed, so we grabbed 10-15 burgundy colored cushions and laid them down in the fellowship area. It looked like a football field dreamt up by Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka"! But of course, his would be made from taffy and it would taste of raspberry.
So we had begun playing football and I would say got 15 minutes of play in, which comes to about 10 or so plays, when all of a sudden we heard the front door open and shut.
Growing up, Dad had a short fuse and only occasionally would listen to an explanation or colorful excuse. However, this time he was completely at a loss for words. His reaction was instead to not blink and slightly shift his bottom jaw to the right, like a lopsided under bite! Can you picture it? Did your parents do this? Do you do this now, if you have kids? If you do, DON'T! It will make them laugh Every.Time.
After about 15 hours (or so) of silence, Dad finally spoke.
"Megan, Mom wanted me to let you know that there is a movie on TV with Dolly in it."
I was the BIGGEST fan of Dolly when I was really little (still am in many ways) and it was not unlike my family to alert me when she was on TV or the radio. What I love about this memory is that it was almost painful for my Dad to tell me the news, having just witnessed our shenanigans!
So with that, I was able to leave and Brian was left to clean up our mess. The moment I realized I was able to leave, I BOLTED to the door. "BYE BRIAN!!!"
Off I went, back home to watch Dolly in "A Smokey Mountain Christmas". It was much too soon to be showing Christmas movies but I wasn't going to question it. I should really write Dolly Parton, letting her know she got me out of a jam when I was younger. I'm forever indebted to her!
I'm guessing Brian had heartburn for me AND Dolly after that, but it faded quickly.
After all....we were the Greatest Team!
The house that we lived in until I was roughly 8 years old was right across from our church which was where my Dad was serving as pastor. My father has been a pastor as long as I've been born but this was the one time I remember living directly across from the church he served. Our next house, when we moved to a new town, was a block away from the church, so it wasn't far but not right across the street.
This memory took place in late October, early November around when I was 5 or 6 years old. Brian and I were outside playing catch and running plays with the football. Brian was the quarterback and he would tell me which way to run and turn so I'd be where the ball would be thrown. Of course, every catch equaled a touchdown and because I loved sports and did well, there were A LOT of touchdowns. <------That was me tooting my own horn!
So, we were outside in the Fall air and leaves playing football when all of a sudden Dad asked us if we'd run over to the church, go to his office and grab his monthly planner. Of course we happily obliged and brought the football with us.
I know you think you can see where this is going but trust me....you're wrong!!
So we walked across the street and went into the church. I'm not sure it was because this was a while ago or if it was because we lived in a small town but the church was ALWAYS unlocked. I always loved the idea that the church was open to the congregation or even strangers if they wanted to be in a sanctuary and pray. Of course events happen and things change and so many churches now are locked to the world. It's unfortunate and symbolic really, but I digress.
When you walked into the church from the particular door we always used, to the left was the fellowship area and kitchen. When you walked into that area you could see into the sanctuary through windows and there were double doors to the middle isle into the sanctuary. If you were looking at the alter there were two podiums on either side. The left podium (lecturn) was usually where the readings from the bible were read, the right was where Dad would give his sermon and read the gospel (the pulpit). The pulpit was bigger and a bit more pompous in comparison. If you were a visitor to the church in general, you would assume that's where the big presentations come from, and you'd be right.
Sometimes pictures are a helpful tool so below is a picture that is similar to how our church looked but minus the HUGE pillars on the side. Basically, where the pillars start is where our church ended. It was a big church but not that big! The white door on the right was how you got to Dad's office.
So we walked down the center isle to the alter and then walked in front of the pews and went through the door to Dad's office. His desk was immediately to the right when you opened his door and though he wasn't the most organized person, the desk was never too messy. His monthly planner aka appointment book had a red cover so it was quick to spot. We grabbed it and went on our way.
As we were walking through the church it was only natural to run down the center isle toward the back fellowship room and go for a "Hail Mary" pass. (I feel the stars are aligned when you throw a "Hail Mary" pass in the sanctuary of a church. It feels the most natural place for that pass to happen and we did not allow for this irony to pass us up!)
We played catch up the isle but then we started to actually play football. This usually meant that Brian would pretend to tackle me, lifting me up in the air and laying me down slowly. We LOVED doing everything with slow motion movements and sounds. You'll have to look at my last blog entry about the "mountain avalanche" for a visual of slow motion action at it's best.
We then realized that the fellowship hall was this huge expanse of open space just calling for us to play football. So the geniuses we were (are), remembered that the pews had cushions on them that could be removed, so we grabbed 10-15 burgundy colored cushions and laid them down in the fellowship area. It looked like a football field dreamt up by Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka"! But of course, his would be made from taffy and it would taste of raspberry.
So we had begun playing football and I would say got 15 minutes of play in, which comes to about 10 or so plays, when all of a sudden we heard the front door open and shut.
IT WAS DAD!!
Growing up, Dad had a short fuse and only occasionally would listen to an explanation or colorful excuse. However, this time he was completely at a loss for words. His reaction was instead to not blink and slightly shift his bottom jaw to the right, like a lopsided under bite! Can you picture it? Did your parents do this? Do you do this now, if you have kids? If you do, DON'T! It will make them laugh Every.Time.
After about 15 hours (or so) of silence, Dad finally spoke.
"Megan, Mom wanted me to let you know that there is a movie on TV with Dolly in it."
I was the BIGGEST fan of Dolly when I was really little (still am in many ways) and it was not unlike my family to alert me when she was on TV or the radio. What I love about this memory is that it was almost painful for my Dad to tell me the news, having just witnessed our shenanigans!
So with that, I was able to leave and Brian was left to clean up our mess. The moment I realized I was able to leave, I BOLTED to the door. "BYE BRIAN!!!"
Off I went, back home to watch Dolly in "A Smokey Mountain Christmas". It was much too soon to be showing Christmas movies but I wasn't going to question it. I should really write Dolly Parton, letting her know she got me out of a jam when I was younger. I'm forever indebted to her!
I'm guessing Brian had heartburn for me AND Dolly after that, but it faded quickly.
After all....we were the Greatest Team!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person." -Oscar Wilde
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)
Cary Grant - Jim Blandings
Melvyn Douglas - Bill Cole
After noticing that I had begun going through Myrna Loy's filmography, I was told by many that "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" was a "must see", entertaining and humorous film, so I was very excited to finally see it. I must make it clear that though I watched it after finding out Myrna was in the film, the extra UMPH...was Cary Grant.
I feel as though I've grown up with him in a way and to find a movie I hadn't seen was the cherry on the top. I have rarely seen a Cary Grant film on purpose but rather happened upon them only to become completely enamored by the man.
I watched "The Philadelphia Story" and "Bringing Up Baby" for Katharine Hepburn.
I watched "That Touch of Mink" for Doris Day and Audrey Meadows.
I watched "Father Goose" for Leslie Caron.
However, I did watch "North By Northwest", "His Girl Friday" and "Arsenic and Old Lace" for Cary Grant.
There are probably many more that I am missing but my point is this; though I watched all those movies for other reasons, I always ended up by the end completely amazed by Cary Grant and his simple, though sometimes obnoxious, comedic style. Oh, and because he's beautiful! (Objectification is bad, people. It's only allowed when talking about Cary Grant.)
So here I am, once again, happening upon a movie for the purpose of seeing another brilliant and funny Myrna Loy performance (and believe me when I say she didn't disappoint) but yet again, I end on the fact that Cary Grant is simply comedic and obnoxiously beautiful.
Here's What I Know:
*cue crickets*
I didn't know anything about this film, which was such a wonderful thing to experience. I did had the opportunity I was snooping to see a video of one scene on youtube. And much like a good trailer ought to be, it was enough to reel vintage me in with interest, but not enough to give anything away.
I could probably go on and explain details about Cary Grant and how his family were acrobats in the circus. This is apparent in his physical comedy, particularly in "Holiday" with Katharine Hepburn (I knew there was another movie I didn't mention). The picture below is from that film and basically sums up my point.
I'm not trying to lure you into thinking that Mr. Grant is doing anything like this in "Blandings"
but it does allow you to understand his ability for comedy; it's quirky and theatrical.
Hmmmm....what to say about Myrna and her comedy prowess?
Well, this movie was delightful to watch after seeing "The Thin Man" series and her other comedic films. I knew that it would be funny and with her involved, it implied that it would also be intelligent and comically subdued. Myrna Loy's comedic delivery is something that, without being able to describe it very well, makes me laugh out loud but it's so subtle sometimes that if you're not paying attention you can miss it. So how do I describe this?
Well, this movie was delightful to watch after seeing "The Thin Man" series and her other comedic films. I knew that it would be funny and with her involved, it implied that it would also be intelligent and comically subdued. Myrna Loy's comedic delivery is something that, without being able to describe it very well, makes me laugh out loud but it's so subtle sometimes that if you're not paying attention you can miss it. So how do I describe this?
For my old movie and TV fans, she seems to be a cross between Gracie Allen and Virginia O'Brien. Myrna's subtle delivery is matter-of-fact and under-the-radar sometimes that you don't realize it's funny until it's past and it makes you laugh out loud; ultimately missing the next line. Gracie Allen, would often say things so matter-of-fact that when you'd really think about it, you'd realize she was right (or absurd) and really funny! For instance, if someone offered Gracie to "take a chair", as in sit down, she would respond very plain and innocent with, "No thanks! We have plenty of chairs at home." Her delivery is such that it never makes the other person feel as though they're stupid even though she's ultimately thinking, "Well! Why would he think we didn't have chairs!?"
That's how Myrna did it in many ways, but she would often deliver it with a stoic Virginia O'Brien face that it could sometimes lead you to miss it. This is why I have enjoyed her movies so much because she's just a hoot and because you catch the joke later, it's like enjoying it twice.
Things That Stood Out:
Things That Stood Out:
I feel like much of what stood out was the humor and delivery but I will try and dive in more. A quick summary of the story line:
**Cary and Myrna are married with two girls and live in a small apartment in New York. After Myrna makes suggestions for making the apartment more "cozy" or livable, Cary thinks that it's too much money and disagrees. He then sees an ad in a magazine for Connecticut and decide they should move. He feels it's an ideal place to live and he and Myrna begin looking for a house. Of course, the house they buy leaves much to be desired that instead of fixing it up, they are suggested to "tear it down" and start again. This leads to grand ideas of a dream home (see where they got the title) but with no consideration for rules, regulations or even common sense. With roadblocks and hiccups along the way, they finally build their dream home. (This is where a swell of string instruments would play something magical with a picture of a dream house. Maybe I think that because that's how it ends. haha)**
The opening scene is brilliant. I know brilliant is a word that is overused, thus reducing whatever is being described as anything BUT brilliant however, in this case, it's true.
We wake up with the Blandings, only to find that their apartment is much too small. I don't know for certain, but I feel confident in saying that the first 5 minutes of the film is without dialogue. There is one line here and one line there but for the most part, it's as though you could transfer it all to a silent film. The way you discover just how small the apartment is and how they've grown used to it is....well.....brilliant. There's a moment where you discover the closet is so small, and obviously shared by Mr. AND Mrs. that he accidentally grabs HER robe while one hand is holding the boxes on the shelf above so they don't fall to the ground. It's obvious they are being held up by the closet door when it is closed.
There is also a hilarious moment where, as you see Cary down the hall from his room, you will still see Myrna in bed sitting with her head tucked to her chin. Mrs. Blandings is obviously not a morning person until she gets her coffee, which he knows to bring to her in bed. This has nothing to do with the size of the apartment but it was something I noticed immediately and actually skipped back to see it a second time so I could laugh again.
There's also a clever scene where they are both getting ready in the morning and we are shown just how little space they have to share in the bathroom. Of course, we blame this on the tiny apartment, but the true punchline is about 45 minutes later, when the same thing happens in their new big house. Obviously the size of your home has nothing to do with this problem. I'm literally laughing just thinking about it! This movie might be proof that all couples should have separate sinks and mirrors.
There are so many funny gags and exchanges but I don't want to get too long-winded or give anything away. I will say that for the reviews I read, many said this would be a great film to show anyone buying or building a house how NOT to do it. When you get professional ideas or suggestions, listen to them! It's not a weakness to ask for help or clarification.
Now Was That Necessary?:
I do have one point of contention regarding a subplot. You'd think that the process of moving and building a home would be confusing and stressful enough but for some reason, they decided to add a question of infidelity on the part of Muriel (Myrna) and their family friend Bill (Melvyn). Of course this is entirely dreamt up on the part of Jim (Cary) and even though it's false, to me it seems completely unnecessary to have it at all. It seems to only muddle up a perfectly good movie.
I will try and explain my reasoning without giving anything away. That's actually a funny point because the subplot seems so ridiculous to the story that I couldn't give anything away. I should be singing to myself, "One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just isn't the same."
First of all, it is a stretch for me to think Myrna Loy would be unfaithful to none other than Cary Grant. I know I've explained this before but Myrna Loy's reputation was "The Perfect Wife" in Hollywood due to her playing that kind of role so many times. So, imagine audiences at that time with that in the back of their head, thinking it's ridiculous to imagine her as being unfaithful. Also, there is nothing to truly warrant such suspicion but for some reason simple things become suddenly suspicious to Cary.
There's my two cents.
Another scene is when Cary is asked a question by a construction worker/builder about a certain detail. The length of the silence that follows paired with his dimwitted facial expression made me bust out! I can see it now! HAHA He obviously does not understand the question and almost seems to forget he needs to respond.
Now Was That Necessary?:
I do have one point of contention regarding a subplot. You'd think that the process of moving and building a home would be confusing and stressful enough but for some reason, they decided to add a question of infidelity on the part of Muriel (Myrna) and their family friend Bill (Melvyn). Of course this is entirely dreamt up on the part of Jim (Cary) and even though it's false, to me it seems completely unnecessary to have it at all. It seems to only muddle up a perfectly good movie.
I will try and explain my reasoning without giving anything away. That's actually a funny point because the subplot seems so ridiculous to the story that I couldn't give anything away. I should be singing to myself, "One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just isn't the same."
First of all, it is a stretch for me to think Myrna Loy would be unfaithful to none other than Cary Grant. I know I've explained this before but Myrna Loy's reputation was "The Perfect Wife" in Hollywood due to her playing that kind of role so many times. So, imagine audiences at that time with that in the back of their head, thinking it's ridiculous to imagine her as being unfaithful. Also, there is nothing to truly warrant such suspicion but for some reason simple things become suddenly suspicious to Cary.
An example from the dialogue:
Jim: What's with this kissing all of a sudden? I don't like it. Every time he goes out of this house, he shakes my hand and and kisses you.
Muriel: Would you prefer it the other way around?
I must explain that the kiss Bill gives Muriel is on the cheek, a very common greeting or goodbye for so many old films. That might be why I'm confused. Also, because Bill continues to kiss Muriel on the cheek when he leaves and it is never a problem with Jim again.
Second of all, the idea of infidelity that Cary Grant dreams up is something that is brought up within the cracks of the story. Instead of holding the story together, it seems to confuse it. It's something that is brought up and dismissed so many times that it seems redundant and pointless to keep bringing up. Every time they, or Cary rather, move beyond the suspicion; they apologize and it seems that it is all over until it's brought up AGAIN! It's something that seemed to make sense the first time but once it's been regarded as not a worry the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times just ware on me.
I feel this subplot is probably interjected in to add comedy but it instead falls short and disrupts the pace of the film.
There's my two cents.
However, There Were Many Favorite Parts:
Well the opening scene definitely stands out for me, the bathroom scenes, and a particular scene falling back on the humor that men never ask for directions or accept they don't know the way. In that particular scene, Myrna says the correct directions twice, but is ignored. Of course third times a charm and well...who'da thunk?.....she was right!
Here's a picture from that scene with the three main stars!
Another scene is when Cary is asked a question by a construction worker/builder about a certain detail. The length of the silence that follows paired with his dimwitted facial expression made me bust out! I can see it now! HAHA He obviously does not understand the question and almost seems to forget he needs to respond.
There's also a scene where both Mr. and Mrs. interject their ideas of rooms and extras for the house and when you later see the blueprints there are scribbles everywhere you can barely tell where the real plans had been.
Below is the scene I had watched before viewing the entire movie, the one I snooped for on youtube. It's not a real trailer rather than just a scene from the film. The more I've watched this scene the more I find it funny! It is a great example of how men and women can see things differently, even when it comes to something as simple as paint colors.
My favorite detail from that scene is when Myrna grabs the paper sample off the wall and doesn't just point to the color she wants, but glides the paper in the air to find the light to better show off the dot. It's a subtle gesture that shows her natural acting impulses. I also love how she stresses the word "awful". The way her voice seems to take on a raspy tone quality for some reason gives me a comfortable feeling. I seem to remember a few occasions where my Grandmother made that same sound on certain words so that must be why. :)
I recommend you to watch the film; it's well worth the 90 minutes.
I hope when you watch the film, you'll remember the parts I pointed out and enjoy them as much as I did. If you laugh out loud, let me know in the comments or if you're like me, and immediately add it to your Amazon cart, let me know just the same.
Happy watching and I dare you NOT to fall in love with Cary Grant.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday is Quote Day
"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." -Steven Martin
Sometimes the brilliance is in the simplicity!
It's a wonderfully, logical statement that proves we should never overthink anything like, you know, this quote!
Sometimes the brilliance is in the simplicity!
It's a wonderfully, logical statement that proves we should never overthink anything like, you know, this quote!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Family Memories: The Greatest Team Strikes Again
Get ready for another Megan and Brian adventure!
From the time I was roughly 2 years old to 8 years old, my family and I lived in a wonderful house in a small town in SW MN. When I think of great childhood memories, I think both of Brian and this particular house. It wasn't the biggest house but it did have 4 bedrooms which fit my family just right. If you interject simple math, the way that works out: my two brothers got their own room while my sister and I had to share (of course so did Mom and Dad). I don't remember this being a problem for me, because as the youngest, I felt pretty great sharing it with my older sister. She was, naturally, cooler than I but that has definitely changed. I've undoubtedly surpassed her in cool points. (Love you, Laura!)
One interesting thing I remember about this house was the door to the upstairs level. This is a small detail you don't find in a lot of houses. Most of the time the stairs are in plain sight but for some reason the builder or architect decided there needed to be a separation between levels in this house. It wasn't a secret door either. It also wasn't a door that when you opened it, found linens or coats. The placement was between the dining room and the living room which seemed anything but a closet and instead was probably quite intriguing for most visitors, wondering what was behind "door number one". For some reason when I take a moment to think about a door with stairs behind them, I immediately picture wooden stairs to an attic that is cold and ominous. That was nothing like the door to our upstairs. The carpet from the main floor of the house limboed itself under the door and continued all the way up the stairs to the second floor. It was never cold but warm and never ominous but...well...home! I also remember the carpet being a very plain, simple, khakis color. The kind that goes with everything.
Also, I imagine anyone with kids or a large family is thinking that a door to the upstairs is a brilliant idea and trust me, we took advantage of such a barrier. If you forgot your shoes downstairs, someone could just put them on the stairs to be brought to your room and then shut the door, leaving all clutter behind so when company did come, the main floor was neat and tidy. Brilliant, right!? OR if you were sent to your room upstairs (this never happened to me), you'd hope they'd shut the door so you wouldn't actually have to go to your room but instead whimper on the steps near the door, thus feeling like you were still a part of the family instead of being barricaded from all fun and excitement. (I apparently have deep wounds that need mending. *sniff*)
Anyway, after a perfect amount of description, on with "The Greatest Team Strikes Again".
As you can only assume, the story is set around and behind this brilliant barrier. Also from my previous post Family Memories: The Greatest Team , you know that Brian and I were constantly thinking up wonderful and ridiculous adventures.
I can't recall if Brian and I just had bouts of genius or we had brainstorming sessions for our brilliant adventures? I think that we both shared a similar imagination and creativity that made us the perfect team. Also with one of us taller than 6 ft and the other around 3 ft, as a team, we could do a lot. He could get to high places and I could fit in small places. Oh, such safety!
One day Brian and I were inspired by the idea that my twin bed mattress seemed to be the perfect width of our stairs. So with this new found adventure on the horizon, we brought my mattress from my room upstairs to the top of the stairs and sure enough it fit just snug enough that it would slowly slide down the stairs but not fast enough where it turned into a bouncy toboggan. So there we were, on the top of "the mountain". We then both laid on the mattress, which was now at roughly a 45 degree incline, pretending we were on a slow motion "avalanche". If you were downstairs looking up, there was one handrail on the right side of the wall and this is where we would hold on trying to survive the "avalanche". It was touch and go a couple times, me sliding down the "mountain" and Brian reaching down to me like Cliffhanger trying to save me from certain death. Of course, we had the door shut and I remember going down the "mountain" several times. Every time, we survived to live another day.
Not only did we survive the slow motion "avalanche" with exaggerated movements but it also included slow motion yelps.
"Noooooooooooooo, I'm sliiiiippppiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnggggggg!!!!!!!!"
It's a wonder that, if there was anyone in the house, they didn't hear us echo from the stairwell. Of course, when you yelp in slow motion it always ends up being quieter than a real scream and about an octave below your normal voice.
Well, we were on our 4th or 5th run-in with the "mountain avalanche" (you'd have thought we'd try and find another summit, right!?) when all of a sudden Mom opens the door to find her twofavorite children and a twin sized mattress on the stairs. I'm not sure what Brian's face looked like, but I remember my face because it was the same face I made whenever I thought Mom or Dad was mad or disappointed. It looked something like this...
From the time I was roughly 2 years old to 8 years old, my family and I lived in a wonderful house in a small town in SW MN. When I think of great childhood memories, I think both of Brian and this particular house. It wasn't the biggest house but it did have 4 bedrooms which fit my family just right. If you interject simple math, the way that works out: my two brothers got their own room while my sister and I had to share (of course so did Mom and Dad). I don't remember this being a problem for me, because as the youngest, I felt pretty great sharing it with my older sister. She was, naturally, cooler than I but that has definitely changed. I've undoubtedly surpassed her in cool points. (Love you, Laura!)
One interesting thing I remember about this house was the door to the upstairs level. This is a small detail you don't find in a lot of houses. Most of the time the stairs are in plain sight but for some reason the builder or architect decided there needed to be a separation between levels in this house. It wasn't a secret door either. It also wasn't a door that when you opened it, found linens or coats. The placement was between the dining room and the living room which seemed anything but a closet and instead was probably quite intriguing for most visitors, wondering what was behind "door number one". For some reason when I take a moment to think about a door with stairs behind them, I immediately picture wooden stairs to an attic that is cold and ominous. That was nothing like the door to our upstairs. The carpet from the main floor of the house limboed itself under the door and continued all the way up the stairs to the second floor. It was never cold but warm and never ominous but...well...home! I also remember the carpet being a very plain, simple, khakis color. The kind that goes with everything.
Also, I imagine anyone with kids or a large family is thinking that a door to the upstairs is a brilliant idea and trust me, we took advantage of such a barrier. If you forgot your shoes downstairs, someone could just put them on the stairs to be brought to your room and then shut the door, leaving all clutter behind so when company did come, the main floor was neat and tidy. Brilliant, right!? OR if you were sent to your room upstairs (this never happened to me), you'd hope they'd shut the door so you wouldn't actually have to go to your room but instead whimper on the steps near the door, thus feeling like you were still a part of the family instead of being barricaded from all fun and excitement. (I apparently have deep wounds that need mending. *sniff*)
Anyway, after a perfect amount of description, on with "The Greatest Team Strikes Again".
As you can only assume, the story is set around and behind this brilliant barrier. Also from my previous post Family Memories: The Greatest Team , you know that Brian and I were constantly thinking up wonderful and ridiculous adventures.
I can't recall if Brian and I just had bouts of genius or we had brainstorming sessions for our brilliant adventures? I think that we both shared a similar imagination and creativity that made us the perfect team. Also with one of us taller than 6 ft and the other around 3 ft, as a team, we could do a lot. He could get to high places and I could fit in small places. Oh, such safety!
One day Brian and I were inspired by the idea that my twin bed mattress seemed to be the perfect width of our stairs. So with this new found adventure on the horizon, we brought my mattress from my room upstairs to the top of the stairs and sure enough it fit just snug enough that it would slowly slide down the stairs but not fast enough where it turned into a bouncy toboggan. So there we were, on the top of "the mountain". We then both laid on the mattress, which was now at roughly a 45 degree incline, pretending we were on a slow motion "avalanche". If you were downstairs looking up, there was one handrail on the right side of the wall and this is where we would hold on trying to survive the "avalanche". It was touch and go a couple times, me sliding down the "mountain" and Brian reaching down to me like Cliffhanger trying to save me from certain death. Of course, we had the door shut and I remember going down the "mountain" several times. Every time, we survived to live another day.
Not only did we survive the slow motion "avalanche" with exaggerated movements but it also included slow motion yelps.
"Noooooooooooooo, I'm sliiiiippppiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnggggggg!!!!!!!!"
It's a wonder that, if there was anyone in the house, they didn't hear us echo from the stairwell. Of course, when you yelp in slow motion it always ends up being quieter than a real scream and about an octave below your normal voice.
Well, we were on our 4th or 5th run-in with the "mountain avalanche" (you'd have thought we'd try and find another summit, right!?) when all of a sudden Mom opens the door to find her two
I can't remember if Mom was mad or entertained by our antics (probably both), but all I remember is her saying, "Put. Your. Bed. Back."
We put the bed back and probably already trying to think of something else we could do! Back to brainstorming and thinking up another adventure.
What I love about these memories of adventures with Brian is, opposed to my brothers when they were younger, our ideas were never destructive. They were simple and imaginative. I mean a twin sized mattress and a narrow stairway = mountain avalanche. I know you're wishing you did this when you were little! And just for the record, I would still do this today, if only to create a memory with Brian. We should always continue to be kids and imagine adventures that ultimately lead to this face when caught...
...then turns into this...
So, go put on your play clothes and explore your imagination!
The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
William Powell - Florenz Ziegfled Jr.
Myrna Loy - Billie Burke
Luise Rainer - Anna Held
Frank Morgan - Jack Billings
Ray Bolger and Fannie Brice as themselves
If someone had told me that I would enjoy a 3 hour film from 1936 about a man I really don't know anything about, I would have asked one question......"Well, who's in it?" After they answer, "William Powell", I would respond with a resounding "Heck, yes I would!!"
If you ever, and I mean ever, get a chance to see a film with William Powell, don't think, just sit down and enjoy! He has a certain magnetism that, for me, is unexpected and after several viewings of his movies, it has now stuck with me. I will never second guess his talent again.
You must be thinking, "She must be bringing this up because this movie is superb and without flaws and I must go see it." Well, you have every right to think that but that's not the case. It's not the best film I've ever seen but it certainly has stellar performances from everyone in it and it helps to at least know something about the guy to really enjoy the story, but it's not necessary. So though it maybe isn't the best thing ever made, you should still give it a try! I feel pretty confident you will not be disappointed.
Here's what I know:
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was married to Billie Burke who, 3 years after this movie came out, would grace the screen as Glinda, the Witch of the North from "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). I knew that she had been a stage actress earlier in her career and read that she had enjoyed playing Glinda so much because the character and costumes reminded her of her theater/stage days. This movie reiterated that statement with the theater world she came from and kind of costumes that she wore.
The name "Ziegfeld" gives me no great pause, as it may for others. I only know the name from a movie I've seen and own (well it's more like a series of skits put together on film) called "Ziegfeld Follies of 1946" (1945). It has a SLEW of stars in it from that era including Judy Garland, Red Skelton, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Kathryn Grayson, etc. So my only connection with the name "Ziegfeld" was from a movie that was inspired by the classic Ziegfeld shows, but made many years after his passing. It was more of a tribute to a man that always yearned to bring elegant, elaborate beauty to theater audiences.
However, to actually watch a movie about the man was so incredibly interesting. It was wonderful to find out how he began his career, be introduced to the people he knew and worked with, and how his classic shows started and changed the theater world. These are the things I just love finding out! Gosh, I love old movies!
The Performances:
Not to be redundant but William Powell was great in this film. He embodied Ziegfeld, well as much as I think he did. The way Ziegfeld was portrayed he seemed to be a gambler and dreamer of a business man. He had grand ideas but never really had enough money to put on a show and never wanted to put up any of his own money if he had it, but always willing to gamble on others fortune. He was a ladies man, but not on a disgusting way. Considering he showcased a number of beautiful women in extravagant gowns on grandiose sets, he never seemed to be a man who would take advantage of a woman. He instead had a keen eye for beauty and how they should be dressed for glamour. That doesn't mean he didn't take his leading ladies out and buy them expensive gifts (even while married), I still seemed to understand and believe that he loved his wife. He just seemed to be a compulsive spender and would give money to just about everybody he knew, including a waiter or bellboy even when he was flat broke. He'd be glad to give the little guy some extra change.
William Powell can be an obnoxious stooge if he wants to or a debonair gentleman. He has the ability to switch between the two without so much as a bead of sweat or obvious transition. For some reason, it's believable for him to embody both personality types.
Myrna Loy plays Billie Burke in the film and, as I've recently found out from a friend, was personally approved by Ms. Burke herself. I can only imagine what it would be like to play a role of a person still alive and able to correct you if you got it wrong. However, there wasn't enough of Billie in the story for them to get anything too wrong, I imagine. Of the 3 hour film, we don't actually see Billie until 15 minutes after the 2 hour mark. I will always speak highly of Myrna Loy as an actress but beyond the 6 or 7 times we see her on screen, there really isn't too much to add other than: she was beyond beautiful and an incredibly natural actress. Pairing her with William Powell never disappoints.
Luise Rainer as Ziegfeld's first wife, Anna Held, was quite a force in this film. Her character, I believe, is supposed to be flighty and emotional. Of course sometimes the extraneous emotions are valid but for the most part, they make you fidget and stand on edge because she seems so anxious. Though I thought this characterization would only annoy me, I quickly understood it and instead welcomed it as something quite fresh and comical. The amount of times she asks him to leave a room and come back again in a matter of 5 minutes is hilarious. She does this when phoning him as well that it isn't annoying, but instead becomes a familiar gag that, quite surprisingly, doesn't get old. Like the other characters around her, you instead accept it as normal, almost expected, behavior. It's important to note that she won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in this film, this being her second Oscar, the first from only the year before. Also, this won the Best Picture Academy Award as well, beating out "Mr Deeds Goes To Town" (Frank Capra), "Liabeled Lady" (another William Powell and Myrna Loy picture) among others.
I also must include a short mention of Frank Morgan. Many know him as The Great and Powerful Oz/Professor Marvel from "The Wizard of Oz". Well, he is just as delightful and entertaining in this film. The slow transition of his character from adversary to friend of Ziegfeld is a delightful aspect to this film. It says so much about both men and it's done in a very believable way.
I also must include a short mention of Frank Morgan. Many know him as The Great and Powerful Oz/Professor Marvel from "The Wizard of Oz". Well, he is just as delightful and entertaining in this film. The slow transition of his character from adversary to friend of Ziegfeld is a delightful aspect to this film. It says so much about both men and it's done in a very believable way.
Things That Stood Out:
Fanny Brice - She's hilarious and it was wonderful to see her poke fun at herself (a natural thing she did) but to do it from her own history. Her faces were wacky and she was hilarious but, just as Ziegfeld says, she could tear your heart out in a split second with her rendition of "My Man".
Ray Bolger - He plays a prop man behind the scenes on the Ziegfeld show and we find him dancing while he cleans up. Many know Ray as the Scarecrow from "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). What some might not know is that he was supposed to play the Tin Man originally but lobbied to be the Scarecrow instead and I personally think he was born to play that part. With that piece of trivia trapped in your head for the time being, a part that I thought was delectable: We find him dancing while cleaning up behind stage when Ziegfeld asks about his job and such. Ray says, "I've been a property master for 5 years, but my heart just isn't in it.", to which Ziegfeld replies, "That's a long time to live without a heart!" Does everyone now understand why I squealed with delight at that exchange. You're welcome! Now go tell your friends!
Rhapsody In Blue - If you ever find yourself watching a movie, TV Show or listening to music and "Rhapsody In Blue" (Gershwin) comes on, it will always be something that stands out. It is one of the most perfect pieces of music ever constructed by man. I know that many might think that about the classic composers like Mozart and Beethoven, but when it comes to our more modern world, George and Ira Gershwin were the closest things to musical perfection we had on this earth. I think it's important to mention both brothers even though "Rhapsody" was only George's creation. It's roughly 16 minutes of melodic brilliance that will always give me chills and probably make me cry at the drop of a hat. I must have inherited this from my Mother because I've been there to witness these same emotions take her over with this same song. To not be completely changed by this after listening, well you're just not doing it right! I feel I must say that in the movie, they only used a portion of the song but it happened to be the exact moment that I will always tear up! Sometimes when something is so beautiful, you just have to cry. It may have been these 3 minutes that solidified my enjoyment of this film. This paragraph, as you can tell, has no bias what-so-ever.
Okay, now for the finale:
If you at all enjoy old films, Ziegfeld, William Powell, Myrna Loy or Luise Rainer, plan an evening to watch this delightful film. If you enjoy any of those things mentioned, the movie will not disappoint. If you do not know or enjoy any of those things....well then explore the world outside your comfort zone and keep an open mind. I think the movie and you yourself will be surprised.
Okay, now for the finale:
If you at all enjoy old films, Ziegfeld, William Powell, Myrna Loy or Luise Rainer, plan an evening to watch this delightful film. If you enjoy any of those things mentioned, the movie will not disappoint. If you do not know or enjoy any of those things....well then explore the world outside your comfort zone and keep an open mind. I think the movie and you yourself will be surprised.
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