Bette Davis: Fierceness Personified

Bette Davis: Fierceness Personified

When I think of Bette Davis, one word comes to mind: fierce.  Whether portraying a cunning evil Vixen or a plain fragile soul, there was a fierceness to her even if it was way below the surface.  Perhaps that was something pouring over from her true self into the role that she played?  I do not know.  All I know is that I could sense it.  We are going to explore two of her famous characters and get a feel of the fierceness that lurked.

The Little Foxes (1941)

In this movie, Bette Davis plays Regina Giddens.  At the start of the 20th Century, women certainly didn't have as many rights as men, particularly when it comes to inheritances.  Regina's brothers inherit from their wealthy father, while she can only rely on her ill husband for financial support. Now this does not sit well with Regina.  She wants what she feels she is owed- a lot of money.  When her brothers' scheme to gain more money for a venture does not go as planned, she finds the perfect opportunity to blackmail them.  Regina's fierceness is seen in what she is willing to do to get what she wants. I do not want to give too much away but there is a coldness in her. There is an intensity, a power, a fierceness in her eyes and body language as she stands firm to achieve her goal no matter the cost. 

Now, Voyager (1942)

Davis plays Charlotte Vale. Charlotte is considered plain and unattractive. She is brow beaten by her mother and has no self-esteem.  Things start to look up for her when she gets away from her mother.  She spends time in a Sanatorium and then takes a long cruise.  While away from her mother she learns independence and falls in love. Charlotte's fierceness is in her determination not to be placed back under her mother's thumb. She stands firm against her mother.  When tragedy occurs, she seeks the help she needs.  Then she has the compassion to help a young girl in a similar situation. She finds the power and fire within herself to be strong.

One actress. Two characters. Very different personalities.  Yet a power within them. A firmness. Strength. Fierceness.  

The Romantic-Comedy Blogathon

Arsenic and Old Lace: The Crazy Runs Deep

It seems a common occurrence for people to think their family is crazier than everyone else's family.  For theater critic, Mortimer Brewster, he may actually win that contest.

He has one brother(Teddy) who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt and constantly blows a bugle and charges up stairs:

He has another brother(Jonathan) who is a psychotic murderer, and through a botched plastic surgery was made to look like Boris Karloff:

And to top it off he has two sweet looking aunts, who poison lonely men that board at their house to bring the men peace:

The excitement begins when Mortimer takes his new wife to see his aunts before heading on their honeymoon.  That night, he discovers his aunts murderous deeds; his Boris Karloff looking brother returns to hide from the police; constant complaints against Teddy  requires him to finally be committed.

So in one night Mortimer has to keep his aunts' secret from being discovered, but stop them from continuing their poisonous practice. He has to procure all of the necessary documents to commit Teddy. Then he has to get Jonathan to leave the house without the man killing him. Mortimer has to deal with all of this while keeping his new wife from finding out, and with the police constantly stopping by.

Is there any wonder Mortimer fears becoming crazy himself?

A Birthday Post For The Goldenboy

Today was William Holden's birthday. He made his screen debut in 1939's "The Golden Boy."  It was from this movie that he garnered the nickname that would remain with him for the rest of his life. A handsome man he could be both serious and funny in a role.  A mark of a good actor for me. For his birthday I want to focus on some of his body of work that remains as a testament to his talent for new generations to discover. 

The first movie I want to mention was actually my introduction to William Holden. "Dear Ruth" (1947). 

It is a romantic comedy that also starred Joan Caufield. In the movie, Ruth's(Caufield) teenage sister corresponds with Soldier Bill (Holden) using her name. Naturally, hilarity ensues when Bill drops by the house while on Leave. As a bit of a trivia, there is a myth surrounding this film: J.D. Salinger thought of the name "Holden Caufield" from the marquee poster for this film.

The second movie I want to mention is one of his most famous films- "Sunset Boulevard" (1950).

A film noir about a down on his luck screenwriter who becomes trapped in the spiderweb of a delusional has-been film star. Joe persuades Norma to let him fix up a script she has written, which she believes will her back into the spotlight.  She becomes obsessed with him. He comes to resent his dependence on her money.  His attempt to leave will lead to tragic consequences.  Bit of a trivia: Holden received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

The third movie is another comedy- "Paris When It Sizzles" (1964).

A romantic comedy that also starred Audrey Hepburn. Holden is a screenwriter who is under the gun to complete a script for an upcoming movie. Audrey Hepburn is the secretary hired to type the script for him.  This is a funny movie that contains a film within a film.

The fourth movie is William Holden's Academy Award Winning performance- "Stalag 17" (1953).

This film centers around prisoners of war in a German War Camp. Holden plays Lt. Sefton who has found a way to survive with some comfort by trading and selling with other prisoners and guards. This doesn't make him very popular with the other prisoners, and things come to a head when a new prisoner arrives. Even though the film is set in a war camp there is some humor sprinkled throughout the film. 

The final film I want to mention is the film that started it all- "The Golden Boy" (1939).

The film co-starred Barbara Stanwyck which led to a lifelong friendship between the two. William Holden plays a talented violin player who wants to be a boxer. 

This list is just a drop of water in a bucket. There are plenty of other Holden films such as "Sabrina," "Executive Suite," and "Picnic."  He was an actor during the Golden Era of Hollywood. He starred in films that showcased some of the best Hollywood had to offer. If you are not familiar with his work, then spend a weekend introducing yourself to Hollywood's Golden Boy. 

Discovering Don: My Introduction to Don Ameche

A few months ago, TCM aired Moon Over Miami (1941) which starred Don Ameche.  I had the idea to write a blog post on him. I had a hard time figuring out what specifically to write about him. Finally I decided that I would simply write how I came to discover him.

 I came to know Don Ameche from the movie Cocoon (1985).  Like many 5 year olds, I was very naive. I assumed that this was his first movie, and that he started acting at a very old age:

As I grew older, I started to watch more movies from earlier generations, and I came across The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939). To my surprise there was the man from Cocoon:

I realized that he had been acting far longer than I originally thought. However, that wasn't to be the end of the surprises from Mr. Don Ameche.  The last surprise came from the movie I mentioned at the beginning Moon Over Miami (1941):

When I first saw the movie, it was no surprise to me that Ameche was in it.  I had come to accept the man had been acting since the 1930s.  No, the last surprise came when Mr. Ameche started to sing in the movie. It turned out the man was also a singer.  He had a wonderful singing voice.

After the shock of him singing, there were no more surprises regarding Don Ameche. I continued to enjoy  his movies and expecting a good performance.

I have only mentioned 3 movies, because these were the films that opened my eyes to Don Ameche. However, he has played in many more. I'm sure people remember him as one of the Duke Brothers in Trading Places (1983), Heaven Can Wait (1943), or as Tom Selleck's dad in Folks! (1992).  He was a great actor. He was a versatile actor. He could do comedy, drama, musical.  So, if you are someone who overlooked him in the past, I highly recommend you take a look. Or if you do know of him but haven't watched his movies in a while, pop in a movie and discover Don all over again.

Christmas Movie Blogathon Event: A Christmas Story

Ho! Ho! Ho!  Christmas time is upon us once again. People are dusting off their copies of "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," and the many versions of "A Christmas Carol."  However, there is one Christmas Movie that must not be forgotten: the recent classic

A Christmas Story wasn't successful when it was first released in 1983, but it became a classic years later after TBS started airing it as a 24 hr marathon on Christmas Eve. The movie is narrated by an adult Ralphie, and it is seen through the eyes of a child. Even the parents don't have real names. They are simply "Mother" and "The Old Man." In the movie, Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle. Yet when an adult hears of his desire, they only give him one response: "You'll shoot your eye out."  How does a kid argue with that logic? Ralphie spends the weeks leading up to Christmas trying to outmaneuver his mom and other adults. He also has to deal with school bullies, a little brother, and the war between his parents over the Leg Lamp.

I think this movie has become a Christmas classic, because it speaks to the child in all of us. It takes us back to a time as children when Christmas was magical. Not only Christmas, it takes us back to the magic of childhood.  There are so many memorable scenes in the movie: Flick's tongue sticking to the telephone pole. Ralphie visiting Santa. Ralphie saying The Mother of All Swear Words. Hearing Schwartz being punished over the phone. The ending to the Battle of the Leg Lamp. The Easter Bunny costume.

This is a funny movie that kids and adults can enjoy together.  So this Christmas watch "A Christmas Story" and visit a time in life when you receive that one special gift and all is right with the world.

A Movie Burger

I saw this idea on twitter and I thought it would be fun to do.   So here is my Movie Burger!

Bottom half of bun: The first film in a series that you love

The Thin Man(1934)

I have been a fan of the "Thin Man" series for many years. I find them immensely entertaining.  Nick and Nora Charles are 2 of my favorite fictional characters, and William Powell/Myrna Loy had tremendous chemistry.  Plus, Asta. One of the funniest dogs in cinema.

Burger patty: A long film (2.5+ hours) that you’ve watched and enjoyed

Gone With the Wind(1939)

"Gone With the Wind" was the first movie that popped into my head. I first saw it as a teenager when it was re-released in the movie theaters. My mom thought I was crazy to want to see a 4 hour movie, but I felt that I must see it.  I ended up loving it. I became invested in the lives of the characters. It is a long movie but it captivated me all way through it. The scene with Melanie and Rhett when his daughter died moved me so much. The tears in his eyes. The comfort he received from her.  Then on her deathbed, Melanie opening Scarlett's eyes and telling her to be kind to Rhett, because he loved her so much.  I think everyone should see it at least once. 

Cheese: A so-bad-it’s-good film that you love

Mac and Me(1988)

So I chose "Mac and Me" a movie from my childhood. This is a rip off of "E.T."  It is hilariously bad but as a small child I loved it.  I would whistle the tune that Mac and his family would whistle. A wheelchair bound boy befriends an alien and helps reunite him with his family. Unlike "E.T" the aliens didn't go back to Space. Oh no.  They became citizens of the United States.   This movie is iconic for the blatant product placement of Coca Cola and McDonald's.  There was even a random dance number in the middle of McDonald's for no reason at all.   Please check out the youtube link.  Classic. LOL

Mac and Me Dance Scene

Lettuce: A short film (less than an hour long) that you love

Haunted Spooks(1920)

Earlier this year I was introduced to the works of Harold Lloyd. Suffice it to say, I became a big fan. So for a short film, I chose "Haunted Spooks."  Harold Lloyd's character, The Boy, marries a woman known as The Girl so she can inherit her Uncle's house.  However there are other people who want the house, so they pretend to be ghosts to scare away Boy and Girl.  Very funny short film. I recommend any of his work. Including feature length films such as "Safety Last," which is probably his most famous work. 

Tomato: A film of average length that you either loved or hated, depending on whether you love or hate tomatoes

Moonrise Kingdom(2012)

I love tomatoes and I love "Moonrise Kingdom."  A quirky Wes Anderson film that made me nostalgic for my childhood even though I never had any experiences like in the movie.  It was a funny movie and I loved the characters. The actors especially the children did a great job.  You find yourself hoping that Sam and Suzy remain together forever even though they are only kids. It was one of the best movies I saw in 2012.

Sauce: A film you didn’t expect to love

300(2006)

I did not expect to enjoy this movie, and yet, I ended up seeing it twice in the movies.  It pumps you up. You almost feel the need to go to war after seeing this movie.   It was entertaining.  Nothing more I can really say about it, haha. 

Top half of bun: The last film in a series that you dreaded watching, because you didn’t want the series to end

Song of the Thin Man(1947)

It may seem like it is cheating to use the Thin Man series twice, but I think it is fitting that it is the top and bottom of my burger.  I do love this film series. I hate that there are no more Nick and Nora Charles as played by William Powell and Myrna Loy.  This was a fine series. 

So this concludes my Movie Burger. Hope you enjoyed. 

What a Character! Blogathon 2013: Edward Everett Horton

"HEY, It's That Guy! " Any fan of classic films knows the face of Edward Everett Horton. His name may escape them but his face is recognizable just the same:

It almost felt like any comedy I saw from the 1930s and 40s had Horton showing up on screen. He was practically a fixture in the Fred Astaire/Ginger Roger films.  He appeared in "Holiday," "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," and "Arsenic and Old Lace" to just name a few. And in later years he played in one of my favorite comedies "Pocketful of Miracles" as the loyal butler Hudgins. Loyal. Helpful. Polite. Distinguished. These are the characteristics that defined the characters he played, and he made great success out of playing them.

The Extended Double Take: Horton was well known  for his rendition of the Double Take. His character would smile and nod in response to something, then he would get this shocked look of realization and then get a troubled or concerned look on his face. It never failed to occur and it was funny each time. 

Edward Everett Horton got his start in Vaudeville and Broadway before moving to California to be in films. He performed in Silent Films before successfully transitioning to Talkies. Supposedly he originally went by Edward Horton but his father persuaded him to include his middle name. There could be numerous Edward Hortons in the business, but there would only be one Edward Everett Horton.  

Indeed there is only one Edward Everett Horton. A character actor who managed to shine.

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