tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74938645637506098722024-03-07T22:38:49.070-08:00Diary of a Celluloid GirlFor those who simply love to love movies.Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-46997519706924567922012-01-14T16:18:00.000-08:002012-01-14T16:18:22.250-08:00The Golden Globes: My Hopes for TomorrowTomorrow is the 69th Annual Golden Globes ceremony. I, unfortunately, won't be watching it live (because I have no cable or digital antennae connection), but thanks to the internet, I'll still know the winners instantly. And, of course, the next day I will be watching all the clips of Ricky Gervais hosting again. But for now, I'll just talk up my opinion of who I'd like to see win tomorrow.<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PacET5_V-Es5JeRdW-665Pa_8eeStOgxwStlti6I1LWE9b8P495i8HMpc0kNaR4AUKtkTN2x1K2UgrNUtf_6H9bxCXQuwGE7qK6R-4vizeSXipku0bP4_iMg1ck-NZYnVJB7Jo6EilE/s1600/MV5BOTM1ODQ0Nzc4NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM0MjQyNg%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PacET5_V-Es5JeRdW-665Pa_8eeStOgxwStlti6I1LWE9b8P495i8HMpc0kNaR4AUKtkTN2x1K2UgrNUtf_6H9bxCXQuwGE7qK6R-4vizeSXipku0bP4_iMg1ck-NZYnVJB7Jo6EilE/s200/MV5BOTM1ODQ0Nzc4NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM0MjQyNg%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="116" /></a></div><div>Let's start with Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture. This category always seems unfair to me. Unlike the Best Actor, Actress, and Picture categories, all drama, comedy, and musical performances get lumped together. This always inevitably means that a dramatic performance will win over a comedic performance. It's a disappointment I've heard many share, yet it still happens every year. Not that I believe the dramatic performances were bad. I just wish comedic performances got more credit. This year, however, there are no comedic performances in these two categories. For Actor, I'm hoping either Kenneth Branagh or Albert Brooks wins. Branagh does a superb job portraying Sir Laurence Olivier in "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi3466567193/" target="_blank">My Week With Marilyn</a>." And Brooks made a magnificent, against-character choice to play a LA mobster in "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi2772212761/" target="_blank">Drive</a>." As for Actress, I would be happy if it went to either of "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi809278745/" target="_blank">The Help</a>" actresses, Jessica Chastain or Octavia Spencer, but by earlier awards, I think it's going to Spencer (which is much, much deserved).<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YpwDJnFJig-SZJHTViJ85rfwOcxb9mC6zS3F-VyuIyBJ2HAr8nuvx5cB_TQT5mzImxhZ4d1-AGNGLxVELvOPur60AkHQrdC3pQ7W_3AYWF3I2EtEQ5-H2XTC4zw5DdGbMCBi4OdqWZg/s1600/MV5BMTQ3MzM0OTE5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzI4MDM5Ng%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YpwDJnFJig-SZJHTViJ85rfwOcxb9mC6zS3F-VyuIyBJ2HAr8nuvx5cB_TQT5mzImxhZ4d1-AGNGLxVELvOPur60AkHQrdC3pQ7W_3AYWF3I2EtEQ5-H2XTC4zw5DdGbMCBi4OdqWZg/s200/MV5BMTQ3MzM0OTE5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzI4MDM5Ng%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div>Best Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama has several wonderful performances in it, but quite a few that I just don't understand. Wooooo, Glenn Close plays a woman pretending to be man in "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi3721633305/" target="_blank">Albert Nobbs</a>," but have any of the voters actually seen that movie?? It's horrible! There are no likable characters, no arch to anyone, and no real resolution to a story you don't care about. Also, even though it's named "Albert Nobbs," he really doesn't have much influence on the story at all. And Nobb's (Glenn Close's character) reasoning for pretending to be a man makes no sense at all. I love Close, but this is not her best work. And for the men, I don't see what the big deal is about "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi2483461657/" target="_blank">Moneyball</a>." It's an interesting story, but other than that, no big deal, movie-wise. Brad Pitt gave a much, much better performance in "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi442434073/" target="_blank">Inglourious Basterds</a>." As for the rest, Clooney is good, but he's still being Clooney. Ryan Gosling should have been nominated for "Drive" instead of "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi2399575577/" target="_blank">Ides of March</a>." And once again, Meryl Streep gives an amazing performance, but it feels repetitive. My two hopes are Viola Davis for "The Help" and Michael Fassbender for "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi1214553625/" target="_blank">Shame</a>."</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKPwRg84BMzVqQlKwhhP_NLFEhpM27vdCtBmiEQ6qaLSWED1Q9KicT54L3I_Y8GzkOZMZbXoGfPpd6PC97H4vHOygLGyGfD2R77-UHz1U90R_ysH3JllphXXOnlj3_HKjJJZsUdDvZq0/s1600/MV5BMTYzODYwOTIzOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODE2NjAwNw%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR0%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKPwRg84BMzVqQlKwhhP_NLFEhpM27vdCtBmiEQ6qaLSWED1Q9KicT54L3I_Y8GzkOZMZbXoGfPpd6PC97H4vHOygLGyGfD2R77-UHz1U90R_ysH3JllphXXOnlj3_HKjJJZsUdDvZq0/s200/MV5BMTYzODYwOTIzOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODE2NjAwNw%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR0%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><div>Now, as for Best Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical, the nominees are a little more all over the board. Like I mentioned before, the division of all these categories is odd. Most musicals that make it onto the nominees list are dramas, so putting them up against actual comedic performances is a bit unfair. Also, the definition of comedy or musical is very blurry. I would never consider "My Week with Marilyn" a comedy, so I'm guessing they submitted it as a musical, but there are only two songs in the entire film. Both "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi2628428057/" target="_blank">Carnage</a>" and "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi3380715033/" target="_blank">Young Adult</a>" are depressing dark comedies, but at least "Young Adult" doesn't make you want to stab your eyes out as much, just to make the arguing stop. And "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi2003082265/" target="_blank">The Artist</a>," my favorite film of the year, could be labeled comedy, drama, musical, caper...okay, maybe not the last one, but putting "The Artist" in this category was clearly a PR move to get less competition. But I still hope Jean Dujardin for "The Artist" wins for Actor, and I'm guessing Michelle Williams will win for "Marilyn," though I would love Kristen Wigg to win for "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi4215119129/" target="_blank">Bridesmaids</a>," the only true comedy in the bunch.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5GGxnaqJQVF9zgwFTkK8z4UNrqMkz7C02a_cIkxIJJRjwCVvp-NpntOF9TCMCHwgodtn_Xd2OyXNtVTzz8oCgUAbkDtOxZBxPUWJyOjEEp-VPuGf5l9bbDAAnjr1eRn8JakaKpOxjy4/s1600/MV5BMTM5OTMyMjIxOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzU4MjIwNQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5GGxnaqJQVF9zgwFTkK8z4UNrqMkz7C02a_cIkxIJJRjwCVvp-NpntOF9TCMCHwgodtn_Xd2OyXNtVTzz8oCgUAbkDtOxZBxPUWJyOjEEp-VPuGf5l9bbDAAnjr1eRn8JakaKpOxjy4/s200/MV5BMTM5OTMyMjIxOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzU4MjIwNQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><div>Finally, Best Picture - Drama and Musical/Comedy...Once again, the Comedy section walks a thin line of how they all fit in this category, but my bet (happily) is on "The Artist." As for Drama, everybody seems to love "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi4144471577/" target="_blank">The Descendants</a>." It was a good film, but not great or worthy of all this praise. Maybe it's just me, because I'm bombarded by it more than others - but there were much better films this year. Also, again, I don't understand the craze for "Moneyball" either. Are people this year just so happy to see their teenage crushes on screen? Is that it? The other big contender, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi3969097241/" target="_blank">War Horse</a>," was good but not great. It was like Steven Spielberg really wanted to make his own "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi1195967001/" target="_blank">Gone with the Wind</a>," (because he doesn't have any other epics that big in his career...riiiiiight). Anyway, it is very melodramatic. So that leaves my two tops - "The Help" and "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi3872824857/" target="_blank">Hugo</a>." I think I would be happy with either of them winning.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So those are my choices for tomorrow. Let's see how well I did later. Anybody wanna make a bet? (Teehee) Until later, everyone! Enjoy your weekend.</div></div>Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-63331324052343384942012-01-06T15:31:00.000-08:002012-01-06T15:31:22.270-08:002011: The Best of the BestOkay, it's hard to keep up a blog without at least self-made deadlines or goals. (Paid deadlines would be even better, but, hey, can't have everything...yet.) So I am officially back with a new goal to post one entry every week! And this time it doesn't end on New Year's Day 2013. This goal goes on until my computer breaks, my hands stop working, or I run out of movies. So HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Welcome to 2012!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-r7vTX_Y30uMkHJ-OansmFXyDH08IttXspcKlqomjYmhVxZm5ClGCqsZioSWVHAf1ioIml8Yd-bjTv0upZ-7LIdxCseT0ZEr-PqXF-jauC1gWVMLDMjRuPuAP-lMlZtQ_GoR6-2H-i8/s1600/MV5BMzk0NzQxMTM0OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzU4MDYyNQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR12%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-r7vTX_Y30uMkHJ-OansmFXyDH08IttXspcKlqomjYmhVxZm5ClGCqsZioSWVHAf1ioIml8Yd-bjTv0upZ-7LIdxCseT0ZEr-PqXF-jauC1gWVMLDMjRuPuAP-lMlZtQ_GoR6-2H-i8/s200/MV5BMzk0NzQxMTM0OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzU4MDYyNQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR12%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>I thought I'd start out this year with the quintessential January post - the year in review. 2011 was a great year, I must say. Personally, I moved in with my boyfriend and got engaged (yay me!), but even movie-wise, there were some amazing films. However, my favorite of them all has to be "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi3792280601/" target="_blank">The Artist</a>," hands down. If you ever, EVER have a chance to see it, do! I'm not a big silent movie fan, due to a couple of factors. One - my love of movies started from watching big musicals like "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi3724149017/" target="_blank">The Sound of Music</a>." I love the huge numbers, and tend to sing along with them. Hence, I like sound. Two - I never really liked the over-the-top pantomiming of silent actors. After seeing "The Artist," though, my perception of silent films completely changed. Jean Dujardin, who plays the titular artist George Valentin (a wonderful mix between Errol Flynn and Gene Kelly), did an amazing job! Not only was he able to do the silent era pantomime to a tee without over-hamming it, he also portrayed such believable, subtle, emotions during the dramatic parts. He is definitely my favorite performance of the year. If you love the history of film at all, "The Artist" is a must see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCLE_PATR0aAPhcYLeWbNr0W44FbyQswhmBUUuK8gFgvxQ4OK5HIKnLoKMVfjKPEWqOypUonllZaK4hAZ55sTk8QV6e3_o6GeLf7Bjc2eAkbJWlTZU_02aKpVSugQdyQaDMZsZLJfnYI/s1600/MV5BMjAzNzk5MzgyNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTE4NDU5Ng%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCLE_PATR0aAPhcYLeWbNr0W44FbyQswhmBUUuK8gFgvxQ4OK5HIKnLoKMVfjKPEWqOypUonllZaK4hAZ55sTk8QV6e3_o6GeLf7Bjc2eAkbJWlTZU_02aKpVSugQdyQaDMZsZLJfnYI/s200/MV5BMjAzNzk5MzgyNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTE4NDU5Ng%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="135" /></a>Also in my tops for the year is "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi2280168473/" target="_blank">Hugo</a>," a great choice for a double feature with "The Artist." When I first heard Martin Scorsese was directing a children's movie, I was very curious. What made Scorsese, of all people, want to direct this fanciful film about an orphaned boy living in a Paris train station. Then I saw the film, and I understood completely. It is a magical story that ultimately tells a tale about the beginning of film. Both the young boy playing Hugo (Asa Butterfield, who is set to star in the upcoming "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731141/" target="_blank">Ender's Game</a>," which I'm stoked about!!) and Ben Kingsley, a lowly toy shop owner, give beautiful performances. And Scorsese's art direction along with his use of 3D was breathtaking (and I'm usually not a 3D fan). Unfortunately, "Hugo" suffers from some common flaws. It is an adaptation of a novel, so some of the minor characters' importance in the book doesn't translate to the film. And also, I don't think it was marketed properly. The nature of the story changes course halfway through the film, so I believe Paramount didn't quite know how to promote it properly. It is worth seeing, though.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRPTt-NYNLPDGKjb6JwD86NBtInYtt78tnHxTXrO0gTEeEy6TDgBNlmaQ_MkitL4_Vojoq2hMrWIpGkVpplx78tUKSgiUOTppcwXBSiaNa22uCQzfQIVoUJvPl3YKq4-7ws9R1G0fnyI/s1600/MV5BMjE5ODg1NTk3OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzA5NTMyNA%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRPTt-NYNLPDGKjb6JwD86NBtInYtt78tnHxTXrO0gTEeEy6TDgBNlmaQ_MkitL4_Vojoq2hMrWIpGkVpplx78tUKSgiUOTppcwXBSiaNa22uCQzfQIVoUJvPl3YKq4-7ws9R1G0fnyI/s200/MV5BMjE5ODg1NTk3OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzA5NTMyNA%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>My second favorite film of the year was "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi4172088857/" target="_blank">Rango</a>," my definite choice for Best Animated Feature. Going in to see "Rango," I was very, very skeptical. It's trailers where just odd. But while watching it, I had one of those great movie experiences, where you are so pleasantly surprised by how much you are loving it, you are smiling from ear to ear. It has one of the most original stories I have seen in a while, let alone in an animated film. Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp together once again - never a bad combo. Plus the actors actually acted out their parts all together for the entire film, and then the animators copied their expressions. Not with motion-capture technology, but with good old side-by-side comparison. I think it's a little over the top for young kids (there are some very grown-up jokes in there), but my four-year-old niece absolutely loves it too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVagxinl5q-NAgjwG2f89QLrQ7wPG-QIBzzD3T5rje04OWlEzuvAB7F3I4w_-ATtKZfJoJgpvnUq03LYceQW0PtQN9QHq2-6MxZAOy5-rVBVBXuyychLopEAeRdTXME5xOp9BY0keOZ0/s1600/MV5BMTY2MTk3MDQ1N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzI4NzA2NQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVagxinl5q-NAgjwG2f89QLrQ7wPG-QIBzzD3T5rje04OWlEzuvAB7F3I4w_-ATtKZfJoJgpvnUq03LYceQW0PtQN9QHq2-6MxZAOy5-rVBVBXuyychLopEAeRdTXME5xOp9BY0keOZ0/s200/MV5BMTY2MTk3MDQ1N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzI4NzA2NQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_.jpg" width="135" /></a>Finally, the best franchise conclusion ever was last year - "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi128621593/" target="_blank">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2</a>." I had been waiting for this for a long time, but I also didn't want it to end. I watched the live broadcast of the premiere in London and cried. I watched JK Rowling hug and thank the main three and cried. I even read all the articles about everyone saying goodbye and cried. But when the night came, and I had my Potter glasses on, my handmade lightning bolt pin on my shirt, and my tickets in hand, I could not help but bounce up and down. And I was not disappointed. It was a great conclusion. "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi1638598169/" target="_blank">Part 1</a>" is still my favorite, but "Part 2" is a resounding second. The only thing I wish was different was the ending of the battle, without the small "that scene should be bigger" feeling in it. But all in all, I hope and wish it gets more awards recognition than it probably will. That team did an amazing job over the last decade.<br />
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So, those are my tops for 2011. I highly recommend each of them. See or rent them this month while the crapper stuff of 2012 comes out in the theaters. Until next week!Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-50253763256125248042011-08-05T17:49:00.000-07:002011-08-05T17:49:55.521-07:00Happy 100th, Lucy!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOilEBfEJzK0arcexAFGoT3MC0JPgPZ6LBJM8GFdZyJ6OY1g7ImdKnFHYU8sp3wRVMizhbs6jP44VdXY0iXQnqmcCLpCAPx-TWtAhXfQoSHiXj9j8f44oPx2TLW3JLjSwGUYJC5_wUJRU/s1600/p206oycqkdpkcyk0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOilEBfEJzK0arcexAFGoT3MC0JPgPZ6LBJM8GFdZyJ6OY1g7ImdKnFHYU8sp3wRVMizhbs6jP44VdXY0iXQnqmcCLpCAPx-TWtAhXfQoSHiXj9j8f44oPx2TLW3JLjSwGUYJC5_wUJRU/s200/p206oycqkdpkcyk0.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>Helloooooooo! Nice to see you again! It's been so, so long. I'm sorry I've been away. Did you miss me? Maybe a little? Well, you know how life can just get away from you sometimes. But I'm back and ready to resume more great posts for your enjoyment. And what better write-up to start with than this weekend! I mean, how could I miss this? Me, of all people??... What am I talking about? Why, tomorrow, of course - Lucille Ball's 100th birthday!!<br />
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If you've read my posts <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/for-weekend-love-of-lucy.html">before</a>, you already know how much I love Lucy, and not just the <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-love-lucy-my-childhood-love.html">television show</a>, but everything she did. Since I was a little girl, I've watched Lucille Ball with reverence, admiration, and plenty of envy. Oddly, one of the strongest memories I have as a child is the 1989 news report that Lucy had passed away. I was only eleven then, and I wasn't even watching her extensively yet. However, the impact she already had on me was evident, as I stared at the television screen, watching her "In Memoriam" and crying.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AdbIAj649gCFaHZSKq2XayQyV4RtpB6tfsM0gdRoJLmlkf8VvdgFi8ZRqPWe1fc98IQockUBI2NED00gbDEdSA-xd-hKlhkaRQ9kQ5GJ0UP2mUJWBRDtwJ2Q_bh8VruMvkvWY1tGOrs/s1600/fltgxagafwgjxggf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AdbIAj649gCFaHZSKq2XayQyV4RtpB6tfsM0gdRoJLmlkf8VvdgFi8ZRqPWe1fc98IQockUBI2NED00gbDEdSA-xd-hKlhkaRQ9kQ5GJ0UP2mUJWBRDtwJ2Q_bh8VruMvkvWY1tGOrs/s200/fltgxagafwgjxggf.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>She had such talent, yet such beauty and ferocity. She's someone I don't think I could have ever met in real life though, without fainting on site. Her life, not just her work, was such an inspiration. Born in 1911 in Jamestown, New York, she lost her father at the age of three and had to grow up fast to look after her younger brother while their mother worked two jobs. Even though they all lived with her grandparents, Lucy eventually left Jamestown at 16 to attend an acting high school in New York City. She worked along classmate Bette Davis, but only for a little while, as she was soon sent home for being "too shy." (Yep! Lucy...too shy!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0mlemNd72VYos0SgvqENCwKqnVcI3Qb2wIT1HhlRF4TI2VtaiIWm_9WJQ0pJSRMjNzPEDNGepK-SqcBL_H-np-UOVIr8dfYQ5NjS-v87kjLZyOUSskKNfatbI_Y7-wfHT8BPW7fib1A/s1600/lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0mlemNd72VYos0SgvqENCwKqnVcI3Qb2wIT1HhlRF4TI2VtaiIWm_9WJQ0pJSRMjNzPEDNGepK-SqcBL_H-np-UOVIr8dfYQ5NjS-v87kjLZyOUSskKNfatbI_Y7-wfHT8BPW7fib1A/s200/lucy.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>A couple of years later, Lucy tried her luck in New York again. Using the stage name Dianne Belmont, she started working as a model. Unfortunately, she contracted a bad case of rheumatoid arthritis and spent the next two years back home in intense therapy re-learning how to walk. But that didn't keep her down for long. She returned to New York once again, and as they say, "third time's the charm." She started her acting career with a few small, short-lived chorus parts here and there, which led her to be noticed by Samuel Goldwyn. She joined the Goldwyn Girls, a dance company, and moved to Hollywood. Though she didn't remain with the Girls long, she was signed to a contract by RKO.<br />
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At RKO, she began the best training of her career by none other than Ginger Rogers' mom. She took acting classes, became part of RKO's budding-stars group (which included people like Rogers and Henry Fonda), and began with bit parts in films like "<a href="http://youtu.be/RSGaHtRLK18">Roberta</a>" and "<a href="http://youtu.be/1yb0ReWm5-Q">Follow the Fleet</a>." Finally, after a successful performance in a supporting part alongside Rogers and Katherine Hepburn in "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-weekend-little-dose-of-good-stuff.html">Stage Door</a>," Lucy was given her first starring role in "The Affairs of Annabel." It was only a B-movie, but it began her career as "The Queen of the Bs." She continued this queen role for almost a decade before she her next queen role, "The Queen of Comedy." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu8iKtqugqzgrRJHnFkXllMhDJ-RQRrzVMhwH5rB6IHqhkJUi-x6UEXYJvqubf42pxWgu9aWi0cTE1qzURJ4nmVVFdUvW1CP3yEevws-vOL2TL59lIWeAZMSiGqJt0izvbzLISIvmn2U/s1600/874024122_8073f4bc97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu8iKtqugqzgrRJHnFkXllMhDJ-RQRrzVMhwH5rB6IHqhkJUi-x6UEXYJvqubf42pxWgu9aWi0cTE1qzURJ4nmVVFdUvW1CP3yEevws-vOL2TL59lIWeAZMSiGqJt0izvbzLISIvmn2U/s200/874024122_8073f4bc97.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>She broke out of B-films for a while when she moved over to MGM. With their Technicolor marvels, her brightly-tinted red hair (originally a brunette) was an asset like never before. Her first starring role in an A-movie was the musical "<a href="http://youtu.be/sAANeyYB0PM">Du Barry was a Lady</a>" alongside Gene Kelly and Red Skelton. She made a few more pictures for MGM, but unfortunately, the studio really didn't know how to use her yet. She fought to get out of her contract, and once successful, she moved into the radio medium with "My Favorite Husband," the show that would bring about the Lucy most of us know today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M4xgXI4tVrJ2zwE_t2SS0rMORVFIQKdUTn4s54P0Fir-Ixe1KeSLClJabYwgoTGDcqUdT6jqRb1Mquk_Kn3jHqGVdcjE_O9KKFpV0rQ_S2eL86uXRlj61dbdVHri34htixp_fR43wew/s1600/wprvi20r7kiwrpii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M4xgXI4tVrJ2zwE_t2SS0rMORVFIQKdUTn4s54P0Fir-Ixe1KeSLClJabYwgoTGDcqUdT6jqRb1Mquk_Kn3jHqGVdcjE_O9KKFpV0rQ_S2eL86uXRlj61dbdVHri34htixp_fR43wew/s200/wprvi20r7kiwrpii.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I loved all her films. The spunk, the sarcasm, well...I don't know if I managed to pick up enough of it as I dreamed of (probably to many people's delight), but I know I would not be who I am today without it. TCM is celebrating her 100th birthday with a marathon of her films all day long. My recommendations, if you can't sit there all day long, are "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWxFWDxh09c">Without Love</a>" (1945) at 9:30am EST (with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yQXRJxoW9w">Dance, Girl, Dance</a>" (1940) at 6:15pm EST (with Maureen O'Hara and the film she was shooting when she first met Desi), "Stage Door" (1937) at 8pm EST, and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-CxJO8DcVg">Easy to Wed</a>" (1946) at 11:30pm EST (Lucy in Technicolor with Esther Williams and Van Johnson). Trust me, you don't want to pass up this celebration. Until next time, everyone. And Happy Birthday, Ms. Ball, wherever you are.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: LIFE magazine released some never-before published photos of Lucy today (even though I've had one of them on my wall since high school). You can enjoy the slideshow <a href="http://www.life.com/gallery/62521/lucille-ball-unpublished-photos#index/0">here</a>. Also, for a video treat - two of my favorite things rolled into one - Lucy and London...)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lmZhtkxe2-g" width="425"></iframe>Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-81890192909695499622011-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:002011-03-28T12:03:24.668-07:00Elizabeth Taylor: The Last Hollywood Icon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwwy-djq3zDWTk5Pn6GZaomAHeFqKx2AUj_9vIMiwIFs7UAYlz93aaWp9SeKKHJNOQ77UYHrD64YT5ROE4XPWnaFZ590EFrp8qctCbGjJw3mp7t3NmJ9UL73qoJK7SmPD_pIy2g5BGow/s1600/liz2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwwy-djq3zDWTk5Pn6GZaomAHeFqKx2AUj_9vIMiwIFs7UAYlz93aaWp9SeKKHJNOQ77UYHrD64YT5ROE4XPWnaFZ590EFrp8qctCbGjJw3mp7t3NmJ9UL73qoJK7SmPD_pIy2g5BGow/s200/liz2.JPG" width="136" /></a></div>As I’m sure you all know, Elizabeth Taylor passed away last Wednesday at the age of 79. I have to admit that it wasn’t much of a shock for me. She had been ailing for so many years. But it’s still sad to see the passing of the woman who was the epitome of classic Hollywood. So here’s my little tribute to the great actress and icon.<br />
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There are really just two types of stars that most people think of when they are asked about Hollywood of old – the ones who died too soon like Marilyn Monroe or James Dean…or the ones that were the essence of glamour and American royalty like Taylor. That sure is what Taylor has always meant to me. She was amazingly beautiful, a wonderful actress who managed to move from child to adult star (a rare feat in Hollywood), and had a private life just as dramatic as her films.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52Y8H0c1Hv17UOjtBD0xTnMgdzAo4UhmcpE2kY2PpMrLtENzvJcBVnUCttd5Ki0n_cnHY07OENwHHXXDQOeaMTRYK5MFr3k_kG4QxPvZH09w1otdNy6fcEF36C8aTXS6d5hUUCEfInVo/s1600/liz7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52Y8H0c1Hv17UOjtBD0xTnMgdzAo4UhmcpE2kY2PpMrLtENzvJcBVnUCttd5Ki0n_cnHY07OENwHHXXDQOeaMTRYK5MFr3k_kG4QxPvZH09w1otdNy6fcEF36C8aTXS6d5hUUCEfInVo/s200/liz7.JPG" width="142" /></a></div>Born in England in 1932, her American parents decided to move the family back to the States when the threat of war was imminent in the UK. And their choice of cities? Los Angeles, where almost immediately a friend suggested the strikingly beautiful Taylor make a screen test. This won her her first contract…but not to MGM, the studio that would make her a star. No, first it was Universal Studios, but they dropped her contract after one picture (“<a href="http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/92783/There-s-One-Born-Every-Minute/">There’s One Born Every Minute</a>” (1942)).<br />
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But Taylor’s mother took her to see Louis B. Mayer of MGM, and the gentleman was captivated by the little girl with the bright violet eyes. (Taylor was actually born with a double set of lashes, which just made her vibrant eyes pop even more.) At MGM, she had a couple of small parts in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwLzSpS-JVY">“Lassie Come Home”</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz926zo5LYk">“Jane Eyre”</a> (both 1943) before landing the role that made her career, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NYsONLJUTQ">“National Velvet”</a> (1944). MGM kept her busy but she would never have that same success again, not until her first marriage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA1ZUfwMfvwBvWSkw0cA2wNfxnOZr3ENpiK4FoQNVQ-MTvVWStHPnQVobKFpt3OJj-gEOHZWAL7SgcGDSz-bPytCL6kNgK_rkP-9TfHMx18BASLP9GvBWZeSKhpFSd66xl79LvhhqAjI/s1600/lizhilton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA1ZUfwMfvwBvWSkw0cA2wNfxnOZr3ENpiK4FoQNVQ-MTvVWStHPnQVobKFpt3OJj-gEOHZWAL7SgcGDSz-bPytCL6kNgK_rkP-9TfHMx18BASLP9GvBWZeSKhpFSd66xl79LvhhqAjI/s200/lizhilton2.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>That marriage was to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton (great-uncle to Paris Hilton) in 1950. It really was a loveless marriage, a publicity stunt pushed on her by the studio for her new film <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc1-pj6_pog">“Father of the Bride.”</a> Yes, that film would start her on the path to adult stardom but it would also be the beginning of a sea of marriages. After her short union with Hilton (less than a year), it was Michael Wilding, then Mike Todd. However, it was Todd’s sudden death that would propel Taylor into the world of the paparazzi, a relatively new fascination, unlike today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLI-NvbW39ZYdHibpYwy89a9VLGPX4ouKBPya82BKIDYkCuNph2coiOjXgbNyhmheZbNdipcCggugg3GX2vUKMbehzn2M6Xo8X7u24KGTZfrW2gmx5EFI4qCYrsVjxraLQ3M5tAroaiw/s1600/liztoddfisherreynolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLI-NvbW39ZYdHibpYwy89a9VLGPX4ouKBPya82BKIDYkCuNph2coiOjXgbNyhmheZbNdipcCggugg3GX2vUKMbehzn2M6Xo8X7u24KGTZfrW2gmx5EFI4qCYrsVjxraLQ3M5tAroaiw/s200/liztoddfisherreynolds.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Todd died a little over a year after they were married in a plane crash. Taylor’s best friend Debbie Reynolds and Todd’s best friend Eddie Fisher were her companions during mourning. Only Fisher consoled her a little more than was appropriate, leading to the biggest Hollywood scandal to date (much like the Jennifer Aniston-Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie scandal of today, as Reynolds’ daughter Carrie Fisher often likes to compare). Taylor broke up “America’s Sweethearts” (also another studio-pushed marriage) and became the black widow. Reynolds and Fisher divorced, and then Taylor and Fisher married (her fourth if you’re keeping track).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vU2vw023jbOCuzVzEtTXqEZTTP_N0eW_vMiC-fLuhNXIRIkgYr9VIoSXStPyhyphenhyphen5QZfu3oKZZQddQv6cy04HDLjc-3GoqH2CpFAWCtLvp1roSkxF7Qm-t4RqZagHUmYv6rxcrasqRQko/s1600/lizdick2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vU2vw023jbOCuzVzEtTXqEZTTP_N0eW_vMiC-fLuhNXIRIkgYr9VIoSXStPyhyphenhyphen5QZfu3oKZZQddQv6cy04HDLjc-3GoqH2CpFAWCtLvp1roSkxF7Qm-t4RqZagHUmYv6rxcrasqRQko/s200/lizdick2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Yet it was her next romance that made Taylor more famous for being herself than an actress. She signed on to make <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOU-soA-vWU">“Cleopatra”</a> (1963) for a record $1 million (unheard of for actresses of that time). This would lead her to the love of her life, a lesser-known Welsh actor named Richard Burton. After the grueling production was completely moved from England to Rome, Burton was signed on to replace the first Anthony to Taylor’s Cleopatra. Their chemistry was instantaneous to all around. And thus began Taylor’s second public scandal in a row, as still-married-to-Fisher Taylor started her biggest affair with married Burton.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc-iaq7g1QvdzYHOJPKVt7uVQGFOASWtpJ0aJHikI2amfh_AzanWBrbKKQHqidfLdasPyVAnhFOiuG65Ds0dGvcSSxRoxKUtzDSuBVxWp208Aag4PdsloyNc0QjybJmTLbhvTgymgOVI/s1600/lizdick4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdc-iaq7g1QvdzYHOJPKVt7uVQGFOASWtpJ0aJHikI2amfh_AzanWBrbKKQHqidfLdasPyVAnhFOiuG65Ds0dGvcSSxRoxKUtzDSuBVxWp208Aag4PdsloyNc0QjybJmTLbhvTgymgOVI/s200/lizdick4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It was a romance for the ages. Taylor fell head over heels for the harsh, rough Burton with a <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/hello-mr-burton-becket-anne-of-thousand.html">voice of gold</a>. She divorced Fisher but remained Burton’s mistress. Burton in turn had no idea what he was getting into as well. Quoted as saying about their affair and the mass media that followed them constantly, “How did I know she was so f*&%ing famous?” But he was hooked, and though he had always stated in his many affairs beforehand that he would never divorce (being a devout catholic), Taylor was too much for him, and he finally divorced his wife. Taylor and Burton then married and had ten rocky, passionate, roller coaster years together before divorcing. They would then remarry a year later, only to divorce once again in less than a year. But Taylor stated for the rest of her life that Burton was the love of her life…and Burton the same of Taylor. They would keep in touch for the rest of Burton’s life.<br />
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So maybe now they can be together in peace, free of the prying eyes and pressures of life. May you be in peace, Ms. Taylor. You were a bright star on earth and are now one in the heavens. Until next time, everyone.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: The day after Taylor died, she was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale. Per her instructions, the ceremony was delayed 15 minutes. She wanted to be late to her own funeral. She had a sense of humor to the end. She now lies next to her good friend Michael Jackson.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-37366910224748317722011-03-11T10:35:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:12:14.989-08:00Hollywood 101: Hollywood’s Original Showman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaycltXpokq3LEfAUPy674GE4YnE70w-FDciEywfusETECzXb4op3NLZvJlsRKgJvyZi-Q-1NFI4BG6d1Gbop7m3seNLCHkMAzfqtxJbux54FQlY0kDFVaY6y7bpP3uHIPoK8sX8B3FlA/s1600/graumanschinese2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaycltXpokq3LEfAUPy674GE4YnE70w-FDciEywfusETECzXb4op3NLZvJlsRKgJvyZi-Q-1NFI4BG6d1Gbop7m3seNLCHkMAzfqtxJbux54FQlY0kDFVaY6y7bpP3uHIPoK8sX8B3FlA/s200/graumanschinese2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Next week, on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the birthday of someone so influential in Hollywood that I’m sure you all know his name yet don’t know anything more about him than that. He was a showman, but not on the silver screen. He’s the one that brought luxury to the movie palaces of old, with his greatest being a little place called the Chinese Theatre. I’m talking about none other than Mr. Sid Grauman.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XIDVrL5fXozCbumh0kQ9JMGRHo9Q5uovGXK0eicdwkwZf8GFG8xSdS80SHnBf-ZP5dJHE1ucZ7q1kqm7s-s_qusA2qunDSbKH_e5rspKwx79VMns2sUMZjeKmt5q4C9RkI1GPr2QmhM/s1600/grauman.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XIDVrL5fXozCbumh0kQ9JMGRHo9Q5uovGXK0eicdwkwZf8GFG8xSdS80SHnBf-ZP5dJHE1ucZ7q1kqm7s-s_qusA2qunDSbKH_e5rspKwx79VMns2sUMZjeKmt5q4C9RkI1GPr2QmhM/s200/grauman.bmp" width="163" /></a>Born in 1879 in Indiana, Grauman was one of those types, the kind that traveled the country trying to make more of an exciting fortune. Before getting into the movie theater business, he tried his luck as a prospector during the Klondike gold rush. Failing at that, he bought his first live theater there in Alaska. He then moved down to San Francisco and opened The Unique, a vaudeville theater that would start his rise to Hollywood greatness. He had performers like Al Jolson, “Fatty” Arbuckle, and Sophie Tucker playing in his theaters, for within a few years, he had two others up and running. Sadly, the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake leveled all three theaters. This didn’t dismay him though. He set up a massive tent on the grounds of The Unique, with a sign advertising that in case of aftershocks, there would be “nothing to fall on you but canvas.” He sold 10,000 tickets per day.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67aO_hlt3XhMF7an6pgkePaVnK9IA6FjUJLk4XZUmlSsU_0FfmIIzBAYxMZjeCnhu9qP1COiqOld70FGg1uSiPgc3tqVnpdm7GNI5NB22mSL_CgzR5Eh1F0kWc933K1heYnW2j0XHA0g/s1600/md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67aO_hlt3XhMF7an6pgkePaVnK9IA6FjUJLk4XZUmlSsU_0FfmIIzBAYxMZjeCnhu9qP1COiqOld70FGg1uSiPgc3tqVnpdm7GNI5NB22mSL_CgzR5Eh1F0kWc933K1heYnW2j0XHA0g/s200/md.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Several years later after building his theaters back up, Grauman sold them to Adolf Zukor (founder of Paramount Pictures) and moved to Los Angeles to begin what would lead to three of the most extravagant theaters in the world. His first theater was called the Million Dollar Theatre (because of the rumored price tag). The Million Dollar opened in 1918 on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. At that time, Broadway was the center of the film world, not Hollywood. (Hollywood itself was still a budding community trying to build up.) Built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it rivaled all other theaters on Broadway. It opened with “<a href="http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/501149/The-Silent-Man/">The Silent Man</a>” and had stars like Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin in attendance on opening night. The Million Dollar was the place to go. And its success allowed Grauman to purchase the Rialto and the Metropolitan down the street. Yet, he sold all his interests in the downtown theaters to focus on a new location – Hollywood.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iLVs0TOkAQqPKr_KCmZnu_IQWhoJbb7hPvJaLVUyAJOC8N6n9IeqRmXNM-9Zqxl66Dn9FlFU3Qk4ANuWeQLhL6z_E-3mj-ZMMEA5nODgLtifsm8YDTTy_0yo0Evfr2J_ksrbCQnKBns/s1600/EgyptianOpening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iLVs0TOkAQqPKr_KCmZnu_IQWhoJbb7hPvJaLVUyAJOC8N6n9IeqRmXNM-9Zqxl66Dn9FlFU3Qk4ANuWeQLhL6z_E-3mj-ZMMEA5nODgLtifsm8YDTTy_0yo0Evfr2J_ksrbCQnKBns/s200/EgyptianOpening.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>With help from Charles E. Toberman (nicknamed the “Father of Hollywood” for developing some of Hollywood’s most famous attractions, including the Hollywood Bowl, the El Capitan, and the Roosevelt Hotel), Grauman started on his first Hollywood Blvd. theater, the Egyptian. Thanks to the Egyptian craze sweeping the nation due to archaeologist Howard Carter’s hunt for Tutankhamun’s tomb, Grauman decided to use it for the grand theater’s international theme. After 18 months of construction and $800,000 spent, the Egyptian opened with the first-ever Hollywood-based world premiere in October 1922 with Douglas Fairbanks’ “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cMq2fKqT4M">Robin Hood</a>.” Tickets for the premiere were a whopping $5, and the film ran in no other theater in LA for the rest of the year. The next big premiere was Cecil B. DeMille’s “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYlz45iTpAg">The Ten Commandments</a>” with which Grauman himself produced a live preshow including 100 costumed performers, a trait he would continue in all his theaters as long as he was able.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfa4rOUgxdxe9G1IyhEBRC3zDsnw3RGluE2EwGycXeM_wP6A-DCPWL4oqUKJxuXsmA_90Ixs8-JSS91Z4aK1UvNfJAynFphRrnvSyROSFPwOvJN4hNvEwFwV4XKYtdPdrUzy19ov7mF0/s1600/pickfordfootprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfa4rOUgxdxe9G1IyhEBRC3zDsnw3RGluE2EwGycXeM_wP6A-DCPWL4oqUKJxuXsmA_90Ixs8-JSS91Z4aK1UvNfJAynFphRrnvSyROSFPwOvJN4hNvEwFwV4XKYtdPdrUzy19ov7mF0/s200/pickfordfootprints.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But Grauman had already started shifting his attention to his next theater down the road, the Chinese. Again with developer Toberman, as well as Grauman’s fellow shareholders Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Howard Schenck, construction begin on the famous movie palace. Bells, sculptures and artwork were flown in from China. Artists were brought in to make sculptures on the spot. And a man by the name of Jean Klossner was brought in to create a courtyard. There are several variations on how Grauman and Klossner came up with the idea of the footprints in the courtyard. One story said they got the idea after popular actress Norma Talmadge stepped in wet cement on opening night. Another story credits Pickford with accidentally stepping in the cement while chasing her dog through the construction site. Yet another claims Grauman just did it in fun one day and asked Pickford, who was standing nearby, to do the same. Whatever the true story though, it has become THE popular attraction for the Chinese, making it famous worldwide.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvzaDWVrFrzJ2-0O31DmSN26KG8TgQKbubimt6rxVVSSfU-lorcctpIsxqCxsRVu-WXdf85TmZFKt0aMxBA__X8Z3qfgI43aaKY9HPFytDQesm7zP7f0QixM1lvfvz9lZS2LJf9IewmA/s1600/graumanschinese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvzaDWVrFrzJ2-0O31DmSN26KG8TgQKbubimt6rxVVSSfU-lorcctpIsxqCxsRVu-WXdf85TmZFKt0aMxBA__X8Z3qfgI43aaKY9HPFytDQesm7zP7f0QixM1lvfvz9lZS2LJf9IewmA/s200/graumanschinese.jpg" width="200" /></a>Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened in May 1927 with DeMille’s “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMwZEsJagj0">The King of Kings</a>,” a premiere so sought after that there were riots with the fans trying to catch a glimpse of their Hollywood idols. The epitome of movie palaces, the Chinese was Grauman’s masterpiece. But in 1929 like so many others, he lost all his money in the stock markets. He sold his share in the Chinese and the Egyptian to Fox West Theaters but remained its managing director until his death in 1950.</div><br />
Though the days of the glamorous theaters are gone, all three palaces still exist today. After the industry lost interest in downtown, Broadway started to become the Spanish community’s movie paradise. In 1949, the Million Dollar was purchased by Frank Fouce, a local Spanish language theater owner, and became the place to see Spanish-language films and performers. However, due to deteriorating times, the Million Dollar closed in 1993 and was sold off to a church who took very poor care of it, destroying much of the interior design. However the church eventually evacuated to another old movie palace down the road. The theater reopened in 2008 after spending more than $1 million on its refurbishment and is again focusing on the Spanish community.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2NkSU1Kw8yaKFX6LQAoIUfE3iLSdfaF-KQawdRpTBTojnVZu-T8ypUNS_od37OYs-t9rxZGuYOnAgmZAhkUXEXkP_0wqlqevX1xeebAfG29b_OcPmi-SjX5Nr1Htuuy3HegRHHjcZj8/s1600/egyptian2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2NkSU1Kw8yaKFX6LQAoIUfE3iLSdfaF-KQawdRpTBTojnVZu-T8ypUNS_od37OYs-t9rxZGuYOnAgmZAhkUXEXkP_0wqlqevX1xeebAfG29b_OcPmi-SjX5Nr1Htuuy3HegRHHjcZj8/s200/egyptian2.gif" width="156" /></a></div>The Egyptian, much like Hollywood itself, fell into much disrepair during the 70s and 80s. In 1996 though, LA sold the theater to the American Cinematheque for only $1 under the condition that they would refurbish the place to its original grandeur and purpose. After a $12.5 million renovation, the Egyptian reopened in 1998. However it is not exactly the same. The once large 2,000-seat auditorium was broken up into two theaters, one seating only 616, the other 77.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjkLcY0ZqmkrtYrSpSYEW2MPSKgq04RjnrvIvdy9oX3t8q2vgDYcMWzYpshmyvxzrWAPEGa7qQZmRvvNgjH6W4gOd0UCbnaNaTy7f82WEyn4zqCALyoS-WufHm5fWO8JYsTthzJo92kg/s1600/ceremonyRDJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjkLcY0ZqmkrtYrSpSYEW2MPSKgq04RjnrvIvdy9oX3t8q2vgDYcMWzYpshmyvxzrWAPEGa7qQZmRvvNgjH6W4gOd0UCbnaNaTy7f82WEyn4zqCALyoS-WufHm5fWO8JYsTthzJo92kg/s200/ceremonyRDJ.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>As for the Chinese, it has remained the image of Hollywood all these years, thanks to its “Forecourt of the Stars.” There are now nearly 200 handprints, footprints, autographs, and other variations (like the Harry Potter stars’ wands or Bob Hope’s nose) in the courtyard. It has been the host of thousands of premieres and even three Academy Awards ceremonies. Renamed Mann’s Chinese Theatre for a short time between 1973 to 2001, it is back to Grauman’s, owned by the same company that owns the Hollywood & Highland complex next door (home of the Kodak Theatre, the Academy Awards current home), and still remains the top-sought place to hold a premiere in Hollywood.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, next time you’re in LA, take a look around you at the creations of Mr. Grauman, the man that started Hollywood’s glamorous standard. Have a great weekend, everyone! Til next week.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTGosFqTHk1Cq3xRcQee1YLm57xbknlJUe-5i5sM6oFEiricpDyP7XrjDrfDp25H0YMaGNHqoD6KmvV4xxLDZy5casR9m3utg4cnK-J0mqRPjy-_YGWB1gbM7DkFAWkvMcvlSN49bkiw/s1600/milliondollarbr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTGosFqTHk1Cq3xRcQee1YLm57xbknlJUe-5i5sM6oFEiricpDyP7XrjDrfDp25H0YMaGNHqoD6KmvV4xxLDZy5casR9m3utg4cnK-J0mqRPjy-_YGWB1gbM7DkFAWkvMcvlSN49bkiw/s200/milliondollarbr2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>(Post-tidbit: You may have seen The Million Dollar Theatre already. It was prominently featured in “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPcZHjKJBnE">Blade Runner</a>" (1982), for across the street is the famous Bradbury building which was used throughout the film, especially for the climatic ending.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JptWh-4kndk" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-36330383160450701022011-03-02T22:55:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:21:41.810-08:00Neil Simon: A Bundle of LoveIf I had to pick my favorite playwright (outside of Shakespeare, of course), I think Neil Simon would definitely be the winner. As a romantic, he’s the perfect fit for me. Not only did he write some of my favorite plays, but their film versions are also in my favorites list. So I thought I’d celebrate my love for them today with an All-Simon post for you all. Get ready to fall in love with “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX0NhHtFEqk">Barefoot in the Park</a>” (1967), “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33ZvO26hP7M">The Odd Couple</a>” (1968), and “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBGGM9t7nAY">The Goodbye Girl</a>” (1977).<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtPXWjphVwTNDR4uCsBPWvOuX07VlD32-srheSh0FYCWD3UC7UDz9yPShvhhCpZ49weNelczrIQS_VcurNOXNqnOq_bL0fKIO3y6yhcEWI8UlAmHql5GOQ73KSYLlI4KaTiF00p49ZDc/s1600/Barefoot_movieposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtPXWjphVwTNDR4uCsBPWvOuX07VlD32-srheSh0FYCWD3UC7UDz9yPShvhhCpZ49weNelczrIQS_VcurNOXNqnOq_bL0fKIO3y6yhcEWI8UlAmHql5GOQ73KSYLlI4KaTiF00p49ZDc/s200/Barefoot_movieposter.jpg" width="130" /></a>First up, “Barefoot in the Park.” Based on Simon’s first marriage, this lovely story is about a couple of newlyweds in New York City (of course) and their adjustment to their new life together in a 6-story walkup. Jane Fonda stars as the kooky, free-spirited wife and Robert Redford as her conservative new husband. Redford starred in the Broadway production of “Barefoot” with actress Elizabeth Ashley, which ran for 1530 performances from 1963-67. It was Simon’s longest running hit and earned director Mike Nichols a Tony Award. However, when the film was being cast, Ashley was replaced with…Natalie Wood. Or at least she was the producers’ first choice. She had already costarred with Redford twice. But Wood turned the part down for some much-needed rest instead.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs0JwM7ZuCHi3OZ8I0o-UMgk5VCiGXaqoO6LlrNzAM5U6u7jZFBRpyT07Apgt1uznzW9_AxtLoa_ozcoXhD_xo-7u86PoYsk1oqycbAhScyG9i0C6zrgqjp6b_UfaZrUl2ZoZpVzcLrQ/s1600/Odd_Couple_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs0JwM7ZuCHi3OZ8I0o-UMgk5VCiGXaqoO6LlrNzAM5U6u7jZFBRpyT07Apgt1uznzW9_AxtLoa_ozcoXhD_xo-7u86PoYsk1oqycbAhScyG9i0C6zrgqjp6b_UfaZrUl2ZoZpVzcLrQ/s200/Odd_Couple_poster.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>The year after “Barefoot” saw another great Simon play made into a film. Again directed by Gene Saks (who directed “Barefoot” as well), Simon’s buddy play “The Odd Couple” found its way to the screen, with the epitome of bro-mances between Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Like “Barefoot,” it also starred one half of its original Broadway leads. Matthau originated the role of messy, relaxed Oscar in the Broadway production, with Art Carney costarring as uptight, neat freak Felix. However, Carney turned the film down, so good friends Matthau and Lemmon got the chance to yet again work together, in what would become one of their best pairings. “Couple” ended up earning two Oscar nominations and three Golden Globes, but alas, no wins.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0KPALVObKrxSax-bZqsB8nZ0fCBqh8ED-I5k_GrfwGYue1RUBuH9f4Nxcn_n0JJykf2hu8yekJBtLmhFxwyzdgW3LGz1yX7PgJSgNE_TQAMlXUQuUaQzZLVPweNpr2c_k0_oerTPuR0/s1600/Goodbye_Girl_movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0KPALVObKrxSax-bZqsB8nZ0fCBqh8ED-I5k_GrfwGYue1RUBuH9f4Nxcn_n0JJykf2hu8yekJBtLmhFxwyzdgW3LGz1yX7PgJSgNE_TQAMlXUQuUaQzZLVPweNpr2c_k0_oerTPuR0/s200/Goodbye_Girl_movie_poster.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Finally, and possibly my favorite of them all – “The Goodbye Girl.” Written for the screen straight out of the gate, it is probably Simon’s most successful film ever. Starring Marsha Mason (Simon’s wife at the time) as the infamous title character and Richard Dreyfuss in an Oscar-winning performance, “The Goodbye Girl” tells the tale of a down-on-her-romantic-luck single mother who has once again been abandoned by a guy. Yet this time and without telling her, the bastard ex sublet their apartment to struggling actor Dreyfuss. Refusing to get thrown out on the streets with her young 10-year-old daughter (amazingly performed by newcomer Quinn Cummings), the two strike up a deal to share the apartment. But inevitably, it leads to one thing…love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD47UN0TR5FViU3BEKzUpoC5hrKHL2i27u5jEeH5KClWUy_aICOPbdZ2fELj5LQHYsP4y98Ng3eDkOIDQYiixksgM93z8yeu9p0JBYUhzrCiUhT2xwxPCt0TpBX5ueUTAjPGBS1kB8gU/s1600/goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD47UN0TR5FViU3BEKzUpoC5hrKHL2i27u5jEeH5KClWUy_aICOPbdZ2fELj5LQHYsP4y98Ng3eDkOIDQYiixksgM93z8yeu9p0JBYUhzrCiUhT2xwxPCt0TpBX5ueUTAjPGBS1kB8gU/s200/goodbye.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Simon originally wrote “Goodbye Girl” for Robert De Niro and Mason to star. Called “Bogart Slept Here” at the time, De Niro was hired and production began. But after only a week of rehearsal, creative differences and lack of chemistry made De Niro quit the project. Simon then suggested Dreyfuss, whose biggest films at the time were only “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Jo1gH89VM">American Graffiti</a>,” “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMLFO6TsFM">Jaws</a>,” and “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDSFfphswpY">Close Encounters of the Third Kind</a>” which he had just completed. Once rehearsals started though, Simon could see that Dreyfuss and Mason had a different kind of chemistry. So Simon took the script and completely reworked for the two stars, and thus, “The Goodbye Girl” was born.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh4oFnoo0pQOCi3odCh28SwoX2ODcwR1gyF_vKtGWdXO6-gQazTYqHNqSjtzY6odXvGfZSwHMICUQAa0lQOK5S8XGR6M5LjAHSt44xmh42kYEFhwvuXbblnLRQclwCZ9809sJtrOwf_8/s1600/tgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh4oFnoo0pQOCi3odCh28SwoX2ODcwR1gyF_vKtGWdXO6-gQazTYqHNqSjtzY6odXvGfZSwHMICUQAa0lQOK5S8XGR6M5LjAHSt44xmh42kYEFhwvuXbblnLRQclwCZ9809sJtrOwf_8/s200/tgg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>By all accounts, it was the right move all around. Dreyfuss loved working with Mason, even having stated since that she was one of the best leading ladies he ever had. The film was a huge success, grossing over $100 million, the first romantic comedy to ever do so. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, one each for Dreyfuss, Mason, Cummings, and Simon, and also Best Picture. Only Dreyfuss won that night, becoming at 30 years of age the youngest person to win a Best Actor award (until 2003 when Adrien Brody won for “The Piano” at 29).<br />
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So, if you’re up for some romance, or even bro-mance, watch some Neil Simon this week. Have a wonderful week and I’ll be back next week with another great Hollywood topic. Also, if you have something you’d like to know more about, feel free to send me a comment or note.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Herbert Ross, the director of “The Goodbye Girl,” had two films in the running for the Best Picture Oscar, this and “<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/for-weekend-dance-your-cares-away.html">The Turning Point</a>.” His one directing nomination was for the latter though.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-49138090676342725622011-02-25T09:16:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:22:39.019-08:00Academy Awards: Time for a CelebrationAre you watching the Academy Awards this Sunday? If so, here’s some great trivia and such to get you pumped for the big event. As you already know, “<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/for-weekend-nothing-but-firth.html">The King’s Speech</a>” is my favorite film of the year, so I’m rooting for it all the way. But here are some of my other favorites I will be cheering on as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlABD1AdqaADM8BfLcWrX2P2AbQTZLyKFDdzGjHJKicr3iv6EmQGneJv4ElamEgfWN-A_3TQKW-tYJ1Vza9q9byEafmCY_5EMjGLkHp-eHN7GGPuNVuufjqw2DVF7IHsYBL3NejnCnMk/s1600/Black_Swan_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlABD1AdqaADM8BfLcWrX2P2AbQTZLyKFDdzGjHJKicr3iv6EmQGneJv4ElamEgfWN-A_3TQKW-tYJ1Vza9q9byEafmCY_5EMjGLkHp-eHN7GGPuNVuufjqw2DVF7IHsYBL3NejnCnMk/s200/Black_Swan_poster.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>First up, “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bs">Black Swan</a>.” I loved Natalie Portman’s performance in this film and truly believe she is the rightful winner of the Best Actress award this year. Also Darren Aronofsky actually managed to turn a film about ballet into a smash hit. Amazing! Portman’s turn as a perfectionist ballerina given her first lead role in “Swan Lake,” only to become paranoid about a new dancer in the company stealing it from her, is really the child-to-adult actress’s best film to date. She lost 20 pounds to play the part (something she is glad to be the complete opposite of now with her pregnancy).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6YoLY6gN27lk1119ZPDv4B2dV8zXx-8UHHBumjtGGRbBnWIN_rAM3T4FSujAnaQU3lwJ20Cu0uRCkpbD9ecHiWL3cI7Ij1kj1j15ka5c0HhoNA1JvpCrWUMcFLMnVN4Lbuze_hxlXzs/s1600/blackswan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6YoLY6gN27lk1119ZPDv4B2dV8zXx-8UHHBumjtGGRbBnWIN_rAM3T4FSujAnaQU3lwJ20Cu0uRCkpbD9ecHiWL3cI7Ij1kj1j15ka5c0HhoNA1JvpCrWUMcFLMnVN4Lbuze_hxlXzs/s200/blackswan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Portman did have some ballet experience before this film, taking lessons from the ages of 4 to 13. But in preparation for “Black Swan,” she started training extensively for a whole year before production began, which not only involved ballet exercises but also swimming a mile a day. Aronofsky even admitted that for seven months of that year, Portman paid for the training out of her own pocket while the production was still trying to raise money for the film. When they did have enough money finally, it was so little that they couldn’t afford a medic, something that disturbed Portman after she twisted a rib during a lift (that took six weeks to heal). She offered up her own trailer in exchange for a medic from then on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz8VHGMnXKe2fmjsexemNAo_GZTRt_MhduXImzkumRi7eRlV1iHn2Wthtze7gmQVBJD39wLl5fTAGoiakExZrZ1XVepZC0SErIglotWTua8AqmOg9-sF2yw0Lazs3j4e5yjES-qe0LXI/s1600/True_Grit_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz8VHGMnXKe2fmjsexemNAo_GZTRt_MhduXImzkumRi7eRlV1iHn2Wthtze7gmQVBJD39wLl5fTAGoiakExZrZ1XVepZC0SErIglotWTua8AqmOg9-sF2yw0Lazs3j4e5yjES-qe0LXI/s200/True_Grit_Poster.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>Another favorite performance I hope wins is Hailee Steinfeld. The 14-year-old star of “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GkAH7IUWOE">True Grit</a>” really deserved a Best Actress nomination, but unfortunately, in Hollywood politics, the film’s marketing decided to submit her for Best Supporting Actress, as they knew she couldn’t beat out Portman. But Steinfeld truly is the leading star of “Grit.” Playing Mattie Ross, the young girl out for revenge on her father’s murderer, she holds her own with costars Jeff Bridges (who should be in the Best Supporting Actor category) and Matt Damon in her debut film.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY-45wI41tqrUprjEM6g3zuiAjIaECdbwnvhO-5onKI6zdsaGVYBMfwvoUeCpZ2ttWqHe0y6d4ZCKn1tVTLKO4Oi2ACH7rjm7SL5SD5WbJ5ctvjKT6ilyzDS8iJr4Ghc-o8t9G2Rghy0/s1600/true-grit-hailee-steinfeld-photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOY-45wI41tqrUprjEM6g3zuiAjIaECdbwnvhO-5onKI6zdsaGVYBMfwvoUeCpZ2ttWqHe0y6d4ZCKn1tVTLKO4Oi2ACH7rjm7SL5SD5WbJ5ctvjKT6ilyzDS8iJr4Ghc-o8t9G2Rghy0/s200/true-grit-hailee-steinfeld-photo2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Steinfeld won the role over 15,000 other young girls from ages 12-16. The Coen brothers wanted to make sure they kept that “simple, tough as nails young woman [whose] unusually steely nerves and straightforward manner are often surprising” characteristic that drew the brothers to the book in the first place. So first they looked all over Texas, and then expanded their search, finding Steinfeld here in LA.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-qjcMYd9x2HwPrVOB2NaRYhIUiLkTzrgpWF5e1bHuNodQLJLG6cZ3vngHux-fQxACclEv_BEErsOp-pGzA5Ay5_hVQqTRZGGDHK4SI-RTZjvGSq-NM5irPycpSar0AyWoH0EK3kRYjw/s1600/405px-Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-qjcMYd9x2HwPrVOB2NaRYhIUiLkTzrgpWF5e1bHuNodQLJLG6cZ3vngHux-fQxACclEv_BEErsOp-pGzA5Ay5_hVQqTRZGGDHK4SI-RTZjvGSq-NM5irPycpSar0AyWoH0EK3kRYjw/s200/405px-Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>My final big cheer fest for this year will be for “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNMpa5yBf5o">Toy Story 3</a>.” Even though it would be awesome for it to win the Best Picture Oscar, it will definitely win for Best Animated Feature at least. And thank goodness, because I feel it is the pinnacle of Pixar’s talent. My favorite films of Pixar are still “<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/finding-nemo-just-keep-swimming.html">Finding Nemo</a>” and “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZisWjdjs-gM">Wall-e</a>” but “Toy Story 3” is close on their heels. It’s the heart of the story, like the other two, that get me the most. Little Andy has grown up and now both he and his toys must move on. But will they be loved again or just thrown away? It’s a story that made even my dad sniffle and tear up at the end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFjk3s0L3fcYr2knTJBr8uZSXU7TyZEmgi5yX3K3PcbuWwJ7W3WXrihco1PaC2yH_gLrY2fK5n8WBpQda5ZFmmQ34uv1FvWFRL5rFXxYYnDzvcTRueF5rk5HkDSAKQC6MPbawvZk1qwU/s1600/toy_story_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFjk3s0L3fcYr2knTJBr8uZSXU7TyZEmgi5yX3K3PcbuWwJ7W3WXrihco1PaC2yH_gLrY2fK5n8WBpQda5ZFmmQ34uv1FvWFRL5rFXxYYnDzvcTRueF5rk5HkDSAKQC6MPbawvZk1qwU/s200/toy_story_3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The film, which took two and a half years to write and storyboard, actually was more work for the studio than you might think. Because of all the advances in technology over the ten years since “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0sotERXhI">Toy Story 2</a>,” the animators couldn’t use the original base models for all the characters. So instead they had to recreate them all from scratch. Disney had been working on a third installment to “Toy Story” many years before Pixar though. During the two groups falling out from 2004-2005, Disney developed its own sequel without the Pixar crew. In this version, Buzz had a defect and was shipped to Taiwan for repair. But when the toys learn that the company is just tossing the old Buzzes and replacing them with new ones, they all ship themselves overseas to save Buzz. Luckily, when Pixar and Disney made up, they scrapped all ideas from that brief time and started over from scratch.<br />
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So, I hope this has revved you up for the big day on Sunday. Will all your favorites win? Will mine? Or will Hollywood just implode upon itself? (Hey, you never know…you never know.) Whatever the outcome, I hope you all have a fun time watching. See you next week with more great Hollywood history. Later, gators!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: “Toy Story 3” director Lee Unkrich's kids got to help their dad out with the film. His son Max wrote Daisy's name on Big Baby's pendent, as well as Bonnie's name on her backpack, and the others drew all the pictures in Bonnie's room.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-14675786954696714392011-02-15T20:44:00.000-08:002011-02-15T20:44:43.652-08:00Hello, Mr. Burton: Becket & Anne of the Thousand Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1730NOVi-SUIo9Rkvx1rhjEvcmqdLJUAgkUj6uFUckzx7Ht_WDsYp0l5ds6f6hIS-Esea8-KDrA49qva_Y6lKnCst7T-olMvY_qth_4eWGHQZs0sWIdoNCOubde4Po1S-wI_17c3HedM/s1600/BurtonL1402_468x624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1730NOVi-SUIo9Rkvx1rhjEvcmqdLJUAgkUj6uFUckzx7Ht_WDsYp0l5ds6f6hIS-Esea8-KDrA49qva_Y6lKnCst7T-olMvY_qth_4eWGHQZs0sWIdoNCOubde4Po1S-wI_17c3HedM/s200/BurtonL1402_468x624.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>I have a lot of favorite actors (<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/for-weekend-hello-mr-newman.html">Paul Newman</a>, <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/scaramouche-wonderful-stewart-granger.html">Stewart Granger</a>, <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/his-girl-friday-love-that-repartee.html">Cary Grant</a>, to name a few), and they all seem to have one common characteristic that drives them to me – their wonderful voices. I could listen to them talk all day long and never get tired of it. One very strong member of that amazingly-voiced-actors club is Richard Burton. So yummy...even if he was a drunk. So, today I thought I’d talk about two of my favorite films of his, the two films that brought him to my attention in the first place – “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArLJHj4WKYA">Becket</a>” (1964) and “<a href="http://www.tcm.com/video/videoPlayer/?cid=89795&titleId=67439">Anne of the Thousand Days</a>” (1969).<br />
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Both of these films I first saw way back in grade school (way, way back). It’s actually funny how many classic films and actors I was introduced to, not through my own accord or a family or friend, but through the Texas public school system. And considering both these films may not be that historically accurate…yea to public education! But they are still so enjoyable to watch, even for my 10-year-old self, and shouldn’t be missed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPmMBg2Mr_yFIgbjlcFrjvjxJZMIn8bjC5tJ-wAj1tS9QZAN8yvqlqI3SmerWPCs6HfgVTbeg2E83HDx84jo-K6J8Y_T3CzqKJzPAY7o-Jsxr_uxvS3y536hVu-GLwglHGoSuKg6GdtM/s1600/BecketPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPmMBg2Mr_yFIgbjlcFrjvjxJZMIn8bjC5tJ-wAj1tS9QZAN8yvqlqI3SmerWPCs6HfgVTbeg2E83HDx84jo-K6J8Y_T3CzqKJzPAY7o-Jsxr_uxvS3y536hVu-GLwglHGoSuKg6GdtM/s200/BecketPoster.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>First up is “Becket” starring Burton and good friend Peter O’Toole (another great voice). It tells the story of the friendship, and then eventual betrayal, between King Henry II (O’Toole) and Thomas Becket (Burton). This film was actually how the two stars met, but they found a kindred spirit in each…or should I say spirits. They bonded mainly after work, drinking until dawn. The two did try to stay sober for the film, but it only lasted a week before finally they showed up to work plastered. They were filming the scene where Henry appoints Becket as England’s new Lord Chancellor. Luckily, there was little dialogue but O’Toole did have to put a ring on Burton’s finger, who described it as “like trying to thread a needle wearing boxing gloves.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZJei8V3Si_91akU-R7odnYAnnFc5fOof8i3c6vaZVlTWWiXOQbML5JH7fwQ6EqTo8b9sb1h4t2KCG5z0stSQFT4gDew6SoNBKkoS_xYBbTAYqYgFRDW4hngKe0HEIvsOwXyAIpWIvuE/s1600/Becket1lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZJei8V3Si_91akU-R7odnYAnnFc5fOof8i3c6vaZVlTWWiXOQbML5JH7fwQ6EqTo8b9sb1h4t2KCG5z0stSQFT4gDew6SoNBKkoS_xYBbTAYqYgFRDW4hngKe0HEIvsOwXyAIpWIvuE/s200/Becket1lg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Burton was a little reluctant to accept the role of Becket at first, for he didn’t think it right to portray a Saint, or at least it wasn’t right that HE portrayed one. But luckily he changed his mind, and it resulted in one of the most intense and underplayed roles of his career. At the time, he had just married Elizabeth Taylor, and she was having a huge influence on him, both in his personal life and his career. He credits her with helping him truly transition between stage acting and screen acting, teaching him that on screen, less is more. She was also the one to get him to take the role of Becket, as well as play Hamlet again in 1964.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7WHmzppSBigsHwtRL6ff-OGCkI6qt9xgkNPdciZ4FRSBxMninXu5W6wGUxmuBQ8e_efjDcwU9dLZ8ILcLtb6HjqMwZlSdLyr82sjPGMnR7ySfADODlrndjPVRntyANcE2gSLx-UDCvg/s1600/becket-burton01-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7WHmzppSBigsHwtRL6ff-OGCkI6qt9xgkNPdciZ4FRSBxMninXu5W6wGUxmuBQ8e_efjDcwU9dLZ8ILcLtb6HjqMwZlSdLyr82sjPGMnR7ySfADODlrndjPVRntyANcE2gSLx-UDCvg/s200/becket-burton01-large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>“Becket” is based on the play “Becket or the Honour of God” by Jean Anouilh. It appeared on Broadway with Laurence Olivier as Becket and Anthony Quinn as Henry II, and in London’s West End with Eric Porter and Christopher Plummer in the respective roles before it made the leap to the silver screen. O’Toole was originally cast to play Henry in the London production but had to break his contract to start rehearsals for “<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/for-weekend-need-little-adventure.html">Lawrence of Arabia</a>.” The film was also a critical darling, earning 10 Oscar nominations, including one for each of its two stars and Best Picture, but lost out to all but one – Best Adapted Screenplay.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9y0gXThX4_0tt3ZohJ6f98An9vU2TPkhBl4iQwI0HvzYhhXLSG5_DH4_OB6TqOTm3gH9_pIfQZc40NAPWO4JukyV8XzCrcBeBa1dylKt5MAm_wbXDBilzWpkmZkM2wCJQWCENn0BxqI/s1600/Original_movie_poster_for_the_film_Anne_of_the_Thousand_Days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9y0gXThX4_0tt3ZohJ6f98An9vU2TPkhBl4iQwI0HvzYhhXLSG5_DH4_OB6TqOTm3gH9_pIfQZc40NAPWO4JukyV8XzCrcBeBa1dylKt5MAm_wbXDBilzWpkmZkM2wCJQWCENn0BxqI/s200/Original_movie_poster_for_the_film_Anne_of_the_Thousand_Days.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>“Anne of the Thousand Days” is also based on a play, this one by Maxwell Anderson from 1948. It tells the story of the romance between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, his second wife. Burton had convinced Hal B. Wallis, the producer of “Becket” and many other period films, to purchase the rights to the play. While talking about it prior to filming, however, Elizabeth Taylor started to get excited as well. Finally, at lunch with the gentlemen, Taylor announced that she wanted to play Anne, she had to play Anne. At 37 years old though, she was too old to play the 18 year old heroine. Wallis didn’t know how to tell her this though, so Burton leaned over and said to her, “Sorry, luv. You're too long in the tooth."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MFBwwgV7hbRb_TbhZydZrBPTXif5nHJP3tJcYyD8RygT-hP-1QU4ZNfPAu7ZYTVuGop_qSbrazPmLCUqcKp7OeARRA0wF5sKQPhA3zFl7zeCY0vY-CQwzvwaVVTgy05AMKA8BLhAHXE/s1600/4597711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MFBwwgV7hbRb_TbhZydZrBPTXif5nHJP3tJcYyD8RygT-hP-1QU4ZNfPAu7ZYTVuGop_qSbrazPmLCUqcKp7OeARRA0wF5sKQPhA3zFl7zeCY0vY-CQwzvwaVVTgy05AMKA8BLhAHXE/s200/4597711.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Even though Burton did help Wallis with the idea for “Anne,” Burton was reluctant to do this film. He had been doing period pieces for some many years now that he was getting tired of putting on the costumes and such. As he said, “The unfortunate thing is that everyone wants me to play a prince or a king ... I'm always wearing a nightdress or a short skirt or something odd. I don't want to do them, I don't like them, I hate getting made up for them, I hate my hair being curled in the mornings, I hate tights, I hate boots, I hate everything. I'd like to be in a lounge suit, I'd like to be a sort of Welsh Rex Harrison and do nothing except lounge against a bar with a gin and tonic in my hand.”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGBvQNVvU421kQ482VROHJ6WSsRVRy9TLQ2_wweOwLLZuNPnamRbU5goFxMPtNo72qLKJIodPtspJ0zXStD_LZyDBTaWx43aCzj2hobjlcoTCr30KO1WigE6U_giZuxYHVs8K8DleqCk/s1600/ATD02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGBvQNVvU421kQ482VROHJ6WSsRVRy9TLQ2_wweOwLLZuNPnamRbU5goFxMPtNo72qLKJIodPtspJ0zXStD_LZyDBTaWx43aCzj2hobjlcoTCr30KO1WigE6U_giZuxYHVs8K8DleqCk/s200/ATD02.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>He disliked his performance in “Anne” and was extremely surprised that it garnered him another Academy Award nomination (his sixth). His performance is beautiful, though, one not to miss. Extremely powerful, of which Hollywood took note…but not enough. He lost out on the Oscar again, to John Wayne for the original “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN-j4GDqjv4">True Grit</a>.” He would only get one more Oscar nomination in his life, for “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzNCYcYlmt0">Equus</a>” in 1977, only to lose out again, this time to Richard Dreyfuss in “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBGGM9t7nAY">The Goodbye Girl</a>.” He would share the Academy record for most nominations by an actor without a win with his “Becket” costar and drinking buddy O’Toole until 2007 when O’Toole surpassed him with a loss for “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5NfQyiHEoI">Venus</a>.”<br />
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Whatever his credits, his lifestyle, his persona, no one can deny he was an amazingly power performer. He was the first of the new Hollywood fame that revels in the spotlight more than the art itself. He even said about himself once, “I rather like my reputation, actually, that of a spoiled genius from the Welsh gutter, a drunk, a womanizer; it's rather an attractive image.” He had the talent though, cherished words like no other, and almost sang ever word with his beautiful deep voice. So watch and listen to an amazing actor this week. “Becket” is an instant streamer on <a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> and “Anne of the Thousand Days” can be found on DVD. Have a wonderful rest of your week, everyone, and I’ll be back next week with more fun trivia.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: During “Becket,” Burton and Taylor were madly in love, but by the time “Anne” arrived, Burton’s eyes had started to wander. So when rumor got back to Taylor that Burton and Genevieve Bujold, aka Anne, were possibly getting along a little too well on set, Taylor decided to pay a visit to the set. When Bujold heard of this, she was furious and stated aloud “I'm going to give that bitch an acting lesson she'll never forget!" She then proceeded to give the power final scene of the film between Anne and Henry.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-5481371707508509212011-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:06:50.039-08:00Hollywood Composition: Two Guys Named JohnSadly last week, we lost one of Hollywood's great film composers, John Barry. He passed away at his home in New York from a heart attack at the age of 77. And today happens to be another great Hollywood composer's birthday. John Williams turns 79 today. So what better time than today to talk about my love of these two great gentlemen's music?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWUtEAhgbfqHfcRrIs_9zI2CV7pzClnFVHC9rji5hwjOAwTBSpFznHkLO8BTYMNudCkdo2n8kqqniG5S7i4go-Fz0l08LQSd48K5WGAyeREiEtEholRBg3_3v0Vx81HRWRvCQssBLgI4/s1600/JAWS_Movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWUtEAhgbfqHfcRrIs_9zI2CV7pzClnFVHC9rji5hwjOAwTBSpFznHkLO8BTYMNudCkdo2n8kqqniG5S7i4go-Fz0l08LQSd48K5WGAyeREiEtEholRBg3_3v0Vx81HRWRvCQssBLgI4/s200/JAWS_Movie_poster.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>Now, I'm pretty sure all of you know the name John Williams. He is THE film composer, the king of all themes. He created the music for all the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbPcUrHsD8A">Star Wars</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pNlMgH2p-Y">Indiana Jones</a> films, the first three <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCNHVMIYqiA">Harry Potter</a> films, the first two <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlUGaOO8w80&feature=fvst">Jurassic Park</a> films, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9vrfEoc8_g">Superman</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7czR4fjEA">Jaws</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbUGsbZWitw">Close Encounters of the Third Kind</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O15x-B8PgeE">E.T.</a>"...need I go on? There are just so many to name. He even wrote the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbHw8DBCXQ8">theme for the Olympics</a>, that fanfare we hear constantly every two years! He has been nominated 45 times for Academy Awards. 45!! Tied with composer Alfred Newman, he is the second most nominated individual in Oscar history. (Walt Disney is #1 with 59 nominations, 22 of those winners.) Williams has only won five out of his 45 nominations, but he's also won four Golden Globes, seven BAFTAs, and 21 Grammys. I got to see him conduct at the Hollywood Bowl once. My brother gave me tickets for my birthday one year. It was so amazing to hear many of his famous themes conducted by the man himself in those historic and iconic hills of Hollywood. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15ji_NmgkgSX36Py0FO8iXsECBRjXdxBgTCxTkK45-2o6C_XnOJaObo32R2DeIRtvvwCZv-hLkreF4yf7JPdmEsnBPVOvin4aMUvtWC6B9nPWDhuL7g9D5XqVrIyBbLQOKnbov9GLhF8/s1600/007FRWLposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15ji_NmgkgSX36Py0FO8iXsECBRjXdxBgTCxTkK45-2o6C_XnOJaObo32R2DeIRtvvwCZv-hLkreF4yf7JPdmEsnBPVOvin4aMUvtWC6B9nPWDhuL7g9D5XqVrIyBbLQOKnbov9GLhF8/s200/007FRWLposter.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>John Barry, on the other hand, you may not recognize the name as well, but I'm sure you know his music. His list includes Oscar-winners "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHvKviaeulg">Dances with Wolves</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLg6-tyxEFQ">Out of Africa</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhGeH07lo5M">Born Free</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3g1XMakoEQ&feature=related">The Lion in Winter</a>," as well as "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf8C_fkEXqQ">Somewhere in Time</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNhQFfljkc">Chaplin</a>," and eleven James Bond films. In fact, though he didn't receive screen credit for it, he created the famous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5jjYLsh1V4">Bond theme</a> music...or at least arranged it. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myoVLMnKw2M">Dr. No</a>" composer Monty Norman was having such a difficult time creating a satisfying theme for Bond that the producers turned to then-lesser-known Barry for help. He came in and, using some of Norman's already-written elements, arranged the Bond theme we know so well today. Norman received all the credit and residuals for the piece but many people have made it no secret that Barry came in to help. Norman has won two class action lawsuits against others claiming that Barry was the actual composer. Most likely he did just arrange it better, adding some jazz riffs and motifs here and there. Yet, when producers had trouble with their next composer on "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqAOf66o1Wg&feature=related">From Russia with Love</a>," they remembered Barry and hired him full out as the film's composer, a relationship that lasted for ten more films. The other famous Bond theme titled "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-5f8IWXCTI">007</a>" is all Barry's.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPPXx3YcdBITEDtCpK9t7iIwZsD4-K2nzBJAZh1VIMUVEDEplAXf-1s-sAp1R1shFDHeazrYmHe0rSJ5rTTOnt-r0CyTZuV_VutdEnIgNNJX_A9gxGgdr5i7hHlOOv6kMchse4t2ewM0/s1600/800px-John_Williams_scoring_Raiders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPPXx3YcdBITEDtCpK9t7iIwZsD4-K2nzBJAZh1VIMUVEDEplAXf-1s-sAp1R1shFDHeazrYmHe0rSJ5rTTOnt-r0CyTZuV_VutdEnIgNNJX_A9gxGgdr5i7hHlOOv6kMchse4t2ewM0/s200/800px-John_Williams_scoring_Raiders.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The two Johns are both so iconic that it difficult to rank them on my favorites list. John Williams is of course on a level all his own. And Barry's scores are so beautiful that they just don't fit with my actual list. (Yes, I have an actual favorite film composer list. Geeks, here I am.) My favorites of Williams' scores are, of course, all of the Star Wars music. It is like a true symphony, story through music and themes. My first ever trip to the Hollywood Bowl was to see the LA Philharmonic perform AFI's 25 Greatest Film Scores (a list only performed there that night). "Star Wars" was voted the #1 film score of all time, and rightly so. It was another beautiful night to hear them build to that last song performed. (Williams also received #6 and #14 on the list, for "Jaws" and "E.T." respectively.) As for Barry, he is my romantic composer. If you wanted to make a film that was a love letter to anything, Barry was your man. My favs are "Chaplin" (a letter to Chaplin and the original Hollywood era), "Dances with Wolves" (a letter to the Old West), and "Somewhere in Time" (a letter to...well, love itself).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkry0M-jHy9ba95QgsRVWEcnjGvfXsvk93-UDj-WG-bfw95_BTfDdgbEQb0iQ6pxmughJfEtitqBzmTIP3GnF0LrYBVOonmto8iCWzu_r6VcN0aBKBJYgxhLW8zbv8p0t5UwXVUpn3V2k/s1600/Barry_in_concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkry0M-jHy9ba95QgsRVWEcnjGvfXsvk93-UDj-WG-bfw95_BTfDdgbEQb0iQ6pxmughJfEtitqBzmTIP3GnF0LrYBVOonmto8iCWzu_r6VcN0aBKBJYgxhLW8zbv8p0t5UwXVUpn3V2k/s200/Barry_in_concert.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>These two men had very different starts, though jazz played a big part in both. Barry grew up in England, spending his childhood at the eight cinemas his father owned. Loving the action-adventure films the most because of the music, Barry learned to play the piano and trumpet in order to one day compose music himself. When he was 25, he formed his own jazz band called The John Barry Seven, which brought him to the attention of the BBC show "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LAxgc7fWKI">Drumbeat</a>." On that, he met singer Adam Faith who hired Barry for his first film-composing job for Faith's first movie as well, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4ZWsGHb2gU">Beat Girl</a>." This led to three more films and a job at EMI record company arranging orchestral music for the company's artists. These achievements are what caught the attention of the Bond producers and the rest is, as they say, Hollywood history.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNz4Xu5qJ8raN1pM1hx3JDcYJYbEz3c5ffzX3TQzNrXhFvKcSGguMOWuwzjBwr_t_wzBqfcIK6nu3iNI7jJjQ9BrzLtwdn_MsqYWUISX1I2rrMXeEttAgUyA6Zm6UjIhyaLg1XQ0EOYc/s1600/450px-John_Williams_tux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNz4Xu5qJ8raN1pM1hx3JDcYJYbEz3c5ffzX3TQzNrXhFvKcSGguMOWuwzjBwr_t_wzBqfcIK6nu3iNI7jJjQ9BrzLtwdn_MsqYWUISX1I2rrMXeEttAgUyA6Zm6UjIhyaLg1XQ0EOYc/s200/450px-John_Williams_tux.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Williams, though, grew up with music in his family. Born in Queens, New York, his love of music came from his father, a jazz drummer. He moved to North Hollywood with his family when he was 16 and attended UCLA for awhile after high school. He was drafted by the Air Force, however, when he was 20 and spent the next three years arranging and conducting music for the Air Force Band. After his service, he moved back to New York and attended the famous Juilliard School, working as a jazz pianist on the side, earning the name "Little Johnny Love." After Juilliard, he moved back to LA and worked as a studio pianist, getting to work with composer greats like Henry Mancini and Alfred Newman. That's actually him playing the opening riff to Mancini's famous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK-b5PLhrEI">"Peter Gunn Theme</a>." His first film-composing job was for the B-movie "Daddy-O" in 1958, and his career just grew from there, with films and television alike. (Some of his TV themes include "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH6j63lhAAc">Lost in Space</a>" and the pilot episode of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIvslFMAaew">Gilligan's Island</a>.")<br />
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So, get your music fix and listen to some greats this week, to honor both a man on his birthday and a man at his death. May your lives all be beautifully scored this week, just like in the movies. :) See you Friday!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Williams has scored every one of Steven Spielberg's directorial films since they started working together in 1974 with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN-MXfmQO6A">The Sugarland Express</a>"...except two - "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d83NnlL83mc">The Color Purple</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C_sKKTTMX4">Twilight Zone: The Movie</a>," in which Spielberg only directed a section of the film.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-84046177457747268712011-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:30:05.495-08:00Spaceballs: Laugh Your Schwartz Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaOnMiKOWIl4M4g-cJNpsvSGckAhxdSovUVqmaqKTXZHH7a45hq1poHg1BVsTxhsNKlx4iypNCCA1D4ibgYVJhM74XKQAxtNxnvR_8fSiPGpQMnuX8U0xCbcmwms6QYZX9XCStGWAml8/s1600/Spaceballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaOnMiKOWIl4M4g-cJNpsvSGckAhxdSovUVqmaqKTXZHH7a45hq1poHg1BVsTxhsNKlx4iypNCCA1D4ibgYVJhM74XKQAxtNxnvR_8fSiPGpQMnuX8U0xCbcmwms6QYZX9XCStGWAml8/s200/Spaceballs.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Well, last week I talked about <i>the </i>sci-fi movie of all sci-fi movies, "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/star-wars-happy-100th.html">Star Wars</a>" (1977). So how about flipping all that upside down with the essential sci-fi spoof "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JaJG1fXHpM">Spaceballs</a>" (1987)?<br />
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"Spaceballs," Mel Brooks' destruction of the space genre, isn't his best (hello, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOPTriLG5cU">Young Frankenstein</a>" (1974) and the original "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCNjOBzg8tc">The Producers</a>" (1968)), but it's the film I always think of first whenever anyone mentions Brooks' name. This was the first Brooks film I ever saw, and as a kid, I thought it was hilarious. Spoofing what I love? Genius! And although I've grown out of some of the jokes as I've gotten older, it's still a hoot and a half to watch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0GC4QRfbrDiIE2hi4njESsocvYEkJkCy5DoJzfiKsP-9uITtUiPExo5OXuW11YqfRtoed3JpWj1sjnrrHuyxZ3Hf4br493c6VdUPA9pPWWyUL_xJejUeSVx_YEkDp5PjMxtUduIAI5w/s1600/Spaceballs-BH-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0GC4QRfbrDiIE2hi4njESsocvYEkJkCy5DoJzfiKsP-9uITtUiPExo5OXuW11YqfRtoed3JpWj1sjnrrHuyxZ3Hf4br493c6VdUPA9pPWWyUL_xJejUeSVx_YEkDp5PjMxtUduIAI5w/s200/Spaceballs-BH-03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This science fiction parody starts out with the classic Star-Wars-ish scroll across the screening, explaining the villains of the movie, the Spaceballs, and their sinister plot to steal the air from planet Druidia. (You see, they destroyed their own planet's air through years of pollution. I wonder if that means one day we'll have to go suck another oxygen-loving planet's air dry...if we can find one.) On Druidia that day, however, Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) is getting married...or is she? She runs away from the altar, only to be captured by the Spaceballs (who include Brooks himself and Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet). Luckily, our hero Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) is close by and saves the princess from capture. Together, they must evade the Spaceballs and get the princess back to Druidia safe and sound, while bickering and falling in love with each other along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBK0h47r5jI5VL_fZnGruxIYEiVCf41V_UkUn9x40lf7tZPYCaFvbZxHkKpqKjbMjDnJMec4g8TuIeMbcYFpg2SDjaPVsmhIjTLfJibITsYcYPCPSyEmIVMjq6tYR2za3noZflEC3a6k/s1600/spaceballs_large_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBK0h47r5jI5VL_fZnGruxIYEiVCf41V_UkUn9x40lf7tZPYCaFvbZxHkKpqKjbMjDnJMec4g8TuIeMbcYFpg2SDjaPVsmhIjTLfJibITsYcYPCPSyEmIVMjq6tYR2za3noZflEC3a6k/s200/spaceballs_large_13.jpg" width="200" /></a>There are so many hilarious jokes in this film, it's hard to go through them all. My favorites are the Leia-like hair-bun earphones Princess Vespa is listening to (I have wanted a pair since I first saw them!) and John Hurt's cameo just so another creature can pop out of his stomach...and then go dancing across the counter. To this day, I can watch this sequence and laugh, yet the anticipation of seeing the more gory original version in "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojhGdRSkiUw">Alien</a>" (1979) has caused me never to be able to watch the latter. Very odd, I know. Brooks said the two jokes he is most proud of from the film are Spaceballs: The Merchandise and the villains being able to rent the VHS of "Spaceballs" while they are still filming it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-d2-uyhPeiiY8JwLwCPz-UkYNdyUzZ9FsrxeOwtaOAlbyKiUUfMj2vf5Pp_ra3m9V0ilYTSpYNGzlaXoBo7tQWHS0f2Eq0H7jHWAbHypv5UL9FLNsNikABWjEsJsYMUbdK0z_YPXK9U/s1600/yogurtDoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-d2-uyhPeiiY8JwLwCPz-UkYNdyUzZ9FsrxeOwtaOAlbyKiUUfMj2vf5Pp_ra3m9V0ilYTSpYNGzlaXoBo7tQWHS0f2Eq0H7jHWAbHypv5UL9FLNsNikABWjEsJsYMUbdK0z_YPXK9U/s200/yogurtDoll.jpg" width="200" /></a>No Spaceballs merchandise was ever released though because of a fair-use agreement between Brooks and George Lucas. (The coloring book and lunch box are actually "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlCBSa92ANo">Transformers</a>" items with the Spaceballs logo slapped on it.) Yes, you read that correctly. Lucas did know about "Spaceballs" before it even began pre-production. After finishing the script, Brooks sent it to Lucas for permission. He was nervous that he might be offended, but Lucas had no problems, for he was a fan of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLNQv19YpG4">Blazing Saddles</a>" and "Young Frankenstein". <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3JjAbla2UkGm_kMbR2dFRC1u9DetkK9MwDYp489XN9TmqAU7a-V9TY2TQ2HghIdHCTVrPEBOM3J79AHI1fRdbeIeOmzr8Gnlq8j-LL6e18PVpETNDpkoub53cD-R1RSWaIaQ0uCXAZA/s1600/Barf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3JjAbla2UkGm_kMbR2dFRC1u9DetkK9MwDYp489XN9TmqAU7a-V9TY2TQ2HghIdHCTVrPEBOM3J79AHI1fRdbeIeOmzr8Gnlq8j-LL6e18PVpETNDpkoub53cD-R1RSWaIaQ0uCXAZA/s200/Barf.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Brooks put together a hefty effects and makeup team for this one. The visual effects were actually run by John Dykstra, an ex-ILM employee. His company Apogee Inc. did most of the effects but ILM did actually help out a little. They created Hurt's stomach creature. As for John Candy's costume, it doesn't seem that elaborate at a glance but it required three people to control. Candy controlled his own tail with a little joystick in the palm of his hand while two other assistants controlled his ears, one per ear. It also had to be powered by a large battery (probably would be the size of a pen today) that Candy had to wear on his back. And Brooks himself wasn't without his own effects pain. The golden makeup he wore for the role of Yogurt caused a rash to break out on his neck. Also the constant walking around on his knees really caused pains, even with kneepads.<br />
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So, I recommend getting your laugh on this weekend with "Spaceballs." It's a blast to watch, especially if you've just watched "Star Wars." Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Thanks to knowing this movie probably too well, I managed to sweep the first round when I was on "Trivial Pursuit" the game show one time...Of course I lost the second round, but that's beside the point. It's the only time I will ever thank Joan Rivers (aka Dot Matrix).)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-14841973654037962182011-01-25T22:23:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:23:15.285-08:00Hollywood 101: It's Oscar Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3e7OA1lucxN06v38Ca7wvDeFS1GW2o3Y3nOsLo6GO2dmi_auRP-045VyrLDFePwpLv4BrSw9ImDMJg0zrlpgwPdrwzHzumBL0iMG8PwhJwO-EPoEr0-Las2JWyQWg1-rh2JOf8A7ycQ/s1600/83awards_envelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3e7OA1lucxN06v38Ca7wvDeFS1GW2o3Y3nOsLo6GO2dmi_auRP-045VyrLDFePwpLv4BrSw9ImDMJg0zrlpgwPdrwzHzumBL0iMG8PwhJwO-EPoEr0-Las2JWyQWg1-rh2JOf8A7ycQ/s200/83awards_envelope.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/83/nominees.html">nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards</a> were announced this morning. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this year's list (especially since my favorite film of the year "The King's Speech" received the most nominations...but I am hugely obsessed with everything British so...what can I say). Therefore, what better time than now to start up my new post series entitled "Hollywood 101" with a little history lesson about the most coveted award in Hollywood? Ladies and gentleman, the Oscar!<br />
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The first Academy Awards ceremony was held...well, 82 years ago on May 16, 1929. It was a banquet in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd. hosted by Academy president Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille (Cecil B's older brother). 270 guests paid only $5 a ticket to attend the event and enjoy food such as Lobster Eugenie and Filet of Sole au Beurre, as well as dancing alongside Hollywood's royalty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzykolB75zH8rOo7Sd-2nsa6PeFx8HoLOOj9PucMGYvBHHq-e6XtOGKW6GIOJ_5DRRwr343b6rJVBMkBDW8sVGifFPoyCrroKxcf9SG7nI9O8V8gjA1bFAK7RFIp_fu4wsyxXlxJ-ynU/s1600/oscar1929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzykolB75zH8rOo7Sd-2nsa6PeFx8HoLOOj9PucMGYvBHHq-e6XtOGKW6GIOJ_5DRRwr343b6rJVBMkBDW8sVGifFPoyCrroKxcf9SG7nI9O8V8gjA1bFAK7RFIp_fu4wsyxXlxJ-ynU/s200/oscar1929.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the group behind the awards) was the brainchild of MGM head honcho Louis B. Mayer two years earlier in an effort to stifle the growing unions' power in Hollywood by bringing together the biggest and most influential people in the industry. Obviously, his efforts failed on that point as SAG, the DGA and WGA, to name a few, are proof. His other goal with the formation of the Academy was to give some class to the industry. At that time in America, the moral aspects of the still-new movie industry had started coming under fire by people like mothers and clergy. Mayer believed that adding a little class with a stylish golden award would be just the public relations he needed...and he couldn't have been more correct.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJE6xLWfDzUeRkUWw_wBs_BmtOivtDJl7Kcjc6m71RKdqJh-uh2KJ28BENHI9k-oZ_508vKTEaXCWmRelrl2PW77KMokjcD7iceqrx5eYMX-xlyLGniQcM9syrvKyBy8_bcd59RhYNQ/s1600/31st_Acad_Awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJE6xLWfDzUeRkUWw_wBs_BmtOivtDJl7Kcjc6m71RKdqJh-uh2KJ28BENHI9k-oZ_508vKTEaXCWmRelrl2PW77KMokjcD7iceqrx5eYMX-xlyLGniQcM9syrvKyBy8_bcd59RhYNQ/s200/31st_Acad_Awards.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first awards ceremony wasn't even broadcast, but the Academy saw its public intrigue right at the start. The next ceremony would start the long history of broadcasting the awards to the world, starting with just a small Los Angeles radio station doing the broadcast. Also, the winners of the first awards were told of their wins a full three months before the ceremony. By the next year, the academy's board of governors had decided on announcing the winners at the ceremony itself. They did, however, release the list of winners to the newspapers so that they could publish the list at 11pm that night. That deal fell through though in 1940 when <i>The Los Angeles Times</i> decided to publish the list in their evening edition, which came out before the ceremony even began. After that, the sealed envelope and auditing firm Price Waterhouse (now called PricewaterhouseCoopers) started protecting the results and keeping the anticipation going.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBU4Osi89xDhBGwYJqL-vx1vgFD1bW1WdlIjn8utRjtDtyfeCs9iyU9fKSVUVm8Ep-3Q7I7w2CjcDRfvEUbKweskl1mxolvOHJl862K2DvFw4NMvHQbCyIEG__KyOwtvUTStkvH_iqcs/s1600/Oscar_statuette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBU4Osi89xDhBGwYJqL-vx1vgFD1bW1WdlIjn8utRjtDtyfeCs9iyU9fKSVUVm8Ep-3Q7I7w2CjcDRfvEUbKweskl1mxolvOHJl862K2DvFw4NMvHQbCyIEG__KyOwtvUTStkvH_iqcs/s200/Oscar_statuette.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Now, the famous statuette, commonly called the Oscar, is actually officially titled the Academy Award of Merit. Its design was created by MGM's chief art director Cedric Gibbons. He created a knight plunging a sword into a reel of film (with five spokes for each original division of the Academy - actors, directors, producers, writers and technicians) and drew it in the classic Art Deco style of the time with Mexican director/actor Emilio Fernández as his model. They then hired sculptor George Stanley to carve the little man in plaster and created the first gold-plated bronze statues. The statuettes are now made of 24-carat gold-plated britannium. The only time the Oscars were not made of some kind of metal was for three years during WWII, when the metal shortage caused them to switch to painted plaster. After the war was over though, all plaster-statue recipients were allowed to trade it in for metal ones. The nickname of "Oscar" has many different stories of origin but the most commonly accepted one comes from Margaret Herrick, an Academy secretary who first saw the little statue in 1931 and commented that it reminded her of her Uncle Oscar. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUIAyBAwRIl48ZbEXVag69ycFASu_7aGSw6_COmuYU6OYKv6_YhyphenhyphenOCvAgM_BQfL5mTGsdGLj-YWIN3jLWrkM0zoYYRH4DaBMiAQnfd66sS5EtFd5oW1oWETcKVSBCi3h9UkOyFEnpR6E/s1600/wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUIAyBAwRIl48ZbEXVag69ycFASu_7aGSw6_COmuYU6OYKv6_YhyphenhyphenOCvAgM_BQfL5mTGsdGLj-YWIN3jLWrkM0zoYYRH4DaBMiAQnfd66sS5EtFd5oW1oWETcKVSBCi3h9UkOyFEnpR6E/s200/wings.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first picture to win Best Picture was the WWI drama "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyZuJlohI84">Wings</a>." Yet, Best Actor winner Emil Jannings was actually the first awarded statue ever. He wasn't able to be there for the first ceremony (he had to return to Germany) so they presented him with the award early. Since that day, 2,701 statues have been handed out. Who will be the next to join that list? You can catch the winners on February 27th. I'll be rooting for Colin Firth all the way. Who will you be rooting for? Hope you have a great week! Be back Friday with more fun trivia. <br />
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(Post-tidbit: The awards ceremony missed its scheduled time only three times throughout history - first in 1938 when a flooded Los Angeles caused it to be postponed a week, then in 1968 by two days in respect for Martin Luther King's funeral, and finally for a day in 1981 after the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-53845338184358441632011-01-22T10:11:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:32:09.410-08:00Star Wars: Happy 100th!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu7Rig4zoq678Nu72Nsw_CUhEE3kym0qmM8ymjr1DooxblOYk_HH6p9lm0vi1UblrFNBb4ezawBWPhOIl0Y50RZTNld85Jf6q_KDAqMwWfRztLDCw-pky2d0n_Uu5VrK7L93RNcEv6_E/s1600/StarWarsMoviePoster1977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglu7Rig4zoq678Nu72Nsw_CUhEE3kym0qmM8ymjr1DooxblOYk_HH6p9lm0vi1UblrFNBb4ezawBWPhOIl0Y50RZTNld85Jf6q_KDAqMwWfRztLDCw-pky2d0n_Uu5VrK7L93RNcEv6_E/s200/StarWarsMoviePoster1977.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>No, "Star Wars" isn't turning 100. I am! This is my 100th post! (Yay, me! And posted a little late due to a new job, so another yay there too!) Of course, I couldn't just write about any old film on this auspicious occasion. It had to be a big one, mind-blowing and life-changing. So, after much deliberation with myself, my geek side won out, and I decided there was no other choice than "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvqpFbRKtQ">Star Wars</a>" (1977), the original, the one that started it all.<br />
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I already wrote about the first sequel "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/empire-strikes-back-happy-anniversary.html">The Empire Strikes Back</a>" in my favorites last year, but let's go back to the beginning. "Star Wars" is the story of a young man who longs to leave the farm he grew up on and find adventure out in the world...and other worlds too. His uncle keeps holding him back, but when two droids show up at his door, he's thrust into that adventure he longed for faster than he could ever have imagined, adventure that he was destined for. Now, with the help of a wise old man and a cocky smuggler, he must learn the ways of an ancient practice and save a princess and her rebel forces from death and destruction.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9gvqpFbRKtQ" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe><br />
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George Lucas started writing the script for "Star Wars" back in 1973, after he finished filming "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Jo1gH89VM">American Graffiti</a>." He described it as a space opera when he shopped it around Hollywood, though, and everyone laughed him out of their offices. Finally, he went to see Alan Ladd Jr. at Twentieth Century Fox. Ladd saw "Graffiti" and the talent in Lucas, and agreed to finance "Star Wars." So, with a budget of only $8 million, Lucas was on his way to the film that would change his life forever.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSym8CMlddqy4EM3ACV3Z-Bl4dT8GPtYHgKgCeVNyMQ4uGngmhW4j6y2CyalOtkr1N8kR-cj_Xkn6ENfdhAoul-y2satpEuOa01FBF_N7jBZt_sX0xPZqXZW8dsdbD3ZxKib8OyuZyx6Y/s1600/star-wars-new-hope_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSym8CMlddqy4EM3ACV3Z-Bl4dT8GPtYHgKgCeVNyMQ4uGngmhW4j6y2CyalOtkr1N8kR-cj_Xkn6ENfdhAoul-y2satpEuOa01FBF_N7jBZt_sX0xPZqXZW8dsdbD3ZxKib8OyuZyx6Y/s200/star-wars-new-hope_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>During casting, Lucas looked at almost every young actor in Hollywood. For the part of Han Solo (who was originally supposed to be a big, green, scaly creature), he saw Nick Nolte, Kurt Russell, Christopher Walken, Sylvester Stallone, even Billy Dee Williams. Harrison Ford was never on his list though, because Lucas wanted to work with fresh faces, no one he'd worked with before. (Ford, of course, got his start in "American Graffiti.") However, Lucas had asked Ford to help out with casting by reading with all the potential actresses, and after hearing him read the part over and over again, Lucas realized Ford was the best choice for Han. As for Princess Leia, Lucas looked at lots of actresses including Cindy Williams (whom he'd worked with in "Graffiti") and Sissy Spacek. Fortunately for Spacek, Lucas was sharing the casting sessions with his friend Brian De Palma, who was casting "Carrie." When Carrie Fisher was finally hired for Leia, it was on one condition...that she lose 10 pounds. It's one of Fisher's favorite stories to share about her surreal "Star Wars" experience - they sent her to fat camp to lose the weight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pLHya1cFs0B1VHlsAEgvALawKFpDtn0ZXfd13eLd4SmKwDklAIdcJFRR1uNPd7TCiTa9VKgYeAYVjDw2kLZZxY067RpdE3LhdeOkI9vSxw8ViGKqqGa63vtdly8XuhKLgvZ2tRHP34k/s1600/star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-limited-edition-20060628060429666-000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pLHya1cFs0B1VHlsAEgvALawKFpDtn0ZXfd13eLd4SmKwDklAIdcJFRR1uNPd7TCiTa9VKgYeAYVjDw2kLZZxY067RpdE3LhdeOkI9vSxw8ViGKqqGa63vtdly8XuhKLgvZ2tRHP34k/s200/star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-limited-edition-20060628060429666-000.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Finally, casting was done and they were on their way to Tunisia to start filming. Because of the small budget (which only increased to $12 million during production, still making it the least expensive of all the "Star Wars" films), everyone tried to save money where they could, like flying coach everywhere instead of the standard first class (about which Lucas got an earful from Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds). Yet filming still fell to problems right at the start. On the first day of filming, Tunisia had its first rainstorm in 50 years. Props malfunctioned left and right. Even costumers had lots of trouble making the C-3PO costume stay on Anthony Daniels in the heat. After Tunisia, everyone flew to England, but there were still issues. Lucas had to argue with the custodial staff of Elstree Studios to stop cleaning and buffing all the sets every night. (Lucas wanted a dirtied-up, lived-in feel to everything. They even rolled all the R2-D2s around in the dirt, and kicked them a bit.) Lucas even had troubles with the British crew, who were very lackluster about working on "Star Wars" because they thought it was just some cheesy kids movie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArZqEqdvYXtnBKwN_vF_EwAWzv_dymU7m_aT-oA4Zhyphenhyphenv0qhrM-zJy3tKg5aScKtveyMLRYc4EefCAVLVuuJ8fPqGKePEeYFWXAqMG1-6y3iEC0OkbG20XBFj1zKiJ9H-aie0gKDX9oaU/s1600/600full-star-wars+-episode-iv----a-new-hope-photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArZqEqdvYXtnBKwN_vF_EwAWzv_dymU7m_aT-oA4Zhyphenhyphenv0qhrM-zJy3tKg5aScKtveyMLRYc4EefCAVLVuuJ8fPqGKePEeYFWXAqMG1-6y3iEC0OkbG20XBFj1zKiJ9H-aie0gKDX9oaU/s200/600full-star-wars+-episode-iv----a-new-hope-photo4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The cast had their own mishaps during filming as well. At one point, one of C-3PO's leg pieces split all the way down to Daniels' foot and stabbed him. Mark Hamill held his breath for so long in the trash compactor scene that he burst a blood vessel in his face that was difficult to cover with makeup, so many of the rest of his shots are from only one side of his face. Hamill and Fisher did manage to successfully perform their one big stunt - the swing across the unreleasable bridge - without injury. Even though she didn't have any more stunts, Fisher did have a daily pain to deal with. Lucas wouldn't allow her to wear a bra under her costume, because "there is no underwear in space." So Fisher had to use gaffer's tape for support instead. (Lucas finally explained his reasoning to Fisher years later. He said that when you go into the weightlessness of space, your body expands, but your bra wouldn't so you would be strangled by your own brassiere. Sure, Lucas, suuuure that's the reason.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSyZJeH9VvvtqZSzA8RSvTuQnN1lT8FuNWiTk2A2jOz5NHy3bPX8C0i56LsEm4QHGJP_MYFwr8xOjXHEiHpes7pBj69GXkJKPBjD8gAiUAaUnlzfr-CjgCJ7_PPGnLzWUoJOtdNQoTY8/s1600/600full-star-wars+-episode-iv----a-new-hope-photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSyZJeH9VvvtqZSzA8RSvTuQnN1lT8FuNWiTk2A2jOz5NHy3bPX8C0i56LsEm4QHGJP_MYFwr8xOjXHEiHpes7pBj69GXkJKPBjD8gAiUAaUnlzfr-CjgCJ7_PPGnLzWUoJOtdNQoTY8/s200/600full-star-wars+-episode-iv----a-new-hope-photo2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Of course, nobody expected "Star Wars" to become the success it did. Not only did everyone think it was just a silly space drama, no one had even come close to creating such a popular movie. Kenner Toys had acquired the merchandising deal for "Star Wars" in a hope of selling just a few toys. Honestly, they even thought the movie would bomb. They were so unprepared for the massive demand for toys in Christmas 1977 that they ended up selling vouchers when the stock ran out. These "empty box" toys sold in the masses but were not even able to be delivered until March.<br />
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Like I said, "Star Wars" is the movie that started it all. No other film had been so successful, had created such a fan base, had created a merchandising empire all its own. Yet, now it's what every studio in Hollywood tries to match. So, have some geeky fun this weekend and watch the beginning again. Have a great weekend, everyone! Be back Tuesday.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: I actually did rewatch "Star Wars" this week but it was this great new edit done by a fan. It's called "Star Wars: Revisited" and can be found <a href="http://fanedit.org/517/">here</a>. It's an amazing edit, and I highly recommend watching it if you get the chance. He corrected mistakes, edits, even added his own visual effects, which are beautiful. If the "Star Wars: A New Hope Special Edition" from the 90s had been like this, I would have liked it a lot more. He's currently working on "Empire," a 3-year labor of love so far.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-58365503482853412492011-01-18T16:14:00.000-08:002011-01-18T16:14:20.695-08:00New Beverly Cinema: They Got it Wright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunwwEZiT5j-tEJock6IPWmgRHPVTrzG_EzyllBqdGGNsYX2INPG7OayP8TbFdfsmcz8-KDgNM5p3svXxc6Eio2Kl9yFNWEPGil9IWUsEsuCV5ug0BA0oiUnhPfIa-gI11idUQaBY8GSY/s1600/33826_174855219219116_102273396477299_328405_6721749_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunwwEZiT5j-tEJock6IPWmgRHPVTrzG_EzyllBqdGGNsYX2INPG7OayP8TbFdfsmcz8-KDgNM5p3svXxc6Eio2Kl9yFNWEPGil9IWUsEsuCV5ug0BA0oiUnhPfIa-gI11idUQaBY8GSY/s200/33826_174855219219116_102273396477299_328405_6721749_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I have had a lot of amazing movie experiences over the years, whether it's been standing in line for midnight showings of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kdEsZH5ohc">Star Wars</a>" or "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/for-weekend-harry-of-course.html">Harry Potter</a>," or getting to see classic films on the big screen, like "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RQbcUP8PO0">How the West was Won</a>" in actual Cinerama format or "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/north-by-northwest-tcm-classic-film.html">North by Northwest</a>" at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. But this past weekend, I had one of the best cinematic experiences I have ever had, and I didn't even except it. This past Saturday I got to watch a triple feature of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfDUv3ZjH2k">Shaun of the Dead</a>" (2004), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5B8sSBkRF0">Hot Fuzz</a>" (2007), and one of my favorite films of last year "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhdzzkFkwXE">Scott Pilgrim vs. the World</a>" at the wonderful New Beverly Cinema, with director Edgar Wright and stars in person!<br />
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The New Beverly is this wonderful, old revival theater here in Los Angeles. Built back in the 1920s as a vaudeville theater, it has seen quite a few changes over the years, from nightclub to foreign movie house to porn house. Finally in 1978, a man by the name of Sherman Torgan purchased the place and converted it into a revival theater showing double features of classic, foreign and independent films. He ran the place until 2007 when, sadly, he passed away. His family has kept the theater going, but in 2010, hard times hit, and the theater was almost sold to Super Cuts, of all places. Luckily Quentin Tarantino, a longtime beneficiary of the New Beverly decided to buy it full out. The Torgan family still runs the theater while Tarantino just steps in every once in a while to do his own programming.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTW9kOVih7PbwrCfZcey8WTW_cInY-bpumILW5fovV4sWKb6GxGgln6HHltKpeMzq-6IPAmY2qcdotgVP-i7c5JQhMXlTP7wmeYxdCYck_65CQkeFpKBoZqC-n8Jzpcbb_M4gJYyTlOU/s1600/5343582766_0baebd12e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTW9kOVih7PbwrCfZcey8WTW_cInY-bpumILW5fovV4sWKb6GxGgln6HHltKpeMzq-6IPAmY2qcdotgVP-i7c5JQhMXlTP7wmeYxdCYck_65CQkeFpKBoZqC-n8Jzpcbb_M4gJYyTlOU/s320/5343582766_0baebd12e1_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Back in 2007 though, the New Beverly started a guest programmer series, and Edgar Wright (director of the triple feature that night) was the first to participate. This year he's back for his second stint as guest programmer, and he started the two-week funfest off with his own films. He had promised some very special guests would be helping him introduce the films, and we all thought that would mean Simon Pegg, star of "Shaun" and "Fuzz." Unfortunately Pegg had tweeted earlier that he was sorry but he wouldn't be able to make it. So, with Lucy Davis (one of Pegg's costars in "Shaun" and star of the original BBC version of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksSee3aZXos">The Office</a>") at his side introducing the first film, Wright decided to call Pegg in Canada. Well, it was all a fake. A phone suddenly rang backstage and out walked Pegg himself! Ah, social media...so many more ways to psyche the public out. Pegg and Wright stayed through the night, introducing each film and answering questions from the audience. Pegg even stuck around to help the cast members of "Scott Pilgrim" - Mae Whitman, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Michael Bacall, and Brandon Routh (who, in person, <i>totally</i> looks like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4IOoyrfi0s">Superman</a>...I mean...wow!) - with their Q&A.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihvieP57LRG1Yjtnd5qWRy6xQqkdnhM93asDHwTFCCoOETyhR857y3mKw5JXxpOUcOI_AUWaaUkqd42eJDdgqetvVuTS-LreS-ezapkccpC-D2qFEDIb4DZO85mNJ75mtZfJe1TGftlY/s1600/Modern-Problems-DVD.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihvieP57LRG1Yjtnd5qWRy6xQqkdnhM93asDHwTFCCoOETyhR857y3mKw5JXxpOUcOI_AUWaaUkqd42eJDdgqetvVuTS-LreS-ezapkccpC-D2qFEDIb4DZO85mNJ75mtZfJe1TGftlY/s200/Modern-Problems-DVD.png" width="141" /></a></div>And not only were all the above mentioned stars in attendance, but some other big names had attended just for the show, like Jason Ritter, Seth Green, and Tarantino himself, just quietly sitting in the back row. He had even selected the amazing vintage trailers that opened each film. That's right! Not only did we get to see three very funny films, plus Q&A's with some of the stars, but we also got some amazing, crazy, original 35mm print trailers to set the mood. "Shaun" started out with trailers such as "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJe0iVo8y3A">Carrie</a>" (1976), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCG4XsfjYVE">Modern Problems</a>" (1981), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7bAaJqvAg">Groundhog Day</a>" (1993), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNQlFe9gCfE">The Man with Two Brains</a>" (1983), and Pegg's new film "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdHUQtnJsyQ">Paul</a>." "Hot Fuzz" was proceeded by "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bTQcREbcyY">48 Hrs.</a>" (1982), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-hSSks9fU">Electra Glide in Blue</a>" (1973) ("A 5'4" cop in a 6'2" world"...seriously, that's the tagline), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW-hjEx2y0Q">Fuzz</a>" (1972), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnvbtAoucPU">Nighthawks</a>" (1981), and "Super Cops" (1974) to name a few. And finally "Scott Pilgrim," starting at 1 o'clock in the morning, had trailers for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBnBCy3osnE">Zabriskie Point</a>" (1970), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7rOcTA3KXs&feature=fvst">A Clockwork Orange</a>" (1971), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHvR1YJ9XDE">Candy</a>" (1968) (a crazy mindtrip with Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, Lee Marvin, Peter O'Toole, even Ringo Starr!), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QgFWXLN-ug">Fight Club</a>" (1999), and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjGfnsjdJec">The Blues Brothers</a>" to start it off.<br />
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It was a long...long night but it was worth every bit of it. It was hilarious, fun, and perfect for the geek in me. If you have a chance, try and catch some of the rest of the double features during "The Wright Stuff II" fest. You won't regret it (and they are only $7 for an entire night). Wright has chosen a great line up that is going until the end of January. Have a great week, everyone! Be back Friday.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Pegg and Wright said that "Shaun" was kind of a twisted love story to London for them. They even shot much of the movie around the neighborhood they both still live in.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-65092968776871265962011-01-14T14:50:00.000-08:002011-01-14T14:50:50.688-08:00I Love Lucy: My Childhood Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbju_FsrV-toJNej1QLn-M_n2nrRERnDsacsUvGuqEfvQ7XFLjADkIjecZ6swAqNS9BA1qlDkGggvTLdPE5gXvDRpHSSh1B7NUioCcjO4pc2lE_z8KkOD8_QOliRWnrkPkcSqEHxe_lUA/s1600/ILoveLucyTitleScreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbju_FsrV-toJNej1QLn-M_n2nrRERnDsacsUvGuqEfvQ7XFLjADkIjecZ6swAqNS9BA1qlDkGggvTLdPE5gXvDRpHSSh1B7NUioCcjO4pc2lE_z8KkOD8_QOliRWnrkPkcSqEHxe_lUA/s200/ILoveLucyTitleScreen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Okay, I've finally come up with the new format for this year. I'm mixing things up. Now, my individual favorite topics will be on Friday, to get your juices flowing for more specific Hollywood fun over your weekends. But it won't be limited to just movies this time around. I'll be throwing in television shows too, and to start it all off, let's talk about one of the best classic shows in television history, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u5rCyQOeCs">I Love Lucy</a>"!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNHotPJQwBnKauzTO1IR3V_1m3mULg-rJwY2y2w3i_CREq4Aek7UdtlOW587kJwunqa5rft8JqKItdOoOGEnCNJQk61YGccJiWHyNq7ZTpBvPYe5WlqqwF5-LgA6mxxw9p2FGHITlyos/s1600/Lucille_Ball_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNHotPJQwBnKauzTO1IR3V_1m3mULg-rJwY2y2w3i_CREq4Aek7UdtlOW587kJwunqa5rft8JqKItdOoOGEnCNJQk61YGccJiWHyNq7ZTpBvPYe5WlqqwF5-LgA6mxxw9p2FGHITlyos/s200/Lucille_Ball_25.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>I've talked about a lot of actresses before that I longed to be just like as a kid, i.e. <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-weekend-little-dose-of-good-stuff.html">Ginger Rogers</a>, <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/his-girl-friday-love-that-repartee.html">Rosalind Russell</a>, even <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/take-me-out-to-ball-game-play-ballwith.html">Esther Williams</a>. But none of them compared to how much I loved Lucille Ball growing up. I loved everything about her, her television show, her films, her comedic genius, her dramatic talent. Hey, I even loved her abnormal, chemically-created, bright red hair. Anything Lucy-related was the thing to get me for a present if you had no idea what else to buy. And even though I might have only picked up Lucy Richardo's scatterbrained sensibilities, I still reminisce about those days of practicing being just as sassy, just as spunky, just as hilarious as her.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxVzBt3kqGFxdcPSoVn0cH1Gp31QUyVrhDEY5UF7ZUE3HLgyCAhnbyaL7n_bDub7a5MaYfapnF-Ka1IDIkZn5lpDTWknHG3W9W6m2l1_WVRS_HVil6WHmWa8wkKLkUwYeprEZKx2zibk/s1600/lucilleball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxVzBt3kqGFxdcPSoVn0cH1Gp31QUyVrhDEY5UF7ZUE3HLgyCAhnbyaL7n_bDub7a5MaYfapnF-Ka1IDIkZn5lpDTWknHG3W9W6m2l1_WVRS_HVil6WHmWa8wkKLkUwYeprEZKx2zibk/s200/lucilleball.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>Lucy had already been an actress in Hollywood for 18 years before "I Love Lucy" came along. Lucy came out to Hollywood back in 1933 to be a Goldwyn Girl (an all-female, all-blonde dance company owned by Samuel Goldwyn) for the film "Roman Scandals." She was then hired as a contract player at RKO Studios (the studio she would buy years later with hubby Desi Arnaz) and became "Queen of the Bs" from all the B-movies she starred in while there, like the <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/for-weekend-love-of-lucy.html">"Annabel" films</a>, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vf-An5wnnM">Five Came Back</a>" (1939), and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlbQtvrAkY4">Dance, Girl, Dance</a>" (1940). It wasn't until 1942's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ljzn3BxIZ4">The Big Street</a>" that she moved up in status, when MGM's Arthur Freed fell in love with her performance and signed her to an MGM contract for his new musical "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZc_7-zZJ54">DuBarry was a Lady</a>."<br />
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Lucy had already met, fallen in love with, and married Desi by this time. The two met while filming Rogers and Hart's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noP-PkqLDxs">Too Many Girls</a>" (1940). Desi had come to Hollywood to reprise his role from the Broadway production of "Too Many Girls." When Lucy and Desi first met, he actually didn't think that much of her, but it could have been the giant fake black eye still on her face from a day of shooting "Dance, Girl, Dance." The next time they met though, it was an instant connection, and after a long summer romance, they eloped.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p8_ht0O0852Ir4rx0cC8RzJVyvaQ4YSm-xxka3oJ8i_JWFYhSlJ8IxoBEJj8rf1X4fK08QA4H0ZwTah87JFm3FObzRIiJj0DGhkmsRdrGFrSaSUvCL3-fMBFFYZ3wTQDzCEop0csFSQ/s1600/lucydesi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p8_ht0O0852Ir4rx0cC8RzJVyvaQ4YSm-xxka3oJ8i_JWFYhSlJ8IxoBEJj8rf1X4fK08QA4H0ZwTah87JFm3FObzRIiJj0DGhkmsRdrGFrSaSUvCL3-fMBFFYZ3wTQDzCEop0csFSQ/s200/lucydesi2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The couple struggled to make their marriage work from the beginning, though, thanks to the demands of their jobs. Lucy's career was building, but Desi was a bandleader and had to tour. As often as possible, Lucy would accompany Desi on his tours, sometimes participating in the act, but it still wasn't enough. Then, in 1948, Lucy started a CBS radio series called "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysP75HCXvpc">My Favorite Husband</a>" about a scatterbrained wife and her Midwestern banker husband, as well as their married best friends. The show lasted two years before CBS wanted to develop it for television. Lucy said yes on one condition...that Desi play her husband.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>CBS balked at the idea, thinking America would never accept an American woman and a Cuban man as husband and wife. But Lucy and Desi were determined to change CBS's mind because working together on a show meant no more long tours for Desi and crazy movie schedules for Lucy. They could finally be together. So the Arnazes spent the summer of 1950 touring the country in a vaudevillian act to prove the studio wrong. It was a success and the next spring, CBS greenlit a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqXK38c-BkU">pilot</a> (which was never aired but the script did make it into the first season of "Lucy"). They basically just played themselves for the pilot, a movie star and a bandleader, and the biggest concern during it? Hiding Lucy's pregnancy (skills they would get to use again a couple years later).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhAQQL2n1cjGDpUFEzOsmH7CYgfSCmdO3W1q08RZmYDSv8scchyI75kSN0BPFB-YCyUjFhEuXg7i4T939Mwpq9Gqu2O1KBKBBfM0d-KND1E8ezFWELrIC4KwPk2uEXcT28xPj0og0b8Q/s1600/lucydesi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhAQQL2n1cjGDpUFEzOsmH7CYgfSCmdO3W1q08RZmYDSv8scchyI75kSN0BPFB-YCyUjFhEuXg7i4T939Mwpq9Gqu2O1KBKBBfM0d-KND1E8ezFWELrIC4KwPk2uEXcT28xPj0og0b8Q/s200/lucydesi3.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>CBS loved the pilot and ordered the series...but they wanted it shot live in New York. Lucy and Desi did not want to leave California, so Desi negotiated a deal to have the show shot on film in LA (something that was not done at that time). So Desilu Productions was created, and everyone got cracking on creating what would become the standard for sitcoms to come (until the single-camera craze of today). They rented two sound stages, created permanent film quality sets, brought in three film cameras, and constructed bleachers for an audience. As Lucy once said, it was "a three-act play before an audience, filmed like a movie, recorded like radio, and released on television." The first episode of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdvQ5VDSQoE">I Love Lucy</a>" aired on October 15, 1951 and was an instant success - success that would last for seven years to come.<br />
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I could obviously go on and on and on...and on about "I Love Lucy" and Lucy and Desi themselves, but I'll leave that for later dates. I simply suggest today going back and cherishing the classic television that started it all...and get some good laughs in there too. And be sure to come back on Tuesday when I start my new weekly feature focusing on elements throughout Hollywood, whether they be person, place or thing. Have a great weekend, everyone! Til Tuesday.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Lucy was actually six years older than Desi and 40 years old when "I Love Lucy" began. So, thinking it wasn't very acceptable in society for an older woman to be married to a younger man, they knocked off 10 years for the character Lucy Richardo's age.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-33984070416842398492011-01-07T09:31:00.000-08:002011-01-07T09:31:44.735-08:00Here's to a Great New Year!I have been trying to write my first blog of the year for a week now with no luck. I was blocked. I wanted it to be big, to be grand, to be epic! I wanted to start out what I know will be an amazing year with a bang! Yet, for some reason I couldn't match what was in my head with the movie topics I was writing. So, I have decided to start off the new year with a little note to you all instead.<br />
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When I first moved to Los Angeles oh so many years ago, I was in awe of this place. I wanted to soak up everything, so I started visiting all those iconic places I had been watching and reading about as a kid back in my small Texas town. I used to hike up behind the Hollywood Sign regularly and gaze over the city, dreaming about finally being a part of that world. Sadly, as time passed, I became more and more jaded by this industry, and those senses of wonderment that I once thrived on here became blocked by frustrating fog caused by disappointment after disappointment...until this past year.<br />
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Thanks to this blog, I have regained that true love of Hollywood again. The history has revived my senses. Therefore, I start of this new year with a thanks to all of you. Thank you, readers, for making my first blogging year so memorable! When I think about where I was in my life at this time last year, I'm amazed at the difference. Much of that difference definitely comes from starting "Diary of a Celluloid Girl," and it wouldn't have continued if I had not received so many great responses from you all.<br />
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So, here's to the new year! I know it's going to be wonderful, and I hope you feel the same as well. And, oh, the topics I already have in store for you all. Until next week, everyone. And again...thanks. :)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-32529102292387785362010-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:002010-12-30T13:35:26.955-08:00When Harry Met Sally: To a Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EQqizTit3HPFW2FMCafbYDUvxTkVrhxkuP6EJkaQzeU6l6XnhF1E9DNvepiAZKfRXICZ7DDxBiAyKaFlWjJmHdmXfLRV57iqnwTtcLSwFamohELlAPOoelYED2kJF9YavtowEysWEcE/s1600/48b90f2d_md.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EQqizTit3HPFW2FMCafbYDUvxTkVrhxkuP6EJkaQzeU6l6XnhF1E9DNvepiAZKfRXICZ7DDxBiAyKaFlWjJmHdmXfLRV57iqnwTtcLSwFamohELlAPOoelYED2kJF9YavtowEysWEcE/s200/48b90f2d_md.jpeg" width="135" /></a></div>Well, it's my last favorite film of the year. I think I did a pretty decent job keeping up on my <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/now-voyager-romance-for-ages.html">goal</a>. I only missed a few weeks total. I've decided to end the year the way I started it, with a romance. This time, however, it's one of my all-time favorite romantic comedies, one where everything comes down to that faithful New Year's Eve. Say goodbye to 2010 and ring in all the great things that 2011 will bring with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u44zHRpUiKs">When Harry Met Sally...</a>" (1989)!<br />
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"When Harry Met Sally..." is the story of a man and a woman and their friendship over many years in New York City. Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) first meet for a road trip after college to New York. Complete opposites, they part ways on arrival, only to meet again five years later on a plane trip. Again they part, only to finally meet again six years later and become best friends. But can men and women truly be friends without sex getting in the way? Only time will tell in this brilliant comedy by screenwriter Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwsI8dJROZL_nOZ8LlQUJC2_d9az7ZOUv5G2nfGWnIgUDpXjt9a-lQu_ofE1AUY2usKJSaLVykXDEACfQIfkFUHUfsXiopkN3zuuCCLGNIM-k6va5cDmKnC_JJcc0UHDF3J96YZQpIG4/s1600/when_harry_met_sally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwsI8dJROZL_nOZ8LlQUJC2_d9az7ZOUv5G2nfGWnIgUDpXjt9a-lQu_ofE1AUY2usKJSaLVykXDEACfQIfkFUHUfsXiopkN3zuuCCLGNIM-k6va5cDmKnC_JJcc0UHDF3J96YZQpIG4/s200/when_harry_met_sally.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The concept for "WHMS" actually came about from Rob Reiner's disastrous life as a single man. Ten years after his divorce from Penny Marshall, he was still having difficulty seeing himself ever fall in love again. He also wanted to try and answer the question, "Can men and women truly be friends?" So Reiner and producer Andrew Scheinman had lunch with Ephron to discuss the idea. Ephron ended up just talking with Reiner and Scheinman about their single lives, and ran with the idea on her own for a while. You see, this first meeting was back in 1985. Reiner still had two more films to make before "WHMS" - "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/for-weekend-all-about-boys.html">Stand By Me</a>" and "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/02/princess-bride-perfect-fairytale.html">The Princess Bride</a>." But the trio would get together once a year at least to keep the project moving until production began.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vh2TMArNvGByHt2uQaxhY1N0U7LxUy6KnJGknV8AYJz4ZY6mesyWCppmZulGVZNHUxQBw98q7vTUau8uVI_ivgPSaiHWn6289d7W2zYfnkAdSvOWsOUfLzvEs-3anKEVQK46kB-DyLM/s1600/meg-ryan-and-billy-crystal-when-harry-met-sally.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vh2TMArNvGByHt2uQaxhY1N0U7LxUy6KnJGknV8AYJz4ZY6mesyWCppmZulGVZNHUxQBw98q7vTUau8uVI_ivgPSaiHWn6289d7W2zYfnkAdSvOWsOUfLzvEs-3anKEVQK46kB-DyLM/s200/meg-ryan-and-billy-crystal-when-harry-met-sally.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>The character of Harry Burns is based primarily on Reiner himself. Reiner was extremely depressed at that time in his life, and he cherished his depression. Ephron thought his dark attitude toward everything was very funny though, so thus, Harry was born. Reiner and Billy Crystal had been best friends (and still are) since the two met when Crystal did a guest spot on "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YvA67iKDZk">All in the Family</a>" as, coincidentally enough, Reiner's best friend. But Reiner did not initially hand Crystal the part of Harry. He looked around first before finally realizing that there was no other choice but Crystal. Crystal had never had a leading man role in a film before, not like this, but he had witnessed personally Reiner's struggle to date again after his divorce. Therefore, he already knew Harry inside and out, and with Crystal joining the team, the script just got even funnier.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVptG0HVSnsY80b_olHviD-6SSn3o4pr_9PQfhIeR5EOmLlKG7Ra5vNL0JJuAgXb75OhBIXv-t2RS6pPg8rKpXBv06_3pNlYY6oN2ZKXSLz7-kjXVS5COv04eLTukReTym-j2fEg9R4AQ/s1600/WhenHarryMetSally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVptG0HVSnsY80b_olHviD-6SSn3o4pr_9PQfhIeR5EOmLlKG7Ra5vNL0JJuAgXb75OhBIXv-t2RS6pPg8rKpXBv06_3pNlYY6oN2ZKXSLz7-kjXVS5COv04eLTukReTym-j2fEg9R4AQ/s200/WhenHarryMetSally.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Crystal came up with the most famous line from the film actually. While talking about the script during a meeting, Ephron, Reiner, and Scheinman noticed it was slightly Harry-heavy, and they needed more insights into the female psyche for Sally. So Ephron dropped the bombshell on them (remember, this was way before "Sex and the City") - women fake orgasms. (In utter shock at this revelation, Reiner immediately asked every woman at Castle Rock if this was true, which of course, every woman admitted it was.) So thus the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-bsf2x-aeE">famous deli scene</a> was created. Only in the first draft, Sally didn't fake an orgasm at the table. That idea came from Meg Ryan herself. Unfortunately, when it came down to the shoot, Meg was a little nervous and wasn't giving it the gusto Reiner wanted. So Reiner demonstrated himself, slapping the table and screaming "Yes!" at the top of his lungs. The funniest part about all this? He did it right in front of his mother. Crystal came up with the topper line, "I'll have what she's having," and Reiner gave it to the perfect actress - his mother. That line is now #33 on AFI's "100 Years...100 Movie Quotes" list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z0xKQrj9P6RoRbsaEDM0UemO5KSRxqQJ9Vf-7f0gjUDIz8OwndGErocL1T-XjgYhZIoP__dz-BIij_udmbf3MbYfwxTR5V9uONoXYgIbuw8f7ZO5gNGnxk4xSM7DMJ7RGNDklvvRD6Q/s1600/When-Harry-Met-Sally-when-harry-met-sally-2681105-1600-900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z0xKQrj9P6RoRbsaEDM0UemO5KSRxqQJ9Vf-7f0gjUDIz8OwndGErocL1T-XjgYhZIoP__dz-BIij_udmbf3MbYfwxTR5V9uONoXYgIbuw8f7ZO5gNGnxk4xSM7DMJ7RGNDklvvRD6Q/s200/When-Harry-Met-Sally-when-harry-met-sally-2681105-1600-900.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Ryan was not Reiner's first choice for Sally Albright either. Other than "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/for-weekend-its-80s-time.html">Innerspace</a>," this was Ryan's first starring role as well. Reiner had considered Molly Ringwald, Susan Dey, Elizabeth Perkins, and Elizabeth McGovern before finally hiring Ryan for the role that catapulted her into America's Sweetheart status. And the character of Sally was based primarily on Ephron. Someone who's very neat, controlling, yet optimistic in many ways, Ephron has the exact same characteristic of ordering all her food very, very specifically, mainly with things "on the side." After spending many working lunches with her, Reiner noticed this trait and insisted Ephron include it for Sally. Thanks to the fame of "WHMS," Ephron one time had a waitress mention to her, "Have you ever seen 'When Harry Met Sally'?" after Ephron gave another complicated order.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteHUMIwlov3h6rLC6OTCFQJivsb3NgZMmKfC8U_nALisR8VLJmRMpBoC7wtdZsp4UT20ZaWMAr8cOsPG887U4YcbI0JLvya6AZiTMoSj3jr2Z1H_lgWv46c9qAsjgOMwkMa3EMJrcEEQ/s1600/when+harry+met+sally+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteHUMIwlov3h6rLC6OTCFQJivsb3NgZMmKfC8U_nALisR8VLJmRMpBoC7wtdZsp4UT20ZaWMAr8cOsPG887U4YcbI0JLvya6AZiTMoSj3jr2Z1H_lgWv46c9qAsjgOMwkMa3EMJrcEEQ/s200/when+harry+met+sally+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is another one of the great films that my brother introduced me to. It was the summer before I moved to Los Angeles, and I was visiting UCLA and taking a media workshop. I stayed with my brother in his small single apartment for one night before I moved into the UCLA dorms for the workshop, and we watched "WHMS" while chatting about LA and college. I fell in love with "WHMS" at the same time I fell in love with LA. My love for Los Angeles may have waned over the years, but not "WHMS." One reason it's so resonant for me (and everyone else) is because it's so real. Even the small little vignettes where the older couples talk about how they met are real. Reiner and Ephron interviewed so many couples about their love stories that they wanted to include some of them. They even tried using the real-life people in the scenes, but unfortunately the timing was not there, so Ephron wrote the stories into the script and they then hired actors.<br />
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So, ring in the new year with this great romantic comedy! "When Harry Met Sally" is available on DVD almost everywhere. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve, everyone, and I'll see you back here in 2011 with even more great Hollywood trivia and stories to tell. And thanks again for being part of such a wonderful year for me!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: If you visit Katz's Deli in New York, you can sit at the actual table where the famous deli scene was shot. They even have a sign pointing to it, which says "Where Harry met Sally...hope you have what she had!")<br />
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(Post-post-tidbit: Ironically and wonderfully, while making this film based on his horrible single life, Reiner met and fell in love with his future wife Michele.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-35210536556739970012010-12-21T11:37:00.000-08:002010-12-21T11:37:22.786-08:00It's a Wonderful Life: Back to the Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-hrRSOwT9UKD7c_QvwtzaAI35QmMyop2OLPzQFeYtjoczdU-awYkFYx8_qZTJbzOD7dDGQ00MMtRxQ4kj10Jfc8sZGtv6x5AAJXN7u3OW-oHUV3aitwVlMiJagEbIe5fv6KI6StR4uM/s1600/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-hrRSOwT9UKD7c_QvwtzaAI35QmMyop2OLPzQFeYtjoczdU-awYkFYx8_qZTJbzOD7dDGQ00MMtRxQ4kj10Jfc8sZGtv6x5AAJXN7u3OW-oHUV3aitwVlMiJagEbIe5fv6KI6StR4uM/s200/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>Can you believe it?! It's been a whole year now since <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-new-year.html">my first blog post</a>. And what a crazy year it has been. So many things have changed, but I couldn't be happier with it all. Therefore, I felt the only appropriate way to celebrate was to talk more about the first movie I ever mentioned. Sit back and wrap yourself in Christmas nostalgia today with the classic "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJfZaT8ncYk">It's a Wonderful Life</a>" (1946).<br />
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Now, I don't think there is a person in this world who doesn't know the story of this film...but I'll tell it anyway. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is a good man, has been all his life. A lot of tough things have happened to him, but he's always managed to look on the bright side. However, on Christmas Eve, when yet another bad thing happens, he finally breaks down and can't take it anymore. He decides to jump off a bridge, for everyone's sake. But, luckily, his guardian angel Clarence thwarts his attempt, and shows him what the world would be like if he never existed. Realizing things are never as bad as they seem, George asks to live again and runs home to his family to celebrate whatever may be coming their way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvSzkiNTihYKBeKKhnyVzPPheC0pBUt3qt4UJowsYNZxvQZbyT7ZO5l8MNakCqvxDLLL6f65QJi-F1THyxxxZLH81K14zqwyMANbSXL_ooGiz2ABRYDsRdRAiWgjaKsqe-QNRdcATSOw/s1600/its_a_wonderful_life_stort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvSzkiNTihYKBeKKhnyVzPPheC0pBUt3qt4UJowsYNZxvQZbyT7ZO5l8MNakCqvxDLLL6f65QJi-F1THyxxxZLH81K14zqwyMANbSXL_ooGiz2ABRYDsRdRAiWgjaKsqe-QNRdcATSOw/s200/its_a_wonderful_life_stort.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This famous tale was floating around Hollywood for several years before the great Frank Capra got a hold of it. Based on a short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern, RKO Studios originally bought the rights specifically as a starring vehicle for Cary Grant. However, several screenplay attempts never managed to capture that magic spark, so the story was shelved. Capra heard about the short story and, after reading it, bought it from RKO for his own production company Liberty Films. RKO gladly sold all the rights, including the previous screenplays. So Capra, with the help of Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling, Michael Wilson, and even Dorothy Parker, rewrote the scripts into the one we know today, as well as changing the title to "It's a Wonderful Life."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeq8Gk7SkvxxmlloO1ka0y4ZqifCwlfpMRwpMAiPTFuPrx1EaHHf3r1q3LLQy0hi_kxlkdcxdH2DZib5tlhbGvO7YhpBKE-Hx01be9sC29FcAwKLyJJAuMpbkGymwK0lT7y9G0H4BT04/s1600/Annex%252520-%252520Stewart%252C%252520James%252520%2528It%2527s%252520a%252520Wonderful%252520Life%2529_NRFPT_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeq8Gk7SkvxxmlloO1ka0y4ZqifCwlfpMRwpMAiPTFuPrx1EaHHf3r1q3LLQy0hi_kxlkdcxdH2DZib5tlhbGvO7YhpBKE-Hx01be9sC29FcAwKLyJJAuMpbkGymwK0lT7y9G0H4BT04/s200/Annex%252520-%252520Stewart%252C%252520James%252520%2528It%2527s%252520a%252520Wonderful%252520Life%2529_NRFPT_01.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>Capra always wanted Stewart, his favorite actor, to play the part of George Bailey. Stewart was a little reluctant to accept though. It had nothing to do with disliking the script. Stewart had recently returned home from WWII and was very nervous about getting in front of the camera again. Luckily, "Wonderful Life"s villain Lionel Barrymore (the mean old Mr. Potter) changed Stewart's mind, and he ended up giving one of the best performances of his career. Of course, part of the magic has to go to Donna Reed, the perfectly cast Mary Hatch Bailey. Capra had originally wanted his favorite actress Jean Arthur to play Mary, but she had to decline because she was already committed to a Broadway show. So Capra looked at Olivia de Havilland, Ann Dvorak, even Ginger Rogers, before finally deciding on the fresh-faced unknown Reed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOzNeDJ9iU-bpBwZFumdgHR3qvwQoQPbmY-dVN9CJRk6t7abtMVTKRT9llaXdd0o5ZlbiQiObykJS6gMYkSoLmelIKE3qI_Q1Q_Rg4LMxTrUDFtYbGeecr9IL-a-mYTlS50YQjXseYJQ/s1600/54SUD00Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOzNeDJ9iU-bpBwZFumdgHR3qvwQoQPbmY-dVN9CJRk6t7abtMVTKRT9llaXdd0o5ZlbiQiObykJS6gMYkSoLmelIKE3qI_Q1Q_Rg4LMxTrUDFtYbGeecr9IL-a-mYTlS50YQjXseYJQ/s200/54SUD00Z.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Unfortunately, the idyllic town of Bedford Falls doesn't actually exist. It was built specifically for "Wonderful Life" on RKO's ranch in Encino, CA (yeah, that's right. Encino used to have open space! Can you believe it??) The little town covered four acres of land, and the famous tree-lined street George runs down was actually three city blocks long. 75 buildings made up the tiny fake town, and prior to filming, Capra had a number of dogs and cats roam its streets to give it that "lived in" feel. However, their biggest accomplishment was the snow. Prior to "It's a Wonderful Life," film snow was just cornflakes painted white. It looked great, but the crunching noise while walking made all dialogue have to be rerecorded later. Capra didn't want that so he tasked RKO's special effects team to come up with something new. They came up with a chemical snow using foamite, soap and water, which worked beautifully and won the team a special Scientific Oscar. However, even though it looks cold on screen, Los Angeles was experiencing a record heat wave the summer of 1946. Some days got so hot that Capra let his cast and crew off to recover. You can actually see Stewart sweating in a few wintry scenes. Luckily, he's supposed to be so emotionally worked up that it fits. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_M_uij_-DJOwNjBm1aXCyPPEDYNsTtY4AkTLGWY1ayg4WBosZM5WGVCwZM2kCe0AG5ppHtG02GLfniYWqSoNoC0arTTkn948O0NnXVIpZtlDu-RMb9wj438nGWKhv0c4nRXGXRFcEYI/s1600/its-a-wonderful-life-title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_M_uij_-DJOwNjBm1aXCyPPEDYNsTtY4AkTLGWY1ayg4WBosZM5WGVCwZM2kCe0AG5ppHtG02GLfniYWqSoNoC0arTTkn948O0NnXVIpZtlDu-RMb9wj438nGWKhv0c4nRXGXRFcEYI/s200/its-a-wonderful-life-title.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Surprisingly, "It's a Wonderful Life" was not the big success we think of today. With a budget of $3 million, it only made $6.3 million at the box office. It did receive good reviews and five Oscar nominations, but it was overshadowed by the powerhouse film "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/best-years-of-our-lives-honor-them.html">The Best Years of Our Lives</a>" and didn't win a thing. The flick has only become the Christmas staple we know today because of television and a clerical error. The film rights were purchased from Paramount (who had acquired Liberty Films) in 1955 by National Telefilm Associates (NTA). However, because of a clerical error, they were unable to renew the copyright in 1974. Now don't go jumping off to use the film just yet. Even though the film's copyright lapsed, the story it was based on has not. But because of this error, "It's a Wonderful Life" was shown on more channels on television than most other films, making it a holiday favorite.<br />
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So enjoy your holiday and celebrate with family and friends this week as you watch "It's a Wonderful Life." (That ending still makes me cry every time.) Merry Christmas, everyone!!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: In <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGvfFC6zioI&feature=fvst">the scene</a> where Uncle Billy leaves the Bailey home drunk, we hear what appears to be him stumbling into a bunch of trash cans and then yelling, "I'm alright! I'm alright." This was actually an ad-lib because in reality the sound was a stagehand accidentally knocking over a bundle of props. The poor guy was so afraid he was going to be fired because of his mistake. Capra instead gave him a $10 bonus for "improving the sound.")<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UymN_kjYeFk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UymN_kjYeFk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-13738021030026268302010-12-17T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:24:36.521-08:00For the Weekend: More Christmas ClassicsChristmas is just a week away, and there are still so many great films to talk about before then. So today I've chosen a few more great classics from the '40s that will surely brighten your holiday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kuaX7Sj_MiyG9Zew6kLKh12aZekIpAS7fmDxhz6oDQF6QaeWWDoonsTohXDndctMUHgCdO8tm4pb0KjsRqaJ-iZk1M5l4xd8NFEfCWtcocqLbZ7Sfepuucifu0_5gLlf8riLiCYDe7Y/s1600/ChristmasInConnecticut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kuaX7Sj_MiyG9Zew6kLKh12aZekIpAS7fmDxhz6oDQF6QaeWWDoonsTohXDndctMUHgCdO8tm4pb0KjsRqaJ-iZk1M5l4xd8NFEfCWtcocqLbZ7Sfepuucifu0_5gLlf8riLiCYDe7Y/s200/ChristmasInConnecticut.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>First up is the lighthearted romantic comedy "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVTF5XIpqL0">Christmas in Connecticut</a>" (1945). Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, and S.Z. Sakall, it tells the story of a sailor who, after being lost at sea for 18 days, is asked to join the great homemaker Elizabeth Lane (the Martha Stewart of her time) for Christmas. The only problem is that Ms. Lane is a fake. Her husband, baby, farm, cooking skills are all from her imagination. In a crazed effort not lose her job from her magazine editor finding out the truth, she pretends to have it all with the help of friends, only to fall in love with the sailor in the process. "Christmas in Connecticut" was originally offered to Bette Davis, but she turned it down. Second-pick Stanwyck gladly accepted the role, as it was a refreshing change of pace from her last film, the dark "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3wjJcuGsVE">Double Indemnity</a>" (1944). Pure Christmas delight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbLmrt3EFOmOXpV9GVl3quhvwv82wi00CwRL8p4fe_8b2eiDaJqSuaRyoBBmDp-wI_hdz0c9JDYjMNzHL75TsPapH699Yp7S3SAhU4Szh1A6h50tAqJZWNogdP5ljvzMg5IEtGpgbdNY/s1600/Miracle_on_34th_Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbLmrt3EFOmOXpV9GVl3quhvwv82wi00CwRL8p4fe_8b2eiDaJqSuaRyoBBmDp-wI_hdz0c9JDYjMNzHL75TsPapH699Yp7S3SAhU4Szh1A6h50tAqJZWNogdP5ljvzMg5IEtGpgbdNY/s200/Miracle_on_34th_Street.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>Next up is the sentimental Christmas staple "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSzW6K9ZbA">Miracle on 34th Street</a>" (1947). This classic story tells the tale of a Macy's department store Santa Claus who believes he's the real deal. Edmund Gwenn plays the infamous Kris Kringle in an Oscar-winning performance, with Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and an 8-year-old Natalie Wood starring along with him. The film starts out with the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which are all shots of the real 1946 parade. Gwenn actually got to play the coveted Santa role for the parade, including the speech on the Macy's marquee after the parade's end and the reveal of the store's Nutcracker window display. However, with all the Christmas aspects, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck insisted on releasing the picture in May because he felt more people went to the movies in May than December. Therefore the publicity department had to work extra hard to hide all the Christmas elements of the story for marketing. Check out the Christmas-less trailer below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrRtElbZqWpDdK5vnq__6oQGml6mjYGQuDdXG7RrkutU2cZItLjPI6-48ZCwJQ72nJpCOtIdzXhykkH4N7Xdviy8IZMCyWJ-Ld3_iUo7Gjs7jZmHrCl2cmJSU1GDDe7GvVgZOaUfygR0/s1600/sumtime12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrRtElbZqWpDdK5vnq__6oQGml6mjYGQuDdXG7RrkutU2cZItLjPI6-48ZCwJQ72nJpCOtIdzXhykkH4N7Xdviy8IZMCyWJ-Ld3_iUo7Gjs7jZmHrCl2cmJSU1GDDe7GvVgZOaUfygR0/s200/sumtime12.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>And finally, it's the Judy Garland romance "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv7_EuSgUqg">In the Good Old Summertime</a>" (1949). Now, don't be fooled by the title. This is actually a musical remake of the classic Christmas film "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pJLZ6mhKp4">The Shop Around the Corner</a>" (1940). Garland and Van Johnson star as two pen pals in love, only they don't know each other's real identity - coworkers that cannot stand each other. Originally, this remake was supposed to star Frank Sinatra and June Allyson. However, Sinatra passed on the project and Allyson became pregnant before production finally began, so Johnson and Garland stepped in. Things were very stressful between Garland and MGM at this time though. This ended up being her second to last film for the studio before they canceled her contract. However, it was a pleasant and easy filming process for her. Studio head Louis B. Mayer later asked Johnson how they managed to get her through it all so smoothly. Johnson simply said, "We made her feel wanted." Simple, understandable, kind.<br />
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Get your yuletide spirit pumping with all these great films. All three are on DVD, but "In the Good Old Summertime" is also airing on TCM tonight (12/17) at 9:30pm EST <i>and </i>Christmas Eve at 4pm EST. Have a great weekend, everyone! Be back Monday with another holiday classic.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Liza Minnelli made her big-screen debut in "In the Good Old Summertime." She is the little girl holding Van Johnson and her mother Judy Garland's hands at the end of the film. However, it was the final MGM film for the great Buster Keaton, who started with them way back in the '20s.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-65118566766734836082010-12-14T12:08:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:08:19.201-08:00The Thin Man: Mystery with a Little Bit of Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D1N74lc3Y4Ealz1_IuB6SicdvIfwqAc7UpUNSrd8hTGh4HUCjSTfVVsbJAH7-wCQkohbiftmjR7qFJ8SaWy-WE-JKRhJl0YE0cduLky2_y6PYroG3Gl8xhak6UP2IoBewZW-CRvDSic/s1600/Thethinmanposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D1N74lc3Y4Ealz1_IuB6SicdvIfwqAc7UpUNSrd8hTGh4HUCjSTfVVsbJAH7-wCQkohbiftmjR7qFJ8SaWy-WE-JKRhJl0YE0cduLky2_y6PYroG3Gl8xhak6UP2IoBewZW-CRvDSic/s200/Thethinmanposter.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>Today's favorite film of mine is not necessarily what you might consider a Christmas film, but, hey, it does take place during Christmas! No, I'm not talking about "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/10/die-hard-see-even-girls-like-it.html">Die Hard</a>." (I already talked about that one, remember?) No, today's film is the classic mystery "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSNJ-8ouQEM">The Thin Man</a>" (1934)!<br />
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Based on the great detective novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett, it tells the tale of Nick and Nora Charles as they visit New York for a vacation. Nick Charles used to be a detective there, before he married millionaire heiress Nora and moved to California. When they visit his old city for the first time in four years, though, old friends and colleagues (and his noisy, curious wife) reluctantly drag him into the mysterious disappearance of another old friend Clyde Wynant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC8aVM16uknETBvUw6kq9E9fdol9QbNrY2wZ_b0IzQc97scWJvWJmp3HfeGjfi5OUHXv_6_sXCVro-cFtvYyzMB3J1Ry4X2LvK1OWTV3WiSg8b39KBYmwfRCGFWgXOEEtlVC9_-YeQxk/s1600/The+Thin+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC8aVM16uknETBvUw6kq9E9fdol9QbNrY2wZ_b0IzQc97scWJvWJmp3HfeGjfi5OUHXv_6_sXCVro-cFtvYyzMB3J1Ry4X2LvK1OWTV3WiSg8b39KBYmwfRCGFWgXOEEtlVC9_-YeQxk/s200/The+Thin+Man.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Directed by W.S. "One-Take" Van Dyke, it stars the great movie duo William Powell and Myrna Loy in only their second film together. Their first was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTff7Yr7ZtA">Manhattan Melodrama</a>" (1934) with Clark Gable and also directed by Van Dyke. He witnessed the great off-screen repartee and chemistry between the two while making "Melodrama" from their first meeting. So when he heard MGM had the rights to Hammett's novel "The Thin Man," he knew exactly the couple to cast in the film. At first, the studio refused to let him cast the pair, for they were not the big names we know now. Luckily, Van Dyke won out and proved they were the perfect Nick and Nora, as the rest of the world fell in love with the duo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_WATZcIYI5NFNbCib4aoUx4tNDXYu1PW1v1iecHsQM67tS7E7dW5F4lUV5QljhwDCE8YXShOfMokLTyatTTPqb4g7ic3u2h6cnZ-XBbItwW7MdQbvcs4-vyhyCX1e-Hx6BXZCxN2LJY/s1600/thinmankiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_WATZcIYI5NFNbCib4aoUx4tNDXYu1PW1v1iecHsQM67tS7E7dW5F4lUV5QljhwDCE8YXShOfMokLTyatTTPqb4g7ic3u2h6cnZ-XBbItwW7MdQbvcs4-vyhyCX1e-Hx6BXZCxN2LJY/s200/thinmankiss.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Actually, Loy and Powell had such good chemistry between them that much of the public believed they were really husband and wife. But that was never the case, not even close. They never dated, but only became extremely good friends. They enjoyed working with each other so much that the two didn't mind making twelve more movies together, including five "Thin Man" sequels ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSNJ-8ouQEM">After the Thin Man</a>" (1936), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6LRzhf2TT8">Another Thin Man</a>" (1939), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWnxa4Lt_rI">Shadow of the Thin Man</a>" (1941), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Ug9rTPPD4">The Thin Man Goes Home</a>" (1945) and "<a href="http://www.tcm.com/video/videoPlayer/?cid=81748&titleId=1059">Song of the Thin Man</a>" (1947)). Van Dyke also directed the pair in a number of their following films, including the first three "Thin Man" sequels and "<a href="http://www.tcm.com/video/videoPlayer/?cid=72273&titleId=221">I Love You Again</a>" (1940).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRLQAwywi3Q3BwIpltSufM7g8hA3pnm9j3xVe_h1FyLLPCFJds3hE61sLLRUmatk4TX2x0ZgRuZy84cs-Qzwmm8RaJCS5Fyx2AtXivQzvzm1HLKgK11emiDV2-LNQTZdMVdY709crUZ4/s1600/thinmanxmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRLQAwywi3Q3BwIpltSufM7g8hA3pnm9j3xVe_h1FyLLPCFJds3hE61sLLRUmatk4TX2x0ZgRuZy84cs-Qzwmm8RaJCS5Fyx2AtXivQzvzm1HLKgK11emiDV2-LNQTZdMVdY709crUZ4/s200/thinmanxmas.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You might be asking, "Now, what makes this such a special movie? Isn't it just another detective story?" Oh, how wrong you are! Van Dyke decided to focus more on the relationship between Nick and Nora than the mystery of the book (a relationship Hammett based on his on-again, off-again relationship with playwright Lillian Hellman). He hired the married writing couple Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich to pen the script and specifically told them to play up the banter of the Charleses and make the mystery secondary. What resulted was the first time in Hollywood history where a married couple were having fun, laughing with each other, and enjoyed being married. This comedic detective story is actually credited with helping kick-start the screwball comedy genre, which includes such classics as "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-EkAb1h2OM">Bringing Up Baby</a>" (1938) and "<a href="http://www.tcm.com/video/videoPlayer/?cid=186357&titleId=27419">The Awful Truth</a>" (1937).<br />
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And with the easy the two leads show with each other, who couldn't help falling in love with them and the comedy? It's all real too, because as I mentioned earlier, Van Dyke's nickname was "One-Take." That's right! He was renowned for shooting everything quickly and always using the first, fresh take. "The Thin Man" had a B-movie budget (only $230,000), and Van Dyke still managed to finish the film under time, in only twelve days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMroUDfQ7rWVY80F_ZDfXcjKJaK9IcLRe7kFV6GVrMlt2OsSV50poS1JSjG3dEyJzHBqhN85oa1w53amgHsYH4eILV0zmP84zGRKBurcwCFvwShqfpbpQybAq-lLylGyF_B5Oh8HzrDRc/s1600/thin-man1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMroUDfQ7rWVY80F_ZDfXcjKJaK9IcLRe7kFV6GVrMlt2OsSV50poS1JSjG3dEyJzHBqhN85oa1w53amgHsYH4eILV0zmP84zGRKBurcwCFvwShqfpbpQybAq-lLylGyF_B5Oh8HzrDRc/s200/thin-man1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another character you shouldn't miss in "The Thin Man" is Asta the dog. The wire-haired fox terrier steals every scene he is in, and rightfully so. Really named Skippy, he became a star himself from the film's success. Not only did he appear in some of the following sequels (other terriers played Asta later), he stole the show in other great films like "The Awful Truth." Also, he created a terrier craze in the US (which sadly led to many puppy mills trying to crank out the breed to meet the demand). However, as lovable as he appears on screen, neither Powell nor Loy were allowed to become friends with the dog, so as not to break his concentration during filming. This was not a loss for Loy though, for Skippy evidently bit her once.<br />
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I truly love this movie! Fall in love with the Charleses too on TCM this December 21st at Midnight EST/9pm PST. It is also on DVD if you can't wait that long. Have a wonderful week, everyone! Be back Friday.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Now, contrary to popular belief, the "thin man" of the first film is <i>not </i>Nick Charles. It is actually in reference to Wynant, the character everyone is looking for. But people associated the title "The Thin Man" with Nick and Nora so much that the studio continued using the words in the sequels' titles, even though there is never anymore references to any "thin" men.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-76199275039237851312010-12-10T13:30:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:30:45.986-08:00For the Weekend: Nothing but FirthAfter seeing "The King's Speech" last week, I have been in the mood to watch a lot of Colin Firth films (and who could blame me). So I thought I'd write about all those wonderful, sappy, romantic films that make every girl in the world swoon over Firth. (Guys, feel free to skip today's post. This one's for all the girls.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvxORQ3_oCXnQASi8ayhA-_i-w2yu04nPoqnxsllCOglcEPRJVseEgN6_w4YHE3RnVqGigOvDk3E9loE45345etWstCgq9O9ASi3op3Gq2WtrI2m4ojRVHgfb1vQ1S8wFg4jv9vChpIQ/s1600/Kings_speech_ver3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvxORQ3_oCXnQASi8ayhA-_i-w2yu04nPoqnxsllCOglcEPRJVseEgN6_w4YHE3RnVqGigOvDk3E9loE45345etWstCgq9O9ASi3op3Gq2WtrI2m4ojRVHgfb1vQ1S8wFg4jv9vChpIQ/s200/Kings_speech_ver3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>First off, if you live in one of the selected cities playing "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aS4hoOSlzo">The King's Speech</a>" currently, I highly, highly recommend going to see it. It stars Firth as Britain's King George VI (Queen Elizabeth II's father) who tries desperately to overcome a horrible speech impediment, especially when the UK declares war against Germany. Helena Bonham-Carter plays his wife and Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist who finally helps him succeed. It's an amazing true story, and for all you anglophiles out there like me, it's a wonderful look into Britain's history. "Speech" has been getting a lot of Oscar buzz too, so you're sure to hear more about it then. Firth is amazing and surely will garner his second nomination (following last year's for "A Single Man").<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s0TjJm6YorbxXyDHrPawcPXxdZow_oMC5B53xEURg0uoBkVcERWD5OFU60k60LacmbT-ti0YN6sz9x0awiifllFADtA6oWlAytY2UL2nSEPUscXuR9InmdhIIf24H44VWURXXk1SdrA/s1600/Pride-and-Prejudice-TV-miniseries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_s0TjJm6YorbxXyDHrPawcPXxdZow_oMC5B53xEURg0uoBkVcERWD5OFU60k60LacmbT-ti0YN6sz9x0awiifllFADtA6oWlAytY2UL2nSEPUscXuR9InmdhIIf24H44VWURXXk1SdrA/s200/Pride-and-Prejudice-TV-miniseries.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>Of course, Firth would not be whom we crave now if it wasn't for the BBC miniseries "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXmn3s-vHzc">Pride and Prejudice</a>" back in 1995. Based on the classic novel by Jane Austen, this highly acclaimed series brought new romanticism to one of the greatest love stories ever written (my favorite, for sure). Firth is (and forever will be for) the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, the dream man of every hopeless romantic. Jennifer Ehle stars as the story's heroine Elizabeth Bennett, a 19th century young woman with four sisters and no inheritance to her name. The story (which I'm sure you all know) follows her and her unmarried sisters as they deal with the pressures and rules of society. This series made Firth an international heartthrob from mainly <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasKmDr1yrA">one scene</a>, the infamous lake scene. Firth goes swimming in a lake, only to later be seen walking to his house dripping wet. Around the corner though, he bumps into Elizabeth Bennett unexpectedly, and a delightful, heart-pumping tension sparks between them. This scene is now considered "one of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history." Firth originally wasn't interested in playing Darcy. However, producer Sue Birtwistle persistently coaxed Firth until he finally accepted the role, one that has stayed with him ever since.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhzmCKJJDpoq6RX58NTwLRIBMb9PNK6hTTazLqQApkYfOwyZwcAGxR4z162kW8fqbUFx2zIZP2DZmPTdJuMnZjAxzGprexFyCdUaMhwxFSMYkW8pbtn2kCp4QFDGa_ilvXtsWzZ-ijS0/s1600/BridgetJonesDiaryMoviePoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhzmCKJJDpoq6RX58NTwLRIBMb9PNK6hTTazLqQApkYfOwyZwcAGxR4z162kW8fqbUFx2zIZP2DZmPTdJuMnZjAxzGprexFyCdUaMhwxFSMYkW8pbtn2kCp4QFDGa_ilvXtsWzZ-ijS0/s200/BridgetJonesDiaryMoviePoster.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>The most notable continuation of that role is in "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQdy98B1nf0">Bridget Jones's Diary</a>" (2001). Helen Fielding, the author of the novel of the same name, came up with her story after watching the BBC "Pride and Prejudice." Renee Zellweger stars as Bridget, a 32-year-old single woman in London. The story chronicles one year of her life as she keeps track of it in her diary. Hugh Grant costars as Daniel Cleaver, her caddish publishing boss, a Mr-Wickham-like character, and Firth plays, you guessed it, Mr. Darcy! Mr. Mark Darcy, a barrister (aka lawyer), was based on both Mr. Darcy from the book "Pride and Prejudice" and Colin Firth himself. (Fielding even references Firth's Darcy in her book.) This little inside joke of casting Firth as Mark Darcy proved a winner, because again he made every girl swoon like crazy (even me and my friends this week after watching it for the 500th time). Also, it includes <i>the</i> best, funniest fight scene ever, between Firth and Grant, who have had a little off-screen battle for roles throughout their careers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSAbOmSmWMYOMse0GhHYCjhQzAQQib3B8EDBM2mxowOs1eOJAm2KS7oAaqah9YudzPJ_PlFicvu6hXY15ysIh2JUqFCnE_LLFOcquVI4sE6UwLKnCnSsiVqko33V8a1mf8Z48aTxSn_I/s1600/Love_Actually_movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSAbOmSmWMYOMse0GhHYCjhQzAQQib3B8EDBM2mxowOs1eOJAm2KS7oAaqah9YudzPJ_PlFicvu6hXY15ysIh2JUqFCnE_LLFOcquVI4sE6UwLKnCnSsiVqko33V8a1mf8Z48aTxSn_I/s200/Love_Actually_movie.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>And finally, the last swooner for today, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b9LxJUAL8Q">Love Actually</a>." This 2003 film, written and directed by Richard Curtis (co-writer of "Bridget Jones's Diary"), follows ten individual yet interweaving love stories in the five weeks leading up to Christmas (see, I still got some Christmas in there!). It stars a cavalcade of talent including Firth (of course), Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant again, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, and Keira Knightley. Firth plays Jamie Bennett (another "Pride and Prejudice" homage), a writer who runs off to France after he finds his girlfriend cheating on him with his brother. In one of his scenes, he jumps into a lake with his clothes on, something Curtis jokingly mentions he now has to write into every movie he does with Firth because of "Pride and Prejudice." The lake Firth dove into for "Love Actually" was less than a couple of feet deep though, so he is, in reality, crawling along the bottom to make it appear like he is swimming clumsily around. He also was bitten on the elbow by mosquitoes, causing it to swell up to the size of an avocado by the next day.<br />
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So, girls, go out and swoon this weekend with Colin Firth. All the above can be found on DVD, except for "The King's Speech" which is in theaters in selected cities now. Have a wonderful weekend! Be back Monday with another Christmas classic.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: Richard Curtis has written many of the romantic comedies we love, including "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb7bu_n1erY">Four Weddings and a Funeral</a>" (1994) and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqMB3mUytpM">Notting Hill</a>" (1999). The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meU4cxhdjJI">Christmas adaptation</a> of the "Love is All Around" in "Love Actually" is a reference to the original song in "Four Weddings." After "Four Weddings" was released, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQQ6SfPZggw">Love is All Around</a>" stayed at the top of the charts for 15 weeks straight. Curtis thought it would then be funny to bombard the audience with the song all over again.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-37014331890604464432010-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:30:43.108-08:00The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Burton Holiday Feast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC3YRRvnZXFVoREO89oLuc_-KVkutQq-28hMzOtm6P__QcRvfQiv34EqSryrHjKXuHztwyOQSPGcIF7gsDNtZVxi6l-h3D3USZ9KNrHrBsn9xDkpnq7dtj3doBL7I7dyhwgUP4TI1Ddc/s1600/nightmare_before_christmas_ver1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeC3YRRvnZXFVoREO89oLuc_-KVkutQq-28hMzOtm6P__QcRvfQiv34EqSryrHjKXuHztwyOQSPGcIF7gsDNtZVxi6l-h3D3USZ9KNrHrBsn9xDkpnq7dtj3doBL7I7dyhwgUP4TI1Ddc/s200/nightmare_before_christmas_ver1.jpg" width="135" /></a>Yep, you guessed it! Another holiday movie for you today as we creep closer and closer to Christmas. (Did I mention I have a LOT of holiday favorites?) Today's film is actually the one Christmas film it's okay to start watching at Halloween, but I usually wait til now because what is Christmas in my house without...Tim Burton's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qrB9I3DM80">The Nightmare Before Christmas</a>" (1993)!<br />
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"Nightmare," the great stop-motion animation tale, tells the story of Jack Skellington, the king of Halloweentown. After another successful Halloween, Jack wanders out into the forest and comes across a set of fancy doors, one for each holiday. He accidentally falls through the Christmastown door and discovers a world (and holiday) completely unlike his own. So on his return to Halloweentown, he decides to take over Christmas this year and be "Sandy Claws" himself. Will Christmas survive this town's idea of joy? Will the real Santa survive the evil Oogie Boogie?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyi8qJf5eilLClE7TBKZxlT6xL8aM37UO8FBddIpZrNWwuH1glwj1LuE3sIMVjai-J2KDnqStssMUTB78So6glXbA4Y6VFdVv_HCt8VXGqdxIRgQJDH0MU3SfgWVOd8GlWpwcSLksbqWY/s1600/nightmare-before-christmas+burton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyi8qJf5eilLClE7TBKZxlT6xL8aM37UO8FBddIpZrNWwuH1glwj1LuE3sIMVjai-J2KDnqStssMUTB78So6glXbA4Y6VFdVv_HCt8VXGqdxIRgQJDH0MU3SfgWVOd8GlWpwcSLksbqWY/s200/nightmare-before-christmas+burton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Tim Burton, like so many of us, grew up loving the old Christmas specials on television, like "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeCtTMK-Ikc">Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXKWKaxt3c">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a>." While he was an animator at Disney in the 80s (yep, that's right. Burton, the Goth king, used to work for Disney), he wrote a three-page poem entitled "The Nightmare Before Christmas." After the success of his first two shorts "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxQcBKUPm8o">Vincent</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r34yz-xC4xQ">Frankenweenie</a>," the studio sought to make the poem into another short or television special. But it never got off the ground, and Burton left Disney when his disillusionment in the studio he grew up wanting to be a part of grew to its peak. He then went on to his own success with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrzqBwuxHV8">Pee-Wee's Big Adventure</a>," "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyozzozRsCk">Batman</a>," "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/10/beetlejuice-death-at-its-funniest.html">Beetlejuice</a>," and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2PPFUhfpo">Edward Scissorhands</a>." Yet he never forgot about his "Nightmare" idea and, in 1990, decided to ask for the rights back from Disney (all creative ideas imagined while working at Disney become Disney property). Luckily, Jeffrey Katzenberg was running the studio at the time and, being a Burton fan, agreed to finance a film version under the Disney banner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YV2FmJpM7wjlugvvyO46I4XLbVkcg2x1KBf8zl8oqsQLkMxJzcdoAushRRWtFjcDAZLFgxEmpY2_7aljgYPkP0duLm2yMTLe2TINBXPvqS86-R2F83313jp-JQgtMxGrDVj_Pb9YD5M/s1600/Henry-Selick-and-Tim-Burton-on-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-set-570x314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YV2FmJpM7wjlugvvyO46I4XLbVkcg2x1KBf8zl8oqsQLkMxJzcdoAushRRWtFjcDAZLFgxEmpY2_7aljgYPkP0duLm2yMTLe2TINBXPvqS86-R2F83313jp-JQgtMxGrDVj_Pb9YD5M/s200/Henry-Selick-and-Tim-Burton-on-Nightmare-Before-Christmas-set-570x314.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So without a script and only the poem and Burton's own original sketches, the production was setup in San Francisco. Burton hired Henry Selick to direct because he himself was too busy with pre-production on "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKiG_9C5T8E">Batman Returns</a>" at the time. He then hired Michael McDowell, his collaborator with "Beetlejuice," to write the script. Unfortunately, they had creative problems, so Burton focused instead on the music first with his constant composer Danny Elfman. McDowell was then replaced by Caroline Thompson, and the team was set. As for casting, Chris Sarandon (Prince Humperdink himself) was cast as the speaking voice of Jack. (Chris didn't like the way he sang, so Danny Elfman did the singing for Jack.) Catherine O'Hara was hired for Sally and Shock after working with Burton before on "Beetlejuice." Paul Reubens played Lock. And William Hickey played mad scientist Dr. Finklestein. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfY6GBmD8oWc7rE7esJKxPUTdSTSfJbdqrvVe-XfA3vJMQ5Fi4pchbVx_XcC7wOVGAZsj-lLxxja5PVsLgNgmdOhiNeN4lfpiTtPdv969enILHVG3uA1h5_uH_nieRzQq9sKtpiaqCgI/s1600/NMBC3DFeaturette01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfY6GBmD8oWc7rE7esJKxPUTdSTSfJbdqrvVe-XfA3vJMQ5Fi4pchbVx_XcC7wOVGAZsj-lLxxja5PVsLgNgmdOhiNeN4lfpiTtPdv969enILHVG3uA1h5_uH_nieRzQq9sKtpiaqCgI/s200/NMBC3DFeaturette01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The production took over 19 sound stages in San Francisco to build and shoot the sets and puppets for "Nightmare." 227 puppets, both multiple characters and multiple copies of each (especially the leads), were made using metal armatures for skeletons. This wasn't claymation were animators could change the facial expressions on the spot; the puppets were made of foam latex. For Jack, Sally and others, all their expressions had to be pre-made. Jack himself had over 400 interchangeable heads for every expression and emotion. Sally, because of her long hair, had a series of masks that could be snapped on and off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0umP-BCNpc3aX-TM7IlJ-bVlnZIdFbblYYQxdZtY-PR_BnEGZANsF-uyL5HCSP-eqsKw9Gl5tBRjAJQr96OkNzRhEN8clA0OIzMztX669B-T9pmzJ-EJEbWAwUVh9UfZndxQtsxukFI/s1600/trickortreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0umP-BCNpc3aX-TM7IlJ-bVlnZIdFbblYYQxdZtY-PR_BnEGZANsF-uyL5HCSP-eqsKw9Gl5tBRjAJQr96OkNzRhEN8clA0OIzMztX669B-T9pmzJ-EJEbWAwUVh9UfZndxQtsxukFI/s200/trickortreat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Because it's stop-motion animation, they were shooting at 24 frames per second, which means they had to pose each puppet 24 times for just a second of film, leading to many scenes taking a full week or more to complete. So thanks to duplicate puppets, one animator could be working on one scene at the same time another scene was being filmed on another set. There are a few scenes in the film that were filmed at regular speed though. See if you can figure them out and drop me a comment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH1VodSkLpAYrG7aRxDo_3u5-JkDDT3O9X6BP-Vx0V7PhmszvRLS9wDqx9reuROQNhGESDHFaV9tOXHlY8MmyEfpoONLInopCkGFmB8e-G1nIHY7UI79YDrsVipEm_RXQTJRioZyHIiQ/s1600/The+Nightmare+Before+Christmas+Mansion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH1VodSkLpAYrG7aRxDo_3u5-JkDDT3O9X6BP-Vx0V7PhmszvRLS9wDqx9reuROQNhGESDHFaV9tOXHlY8MmyEfpoONLInopCkGFmB8e-G1nIHY7UI79YDrsVipEm_RXQTJRioZyHIiQ/s200/The+Nightmare+Before+Christmas+Mansion.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>When "Nightmare" was released in October 1993, Disney had changed its mind and released it under Touchstone Pictures instead of Walt Disney Studios. This was because Disney felt the film was a little too dark for children, so it was put under their more adult banner. Of course time has told that they were very wrong in their assumption. "Nightmare" became a huge success and is now a cult favorite, loved by both old and very young. It has spawned a slew of merchandise, many theatrical re-releases including in 3D and 4D, and since 2001, has been the theme of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland for its Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction that runs from October through December (my absolute favorite time to go to Disneyland!!). Disney even started working on a sequel in 2001, but Burton put a stop to it, saying he liked to "try to respect people and keep the purity of the project as much as possible." A sequel was made in video game version though ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaAaCAPa1Po">The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge</a>"). <br />
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So, wake up your inner child and enjoy the beautiful animation of the holiday classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Have a wonderful week, everyone! Be back Friday with some more great films.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: In the final scene, when the vampires are playing ice hockey, instead of using the pumpkin you see for their puck, they used to be playing with Tim Burton's severed head.)<br />
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(Post-post-tidbit: Originally there was narration at both the beginning and end of the film, and it was recorded by Sir Patrick Stewart. Unfortunately that recording didn't make it to the final flick, but you can still hear it on the soundtrack.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-58340922091771398062010-12-03T12:20:00.000-08:002010-12-03T12:20:48.766-08:00For the Weekend: More Bing for ChristmasChristmas would not be Christmas without Bing Crosby. So for your weekend suggestions today, I've got more Bing for your holiday enjoyment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXNa8oVALe979MfpS6klXyBVTiiIyMHbuXWT1OxR2F_x9AwQWKVgSwQL74Rmi2cSi3El2xbzvK8Wy5gFiLifPsqXwn6sYPRkifHzoN-hwWj5HoO0uif_NSnTNIhiKakXvPiNjn_Y0Q3g/s1600/Holiday_Inn_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXNa8oVALe979MfpS6klXyBVTiiIyMHbuXWT1OxR2F_x9AwQWKVgSwQL74Rmi2cSi3El2xbzvK8Wy5gFiLifPsqXwn6sYPRkifHzoN-hwWj5HoO0uif_NSnTNIhiKakXvPiNjn_Y0Q3g/s200/Holiday_Inn_poster.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>I already talked about "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvIAMBxJPTE">Holiday Inn</a>" (1942) a little on Monday in conjunction with "<a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/white-christmas-my-favorite-time-of.html">White Christmas</a>" (1954), but it's not a movie to pass up either. "Holiday Inn" is a great little musical about a retired entertainer (Crosby) who decides to open an inn, but only on national holidays. He falls for his costar at the inn (Marjorie Reynolds), but his old partner (Fred Astaire) shows up and throws a wrench into their romance. This was, of course, the film that introduced the song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXcNfA4qebQ">White Christmas</a>" to the world, but no one imagined the success it would be. At first, the big hit song was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRVUGguZHqg">Be Careful, It's My Heart</a>," which was on the billboard charts for months before "White Christmas" started taking the reign. Filming started the year before, but half way through the production, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, and the US went on ration mode. This meant that production had to scavenge Hollywood for props and costumes for "Holiday Inn"...and Paramount's publicity department didn't let it go unnoticed. (One report stated that Reynold's beaded dress used up the very last of the beads in Hollywood.) Crosby also went on his radio program during production and sang the first ever public performance of "White Christmas" on Christmas Day for the troops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumEyxbmlqSKwDuAt5nvdEnmb-pJW3jJRc1QCCtNldrEggxPFO4Nf981MwvU4NryEiIrSTQlLONtWirJDCFpcNT-XdQ-hwOVhKDOS5DWiJcaciEWQvi7EdfvcmRMlDOX4RmmpvyAAuZs0/s1600/404px-GoingmywayBing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumEyxbmlqSKwDuAt5nvdEnmb-pJW3jJRc1QCCtNldrEggxPFO4Nf981MwvU4NryEiIrSTQlLONtWirJDCFpcNT-XdQ-hwOVhKDOS5DWiJcaciEWQvi7EdfvcmRMlDOX4RmmpvyAAuZs0/s200/404px-GoingmywayBing.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>My next Crosby recommendation isn't necessarily a Christmas flick (it was released in May after all), but I seem to think of it at Christmastime anyway, maybe just for its lead. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ-clrkwsGM">Going My Way</a>" (1944) stars Crosby in his Oscar-winning performance as Father O'Malley, an unorthodox priest who comes to help Father Fitzgibbon (Barry Fitzgerald) with his struggling parish in New York. Fitzgerald also won an Oscar for his performance, but he was actually nominated twice for the same role, for Best Actor (which he lost to Crosby) and Best Supporting Actor, the only time that ever happened in Academy Award history (new rules were applied because of this). "Going My Way" also won five more Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Song for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTUKHMlbYGA">Swinging on a Star</a>." Crosby wasn't going to attend the awards ceremony and was instead playing golf (his favorite pastime) only hours beforehand. Many people tried to get him to change his mind, but it was only his mother that prevailed, saying she would never speak to him again if he let the opportunity pass him by. Thus he rushed home, threw on a suit, and made it in time to receive his award.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOBpH-0ce46_FggQKKi1UFEypvrEbj3bsqoDfgEkOMDIYgh4gUsWxV7EWFCh60jwnjVFVYX_tMRJW5fVNwTTgQvCBqSJ7m43zIgoVsAuKqQL9RVwYHASLKla_Wbh8uSfhLBKXOPDsda8/s1600/Bells_st_marys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOBpH-0ce46_FggQKKi1UFEypvrEbj3bsqoDfgEkOMDIYgh4gUsWxV7EWFCh60jwnjVFVYX_tMRJW5fVNwTTgQvCBqSJ7m43zIgoVsAuKqQL9RVwYHASLKla_Wbh8uSfhLBKXOPDsda8/s200/Bells_st_marys.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>Once you've watched "Going My Way," I recommend its sequel "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwE2HDSRtaA">The Bells of St. Mary's</a>," released in December of 1945. Again Crosby plays Father O'Malley, but this time he journeys to a rundown school to help Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) bring it back to life. Yet, again Bing doesn't see eye to eye with his new superior. Filming for this began right after the Oscars ceremony where both Crosby and director Leo McCarey won their awards for "Going My Way." When Bergman won her Best Actress award for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FBSFRUj6s">Gaslight</a>" that same night, she joked, "I'm particularly glad to get it this time because tomorrow I go to work in a picture with Mr. Crosby and Mr. McCarey, and I'm afraid that if I went on the set without an award, neither of them would speak to me!" "St. Mary's," which was actually written before its predecessor, was the first sequel to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in Academy history. It garnered seven other nominations, including Best Actress and Best Actor (the first time an actor had been nominated for the same role in two different films), but only won one award for Best Sound.<br />
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So, get your Bing Crosby fix this weekend with these great films! "Going My Way" and "The Bells of St. Mary's" are both instant streamers on <a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> right now, but unfortunately you'll have to rent (or buy, it's a great film!) "Holiday Inn." (It's not even on TCM's schedule this month for some reason.) Enjoy your weekend, everyone! Be back Monday with another favorite. <br />
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(Post-tidbit: Yes, it's true. The Holiday Inn hotel chain was named after "Holiday Inn" the movie.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-88100656696411189042010-11-29T13:12:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:12:23.999-08:00White Christmas: My Favorite Time of Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L2TTCoQcoSE367dXOYt-hpFjYAt9gQKKmp7Ffj3gAKhEIgOWfwgOqr-zhwbPpSrsz6UMxjR6FNFJIjiuBzXVHDvZfFrhKT6eu5UR_CEDY2HFv2AaMox1O7jjFAT0-mY8Y0zRPrhkKvE/s1600/White_Chrismas_film.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L2TTCoQcoSE367dXOYt-hpFjYAt9gQKKmp7Ffj3gAKhEIgOWfwgOqr-zhwbPpSrsz6UMxjR6FNFJIjiuBzXVHDvZfFrhKT6eu5UR_CEDY2HFv2AaMox1O7jjFAT0-mY8Y0zRPrhkKvE/s200/White_Chrismas_film.JPG" width="90" /></a></div>It's Christmastime!! Woohoo!! Hip hip hooray!! It's finally here!! Yahooooo!!! (Teeheehee!) If you haven't guessed yet, I love Christmas. It's most definitely my favorite time of the year. And now that Thanksgiving is over (because no matter how much you love Christmas, you shouldn't squeeze out Thanksgiving by starting it too early!), it's also time to talk about all my favorite Christmas movies. (Yay!) So let's kick off the season with one of the best classics, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB1ZD6JKxes">White Christmas</a>" (1954).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-AS1YGZUOFzqPX8-tgRTKfmqbwS0M9VNb8jlXyS8KJ6zQga1qq6kquuMIIZdubeMxEblGdzSfPa6yEkaxQEhsX5WX-1-rcBSH6iLTtDLsyw8QLTs6i_wxMpQf-2xa5RFWgH_fnr_S8g/s1600/White-Christmas-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-AS1YGZUOFzqPX8-tgRTKfmqbwS0M9VNb8jlXyS8KJ6zQga1qq6kquuMIIZdubeMxEblGdzSfPa6yEkaxQEhsX5WX-1-rcBSH6iLTtDLsyw8QLTs6i_wxMpQf-2xa5RFWgH_fnr_S8g/s200/White-Christmas-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Now a lot of people think "White Christmas" is just a remake of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvIAMBxJPTE">Holiday Inn</a>" (1942), the hit movie starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire that introduced the song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA45TnJQxhU">White Christmas</a>" to the world, but it's not. "White Christmas" the film, though originally crafted as a project for Crosby, Astaire, and songwriter Irving Berlin, has a different story. It tells the tale of two World War II Army buddies who partner up after the war and make it big entertaining. As they follow a beautiful sister act to Vermont, they run into their old commanding general, who's down on his luck because no snow is falling for his ski lodge. So the men decide to bring their hit show up to his inn to help generate business for the general, all while romancing the two ladies. It's a wonderful, classic-50s light romance with lots of fun songs, dances and comedy mixed in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCr_tQKoKSle0lxqu_IdIVz5c5eK0O_pTgK3_NjX-j9_0tT3nK6UiM-mHwlqht_HM5ABaCRoTUioPhEFhzL6FodShgSLp2D0U3zW-8gEDhsKPieA8KO7qrQ9vA3DxJ6w7piQpiXw5kdA/s1600/haynes-sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCr_tQKoKSle0lxqu_IdIVz5c5eK0O_pTgK3_NjX-j9_0tT3nK6UiM-mHwlqht_HM5ABaCRoTUioPhEFhzL6FodShgSLp2D0U3zW-8gEDhsKPieA8KO7qrQ9vA3DxJ6w7piQpiXw5kdA/s200/haynes-sisters.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As I said, this was originally intended for Crosby and Astaire, but Astaire turned it down, having "retired" at the time. The part of Crosby's costar then went to Donald O'Connor, but unfortunately he had to back out too because of illness. So finally, Danny Kaye stepped in, and luckily he did, because the chemistry between Crosby and Kaye is perfect. As for their leading ladies, Paramount cast Rosemary Clooney (George's aunt) and Vera-Ellen as the Haynes sisters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86WBG82Zg7iULHAMHLV38m0cKVkWXcsfDqDMM86sLG1JRiYbFY7awbn6SNA9-qOQdcefiONZ9vMYA_9jQeunlpFYdHN3MM3usfKV8ic46-5MNuZsfbbSt3XT4gRkOqC-wV96kDmwbbAY/s1600/white-christmas-bing-cosby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86WBG82Zg7iULHAMHLV38m0cKVkWXcsfDqDMM86sLG1JRiYbFY7awbn6SNA9-qOQdcefiONZ9vMYA_9jQeunlpFYdHN3MM3usfKV8ic46-5MNuZsfbbSt3XT4gRkOqC-wV96kDmwbbAY/s200/white-christmas-bing-cosby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I had never seen this film myself when I received it as a Christmas present. Being an annoying teenager at the time, I thought that it was a lame gift because I was getting something for Christmas on Christmas, which meant I couldn't watch it after that day, and would then have to wait a year. Oh how wrong I was. I think I ended up watching it every day for a week...then some during the summer too...until the day after Thanksgiving when it was the first thing in the VCR. Ever year since then I've watched it a couple of times a season, all on that old VHS tape (until a year or two ago when I got the DVD for Christmas...and couldn't be happier about it).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1DitrMt0Ztw4p3Gb3BJDwBC16m3Kzqh09KBoovI0p2Uul4R6EYlA0R6r1OPZdDjyF07aw3OMPZDDevih4tdZTO3P6ZcmerzicGun5HvnaabE_nc1OwzJ7acxARIsWetlGRaPy6IizJU/s1600/White-Christmas-Movie-Crosby-Kaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1DitrMt0Ztw4p3Gb3BJDwBC16m3Kzqh09KBoovI0p2Uul4R6EYlA0R6r1OPZdDjyF07aw3OMPZDDevih4tdZTO3P6ZcmerzicGun5HvnaabE_nc1OwzJ7acxARIsWetlGRaPy6IizJU/s200/White-Christmas-Movie-Crosby-Kaye.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>"White Christmas," though named after the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRYPWlyU_Zk">famous song</a>, was actually the third movie to include the tune. The first was, like I said, "Holiday Inn," song by Bing Crosby and Martha Mears (dubbing for actress Marjorie Reynolds). The second time was in Crosby's, Astaire's and Berlin's next project together "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTWzS-ALAwM">Blue Skies</a>" in 1946. (Crosby sings a verse of it in a melody montage.) Of all the holiday songs Berlin wrote for "Holiday Inn," he had the most difficulty writing a Christmas tune. Once it was finally complete, he played it for Crosby at rehearsals, but Crosby didn't think there was anything extraordinarily special about it. He just said, "I don't think we have any problems with that one, Irving." Bing Crosby's version of "White Christmas" is now the best-selling single of all time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJgOBP4BmgxqwxyE44CzhpsR3-GuSuA-0QqtSCqX3GGcZq9Uu4HOR8oWmnv2Frffiw0L2-ftHUTEyjsGrVa8vO3cg40s2dX23w-rP0dWobIwKTOl-giDfVZ8ko_H59PP-lIQ4-uNvt1k/s1600/White_Christmas_280x185_MCDWHCH_EC071_H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJgOBP4BmgxqwxyE44CzhpsR3-GuSuA-0QqtSCqX3GGcZq9Uu4HOR8oWmnv2Frffiw0L2-ftHUTEyjsGrVa8vO3cg40s2dX23w-rP0dWobIwKTOl-giDfVZ8ko_H59PP-lIQ4-uNvt1k/s200/White_Christmas_280x185_MCDWHCH_EC071_H.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Berlin, of course, wrote all the songs in "White Christmas," but like most of his previous film scores ("White Christmas" being his last one), many of the songs were not written specifically for this picture. Along with the title song, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyU_W1RF2Sc">Blue Skies</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtnyUBpwk4I">Heat Wave</a>" also appeared in the film "Blue Skies." Yet "Heat Wave" originally appeared in his 1933 Broadway show "As Thousands Cheer," as well as the movie "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krl_pXXfKEI">There's No Business Like Show Business</a>" (1954 - sung by Marilyn Monroe). Berlin wrote "Blue Skies" back in 1926 for his newborn daughter and became the first song heard in the first sound feature "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djd1XfwDAQs">The Jazz Singer</a>" (1927), sung by Al Jolson. The tune "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMt0IdeWowk">Snow</a>" was originally called "Free" and was written for the 1950 Broadway show "Call Me Madam," but was never used. So Berlin kept the melody and changed some words and got a new song. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qmMaPTuTEE">Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep</a>" was written especially for "White Christmas" though, and garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Song that year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGnnofnw5H-dJLiD46JoJvI43H_Buj-yd1Q0m-1NfE8eIMgo9y5ss3NYXrsldfsc46w3x_x_zxi4T3OVg0OJMfwY5cTQPFne6M7c7rsIWBogqFjKvpmEcCUjQ5DZdifPC69vVGEafkA/s1600/whitechristmascast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGnnofnw5H-dJLiD46JoJvI43H_Buj-yd1Q0m-1NfE8eIMgo9y5ss3NYXrsldfsc46w3x_x_zxi4T3OVg0OJMfwY5cTQPFne6M7c7rsIWBogqFjKvpmEcCUjQ5DZdifPC69vVGEafkA/s200/whitechristmascast.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>Sadly, no original soundtrack exists for "White Christmas." At the time, Rosemary Clooney was under strict contract with her record company Columbia Records and could not appear on any other label. Yet, the soundtrack for "White Christmas" was being produced by Decca Records (the company who released Crosby's first "White Christmas" recording). So Decca substituted Clooney with Peggy Lee for their soundtrack album. Clooney made her own album under Columbia though, singing all the major songs from the film herself. So, because of a contract, the only recordings of the actual cast singing together are the ones heard on film.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H32UpXIpFNfW_SPIjQ_Ji6zo-9fVDsTd_pDEzSOim2QyVvSgck6Fd8B2QJHqnLSYTATVG_egfKS6tcpLtTuqcb0zS5T_HI3txazofDE2G2M1tbKJvZq6mBFN6GIfesO436wkWxNQsmc/s1600/WhiteChristmas5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H32UpXIpFNfW_SPIjQ_Ji6zo-9fVDsTd_pDEzSOim2QyVvSgck6Fd8B2QJHqnLSYTATVG_egfKS6tcpLtTuqcb0zS5T_HI3txazofDE2G2M1tbKJvZq6mBFN6GIfesO436wkWxNQsmc/s200/WhiteChristmas5.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>One person who is not on any song recordings though is Vera-Ellen. She is actually dubbed by singer Trudy Stevens. Also, if you notice, all of Vera-Ellen's costumes have extremely high necklines, even her pajamas. This is because she was battling anorexia at the time. With only a 21" waist, her anorexia had badly aged her neck. Since she was supposed to be the younger Haynes sister (even though she was actually seven years older than Clooney), the aging had to be covered up. (See Hollywood!! Super, unhealthy skinny used to be bad, remember???)<br />
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So kick off the holiday season with "White Christmas"! Pop it in the player and decorate your tree as you enjoy all the Christmas cheer. Happy holidays, everyone! Be back Friday.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: The scene where Crosby and Kaye mimic the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YhTKiFEMAg">Sisters</a>" act was not originally in the script. The two were clowning around with it on set, and the director liked it so much, it was written in, hence the men's laughter throughout the scene.)<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8YhTKiFEMAg?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8YhTKiFEMAg?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-36172053356821116042010-11-23T16:06:00.000-08:002010-11-23T16:06:20.119-08:00The Little Mermaid: Good Ole Family Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBaGlHq5NttqCEFqPjI8Z-dpxiytzkfT5Y1FkrEq7935ciGfDzd-pDZbULOoMmXKCzRFc0Khs1Tidwrj-5sOZqsJBNhEYkq8hij8ljFwNaqzO5Vut6sdlwJFkpShlLJHKBf-_Tae2buw/s1600/Movie_poster_the_little_mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBaGlHq5NttqCEFqPjI8Z-dpxiytzkfT5Y1FkrEq7935ciGfDzd-pDZbULOoMmXKCzRFc0Khs1Tidwrj-5sOZqsJBNhEYkq8hij8ljFwNaqzO5Vut6sdlwJFkpShlLJHKBf-_Tae2buw/s200/Movie_poster_the_little_mermaid.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>It's Thanksgiving time again here in the States, and that means football, food, and most importantly, family. So what better time to talk about one of the best family films ever made from the mega-company of family entertainment? And I can't tell you the number of random references I've heard regarding this flick over the last few days, which makes today's post even more perfect. Therefore, without further adieu, Disney's classic "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0BQxhSwrtQ">The Little Mermaid</a>"!<br />
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Released in 1989, it is the beautiful tale of a young mermaid who longs to have legs instead of fins. When she falls in love with a human prince, she gets help from a sea witch to be with her true love. But she only has three days to get the prince to love her back (without the use of her voice, no less) before the witch strips her of her magic, and she becomes the witch's prisoner forever. I don't think I can explain how much I love this film. I know it backwards and forwards, and I can't count the number of times I've annoyed my friends and coworkers by singing these songs at the top of my voice. (Luckily, I have friends who just sing along with me.) And now, my little three-year-old niece is getting into Disney films, and I'm so excited for her to watch this film! I hope we have many singing parties together in the future. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSyVew_yAnyOnBvc9eCFHBiBvllRJgqX-6hWzA1SaOSW6xQrIqWYk_HaMXefiLDVDgCqAwjpZescPnp4groRDdioHk-IQOsmRPNC3M8HWaWSywnyCzkaUOYxw-tOEJaI1pBCXcGD8GqE/s1600/triton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSyVew_yAnyOnBvc9eCFHBiBvllRJgqX-6hWzA1SaOSW6xQrIqWYk_HaMXefiLDVDgCqAwjpZescPnp4groRDdioHk-IQOsmRPNC3M8HWaWSywnyCzkaUOYxw-tOEJaI1pBCXcGD8GqE/s200/triton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This was THE film that put animation back on the map for both Disney and the world. Throughout the 80s, animation had dwindled in quality and content. Disney still put out animated films but their last big success was way back in 1977 with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA9iYT0NdZ8">The Rescuers</a>." Animation had become strictly for kids only. But then studio heads Michael Eisner and Jeffery Katzenberg greenlit "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFCIaMyMORg">Who Framed Roger Rabbit</a>" (1988) and a new vibe was sent into their expanded animation department. Disney went back to its roots and began focusing on animation again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3ZvblV8GRBTYQSDdnkd0YhbR2RgpQScrhJag-8VJP5rUTF4LM8g7i9v7VA-MuiLpsgk2Sl4jVVoU93SbwB7pAJoR0ydHowPhL9LtsqICnYGSKe_YW98iPzWBuofCv90f1Sug3VfxxpU/s1600/1989_the_little_mermaid_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3ZvblV8GRBTYQSDdnkd0YhbR2RgpQScrhJag-8VJP5rUTF4LM8g7i9v7VA-MuiLpsgk2Sl4jVVoU93SbwB7pAJoR0ydHowPhL9LtsqICnYGSKe_YW98iPzWBuofCv90f1Sug3VfxxpU/s200/1989_the_little_mermaid_004.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first film to come out of this endeavor was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmfbIks_KGM">Oliver and Company</a>" (1988), based on Charles Dickens' <i>Oliver Twist</i>. "The Little Mermaid" was pitched to Katzenberg and Eisner as part of the new animation push, but both turned it down, thinking it would be too similar to the sequel they were planning for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMIsXdoj2vU">Splash</a>" (1984). Also, Disney had not done a film based on a fairy tale since "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xpKSGWiG6k">Sleeping Beauty</a>" in 1959. The "Splash" sequel never moved beyond development though so "Mermaid" was greenlit after all. The idea of turning Hans Christian Anderson's tale into a film, however, had been around the studio before. Back in Walt's day (aka the late 1930s), they had begun developing the story for a Hans Christian Anderson vignette film, but it was never produced. So when the Eisner-Katzenberg studio started working on "Mermaid," the production found some of illustrator Kay Nielsen's original artwork and sketches from the 30s, and incorporated some of the story elements and designs into the new film.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI5JjoMQgCjK3tmF-A30uvYuTGtHt01AUoZLe9khxs5foE1smn32FwGL6Sjof7GEU1NZttHx_54Kwt4ir6d61ejb1IZZAjxqAlX_9vz8R1xj5VVuxMOKIaBw7wVpHNLbwERt47mNutxM/s1600/sebastian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI5JjoMQgCjK3tmF-A30uvYuTGtHt01AUoZLe9khxs5foE1smn32FwGL6Sjof7GEU1NZttHx_54Kwt4ir6d61ejb1IZZAjxqAlX_9vz8R1xj5VVuxMOKIaBw7wVpHNLbwERt47mNutxM/s200/sebastian.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One of the big changes the studio was gambling on for "Mermaid" was their desire to bring back the musical to animation. Disney hadn't used music as a tentpole for the story, like Broadway did, for quite some time. The music in "Oliver" was kind of a test to see if the audience was willing to watch a full Broadway production. With "Oliver"s success, all doubts were put to ease. One of the songwriters who contributed to "Oliver" was Howard Ashman. After "Mermaid" was greenlit, Ashman and his musical partner Alan Menken were hired to write the score to "Mermaid," for they knew Broadway well, having written the successful musical "Little Shop of Horrors." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomMG0g77FrK-AaaBGfaCgYrP5DNMVoFKnlAVjUy-y6IaOnysiNHC4Y6HWcEAiPeMY1fZ7omJ-zvvC6NPlXZ0LJPiKZCuKjmvymy37HpUxTdSuYhfKRgBm0AziPI6MS4GSjGj9sKc-lVU/s1600/ursula-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomMG0g77FrK-AaaBGfaCgYrP5DNMVoFKnlAVjUy-y6IaOnysiNHC4Y6HWcEAiPeMY1fZ7omJ-zvvC6NPlXZ0LJPiKZCuKjmvymy37HpUxTdSuYhfKRgBm0AziPI6MS4GSjGj9sKc-lVU/s200/ursula-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As for the characters' voices, directors-writers Ron Clements and John Musker hired Broadway actress Jodi Benson for the voice of Ariel. Ariel's personality and look were based on actress Alyssa Milano though, except for the bright vibrant red hair, of course. Pat Carroll was hired to voice the evil sea witch Ursula but she was not the team's first choice. The role of Ursula had actually been written with Bea Arthur in mind, based on the drag performer Divine. Unfortunately, Arthur was too busy with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqAJIvbnkZg">The Golden Girls</a>" at the time and turned the role down. Patrick Stewart turned down the role of Ariel's father King Triton, also because of a television commitment ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AayLwwvn77s">Star Trek: The Next Generation</a>"). That part went to Kenneth Mars instead, who you may recognize as the musical Nazi in Mel Brooks' original "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCNjOBzg8tc">The Producers</a>" (1968). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBqGXvfKCq4RcP7W3IZsqOsvGt33Ffdst_r9AoBUqEdKbG2ggkXBpRvI90Q7IA_DHK4redJJhvYj7jdgYXQlMTZZQ_E3x5K2-inRAeaN5tkfj6Cjt88g_EJZcUpu2S2uvkV1U-IaMuis/s1600/littlemermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBqGXvfKCq4RcP7W3IZsqOsvGt33Ffdst_r9AoBUqEdKbG2ggkXBpRvI90Q7IA_DHK4redJJhvYj7jdgYXQlMTZZQ_E3x5K2-inRAeaN5tkfj6Cjt88g_EJZcUpu2S2uvkV1U-IaMuis/s200/littlemermaid.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Near the beginning of production on "Mermaid", Katzenberg told Clements and Musker that he anticipated it making less than it's predecessor "Oliver" because it was a "girls' film." However, as production drew to a close, Katzenberg had changed his mind and predicted "Mermaid" would become the first ever animated blockbuster. It ended up making $84 million at the US box office (over $100 million worldwide) and was a huge critical success as well. "Mermaid" earned three Oscar nominations, for Best Score and two Best Song nominations for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8OBlq_svBY">Under the Sea</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QrKiod8rXM">Kiss the Girl</a>." It won Best Score and "Under the Sea" won Best Song. The film also won the same at the Golden Globes, while being nominated for Best Picture - Musical or Comedy as well. And thus, the "Disney Renaissance" had begun, continuing with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRlzmyveDHE">Beauty & the Beast</a>" (1991), "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNFs_sESJEc">Aladdin</a>" (1992), and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNtbZf0JhmA">The Lion King</a>" (1994).<br />
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So, enjoy some quality time with your family this Thanksgiving weekend, both at the table and in front of the screen. Rewatch (or show your little ones for the first time) the classic "The Little Mermaid." Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Until next week.<br />
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(Post-tidbit: "Mermaid" was the last feature film at Disney to use the traditional hand-painted cell method. A little company called Pixar had created a computer system known as CAPS that helped animators get the depth in shots usually achieved with a multiplane camera and many individual cells. A few scenes in "Mermaid" did use CAPS, like when Ariel runs down the stairs of Eric's castle, but the system would not be fully used until Disney's next film "The Rescuers Down Under" (1990).)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493864563750609872.post-57170125756851613802010-11-19T16:34:00.000-08:002010-11-29T13:20:37.507-08:00For the Weekend: Harry, of course!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0OlIA3zraVCuwDKXoMH9Ff07GU8H8VyA8drZ804UO5BzVEReOSo7cdd-7vRiZzvQOr66AYr_L28TT2yJdaGSIwCTPFPU72RVfWYL4ElD2S3qHI-Ifw7IF43dKHCGaZ5dhake9HGx1W0/s1600/405px-HP7part1poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0OlIA3zraVCuwDKXoMH9Ff07GU8H8VyA8drZ804UO5BzVEReOSo7cdd-7vRiZzvQOr66AYr_L28TT2yJdaGSIwCTPFPU72RVfWYL4ElD2S3qHI-Ifw7IF43dKHCGaZ5dhake9HGx1W0/s200/405px-HP7part1poster.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>Well, if you followed me on Twitter yesterday, you know I was one of the many people in America camped out in line to watch the first installment of the Harry Potter finale, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzfEH0UPEBo">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1</a>" at midnight. (Yes, I'm that kind of a dork. A cute and adorable one though! Heehee.) And boy, was it worth the wait! So I figured what better time to talk about my favorite film franchise than today! And if you're heading out to the theaters this weekend to see the next chapter in the saga, here's a little refresher course and my review to excite that adrenaline again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm2mS4Cn7wdAIa11dZ49TFsFJ4wssaCNAaoPPkQ2vDHazzhyphenhyphen-mWXwQKusGkgSZienDu4vkjGwntMkGj5cCM2E5jRyBlvV63-uyn8nh1wOAApuFuwmkfsZcwWXx3GAK-F7-yvpGkvCRX4/s1600/alg_yny_harry_potter01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm2mS4Cn7wdAIa11dZ49TFsFJ4wssaCNAaoPPkQ2vDHazzhyphenhyphen-mWXwQKusGkgSZienDu4vkjGwntMkGj5cCM2E5jRyBlvV63-uyn8nh1wOAApuFuwmkfsZcwWXx3GAK-F7-yvpGkvCRX4/s200/alg_yny_harry_potter01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Ok, here's what you need to remember before you go. (<b style="background-color: black;">SPOILER ALERT</b> if you haven't read or seen the first six books/movies...just for the next paragraph.) Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. It's now been sixteen years since the day the evil wizard Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) killed little Harry's parents and tried to kill Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) too, only to have his spell backfire and almost destroy Voldemort instead. "Almost" is the key word though. Since then, he has regained his strength and power and is out to own the world again. Harry grew up not knowing any of his past, not even knowing he was a wizard, until Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) the gamekeeper of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to take him there. Since that day, he has learned more and more about his mysterious past and honed his craft, all the while narrowly avoiding death over and over again by Voldemort and his supports. The last year gave Harry his final blow with the death of his last living parental figure Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) at the hands of his second most-hated rival Severus Snape (Alan Rickman). But always by his side are his two best friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). And now in "Deathly Hallows," the three find themselves all on their own as they search for the horcruxes to destroy, the only way Voldemort will be defeated. <b style="background-color: black;">(END of SPOILER ALERT)</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc-YlryLn6YcX-27dj5vOZNCAE2L0N75HZ6Z_VbTyuR-sU1XDnKJyuJmzLWCHb_-ecJtVAt0iA-2WtA016eKDV0DP_V0jeX-YOBtzEEYosUpKjQWtsVkuY4uSwM4SB9fedJdgyEQ3fGI/s1600/harry+potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc-YlryLn6YcX-27dj5vOZNCAE2L0N75HZ6Z_VbTyuR-sU1XDnKJyuJmzLWCHb_-ecJtVAt0iA-2WtA016eKDV0DP_V0jeX-YOBtzEEYosUpKjQWtsVkuY4uSwM4SB9fedJdgyEQ3fGI/s200/harry+potter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I didn't get into Harry Potter until I saw the second film "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmPrfYkpwTY">Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</a>" in the theater with my family. I had actually been banning it (stupidly) just because I grew up with a little, very cheesy film called "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k86-cUlgPvk">The Worst Witch</a>." (You may remember me writing about it for <a href="http://diaryofacelluloidgirl.blogspot.com/2010/10/for-weekend-childhood-halloween.html">Halloween</a>.) "Worst Witch" is also based on a series of children's books, but centered on a girl instead of a boy. Being young and feminist, I protested the world's placement of male over female in my own little battle. But then I saw "Chamber of Secrets" and all my protesting went flying out the window. I was hooked. I borrowed friends' books, checked them out of the library, and finally bought my own copies to catch me up to date. Since then, I have seen each remaining film at midnight, and purchased each remaining book at the midnight release parties.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvE49o3HZobwJh0Lwdjg3n7tobAEer5eQzkVxNdf3ZnZtp3u7xvBnY36J3HN6pSJLCsKB66UZIAY-y2xGHKOCfG9Czrpoeu81DXLM7SHRdcy2K5uK8IrLXcjNEnYp10bZgtDQeR8pFY4/s1600/alg_harry_potter01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvE49o3HZobwJh0Lwdjg3n7tobAEer5eQzkVxNdf3ZnZtp3u7xvBnY36J3HN6pSJLCsKB66UZIAY-y2xGHKOCfG9Czrpoeu81DXLM7SHRdcy2K5uK8IrLXcjNEnYp10bZgtDQeR8pFY4/s200/alg_harry_potter01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>All J.K. Rowling's books are great, but the conversion to film has always been iffy. A lot gets lost in translation, as most adaptations do. Of all the films, though, the fifth, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKC0W3mF1wA">Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix</a>" was my favorite, because it managed to portray the growing anger and tension of the books in the film. However, the sixth film "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnooUEuyn_M">Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince</a>" I liked the least. One of my favorite books, "Half-Blood Prince" the film left out much of the elements needed for the final chapter. Instead of focusing on the feelings and secrets that would soon be driving and helping the main trio, it focused on the lighthearted bits of adolescence only. Since both these two installments were directed by David Yates, I was a little apprehensive about "Deathly Hallows," his next directing venture. But I was thankfully pleased...and I now have a new favorite!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hYiJ7oDaG_zhzupdm0Krh_b2d89NxVBEi2CkzJmslsUoUc731QFXlHgDRvR3ED8wUNJ9Cl3hBBpRrZRXq_uPUwPxxP26EvvI0yTGF3lVrG301dhNs1h85T6X7YjWSYzcY0xYbc54bNU/s1600/harry-potter-stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hYiJ7oDaG_zhzupdm0Krh_b2d89NxVBEi2CkzJmslsUoUc731QFXlHgDRvR3ED8wUNJ9Cl3hBBpRrZRXq_uPUwPxxP26EvvI0yTGF3lVrG301dhNs1h85T6X7YjWSYzcY0xYbc54bNU/s200/harry-potter-stars.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Luckily, because Warner Bros. decided to divide the final book into two parts, the film production had five hours to tell the story instead of two. This allowed them to include every part in the conclusion. You get each intense battle, each moment of fear, and each emotional outburst. This also allowed the three leads (Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson) to stretch their acting wings and really dig deep into the characters they have been portraying for a decade now. Every Potter fan will be itching for "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EC2tmFVNNE">Part 2</a>" when the credits roll (which doesn't come out until July 2011...grrr!).<br />
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So, in my fan state but also my film fanatic state, I highly recommend "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" this weekend. I already have my tickets to see it again! I may have over-hyped it to some, but I think most Harry Potter fans will agree - it's the beginning of a magnificent end! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!<br />
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(Post-tidbit: The main filming for "Part 2" finished about five months ago, and like graduating school, all were very emotional about leaving their magical world behind. So Daniel Radcliffe decided to take some souvenirs home, two pairs of his famous glasses - one tiny pair from the first film and one from the final.)Celluloid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16390404339528840957noreply@blogger.com0