National Classic Movie Day: Five Stars Blogathon

 

Asking a serious Classic Movie fan to name the five movie stars they love the most is a serious question indeed. But that is exactly what the Classic Film and TV Café is asking for this years' National Classic Movie Day Blogathon. With such previous hard-hitting questions as your favorite film and what five movies you would take with you on a deserted island, this question is also not an easy one to answer.

I could very easily rattle off my top favorite stars: John Wayne, William Powell, Cary Grant, Olivia de Havilland, and Myrna Loy, all movie stars whose films I love the most. But that's not quite what this blogathon is about. This blogathon is about the movie stars we LOVE. That is the key word here. And so, here are the five movie stars that I LOVE the most. I may not love all of their films, but there is something about each and every one of these stars that makes me love them above all the rest.

Judy Garland

My first idol. For a lot of Classic Movie Fans, it was The Wizard of Oz that started it all. While I don't know exactly what Classic Movie I saw first, growing up on John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, and live-action Disney films for the 60s, I do know that I have always loved Judy Garland as Dorothy. While it was mainly the red shoes, I loved the magic of the film and most of all, the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I have always tried to emulate her singing style and nothing makes me happier than belting out "The Trolley Song" or "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" as I'm driving somewhere. Judy is also the only one who can make me cry when she gets that catch in her voice. I wish so badly that I could go back in time and protect her from the people who made her life miserable and tell her just how amazing she was and how much she is loved by so many people.

Favorite Films: Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940), and Girl Crazy (1943).

Other posts on Judy: The Clock (1945) & "Are you a good witch...". Also, look for my post on my Wizard of Oz collection in June for the Judy Garland Blogathon.

William Powell

While I have always enjoyed Classic Movies - I didn't watch anything else growing up - it was William Powell who made me obsessed with them. A few months before I started this blog, and shortly after I finished college, I re-watched the Thin Man movies. For some reason they hadn't really affected me when I watched them in my teens, but this time I couldn't get over the amazing chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy. Over the next year, I watched as many of Powell's films as I could, some on YouTube and several on TCM on his birthday. He was brilliant in every single one of them. By watching his films I discovered more great stars which led me to discover even more great stars. He was also one of the reasons I ended up starting a blog, so that I could share my discoveries with others.

Favorite Films: All of them, but especially the ones with Loy. Also Mister Roberts (1955).

Other Posts on Bill: The Emperor's Candlesticks (1937); Libeled Lady (1936); Woody Van Dyke and the Creation of Our Favorite On-Screen Married Couple; Kisses of Nick and Nora; The William Powell Oscar Snubs; Top Ten William Powell Movies

Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard was another re-discovery. I had seen her in My Man Godfrey when I was a teen, but her zany character was a little to much for me to handle. But in the course of watching Powell's films I gave this one a re-watch and enjoyed it much better. I wish I could remember what films of hers I saw next but all I remember is that I quickly came to love this beautiful blond who wasn't afraid to act silly. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and To Be or Not to Be were early favorites. I was devastated when I learned of her untimely death in a plane crash in 1942 and if there was one thing in history I could change that would be it.

Favorite Films: No Man of Her Own (1932), In Name Only (1939), Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941), and To Be or Not to Be (1942).

Other Posts on Carole: Carole Lombard Models Chic Summer Fashions; Sinners in the Sun (1932); Carole Lombard's Childhood Home; Carole Lombard's Star Sapphires

Lauren Bacall

I discovered Bacall through a special feature on my You've Got Mail (1998) dvd titled "You've Got Chemistry." Not only did it re-introduce me to Powell and Loy, it also introduced me to two couples I didn't know: Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland and Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall (the other couples featured were Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney and of course Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan). Bogie I knew but Bacall was new to me. When I saw the clips from To Have and Have Not (1944) I knew this was a film I had to see. I quickly acquired the four films Bogie and Bacall made together from my library and not long after bought the boxed set. For quite some time To Have... was my favorite movie. I read Bacall's autobiography (which I highly recommend) and wrote a post about her amazing eyebrows (seriously, what I wouldn't give to have them). I was so sad when, not long after I had discovered her, she passed away. It was then that I wrote one of my best blog posts, a full year before I started this blog dedicated especially to my newfound passion of Classic Movies (I liked it so much I used it again for the Lauren Bacall Blogathon two years later).

Favorite Films: To Have and Have Not (1944) and Key Largo (1948).

Other Posts on Lauren: Blood Alley (1955); Frank Sinatra and Lauren Bacall

Lastly...

Whenever compiling a list of favorites, the most difficult choice is always the last one because you realize how many persons or things you are having to leave off. Do I pick lifetime favorites John Wayne or Cary Grant? Actors I've had major crushes on like Paul Newman, Aldo Ray, Cliff Robertson, Michael Callan? Ones I've discovered more recently like Olivia de Havilland, Jean Simmons, Dorothy McGuire? If this wasn't Classic Movie Day I'd just make things easy and pick Chris Pine, but since it is my final choice is going to be...

Simone Simon

If you've seen Cat People (1942) you will understand this choice. If you haven't... go watch it. How could I not love her? She is so adorable it's impossible not to love her. I can't even put into words why I love her so much ♥♥♥

Favorite Films: I've only seen four and out of all of them the only one that really good is Cat People (1942).

Post on Simone: Simone Simon ~ The Fetching Feline

Final Note

When listing actors or actresses whose movies I couldn't live without the list is mostly actors, so it's funny that it's mostly actresses that I have the most devotion to. I guess it's because I admire these women so much and wish I could be like them. It is these women who inspire me by their strength and beauty to work toward my goals in life. And it is William Powell that I use as a standard in judging men, which explains why I'm still single... ;)

Finally, go check out the other posts and see what five stars other bloggers have chosen! Maybe you'll discover some new ones!

NATIONAL CLASSIC MOVIE DAY: Five Movies on an Island

Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. (1966)

Last year Rick of Classic Film and TV Café instituted the First Annual Classic Movie Day, which takes place on May 16. He hosted the My Favorite Classic Movie Blogathon in which I wrote about one of my favorite films, Libeled Lady (1936). This year the theme is Five Movies on an Island. That's right. Just FIVE.  The object is to write about the "five classic movies you would want to have with you if stranded on a deserted island. (Yes, you can assume you have electricity, a projector, big screen, and popcorn!) These might be your all-time five favorite movies. Or, you might mix in some 'comfort films' to give your tropical habitat that desired homey feel.' " The only thing I would want to change in this scenario is the popcorn - not a fan. I'll have chocolate please (or if it HAS to be popcorn at least let it be Fiddle Faddle).

I Dream of Jeannie

As any movie fan knows, choosing just a certain number of favorite films is both agonizing and fun. Agonizing because there's so many you want to choose (not counting that it depends on your mood) and fun because... well it's just fun that's all!

When making such a momentous decision such as choosing five movies to watch for who know's how long (remember how long it took to get off Gilligan's Island??), one must have some sort of criteria. Here is what I have come up with:

1. The films must leave you with a "feel-good" feeling, you certainly don't want to be sad or scared on you're island!

2. They must be films that stand up to the test of time - you can watch them again and again.

3. It would be good to have happy memories associated with the film, such as the annual family Christmas movie.

4. It should be long - why waste a choice on a film that only lasts 80 minutes!

5. At least one should have some great songs in it.

Notice I did not say it should have helpful hints on how to survive. The Swiss Family Robinson is ok, but not anywhere near the top of my list of favorites!

Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. (1966)

Now that I have my criteria, here are my five films in order of release date (pre-1970s):

The Thin Man (1934)

William Powell & Myrna Loy

Because I HAVE to have at least one Powell/Loy movie! The mystery may not be all that exciting, but their on-screen chemistry is! Need proof? Click here!

Ever since I discovered Powell a couple years ago, I have been hooked. That man is an amazing and often overlooked actor. I have seen almost all of his "talkies" and I can honestly say he's great in all of them. The Thin Man is the film that boosted his career and made him a top box-office draw as a romantic leading man (this to a man who had played mostly villains in his silent career). This film also made Powell and Loy every movie fan's favorite couple and put the fun back in marriage. I could quote the series all day and look at gifs for hours. I adore these two together.

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Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Katharine Hepburn & Cary Grant

This movie is just flat-out, laugh out loud, funny. Hepburn's fast-talking may take a couple viewings to get used to but once you've got it, it just gets better and better. Practically every line is "quote" worthy and THAT HOUSE is to die for. And since on an island I'd most likely be living in a hut I need a house I can dream about.

My absolute favorite line in this movie is when Susan (Hepburn) and David (Grant) are out in the woods looking for Baby (the leopard) when they suddenly fall down, breaking David's glasses and Susan's heel to her shoe. In a completely ad-libbed looking moment, Susan begins walking around and says laughing in that funny laugh of hers, "I was born on the side of a hill." I. Love. That. Line. Luckily it's on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.

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Rio Grande (1950)

John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara

I have always loved John Wayne. I have never known a time without John Wayne. It is therefore no surprise that a John Wayne film should show up on this list. In fact, I could easily choose ALL John Wayne films for this list and be very happy on my island. But I limited it to one (if you were wondering, my other four would be Donovan's Reef, The Quiet Man, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and The Searchers).

Reasons I love this particular John Wayne movie the most:

• It has a fantastic cast: Maureen O'Hara, Victor McLaglen, Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr., and a host of other familiar "Ford" faces.
• It has a great soundtrack (yes we have the cd): the soft, heart-stirring instrumentals, the beautiful theme of "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen" running throughout, and the melodious harmony of the Sons of the Pioneers (watch above).
• It has some of the best on-screen chemistry in the entire history of film: John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara... need I say more? The Duke really knew how to kiss a woman so that she'd never forget it and if you all alone on that island, well... you need something to never forget either.
• Lastly, everything else! The directing by John Ford, the majestic vista's of Monument Valley, the action, suspense, romance... how could it NOT be on my list??

Just LOOK AT HIM!!!

 

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Roman Holiday (1953)

Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck

Roman Holiday is the most beautiful romantic comedy of all time. Not only is it pretty much everyone's introduction to the magic of the bewitching Audrey Hepburn, but it's filmed in the Eternal City itself. Upon finishing it I always want to start it over and watch it again.

Both Hepburn and Peck are perfect in their roles of European Princess and American newspaper man. And I love Eddie Albert as Irving, the photographer. He brings the perfect amount of humor to the film. And of course I HAVE to mention the award-winning costumes by Edith Head. One day I WILL go to Rome and I WILL be wearing an outfit like Hepburn's as I go on my own "Roman Holiday" (I would say I WILL eat gelato on the Spanish Steps but I don't want to be arrested - I don't think I could get out of it like Hepburn and Peck did).

Recommended Post: Audrey Hepburn's Roman Holiday Outfit

And yes, I'm so obsessed with this movie that I MADE MY OWN TRAVEL BROCHURE tracing all the locations they visited IN ORDER.

 

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White Christmas (1954)

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, & Vera-Ellen

I have watched White Christmas with my family every year for as long as I can remember. I know all the words to almost all the song (Mom always fast-forwarded "Mandy"). I would say more about this amazing film but I'm writing about it next week for the Gotta Dance! Blogathon. I will say that, for me, this movie embodies Christmas and because we only watch it at Christmas, we look forward to it all year long (it's really unbearable around July - one is always ready for Christmas in the heat of the summer).

Two more things that are a PLUS in this movie: VistaVision & Technicolor :)

To satisfy you until next week.

There are so many more I could choose, but these are tried and true favorites that I will NEVER tire of. My last word to you is, go, watch as many of your favorite movies as you want and be thankful that you will never have to actually make this decision!

In case you were wondering what my post-1970s list would look like, and you probably weren't: Rocky (1976)...... Moonstruck (1987)............. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)...................... You've Got Mail (1998) and................................ Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) - man was that agonizing!!!

UPDATE: Let's hope that if this ever DOES happen, it's on the TCM Cruise and then we can watch each others movies!!!

This list is William Powell approved.

Libeled Lady (1936)

Today is the first National Classic Movie Day. What better way to celebrate than write about one of my favorite movies, which also just so happens to be a Romantic Comedy. It stars four of the biggest stars of the 1930s: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, and Spencer Tracy. Yep, it's Libeled Lady.

First of all, a definition of "libel":

Libel - a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

The following synopsis is from the TCM website (it's been a while since I've seen the movie and I don't own it on DVD yet):

The presses at The New York Evening Star stop too late to kill a false story on heiress Connie Allenbury (Loy), so she sues the paper for libel, asking $5,000,000 in damages. Warren Haggerty (Tracy), the paper's editor, would do anything to get her to drop the suit, although he is happy that it has saved him from finally taking his girl friend Gladys (Harlow) to the altar. Hoping to get themselves out of the suit, Haggerty and the owner, Mr. Bane, reluctantly track down former Star employee Bill Chandler (Powell), a specialist in libel cases. Bill tricks Haggerty into a big salary, then plans his strategy: he will marry someone in name only, then pursue Connie and have his "wife" find them in a compromising situation, thereby forcing her to drop the suit. Although she doesn't like the idea, Gladys agrees to marry Bill when Haggerty promises to marry her later. Bill arranges to meet Connie and her father, J. B. Allenbury (Connolly), and eventually she becomes attracted to him.

 

 

No one can resist that face

 

 

 

On a fishing trip, Bill begins to return her affection and he tricks Haggerty and Gladys into postponing the plans. Back in New York, Bill and Connie see each other secretly, while Gladys begins to appreciate Bill's suave attentions. When Haggerty suspects that Bill isn't doing his job, he goes to Connie to plead for the paper and runs into Bill. He then incites Gladys into going through with the plan by printing a false society column linking Bill and Connie. He follows Gladys to a charity carnival they are attending. When Mr. Allenbury hears gossip that Bill may have a wife, he warns Connie, who instead proposes to Bill. When Gladys and Haggerty go to their hotel, they discover that Bill and Connie are married and that he has told her everything.

The showdown

Bill reveals that he had discovered the day before that Gladys' Yucatan divorce from her first husband was not valid and thus her marriage to him was a fake. Gladys, however, says that she got another divorce later in Reno and really is married to Bill. She refuses to let Bill go, but Connie makes her realize that she only fell for Bill because he showed her the little kindnesses that Haggerty didn't. When the women hear the men fighting, Gladys rushes to Haggerty and they make up. Finally, Mr. Allenbury arrives and demands an explanation, which they loudly and simultaneously give him.

 

Would I ask you to do this thing for me if I didn't consider you practically my wife?

You can't build a life on hate, or a marriage on spite. Marriage is too important.

Mine only lasted an hour, but... I know.

The absolute best scene in the entire movie is when Powell, pretending to be an expert on fly-fishing, actually has to go fishing with Loy and her father, who are avid fly-fishers. You can watch the scene below:

 

               

On the set (note Powell's upside-down book)

 

Filming the scene

Another interesting aspect of the film is that at this time, Powell and Harlow were a couple. Harlow wanted to play the part of Connie so she would be the one that ended up with Powell, but the studio wanted another Powell/Low movie. Harlow had to be content with the roll of Gladys. This makes her scenes with Powell all the more interesting as she has to act as though Powell thoroughly disgusts her and her character has to pretend to be madly in love with him. She calls him and ape and bites his hand when they're alone and kisses him passionately when they're not. Unfortunately, after making just two more pictures, Harlow died 8 months after the release of Libeled Lady, leaving behind a heartbroken Powell. She was only 26.

 

 

A couple costume sketches by Dolly Tree for Harlow and Loy.

                

 

The hat from the sketch

 

If the above clips haven't encouraged you to immediately find a copy of this movie to watch, perhaps Robert Osborne can persuade you. After all, it is one of his top five favorite comedies...

 


Behind-the-scenes photos and costume sketches from the TCMDb Archives. All other pictures found via Pinterest.

This movie airs on TCM on Nov. 13th at 11pm EST.
Also, be sure to check out this awesome behind-the-scenes look at the movie by Silver Scenes.

This post is part of the My Favorite Classic Movie Blogathon hosted by Classic Film and TV Café. Be sure and check out all the other fantastic posts.

 

How did you celebrate?

Myrna flipping pancakes on the set