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Tuesday 31 August 2010

Oh, how neglectful I've been!

Hello everyone! So, I need to apologize for the lack of posts the last week. I've just felt up to posting on here for the last month or so, due to personal circumstances. I'm feeling a bit more like my old self now, I think, so hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things.

I can't think of anything particularly interesting to post about today, so I'll leave you with a phot of Greer looking gorgeous - as usual! :) Hopefully tomorrow I'll have something interesting to write! ;D

Monday 23 August 2010

Sunday 22 August 2010

Sunday Star - Jean Harlow

I'm pretty sure my mouse is the HUGEST fan of Joan Crawford, because, before it picked out Jean Harlow, it picked Joan Crawford again.

I'm really pleased about today's Sunday Star being Jean, as I am such a big fan of hers. Unfortunately, I'm still having difficulty with bigger posts due to my illness, so this might be more photos that text!

Jean Harlow


3 March, 1911 - 7 June, 1937

I've always loved Jean, ever since I first saw the above photo of her. From that moment on, I was hooked. Initially, I think it was her platinum blonde hair and her elusive and mysterious face and eyes that made me want to know more about her, but, as I learned about her tragic life, I wanted to know more about Harlean than Jean. Several years on, and I still haven't learnt as much about her as I have some other actresses whom I've been interested in for a much shorter period of time. I believe, despite a being very much in the public eye, that she was a very private person, and that, like so many other "movie stars" with tragic lives, she was used and abused.


Jean Harlow was born Harlean Harlow Carpenter...a bit of mouthful, but I think it's such a cool name! I've never heard of anyone being called Harlean before. Her childhood wasn't particularly idyllic, and by the age of 16 she had eloped with Charles McGrew who was 4 years her senior.

In 1927 she began her career in the movies that eventually took her to the heights of fame and fortune. As is often the case, although she appeared happy and carefree, Jean's life was full of sadness and tragedy. She died in 1937 from kidney failure, after complaining of feeling unwell for several months. Her final film, Saratoga, was incomplete when she died, and the studio was ready to cast another actress in it, but the public protested and 3 doubles were used to complete the film. One for close ups, one for long distance shots, and one for her voice. I personally find it really hard to watch the film, knowing that she was so ill.

Oh my, this has been such a drear and depressing post - I'm really sorry! Here's a list of some of my favourite Jean films for those of you who might not be familiar with her...

Platinum Blonde
Red-Headed Woman
Dinner at Eight
Hell's Angels
The Public Enemy
The Beast of the City
Libeled Lady
Now for a few of my favourite photos...





^This dress from Dinner At Eight was so form fitting that Jean couldn't sit down in it, so the studio had to make her a special board contraption thing, so that she could rest in between takes!


Hope the post wasn't too depressing! :/

Photo of the Day



This photo makes me so indescribably happy!

Saturday 21 August 2010

My 10 Favourite On-screen Couples

This is a list of the 18 people who I think make the most adorable, delightful, beautiful and charming on-screen couples. I hope you enjoy it!

No. 10



Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy

The first time I saw either of them was when I was 9/10 at my Grandma’s house. I used to spend the whole day there on Saturdays, and, in the afternoon, we would watch old films on the television. Often, Grandma would fall to sleep, leaving me to watch the films by myself. It must have been one of their birthdays or something, because one of the channel played 3 of their films one after the other that afternoon. The films were: Woman of the Year, Adam’s Rib and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. My Grandma must have really liked Kate and Spencer back in the day because she was full of praise about their films (despite her falling asleep half way through the first one) and she told me a lot about them. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Spencer, and despite the fact that Kate and I have our ups and downs ( ;D ), ever since that afternoon I’ve loved "Kate and Spencer".



Favourite Film: Adam’s Rib



No. 9





Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant

I don’t suppose that many people would count Roz and Cary as one of their favourite on-screen couples, but I just love them together so much. They had such amazing chemistry in His Girl Friday, and, if it wasn’t for that chemistry, the rapid-firing dialogue just wouldn’t have been the same. I can’t put into words how much I love them! :’)

Favourite Film: His Girl Friday (duh)



No. 8





Eleanor Parker and Frank Sinatra

This is another odd one, I suppose - especially if you think in terms of The Man With the Golden Arm! However, if you’ve seen them together in A Hole in the Head, I’m pretty sure you’d agree with me that they’re so cute together. Even in The Man With the Golden Arm they work so well together. There’s just something really special there. Frank is quite macho, and Eleanor always seems so delicate and gentle...they compliment each other, I suppose. PEOPLE, I LOVE THEM TOGETHER, OK!?



Favourite Film: A Hole In the Head



Excuse the terrible screencap!



No. 7





Myrna Loy and William Powell

It’s an age since I’ve seen anything with this lovely couple in, but, nevertheless, here they are. It’s probably illegal to make this list without putting them on, so, yeah. They’re excessively cute and hilarious together, and I love them a lot.



Favourite Film: The Thin Man



No. 6


Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn


I was introduced to these two divine creatures at an early age when my mother would make us all watch The Adventures of Robin Hood at Christmas and various other times of the year. I thought Errol was an absolutely beautiful man (even though I had a tiny crush on Basil Rathbone…), and that Livvie was rather gorgeous herself. They seemed so perfect to me, and I’ve been in love with them as a couple, especially in the aforementioned film, ever since.



Favourite Film:

The Adventures of Robin Hood



No. 5




Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

I’ve said it before and I’ve said it again, Fred and Ginger aren’t my favourite dancing couple. That would be Cyd Charisse and either Fred or Gene, I never can decide. However, they’re my second fav. dancing couple, and as far as on-screen couples go, they are sooo adorable. The thing I love about them as dancer partners is the fact that they always worked so well together, Ginger was never whirling off trying to do her own thing…they were one when they danced.


Favourite Film: Swing Time


No. 4


Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne


I have so much love for this couple. The first film I saw them in was The Wings of Eagles, and I fell in love. They had such amazing chemistry…I can’t even…


I’m not a big fan of John Wayne, but give me a John and Maureen film and I’m as happy as Larry.


Favourite Film: The first one I saw, The Wings of Eagles.


No. 3



Greer Garson and Ronald Colman

I can’t even begin to express my love of this couple. They are just so beautiful together. I love them so, so much! Without saying a word, they could convey such emotion! :’) I really can’t put my adoration of them into mere words…


Favourite Film: Random Harvest


No. 2



Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant

I never used to particularly like Deborah and Cary together that much, but now I adore them. I love the way they banter in their films…it’s so charming and lovely. They don’t really sizzle like some on-screen couples, but they’re just so attractive together that you can’t help but adore them!


Favourite Film: An Affair To Remember (Dream Wife is a very close second!)


No. 1




  1. Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon

  2. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to most of you, as I’m constantly drooling over photos of them. They are so wonderful together - so gorgeous, marvellous, charming, delicious, delightful and divine. I get so excited when I watch any of their films…THEY ARE SO DAMN ADORABLE! From Greer’s cute little smirks, to Walter’s little cough whenever Greer says something a little bit shocking. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH, OK!? I could go on and on about them, but I’ll control myself.


Friday 20 August 2010

Thursday 19 August 2010

The Poll Results Are In!

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to make this post! Anyway, at least I'm doing it now! ;D

Well, I kind of knew before anyone voted on the poll which film the winner would be...


...yeah, I'm not even going to give the title because if you don't know what film this is...shame on you! ;D Who hasn't seen and loved Julie Andrews singing on an alp, dancing through Salzburg in a horrible clothes and carrying a cumbersome guitar, or dressing children in old curtains and then making them dance through Salzburg singing? Also, who hasn't suffered through Something Good - a film scene so hilarious that they had to film it in shadows because Julie and Christopher kept laughing. Needless to say, this film is just brilliant. I LOVE IT SO MUCH! Oh, and people, the Baroness is clearly the greatest character in this (well, her and the nun who looks like Eve Arden...). She wasn't even being horrible when she made Maria go away. I mean, come on, she was virtually married to the Captain and then Julie waltzes in with her 4 octaves and whooosh. Do not hate on B. Schraeder. She is the best and was my favourite character even when I was little. Oh, and just before I finish rambling about this glorious film, it should be noted that this film is probably my most watched. This, and The King and I, was basically the only thing I ever watched from the age of 4-9. I must have seen it over 1000 times...I'm not even kidding. For the last few weeks, I've watched it every night to help me get to sleep...it's like an old friend talking to me! ;D

The next film is my most loved R&H musical...

^Yul is like "Whaaa? We only came second!?"

The King and I

This was the film that made me fall in love with Old Hollywood - mainly because of Deborah Kerr. I love everything about this film: the costumes, the songs, the amazing sets, and Deborah. Anyway, this came in joint second with 3 votes. To the people who voted for this, I love you! ;D

Coming in joint 2nd with The King and I, is...


Oklahoma!

I hate this musical. I actually HATE IT! It's so horrible! I can't even...

Anyway, yeah, it came in joint 2nd...I don't want to dwell on it too much. :|

Coming in 3rd, with 1 vote, is...


South Pacific

Whoever voted for this, I love you! I think this is such a beautiful musical/film and it's one of my favourites. The music is just out of this world ♥

Carousel, State Fair (I love this film!), Flower Drum Song, and Cinderella received no votes.

Just because I love making lists, I'm going to list my favourite R&H musicals in order of most loved to HATED.

The King and I
The Sound of Music
South Pacific
State Fair
Carousel
Oklahoma!

I haven't seen Flower Drum Song or Cinderella so I can't really list them, but I'm pretty sure they can't be as horrific as Oklahoma! ;D

A BIG thank you to everyone who voted! :)

Photo of the Day



So much love for this photo! Carole looks so radiant and happy! ♥

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Happy Birthday, Maureen!

Maureen O'Hara


Born 17 August, 1920

Happy birthday, Maureen! ♥

I love this beautiful lady so much, it's impossible to say! She is just wonderful!


Maureen is always charming, graceful, and generous...and I'm just lost for words. All I can say is, I love her. Oh, and did I mention her absolutely glorious red hair!? *swoons*

I'd love to make a "6 Things" post for her birthday, but, as I said the other day, I've not been very well. Perhaps I'll make a belated one for her when I'm feeling a little better, but for now I'll leave you with a few photos...





Photo of the Day



Olivia and Joan ♥

Last night I had a photo all lined up for this post, but I've forgotten which one it was...and I have far too many folders/photos to try to find it!

Sunday 15 August 2010

Sunday Star - Joan Crawford

The trusty mouse once again did it's job, and picked for us a Sunday Star: Joan Crawford. After I'd finished questioning the mouse's obviously questionable sanity, I decided that I'd just get down to business and post...

^Probably my favourite photo of her :)

Well, I honestly don't have much to say about Joan, good or bad. One thing that I do love about Joan is the many amazing photos of her. There's something so incredible about her photos, they just mesmerise me. So, whilst I'm thinking of something to say, here are a few of my favourites...





^That is just such a beautiful photo! :')

Well, I've thought. I still don't know what to say, but I ought to say something! ;D

You probably already know this, but I don't particularly think much of Joan as an actress (don't get me wrong, she was immense in several of her films, but, on the whole, she's not my favourite...), however, I'm hard pressed to think of someone who was more of a star than Joan.


There's no denying Joan was a movie star of the first magnitude. I personally have more respect for great actresses (*cough*Bette*cough*), but movie stars like Joan just fascinate me....I don't know why!


Having said that I don't particularly like Joan as an actress, I must say that I love "silent Joan". She was one of the lucky actresses who made a successful transition from silent to sound, but I really do love her silent films.


Her face was perfect for silents and, quite honestly, with the exception of a few of her sound films, I enjoy her 4 years of silents a lot more than her 40 years of talkies.

I would love to have written (typed) more, but I've not been very well for the last few days and I lack the motivation to write anything much, so this will have to suffice for now. Hopefully very soon I'll be able to compile more interesting posts! A presto! :)

Photo of the Day



One of my favourite photos of Eve Arden! This woman was so amazing! There doesn't seem to be enough love for her, though :( Anyway, I love her so much that when she has her 20 second guest role on I Love Lucy, I get all excited and am all "OH MY WORD! IT'S EVE! IT'S EVE!" and then I usually rewind the scene and watch it another 10 times. ;D

Saturday 14 August 2010

Photo of the Day



Ginger, how I love you! This is one of my favourite photos of Ginger, and one of my favourite photos of all time. It's just perfect in so many ways. She looks lovely and relaxed and...just wonderful! :')

Friday 13 August 2010

Happy Birthday, Sir Alfred!

Sir Alfred Hitchcock


13 August, 1899 - 29 April, 1980

Happy birthday, Sir Alfred! You are the greatest! :D

Minus Jamaica Inn. I hate that film, even Maureen couldn't save it for me.
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