My picks for entertainment ~ suggested movies, TV shows, music, and books ~ so you can enjoy some quality ME time! (ATTN Korean drama addicts! This blog has lots of K-drama love.)
If parents want to choose a vintage movie to watch with their kids, especially young girls, pick "National Velvet" (1945), which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney.
One of my favorite films as a kid was “National Velvet” which starred a 12-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, alongside Mickey Rooney. This child had a horse she believed could win a race if only she could ride him to victory. She entered the race and her horse won. But they disqualified her as the champion. Why? Because she was a girl and girls were not allowed to compete. Her spirit was not broken. She beamed with pride and joy. She was so proud of her horse because she proved that he could win the race and that they could be "the best that they could be". I loved that movie!!
For those who enjoy watching the movie and reading the book, National Velevet was adapted from a book by the same name, written by Enid Bagnold.
In my humble opinion this movie is a timeless classic that children of every generation would enjoy; especially young girls.
I once worked for the federal government. I understand how a young man like Christopher Boyce who came from a typical middle class white American Catholic family ... could become disillusioned he when comes to the knowledge that his beloved country, the United States of America, is not ... "perfect". After all, that's not what he was taught or raised to believe.
Even though I'm African-American and grew up in segregated neighborhood, I can empathize with how he felt. I was taught the same thing. America is the land of the free, the home of the brave, We're righteous and the other countries should follow our example. Even though I understand Mr. Boyce, I refuse to justify what he did. Ideals or not, HE WAS WRONG!
So America is not "without sin". But can any other country say that they are sinless? You don't like what's happening in America? Stay here and change it!! At least you care. The other country you're selling out to, could care less.
This is a very good movie. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. The soundtrack gets 10 stars! David Bowie is English but he sang the song "This is Not America", like he was an American
"The Falcon and the Snowman" starred Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. I think the movie should be incorporated into an orientation training class for all civil servants who work in the law enforcement agencies “ CIA, NSA, ICE, FBI, etc. The movie was intense. Riveting! A favorite word used by official movie critics. The best part of the movie for me is David Bowie and Pat Metheny on the soundtrack. But I digress.The movie is about a young guy (Christopher Boyce, played by Timothy Hutton) who works for the government and learns that "things" are not what they appear to be and feels betrayed by his country. He gets angry about it “ as any red-blooded patriot would - and decides to sells secrets to "The Enemy". He recruits his childhood friend (Daulton Lee, played by Sean Penn) who is a dope head! Long story short. In the end, they both go to prison. There is also a book written about this story as well.
In between, Mr. Lee gets caught and accused of murder. Of course, he didn't commit the murder but that didn't stop the law enforcement authorities who captured him from grilling him, thoroughly interrogating him, and torturing him to get the truth out of him.After all is said and done “ they say "He did!," - he say "He didn't! He's just a tourist, a businessman." - there's a scene where he's about to be released and a man walks in and says something to the effect: "We're going to give you 2 choices." Before the man could tell what the choices were, Mr. Lee (Sean Penn) looks up at the guy, weary, scared, demoralized and says in questioning tone of voice: "Costa Rica?"I CRACKED UP LAUGHING!!I thought to myself: 'Now ain't that sumthin! They done beat the crap about this boy and he is totally weakened and confused, but he still had the clarity of mind to try to negotiate to get sent to Costa Rica!!' :)
American movies and even TV shows these days no longer have innocence. By that I mean … I remember when there was once something called “censorship” and the entertainment industry was bound by certain rules that required all who were involved in writing script for movies and television shows to keep the dialogue “clean” and nudity was not just discouraged but forbidden! If in the movie, an actor and an actress were dating or pursuing a relationship, it was not necessary for them to appear in bed together for the viewing audience to understand that they were interested in each other.
Where I Find Old Movies to Watch
I love my Pluto.tv subscription because they have lots of old movie channels. These channels show movies that were made when censorship rules were deemed important to strengthen the moral fabric of our citizenry. I love old movies. I especially love old movies which star Elvis Presley.
Entertainment Trivia About Elvis Presley
Just a little trivia I picked up a while back. I heard that Elvis did not like the fact that his fellow countrymen were going off to serve their country in the military and he was back home making silly movies. So finally he was approached by the military, asked to join, and his service to the country would be entertaining the troops. Elvis didn’t like the idea at first because that wasn’t his idea of serving his country. But the military officials convinced him that his performing for the troops would do wonders for their morale. So Elvis agreed and joined the military. He did not see combat but he did do wonders for lifting the spirits of the troops.
For you Elvis buffs, if that’s not a true story, feel free to call me out on it!
Back to the point of this article.
Delightfully Wholesome Sweet Talk in “G.I. Blues”
Thanks to the wonders of the remote control, one never has to linger on any one channel for an extended period of time. You would think a person has A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) when they get a remote control in their hands. So I’m clicking through channels searching for something to keep me entertained and landed on one of the channels for old movies and immediately stopped when I saw Elvis Presley dressed in a military uniform.
The name of the film is “G.I. Blues” (1960). I didn’t watch the entire movie but I stayed on the channel long enough to catch this exchange between the leading man (Elvis Presley) and the leading lady (Juliet Prowse). These are probably not exact quotes but it’s close enough to the exact dialogue.
In this scene, Elvis Presley gets into a cable car with the lovely Juliet Prowse so that it can take them up into the sky and they can have a picturesque view of the mountains, etc.
Ms. Prowse gets in first. Mr. Presley follows behind and the door is closed. Before they take off Elvis asked Ms. Prowse if the cars ever get stuck when they get up high and the occupants just have to wait for a long time until someone comes to rescue them.
Ms. Prowse responds something to the effect: “Oh that seldom happens. So you needn’t worry. These cars are quite safe.”
To which Mr. Presley responds: “Oh I wasn’t worried. I was just kind of … hoping!”
Don’t you just love delightfully wholesome sweet talk like that?
At one time, Cary Grant (1904 - 1986) was one of Hollywood's main leading men. He was certainly one of my favorite actors. He has been acting since the 1930s but most of the movies I remember watching when I was growing up were released in the late 1940s and the 1950s.
Watching old movies is one of my favorite things, especially during the holiday season. Christmas is not until December but I hope no qualms about starting the celebrations as soon as the autumn season is officially declared. The last week of September is usually the first week of the fall season. Here are my 2 picks for Cary Grant movies to watch for the Christmas season. It's best to watch in December.
Movie #1: The Bishop's Wife (1947), leading lady, Loretta Young Cary Grant is an angel from heaven named Dudley. He came down to earth in response to the Bishop's prayer for guidance and in the process of performing his ministerial angel duties, ends up spending most of his time with the bishop's unhappy wife. The answer to the bishop's prayer lies in him realizing that in the performance of his duties as bishop and a husband, he had somehow misplaced his priorities. All he needed was to put back on the right path. It's a warm and fuzzy feel-good kind of movie that is best watched during the Christmas holiday season.
Movie #2: An Affair to Remember (1957), leading lady, Deborah Kerr
What happens when two (2) lovers make an arrangement to meet at a certain place, on a certain date, at a certain time, with the intention to get married and living happily ever after … only one of the lovers does not show up at that certain place and time, as per the arrangement? Another love story and a real tear-jerker! My favorite part of the movie was where Deborah Kerr started crying but she took her handkerchief and started wiping the tears from Cary Grant's face. He gently took the handkerchief away from her and started wiping her years. She was the one crying. Not him! It was a love affair to remember. I remembered it and have rewatched the movie more than once. It wasn't a Christmas movie but that touching love scene happened during a Christmas holiday.
Did you know that sunflowers turn to follow the sun? In Greek mythology, a young nymph fell in love with the sun god Apollo. What do you think the gods did to her? It's a tragic love story. The movie "Sunflower" which stars Sophia Loren is also a tragic love story. Where to Watch.
But the sunflower has more than one love story.
Do you enjoy old movies?Are you also a fan of Sophia Loren? If so, you may have already seen this film, but if you haven't, it comes highly recommended. (That means my husband liked it! ☺) It's a very moving love story about a newly wedded couple. The woman's husband went to war and did not return home. Even though others tell her he is probably dead, she believes her husband is alive and sets out to prove it."In the Soviet Union, Giovanna visits the sunflower fields, where there is supposedly one flower for each fallen Italian soldier, and where the Germans forced the Italians to dig their own mass graves." (Quote Source) That's it! No spoilers. That's all you'll get out of me, except to say that, this movie would make a great addition to your personal video library. Ms. Loren has starred in many movies that just didn't enough publicity or airtime. This is one of them.
Thought the Clutter is an entertainment blog that published a List of 28 Warren Beatty Movies, Ranked Best to Worst. I have never been a huge fan of Warren Beatty. There is no denying he was tall, dark, and handsome. But frankly, I really admired his sister; the enormously talented actress Shirley MacLane. However, giving credit where credit is due:
"Warren Beatty is an American actor and filmmaker who is the second person to be nominated for 'Academy Awards' for acting in, directing, writing, and producing the same film – which he achieved twice for the fantasy-comedy film 'Heaven Can Wait' (1978) and for the historical epic 'Reds' (1981). Of his total 14 'Oscar' nominations, he won the award for 'Best Director' for 'Reds' (1981)."
That quote/fact was lifted from the TTC article list mentioned above. Kudos to Mr. Beatty for his achievements. Even so ... his movies never made it to my 'Oh I'm dying to watch or re-watch this list!" However, if I were going to pick a classic film starring Warren Beatty, it would have to be “Splendor in the Grass” (1961). Yes, the fact that Natalie Wood was the leading lady had a lot to do with it.
These two films were made 20 years apart. But are two of the greatest movies in cinematic history. “Johnny Belinda” (1948) and “Wait Until Dark” (1967).
There is no need to write a detailed blog post. Trust this recommendation. Not only watch them but re-watch them. :)
He
was very popular but since I did not like football, I can't say much
about his sports career. Nevertheless, I knew his name because
everybody in my neighborhood knew who Jim Brown was.
I am proud that he used his celebrity status to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote civil rights.
Also, I enjoyed his movies. I will always remember him for these 2 movies: The Dirty Dozen AND 100 Rifles.
In the movie The Dirty Dozen (1967),
he had a support role. He was part of a team of 12 men (a dozen) who
had to sneak behind enemy lines during World War II and blow up the
Germans.
In 100 Rifles (1969),
he and Raquel Welch had a steamy interracial love scene. Forget what
the movie was about. The only thing people remember is that scene with Jim
Brown and Raquel Welch making out. It wasn't even X-rated but it caused quite a stir.
If you are making a list of greatest war movies, The Dirty Dozen (1967) has to go on that list. All-star cast. All-star action! “The Dirty Dozen” is a war movie classic.
Traditionally, in the United States, around Independence Day (4th of July), Memorial Day (celebrated the last Monday in May), Veterans Day (November 11), etc. television stations air military movies that are supposed to foster American patriotism. At one time FoxNews.com published a list of “The 30 Greatest War Movies of All Time”. Some of the movies I picked were on their list. Some were not. But they're still on my list for great war movies.
The Dirty Dozen (1967) is one of them.
This is a great movie about 12 convicts being given a second chance to start life over if they serve their country on a military mission and of course if they survive. I still enjoy it every time I watch it. These two lines are the ones I still remember.
*** (Background for the scene: There was an obvious commotion coming from the room; the definite sound of men fighting, or rather … settling their differences in the only way men know how.)
- Sergeant Clyde Bowren: [as Major Reisman exits the room ] : Whats going on, sir?
- Major John Reisman: Oh, the gentleman from the South had a question about the dining arrangements. He and his comrades are discussing place settings now.
*** Cracked up (laughed) when the major said that. Some say the movie Inglorious Basterds was inspired by this movie. Well it may have been inspired but it was nowhere near as good as this classic starring some of my favorite actors: Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Jim Brown, to name a few. They tried to do sequels but they are not as good as the original.
No argument that it's a classic. But some say the movie “Inglourious Basterds” was inspired by this movie. Inspired? Perhaps. Better than? Not even close!! Have no doubt Quentin Tarantino, the Director of "Inglorious Basterds", would say "Amen!" to my comparison. This classic film starred some of my favorite actors: Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas and Jim Brown, to name a few.
“The Truth About Charlie” (2002) is a movie which starred Mark Wahlberg and Thandie Newton. When the movie was being hyped in the media, I listened to an interview with Mark Wahlberg discussing his character. He played an American agent who was assigned to a post in Paris, France. He said to make his character more believable, he decided to wear a beret. He figured since he was an American agent performing “undercover” activities, wearing the beret might help him blend in and be less noticeable.
Hmmm? Interesting fashion tip! Come to think of it, I don’t often see American men wearing berets. But I guess the men in France wear a beret?
Here's the answer to that question.
It turns out that berets were adopted by the French military. In the 1920s, a beret became a popular fashion accessory for both men and women. However, according to Trip Advisor, it's mostly just tourists you will see wearing the felt berets.
I am American and went to Catholic school. Our school uniform included a yellow beret. I rather like wearing berets. In USA not many men wear berets but women often sport them to accessorize their outfits.
I do. When I was younger, my choice would have been a RED beret. Now that I’m older, my color pick is BLACK.
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NOTE: This movie is a modern remake of an old movie classic ~ “Charade” (1963) ~ which starred Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Since I am a loyal Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn fan, in my humble opinion, the remake did not hold a candle to the original. But it was still fun to watch. Why not watch both of them back-to-back. Great for Friday night OR Saturday afternoon at the movies.
I really enjoy a lot of old movies that can easily be found on YouTube. I like mysteries, but especially the genre that is called "film noir". One such old movie is called "Impact", released in 1949. What I liked was the way the court case played out. If you haven't watched the movie I don't want to spoil the ending. If you like vintage film noir drama you'll probably like this movie.
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Are you a fan of Wesley Snipes? I've been a fan ever since he made an appearance in the Michael Jackson video “Bad”. Who knew a short part in a music video with the late King of Pop would lead him to a successful acting career? The video was released in 1987. He was very convincing as a scary street thug in that music video. No surprise then that he ended up being cast as a ruthless drug kingpin in the 1991 film “NewJack City” (watch trailer). In 2016, the film celebrated its 25th anniversary. By my rules, this qualifies as an “old movie”.
What kind of movies do you like?
Do you like films where the bad guy is sort of a good guy and you’re confused as to whether he should be punished or congratulated? Set free, even though he committed unpardonable crimes, or put in jail where violent criminals are supposed to be?
OR
Do you like to watch movies where there is absolutely no question who the REAL BAD GUY is and you have to watch that movie to The End to see if he never pays for his crimes and gets to walk off into the sunset or if TRUE JUSTICE IS SERVED? You’re like … they better get that dirty rotten creep and bury him the in the jailhouse!!
If Number 2 is your kind of movie, then you need to watch New Jack City. Have you watched this movie? Then you know the answer to this trivia question. * * *
Which scripture was often quoted in “New Jack City”.
There are 2 things the world can never get enough of: silly love songs and silly sci-fi movies.
Have
you ever watched Signs (2002)? It's a science fiction thriller about crop circles? The crop
circles were obviously a “sign”.
Let
me tie this in with my daily life. I went to the grocery store and
bought a bottle of distilled water. I don't know why … but the
water tasted funny! (O.o)
MEMORY FLASHBACK:
I watched the movie "Signs", several years ago and in the movie Mel Gibson has
two kids – a boy and a girl. I'm guessing the little girl was
about 4 or 5 years old. But every time she would drink a glass of
water, she would always complain that the water tasted funny!
Everybody would just ignore her. It turns out that the funny tasting
water was actually a “sign”. Earth was being invaded by hostile aliens! AAAAHHHH!!!
Oh no! I
hope that water I bought from the store isn't a sign. But just in
case, we better cover our heads with coned hats made out of aluminum
foil. Better safe than sorry. LOL. ☺
If you like sci-fi flicks, or you're fan of Mel Gibson or Joaquin Phoenix, or if you've ever wondered whether there is a connection between those mysterious crop circles and aliens ... this movie is for you!
When I was growing up Sunday afternoon were special. My big sister and I loved to watch movies on TV. We especially both loved Bette Davis; whether she was a bad lady or a good girl, she was a SUPER STAR!!
In this particular movie, she was Julie Morrison, a brazen sassy boldacious Southern belle. She dared to be an independent woman with a mind of her own, who challenged society's norms. In the process of her being rebellious, arrogant, and contrary, she caused a rift between her and her future husband. What did she do that was so outrageous and shaemful? Uumm … she showed up to a party in a red dress!
I was very young at the time and being that red is my favorite color, I didn't get what all the huffing and puffing was about. My older sister explained to me that refined and cultured women in polite society would never wear a red dress. That's the mark of a whore!! A wicked woman!! A she-devil!!
With that very clear and graphic explanation provided by my big sister, I was able to better understand this scene and this line in the movie; and that also explains the name of the movie.
♦ Filmsite Movie Review: Jezebel (1938) ~ "The film earned a total of five Academy Award nominations with two major Oscar victories. Bette Davis won her second (and last) Academy Award for her portrayal of the tempestuous, manipulative Southern ante-bellum New Orleans belle for Warner Bros."
You know what they say about classic novels? They are the books that everybody has on their book shelf at home, but nobody reads them.☺ This post has a couple of apologies.
FIRST APOLOGY: I apologize to Victor Hugo. I have never read any of his novels. But I do know that they must have been really really good, because a few of Hugo's novels were adapted to film. As an adult I've watched a few of those movies. But as a child I only remember one film based on Victor Hugo's iconic 1831 novel: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", released in 1939.
WOW! What a movie! Loved that scene where Quasimodo, the hunchback (Charles Laughton), lifts the gypsy girl Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara) into the air and shouts “Sanctuary! Sanctuary!!” Made quite an impression on my young mind. ☺
SECOND APOLOGY: I have to apologize to those who decided on a remake of this classic which was released in 1997. When this movie was first released I did not watch it because I thought it would not measure up to the 1939 movie I had watched as a child. But one night I was looking for something to watch on YouTube and found it. I was so wrong! This remake is actually quite good. Salma Hayek stars as Esmeralda, the gypsy woman. Mandy Patinkin is Quasimodo; and Richard Harris is Dom Claude Frollo. The supporting actors were excellent; and the scenery was awesome!
Fun Fact:
The filming locations were Budapest, Hungary; Prague, Czech Republic; and Rouen, France.
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I discovered the art of Monica Stewart while looking for work by African-American artists that was similar to that of Lavarne Ross. Mr. Ross knows how to capture motion and his most famous work is called Tribute, which features African ballerinas.
Admirers have nothing but good things to say about this gifted female artist. Monica Stewart’s art has been described as “a contemporary expression of culture and sisterhood” because she captures “women of color celebrating life”. She gives her work “an authentic, ethnic flavor”.
The next time you watch the movies “Waiting to Exhale” or “Romeo Must Die”, watch very carefully. Her artwork has been showcased via these films. Cool huh? :)
“The
Manchurian Candidate” which was released in 1962 and which starred
Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey, along with Angela Lansbury, is now
a vintage classic movie.
♦ Lifting
a description from Wikipedia, this movie is a "Cold War neo-noir
suspense thriller".
In
2004, "The Manchurian Candidate” was given an extreme
make-over. It was updated - from Cold War to Gulf War - and the
remake which starred Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep actually had
the blessings of Tina Sinatra, daughter of the late Frank Sinatra.
♦ By
contrast, the description supplied by Wikipedia for the remake is
"science fiction political-thriller film".
The movies were film adaptations based on a 1959 novel, written by Richard Condon.
Both films are worth watching. But only one of them is the best!
In my opinion the 1962 version is the best! I love Frank Sinatra.
♦
In Memory Of: Laurence Harvey (1928 – 1973) Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)
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I was
born in the 1950s. That means that I am from the first generation
that got to experience television in the home. What a marvelous
invention! I know my late mother never intended for the TV set to
become her babysitter but my sister, my brothers and I spent hours in
front of the television. There were so many wonderful programs to
watch that educated and entertained us. I especially loved to watch
movies with my big sister. The movies back in my day were memorable
and made a lasting impression on my young developing mind. Below are
three (3) films from my childhood that created indelible memories.
Heidi (1937) ~ This is a classic children's story written
by Swiss author, Johanna Louise Spyri, adapted to film. Famous child
star Shirley Temple played Heidi, the little orphan girl who was
taken to live with her grandfather. After she and her grandfather had
bonded and become close, she is tricked into leaving “the
grandfather” and sold to be a servant in a wealthy man's household.
If I tell you more and you have not seen the movie, that would spoil
everything. So I'll stop right here.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)~ I loved this movie!! It was a
musical but everything about it was magical. The Yellow Brick
Road, the Wizard, the Munchkins, the Wicked Witch, Glenda the Good
Witch, the ruby red shoes that Dorothy wore, and that song she said
that melted everybody's heart: “Somewhere
Over the Rainbow”. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy. Yes,
it was also based on a book. L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy
novel titled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.
National Velvet (1944) ~ This is a film about a horse
race. Not just any race. England's Grand National Sweepstakes horse
race. There is a young girl who has a dream that she can win. It is
based on a story by Enid Bagnold. Famous child star Elizabeth Taylor
played the role of Velvet Brown. Did she win the race? You'll have
to watch the movie.
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Don’t you just love delightfully wholesome sweet talk like that? 
It wasn't even X-rated but it caused quite a stir.
No argument that it's a classic. But some say the movie “
