Classic Movie ~ Vintage Bette Davis : Jezebel (1938)

When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons were special.  My big sister and I loved to watch movies on TV. We both especially 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, bold, and audacious Southern belle. She dared to be an independent woman with a mind of her own, who challenged society's norms. In the process of being rebellious, arrogant, and contrary, she caused a rift between her and her future husband. What did she do that was so outrageous and shameful? 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.

“𝙄 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” ~ Bette Davis - JEZEBEL (1938)

(All that groveling, and then the man told her he got married and left her in the dust! Her reaction was a typical Southern Belle response.  "You're funning."😲😢)

♦ Bette Davis - "I'm Kneeling To You" from Jezebel (1938)

♦ 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." 

More trivia? Bette Davis’s first Oscar was for Best Actress for the film Dangerous (1935).  She wasn’t even officially nominated that year — but her performance was so powerful that the Academy gave her the award through a special write‑in vote. Classic Bette: too good to ignore.

**

Here are some fascinating, lesser-known facts about Jezebel (1938) with Bette Davis:

1. Bronze vs. Red Dress
   Although Julie Marsden’s iconic gown at the Olympus Ball is widely remembered as red, on film it was actually a bronze colored dress. The reason: bronze showed up better on black and white film than red would. (IMDb)

2. Delayed and Over Budget — Wyler’s Perfectionism
   The production ran 28 days behind schedule, and the film was significantly over its original budget (about $400,000 over). Much of the delay came from director William Wyler demanding many takes and insisting on precision, especially in scenes with Bette Davis. (Watch TCM)

3. Multiple Costume Workers & Expense
   About 75 seamstresses worked for roughly a month on the costumes. The film’s wardrobe budget was large, with some dresses (like the bronze /red dress) costing about $850 each. Overall, several thousand dollars were spent on costumes. (AFI Catalog)

4. Rushed into Production in Response to Gone With the Wind
   Warner Bros. moved Jezebel forward in part because they saw the success and impending cultural presence of Gone With the Wind. They wanted a Southern set, antebellum romance starring Bette Davis to hit screens beforehand. (Watch TCM)

5. Broadway Origins & Flop
   The movie was adapted from a Broadway play by Owen Davis Sr., which had opened and closed in 1933 after only 32 performances. Miriam Hopkins originally played Julie in the play. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

6. Casting Last Minute Changes
   Henry Fonda was not originally cast as Pres Dillard. He replaced another actor (Jeffrey Lynn) who could not be released from another commitment. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

7. Personal and Romantic Tensions Behind The Scenes
   On set, there were personal entanglements: Bette Davis and William Wyler developed a romantic relationship during filming. Also, there was tension with Henry Fonda early on about the many takes and schedule delays. (IMDb)

8. Wyler’s Directorial Insight vs. Davis’s Artistry
   One famous anecdote: Wyler made Davis watch dailies (the raw uncut takes) with him and showed her a take of Julie coming down a staircase — she’d been irritated by how many takes it took. But in the dailies, she saw a single take with a fleeting expression that captured the essence of Julie, and it changed how she trusted Wyler’s process. (IMDb)

9. Role of Close-ups Without Leading Man
   Because Fonda had a contractual commitment and had to leave before all of Davis’s close-ups were shot, some close-ups of Davis were done without Fonda opposite her. That meant she often had to emote and react off-screen, relying on direction rather than partner chemistry in certain scenes. (AFI Catalog)

10. Costume Continuity Goof (Sleeves Disappear)
    A small but interesting “goof”: In some shots of the gown, the red/bronze dress has sleeves, and in others (including the ball scene) it appears sleeveless. Continuity in costume wasn’t perfect. (IMDb)

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REFERENCES:

“Jezebel (1938) – Trivia & Fun Facts.” Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Includes info on the 28-day delay, costume budget, red/bronze dress, etc. (WatchTCM)

“Jezebel – Catalog Entry.” AFI Catalog (American Film Institute). Provides production details including costuming, shooting schedule, completion date, etc. (AFICatalog)

“Facts about ‘Jezebel’ – Classic Movie Hub.” ClassicMovieHub. Various trivia tidbits: delays, stage play origin, etc. (ClassicMovie Hub - CMH)

“Happy Birthday, Bette Davis—You ‘Jezebel’!” Library of Congress – Now See Hear! Blog. Background on the Broadway play origins, Wyler’s interest in the play, etc. (The Library of Congress)

“Exploring JEZEBEL (1938)” – Kellee Pratt (blog). On Wyler’s directorial style, takes, costume details, and anecdotes about the film’s production. (Outspoken & Freckled)

Bette Davis Movies on Amazon Prime Video

“𝙄 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” ~ Bette Davis - JEZEBEL (1938) ~ #ClassicMovies ~ #Vintage #BetteDavis metime4entertainment.blogspot.com/2021/12/clas... #entertainment #movies #oldmovies #celebrities #Blogger #Freelance #contentwriter

— [ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛʜʏʟ ꜰᴏx ᴀᴋᴀ ᴄᴍᴏɴᴇʏꜱᴘɪɴɴᴇʀ] 💖 (@cmoneyspinner.bsky.social) 2025-09-28T03:33:04.381Z

Old Movies: The Butterfly Effect (2004): TIME and TRUTH Are in God's Hands

The 2004 movie titled "The Butterfly Effect" is about how small changes in the past can create massive, unintended consequences in the present. A young man who suffered traumatic childhood blackouts. As an adult, he discovers that by reading his old journals, he can travel back in time and inhabit his younger self during those blackout moments. The problem is that every time he tried to “fix” a painful event — the present changed and the changes were NOT always good. Every time he attempted to repair the past, it only created new tragedies.

(My Takeaway.) For me, the moral of the story is:

There are two things a human can't mess with: TIME and TRUTH.

Those are in God's hands.

IMDb rating: 7.6 out of 10 stars

Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers.  “The Butterfly Effect (2004) Trailer #1.” YouTube, 3 Jan. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkWQLjI2rAU.

Great movie to watch if you like dark sci‑fi thrillers.

🎬🎬🎬

Three More Recommendations (similar to The Butterfly Effect):

These films are dark, mind‑bending stories where time, memory, or alternate realities twist the characters’ lives in unexpected ways. 

1. Donnie Darko (2001)

A troubled teen begins experiencing visions of a mysterious figure who tells him the world will end. The film blends time loops, alternate timelines, and psychological tension — very much in the same emotional and philosophical space as The Butterfly Effect. 

• IMDb rating:  8 out of 10 stars

🎬 2. Memento (2000)

A man with short‑term memory loss tries to piece together the truth about his past using notes, tattoos, and fragmented recollections. The nonlinear storytelling and themes of trauma, identity, and unreliable memory make it a perfect match.

• IMDb rating:  8.4 out of 10 stars

🎬 3. Mr. Nobody (2009)

A man reflects on multiple possible lives he could have lived, each shaped by small choices that ripple into drastically different futures. It’s philosophical, emotional, and deeply rooted in the “one small change alters everything” concept. 

• IMDb rating:  7.7 out of 10 stars

🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

Pass the popcorn, please!

Movie and Fun Fashion: The Truth About Charlie (2002)

“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.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

How to Style a Beret like an American | STYLE REPORT MAGAZINE (archived copy)

Beret Style Inspiration - How to Wear a Beret

The Truth About Charlie Movie Review (2002) | Roger Ebert

 

** Do you like wearing a beret?

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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IT'S A REMAKE!

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.

My Fair Lady (1964): Hollywood Elegance, Iconic Fashion, and the Musical That Defined a Generation

Pure Hollywood Magic

Few films embody the golden age of Hollywood quite like My Fair Lady (1964). Lavish, witty, romantic, and visually breathtaking. It remains one of the most celebrated musicals ever put on screen. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. 

This film classic pairs Audrey Hepburn’s luminous charm with Rex Harrison’s razor-sharp sophistication. Their onscreen chemistry created a timeless, magical story about transformation, class, and identity. The movie won eight (8) Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design.

Image credit

STORYLINE:

A phonetics professor transforms a poor flower girl into a “proper lady” as part of a social experiment.

Set in Edwardian London, My Fair Lady follows Eliza Doolittle, a spirited but impoverished flower girl whose thick Cockney accent keeps her firmly rooted in the lower class. When phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins boasts that he can transform any woman into a refined lady simply by teaching her proper speech, Colonel Pickering challenges him to prove it — and Eliza becomes the unwitting subject of their wager.

What begins as a social experiment soon becomes a battle of wills. Eliza endures grueling lessons, emotional frustration, and Higgins’ infuriating arrogance. Yet her determination pays off when she dazzles high society at the Embassy Ball, passing as royalty with ease. The triumph forces both Eliza and Higgins to confront deeper questions: Who is she now? And what does Higgins truly feel for the woman he has shaped but never fully understood?

The film’s charm lies not only in its music and spectacle but in its exploration of independence, identity, and the complicated bond between two people who change each other in unexpected ways.

⭐ Memorable Cast (and In Memory Of)

• Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993) — Eliza Doolittle

• Rex Harrison (1908 – 1990) — Professor Henry Higgins

• Stanley Holloway (1890 – 1982) — Alfred P. Doolittle

• Wilfrid Hyde White (1903 – 1991) — Colonel Pickering

• Gladys Cooper (1888 – 1971) — Mrs. Higgins

Can you believe some of the actors were born in the 1800s?????

Image credit

BIO & Career Highlights of Hepburn and Harrison

⭐ Audrey Hepburn (Eliza Doolittle)

Born May 4, 1929, remains one of cinema’s most beloved icons. Known for her grace, expressive eyes, and humanitarian spirit, she starred in classics such as Roman Holiday (for which she won an Oscar), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, Funny Face, and Charade. Beyond acting, Hepburn dedicated much of her later life to UNICEF, becoming a global ambassador for children’s welfare. Her role as Eliza Doolittle showcased her versatility — from comedic grit to regal elegance — and solidified her status as a fashion and film legend.

⭐ Rex Harrison (Professor Henry Higgins)

Born March 5, 1908, he was a distinguished British actor known for his sophisticated stage presence and signature “speech singing” style. He originated the role of Henry Higgins on Broadway and won the Academy Award for reprising it in the film. His career included notable roles in Cleopatra, Doctor Dolittle, and numerous stage productions. Harrison’s portrayal of Higgins — equal parts brilliant, exasperating, and vulnerable — remains one of the most defining performances in musical cinema.

🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia:

• Audrey Hepburn’s singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, though Hepburn recorded full versions of every song.

• Rex Harrison refused to lip-sync, so the production used early wireless microphones — revolutionary for the time.

• Cary Grant turned down the role of Higgins but insisted the studio cast Rex Harrison, saying he wouldn’t watch the film otherwise.

• The film cost around $17 million, making it one of the most expensive productions of the 1960s.

• George Cukor won his first and only Oscar for directing this film, despite decades of acclaimed work.

Image generated using ChatGPT

Fun Facts About Audrey Hepburn’s Iconic Ascot Dress

The black-and-white Ascot dress is one of the most recognizable costumes in film history.

• Designed by Cecil Beaton, who won the Oscar for Best Costume Design.

• The dress weighed over 20 pounds due to its heavy lace and embellishments.

• The enormous hat — nearly two feet wide — became a fashion symbol for decades.

• The monochrome palette was chosen to reflect the real Ascot dress code of the era.

• The look has been recreated in fashion magazines, runway shows, and costume events worldwide.

RELATED LINKS:

• Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 ~ January 20, 1993)

• My Top 10 List of Iconic Female Celebrities

War Movie Classics: The Dirty Dozen

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. 

Image credit.

This is my movie review.

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.

Original source

 * * * * * * * * IN MEMORY OF * * * * * * * * 

Remembering the stars who are no longer with us. 

* Lee Marvin (February 19, 1924 – August 29, 1987) 

* Charles Bronson (November 3, 1921 – August 30, 2003) 

* Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas (January 21, 1922 – January 22, 1994) 

* Jim Brown  (February 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023)

***

Vintage Classic Movie vs Modern Remake: “The Manchurian Candidate”

“The Manchurian Candidate,” which was released in 1962 and 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 makeover. 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.

Actually I was impressed with the 3 leade characters in the 1962 film. You might be interested in these pieces of trivia about Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury from the 1962 production of The Manchurian Candidate. These details highlight behind-the-scenes drama, casting surprises, and even on-set injuries.

Frank Sinatra — injuries, rumors, and long-buried rights issues

• Sinatra injured his hand during the famous fight scene with Henry Silva. Accounts differ on whether it was a broken finger or a broken wrist, but all sources agree he kept filming, and the injury never healed properly.  

• No stunt doubles were used in the fight scene between Sinatra and Henry Silva — every punch was real. 

• Rumors long circulated that Sinatra pulled the film from distribution after JFK’s assassination, but the real story is more tangled: the film initially bombed, United Artists reneged on royalty agreements, and when the rights reverted to Sinatra in 1972, his lawyers suppressed the film out of anger at how he’d been treated. It only resurfaced when Sinatra hired new lawyers.

The film was rarely available between 1962 and its 1988 reissue, contributing to its cult mystique and fueling decades of speculation about its disappearance. 

• Sinatra’s commitment to the project was unusually personal; he championed the film creatively and professionally, and his performance as Major Bennett Marco is often cited as one of his strongest dramatic roles. (Supported by general critical acclaim.)

Angela Lansbury — a shocking role and a casting fight

• John Frankenheimer personally insisted on casting Angela Lansbury, having worked with her previously on All Fall Down. This was not a studio choice but a director-driven decision.

• Lansbury’s performance was so powerful that she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won a Golden Globe.

• Modern audiences often know Lansbury as the warm, grandmotherly figure from Murder, She Wrote or Disney films, but in 1962, she was already known for playing schemers and antagonists, so the role wasn’t as against type at the time as it seems today.

• Fun international trivia: the French title of the film was Un Crime dans la Tête (“A Crime in the Head”), and the Italian title was Và E Uccidi (“Go and Kill”).

Laurence Harvey — nationality surprises and character intensity

• Harvey was British, despite playing the all-American war hero Raymond Shaw. Angela Lansbury was also British, making both mother and son in the film “Fake Americans.”

• His performance as the brainwashed assassin is widely regarded as one of the film’s most chilling elements, contributing significantly to the movie’s lasting impact. (Supported by general critical acclaim.)

REFERENCES:

Contributors to TV Tropes (aka Tropers). “The Manchurian Candidate Trivia.” TV Tropes, 6 May 2012, https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/TheManchurianCandidate.

Angus, Elinore. “Is The Manchurian Candidate Based on a True Story?” Facts.Net, 27 Jun. 2023, https://facts.net/movie/46-facts-about-the-movie-the-manchurian-candidate/.

♦

In Memory Of:
Laurence Harvey (1928 – 1973)
Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)

Angela Lansbury (1925-1922)

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BOOKS ADAPTED TO FILM: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (with Apologies)

You know what they say about classic novels?  They are the books that everybody has on their bookshelf 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 (only excerpts).  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. ☺

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) | | Ffilms.org.” N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2017.

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.

I give this 1997 film 4.5 our of 5 stars. Watch it on YouTube.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997)

🌟 Three Fascinating Facts about Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame"

• Victor Hugo wrote the novel partly to save Notre-Dame Cathedral, which at the time was neglected and even considered for demolition. The book’s popularity helped spark a restoration movement. (Wikipedia)
• The original French title wasn’t about Quasimodo at all—it was Notre-Dame de Paris, emphasizing that the cathedral itself is the true central “character” of the story. (Britannica)

• The novel is set very precisely in the year 1482, and Hugo meticulously researched medieval Paris to recreate its architecture, streets, and social life in vivid detail. (Mental Floss)

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris ~ The Past and the Future 

Two (2) Cary Grant Movies to Watch During the Christmas Holiday

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.

Image credit:  Amazon.com

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, he ends up spending most of his time with the bishop's unhappy wife. The answer to the bishop's prayer lies in his realizing that in the performance of his duties as bishop and a husband, he had somehow misplaced his priorities. All he needed was to get 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. 

The Hollywood Collection: Cary Grant: The Leading Man

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 tears. 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.


vintage christmas pictures

Christmas in the #Movies: 30 Classics to Celebrate the Season (Turner #ClassicMovies) https://t.co/qiIMfTq2Bf via @amazon #holiday #fun #SeasonsGreetings #secretsanta #giftexchange #HappyHolidays

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 11, 2023

In remembrance of Cary Grant, who passed #otd November 29, 1986 pic.twitter.com/jiAzvLUR6u

— 𝙉𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙜𝙞𝙖. (@Dear_Lonely1) November 29, 2022

Artists I Fancy: Monica Stewart

I discovered the art of Monica Stewart while searching for work by African-American artists 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.  Ms. Stewart's art radiates grace, movement, and emotional depth.

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 them very carefully. Her artwork has been showcased via these films. Cool huh? :)

Image credit:  Monica Stewart: Ethereal Grace

Highlights about the career of Monica Stewart:

🎨 Artistic Style & Themes

• Stewart is best known for her pastel paintings, which she loves for their brilliance and flexibility.
• Her work often centers on Black women, capturing moments of joy, reflection, and sisterhood. She once said, “I have a good understanding of myself as a woman, so I do tend to paint a lot of women”.
• Her art explores universal human experiences, aiming to evoke personal meaning for each viewer.

🖼️ Famous Works

Some of her most popular pieces include:

• “Unity” – a vibrant portrayal of African-American women dancing in harmony.
• “Graceful Motion”, “Dance of Joy”, and “Rejoice!” – all celebrate movement, rhythm, and spiritual uplift.
• Her prints have appeared in films like Waiting to Exhale, Romeo Must Die, and the sitcom Living Single.

🏆 Recognition & Impact

• Stewart’s art has been featured on California State Lottery and Bank of America calendars, as well as family record books, journals, and photo albums.
• She’s a nationally recognized artist, with her work displayed in galleries and stores across the U.S.
• Though she didn’t complete her formal art degree, her talent was nurtured early on and reignited in the 1990s, thanks in part to encouragement from novelist Terry McMillan, who was one of her first collectors.

♦

REFERENCES:

Artist Biographies - Monica Stewart

Monica Stewart – Heritages Art

The Art of Monica Stewart - Kentake Page

My Pick for a Classic Warren Beatty Film: "Splendor in the Grass" (1961)

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)."

Posterazzi Splendor In The Grass Warren Beatty 1961 Photo Poster Print, (16 x 20)

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.

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Five Facts About This 1961 Classic:

🎬 Warren Beatty’s Big Break
This film marked Warren Beatty’s acting debut, launching him into Hollywood stardom. His performance as Bud Stamper was so compelling that it set the tone for a long and successful career.

🛁 A Censored Bathtub Scene
Director Elia Kazan originally filmed a scene where Natalie Wood’s character runs nude down a hallway after a heated argument. However, both the Hollywood censors and the Catholic Legion of Decency objected, leading Kazan to cut the scene entirely.

🌊 Not Filmed in Kansas
Although the story is set in Kansas, a severe drought forced the production to relocate filming to New York state, including the waterfall scenes shot in High Falls, in the Catskills.

💋 Hollywood’s First French Kiss
Believe it or not, Splendor in the Grass is credited with depicting the first French kiss in a Hollywood film, pushing boundaries for its time.

📖 Poetic Origins
The film’s title comes from William Wordsworth’s poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality”. The line “Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass…” beautifully reflects the film’s themes of lost innocence and emotional resilience.

REFERENCES:

• 39 Facts about the movie Splendor in the Grass - Facts.net
• Facts about "Splendor in the Grass" : Classic Movie Hub (CMH)

Warren Beatty | Biography, Movies, Sister, Wife, & Facts | Britannica ~ https://t.co/xGejmb6Toa
*Img: #WarrenBeatty & #NatalieWood in a promotional photograph for Splendor in the Grass (1961), directed by Elia Kazan. © 1961 Warner Brothers, Inc. #classicmovies #Entertainment pic.twitter.com/iajOol40BC

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) May 5, 2022

Three (3) Vintage Classic Movies That Created Wonderful Childhood Memories

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”.

glitter-graphics.com

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.

Do you have any favorite childhood movies?

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Children's Book Day is celebrated annually on April 2nd.

Favorite Childhood Movie: National Velvet (1945)

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.

The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) ~ A True Story

Ever see the movie "The Falcon and the Snowman" (1985)? 

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

*(View the official movie trailer.)

"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.

The Falcon and the Snowman: A True Story of Friendship and Espionage by Robert Lindsey (2002-06-02)

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!!' :)