Sunday, August 21, 2011

Merci!


Thanks to Meredith, Flick Chick, and Monty for my first award, the  Awesome Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award! Yes, I added Awesome to it. Now if only I could have it handed to me in bed while I am "sick".



So, according to the rules, here are some fun facts about moi.

1. I have been sewing since I was 12 years old. 

2.I have a strong fascination with Howard Hughes and was over the moon when I got to see the Spruce Goose in person.

3.I very much dislike Marilyn Monroe and see no reason why she is so iconic.

4. I got engaged a few months ago and can't wait until my 1940's wedding next summer.

5. I am a primary school teacher.

6.I have never seen Casablanca. And for some reason I have no desire to, don't know why.

7. Cary Grant is my Hollywood boyfriend. I never tire of him on the silver screen.

Here are a few blogs who defiantly deserve recognition!

Wacky Tacky

Mr. Tiny is a fantastic writer and makes me laugh out loud. He searches far and wide to report on all things wacky and tacky from playground parks to vintage music. He can also sew better than me which makes him cooler than me.

Tom's Mom's Mom Blog

Ok, ok, so Becky is my friend, but I love her posts about her daily doings with her adorable, and I mean adorable son, Tommy. She tells it like it is and makes non moms actually want to read about moms.

Bette's Movie Blog

This is a great oldie blog that always posts on my favorite films. From Cary to Katharine to Audrey, this blog is like movie eye candy!

Screwball Cinema

Monty and Dawn sure know how to find the best screwball films! This website is full of laughs and great pictures of all the comedic oldies and the actors who were in them.


I found this blog randomly and had to come back to it over and over! Jenn is a teacher (like me) and shows excellent adorable and easy outfit ideas totally perfect for the classroom. She also shops at the same stores I do which makes it very helpful!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

A Closer Look At..

...Charlotte Greenwood



1. Born in 1890 in Philadelphia.

2. Was almost 5'9" tall and said she was the only woman who, "would kick a giraffe in the eye".

3.Started out on Vaudeville before making it to Broadway.

4. Finally played her dream role of Aunt Eller in "Oklahoma" before retiring.

5. Was married twice.

6. First name was Frances.

7. Died at age 87 in Los Angeles.

8. Is quoted, "Temperament is temper that is too old to spark."


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Birds Of A Feather...

Some leading ladies chose to fly through their careers wearing the ever timeless feathers. Let us see these bird of paradise...


Joan Crawford working the "crow" look.


Louise Brooks going big.


Carole Lombard doing her impression of Big Bird.


Ginger Rogers looking like she would rather do fur.


Claudette Colbert ready to take flight.


Gloria Swanson with her peacock.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

"Breakfast At Tiffany's"

I am aware that "Breakfast At Tiffany's" is a well known picture and most people have seen it. But being that it is one of my favorites, and one of the first oldie films I ever saw, I am going to blog about it anyways. Where to start..The costumes? The actors? The music? New York? The scene where Audrey takes ballerina slippers from the fridge? I guess I can just start at the beginning.



No, it's not Friday yet, but how cute is this Italian movie poster?

If you have read the book you know Audrey plays Holly Golightly, a prostitute lesbo who does drugs and swears too much. In the movie, Audrey plays Holly Golightly, a "call girl" who drinks parties all the time and gets $50 to go to the "powder room". She walks the streets of NY in the early hours.


Holly makes the walk of shame look good!

After a night on the town she meets Paul Fred Baby, a new neighbor who has a sugar momma (darling Patricia Neal).


We learn that Holly sleeps neked, dates a lot of men, visits criminals in prison, and looses her shoes.




I never tire of the bathtub sofa.




Later on, Holly pops into Fred's place and they have a PG sleep over. We learn that Fred's lady pays his bills and Holly, understands. She understands completely.


Holly throws a party and Fred learns more about his wacky neighbor and her friends.






Time goes by and Fred listens to Holly sing. He then learns that Holly has a past with some baggage and she is in the midst of sorting it out. 



Once she is through with that, Holly and Paul go on a free fun day. They steal from the 5 and dime, visit Tiffany's, and canoodle in the library.




 After a make out sesh, Holly continues her quest to marry up. She starts dating rich Brazilian Jose and Fred is jealous.


She tells Fred she is getting hitched and moving to Brazil. She gets ready.


Well we all know that relationship doesn't last and Holly and Fred are destined to be together.


So much goes on in this film and it is jam packed with great actors such as Buddy Ebsen and Mickey Rooney. The late Blake Edwards wonderfully directs this film with a cute and funny story line. I just don't know how someone could not like this film. (Monty, are you reading this?)

Marilyn Monroe was supposed to play Holly, and I thank the lucky stars she was eventually veto-ed for Audrey, who always felt she was miscast.

"Moon River" was almost taken out of the film, George Peppard was said to be a pain in the ass to work with, Audrey hated eating danish pastries, and they needed 9 cats for the film, but it worked. It was nominated for 5 Oscars, but only won 2 for Henry's musical work.

Oh, and lets not forget the ballerina slippers in the fridge...

Monday, August 15, 2011

"Dangerous When Wet"

I have no idea why this cute film is titled "Dangerous When Wet". There is nothing dangerous about it! Esther Williams starts in another adorable swimming film with Fernando Lamas, Jack Carson and one of my faves, Charlotte Greenwood.


Esther plays Katie, a gal who lives on a farm with a very active family. They love to exercises and swim every day, all while singing. (Is there any other way?)


One day Katie meets salesman, Windy (Jack Carson). He sees a babe and she sees an annoyance. Windy sells a fab vitamin tonic called "Liquapep" and gets Katie and the fam agree to all swim the English Channel for "Liquapep" and win some moo la. Katie agrees.


Love the suit! But the hat?
 Just your typical family...

After some heavy travel, and serious training, Katie is distracted when she meets French hottie Andre. They meet in peculiar settings and quickly fancy each other. But Katie needs to focus!



One of the scenes most recognized from this film involves a little help from Tom and Jerry. Katie takes a snooze and has a delightful dream with the cartoon friends.




The race is coming soon but first Katie plays a day of hookie with new flame Andre.


This scene has inspired me to powder coat my lawn set yellow.

The race begins and Katie is getting tired quick. Will she finish the race? Will Andre be there for her?

This film has great technicolor that adds to the film. Look for the cute performance by Denise Darcel as French swimmer Gigi. 


Over all, one of my favorite Esther films so far!