Nobody ever kissed me the way you do..........

Burt Lancaster. Siiiiggghhhhh!!!!  He was talented and smart, yet definitely not hard to look at either....  The George Clooney of his day, I suppose.

This scene from Here to Eternity is an absolute classic.  I find it hard to believe this was considered controversial when it was released.  It was due to the passion in their embrace and their kiss, combined with the fact that Deborah Kerr's character was another man's wife.  These days, people rarely would think twice about this, let alone be bothered by it.

He must have been pretty comfortable in his own skin.  I've seen many photos where he is nearly naked or completely so.

He was as close to a sex symbol as one could get at the time.  The fact that he flaunted his muscular physique is kind of sexy in its own right.  He was quite athletic and apparently a gymnast in his early days.

The best part about him, is that he was so much more than just a pretty face. If you've even seen any of his movies, you'd see this. Watching "From Here to Eternity" is where I'd start, but don't forget to see "Elmer Gantry."  His flashy suits and demeanor are really quite a sight.  His character rides the road to debauchery while outwardly appearing to take the moral high road.  Quite a performance.....

On that note, enough reminiscing about Burt Lancaster and the perfect physical specimen that he was, I think it's time for a cold shower myself.....lol

Thanks to ledmonnoir for the video.

Ingrid Bergman

The sensitivity and vulnerability Ingrid Bergman portayed in many of her roles was always quite well balanced with a tremendous sense of inner strength.

This scene from the 1944 movie Gaslight (which she won an Academy Award for) is a perfect example of this.  Throughout the movie, you watch her sanity gradually start to slip - thanks to her conniving, devious husband - only to see her strength shine through when it is needed most. This is one of my favourite films of hers, and she plays the tormented soul quite brilliantly.

She played a similar role in Joan of Arc (1948).  Throughout the movie, she encountered resistance constantly.  In the face of persecution and betrayal, Ingrid plays Joan with such strength and conviction. Once imprisoned (which are some of the best scenes of the whole movie), she shows that her sense of hopelessness is overcome with her profound devotion and faith.

While some of her other movies such as Casablanca or Notorious are better known or more well-respected, I encourage you to see these films to see the subtle nuances and emotional strengths she is capable of.

Thanks to clattermachine for the video clip.