Greer Garson....Refinement personified.

While some of you may not be familiar with Greer Garson, she was one of America's top 10 box office draws in the 1940's.  She was smart, witty, beautiful and an absolutely brilliant actress. What some people may also not know is that she was quite well educated.  She had degrees in both French and 18th Century literature.

Two of her most famous movies (and also my favourites), were Mrs. Miniver and  Random Harvest, both from 1942. In both movies Greer played characters that were strong when dealing with the hardships thrust upon them, yet still totally lovable and endearing.  It is with good reason that she won an academy award for Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Miniver.  That movie warms my heart for so many different reasons....
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised though to discover that she eventually married the actor that played her son in the film, Richard Ney.  (He was 15 years her junior....you go, girl!)

She seemed very refined, yet completely down-to-earth and very relatable. She was quite well known for her good nature and by all accounts she was apparently a joy to work with.  It's always refreshing to hear of a celebrity who wasn't ill-tempered and difficult to deal with.  My, how times have changed...!!!

Thanks to InspectorGrant for the video.

Ruth Gordon - Maude or Ma, I'll take you either way....

I love that such hilarity can come from such a classy lady!!  (Mind you, Bud Cort & Tom Skerritt hold their own in this as well.)  Would you believe she was around 75 years old when this movie was made?? Not too many actresses have a career renaissance at that age.....

She was also pretty fabulous in "Every Which Way But Loose".  The scene with her and her shotgun against the bikers can only be seen to be believed!

She also had quite a prolific career behind the scenes of the camera.  I was amazed to discover that she helped pen the screenplay for the classic movie "Adam's Rib" starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.  Her writing partner was her husband at the time, Garson Kanin.  She even received an Academy Award nomination for her work on this.

Her offbeat humour will always be the best in my book!  I love the fact that she delivered her comedy like it was the most natural thing to say, and from such a tiny little woman, to boot......

All I can say is - "Yay Ruth"!

Thanks to nikki04movies for the video clip....

Such a sexy Scotsman.....

How could you not love Sean Connery?  I love the fact that he's both feisty and stubborn.  AND that he has a kickass scottish accent!! 

It's not that hard to believe that he's been just about everything in his life.  He was a body builder in the fifties (and I've seen the pictures to prove it.)  I don't think was ever a better Bond than him, he is super suave and has the swagger to match.  Not to mention that he looks damn good in a suit!

He is never one to be typecast though, as you can tell from some of the varied movie roles he has taken on.  Who else could be Indiana Jones' father or pair up with Nicolas Cage in "The Rock"?   I've long felt that Finding Forrester was one of his best roles.  If you haven't seen it yet, hurry up and do so.....

I also love that he is stands adamantly behind the things that he believes in.   His two tattoos are celebrating his parents and his beloved Scotland.   He fiercely supports the idea of Scottish independance and is very vocal about it.  

Although he is getting up there in age, I truly hope he decides not to throw in the towel on acting.  If he does, he'll just have to live on in our hearts.  Throbbing hearts, that is......

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.

Rugged and handsome, just the way I like them.......

Whether it was the cool demeaner, the sexy swagger, or the deep voice that first attracted me to Robert Mitchum, I will never really know.  He is very nice to look at, and he could act circles around any of his peers.

While almost always cast as the bad guy, I'm sure he was a big softy.  All I ever heard about him was how much of a rebel he was in life, but I find it completely ironic that he was married to the same woman from 1940 until the time of his death in 1997 (a remarkable 57 years).  Either she was pretty good at looking the other way, or he was in truth, a loyal, faithful husband.  (I choose to assume the later.)

Quite a feat, I'm sure, as women everywhere would swoon whenever he took his shirt off.  He was a man's man and knew how to have his way with the ladies (if only on film.) I don't think any woman alive would ever want to kick him out of bed.

Not this woman anyway - his deep, sultry voice makes me quiver and become weak in the knees....

Josephine Baker - the pride of Paris (via St. Louis, Missouri...)

I've always loved the fact that Josephine Baker, a definite source of pride for Parisians, was not only American, but middle-American no less!

I also like that she could REALLY shake her booty - long before Beyonce.   Who could ever forget that banana dance?!?!

Born Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906, her heyday was in the 1920's.  She was best known as a dancer and a showgirl, but she fancied herself a singer as well.

She was a beautiful woman, who definitely owned her own sexuality (as much as one could in that era....).  I didn't realize though, that she had such a big heart as well.  In her life, she adopted 12 children from many different nations, and called them her "rainbow tribe."  Look out Brad & Angelina!!

Her activism was something she was also known for.  Later in her life, while touring in the States, she refused to perform for segregated audiences and, in turn, became instrumental in some venues integrating.

I always love women who are a little ahead of their time.  I'm sure if she was younger in the sixties, she would probably have been a Playboy bunny, who knows.......

You go girl!!

Grace Kelly - You were both humble and beautiful...

While she was one of the most beautiful women of her time, and she was strictly a class act; you can't help but think she enjoyed a belly laugh now and then just like the rest of us.

 She always seemed so humble and down to earth to me.  The apparent flipside of the persona she was known best for.  I guess being a Hollywood celebrity first and later a Princess, required her to be demure and perfectly presentable at all times.  I'm sure she was happiest though, when she was able to kick off her heels and let down her hair.  After seeing the home movies shown in the Grace Kelly exhibit here in Toronto, I truly believe that about her.  Seeing her with her children and her husband, that is when she seemed the happiest.  Relaxed and smiling, and enjoying every second in their presence.

The simple scenes of her family peeling potatoes together on their yacht and throwing snowballs at their chalet were really quite magical to see.  Quite the stark contrast to the characters we are used to seeing her as.  While she is a joy to watch in any of her fabulous films, it was much more special to see these candid moments and glimpse what she was really like while the camera (and the world's) glare wasn't on her.

Angela Lansbury, we all love to love you!!

She is so beloved the world over, due in part, to the fact that she is so much like everyone's favourite grandmother.

The majority of us are probably familiar with her role as lovable sleuth Jessica Fletcher on "Murder She Wrote." Those old enough to remember however, also grew up with her in the movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks".  (Ok, so I'm dating myself a bit here......)

To think that these roles were actually a second-coming of sorts for her.......

One of her earliest roles is as a housemistress in Gaslight (1944).  Although she plays such a small part, she received an academy award nomination.  A truly great movie and a great showcase for Ingrid Bergman as well...... What strikes me most is how young she truly is in this .....

Another must see movie is The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).  Her portrayal of Sibyl Vane in this is marvellous, and must have solidfied her love for singing on the stage.  Also of mention, is her brilliant role as the calculating Mrs. Iselin in the Manchurian Candidate (1962).  For this role, she did receive an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She dared to play a role where she was cold, callous and you had no problems disliking her.

 A far cry from the roles she quite often played later in life......

While she is getting up there is years and you can't help but think she'll hang up her hat at some point, she pulls out a role like the one in Nanny McPhee.  Even as a persnickity old bitty, she still manages to bring a smile to your face....
 

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve has always been so beautiful and so sensual... I think because she is so soft-spoken, she has this air of mystery about her.  Her appeal is also that she is such an elegant, classy and well-travelled woman. (The fact that she has a french accent doesn't hurt her either......)

I was reminded of her the other day when mention of the movie "the Hunger" came up.  That was the first movie in which vampires were really portrayed as sexy.  Long gone were the grotesque and fearful portrayals from the past. Now they were beautiful, sexual beings. I thought she had a brilliant role in this movie because she had the same air of sophistication that I feel she has in real life.

I don't think any stars of the current generation have even half the amount of class she has.  She has such sex appeal without ever showing too much and always maintaining her integrity. I think many celebrities could learn a thing or two from her......

Thanks to bossanova666 for the video posting.

Cyd Charisse.....sultry, slinky and smokin'

This dance sequence is amazing for so many reasons.  While Cyd danced with Gene Kelly also, in this number with Fred Astaire, she seems to really come alive. Even though he is heralded as one of the greatest dancers that ever lived, I think her technical precision shows him up a little in this number.  Their charisma (along with the choregraphy) seem to be a perfit fit.  Can you even imagine a world where gangsters just danced their differences away!?!?

Thanks to maryad4 for the video posting.

Happy Birthday Errol Flynn, you handsome devil, you........

You had eyes that could charm their way into any woman's heart.  So debonair........not to mention that accent as well.  

Thanks to TCM, (and of course your birthday), I've been happily watching your movies all afternoon.  Sigh...........How very fitting, since I've been reading a book about you all this week!

You were more than just tall, dark and handsome... A definite womanizer, but weren't all leading men that way at the time? 

If only I was alive in your time - you could swoon my way and sweep me off my feet anytime.....  

Marilyn - So voluptuous, yet so vulnerable........

An enduring icon for the ages.  Yet the one thing that strikes me about her is her complete vulnerability.  I can't even imagine living a life in which everyone wants a piece of you.  Her marriage to Joe DiMaggio supposedly ended because he couldn't handle all the attention she attracted.

She appeared to have it all, yet it seemed that true happiness eluded her.  I guess fame, money and admiration have a very dark side.  In her later years, you could really see the toll it had taken.  In some photos, especially the later ones, you can really sense her vulnerability and even a little helplessness in her eyes.

Only early photos of Marilyn show what she must have really been like.  Sadly, at a certain point in her career, she must have had to perpetually fulfill the persona that had been created (partly by her, I'm sure....) in print and on screen. She became almost a caricature of herself.  No wonder she resorted to drugs and alcohol  - and yet we wonder why her flame extinguished so quickly.........

Edith Piaf (the Sparrow)

It's hard to believe that voice eminates from a woman who was only 4' 8" tall.....

Like all great torch singers, she sang of love and loss - something she was well acquainted with.  While she was married several times, one great love of her life, Marcel Cerdan, died in a plane crash.  If this was not tragic enough, she also lost her only child, Marcelle at the age of two from meningitis.

Luckily for us, she poured her heartache into her music and, in turn, left us with a legacy of some of the most soulful, mournful, joyous and beautiful music.

Sing your heart out, little sparrow!!

Thanks to sidious8945 for the video posting

The caresses....and that KISS!

Jean Arthur's eyes say it all!

The subtle (or not-so-subtle) caresses of Joel McCrea in the movie "The More the Merrier" are so tender and romantic.  My heart is warmed to the fact that in the end she finally truly realizes how much she has fallen for him.

Although she is engaged to another man, her fiance has little time for her and his career means more to him than she does.  This is why, when her other suitor shows that he clearly adores her and is not afraid to show it, you find yourself routing for him.  You hope he gets the girl!!

It's even sweeter that after this kiss, he is so smitten and stunned that he forgets that he lives at the same address after all.......

Thanks to countrygirltori24 for the video post

R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor....you were one class act

Elizabeth Taylor - you were one very classy lady!  There will never be another like you......You were "royalty" of a very special kind.

OK, maybe you had almost as many husbands as you had shoes, but joking aside, you had a very big heart.

Your efforts for HIV / AIDS brought attention to an issue many were afraid to associate themselves with back in the day, and for that, you will always have my respect.

The beauty you possessed (both on the inside & the outside) was second to none.
I bid you adieu, darling Elizabeth.

America's Sweetheart

I find it completely amusing that "America's Sweetheart" was actually a Canadian by birth.  Mary Pickford was actually born in Toronto.
While she was quite a prolific actress (she made 51 films in one year - almost one every week), she was quite adept at directing movies as well.  Along with her second husband Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffiths, Mary co-founded United Artists. The creation of this company also gave her the ability to distribute her films however she chose.
 To see someone with such star power have the brains and the guts to become one of Hollywood's elite,  is always refreshing to me.

R.I.P. Jane Russell

I am so sad that yet another sexy star from the past is gone.  She died earlier today from a respiratory ailment at the age of 89.

 Even though her last movies were back in the 1960's, it's quite a testament to her, that she is still such a recognizable face.  That is - if you could keep your eyes focused on her face......lol. (After all, she was more well known for two of her other assets........)

Oh, Jane Russell, who else will be able to fill your shoes?

Betty Grable (& her million dollar legs)

While she was best known for being a pin-up star to the GI's of WWII (and red-blooded men everywhere, for that matter) - Betty Grable also did some fabulous little films.  Mother Wore Tights is one such gem.  The costumes in this film (and all her films for that matter) were some of the best of the era.

It doesn't come as any surprise that she was the top earning Hollywood star by the end of the Forties.  She had great charisma and of course, those million dollar legs.......

Thanks to gregoryagogo for originally posting this video.

Happy Birthday Cary Grant!!

He will forever be one of the most charismatic, charming and alluring men in my eyes.  Suave, dapper and almost always dressed to the nines. When I watch his movies I can't keep my eyes off of him.  I also love his comedic side and that he wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself.

So what, if he was a little bit of a ladies man and had many wives considerably younger than him.... Isn't that what Hollywood stars have always been about?

Happy Birthday to you, Cary Grant!!