Second round matches (Funny Ladies and Singers/Dancers)

This evening begins the other two categories of the 30's era bracket, Funny Ladies and Singers and Dancers. Here are the match-ups. And they will run through Saturday afternoon. Some choice matches here especially in the funny ladies category between my girl Carole and Jean Harlow. And Myrna Loy vs Jean Arthur. Place your bets.

FUNNY LADIES

1 CAROLE LOMBARD
Tourney Record (9-3)
first round victory over Margaret Dumont 58-7



VS



4 JEAN HARLOW
Tourney Record (2-3)
First Round victory over Margaret Sullavan 54-9


***********************************
2 MYRNA LOY
Tourney Record (5-2)
First Round victory over Thelma Todd 49-25



VS



3 JEAN ARTHUR
Tourney Record (2-2)
First round victory over Una Merkel 37-36



**********************************

SINGERS/DANCERS

4 ELEANOR POWELL
Tourney Record (1-0)
First round victory over Luise Rainer 52-14


VS


8 BEBE DANIELS
Tourney Record (1-0)
First round victory over Shirley Temple 37-32


***********************************

6 RUBY KEELER
Tourney Record (1-1)
First round victory over Mae West 42-26



VS


7 JOAN BLONDELL
Tourney record (1-1)
First round victory over Jeanette MacDonald 48-18

All Good Things 2012 In Review

As 2012 comes to a close, I figure now would be a good time to look back at some of the highlights that took place here on All Good Things. I've broken things down by month. So let's get started with January.

JANUARY

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall kicked off the new year as my classic goddess of the month. I wrote a piece about the "H" letter films done by Paul Newman such as Hud, Harper and Cool Hand Luke. I started a new photo series called Tea Anyone, focusing on classic stars drinking or sharing their love of tea. The top post for the month was Things To Know About Lauren Bacall with 696 views.   poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/01/things-to-know-about-lauren-bacall Impressive Ms. Bacall..impressive.

FEBRUARY

Jean looking fabulous

Jean Harlow graced the month of February as the classic goddess of the month.  I did a Valentine Day linkup with my friend Kori over at Blonde Episodes. The most viewed post was my Top 50 favorite classic actresses list (revised) with 662 views.poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-favorite-top-50-classic-film I also wrote this funny little story about how we classic fans are a rare breed. Check it out here:  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/joan-whoa-funny-little-story


MARCH 

Ginger wins it all

March Madness was back with my 2nd Annual Favorite Classic Movie Actress Tourney and it was much bigger. In fact I went from 64 contestants to 128. So large in fact I had to get help from two blogging buddies, Mythical Monkey and Desiree. By far my most ambitious project to date and one of the main posts yielded over 1200 views. WOW!  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/03/2012-favorite-classic-movie-actress Ginger Rogers would eventually win the tourney continuing the tradition of a 30's era actress being champion. Irene Dunne won it in 2011. The tourney pretty much took over my blog but I still had time for Teresa Wright as my classic movie goddess of the month. And my contribution to the Gone Too Soon Blogathon with my piece on Natalie Wood.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/03/gone-too-soon-Natalie Wood

APRIL

Christmas came early as Christmas in Connecticut won a Montie

as Best Film of 1945

April was a quiet month. Well compared to March. The iconic Greta Garbo was my goddess for the month. I finally got back to my Monties, my version of the Oscars with my 1945 edition. Christmas in Connecticut was the big winner. And my morning movie spotlight on The Night of the Iguana was tops with readers with 924 views.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/04/morning-movie-night-of-iguana-1964


MAY

Anne Baxter

I started a blogathon called Cinematic Wold Tour, which used films as travel spots and locales. It ran all summer and I think it was successful enough to warrant it for a yearly occasion. Anne Baxter was the goddess of the month. And the be my guest feature with my friend Lori Kemp was the top post of the month with 241 views.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/05/be-my-guest-lori-kemp


JUNE

Jean Arthur

I started yet another a new series, called My Hollywood Crushes. And my first selection was Cindy Williams of Laverne and Shirley fame. Jean Arthur was my goddess for the month. My summer photo series, At The Beach, returned to the highest viewed post of the month with 470 views of the sexy Anne Francis. poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-lovin-anne-francis 


JULY

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth stormed into the month of July as my classic goddess. Perfect timing as I posted about her quite frequently. My Childhood crushes for the month were Jenny Agutter and Catherine Mary Stewart, they netted the most views with 516 and 584 respectively. poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-childhood-crushes-6-catherine-mary

AUGUST

One of my favorite new films

The summer was winding down and I started the month of August with my annual 31 Stars in 31 Days, spotlighting a different classic star each and every day. Such notable stars this time around included Grace Kelly, Errol Flynn and Natalie Wood among others. And a modern film, the animated Brave led all posts with 614 views.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/08/brave-2012-is-pure-cinema-magic

SEPTEMBER

My good friend Jessica Ellen Rowe from Australia

I love when things work out so perfectly. My classic goddess of the month and my guest of the month go hand in hand. Joan Crawford is one of my good friends favorite actresses and Jessica Ellen Rowe made for a delightful month. Her stint also yielded the most views for this month with 249. poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/09/be-my-guest-jessica-ellen-rowe


OCTOBER

Now you can add tourney winner to Grace's list of achievements

October proved to be a very busy month for me. First I had a new tourney going on, this one dedicated to the leading ladies of Alfred Hitchcock films. Grace Kelly finally snatched her first ever tourney trophy after coming so close twice before in my fave classic actress tourney. William Powell and Myrna Loy walked into my Hall of Fame. And my annual spotlight on the women of Hammer Horror Films return to a big response in Caroline Munro's post of 136 views, 2nd most for the month.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-women-of-hammer-films-caroline-munro


NOVEMBER

Team Classic put a beat down on Team Modern

My first annual Lombard Cup tourney began, pitting a team of classic era actors against modern era actors. Team Classic walloped those guys by the count of 16 and 1/2 points to 4 and 1/2 points. Natch, it was the most viewed post for the month with 107.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-lombard-cup-detailsteam-classic-vs
Jane Wyman was my goddess for the month. And my fall photo series returned with some great pics of classic stars in the lovely autumn weather.

DECEMBER

Walter and Hildy went to the tourney and came

home winners

And I wrapped up 2012 with surprise, another tourney. This one for favorite screwball film. Winner...His Girl Friday, which happens to be my all time favorite film ever.  poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-first-round-of-favorite-screwball My good friend Alicia Garbo from Facebook was my guest for the month. And my Holiday Cheer photo series returned with some cool holiday pics.

All in all, 2012 was a pretty good year in blogging for me. My pace from that record setting year in 2011 was way off. I only did 470 posts this year,compared to that mammoth 731 I did in 2011. Still it was my second best year ever, 100 more posts than the next closest year. I expect 2013 to be probably around that same mark of 400 + posts as I don't see me ever getting to that 700 plateau ever again. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by to check out my blog and I promise to keep things just as exciting in 2013.

My love of classic films is beyond measure

Monty

Hall Of Fame Inductees for December: GRETA GARBO and JEAN HARLOW

I know I missed during an induction for my Hall of Fame last month but was busy with work and stuff. Here I am to present two inductees for the month of December though. Two of the most iconic classic film actresses ever..Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow. Both gain admittance to the Hall of Fame by virtue of their Montie winning performances as Best Actress for their respective films.

First up, Greta won her Montie (my version of the Oscar for those new to my blog) for her grand performance as Grusinskaya the Dancer in 1932's Grand Hotel. Some will say it is not such a great performance and that co-star Joan Crawford delivered the better performance. I can argue for both points as I also awarded Joan a Montie as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Flaemmchen. I do like Greta's work here in Hotel but it is not my favorite performance of hers. That would be Ninotchka. Regardless, she is now in All Good Things Hall of Fame.

And our second inductee is none other than Jean Harlow. Jean nabbed a Best Actress Montie for 1933's Bombshell, one of my all time favorite screwball comedies. As major screen star Lola Burns, Jean is on fire and gives one of her best film performances ever. And now she joins an exclusive club in my Hall of Fame.

Give a warm welcome to these two legendary film actresses. I will return next month with two more inductees.

Summer Lovin' - JEAN HARLOW

Jean Harlow..looking so divine

Be My Guest: Tracey Witt

My guest this month is Tracey Witt, a wonderful woman and friend of mine who I met on Facebook through Flick Chick, the fantastic classic movie page done by Marsha. Tracey hails from Minnesota and currently lives in Las Vegas and is a certified nurse. Her love of classic movies and stars is off the charts. So let's get right to it shall we....

Favorite classic stars: 

Tracey: Sooooo many to choose from! Some of the silent film stars would be Marion Davies, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford and Mabel Norman for the ladies....for the gentlemen Buster Keaton is at the top of my list along with Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin.....for the talkies The top of my list is the gorgeous miss Jean Harlow but also Myrna Loy and Marilyn Monroe....the gents include Clark Gable, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper.

Monty: Impressive list Tracey. I knew that Jean Harlow was one of her favorites because when I post pics of her on Facebook, I always tag Tracey in them.

Favorite Films:

Tracey: Once again a long list of favorites.... Dinner at Eight, Red Dust, China Seas, all with Jean Harlow...hmmmmm.....Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot, Bus Stop, How to Marry A Millionaire and Gone With The Wind.

Monty: I love all those films you named!

 First Classic Movie Experience:

Tracey: When I was a little girl in Minnesota there was a local TV station KROC, on Saturday nights they would have what was called KROC's Comedy Classics.  They would play Mae West, the Marx Brothers, WC Fields, quite a few silents as well. I loved them and it became a part of my life from then on.

Monty: very cool!

 Perfect way to watch a classic movie:

Tracey: Well first choice would to be on the big screen with other people who also love the classics, Second choice would have to be at home with someone special curled up on the couch together.

Monty: Both are great ways to watch the classics...can't argue with that.

 How many people do I know that love the classics too:

Tracey: Quite a few actually, just about everyone in my family likes the classics in one form or another. My Father would probably be the other truly classic fan in the family.

Monty: awesome Tracey. It's rare that so many family members share your love of classic movies. A lot of my guest that have been on here have stated they were the only ones who would watch them.

  Favorite Decade:

Tracey: Well, it's a toss up between the 20's and the 30's but I would have to give the 20's the edge. I adore the silents, they are an art work unto them selves and are absolute treasures. I do admit they're not for everyone and can be an aquired taste.

Monty: I need to watch more silents...but right now my fave genre is the 30's.

 Favorite film quotes:

Tracey: "I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop"...."Well, no one's perfect"...."Come up and see me sometime"...."Made it Ma! Top of the world!"

Monty: Good ones!

 Classics I haven't seen yet:

Tracey: "Sunrise"..."Waterloo Bridge" ...."Ship of Fools"...."Jaws"

Monty: You may be the first person I've met that hasn't seen Jaws! It's a must see Tracey!

Favorite Genre:

Tracey: Well like I said anything silent, but the really good dramas I love including the Warner Brother's gangster pictures. All of the best dramas have at least a hint of comedy to them as well.

Monty: Cool..and I agree about the best dramas having a touch of comedy in them.

Movie theme part:

Tracey: Well big surprise there, a silent movie 1920's party. Perhaps channel the ultimate party hostess Marion Davies and throw a huge bash with live music, catered food and lots of champagne!

Monty: cool...I expect an invite when you have one ok?

Films that are loved but that I don't like: 

Tracey: My apologies to anyone who's favorite I mention. "Gunga Din" "Lawrence of Arabia" "Rocky" anything Three Stooges, or Abbot and Costello

Monty: That's cool Tracey...not everyone can like the same things....I'm not too crazy about Lawrence of Arabia either.

Biggest Film Fan:

Tracey: Once again my dad, he knows so many plots and lines from the classic and given a trivia contest would be a very hard man to beat.

Monty: that's great Tracey

Favorite film characters:

Tracey: Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee and Sugar Cane...Jean Harlow in all of her movies are favorites....Mae West as Flower Belle Lee.....Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blane...... Buster Keaton as anyone, love them all

Monty: I love MM as Lorelei Lee..one of my all time favorite characters. Well that was fun....thanks Tracey for being my guest this month. I think we all here at All Good Things enjoyed getting to know you a little bit better.

My love of classic films is beyond measure

Monty

Be My Guest: Marsha Collock aka Flick Chick

This month, my guest is the much loved and well known Marsha. Better known as Flick Chick. She has this wondrous page at Facebook. And one cool blog called A Person in the Dark. I was glad she accepted by invite to be my guest this month so we can all get more acquainted with her. So let's get right to it shall we..

Me: What made you start blogging?

Marsha: I love to write and I love movies, so I took a small plunge with a little post and just got carried away! I don't know how long I'll keep it up, but for now, it is rewarding.

Me: Well I for one hope you keep going for a very long time.

Me: Who are your favorite classic film stars? Name as many as you want

Marsha: I am sure this is a hard question for most film lovers and like most others, my favorites have changed over the years. I'll try to confine it to my top 5 male and female stars:

Male

Cary Grant

Charlie Chaplin

James Cagney

Buster Keaton

William Holden

But may I add: Douglas Fairbanks, Sr, Jack Lemmon, Peter O'Toole, Edward G. Robinson and William Powell?

Female:

Ann Dvorak

Audrey Hepburn

Vivien Leigh

Joan Crawford

Doris Day

But just can't omit: Clara Bow, Mary Pickford, Ann Sheridan, Susan Hayward, Hayley Mills, Jean Harlow, Irene Dunne and Kay Francis.

Me: Your list was immediately great when you led off with Cary Grant!

Me: What are some of your favorite films? 

Marsha: Sunset Boulevard, City Lights, Vertigo, North By Northwest, Gigi, The Apartment, Laurel & Hardy's Big Business, and a bunch more!

Me: Some excellent films there Marsha. Especially Sunset Boulevard and The Apartment.

Me: Describe your first classic movie experience. Like where and when..at a cinema, on TV, etc..

Marsha: The very first classic film and star that I became enamored of was James Cagney in "The Public Enemy," which I happened to catch on a Sunday afternoon on WNEW channel 5 in NY. I was probably about 11 or 12. Prior to that, I discovered that I had the capacity to sit through multiple viewings of the same film (a sure sign of a movie junkie), when WOR channel 9 showed Abbott and Costello's "The Time of Their Lives" on Million Dollar Movie. The same movie ran every night during the week and I didn't miss one showing. The first classic film I saw in a theater was a re-release of "Gone With the Wind." Before it went to TV, this was a very big deal. And just to bring the story full circle, when the "Theme From Tara" started to play, I immediately thought "hey, that's the theme from Million Dollar Movie!" Anyone from NY in the 60s will know what I mean!

Me: Awesome Marsha!

Me: What films upon first viewing did you not like, then later on when re-watching them, loved them?

Marsha: Vertigo took a few viewings, now I'm obsessed (in a good way, of course). I admit it took a few viewings for Casablanca to grow on me (but now it has). I always have a bit of a problem with Bogart. I always end up liking him, but I have to force myself to sit down and watch him.

Me: I see...I was the same way with Vertigo as well.

Me: Describe the perfect way for you to watch a classic film.

Marsha dreaming of the perfect movie to watch...

Marsha: Seeing a classic film on the big screen with others is a treat, of course, and nothing beats seeing a silent with an audience full of people and live music. But, my first experience was alone, one the floor with a bowl of popcorn, getting lost in black and white (ok - everything was black and white in those days!), so I guess that still remains my favorite (but on the sofa now, not the floor!).

Me: Cool..nothing can beat a sofa in the comfort of your own home.

Me: How many friends, family member or co-workers share your love of classic films?

Marsha: Zero (though some pretend to be interested). This is why blogging and Facebook has proved to be such a blessing. It's been great fun to connect with people who share the same passion.

Me: Cool. And it is great to meet fellow classic movie lovers blogging and on facebook I completely agree. 

Me: What is your favorite time period: the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's?

Marsha: That depends on what phase I am going through. All eras have been my favorite at one time or another. Right now, I seem to be loving the 50s.

Me: The 30's is my fave, but I love the 50's too.

Me: What are some of your favorite film quotes?

Marsha: Some favorites that I use are"

"It's lavish, but I call it home" - Waldo Lydecker, "Laura"

and a bunch from "Sunset Boulevard":

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

"They'll love it in Pomona"

"Stars are ageless"

"If you need any help with the coffin, call me."

Me: What classic films have you yet to see for one reason or another?

Marsha: I have not seen as many classic foreign films as I'd like, so high on my list are:

Belle de Jour

The Bicycle Thief

Breathless, and

The Earring of Madame de.....

Me: Oh Marsha, you need to see Belle de Jour. In fact you need to see all of Catherine Deneuve's films ASAP. Kim Wilson can back me up on that.

Monty: What is your favorite genre?

Marsha: This again depends on the phase I am in. I am not a war or western fan (just a typical chick). I blow hot and cold with Noir - but I love a good mystery spiced with a sense of humor.

Me: cool

Me:  If you threw a movie theme party, describe how you would do it. The costumes, decorations, food, etc.

Marsha: Oohh, I would love to throw a "Dinner at Eight" party. Naturally, I would be a platinum blonde in a tight, white satin evening gown! The entire theme would be white, and I would have white phones and boxes of bon-bons strategically placed throughout.  Cocktails would be made in elegant, silver cocktail shakers, dinner would be served at eight (naturally), and the aspic would make it to the table!

Me: Sweet! I imagine it would be one heck of a party!

Me:  What are some films that are widely loved that you couldn't care less about?

Marsha: The Godfather and all sequels. Plus any war movies, great or otherwise. Sorry, I am a total chick.

Me: That's cool Marsha...

Me:  Who’s the biggest film fanatic that you know? Besides yourself of course.

Marsha: Well, there are a few people on my FlickChick Facebook page (who I won't name) who are just amazing. They blow me away with their knowledge and love of film. But, one film lover I truly admire is Woody Allen, whose movies always show his love of the medium. However, I will give a shout out to my late Aunt Lois who had photos of Rudolph Valentino on her bedroom wall as a teen and always referred to Jean Harlow as "Jean," as though she knew her personally. Here's the link to Marsha's FB page:  flickchick

Me: That's great Marsha. And might I add, your FlickChick page is just amazing.

Me: And finally who are some of your favorite film characters?

Marsha: The Little Tramp, CK Dexter Haven, Gigi and - my all time favorite, Lina Lamont from "Singing in the Rain." That character deserved her own movie!

Me: Can't argue with you there. 

I hope everyone enjoyed having Marsha (flickchick) stop by here this month and now know her just a little bit better. Please stop by a her amazing blog if you haven't before. It's a treat. Thanks again Marsha for coming by. Here's the link to her blog btw:  A Person in the Dark

My love of classic films is beyond measure

Monty