Barbara Stanwyck - Classic Movie Goddess Of The Month Part 3

Here are some personal quotes from Babs herself:

I'm a tough old broad from Brooklyn. I intend to go on acting until I'm ninety and they won't need to paste my face with make-up.


Put me in the last fifteen minutes of a picture and I don't care what happened before. I don't even care if I was IN the rest of the damned thing - I'll take it in those fifteen minutes.


[Referring to director Frank Capra] Eyes are the greatest tool in film. Mr. Capra taught me that. Sure, it's nice to say very good dialogue, if you can get it. But great movie acting - watch the eyes!

with son Dion

Commenting in 1939 on the fact that her fiancé, Robert Taylor, at 28, was four years younger than she, which raised eyebrows then, Stanwyck said: "The boy's got a lot to learn and I've got a lot to teach."


I couldn't remember my name for weeks. I'd be at the theater and hear them calling, 'Miss Stanwyck, Miss Stanwyck,' and I'd think, 'Where is that dame? Why doesn't she answer? By crickie, it's me!'


There's nothing more fun in the whole world than seeing a child open a present at Christmas. To have a six-year-old boy stroke a bicycle with his eyes and, not daring to touch, turn and ask, 'Is it mine, Missy? Really mine?' That's part of my future. The rest is work. And, I hope, some wisdom.


[on filming Titanic (1953)] The night we were making the scene of the dying ship in the outdoor tank at Twentieth, it was bitter cold. I was 47 feet up in the air in a lifeboat swinging on the davits. The water below was agitated into a heavy rolling mass and it was thick with other lifeboats full of woman and children. I looked down and thought: If one of these ropes snaps now, it's good-by for you. Then I looked up at the faces lined along the rail -those left behind to die with the ship. I thought of the men and women who had been through this thing in our time. We were re-creating an actual tragedy and I burst into tears. I shook with great racking sobs and couldn't stop.

Happy Birthday Frank Sinatra (1915 - 1998)

Happy Birthday to Ol' Blue Eyes. He would have been 95 today. Some notable facts include: was married 4 times, including Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow. Was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stood only 5'7". Fathered three children: Nancy, Tina, and Frank, Jr. Won his only Oscar for From Here To Eternity.

If It's Tuesday, Then It Must Be Grace Kelly - Grace and Pianos

Another Tuesday is here, so that means a post about Grace Kelly. Here are some photos of Grace and pianos. No particular reason, just because...

My Favorite Christmas Movies

Here is my top ten favorite Christmas movies. There are a few modern movies that make my list and one animated film from Disney amid the classics. So with the help of Vera-Ellen, here's my top 10 Christmas movies. Merry Christmas to everyone!



10. REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940) The first of two Barbara Stanwyck films that made the list. Babs plays Lee Leander, a shoplifter, who gets arrested for trying to shoplift a bracelet. ADA John Sargeant (Fred MacMurray) is assigned to prosecute her. The trial begins just before Christmas, but rather than face a jury filled with the holiday spirit, he has the trial postponed. However, he generously posts her bail so she does not have to spend Christmas in jail. And so begins a wonderful holiday film as the two wind up spending time with his family and falling in love. One of the best of the classic romantic dramas that happens to be set during the holidays. Stanwyck and MacMurray have wonderful chemistry together. Remember the Night is a regular favorite that is played on TCM every December.



9. BACHELOR MOTHER (1939) Polly Parrish (Ginger Rogers) is a salesgirl at the department store John B. Merlin and Son in New York City who has just been told that since the Christmas season is ending she is going to be dismissed. During her lunch break, she sees a stranger leaving a baby on the steps of an orphanage. Fearing the baby is going to roll down the steps, Polly picks it up as the door is opened, and is mistakenly thought to be the mother. David Merlin (David Niven), the playboy son of the store's owner, J.B. Merlin (Charles Coburn), is sympathetic to the "unwed mother" and arranges for her to get her job back. Mrs. Weiss (Ferike Boros), Polly's landlady, offers to take care of the boy when Polly is at work. Unable to convince anyone that she is not the mother, Polly gives up and starts raising the child. A showcase for Ginger Rogers to prove that she could do more than sing and dance. Remade in 1956 as Bundle of Joy with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher.

8. NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989) Clark W. Griswold (Chevy Chase) and brood return for their third film and my favorite in the series. Instead of traveling somewhere, the Griswolds celebrate Christmas at home with visiting relatives. Comedy chaos ensues with situations like the search for the perfect Christmas tree to adorning the house with tons of lights to tangling with a squirrel trapped inside the house. I've seen this movie like 30 times and it's still funny as the first time I saw it. Chase is the master at the sly, sarcastic Clark who is just trying to give his family the perfect Christmas. And if takes kidnapping his boss who didn't give him a Christmas bonus, then so be it.





7. HOLIDAY INN (1942) Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are pure magic in this delightful musical set at an inn that is open only on holidays. Christmas of course is one of the featured holidays and the duo get to work their magic. Aided by actresses Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale.

6. HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949) Robert Mitchum plays Steve Mason, a veteran and drifter, is employed as a clerk at Crowley's, a New York department store during the Christmas season. He suspects customer Connie Ennis, played by Janet Leigh, of being a comparative shopper for a rival store when she buys an expensive toy train set without asking a single question about it. That night, her son Timmy (Gordon Gebert) becomes excited when he sneaks a peek at what he thinks is his present, only to be disappointed when his mother sets him straight. When Connie returns the train the next day, Steve tells her that he should report her to the store detective, which would lead to her firing. After she explains that she is a war widow with a son to support, Steve refunds her money, a gesture that costs him his job. I love this movie. It's very under-rated and is in my book a classic holiday film. If you've never seen it, check it out. TCM is frequently airing during the holiday season.

5. THE HOLIDAY (2006) The wonderful modern romantic comedy set during the holiday season focuses on two women: Amanda (Cameron Diaz), a highly successful movie trailer editor in Los Angeles, and Iris (my girl Kate Winslet), a lovesick society column editor for The Daily Telegraph in London. The story is set in motion when each of them suffers a heartache: Amanda discovers that her boyfriend has cheated on her, while the object of Iris' unrequited love announces his engagement at the office Christmas party. Seeking an escape, Iris proposes the home swap on the internet, posting an ad about her quaint cottage in Surrey in the British countryside. Her offer is eagerly accepted by Amanda, who lives in a luxurious home in L.A. but is stressed over her break-up. So a simple switch and things begin to change for the better for the two women. Solid support from Jack Black, Jude Law, and wily veteran Eli Wallach. This movie is great for couples and anyone who loves great romances.



4. LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955) On Christmas morning in 1909, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Jim Dear gives his wife Darling a cocker spaniel puppy that they name Lady. Lady enjoys a happy life with the couple and with a pair of dogs from the neighborhood, a Scottish Terrier named Jock and a bloodhound named Trusty. Meanwhile, across town by the railway, a stray silver mutt, referred to as the Tramp, lives life from moment to moment, be it begging for scraps from an Italian restaurant or protecting his fellow strays Peg (a Lhasa Apso) and Bull (an English bulldog) from the local dog catcher. Things get serious when Darlings have a baby and Lady is left out. Drama unfolds but things get sorted out by the end and a year later at the following Christmas, there is a much more festive mood at The Darling home with Tramp now a member f the family. This may not be the traditional Christmas movie, but it's still a wonderful film. Beautiful to look at and an emotional and heartfelt story. This is not only one of my favorite films from Disney, but one of my favorite films period.




3. THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942) During a cross-country lecture tour, notoriously acerbic radio personality Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley) slips on the icy steps of the house of the Stanleys, a prominent Ohio family, and is forced to recuperate in their home during the Christmas holidays. The overbearing, self-centered celebrity soon comes to dominate the lives of the residents and everyone else who enters the household. He encourages young adults Richard and June Stanley to pursue their dreams, much to the dismay of their conventional father Ernest. Sheridan's assistant Maggie (a wonderfully subdued Bette Davis) tries to keep him in check. And Ann Sheridan is a riot as Sheridan's old friend and Broadway diva Lorraine. Jimmy Durante joins the fun as another of Sheridan's old buddies. The Man Who Came to Dinner is a joyous holiday film, bursting with comedy and fun. One of the best.
 
2. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) delves into different aspects of love as shown through ten separate stories involving a wide variety of individuals, many of whom are shown to be interlinked as their tales progress. The ensemble cast is composed predominantly of British actors such as Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson. Set in London, the film begins five weeks before Christmas and is played out in a weekly countdown until the holiday, followed by an epilogue that takes place one month later. This is one of my favorite newer movies and it's perfect for the whole family.



1. CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) And finally my favorite Christmas movie is this charming and delightful film starring Barbara Stanwyck as columnist Elizabeth Lane, who is comparable to what Martha Stewart is today. Problem is, her life is all fake and she really doesn't know anything about cooking, decorating, or living on a farm. She is requested by her publisher (Sydney Greenstreet in a nice departure from film noir flicks) to entertain a war hero (Dennis Morgan) over the holidays. Soon Liz is put on the spot to deliver a home cooked meal and decorate the place with her legendary touch. Babs is awesome in this movie. She gives one of her best performances. And this is how you make a great holiday film. Funny, romantic, touching and beautfiful to look at. So that's why it's my favorite Christmas movie of all time. And I know I'm a guy, but is it me or did Babs know how to dress or what? Stunning clothes adorn her throughout the movie. Just another reason to love this movie.





Honorable mentions include:
SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954) with Dick Powell and Debbie Reynolds
WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954) with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye
THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940) with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan
I'LL BE SEEING YOU (1946) with Ginger Rogers and Joseph Cotten
SCROOGED (1988) with Bill Murray

White Christmas photos

Here are some photos from the timeless classic White Christmas (1954) starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney.

New Poll Started

In honor of Barbara Stanwyck being the classic movie goddess of the month, the poll question is related to her. Of her two major Christmas films she did, Remember the Night and Christmas in Connecticut, which one do you like the most? For me, it's a no brainer, just look at my header photo underneath my blog title. The poll will be open through Christmas day.

Barbara Stanwyck - Classic Movie Goddess of the Month Part 2

Here are some facts and trivia about Babs:

Date of birth: 16 July 1907
Birth name: Ruby Catherine Stevens
Nicknames: Missy, The Queen
Height: 5'5"

Often called "The Best Actress Who Never Won an Oscar.

In 1944, when she earned $400,000, the government listed her as the nation's highest-paid woman.


Was married to actor Robert Taylor from 1939 to 1952.

Was of Scots-Irish and English descent.


Her mother died when she was accidentally knocked off a trolley by a drunk. Barbara was four at the time.

Worked briefly as a fashion model in the late 1920s.


Was listed #11 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years of The Greatest Screen Legends."


She was voted the 40th "Greatest Movie Star of All Time" by Entertainment Weekly.


Died on January 20th, 1990 from heart failure.

She did not have a funeral and has no grave. Her ashes are scattered in Lone Pine, California.


Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1751 Vine St.


William Holden was considered to be too lightweight for the lead role in Golden Boy (1939), but Stanwyck urged producers to keep him in the picture and it was through her efforts he was kept in the picture, and the role made him a star. In 1978, at the The 50th Annual Academy Awards (1978) (TV), before starting the presentation of the sound award, Holden publicly thanked her for what she did. She nearly broke down in tears and kissed Holden, and the exchange received thunderous audience applause.

A Happy Christmas from a young Jodie Foster

This is a young Jodie Foster wishing everyone a Happy Christmas!

The 12 Days of Christmas Movies

Sally of Flying Down To Hollywood is hosting a blogging event, inviting eleven bloggers to join her in blogging about favorite Christmas movies. Only a few people have joined up so far, so if you head on over, you can still leave her a comment to let her know you want to participate. Thanks to Amanda of A Noodle in a Haystack for giving me the heads up. Well, my favorite Christmas movie of all time is Christmas in Connecticut but that pick was already taken. So I will go with another of my favorite films, the 1942 comedy The Man Who Came To Dinner.

It is a manic classic comedy set during Christmas with a lots of star power. When the world famous writer and lecturer Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley) breaks his leg while visiting the home of a prominent Ohio family, he must stay there to recuperate. The family at first is ecstatic to have him stay until they realize what an over-bearing and pompous windbag he really his. Joining him is his personal assistant Maggie Cutler (a subdued Bette Davis). In between frustrating the head of the family, Sheridan, or Sherry as most everyone calls him, must also contend with a newspaper man who is trying to get an interview. The man and Maggie promptly fall in love and Maggie tells Sherry she is leaving him. That won't do so Sherry calls his favorite actress Lorraine Sheldon (a fabulous Ann Sheridan) to come there and break up the happy couple. There are laughs galore in this film and its at a pretty good clip too. Monty Woolley is outstanding in his role as Sherry. He may be hard to deal with it but in the end he will eventually start warming up to others. It's unusual seeing Ms. Davis in a role like this. I mean she has done comedy before and well, but here she is very low key. There are times she kinda fades into the background and is over powered by Ann Sheridan's character. Davis is still good here but I wish during her confrontation scene with Sheridan she was allowed to let loose. In the meantime Ann Sheridan has an absolute great time as Lorraine, trading wisecracks with Sherry and slinging insults to everyone else. Jimmy Durante pops by for a cameo towards the end and he gets a few laughs. The very funny Billie Burke is also on hand as the mother of the put upon family. The Man Who Came To Dinner is a solid comedy which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's not the traditional Christmas movie like Christmas In Connecticut or White Christmas but it's still a very good movie that just happens to take place during Christmas.

Holiday Cheer: 7/10
Like I said this film is not a traditional Christmas film but it does feature a festive atmosphere with all the decorations and people that come and go. Also when Bette and her would be suitor go to the lake and have a little snowball fun, how can you not love it.

Feel-Good Factor: 9/10
While some of the characters may be sarcastic and mean spirited such as Woolley and Sheridan, it's still a fun movie to watch. I mean, it's a comedy after all. And you will laugh quite a bit during it's runtime.

Overall: 9/10
The Man Who Came To Dinner is a treat for all those who watch it. It's Christmas setting makes it even more appealing to watch during the holidays, but it's such a great movie, you can watch it year round.

Barbara Stanwyck - Classic Movie Goddess of the Month Part 1

Born 16 July 1907 Brooklyn, New York
Died 20 January 1990 Santa Monica, California (heart failure)
Birth name: Ruby Catherine Stevens
Height: 5'5"

Today Barbara Stanwyck is remembered primarily as the matriarch of the family known as the Barkleys on the TV western "The Big Valley" (1965), wherein she played Victoria, and from the hit drama "The Colbys" (1985). But she was known to millions of other fans for her movie career, which spanned the period from 1927 until 1964, after which she appeared on television until 1986. It was a career that lasted for 59 years. She was born Ruby Stevens on July 16, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York. She went to work at the local telephone company for $14 a week, but she had the urge (a dream--that was all it was) somehow to enter show business. When not working, she pounded the pavement in search of dancing jobs. The persistence paid off. Barbara was hired as a chorus girl for the princely sum of $40 a week, much better than the wages she was getting from the phone company. She was 17, and she was going to make the most of the opportunity that had been given her.

In 1928 Barbara moved to Hollywood, where she was to start one of the most lucrative careers filmdom had ever seen. She was an extremely versatile actress who could adapt to any role. Barbara was equally at home in all genres, from melodramas, such as Forbidden (1932) and Stella Dallas (1937), to thrillers, such as Double Indemnity (1944), one of her best films, also starring Fred MacMurray (as you have never seen him before). She also excelled in comedies such as Remember the Night (1940) and The Lady Eve (1941). Another genre she excelled in was westerns, Union Pacific (1939) being one of her first and TV's "The Big Valley" (1965) (her most memorable role) being her last. In 1983, she played in the ABC hit mini-series "The Thorn Birds" (1983) (mini), which did much to keep her in the eye of the public. She turned in an outstanding performance as Mary Carson.



Barbara was considered a gem to work with for her serious but easygoing attitude on the set. She worked hard at being an actress, and she never allowed her star quality to go to her head. She was nominated for four Academy Awards, though she never won. She turned in magnificent performances for all the roles she was nominated for, but the "powers that be" always awarded the Oscar to someone else. However, in 1982 she was awarded an honorary Academy Award for "superlative creativity and unique contribution ther head. She was nominated for four Academy Awards, though she never won. She turned in magnificent performances for all the roles she was nominated for, but the "powers that be" always awarded the Oscar to someone else. However, in 1982 she was awarded an honorary Academy Award for "superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting." Sadly, Barbara died on January 20, 1990, leaving 93 movies and a host of TV appearances as her legacy to us.


Bio by Denny Jackson