Round 9 Hitchcock Film Tourney (Costumes) now underway

Two more rounds left as round 9 is now underway and the theme is costumes. Matches run through Wednesday 7 pm.

Round 8 in Hitchcock Film Tourney now underway

Here we go with round 8 and the theme is dramatic settings.

Round 6 of Hitchcock Film Tourney now underway

Here we go with round 6 of the Hitchcock film Tourney with the theme focusing on leading men. Matches will run through Wednesday evening.

3rd round in Hitchcock tourney now underway

Round 3 is now underway and the theme is who is baddest villain in a Hitchcock movie. Polls will be open through Tuesday evening at 6pm.

2nd Round in Hitchcock Tourney now underway

Here we go with round 2 of the Alfred Hitchcock Film Tourney. The question this round focuses on favorite cameos Hitch did in his films. Polls will be open thru Friday evening 6pm.

New Tourney: The Alfred Hitchcock Film Tourney

October marks another tourney...the Alfred Hitchcock Film Tourney. 12 friends. 12 films. 10 rounds. So lets get started with round 1 which will wrap up Sunday evening 6pm.

Hitchcock Halloween Blogathon

Just came across this blogathon that is taking place this Halloween. My new friend Lara Gabrielle who does the blog Backlots is hosting this spectacular event. She describes it here in her own words:

Mark your calendars folks, Backlots is going to be hosting another blogathon!

To complement the Dueling Divas blogathon that I host every December, this year I am beginning a new tradition. Avoid those birds and be watch your back in the shower folks, because Hitchcock Halloween is coming to Backlots! On October 31, submit your review or analysis of a spooky Hitchcock film to celebrate the arrival of the holiday.

I did something similar to this last year, but instead of collaborating with my fellow bloggers, I simply did it myself. This year I thought it would be fun if we all participated!

Here are some guidelines:

• You can write about Hitchcock–his career, his life, etc.–profile one of his films, talk about his TV show, whatever you feel moved to do. Don’t feel like you have to be confined to movies for this one, because Hitchcock was a personality above all, and he deserves to be honored with a holistic approach.
• Though I expect that most of the entries will end up being about Hitchcock’s horror films anyway, feel free to write about something likeNorth by Northwest if that’s your favorite Hitchcock movie and that’s what you want to contribute. Heck, write about Mr. and Mrs. Smith if you want! Again, holistic approach.
• During Dueling Divas, I really love when people write freely about whatever they feel the topic means to them. However, try not to stray too far. In the past I’ve felt like perhaps I gave a little too much free rein, and people got a bit tangential. Write about what you want, but don’t forget that this is about Hitchcock!

Sounds awesome doesn't it? I chose Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Fabulous Films Of The 1940's Blogathon: Mr. And Mrs. Smith (1941)

For my contribution to the Fabulous Films of the 1940's Blogathon I chose the only comedy Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, did, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, starring my all time favorite actress Carole Lombard. This is my favorite film of hers by the way. Screwball comedies are my favorite type of films and this one fits quite nicely into that category. Well a bit. While not a full blown screwball comedy, it is quite fun and often hilarious nonetheless. 

David looking worried at the film's beginning

The film is set in bustling New York and begins with a married couple of three years named David and Ann Smith (great pairing of Robert Montgomery and Carole Lombard) who tend to bicker and have these huge arguments from time to time when they are not speaking to one another. Such is the case at the film's beginning as the pair have been sequestered in their lavish apartment home while their staff shuttles them food and drink. This latest misunderstanding has been going on for three days and David's office, a law firm where his pal Jeff (a solid Gene Raymond) keeps calling to see has a truce been made. As Jeff sends over some critical papers for David to sign, the pair finally makes up and end up having breakfast together.

Ann and David make up after this three day session

But Ann asks a question which prompts an answer from David that doesn't exactly make her happy. She asks David if he had it to do it all over again would he. And he puts in honestly and bluntly, no he would not. He would not marry her and would remain single. Remember this key moment as it will become the focal point for the rest of the film.

But not for long because over breakfast Ann asks that pivotal question

While at work, David receives a guest in the form of Mr. Deever (Charles Halton) from Ann's hometown of Idaho comes a calling saying that the Smith's, along with several other hundreds of couples are not technically married, through some municipal and state jurisdictional matter at the time. David takes the news quite nicely but when Mr. Deever stops by their home to share the same news with Ann and Ann's mother, it doesn't have the same effect.

At dinner David tries to get the cat to have some soup...

David calls up and tells Ann they are going to the restaurant where he proposed to her and Ann believes it's where he will pop the question again. But alas things don't go that way and Ann begins to squirm as the night draws to a close. Meanwhile David is having the time of his life. Back home for a little champagne Ann finally snaps and throws a tantrum asking if and when David was going to ever marry her again. David tries to explain that he was just waiting for the right moment and before you know he is spending the night at The Beefeater's Club, a luxurious hotel where men go who are having domestic troubles. It's there he meets the seen it all Chuck (played by the always wonderful Jack Carson), who is a frequent regular at the hotel.

Mr. Deever drops by to share some news...

David tries to woo back Ann over the course of the rest of the film but Ann is steadfast in holding her ground. Saying she doesn't want to remarry David and instead finds a job and actually starts dating Jeff, much to David's chagrin. In fact the date Ann and Jeff goes on leads to a hilarious seen after Jeff catches cold and Ann tries to nurse him back to health with some liquor. At first Jeff is good to go but then it hits him like a ton of bricks and Gene Raymond gives a masterful drunken little scene. 

The gorgeous Carole Lombard

For the first hour, this film is golden. It does start to sag during the final half hour just a bit as Ann and Jeff take a getaway vacation to Lake Placid, in which David follows. But it rebounds right back during the closing scenes to make this a wonderful film. Like I said it is my favorite of Carole, and that's saying something, considering her resume which includes To Be Or Not To Be, Twentieth Century and My Man Godfrey. It's just something about this premise of a couple who truly love each other despite all their fighting and bickering. It's classic Hollywood star power in Carole and Robert with solid supporting turns. If you have never seen it, you have to check it out at least once.

Carole does quite a lot of finger pointing in this film

Hall Of Fame Inductees for January: Hitch and Princess Grace

Another month means two more inductees for All Good Things Hall Of Fame. And they have a connection to each other. Alfred Hitchcock and Grace Kelly. Kelly starred in three of Hitch's films during the 50's: Rear Window, Dial M For Murder and To Catch A Thief. Here are the qualifications that got them both into the Hall of Fame.

Grace and Alfred...what a star/director combo!

First Grace Kelly is one of my mainstays here on my blog. She is second only to Carole Lombard in the number of posts I have written about her. 78 counting this one. Carole has 79. She has won a trophy for Favorite Leading Lady in a Hitchcock film, in a tourney I did last winter. Previously, her film Rear Window grabbed Best Hitchcock Film in a similar tourney a year before that. And she has made it to the final four in the two Favorite Classic Movie Actress Tourneys I hold every year. All so close to winning that trophy as well. The only thing Grace hasn't done is won a Montie (my version of the Oscars) and the only reason that is, because I am only on year 1947. So in due time, she may win one of those as well.

The pair were a perfect 3 for 3 in films: Rear Window, Dial M For Murder,

and To Catch A Thief...well in my book they are!

Now Hitchcock has won a Montie. He won Best Director for one of my favorite films of his, Shadow of A Doubt. Marking only the second director to gain entrance to the Hall of Fame. The other being, William Wyler. And we haven't hit his peak period yet, so who knows how many more Monties he can win. So give a warm welcome to Grace and Alfred as the new members of AGT's Hall Of Fame.

My love of classic film is beyond measure

Monty

All Good Things 2012 Classic Stars Of The Year

Welcome back everyone to my 2nd annual Classic Stars of the Year list as chosen by All Good Things. These are the stars that made the most noise on my blog. That I wrote and talked about the most or who won the most tournaments or polls. In general the best of the best. I based it on Entertainment Weekly's yearly Entertainers of the Year list. So there will be 12 distinguished actors and actresses who made the cut (1 for each month) and I will begin with number 12 and work my way down to number one. 

Hitch lands at no 12.

12.) ALFRED HITCHCOCK - The director was prominent this year with two films, The Girl and Hitchcock. I have seen The Girl and thought it was interesting enough. Can't wait to see Hitchcock with Anthony Hopkins in the title role. I posted about Hitch a few times this year and had a tourney spotlighting the leading ladies of his films.

The urbane Claude

11.) CLAUDE RAINS - The incomparable Rains made some noise on All Good Things with his entrance into my Hall of Fame, one of twelve stars/directors chosen this year. He is also coming off his second Montie (my version of the Oscars) for Best Supporting actor in Casablanca.

The lovely Rita in one of her many summer pics

here on All Good Things

10.) RITA HAYWORTH - Ahhhhh, Rita. She was one of my classic movie goddesses for the year and she also made the most appearances in my at the beach photo series. Stunningly beautiful.

The dashing Flynn

9.) ERROL FLYNN - Another Hall of Fame inductee and much posting on my FB page to drive most women into a frenzy, specifically Classic Becky.

The definition of Classic Star Glamour, courtesy 

of Jean Arthur

8.) JEAN ARTHUR - Jean was another of my goddesses for the year and she also became a Hall of Famer. Plus I think she made a number of random postings thru the year here.

Good to see ya Carole...

7.) CAROLE LOMBARD - Pretty much, Carole will be on this list every year. No question about it. She is my favorite actress of all time and I post something about her at least once a month. I have posted about her 74 times since I started this blog in 2009. The most of any actress.

Hiya Cary!

6.) CARY GRANT - Same thing goes for Cary, as he is my favorite actor of all time. I have posted about Cary 81 times since 2009, the most of anybody here on All Good Things. And he is currently represented quite well with 8 films in my favorite screwball film tourney.

Irene knows how to make an entrance doesn't she

5.) IRENE DUNNE - The 2011 winner for Favorite Classic Film Actress didn't compete in this year's tourney but she still made some noise with regular postings and showing up with three films in the screwball film tourney.

Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora Charles

4.) WILLIAM POWELL & MYRNA LOY- Frequent film co-stars Bill and Myrna walked in together for the Hall of Fame. Her film, The Best Years of Our Lives picked up a slew of Monties. And she was just an all around good gal to hang out with here. They both had several films competing in this year's screwball film tourney

Marilyn

3.) MARILYN MONROE - It's Monroe. Pretty much says it all right there. Tons of pics and postings on here and my FB and Tumblr pages.

Grace, winner for Favorite Leading Lady

in a Hitchcock Film

2.) GRACE KELLY - After being a bridesmaid two years in a row in my Favorite Classic Film Actress tourney, Grace finally won a tourney. Wasn't for that, but for Favorite Leading Lady in an Alfred Hitchcock film. Plus, I continued to post about her with my weekly series, If It's Tuesday, Then It Must Be Grace Kelly.

Congrats Ginger!

1.) GINGER ROGERS - Looking like a repeat of 2011 as the favorite classic film actress tourney winner would claim top classic star of 2012. This year it's Ginger Rogers, who had a dominating run in the tourney for her eventual win as favorite actress here on All Good Things. Congrats Ginger! You are the top Classic Star of the Year!

Here's to another great year in 2013.

My love of classic films is beyond measure

Monty

It's Official: Grace Kelly defeats Ingrid Bergman for Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady

I won...my goodness! Thank you, everyone who voted for me

and thanks to All Good Things

After a close start on Thursday, Grace Kelly pulled away from Ingrid Bergman to win Favorite Leading Lady in an Alfred Hitchcock Film Tourney by the count of 27-16. It marks the first ever tourney win for Grace as she had been a final four finalist in the Favorite Classic Movie Actress tourney the past two years. It gives Grace an all time leading match play record of 13-2. The next closest person is Natalie Wood with 10 victories. It also gives Grace one of the requirements to gain induction into All Good Things Hall Of Fame. So expect her to be inducted sometime soon. For Ingrid, it was a tough loss. Her overall match play record now sits at 7-3, which is nothing to sneeze at. Thanks to everyone who voted during this tourney to make it a success. Oh and this gives Grace two titles here at All Good Things. Her film Rear Window won as Best Hitchcock Film last year!

Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady Tourney Update Day 3

Looks like this match is all but over as Grace has pulled ahead of Ingrid by the count of 23-14 after day 3. It would take a massive comeback by Ingrid, which is possible, but highly unlikely. Still, the poll will be up until 6 pm EST tonight before the winner is declared. Good luck to both actresses!

Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady Tourney Update Day 2

After being close on day one, the match between Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman has opened up. Grace is now leading by a comfortable 17-10 margin with today and tomorrow left. It's looking good now for Grace to earn her first ever tourney championship after coming so close so many times before. The poll closes tomorrow at 6 pm EST.

Favorite Leading Lady in a Hitchcock Film Update

Looks like by switching to Zoomerang/Survey Monkey, the poll is now working just fine. Wanted to share an update on it right quick. Grace Kelly holds a slim 2 vote margin, 7-5 over Ingrid Bergman. But it is still early. We have all weekend to go so we'll see how this will turn out. Thanks to everyone being so patient with the technical problems blogger has been having. I'll post another update tomorrow!

Grace Kelly vs Ingrid Bergman to decide Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady

How's this for a title match...Grace Kelly vs Ingrid Bergman for Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady. Here are some stats on the two women for what is sure to be an exciting match.

GRACE KELLY

Name: Grace Patricia Kelly
Birth Date: November 12, 1929 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Films made for Hitchcock: Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, To Catch A Thief
Academy Awards: 2 nominations, 1 win (Best Actress - The Country Girl (1954)
Monties: none so far
My favorite Grace film: Rear Window (1954)
Match Play Record: 12-2 (most wins in Match Play by anyone, but has yet to win a tourney)


VS

INGRID BERGMAN

Name: Ingrid Bergman
Birth Date: August 29th, 1915 (Stockholm, Sweden)
Films made for Hitchcock: Spellbound, Notorious and Under Capricorn
Academy Awards: 7 nominations, 3 wins (Best Actress - Gaslight (1944); Best Actress - Anastasia (1956); and Best Supporting Actress - Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Monties: none so far
My favorite Ingrid film: Notorious
Match Play Record 7-2

Even though both women made three films for Hitch, I think Grace has a slight edge. As her three films for Hitch are more popular than Ingrid's three. There is no disputing Rear Window as one of Hitch's greatest films but Notorious is ranked pretty high in certain circles too. I think both women have loyal fan bases and that this match could go either way. Will Grace, who has won more matches in tournament play without ever winning the whole thing finally do it this time? Or will Ingrid, who has quietly amassed 7 victories in 9 tries, come in and steal another one from Grace? By Sunday evening we shall have our answer. The poll will be up first thing tomorrow morning.

It will be Grace Kelly vs Ingrid Bergman for Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady Crown

Every time I have one of these tournaments, something goes wrong with the voting. Either it lets people vote more than once or wipes away all the votes or some other crazy thing. After three days of voting, almost four, I checked on the numbers to see what the matches looked like and it had reset to 0-0 in both. Luckily I remembered what the score was this morning before I left for work and instead of restarting both matches I will go ahead and declare the winners now since they were way ahead anyway. Top seed Grace Kelly crushed 5th seed Janet Leigh 22-10 while 3rd seed Ingrid Bergman upset 2nd seed Joan Fontaine 21-10, setting the stage for Grace and Ingrid to duke it out for all the marbles. That match will begin tomorrow and run through Sunday evening to declare the winner of Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady. Good luck to both women and thanks to all those who made this tourney another success.

1 GRACE KELLY defeats 5 JANET LEIGH 22-10

3 INGRID BERGMAN defeats 2 JOAN FONTAINE 21-10.

Round 3 update (Favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady Tourney)

As expected Grace Kelly is rolling over Janet Leigh by the count of 16 to 8 votes in match one. While over in match two, Ingrid Bergman is starting to distance herself from Joan Fontaine by the count of 15-10. But there are still three more days to cast your vote if you haven't done so already. 

Round 3 is underway

Just a quick note that round 3 of the favorite Hitchcock Leading Lady tourney has started. Match 1 features top seed Grace Kelly taking on 5th seed Janet Leigh while 2nd seed Joan Fontaine battles 3rd seed Ingrid Bergman. I think Grace will blow the doors off of Janet but Joan and Ingrid will be a barn burner. Very close. Matches will run till Thursday evening. Then the final two ladies left standing will start their match on Friday. Good luck to all four women.

Round 2 results/Semi-Finals are now set

So round 2 is officially in the books and three of the top four women are going on. Overall top seed Grace Kelly continues on her path to win her first ever tourney after always reaching the final four and coming up just short. She dominated Teresa Wright 31-18, winning 63% of the votes. Second seed Joan Fontaine had to hold off scrappy Eva Marie Saint for a wild 28-23 victory. My girl Carole Lombard got lambasted by 3rd seed Ingrid Bergman in the round's biggest margin of vivtory, 32-18. So sad to see Carole go yet again in another tourney. And 4th seed Kim Novak got upset by 5th seed Janet "Psycho" Leigh 26-23. So the semi-final matches are set to begin Sunday evening as Grace Kelly faces Janet Leigh and Joan Fontaine battles Ingrid Bergman. 

1 GRACE KELLY

VS

5 JANET LEIGH

----------------------------------------------------

2 JOAN FONTAINE

VS

3 INGRID BERGMAN

Upset Alert in Round 2

Round 2 has heated up big time with two of the four matches being very close. Top seed Grace Kelly is pulling away from Teresa Wright by the count of 25-12. This match was relatively close on day one. That same score is also featured in my girl Carole Lombard's match against 3rd seed Ingrid Bergman. So it looks like Carole and Teresa won't be moving on to the next round. Now as far as the other two matches are concerned..whoa nellie, it's coming down to the wire. 10th seed Eva Marie Saint is giving 2nd seed and beloved favorite Joan Fontaine all she can handle. Joan currently leads 20-18 and this match has been close every single step of the way. If Eva could stage a little rally this would be a huge upset. And in the final match, Janet Leigh leads Kim Novak 21-16, with Novak making a little surge as she was down by as many as 8 votes at one point. So we have two more days until this thrilling round is complete, please spread the word and let's make this an exciting finish.

Eva is hanging in there.....giving Joan Fontaine a run for her money!