The 2012 Favorite Classic Actress Tournament Preview: The 1940's era

I'm back to preview the 1940's era for the upcoming favorite classic actress tournament. Now my good friend Desiree will be handling this era and she has set up some wonderful matches for the opening round. She broke her matches down into four categories just like I did for the 50's and 60's: Sophisticates, Drama Queens, Funny Ladies/Girls Next Door and Singers/Dancers. And the fun will begin on Monday March 5th at her blog: Rosalind Russell. I'm going with Bette to win this era. Here is the link:rosalind-russell:dazzling star

 Overall top seed of 1940's era Vivien Leigh (and last year's final four finalist)

SOPHISTICATES 

1 VIVIEN LEIGH VS 8 RUTH HUSSEY

4 GREER GARSON VS 5 GENE TIERNEY

2 INGRID BERGMAN VS 7 LORETTA YOUNG (should be an excellent match)
3 LAUREN BACALL VS 6 ANN SHERIDAN (I will be torned between these two)

 

Drama Queen top seed Bette Davis

DRAMA QUEENS

1 BETTE DAVIS VS 8 CLAIRE TREVOR

4 JOAN FONTAINE VS 5 LANA TURNER (go Lana!)

2 KATHARINE HEPBURN VS 7 JANE GREER (I smell a possible upset here..)

3 OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND VS 6 IDA LUPINO

 

Funny Ladies/Girls Next Door top seed Rosalind Russell

FUNNY LADIES/GIRLS NEXT DOOR

1 ROSALIND RUSSELL VS 8 JEANNE CRAIN (yay for Roz!)

4 JANE WYMAN VS 5 DONNA REED (tough one! for me anyway)

2 LUCILLE BALL VS 7 MAUREEN O'HARA ( Oh my goodness! A battle of the red-heads)

3 EVE ARDEN VS 6 TERESA WRIGHT

 

Singers/Dancers top seed Judy Garland

SINGERS/DANCERS

1 JUDY GARLAND VS 8 MARGARET O'BRIEN

4 BETTY GRABLE VS 5 JUNE ALLYSON

2 RITA HAYWORTH VS 7 HEDY LAMARR (Should be a super match!)

3 ANN MILLER VS 6 VIRGINIA MAYO

Be My Guest - Desiree (Part 3)

Welcome back to Be My Guest with Desiree for the final set of questions. I want to thank Desiree for being my guest for this month as I think we all enjoyed her being here. Let's get to it...

Monty: What is your favorite classic film series?
Desiree: My favorite movie series by far is The Thin Man series. It’s absolutely perfect and hilarious and suspenseful in every single film. I think it is a brilliant series and without it, I would never come to adore William Powell and Myrna Loy as much as I do, since they are forever my favorite onscreen couple. The dialogue is absolutely delicious and it’s a joy all the way through.

Monty: The Thin Man has been the choice for most of my guests including myself. You just can't go wrong with Nick and Nora..and Asta.

Monty: What's your favorite genre?
Desiree: My favorite movie genre has always been comedy. 99 times out of 100, I will want to laugh and not cry. Laughing gets me through hard times and laughing makes me feel so good about life and everything around me. Being happy is the best feeling in the world and laughing at hilarious comedies is one way to make me very happy.
Monty: I can't argue with that choice. I love comedies, especially screwball comedies.

Monty: What classic stars would you have love to met in person?

Desiree: First and foremost, I would have loved to meet Rosalind Russell. She is my favorite actress and a real inspiration to me. She seems to down-to-earth and witty, and would probably be a delight to meet and chat with. I know she was a very talkative, enthusiastic person and I would have loved to meet her and get her autograph. Besides Roz, I would have loved to meet Melvyn Douglas, James Stewart, Myrna Loy, Joan Blondell, Irene Dunne, and William Powell. These are stars that I admire and idolize a great deal and whom do not seem as intimidating to meet.
Monty: All great choices Desiree..I would have imagined Roz would have been awesome to meet.

Monty: And finally, what is your favorite movie character? the one you can identify with the most?
Desiree: This is by far the most difficult question for me, and it took a lot of thinking on my part. My favorite movie character of all time is Mame Dennis from Auntie Mame. I think she is too perfect for words—hilarious, strong-willed, kind, unconventional, but also with some delightful flaws like her naiveté at times. I would love to be like Auntie Mame, but I know I am not. My mom would like to say that I identify the most with Barbara Stanwyck's "Listen Sistah" character in "Ladies They Talk About" but that's just an inside joke. I think the character I identify with the most is Nora Charles from the Thin Man movies. The reason for this is because she is so likeable to me—such a down-to-earth (a quality I really like), strong woman, and funny and kind as well. The banter between her and William Powell is just the best and I know I’d like to have a relationship like that someday.  To me, Nora Charles couldn’t possibly be a more likeable or admirable character and I’m sure all women can relate to her as well, even if they are not as witty or as wealthy as her.
Monty: Nora Charles...I can see that. Very cool. And once again thank you Desiree for being my guest

I hope everyone enjoyed this month's chat with Desiree. Next month's guest shall be Clara of Via Margutta 51. See ya then!

Be My Guest - Desiree (Part 2)

We continue on with our interview with our girl from California, Desiree...

Monty: Desiree, what is your favorite decade for film?

Desiree: This is a tough question for me because I love all decades, but I have a particular love for the 1930s and 1940s. However, I can’t choose between the two. It is just impossible. There are so many good films and stars from both decades and I love them both equally.

Monty: Hey I had a hard time deciding between them two decades as well. But finally decided on the 30's mainly because of my  love for screwball comedies.

Monty: Name some of your favorite modern stars.

Desiree: For modern stars, I admire some of the really talented ones, such as Robert de Niro, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet, Mark Wahlberg… and I also love a few because I think they’re adorable or funny, such as Jake Gyllenhaal, George Clooney and Anne Hathaway.

Monty: Yes to Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep for me as well.

Monty: Name some of your favorite modern films

Desiree:  This is such a tough question for me… I am trying to think of modern films that I have seen many times and think are worth many viewings, such as the Meet the Parents movies, There’s Something about Mary, Clueless, Schindler’s List, The Devil Wears Prada, The Outsiders, Edward Scissorhands, The Hangover, Grease, Julie & Julia, Mean Girls, Orphan (seems like a strange choice, but there is something about that movie…), Juno, and films such as Precious and An American Crime, which affected me so deeply that I could not watch them again, but were truly great films.

Monty: I love The Hangover, There's Something About Mary, The Outsiders and Edward Scissorhands as well.


Monty: What are some of your favorite movie quotes?
Desiree: I have so many favorite movie quotes, but here are some that come to mind that I have repeated so many times over the years:

“Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!” –Auntie Mame


“Oh, Kendal, what am I going to do with you?!” –Hired Wife


“Rattlesnake, anyone?” –Auntie Mame


“Oh, Walter, you’re wonderful in a loathsome sort of way.” –His Girl Friday

“What’s that man doing in my drawers?” –The Thin Man


“Oh, C.K. Dexter Haven!” –The Philadelphia Story



“Who was that?” “You wouldn’t know them, darling. They’re respectable.” –After the Thin Man


“You see? It’s a circle.” “Well, of course. Do you think it would roll if it were square?” –Bringing Up Baby
“Hello, gorgeous.” –Funny Girl


“Well, I don’t want to be rude, but, ah, may I have a drink? I had three or four before I got here, but they’re beginning to wear off, and you know how that is.” –The Awful Truth

“Ja, is good.” –I Remember Mama
(My mother particularly likes the last one, haha).
 
Monty: A lot of quotes from screwball comedies. Cool.
 
Thanks Desiree for such wonderful answers. We will be back with part 3 shortly.

Be My Guest - Desiree (Part 1)

Desiree has graciously accepted to be my guest for this month so let's get started with part one of her questions shall we...

1. Name at least 10 of your favorite classic stars. Can be as many as you want, but at least 10.


Desiree: ha I have so many favorite classic movie stars, Monty… Well, I don’t want to clutter your blog with so many names, so I’ll list my top 10 favorite actresses and top 5 favorite actors because I relate more to actresses. My absolute favorite actress is Rosalind Russell, followed by Irene Dunne, Myrna Loy, Susan Hayward, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Olivia de Havilland, and Norma Shearer. Also, Barbra Streisand, whom I admire very much as a an actress, but who is of a slightly different era from the rest of the ladies on this list. There are quite a few more, but as I said before, no clutter. My five favorite actors are Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, William Powell, and Robert Montgomery.

Monty: Roz being your favorite is awesome. And then you have Cary, Irene, Myrna and lots of my favorites as well.
2. Name at least 10 of your favorite classic movies. Once again can be as many as you want, but at least 10.


Desiree: It’s hard to say which are my 10 favorites… I have seen so many movies and like a lot of them so much. I am not that picky when it comes to classic movies, so this is difficult. I love all of Rosalind Russell’s movies, so of course, my first favorites are Auntie Mame, Gypsy, His Girl Friday, and the Women... Some other favorites that I’ve seen probably 50 times over are Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, The Awful Truth, I’ll Cry Tomorrow, I Want to Live!, I Remember Mama, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Snake Pit, Cool Hand Luke, After the Thin Man, Funny Girl (I figure this counts since it was made in the 60s). Actually, the list just goes on and on and I am sure I am leaving out some.

Monty: Since Roz is your favorite I knew His Girl Friday had to be on your list. Cool. Love seeing Cool Hand Luke, The Snake Pit, Virginia Woolf, The Awful Truth, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof among others making your list.
3. Describe your first classic movie experience. Like where did you watch it..with who, what film was it, etc...


 Desiree: The first time I remember watching a classic movie was probably when I watched Pygmalion with Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller with my mom. It was many years ago and I wasn’t even in high school yet, I think. I remember that I loved the movie and it’s still one of my mom’s favorite films. It was probably one of the first DVDs we owned, along with Gone with the Wind. I loved the atmosphere of this film and the way the girl was transformed by this man in the movie, even though I remember really loving the Cockney accent. And most importantly, I loved the look of the film—the black and white and the way the actors talked and dressed. It was a magical experience for me.

Monty: That does sound like a magical experience Desiree.

4. Describe your perfect way to watch a movie.

Desiree: To me, the most perfect way to watch a movie is with a friend or family member who wants to watch it. It’s so fun because you can comment on little things every now and then and smile about it—not something you can do in the movie theater because people would shush you. It’s more comfortable to watch a movie at home and I like that. And if I’m alone watching a movie… well, people will think this is crazy, but I prefer watching a movie in the morning the most. There is something cozy about it to me, I guess, and I am less tired in the morning than at night.



Monty: Sounds great either way Desiree.
I will stop here for part one of my interview with Desiree who had some wonderful answers. Be back shortly with part two.

#1 FAN AWARD OF THE MONTH GOES TO....

#1 FAN AWARD OF THE MONTH GOES TO....

Since so many of my friends and other bloggers comment on my blog on a regular basis, I wanted to honor the person who made the most comments. Nothing more than this little award but at least it's some kind of recognition. I know how busy everyone can get, so to take the time to not only read my posts but to regularly comment on them is a great achievement and I certainly do appreciate all the feedback and wonderful responses. So I will list the top 5 people who made the most comments in the previous month, which for this second award will be the month of May. So here we go, starting with no 5.

5. AUDREY (FEDORAS AND HIGH HEELS - 8 COMMENTS) Audrey happened to be my guest of the month during this month and she also managed to stop by to make some comments on my other posts. What a trooper.

4. PATTI (AND THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THEY USE TO -9 COMMENTS) Patti moved up a spot from last month as she was no. 5 then. Thanks Patti for being a frequent commenter.

3. DAWN (NOIR AND CHICK FLICKS - 19 COMMENTS) My trusted and good friend Dawn who has been doing so much with her countless blogs still manages to visit my humble blog and make comments. Thank you Dawn.

2. DESIREE (ROSALIND RUSSELL - 20 COMMENTS) Once again Desiree is a bridesmaid, and not the bride as she logged 20 comments last month. She was second the previous month as well. Keep trying Desiree. You'll get there. And thank you.

And the number one fan of ALL GOOD THINGS for the second month in a row is my good friend Irene of AND THEN THEY START TO SPARKLE with a whopping 25 comments. Irene is the best and she always has a great comment or two or three about any post I write. Thank you Irene.

Please check back next month to see who will be top fan once again.

#1 FAN AWARD OF THE MONTH GOES TO....

Since so many of my friends and other bloggers comment on my blog on a regular basis, I wanted to honor the person who made the most comments. Nothing more than this little award but at least it's some kind of recognition. I know how busy everyone can get, so to take the time to not only read my posts but to regularly comment on them is a great achievement and I certainly do appreciate all the feedback and wonderful responses. So I will list the top 5 people who made the most comments in the previous month, which for this first award will be the month of April. So here we go, starting with no 5.

5. PATTI (THEY DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO - 11 Comments) Patti tied with Dawn as she also made 11 comments in April on my blog. She recently started following my blog as I have been following hers which is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Glad to have met you Patti.




4. DAWN (NOIR AND CHICK FLICKS - 11 Comments) Me and Dawn go way back as we contribute on each blogs and have done so for over a year now. I would truly be lost without her helping me out as much as she has. Dawn is reponsible for a lot of blogs including Doris Day, Esther Williams, Betty Grable, Saddles & Spurs and lots more. Thanks Dawn.

3. TOM (MOTION PICTURE GEMS - 13 Comments)Tom has actually been a big help on my blog as his box-office data has been instrumental in my box office attraction posts. I met Tom over on The Golden Age of Hollywood last year and we've been friends ever since.

2. DESIREE (ROSALIND RUSSELL - 22 Comments) I think I first noticed Desiree on Facebook and we quickly became the best of friends. She always has a great comment to say about any post I write and we recently have become chat buddies. Runner-up spot goes to Desiree.

1. And finally the number #1 fan for April is none other than IRENE PALFY of AND THEN THEY START TO SPARKLE with 23 Comments. Irene has been a really cool friend and we just finished up our Beware These Women Crossover with help from Dawn. Irene is a fun loving gal from Germany who quickly became one of All Good Things biggest fans. So Irene, without further adieu and with help from the wonderful Ann Miller, here is your # 1 Fan Award from me to you.

And just to let everyone know, this will be a regular monthly feature as I wish to recognize all those friends and followers who make it a point to stop by and check out my blog. Thanks again to everyone.