Francis Benjamin Johnson was born in Foreacre, Oklahoma on June 13, 1918. Born of Irish, Osage and Cherokee Indigenous ancestry, and the son of ranchers Ollie Susan and Ben Johnson, Jr. Oklahoma-born Ben Johnson was a true cowboy and horse wrangler that first made his way into Hollywood via providing horses to Howard Hughes for THE OUTLAW (1943). He realized he could make more money … Continue reading BEN JOHNSON, a Real Reel Cowboy
Whether you celebrate Valentines Day, or Galentines Day, or (UN)Valentines Day (hello heart breakers and heart-broken alike), or perhaps you’re just ready for tomorrow to arrive, there’s room for all persuasions of this love inspired day. I’ve been on the quest for a heart designed sweater/top for many years. Never found quite the right one. Then it dawned on me. Classic Hollywood has the answer! … Continue reading Ginger Rogers Stole My Valentine
As part of my Universal Classic Monsters series, the first film I introduced is the groundbreaking and debonair undead of the Pre-Code silver screen, Tod Browning’s DRACULA (1931). Coupled with a deep dive on the background and historical context, we discussed the many themes and symbolism which included: -the supernatural -religion -classism -power -death -innocence -science vs superstition -nature vs. humankind -mortality -madness vs. sanity … Continue reading DRACULA (1931): a Film Study
In the Autumn of 2022, I instructed a film study course on a selected filmography of Universal Pictures. I’ve been teaching for many years in the college town in Lawrence, Kansas. As I have done so across many topics of classic film, I start with an overview of the film genre, director including signature elements, historical context and background. Then we screen and discuss the … Continue reading Universal Horrors: a Film Study
After a delicious breakfast of entries this morning for the What A Character! Blogathon hosted by my co-host Aurora, I’m now ready to share a yummy buffet of character actor pieces. Curated for your blog reading delights, welcome to the afternoon edition! *Aurora’s Morning Edition: https://aurorasginjoint.com/2023/01/08/what-a-character-11-morning-edition/ *Paula will finish up this fabulous event later tonight (stay tuned!) Now for your next round of participants… A … Continue reading What A Character! Afternoon Edition
It’s difficult to say what role I first discovered Paul Lynde. I was born in the winter of 1966, and throughout my childhood in the late sixties and seventies, he was everywhere. Never a leading man, yet he was a standout in small roles in the most popular films, tv shows, and game shows. For a comedic actor who always got the minor roles, he … Continue reading PAUL LYNDE: Sardonic Clown
Eleven years ago, it began with a spark of inspiration. What practically every film fan can agree upon… what do we all look forward in our cinematic fandom? What is the celluloid glue that holds us all so dearly? Our love of character actors. From the earliest years of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the network has broadcast interstitial shorts honoring various character actors. Many of … Continue reading Announcement: 11th Annual What A Character! Blogathon
After an unusually cold April, May suddenly feels more like a scorching July and makes me yearn for the beach. Or, classic beach movies. When I nostalgically recall of summers of my youth, silly sex comedies of the 60s often filled my days. I wasn’t old enough to see them first-run so my screenings were likely a decade or two later, running in syndication on … Continue reading A Dog, a Dinosaur Bone, and a Delinquent… Go to the Beach with BACHELOR FLAT (1962)
When the classic film community discovered the sad loss of a beloved fellow blogger recently, Paddy aka Patricia Nolan-Hall of CAFTAN WOMAN, ANOTHER OLD MOVIE BLOG and LADY EVE’S REEL LIFE mobilized to create a blogathon to honor her memory. When I think of Paddy, I am moved by her generosity and kindness. She was very committed to not only participating in nearly every single … Continue reading A Sunny Tribute…THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT (1966)
HOORAY! The moment has finally arrived. As we detailed in our announcement post with our fun banners created by co-host Paula, we are here to give tribute to our beloved character actors. As I tell my kiddos, “buckle up, buttercups!” because here comes the blogging event of the year! The tenth What a Character! Blogathon brings you an incredible array of supporting players, each bringing their own magic to … Continue reading 10th Annual What A Character! Blogathon: Afternoon Edition
Outspoken & Freckled 