Of all the Golden era Hollywood movie stars, it’s impossible not to think immediately of Katharine Hepburn. Her on-screen career spanned decades. The public has been fascinated with her from the very beginning. Truthfully, we still are. A strong-willed and fiercely independent person, she became a feminist icon. It was in her DNA. She grew up in Connecticut to upper class parents- her father Dr. … Continue reading KATHARINE HEPBURN, a Film Study
As we cruise farther along our Michael Curtiz journey, today we’re pulling over to a little jazz club to discuss, YOUNG MAN with a HORN (1950). At this point, we have explored a variety of film genres that Curtiz not only explored but excelled in directing. Now let’s look at a film that is not only a biopic, but a musical biopic. American novelist Dorothy … Continue reading To jazz up your day… YOUNG MAN with a HORN (1950)
A Film Study of MICHAEL CURTIZ One of Hollywood’s greatest directors of its pinnacle ‘golden era’ is a name you’ve possibly never heard of. Michael Curtiz directed an impressively prolific filmography, from silents to the early sixties, including popular classics that endure to this day. And yet, his is not a household name. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, and Steven Spielberg are well-known names- … Continue reading “ONLY CURTIZ SPOKEN HERE”
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
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
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
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
“I don’t think “comedy” or “serious”. I always brought seriousness to comedy and comedic things to serious roles.” … Cloris Leachman At the beginning of this year (January 27, 2021) we lost an extraordinary actress. Cloris Leachman was an American actress and comedienne who spent seven decades making indelible impressions with every role, no matter how small. Depending upon your age/generation, you may have been … Continue reading Cloris Leachman: What a Character!
It all began with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and an interstitial series of dedications the network has aired honoring character actors. You have no doubt seen them, video tributes to Edna May Oliver, Beulah Bondi, William Demarest, Butterfly McQueen, and many other supporting players whose work stands the test of time. With these tributes WHAT A CHARACTER! was born and, unable to resist those actors, Paula, Aurora and I decided to … Continue reading BREAKING NEWS! The 10th anniversary of WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon is here!
A shy little man, with a twinkle in his eye that left a big impression on screen. If there was a classic Hollywood version of a leprechaun, Barry Fitzgerald was it. As campy and stereotypical as that depiction sounds, Fitzgerald was indeed funny, but there’s no doubt this was a supremely skilled dramatic actor. Small in stature perhaps, but his performances in minor roles left … Continue reading Barry Fitzgerald
Outspoken & Freckled 