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DRACULA (1931): a Film Study

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

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What A Character! Afternoon Edition

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

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Announcement: 11th Annual What A Character! Blogathon

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

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10th Annual What A Character! Blogathon: Afternoon Edition

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

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Cloris Leachman: What a Character!

“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!

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BREAKING NEWS! The 10th anniversary of WHAT A CHARACTER! Blogathon is here!

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!

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Welcome to the 9th Annual WHAT A CHARACTER BLOGATHON!

The anticipation is over! Today we bring you the first day of the 9th annual What A Character Blogathon, hosted by yours truly (@IrishJayhawk66) and my fellow co-hosts, the classic film loving ladies: Paula of Paula’s Cinema Club @Paula_Guthat and Aurora of Once Upon A Screen @CitizenScreen. As announced, this annual event celebrates the supporting actors. Quirky and silly roles abound. Oft from the service industry, like a frustrated … Continue reading Welcome to the 9th Annual WHAT A CHARACTER BLOGATHON!

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Classic Film, Uncategorized

WITNESS for the PROSECUTION (1957)

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION: Billy Wilder Film Study Billy Wilder was known for his reverence for the structure of a screenplay, and subsequently, it influenced his films. In particular, he preferred that all screenplays and films be constructed in a three chapter format like a good play. Agatha Christie’s WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION was an international success on stage, and being tossed around as a … Continue reading WITNESS for the PROSECUTION (1957)

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Classic Film, Film Noir, Uncategorized

Nicholas Ray’s In A Lonely Place

IN A LONELY PLACE (1950) This is one of many postwar films where Hollywood takes an introspective, and in the case of the film noirs like this, a darker view of itself. Not unlike private dicks such as Sam Spade, here it’s a Hollywood screenwriter who is showcased as the loner, cynical figure. Going deeper, darker, and more complex than Joe Gillis in Billy Wilder’s … Continue reading Nicholas Ray’s In A Lonely Place

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