Originally posted on Backlots:
In modern times, the backdrop of classic Hollywood is often used to convey a sense of glamor, chicness, and style. Made-for-television movies about classic Hollywood stars have abounded in recent years, and filmmakers often place accuracy and respect for their subjects on the back burner, preferring to focus on opulent aesthetics to catch the viewer’s eye. The quality of these films… Continue reading
Originally posted on Once upon a screen…:
A crime-laden gallery. As an homage to classic crime films and the legends who portrayed the criminals, following is a historical pictorial from the earliest days of the crime genre on film through the 1940s. These depict the faces of crime through time. Some are obscure, some are familiar, but I hope all are enjoyable. The 1910s D.… Continue reading
Originally posted on Backlots:
Shortly after completing a rare drama film entitled They Knew What They Wanted in 1940, Carole Lombard began work on her next screwball, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The director was a newcomer to Hollywood who had already made a name for himself in Britain with his talent for directing suspense films. He was… Continue reading
Originally posted on Backlots:
In this age of digital media and computer generated cartoons, the golden era of the Disney studio tends to be pushed to the back of our collective mind. It is often difficult for the modern viewer, accustomed to the strikingly lifelike animation coming out of the Pixar and Dreamworks studios, to see the quality behind such a film as Snow White… Continue reading
Originally posted on Once upon a screen…:
The home of the classics, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) played Frank Capra‘s 1934, Best Picture Academy Award winner, It Happened One Night this past weekend. This is, for some reason, a film I never think of when I consider Capra’s great films, and he made many of them, but I was reminded on Sunday of how shiny a… Continue reading
Originally posted on Backlots:
A magnificently crafted screenplay and powerhouse comedic performances by Carole Lombard, William Powell, and Alice Brady are the hallmarks of this beloved zany comedy that is unmatched in its blend of screwball camp and surrealist humor. It has become one of the most respected comedies to come out of Hollywood, and its… Continue reading
I Welcome Middle Age
Kansas is a fickle state, weather-wise. Yesterday was in the mid 70’s. But today dropped like brick to a cold, wet and brisk 30’s. Today’s brutal awakening to the change of season is what I typically expect for my birthday week. Yup, my birthday is approaching in just a few days. So, it’s more than Autumnal leaves that seem to be changing in my life. … Continue reading I Welcome Middle Age
Originally posted on Backlots:
The extraordinarily talented Natalie Wood, who stole our hearts at the age of 9 in Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and made the rare successful transition to meaningful roles as an adult, was tragically taken from us 31 years ago in an accident off Catalina Island. Last year, the case of her death was reopened when law enforcement gained some new information about… Continue reading
Outspoken & Freckled 