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!

kelleeprattNovember 7, 2021November 29, 20214 Comments

Classic Film, Biography

Barry Fitzgerald

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

kelleeprattDecember 5, 202010 Comments

Classic Film, Biography

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!

kelleeprattDecember 5, 2020December 6, 20205 Comments

Blogathon, Classic Film

Announcement: 9th annual WHAT A CHARACTER! BLOGATHON

Borrowing a catch-phrase from our favorite home of the classics, Turner Classic Movies, Kellee of Outspoken & Freckled / @IrishJayHawk66), Paula of Paula’s Cinema Club / @Paula_Guthat) and Aurora, of Once Upon a Screen / @CitizenScreen) dedicate a blogathon to character actors for the ninth consecutive year. To the faces, the laughs, the drama presented by these wonderful actors whose names all too often go unrecognized we dedicate WHAT A CHARACTER! 2020. The hosts extend … Continue reading Announcement: 9th annual WHAT A CHARACTER! BLOGATHON

kelleeprattOctober 10, 2020October 16, 20209 Comments

Classic Film, Classic Film, Biography

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)

kelleeprattJuly 16, 20204 Comments

Comedy, Modern Film, Streaming

Celebrating Life, Death, and Ricky Gervais in GHOST TOWN (2008)

Brit funny man Ricky Gervais is known for his brutal humor, as the controversial host of the Golden Globes, as the creator/writer/star of the original (2001 British version) “The Office,” and for his outspoken stances on atheism and animal rights. On his comedy styling, he never holds back and everyone is equally vulnerable to his verbal barbs. For a man who has very firm … Continue reading Celebrating Life, Death, and Ricky Gervais in GHOST TOWN (2008)

kelleeprattMay 8, 20208 Comments

Classic Film, Classic Film, Biography, Film Noir

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

kelleeprattApril 30, 2020April 30, 20205 Comments

Classic Film, Classic Film, Biography

Billy Wilder Film Study: SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959): Film Study *(the following is based on a prior article on this film but with substantial research and content added for the purpose of a Billy Wilder Film Study course taught by Kellee Pratt in the Fall of 2019.) “I think that Billy as at the height of his powers. I think it’s the best thing he’s ever done, comedy … Continue reading Billy Wilder Film Study: SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

kelleeprattApril 17, 20204 Comments

Classic Film, Classic Film, Biography

ACE IN THE HOLE (1951)

Film Study: ACE IN THE HOLE (1951) (The following are my notes from my Billy Wilder Film Study class, from the Fall of 2019. It goes deep into details and background. I don’t recommend reading any further if you haven’t already screened this film prior- expect spoilers. Enjoy!) Welcome to the dark, morally corrupt media circus. Billy Wilder’s film noir under a blazing … Continue reading ACE IN THE HOLE (1951)

kelleeprattApril 14, 20204 Comments

Classic Film

Do Moms Deserve a 2nd Chance For Love?

Motherhood is historically a symbol of nurturing love and sacrifice. If a mother is married, and her partner/spouse dies, as a widow her role as mother marches on. But does that mark an end to her shot at happiness beyond parenting? Doesn’t mom deserve romance… again? As we approach the month of mothers’ special day (May 10th), I want to explore the notion that romantic … Continue reading Do Moms Deserve a 2nd Chance For Love?

kelleeprattApril 11, 20206 Comments