Rain Bow Academy

  • Subscribe to our RSS feed.
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Facebook
  • Digg

Monday, 21 November 2011

GIVING THANKS: Movie-wise, that is

Posted on 07:38 by Unknown
Since it is Thanksgiving, and it is a time to reflect on all of the things we are thankful for, I figured I'd compartmentalize my thankfulness categories and stick to all things movie here. I'll leave other things (like the start of Daylight Savings Time now being pushed back a few weeks) to my diary. And, since 10 is such a nice number, I'll limit my movie-wise thanks to that nice round number. In no particular order, the 10 Movie-wise things I give thanks for are:



1. Film Preservation
It's true - nitrate won't wait. And I am thankful to those wonderful pioneers and film-lovers who stepped in and saved our treasures  - or have worked to restore them to their original glory - before it is to late. Imagine in not being able to see Chaplin, Keaton, Garbo, Pickford, Valentino and so many more. 
And here's hoping that somewhere out there even more "thought to be lost" treasures will be found and rehabilitated. 


2. Turner Classic Movies
Ah, who does not LOVE TCM? For those of us who depended on late-night showings on local TV stations and bad VCR copies of obscure and no-so-obscure films, TCM has been a blessing. Sometimes, I find myself getting a little miffed at them because their programming sometimes dictates the conversation among film fans, but that is really my problem and not theirs. Their library is amazing, their programming rich and evolving and their outreach to the classic film community is important and exciting. And still no commercials. 
Best of all: Robert Osborne will be back on December 1st!


3. Blogging and Facebook connections
As one who did not easily embrace blogging or Facebook, I must say that both venues offer a tremendous way for classic film fans to connect. I mean, if you like baseball, there are probably tons of people with whom to share that passion. However, if you like Buster Keaton, most of us don't know too many people that care. 
So, how wonderful to connect on both the blog level with writers who not only enlighten but encourage, and on the Facebook level with folks who are longing to share their love of cinema. Truly, it is like finding an oasis after almost dying of thirst. Thank you to all of my blogging and Facebook friends who allow me to share this journey though the wonderful world of classic film.


4. Billy Wilder
Just going on the record to say that I am so grateful for the man behind (among others) "Sunset Boulevard," "The Major and the Minor," "The Apartment," "Double Indemnity," "The Lost Weekend," "Stalag 17," "Sabrina," "Love in the Afternoon," "The Fortune Cookie," "Witness for the Prosecution," "The Seven Year Itch" and "Some Like it Hot." 
That's the way the movie crumbles - Wilder-wise
Is there any more to say - gratitude-wise - other than "thank you, Billy"?


5. Alfred Hitchcock
Another big thank-you owed to Sir Alfred. Without him there would be no "Rear Window," no "Vertigo," no "Notorious." Not to mention no "Spellbound," no "Suspicion," no "North By Northwest," no "Rebecca," no "Rope," no "Shadow of a Doubt," no "Strangers on a Train," and no "The Birds," or "Psycho." 
No endless hours of beautiful entertainment and mystery, no fun looking for those fabulous cameos and no endless references to eating a leg of lamb as part of the perfect murder. Can you feel the love?


6. Kenneth Brownlow
Does this man look like a hero to you? Well, if a hero is considered to be one who bravely goes where none other has dared and who has made life better for doing so, then Kevin Brownlow certainly qualifies in my book. There is so much to say about this great man!

My first encounter with the great Mr. Brownlow was when, at about age 16, I found a book entitled "The Parade's Gone By" in a reduced bin at a local book store. I scooped it up and became hooked on all thinks silent (film-wise, that is!). However, it was Brownlow's collaboration with the late David Gill on the landmark 13-part series "Hollywood," was well as "Unknown Chaplin," "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow," and "Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius," that makes me follow his every move. His recent Academy Award was much deserved. All I can say is "thank you, Kevin Brownlow, thank you, from the bottom of my movie-loving heart." Oh, and when will "Hollywood" be available on DVD? Please, please, please resolve all of those nasty copyright issues or whatever holds this up. We need it!


7. Million Dollar Movie
Without WOR Channel 9 TV's "Million Dollar Movie," I would have missed such classics as "King Kong," "Godzilla," "Mighty Joe Young" and "Mothra." Before TCM, this was all we had, folks! But, if the caliber of film was not always the highest, it provided me with something that the classic film nut needs - repetition! "Million Dollar Movie" played the same film every night. So, if you loved it, you could watch it all week. And you know, if you love a movie, you can watch it countless times. Don't ask me how many times I sat on the living room floor and watched Abbott and Costello's "The Time of Their Lives."
Every night after dinner several times a year
An added bonus was the gorgeous theme song. The first time I saw "Gone With the Wind," my first comment upon hearing the overture was "that's the theme from Million Dollar Movie!" I've grown since then!


8. eBay


The marketplace to the world! Before eBay, I only dreamed of being able to get my hands on either memorabilia or just artifacts from my past that had special movie-meaning. A pre-eBay trip to California necessitated a stop at several shops to pay outrageous prices for some vintage photos and books.
eBay has allowed me to indulge my need for Hayley Mills paper dolls, various vintage movie magazines featuring my favorite stars, all things Edna Purviance, a few treasured Louise Brooks, Valentino and Pola Negri photos and a score of other photos and postcards from around the world featuring my Hollywood favorites. All at prices I am willing to pay.


9. The DVR


It is simply the best invention for movie lovers! DVR plus TCM = Contentment.


10. Cary Grant
I am always grateful to Cary Grant every day of the year - just because he's Cary Grant. You know I always find a way to worm Mr. G into my favorite things whenever possible! And what's not to be grateful for? That face, that voice, those films, that charm!
Cary and I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings! How lucky are we that he likes the dark meat and I like the light?



Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook
Posted in Thaksgiving | No comments
Newer Post Older Post Home

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Popular Posts

  • Remembering Natalie Wood: You Don't Know What You've Got 'Till It's Gone
    For no particular reason, I have been thinking of Natalie Wood a lot lately and missing her.  She was ever present in my life as a pre-teen,...
  • The Tattooed Police Horse: It's All About the Hair!
    This is my contribution to the Hoseathon hosted by " My Love of Old Hollywood . " Giddyup over here and check out the rest of the...
  • Giving Them The Slip: When Passion Meets Fashion
    This is my contribution to The Hollywood Revue's Fashion in Film Blogathon. Click HERE for more fashion, more fun and more fabulosity!...
  • Movie Books I Love: People Will Talk by John Kobal
    This is an occasional series featuring my favorite movie books. Before TCM and the internet, the only way to satisfy my passion to know more...
  • ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS... (movie-wise, that is)
    In the spirit of the season, here are some Christmas wishes for some movie-folks who might need a helping hand from Santa.   Santa, do your ...
  • Clara Bow and Gilbert Roland: Brief Romance, Lasting Tenderness
    I am hoping that someday a movie will be made about the life of Clara Bow. Not a trashy version based on scandals, but an insightful depicti...
  • What is it About Those Westerns?
    I never say that I am a fan of the Western film. Ask me what kind of movies I like, and they are generally anything but Westerns or war movi...
  • And The Oscar Goes To... Some Criminally Overlooked Categories
    My popcorn and Dom Perignon are at the ready and my tiara is on straight! As I settle in for a long night of red carpets, longer speeches, h...
  • The Norma Desmond Chronicles: Norma's Halloween Seance
    Hollywood's Busiest Medium: Madame Crackpotski Chapter 5 of the Norma Desmond Chronicles. Norma got off on a temporary insanity plea, di...
  • DON'T YOU JUST HATE IT WHEN.......
    Don't you just hate it when an artist's work is judged by the personal life of the artist? Doesn't it just irk you if someone de...

Categories

  • "Love Affair." Irene Dunne
  • 2011 CiMBA Nominations
  • 2014 calendar
  • 7 x 7 Award
  • A Song in the Dark
  • A Touch of Class
  • Abbott and Costello
  • Academy Awards
  • Actors in Drag
  • Aging Stars
  • Amazon.com
  • Ann Dvorak
  • Ann Sheridan
  • Anna Karenina
  • Auction
  • Audrey Hepburn
  • Barbara Stanwyck
  • Barbra Streisand
  • Basil Rathbone
  • Baz Luhrmann
  • Ben Model
  • Bette Davis
  • Big Night
  • Billie Dove
  • Billy Wilder
  • Bing Crosby
  • Bitches and Blaggards
  • Blazing Saddles
  • Blue Jasmine
  • Bob Hope
  • Burt Lancaster
  • Buster Keaton
  • Carey Mulligan
  • Carole Lombard
  • Cary Grant
  • Castle on the Hudson
  • Cate Blanchett
  • Chaplin the Musical
  • Charles Boyer
  • Charlie Chaplin
  • Cher
  • Chicago
  • Christina Rice
  • Christmas
  • City for Conquest
  • Clara Bow
  • Clark Gable
  • Classic Film Six Degrees of Separation
  • Classic Film Stars
  • Classic Films
  • Clifton Webb
  • CMBA Blogathon
  • Colleen Moore
  • Constance Talmadge
  • Contrance Talmadge
  • Dana Andrews
  • Dark Ladies of Warners
  • Debbie Reynolds
  • Doris Day
  • Dorothy Lamour
  • Double Indemnity
  • Douglas Fairbanks
  • Dueling Divas Blogothon
  • Edna Purviance
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Elvia Presley
  • Erich Von Stroheim
  • Errol Flynn
  • Eva Marie Saint
  • Exotic Actors
  • Exotic Actresses
  • favorite movie scenes
  • Film Fashion
  • Food
  • Frank Sinatra
  • From Scarface to Scarlett
  • Gail Patrick
  • Gals with guns
  • Gary Cooper
  • Gaslight
  • Gene Kelly
  • Gene Tierney
  • George Sanders
  • Georges Melies
  • Ghosts
  • Gilbert Roland
  • Glenn Close
  • Gloria Swanson
  • Gossip
  • Grace Kelly
  • Greta Garbo
  • Guilty Pleasures
  • Haiku
  • Halloween
  • Hayley Mills
  • Helen Morgan
  • Her Sister From Paris
  • Holiday (1930)
  • How To Steal a Million
  • Hugo
  • Humphrey Bogart
  • Ingrid Bergman
  • Irene Dunne
  • Isn't it Romantic?
  • Jack Palance
  • James Cagney
  • James Mason
  • James Stewart
  • Jane Greer
  • Jane Russell
  • Jean Hagen
  • Jean Harlow
  • Jeanette MacDonald
  • Jeanne Eagles
  • Joan Blondell
  • Joan Crawford
  • Joan Fontaine
  • John Barrymore
  • John Garfield
  • John Gilbert
  • John Kobal
  • Journalism
  • Jude Law
  • Judith Anderson
  • Judy Garland
  • July 4th
  • Katharine Hepburn
  • Kay Francis
  • Keira Knightley
  • Kendra Bean
  • Kiki
  • Kim Novak
  • Lana Turner
  • Laurence Olivier
  • Leave Her to Heaven
  • Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Liebster Award
  • Lina Lamont
  • Lita Grey
  • Lizabeth Scott
  • Loretta Young
  • Louise Brooks
  • Love Me Tonight
  • Mabel Normand
  • Mae Murray
  • Mae West
  • Maggie Smith
  • Manhattan
  • Marilyn Miller
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Marjorie Morningstar
  • Marlene Dietrich
  • Marlon Brando
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Mary Astor
  • Mary Miles Minter
  • Mary Pickford
  • Maurice Chevalier
  • Mediums
  • men who smoke
  • Michael Douglas
  • Michael G. Ankerich
  • Miriam Cooper
  • Miriam Hopkins
  • Movie Book I Love
  • Movie Books I Love
  • Movie Crushes
  • Movie Musicals
  • Movie Snob
  • movie star mad libs
  • My Favorite Movie Books
  • My Movie Dream Book
  • Myrna Loy
  • Nancy Carroll
  • Natalie Wood
  • New Years 2013
  • New York City
  • Norma Desmond
  • Norma Talmadge
  • Obsessions
  • Olive Thomas
  • On the Waterfront
  • Orson Welles
  • Pamela Franklin
  • Paramount
  • Paris
  • Paulette Goddard
  • Peter O'Toole
  • Photoplay Magazine
  • Picture Snatcher
  • Platinum Blonde
  • Pola Negri
  • Portrait Photographers
  • Pre-Code Films
  • Psychics
  • Queen Kelly
  • Rear Window
  • recycled Hollywood costumes
  • Richard Widmark
  • Rita Hayworth
  • Robert Preston
  • Robert Redford
  • Roberto Rossellini
  • Robin Hood
  • Ronald Colman
  • Roscoe Arbuckle
  • Rudolph Valentino
  • Scandal
  • Sex and the City
  • Sexy Stars
  • Shirley Jones
  • Silent Films
  • Singing in the Rain
  • Spirits
  • Stars portraying stars
  • Stars who died young
  • Strong Women in film
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Susan Hayward
  • Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise
  • Sweet Blogger
  • Take Her For a Ride
  • TCM Tour
  • Thaksgiving
  • The Apartment
  • The Artist
  • The Godfather
  • The Great Gatsby
  • The Kid
  • The New York Hat
  • The Norma Desmond Chronicles
  • The Philadelphia Story
  • The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
  • The Producers
  • The Public Enemy
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • The Tattooed Police Horse
  • The Wizard of Oz
  • Theda Bara
  • These Amazing Shadows
  • Three on a Match
  • Tony Randall
  • Twentieth Century
  • Valentines Day
  • Vertigo
  • Vivien Leigh
  • Walt Disney
  • Warren William
  • westerns
  • William Desmond Taylor
  • William Holden
  • William Wyler
  • Woody Allen
  • Ziegfeld

Blog Archive

  • ►  2013 (41)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2012 (56)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (5)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (5)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ▼  2011 (90)
    • ►  December (7)
    • ▼  November (7)
      • Kay Francis: Where Have You Been All Of My Life?
      • Classic Six Degrees of Separation: Tag - You're It!
      • SPELLBOUND BY MOVIES? YOU MUST GO AND SEE "HUGO"
      • GIVING THANKS: Movie-wise, that is
      • MOVIE BOOKS I LOVE: "FROM SCARFACE TO SCARLETT" BY...
      • Remembering Natalie Wood: You Don't Know What You'...
      • Mary, Mae, Marlene and Doris: Industrial Strength ...
    • ►  October (9)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ►  July (6)
    • ►  June (7)
    • ►  May (10)
    • ►  April (11)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (6)
  • ►  2010 (23)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (4)
Powered by Blogger.

About Me

Unknown
View my complete profile