Jan
08
2009
Name: Humphrey Bogart
Even if you aren’t a classic fan, you know who good old Bogie is. His onscreen style and classic personas transcend time and the silver screen.
Top 3 Films
The African Queen- Bogart’s only Oscar win was long over due, but as a crotchety old seaman opposite butterfly Katherine Hepburn, Bogie steals the show.
Casablanca- Pick your quote for this Bogart stable, which also happens to be one of the greatest films ever made. Bogart’s Rick has been parodied, imitated, remade, but never equaled. Ever.
The Treasure of Sierra Madre- Gold obsessed Bogie is still a tour de force to behold. Tight, claustrophobic scenes and greedy, dirty old men. Classic.
Our Favorite:
The Desperate Hours- One of Bogart’s last films, we love his criminal invading Fredric March’s home. It’s a tough call between the Bogie and Becall classics The Big Sleep and To Have and To Have Not, but The Desperate Hours shows us Bogie’s scary yet ambiguous intentions.
Great Link:
Humphrey Bogart.com: The Official Site.
Dec
29
2008
Name: Deborah Kerr
This quintessential British dame is actually not one of my old time favorites. However, Kerr’s performances in so many definitive classics have earned her much Hollywood Fame
Top 3 Films
The King and I- Everyone knows at least one song or scene from this musical staple. Kerr’s uptight English teacher is the perfect opposites attract to You Brynner’s king. ‘Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you…’
The Innocents- Creepy and gothic adaptation of The Turn of The Screw shows Kerr can do horror.
Heaven Knows Mr. Allison- Kerr finds rough and unconventional romance with Robert Mitchum on a deserted islanding during World War II. You can’t get much better than that!
Our Favorite:
From Here to Eternity- Come on, who doesn’t know that beach scene with Burt Lancaster? Torrid affairs, army politics, looming war. Kerr’s finest and one of her six Oscar nominations.
Great Link:
Deborah Kerr: A Classic Tribute
Dec
11
2008
Name: James Stewar
Whether you prefer his as James or Jimmy, everyone has a favorite from the quintessential golly gee awl shucks actor. From drama to westerns and comedy, Jimmy Stewart could do it all.
Top 3 Films
It’s A Wonderful Life- How could we not talk about Frank Capra’s oft imitated but never equaled Christmas tale about a simple man from Bedford Falls who sees what life would be like had he never been born? Stewart is George Bailey. Despite his hundreds of films, almost everyone loves this one.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance- One of Stewart’s many fine westerns, including Destry Rides Again and Winchester 73 among others, this Ford/Wayne western mystery has Stewart’s lawyer Ransom Stoddard battling the wild west frontier.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington – We could have picked any number of the Stewart/Hitchcock collaborations, but Washington is everything Stewart was as a performer and a person. Losing his voice to give Mr. Smith’s final plea still makes this 1939 classic essential viewing. What’s the only thing better than Mr, Smith Goes To Washington? According to the Academy, Gone With The Wind.
Our Favorite:
Harvey- Of all his films, Harvey and Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation were our close favorites. Comedy with such charm and a straight face is not easy to pull off. Despite his easing going manner and great dramatic performances, Harvey is still a delight for young and old. Who doesn’t know that a seven foot pookha is an invisible rabbit?
Great Link: The Jimmy Stewart Museum
Nov
05
2008
Name: Judith Anderson
Viewers today might not appreciate this Dame of the silver screen and soap opera gold, but we do. While never quite a leading lady, Emmy winner Anderson always made her character work and film support shine.
Top 3 Films:
The Ten Commandments- Anderson is again creepy as the loyal, but misguided servant Memnet, standing out among an all star and epic classic.
Laura- Our Dame shows a different side as the flaky and needy Mrs. Treadwell in this stunning film noir classic.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock –It’s a smaller role, but Dame Judy gives us the epitome of what a Vulcan lady should be and earned a Saturn Award nomination.
Our Favorite:
Rebecca- You knew we had to choose Anderson’ Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination as our favorite. Creepy Mrs. Danvers steals the show in Hitchock’s thriller. Her stoic look and scary eyes are worth every inch of Oscar gold. Shame on the academy!
Great Link: Judith Anderson at Reel Classics .
