CLASSIC FILM RECOMMENDATIONS

You could call these recomendations a trip back in time but everyone loves a classic and if you are unsure which ones to check out then here are some of the best classics in existence. The classics of cinema are highly revered for thier star castings i.e Grace Kelly, Carey Grant, lavish production values and iconic moments/scenes that are highly idolised in cinema history. Anyway here are some top film classics you should check out right away.

1: CASABLANCA (1942)

The Most iconic Film Romance of all time, Rick (Humphrey Bogart) faces an impossible choice when his former lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) comes back into his life and he must choose between doing what is right or what is in his heart. A love story to melt your heart with fantastic performances, heartwarming romance and a romantic musical number that will touch your heart as time goes by (Pardon the Pun).

2: SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)

An Iconic Hollywood comedy to make your sides split laughing. Two Jazz Musicians after witnessing a mob hit flee disguised as women amongst an all female jazz group. Hilarity ensures through illicit and unconventional romances as one tries to win the affections of Sugar (Marilyn Monroe) whilst the other fights off the affections of a wealthy Bachelors. Filled with comedy as the two men try to maintain thier feminine disguises and featuring amazing musical talents from Hollywood Beauty Marilyn Monroe.

3: DRACULA (1931)

Adapted from Bram Stoker’s iconic horror novel, Evil Vampire Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) arrives in England to claim more Victims but pursues Mina Seward (Helen Chandler) however his machinations are challenged by worthy nemesis Dr. Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan). The gothic horror elements of the story are masterfully captured through Lugosi’s chilling hynoptic performance and the black and white cinematography. A classic horror with a villain who will send a chill down your spine.

4: REAR WINDOW (1954)

A Hitchcockian triumpth tour de force that is this bloggers favourite film of all time. Wheelchain bound with a broken leg Photographer LB Jeffries beleives he has witnessed a murder and set’s out to prove it with help from his Socialite Girlfriend Lisa Freemont (Grace Kelly). Filled with twists, turns and plenty of Hitchcocokian suspense not to mention an ending that will have you on the edge of your seat with fear and excitement.

5: NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

Hitckcock films have an extraordinary talent of placing normal everyday people in the most shocking unexpected situations and this film is a perfect example. A case of mistaken identity and murder set Rodger Thornhill (Carey Grant) on a cross country chase against spies international intrigue and a little romance along the way with mysterious Blonde Eve Kendell (Eva Marie Saint). filled with twists, turns and nailbiting action concluding a heartstopping chase across Mount Rushmore.

6: 12 ANGRY MEN (1957)

A film that is both culturally and historically relevant in which a group of jurors must determine if a young man is guilty or innocent of his fathers murder. This film is so relatable to today’s society as the jury has people from all walks of life who opinions are full of bigotry and snobbery. Henry Fonda as Juror Number 8 who uses integrity and honesty to see the real truth. A Classic film that so brilliantly mirrors some of the problems and bigotry that are still seen in society today.

7: REBECCA (1940)

Romance and Mystery come together in this thriller where a new wife comes to live in new Husbands manro house only to find it shrouded in constant reminders of his late wife Rebecca further enforced by the sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers. Filled with twists and turns this film will make you think you know the truth when you will not know what to expect.

8: SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)

It’s Lights, Camera Action as Writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) becomes entangled in the possible return to the silver screen by faded silent star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a venture that becomes entangled in danger, jealousy and death. Gloria Swanson’s performance is nothing short of eerie yet larger than life and the film’s commentary on Hollywoods treatment of its artists is very clever and subtle in its form as a social commentary

That concludes my recomendations for Classic Films and stay tuned for my recomendations for Mystery Films.

BLOGMAS: POST 4 – THE HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS TAG

For post 4 of this Blogmas Season I am doing another tag challenge, this one being the Holly Jolly Christmas Tag. It is also a Youtube Tag Challenge as well and I will also post the Vlogmas Version underneath this post. In other News it is deffo getting colder these days so hopefully it means snow will be on the cards this Christmas. Anyway without further ado let us commence with the Holly Jolly Christmas Tag.

1: FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE ?

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) I 100% adore this Movie and LOVE to watch 100 times every Christmas. I know pretty much all the words and songs. “Your A Mean One Mr Grinch” is my FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG EVER!!!!!!!!

2: SHOW US AN EMBARASSING CHRISTMAS PIC.

The story behind this pic is that during my undergraduate years, we were all out to celebrate wrapping up the semester for Christmas. WE were in the smoking area of the pub and saw this old guy who looked like Santa Claus so my friend suggested we get a photo with me sitting on his knee. Let’s be honest with his red coat and beard he could have been a ringer for Santa if he had a Hat.

3: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A WHITE CHRISTMAS?

I rememeber having a few and how perfect the view of the snow covered landcape outside my House on Christmas Day made it all the more beautiful. Fingers Crossed for a white one this year.

4: IF YOU COULD BE IN ANY CHRISTMAS MOVIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Either “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to visist Halloween and Christmas Town or “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” and explore Whoville. Another ideal one would be Elf to go to the North Pole and meet, sing carols and drink “Syrup” with Buddy

5: NAME ALL OF SANTA’S REINDEER.

Rudolph, Blitzen and Donner are the names I do know but cant name the rest. Rudolph is the reindeer that is mostly heavy marketed so who knows what the others are called.

6: ARE YOU A PRO PRESENT WRAPPED OR DO YOU FAIL MISERABLY?

Let’s just say I use a LOT of sellotape.

7: HAVE YOU EVER GONE CHRISTMAS CAROLLING?

It’s something I’m considering doing one of these days. Dress up in Victorian/Dickensian fashion and go around as long as the neighbours do not posses shotguns.

8: DO YOU MAKE NEWS YEARS RESOLUTIONS, DO YOU STICK TO THEM?

The first part is yes I do make News Years Resolutions but the answer to the second part is No I do not stick to them.

9: YOU HAVE BEEN GRANTED ONE CHRISTMAS WISH, WHAT WILL IT BE?

Ooh, thats a tough one but would losing weight without going ona diet be asking too much?

Check out the Holly Jolly Jolly Christmas Tag I did for Vlogmas in the video below

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ IS AS WONDERFUL 80 YEARS LATER

For over 80 Years the enduring magic of The Wizard of Oz has captivated, enchanted and touched the hearts of audiences. It is the kind of film you could watch again and again and never fail to be enchanted by its endearing story, colorful characters, and beautiful music. The immortality of the film also lies in its universal themes of friendship, love, home, and adventure, themes that connect any film with an audience I absolutely loved the film as a kid and even more now as an adult. The touching heartwarming message behind the movie touches you even more deeply as an adult and you like Dorothy realize there’s no place like home or the people there. As this marks my second blog post honoring the films 80th anniversary I felt like writing a reflective or looks back piece if you will

The Wizard of Oz remains embedded in our hearts and minds through the many iconic moments and images that come to mind when we think about the movie, Dorothy entering Munchkinland, the Munchkins, The Flying Monkeys, The Wicked Witch, the Emerald City and the Journey of Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wonderful Wizard himself and of course Toto too. Like any great classic of that era, The Wizard of Oz is also well remembered for its many iconic lines of dialogue – “Toto I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”, “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too”. Basically, as this could go on for ages everything about this Movie is beautiful and complete perfection.

The Cast deliver performances that are nothing short of phenomenal and which cements them as the memorable characters we know and love. Judy Garland is undoubtedly beautiful in her performance as Dorothy, her journey in Oz and the friendships she builds along the way resulting in how she truly learns why there is no place like home is both emotive and moving and a lesson even we as an audience can take in. Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, and Jack Hayley deliver performances that make us laugh and each brings his own unique talents to his role in particular to their musical numbers but their scenes with Judy Garland remind us why we love our friends. The friendship between Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tinman and the Lion is heartwarming and even this blogger sheds a few (manly) tears when Dorothy departs.

Billie Burke shines as Glinda the Good Witch and acts as both Dorothy’s sort of Fairy Godmother and guide and by sending Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road she helps Dorothy truly understands why there is no place like home. This really touches on how in modern life with some guidance we understand what really matters. Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West reminds us why every movie needs a good villain and still sends a chill down audiences spines. Her performance is nothing but despicably wicked and she dominates the screen during her scenes with her wicked presence rivaling Judy Garland.

So what else can we say makes this movie even more magical, why the Music of course. The score is a work of art and helps move the story along. Like the dialouge, the music is so memorable and helps to move the story along and give us a chance to sing along too. Out of all the song’s the one that stands out so strongly is Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Today’s kids can keep their Pitch Perfect and other crap because to me there is nothing more beautiful than Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The way she puts her heart and soul into the song is pure and beautiful as she believes in the sentiment and meaning behind the song, Garland would go onto sing it all her life and to her was the closest melody to her heart. No other singer’s version will EVER be as beautiful as the one in the movie. It’s the mark of any great musical if you remember every song from the movie, all someone has to say is Oz and we remember Over The Rainbow, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead, If I Only Had a Brain/Heart/The Nerve. Heres hoping they release a Sing A Long DVD soon so we can all along.

If there is one memorable defining moment within the Movie it is that iconic moment when Dorothy steps out from the grayness into the technicolor Wonderland of Oz. It is the moment everyone remembers so well from the film. Remember that this movie came in 1939 was recovering from the great depression so Oz brought a sense of escapism and hope to 1939 audiences. Today’s films are layered no bathed in CGI effects so to see something so simply achieved as a transition from grayness to Technicolor without any CGI/special effects is an amazing achievement

The film of course still holds relevance today through a deeper meaning we better understand watching the film as adults. Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road is about self discovery, making new friends and that home no matter how far away we are is something close to our hearts (getting meaningful in my old age).

Well, I think I’ve covered everything that makes this Movie a Magical Experience. Overall despite the chaotic creative process, everyone involved put their heart and soul into making the movie happen and bringing L Frank Baum’s story to life. 80 Years of Oz have had audiences falling in love with it time and time again, so here’s to another 80 years of going Over The Rainbow with this timeless classic.

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE WIZARD OF OZ

HELLO OZ FANS

There are so many fascinating stories and facts behind the making of The Wizard of Oz and as I kick off my series of Blogs honoring the Classic Film I begin with a selection of some of the most interesting facts behind the scenes of the movie’s creation. The making of the Wizard of OZ was quite a challenging chaotic process but it was all worth it in the end as the end result was a timeless classic that would be loved and cherished for 80 years and of course the next 80 years to come. So prepare to soak in some fascinating Oz Trivia                                                    

• The Movie had quite a number of Directors throughout the filming process, the First director Richard Thorpe was reassigned after the first 2 weeks of shooting as Mervyn LeRoy felt the early footage lacked the magical qualities the story should have. Next in came George Cukor for a brief stint before starting production on Gone With The Wind. Cukor made beneficial changes to makeup and costume, especially to Judy Garland’s appearance. He removed her blond wig and heavy make-up transforming her into the sweet Kansas girl we all know and love. The next and main director was Hollywood legend, Victor Fleming, Fleming worked tirelessly on the project steering it on a course to success. A few weeks before the end of shooting, however, Fleming had to transfer over to the Gone with the Wind set as George Cukor has left. King Vidor was the final director and directed the last few weeks of shooting but asked not to be credited as to him it was Victor Flemings production

• The Original choice for Dorothy was Shirley Temple who was popular at the time but Producers felt the part was too demanding for her so they offered it to Judy Garland instead

• When George Cukor was working with Judy Garland, he gave her some very valuable advice and told her to just be herself and by looking at the film we can see a huge part of Judy Garland embedded within the character of Dorothy and one the main reasons we love the character

• The original actor for the Tin-Man Buddy Ebsen had to replaced with Jack Hayley as he suffered a terrible reaction to the aluminum dust makeup. After that, it was changed to Aluminum Paste for Jack Hayley

• Margeret Hamilton also suffered an injury on set. Upon making her Munchkinland exit through a trapdoor with the pyrotechnics activated at the same time her copper-based makeup caused her to suffer several burns to her face and hands.

• When the Film was entering its final stages of post-production a series of test screenings were arranged for MGM Executives. The original cut ran two 2 hours which was deemed too long so a number of cuts had to be made which included the following scenes
• The Jitterbug
• A reprise of Over The Rainbow in the Witch’s castle
• Ray Bolger’s comic dance during his If I only had a Brain number
• The heroes returning to the Emerald City with the witch’s broomstick

• Quite shockingly Studio executives wanted Over the Rainbow cut as well as they felt it slowed down the picture and it was undignified for Judy Garland to sing in a barnyard. Thankfully Arthur Freed recognized how important this song was in the movie and it was not removed.

• Judy Garland would go onto sing Over The Rainbow at many public appearances and concerts because she believed in the meaning and sentiment behind the song and it remained closest to her heart

• Both The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind were released in 1939 which is also known as Hollywoods Great Year

• At the 1940 Oscars both Films walked away with Oscars, Gone with The Wind won 10 Oscars whilst Wizard of Oz won several most notably Best Song for Over The Rainbow and Judy Garland won an Honourary Oscar “outstanding performance as a screen juvenile during the past year”

• Despite various Re-releases, The Wizard of Oz truly owes it immortality to Television as it was screened once a year which was quite a big event for homes all over the world and new generations of fans fell in love with it

Well, I might have listed a few too many facts but the history surrounding this classic’s creation is worth its weight in rubies (pardon the pun). I hope you enjoyed this post and will keep an eye out for more of my Oz related Blogs