The Thin Man (1934)

Here comes a review of another favourite of mine and a true classic: The Thin Man.
As I can't think of any proper introduction remarks, I'll just dive straight into the plot:

                  

When the scientist Wynant disappears after a secret business trip, his worried daughter asks the retired detective Nick Charles for help. He and his wife, Nora are on vacation and initially he isn't interested in taking the case, but when Wynant's secretary is suddenly murdered and all evidence is pointing to Wynant as the murderer Nick sets out to solve the mystery.

Now, this movie is a delightful mix between a mystery and a comedy. But what makes it worthwhile is definitely the lovely duo William Powell and Myrna Loy in the roles of Nick and Nora. This was actually their very first movie together, and the chemistry between them was so great they went and made 13 more movies together and today they are considered one of Hollywood's most iconic pairings.

                                     

Every time they interact they steal the entire scene with their many sarcastic comments, witty barbs and memorable one-liners. Their chemistry on screen is really remarkable, and I admit they are the main reason for every rewatching:)

                   

They are not the only memorable characters, though. The movie is filled with a variety of hilarious characters, one more crazy than the next.
My favourite is the son of the missing scientist (Gilbert) a young man who is very well read and eager to contribute with all his knowledge, but at the same time crazy and truly lacking tact. Let me show you an example (which also happen to be my favourite scene):

The situation is this: Wynant's daughter is terribly distressed that her father seems to be a murderer, and she lament over the possibility of her future children becoming murderers as well. In comes the brother with words of consolation:

G: You're wrong about all your children being murderers. Now, I've studied the Mendelian laws of inheritance and according to their findings only one out of four of your children will be a murderer. Now, the thing for you to do would be to just have three children.......No. No, that might not work..

Words of true comfort indeed;)

                  

Of course it's not all fun and games, there is a mystery to solve after all, and all the excitement is very nicely concluded in an elaborate dinner party scene where all the suspects are invited and the case carefully unrolled by Nick until the murderer is exposed.

                 

So, the conclusion is: if you like humorous mysteries in a classic 1930's setting and a couple with a most snarky and yet adorable relationship, this is a movie you must watch.

Have any of you seen this movie?
If yes, what is your favourite Nick and Nora moment?

The Reluctant Debutante (1958) Review - A Guest Post by Rilla Blythe

Hello! This is Rilla Blythe, the girl who sometimes comments on your blogs while hiding behind a rather pretentious pseudonym. Like most of you I have a warm place in my heart for old movies, and was quite excited when the lovely Rose invited me to participate in the event she is hosting. Thank you Rose for organizing such a fun Hollywood celebration and for letting me do this!

                                     

The Reluctant Debutante is one of my favorite movies. It just carries me to a happy, ridiculous but sweet atmosphere of balls and fun. It’s a charming, light movie with great acting and in my opinion does not fail to entertain. It’s one of those gloriously colorful and funny 50’s movies that I love to rewatch while curled up in a blanket and drinking tea that has way too much sugar in it. I was, as Mr. Collins would say, “uniformly charmed’’  with this movie when I was introduced to it.;) So without further ado, here is my review of The Reluctant Debutante.

                             

Seventeen-year-old Jane Broadbent (Sandra Dee) moves to London during “the season” from New York to live with her father Lord (Jimmy) Broadbent (Rex Harrison) who recently remarried. Her fashionable stepmother, Shelia (Kay Kendall) is determined to have Jane “come out” after she learns that her gossip of a cousin, Mabel Claremont (Angela Lansbury) is debuting her own daughter too. So Jane is subjected to many lavish British balls, but meets two interesting young men at the very first one. David Fenner is the first of these. Rich and a Queen’s guard, he has the mental capacity of one of Bertie Wooster’s friends. But then the second young man appears.

                     

David Parkson, though his profession is drumming with the band, charms both Shelia and Jimmy. And of course, Jane. She is now an utterly thrilled debutante. Dancing with such an intelligent, handsome young man is joy and we immediately see he is the one. (Of course he’s handsome—apparently he is half Italian. ;)) But then in sweeps Mabel, whose tongue, as Jimmy puts it, “runs on atomic energy.” She informs them that this young Parkson’s past may not be as spotless as would be hoped.

                    

So thereafter Jane’s parents are determined he shall have nothing to do with their daughter. David Fenner, the inept scarecrow, is now Shelia’s sole hope for Jane. The young lady in question, however, and the other David manage to go out together a few times and inevitably fall in love. After some cheery twists, everyone lives happily ever after. I’m going to stop here since this review is going to be spoiler-free.:)

                     

Things I liked/disliked about The Reluctant Debutante

1. Jane is a sweet, frank girl who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to speak it, but honestly doesn’t have that much character in my opinion; maybe because I don’t get to know her that well. To know or understand a character in a movie, the audience needs several close-up shots or some little scenes with just them. That doesn’t happen here, but then it’s a comedy, so I guess it’s okay.

2. Another thing I didn’t like at first was that she and David Parkson just seem to have crushes on each other, instead of real love. But then, it’s more of a comedy, not a romance.  Kay Kendall and Rex Harrison playing these hilarious parents is more entertaining than watching the usual romance play out. (Also, obviously because they were simply bigger stars.) Which brings me to the best part. :)

3. Jimmy and Shelia/ Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall. These two are simply the double cherry on the sundae. ;) Before I watched this movie, I had only seen Rex Harrison in Dr. Doolittle (which is quite a bizarre movie) and My Fair Lady. Now in both of those, as I’m sure you know, he’s an utter bear, especially in the latter where most of the time he goes about calling people presumptuous insects and squashed cabbage leaves. It was a pleasant surprise to see him acting a normal human being who treated others without contempt or indifference. :) Also, I found out they were a real life married couple during the production of this film! Sadly, she died of leukemia the next year. Enough of this little tangent though. :) Jimmy and Shelia are utterly delightful. They’re both elegant and charming yet they do the wackiest things such as listen unashamedly at doors (when Jane brings David Parkson over) and yelp when they were startled. I liked how we see a lot of the movie from their perspective, because they are such fun, entertaining characters. I just love them. :)

                   

4. The Broadbents’ apartment! Shelia redecorated his home from the cellar to the dome    I loved the elegant architecture in their home and all the decorations. (They also have this hall with a rounded ceiling—it made me think of Bag End.) I mean, look at these bookshelves :)

                   

Anyway, I hope I’ve somewhat sparked your interest in The Reluctant Debutante! This is a charming, light movie with with great acting. If you enjoy comedy, romance, lovely sets and costumes, and Rex Harrison playing someone who let a woman in his life, I guarantee you’ll enjoy it.

                        

Have you seen The Reluctant Debutante? If so, what are your thoughts?

If not, are you interested in watching it? I’m sorry about the very amateur-quality review—it’s the first time I’ve done this.:)

State Fair (1945)

I have been wanting to write a proper review of this movie for ages now, and now the time has finally come!
But before I get carried away, let me start by telling you the plot.

                   

The Frake family is going to the annual state fair and each member of the family has different expectations. Abel Frake is certain that his prize hog will win the grand award, his wife, Melissa, has high hopes of winning a prize for her pickles and mincemeat, their son Wayne wants to get back at the owner of the ring tossing booth who ridiculed him last year, and their daughter, Margy, longs to experience something new and different to cure her melancholy mood.

When they arrive at the fair, Wayne's goal is quickly accomplished, but at the same time he meets Emily, a big city girl who is a singer with the band, and falls head over heels for her.
Margy also meets a charming stranger at the roller coaster, the reporter Pat, who suggests that they spend some time together at the fair.

Of course when everything seems to be going perfect both couples meet complications and difficulties, and it is with lots of new experiences that the family returns home after the fair.

What do you know, I managed to outline the entire plot without spoiling the ending. That is of course deliberate, for I want you to watch the movie for yourselves.

                        

The first time I watched the movie, I wouldn't have imagined that it would come to be one of my favourite movies of all time.

But isn't it funny that the thing I disliked on first watching it is one of the things I love about it today?
Yes, I'm talking about the simplicity of the plot!
I think those of you who have seen the movie can agree that nothing much happens; they go to the fair, have fun, meet people and go home.
But from start to finish the plot is very sweet and idyllic, showing an idealised version of ordinary rural lives. And when you think of the time that the movie was made (1945), this kind of movie would be exactly what many Americans would need to watch - a reminder of what normal life once was and hopefully soon would be again.
And I think that's why I love i so much now and never tire of it (I've watched it 3 times in the last month and it never gets dull).

                    

A second thing I love is the clothes! Everybody wear such gorgeous clothes! Even the extras wear dresses in all kinds of lovely patters. And Margy's wardrobe is something else! I did a whole post on her many delicious outfits here.
And it's not just the clothes, the hairstyle are brilliant too! And for a 1940's aficionado as myself, watching this movie is an endless source of inspiration and source material.

Of course the music should also be mentioned, it is a musical after all!
Although it is not a typical musical of the time, I would describe it more as a movie with songs in it. In the beginning there are a few traditional musical numbers but later on most them are songs sung on a stage by the resident band. But they are definitely good songs! I can't pick a single favourite song, for all of them has been favourites in turn, so suffice to say; I love them all!

                    

Before I end this I should also mention the actors.
Jeanne Crain is just perfect as the young country girl Margy, she is so innocent and sweet and beautiful and just embodies everything good about a stereotype 1940's actress.
And Dana Andrews does a perfect job of portraying the dashing and worldly fellow who completely captures the heart of the audience.

                     

So all in all, this is a really light and sweet movie with lots of romance and pretty dresses, and if you like the 1940's or musicals or feel good movies that make you nostalgic, you should definitely try this one.

The Screencap Game - Classic Hollywood Edition

What would a celebration be without a game?

To kick the fun off I've compiled a few screencaps, and it's your job to try and figure out which classic movies they are taken from.

Each correct answer gives 10 points.

Have fun!

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10.

The Start Of A Hollywood Celebration

November has arrived which means: let the celebration begin!

                

I'm looking forward to this week of classic movies very much.
It's a chance to both talk about some of my own favourites but also to discover new gems to add to my already very expansive To Watch list.

You can post your reviews at any time you like between today and the 7th and when you do don't forget to post the link in a comment so I can go read it:)

I think that covered it all.

Enjoy the week:)

Just A Reminder

Hello everybody!

I know, I've been absent again.
I blame 2 weeks of autumn vacation and the following madness of getting back to my daily routine, which is also why I have so many posts waiting to be read and commented on, but all in due time.

                                      

The real reason for this post is just to remind you that my Classic Hollywood Celebration starts this Tuesday. It's still not too late to sign up if you haven't already done it:)

A good weekend to you all! I'm off to continue writing my reviews. (You know nothing is more motivational than a fast impending deadline)

Anne Of Green Gables Tag

As you may have noticed from the button, these days Miss Evie is hosting an Anne Of Green Gables Week at Over The Hills.          

10 days dedicated to Anne can only be great as we all know;)

To kick the week off Evie has made this delightful tag, and here are my answers:                

1. How did you get introduced to Anne of Green Gables?

Originally my mother showed me first part of the movie, but for some strange reason I didn't like it and therefore didn't finish it.
A few years later, however, one of our friends gave me the book, and now I loved it! (And I also love the movie today)


2. Are you more like Anne or Diana? Why?

Definitely Anne! If in doubt I refer to the banner at the bottom of my blog;)
No seriously, I, like Anne, have a very vivid imagination, I love dreaming me away to far off places and create dramatic stories in my head. And I like using big words too:) 

                                

3. If Rachel Lynde called your hair as red as carrots how would you react? 

I would politely ask her if she needed new glasses, as my hair is obviously not red but blond;)


4. Gilbert or Morgan Harris? 

Gilbert!

                                 

5. Honest opinion on the third Anne film. 

It should never have been made!
There was plenty of source material for a sequel, so I don't understand why anyone would throw it away and simply make up a new plot.
 

6. Have you seen the New Anne film? 

No, but I just watched the trailer, and despite Gilbert looking all wrong, I think it could be fun to watch.


7. What in your own words is a Kindred Spirit?

A Kindred Spirit is when another persons thoughts are in sync with your own, and when there are thoughts you can't properly express in words, they still know exactly what you mean.

                     

8.  Movie Gilbert or Green Gables Fables Gilbert?

I haven't watched Green Gables Fables, but I don't think anyone can compare with movie Gilbert.


9.  Does anyone know where we can watch Road to Avonlea online?

No, sadly not.

10. Favourite book cover? 

This one:

                                


11. The Films or The Books?

The books, always the books!
The films may be good, but they're not very true to the books (except the first one), and what I love about the books are all the little vignettes of Anne's everyday life and adventures:)