Classic and James Bond films unite
Basil Rathbone is one of the greatest film and stage actors of the Golden era. Although he's largely fallen into obscurity now, he created timeless roles and is probably the most famous screen Sherlock Holmes. Born in Johannesburg in 1892, he was only a baby when his parents immigrated to England due to the Jameson… Continue reading Announcing The Suave Swordsman: Basil Rathbone Blogathon
Before my best friend suggested this film for our fortnightly movie night, I had never heard of it. I know, it's quite surprising, but like most people, I'd always associated Carole Lombard with My Man Godfrey and the other screwball comedies that she shone in. But the thing about To Be or Not To Be, is that it's like… Continue reading Shaking Up Shakespeare: Carole Lombard in “To Be or Not To Be” (1942)
It's true that as Astaire got older, his female costars got younger, with Audrey Hepburn almost thirty years younger than him in Funny Face and Leslie Caron thirty two years younger than him in Daddy Long Legs. This has garnered criticism from viewers, with many citing that it's "icky" to watch Astaire woo such young women. But I don't… Continue reading My Heart Belongs To Daddy: Fred Astaire in “Daddy Long Legs” (1955)
Choosing five essential performances for Al Pacino is nearly impossible. Ask me in a few days time and I may swap out one film for another, because his filmography is such an embarrassment of riches. In every film he's been in I can never take my eyes off of him. Even in Once Upon A Time...In… Continue reading Al Pacino’s Five Essential Performances
The event dedicated to one of my favourite actors has finally arrived! I am absolutely thrilled that a few lovely bloggers have chosen to join me to celebrate Al Pacino excellent career. First up we have Maddy, who talks about one or Al's most heartfelt films, Frankie and Johnny. Then Quiggy talks about one of… Continue reading Please welcome Mr Pacino: The All About Al Pacino Blogathon has arrived!
Growing up, one of the films I watched the most, along with the James Bond Franchise and Gone with the Wind, was Point Break. For my older brother, Point Break is a seminal film, and I've never been inclined to disagree with him. Point Break is like a time capsule for the early 1990s. It shows the beginnings of the disillusionment with the… Continue reading Point Break: The Making of A Cult Film
The Princess Bride is a film like few others. It combines fantasy, humour, romance and drama seamlessly. William Goldman’s script sings from start to finish, and Rob Reiner’s direction realises this wonderful yarn with golden clarity. It tells the story of two lovers, Westley and Buttercup (played by Cary Elwes and Robin Wright), who face… Continue reading The Princess Bride: As We Wish It
The Hitchcock blonde has become a part of popular culture, a creature with varying shades of blonde hair, from honey to ice to strawberry, who embodies beauty, mystery, seduction and at times, danger. The actress, however, who seemed to entirely realise Hitchcock's vision of the perfect leading lady for his films, was Grace Kelly. The… Continue reading A Match Made in Hollywood: The films of Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock
And so the end has come for the Gothic Horror Blogathon as all of the spooks and spirits return to their places of rest for another year. The Blogathon was a wonderful success, which would not have been possible without the lovely bloggers who contributed such wonderful posts! I will be reading those that I… Continue reading R.I.P: The end of the Gothic Horror Blogathon
Wikipedia calls The Crow an American superhero film, but for me, it's more a gothic horror/romance film. The Crow isn't really a superhero, he's an antihero who becomes like that because of circumstances. He reminds me more Darkman than Clark Kent. The Crow is largely famous because it was Brandon Lee's final motion picture due to his tragic… Continue reading Rain and Revenge: The Crow (1994)
Pale Writer 