This is my most intensive video as I used public domain photos, trailer clips, the public domain film, Bird of Paradise (1932), and hostess. Please give any constructive feedback but also understand a computer camera was used and the best angles possible were used considering the limitations and I’m aware of any “ums.”
Posted in Uncategorized
My second video is on movie studio photographer George Hurrell. I’ve researched photos that are on public domain so as I practice I’m still very professional.
Posted in Uncategorized
So I’ve been a bit lazy in my postings. I just got a free month long Final Cut Pro trial so I’ve been making videos to learn as much as I can before the trial ends. Here is my first one on 1920s-30s Hollywood actress, Anna May Wong. I know you can hear the air condition so I don’t need to be scolded on that. Enjoy. Feel free to give constructive feedback as I’m still learning.
Posted in Uncategorized
I just saw All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) for the first time last week. I was so impressed. It didn’t feel dated. Of course some of the acting was dated but overall I felt it captured the essence of the book. It was a good story, conveyed pacifism and even on a superficial level had good effects and action. This film would have even more impressive if it had been one of the earlier films used in widescreen, a process already in limited use but put on the back burner until the age of of television. 
A good acquaintance of mine mentioned his high school teacher opted to show the 1979 version instead of this one, concerned it would not have aged well. In my opinion he did a great disservice. Students are required to study “old” subject matter including Greek and Roman history, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, etc. Why not expose them to old films as well? Shakespeare spoke in a funny language harder to comprehend than a 1930s movie. Seriously though, I do agree a good number of old films don’t age well even films made in the 1980s, however like a good book, a good movie will stand the test of time. If any 1930s movie should be shown to a classic movie newbie, All Quiet on the Western Front is one that should be screened in a heartbeat.
As a classic film lover, even I was awed at how excellent and timeless this 80 year old film is and I usually prefer romances and happy comedies! Any teacher who does not show this version to his or her students or any lover of classic cinema who disregards this film as “too old” for newbies is not giving the general public enough credit in taste and intelligence.
Posted in Uncategorized
I don’t like the music here but the visual tribute to Gene showcases her beauty and screen presence.
Oh dear, I’m so tired of reading books and essays on Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Vincente Minnelli, Audrey Hepburn, Sonja Henie and Peter Lawford. I still have Ernst Lubitsch, Rouben Mamoulian and Stanley Donen left. Everyone is quoting Richard Dyer. I tell you I’m dying myself. I’m in dire need of a vacation. I need a good slasher flick after all these Cinderella story musicals.
Well if you haven’t noticed, all except Sonja Henie have a French connection so it makes me think of Gene Tierney. Gene Tierney was one of the most stunning screen actresses ever in my opinion and also a pretty good actress. Her performance in Leave Her to Heaven was excellent no matter how negative Darryl Hickman speaks of her talents. Anyway we remember Gene not Darryl.
If memory serves me right, Gene went to finishing school in Switzerland learning French. The French language is one reason that brought her and Oleg Cassini together. Anyway I’ve linked an interview in French from 1985 at the Festival du film romantique à Cabourg
Interviews in English
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyVxl5fCRQ4&feature=relate
On Tuesday, the last Ziegfeld Follies girl, Doris Eaton Travis, died at 106. She is one of the most inspiring persons I’ve heard about lately. She makes me realize I’m young and will still be young in the next 40 years. I have no excuse to not try something because of age (within reason of course). She starred in silents with legendary silent actors including Billie Dove, Donald Crisp, and Pearl White. Doris married her husband of over 50 years in her mid-40s. She got her GED in her 70s, her undergrad degree at age 88, and even worked on her Masters but decided to focus on her autobiography instead. Her last public performance appearance was on April 27th 2010 at the annual Easter Bonnet show on Broadway, a yearly event she attended since 1998. She even had a bit part in the Jim Carrey movie Man on the Moon.
Here is a video of her dancing at age 101
Part one of an interview from April 29, 2010
Part 2
Part 3
I didn’t have much computer access for the past few days so I couldn’t post on Lena Horne on Monday. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any of her films. I only saw her on Sanford and Son and The Cosby Show. However I did listen to her music as a child. The first song I recall is Where and When. I can even sing part of it. As a kid I thought it was about reincarnation.
