Lists by misspaddylee
These are not necessarily Christmas movies, however the holiday plays in important part in one or more scenes.
1878 - 1954
Lionel Herbert Blythe was born to a theatrical dynasty and spent a life in the arts as an actor, director, author, artist and composer.
"To my mind there is nothing so beautiful or so provocative as a secondhand book store."
Lionel Herbert Blythe was born to a theatrical dynasty and spent a life in the arts as an actor, director, author, artist and composer.
"To my mind there is nothing so beautiful or so provocative as a secondhand book store."
1907 - 1968
"On-screen, Duryea exhibited every human weakness: He was mean-spirited, cowardly, selfish, weak - and yet, somehow, strangely compelling if not totally endearing."
from Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia
"On-screen, Duryea exhibited every human weakness: He was mean-spirited, cowardly, selfish, weak - and yet, somehow, strangely compelling if not totally endearing."
from Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia
1904 - 1986
"Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant."
Recommended reading:
Cary Grant, A Class Apart by Graham McCann (published 1996)
Evenings With Cary Grant by Nancy Nelson (published 2002)
"Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant."
Recommended reading:
Cary Grant, A Class Apart by Graham McCann (published 1996)
Evenings With Cary Grant by Nancy Nelson (published 2002)
1905 - 1982
Stage and screen actor of great commitment.
"If there is something in my eyes, a kind of honesty in the face, then I guess you could say that's the man I'd like to be, the man I want to be."
Stage and screen actor of great commitment.
"If there is something in my eyes, a kind of honesty in the face, then I guess you could say that's the man I'd like to be, the man I want to be."
1899 - 1962
"Method actors give you a photograph. Real actors give you an oil painting."
"Method actors give you a photograph. Real actors give you an oil painting."
1898 - 1990
"Her timing was marvelous. She was so good that she made comedy look easy. If she'd made it look as difficult as it really is, she would have won her Oscar." - Cary Grant
"Her timing was marvelous. She was so good that she made comedy look easy. If she'd made it look as difficult as it really is, she would have won her Oscar." - Cary Grant
1907 - 1976
"It's fine to have talent, but talent is the last of it. In an acting career, as in an acting performance, you've got to have vitality. The secret of successful acting is identical with a woman's beauty secret: joy in living."
"It's fine to have talent, but talent is the last of it. In an acting career, as in an acting performance, you've got to have vitality. The secret of successful acting is identical with a woman's beauty secret: joy in living."
1900 - 1991
Director George Stevens famously called her "one of the greatest comediennes the screen has ever seen" while Frank Capra credited her as "my favorite actress".
Director George Stevens famously called her "one of the greatest comediennes the screen has ever seen" while Frank Capra credited her as "my favorite actress".
1915 - 1967
Warner Brothers leading lady who excelled at light comedy as well as drama. Glamorous, yet with a down-to-earth appeal.
Warner Brothers leading lady who excelled at light comedy as well as drama. Glamorous, yet with a down-to-earth appeal.
1903 - 1977
THE entertainer of the 20th century breaking and holding records in film, radio and recordings.
THE entertainer of the 20th century breaking and holding records in film, radio and recordings.
1921 - 2007
Versatile leading lady of great depth and humanity.
"The best, my favorite . . . Life would be kind if I could live it with Deborah around." - Robert Mitchum
Versatile leading lady of great depth and humanity.
"The best, my favorite . . . Life would be kind if I could live it with Deborah around." - Robert Mitchum
1899 - 1980
"Some films are slices of life, mine are slices of cake."
"Some films are slices of life, mine are slices of cake."
1894 - 1973
"For a director there are commercial rules that it is necessary to obey. In our profession, an artistic failure is nothing; a commercial failure is a sentence. The secret is to make films that please the public and also allow the director to reveal his personality."
"For a director there are commercial rules that it is necessary to obey. In our profession, an artistic failure is nothing; a commercial failure is a sentence. The secret is to make films that please the public and also allow the director to reveal his personality."
1897 - 1991
"Film is a disease. When it infects your bloodstream, it takes over as the number one hormone; it bosses the enzymes; directs the pineal gland; plays Iago to your psyche. As with heroin, the antidote to film is more film."
"Film is a disease. When it infects your bloodstream, it takes over as the number one hormone; it bosses the enzymes; directs the pineal gland; plays Iago to your psyche. As with heroin, the antidote to film is more film."
1896 - 1973
"I'm a storyteller - that's the chief function of a director. And they're moving pictures, let's make 'em move!"
"I'm a storyteller - that's the chief function of a director. And they're moving pictures, let's make 'em move!"
1896 - 1975
"Get a director and a writer and leave them alone. That's how the best pictures get made."
"Get a director and a writer and leave them alone. That's how the best pictures get made."
1917 - 2007
Academy Award winning actress (Johnny Belinda) who rose through the ranks as a Warner Brothers contractee. She could make you roar with laughter and break your heart.
"I've been through four different cycles in pictures: the brassy blonde, then came the musicals, the high dramas, then the inauguration of television."
Academy Award winning actress (Johnny Belinda) who rose through the ranks as a Warner Brothers contractee. She could make you roar with laughter and break your heart.
"I've been through four different cycles in pictures: the brassy blonde, then came the musicals, the high dramas, then the inauguration of television."
1914 - 2005
"You can't tell any kind of a story without having some kind of a theme, something to say between the lines."
"You can't tell any kind of a story without having some kind of a theme, something to say between the lines."
1904 - 1975
"A motion picture should be respected as being more than a tool for selling soap, toothpaste, deodorant, used cars, beer and the whole gamut of products advertised on television."
"A motion picture should be respected as being more than a tool for selling soap, toothpaste, deodorant, used cars, beer and the whole gamut of products advertised on television."
1906 - 2002
"I have ten commandments. The first nine are, thou shalt not bore. The tenth is, thou shalt have right of final cut."
"I have ten commandments. The first nine are, thou shalt not bore. The tenth is, thou shalt have right of final cut."
1892 - 1962
"A lot of people say I've deserted my art because I left Broadway and the stage. Hell, I'm no artist. I'm a working man. I've got a trade just like any other mechanic, and I follow my trade where the work is. Just now it's in Hollywood, but I'm not tied to Hollywood."
"A lot of people say I've deserted my art because I left Broadway and the stage. Hell, I'm no artist. I'm a working man. I've got a trade just like any other mechanic, and I follow my trade where the work is. Just now it's in Hollywood, but I'm not tied to Hollywood."
1892 - 1984
"I never enjoyed my work more than when I worked with William Powell. He was a brilliant actor, a delightful companion, a great friend and, above all, a true gentleman." - Myrna Loy
"I never enjoyed my work more than when I worked with William Powell. He was a brilliant actor, a delightful companion, a great friend and, above all, a true gentleman." - Myrna Loy
1888 - 1981
A great character actress whose presence enriched film. Twice nominated for an Oscar (Of Human Hearts, The Gorgeous Hussy), she won an Emmy in 1977 for a guest appearance on "The Waltons".
"What distinguishes the real actor from the pseudo is the passionate desire to know what is going on in the hearts and minds of people."
A great character actress whose presence enriched film. Twice nominated for an Oscar (Of Human Hearts, The Gorgeous Hussy), she won an Emmy in 1977 for a guest appearance on "The Waltons".
"What distinguishes the real actor from the pseudo is the passionate desire to know what is going on in the hearts and minds of people."
1903 - 1960
Bond has been officially remembered with a TV star on Hollywood Boulevard, by being inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and by a Ward Bond Memorial Park in his birthplace of Benkelman, Nebraska. However, he is probably most fondly remembered for his enormous output of solid work, with great respect by the industry.
Bond has been officially remembered with a TV star on Hollywood Boulevard, by being inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and by a Ward Bond Memorial Park in his birthplace of Benkelman, Nebraska. However, he is probably most fondly remembered for his enormous output of solid work, with great respect by the industry.
Born April 3, 1922. Resides in California.
The "girl next door" is only this talented and beautiful in the movies.
"I like joy; I want to be joyous; I want to have fun on the set; I want to wear beautiful clothes and look pretty. I want to smile and I want to make people laugh. And that's all I want. I like it. I like being happy. I want to make others happy."
The "girl next door" is only this talented and beautiful in the movies.
"I like joy; I want to be joyous; I want to have fun on the set; I want to wear beautiful clothes and look pretty. I want to smile and I want to make people laugh. And that's all I want. I like it. I like being happy. I want to make others happy."
1909 - 1973
"Robert Ryan was a craftsman from start to finish. He was an actor first, a star second." - 3 time co-star Ernest Borgnine
"Robert Ryan was a craftsman from start to finish. He was an actor first, a star second." - 3 time co-star Ernest Borgnine
1918 - 1995
"My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England - I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers."
"My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England - I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers."
I am from the generation that grew up watching way too much television. Here are 24 classic series and 48 episodes of good cheer, and maybe a tear or two.
1913 - 2000
Beautiful, award-winning leading lady of movies and television.
"If you want a place in the sun, you have to expect a few blisters."
Beautiful, award-winning leading lady of movies and television.
"If you want a place in the sun, you have to expect a few blisters."
1887 - 1953
Popular supporting player from England who studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and enjoyed much success on stage in London and New York prior to his Oscar-nominated (Topper) film career. A scene-stealing delight!
Popular supporting player from England who studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and enjoyed much success on stage in London and New York prior to his Oscar-nominated (Topper) film career. A scene-stealing delight!
Born 1916. Resides in France.
Academy Award winning actress (To Each His Own, The Heiress) of great talent, beauty and courage. She successfully sued her home studio of Warner Brothers to allow actors greater control over their careers.
"Playing good girls in the '30s was difficult, when the fad was to play bad girls. Actually I think playing bad girls is a bore; I have always had more luck with good girl roles because they require more from an actress."
Academy Award winning actress (To Each His Own, The Heiress) of great talent, beauty and courage. She successfully sued her home studio of Warner Brothers to allow actors greater control over their careers.
"Playing good girls in the '30s was difficult, when the fad was to play bad girls. Actually I think playing bad girls is a bore; I have always had more luck with good girl roles because they require more from an actress."
1889 - 1965
Versatile and imposing character actor who topped his distinguished stage, radio and movie career by playing Lt. Tragg on the popular "Perry Mason" series (1957 - 1965).
Versatile and imposing character actor who topped his distinguished stage, radio and movie career by playing Lt. Tragg on the popular "Perry Mason" series (1957 - 1965).
1919 - 1980
"Age is as much an asset for character players as it is for good wine. Human experiences, both good and bad, leave their marks on one's face and bearing. A few lines on the face and a few gray hairs coupled with the idiosyncrasies an actor adopts throughout life help out round out the actor's personality. So far as I'm concerned, the older a character actor gets, the firmer his position is."
"Age is as much an asset for character players as it is for good wine. Human experiences, both good and bad, leave their marks on one's face and bearing. A few lines on the face and a few gray hairs coupled with the idiosyncrasies an actor adopts throughout life help out round out the actor's personality. So far as I'm concerned, the older a character actor gets, the firmer his position is."
1892 - 1965
Broadway actress and singer who appeared in movie character roles from 1930. Often uncredited as "landladies" or "counter help", when given the opportunity Esther created memorable characters and made them her own.
Between 1936 - 1953 she starred in a series of Columbia shorts (domestic comedies) opposite Andy Clyde as his wife.
Broadway actress and singer who appeared in movie character roles from 1930. Often uncredited as "landladies" or "counter help", when given the opportunity Esther created memorable characters and made them her own.
Between 1936 - 1953 she starred in a series of Columbia shorts (domestic comedies) opposite Andy Clyde as his wife.
1905 - 1977
Resilient and dynamic Golden Age star.
"If you have an ounce of common sense and one good friend, you don't need an analyst."
Resilient and dynamic Golden Age star.
"If you have an ounce of common sense and one good friend, you don't need an analyst."
1908 - 1989
The star and actress that was Bette Davis never bores and often inspires.
"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy."
The star and actress that was Bette Davis never bores and often inspires.
"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy."
1898 - 1966
Reliable character actor a welcome presence in his more than 100 film roles. Created the role of "George" in the 1937 Broadway production of "Of Mice and Men".
Reliable character actor a welcome presence in his more than 100 film roles. Created the role of "George" in the 1937 Broadway production of "Of Mice and Men".
1894 - 1948
Dashing pre-Code rogue whose good looks and sense of fun make him an enduring appealing performer.
Dashing pre-Code rogue whose good looks and sense of fun make him an enduring appealing performer.
1886 - 1962
My "desert island" director. Curtiz's filmography contains quality entertainment and bona fide classics.
My "desert island" director. Curtiz's filmography contains quality entertainment and bona fide classics.
1912 - 2002
"Those cartoons were never made for children. Nor were they made for adults. They were made for me."
"Those cartoons were never made for children. Nor were they made for adults. They were made for me."
1900 - 1967
"Why do actors think they're so God damn important? They're not. Acting is not an important job in the scheme of things. Plumbing is."
"Why do actors think they're so God damn important? They're not. Acting is not an important job in the scheme of things. Plumbing is."
1866 - 1949
Distinguished and popular player with a long stage and screen career, Harry Davenport was born into a theatrical family and sired one of his own. Along with Eddie Foy he was the co-founder of Actors Equity.
Distinguished and popular player with a long stage and screen career, Harry Davenport was born into a theatrical family and sired one of his own. Along with Eddie Foy he was the co-founder of Actors Equity.
misspaddylee's number one movie rule: All film noir are crime drama, but not all crime drama are film noir.
1899 - 1986
Energetic, introspective screen star. Watching Cagney is like watching a sunset - each time is a miracle.
"All I try to do is to realize the man I'm playing fully, then put as much into my acting as I know how. To do it, I draw upon all that I've ever known, heard, seen or remember."
Energetic, introspective screen star. Watching Cagney is like watching a sunset - each time is a miracle.
"All I try to do is to realize the man I'm playing fully, then put as much into my acting as I know how. To do it, I draw upon all that I've ever known, heard, seen or remember."
1908 - 1997
Known as "Jimmy" to his fans although his billing always read "James" Stewart.
The first film star to enter the Service, joining the Air Force a year before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Academy nominated James Stewart 5 times and he received 2 Oscars, one for "The Philadelphia Story" and an honorary award in 1985 which reads "For his fifty years of memorable performances, for his high ideals both on and off the screen, with respect and affection of his colleagues."
Known as "Jimmy" to his fans although his billing always read "James" Stewart.
The first film star to enter the Service, joining the Air Force a year before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Academy nominated James Stewart 5 times and he received 2 Oscars, one for "The Philadelphia Story" and an honorary award in 1985 which reads "For his fifty years of memorable performances, for his high ideals both on and off the screen, with respect and affection of his colleagues."
1907 - 2003
Intelligent, vibrant star of stage and screen with an acclaimed 70 year career.
"People have grown fond of me, like some old building."
Intelligent, vibrant star of stage and screen with an acclaimed 70 year career.
"People have grown fond of me, like some old building."
1893 - 1973
"To my mind, the actor has this great responsibility of playing another human being . . . it's like taking on another person's life and you have to do it as sincerely and honestly as you can."
Recommended reading: "All My Yesterdays" by EGR.
"To my mind, the actor has this great responsibility of playing another human being . . . it's like taking on another person's life and you have to do it as sincerely and honestly as you can."
Recommended reading: "All My Yesterdays" by EGR.
1887 - 1969
Respected and beloved stage actor and iconic screen star.
"One always hears of actors complaining of being typed - if he's young, he's typed as a juvenile; if he's handsome, he's typed as a leading man. I was lucky. Whereas bootmakers have to spend millions to establish a trademark, I was handed a trademark free of charge. When an actor gets in a position to select his own roles, he's in big trouble, for he never knows what he can do best. I'm sure I'd be damn good as little Lord Fauntleroy, but who would pay ten cents to see it?"
Respected and beloved stage actor and iconic screen star.
"One always hears of actors complaining of being typed - if he's young, he's typed as a juvenile; if he's handsome, he's typed as a leading man. I was lucky. Whereas bootmakers have to spend millions to establish a trademark, I was handed a trademark free of charge. When an actor gets in a position to select his own roles, he's in big trouble, for he never knows what he can do best. I'm sure I'd be damn good as little Lord Fauntleroy, but who would pay ten cents to see it?"
1888 - 1961
Star character actor Barry Fitzgerald was the only player ever nominated for the Academy Award for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in the same year for the same role. The recognition was for Going My Way (1944). After he received this double nomination, the Academy immediately changed their rules to prevent this from happening again, rules which have remained unchanged to this day.
Star character actor Barry Fitzgerald was the only player ever nominated for the Academy Award for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in the same year for the same role. The recognition was for Going My Way (1944). After he received this double nomination, the Academy immediately changed their rules to prevent this from happening again, rules which have remained unchanged to this day.
1903 - 1979
Scene-stealing Uncle Joe Carson from TV's "Petticoat Junction" (1963 - 1970) was originally a dentist with his own practice. At age 38, he turned the practice over to his wife and began his acting career.
Scene-stealing Uncle Joe Carson from TV's "Petticoat Junction" (1963 - 1970) was originally a dentist with his own practice. At age 38, he turned the practice over to his wife and began his acting career.
1877 - 1959
On being given his Academy Award for playing Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street (1947): "Now I know there is a Santa Claus."
On being given his Academy Award for playing Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street (1947): "Now I know there is a Santa Claus."
Animated features from Hollywood's most creative producer, Walt Disney, and his team.
Mothers want always to protect their sons while watching them grow up strong and independent. I find something relatable and human in the mothers and sons in these classic movies.
I have more pictures of Stan Laurel (1890 - 1965) and Oliver Hardy (1892 - 1957) about the house than I do of actual relatives.
1908 - 1991
Whether the role required comedy or drama, musician turned actor Fred MacMurray was always note perfect.
Whether the role required comedy or drama, musician turned actor Fred MacMurray was always note perfect.
1907 - 1979
Few actors give me as much joy as watching "Duke" on screen.
"John Wayne is underrated. He's an awfully good actor: He holds a thing together; he gives it a solidity and honesty, and he can make a lot of things believable." - Howard Hawks
Few actors give me as much joy as watching "Duke" on screen.
"John Wayne is underrated. He's an awfully good actor: He holds a thing together; he gives it a solidity and honesty, and he can make a lot of things believable." - Howard Hawks
Whatever their circumstances, the relationships portrayed by these fictional fathers and daughters embody sweet affection and understanding.
1906 - 1967
Director Anthony Mann left movie fans many quality motion pictures to enjoy and discover. Among his titles are the best of film noir, groundbreaking adult westerns and epics.
Director Anthony Mann left movie fans many quality motion pictures to enjoy and discover. Among his titles are the best of film noir, groundbreaking adult westerns and epics.
Born 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma
"I'm a Spencer Tracy-type actor. His idea was to be on time, know your words, hit your marks and tell the truth. Most every actor tries to make it something it isn't [or] looks for the easy way out. I don't think acting is that difficult if you can put yourself aside and do what the writer wrote."
"I'm a Spencer Tracy-type actor. His idea was to be on time, know your words, hit your marks and tell the truth. Most every actor tries to make it something it isn't [or] looks for the easy way out. I don't think acting is that difficult if you can put yourself aside and do what the writer wrote."
1901 - 1972
Always reliable and often fascinating leading character actor with a long and versatile career.
From IMDB triva: When he was working on I Wanted Wings (1941) with Ray Milland they filmed on an actual military base and he played Capt. Mercer. He got so uncomfortable with soldiers thinking he was a real captain and saluting him that he wore a sign around his neck that said, "Actor".
Always reliable and often fascinating leading character actor with a long and versatile career.
From IMDB triva: When he was working on I Wanted Wings (1941) with Ray Milland they filmed on an actual military base and he played Capt. Mercer. He got so uncomfortable with soldiers thinking he was a real captain and saluting him that he wore a sign around his neck that said, "Actor".
1894 - 1974
Walter Brennan began in movies as a stuntman and extra. He went on to win 3 Academy Awards and become a beloved television star and recording artist.
Walter Brennan began in movies as a stuntman and extra. He went on to win 3 Academy Awards and become a beloved television star and recording artist.
1905 - 1990
Handsome and reliable leading man who contributed fine performances to classic films.
"People say I'm a one-note actor, but the way I figure it, those other guys are just looking for that one right note."
Handsome and reliable leading man who contributed fine performances to classic films.
"People say I'm a one-note actor, but the way I figure it, those other guys are just looking for that one right note."
1898 - 1987
The movie's number one cowboy.
"There never has been such a complete gentleman in the long history of the motion picture business." - Budd Boetticher
The movie's number one cowboy.
"There never has been such a complete gentleman in the long history of the motion picture business." - Budd Boetticher
1907 - 1990
A star for 60 years, Brooklyn born "Missy" was nominated for 5 Emmy Awards, winning 3, the first in 1960 for "The Barbara Stanwyck Show", next in 1966 for "The Big Valley" and again in 1983 for "The Thornbirds. She was nominated 4 times as Best Leading Actress by The Academy and the Honorary Oscar bestowed on her in 1982 read "For superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting." In 1987 she was the first actress to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
"My only problem is finding a way to play my fortieth fallen female in a different way from my thirty-ninth."
A star for 60 years, Brooklyn born "Missy" was nominated for 5 Emmy Awards, winning 3, the first in 1960 for "The Barbara Stanwyck Show", next in 1966 for "The Big Valley" and again in 1983 for "The Thornbirds. She was nominated 4 times as Best Leading Actress by The Academy and the Honorary Oscar bestowed on her in 1982 read "For superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting." In 1987 she was the first actress to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.
"My only problem is finding a way to play my fortieth fallen female in a different way from my thirty-ninth."
1899 - 1957
Our late father used to wake us, even on a school night, if "Bogie" was on The Late Show.
"The only thing you owe the public is a good performance."
Our late father used to wake us, even on a school night, if "Bogie" was on The Late Show.
"The only thing you owe the public is a good performance."
1903 - 2003
The man still makes me laugh!
"I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful."
The man still makes me laugh!
"I have seen what a laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful."
William Hanna (1910 - 2001) and Joseph Barbera (1911 - 2006) classics from their MGM era.
1911 - 1989
Beloved television star and versatile movie and radio actress.
"I'm not funny. What I am is brave."
Beloved television star and versatile movie and radio actress.
"I'm not funny. What I am is brave."
1893 - 1981
Popular and prolific composer whose movie songs became standards, and whose dream of Broadway success came true when the film "42nd Street" was adapted for the stage.
Popular and prolific composer whose movie songs became standards, and whose dream of Broadway success came true when the film "42nd Street" was adapted for the stage.
1905 - 1986
Handsome, talented and versatile leading man and director.
"I keep playing neurotics because I'm a Welshman, and so I'm supposed to be moody. That's what people keep telling me I am, anyway. But I don't think Welshmen are any more moody than normal. It's the rest of the world that's out of step."
Recommended reading: "Wide-Eyed in Babylon" published 1974
Handsome, talented and versatile leading man and director.
"I keep playing neurotics because I'm a Welshman, and so I'm supposed to be moody. That's what people keep telling me I am, anyway. But I don't think Welshmen are any more moody than normal. It's the rest of the world that's out of step."
Recommended reading: "Wide-Eyed in Babylon" published 1974
1907 - 1991
Versatile character actor and western, if you'll pardon the expression, "icon". I wish he had been given the opportunity to appear in more comedies. Apologies to my kids for not including Rufus in "The Rescuers".
Versatile character actor and western, if you'll pardon the expression, "icon". I wish he had been given the opportunity to appear in more comedies. Apologies to my kids for not including Rufus in "The Rescuers".
1918 - 1981
"For me, acting is not an all-consuming thing, except for the moment when I am actually doing it."
"For me, acting is not an all-consuming thing, except for the moment when I am actually doing it."
1902 - 1986
"There is no such thing as a person that nothing has happened to, and each person's story is as different as his fingerprints."
"There is no such thing as a person that nothing has happened to, and each person's story is as different as his fingerprints."
Golden Age film composer born Franz Wachsmann December 24, 1906 in Königshütte, Upper Silesia, Germany (now Chorzów, Slaskie, Poland), died February 24, 1967 at age 60 in Los Angeles, California, USA
Classic film composer born May 10, 1894 in Kremenchuk, Poltava Governorate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), died November 11, 1979 at age 85 in London, England, UK.
I'm a Tiomkin gal from way back!
I'm a Tiomkin gal from way back!
1891 - 1957
Character actor, writer and star of stage and screen, Gene Lockhart leaves an indelible impression on fans of classic film with his ability, and is a fixture in many homes during the Christmas holidays for his appearances in "Miracle on 34th Street", "A Christmas Carol" and "Going My Way".
Character actor, writer and star of stage and screen, Gene Lockhart leaves an indelible impression on fans of classic film with his ability, and is a fixture in many homes during the Christmas holidays for his appearances in "Miracle on 34th Street", "A Christmas Carol" and "Going My Way".
An ongoing list of classic movie favourites that don't eat up your day.
1899 - 1983
"Give me a good script, and I'll be a hundred times better as a director."
"Give me a good script, and I'll be a hundred times better as a director."
1902 - 1981
"I'm here to make good pictures. If I don't see it, I won't touch it. I may not make a good picture, but I still gotta believe in it!"
"I'm here to make good pictures. If I don't see it, I won't touch it. I may not make a good picture, but I still gotta believe in it!"
1899 - 1956
Composer, arranger, conductor, musician. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. Nominated 22 times for the Oscar, his only win was posthumous for "Around the World in Eighty Days".
Composer, arranger, conductor, musician. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. Nominated 22 times for the Oscar, his only win was posthumous for "Around the World in Eighty Days".
1882 - 1974 Renowned award winning actor/director/producer of great talent, versatility and personality.
1896 - 1983
Son of a prominent Canadian family, Raymond Massey served in WWI. As was his mother, Massey became an American citizen in 1950.
Two of his children became actors, Daniel Massey (1933-1998) and Anna Massey (1937-2011).
Popular and successful stage and screen star in England, New York and Hollywood. In the 1960s co-starred in the popular TV series "Dr. Kildare".
Son of a prominent Canadian family, Raymond Massey served in WWI. As was his mother, Massey became an American citizen in 1950.
Two of his children became actors, Daniel Massey (1933-1998) and Anna Massey (1937-2011).
Popular and successful stage and screen star in England, New York and Hollywood. In the 1960s co-starred in the popular TV series "Dr. Kildare".
Ten classic movies that continually entertain and enlighten. Originally put together as part of a discussion thread, the titles accurately reflect what I enjoy and admire most about movies.
1883-1942
Unforgettable stage and screen character actress. No matter the role, she always seemed perfectly cast.
On Broadway she created the role of Parthy Hawks in the original 1927 production of "Show Boat" and played the role in the 1932 revival, although she did not play the role in the two movie versions made during her lifetime.
Unforgettable stage and screen character actress. No matter the role, she always seemed perfectly cast.
On Broadway she created the role of Parthy Hawks in the original 1927 production of "Show Boat" and played the role in the 1932 revival, although she did not play the role in the two movie versions made during her lifetime.
Exceptional episodes from favourite television programs. An ongoing list as I search my memory.
Director Lloyd Bacon (1889-1955) worked from the silent era in Hollywood, mostly for Warner Bros., where his films became part of Hollywood legend.
Movies seen for the first time this past year which I would rewatch and recommend. Listed in order seen.
Movies seen for the first time this past year which I would rewatch and recommend. Listed in order seen.
1886 - 1982
Director Henry King gave us and Fox Studios many classic motion pictures. Part of an interview on TVO's Saturday Night at the Movies, Elwy Yost and Henry King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pexp1k--c90
Director Henry King gave us and Fox Studios many classic motion pictures. Part of an interview on TVO's Saturday Night at the Movies, Elwy Yost and Henry King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pexp1k--c90
1897-1975
Renowned Tony and Oscar winner actor with an impressive, unparalleled career.
"Stardom is just an uneasy seat on top of a tricky toboggan. Being a star is merely perching at the head of the downgrade. A competent featured player can last a lifetime. A star, a year or two. There's all that agony of finding suitable stories, keeping in character, maintaining illusion. Then the undignified position of hanging on while your popularity is declining." - FM
Renowned Tony and Oscar winner actor with an impressive, unparalleled career.
"Stardom is just an uneasy seat on top of a tricky toboggan. Being a star is merely perching at the head of the downgrade. A competent featured player can last a lifetime. A star, a year or two. There's all that agony of finding suitable stories, keeping in character, maintaining illusion. Then the undignified position of hanging on while your popularity is declining." - FM
An ongoing collection of some moving, some funny, all memorable movie closing lines.
Composers have given us many great television themes that are enjoyable to listen to on their own or as a reminder of TV we have loved. I have made a list of 12 favourites, but that doesn't mean there aren't others in my heart.
misspaddylee's number one movie rule: All film noir are crime drama, but not all crime drama are film noir.
I found it impossible to keep the list to my preferred "10" or even a slightly cheating "Baker's Dozen". Even at "25" it barely scratches the surface of entertaining and well-done cartoon shorts. When it comes to quality, nothing beats classic Disney.
1904 - 1981
Actor/Producer/Director/SAG President/2 time Oscar nominee.
"If you are lucky enough to be a success, by all means enjoy the applause and the adulation of the public. But never, never believe it."
Actor/Producer/Director/SAG President/2 time Oscar nominee.
"If you are lucky enough to be a success, by all means enjoy the applause and the adulation of the public. But never, never believe it."
With the exception of those poor souls with an unreasoning fear of clowns, who hasn't wanted to run away with the circus? Just like in the movies!
An ongoing list of silent movies I have been lucky enough to enjoy on the big screen. Now including a contemporary Oscar winner.
1891–1958
That voice! Those eyes! Oscar winning, British born leading man of quiet charm and deceptive versatility.
That voice! Those eyes! Oscar winning, British born leading man of quiet charm and deceptive versatility.
An ongoing list of classic movies (not first run) that I have enjoyed as they were meant to be enjoyed, on the big screen.
Note: silent films are on another list.
Note: silent films are on another list.
Movies seen for the first time this past year which I would rewatch and recommend. Listed in order seen.
company.