The Sunshine Blogger Award – Twice the Sunshine!

Hello, readers! While I was taking a long, unexpected break from blogging something wonderful happened! Upon my return I was pleasantly surprised to discover nomination messages from these lovely folks – Paul of Silver Screen Classics and Leah of Cary Grant Won’t Eat You. This post marks the third Sunshine Blogger Award for The Classic Movie Muse, and I am deeply humbled by this honor!

Thank you, Paul and Leah, for your thoughtfulness in nominating me for this award! If you have not checked out their blogs, please be sure to do so. You will be glad you did!

Because Paul and Leah have very different lists of questions for me, I chose the questions that I liked best from each list to keep this brief as possible.

I don’t pretend that my post is even remotely on time, but I do believe in the saying “better late than never.” So without further ado, here we go…

1. List the award’s official rules
2. Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog
3. Thank the person who nominated you
4. Provide a link to your nominator’s blog
5. Answer your nominator’s questions
6. Nominate up to 11 bloggers
7. Ask your nominees 11 questions
8. Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts

Here are the questions from my nominators, Paul and Leah.

1. Which party you’ve seen on film would you want to join?

The party in Houseboat (1958) looks like a lot of fun! A summer party dancing under the stars with Cary Grant and a boat ride afterwards. Look at that setting…positively dreamy! While I’m at it, I’ll take the dress too…

2. Which classic film director do you prefer and what is your favorite of their films?

I think I’ve mentioned my fondness for Hitchcock before, so today I’ll shine the spotlight on George Stevens. A Place in the Sun (1951) is my favorite of his.

3. Which film’s writing blows you away?

Recently I revisited The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) and once again was transported by it, but the screenplay particularly stood out to me. The whole movie is like a beautiful poem and I feel the screenplay by Philip Dunne has a great deal to do with that.

4. What film do you love, but dislike the ending?

I agree with the popular opinion that the ending of Gilda (1946) was sewed up too quickly and neatly. The movie needed a lot more to end in a way that satisfied the needs of the story, but hey, a flawed Gilda is better than none. I’ll take it!

5. What film trope do you never tire of seeing?

I never tire of love at first sight.

6. Whose onscreen wardrobe do you covet and would like to claim for your own?

The question should be whose onscreen wardrobe do I not covet! I love the fashion in classic movies and have answered this question on some other posts (click here and here to see those) but I will gladly take another wardrobe when given the chance. This time I will go for Hedy Lamarr’s sparkly gown in Lady of the Tropics (1939) designed by the fabulous Adrian.

7. Who is your favorite movie sidekick?

I’m not sure if he would count as a sidekick, but since Ollie usually appoints himself as the leader, I’m going with Stan Laurel. When he laughs or cries, I’m a goner! Comic gold.

8. What actor (past/present) does the best job throwing a (funny or serious) tantrum onscreen?

Judy Garland when she gets her revenge in The Pirate (1948). Oh, and she gives Gene Kelly a good whipping with a sword too! It’s pretty great.

9. Which of your go-to films is one others don’t appreciate?

While not regarded as one of Hitchcock’s best, Stage Fright (1950), is a cozy British mystery that I have always enjoyed. Led by Jane Wyman, it comes with a handful of beloved character actors such as Alistair Sim and Sybil Thorndike, and the added glamor of Marlene Dietrich to keep things lively. Richard Todd and Michael Wilding round out the cast.

10. What’s the funniest scene on film?

Hmm there are so many…I think I’ll go with the “vessel from the pessel” from The Court Jester (1955) this time.

11. What’s your favorite (or one of your favorite) one liners/small bits of dialogue?

A befuddled Cary Grant in Bringing Up Baby (1938).

The Nominees

I Found It At the Movies

Classic For a Reason

Reelweegiemidget Reviews

Diary of a Movie Maniac

Taking Up Room

Pure Entertainment Preservation Society

In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood

Love Letters to Old Hollywood

Movies Meet Their Match

4 Star Films

Hamlette’s Soliloquy

Here are the questions for my nominees…

1. You are able to travel back in time and are starring in a film from Hollywood’s Golden Age which decade would you prefer and why?
2. What is your favorite film related book?
3. Do you own any pieces of memorabilia from classic Hollywood (autographs, magazines, etc.)?
4. What was the last classic movie you watched and would you recommend it?
5. What is the post that you’re most proud of on your blog? Leave a link to share it with us!
6. Is there a movie that has made an impact on your life? Whether it be through the viewing experience, the film’s message, etc.
7. Which film do you think should have won for Best Picture but didn’t?
8. Do you have a favorite film composer?
9. What classic film would you recommend to someone who says they hate old movies?
10. How do you approach movie watching? Do you have a method (i.e. going through filmographies) or watch whatever you’re in the mood for?
11. If you could give one piece of advice to new bloggers what would it be?

Congratulations to all! Thank you for what you bring to the blogging community. I understand if you choose not to or don’t have time to participate, but I certainly hope you do. I am looking forward to your responses.

Thank you for reading!