Hello, my friends!!
It is so good to be back. I hope all is well with you and that the approaching spring warmth fills your days with Technicolor dreams.
Today on the Muse…it’s award time!! I’d like to thank the lovely Gill from Realweegiemidget Reviews for presenting me with this Sunshine Award. I appreciate this honor so very much, Gill!
I encourage you to stop by Gill’s award post and fabulous blog if you haven’t done so already.
Let’s get right to it, shall we? In accordance with the rules for this nomination, I must do the following.
- Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.
- Thank the person who nominated you.
- Provide a link to your nominator’s blog.
- Answer your nominator’s questions.
- Nominate up to 11 bloggers.
- Ask your nominees 11 questions.
- Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts.
So grab yourself a cozy blanket, your favorite snack and a comforting drink. Here are my answers to Gill’s 11 questions!
1. You are presented with an award for your services to film blogging, who do you choose to accept it from?
Oh dear, starting off with a tough one! This answer could be different on any given day, but today I’m going to say Esther Williams. She inspires me to be daring, follow my dreams, and embrace my unique qualities.
2. Which 1970s disaster movie group of survivors would you like to celebrate your blogging award with?
Hmm…I’m not familiar with too many 1970’s disaster movies so I’m going to tweak my answer and go with the irrepressible trio from the Road movies.
Because they often end up stranded as survivors, am I right?
Bob Hope can be the master of ceremonies. Bing Crosby will provide a song or two. And I can beg, borrow (or steal) a gown from Dorothy Lamour. Perfection.
3. Which child star do you think deserves an Oscar for their performance as a child actor?
I’m sitting here kind of gobsmacked that Brandon DeWilde, although he was nominated, did not win the gold for his performance in Shane (1954). He really was pitch perfect in portraying all the nuances of Joey Starrett’s character, and a great deal of the heart (and dare I say, success) of the film can be attributed to his moving performance.
4. What film or TV Series shouldn’t have been remade?
In 1948, the wonderful classic Strawberry Blonde was remade into a musical and retitled One Sunday Afternoon. Although bathed in glorious Technicolor, this film is a pale shadow of its predecessor.
It pains me to say the 1948 adaptation fails to enhance the story: neither the casting, nor the performances, nor the musical sequences. The charm that was bursting off the screen, the vibrant chemistry between the cast of the former is nowhere to be seen. On a brighter note, Don DeFore adds some life to the production and was enjoyable to watch.
5. What fabulous film or acting talent have you discovered when writing your blog?
I’ve discovered so many fabulous films due to blogathons I’ve participated in. One of them immediately springs to mind! Woman of Straw (1964) – a sleek, Hitchcockian thriller with a dynamite cast giving equally dynamite performances.
I’ve reviewed this must-see film here.
6. What genre do you hate writing about?
I don’t dislike any particular genre. I write about whatever inspires me, no matter what genre it falls under.
7. What’s your favourite instrumental piece written for a movie?
Choosing just one is like picking a favorite child! I love Elmer Bernstein’s score from To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). The opening titles are breathtakingly beautiful and evocative. I never tire of its haunting simplicity, harkening back to the innocence of childhood.
8. What’s your favourite film musical?
After much thought, I’m kind of surprised by my answer – and maybe I shouldn’t be…
For me, there’s nothing not to love about White Christmas (1954). Timeless music by Irving Berlin, amazing dance numbers, Edith Head’s show-stopping costumes, with a supporting cast (Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, anyone?!) who is just as charming as the leads.
The cozy cheerfulness of this holiday classic never fails to relax my mind and warm my heart no matter the weather forecast. And like the general, I’m always left with a glistening tear knowing his friends cared enough to help make his world a better place.
9. What TV Movie do you think should have been released as a feature film?
I’m afraid TV movies are not my strong suit, so I’ll have to skip this one.
10. Which movie star’s autobiography would you like to ghostwrite?
If we are discussing movie stars that are still living, I’m going for Kim Novak without a doubt!
11. Which soap opera character would you want to be stuck on a desert island with?
Since I am not well versed in soap operas, I will tweak my answer and say Endora from the 1960’s sitcom Bewitched.
The reasons are many. She’s hilariously funny and just plain fabulous. She can teach me a little magic. She can get us off the desert island and back to civilization!
Thanks again to Gill for this nomination!! I had so much fun coming up with the answers.
And here are my 11 nominees and questions for you talented writers…
- Silver Screen Classics
- I Found it at the Movies
- Popcorn and Page-Turners
- Whimsically Classic
- The Wonderful World of Cinema
- Taking Up Room
- Hamelette’s Soliloquy
- Classic Film and TV Corner
- Shadows and Satin
- Phyllis Loves Classic Movies
- Silver Screenings
- Who is your favorite comedian/comedienne?
- How did you discover classic movies?
- You are hosting a splashy surprise party in the heydey of the studio era. Who is it for and who’s on the guest list?
- Who is your favorite screen team?
- You have an opportunity to travel back in time and attend a special event. Do you choose a movie premiere or Oscar ceremony. Which premiere or ceremony do you choose and why?
- If you could travel back in time and be the assistant to a director, who would it be and why?
- What is a film that makes you laugh out loud no matter how many times you’ve seen it?
- If you could add a movie costume to your own wardrobe, which one would you choose?
- What is a film set that you’d like to live in?
- What is your favorite period in history as depicted in film? Name a film that beautifully reflects this period.
- What is an underrated film you wish more people knew about?
Congratulations, nominees!! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Hi lovely, yay so fabulous to read this news. Congratulations again.. and ai have just recently announced a blogathon whic you can join with a certain Kim Novak movie. Love your answers and adore Woman of Straw which I also reviewed, I am sure thanks to your sterling introduction to the film. Will be in touch soon by email too and so glad you back I missed your always beautiful from the heart postsx And thanks for the mention too…
Hello lovely Gill! Thank you so much for your support and for stopping by 🙂 I probably wouldn’t have found Woman of Straw were it not for your great blogathon. I missed our fabulous community here and am so glad to be back. Thanks again for your support and friendship <3 I'm looking forward to what the year holds!
I promise to write to you soon, and was so lovely to keep in touch while we both took a wee break. Still to review Picnic for you.. so watch this space
Can’t wait for your review! Thank you, Gill..It was lovely keeping in touch with you also. Chat soon! <3
Hi there, superhappy to have you back – missed you and your lovely posts. left a comment on my phone and it’s gone – can you please check your spam folder. Also you are cordially invited (with a certain Ms Novak movie optional) to … https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2024/03/25/name-blogathon/
Thank you for the invitation, Gill! If I am able to participate, I’ll be sure to get back to you. Your blogathons are always a blast!
There’s a few more coming up if you are interested on my blogathons page for this year with a few you have mentioned in this post. But no pressure for mine as just so good to see you writing again.
Great to know, I will take a peek! You’re very kind 🙂 It is so good to be back!
Welcome back, Ari. Where you been?! Thanks for the intro to Woman Of Straw. How have I missed this one?! Will keep an eye out for it.
Hope all good with you.
Maddy
Thank you for the welcome, Maddy! I can’t wait for you to see Woman of Straw and would love to hear your thoughts on it. It was on YouTube for a while, let me see if it’s still there. Yep! Here it is 🙂 https://youtu.be/zVBHmh8piVE?si=WSC4ESr9gsbkynt_
All is well here, thanks! It’s been a busy year, that’s for sure. How’s everything with you? Thanks again for your support and for stopping by today!
Good to have you back Muse, been missing you a great deal here. Those are some good answers to your Sunshine Blogger questions, especially who you’d celebrate the win with. Bob Hope as Master of Ceremonies is always a good time to be had by all, and Dorothy Lamour made everything she wore look dazzling. The title Woman of Straw sounds familiar, but I’m gonna have to do an IMDb search to see what it’s all about. Not too many of James Cagney’s 30’s comedies appealed to me, but I can appreciate your disappointment when it was remade. My parents love White Christmas, it’s a must watch for them every season, so you’re in fabulous company. Agnes Moorehead sounded like she was absolutely fun to hang around with, and I’m sure having a character like Endora as a desert island companion would be an exciting adventure. Nice stuff.
Thank you, Movie Fan Man! I’ve missed you all so much, too! Yes, Woman of Straw is worth seeking out. You can watch it here on YouTube if you like: https://youtu.be/zVBHmh8piVE?si=WSC4ESr9gsbkynt_
Strawberry Blonde is so much fun, and a great story. Definitely recommend it if it hasn’t crossed your path yet. Olivia DeHavilland, James Cagney, and Rita Hayworth knock it out of the park. And George Tobias (Abner Kravitz) is in there too 😉
Awesome to hear that your parents are big fans of White Christmas! They sound like my kind of folks 🙂 We are of the same mind on Agnes Moorehead and Endora. She is the definition of “life of the party,” no?
Thanks again for your support and for stopping by! Hope all is well on your end <3
What a beautiful sunshine-y surprise! The Muse is back in town!! Woo-hoo!! 🙌 Welcome back, lovely lady 😘
Really enjoyed reading your answers to these fabulous noodle-scratchers!
I’ve not seen ‘One Sunday Afternoon’ but it sounds as though I may be on the right track by staying well clear of it 😅 Shall stick with Cagney & Livy 💝
Will certainly keep an eye out for ‘Woman of Straw’ though! Colour me intrigued 😊
Wonderful to see Esther and Kim amongst the crowd ☺️💕 and I am SO with you regarding Endora! 100% Yes! What a blast that would be 😂
De Wilde = great choice! You’re so right, he gave such a memorable, stellar performance.
Thank you for the nomination 😅💕 I’ve got some mulling over to do! Xx
Hey there, Lee! <3 And thank you for the warm welcome, my friend. I CANNOT wait for your award post! I know it will be full of utter fabulousness. Yay, so glad to hear that you adore Endora, also. Do we have yet another fan club to start?! 😉 If you're interested, 'Woman of Straw' is available on YouTube for free. Just be sure and hang on tight - it is quite the doozy!
Thank you so much for your support over the years, lovely, and for stopping by! It is such a joy chatting movies with you xo
Haha the picture you chose for the header is perfect! Thanks so much for the nomination, Ari! I really enjoyed reading your answers to Gill’s question and look forward to answer yours! ^^
Grace always comes through, doesn’t she? <3 You're very welcome, Virginie! It is well deserved. Oh wonderful, I am looking forward to your post. Thanks so much for stopping by! :)
Thanks again for the nomination, Ari! I’m looking forward to answering your questions. 🙂
You’re very welcome, Rebecca! Awesome! I can’t wait to read your post 🙂
Thanks for the nomination! I love Dennis Morgan but that adaptation is my least favorite. My favorite is the 30s one with Gary Cooper.
White Christmas is a big family favorite. Did you see that they finally released an official soundtrack? It’s so good.
~ Phyl from Phyllis Loves Classic Movies
You’re very welcome, Phyllis! Oh, I will seek out the one with Gary Cooper. Love his movies! Wow, no I didn’t! Fabulous news, as that official soundtrack was so overdue. Thanks for letting me know and for stopping by today! 🙂
Hi there,
I do hope you can join….
https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2024/06/18/news-announcing-the-aaron-spellingverse-blogathon/
I finally took the time to “accept” the nomination and answer your questions. Thanks so much again for this honour, Ari! https://thewonderfulworldofcinema.wordpress.com/2024/07/03/a-fourth-sunshine-blogger-award-for-the-wonderful-world-of-cinema/
Fabulous to hear this and you’re very welcome, Virginie!! 🙂 I’ll be by to read your post!
Hope you can join us, https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2024/10/10/john-saxon-blogathon/
Thank you for the invite, Gill! Will check it out 🙂
Be lovely if you can join – and great to hear from you xxx