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

1. Who is your favorite comedian/comedienne?
2. How did you discover classic movies?
3. 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?
4. Who is your favorite screen team?
5. 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?
6. If you could travel back in time and be the assistant to a director, who would it be and why?
7. What is a film that makes you laugh out loud no matter how many times you’ve seen it?
8. If you could add a movie costume to your own wardrobe, which one would you choose?
9. What is a film set that you’d like to live in?
10. What is your favorite period in history as depicted in film? Name a film that beautifully reflects this period.
11. What is an underrated film you wish more people knew about?

Congratulations, nominees!! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!