Sweets

 

Before I begin, yesterday, was my, “Who won the Oscar song” and the one who won was “The Shadow of your Smile”. The nominated song was “What’s New, Pussycat” and the song that came up empty was, “Baby, the Rain Must Fall”…always interesting. 

The summer was always a fun time to walk to the local convenience store to buy Popeye Cigarettes, sweettarts, delicious chocolate…you name it. This made me think of  movies that showcased sweets in some way and I came up with these 3…

1. CHITTY, CHITTY, BANG, BANG-1968

This is a favourite of mine that stars Dick Van Dyke as a widower with 2 kids who is an inventor of just about anything. He loves Truly Scrumptious, yup that’s the name of a young lady, who has fallen for Penis Van Lesbian…er..Dick Van Dyke and they end up in a car, with his 2 kids that makes the sound like Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang. Before they know it, the car sports wings and flies, bringing them to an idyllic looking town where there are no children. You find out that, the nasty King and Queen hate kids so they are rounded up and enslaved beneath the castle by this ugly catcher ( played with great  Robert Helpmann who creates a great evil character) who entices kids with candies and treats. This is a fun and sweet film ( sorry) that has a favourite song of mine called “Toot Sweets” about a sweet invented by Dickie. We also have Benny Hill as a toy maker who helps the family out. It’s quite a good movie and fun all around.

2. WILLIE WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY-1971

This movie is far superior to the remake starring a very creepy Johnny Depp, about a kid who finds the 5th golden ticket to enter a factory of this mysterious Willie Wonka. It stars Gene Wilder as Willie Wonka who is looking for someone who is true and honest to take over his factory. Wilder plays this character as one who appears a bit off centre but honest and yet, Machiavellian. There are 4 other kids that also have a ticket but each are gross in their own way and meet different fates. Along for the ride are the very creepy Oompa Loompas who are very orange and help out Willie Wonka in all ways. Funny, it was thought that these freaky Loompas would become a huge hit but the opposite was true, so many stores were stuck with stuffed Oompa Loompas. The visuals are quite striking and so are the costumes which make this strange musical even more appealing in a strange, effed up way.

3. CHOCOLAT-2000

This is a romantic film with a dash of the sensual thrown in about a woman and her young daughter who, almost literally, blow into this quaint small, French town. The townsfolk are scared to let go and bring colour into their lives because of the mayor who forbids anything decadent. Enter this beautiful woman, played by Juliette Binoche, who creates a magical chocolate shop which is just too decadent for the mayor.  This is 1959, just before Lent and the mayor means war where Juliette just wants to spread love and peace via chocolate. She instinctively knows what each person needs in chocolate opening up temptations that this town needs. I love the characters from Lena Olin as the abused wife, Judi Dench as the old lady, Leslie Caron as a widow and Johnny Depp as a free spirited man, who travels with a group of Gypsies on a bunch of small boats who come into the lives of the townsfolk, Juliette and Johnny strike up a relationship culminating in mayhem. This is an enchanting film with great characters and with a slice of bewitchment. 

What types of candy did you love when you were a kid? Any movies that you can think of involving sweets?

These were my favourite suckers but I don’t know what their name is…

Which Song Won The Oscar-1965

 

This is freebie week for Monday Music Moves Me and it’s my “Which song won the Oscar”  time and we shall see if you guess things correctly for this year, 1965 when I was only 1 yr old. It’s an interesting array of musical tastes this year but “The Sound of Music” is not in this because  the songs were all part of the Broadway show so could not be eligible for an Oscar. Let’s see if you can figure out which song won the Oscar, which was nominated and which came up empty-handed.

1. BABY, THE RAIN MUST  FALL SUNG BY GLENN YARBROUGH

This song, from the movie with the same name, was written by Elmer Bernstein and Ernest Sheldon and it’s quite a  good song sung by this man with the warbly voice. To be honest, not my favourite but it was a big hit in mid 60s times.

2. THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE SUNG BY ASTRUD GILBERTO

This song, written by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, comes from the film, “The Sandpiper” and it seems to fit the film and it works with Astrud’s voice. Sadly she died in 2023. 

3. WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT SUNG BY TOM JONES

Tom Jones is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to singing due to his strong voice and vocal range. This song is fun and I think Burt Bacharach, the music, and Hal David, lyrics, captures the fun of the film and Tom Jones can make any song sound sexy.

So, which song won, which was nominated and which song got zip? 

Canada and The U. S.

 

We all know the crap going on right now with that orange F#)’ who get his makeup from a cheesos bag, filibusters and places more and more tariffs because it’s his way of trying to force people to capitulate. This is not surprising because, if you read or watch documentaries or news reports about him from the 90s you will find out how, when an elderly woman refused to sell her childhood home, in Atlanta, to Trump, he tried to force her out but stopping her heat, hydro and water forcing her to find a lawyer. Thankfully, the lawyers worked for her pro bono since they were disgusted by Trump’s nasty antics. She won and Trump built his Casino, now bankrupt and gone, around her. She smiled and was happy she kept her home. When Trump wanted to build  a golf course and uber expensive resort for him and his cronies in Scotland, he wanted to buy up this small town, but was met with resistance headed by a lady upset that he wanted to destroy their unique hamlet. He pulled the same antics, stopping their water, heat and hydro, buying off people trying to force the townsfolk out. This one woman held her ground and she won! What did the asshole do? He made sure all all the dirt that was taken off his gold course was placed  in front of her view of the ocean so all she could see was the huge hill. Guess what? The golf course went bankrupt and another bites the dust. Canada will never…ever be part of the States and we won the war of 1812. The States thinking of Manifest Destiny did not work in 1812 and won’t work today. 

I decided to look at some Patriotic films including one that is very much The U. S.  rah rah type that I had to include because it is a good film. Here we go…

1. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY-1942

This is a very patriotic, U. S. Movie musical tht stars James Cagney as George M. Cohan, the songwriter, dancer, singer, writer, producer from Broadway who wrote Yankee Doodle, You’re a Grand Old Flag and Over There. It’s a great musical that showcases how musically gifted James Cagney was and showcases his versatility. It’s not an accurate account, obviously, but you can’t help but feel invigorated and was a great showcase to bring out ones’ patriotism during these dark days of World War 2. By the way, today is James Cagney’s birthday.

2. CANADIAN BACON-1995

Michael Moore, of the great documentary films he creates, wrote and directed this film which is a great satire about the U.S. wanting to invade Canada. Yes, how apropos! It’s an excellent satire that is also quite dumb but that’s what makes it hilarious and it stars the great John Candy is his 2nd last film before his untimely death. It also stars Alan Alda as the inept U. S. President with a variety of famous people who are either involved in the U. S. Hijinks or the Canadians. I love this movie and laugh every time I watch it. 

3. COME FROM AWAY-2021

This is from a musical stage play that became a huge hit and has been playing  for over 20 yrs before finally ending, I believe, this year. This film takes the play and places it on screen depicting the disastrous moment in time when the twin towers were destroyed by planes hijacked by terrorists. The planes were not allowed into the States so some planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, a very small town, who opened their doors and hearts to the 7,000 stranded U.S. residents building friendships that have lasted to this day. It is a musical but so much more and lets us know how we are truly friends no matter what.

So, just an FYI, the amount of fentanyl coming from the States into Canada in triple the amount than the other way around. The amount of guns and other illegal arms, come from the U. S. Into our country. Sadly, Trump says patriotic words for his own agenda and lies about what really goes on. Not surprising so, let’s remember to laugh and to know that we are friends despite the political crap.

Bikini Time!

 

Chili Williams was never a star but she became a big hit during WW2 with this Life photo and I thought this would be perfect to use this week since it’s about swim wear and water fun. I owned 2 bikinis and that was when I was 40! My bikinis covered, no ass floss bikini for me. Now, I am happy wearing a one piece and I love the ones with a skirt. Check out Curious As A Cathy to see what they chose for their Monday Music Moves Me post. Here are my 3…

1. GERONIMO SUNG BY NANCY SINATRA-1966

This comes from the film, “The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini”  and you can clearly see a lot of gals in that swimwear. I love this hokey flick about a ghost trying to help her dead lover by making sure his former lawyer does not get a hold of his money but go to his rightful heirs, 2 young people who bring a bus load of kids up to the mansion for some beach party fun. This scene is by the pool where Nancy Sinatra sings a song that make the  bodies shake to jiggly effect.

2. HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI SUNG  BY THE KINGSMEN-1965

There are a few songs from this bikini/surfer flick that stars Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon but, I thought I’d go with this one that sings about bikinis..at least, I think it does…:))

3. DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE SUNG BY THE SUPREMES-1965

This flick was a fun spoof of the spy films especially James Bond, that stars Vincent Price as a mad scientist who builds robot bikini clad women who seduce millionaires into giving t(eir money to…guess who. I was surprised that the Supremes sang this song. It is catchy and a fun song for a fun flick.

I will never own an Itsy, Bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini and nor should I wear one. Any bikini type songs you can think of?

Which Film should Have Won The Oscar-2017

 

Oh, I feel this is one charged year because you had many films that were not nominated for Best Picture like “Blade Runner 2049”, “ The Florida Project” and “The Big Sick” all films I have yet to see. I decided to stick with films I have seen that I chose in the nominated area and should have been nominated or should have won. I hope this makes sense but if not…oh well. This is just my own opinion, but one, I think, shared by many…at least for the film that should not have won. I am speaking about Best Picture for the films that came out in 2017…

1. THE SHAPE OF WATER

I like Guillermo Del Toro who directed this weird love story about a mute cleaner who works in a top secret facility who meets a creature, kept by evil scientists, and falls in love with the creature from the black lagoon. Oops, sorry, wrong movie, but you know Del Toro must love this 50s film. This movie was a huge hit but I just didn’t get into it. I had no care for the lead actress nor slime boy and their wet and wild times. My favourite was the always great, Octavia Spencer and Richard Jenkins who created great characters in this movie. This film won Best Picture but I don’t know why…he deserved it much more for “Pan’s Labyrinth”. 

2. 3 BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

This film was nominated and Frances McDormand won best actress for her portrayal of a grieving mom trying to find answers that the cops could not. This film left me with so much emotional sadness but also, strangely, hope. It’s a character study of a grieving mom, a dying cop and his angry deputy played to perfection by the ever great, Sam Rockwell, who, also, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This film may not be for everyone but, I think it’s such a great story about loss, anger, love and redemption.

3. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

I love this film! Hugh Jackman is great as the showman, P. T. Barnum who  started the famous circus, “Barnum & Bailey’s Circus”  which showcased trapeze artists, clowns, animals and, yes, circus freaks. Thankfully, after over 100 years, they no longer have animals..oh..nor the circus “freaks” but still entertain people after restarting in 2023. This film was highly criticized for its inaccuracies but, duh! It’s a Hollywood musical and almost all biopics have creative licences to make a film people wish to see. Hugh Jackman excels as the man who coined, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Dancing and singing dreaming he will create more musicals in the style of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I love how he gathers up some future famous people like “Tom Thumb” who suffered from dwarfism and only stood at 3ft 4 inches but he was all proportionate, as well as, the bearded lady, Siamese Twins etc.. The music is excellent and I am dumbfounded that it was not even nominated for best score which should have won Best Oscar as well. It is a film more about people who are different and ostracized, but find a family within their own world rising above the people who snubbed their noses at them. Love the songs, costumes, art direction and the cinematography. This deserved to be nominated.

What do you think? Any films you think should have won Best Picture  or do you agree with me?

I Love These Tunes

 

My Lexi knows how to chill before she goes nutsy because that’s what she does. She reminds me of..me when I went out dancing, some 40 yrs ago..ugh…I can’t believe I’m talking like this because I am too young to talk like this. Now, I am recalling how I would sit around until some music would start to play, usually the 80s music which was great but, I love the older music too and I recalled going to one place, in Toronto, with 3 levels and the main floor centered on the 60s. I danced the night away and went crazy before plopping down somewhere, just like my Lexi. I’m joining on the Monday Music Moves Me which is freebie week.

1. HOUSE OF THE RISING SON SUNG BY THE ANIMALS-1964

I can’t believe this fantastic song came out the year I was born..holy Hanna Banana!! This is a great song and, when I went to the local pub in University all those years ago, some random student grabbed the mike and sang this song and he was …amazing! I still recall how great he was singing this song.

2. WILD THING SUNG BY THE TROGGS-1966

I always found this band’s name to be found in the film “One Million Years B.C.” This British band came out with this great tune which I danced to, many times, .but the best was in that disco I spoke of with all the psychedelic colours splattered onto the walls.

3. SOMEBODY TO LOVE SUNG BY JEFFERSON AIRPLANE-1967

I have this album and need to listen to it again. I love this band including the lead singer, the astounding Grace Slick whose voice is one of a kind. This song was written by her brother in law, Darby Slick but Grace and the band made it her own. 

What 60s songs do you love..hahahaaa, there are too many to love!

Stay Out of The Sun…Good Luck!

 

I am writing this on July 2nd, the day back in 1997, when my favourite actor, James Stewart died at the age of 89. I was praying he would not die that week because I was getting married on July 5th, but he did and I was bummed. You bet your sweet bippy that I spoke about him at my wedding and I’m glad I did. Today is supposed to be National Stay Out of the Sun Day so I combined the 2. All I can say is that it’s stinkin’ hot outside and it is good to stay out of the sun…if you can. Here are my 3 films…

1. REAR WINDOW-1954

This is one of my all time favourite Hitchcock films and Jimmy Stewart films. It takes place around this courtyard during a sweltering summer with Jimmy Stewart as an adventurer photographer sidelined by a broken leg. He is holed up in his apartment with a cast all the way up to his upper thigh. He has a nurse who comes in every day, played by the incomparable Thelma Ritter and his beautiful fiance, played with great finesse by Grace Kelly. You meet all the people Stewart is peeping..er watching from Miss. Lonely Hearts, to the composer, the dancer, the couple with their dog and the husband with his invalid wife. You can feel the heat which just confines you even more than this intricate set. When the invalid wife is gone one day, Stewart expects foul play but is it? You get taken into his world and become a voyeur and can’t wait to  see what all the people are up to. Grace looks exquisite in her outfits and seems to be the only one who doesn’t sweat. It’s a must see film

2. ANATOMY OF A MURDER-1959

This takes place during a sweltering summer when a man is accused of murder and the only one who may be able to get him off is “aww shucks” James Stewart as the Defense Attorney. The accused, played by Ben Gazzara, claims he has no memory of killing a man who was accused of raping his wife, played by Lee Remick. The prosecutor is played by George C. Scott who was nominated for an Oscar for this role and, thought for sure he would win. When he didn’t, he was so disillusioned by the whole Oscar process, he vowed never to accept an Oscar if he ever won…and he kept that promise. Anyhoo, you feel the heat while in that court room especially when they used risqué words like panties, rape etc… In fact, these words caused quite the furor in its day and Stewart’s dad was so disgusted by the film he took out an ad, in his hometown, telling everyone to stay away from this film. It is quite well acted by everyone and I love Eve Arden as Stewart’s secretary. I can’t help but think this is the inspiration for the show Matlock with Andy Griffith in the title role.

3. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX-1965

This is an all star cast with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot flying between to places in Libya carrying a variety of people associated with oil rigs. A dust storm takes them off course and they crash land in the desert. The group of men must now deal with the hot sun, doing their best to stay in the shade while rationing what little food and water they have. When an arrogant German ( who else?) finds a way to make the plane fly again, everyone gets to work despite the antagonism between Stewart and the German, played so well by Hardy Kruger. They must deal with all sorts of trials hoping they can find their way back to civilization before they die and shrivel up in the sun. This is a fun adventure film and a great character study. I enjoy watching this film whenever I get the chance. 

So, what movies can you think of that makes you think of staying away from the sun because it’s just too damn hot?