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Dawn's Top 5 favorite Romantic Films:

I love to watch a good romantic period movie, especially on Valentines Day. So, to celebrate Valentines Day, I thought I would share with you my top 5 favorite love stories that have made it to the silver screen.

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (2005). A film adaptation of the novel of the same name, produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment and Spyglass Entertainment. Directed by Rob Marshall. Cast: Zhang Ziyi, Ken Watanabe, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh, Youki Kudoh, and Suzuka Ohgo. Ohgo plays the younger Sayuri in the movie, which was filmed in southern and northern California and in several locations in Kyoto, including the Kiyomizu temple and the Fushimi Inari shrine.

Memoirs of a Geisha tells the story of a young girl, Chiyo Sakamoto, who is sold to a geisha house after her mother becomes ill. The geisha house sends her off to school to learn to become a geisha. Her beautiful blue eyes makes Hatsumomo jealous and she treats her badly until she is rescued by Hatsumomo's rival, Mameha. This movie is about a young woman"s struggle to win the love, of the man who once showed her kindness on a bridge eating a cherry ice many years before. Will he remember her? The film was nominated and won numerous awards, including nominations for six Academy Awards, and eventually won three: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

The Illusionist (2006). Period drama. Directed by Neil Burger. Cast: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti. Based loosely on Steven Millhauser's story "Eisenheim the Illusionist", The Illusionist tells the story of Eisenheim, a magician in turn-of-the-20th-century Vienna.

A young boy and girl fall in love. Unfortunately, the girl is far above his social standards and her parents forbid them to see each other. The boy takes off to travel the world to become a magician. After many years has passed the girl is now engaged to the, Crown Prince. On a chance meeting during one of the magician's performance he finds the young woman and uses his magic to free her from the Crown Prince.

The Age of Innocence(1993). Film adaptation of Edith Wharton's 1920 novel of the same name. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, and was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Art Direction.

Lawyer Newland Archer,is engaged to socialite May Welland. Newland begins to question if he wants to marry May after the arrival of her cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Ellen wants a divorce from her husband, a Polish count, which has made her a social outcast. Newland finds himself in love with Ellen and does not know if he can go on with his marriage to May, or follow his heart.

THE DUCHESS (2008). British drama film based on Amanda Foreman's biography of the 18th-century English aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.

Georgiana Spencer became Duchess of Devonshire at the height of the Georgian period. Spirited and loved by everyone Georgiana quickly becomes unhappy with her marriage, when she learns that her only duty is to produce a male heir. It is her misfortune when she becomes friends with Lady Bess, who falls in love with her husband. To escape from the Duke, Georgiana falls passionately in love with Charles Grey, young politician. However, despite his affair with Lady Bess, the Duke refuses to allow her to continue the affair.

Last but not least, Gone with the Wind(1939). A historical epic and romance/drama adapted from Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer-winning 1936 novel of the same name. It was produced by David O. Selznick and directed by Victor Fleming from a screenplay by Sidney Howard. Set in the 19th century American South. Cast: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, and Hattie McDaniel. Tells a romantic love story during the American Civil War.

happy schmalentine's day.

best craig's list post i have seen in a while:

Not having a girlfriend anymore I thought some other lucky lady may want partake in this ultimate romantic experience I have thought up.
If romance is not for you then please stop reading now.
However, if you are yearning for passion and fantasy then this may just be for you!

Somethings I can promise:

I am not going to dress up in a button down, reek of Aqua Di Gio and have goo in my hair.
I promise something much more enchanting!

1. Jeans and black T shirt!
Gaudy I know, but you are worth it.

Who wants fancy cuisine, fine wine and candles?! Not Me.
For you I am preparing something special.

2. Fu Jian take-out!
General Tso! Steamed dumplings! Fortune cookies!
Only a sophisticated palate can appreciate such exquisite cuisine.
I think you have such a palate.
* you can have both fortunes if I can have both cookies

A lot of people think romantic comedies are key but I say pish posh.
no Marley & Me for us!
I have arranged something truly special, a film that captures the sentiment and magic of Valentines day.

3. Die Hard followed by Die Hard 2, followed by your choice.
You get 1 out of 3 lucky lady.

Six hours of fine cinema is a lot and you may be worried my intentions are less than noble, you may be expecting that awkward moment when I try to put the moves on you.

4. Well just stop worrying right now! It will be awkward from the start!
My heater does not work so we will have to huddle together for warmth, for survival!
Plus my Netflix only works in my bedroom so we will be thronged together on my bed.
Can you think of a better way to make some ones acquaintance?

If this sounds like a fairy tale to you, to good to be true, then I have great news.

5. Princess this can all be yours!
Sooo long lonely hearts club, your dreams have come true.



p.s.
6. I can also write you a poem on a cocktail napkin, or draw you a picture. But, for some reason all my drawings either look like goats or pyramids. It’s weird.

Born This Way- Lady Gaga scores a Vogue cover

In a break from fashion week, I wanted to touch on the fact that Lady Gaga is the March 2011 Vogue cover.  I heard the song Born This Way on the radio today for the first time.  Elton John said it was the "gayest song I've ever heard."  I liked it.  And I like this cover! She looks absolutely gorgeous, shot by Mario Testino.  Here are a few pictures with some snippets from the article.

 

 

"I am quite literally chest open, exposed, open-heart surgery every night on that stage, bleeding for my fans and my music. It's so funny when people say, 'It's amazing to see how hard you work.' We're supposed to work hard! I have the world at my fingertips. I am not going to saunter around the stage doing pelvic thrusts and lip-synching. That's not at all why I am in this. I am just a different breed. I want to be your cool older sister who you feel really connected with, who you feel understands who you are and refuses to judge anything about you because she's been there."

 "I want for people in the universe, my fans and otherwise, to essentially use me as an escape. I am the jester to the kingdom. I am the route out. I am the excuse to explore your identity. To be exactly who you are and to feel unafraid. To not judge yourself, to not hate yourself. Because as funny as it is that I am on the cover of Vogue -- and no one is laughing harder than I am -- I was the girl in school who was most likely to walk down the hallway and get called a slut or a bitch or ugly or nerd or dyke."

"There is this assumption that women in music and pop culture are supposed to act a certain way, and because I'm just sort of middle fingers up, a-blazing, doing what my artistic vision tells me to do, that is what is misunderstood. People are like, 'She dresses this way for attention.' Or like, 'Ugh, the meat dress.' People just want to figure it out or explain it. That truth is, the mystery and the magic is my art. That is what I am good at. You are fascinated with precisely the thing that you are trying to analyze and undo."

"What I do for a living is not a cheese sandwich. It's not like, either good or bad. It's much more complicated than that."

"The Red Kimona" (1925).

“The Red Kimona (1925) is a silent romantic drama starring Priscilla Bonner, Carl Miller, and Theodore von Eltz. Directed by Walter Lang in collaboration with Adela Rogers St. John and Dorothy Arzner, who wrote the story, and Dorothy Davenport Reid, who co-directed and produced, this film was the subject of a landmark California lawsuit. The story begins with a naïve small town girl, Gabrielle Darley, played by Priscilla Bonner, who finds escape from her cruel home life in the arms of a handsome stranger, Howard Blaine, played by Carl Miller, who promises to marry her in New Orleans. Soon Gabrielle finds herself working as a prostitute in New Orleans and clinging to the belief that Howard really loves her. When Gabrielle discovers Howard buying an engagement ring for another woman, she ends up killing him. Gabrielle’s murder trial draws much publicity and she finds herself befriended by a rich society woman, Mrs. Beverly Fontaine, played by Virginia Pearson, who professes concern for her. After her acquittal, Gabrielle goes to live with Mrs. Fontaine intending to start a new life. Unfortunately, with the publicity value of being seen with her protégé gone, Mrs. Fontaine sends Gabrielle riding alone. Unable to find an honest job because of her past, Gabrielle becomes homeless and penniless.


“The Red Kimona” (1925) is a social commentary film that was made from a woman’s point of view. Dorothy Davenport Reid had entered film production following the drug-related death of her husband, Wallace Reid in 1923. Her first two films were produced in association with Thomas H. Ince, but for her third effort, “The Red Kimona” (1925), a strange main title spelling for Kimono, which was corrected in the publicity for the film, she formed her own company. Gabrielle Darley, on whose life story the film was based and who had since married a prominent physician was unhappy with “The Red Kimona” (1925). Gabrielle Darley sued, claiming the film denied her right “to pursue and obtain happiness,” as guaranteed by the California constitution. Eventually, in 1931, she won, and Dorothy Davenport Reid began the decade penniless.
I think “The Red Kimona” (1925) is an interesting film that seems very modern in its sensibilities. In fact, the film denounces the social hypocrisy towards Gabrielle Darley. Overall, I found it to be a frank discussion of a society that often fails women. Priscilla Bonner gives a restrained but moving performance as an abandoned woman. Her eyes were so expressive and conveyed so much emotion. One of my favorite scenes is the one in which Priscilla Bonner looks in the mirror and sees herself wearing a wedding dress and veil and then all of a sudden she notices that she is not wearing a wedding dress and veil but instead, a red kimono. I liked how the red kimono stood out because of its crimson color in contrast to the usual black and white. Only 80 minutes in duration, “The Red Kimona” (1925) includes a thrilling finale with crossed fates, redemption, and true love.





Born in Washington, D.C., on February 17, 1899, Priscilla Bonner’s first featured film was “Homer Comes Home” (1920) with Charles Ray. While she never became a star, Priscilla appeared in some 30 silent films and co-starred with such luminaries as Will Rogers in “Honest Hutch” (1920), Lon Chaney in “Shadows” (1922) and Ronald Colman in “Tarnish” (1924). Priscilla had one of her greatest film successes in “Drusilla with a Million” (1925), which only helped to support Hollywood’s opinion that she was an accomplished actress taking on more fulfilling roles. In July 1925, Priscilla was thrilled to know that she would be John Barrymore’s leading lady in “The Sea Beast.” Priscilla’s acting ability didn’t cause her to lose her role, but rather John Barrymore’s meeting and infatuation with Dolores Costello. If modern audiences know Priscilla at all, it is because of her role as Harry Langdon’s leading lady in “The Strong Man” (1926) and “Long Pants” (1927), which were directed by Frank Capra. At the time Harry Langdon was rejecting the advice of Capra. Priscilla was very fond of Capra and thought Langdon would have soared with him. In 1927, Priscilla appeared in Clara Bow’s most famous film, “It” (1927), as a single mother. Priscilla retired from films after “Girls Who Dared” (1929). She died on February 1, 1996. She was 97 years old.

Monty's Top 5 Favorite Classic Romantic Films

Here's my ode to Valentine's Day and my 5 favorite classic romantic films. Me and Dawn agreed on both doing lists ranking our favorite romantic films. So here I go.

5.) CAMILLE (1936) No doubt a star vehicle for Greta Garbo who works her magic as the doomed Parisian courtesan who loves the young Duval (played by Robert Taylor) but leaves him at the bequest of Duval's father. Later she is stricken with illness and Duval comes back. Tragic tear-jerker that benefits from the great performance of Garbo. Pure excellence.

4.)  FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953) While this story takes place during Pearl Harbor, there is plenty of romance to go around. From Deborah Kerr's wife who strays from her loveless marriage into a torrid affair with Burt Lancaster to Mongtomery Clift's relentless pursuit of Donna Reed. A great romantic film that just happens to be set during one of the biggest attacks of American military by enemy forces.

3.) BRINGING UP BABY (1938) Manic screwball farce which also features one of the best love/hate relationships ever between a stuffy Cary Grant and a screwy Katherine Hepburn. Sometimes over the top but always fun and interesting. Great chemistry between Cary and Kate.

2.) THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) Returning soldiers fromWorld War Two face all kinds of problems when returning home. Which includes romantic troubles. While the main story focuses on Fredric March adjusting to his life and family which includes wife Myrna Loy and daughter Teresa Wright, there are several more romantic subplots going on. Including Dana Andrews and his unfaithful wife (Virginia Mayo). Teresa Wright falls in love with him and does her best efforts to be with him. And the most touching plot of this movie has to be real life veteran Harold J. Russell who lost both his hands during the war, and his re-connection with his girlfriend (Cathy O'Donnell). Excellent film-making.

1.) WATERLOO BRIDGE (1940) Heart-breaking movie with Vivien Leigh's best performance ever. Yes even better than Gone With The Wind. In my opinion that is. Her tragic romance with a British officer stationed in England before the start of World War Two is one of the most unbelievably romantic and touching and tragic films I've seen. I personally rank it this high and deserves to be in same group of other classic films such as Dark Victory and Now Voyager.

So those are my top 5 favorite romantic films. Would love to hear what everyone else favorites are.

Great On Screen Couples: Joan Bennett and Edward G Robinson.

Joan Bennett and Edward G Robinson, are one of my favorite film Noir "On Screen Couples". They performed together in two very successful film noirs: The Woman in the Window (1944), which is definitely not a predictable film. The powerful psychological mind games, is one of the best I have seen on film. I believe this film is a "gotta see", and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Their next film together, Scarlet Street (1945). The film is about a man named Chris Cross, who retires after 25 years as a cashier.One rainy night, he saves Kitty from her abusive boyfriend. As a amateur painter Chris lets Kitty think he's a wealthy artist and sets her up in a nice apartment. Chris paints masterpieces and sells them under Kitty's name, with unexpected results.

These two films are some of Joan Bennett's, best known films with the help of, Edward G Robinson's, wonderful performance, who has played many type of characters throughout his acting career..

Please click here to view Scarlet Street review.

Please click here to view Woman In The Window review.

Happy Birthday: Kim Novak! "The Lavendar Girl".

Kim Novak,(February 13, 1933). It was Kim's modeling career that landed her an uncredited role in the film, The French Line (1953). Later, a talent agent arranged for a screen test with Columbia Pictures. The studio thought that they found their new, Marilyn Monroe. After taking some acting lessons, Kim performed in her first film with Fred MacMurray in, Pushover (1954). Later that year, Kim performed in the film, Phffft (1954) with Jack Lemmon and Judy Holliday. These two films set the tone for her career. Her next performance was as "Kay Greylek" in the film, 5 Against the House (1955). It was her next film, Picnic (1955), that made her famous. The film won two Oscars for editing and set decoration. The film Picnic, tells the story of a ex-college football star who turns drifter. He finds himself back in his small home town on Labor Day. Unfortunately, he falls in love with his best friends girl, which complicates their friendship. Directed by Joshua Logan, with William Holden, Kim Novak, Susan Strasberg, Cliff Robertson, Arthur O'Connell, Nick Adams, Betty Field, Rosalind Russell and Verna Felton, the film is sometimes thought of as a "snapshot of life" in the American Midwest during the 1950s. The film won two Academy Awards and was nominated for four more. I thought this film was very passionate story. I loved attitude of the older neighbor who was glad to "hear a man stomp around the house with his boots".



Kim's next film was, The Man with the Golden Arm(1955). A drama film, based on the novel of the same name by Nelson Algren, which tells the story of a heroin addict, who gets clean while in prison, but struggles to stay that way in the outside world. It stars Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak, Arnold Stang and Darren McGavin. Directed by Otto Preminger. Kim's performance was flawless, but it was was her beauty that was the big hit of the film.



In 1957, Kim played "Linda English" in the movie, Pal Joey (1957), with Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth. Please click here to learn more about the film Pal Joey.

Kim also gave a wonderful performance in Alfred Hitchcock's film, Vertigo (1958) with Jimmy Stewart. The film was one in which Stewart's character, a detective, is hired to follow a suicidal blond. He later finds out that Kim is actually a brunette shop girl who set him up as part of a murder plot. Her next film is another one of my favorite films, Bell Book and Candle (1958).

Kim landed the role of "Mildred Rogers" in the remake of, Of Human Bondage (1964). After filming, The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders (1965). Kim took a break from acting, returning in 1968 to star in what I thought was kind of a weird film, The Legend of Lylah Clare (1968). Again, she took another break from acting, before performing in, The White Buffalo (1977). She followed this up with, Just a Gigolo (1978), where she starred opposite David Bowie. She did find success in the mystery/thriller, The Mirror Crack'd (1980), co-starring Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson and Angela Lansbury.

She played the lead in the film, The Children (1990), where she starred opposite Ben Kingsley and Karen Black. Kim's last film,(so far) was in, Liebestraum (1991), in which she played a terminally ill woman with a past.

Since 1976, she has been married to Dr. Robert Malloy, who went to medical school with Martin Dinnes, the husband of Kim's friend, Tippi Hedren. She now lives on a ranch in Oregon and is an artist. Kim and her husband raise lamas and horses.

Please click here to read past Kim Novak movie reviews.

Fun Facts:

Turned down the female lead in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), The Hustler (1961) and Animal House (1978) among others because she was focusing on her personal life.

She arrived in Hollywood as "The Lavender Girl". When she became a star at Columbia Pictures, the studio had her blond hair tinted with lavender highlights.

Great On Screen Couples: Jane Wyman & Jack Carson

For my next couple I chose a couple not too many people may realize how good they really were in the five films they made together. I'm speaking of Jane Wyman and Jack Carson. They co-starred in 5 films plus one more where Jane made a cameo as herself. They usually played either a married couple or boyfriend and girlfriend and always had the most engaging banter. Their first film together was 1942's Larceny, Inc which they were the supporting players to Edward G. Robinson. But they played boyfriend and girlfriend. I have yet to see this film so I can't really comment on it.

Now for their next film, Princess O'Rourke (1943), they did get to play a married couple. But once again they were secondary characters to stars Olivia de Havilland and Robert Cummings. But their chemistry was undeniable and they played well off one another. 

They would hit their stride with 1944's Make Your Own Bed and this time they were the leading stars. Jack would play a struggling detective looking to crack the big case so he could marry his long suffering girlfriend. Shades of Thin Man make this a memorable screwball comedy. The pair would team up again later on in the year for the extremely funny The Doughgirls which had them playing another married couple dealing with the wartime housing shortage in Washington, D.C and scads of colorful characters including Ann Sheridan, Alexis Smith, Eve Arden, and Charlie Ruggles. By now Jack and Jane were operating like a well oiled machine as The Doughgirls remain their best film that I've seen of them yet.

In  fact, the producers of The Doughgirls must have thought so because they pretty much reunited the entire cast for 1946's comedy/drama One More Tomorrow, starring Jane, Jack, Ann Sheridan and Alexis Smith once again. Dennis Morgan was the newcomer who joined in on the fun. I haven't seen this film as of yet either.

Then Jack Carson and Dennis Morgan would make the surreal comedy It's A Great Feeling trying to make a star out of Doris Day. This is the film where loads of Hollywood stars show up in cameos as themselves and Jane shows up early for her brief appearance. Jack would later appear on Jane's TV show, Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre in the mid 50's but as far as movies go, It's A Great Feeling would their last team up together. So while everyone may know the big couples like Bogie/Bacall, Tracy/Hepburn, and Gable/Harlow, do not miss out an underrated pair like Jane Wyman and Jack Carson. They truly deserve to be talked about and remembered just like the other couples.

This week on N and CF.

This week we have more Gary Cooper.

ON TCM: Feb. 19, 2011. Sergeant York (1941) Biographical film about the life of Alvin York, the most-decorated American soldier of World War I. It was directed by Howard Hawks.

ON TCM, Feb. 19, 2011. The Westerner(1940). Directed by William Wyler. Cast: Gary Cooper as fictional interloper Cole Harden and is often remembered for one of Walter Brennan's best performances, as Judge Roy Bean, which led to him winning his record-setting third Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. James Basevi and Stuart N. Lake also received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction, black-and-white, and the Academy Award for Best Story.

On TCM, Feb. 20, 2011. Morocco (1930). A story about when a Foreign Legionnaire meets and falls in love with a singer. It was directed by Josef von Sternberg and stars Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich and Adolphe Menjou. The story was adapted by Jules Furthman from the novel Amy Jolly by Benno Vigny. The film is probably most famous today for a scene in which Dietrich performs a song dressed in a man's tuxedo.

I just found this fun movie clip of Gary Coppers debut performance in the film, Wings, that I posted last week.



Happy Valentines Day and have a great week with Gary Cooper. :)

Top Picks for Fall 2011 NYFW/February 11

So far, and there haven't been that many big name shows yet, but the theme is GRUNGE.  I'm so excited for fall. Lots of velvet, satin, loose-fittings pants, tight pants, plaid, leather, and blocked-fur, which is something I haven't really seen before. It appears from what I've seen thus far, designers are making clothes that real people wear, although the themes for fall will of course be more clear as the next few days pass.  Regardless, the looks I've picked are things I would wear.  So many soft fabrics mixed with harder, edgier pieces.  Basically how I wish I could dress each day.

Nicholas K

 

 

photos by Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com

The boots. The materials. The draping. Grunge is back, ya'll. Break out the doc martens. 

Steven Alan

I'm obsessed with this man. He's roughly new, this is his first Fall RTW show, and he hit the nail on the head with this collection. I loved everything, it was difficult to pick which ones I wanted to post here.  Total hipster feel and it works cause he wasn't trying too hard. Like a lot of Urban Outfitters designers seem to be doing lately.

the loafers!!!

 

Chic Grandma.

 

I hope the man I marry owns multiple wool suits.

 

Photos by Amanda De Simone/ GoRunway.com

This look is so sexy. A red velvet double-tiered skirt with matching blazer? It's like The Kooples decided one day to kick it up a few notches.  Total sex.

Organic by John Patrick

 

photo by Amanda De Simone/GoRunway.com

Not too crazy about this collection except for this particular look. The lace with the school-girl blazer and patent-leather boots really works.

Rachel Zoe

 

photo courtesy of Rachel Zoe via style.com

I don't see all-white ensembles done well that often, but this one is perfect. Maybe I'm just excited about seeing redheads in all-white, it's something different. Like Karen Elson at the amFAR New York Gala.

photo from redcarpetfashionawards

Wes Gordon

photos by Amanda De Simone/GoRunway.com

Simply put, I am in love with Wes Gordon.  I don't know what he looks like, but I am in love with him.  This is exactly how a woman should dress. The high-waisted wide-leg trousers and that gold velvet dress....AHHHH! I could die.

Tim Hamilton

 

I love the pattern on the coat and the modern cut. It wouldn't look great on someone with a chest, but it's still super hot.

photos by Amanda De Simone/GoRunway.com

 one word. NICE.

MORE TO COME

Executive Suite (1954).

Executive Suite(1954). Drama. Cast: William Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, Fredric March, and Walter Pidgeon. Directed by Robert Wise and produced by John Houseman from a screenplay by Ernest Lehman based on the novel of the same name by Cameron Hawley. The cinematography was by George J. Folsey and the costume design by Helen Rose. It is one of the few Hollywood films that does not have music.

The story begins when Avery Bullard, president of the Tredway Corporation, dies at a important time for the company. The board of directors must now vote for his replacement. First in line is, Loren Shaw, who is more concerned with the profits than the company. He has the backing of one of the shareholders, Julia Tredway, who was in love with Bullard before he died. Board member George Caswell, offers his support in return for certain favors.

The only real person qualified for the position is, Vice President of Design, Don Walling, who is not to sure he wants the job. He would rather spend his time developing new products. Walling is supported by Treasurer Frederick Alderson. Jesse Grimm, is opposed to Walling for reasons of his own, while Walt Dudley is being blackmailed by Shaw, who caught him having an affair.

Will Walling, win over the board of directors and become the new president of the Tredway Corporation?

A couple of the stand out performaces in the film for me are: Shelley Winters, who plays the part as Douglas' girlfriend who wishes he had more of a backbone. Barbara Stanwyck, also has a memorable scene with William Holden, when the sparks begin to fly. I thought the film looked very realistic with the wonderful shots of, Manhattan. What the film has to say about big business, I think may hold true even today.



Fun Facts:

Producer John Houseman wanted Henry Fonda for the role of McDonald Walling. Fonda turned him down to star in a Broadway musical that never reached the stage.

The entire story takes place during the 24 hour period from Friday afternoon, June 19 1953 to Saturday afternoon, June 20 1953.

Shelley Winters (August 18, 1920 – January 14, 2006), her career spanned over fifty years until her death in 2006. Two-time Academy Award winner, Winters is probably most remembered for her roles in A Place in the Sun, The Big Knife, Lolita, The Night of the Hunter, Alfie, and The Poseidon Adventure.

Shelley was a cousin of actor Tony Curtis, she suggested that he try acting, and was helpful in getting him started in the theater when he got out of the Navy after WWII.

Winters originally broke into Hollywood as "the Blonde Bombshell", but quickly tired of the role's limitations. She washed off her makeup and played against type in the film, A Place in the Sun. It was her performance in A Place in the Sun (1951), that first brought a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Shelley soon became popular as a character actress. She studied in the Hollywood Studio Club and in the late 40s, she shared the same apartment with, Marilyn Monroe.

Her first movie was, What a Woman! (1943). Winters first achieved stardom with her breakout performance in the film, A Double Life(1948). After which she landed leading roles in the films, The Great Gatsby (1949) and Winchester 73 (1950).

Another one of her best known films was, Night of the Hunter(1955), with Robert Mitchum and Lillian Gish. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for, The Diary of Anne Frank (1960), and another award, in the same category, for A Patch of Blue in(1966).

Notable later roles include: Lolita,Alfie, Harper, The Poseidon Adventure, Belle Rosen (for which she received her final Oscar nomination) and in, Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976).

Winters suffered with her weight later in life, frequently stating that it was a marketing tool, since there were plenty of normal-weight older actresses but fewer overweight ones and her weight would help her to find work .