Ask Us Anything About Movies

I so enjoyed doing the Ask Me Anything: Classic Movies Edition that I decided it would be fun to do a couples version with my movie-loving husband Carlos! I solicited questions from Twitter and Instagram and we got some great responses. Some thought-provoking prompts and some fun questions too. A big thank you to everyone who participated.

Here are the questions that were asked (edited for clarity):

• What were the first movies you watched so many times that you could recite all the lines? What films would you consider “your movies” as a couple - mutual favorites, films that evoke memories in your relationship, remind you of each other ... ?
• What's one film you wish your spouse didn't like?
• What's one film you wish you could watch again for the very first time?
• What are your fave romantic comedies?
• What's the first movie you watched as a stay at home date together?
• Can you each choose one film from each decade 1940-1990 that holds a special place in your heart?
• What's your favorite Pre-Code?
• What's your favorite noir?
• Who is your favorite on-screen couple?
• As a couple, is there a movie pair that you aspire to emulate?
• What movie makes you cry the most (or makes you the saddest, if you aren't a crier)?
• Most disappointing film you waited years to see?
• Name a character who reminds you of your spouse - either in traits, looks, quirks?!
• Thoughts regarding Classic Films on Blu-ry and how titles in that format compare in quality to their DVD releases.  Is there any significant reason to choose one over the other when purchasing a film produced decades ago??
• How would you cast a new remake of Maltese Falcon? Also would you set it today or back in the 30s or 40s?
• Last movie you two watched together? Worst classic film aimed at a female audience?
• Among the films that you introduced to each other, what is a movie that Carlos was reluctant to watch but ended up loving, and a movie you were reluctant to watch but ended up loving?
• Which films you introduced to each other and thinking the other would?
• What film do you (or Carlos) pull out that makes the other groan because you (or Carlos) just can’t stand to watch it one more time.
• What film(s) do you guys like to watch when you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up?
• What is a classic film that you both would love to see remade now?
• Do you insert tag lines or favorite quotes into your daily conversations?

Enjoy the video! And if you'd like to watch more of my videos, please make sure to visit my YouTube channel and subscribe.

Ask Me Anything: Classic Movies Edition

Recently on social media I sent out a prompt for people to submit me questions about classic movies. I got some really great responses!

• What’s an old film you’ve changed your mind on over the years? For better or worse.
• What is a popular, well-liked classic film that you personally can't get into?
• What classic movie that you love is one you feel is criminally overlooked by the general public?
• What do you think was the best year for movies?
• What are five classic films that you’d recommend people share with their friends when introducing them to the world of old movies?
• If you could un-see any classic film and watch it again for the very first time, which one would it be?
• Which classic film actor or actress do you think would have made an awesome YouTuber?
• If you could go on a cross-country road trip with 3 classic film stars, who would they be, which type of vehicle would you take and who would do the bulk of the driving?
• Pick a decade of movies to send to the outer limits of the universe as a time capsule of that Earth's BEST represents. Examples of why you chose that decade. .
• How did you take the path into reviewing/writing about classic movies?
• Which actor/actress would you most like to have dinner and drinks with while watching a classic movie MST3K style?
• Which classic - a film that is commonly thought of among the pantheon of great old films - would you most like to see remade, and why?
• Have you watched a classic movie that you felt should have been more popular but was maybe too ahead of its time, risqué, etc?
• Who or what led you to become a fan of classic film?
• What is the first classic movie you fell in love with?
• What is the first classic movie you remember watching?
• What is the best way to get young people interested in classic movies?
• In your opinion, the best classic movie?

I recorded my answers and posted them up on my YouTube channel today. I hope you enjoy the questions and my answers! Thank you to everyone who participated.

And if you like my YouTube videos, make sure to subscribe to my channel.

A Morning with Marsha Hunt

Larry Edmund's Bookshop Display

Every year Jeff and his team at Larry Edmund's Bookshop host a special Sunday morning book event during the TCM Classic Film Festival. Previous special guests included Carl Reiner, Tippi Hedren, Illeana Douglas and more. I've always wanted to go to these but had never been able to work them into my schedule. This year on their Instagram (it's private so you'll have to follow to see) Jeff from Larry Edmund's did a retrospective leading up to the announcement of this year's mystery guest. I waited with bated breath to find out who it would be. When it was announced I cried for a good twenty minutes. It was Marsha Hunt, THE Marsha Hunt. I had already made plans to see her at the TCMFF None Shall Escape (1944) screening but I opted to skip that so I can see The Set-Up (1949) on the big screen and attend this Sunday morning event instead. I called ahead to the bookshop, put my name down for a coveted spot and counted down the days, hours and minutes until the event. My dream of seeing Marsha Hunt in person was about to come true.

As I was walking down Hollywood Boulevard towards the bookstore I stopped by Marsha Hunt's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her television work. It seemed very apropos.

When I arrived at the bookstore I purchased my copy of The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and '40s and Our World Since Then by Marsha Hunt. Copies were autographed in advance and the event was not a book signing but more of a tribute to Marsha Hunt. I've had my eye on this book for a while and considered purchasing a used copy a few months before learning about this event. I'm glad I held out because I got my hands on a brand new signed copy instead.

Left to right: Me, Kim, Angela, Nora and "Fussy"

Czar of Noir Eddie Muller with Noir Girl Casey

Once I got in line for the event I saw lots of friendly faces. Angela from The Hollywood Revue, Kim from I See a Dark Theater, Casey from Noir Girl, Nora from Nitrate Diva and her mom "Fussy" plus more friends from Twitter. I even spotted Monika Henreid, daughter of actor Paul Henreid, in attendance.

The guest of honor: Marsha Hunt

Marsha Hunt with Eddie Muller

Marsha Hunt, Alan K. Rode and Eddie Muller

The presentation was co-hosted by film historian Alan K. Rode and Eddie Muller. I briefly chatted with Alan on the TCMFF red carpet about his long-time friendship with Marsha Hunt and the importance of her work and activism. You can watch my interview with him here. Both Alan and Eddie spoke at length about Marsha Hunt and took turns interviewing her. Even at 100 years of age, Marsha was eloquent, thoughtful and as smart as a whip. That spark has never diminished. She's still the actress, activist and glamour queen she's always been.

Here are some excerpts of what she had to say.

On fashion and her start in Hollywood:

[Muller described a moment from TCMFF when Marsha Hunt wouldn't let the make-up artist put lipstick on her because she wanted to do it herself] "I haven't been made up within memory. I've always done my own make-up. I was a Powers model in New York when I was 16.... If Powers doesn't mean anything, John Robert Powers was a former model who started his own model agency. The best New York models were Powers clients. He managed a great wonderful salon of models."

"I'm long-waisted. It's a small waist. I guess that qualifies me as a fashion model. I did some fashion work in New York. I graduated high school at 16. Meant to be actress my whole life and oddly enough I was never stage struck. It had to be movies. I knew that was going to take some managing but in the meantime what can I do to help prepare for that. Well let's see, I ought to learn how to dress, and make up and be groomed. For all of the visuals. I went to dramatic school. There was no training for movies. You learn how to make movies then by making movies. But you could train for the theater. I auditioned at NBC as a radio actress and passed muster. Though I left for California before they ever called me to do radio. I was trying to set the scene and train in every aspect I could to be prepared for film acting. It all fell into place very blessedly. At 17, a year out of high school, Paramount signed me to a contract at $250 a week. Now that may not impress you today. Then it did. My first film work was the feminine romantic lead in a Paramount feature film with two leading men. What a way to break in. Bob Cummings was one of my leading men. Darling man. And Johnny Downs who had been part of the Our Gang comedies. Those are my two leading men on my first movie. Break in on the top. Only way to do it."


On the home she's lived in since 1946:

"I lived in a house on a hill that I had helped design. But it was time for a different kind of house architecturally. For what it provided. So we [her and her husband Robert Presnell Jr.] looked and found our place on Magnolia. An acre and a third it is. With a guest house, two bedrooms, living room. Complete house. Always fully occupied. A barn for stowing all sorts of colorful things. It's nice to have an acreage. Where square feet are charged. Well this is an old place. We were able to get it. So I've lived there for many years. It has a pool and a tennis court. I grew up in Manhattan, New York City. And you had an apartment. And your window looked out upon somebody else's window. You didn't have sports and space and all these wonderful privileges that we do get around here. So no wonder we came and no wonder we've stayed. Good place to be."

On politics

"I spoke very freely about whatever I cared about. Those were dangerous days. There was the left and there was the right. People made lists that had nothing to do with their talent. How they wrote or directed or acted or composed. Any of that. But it was a day when politics kind of ruled the local scene. It was unpleasant. I remember at my house we had several friends over. Just listening late one afternoon. Another friend arrived and one of the people in the room got up and left. He was not going to be in the same room with that new arrival. I think that's a shame. To carry your beliefs, unless you're talking murder or some real sins, then I think how you believe politically is your own business. I think it's rather healthy for people who disagree to have some chats and conversations."

I recorded a short video about Marsha Hunt speaking on the topic of being labeled a Communist during the HUAC era:

Roger C. Memos, director of the documentary Marsha Hunt's Sweet Adversity, was also at the event and he treated us to a few excerpts from his film. If you want to learn more about the doc you can follow his Facebook page. I've been wanting to watch this doc for a long time. I hope a screening in Boston happens in the near future. 

Eddie Muller, Marsha Hunt, and Alan K. Rode

Even though Marsha Hunt turned 100 in October of last year, that milestone is something to continue celebrating. The event ended with a birthday celebration complete with a magnificent cake. Marsha's favorite flavor is lemon so we were all treated to a lemon cake with chocolate frosting. All the attendees sang happy birthday to her. My friend Casey filmed this portion which you can see below:

Singing Happy Birthday to Marsha Hunt earlier today @LarryEdmunds1. Tears of joy, guys. Tears of joy. #TCMFF pic.twitter.com/8d958aZzW6

— Casey K. (@NoirGirl) April 30, 2018

Selfie with Marsha Hunt (sort of)

After the birthday celebration everyone was clamoring for a bit of time with Marsha. I was wearing my Marsha Hunt pin created by Kate Gabrielle as part of her TCMFF button pack. I showed it to Marsha but I think the pin was too small and she was too far away to see it. So I handed it to her so she could take a look and I let her keep it. I think she was surprised to see her face on a button. It was a sweet moment I'll treasure!

Marsha Hunt admiring the button I just gave her 

A big thanks to Marsha Hunt, Alan K. Rode, Eddie Muller and Roger C. Memos for a great event. And a special thanks to Jeff and his team at Larry Edmund's Bookshop. They opened the shop early and closed it off just for us. I watched Jeff working hard to make sure we had the best view, the best audio and the best set up for watching the documentary. And the cake, well that was the cherry on top. Thanks to them for making this a memorable event.

TCM Classic Film Festival 2018: Recap #5

The last day of the TCM Classic Film Festival is always bittersweet. It's a day of goodbyes and farewells. Carlos and I kicked off the day with a family breakfast at Mel's Diner with Jessica of Comet Over Hollywood and Brandon who is currently working on a documentary about Bernard Herrmann.

At TCMFF, bloggers and writers love to pass out buttons. This year Jessica and Brandon passed out Bernard Hermann M&Ms! Follow the @HerrmannMovie account on Twitter to keep up-to-date with the documentary.

After breakfast, I headed over to Larry Edmunds Bookshop for a very special event: A Morning with Marsha Hunt. I won't go into great detail now as I plan to do a full post on this event. It consisted of a presentation, a chat with Marsha Hunt hosted by Eddie Muller and Alan K. Rode and an amazing birthday cake to celebrate her 100th year. 

While at Larry Edmunds' Bookshop I also got a copy of Alan K. Rode's new biography on Michael Curtiz which he signed for me! I'm glad I waited until now to pick up a copy. 

Afterwards I headed over to Club TCM which is in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. There I met this couple. This is their first TCMFF and they went all out with two Spotlight passes, the highest level pass that offers lots of access and bonus perks. They purchased this canvas bag during their trip and it was covered with celebrity guest autographs from the festival. I thought this was a marvelous idea. The festival isn't really intended for autograph seeking but it was a clever idea nonetheless.

At Club TCM, members from the Library of Congress hosted a 2-hour interactive workshop/panel called Mostly Lost. Back at the LoC, they host movie screenings where they show clips of films that have been found but are unidentified. They are usually very obscure silent films. Film buffs and historians sign up to participate. They sit in a theater with laptops, reference books, smartphones, whatever they want, watch clips and try to identify actors, actresses and things like clothing, calendars, props, logo, anything that will help identify the film, the period, etc.

Because many of the film clips are silent, they have a few house silent film accompanists, including Ben Model who was at hand to play music for the clips shown at the Club TCM event. Model also did his own presentation about how silent film comedians mastered the art of their comedy in that format. It was called Undercranking: The Magic Behind Slapstick. I love Club TCM events and while I was only able to catch one I was so glad it was Mostly Lost!

One of the great aspects of TCMFF is seeing many of my internet friends in person. I took a lot of selfies with these friends, including Jeff (above) who I've spoken to on Twitter but never met before.

After my time at Club TCM, I headed over to the TCL Chinese IMAX for my last film of the festival. While I was in line this passholder was being interviewed by TCM. I love that her lanyard was decorated with Kate Gabrielle pins!

Confession: I have never seen Animal House (1978). This was a good a time as any but boy did I feel out of the loop. People were dressed in togas (and chanting Toga! Toga!) and in College sweatshirts and geeking out about their favorite scenes. I was a total newbie and had no clue what I was getting into.

The introductions and interviews before a film usually last 15-20 minutes and 25 minutes is pushing it. I thought to myself, with so many special guests, how are they going to cram an interview in a brief time with all of them? The solution: it went on for an hour! Ben Mankiewicz was on hand to interview 8 cast and crew members including director John Landis, a studio exec (forgot his name), Stephen Bishop, Tim Matheson, Bruce McGill, Mark Metcalf, Martha Smith and James Widdoes. There were only supposed to be 7 guests and they had 8 chairs but 8 guests Ben Mankiewicz had to stand for the interview and share a mic with Metcalf.

The hour long interview provided the audience with one of the most thrilling pre-production stories I had ever heard. Landis and the cast went on about the two pivotal weeks before filming began and how they prepared for the role. They also talked about working with John Belushi, how this film almost didn't get made and much more. Even for someone like myself who knew very little about the film, I was enthralled.

In the end I quite enjoyed Animal House. I wanted it to be funnier, I wanted to laugh more but overall I thought it was an excellent comedy and one I'd watch again.

After Animal House, it was time to head to Club TCM for the closing night party. I had an early flight the next day so I only had a little time to say my goodbyes. My good friend Jessica treated me to some champagne and we made the rounds having brief chats, taking selfies and saying our goodbyes.

Sorority squats are a must at TCMFF.

A big thank you to everyone at TCM who worked tirelessly to make the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival. A special thank you to Marya Gates who is always an incredible help on the red carpet. And a special thank you to all of my friends. Whether we had a brief moment to say hello or we enjoyed a long one-on-one chat, it means the world to me to spend quality time with you all. Until next year!

Stay tuned as I'll have a recap post on my thoughts on the festival and who I saw. Also I will have several in-depth posts about specific events. Thanks for following along!

TCM Classic Film Festival 2018: Recap #4

Day #3 of the TCM Classic Film Festival kicked off with one of the screenings I was most excited about: the 50th anniversary of one of my very favorite movies Bullitt (1968).

I got in line a couple hours early (by accident) and it was lucky for me that my husband and Robby, of Dear Old Hollywood, who were both doing standby, were able to get in. They sat with me and Jay of the Cinema Shame podcast. It was great to share this screening with them.

TCM host Eddie Muller presented. The special guest was going to be Jacqueline Bisset but she had to cancel at the last minute due to a family emergency. Muller promised us that he'd try to get her back to the festival next year. While I'm usually all about the special guests, this screening was a must for me not because of Bisset but because I wanted to witness this amazing movie on the big screen. At the TCL Chinese IMAX theater the screen is almost three stories tall. Seeing the famous San Francisco car chase with Steve McQueen in his Highland green Mustang on that giant screen was nothing short of epic. In fact the also thrilling airport chase scene was quite amazing to see on that screen as well, even if the audio was a bit overwhelming for sensitive ears.

And of course we had to take a commemorative photo afterwards. I love that we're all wearing sunglasses. Too cool for school.

I made my way to the Chinese Multiplex for one of the other films I was super excited about seeing at TCMFF: Maurice (1987). Because of my love for Call Me By Your Name (2017) and all things Merchant-Ivory, watching Maurice, a recently discovered favorite, on the big screen was a must. Before I ever became a classic movie fan, I was a teenager who was seriously into period pieces. I wish I had seen Maurice at that age but I'm making up for it as an adult. I'll be writing more in-depth about this experience soon but let me just say that hearing James Ivory talk and watching this film for a second time was a real treat.

I sat with Meg, Jeff, Marya of TCM and Michelle of the Nerdist for this screening.

After dinner I wandered over to the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel for a poolside screening. I hadn't done one of these in years. They are always a lot of fun. But if you have your heart set on watching the entire movie, make sure you dress warm because it gets really cold in this space. They set up poolside heaters and offer towel-blankets but you are still in for a chilly night.

Saturday's poolside screening was for Where the Boys Are (1960), one of my absolute favorite films (which seemed to be the theme of the day for me!). I was really, really hoping for a special guest from the film. Most of the cast, except for Jim Hutton, are still with us. I wish they had held out for a screening of this one with Paula Prentiss, Connie Francis, George Hamilton and/or Yvette Mimieux (Dolores Hart would be great too but I'd imagine it'd be much more difficult to get her there). In fact, Connie Francis was listed on the website for a hot second so there might have been plans to have here there.

The screening was introduced by Illeana Douglas. I had recently done some research on this film for my blog post, which you can read here, so nothing Douglas said in her intro was news to me. She assumed we didn't know that Dolores Hart became a nun. I'm pretty sure we all knew that. A young singer performed the title song Where the Boys Are before the screening. She did a lovely rendition.

Stay tuned because tomorrow I'll have my final recap of the TCM Classic Film Festival!

TCM Classic Film Festival 2018: Recap #3

On the start of Friday of the TCM Classic Film Festival, I was more than ready for some movies. I met up with my good friend Carley of Married at the Movies (she also recently started a new podcast) and we headed over to the Chinese Multiplex for Intruder in the Dust (1949).

Carley and I were joined by some friends including Meg, Aurora and Kellee.

TCMFF is all about the selfies.

Film historian and expert on African-American cinema Donald Bogle gave an introduction and sat down with former child star Claude Jarman Jr. I'll have a full report on this movie soon. It was a great conversation and the film really moved me. And this particular screening sold out that it was shown again on Sunday for those who missed it the first time around.

Then it was off to the Egyptian theatre to catch Witness for the Prosecution (1957). This classic court room drama has eluded me for years and I was finally able to enjoy this one with a great crowd. I got some seats with Carley and her husband Martin who met for the first time at the festival back in 2013. So if you're single and you love classic movies maybe the festival is a good place to meet your future spouse!

Ruta Lee who has a small but pivotal role in the film, regaled us with stories about how Frank Sinatra helped her career, how Billy Wilder almost didn't hire her for Witness because she wasn't a brunette and some not so PG stories about her encounters with Charles Laughton. The introduction was one of the best I've heard and Ruta said she was willing to stay for hours to chat with us and to order sandwiches and champagne. Oh how I wish that really happened!

When The Set-Up (1949) was announced early on as one of the TCMFF films I was stoked. It's one of my top favorite noirs and I've watched it many times over the years. If you read my post about my TCMFF plans you'll remember that it was in a spot in the schedule where it conflicted with me getting to see Marsha Hunt at None Shall Escape. Luckily, Larry Edmunds Bookshop was hosting a Marsha Hunt book signing on Sunday. I easily gave up my spot for that movie and headed to the Egyptian for The Set-Up. I was surprised to see my friend Jay in line! He and I spoke briefly about the film in our two-part Rocky podcast for Cinema Shame. He hadn't seen The Set-Up so I was glad we are able to sit down together for this one.

 The Noir of Czar and Noir Alley host Eddie Muller presented. It was a great introduction until it was not. He had a surprise guest in the form of a young man, whose name I didn't catch. He's a local poet, writer, rapper. Very personable and charming guy and he grew up watching classic movies so he's got cred. The Set-Up was inspired by a long form poem and the special guest was there to recite part of it. However he didn't have the poem on hand. There must have been some miscommunication to get to that point. It took way too long and we endured an uncomfortable silence until he finally found the poem. At that point I was no longer interested in it and just wanted to watch the movie already.

After The Set-Up I had drinks with Jay and hung out with some friends in the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby. I even had time for dinner. Crazy! If you go to TCMFF, it's okay to miss a programming block so you can have some down time/social time and a bite to eat.

This break also allowed me to head over to the Chinese Multiplex early to get in line for Romeo and Juliet (1968) which was my #1 must-attend event at this year's festival. There was no way I was going to miss this one.

I was quite emotional to see Leonard Whiting (Romeo), Olivia Hussey (Juliet) and Michael York (Tybalt) in conversation with TCM host Alicia Malone. It was a great interview. Unfortunately my audio recording cut out early but I'll try to get a full report up soon. The biggest takeaway is that they all loved making the film, loved working with each other and the movie did wonders for them. They remember it very fondly. I met Whiting and Hussey on the red carpet (a video will be up soon). It was a treat to see Michael York and to hear his booming deep British voice travel across the audience. Wow!

I sat with my friend Kim of I See a Dark Theater and was able to have a good one-on-one chat with her. One thing I did differently this year is ignore my spot in line if I spotted a friend further down the way. Some folks in line got annoyed with me and one time a staffer tried to get me to move. But I'd much rather be with a friend chatting in line and before the movie than by myself because I have a better number.

Stay tuned as I'll have recaps soon for the Saturday and Sunday of the TCM Classic Film Festival.