Before I dive into this movie review, I should mention that I haven't seen all of Sonja Henie's films. In a previous post , I talked about Olympic stars who leaped acting, and Sonja was one of them. She was a major star for 20th Century Fox and appeared in many films, much like Esther Williams did for her studio, but I haven't had the chance to explore her entire filmography.    What I do remember clearly is the fun, snowy setting, the enchanting singing, the ice skating, the dancing, and the exciting skiing in the 1941 production of Sun Valley Serenade by 20th Century Fox.  My appreciation for Glenn Miller's music grew when I watched this film on American Movie Classics, hosted by Nick Clooney. Out of the two movies featuring Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, the other being Orchestra Wives, Sun Valley Serenade is my favorite! Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone, this romantic musical comedy stars Sonja Henie, John Payne, Glenn Miller (making his debut film appearance a...

  Edward G. Robinson

"I see now I was too happy. It was like Christmas morning when you’re little — too many presents, too much tinsel, too much of everything. You end up crying because you want it to go on and on." Winter Meeting (1948) is an intentionally slow-paced, dialogue-rich romantic drama featuring Susan (Bette Davis) as a reclusive poetess who finds herself unexpectedly in love with a World War II hero Slick (James Davis). Through deep conversations, Slick encourages Susan to open up about her father's tragic suicide and her strained relationship with her mother. Meanwhile, Susan discovers Slick's inner turmoil and desire to become a priest.    Despite its artistic ambitions, the film was a major box office failure, grossing less than half of its production and promotion costs. It marked Bette Davis's biggest flop at Warner Bros., following the disappointing reception of Deception (1946), which led Jack L. Warner to question Davis's box office appeal. With its somber to...

  "We were just trying to get a little healthy stimulation from hugging and kissing, that's all."- Forbidden Planet (1956) Leslie Nielsen & Anne Francis   Douglas Fairbanks Jr. & Joan Blondell Rita Hayworth & Fred Astaire Robert Mitchum & Esther Williams Bette Davis & Spencer Tracy     Guy Madison & Shirley Temple Franchot Tone & Loretta Young Clark Gable & Marilyn Monroe Doris Day & Frank Sinatra Barbara Stanwyck & Fred MacMurray

"That love at first sight should happen to me, was Life's most delicious revenge on a self-opinionated fool."

  "Every actress has to face the facts there are younger, more beautiful girls right behind you. Once you've gone beyond the vanity of the business, you'll take on the tough roles."

 

"He was a damn good actor."- Karl Malden on his close friend Richard Weedt Widmark. Widmark was born on this day in 1914 in Sunrise Township, Minnesota. I have always been intrigued by Widmark's incredible talent as an actor since I first saw him with Marilyn Monroe in the 1952 film noir, Don't Bother to Knock. I might have had a little crush on him back then, and I still feel that way! Later, I watched his iconic film, Kiss of Death from 1947. His skill in transforming into various roles, whether as a villain or a hero, highlights his amazing ability. What really attracts me to Widmark is his captivating presence on screen and his natural charm, similar to that of his favorite actor, Spencer Tracy. Through his 74-film career spanning six decades, he brought authenticity to every role, whether playing a conniving pickpocket or a distinguished sea captain. Like a master craftsman, Widmark elevated every film he appeared in, making him one of Hollywood's most reliab...