While re-visiting the film Dog Day Afternoon (1975) recently, I was struck anew by the sheer artistry of its opening montage. Set against Elton John's song Amoreena, the film immediately evokes the scorching heat and heady atmosphere of a typical summer afternoon in 1970s New York.  Other than Elton John’s song over the opening credits, the film doesn’t have a music score.                             This critically acclaimed biographical crime drama film, directed by Sidney Lumet, features a stellar cast including Al Pacino, John Cazale, Chris Sarandon, James Broderick, and Charles Durning. Pacino delivers an electrifying and impassioned performance as a gay bank robber desperately attempting to raise the funds needed for his partner's (played by Sarandon) transgender surgery.    Al Pacino & Charles Durning                      ...

“Fred put me completely at ease. He’s a gentleman – and lots of fun to work with.”- Garland on Astaire "She wasn’t primarily a dancer, but she could do what you asked her to do. And she had great charm, and she was a very big star. She was in good form – we had a very good time. Our numbers together remain as high spots of enjoyment in my career. Her uncanny knowledge of showmanship impressed me more than ever as I worked with her.”- Astaire on Garland      Back in 1948, MGM came out with a fun, colorful musical film called Easter Parade. One of my favorite musicals, I've watch it every Easter since I was little. The film was shot in ten weeks in order to be released in time for Easter. Originally, they had planned to have Gene Kelly play the role of Don Hewes, alongside Cyd Charisse and Frank Sinatra. However, due to Kelly breaking his ankle and Charisse's torn ligament, the cast ended up getting completely switched around. In the end, we get to watch a couple of swells...

  I wish I could have worked with Spencer again when we were both big stars. We worked well together and we shared the same birthday, April 5th. I considered having the same birthday a very important sign. Of all of the male actors I worked with, Spencer Tracy appealed the most to me. I saw everything in him that Hepburn saw in him.   — Bette Davis, co-star in 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, 1932.  

  “I love to laugh. It’s the only way to live. Enjoy each day-it's not coming back again!”   Remembering Doris Mary Anne Kappelhoff aka Doris Day born today in 1922 in Cincinnati, Ohio.