Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on December 23, 2014

It’s been an unusually busy few weeks around my neck of the woods, but I didn’t want the holiday season to go by without extending wishes to all those who’ve been so supportive of Once Upon a Screen. To you and yours… And because I think we could all use...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on December 11, 2014

Edward G. Robinson is best remembered for his portrayals of hardened criminals – and rightfully so.   When it comes to mugs and gorillas in the movies he’s as bad as they come. “Some people have youth, some have beauty – I have menace.” In truth, however, the cultured R   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on December 8, 2014

It is the story of a man, a story of redemption that also happens to be one of the best courtroom dramas ever made that I dedicate this post to.  It is Sidney Lumet‘s, The Verdict released on this day in 1982.  It is quite the film. The Verdict is filmed...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on December 6, 2014

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. ~George Elliot ◊ We know he is a force for good from the moment we see him.  The...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on December 1, 2014

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) could not have chosen a better actor as its Star of the Month for December than Cary Grant.   It’s the perfect way to end a stellar year for the network, as I mentioned in my recent interview with Charlie Tabesh, Senior VP of Programming for TCM. Slated...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 27, 2014

There’s really no better way to spend Thanksgiving than with a story about generosity and friendship – Daffy Duck style!? With warm wishes to all here’s a spoiler-stuffed Thanksgiving treat… Thanksgiving day nears and an old hillbilly couple – Maw and Paw – prepa   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 26, 2014

I Googled “programming guru” and Charles Tabesh’s name didn’t come up.  I’m speechless. Osborne: “The Face of TCM” It’s been a hell of a year for Turner Classic Movies!  A leading authority in classic film, the network kicked off what is by my estimati   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 24, 2014

Once Upon a Screen celebrates its third anniversary this week and I have a lot to be thankful for… For one – who’d a thought?! It still surprises me that I’m part of a community made up of fantastic writers whose passion for classic film and the golden age of...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 17, 2014

If there’s a name synonymous with versatility in acting that name is Thomas Mitchell.  Equally adept at comedy and drama, Mitchell made memorable appearances in some of the greatest movies of the golden age.  He was Gerald O’Hara in Victor Fleming’s GONE WITH THE WIND, Doc Boone in   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 15, 2014

This is a special guest post by Theresa Brown  ◊ As I scroll down the names of the participants in this third annual “WHAT A CHARACTER!” blogathon, I feared my picks would get lost in the shuffle of greats. But when I pounced on Aurora (I mean, politely asked her)...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 9, 2014

Warner Bros. (WB) created its animation division, Looney Tunes in 1930 in response to Disney’s popular series Silly Symphonies.  Soon, a second series titled Merrie Melodies was added to the WB animation arsenal, making the studio ready to break the mold.  Well, almost – It was actually   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 7, 2014

The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building Celebrates “Tyrone Power: Man, Myth & Movie Idol” Centennial Celebration The Nation’s Largest Exhibit Of Authentic Memorabilia Honors His Life Hollywood, CA, November 5, 2014 – The Hollywood Museum debuts “Tyrone Power:   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 5, 2014

For #Noirvember I return to images and a gallery to pay homage to film noir releases of 1951.  I don’t think many of us would argue that they don’t make movies like they used to, I say they also don’t make posters like they used to either.  I adore these images –...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 2, 2014

Imagine me talking to Ben Mankiewicz on TCM! I received an email in early June from Courtney O’Brien an Associate Producer on TCM’s Studio Group. Noralil Fores, who manages social media for the network had suggested me to Courtney to take part in a new project launching in November, a &#   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 1, 2014

Update The first winner is….. Victoria Rendon!!  CONGRATULATIONS! The next winner will be chosen at random from the list of those who: Tweet an answer to:  What is your favorite Bob Hope Movie?  You must copy me, @CitizenScreen and @SimonBooks in your tweet. and On Facebook:  Who is your favor   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on November 1, 2014

I’ve been reading quite a bit lately about a few of the personalities that graced the stages of vaudeville.  It’s no surprise to anyone that those entertainers had a will that exceeded that of “normal” humans.  The lives of most vaudevillians was tough with little stability,   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on October 29, 2014

During the TCM Classic Film Festival in 2012 we filled the Egyptian Theater to watch a sixty-six year old movie.  While that’s nothing strange during the event or for the classic film fans in attendance, there was a palpable excitement about watching this particular movie, one most of us had...   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on October 27, 2014

On Saturday, October 30, 1937 Eddie Cantor was honored with a testimonial dinner at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  The event, which was broadcast by the Columbia Broadcasting System was in celebration of Cantor’s 25th anniversary as a star.  In attendance were the Postmaster-General, Ja   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on October 26, 2014

I spent almost my entire weekend watching classic horror at the Landmark Loews in Jersey City. Lucky! On Friday night they featured F. W. Murnau’s NOSFERATU and last night great crowds assembled for a fantastic double bill, James Whale’s FRANKENSTEIN (1931) followed by Robert Wise’   read more

Once Upon a Screen Posted by Aurora on October 25, 2014

NOSFERATU, EINE SYMPHONIE DES GRAUENS (1922) wurde durch die richtige letzte Nacht gegeben at the Landmark Loews in Jersey City last night – and it was terrific. Noted as a free adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula NOSFERATU, directed by F. W. Murnau is the earliest known film to feature   read more