"The Stars" and 57 Years of Fascination

This is my contribution to the Classic Movie Blog Association (CMBA) 10 Year Anniversary Blogathon. For more musings on auspicious anniversaries, click HERE. Anniversaries are important. Our first date, our first kiss, marriages, births, deaths - all landmarks that we mark with a card, a g... Read full article

On DVD: Walter Huston and a Lively Cast in The Star Witness (1931)

As Warner Archive celebrates its tenth year, I have been looking back on the hundreds of films I’ve reviewed from the label over the years. I treasure so many of these releases, from the pre-codes to big budget Technicolor musicals. However, my favorites have been the underseen gems that have ... Read full article

Musical Interlude: The Singing Voices Behind the Stars

The Singing Voices Behind the Stars Lucy Ricardo always tried to get in on Ricky’s act, despite her less than pleasant singing voice on the show I Love Lucy. Lucy would sing in a shouting, off-key manner. And when I was a little girl, my grandmother would tell me that Lucille Ball really could sin... Read full article

Lick the Star (1998, Sofia Coppola)

The opening narration of Lick the Star, which isn’t from the same character as the end narration, explains the ground situation. Ostensible protagonist Christina Turley has just returned to school after her father accidentally ran over her foot. So she’s on crutches. She worries her group of fri... Read full article

Looking at the Stars: The Brown Derby

 ”It is a place where the stars gather at lunch time and after premieres  to be seen–and to relish some caviar.” – 1932 article about The Brown Derby There’s a lot to celebrate in the month of July – our country’s independence and hot dogs to name just two. Ho... Read full article