Alphabet Meme - D

I was given the letter D from blog friend Patti, from whom I discovered the Alphabet Meme from a blog by the name of Sidewalk Crossings. Sounded like fun and a great idea for a blog post so I asked to take part. You pretty much are given a letter (like I was) and asked to list your ten favorite classic things that start with that letter - be it a film title, actor/actress or anything classic (non-film related too). Here are mine:

1. Double Indemnity (1944)
- Always my pick for the best film noir of all.

2. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
- It's my favorite film version of the story. I like the fact that Spencer Tracy didn't want to exaggerate on the Hyde makeup and kept it to a minimum, and still managed to create that eerie effect.

3. Daddy Long Legs (1955)
- a May-December romance (like a lot of Fred Astaire's film, not that I'm complaining because I love them). Astaire's dancing is as always mesmerizing.

4. Dracula (1931)
- The best Dracula film with the best Dracula - Bela Lugosi.

5. The Dark Corner (1946)
- Underrated film noir and Lucy is in it.

6. Daisy Kenyon (1947)
- A great example of a great love triangle and it's not film noir despite what it said on the DVD cover.

7. Desk Set (1957)
- I watched this charming film so much as a teenager, haven't seen it in a while now but I enjoyed it. With Hepburn and Tracy.

8. Deborah Kerr (1921-2007)
- One of my favorite actresses, she starred in many of my favorite films - most notably her work with the Archers and not to mention An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant.

9. David Niven (1910 - 1983)
- I enjoyed him at his most charming. I know some would choose A Matter of Life and Death as his best film but I didn't think much of it. My personal favorite is The Bishop's Wife - he's at his most vulnerable there.

10. Doris Day (1924 -)
- As much as she was good at singing I thought she was a great actress. She has this soft-spoken voice that was nice to listen to plus she was in some pretty damn good movies - with Rock Hudson most famously. My favorite is the dramedy Teacher's Pet with Clark Gable.

Favorite Quotes: Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)

"I won't be the one who vanishes" - Lisa

Top 5: Criterion Covers

I'm a fan of the Criterion Collection, especially some of their DVD artworks. I don't own any myself but having a library system with a whole bunch of them really helps. Anything released on Criterion can either bring out the film snob in some people or just the sheer enjoyment of relishing in a film that you love especially with the Criterion touch (quality and quantity). These are my faves.

1. Brief Encounter (1945)

This film is really one of the most poignant and tender films about elicit love that you could ever see. I loved it the first time I saw it, it's the essential David Lean and the cover speaks for itself.

2. Le Notti Bianche (1957)

The cover to this wonderful romantic Italian film from Luchino Visconti captures the essence of the film, the loneliness that comes from unrequited love. You can see it in the two characters countenance, not facing each other.

3. The Red Shoes (1948)

The Archers masterpiece. Excluding the beads of sweat on Moira Shearer's forehead, this is a face of confliction - perfectly captured here.

4. All That Heaven Allows (1955)

I love Douglas Sirk's romantic Technicolors of the 50's especially since Rock Hudson was in quite a few. This shows the isolation the two leads feel in the movie but they also look content gazing out the window.

5. Night Train to Munich (1940)

Not as known as it should be. I like this film for it's semi-comic moments, the jealousy Paul Henreid's character has towards Rex Harrison (you took Margaret Lockwood from him!) and it's adventures on a train and through the Alps. The cover has that comic-book(ish), old-theater card thing going on, is the best way I can describe it.

Small review: Love Me or Leave Me (1955)

This is my second viewing of this film. I recall the first time not caring about it much and upon my second view a few nights ago it was confirmed again.

I didn't find much in this to satisfy or make me think it had any redeeming qualities to make it a good film. I found the plot thin and mundane and Cagney and Day have zero chemistry. Perhaps because I can't seem to ever get into his acting or many of his movies though I'm a fan of Day and I gave this some bonus points for putting behind Day's so-called "virginal" roles and putting her in something more sensual (especially her clothing in her dance and sing numbers, she was rocking them). There was nothing going for it despite it being partially based on a true story (apparently on Ruth Etting).

I like the idea of the gangster and the showgirl but here it failed.

Perhaps you enjoyed it?

2/5

Top 5: Rosalind Russell

Roz was a hilarious woman, if that wasn't obvious, I especially loved her roles as a determined boss lady who claimed she never had time for romance until someone handsome proved her wrong.

I myself prefer her as a screwball than a serious character, but that's just my preference.

1. She Wouldn't Say Yes (1945)

I have mentioned this movie countless times because I love it so much, it's my favorite Russell rom-com, with the flirty, charming Lee Bowman <3.

2. His Girl Friday (1940)

With Cary Grant, it is famous for it's fast dialogue and it's awesome chemistry between the two leads.

3. My Sister Eileen (1942)

My second favorite Russell movie of all time. Here she is not a boss lady but struggling to find work in New York with her sister Eileen (who attracts every man who sees her), determined to make it with pratfalls and scenes that make me literally laugh-out-loud.

4. Hired Wife (1940)

I really love the chemistry between Rosalind and Brian Aherne, the same sizzle they had in Eileen.

5. A Woman of Distinction (1950)

I recently just watched this one for the first time, and Roz seemed to have no luck with one mishap after another when it comes to her and Ray Milland - they're just fantastic together. One of her most hilarious roles.

Favorite posters: Sabrina (1954)

I kinda stole this pic off a classic film group on Facebook that I'm a member of. I probably didn't steal-steal persay because I'm sure the person who posted it anyway got it from somewhere's else.

Call me ignorant but I'm sure the language is Italian, is it? That being said this poster for Billy Wilder's Sabrina just caught my eye right away - it's so pastel-ish and romantic. It makes Audrey Hepburn look more glamorous that she already was. I just love it!