Blast from the Past

Margie: Sister, do you know what I was thinking about this morning?  Those double feature movies that we used to go see every Saturday at the Jericho theater. How come they don't make those anymore? I guess they got greedy and want you to pay for each movie separately.

Remember that wonderful popcorn? They don't make it like that anymore.  I could sure drink one of those cold drinks too. That makes my mouth water. Those were the days!

 Edna:  That old movie popcorn was the best.  These days they slap rancid yellow oil on it and call it "buttered".  Buttered, my Aunt Fanny!  That popcorn is about as close to being buttered as you are to being Miss America.

Maybe we should start showing our own double features, revive a tradition.  We could see if Cousin T could rig us up one of those projectors you can use with a computer, and we could show movies on the side of the barn during the evenings.  We could even charge a quarter admission fee!  What do you think?

Margie: I think you'll be serving popcorn and drinks because I'm going to collect the money!

Edna:  Fine.  I'll be serving special tea so you'll just have to miss out.

Margie: Fine. I'll just go to Bailey's with the money I collect.

Edna:  Fine!  When you come home, don't be surprised to find the locks changed.

Margie: Going to call my lawyer now. Bye.

For Edna: Cary Grant

Margie: Edna always said that Cary Grant would be her dream husband. Well, she sure wouldn't have been his dream wife! Anyway, I'm posting this for all you Cary Grant fans.

The musical stylings of Miss Rosa Rio

Rosa Rio, Tampa Theatre, May 2006

Edna: Have any of you ever heard of Miss Rosa Rio? She was one of the last of the silent-film organists; back before the "talkies," movies would have musical accompaniment from someone playing a piano or organ, depending on how grand the theater was. When I was a girl I thought that would be a fun profession, until I realized that all my attention would have to be on the music and not on the movie. That changed my mind right quick.

Miss Rio's musical career spanned 97 years. My lands, can you imagine that? She started out as a child musician, then went on to become a theater organist before eventually working in radio and television (including playing the background music on soap operas like As The World Turns). She was also a music teacher, but by 1993 she was living in Tampa, Florida and was once again playing the organ for silent film screenings at the Tampa Theatre.

Sadly, she died not too long ago at the age of 107. Her last performance at the Tampa Theatre was in August of 2009. Below, you can watch a clip from 2005 of one of Rosa's concerts. How wonderful it must have been to hear her play in person! If I'm lucky enough to be that spry at 103 years old, then I will count my blessings.




Sources:
http://www.tampatheatre.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Rio
The Washington Post

Flashback Friday

Margie: Edna and I were just children in the 1920's but that doesn't mean we didn't see or hear things. Edna always wanted to eavesdrop on people and she'd make me do it too. Anyway, we overheard Mama and Daddy talking one day and Mama said no daughter of hers would be a flapper. Edna and I had no idea what a flapper was but we sure wanted to know.

Mama told Daddy that no young lady with any decency would be a flapper and neither would they go to a "speakeasy." Mama didn't cotton to women acting like alley cats.

Anyway, Edna and I later saw this little movie and we decided that we'd have loved the flapper fashions. I don't guess we'd have needed to go to a speakeasy because we always spoke easily about most things.

Actually, I suppose Edna did become a flapper because she spends all day flapping her gums.

Enjoy!

Flashback Friday

Margie: Edna and I are a little prone to ruminate about the 1920's. Maybe it's because we heard Mama and Daddy talk about them so much. Well, Edna was born in the 20's so I guess that's why she's partial to them.

Anyway, I wanted to share the 20's with you. There was TV, Don Juan, movies, wonderful books, and plenty of fashion. Check this out.

Happy Birthday Barbara Payton

Margie: Edna, today is the birthday of actress Barbara Payton (1927- 1967). I bet our readers never heard of her. Actually, I probably never would have either but she was in some of the movie magazines I used to read.

Remember that magazine called Confidential? Lawsy me, I didn't dare let Mama catch me reading that. She said movie magazines were "pure trash."

Edna: Hmm, count me in with our readers who've never heard of her. But I have to say, it doesn't surprise me one bit that you'd be reading magazines Mama thought was trashy.

Goodness, but she wasn't very old when she died. What happened?

Margie: Edna, it's a tragic story. She supposedly got her movie roles via the old casting couch routine then she began drinking which led to her being called a "party girl." That was not what a female wanted to be called back then.

In the end she died a prostitute on a park bench. I wonder if the library has her autobiography?

Edna: Oh my, that is a sad story! But I bet it's not an unusual one, especially for Hollywood in those days. I'd be curious to read her autobiography, her story sounds like the kind of thing they would make a movie-of-the-week out of.

Would I know any of her movies?

Margie: Probably not. You never liked that kind. I do know one thing for sure, Edna. She was a smart lady to have an affair with that delicious Guy Madison. What a hunk!!!

Edna's Fun Friday: Child Singers

Edna: When I was just a little girl, Daddy took Margie and I to the picture show, which was something we did pretty often of a Saturday afternoon. But one Saturday was special, it was the day I saw Baby Rose Marie singing her heart out on screen in a film short before the main feature. And oh, a dream was born! How I begged Mama and Daddy to let me go straight to Hollywood to be a child singer, just like Baby Rose Marie. The fact that I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket didn't mean anything to me, I just saw a little girl up on screen who looked just like me, and I wanted to do it too.

Many years later, I was delighted to find a grown-up Rose Marie starring in one of my favorite TV shows of all time, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Rose Marie is still alive today, bless her heart. I wonder if she can still belt out the tunes?

Baby Rose Marie singing "You're Gonna Lose Your Gal" (1934)


Video clip courtesy of GoodOldDays

Fun Friday: Ricardo Montalban

Edna: Margie, our topic for today's Fun Friday post isn't very fun. I'm sure our readers know by now about the recent death of veteran actor, Ricardo Montalban. I was so sad to hear of his passing.

Margie: I agree, Edna, but I certainly do have fond memories of dancing with Ricardo. He was such a charming man.

Edna: Margie, you never met that man in your entire life! You know that his estate can sue you for lying, don't you?

But you are right, he was certainly light on his feet in his movies. Oh, and that voice! I swooned more than once while that man was talking, let me tell you.

Margie: Edna, don't believe me. I don't care. Go look at this video of Ricardo and me dancing. You know that's me but I used my screen name.

Edna: That is not you, you ninny! Lordy folks, don't pay her any attention, I truly think her mind is starting to go. But do enjoy this clip we found, and head on over here if you want to learn more about Ricardo Montalban and his work as an actor and activist for other Latino actors.

We'll miss you, Ricardo.



Clip courtesy of Two Weeks with Love from MGM, 1950

A Manly Man: Van Johnson

Margie: My silly sister, Edna, has gone into town to look for a new dress. I know exactly what she's up to without her saying a word. Yes, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Edna thinks a new dress will make her attractive to some man and he'll then buy her a box of chocolates. Poor Edna.

Anyway, good riddance. I have this blog all to myself. I usually have old Prune Lips looking over my shoulder and trying to boss me. Not today.

So, I'm taking the opportunity to mention a manly man whom I dearly loved to see in the movies. He died recently so that makes me sad. There just aren't a lot of manly men in today's movies.

Watch some Van Johnson if you can. He's wonderful as a man in uniform. And, don't tell Edna what I said about her dress.

Fun Friday: Edna's favorite holiday movie

Edna: Since the Christmas season has started, I've naturally started thinking about holiday movies. For a very long time, my favorite movie was It's a Wonderful Life. Now, I think that had more to do with my sweeping and grand affection for Jimmy Stewart rather than this being a truly heart-warming movie. Because let's face it, ladies and gentlemen, scratch the surface of that movie and you find all manner of depressing things. Suicidal thoughts, economic crisis, skullduggery, stinginess of soul, and a multitude of broken dreams, to name a few. I don't care that George Bailey discovers at the end that his life really is "wonderful." The fact still remains that the awful Mr. Potter goes unpunished for his foul deeds, and poor George not only can't hear out of one ear, but he never got to travel the world and build things like he wanted to. Quite frankly, every time I watch it and get to the part where Mary is hiding in the hydrangea bushes after the high school dance, I turn the blasted movie off because it's all downhill from there. Who needs that kind of depressing movie during the holidays?

Given the above complaints, it might surprise you all to learn that my favorite holiday movie is one that is sarcastic and starts out with a distinct lack of holiday cheer: Scrooged, with Bill Murray. Like It's a Wonderful Life, Scrooged also has as its focus a troubled young man, and it most certainly has its melancholy moments. But the beauty of Bill Murray's Frank Cross is that he knows he's past redemption, and he doesn't care. So it's mighty refreshing when he finds love and happiness at the end, because he didn't even think he was looking for it. Plus, what's not to love about Carol Kane as the surprisingly sadistic Ghost of Christmas Present? Now this is my kind of holiday movie!

Mr. Jensen Ackles at the picture show

Edna: Margie, you talk a lot about that talented young man from the "Supernatural" television show. But I bet I know something about Mr. Jensen Ackles that you don't.

Margie: Edna, I talk about him a lot and I have sweet dreams of him too.

What do you think you know?

Edna: Don't get snippy with me, you harpy! I'm being nice and sharing this information with you. I even have pictures. But if you don't want to see them....

Margie: Have a brownie, Edna, and let me see. I hope he has clothes on.

Edna: Margie, I don't even want to know what would make you think that I would show you nekkid pictures of that nice young man. You must be out of your gourd, and I'm going to ignore that you even said that. I'll take the brownie, though.

Now, the first thing I'm going to show you isn't really a picture of him, it's a link to a movie trailer for his new movie coming out in January 2009. It's called "My Bloody Valentine 3-D" and you can look at the trailer here. But hold on to your bloomers, it's a might scary.

Margie: Sakes alive, Edna. Are you trying to scare an old lady to death? I just don't know if I can go see that movie.

I'd sure like for that young man to pick me as his regular Valentine though. Hunka burning love is what he is. Whoo Wee!

Edna: Get your mind out of the gutter and pay attention, I have something else to show you. These pictures are from a movie Mr. Ackles made some time ago called "Ten Inch Hero" but it hasn't been released yet here in the US. I bet you won't even recognize him!

Image courtesy "Ten Inch Hero"

Item name blurred to protect the delicate sensibilities of our readers.

Image from Supernatural Wiki.

We wonder what kind of glue they used for these "piercings"?

Margie: My word, Edna. Blue hair? Tattoos? Well, I always did love a bad boy.

I'm glad you call him Mr. Ackles because he probably wouldn't like you calling him by his first name.

Edna: Good grief, Margie! I take the time and the trouble to show you these things I found, and all you do is insult me. See if I show you anything interesting again. From now on, I'm keeping Jensen for myself, you can go kiss a toad.

Margie: I'd sleep with one eye open if I were you, Edna.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Announcement for our readers in the
Los Angeles/Southern California area:
There will be a special screening of "Ten Inch Hero"
in Los Angeles on Monday, November 24th!
For more information, including theater location
and ticket prices, head here: "Ten Inch Hero" blog.

Margie's Marvelous Movies

Margie: I've seen a lot of movies in my day and I love the old ones best. Give me a good love story or some manly men or a little something scary and I'm happy.

I want to share with you four of my all time favorite movies and you really should try to see them.


Waterloo Bridge (1940)




Who can resist Robert Taylor and don't I wish I looked like Vivien Leigh? This is a tearjerker you'll love.



Magic (1978)



Who knew what Anthony Hopkins would go to become? He is fabulous in this film.


The Enchanted Cottage (1945)




Look at Robert Young. Yummy. This is such a delightful love story.



Rich and Famous (1981)




This movie shows what Edna and I would be like together if we liked each other.

Margie's Manly Men

Margie: While Edna is gone to the beauty parlor (lost cause), I pulled out my picture books. I love the old movies of the 30's and 40's because of the manly men. They don't make them like that anymore.

I thought I'd share my favorites with you all.





The original Dimples Boy




Tom Mix could sure thrill a lady




How I loved Roy Rogers. Look at that sweet face




Gene Autry could sing me to sleep any time

Margie and Edna go Rollerblogging!

Margie and Edna would like to thank RollerKaty over at the Rollerblog for letting two old ladies visit and...

...chatter on about one of their favorite movies of all time. Head on over to the Rollerblog if you'd like to find out what it was.

Thank you, Miss RollerKaty!

Margie and The Frenchman

Margie: I am having so much fun while Edna is gone. She will throw a hissy fit when she hears my latest news. You see, I was sitting on the porch today when this fancy car pulled up in the drive. Cousin T was fixing the porch step and he said that was a Roller Royce car that had pulled up.

Sakes alive, I don't know cars. Cousin T assured me, though, that it was a very expensive one.





Margie: The car door opened and a nice gentleman stepped out. He even brought his dog. He walked up to the porch and said his name was Pierre and he'd come to Jericho from Paris, France.

Well, Cousin T was making a spectacle of himself what with his mouth hanging open so I had to swat him to remind him of his manners.

This Pierre says he's looking for Edna. Well, blow me over. Who'd want to look for Edna? He wasn't making much sense so I just told him to stop all that parlee voo nonsense and speak English.

I finally made him understand that Edna had left home and was taking a tour on the Biddy Bus. I don't think he understood me but he did ask me out to dinner. I borrowed Edna's pink dress and some of her French perfume and off we went to Bailey's,

Those old gossips are wagging their tongues tonight. I can't wait for them to tell Edna. In the meantime, Pierre and I are going to the movies tonight.

Let me see what Edna has to wear.

Margie and Cousin T: At The Movies

Cousin T: Miss Margie I was thinkin' 'bout Miss Edna being gone and how you must be lonely with no one to hurl loving insults at and I thought I should take you to a movie! But with the price o' things nowadays I am afraid I can't so I hit on the next best thing; We can go to YouTube and watch some trailers and pass some time giving our opinions of the films. They put all the best stuff in them trailers anyhow. What do you think?

Margie: Cousin T, you are the most thoughtful young man I ever saw. I think watching movie trailers with you would be a lot of fun. I'll make us some popcorn and several jugs of Special Tea.

But, Cousin T, you can rest assured that I do not miss my dumb sister nor are my insults for her loving ones. She is no more than a big boil in my life.

Cousin T: I don't know what is happenin' in "The Happening" but if I found ten bucks stuck in the screen door I might just be tempted... Old Marky Mark seems like he has that "I am trying to figure out what is going on here" look on his face for the whole film. I kind of get the idea that this M. Night fellow would like this look to be on our faces as well. I think I half have it but if I saw all two hours I am pretty certain it would be more prominent. Is M. Night that fellows real name do you think?


Margie: Cousin T, that would be a strange real name but some folks might think Cousin is an odd name too.

You know how I love a scary movie and supernatural doings. I think this Kiefer Sutherland is dreamy so I want to see his new movie called "Mirrors." It's about supernatural evil using the mirrors in their house.

Wait a minute. Do you think this movie is based on Edna's life?