'Gigi' is #9

The year was 1958. The film was the first written by Lerner and Lowe who had the Broadway hit 'My Fair Lady' running on Broadway at the time. And what a gift they gave to us. And what a beautiful film it was and remains. Wat a score. Damn what a beautiful score! I can generally find a song or two in every score that just doesn't do it. There is not one misstep in this score. Hell there is not one frame in this film that has a misstep. What brilliant casting. Leslie Caron was the perfect pick for Gigi. The role had been offered to Audrey Hepburn who had played the role on Broadway but turned it down. I think it worked out fine. Leslie's french accent just added the right note. Louis Jordan was the perfectly perfect Gaston. Maurice Chevalier was his charming self. And last but not least the one and only and often underrated Hermione Gingold as Gigi's aunt Madame Alverez. The amazing thing is not one of these actors were Oscar nominated. What makes it all the more amazing is that 'Gigi' was nominated for, and won, eight Oscars including picture and director. So who the hell did winning director Vincente Minnelli direct?


Well enough. I am proud to have this in my top ten. You know as each year passes another film could replace any of the nine already cited. I guess it's fair to say I hope for and want better films looking forward. But for 2008 'Gigi' is still here.





Screen Caps.







Some More Stills.








The publicity stills.

Happy Birthday Anne Rice

Now truth be told my favorite Anne Rice novel is not about vampires. It is a wonderful journey through the Italian Renaissance world.



My three favorite vampire novels:






I also enjoy these Anne Rice novels staring vampires and mummies.

Happy Birthday Susan Sarandon

With her Best Actress Oscar for 'Dead Man Walking'

Happy Birthday Armand Assante

Happy Anniversary Michelle and Barack

Happy Birthday: Gwen Stefani and Peter Frechette

Deborah Kerr's 'From Here To Eternity'

Deborah Kerr received her second Oscar nom in 1953 for this eternally brilliant film. Her first was in 1949 for 'Edward My Son'.
She lost to Audrey Hepburn in a delightful role in 'Roman Holiday'. I have stated my love for Audrey but...??? As much as Audrey was a revelation on screen in her first major role, Deborah was a bigger revelation defying the odds by playing completely against type. I am happy happy I did not have a vote that year.

This film won a supporting actor for his supporting role. How he got the role is highlighted in 'The Godfather'.

It did win eight oscars other Oscars including best film, direction, screenplay and cinematography.
Further down I give due credit to Best Supporting Actress winner Donna Reed.

If you never seen this film do yourself a favor and rent it.












The beach scene that rocked Hollywood and a worldwide movie going public. Deborah would never be looked at as the prim english rose solely ever ever again!





Also staring the great Montgomery Clift. He was not nominated but should have been. And he should have won. Guess he didn't have a godfather.





I must note that a wonderful Donna Reed won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alma. It could not have been a surprise as the "virginal" Miss Reed went way against type playing a prostitute. Alright, a prostitute with a heart of gold but back then Hollywood only acknowledged the golden hearted bad girls.

Don't Forget Tonight's VP Debate

Joe Biden...



And The Self Proclaimed...