The CMBA profiles two classic movie blogs each month, on the 1st and the 15th. Today we're celebrating Rupert of Classic Movies Digest.
If there were any one blog that could single-handedly convert people to classic movie fandom, it would be Classic Movies Digest. Posts combine fun facts about classic movie stars with thoughtful film reviews.
Rupert's site is also a great resource for long-time old movie fans who want to learn more about classic Hollywood. Links to books and movies are handily provided at the end of many posts, which saves the bother of an online search.
This blog isn't afraid to share an opinion. Check out the review of In This Our Life (1942), starring Bette Davis and Olivia deHavilland. "In this Our Life is a hoot to watch," writes Rupert, "and never disappoints for a melodramatic funfest."
Classic Movies Digest: I have loved classic movies since I was a kid, when I would watch my local weekend movie show called the Popcorn Flick, which featured Ma and Pa Kettle, Abbott & Costello, the Andy Hardy series and more.
CMBA: What makes a film a "classic" in your opinion?
Classic Movies Digest: For me, a classic movie is one made before 1960. Pictures made during the Golden Era of Hollywood, though movies made in Britain fit this category for me as well. Love those too.
CMBA: What classic film(s) do you recommend to people who say they hate old movies?
Classic Movies Digest: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Great Lie (1941). The first because it is big, bold and colorful and includes a classic story with great and charismatic stars and sensational character actors, with a powerful score. The second because it is a great example of the "woman's picture" which made such an impact during the era. With Bette Davis and Mary Astor, who are both powerhouses of classic movie diva-dom, yet again with a sweeping musical score as backdrop with a wildly unlikely but highly entertaining story.
CMBA: Why should people care about classic film?
Classic Movies Digest: People don't have to care about classic movies. Some folks just don't like them and that is their prerogative. BUT those who do should cherish them, and spread the word to those who MAY enjoy them if given the opportunity. They are a window to our past, both in their content and as a form of entertainment from the times.
CMBA: What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?
Classic Movies Digest: Blogging is a great way to share one's own feeling and interpretation of great old movies! And in my case, it brings together two of my favorite things: classic movies and writing!
Classic Movies Digest: Blogging is a great way to share one's own feeling and interpretation of great old movies! And in my case, it brings together two of my favorite things: classic movies and writing!
CMBA: What challenges do you face with your blog, and how do you overcome them? Classic Movies Digest: Finding the time and I can't always do it.
CMBA: What advice would you give to a new blogger?
CMBA: What advice would you give to a new blogger?
Classic Movies Digest: My advice to a new blogger is to write, write, write and post what you write. The more that is on the blog, the more opportunity there is for it to be read, as well as more for web crawlers to pick it up for online searches.
Thank you for joining us, Rupert! You can visit his blog by clicking HERE.
This was a delightful profile of the second member of the CMBA. Rupert's blog was actually the first one I ever read. He linked to it from his posts at TCM's Classic Film Union. If not for Rupert, I would never have thought of starting my own blog and the CMBA might never have existed. (More likely, though, someone else would have started a classic film group!) But my point is that we all owe a lot to Rupert. And, yes, he has a nifty classic movie blog, too.
ReplyDeleteThat means a lot, Rick, and you have been the strong backbone of CMBA and all that it has grown to be (although I know there have been MANY who have supported and contributed!)
DeleteI remember when we were discussing the name for CMBA and you were developing ideas for the logo. That seems so long ago and just like yesterday at the same time. But isn't that just like LIFE!
You support and encouragement for those who love classic movies is so very much acknowledged and supported, sir.
Rupert, I still have many of those old e-mails--plus some directories when the CMBA membership totaled a whopping five classic movie bloggers!
DeleteWhat a treat this series is and only in its second profile. I'm loving getting to know a bit more about other members and cannot wait to gain insight from every single person in this group. KUDOS to Rupert and the CMBA.
ReplyDeleteAurora
Great profile. I feel like I'm at a party and meeting all the cool people.
ReplyDeleteDitto -- this is a great series. I look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so excited to read these profiles. It is wonderful to get to know a bit about the person behind the blog.
ReplyDeleteRupert is indeed the reason that I and so many others have ended up with our own blogs and part of the great CMBA. I loved his ideas for two movies to show people who have never watched classic films, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Great Lie (1941). Perfect movies to introduce the love for classic film. And that is why we are here, in great part -- to love classic movies and keep them alive!
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