Thursday, January 14, 2016

CMBA Blogger Profile: Caftan Woman


The CMBA profiles two classic movie blogs per month, on the 1st and the 15th. Today we're paying tribute to Patricia from Caftan Woman.

Remember when you were a kid and you had that one relative who really understood you? When it came to special occasions, that relative always gave you gifts you couldn't wait to show your friends.

Patricia from Caftan Woman is just like that relative. Her blog covers many films that don't receive a lot of love these days, and her reviews make you want to watch these films and immediately show them to others. This is because her well-researched posts shine with a passion for classic film.

"John Ford is my religion," she writes in her profile, and says she has a "particular fondness" for westerns, screwball comedies, musicals, B mysteries and film noir.

An example of Patricia's fondness for film noir – that is also an example of her shrewd powers of observation – can be found in this post on Claire Trevor's fashion decline in Born to Kill (1947).



CMBA: What sparked your interest in classic film?
Caftan Woman: Bonding moments with my movie buff dad and three younger sisters.  TVOntario's (public television) Saturday Night at the Movies hosted by Elwy Yost, produced by Rise Schuman. A double bill each Saturday of uncut, commercial free classic films with interviews and an educational component. It made reverence for the films acceptable. Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide and other books which inspired a personal stewardship toward the movies I loved.


CMBA: What makes a film a "classic" in your opinion?
Caftan Woman: A classic film is a window into the artistry of its creators and the heart of the viewer.

CMBA: What classic film(s) do you recommend to people who say they hate old movies?
Caftan Woman: I have had success introducing "haters" to 12 Angry Men, The Set-Up and Winchester '73


CMBA: Why should people care about classic film?
Caftan Woman: I have found that most people who don't care about classic film also don't care about history. A civilization that forgets its history is shallow.

CMBA: What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?
Caftan Woman: Sharing my love of classic film and learning from and being inspired by fellow film bloggers.


CMBA: What challenges do you face with your blog, and how do you overcome them?
Caftan Woman: My biggest challenge is being lazy, and I overcome that by signing up for the imaginative blogathons that come our way.

CMBA: What advice would you give to a new blogger?
Caftan Woman: Don't wear yourself out.  Write about what moves you passionately.  Don't compare yourself to others.


Thank you for joining us, Patricia! You can visit her blog by clicking HERE.

16 comments:

  1. Just the facts, ma'am. That's what Our Lady of Great Caftan is all about.

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  2. One of the best blogs and best bloggers of all. She's an inspiration.

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  3. "I have found that most people who don't care about classic film also don't care about history. A civilization that forgets its history is shallow." YES. Great profile, Patricia has some excellent insights!

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  4. I agree! I love Caftan Woman's site and insights.

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  5. One word comes to mind: FUN! There is an enthusiasm for classic movies and a real warmth for her fellow bloggers.

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  6. Not only a great blog and blogger, but someone who is wonderfully supportive of other bloggers.

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  7. Caftan Woman is one of the best -- she makes CMBA a really fun place to belong to! I've loved her for years, and plan to do so for years to come!

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  8. Paddy's monthly highlight of a TCM movie should be required reading for all classic movie fans. I love her advice about writing about movies that appeal to us passionately. Sharing our passion for classic cinema is what draws all of us together in the CMBA.

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  9. Love Paddy and love her blog. Her monthly TCM picks are not to be missed. She's also super supportive of fellow CMBA members. And she knows her classics!

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  10. LOVE!! Visiting Caftan Woman is like going to movie college with your best friend.

    Another terrific spotlight, Ruth!

    Aurora

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  11. Prior to applying for membership in the CMBA, I became a fan of so many members and remember thinking "these are my kind of people". I am both proud and humble to know you.

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  12. Love your picks for the "haters" :) Great profile!

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  13. I Love this woman and her blog - she is always "Grade A"

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  14. Patricia's blog has always been a model since I first joined and she has been s real supporter through her comments over the years. I appreciate her focus on films that for one reason or another I have not seen. Very interesting profile.

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  15. Caftan Woman represents what classic film blogging is all about - she shares her favorites with us, her memories of watching these films, and takes the time to leave comments on all of our blogs ( She also has the best taste in films ) It's so great to see her blog spotlighted!

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  16. Paddy is one of my favourite bloggers. Her love for all things classic film is evident in all that she writes. I agree with her advice for new bloggers.

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