CMBA Blogger Profile: The Skeins

 The CMBA profiles two classic movie blogs per month, on the 1st and the 15th. Today we're featuring Moira of The Skeins.

If you're not familiar with all the projects that Moira of The Skeins has been involved in, then you're really missing out on something.

In addition to writing and researching, Moira co-hosts a classic movie forum at Silver Screen Oasis. Guests on this forum include biographers Scott Nollen and Jeffrey Spivak, and the CMBA's own Jacqueline A. Lynch.

However, one of Moira's articles, published on TCM's Movie Morlocks site, has garnered a lot of attention over the years – a post about the pioneering African American actor, James Edwards.

"James Edwards' complex life and career continue to impress me," says Moira. "The subject for the post was suggested in a roundabout way by a thoughtful friend who is no longer living, Kyle Kersten. Though I wrote this post several years ago, it continues to attract the attention of individuals who knew or admired Mr. Edwards. I like to hope that it might inspire people to seek out James Edwards' films and to pay some attention to those many sterling actors whose presence on the edge of the spotlight makes movies truly classic."

The post can be seen HERE.

It's Time for the CMBA Fall Blogathon - Trains, Planes, and Automobiles!

The Classic Movie Blog Association is proud to present Planes, Trains and Automobiles, running from October 19th to the 24th. Please tune into the blogs below on the dates listed to travel around the world through classic film!

19th

• Classic Film & TV Café - Murder on the Orient Express (both 74 and 10)
• Blonde at the Film - The Major and the Minor
• Speakeasy - Thunder Road 
• Pre-Code.Com - Danger Lights
• Man on the Flying Trapeze - Silver Streak (34) 
• Strictly Vintage Hollywood - The Sheik's Physique
• Second Sight Cinema - I Know Where I'm Going!

20th

• Person in the Dark - Our Hospitality
• Silver Screenings - Strangers on a Train
• Caftan Woman - Sleepers West
• Old Hollywood Films - The Grapes of Wrath
• Lady Eve's Reel Life - Lost Horizon
• Shadows & Satin - Detour 

21st

• 24 Frames - The Narrow Margin (52)
• The Movie Night Group - Star Trek (09)
• Thrilling Days of Yesteryear - The Tall Target
• Movies, Silently - Barney Oldfield's Race for a Life 
• Strictly Vintage Hollywood - Chasing Choo Choos
• Hometowns to Hollywood - Only Angels Have Wings

22nd

• Another Old Movie Blog - Bright Eyes
• Once Upon a Screen - Scenes on trains in Hitchcock films
• Now Voyaging - The Lady Vanishes
• Century Film Project - Great Train Robbery
• Virtual Virago - The Harvey Girls
• Mildred's Fatburgers - Phone Call From a Stranger

23rd

• Strictly Vintage Hollywood - Wings 
• Classic Movie Hub - A Hard Day's Night 
• Cary Grant Won't Eat You - The Spirit of St. Louis 
• Silver Screen Modes - Double Indemnity
• Classic Becky's Brain Food - Airplane 

24th

• Tales of the Easily Distracted - North by Northwest
• FlimFanatic.Org - Night Train to Munich
• Silver Scenes - The Dawn Patrol 
• Silver Scenes - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang  
• Vintage Cameo - Duel in the Sun
• Dear Mr. Gable - Test Pilot
• Outspoken & Freckled - Taxi!

Selected pieces are available in the Planes, Trains & Automobiles eBook, available for free at Smashwords and on Amazon for $0.99, with all profits going towards the National Film Preservation Foundation.

CMBA Blogger Profile: Classic Movies Digest

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."