CMBA Profile: SHADOWS and SATIN
Each month, the CMBA profiles a classic movie blog written by one of our members. This month, we're featuring Karen Hannsberry, who writes at SHADOWS AND SATIN.
CMBA: Why do you blog?
Karen: I have a pretty simple answer to that one - because I love to write and because I love classic movies. Blogging was made for me - it gives me the chance, on any given day, to write to my heart's content about whatever I want to explore and discuss.
CMBA: Besides classic movie blogging, what are some of your other passions?
Karen: I'm passionate about the film noir newsletter, The Dark Pages, that I started almost 20 years ago. It may not make me rich, but it's a true labor of love. Also, I'm passionate about my collections- I have many: classic movie magazines, old radios, clocks, shot glasses, refrigerator magnets, dolls, ashtrays, autographed photos, classic movie lobby cards, and books that were made into classic films.
CMBA: If you could program a perfect day of classic movies for TCM, what would be the seven films on your schedule?
Karen: This was a lot harder than I thought it would be- I wanted to include a silent movie, a western, a musical, a Pre-Code, and a film noir- plus movies featuring my favorite three actresses: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, and Barbara Stanwyck. So here goes ...
The Gunfighter (1950)
I'm fond of a lot of westerns, but I love The Gunfighter the best. It's such a good story, with memorable performances from all of the cast, especially Gregory Peck and Helen Westcott. And a great ending.
Night Nurse (1931)
This film filled the bill for both a Pre-Code and a Stanwyck movie - and it's one of my favorites for both. Plus, it's one of the few films from that era where a crime goes unpunished, and I love that!
Sunrise: A Tale of Two Humans (1927)
Sunrise is one of the only silent films that I've seen more than once. It's that good.
Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Sunset Blvd. is the focus film for the Dark Pages newsletter's 'giant issue' for December 2023, and I've been immersed in it for the last several weeks, loving it more every time I see it.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
I'm not a huge fan of musicals as a rule, but the ones that I love, I REALLY love. And I REALLY love Bye Bye Birdie. The songs, the dance numbers, the color, Ann Margret, Paul Lynde ... the list goes on and on. It's a real feel-good movie.
Queen Bee (1955)
It's not my favorite Joan Crawford movie, but I selected Queen Bee for my Crawford pick because I saw it a few years ago at the TCM film festival, and it was just so much fun.
All This, and Heaven Too (1940)
This is my Bette Davis pick. There were so many good ones to choose from, but I wanted to select one that's not mentioned very often but deserves to be seen.
CMBA: What is a classic movie that you love, but most people don't know about- and what do you love about it?
Karen: That's easy - Young and Willing (1943), starring William Holden, Susan Hayward, and Eddie Bracken. It's a silly little comedy but I've always loved it. It cracks me up every time I watch it. For years, I never met anyone who'd even heard of it, but now it's on YouTube, so I hope more people will begin to check it out.
CMBA: What is something that most people don't know about you?
Karen: I have an Etsy store called Kim and Karen's Patio, where I sell all kinds of vintage items, including cookbooks, glassware, albums, salt and pepper shakers, classic movie magazines, sheet music, framed magazine ads, vases, serving dishes - I even have an antique ice cream scoop and a 1935 Shirley Temple Photo Flip Book. You never know what might turn up!
The CMBA Presents the 2023 Fall Blogathon: Blogathon & the Beast
The Classic Movie Blog Association is over the moon to present the 2023 CMBA Fall Blogathon: Blogathon & the Beast. The blogathon, for CMBA members only, runs Nov. 6-10th, 2023, and focuses on iconic characters who are caught in a struggle with their primal inclinations and those who challenge social norms.
The entries submitted by our CMBA members can be accessed below – please stop by their blogs to read and comment on these offerings. Enjoy!
Monday, November 6, 2023
A Person in the Dark — Leave Her to Heaven: The Beast Inside the Beauty
Cary Grant Won't Eat You — Jimmy Stewart in Vertigo
Real Weegie Midget Reviews — Purple Noon (Plein Soleil) (1960)
Silver Screenings — The Bad Seed (1956)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Poppity Talks Classic Film — Character analysis: Wally Fay in Mildred Pierce
Film Fanatic — Scarface (1983)
Cinematic Scribblings — The Bad Sleep Well
The Silver Screen Affair — Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity
Filmland Follies — Airborne Adventuress: Katharine Hepburn in Christopher Strong
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Whimsically Classic — Queen Christina (1933)
Box Office Poisons - Queen Yllana of Queen of Outer Space
Outspoken & Freckled - Angel Face (1952)
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Another Old Movie Blog — Criss Cross (1949)
Crítica Retrô — The Divorcee (1930)
The Last Drive In — Dietrich and Anna May Wong in Shanghai Express (1932)
Classic Film And TV Corner - Elsa Bannister In The Lady From Shanghai (1948)
Friday, November 10, 2023
Spellbound With Beth Ann — Valkoinen Peura / The White Reindeer (1952)
Once Upon a Screen — Robert Walker as Bruno Antony in Strangers on a Train
Silver Screen Classics — La Belle Et La Bete (1946)
A Vintage Nerd — Kansas City Bomber (1972)
Speakeasy — Creature Feature "Beast" movies, Ranked
Shadows and Satin — The Beasts of Joan Crawford Noirs
Watching Forever -- Kay Francis in In Name Only (1939)
Second Sight Cinema — Joan Crawford in Humoresque (1946)
Silver Scenes - Irene from Cat People (1942)
The Everyday Cinephile - The Beast Within: The Hands of Orlac (1924) & Mad Love (1935)
CMBA Profile: THE LAST DRIVE IN
1. Why do you blog?
My mother, who was deeply involved in the theater, played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for culture and classic film. She introduced me to the captivating allure of Bette Davis' expressive eyes and the undeniable sensuality of Ava Gardner. Our home was filled with the melodies of show tunes that she'd belt out without hesitation, and I can still vividly recall her unabashed admiration for John Garfield and Gene Kelly.
As I embarked on my personal journey to uncover the intricate details of specific actors, directors, cinematographers, genres, and more, I found myself tumbling down a rabbit hole much like Alice's descent into the well. I became fully immersed in the convergence of the subjects I was exploring, opening myself up to a world that I've come to regard as one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a classic film and television enthusiast. It delights me to offer my unique interpretations, and over time, I've evolved to approach things with a more discerning eye, moving away from my earlier cheeky perspective.
I like to think of my blog as a place where individuals can discover intriguing tidbits or revisit cherished clips related to their favorite topics or even stumble upon new ones that pique their interest. One of the most rewarding aspects of my deep-rooted passion for classic films and television is the desire to share my self-discoveries with like-minded enthusiasts. The blogging community has not only provided me with a platform for this purpose but has also led to the formation of some remarkable friendships along the way – truly exceptional individuals whom I may never have crossed paths with otherwise.
The Fall 2023 CMBA Blogathon: Blogathon & the Beast
It’s almost here! Time for the CMBA Fall Blogathon! This year’s theme is “Blogathon & The Beast:’’
King Kong, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Cody Jarrett, Night of the Hunter’s Harry Powell, Shelley Winters as Bloody Mama, or Bonnie & Clyde. All iconic characters who are caught in a struggle with their primal inclinations.
The blogathon ‘beast' does not have to be a literal “beast,” or a menacing, or criminal character, although it can be! It also could be a complex protagonist who challenges social norms, such as the quintessential film noir anti-hero, the pre-Code heroine, Dietrich's enigmatic Shanghai Lily, Pacino's determined Serpico, the indomitable characters from Seven Samurai, or the outrageously zany Tasmanian devil from Warner Brothers' roster.
If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time! Please use this form to submit your topic choice, blog name, and preferred date for posting, if any.
Because there is such a variety of topics to choose from, we won't be accepting duplicates. Topic selections will be accepted in order of receipt.
To promote the blogathon on your blog, take your pick from any of the banners at the bottom of this post.
We’re really looking forward to another great blogathon!
Monday, November 6, 2023
A Person in the Dark — Leave Her to Heaven: The Beast Inside the Beauty
Cary Grant Won't Eat You — Jimmy Stewart in Vertigo
Real Weegie Midget Reviews — Purple Noon (Plein Soleil) (1960)
Silver Screenings — The Bad Seed (1956)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Poppity Talks Classic Film — Character analysis: Wally Fay in Mildred Pierce
Film Fanatic — Scarface (1983)
Cinematic Scribblings — The Bad Sleep Well
The Silver Screen Affair — Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity
Filmland Follies — Airborne Adventuress: Katharine Hepburn in Christopher Strong
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Second Sight Cinema — Joan Crawford in Humoresque (1946)
Silent Cinema School — London After Midnight (1927)
Whimsically Classic — Queen Christina (1933)
Box Office Poisons - Queen Yllana of Queen of Outer Space
Outspoken & Freckled - Angel Face (1952)
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Another Old Movie Blog — Criss Cross (1949)
Crítica Retrô — The Divorcee (1930)
The Last Drive In — Dietrich and Anna May Wong in Shanghai Express (1932)
Classic Film And TV Corner - Elsa Bannister In The Lady From Shanghai (1948)
Friday, November 10, 2023
Spellbound With Beth Ann — Valkoinen Peura / The White Reindeer (1952)
Once Upon a Screen — Robert Walker as Bruno Antony in Strangers on a Train
Silver Screen Classics — La Belle Et La Bete (1946)
A Vintage Nerd — Kansas City Bomber (1972)
Speakeasy — Creature Feature "Beast" movies, Ranked
Shadows and Satin — The Beasts of Joan Crawford Noirs
Watching Forever - Kay Francis in In Name Only (1939)
CMBA Profile: ONCE UPON A SCREEN
Announcing the Fall 2023 CMBA Blogathon: Blogathon & the Beast
It's almost time for the CMBA Fall Blogathon!
King Kong, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Cody Jarrett, Night of the Hunter’s Harry Powell, Shelley Winters as Bloody Mama, or Bonnie & Clyde. All iconic characters who are caught in a struggle with their primal inclinations.
That is the topic of CMBA’s fall blogathon, Blogathon and the Beast!
The blogathon ‘beast' does not have to be a literal “beast,” or a menacing, or criminal character, although it can be! It also could be a complex protagonist who challenges social norms, such as the quintessential film noir anti-hero, the pre-Code heroine, Dietrich's enigmatic Shanghai Lily, Pacino's determined Serpico, the indomitable characters from Seven Samurai, or the outrageously zany Tasmanian devil from Warner Brothers' roster.
This subject delves into the complexity of free will and natural instincts inherent in a wide variety of characters, whether cast as malevolent antagonists or tough protagonists.
“Blogathon and the Beast” embraces a broad spectrum of characters who defy societal constraints or the natural order of things. Let your imagination roam free and embrace the diversity of this intriguing theme!
The blogathon, for CMBA members only, will run November 6-10, 2023. Please use this form to submit your topic choice, blog name, and preferred date for posting, if any. Because there is such a variety of topics to choose from, we won't be accepting duplicates. Topic selections will be accepted in order of receipt.
To promote the blogathon on your blog, take your pick from any of the banners at the bottom of this post.
We look forward to another great blogathon!
CMBA Profile: FILMYCKS
Each month, the CMBA profiles a classic movie blog written by one of our members. This month, we're featuring Michael Roberts, who writes at FILMYCKS.
1. Why do you blog?
Firstly, I like the challenge of distilling my thoughts on the films I love into an essay form, as it’s a great way to improve your writing. As a bonus if I can convey my interest to others to promote those films I write about, it might just light a spark for them. There’s such a world of pleasure and information to be found there and it’s a passion of mine to champion quality films from any era, but especially classic film.
2. Besides classic movie blogging, what are some of your other passions?
I’m a musician, so music has always been a huge part of my world and who I am. I’m a Beatle tragic, so they got me interested in playing and I’ve played in bands and produced and written songs all my adult life. Currently playing and singing in a piano bar in Hobart and writing novels for eBooks. I’ve published 5 eBooks so far, 4 on songwriting and one on The Beatles on Film, but I’m expanding and updating that one currently.
3. If you could program a perfect day of classic movies for TCM, what would be the seven films on your schedule?
I’d probably program something in sequence based on year of release.
I’d start with a Von Sternberg-Dietrich collab and go from there, but the seven would
change based on the mood I’m in. Today’s mood?
Shanghai Express
Only Angels Have Wings
The Grapes of Wrath
Out Of The Past
The Furies
Some Like It Hot
The Sweet Smell of Success
- A hard-edged lot with a Wilder comedy for a little relief!
4. What is a classic movie that you love, but most people don't know about -- and what do you love about it?
A Powell and Pressburger gem called Gone To Earth. It was made in 1950 and released in the US as The Wild Heart. It was a struggle due to David Selznick, who produced and demanded his new wife, Jennifer Jones star in it. Nonetheless, Jones is lovely, as is the rest of a great cast and the film is brilliant. It has the strangeness of Michael Powell’s askew Englishness and the unsettling darkness of a tragic folk tale that beautifully essays man’s struggle between the ethereal and the corporeal via the love triangle device of Mary Webb’s source novel.
5. What is something that most people don't know about you?
Mmm... I’m an open book, so nothing interesting to speak of. Unless you count arriving at Roswell on a spaceship, being the shooter on the Grassy Knoll, filming the fake moon landing with Stanley Kubrick and inventing Crypto currency (because there’s a sucker born every minute) then I’m struggling to come up with anything!
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We thank Michael for participating in our Q&A profile and encourage you to visit FILMYCKS.
CMBA Profile: Those Wonderful People Out There In The Dark
CMBA Profile: Classic Film & TV Cafe
Each month, the CMBA profiles a classic movie blog written by one of our members. This month, we’re featuring Rick Armstrong, the founder of the Classic Movie Blog Association and the reason why we’re here! Rick blogs at the Classic Film & TV Café.
CMBA: Why did you start your blog?
Rick: I’ve
always enjoyed writing about films. I moonlighted as a newspaper film critic for
several years and then my wife Mary and I wrote the Encyclopedia of Film
Themes, Settings and Series (aka The Movie List Book). Around 2008,
I discovered TCM’s Classic Film Union, which was sort of a “Facebook for
classic movie fans.” I had a lot of fun writing about classic movies and
interacting with other film buffs. Unfortunately, a couple of folks started
flooding the site with their content or using it to discuss topics other than
cinema. So, in September 2009, I decided to create my blog: the Classic Film
& TV Café. Like many CMBA members, I knew nothing about blogging, so it was
an adventure at first. Also, my original intent was to manage a collaborative
blog and I invited a handful of other people to join me (including former CMBA
head Patty Schneider). Over the years, the others dropped out for personal
reasons or to start their own blogs. Since 2015, my wife and I have written all
Café content except for occasional guest posts.
CMBA: In your 2015 profile on the CMBA website, you mentioned your interview with Piper Laurie. Who are some of your other favorite interviews?
Rick: I’ve
been fortunate to interview some wonderful actors. Piper Laurie was indeed
delightful and I was able to spend an afternoon sitting next to her at a
nostalgia convention. Elke Sommer, Julie Adams, and Audrey Dalton were utterly
charming. Barbara Bain, Ruta Lee, Jacqueline Scott, and Constance Towers shared
some wonderful anecdotes, especially in regard to working in television in the
1960s. I was particularly impressed by the respect that Barbara Bain held for
ex-husband Martin Landau as an actor and a drama teacher. Ron Harper was a
friendly, frank, down-to-earth person (e.g., he didn’t like working with George
Burns). We talked at length at another convention and watched one of his rarely
shown movies, Savage Season (1971), together.
CMBA: Besides classic movie and TV blogging, what are some of your other passions?
Rick: Watching
classic films and TV shows with my wife Mary is my #1 passion! We also enjoy
watching British detective shows like Shetland, Foyle’s War, Poirot,
and Endeavor. I also love to walk our two dogs, Tony (a long-haired
Chihuahua) and Sienna (a Dachshund-Terrier mix), daily. We’ve been blessed to
have loved several dogs over the years. Dogs are the most wonderful of all
animals!
CMBA: What is a classic TV show that you love, but most people don’t know about -- and what do you love about it?
Rick: Two
little-known shows that I always recommend are Man in a Suitcase
(1967-68) and Coronet Blue (1967). The former is a sharply played,
well-written British series starring American actor Richard Bradford as a
disgraced former espionage agent known only as McGill. Branded a traitor by
U.S. intelligence, he makes a living doing freelance work in Europe and Africa
– dealing with blackmailers, protecting stool pigeons, finding kidnapped
victims, recovering lost art treasures, etc. Coronet Blue stars Frank
Converse as a man who is attacked aboard a luxury liner and tossed overboard.
He is rescued, but with no memory of his past except for the words “coronet
blue.” It’s also well-scripted with intriguing plots, and features great guest
stars such as Juliet Mills, Susan Hampshire, and Denholm Elliott.
CMBA: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Rick: I
have a doctorate of education degree from Indiana University in Bloomington,
Indiana. My major was instructional systems technology.
CMBA: If you could program a perfect day of classic movies for TCM, what would be the seven films on your schedule?
Rick: Assuming
TCM could get the broadcast rights to these films, I’d opt for a day of classic
made-for-TV movies. The 1960s and the 1970s were a “Golden era” for television
films and featured stellar writers (e.g., Rod Serling, Richard Matheson, Gene
Roddenberry) and good actors (e.g., Angie Dickinson, Suzanne Pleshette, Ray
Milland, Myrna Loy). I’d limit my seven picks to lesser-known films that
appeared on the ABC Movie of the Week (1969-75):
Seven in Darkness (1969) – A plane crashes in the wilderness and all its passengers are blind.
Daughter of the Mind (1969) – A psychic researcher investigates when a
famous scientist claims his dead daughter has been appearing to him. Stars Ray
Milland and Gene Tierney.
Along Came a Spider (1970) – A thriller with Suzanne Pleshette. It’s a
wonderfully twisty plot, so no details.
How Awful About Allan (1970) – A man (Anthony Perkins) suffering from psychosomatic blindness returns home to live with his sister (Julie Harris), but thinks someone is trying to kill him.
Dr. Cook’s Garden (1971) – Is there a pattern to the deaths in a small
rural town where a kindly physician (Bing Crosby) and his protégé (Frank
Converse) practice?
The Birdmen (1971) – During World War II, POW prisoners try to fly to
freedom by building a glider. Incredibly, most of the film really happened! The
unusual cast features Richard Basehart, Chuck Connors, Doug McClure, Tom
Skerritt, and Max Baer, Jr.!
Assault on the Wayne (1971) – Sabotage aboard a nuclear submarine with Leonard Nimoy, William Windom, Lloyd Haynes, and Sam Elliott.
CMBA: If you had a bucket list, what would be on it?
Rick: I’ve
done most everything on my bucket list: wrote a book; got a doctorate degree;
visited England, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island; and – of course – married
a fabulous person who loves classic movies and TV, too. However, there are some
DVD sets that I’d love to see produced: the complete ABC Movie of the Week (see
above!) and seasons 2-4 of the brilliant 1961-65 legal TV series The
Defenders. Those would be awesome.
I also want to reach 25,000 followers on Twitter. If all goes well, that may happen this year. I have a grand time with my Twitter followers. I host monthly “tournaments” on classic films and TV shows. The results are interesting, but the comments from my followers are the best part!
We thank Rick for participating in our Q & A profile and encourage you to visit the Classic Film & TV Cafe!
CMBA Profile: The Silver Screen Affair
Each month, the CMBA profiles a classic movie blog written by one of our members. This month, we’re featuring Emily Hernandez, who writes at The Silver Screen Affair .
CMBA: Why do you blog?
Emily: I started blogging back in 2011 as a way to connect with other old movie fans and to get my wiggles out. I have loved oldies since I was very young and found that I had no outlet to share my passion. After a few years I stopped and my blog was dormant until last year. I started up again because I still have that passion to share my knowledge and I enjoy writing about the stars, the sets, the studios, and all the fun facts I have acquired over the years.
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