Each month, the CMBA profiles a classic movie blog written by one of our members. This Month, we are featuring Seleus Blelis who writes at Silver Screen Classics and Nostalgia.
1. Why do you blog?
Ever since my introduction to classic cinema starting with the iconic "Frankenstein" (1931), I've wanted to share my thoughts and opinions about these brilliant glimpses into film culture - and this was in 1978, when I was five years old! After creating various websites and Facebook groups as well as other "classic cinema" opportunities since then, blogging of course was the next obvious vehicle to spread my passion for classic film by transporting you out of the cinema and into a "different", more fun, personal and insightful way to experience these beloved pieces of film artistry. You won't be just learning about the film, but getting a chance to live it as well by linking cinema of the past with film curiosities of the present (and even future). So "...fasten your seatbelts - it's going to be a bumpy ride"!
2. Besides classic movie blogging, what are some of your other passions?
When I'm not indulging my love for cinema at the movies or local drive-In theaters, you can find me always on the road looking for amazing adventures, museums, roadside curiosities, experiences and people. I love collecting classic movie memorabilia, classic cinema era vintage makeup compacts, bygone classic foreign film posters, as well as movie replica props including my latest acquisition - Guy's lighter from Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train". You can find me doing all these things in my 1930's and 40's vintage fashions channeling my innermost Barbara Stanwyck. Also the holidays and decorating for them is something I relish so I can bring out the Cedric Gibbons styling in me. 
3. If you could program a perfect day of classic movies for TCM, what would be the seven films on your schedule?
All About Eve (1950)
I mean, what can I say about this movie that hasn't already been gushed over? From backstage to backstabbing - it's got everything! The casting is spot-on, the script is fire, and it all comes together to create movie magic. The clever banter alone is worth the price of admission. I was fortunate enough to see it in theaters, and let me tell you, watching it with a crowd adds a whole new layer of enjoyment. Finally, the standouts for me are the smart and observant George Sanders as Addison de Witt and Thelma Ritter as Birdy.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
When it comes to classic films, this one is my all time favorite. It's the epitome of classic cinema, showing the struggles of WWII soldiers returning home with a heartbreaking yet realistic touch that never fails to surprise me viewing after viewing. The actors completely shine with their raw emotion due to the flawless directing of the Master and personal favorite director - William Wyler. The stellar cast, especially Dana Andrews' outstanding performance, always manages to tug at my heartstrings, and let's not forget real-life vet Harold Russell, whose portrayal remains as timeless and fresh as ever. The film is a masterpiece that feels fresh and relevant today.
Swingtime (1936)
Oh, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers! Their movies truly ignited my passion for classic films. The romance and happiness they exude are unmatched, with "SwingTime" standing out as a timeless classic. The way they effortlessly weave music into the plot is pure magic, always leaving me in a great mood. And let's not forget their phenomenal dance routine in "Pick Yourself Up" - it's my all time favorite dance on film. Sigh... if I could just crawl into a film...
Mildred Pierce (1946)
I absolutely adore Joan Crawford and this film is definitely one of her finest works, exhibiting one of my favorite performances from her, It's the perfect blend of film-noir and melodrama that hooks you in from the start. The script is incredibly well-crafted and the cast is impeccable. I especially enjoy Jack Carson and Eve Arden, who add levity to the story with their strong performances and witty lines.
Footlight Parade (1933)
Before watching Yankee Doodle Dandy, I only knew James Cagney from gangster movies, so I had no idea he could sing and dance so well. He's fantastic in this movie, and does both with flair and charisma! It's such a fun and sassy film, with the amazing kaleidoscope of Busby Berkeley musical numbers that are just mind-blowing. And let's not forget the delightful fire of Joan Blondell. An all around visual delight for sure - I absolutely love this pre-code musical comedy!
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
I first watched this classic during a PBS tribute to Frank Capra in 1991, on a sweltering hot summer day with no AC in a tiny NYC apartment, where I was so completely captivated by it, that I didn't even notice the high temperature. It wasn't until later that I realized it was that Christmas movie. The story always fills my heart and soul, and I find myself in tears every time I see James Stewart's powerful performance. Much like the rest of the world, it's become a holiday tradition for me and my family to watch year after year..
The Tingler (1959)
William Castle’s The Tingler!! It's a fun and gimmicky film, and anyone who knows me, knows I have a soft spot for 1950s B-Movies - especially this one! To give you an idea of how much I consider this my absolute favorite B-Movie - I even have a replica prop of the TINGLER that lives on your spine sitting proudly on my shelf! How can you not love the cheesy special effects, crazy plots, and exaggerated acting?! Speaking of acting - I love when actors keep a straight face while delivering a serious performance in the face of all the craziness of bad B-Movies, just like Vincent Price does masterfully here.
4. What is a classic movie that you love, but most people don't know about -- and what do you love about it?
Sudden Fear (1952)
I was totally caught off guard by this hidden gem. Joan Crawford delivers yet another Oscar-nominated performance in my second favorite role of hers. The film kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, with its brilliant showcase of on-screen emotion, which she really pulls together, as well as showcasing all the skills she picked up during her silent film days to create a beautifully tormented woman. Watch when her character plays a recording and hears her fiancé’s plan to kill her. You can see every bit of fear and horror in her expressive eyes! Perfection! Then there's a moment with our heroine hiding in a closet that's just as amazing, and she doesn’t have any dialogue in either scene! She simply listens and reacts, showing us why she's a classic cinema favorite! The lighting combined with her incredibly expressive eyes is something else to see. I also appreciated the careful planning she does to thwart the plot, with close-ups of her hands organizing everything and her imagining how it will all unfold. I absolutely love this film and I make sure to wear my Sudden Fear t-shirt (featured on my Blogger profile) with every viewing.
5. What is something that most people don't know about you?
I’m also artist and sell my graphite caricatures of classic film actresses. Currently, I'm trying my hand at "sky" photography - it's a new palette every second, and in true Cineaste fashion, I'm always inspecting the heavens with a cinematographer's eye like my favorite Master Gregg Toland.
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