This post is part of the TCM Summer Under the Stars Blogathon, hosted by Journeys in Classic Film and Musings of a Classic Film Addict. See the other posts here. Top Hat opens on two pairs of dancing feet. The man wears a tailcoat; the woman an evening gown. As they twirl across the screen, […]
Coming Attractions: Blogathons
I’ll be taking part in a few blogathons next month and in September. First up is the Rule Britannia Blogathon, hosted by A Shroud of Thoughts. I’ll be writing about the British version of Gaslight, a more faithful adaptation of the original play and one MGM notoriously tried to bury. Next, I’ll be heading way, […]
From Page to Screen: Seven Films Set in Bookshops
Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Every last Saturday in April, since 2015, bookworms across the country have celebrated indie bookshops: marvellous, idiosyncratic creatures that these days feel like an endangered species. It’s a great excuse to buy books. Not that I’ve ever needed one. Glancing at my shelves, I’ve sometimes wondered if I’m in danger of […]
In Memoriam: Stanley Donen (1924-2019)
About two weeks ago, I found myself thinking of Stanley Donen. In the latest debacle surrounding this year’s Oscar ceremony, the Academy had just announced it would be dropping the presentation of four awards, including Best Editing and Best Cinematography, from the telecast—a decision so manifestly absurd and greeted with such derision that it was […]
Blogathons Ahoy!
July is blogathon month on Retro Movie Buff. I enjoyed writing for Moon in Gemini’s Outer Space on Film blogathon so much, I’ve signed up to write for a few more. They are: the Second Annual Alfred Hitchcock blogathon, hosted by Maddy Loves Her Classic Films; the Winter in July blogathon, hosted by Moon in […]
The Debonair Fred Astaire
It’s impossible to love musicals and not revere Fred Astaire. The epitome of elegance, Astaire was an actor, singer, choreographer, fashion icon and one of the greatest dancers in film history, whose 76 year-career encompassed 10 Broadway and West End shows, 31 musical films and dozens of recordings and TV appearances. He entered show business […]