Amanda's Survey!

I thought it would be fun to fill out Amanda's survey from her fun blog.  I decided to post my answers to her survey here on N and CF. If you would also like to fill out the survey, click on the link to Amanda's blog listed below:
http://noodleinahaystack.blogspot.com/2010/10/amandas-cinema-survey.html


1. What is your favorite movie starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, excluding all of The Thin Man films?

Libeled Lady (1936). Cast: Jean Harlow, William Powell (who were romantically involved at the time), Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy. The movie was written by George Oppenheimer, Howard Emmett Rogers, Wallace Sullivan and Maurine Dallas Watkins. Directed by Jack Conway. The film was remade as Easy to Wed (1946) with Esther Williams, Van Johnson, and Lucille Ball.


2. Great one-shot film team.

Katherine Hepburn and John Wayne, in the film.. Rooster Cogburn(1975). Loved the banter between these two older characters. This movie is the sequel to the film, True Grit(1969).


3. Best Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film?

Flying Down to Rio (1933). Best known for being the first screen pairing of Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers. Astaire and Rogers were not the stars of the film, Dolores Del Rio and Gene Raymond were top-billed.

4. Favorite "Robert"?

Robert Mitchum.

5. An actor/actress who, when you see one of their movies, you always wish that someone else was in his/her role?
Mickey Rooney.

6. An actor/actress that someone close to you really loves that you can't stand or vice versa?
I really do not care for, Arnold Schwarzenegger. My husband seems to like all of his films.

7. An actor/actress that you both agree on completely?
To name a couple, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

8. Virginia O'Brien is to Ethel Merman as...
 Anna Nicole Smith to Zsa Zsa Gabor

9. Favorite Ray Milland?
Best? The Glass Key

Favorite? Dial M for Murder (1954). Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Ray Milland plays a retired tennis pro who makes plans to have his wife killed. Grace Kelly plays the wife.


10. Favorite movie of the 1960s?

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). Cast: Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard,  Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam, and Mickey Rooney.  It was loosely based on the novel of the same name by Truman Capote. Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly as the naive, eccentric woman is generally considered to be the actress's most memorable role. Hepburn's performance of "Moon River" helped composer Henry Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer win an Oscar for Best Song.


11. An actor/actress that you would take out of one film and put into a different movie that was released the same year?

I would like to take Gene Tierney out of the film( pictured above) Tobacco Road(1941) and put into the movie, High Sierra (1941). Film noir written by W.R. Burnett and John Huston from the novel by Burnett. Cast: Ida Lupino and Humphrey Bogart and was directed by Raoul Walsh on location at Whitney Portal,  Mount Whitney.



12. Favorite of Robert Montgomery's leading ladies?

Carole Lombard

13. You think it would have been a disaster if what movie starred the actor/actress who was originally asked to star in it?

14. An actor/actress who you will watch in any or almost any movie?

Michelle Pfeiffer.

15. Your favorite Leslie Howard film and role?

Gone With The Wind.

16. Four Barbara Stanwyck films?
Double Indemnity, Meet John Doe, Sorry Wrong number, Executive Suite.

17. Perfect comedy? Why?

Bell Book Candle. Kim Novak, at the peak of her career and plays a beautiful witch. (James Stewart) moves in upstairs, and the trouble.. I mean, the fun begins. Great cast of comic actors very entertaining and a huge contrast to Novak and Stewart's earlier pairing (the same year) in Hitchcock's "Vertigo". I think it is worth seeing.

18. You will brook no criticism of what film?

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir(1947). Is about a young widow who rents a Cottage, near a fishing village. The cottage is haunted by the ghost of a sea captain.


19. Favorite Irish actress?

Maureen O'Hara

20. Favorite 1940s Ginger Rogers?

The Major and the Minor. A woman disguises herself as a young girl to save on a train fare and is taken in charge by an army man who doesn't notice the truth.


21. Do you enjoy silent movies?
Yes, Please check out my blog:).

22. Favorite Bette Davis film?

Dark Victory. A socialite is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, and must decide how to live in her final days.


23. Favorite onscreen Hollywood couple?

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

24. Favorite Hollywood costume designer?


25. Favorite tough action film?

Rio Bravo. The film was shot at Old Tucson Studios, just outside Tucson, Arizona. Rio Bravo is best known as one of Hawk's best films.


26. You are currently gaining a greater appreciation for which actor(s)/actress(es)?

Barbra Stanwyck

27. Franchot Tone: yes or no?
Yes

28. Underrated actors and/or actresses?

Spring Byington


29. Overrated actors and/or actresses?
Mickey Rooney

30. Favorite actor?

Clark Gable

31. Favorite actress?

Gene Tierney

32. Coolest?
Steve McQueen

33. Favorite movie from each of these genres:
Comedy: The Egg and I
Swashbuckler: The Adventures Of Robin Hood
Film noir: Leave Her To Heaven
Musical: Singin' In The Rain
Holiday: Christmas In Connecticut

Hitchcock: Vertigo

Getting To Know: Becky.

Over the past couple of years, I feel Beck and I have become good friends.. Becky, has a passion for movies, she also loves to read, mainly classic English literature, she also loves to write on her classic movie blog, Becky loves classical music. That's why she calls herself... ClassicBecky!

Dawn: Who are your top 5 favorite classic movie actor/actresses?

Becky: Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, Laurence Olivier, Olivia de Havilland and Spencer Tracy.
















Dawn: Describe why they are your favorite?

Becky: Errol Flynn, A real movie star, dazzling and charismatic obviously, but more talented than he got credit for. He brought a sense of charm and wit to his most famous dashing roles like "Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Captain Blood", and depth of talent in others, particularly The Sun Also Rises" and "Too Much Too Soon".

Bette Davis, In my opinion, the greatest American screen actress. She fought for her career, was not afraid to look unattractive if the part called for it, made her own mold rather than try to fit one, and dominated the industry in her time. Talent - well, just think "Of Human Bondage" "Jezebel", "The Letter", "The Great Lie", "Dark Victory", "Now, Voyager", "The Little Foxes" and "All About Eve".
Laurence Olivier, one of the greats. "Richard III", "Hamlet", "Pride and Prejudice", "Wuthering Heights", "Sleuth", Marathon Man", "Spartacus" - was there anything he couldn't do? He was a giant in movie and theatre.
Olivia deHavilland, Beauty did not stereotype this wonderful actress. She insisted on diversity in her roles and, like Bette, she would willingly diminish her looks or enhance them as the part called for. "Captain Blood", "Gone With the Wind", "In This Our Life", "The Old Maid", "The Snake Pit", and what I think is her best, "The Heiress.
Spencer Tracy, the consummate American actor. From the 30's to the 60's, he dominated the screen in every way, talent, humor, depth and an appeal to everyone. "Captains Courageous", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "Edison the Man", "Father of the Bride", "The Old Man and the Sea", "Judgment at Nuremberg," and what I consider to be his finest role, "Inherit the Wind".
5 Runners-up: James Cagney, Fred Astaire, Edward G. Robinson, Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. (Forgive me, Dawn, I couldn't help myself.)

Dawn: Errol Flynn, with his real-life adventures, lived every man's dream of a full life and maybe found himself typecast. I also loved Bette Davis, for her performances in, crime dramas, period films and romantic comedies. Laurence Olivier, was also known to perform in a wide variety of roles on stage and screen. I will never forget his performance in, "Wuthering Heights". Olivia de Havilland, was one of the most beloved actresses of all time. Spencer Tracy, an amazing actor who performed in 74 films in his career. What movie got you hooked on classic movies?

Becky:I remember distinctly being hooked on classic movies with Errol Flynn's "Captain Blood". Like most American kids of my age, I had seen "The Wizard of Oz" once a year since I was quite little, but it was with "Captain Blood" my real conscious decision for classic movies began.


Dawn: Captain Blood, is also one of my favorite pirate movies. Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland have wonderful on screen chemistry. What is your favorite classic movie?

Becky: "The Red Shoes" with Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook. I remember my father taking me to a downtown theatre for a revival when I was 13 years old. It has everything I love, high drama, classical music, tour-de-force over-acting, ballet, incredible cinematography - it had a profound effect on me.


Dawn: You wont believe it when I tell you I have not had the opportunity to see the film, The Red Shoes. Who are your top 5 current favorite actors /actress?

Becky: Robert Duvall ("The Great Santini", "Tender Mercies"), Meryl Streep ("Sophie's Choice", "The Devil Wears Prada"), Marisa Tomei ("My Cousin Vinny", "The Wrestler"), Gary Oldman ("Sid and Nancy", "Bram Stoker's Dracula"), and Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia", "Castaway").

Thank you, Becky for taking the time to chat with us. Please check out Becky's blog located on the side bar. :)

Getting to know: Dawn

Watching films from the "golden age" is one of my favorite past times. I love fluffy romance movies, film noirs , westerns, drama, and musicals. This has been an a lot of fun for me to build the Noir Chick Flicks blog...I also enjoy, traveling with my husband, gardening and my English springer spaniel.

My top 5 favorite classic movie actor/actresses. Gene Tierney, Betty Grable, Doris Day, Ricardo Montalban and Robert Mitchum.
















In my opinion, not only was Gene Tierney beautiful, she was a very versatile in her movie performances. She was equally wonderful in what ever role she would perform in. From her role in, Heaven Can Wait, to her performance in, Leave Her to Heaven. Where she played one of the most heartless characters I have ever seen on film.

Betty Grable, was a wonderful dancer, singer, and actress. I really love where Betty movies were filmed on beautiful locations. For me it is like taking a mini vacation.
Doris Day, was another fun actress and singer. Love how she can always can put a smile on your face. Although, I also did enjoy the few film Noirs she performed in. Ricardo Montalban, I thought he showed elegance, charm and grace on film. I do not want to forget to mention he is very handsome and one of my favorite dancers.

I feel Robert Mitchum, is one of those underrated leading man with enormous talents. He was equally good in noir, westerns and romantic dramas. His lazy style seemed to enhance rather than diminish his "bad boy" appeal.


The movie that got me hooked on classic movies was: Meet Me in St. Louis(1944). A romantic musical film which tells the story of four sisters living in St. Louis at the time of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition World's Fair in 1904. Cast:Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Leon Ames, Marjorie Main, June Lockhart, and Joan Carroll.



My top favorite movie is: GONE WITH THE WIND(1939), Is one of my top 5 "gotta see films". I love everything about it, the scenery, costumes, actors and story line of a young woman growing into a self-driven woman to succeed regardless of cost. If you were to ask me which is my favorite part of the movie. I would have to say the beginning, where Scarlett O'Hara, is sitting on the mansion's porch, on her family's plantation, sick of hearing the young men talk about going to war with the North. She would much rather talk about the next day's barbecue at Twelve Oaks.(Wilkes plantation.) When the twins tell her that Ashley Wilkes, is planning on announcing his engagement, to marry his cousin Melanie Hamilton from Atlanta, Scarlett can't believe it, because she is also in love with Ashley. Her father confirms the wedding announcement when he sees her on his way home to Tara, and warns Scarlett to forget about Ashley, because "like should marry like."

My top 5 current favorite actors /actress:
Val Kilmer, played one of my favorite characters.. Doc Holliday, in one of my favorite current movies, Tombstone. I have loved all his movies that I have seen him perform in. Michelle Pfeiffer and Daniel Day Lewis, had wonderful on screen chemistry in another favorite current movie: Age of Innocence. What I loved about Goldie Hawn, was she is a natural for the kind of comedy in which she made her name.

Getting to Know: VP.

Noir and Chick Flicks, would like to introduce you to VP, an editor who put together the classic Hollywood blog Carole and Co.. VP's, interests are, classic Hollywood, jazz, old-time radio.

Dawn: Who are your top 5 favorite classic movie actor/actresses?

VP: Carole Lombard, William Powell, Myrna Loy, James Stewart and Barbara Stanwyck.














Dawn: Describe why they are your favorite?

VP: Lombard is the most timeless of the classic stars, with a freshness and beauty that enraptures today. Powell is the epitome of sophistication and humor, the type of gentleman I would wish to emulate.

Loy's cool gentleness and charm brought joy to just about every movie she was in.
Stewart was the quintessential American actor, at home in virtually any type of film.
Stanwyck was the most versatile of the classic actresses; there wasn't a genre she couldn't excel in.


Dawn: I agree.. Carole Lombard, was a very talented and intelligent actresses. Your blog: Carole and Co. dedicated to her is a wonderful tribute. William Powell, is also a favorite actors of mine. He was a very enduring man, who's stardom lasting from the 1920s through the 1950s. He performed in some of the best comedies/detective/ thrillers. I can see why you would want to emulate him. What I found very interesting about Myrna Loy, was that she was a trained dancer before she became an actress. I also loved her performances with William Powell, they were so cute together.. James Stewart, is also one of my favorite, versatile actors. A couple of my favorite films of Stewart's are: Rear Window and Vertigo. Barbara Stanwyck, certainly had a very strong presence as leading lady. What movie got you hooked on classic movies?

VP:I remember seeing old movies on TV as a child in the 1960s, and was fascinated by the artistry. And I've always been fascinated in the culture of the 1920s, '30s and '40s and how it shaped my parents' lives.

Dawn: I agree.. That is how I came up with the header for Noir and chick Flicks blog: From fluffy romances to noir to Silents. In the spirit of adventure. These films show us who we are. What is your favorite classic movie?

VP: Probably "Citizen Kane" -- it remains fresh and revolutionary, with something new to be seen in every viewing.


Dawn: I have only seen the film, Citizen Kane once. Maybe I should watch it again next time TCM has it on. Who are your top 5 current favorite actors /actress?

VP:Sandra Bullock (vibrant and likable), Kate Hudson (good comedic actress, just like her mom), George Clooney (heir to the Powell/Grant tradition), Denzel Washington (urbane, talented), Angelina Jolie (good actress when given the right material).

Dawn: Sandra Bullock, love her, she seems like a nice person and full Of Life. Denzel Washington, is an awesome actor! I have loved every performance I have seen him in. I agree.. Kate Hudson, does seem as if she is following her mother's footsteps in the movies. Whenever, I think of George Clooney, I truly believe that he is a remarkably intelligent and talented actor. Believe it or not.. I have not seen too many of Angelina Jolie's films.

VP, It was a pleasure learning more about you. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us here at: Noir and Chick Flicks. You can follow VP, at his Awesome CAROLE & CO. website , located on the side bar..

Getting to know: Monty.

Monty, is a good friend and one of the regular contributors here on Noir and Chick Flicks. I thought it would be fun for us to get to know Monty a little better. Monty, loves to write,draw,travel and spending time with his wife Stephanie, family and friends. He loves all kinds of movies, especially the classics. He also collects comic books.

Dawn: Who are your top 5 favorite classic movie actor/actresses?

Monty: Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, Irene Dunne, William Holden and Myrna Loy.



















Dawn: Awesome, list of favorites! I think my only surprise was, William Holden. I do not remember you blogging much about him. Cary Grant's, acting he just made it all look so easy. Carole Lombard, was beautiful and talented. A woman full of wit and charm. Irene Dunne, amazing and in my opinion an underrated actress. Myrna Loy, popularity was at its peak in the late 1930s. She was named "Queen of the Movies". She defiantly made her mark in Hollywood. Describe why they are your favorite?

Monty: Cary is just perfect. The master of the screwball comedy. He was the one that got me hooked on the classics. More on that in one of your other questions. But Cary Grant to me is the greatest actor that ever lived. And close behind him is Carole Lombard, my favorite actress ever. I always loved how she handle comedy and drama equally and like Cary wasn't afraid to do slapstick. It's tragic that her life ended so soon.

Irene Dunne is just awesome. Her early roles where she played the classy lady who was always smarter than everyone else, including sometimes Cary Grant. William Holden was a great leading man and I loved the fact that there was no role he couldn't do. He may have played a lot of dramatic type films but every now and then he could loosen up and do comedy. I loved it when he appeared on I Love Lucy.

And finally Myrna Loy, forever known to me as Nora Charles. I loved Loy's great chemistry with William Powell and I loved her in all those wonderful screwball films she did. But I also loved her in The Best Years of our Lives. And I loved the fact that she was a great supporter of women and minority's rights. A great woman.


Dawn: I think Myrna Loy, gets little recognition for The Best Years of Our Lives. She really is the glue that holds the family together in the film. What movie got you hooked on classic movies?

Monty: His Girl Friday. I was 12 and it was the first classic movie I ever saw and was immediately attracted to it. It's just ironic that the very first classic movie I saw turned out to be my favorite film of all time and Cary is my favorite actor. Weird right? But I watch His Girl Friday 2-3 times a year and it is still an awesome film. I've seen it so many times I have lost count. It's a perfect mix of comedy and drama and has great classic characters.




Dawn: His Girl Friday, I agree.. is a perfect Classic romance, the typical battle of the sexes. :) What is your favorite classic movie?

Monty: I guess I sort of answered that with my last answer. Friday is just slightly ahead of Bringing Up Baby, another Cary Grant film. So either way you can't go wrong. I have watched these two films many a night as a double feature, laughing until it hurts. True classics.


Dawn: Bringing Up Baby, certainly is one of the fastest moving comedies ever filmed, and the whole cast is wonderful. I can totally understand why it is one of your favorite films. Who are your top 5 current favorite actors /actress?

Monty: Sandra Bullock (right from the very beginning of her career, she's is terrific), Denzel Washington, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Dawn: Sandra Bullock, love her, she seems like a nice person and full Of Life. Denzel Washington, is an awesome actor! I have loved every performance I have seen him in. Sarah Michelle Gellar, I have not seen many of her performances, but.. what I have seen, she can play any character. Kate Winslet, she has an inner grace that reminds me of, Grace Kelly. Gwyneth Paltrow, I agree.. is one of the leading actresses of today. She also has inner grace. Thank you, Monty for taking the time to chat with us. Please check out Monty's other blogs located on the side bar. :)

If any one else would like to share some thoughts about their favorite actresses/actors/movies, please let me know. I would love to spotlight you too.