Special Cinema Spotlight: The Butler

It is rare to find a film that speaks of a generation so honestly and with so much love and respect as in The Butler. The film is based on the life of Eugene Allen who served as a butler to the White House for thirty-four years,

Directed by Lee Daniels, written by Danny Strong, and including a massive ensemble cast of actors such as; Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David, Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Lenny Kravitz, Terrance Howard, Clarence Williams, III, and Jane Fonda-just to name a few.

The film was set from the 1920's til the year 2008 but focused primarily on the years of service at the White House which were 1952-1986. Seeing such a massive amount of history and events play before your very eyes was exhilarating and moving to watch. It was all masterfully put together where the information was before you but never too overwhelming that you couldn't focus on the main story at hand which was that of father and son (Cecil and Louis Gaines played by Whitaker and Oyelowo, respectively).

In the midst of all the serious history you will see an eye full of amazing fashion, primarily from the 1950's and 1960's. And the best part is that you do get to see Oprah's character of Gloria Gaines (Cecil's wife) dressed in a 1970's disco jumper-its awesome!!!!

For those who plan to see this film just know that it was inspired by Allen's life, it does not reflect how he really lived-at least not the super dramatic parts of the film such as adultery, alcoholism, etc.

Seeing the changes that happened in this country through both of the eyes of Cecil and Louis was both educational and uplifting. Louis couldn't understand the pride that Cecil had in being a butler in the White House while Cecil couldn't understand why Louis had to go out and fight against the system (ie marches, freedom rider, black panthers).

Although learning about Cecil Gaines life was at times hard to watch, learning about his childhood and how he came to be the butler was tastefully told. It reminds us that the truth is sometimes not something we want to hear but should hear. And also to put it bluntly, sometimes we need to get through a whole lot of ugly to get to some pretty. 

Life can be hard and scary and tragic but it is how we decide to react to it and the decisions we make on how to live it that make a difference.

Cecil's life started out what we would deem as cruel, unjust, and depraved but he rises above that to be a good person and hard worker. Perhaps so much so that the biggest character flaws he has is that he gave too much and sometimes forgot to give to his own family in the process.

They say no man is an island and that is true. The character of Cecil Gaines teaches you that every man is great no matter his role in life and that we each need the support and wisdom of the other. You see that in the film as each President takes into account to various conversations he has with Mr. Gaines. 

I cannot recommend this film enough. Everyone should see it. It truly is beautifully crafted. My hope is that many people will watch it so they can reflect on the past, be willing to learn about the past, or simply just reflect on themselves and how they have lived their lives thus far.

If you would like to learn more about the beautiful life of Mr. Eugene Allen (seen right above with the character of Cecil Gaines), you can find a copy of The Butler by Wil Haygood here. I will be reviewed this book soon as well, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bunny's Victory is an affiliate of Amazon.com

Film Fashion Friday: To Sir, With Love

My very first Weekend Cinema Spotlight was one of my all time favorite films, 1967's  To Sir, With Love. I dare say it may be because I am a former teacher or perhaps it may be that I still have teacher tendencies, but I like to think it is because of the insanely talented (and handsome), Sidney Poitier.

This film takes a man who does not really want to be a teacher by profession and molds him before our very eyes to be the kind of teacher that every child should have in their lifetime.

One of the rambunctious teens Sir taught was a feisty, yet level headed ginger named Barbara Pegg, also known as Babs/Miss Pegg. Miss Pegg was played but the fabulous Lulu who also lent out her talents to sing the film's title song, "To Sir, With Love". Miss Pegg didn't have a whole lot in her wardrobe (as most of the students didn't because they were from low income families) but what she did wear she wore with pizzazz.

The outfit I adored the most was this chic mod purple and white ensemble. To me, it screams late 60's and I just thought it would be a super fun outfit to attempt to recreate.

I decided to challenge myself and find only vintage pieces from one source. Obviously, it does pay to shop around when creating a look but I will be doing just that for future posts in this series. For this particular outfit I decided to go all vintage and all Etsy.

The following pieces were found in these Etsy shops:

• Purple Turtleneck from ShuuShuubyLulu (you can wear a fitted one but the one Miss Pegg wore was a slouchy kind)
• White Skirt from RealGoneCatClothes
• White Belt from DamovFashion
• White Mesh Mary Jane Shoes from StoryTellersVintage
• White Loop Earrings from amyrigs
• Long White Beaded Necklace from MyWisteriaCottage
• White Bracelet from byBohemia1973

I hope Miss Pegg's snazzy outfit gives you a bit of 1960's inspiration. Now who is up for watching (or re-watching in my case) "To Sir, With Love"?

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Imitation of Life

Not every film I watch stays with me days later. This one did. Imitation of Life (1959) starring Lana Turner, John Gavin, Sandra Dee, Susan Kohner, and Juanita Moore.

It begins in 1947, when Lora Meredith (Turner) is at a beach and searching for a missing daughter. She finds her in the company of an African-American woman named Annie Johnson (Moore) and her daughter, Sarah Jane. Much to Lora's surprise, Sarah Jane is fair skin and didn't realize her mother was Annie. They exchange kindness's and Lora allows Annie and Sarah Jane to stay in her home because they are homeless. In a short matter of time Annie becomes a part of Lora's family and runs the home for her as she pursues her dreams of becoming and actress.

When I started watching this film I didn't know what to expect but I assumed that this was going to be all about Lana Turner's character. I was wrong. That was just the top layer of this film. Although Turner was enjoyable to watch as a widow/mother yearning to make her biggest dream come true, it was Juanita Moore that stole the film and my heart along with it. Turner was the cake but Moore was the filling.

Eleven years later, Lora is no longer a struggling actress but a very famous and successful one. She stays in a long term relationship with a playwright but doesn't truly love him. And although her success allows her to send her daughter, Susie (Dee) to the best schools, her work load has created a rift between them.

Annie remains as the head housekeeper to Lora and is able to provide things for her daughter that she would have never been able to otherwise. But Sarah Jane is tortured but her mixed race identity and refuses to associate herself with anything African-American. Even her mother, at least in public. She even tries to pass as white at school and pursues a young man (Troy Donahue) in the hopes that she could break free from where she has come from and who she really is.

Annie, always peaceful, gentle, and kind tries her best to guide her daughter to self-acceptance. She never yells at her or voices her anger at her daughter's indifference but quietly attempts to teach her daughter to love herself for who and what she is.

After being rejected from her boyfriend and seeing no escape from her heritage, Sarah Jane runs away and becomes a dancer at a seedy club. Annie feeling drained and hopeless is determined to find her daughter and help her in anyway that she could. Annie was feeling ill before Sarah Jane's dissapearence but refused to get any medical help. Instead she flies to New York and in a very difficult scene to watch, tells her daughter that she loves her but that she will finally leave her alone.

I cannot express to you how painful that scene was to watch for me because Annie was everything a mother hopes to be for their child. She is loving, hardworking, dedicated, honest, supportive, kind, and oh what was more heartbreaking was that Sarah Jane loved her mother too. She embraces her after Annie asks for it for one last time.

After she returns from saying goodbye to Sarah Jane she falls seriously ill. You see for the first time how deep the friendship between Lora and Annie is and how important Annie was to everyone in the family. She was the anchor that kept everyone afloat.

All Annie asks for when she passes is a spectacular funeral. For someone who lived such a quiet and demur life, Annie wanted her exit to be like a superstar would have. And rightfully so. At the funeral there was a powerful solo performance by the incredible Mahalia Jackson. I got chills listening to her sing "Trouble of the World". My goodness, her voice to me was like listening to an angel sing.

Before the horse drawn carriages bring Annie to her final resting place, her daughter Sarah Jane run up and embraces her coffin. I think I must have cried for five minutes straight! 

Lora, decided to spend less time working and more time with her own daugher, Susie as well as trade in her playwright amour for someone she truly loved. Because of these changes she is able to see and understand Sarah Jane's need for acceptance and family. In the last scenes Lora comforts Sarah Jane and you get the impression that somehow they will all be alright without Annie.

I cannot recommend this film enough. It seems like it would be too much for the heart to bare but it does tell both the stories of Lora and Annie beautifully. You see the choices two mothers make for the sake of their children and for themselves. 

You can find both the dvd version of this film and the original novel by Fanny Hurst  here:

Bunny's Victory is an affiliate of Amazon.com

Film Fashion Friday

On Wednesday I made my big reveal with my special Doctor Who photo shoot. I am beyond elated and grateful that so many of you enjoyed them. I look forward to putting the finishing touches on my Doctor Who Wednesday series as we Whovians countdown for the 50th Anniversary.

But today is Friday and I did mention I will be beginning another series called Film Fashion Friday. Before I begin to share with you my thoughts and interpretation of fashion in some films I want to share with you some past posts I made concerning classic film and fashion. These posts were the inspiration for this new series. 

Here are the past posts:

Dress like Melanie Daniels from "The Birds"

Dress like Cinzia Zaccardi from "Houseboat"

Dress like Lily Powers from "Baby Face"

Dress like "Sugarpuss" O'Shea from "Ball of Fire"

I normally did these "Dress Like" posts after a Weekend Cinema Spotlight. Although my spotlights will continue on a monthly basis, because I had such a blast showcasing fashion pieces from classic films, I felt strongly about wanting to put a spotlight on them, no pun intended. 

My first official Film Fashion Friday  will be posted next week. Until then, what films/fashion in films would you be interested in seeing in this series. You're input would  mean a great deal to me.

Also, feel free to let me know what film you would like to see spotlighted or what things you would like to see on Doctor Who Wednesday. I plan to do loads of inspirational and exciting pieces but I welcome my readers to join in on the fun!

Documentary: Been Rich All My Life

"Been Rich All My Life" (2006)

I watched the five most beautiful women that I have laid my eyes on in a very long time. It has been a dew days since I have finished watching this documentary and their lives still haunt me. I am still thinking about them, wondering how the surviving women are and wonder if people will continue to dance like they did. I say this because these women were a part of history...American History. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to Heather MacDonald who is the one who created this documentary. Because of her, we now all can view a piece of history and never forget!

The film centers around these five amazing women; Bertye Lou Wood, Cleo Hayes, Elaine Ellis, Fay Ray, and Marion Coles. They each were chorus dancers during the late 1920's and 1930's, mainly at the Apollo and the Cotton Club. Yes, I just wrote the Apollo and the Cotton Club! If anyone knows anything about New York, they should know that those two spots were the swinging spots in Harlem during those times. They were the place to be for the best entertainment in New York City.

Here is Bertye Lou Wood (Bertha) at her first professional job in 1928 with the famous Addison Cary as her dance director. Bertye Lou as her friends called her knew Bill Robinson (Bojangles) and Duke Ellington! Imagine knowing those great artists, I mean having worked with them too. Swoon!

Bertye Lou raised three sons on her own and danced for over twenty years. When people stopped hiring chorus dancers she eventually became a bartender as did most of the ladies from The Silver Belles. She danced well into her 90's and then when she couldn't dance anymore she would show up at the rehearsals and cheer her friends on.

The group was brought together by Geri Kennedy who recognized that many of the men from those times were remembered but the women weren't. So she got Bertye Lou, Cleo, Elaine, Fay and Marion together to perform starting in 1985. At the time they were in their 70's and 80's and it didn't stop them from putting on their dancing shoes and glittery outfits and put on one heck of a show!

You not only learn about these incredible women but you also learn about the history they made during the Harlem Renaissance. I loved hearing the stories the women would share because they were sharing our collective history. The history of NY, the history of women, the history of America....I am so grateful that this documentary was made because today only two out of the five Silver Belles are with us.

I don't want to give too much away but I highly, highly recommend you viewing this when you have the chance. Each of these women will stay in your heart and you will never forget them. I know I never will. Watching this made me wish I knew them, made me wish I could have heard their stories in person. And that is a testament to their love of life and their vivacious spirits.

You can learn more about these women on TootsCrackin. I may have to consider doing a giveaway soon about this documentary-that's how much I loved it hehe

Have you seen this documentary? What do you think about these women?

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: A Patch of Blue

"A Patch of Blue" (1965)

Selina D'Arcey (Elizabeth Hartman) is an eighteen year old blind girl who lives with her prostitute mother (Shelley Winters) and alcoholic grandfather (Wallace Ford). Selina has never had an education or friends or any life at all other than tending to her mother and Ol' Pa. One day at a nearby park, Selina works on her beading and a caterpillar falls on her. Upon hearing her scream,  the dashing Gordon Ralfe (Sidney Poitier) comes to her rescue.

A deep friendship based on mutual trust and compassion builds between Selina and Gordon. As time progresses Selina falls in love with Gordon. When Gordon receives a kiss from her he pulls himself away, feeling torn by his feelings of caring for her.

Gordon tells Selina of a blind school that she could go to but her mother has other plans for her especially after find them talking together. Rose-Ann (Winters) tells her that they will be moving and leaving Ol' Pa behind. After she tells Gordon about her mother's plan, he informs her that the school will come and get her in a few days. Of course Selina would much rather stay with Gordon (that is a no brainer...Sidney or school...humm?? hehe)

Rose-Ann's selfish plan to put her daughter to work as a prostitute fails when she attempts to take Selina away but Ol' Pa refuses to help. Although dysfunctional in his own way, he had a love for Selina and wanted her to have a better life.

Later on Selina proposes to Gordon (gotta love this moment) and he tells her that there are many different kinds of love. She informs him that she knows he is a black man and it doesn't matter to her. While they both wait for the school to come pick her up, he tells her that they shall wait a year to see if their love would lead to marriage (oh sigh!). Selina leaves without the music box he was gifting to her but he tosses it into the air and smile brightly. His smile saying, "I will be seeing her soon!".

This film is truly well told as it was based on the novel written by Elizabeth Kata called, Be Ready with Bells and Drums (1961). Winters won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in this film. Below are some behind the scenes shots that I thought were so neat!

Have you seen this film? What did you think of the performances? Do you feel as though there may be a happy ending in the horizon for both the lead characters?

xox

Call The Midwife: Reflections of Season One

I first discovered this lovely show, Call the Midwife back in September and finally had the chance to view the first season. The show is based on Jennifer Worth's bestselling novels; the first being "Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950's". She wrote two others afterwards called, "Shadows of the Workhouse" and "Farewell to the East End."

Unfortunately, Jennifer Worth (aka Jennifer Lee-the main character in the series) passed away a year before the show aired but I'd like to think that she would have loved the way the BBC has told her story through television. Her daughters, Suzannah Hart and Juliette Walton reflected on the show and their mother in this lovely article which you can read here.

Set in the 1950's, the series follows mainly the life and work of Jennifer Lee. But Jennifer has three amazing fellow midwives by her side, Chummy, Trixie, and Cynthia. She also works and lives with four equally amazing nuns, Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina, Sister Monica Joan, and Sister Bernadette. Each has their own story and their own personal experiences that help make them better midwives and women. I love that the show doesn't just focus on Jennifer Lee, although she is the main character, but gives us a view into the lives of the other cast as well.

My favorite characters by far are Chummy and Sister Monica Joan. Chummy is just the ugly duckling and the one that seems to stick out the most for obvious reasons (she is very tall) but also because of her wealthy upbringing. But I love how Chummy defeats all expectations and rises above the judgements of others. We see in the last episode (not the Christmas special) Chummy finding love and getting married! I just loved it! It made my heart sore!

Sister Monica Joan is just vivacious and although she seems to have failing memory she is constantly surprising everyone around her with the things she says. I love her sense of innocence and her wisdom-what a combination!

Is it worth watching? YES! Very much so! I will be honest, the very first episode was a tad bit shocking but that was coming from the part of me that is a mother. It was hard at first for me to imagine women living in those often dirty conditions and bringing a life into that environment. Once I got past that (as Jennifer's character does as well), I felt inspired, moved, and educated on what life was like in the 1950's in that part of England. It also made me feel appreciative to the kind of care and life that I can give to my own children. I truly commend those midwives who played such a vital role in so many women's and families lives.

The Christmas special just recently aired and what a special is was! I hope you can all see it soon and tell me what you thought about it.

The second Season of Call the Midwife will air in the UK early this new year and it will come to the States in March 2012 via the PBS station (one of my favorite stations since I was a child btw hehe). The DVD for Season One is now being sold on Amazon as well as the books by the late Jennifer Worth.

If you are interested in learning more about the midwives from the East End during the 1950's, here is a fabulous and intimate account of one midwife's experience.

Have you seen Season One yet? Did you like it? Who are your favorite characters? Are you looking forward to Season Two?

xox

Bomb Girls: Season Two!!

Bomb Girls is back! Season Two began today and you can find it on Global TV. If you missed the last season, the Bomb Girls DVD is out. Unfortunately, I have yet to find it on Amazon but if anyone finds it let me know-it is defiantly a show I want to keep in my collection!

If you haven't seen this show yet you truly must! You can read more about it here.

Season Two picked up where Season One left off, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This season will include six more episodes than the last season as that season was meant to be a miniseries. Thankfully the show got picked up and this season they will be giving us more of a back story of all the characters like; Betty, Lorna, Gladys, and Kate.

There will be more romances, more controversies, and more drama for sure! One may wonder, was life during WWII that dramatic and fast paced? I think in many ways it was. People were living for the moment and grabbing the time they had with others. They were rallying together because our boys were fighting all over the world. So, to me this show really depicts in some small way what life may have been like for some women.

Here are a few images from Season Two. And you may wonder, does Kate escape her father's grips? Does Betty find a boyfriend? Does Gladys fall for another man? You really must tune in to see! 

Below are some photos of Rose O'Donnell and her guest appearance on the show. I think she looks great all dolled up like a 1940's dame-don't you? I don't know what her role will be but I am looking forward to finding out! 

I also found a fabulous interview by Meg Tilly here and she also blogs for the Huffington Post. I have been a fan of hers for some time and its such a pleasure to see her again now on Bomb Girls! If you would like to see more photos of some of the cast on their visit to NYC a few months ago check it out here.

Did any one you see the first episode of Season Two? What did you think? Who are your favorite characters and why?

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: White Christmas

"White Christmas" (1954)

White Christmas is a must watch film during the holiday season. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen doing what they do best-singing, dancing, and just being wonderful in their roles.

It begins in the midst of World War II, Wallace (Crosby) is performing for the troops and Davis (Kaye) is assisting when they have to bid their farewells to General Waverly (Dean Jagger-isn't that a fabulous name!!??) who has commanded their troop successfully but because of an injury has to leave his post. It was an emotional farewell and the first song, "The Old Man" is one of my four favorite scenes.

Bidding their General farewell with a performance of "The Old Man"

During a bombing attack Davis (Kaye) saves Wallace's (Crosby) life. When Wallace asks how he can repay Davis he shows him songs he has written hoping they could become a duet. Although Wallace is convinced and before he knows it they become a successful duo called Wallace & Davis. After a few years Davis becomes exhausted by the rigorous schedule they keep and hopes that Wallace could fall in love with a nice girl so they could slow down their pace.

Enter the Haynes sisters, Betty (Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen) who happen to be the sisters of a fellow they were acquainted with during the war. I thought it was neat that the photo of "freckled faced Haynes" was actually of Carl Switzer who was the star of the "Our Gang" series playing the wonderful "Alfafa".

Betty finds out Judy wrote the letter to get Wallace & Davis to see them perform and possibly get some useful advice about their work. Davis notices Wallace taking a liking to Betty and Judy who wants to be away from the "mother hen" (aka Betty) notices as well. Before you know it they are all on their way to Vermont!

 Clooney actually sang both parts of the "Sisters" song

 To help the girls out, Wallace & Davis perform "Sisters". At the end when Wallace starting cracking up is authentically Crosby laughing out loud because he couldn't contain it any longer-I love that bit!

This is my second favorite scene when they all sing "Snow"-Love it!

 General Waverly! What are you doing here in Vermont? In this Inn? Hummmm...

Mary Wickes (his housekeeper) and Anne Whitfield (his granddaughter, Susan) are a wonderful addition to this film as well!!!

When they arrive in Vermont there is no snow and the girls almost have their gig canceled but the owner of the Inn just happens to be Wallace & Davis's beloved General Waverly! He asks the girls to stay and Wallace & Davis decide to help the old man out they will bring their whole show to the Inn to help him get more business.

 Crosby, Kaye, and Clooney practicing for the big show!

There are moments of misunderstandings, lying, false engagements, and lots of warm milk for sleepless nights. In a surprise move Wallace goes to New York to get on the Ed Harrison show to ask all the men from their troop to head out to the Columbia Inn in Pine Tree, Vermont to surprise General Waverly and remind the old man that he still means something to so many.

My third favorite scene is when they sing "Gee, I wish I were back in the Army" and when all sing "White Christmas". 

Betty and Wallace kiss and make up!

This film is beautiful to look at-especially because it was filmed in Technicolor but also because of all the stunning costumes, props, dance numbers...oh my! It was also funny, touching, moving, ans sweet.  A girl cannot ask for much more!

It brings joy to my heart to watch this film and I am sure it does the same for so many of you!

May we all have a White Christmas!

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Ball of Fire

"Ball of Fire" (1941)

When I think of a fun, sweet, smart, and sassy film-I think immediately about Ball of Fire. It stars Barbara Stanywck, Gary Cooper, and an outstanding ensemble cast of professors. 

Gary Cooper is Professor Bertram Potts, a grammarian who lives with seven other bachelor professors. Each professor is tasked to compile information for a human encyclopedia. Goodness, those were the days before Wikipedia and Google weren't they??!

Professor Potts is the youngest of these professors, who is  researching modern American slang. As While venturing off to do some research at a local night club, Prof. Potts comes across a night club performer named "Sugarpuss" O'Shea. What a name, right?

Mayhem ensues when Sugarpuss realizes she has to hide away from the police because they want to question her about her mobster boyfriend named Joe Lilac played by the wonderful Dana Andrews. 

Sugarpuss takes refuge with the professors and much to their dismay, she charms them-all of them!  She teaches them how to Congo and teach Prof. Potts how to do "yum yum" (kissing hehe). I just found Cooper to be so charming and sweet and Stanwyck to be so sassy yet sweet-I loved seeing them together. It ends with Sugarpuss falling for the dashing Professors Potts and the professor being the unlikely hero! I found  the supporting cast of the professors were equally as charming as Cooper and Stanwyck were.

Interesting tidbits: 

• Even though they play two of the "old men" lexicographers, Leonid Kinskey (Prof. Quintana) and Richard Haydn (Prof. Oddly) were both under 40 years old when they made this movie. 
• Henry Travers who plays one of the most famous angels in cinematic history as Clarence Odbody in It's a Wonderful Life. His role was that of Professor Jerome.
• The roles of the seven professors (besides Gary Cooper) were inspired by Disney's Seven Dwarfs. There is even a photograph showing the actors sitting in front of a Disney poster, each one in front of his corresponding dwarf: S.Z. Sakall - Dopey; Leonid Kinskey- Sneezy; Richard Haydn - Bashful; Henry Travers - Sleepy; Aubrey Mather - Happy;Tully Marshall - Grumpy, and Oskar Homolka - Doc. 
• When Cooper is taking notes of the news boy's slang, the marquee on the theater across the street advertises Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, an inside joke that refers to the script's inspiration. 
• Kathleen Howard (who played Ms. Bragg) was left with a fractured jaw when the punch that Stanwyck threw accidentally made contact. Stanwyck was reportedly mortified by the incident. 

I hope you get the chance to see this film one day! It really is a ball of fun...I mean...fire! 

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Baby Face

"Baby Face" (1933)

There is something forbidden about the pre-coded films of yesteryear. It has this gritty and often risque tone, speaking about things that weren't spoken of in public-mainly sex. And Baby Face has it all in spades. 

When I first saw this film, I wasn't really versed in Barbara Stanwyck's films. I remember only having seen her in "Thorn Birds" in the early 1980's but by then she was much older. And I didn't know that this film was pre-coded and really was blown away by all of the sexual innuendo's. Even my husband was!

Stanwyck plays Lily Powers who works in a speakeasy during the prohibition era. Her father has been prostituting her since she was fourteen and when he dies in an explosion she decides with the help of a friend that she should start over, move into the city, and use men to get what she wants. And use is an understatement of what Lily does! She literally sleeps her way to the top of an a company called "Gotham Trust". And one of her many "victims" is a young John Wayne! That was really neat to see him.

I have to be honest, I really was shocked by the underlined theme of sexuality and manipulation. I am not a prude but you expect certain things out of classic films. I didn't get over my shock until after I finished the film and really had a "WOW" moment. "Wow" that Stanwyck played this determined woman who used her body to fight to have a better life for herself. I was so impressed with her performance. She was tough, street smart, and savvy but she was also vulnerable, desperate, and almost child-like in her pursuit to ultimate happiness.

Unfortunately, her character gets caught up in a horrible and violent scandal, one which George Brent's character, Trenholm finds himself involved in. He just happens to be grandson of the company's founder. She figures out how to seduce him and they eventually marry. When Trenholm gets blamed for the company's mismanagement, he asks her to stay with him and sell her things to help him get through this mess but does she? Will Lily stand by her man and finally stop using them and help him instead? Or will she abandon him when he needs her most and live her life continuously using men for her bidding?

You must see this film. It is now one of my Stanwyck favorites. It will just make go "wow", it really will and in a great way!

Stay tuned this week as I will spotlight Barbara Stanwyck; her life, career, fashion, and my other favorite film of hers, "Ball of Fire".

xox