Monday, July 9, 2018
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Sean Connery IS James Bond
Back in 1962, the first James Bond film adventure, DR. NO. was released and the world of movie action thrillers has never been the same since. The suave and dashing secret agent was portrayed by a relatively unknown Scottish actor named Sean Connery, whose film credits up until then were rather lusterless, his best-known work being a Walt Disney fantasy titled Darby O'Gill and the Little People.
But master agent James Bond, the gentleman spy with a license to kill, catapulted Connery into worldwide fame and made him one of the movies top rated actors.
Several other performers have stepped into the role with varying degrees of success but for me, not one of them has been able to replicate the charm, toughness, and command of presence that Connery brought to the role. He made the part his very own and his face, with the raised eyebrow, sardonic smile and the Walter PPK in his hand, became for me the iconic image of James Bond 007.
The excitement of watching his image on the posters, which repeatedly claimed that "Sean Connery IS James Bond", for each following adventures has never been equaled with any of the other JB incarnations.
Listen to the line: "Bond...James Bond", uttered by Connery on his first appearance at the Chemin-de-fer table in Dr. No, and compare it to the same words spoken by any of the other Bonds.
Not quite the same, eh?
Other 007 incarnations may enjoy the benefit of HD technology, better stunts, more thrills, breakneck pacing and an inordinate use of CGIs to enhance the action but to me, admittedly an older generation baby-boomer, Sir Sean Connery will always be the one true, original James Bond, secret agent 007...forever!
Monday, June 25, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
COLUMBO!
This week I began to re-visit one of my all-time favorite TV shows: COLUMBO. I'm on the third season already and I am fascinated by the great acting and superb writing. What a treat! Peter Falk was such a likable actor and perfect here in his signature role. The guest list is also quite amazing. Many recognizable faces abound. Really, they don't make 'em like this anymore!
Peter Falk as COLUMBO. Art by Al Hirschfeld.
The series originally ran from 1968 to 2003.
Friday, June 8, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
May 30th...A Significant Date!
Okay, so May 30th might seem to be just like any other day for everyone, but to me it's significant for two very special reasons: one is because, according to the Catholic Calendar, today is my Name Day, and the other more relevant one, it's Benny Goodman's birthday.
King Fernando III, King of Castile, died on May 30, 1252, and was the son of Rodrigo Diaz, better known as El Cid. He was known as "the Saint" during his lifetime.
Benny Goodman, on the other hand, was no saint but his music was the most swinging this side of heaven. He was born on May 30, 1909 and was known as the "King of Swing". His career spanned more than 60 years, remaining active until 1986. His records consistently made the best seller lists during the 30s and 40s and his Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 became legendary.
So, today I remember King Fernando III and the King of Swing, Benny Goodman!
King Fernando III, King of Castile, died on May 30, 1252, and was the son of Rodrigo Diaz, better known as El Cid. He was known as "the Saint" during his lifetime.
Benny Goodman, on the other hand, was no saint but his music was the most swinging this side of heaven. He was born on May 30, 1909 and was known as the "King of Swing". His career spanned more than 60 years, remaining active until 1986. His records consistently made the best seller lists during the 30s and 40s and his Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 became legendary.
So, today I remember King Fernando III and the King of Swing, Benny Goodman!
Labels:
Benjamin David "Benny" Goodman,
Benny Goodman,
Carnegie Hall,
Catholic Church,
clarinet,
El Cid,
jazz,
King Fernando III,
King of Castile,
King of Swing,
Name Day,
Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar,
Saint,
swing
Monday, May 28, 2018
Friday, May 25, 2018
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Monday, April 30, 2018
CHILDREN'S DAY, 2018
Children's Day is traditionally celebrated today in many countries, so many happy wishes to all the children all over the world...and also those who remain young at heart!
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Monday, April 9, 2018
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Saint Patrick's Day Celebration!
Okay, so there's not a single trace of the Irish in my ancestry but that's no reason to miss celebrating St. Patrick's Day! So, top o' the mornin to ya!
By the way, if I was a Leprechaun, my name would be Tiny O'Shenanigans!
Monday, March 12, 2018
Happy Birthday, Agent 99!
Barbara Feldon (born March 12, 1933) is an American character actress who works mostly in the theatre, but is primarily known for her roles on television. Her most prominent role was that of Agent 99 on the 1960s sitcom Get Smart.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Thursday, March 1, 2018
THE SHAPE OF WATER
The Shape of Water is a 2017 American fantasy drama film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. It stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Octavia Spencer. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the plot follows a mute custodian at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid-amphibian creature.
At the 90th Academy Awards, the film received a leading 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Hawkins, Best Supporting Actor for Jenkins, and Best Supporting Actress for Spencer.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
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