Hey Everyone!!
I hope you had a tremendous Thanksgiving Day/Weekend!
Today, I’d like to start with an acknowledgement of the literary life and legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery (November 30th, 1874 – April 24, 1942)! She was a Canadian author who was best known for her ‘Anne of Green Gables’ series of novels!
Set on Prince Edward Island, Montgomery’s ‘Anne’ novels follow a highly intelligent and imaginative orphan named Anne Shirley from an orphanage located on mainland Canada to the fictional island town of Avonlea where she resides with an elderly sister and brother on their farm (Green Gables). Although the siblings had originally requested a boy from the orphanage (to assist them with their farm duties), and although Anne’s progressive ideals and outspoken character often land her in trouble, Anne ultimately wins the hearts of her caretakers – who invite her to remain at Green Gables – and the Avonlea community!
Though I’ve viewed both ‘Anne of Green Gables’ television-mini series’ from the eighties numerous times (and boy, Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst are masterful actresses!), I admit I have not yet read the ‘Anne’ novels. But in 2016 however, I plan to do begin them!
Now, as you well know, my November was spent reading ‘Eventide’ by Kent Haruf (..and what a phenomenal read that was!). For December nonetheless, I was tempted to announce yet another twenty-first century novel I’d journey through, but instead, something within me longed to travel back to the 1930s and 40s to close-out 2015; except I’m not talking about any literary pieces! For the final five weeks of the year, I’ve decided to view classical cinema pictures—one of my favorite pastimes! Each week, I plan to view a different picture that was originally released within the 30s and 40s (..and I won’t use the term ‘classical Hollywood’ as each film I select did not originate in the West!). Some weeks, I’ll post what movie I’m watching and others I’ll leave to you (..by the way, my favorite actor and actresses of this period are Jeanne Crain, Margaret Lockwood, Jean Tierney, Lana Turner, Dana Andrews, June Haver, Paulette Goddard, Vivian Blaine, and Margaret O’Brien to name a few! Lol!).
For this first week, I plan to view Alfred Hitchcock’s first significant directorial success, ‘The Lady Vanishes’ (1938) starring Margaret Lockwood (..Yay – I love her!). Set in the fictitious country of Bandrika “one of Europe’s few undiscovered corners”, a beautiful traveler (Lockwood) is pulled into a conspiracy when she realizes her elderly traveling companion has mysteriously ‘disappeared’ from her train. Hence, brimming with suspense, mystery, fantastic performances, and a tightly-written plot, ‘The Lady Vanishes’ promises to provide one with a tension-filled and edge-of-your-seat thrill!
Many thanks, Folks, and Enjoy!!
P.S. For your convenience, most of the pictures I’ll view can be found on YouTube unless stated. Thx! & Rest In Peace, Mr. Haruf…