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It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street Coffee Mugs (Plus a Bonus One that Sums it ALL UP!)

December 10, 2022 By Joi

As quite possibly the world’s biggest It’s a Wonderful Life fan, I have zero idea how I don’t already have this gorgeous It’s a Wonderful Life Coffee Mug (Amazon link) in my coffee mug collection.

What a travesty of justice and sensibility!

I am, however, on the cusp of righting this wrong even as we speak.

Right after I saw the great It’s a Wonderful Life mug, I spied another one that makes me feel so very, very, VERY seen. The I Just Want to Drink Coffee and Watch Christmas Movies mug (Amazon link) pictured below.

I mean, does this one sum it all up or what?!

But, wait… I’m not through (neither is my Amazon shopping cart, unfortunately), when you click through and visit the It’s a Wonderful Life mug’s page (link above), you’ll also find they have another CLASSIC and ICONIC Christmas movie (and another of my personal favorites), Miracle on 34th Street. I don’t have a picture to share with you, but it features the movie poster pictured below. It’s gorgeous and I have every intention of drinking from it and the It’s a Wonderful Life mugs all year long for years to come!

Miracle on 34th Street Movie Poster

GORGEOUS Marilyn Monroe 3-Piece Wall Canvas

February 1, 2022 By Joi

I love to surround myself with things that make me smile (maybe that’s why we have 5 cats?!?), so you’ll find a lot of colorful, whimsical decorations and artwork in our home. A great deal of it is related to old Hollywood, as you’d expect.

In the den, alone, are framed photos of Marilyn, Claire Trevor, John Wayne, James Dean, and Audrey Hepburn!

I have my eye on this gorgeous Marilyn Monroe 3-Piece Canvas (Amazon link) as well. I mean… just look at it. GORGEOUS.

I love that it’s in black in white, except for her lips. It makes the entire photo really pop – plus it’s a stunning image of Marilyn… I just love everything about it.

The three piece set is framed and ready to hang, meaning your room of choice can get the makeover it deserves the minute you welcome Marilyn to your home!

Bela, Boris, and Basil in Son of Frankenstein (1939)… Talk about a 1, 2, 3 Punch!

October 30, 2021 By Joi

Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi

Some films boast casts and some films boast ICONIC casts. Son of Frankenstein (1939) is the latter. Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi.. in ONE film?! That’s what I call a film for the ages.

The classic horror was directed by the wonderful Rowland V. Lee and I call him wonderful not just because he was an outstanding (and way ahead of his time) director but also because (as a huge Bela Lugosi fan) I love the extent he went to in order to give Lugosi more respect, credit, and even money while making this film.

Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbone

Sadly, Bela Lugosi’s career was beginning to decline when he signed on to make Son of Frankenstein and his fee reflected this decline. Fortunately, director Rowland V. Lee was VERY much in his corner. He realized that Lugosi wasn’t being treated fairly and was perhaps even being taken for granted, so he gave Bela’s character (Ygor) more dialogue and a bigger role in the film, causing Bela be paid (and respected) more.

This role, IMO, is one of Lugosi’s absolute best performances. He more than rewarded Lee’s wonderful efforts!

You can watch Son of Frankenstein on Prime Video (Amazon link). I’m having a heckuva time finding it on dvd for my collection, but if I’m ever to find it, I’ll let you know.

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi

The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection (Beautiful Boxed Set)

October 24, 2020 By Joi

The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection

What exactly is it about The Little Rascals that makes these episodes so enjoyable?!? The children are so adorable and their situations so funny, I could (and often do) watch them every day of the week.

One of the smartest purchases I’ve ever made is shown here – the complete collection of The Little Rascals. Not only is it highly convenient to have the entertaining series available any time I want to kick back with the “gang,” the collection came with an great little booklet with fun facts and pictures (pictured below).

Fun Booklet of Facts and Photos

The entire collection is packaged beautifully, too. I love the way it looks sitting on my dvd shelves. All television and movie collections should be as great looking as this one. I’ve become a huge fan of boxed collections, whether they’re a particular star’s movies, a television series, or film franchise. I do buy some tv seasons separately, but a collection simply looks neater on shelves – plus it’s easier to find what you’re looking for!

Trust me, I’d know. Sometimes it takes me over 10 minutes to find a particular movie or episode I’m in the mood for. Frankly, that’s precious time that could be spent waiting hand and foot on my cats or popping popcorn for movie night!

I’d highly recommend this collection for any fan of The Little Rascals. I’d also suggest it as a great gift idea for anyone in your life who loves classic movies and television. This is the type of gift that would be enjoyed for years and years and years.

And then some!

See The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection (Link to the Collection on Amazon) for more information. There’s a lot of joy to be had in this collection.

Christmas in Connecticut (1945): Time for this Movie to Be More Famous!

December 2, 2019 By Joi

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut

Old Hollywood enthusiasts certainly know (and LOVE) Christmas in Connecticut (Amazon Link). We joyfully list it with our other favorite Christmas films – It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas. However, for some reason (that’s beyond me), “mainstream” movie viewers aren’t familiar with it.

Maybe it’s time we start making more noise about this film!

(Continued Below….)

Creative Plot

Barbara Stanwyck stars as journalist Elizabeth Lane. She is a food writer with a popular column runs is one of the country’s most-read magazines. In these columns, she describes herself as a great cook, a hard-working mother… as a woman who runs her home, kitchen, AND farm!

Sounds impressive, right? Unfortunately it’s all lies! She lives (alone) in an apartment in New York and gets all of her recipes from her adorable best friend Felix (played by S.Z. Sakall, in the only way he knows how to play any role… to perfection and deliciously). Truth be told, Elizabeth would probably struggle with boiling water.

The owner of the magazine she works for has decided on a special holiday “angle” for the column: A heroic serviceman will spend his Christmas on Elizabeth’s farm. Obviously… first they’re going to need a farm!

Elizabeth fears that, if the truth comes out, she’ll lose the job she loves, so she gets desperate. Desperate to the tune of “creating” a family, cooking skills, and even the beautiful farm and home.

(Wrapped Up Below….)

Perfect Cast

Joining Barbara Stanwyck and S.Z. Sakall (who’d be plenty in and of themselves) is Sydney Greenstreet (another of my favorites), Dennis Morgan, Reginald Gardiner, and the always wonderful Una O’Connor.

Though he isn’t as well-known as most of the stars around him, Dennis Morgan is absolutely perfect in this role. He plays it to a tee and has noticeable chemistry with beautiful Barbara Stanwyck.

The film is filled with laughs, loves, and plenty of Christmas spirit and charm. If you’ve never seen Christmas in Connecticut (Amazon Link), check it out right away. If you have seen it…. you know what I’m fixing to say… see it again!

Lobby card with Barbara Stanwyck, Sk Sakall & Reginald Gardiner

Buttons: A Christmas Tale On DVD December 3!

November 23, 2019 By Joi

As I began to put this post about Buttons: A Christmas Tale together, I kept thinking, “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a new dvd release…”

But it just now hit me. I don’t think I’ve EVER been this excited about a new movie’s dvd release, simply because my favorite movies are old! Which is why I am beside myself with excitement for this one – two of its stars aren’t just legends, they’re two of my favorites: Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to adding this to my collection.

Buttons: A Christmas Tale is the magical, musical story that shows believing can be the greatest gift of all. Follow the heartwarming journey of two orphan girls whose only wish is to find a home for Christmas. With a little help from their guardian angels (screen legends Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury), they discover that miracles really can happen when you find the power to believe. From director Tim Janis, this inspiring holiday film for the whole family features an all-star cast including Jane Seymour, Roma Downey and Abigail Spencer, and is narrated by Kate Winslet and Robert Redford.

It seems like there is so much negativity, cantankerousness (bet you didn’t expect to bump into that word today), and anger in the world, maybe Buttons is thing we ALL need right now.

A couple of beloved Guardian Angels coming into our world… reminding us how beautiful life truly can be? Sign me up!

Buttons Official Trailer:

I love the beauty in front of and behind this film. I also love that they used two Hollywood film and television legends in these extraordinary roles. They were wise enough to know that extraordinary roles call for extraordinary stars. Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke are as extraordinary as extraordinary gets.

I hope you’ll show your appreciation for these wonderful legends by adding this one in a billion film to your collection. Legends don’t team up everyday, you know.

Continued Below….

The release date of the DVD is December 3, 2019, but you may pre-order at https://paramnt.us/Get.Buttons now. This would make such a beautiful Christmas gift – especially for young people or for people (like me) who are head over heels in love with the film’s guardian angels, Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

Digital copies of the film are also available. The digital copy may also be purchased at the same link.

Buttons: A Christmas Tale on DVD

The Lucy Show: The Complete Series on DVD

September 24, 2019 By Joi

The Lucy Show: The Complete Series is available on Amazon and if you don’t already own it, you should do something about that asap. In fact, what are you waiting for?!

Okay, that was pushy… I apologize, but what can I say, no one loves Lucy quite like I love Lucy!

The Lucy Show ran from 1962-1968 and, in my opinion, was nothing short of delightful. The cast worked beautifully together and the dialogue and acting were hilarious.

Plot: After the death of her husband, Lucy Carmichael (Lucille Ball) and her newly divorced friend Vivian Bagley (Vivian Vance), move their families under one house. Two high-spirited women and a houseful of kids makes for a lot of fun.

Sometimes you almost feel sorry for Lucy’s cranky boss Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) as he helplessly watches Lucy get into one thing after another.

Find The Lucy Show: The Complete Series on Amazon – it makes a perfect gift for the Lucille Ball fan in your life.

Buster Keaton: Two of His Best Films: Steamboat Bill, Jr and The Cameraman

September 23, 2019 By Joi

Talk about a double feature! While I love all Buster Keaton movies to distraction, Steamboat Bill, Jr. and The Cameraman are two of my absolute favorites. For them to be available in a “2 for 1” package makes me especially happy. This Buster Keaton Double Bill is available on Amazon for less than $15. While I have every intention of grabbing one for myself, it’d also make a perfect gift idea for any fan of Old Hollywood and/or Buster Keaton.

Steamboat Bill, Jr.

Buster Keaton, Ernest Torrence, Tom McGuire, and Marion Byron star in one of Buster’s most popular and beloved films. I’ll always have a strong connection to this one because it was my first Buster Keaton film. It was this film that introduced me to an actor who is now one of my absolute favorites. It was also this film that made me fall head over heels in love with silent movies.

William Canning Jr. (Buster) comes to River Junction to meet his father who hasn’t seen him since he was a child. Junior isn’t AT ALL the type of son Senior was expecting or hoping for… at first, that is. By the end of the wonderful movie, he is EXACTLY the son he hopes for.

Senior Canning is being put out of business by J.J. King (Tom McGuire), who not only owns pretty much the entire town, but has recently acquired a new paddle wheel steamer that makes Canning’s older boat, the Stonewall Jackson, seem like a dinosaur.

In spite of the trouble brewing between their parents, Bill Jr. and Kitty King (J.J’s beautiful daughter) take a liking to each other. You can imagine how well this goes over with their fathers.

By the end of the movie, Bill Jr. is called upon to save his father, J.J. AND Kitty. This is one outstanding film and you’ll love every single minute.

The Cameraman

This film stars Buster Keaton and Marceline Day. After seeing a beautiful office worker, Sally (portrayed by Marceline Day), who works for MGM Newsreels, Buster decides to trade in his tin type setup for a movie camera – thinking he can impress both the beauty and MGM. Naturally, it’s a lot easier said than done and the result is absolutely hilarious. Watch for a monkey you’re sure to fall in love with.

Buster Keaton and Ernest Torrence Steamboat Bill, Jr.

From Amazon:

Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Step back in time to the golden age of classic Hollywood comedies. The hugely talented megastar of early cinema, Buster Keaton, provides hilarity in this great comedy. William (Bill) Canning, Jr. goes to River Junction to meet his father who hasn’t seen him since childhood. Neither are sure what the other’s reaction will be. But the old man has problems anyhow, he’s out of business because of the new paddle steamer which is far better than his old boat, Stonewall Jackson. But Bill falls for the daughter of the man who owns the new steamer to the dismay of both fathers. A storm hits River Junction and young Bill must save the daughter and both fathers! Action packed hilarity!

The Cameraman – Step back in time to the golden age of classic Hollywood silent comedies. Buster Keaton in one of his all-time classic films. He’s madly in love with a beautiful woman working at MGM Studios and so he decides to try and get closer to her. Problem is, he’s clumsy. He tries to make it as a motion picture cameraman, but it’s a lot harder than he thought! Lots of action and stunts as you would expect from the king of slapstick comedy.

For more information, see Buster Keaton Double Bill on Amazon.

Buster Keaton and Marion Byron Steamboat Bill, Jr.

Wonderful Audrey Hepburn Movie Collection with HD Remastering

September 20, 2019 By Joi

I was on Amazon earlier (takes a sip of truth serum… I’m always on Amazon), looking for a particular Audrey Hepburn Biography when this collection caught both eyes.

The Audrey Hepburn Collection (HD Remastering) includes Audrey’s five of her best movies… I’d also throw in Charade:

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen)
Struggling writer Paul Varjak moves into a New York apartment building and becomes intrigued by his pretty, quirky neighbor Holly Golightly. Holly’s lifestyle confuses and fascinates Paul; in public she flits through parties with a sexy, sophisticated air, but when they’re alone she changes into a sweetly vulnerable bundle of neuroses.

Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire)
An impromptu fashion shoot at a bookstore brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk.

Roman Holiday (Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert)
A young princess, tired of the constraints her position brings, runs away. She does not know the man who befriends her is a reporter out for her story.

War And Peace (Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer)
By 1812, Napoleon’s forces controlled much of Europe. Russia, one of the few countries still unconquered, prepares to face Napoleon’s troops together with Austria. Among the soldiers are Count Nicolas Rostov and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. Count Pierre Bezukhov, a friend of Andrei’s and self-styled intellectual who is not interested in fighting. Pierre’s life changes when his father dies, leaving him a vast inheritance.

Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden)
Bogie and Holden are the mega-rich Larrabee brothers of Long Island. Bogie’s all work, Holden’s all playboy. But when Sabrina, daughter of the family’s chauffeur, returns from Paris all grown up and glamorous, the stage is set for some family fireworks as the brothers fall under the spell of Hepburn’s delightful charms.

This excellent collection is a must have for any lovers of Old Hollywood. It’d also be a perfect gift idea.

The Best of Buster Keaton DVD Collection

September 17, 2019 By Joi

One of my favorite gifts for my birthday is pictured above – The Best of Buster Keaton DVD Set! Obsessed…. I am completely obsessed with Buster Keaton films, so this was as perfect a gift as it could be for me.

And, yes, of course I’ve already watched each of them.

Twice.

This set includes:

The General
The Goat
The Blacksmith
Steamboat Bill, Jr (my personal favorite Buster Keaton Silent Film)
Cops
The Love Nest

The General and Steamboat Bill, Jr. are considered to be two of the greatest silent films of all time. In fact, Orson Welles once called The General “… the greatest comedy ever made.” High praise and very deserved.

You can find The Best of Buster Keaton DVD Set on Amazon for currently under $10.