Category Archives: Movies

“People say I’m a one-note actor, but the way I figure it, those other guys are just looking for that one right note.” — Joel McCrea

It’s his birthday today. Joel McCrea had a long career, with many different phases. He did it all, although he is primarily associated with Westerns. It was what you might call a “classy” career. Steady, successful, no scandals, and he … Continue reading

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“I’ve had the kind of fame which I felt was just the right amount.” — Lois Smith

Lois Smith, who turns 95 years old today, made her film debut in 1955, playing a young prostitute in East of Eden. She has a small scene with James Dean, and then exits the film forever. But the memory of … Continue reading

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Dynamic Duo #45

Universal makeup genius Jack Pierce applying the iconic makeup he designed onto Boris Karloff.

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Trailer for The Art and Making of Frankenstein, by me.

@frankensteingdt Now available: THE ART AND MAKING OF FRANKENSTEIN, the official companion to Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. ⚡️ Offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Mary Shelley’s classic was reimagined for the screen, featuring an introduction by Guillermo del Toro and … Continue reading

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Publication day: The Art and Making of Frankenstein

The long-awaited day is finally here. My book, The Art and Making of Frankenstein, is now available for purchase. I got my copy yesterday. I let Frankie inspect the package first. (It’s a coincidence my cat is named Frankie, short … Continue reading

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“It’s more about what story I want to be in than what medium.” — Jacqueline McKenzie

I first saw this phenomenal Australian actress (whose birthday it is today) in Romper Stomper in 1992, and she was so intense, so unpredictable, she was on another level. I couldn’t get her out of my head. She made more … Continue reading

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“Being an actor means being an instrument for someone else. I want to give myself completely.” — Catherine Deneuve

It’s her birthday today. She was great right out of the gate. One of the unique things about her career (and she has few peers here) is that she has regularly been regaled as one of the most beautiful women … Continue reading

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“I hope I’ll die on stage at the age at 105, playing Peter Pan.” — Joan Fontaine

A re-post of the tribute I wrote about Joan Fontaine when she died in December of 2013. She almost made it to her goal. She was 96 years old. It’s her birthday today. While filming “The Women”, in 1939, Joan … Continue reading

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“If I could make every movie with Richard Linklater, I would.” — Glen Powell

It’s his birthday today. I love it when someone hard-working and deserving becomes the new It-Boy. Correction: Glen Powell isn’t an It-BOY. He is an It-MAN. I love how he seems to be really enjoying his moment, humorous about it, … Continue reading

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“If my life wasn’t funny it would just be true, and that is unacceptable.” — Carrie Fisher

It’s her birthday today. I miss her. Here is the tribute I wrote to Fisher when she died, focusing primarily on her writing. I also reviewed the documentary, Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.     Thank you … Continue reading

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