Tag Archives: Humphrey Bogart

Today, the Sheila Variations turns 22. wtf.

The above pic of me – taken by Michael – graced the top of my original blog, when I set it up 22 years ago today. I never should have put my picture up on my site – it led … Continue reading

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“I’ve always felt that work – learning from people who know more than I know – is what keeps you going.” — Lauren Bacall

It’s her birthday today. This was the magazine cover that started it all. Howard Hawks was looking for a protege, a girl he could mold into his perfect idealized woman – the ideal foil for the men in those fabulous … Continue reading

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Podcast: Watch With Jen: a Pre-Code discussion!

Had so much fun appearing as a guest on Jen Johans’ podcast, Watch With Jen, for a discussion of Pre-Code films, the Wild West of Hollywood in between (roughly) the years 1930 and 1934. I pitched a couple of ideas, … Continue reading

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From Lillian Gish to James Dean: My Interview with Dan Callahan

I had a lot of fun interviewing Dan Callahan about his new book The Art of American Screen Acting, 1912-1960. It’s now up at Slant Magazine: Mystery of Screen Acting: An Interview with Dan Callahan.

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April 2017 Viewing Diary

I just dash these off. Superficial bullet-point analysis for the most part. It’s a good way to keep track of what I’ve seen, for year-end lists, of course, but also for future reference. I also always love the discussions on … Continue reading

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December 2016 Viewing Diary

Supernatural, Season 7, Episode 22, “There Will Be Blood” (2012; d. Guy Norman Bee) I had started a re-watch of Season 7 in November, so I finished it out this month. Season 7 was one of my least favorites, when … Continue reading

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June 2016 Viewing Diary

Homeland Season 3, Episode 4 “Game On” (2013; d. David Nutter) Hey, Nutter, what’s up? Thanks for the Supernatural pilot. Going on 12 seasons now, you set it up real good. I have now watched up until Season 5 of … Continue reading

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R.I.P. Lauren Bacall

This was the magazine cover that started it all. Howard Hawks was looking for a protege, a girl he could mold into his perfect woman who could play in those fabulous macho movies he made. His wife, “Slim” Hawks, saw … Continue reading

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The Great Escape (1963), Possessed (1947), Three on a Match (1932)

The Great Escape Directed by John Sturges I saw this for the first time on the big screen, at a packed showing at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago. It’s meant to be seen large. It’s meant to be seen … Continue reading

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The Books: The Making of Casablanca: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II, by Aljean Harmetz

Next book on the Hollywood shelf: The Making of Casablanca: Bogart, Bergman, and World War II, by Aljean Harmetz The book was first published under the title Round Up the Usual Suspects, which I like better, but that’s neither here … Continue reading

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