Tag Archives: Laurence Olivier

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

Posted on October 22, 2025 by sheila

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 →

Posted in Actors, Movies, On This Day | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

On This Day: October 25, 1415: “We Few, We Happy Few.”

Posted on October 25, 2023 by sheila

Happy Anniversary of The Battle of Agincourt Today is the feast day of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, cobblers by trade (and patron saints thereof, although Vatican II nixed them from the calendar), fierce warriors of their faith, martyred in 286. … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, On This Day, Theatre | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

October 2020 Viewing Diary

Posted on November 3, 2020 by sheila

American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020; d. Jenny Popplewell) Very amateurish. Perhaps interesting to those who weren’t following the case as closely as I was. I’m STILL following the case. Chris Watts seems to think he’s going to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Monthly Viewing Diary, Movies, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

“Masters of the Acting Art”: An Interview with Author Dan Callahan

Posted on March 25, 2019 by sheila

Dan Callahan is one of our best writers on the craft of acting. Not only does he describe why a performance is good, he digs into the much thornier issue of how it is good. This is where most critics … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

For Laurence Olivier’s Birthday: “You’ve Got a Fucking Cheek, Haven’t You?”

Posted on May 22, 2016 by sheila

Happy birthday, Laurence Olivier! Here’s a funny anecdote from Antony Sher’s book Year of the King: An Actor’s Diary and Sketchbook, his diary detailing his process rehearsing (and creating) Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Sher was daunted by … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Theatre | Tagged | 9 Comments

The Books: “Vivien: The Life of Vivien Leigh” (Alexander Walker)

Posted on November 5, 2013 by sheila

A Re-post. For Vivien Leigh’s birthday, which is today. Vivien: The Life of Vivien Leigh, by Alexander Walker I had seen Gone with the Wind as a kid, and while it’s not my favorite movie, it certainly made an impression. … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Books | Tagged , , , | 31 Comments

2011 Oscars: Best Supporting Actor

Posted on February 8, 2012 by sheila

This was originally published on Capital New York. Nick Nolte: Paddy Conlon in Warrior Nick Nolte has cornered the market in tortured characters, playing them with searing authenticity and power. Nolte has been nominated for Oscars three times, as Best … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Carlin’s Last Interview

Posted on June 24, 2008 by sheila

It’s a goldmine. I love the bit about Arthur Koestler. And I love his idea for “files” – I want to look through his files!! – but I also want to take that idea on myself. I loved this, too: … Continue reading →

Posted in RIP | Tagged , | 17 Comments

At long last: The Professor’s New Movie Quiz

Posted on July 20, 2007 by sheila

I have been waiting patiently for the seasonal movie quiz from Dennis’ stellar site – and at long last – it has arrived!! I put my answers in the comments section on Dennis’ site – and seriously, reading thru everyone’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Directors, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments