So I've decided to write again

So I've decided to enter back into the world of blogging, not that a lot of people actually read these things, but it makes me feel good to write this stuff out. The question is, what to write about? Nothing exciting ever happens in my life so that kind of limits my frame for writing. And suddenly it came to me: Old movies. I've always loved old movies. The movies of yesterday were all about content and substance. Today its all about a profit. While perusing the isles of Target I was completely aghast at some of the ridiculous titles of todays movies. None of these movies are ever going to be looked back on in 50 years the same way one looks back on, lets say, The Sound of Music which has and will always stand the test of time. Movies back then connected with the soul. The actors believed in their craft and they had TALENT!! More than just being a pretty face, they had the entire package: brains, beauty, and talent. So many actors of today are a pretty face and fit a certain sterotype. Moves stars back in the day (and they WERE movie stars in every sense) were more than a pretty face. The had the entire package. They were suave, and distinguished and oh so handsome or oh so classy. Who do we have today that reminds me of old hollywood? Mr. George Cloony is a Gregory Peck to me or John Hamm, a modern day Cary Grant. But....other than that I dont see royalty like I see way back when: Peck, Grant, Kerr, Taylor, Bogart, Leigh, Gable, Hepburn.
So anyways, I love the old movies. I feel like I was born in the wrong generation. I love classical music and I love to read. I'm weird. Yes. I know. But completly awesome too. My love for the classics has led me to write about them. I'll watch the movies and write a little blog about it.
Lets begin with the movie in which I watched last week: To Kill a Mockingbird.
So, To Kill a Mockingbird, based off Harper Lee's legendary classic and award winning book, (which if you haven't read you need toread or if it's been a while you need to read it again!!) can be summed up in one word: Amazing. For starters, you've got Mr. Gregory Peck himself who is simply God's finest work. Peck plays the widowed father Atticus Finch. He plays a lawyer who is representing a black man who is being accused of raping a white woman. Now this movie takes place during the Great Depression in Alabama where there was strong prejudices against the black man. They were seen as lesser than and inferior to the white man. So for Atticus to represent this man brought on a lot of talk and a lot of bigatory towards not only the accused but Atticus and his family. The movie is narrated by Scout, Atticus' young and precocious daughter. The movie is seen through her and her brother, Jem's eyes which is a great take on a sensitive issue. I wont give away the ending, but let's just say, Gregory Peck's speech in the trial will leave you with goosebumps (In the name of God, do your duty. In the name of God, restore this man back to his family--amazing!) Peck won the 1962 Academy Award for his role in this movie and he completely deserved it. He was divine. He WAS Atticus. And the children who play Scout and Jem were completely unknown, and never really acted much after this. Mary Badham was nominated for her role as Scout, but did not win but was the youngest actress to ever be nominated. For her one role to play, Mary certainly scored a homerun: Gregory Peck as her father, a nomination, and a movie that will stand the test of time. Not bad. Not bad at all.
There's so much emotion in this film. There's so much depth. And you walk away from the movie feeling like you've gained something. The musical score is pretty amazing as well-Mr Elemer Bernstein did very well in composing the music for the movie.
In conclusion, READ THE BOOK!!! And see the movie. You will love it.

Which brings me to another Gregory Peck movie in which you will find delightful: Roman Holiday.
Roman Holiday stars Peck and newcomer Audrey Hepburn. This was her first American film and in which she won her first Academy Award for her role as Princess Ann. Peck plays Joe Bradley, an American reporter who is residing in Rome, Italy. The princess Ann has made her last publicity stop in Rome. She is tired and sick of being a show girl and saying all the right things, so she runs away from home and has the incredible luck of running into Bradley/Peck. Lucky whore. :) Bradley, realizing who she is, feigns ignorance and takes her on a "Roman Holiday" for the day. His motives are completly selfish in that he wants an inside scoop of the famous Princess Ann and Ann wants annoynmity and thinks she has found it in Bradley. Well, the day is filled with adventures and romance. Ultimatly, they fall in love. Again, I'm not giving away the ending.
Peck is simply debonair and completely dreamy (but when is he not). Hepburn is divine. She is beautiful and funny and like a breath of fresh air. The movie is asthetically pleasing (I mean who doesn't love Rome right!?!?!) and the chemistry between Peck and Hepburn is almost tangible. They were great together!! It was the perfect blend of humor, drama and romance.

So I could go on and on but I wont. I'll be back for more.