Gents And Dames

The Great American Tenor

2010-03-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Mario Lanza, the New Caruso, one of the greatest voices of the 20th century, movie star, the last of the great performers. He was, above all, an iconic star and, during the 40's into the 50's, Lanza dominated the music world singing in such operas as The Merry Wives Of Windsor, Madama Butterfly and La traviata.

Not only was he an amazing singer all-around, he also inspired other great singers influencing such talent as Plácido Domingo, José Carrera and Luciano Pavarroti with his debut movie The Great Caruso in which he portrayed Enrico Caruso. Starring in many hit movies, Mario made his indelible mark on hearts of women everywhere with his good looks and exceptional talent.

What was most remarkable - and probably most famous - about Mario Lanza was his incredible voice and the passion with which he infused within the lyrics. It was the simple way he opened his mouth to sing and how easily the listener fell into the lullaby of his deep tenor, how easily he captured your heart and made it feel what he wanted it to feel as if he owned your very soul. What Lanza sang was real... how he sang was unforgettable... and the voice that was filled with so much passion and truth became what we know now-a-days as legendary.

Movie of the Week

2010-03-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Blood and Sand
1941

A fantastic re-make of the 1922 Valentino classic that captures determination, passion, and the relentless pursuit for success perfectly. Colorful costumes, sets, and a well-drawn out story line gives for 125 minutes of splendid film making.

The equally talented and handsome Tyrone Power plays Juan Gallardo, a man with dreams of becoming the most famous bullfighter in Spain. Soon enough his dreams drive him to absolute success and he finds himself gaining everything and anything that he desires. He returns home bearing gifts for all and receiving one as well when he finds his childhood love is still in love with him and has been waiting for him. But dreams, success and gain don't always bring about the best sort of life.
Juan soon finds himself embroiled in an affair with the stunning beauty Dona Sol which complicates his life and brings Juan back down to earth. He finds himself falling into a downward spiral he can't control and watches as his ambition overwhelms the life he has built up for himself.
Will it be far too late for Juan to pick up the pieces of a life that has fallen apart? Or will he be able to lift himself up again out of the blood and sand he has allowed himself to drown in?

Tyrone Power, Rita Hayworth, Linda Darnell and Anthony Quinn are all superb in this perfect film that captures the glory of Spain. It's a beautiful movie, the performances are flawless, and the depiction is enthralling. Tyrone Power is a definite standout and his acting abilities outshine just about everything else. A classic that will last forever, a movie that is truly timeless - Blood and Sand is one of the best movies ever made.

Movie of the Week

2010-03-05T00:54:00.000-08:00

Sunset Blvd.

1950

One of the most compelling and brilliantly acted films ever made. Whenever I see it I am arrested by the enthralling images and the amazing acting most can only dream of. To think of the other actors considered for the role is simply astounding because I simply cannot think of anyone else playing those parts.

Joe Gillis is a down on his luck screenwriter who can't catch a job or a break anywhere. While trying to escape from creditors Joe finds himself with a flat tire and stumbles upon a beautiful mansion on Sunset Blvd. and inside meets a strange butler and the even stranger faded movie star Norma Desmond. He is lured by the money she offers to write her a revised version of the screenplay she herself has drawn up.
Soon enough Joe finds himself in the insane world of Norma Desmond and overwrought with her obsession to go back to Hollywood and become again the star she once was. Can he escape her controlling clutches? Her obsession? Or has he already sunk too deep into the decay and misery surrounding Norma and her crumbling mansion?

William Holden and Gloria Swanson give once in a lifetime performances and Billy Wilder directs the film in a gripping fashion. The movie is beautiful, suspenseful, and also lends a bit of sympathy for the aging Norma Desmond. No matter how much time passes or how many films are made Sunset Blvd. will continue being a stand out and will forever be one of the greatest films ever shot.

TV Show Of The Month

2010-03-04T01:25:00.000-08:00

The amazing and amusing television series that ran from 1964 to 1972 starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, a witch who forsakes her magical powers to settle down and marry a mortal man, Darrin Stephens. Her magical family disapproves of her choice and that obstacle provides viewers with laughs and great entertainment.

Elizabeth Montgomery is a true star and an amazing actress very much like her famous father, Robert Montgomery. She shines off the screen and is delightful in every way.
The show is an all around classic. Remarkable and entertaining all around. It is a brilliant delight to watch!

Pin Up Of The Month

2010-03-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable

Movie of the Week

2010-02-27T01:14:00.000-08:00

Laura
1944

Film noir at its best. Mystery at its most intriguing. Laura presents a perfect murder mystery and offers a complete range of acting done by the very best in Hollywood. The fact that two other actresses turned down the role and that Gene Tierny did not want to do this movie leaves me quite perplexed. For once, the world should be glad for contractual obligations.

Det. Mark Mcpherson (brilliantly portrayed by Dana Andrews) is investigating the murder of Laura Hunt, the alluring and beautiful ad exec, who was found dead on the floor of her apartment. Two suspects come into the picture as Laura's life unfolds. A man who was in love with her, Waldo Lydecker, and her fiance', Shelby Carpenter. The evidence that points every which way and the beautiful portrait of Laura that has made Det. McPherson fall in love with her has made the case much more difficult to solve.
Twists and turns soon abound in the coil of investigation and the truth becomes even harder to find. What is really the reason for such a brutal murder? What happened to the beautiful and doomed Laura?

Gene Tierney is absolutely enthralling and iconic in her portrayal of Laura Hunt and Dana Andrews is simply amazing as the quick talking detective eager to solve the case. Laura had the ability to make everyone love her and she will continue to do so with moviegoers throughout the years. This is truly one of the best classics and will stand out as one of the best of all time.

Favourite Gent Of The Day

2010-02-20T22:03:00.000-08:00

It was in the early 1950's with roles in movies such as My Cousin Rachel, The Robe and Alexander The Great that Richard Burton started getting recognised. Long before, the great Richard Burton received a scholarship from the prestigious Oxford University to study acting and made his first appearance on stage in the early 40's.

Not only was Richard an incredibly talented actor in the silver screen pictures, he dominated the stage in productions of Hamlet, Henry V, Othello, The Tempest, Coriolanus and numerous others.
Burton is quoted as saying "home is where the books are" as he was an avid fan of Shakespeare, poetry and reading.

What is most impressive about Richard is that he took the time to thoroughly understand each of the character's emotions, immersing himself in their situations, grasping their ideas, growing as a part of who the character is and becoming one with them. Unfortunately, there are some of us who were not able to witness the intensity of his raw acting talents on stage. However, to watch all of this unfold on screen is just as remarkable of an experience. And, since we are able to rewind, we can intently study the depth within his eyes over and over again for years to come.

Movie of the Week

2010-02-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Lolita

(1962)

The movie that created all sorts of buzz and controversy, Lolita has become a classic that most moviegoers would not dream of missing. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by the novels original author, Lolita is one of the most outrageous and wonderful movies. Although the original product was changed to please the censors, the movie still remains a film masterpiece.

Humbert Humbert (wonderfully played by James Mason) is an English professor of French literature who moves to a small town in America for an open teaching position. There he falls into a relationship with Charlotte Haze (whose distressful loneliness is played masterfully by Shelley Winters) only to get closer to her 14 year old daughter who turns out to be quite a minx. Lolita has the charm, flirtatiousness and beauty to make Humbert fall in love with her to the point of senselessness. However, what Humbert hopes for is soon sidetracked by his antagonist, Clare Quilty (The role was widely expanded from the novel and is played by Peter Sellers) who has his own affection for Lolita.

A movie about manipulation, thriving yearnings and a scandalous want that is and will always be shocking. The actors carry out their roles effortlessly without having received much acclaim for their work. This film was widely rejected and yet continues to be film-making at its best.

Movie Of The Week

2010-02-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's is a day of love. Unhindered, inexpressible, and overwhelming love. The day where your sweetheart is breathless at the sound of your proclamations of devotion, and swooning over the thought you put into this one special day.
Here we will be reflecting such love in a short list of four movies that reflect love's impeccable feelings but also display the ultimate tumultuous side of love. Because while love always makes you happy, it can also hurt.

1. Gone With The Wind (1939)

Not only does this timeless masterpiece capture one of the greatest love stories of all time, it also brings us a heroine whose eyes are blinded to the one man who would do anything for her, who has loved her indefintiely. Thus bringing us one of of the most tortured, passionate, and enduring romances throughout history.

2. Romeo and Juliet(1968)

Perhaps one of the most famous, legendary, and altogether tragic love stories ever told. Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of star-crossed lovers with feuding families who only long for each other. The results of this forbidden romance is sorrowful and yet their love remains timeless and forevermore.

3. Wuthering Heights (1939)

A movie filled with enough savage romance to make anyone exhausted. Wuthering Heights offers a love that not only borders madness but also shows the side of rejection that love can take, The lasting passion behind anger and ache.

4. The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954)

A story set in the most romantic place on earth about regrets, true love, and ultimate heartbreak. A movie chronicling a love so full of despair it cause sorrow and a never ending tragedy.

Modern Day Gent

2010-02-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

Joseph Fiennes is clearly an unforgettable actor. With outstanding performances in highly acclaimed movies such as Shakespeare In Love and Elizabeth, he has made a name for himself in Hollywood. Brother to another highly acclaimed actor, Ralph Fiennes, Joseph Fiennes is truly one of Hollywood's most refined and talented actors easily taking us back to the golden era of Hollywood, making us feel as if we remember the classiness of old Hollywood.

Joseph Fiennes is outstanding in any work that he does, making him remarkable and unforgettable. He not only defines modern at it's best but with a taste of classic Hollywood in every project he does. He is one of the few actors that define the meaning of a modern day gent.

Sweethearts Of February!

2010-02-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here at Gents and Dames, we found it exceedingly difficult to post only one pin up for this special

month. For February, we decided to go ahead and post as many of these beauties we could find!

Joan Blondell

Olympe Bradna

Yvonne DeCarlo

Rita Hayworth

Joan Leslie

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

King Of Jazz

2010-02-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

Breaking boundaries and always keeping true to himself, Nat King Cole did more than make a name for himself in the music industry with hit classics such as Unforgettable, L-O-V-E, Mona Lisa and Darling Je Vous Aime Beacoup.

It all began in the mid-1930's. While still a teenager, he changed his name to Nat Cole and, with his older brother Eddie, made his first jazz recording inspired by the playing of Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong and Jimmie Noone. The Cole's were regulars at numerous clubs and it was at one jazz club in particular where Nat Cole got the nickname King which is based on the otherwise unrelated nursery rhyme about Old King Cole.
In Long Beach, Cole and three other musicians formed the King Cole Swingers playing many local bars before landing a gig worth $90 ($1, 384 currently) at the Long Beach Pike.

Though Cole was a jazz pianist, he did sing in between instrumental numbers maintaining the deep baritone of his voice by smoking constantly. Sadly, it was this habit that led to lung cancer and on February 15, 1965 at the age of 46 Nat King Cole passed away leaving for us all music that truly is unforgettable.

Movie of the Week

2010-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Shadow of a Doubt

1943

Hitchcock was quoted as saying this was one of his favorite movies and Teresa Wright also said it was her favorite. Such high praise is well-deserved when it comes to this spectacular film. This is indeed one of the best masterpieces Alfred Hitchcock ever made.

Joseph Cotten plays Uncle Charlie. We know from the beginning that he is on the run from the law but it does not hinder the suspense as the movie runs its powerful course. Uncle Charlie's young niece, Charlie (named after her beloved uncle), has become quite bored with the life she lives with her family. She has already decided what it is that could make things more interesting: a visit from her uncle, which does come quite by surprise.
Upon his arrival, everyone displays their usual trust and love for him but soon enough things begin to unravel for Uncle Charlie due to the most unlikely source.
After noticing several oddities in her uncles behavior and things that point to the fact that he is hiding something, Charlie begins to suspect the worst. The arrival of two men asking questions about him doesn't help her suspicions at all. Is Uncle Charlie really the man responsible for horrible crimes? Are Charlie's suspicions correct? We follow her as she reluctantly overturns stones that lead to an amazing and unforgettable climax.

Mystery, suspense, thrills and noir all come together to create a blend of absolute perfection. The acting is superb, the directing is -as always- flawless and the script is captivating.
Shadow of a Doubt is one of the best movies one will ever see. It'll leave you breathless as you watch the suspense unravel and realize just how far one will go to protect themselves and how blind love can truly leave you.

TV Show Of The Month

2010-02-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

The 1957 sitcom was a first of it's kind, being the first show about an all-American suburban family strictly told through the eyes of the children and, in this case, the Beaver. The delightful show was not only filled with humor for audiences of all ages but also with Beaver getting into trouble and facing discipline for his actions.

The show's characters were altogether likable and delightful as well as amusing. The chemistry of the cast made you truly believe you were watching your every day all-American family. That was what made the audiences adore the show.

The show ran for six years but it's memory will no doubt live for years to come. When you watch Leave It To Beaver you are all at once amused, delighted, and fascinated by this great classic.

To experience this delightful classic on DVD, visit our store buy Clicking HERE.

Movie of the Week

2010-01-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

Jezebel

1938

Rumors were afloat about this movie being the answer to Gone With the Wind and the role for compensation since Bette Davis was not allowed to do the part of Scarlett O Hara. Whatever the truth is, Warner Bros. released a movie that has maintained the title of a true legend.

Julie Marsden is a headstrong, fierce, often-times controlling girl who creates scandal and draws gossip with whatever she does. Young Julie does have a heart full of love but in her need to show her independence she uses and abuses the possibilities she has been given. Especially in reference to her young, successful fiance Preston.
Things quickly turn for the worst and Julie finds herself alone without the love she wanted all along, and surrounded by public gossip. She sets out to become a new woman, a changed one. It doesn't matter to her what she has lost. She has the thought that she will get it back.
Will Julie truly change? Or will she lose herself in the controlling and selfish actions she has always done?

Bette Davis is outstanding in this role, portraying a perfect rendition of a heartbroken, headstrong woman on the road for redemption. It is no wonder she won an Oscar for her performance. Henry Fonda is also wonderful as Preston.
This movie is a beautiful yet tragic story that unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil War. It brings consequences and forgiveness, the hope for love and the need to show ones independence. This film will always be a legend no matter what decade or generation. Warner Bros. truly made a film that can stand alongside Gone With The Wind as one of the best movies ever made.

Favorite Dame Of The Day

2010-01-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

Originally signed by Twentieth Century Fox as an answer to MGM's Elizabeth Taylor, no one can deny that Joan Collins made a name for herself outside of the label of "Fox's Liz Taylor". With an impressive list of over one hundred roles and with her outstanding acting and perfect beauty Joan Collins is no doubt one of the most unforgettable actresses of old Hollywood. Who could forget Joan Collins in any piece of work she did? With her brilliant talent to play innocent but also villainous characters and her unmatchable beauty, it is most certain that she shall never be forgotten.

Modern Day Dame

2010-01-24T23:10:00.000-08:00

Besides being astonishingly beautiful and an incredibly talented actress, Natalie Portman is also brilliant with a bachelor's degree in psychology (from Harvard University, no less), bilingual in Hebrew and English, and an advocate for animal rights which prompted her to launch a vegan shoe line in 2007.
And all of that is only the beginning! While attending high school, two research papers she co-authored had been published in professional scientific journals and, while attending university, she contributed to a study on memory called "Frontal Lobe Activation During Object Permanence".
Natalie is also heavily involved in politics and has even been a part of both presidential campaign candidates John Kerry and, our new president, Barack Obama. She supports anti-poverty activities and has been an advocate for environmental causes since childhood.

Though she was featured in many live performances, it was in the 1994 film Léon a.k.a. The Professional that Natalie's acting career first began. From there, the films kept coming with Heat, Beautiful Girls, Anywhere But Here, Where The Heart Is and, the box-office hits, Star Wars episodes one to three. That's not to mention the numerous films she stars in that have yet to be released such as Hersher, Your Highness, Black Swan, Thor, and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies all due to hit theaters later this year and in 2011.

With an impressive résumé as this, intelligence beyond belief and beauty unsurpassable, Natalie Portman can do it all. The only thing she can't do is cease to delight us.

Movie of the Week

2010-01-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing

1955

The true story of Evelyn Nesbit being at the center of the murder that swept the nation in a storm is wondrously told in lavish color and spectacular performances.

Evelyn Nesbit (played perfectly and sweetly by Joan Collins) is perhaps the most beautiful girl in America, and she quickly catches the heart of most men that see her. Stanford White is a brilliant architect who is no exception to Evelyn's innocent beauty. They soon begin an affair much to the displeasure of her other would-be suitors, with Harry Thaw leading the pack.
Heartache and sorrow come almost effortlessly to the characters in the film. Misfortune and let-down seem to always follow Evelyn, never offering her rest from her pursuit of being free of it. In a whirlwind of jealousy, sorrow and scandal, a murder takes place, once again putting Evelyn in the path of pain.

Not only are the scenes sumptuous and the colors dazzling but the acting is also superb and the story is enchanting. This is a movie I only recently saw and have absolutely fallen in love with. It is a classic, an ultimate portrayal of the true story of a deadly love triangle. The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing is the perfect kind of movie that has successfully shot to the moon.

Modern Day Gent

2010-01-22T01:54:00.000-08:00

Leonardo DiCaprio became a huge star with the release of one of the biggest blockbusters of all time, Titanic. Since then he has landed such roles as the legend Howard Hughes in The Aviator and many under the great Martin Scorsese's direction. Leonardo DiCaprio quickly rose to stardom and has yet to, and certainly will never, fall from it. DiCaprio has over 25 movies in the works, including one where he is slated to play the great Frank Sinatra and even Theodore Roosevelt.
He is one of those faces you will never forget, one of those actors that slip easily into any role handed to them, one that I am certain shall never be forgotten for years to come.
And maybe in those later years he will be likened unto the many greats he has portrayed so effortlessly on film.

Favourite Gent Of The Day

2010-01-21T03:34:00.000-08:00

Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, remains one of Hollywood's most talented and respected actors with such films as 1953's Houdini, 1956's Trapeze in which he co-starred with the incredible Burt Lancaster, 1957's Sweet Smell Of Success, 1958's The Defiant Ones (a personal favourite) and Some Like It Hot the next year.
Of course, these are only a few of his films since Tony has over 100 finished projects including more recent appearances on the hit CBS show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2007 and in the dramatic love story between an Israeli man and Palestinian woman titled David And Fatima released in 2008.
Despite these recent appearances, Tony has decided to make painting his passion over acting selling each canvas at over $25,000!

Nothing can stop Tony Curtis now and nothing could stop him then. Although Curtis has never won an Oscar even for his gritty portrayal of John 'Joker' Jackson in The Defiant Ones, he was inducted into the UNLV Hall of Fame in 2004.

The reason why we all love Tony Curtis is because we never know what to expect. With such diverse roles in Some Like It Hot, The Boston Strangler and The Vikings, it is no surprise that he refuses to play it safe. His comedic timing is impeccable. The sensuality of his voice during a love scene is enough to make any sane and normal functioning woman swoon. The fluidity of his physical movements are natural, honest, believable. He is a magnificent actor... compelling, incomparable beyond ones understanding, intriguing, astonishingly talented. Makes me wonder why this man has yet to win an Oscar but Halle Berry, George Clooney and Jennifer Hudson have. Hmm... Oh well.
Enjoy the photos!

Favourite Dame Of The Day

2010-01-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Joan Crawford is one of the greatest actresses of all time. She always played the tough, fast talking woman with brains and beauty that could drive any man out of his wits. And in life outside of the movies some said she was like that. She, herself, always said that she was never anything but herself to the public. Maybe that is why every character she portrays seems so honest and even in a way, you trust her. She was an amazing actress, a true queen of the silver screen, one that, not even in an hundred years, will be forgotten.

Movie of the Week

2010-01-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here Comes Mr. Jordan
1941

A delightful and different comedy that displays the things we do to just live. A movie that blends celestial magic and harsh reality.

Joe Pendleton(Robert Montgomery) is a boxer preparing for a big fight but as he's traveling his plane crashes and sadly he dies. But once he reaches the other side he finds that they took him too soon, 50 years too soon. Mr. Jordan (Played brilliantly by Claude Rains) chooses to right the mistake. So he takes Joe back to earth to find his body which turns up having been cremated by his friends. There's only one way Joe can continue living, by taking the body of a wealthy playboy who has made many mistakes and who has just been killed by his wife and her lover. Joe takes the chance and soon finds himself in a journey he'll most likely never forget.

Robert Montgomery's comedic timing is priceless and the supporting cast hold him up perfectly. It's a delightful story about a man eager to live and a harsh reality that can certainly be changed. All mistakes can be fixed. Here Comes Mr. Jordan is a classic and will surely live on. This movie is certainly not one of those mistakes that need fixing.

Ricky Nelson

2010-01-13T01:46:00.000-08:00

Rick Nelson remains a legend to this day placing as many as fifty three hits on the Billboard charts. His music is easily identifiable in songs such as Hello Mary Lou, Lonesome Town and I'm Walkin'.

Who he was as a person is something of an enigma, a man of mystery, quiet and solitary. He is remembered by the wicked sense of humour he had and the practical joking he never ceased to do.

Above all, Ricky Nelson is remembered for living honestly, gracefully and with integrity.

Photo Of The Month

2010-01-13T01:27:00.000-08:00

Jean Harlow with Primo Carnera, Italian boxer and world heavyweight champion, June 29 1933 - June 14, 1934

Modern Day Gent

2010-01-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

Jude Law is the modern embodiment of the classic Hollywood actor. With his great acting skills, his stage credibility, and his refined and handsome face, it is no wonder the British born actor has captured the attention of not only Hollywood but the general public. His clear blue eyes are not only able to capture the emotions his character feels, whether he is tormented ,elated, even stoic. They are also able to capture you, draw you into his world effortlessly. Jude Law is a rightfully acclaimed actor, a perfect representation of what old Hollywood possessed. He is, in my opinion, the absolute definition of a modern day gent.