Thursday, December 31, 2009

"I didn't know they made champagne in Idaho."

"Let's have some of that crazy Idaho champagne."- Cactus Flower

Hope you've had, are having or about to have a wonderful new year's eve. I'm not a big fan of this holiday because I think every day is one you can't repeat... but maybe I'll have a glass of champagne (Ingrid style = CLASSY ...think Notorious, Anastasia and Cactus Flower.

PS I've successfully made it to L.A., moved some of my stuff into my new house and I'm currently staying downtown... it's GORGEOUS!! I'm going to post pics of my new place and write about my cross country trip on my other blog soon-- I'll be sure to post a link if anyone is interested!

As soon as I'm moved in, I'll try and get that Casablanca post done NEXT WEEK!! (or maybe this weekend...)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!


God Jul! Which is hopefully Swedish for Good Yule! haha. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. I move to California on Sunday, I will hopefully watch the rest of Casablanca soon and post the play-by-play. I'll have internet asap, but who knows when...

Anyway, have an ingridly wonderful day! :)

Sincerely,
Alexis

PS
Watch The Bells of Saint Mary's if you're looking for a feel-good Ingrid Bergman Christmas movie. :)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

And The Winner Is...

TOM!
Tom created the "Broachin' On Ingrid" logo and with 50% of the votes, he wins Taschen's photo book of Ingrid!

Here is Tom's acceptance speech. Congrats again!


"Thanks Alexis! I had fun working on your banner. I don't know if I have a speech, but I could share some Ingrid love! She's one of my favorite actresses. Though I haven't seen any of her Swedish films yet, I have two favorite English-language performances of hers. The first is Casablanca, and the other is A Woman Called Golda, her final filmed performance. Also, I just watched For Whom the Bell Tolls last weekend and loved her in it.

Can't wait to read the biography, it sounds like a good one. I want to learn more about her early career and life. And am following your blog! Love it!!"

On a different note, I will be moving right after Christmas, from Maryland to California...because of this, my post about Casablanca may be REALLY delayed. I will hopefully do it sometime this week... but I apologize for this extreme delay. I have the first part written, and if you'd like the play by play in sections, let me know and I'll post it as such.
Thanks for your support and submissions- they're all fantastic logos and will be used!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

LOGOS!

Here it goes! The logo contest.
The winner of this contest will receive a copy of Taschen's Movie Icons: BERGMAN
Here's how we will do this:
  • I will post the logos below with code names.
  • The code names will appear in a voting box on the sidebar
  • You vote for the winners.
  • All logos submitted will earn a spot on the site at some point. Of course the winner will have a long stay and first dibs, but everyone will be hosted.
Be sure to vote for your favorite!
Thank you to everyone who submitted. Your name will be revealed at the end (or your SN) and I'll contact you so that I can send you the prize! :)

Best of luck and thanks for reading!

Big Wheelin' Ingrid
Broaching on Ingrid
Family Ties Ingrid
Poster Child Ingrid
Purple Rain Ingrid

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Logo Contest



I've been receiving fantastic logos!

Get your submissions in by 11:59PM EST on Wednesday December 9!

Thanks for your work and the logos are looking great- we'll start voting once they're in! :)


Monday, November 30, 2009

Ingrid Logo Contest


Hi all-
SO the votes are in and it looks like we're doing a logo contest. Please submit your logos in a comment area or email them to me.
I'll post them and we can vote on which ones we like the most. Then I'll figure out some prizes!!
Can't wait to see what comes out of this!!! :)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Casablanca: A History


On December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the play, Everybody Goes to Rick's, was purchased by Warner Bros. Producer Hal Wallis for (USD) $20,000. This was the most money ever spent on an un-produced play and would start on of the most perfectly timed cinematic events in film history.
The original story was discovered by Irene Lee, the story department head who felt like it had potential.
There is always talk about the way Casablanca was written, I'll try and bring forth what seems to be the way it ended up the way it did.
The title was changed from Everybody Goes to Rick's to Casablanca because it was catchy and relevant. People at the time would have seen the word "Casablanca" in the news and were mostly aware of where it is.
The original story break down was: "The heroine in the play was Lois, a wanton American and classic femme noire. Her earlier affair with Rick in Paris had broken up his marriage, and as the story opens she arrives in Casablanca as the mistress, not the wife, of Resistance leader Victor Laszlo." (The Genius of the System, 315)
Aeneas Mackenzie and Wally Kline worked on a treatment in January of 1942, but their rendition was changed because Wallis was unhappy with the Lois character. Wallis took the two writers off the film in February 1942 and hired Casey Robinson who was a notable melodrama writer. During this month, the Epstein twins (Philip and Julius) were officially hired for the job. It was also at this time that Louis Renault (Claude Rains' character) was reworked to be an ally of Rick's at certain points of the story.
Robinson received no formal recognition for his writing because he refused to share billing. He therefore was left out of the credits and eventually out of the Oscar run.
Robinson is who we can credit with changing Lois into Ilsa, the innocent European played by Ingrid Bergman.
Thanks to the trade of Warner Bros.' Olivia de Havilland for David O. Selznick's Ingrid Bergman, Ingrid was cast on April 24, 1942. Selznick, who thought it was good for Ingrid's image to be in a pro-United States, war-time film (due to "possibility of Sweden's alliance with Germany and Italy" [Notorious: the Ingrid Bergman Story, 122]) traded Ingrid for $125,000 of which she received her standard salary of $3500. (122) Humphrey Bogart also didn't profit much out of his starring in the film, only earning his Warner Bros.' allotted salary of $2,750.

Ingrid wrote her friend Ruth Roberts on the subject of being cast for Casablanca, "The picture is called Casablanca and I really don't know what it's all about." (122)
Ingrid joined the production (physically in Hollywood) on May 2, 1942.

Now, watch this video for Ingrid's take on how the script was done and how confused she was- then we can continue with the myths and different casting things that went on during the pre-through-post production times:

Though Ingrid felt like the writing was confusing as well as the direction, it wasn't uncommon in those times, as well as on some sets today, to have a lot of things changed or not finished. Though this movie was unique in the fact that they didn't know what ending they were going to use until they shot the version we see today. There were a lot of rewrites and a lot of undecided factors- including who Ilsa would follow in the end. Some books suggest that her performance was enhanced by the fact that just like her character, she was in an internal turmoil between the men.
The collaboration was that of an open one. Everyone contributed ideas. Some of the more famous lines like "Here's looking at you kid." were actually brought to the film or the writer's attention by Humphrey Bogart.

Back to the historical significance and wonderful timing:
  • The movie's initiation was the day after "Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7, 1942)"
  • The film was named for it's geographical location, much like the Hedy Lemar/Charles Boyer film Algiers which audiences would have related to the times and settings they already were familiar with (thanks to the news and reels).
  • The film went into general release (January 1943) just as the Allies opened a summit conference in Casablanca. Adding to curiosity, relevance, ticket sales and popularity.
  • Was seen as the first film to show "America's commitment to the war" (The Genius of the System, 317).
  • In April of 1942 Howard Koch (one of the credited writers) was told to increase talk of Rick's political standings as well as occupation in Casablanca in the script. This was all at a time when it was a part of France but was infiltrated by all types of people (as seen in the film).
  • Hal Wallis was going to make many retakes and shoot more scenes but was halted by various events including, not being able to reshoot with Ingrid who had cut her hair for For Whom The Bell Tolls and because when they were about to reshoot, the Allies landed in Casablanca for the North African campaign.
  • This story was one of the first, if not the first, to re-write United States melodrama towards benefitting the war. The leads were to give up certain understood notions like ending up together, being only with one another and selfishly disregarding others for sacrificing self for the greater good (i.e. Ilsa goes off with Laszlo and Rick stays to fight for the country he initially couldn't care less about).
The film was released on November 26, 1942- which was a pushed premier date because it was another timing issue. They felt it would be better off considering the Allies were doing well and everyone was getting involved. Plus no one knew what could happen next...
Just a couple of other tid-bits:
  • As Time Goes By was almost cut from the movie completely. They found that they'd have to reshoot all the scenes with it, including major bar scenes and scenes with Ingrid, so they left it in. It was an unexpected, now iconic, hit.
  • Both in November of '42 and January '43 Casablanca was a hit. Ingrid never understood this until she saw the film later in life. She was admittedly focused on her next film.
  • "Even when spoken by supporting actors, the dialog is filled with innuendoes, ambiguities and ironies. In fact, many of the men and women playing waiters, refugees or nameless customers were Europeans who had emigrated to Hollywood to escape Nazism. Neverously hopeful, coldly indifferent or patient and resigned the presence of minor characrters intensifies the oppressive atmosphere of the film"-Reclams Filmklassiker (100 Greatest Films of All Time, 210)
  • Paul Henreid was not sure he wanted to play the 2nd man in this film because he was concerned about typecasting as well as playing second fiddle to the stars and not being remembered.
  • On their relationship, Ingrid stated about Bogie that "I kissed Bogie, but I never got to know him." (Ingrid, 82)
  • The line at the end of the film "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" was added in post production and was written by Hal Wallis. It is ranked #20 on the AFI's Top 100 Movie Quotes.
Casablanca. 1942. 102 Minutes. B&W. Drama.
OSCARS: Best Picture (Hal B. Wallis), Best Director (Michael Curtiz), Best Screenplay (Julius J. Epstein, Phillip G. Epstein and Howard Koch).

Monday, November 23, 2009

Ingrid Quiz...


1. What's your favorite Ingrid film?

2. Who's your favorite leading man from a film with Ingrid?

3. Who would you LOVE to see her with?

4. What action film would you cast Ingrid in?

5. In which current/classic TV show would she have been a great cast member?

6. Long hair Ingrid or short?

7. Ingrid in Sweden, Italy or U.S.?

8. Who's your favorite of her children?

9. Favorite photo of Ingrid?

10. If you had to write a book report on Ingrid, what would it be titled?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"Life in Black and White and Technicolor"



I was perusing the various blogs I follow and I found one through a follower, Loes, called Life in Black and White and Technicolor. I urge you all to follow this well articulated blog. She does a fantastic job of incorporating film, art, favorites, student life and life in general into her posts.
One particular post caught my attention... "A Scandinavian Intermezzo." Everyone should go to her blog and flood her followers box because she deserves our support! Thanks for being a reader and commenter Loes!

Ingrid Bergman Life and Films Logo Contest???



Should we have another Ingrid Bergman Life and Films logo contest? I was thinking about having an Ingrid prize this time... any thoughts?
I know that participation wasn't that high last time, but I did end up with a beautiful logo from Lolita... so it was definitely worth it...

Comment and let me know... I'll also put up another poll to see if anyone's interested.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Twitter

If you follow me on or if you're on twitter please mark your Ingrid Bergman posts with #ingridbergman
This will make it easier for people to find information about Ingrid on twitter and maybe help build our community and communication :)

Kate Gabrielle's Gift to Me!



I recently ordered a moleskine journal from Kate Gabrielle's etsy page. I love the Eloise flapperdoodle cartoon. It's incredibly witty and cute. Well, a surprise was awaiting me today in a flapper-covered envelope...a drawing of Ingrid!
Here is a video showing you what I received. Thank you again Kate Gabrielle for your work and your blog, they're superiorly well done.
Follow KateGabrielle on all of her sites!
(I'll post a transcript of what I say for any non-English speakers.)


So I want to show you that I got a new package today, and do you notice anything about the package? I think that it might be some flapperdoodles. That's right, flapperdoodles. Courtesy of KateGabrielle. And... So I purchased... this which is a moleskine, lined, um, journal and it has Eloise here, reading a book. Which makes me excited because I like to imagine myself looking like that. Um, not really. I don't look like that.
So, this is the cover and it has her logo on here... sorry everything is reversed...the logo is here. And on the back there's a cute little Eloise logo and with it came cards, lots of cards, and coupons, lots of coupons! for etsy
And a little surprise!
That's right, she drew a picture of Ingrid Bergman and sent it to me. I am very excited about this and I just want to say a big thanks to KateGabrielle. I love your work, I follow you on twitter, we talk, it's cool. I like it. And I'm not the only one who can vouch to say that you are awesome!
Your art is amazing. Keep it up. You have a great talent, don't waste it! So I'm going to get this a frame and I think I might take some stills of it as well and post it if that is okay with everyone. So that everybody can see how wonderful this is probably in better resolution than this... You can see the reflection of my computer.
Um, and now I'm going to go and work on the Casablanca blogs; which I'm going to show you...look. Proof! Proof that I'm really doing it.
Seriously, research, look at this. This is my pile, my pile of research. Right here. I'm working on it, alright. And then I'll do the play by play, which hopefully I can do tonight and just get it done and have a quality blog for everyone. So thanks for being patient and thanks for being a reader. Uh, I guess I'll see you on the other side!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ingrid Bergman Life and Films Facebook Fan Page!


I have done a few things to keep up with you kids and the crazy times...
I have:
  1. Added a facebook fan page to boost my connections with all Ingrid fans and another outlet for all of us to spread love of classic films. Feel free to join, share your fan pages here or on that page, link to it, post comments, share pictures, etc. There is a facebook badge in the sidebar, you can follow that as a link to the site or look up "Ingrid Bergman Life and Films" on facebook! Feel free to friend me :)
  2. Added a "Linkwithin" bar under each post. This is more for fun and interested first timers. I noticed other bloggers hosting this addition to their pages, and I've used it to get lost in a labyrinth of amazing classic film posts, so why not give it a try? Lol.
So I will now get back to my research- I really am trying to pull this Casablanca post together- I just want it to be as well done as possible!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Rare Ingrid Films Showing in Berkeley, CA

I'm kind of bumming about this because I'm no where near Berkeley and would have loved to go to this film event(s), but anyway:
The University of California Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive is hosting a series called "A Woman's Face: Ingrid Bergman in Europe." This celebration and discussion of Ingrid's time in Sweden and in Italy. The event kicked off with a lecture from The Swedish Film Institute's Jon Wengström, discussing Ingrid's personal life and work through out her lifetime.
The program will continue with screenings of some of her rare work from the 1930's and her work with
Rossellini in Italy in the 1950's. If you visit the link to "A Woman's Face..." it has a line up of the films including:
Intermezzo (1936), The Count of the Old Town (1935), Walpurgis Night (1935), A Woman's Face (1938),
June Night (1940), Stromboli (1949), Europa '51 (1952), Viaggio in Italia (1953), Autumn Sonata (1978).
If anyone gets a chance to get to any of these screenings, please take pictures of yourself there and write me!
I would have loved to be there, actually it makes me extremely sad and irritated that I cannot just hope in a time
machine/jet and see the lecture that was held on Wednesday. Oh well.
So what I have done to cure my ails is email the BAM/PFA and ask them how to get in touch with JonhWengström.
Here is a copy of what I have sent. Hope you guys don't mind that I threw you into this, but I thought some of you
would like to be included! :)
Hello-
My name is Alexis Morrell and I compose a blog dedicated to the life and work of Ingrid Bergman. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as how to get in touch with Jon Wengström from the Swedish Film Institute? I have been trying to follow the film/lecture series that you are hosting at the BAM/PFA from afar (I am in Maryland and therefore was unable to be at the lecture as well as I will be unable to attend the film series), and my readers and I would like to know if there is a possibility to find out more about the lecture as well as the Ingrid Bergman series?
Any information would be much appreciated, we are all devout Ingrid fans and our deepest wishes would have been to attend your film/lecture event.
Thank you for your time,
Alexis Morrell
Ingrid Bergman Life and Films

--
Alexis Morrell

www.alexismorrell.webs.com
http://ingridbergmanfilms.blogspot.com

Now I will go back to researching the history of Casablanca. I'm going to present you with the history of the film because it is truly one of the most interesting happy accident pieces of cinema ever to grace this earth. I'm just now reading about the writing and casting--WOO!- this film is full of drama, not just on the screen but behind the scenes as well! I can't wait to give you all this information.
After the history, I will then do the play-by-play. That will be a little less credible because it will be me shooting off the hip, but hopefully, none-the-less, entertaining.

Thank you for your support and readership,
Alexis :)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

My Last Fiesta Videos


So, though this isn't very Ingrid based, I just wanted to share a little video I recently made that is a part of my last mission video with the FiestaMovement.
This is just a part of my mission 6 video, but I worked arduously on it and think it stands pretty well on its own.
Just a quick story about it...
I was showing Julia, age 3, my video as I was in the process of making it. She picked up the tiny mimobot car and said "Make it go like that." Then put it in the drawer and waited. Though I was a little bit sad that I couldn't make fantasy real in real life, I was really excited to make her think that it could happen and that the video was believable, even if just in a child's eyes.
It was a cool moment, and just another reason to become a filmmaker and love film.
Loving film= something we all have in common!
:)
So here it is--please let me know what you think!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween Ingrid!


Happy Halloween to everyone--it's a little late, but the sentiment is still genuine. Did anyone happen to catch Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde on TCM last night? I did.
Here's a picture of me watching the movie.

I dressed up as Dr. Temperance Brennan from the Fox TV series, "Bones." My costume rocked and I had a lot of fun!
Me in front of a rasterbated picture of the bones of Frida Khalo.
Examining a victim from a case. Also, having some snacks.
Julia was a "haircut lady" and Katharine was Snow White. They're the little girls I babysit.

The party we threw was my last mission for the FiestaMovement. If you're in L.A. on December 1st or 2nd you should come down to the L.A. Auto Show! I'll be there!

What was everyone for halloween? Did you celebrate? Did you catch a classic film?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Ads and TUMBLR!


Hey everyone-
Just a note, I am working on the Casablanca post. It's going to take some time because I want it to be amazing!!!

I just wanted to let you all know why I put up obnoxious ads. I normally wouldn't do such a thing because I think they make the place look cluttered and noisy with commercialism, but, I am trying to make a few bucks for Film School (USC SCA).
Me, Alexis, as a unicorn...at a wedding being silly

I have been trying every outlet possible, so please don't feel used!! It is just another way the internet might work to pay for a pencil or a salad. Lol. Especially in this economy--BLURG!

Well, I'll be sure to post soon and thanks again for your readership and your love of Ingrid! Be sure to check out my tumblr page and my twitter page! I'd love to chat it up with fellow Classic Film buffs and Ingrid Fans! :)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Lauren and "My Big Paintings"

You all are not going to believe this when you see it...
Lauren, an 11 year old artist, does speed and performance painting. She does portraits and various other forms and I wrote her and asked her to do one of Ingrid...
She did one recently!!

Here's a video of her painting Ingrid! Thanks to Lauren for hearing a fan's request!




If you're interested in seeing Lauren's story, her work or purchasing a piece please visit her website: MY BIG PAINTINGS or her Youtube.com Page: LaurenPaints

Thanks again Lauren for sharing this with us! :)

Attempting Casablanca--Oh Good Grief!

Due to Casablanca's overwhelming success over the past 67 years, I have to respect this and do my research accordingly.
I have tons of resources to help me out. I plan on giving you facts, quotes, historical data as well as background on the movie then doing a play-by-play of the film itself. The p.b.p. may be mixes of opinion, comments, sarcasm, film commentary, definition of what's going on as well as anything else I can conjure up. Hopefully everyone's cool with that. If you have disagreements, that's fine, I expect it. It's the #2 film of all time (AFI Top 100 Movies) so I expect everyone to have seen it as well as have opinions about the film.

Now I must get to my research, but I will leave you with this to get all engines revving!

Tumblr



Emily has hooked me on Tumblr.com.
That's right. Now there is a tumblr site connected with Ingrid Bergman Life and Films!
If you're interested in following my tumblr, or want to find other great Ingrid tumblrs, join in the fun!

Emily has a great Classic Film tumblr called NotoriousDreamTeam and she showed me another fantastic Ingrid tumblr called DaisiesandButtercups, filled with love, admiration for and photos of Ingrid Bergman.

If you miss their posts, or mine, please follow me on twitter and you're most likely to see them! @alexis_morrell


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Casablanca It Is!

Votes are in.
Votes are counted.
It's Casablanca by a mile! Lol.

I will get to working on the play by play as soon as I can. I am working right now on attempting to save the high school that I attended--it's in danger of closing. So after the meeting this coming Thursday I should be able to start working on the movie! I'm excited. I like Casablanca a lot, it's a monumental film, but it also has a lot of history that makes it miraculous that we consider it so fantastic. Wait until you read what Ingrid had to say about it. :)

Thanks for your votes and your readership!
Alexis

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Next Movie Post

I know that the last post for a movie was quite long and took me a while to actually get up there but I'd like to know if you want me to do another Ingrid film review?

I was thinking the next one could be of one of the following:
Autumn Sonata
Casablanca
or
The Bells of St. Mary's

Let's have a vote! Let me know what movie you'd like to see...
Please vote in the poll on the side bar or leave a comment-- better yet--DO BOTH! :)

Thanks for your readership and your contributions
<3>

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Green Porno 3: Bon Appetit

Ingrid's daughter, Isabella Rossellini (whom I also adore), has recently released her 3rd and finale series of the Sundance Channel's online series, Green Porno. This one is called "Green Porno 3: Bon Appetit"
This time Isabella discusses the effects of the fishing industry on the eco system, the planet and animals. It's enough to make you stop eating seafood for a while. She joins up with marine biologist Dr. Claudio Campagna, who gives a tutorial at the end of each segment.
I enjoy all of the Green Porno series--they have each had their own vibe. I'd have to say that season 1 and season 3 are my favorites. I still LOVE the Bee!

Anyway, to check it out go to: SundanceChannel.com/greenporno
She also has a new book out complete with a DVD of the series--- GO TO AMAZON TO SEE



Monday, October 5, 2009

Adam Had Four Sons: A Minute by Minute Review/Analysis



NOTE: I love how corny this film is, I am mocking it a bit because it's not a masterpiece by any means, but I do it in jest and out of love. I also assume you have seen this film or are going to watch it so SPOILER ALERT for EVERYTHING ahead.

First of all, let's discuss the historical/biographical context of this film (regarding Ingrid Bergman's life).
When Ingrid Bergman came to work for David O. Selznick in the U.S. in 1939, she was contracted to work for him. She worked on the English version of Intermezzo: A Love Story and then hit a lull. Selznick didn't have any quality pictures for her to work on because he was busy with films like ("his masterpiece") Gone With the Wind. Ingrid did a play in NYC and some work in Germany, but then, just when she was contemplating leaving the states, Selznick got her a gig playing Emily in Adam Had Four Sons. Selznick new the film wasn't going to be a hit, but he wanted to keep Ingrid listed for future parts. Selznick actually lured Ingrid into the part because he promised her that he would eventually give her the part she had always wanted to play; Joan of Arc. The real reason Ingrid locked in this part was Gregory Ratoff, who begged Selznick to loan him Ingrid after he had worked with her in Intermezzo...
Adam Had Four Sons was a B-movie made at a B-film Studio (at the time), Columbia Pictures. I am telling you this because it is why a lot of my play-by-play is sarcastic and comical rather than insightful, meaningful or historical (which I feel like my Notorious minute-by-minute was more of the latter).
The best thing I think Ingrid said about this film is the following (just another reason to love her):
"I am one of the few actresses who really thinks movies are wonderful, and absolutely with no eye to money. A good part on the screen in is just as good [as on the stage]--that's my idea."

Ingrid's long time friend and agent, Kay Brown, had this to say about AHFS
"She survived Adam Had Four Sons, and anyone who could come through a stinker like that is destined for success."
So with all of this said, turn on your DVD's and enjoy this minute by minute commentary. :)
  • I like the clouds around the title-- quite fancy.
  • The photo album is creative underlay for the credits, and a nice transition into a corny joke-- but over kill for family history.
  • Great sneeze there. "Who care's about a new governess anyway?" -- haha if only he knew.
  • Does anyone find it funny that the youngest son is already in uniform?-- and that the mother is incredibly concerned that he is behind the wheel of something that he isn't old enough to handle? Foreshadowing at its most obvious and best. NOTE: I love how corny this film is, I am mocking it a bit because it's not a masterpiece by any means, but I do it in jest and out of love.
  • Adam asks Jack, the oldest, "You haven't touched those gears have you?" when the son just obviously was playing with them. If these things aren't telling of the future shenanigans I don't know what is.
  • Setting: "Dad, when are we going to get the new 1907 model?"
  • Car indicates status around the horses and buggies
  • Don't get too close to that train Phillip...
  • Get ready for it, a "French" governess
  • INGRID~!
  • Ingrid's supposed to be French--just in case you were wondering.
  • 1st born=Jack
  • 2nd=Christopher
  • 3rd=David
  • 4th=Phillip
  • Otto, the good old butler.
  • Did I mention that Ingrid's character is psychic in this film? She just knows this is home. If you're getting a cavity from the sweet nature of this film, pause the film and brush your teeth.
  • She knows exactly where everything is! This will make her job a lot easier. "Where did I put that hat?"
  • These kids are strong, chin ups all day long.
  • Dad was a football player
  • OH! Ingrid is stronger. Don't mess.
  • She can handle any kids, any day. Look out Mary Poppins (PS, I love Mary Poppins)
  • Emily is instant family.
  • Let's not forget how hilarious gender roles are. Papa can't stand the idea of being emasculated but it's going to happen for our benefit.
  • The Stock Market isn't doing so hot- a great crisis for a film about a rich family in Connecticut.
  • Especially when their business is called "Stoddard & Co. Members NEw York Stock Exchange: Philadelphia Boston Chicago"
  • I am not sure, but I think that this Stock Market trouble is alluding to the "Panic of 1907" and the troubled years before WWI in the U.S. stock trade. This will make more sense as the movie progresses. I researched it and that's what I found to be the answer that makes the most sense-- if you know otherwise-- feel free to leave a comment about it.
  • Isn't it cool how they used to have ticker paper? I love it.
  • "If the country is sound, business is sound"--he should have knocked on wood right there.
  • Ingrid does a magnificent job of taking an innocent, bland, goody-goody into a goody-goody with a real persona.
  • That is the lowest basketball hoop ever. I think Ingrid could dunk on it.
  • Let's remember their father is the ULTIMATE man. I think if Cary Grant, Gary Cooper or Gregory Peck played this role-- we would have bought it. (This was a B-film however.)
  • Uh-oh. Things aren't looking so sound or perfect after all. Should we panic? Not yet.
  • "Just a mild sedative" It was probably straight morphine. LOL
  • Thanksgiving with a Frenchwoman-- we are quite ego- and ethnocentric here in the U.S.
  • Mention of Cousin Phillipa, she's a grand old CREEPY lady.
  • Like Ingrid's wig? She HATED it. It was very uncomfortable.
  • Fay Wray kind of looks like Gloria Swanson.
  • Doctor's in, things aren't looking good. She needs an operation for a vague disease of which we will never be privy.
  • It's 1907 and she's having an operation, there's no way she's going to be alright.
  • This interaction between the mother and Emily is crucial to the plot. This talk gives Emily the right, privilege and will to protect and serve the family. There is not a drop of romance in her toward the father at this point, only loyalty to the mother of the children she watches. The mother has extreme trust in Emily. I think if anyone had played Emily as a dumb-dumb or just as a servant, this element could have easily been dropped from the character; Ingrid seems to carry this message for the rest of the film. She carries herself as if she's carrying the mother as well. Her looks are always reminiscent of the last moments with the mother as well as the guilt whenever things go wrong. She longs to keep her promises to the whole clan as well as protect all of their wishes and secrets.
  • "Emily I trust you."
  • Nice bow mom.
  • "Ah, my army."
  • This is a living wake if I've ever seen one.
  • Only three coins--someone's not going to come out of this plot too well. Lol
  • She's telling Adam that she's not going to survive. I'm sorry this is so obvious, but this movie is just that.
  • I feel like Ingrid looks much like the Ingrid that we see in later films in this scene. She has a shawl wrapped around her and just looks like she does in "Spellbound," "Elena and Her Men," "Viaggio in Italia" and "Autumn Sonata." Maybe it is her characters or her stance, but she just looks like the future.
  • Nope. She's dead. I just realized her name is Molly as well. I know that's bad, but I feel like they say "Emily" so much that her name was lost.
  • It's 3 AM.
  • "Things will never be the same but it will be filled I assure you."
  • Stocks are DROPPING (COINS are TOO)
  • Emily's seat has changed-- she's now in Molly's seat.
  • Cousin Phillipa is here! Emily is on top of everything, drink is in the living room after a hard day's work. Props.
  • Trading activities suspended, not a good sign for Emily.
  • I like the Cousin. She's creepy, but cool. She hooks the family up!
  • Send her home on the next boat?! She's not just any Frenchwoman! She's EMILY! Wow.
  • Emily should know what's happening, I mean she's psychic.
  • Emily really can do anything.
  • The French "accent" is hilarious.
  • Go home? This is Emily's home!
  • Check out that bow tie.
  • In case you were wondering-- that's her boat pass.
  • Emily goes into panic mode. I mean they are now in squaller (horse a buggy folk).
  • Ingrid is SO good. She can make this character cry. I mean, now, we should actually feel like something is happening and an emotional tie to the characters.
  • Longing look like no one else: Ingrid Bergman.
  • Oh, not only is it a horse and buggy, but it's a taxi! They're the lowest of the low. Lol.
  • They couldn't have rid of the furniture or something to keep Emily?
  • OH! Check it out, Phillip was wearing a "mourning band." This was worn by men on their arms or hats to signify that they were still in mourning when they went out in public. I'm not sure when this tradition ended or how long they were to wear them. I think it's 3 months, but if you know-please comment.
  • Adam keeps talking in cliches, it's a little annoying: "We're far from the mountain top" "The grass is always greener in the valley" "We're on our way up"- I'm glad he's staying positive, but some of this just adds to why this movie isn't a great film--the story needed some more grind. It needed friction and more turbulence.
  • PAY ATTENTION TO THESE DATES!
  • If you don't catch the flying dates you'll wonder what in the world happened. Ingrid doesn't look any older but all of the men and boys will. It's confusing as hell (because of her looks) if you miss the "1910, 1912, 1914"
  • The war helps to embed the idea that a lot of time has passed and that times are changing, but the movie once again skimped and didn't worry about making anyone look remotely "real."
  • This footage is a nice touch. It allows us to witness the upward turn in the economy, but through the "working man" point of view as opposed to just showing stocks going back up. The footage is pro-war of course, and though it's dealing with WWI, not WWII it's an interesting look in the American Ideals of the time.
  • Remember, at this point in time, the United States wasn't a true member of WWII yet-- Pearl Harbor had yet to happen. All of this propaganda-like footage is WWI.
  • (Okay--now I'll quit that redundant statement)
  • Look at that sweet reverse footage--the coins they are a stackin'!
  • "1918"
  • In this letter, Adam is writing to Emily, he states that they own "Stonehenge again." This kind of bothers me that it is so easy for them to just move right back to their old house. Though it makes for a gentle return for Emily to the family, it's just ridiculous. Please note that I'm not expecting reality in this film by any means. I just get annoyed when my willingness of disbelieve is put up to such a challenge. I just wish they had moved into a new nice house and not just the same set.
  • Otto's back too!
  • Anyone recognize that little lady? That's June Lockhart, yep, Timmy's mom from the television show "Lassie." She was also the mom in "Lost in Space."
  • Everyone's going to enlist. Good grief.
  • Phillip is old enough to have a demeaning tone towards the ladies. I mean he just made her sound like a complete idiot (sorry, that makes my feminist mind furious).
  • I like that Vance knew the whole story of the family so we don't have to recap for her.
  • Emily looks more well off than she did the first time she came to America.
  • I swear- Ingrid saves this film. I mean, Susan Hayward will do a good job in a few minutes of really revving up some conflict, but without Ingrid's face and her acting skills, this movie may not have made it to the big screen.
  • They made her look more mature, but not older by any means.
  • The boys are all men--well not Phillip--not yet. Lol
  • David is incredibly disinterested in Emily. Why would this be?
  • I like how they framed this shot. I think it's great that Emily is right in between David and Adam. It kind of sets up the idea that she is going to have conflict involving both of them. She will be between the sons and the father as a mother figure now. She took this role from Molly and we are shown this to remind our subconscious to pay attention and switch over to consciousness.
  • This part of the movie reminds me of a play--more so than the first part of the movie. All of the intro's have been like in a play--but this part has a lot of entrances, exits, through doors, proscenium framing and drama like a play.
  • Susan Hayward's character, Hester, is PURE EVIL!
  • Jack is handsome. Lol.
  • Ew, no one should kiss there sister like that. They're looking to do a private high five later.
  • Finally, David shows Emily some respect.
  • Emily's a thinker. She should be the woman of the house--but wait-- Hester showed up. DUN DUN DUN!
  • You could cut the tension between the women with a KNIFE!
  • I love how Ingrid makes Emily territorial. It makes her more believable as well as strong enough to take the evilness of Susan Hayward's, Hester.
  • OH! Call out- Governing "four grown men"
  • She really calls out the possible sexual attraction between Emily and the "boys" but we all know she's not into the younger crowd- She likes them with a grey streak.
  • Hester is awfully forward.
  • Phillipa is refreshing. All of the women control this story. Phillipa is a nice touch, she provides a comic relief as well as a chorus to reveal a moral compass.
  • The characters are always stating what they are doing, but only what they are visibly doing-- not the finest writing. Some of it's good though...idk
  • Susan Hayward is incredibly evil in this part- I still feel like she and Ingrid are the only reasons this was released.
  • Phillipa also contributes, but it's short lived, because she is a voice of reason and would put a stop to the problem. Her death helps to seal the conflict.
  • Where's Phillip? Necking with Vance? Nope- he's enlisted. This gives a true insight to WWI because it was harder to prove one's actual age so illegally enlisting was much easier. Plus, he's a true patriot (Unlike--"patriotism, waving the flag with one hand and picking pockets with the other"-Notorious)
  • Emily has to be the protector. When Phillippa dies, her spot is no longer secure, but she will fight tooth and nail to keep everyone protected.
  • David leaving leads to a bored, sexual, lazy, powerful Hester. Not a good combination when there are other men with which to mess around.
  • I do like the use of war footage, symbolism and letters in this film. They ad an air of legitimacy to an otherwise doubtfully well done film.
  • The letters also present the option of not loosing touch- so if you were wondering how they kept in touch all this time (whether it be the boys or Emily), that's how.
  • OOO! Vance has her hair up! She finally got her way. She just wants Phillip SO badly!
  • Emily fills the maternal situation- Hester doesn't. She is idle and says things like "This place runs itself so well there's nothing you can do to help," and "And Dad, I did want to do something to make you happy." It's like she's coming on to anything that has a pulse, except Emily of course. Lol.
  • Hester doesn't accept any responsibility on her own part. She even refers to herself in the 2nd person, unknowingly removing herself from any responsibilities-merely pretending.
  • Solitaire-----and DRINKS! Not a good sign when you're drinking alone in the middle of the day Hester!
  • She sees her potential prey in the picture, dirty hooker.
  • She's PLASTERED!
  • Jack is so cute. Too cute for his own good.
  • I wish Jack were a bit more scandalous- it's hard to believe that he's drunk enough to really take advantage of Hester's sexual exploits.
  • Playing solitaire and pacing the floor--someone forgot to say "drinking my face off."
  • She wants to go into New York when she's, as Jack says "...a little lit sister."
  • She is the devil. Lol.
  • Ripping stuff off of the U.S. uniform- that's not a good sign for a character. Instant bad karma.
  • She's just playing games. GRR! She's so evil!
  • "I've never loved anybody, the way you're talking about."
  • She is a crazy sado-masochist, and extremely verbal about it (especially for the time- just as codes were coming into play- I like it)
  • EMILY~!!! Perfect timing, yet, nothing she can do!
  • Ingrid playing piano! Always a good thing!
  • Does anyone else think it's weird when someone calls their in-laws "Dad" the 1st day they meet them?
  • Emily knows when to stop playing the piano.
  • Why does the script insist on telling us EVERYTHING? "It's a big day tomorrow with Jack home"= DUH
  • Aww, Adam and Emily are falling in love. She'll eventually be their real mother- maybe they'll make some babies. (just kidding guys... kind of)
  • She just can't help being amazing. Good grief!
  • Oh, Hester- you devil woman. She just can't get enough.
  • This is a great scene, a lot of shadow work and doors-- much like a play. A who's who? and in-and-out type of action.
  • Pay attention to the Silhouette in the window.
  • Adam doesn't like that AT ALL.
  • I feel like Jack would have been able to get rid of her, not be seduced.
  • Of course that's what she looks like right out of bed- no bed head. Lol.
  • Emily comes to the rescue!
  • Why would she rescue Hester? I would have thrown her down the stairs--sorry to be violent, but I hate her!
  • I mean he's not 12, he's like 20 something now. That's legit. Lol. Adam's like 80, so I'd go for Jack.
  • Hester is a lousy sack of poop. (I'm a highly educated person and proving it, no? j/k)
  • Oh, Emily totally could take her. Hester is satan though.
  • Uh, oh. Emily's love of Adam is revealed. Case of status- leave the old ways behind Emily, take what's yours!
  • "Armistice!" Will it be for everyone?
  • The boys are coming home! Look how excited Vance is. Lol.
  • There's Chris, breaking the lines.
  • I love Vance- she's hilarious.
  • Phil is hurt. Just his eye. He probably didn't write because his eye hurt. I wouldn't write if my eye hurt (hence this blog taking forever. lol)
  • So Vance and Phil will get married at age 14? Babies havin' babies.
  • OH NO! Hester's after Chris now. What a streetwalker!
  • Chris seems more likely to sleep with Hester than Jack. He's weaker.
  • Jack's setting her straight.
  • He should leave her in this field.
  • He feels remorse because he should as the admirable brother- she does not. This isn't a great quality- kind of a 19th century ideal again. The woman is portrayed as someone with no morals, her virginity is obviously far from in tact (has been for a while, previous to marriage) and she is luring men into her web. If it were a film noir, she'd be coined as a "spider woman"- if you want an example of a "spider woman" in film noir- check out Gloria Swanson's character in Sunset Blvd.
  • David is CLUELESS.
  • Hester should have learned to hold her booze. She's a slosh!
  • Adam notices her lushy qualities. I think he's noticing her flaws.
  • Emily and Jack are weary.
  • She's still trying to protect the family, and Adam.
  • Everyone but Emily and Adam know that they're in love.
  • Well, they know too, but they're not doing anything about it.
  • (I wish this movie weren't so corny)
  • Hester is about to make a BIG mistake--"JACK"
  • David's like "What the f*$&"
  • Nice mirror shot.
  • David sees it all now. He's hurting Hester, she finally feels pain.
  • She has no morals. Lol. The opposite of the "American Ideal" of this time.
  • Uh oh, it's raining. That's not a good sign, especially at the airport.
  • No one trusts you Hester. Blaming Emily's not going to help.
  • Blaming the war isn't going to work, Hester.
  • Emily is not fooling around anymore. Go Ingrid- acting CHOPS!
  • Phone ringing is not good timing right now. You guys know, because it's a movie. Lol.
  • He's unconscious but alive. That's what we need. He'll tell us once he sees Hester.
  • Wow, Hester is really dramatic.
  • Emily is going to be in charge of Emily. She's going to fix things like she promised Emily and Phillipa she would.
  • I think it's great when Ingrid takes on a look of determination. She gets an opportunity in every film. Just look for it.
  • "women like you" I love it.
  • Emily's bringing the HEAT.
  • Hester tries to pull hierarchy but she doesn't realize she has none.
  • Emily is snapping- she's put too much time and effort into this.
  • Girl fight!
  • Emily should just push Hester down the stairs.
  • Gosh! Hester makes me SO mad!
  • Silence is the cure. She's showing that the constant word diarrhea is the problem. Jack will set it straight.
  • Adam's getting his answers. Here's Jack to confirm.
  • Why would Adam believe her over Jack? She's CRAZY!
  • Aww, Emily! Don't pack your clothes. Don't cry.
  • He's come to ask you to forgive him and to marry him- DUH!
  • David and Jack are better than that. Emily knows.
  • Here it is- sappy ending that we were hoping for. Not to mention a real quick ending to a long movie.
  • "Adam"



Ingrid Halloween Costume

Kate-Gabrielle over at Silents and Talkies has posted an entry full of Classic-Film-actress inspired halloween costumes!
I love them all, but of course, I'm now sad that I didn't choose to be Ingrid for Oct. 31st! The outfits are cute enough to wear any day. Thanks for sharing this with me Kate-Gabrielle.
Be sure to follow her blog and follow her on Twitter too (@Kate-Gabrielle)! She makes awesome flapper drawings and art! :)
PS
If you're wondering, I'm being Dr. Temperance Brennan from "Bones" for Halloween! :)

Another Classic Forever Photo of the Day!

Hi everyone-
I'm back. I'm going to generate some serious blogging in the next couple of days. I have been SO crazy busy lately: Wedding, my friend had her baby, poison ivy, eye infection and work-- let's just say I was just hopping in bed at every spare moment.

On to better and brighter things-
Millie has once again posted a lovely picture of Ingrid in her "Photo of the Day" series.

Be sure to check out Millie's blog!
Ingridly Love,
Alexis :)

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Donate Button- No Obligation



Hi everyone.
So this might seem lame, but I'm just trying to use all of my resources here... bare with me.
I have added a "Donate" button on the side bar. This is kind of like if I ran an "Ingrid Bergman Themed Car Wash" --that is if the website were a team or event and Pay Pal was the car wash.

I have decided to put this up as a fund raiser for school. I will be going to University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts for an M.F.A. in Film/Television Production, in January. I am trying to make my dreams come true, my dreams of making films, and it is largely inspired by Ingrid and all of you.

You keep my classic film love alive and well with comments, conversation, contribution, promotion, and of course all of your general love of the genre (as more than just "old movies").
I'm not trying to run a scam or hit anyone up here--please know this. I am just exploring all options and putting it out there.
Please keep returning, even if you don't donate. I still want feedback!

Thanks for your time,
Alexis

PS
I'm almost done the Adam Had Four Sons post, I promise release soon!!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

40!

We're at 40 followers! Thanks everyone.
It's fantastic to have such admiration flowing in a creative way for our Ingrid Bergman. I'm still working on getting the Adam Had Four Sons post finished. I've been trying to do some extensive research on it as well as a play by play--let's all remember that this wasn't the finest film ever distributed. Lol. Definitely a lot harder to do a play by play when it's not something like Notorious, Anastasia, Autumn Sonata or something that really has deep meaning. I think David O. Selznick just REALLY didn't want to lose Ingrid to a trip home to Sweden!

Well I have much to post soon--and I will get on it as soon as I'm finished my film noir-style video for the fiesta movement.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Millie Photo of the Day



Millie posted a picture of Ingrid as part of her "Photo of the Day" series on her blog Classic Forever.
Check it out here: Photo Of the Day

Monday, September 14, 2009

Vote Ingrid!


I just found this via twitter-- woot!

"@mampdx just voted "Ingrid Bergman 1915-1982" on "What Classic female movie star is your favorite?" vote too ➔http://bit.ly/1022T2"


It's a poll to vote for your favorite classic film lady. I of course vote Ingrid and hope that you will too, though I know some of you have other loyalties-- I'll allow it-- THIS TIME! j/k

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Working on a Major Post



Hi everyone-
I'm working on a major post for Adam Had Four Sons. This will include a minute by minute (the votes were in!) and a historical context courtesy of imdb.com, google and various Ingrid Bergman auto-bio and biographies. I've been away all weekend and things are kind of busy, but as soon as I finish it, it should be a doozie (especially for a B-film). Lol.
Can't wait to share it with you-- plus this gives plenty of time to order it off of amazon.com to know what the post is about.

Monday, September 7, 2009

34!


34 Followers! Wow! I'm so happy to have you all! I'm glad we can all find such great love and admiration for Ingrid Bergman. The network of fans has become so intertwined, interesting and Ingridly. I can't tell you all how much it means to me.
Thanks for all of your contributions and loyalty. I hope to continue to make things interesting-- and I hope you do as well!
Sincerely,
Alexis

PS
I'm working on some Ingrid film reviews-- A Matter of Time and Adam Had Four Sons-- Should I do a minute by minute or just a review? You pick!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Mother-Daughter-Granddaughter


I'll willingly admit to spamming people on twitter to try and get them to read this blog. But I do it with precision. I only go after people tweeting about Ingrid Bergman or Classic Film. They have a choice--to come and go as they please--if the blog is included, then YAY me! :)
One tweet, in particular, caught my eye. It was posted by @glamourbylbd and said "Ingrid Bergman, Isabella Rossellini and Elettra Weidemann http://shar.es/Lq05." So I check it out.

It's this really cool article on Delamina.com, a fashion website, about the beauty, tradition and style of the three generations of, let's call them, "Rossellinis." The article discusses the sustainability of the family and the differences between the generations. Incredibly interesting and I suggest checking it out.

PS
If you would like to follow me on twitter.com, my screen name is @alexis_morrell

About Me

My photo
An avid Ingrid Bergman fan, I am a student of her life and work as well as film, filmmaking and Classic Film in general. I have my M.F.A. in TV/Film Production from USC School of Cinematic Arts and have been making a living in the business they call show. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @alexis_morrell