Ingrid Bergman Life and Films

NYTimes Article About "Casablanca" : 1943

2011-08-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this article about Casablanca and Ingrid's relationship to Hollywood. It's a very interesting article and since it's during WWII and about a movie that would change cinematic and parts of general history, I think it's worth reading.

Here is a link to the NYTimes site and if you can't access it, here it is (as a quote, I DO NOT OWN THIS MATERIAL):

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New York Times Article Link

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December 26, 1943

'CASABLANCA'

Ingrid Bergman: In, but Not of, Hollywood

By The New York Times

HOLLYWOOD — "Ingrid Bergman is the realest thing in these diggings," said an ordinarily caustic Hollywood columnist. The first time you see her you understand the reason for his description of her. She has brought into this capital of artificiality the simplicity and charm of her native Sweden. Unpainted fingernails, skin that doesn't look like icing on a cake, a natural manner, unpretentious clothes - these usual things make her unusual among Hollywood stars. Miss Bergman's career is marked by no publicity escapades. No stories of outbursts of artistic temperament are told about her. She is rarely seen in those select night clubs where other screen celebrities parade like manikins at a fashion show. The young doctor to whom she was married before she came here is still her husband and from time to time she brings her 5-year-old daughter Pia on the lot with her. Despite her success she remains the unassuming, serious-minded young woman she was when, after much hesitation, she made up her mind to come to this country.
Not long after she arrived, the studio wanted to make some stills of her and the photographer suggested that she raise her skirt ''just a trifle.'' She looked at him, smiled, and remarked: ''But I came here to act, not to dance.'' Some months ago Madame Chiang Kai-shek visited the studio where Miss Bergman was working. All the other stars were dolled up in their best to be presented to the first lady of China. Miss Bergman appeared hatless, dressed in a tailored suit and wearing broad, flat-heeled shoes.
She is not beautiful in the Hollywood sense of the word. The glamour which surrounds her is the glamour of youth and health. Her charm is not dependent upon beauticians and her attractive face would serve better as an ad for a tonic than as one for a cosmetic. It has been used for neither, for she does not believe in endorsing any products.
No one would pick her out as a movie queen. She has stood unrecognized for half an hour waiting on line to see one of her own pictures.
Miss Bergman was working on her new film when, between shots, she posed for me. As Paula in a screen version of ''Angel Street,'' called now ''Gaslight,'' she was dressed in a tight-fitting bustled gown of the Seventies. Her long blond hair fell about her shoulders from beneath a tiny sailor hat. It was surprising how little make-up she had on. Her face is round, her cheek bones well-formed. No lipstick altered the natural contour of her mouth and scant mascara reinforced the long lashes which shade her clear blue eyes. There was none of that unreal look about her which so many actresses feel it is necessary to put on before the camera.
Apart from her appearance, what makes her distinctive is her outlook upon life. About her is none of the gaiety ordinarily associated with this place. Although she believes that her private life is no concern of the public, she had not been posing for me long before she told me about her father, who was a photographer and also an artist.
''He always wanted to make a painting of me,'' she said, ''but he never could get me to pose long enough. I was too restless. All I have by him is a sketch he made when I did not know what he was doing. I am sorry now, but I am one of those people who simply can't sit down and do nothing.
''Even now as I am sitting here I am beginning to worry about my next scene and wondering if I shall know my lines. That is the only thing I don't like about acting: the constant dread I have of forgetting my part. I am what you call a quick study and I can learn my lines under the most trying circumstances. I trained myself to do this when I was a child.
''After my father and mother died, they relatives with whom I lived did not want me to become an actress, but I was constantly studying poems and reciting them for myself in my own room. So that they would not know what I was doing, I kept a phonograph going to drown out my voice.
''Would you mind if I just ran over a few pages of my next scene?'' she asked and so saying she began reading them, her full lips moving as she did so.
In a short time she laid the script aside. It was then I asked what kind of parts she liked the best.
''Serious ones,'' she replied, raising her naturally arched eyebrows. She had been posing in profile. Now, she turned her face toward me as she answered my question.
''Although people seemed to like me in 'Casablanca,' I cared for myself less in that part than in the serious roles I have played. It was for this reason that I was so delighted when, after I saw Mr. Hemingway, he wanted me to play Maria in 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.'
''But you must not forget,'' she said, ''that I come from Sweden and we Swedes are very different from Americans. By nature we are a more serious-minded people. Perhaps it is the ruggedness of the country and the rigors of our climate that make us so. We are not frivolous. The lighter side of life is less important. We even take our pleasures gravely.
''This sober approach to life is evident in all our arts. Our paintings have comparatively little light-heartedness in them and the sunlight they depict is a cold sunlight. One of our most popular authors is that tragic playwright Strindberg whose works never caught on here. I you have ever read his 'Fraulein Julie' you will realize that he does not write the kind of plays that Americans would flock to. Yet I would love to play that part.
''Even our humor is different from yours. There is always a note of fantasy about it. Carl Milles expresses it in some of his sculpture. His quaint dolphins and strange mermen and mermaids are typical of the lighter side of our country and even his dancing girls portray a spirit of meditation.
''Now you understand why I like serious parts better and why my favorite American authors are Hemingway and Steinbeck.''
She went on to compare Hollywood with Rasunda where Swedish films are made. She said that when she came here she just stared about like a ''silly goose,'' although she had been acting in Sweden for some time.
Her first screen appearance took place a quarter of a century ago - she was a year old at the time - when her father made a movie of her birthday party. He continued to take pictures of such parties up to the time of his death when she was 13. She is now doing the same thing for her daughter.
''I always wanted to be an actress,'' she said, ''but my father, who sang well himself, wanted me to be a singer. So to please him I studied singing for three years, but got nowhere. All the time, however, I was acting for my own pleasure. I ransacked the attic for old clothes which I put on while I recited.''
At school in Stockholm her dramatic talent was recognized and when she was 17 she won a scholarship in the Royal Dramatic School. At the end of a year she was on the road to fame and one of her pictures, ''A Woman's Face,'' was voted the best film of 1938 at an international exposition.
Even before, her reputation had spread to this country. Hollywood saw another Garbo in her and tried to lure her here. But the tall young blond actress refused to come. She was doing well, she did not need any more money than she was making and besides she was married to Dr. Lindstrom, then a young dentists. To leave Sweden would mean breaking home ties. It was not until four years ago last April that she arrived here with a nice fat contract.
When she reached Hollywood she realized that she did not fit with its goings-on. She slipped away early from a party given in her honor and went to her room a puzzled young woman.
Notwithstanding all she had heard about the place there were surprises when she started in on her first picture. The extravagances of the studio appalled her. She could not understand the reason for the number of retakes. Buying fresh flowers daily for a scene when paper ones, to her mind, would serve, seemed like throwing money away.
She said nothing and kept much to herself - often a method of becoming unpopular. But strangely enough it did not work that way in her case. People realized that she was shy and strange here and they did not mistake her shyness for standoffishness. When an actress goes to a supermarket and wheels a basketful of provisions up to the checking desk, people are not likely to regard her as upstage.
After she had finished her first picture, ''Intermezzo,'' she went back to Sweden. The next year she returned, followed soon by her husband, who had by then decided to give up dentistry for medicine. They took a small house in Rochester, N.Y., where he attended medical school. Whenever she was not working on a picture or appearing on the stage she flew there. There was but on trouble. Her admirers of both sexes ran her and her husband ragged. They could not even go skating without a gallery.
Ever since she appeared in ''Casablanca,'' Miss Bergman has had an apartment in Beverly Hills where she lives with her daughter. Dr. Lindstrom is an intern in a San Francisco hospital. Nevertheless Miss Bergman is still the housewife and her husband the master of the house.
Like the proverbial busman who goes for a ride on his day off, Miss Bergman goes in for making movies as a hobby. She carries a small movie camera about her and has it near her even when she is working. When I had finished my drawing of her she asked me to pose with it so that she might take a picture. There was something almost childlike about her as she did this.
According to those who have worked with her, she never shows any signs of artistic tantrums. Between shots she can often be seen sitting quietly in her dressing room, reading a novel. She is untiring and seems to radiate a cheerfulness which affects not only her director and fellow actors but also the others at work on the set. Most of ''For Whom the Bell Tolls'' was filmed at an elevation of 8,000 feet. She alone seemed to be unaffected by the altitude. When making an OWI picture in Minnesota she skied to location and laughed at the other members of the company who complained of the cold.
Gregory Ratoff, a hard man to work for, laid aside his boisterous manner when he directed her pictures; he also confessed that at the end of the day he was exhausted while she was still as fresh as when she started. Practically every one of her directors says she is one of the best readers of lines working for the screen and that she is more willing to adopt suggestion than any other star.
Although she accepts criticism and apologizes if she slips on a line, she is more or less set in her ideas about costumes. She refuses to adopt Hollywood's ideas of what she should wear in her pictures, and many a startling gown has been discarded for a simple dress of her own choosing. She is just as positive in her notions concerning make-up and she applies it herself.
''Acting,'' she told me, ''is a hard job which I enjoy. After I have studied my part and get the feel of it, I spend a tremendous amount of time in building up the characterization. I study every sentence, because every work and sentence must add something to the development of the character.
''I work so hard before the camera and on the stage that I have neither the desire nor the energy to act in my private life. There I prefer to be myself and forget all about audiences and look after my family.''

Happy 96th Birthday and RIP Ingrid Bergman

2011-08-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today is a bittersweet day for any Ingrid Bergman fan. It marks the 96th birthday of our beloved star but it also marks the 29th anniversary of her death.

Personally, I think it's amazing that she lived her live in an exact fashion. Her life was full of so much drama and was, at times, more tumultuous than anyone should have to deal with and to finish in such a clean way, seals the deal.

To me, Ingrid is a personal hero. She has such an interesting life story and was hanging out with the coolest people during a century that was such a fast paced, artistic yet square place to exist. She faced a rare problem of being an icon almost just off the bat and then was publicly demonized.

She was in some of the most beautiful and famous movies ever made. Her face was captured by film, photos, art (Warhol) and admired by youn

g and old. She was friends with Hemingway and romanced with Robert Capa. She worked with Hitchcock, David O. Selznick, Victor Fleming among others. Was on screen with Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Bing Crosby, Liv Ulman, and of course, Humphrey Bogart. She won 3 Oscars and an Emmy. A pretty impressive life.

She has touched us all enough to read about her 29 years after her passing. I never met her, you probably didn't either. But we've all read or watched her so much that she has made it beyond the eyes and brain and into the soul. That's major Ingrid power.

Today is a day to keep Ingrid on the brain. Watch your favorite Ingrid movie, listen to Woody Guthrie or "As Time Goes By" and just soak it up. You'll have a to wait another year to honor her birth and death. Just another thing I admire about her, efficiency.

Thank you Ingrid for giving me inspiration and someone to admire. I am now in the film industry as well and forging ahead. I'd like to paraphrase what Pia said about her mother... "She was like a train on the tracks. If you weren't on board, get out of her way."

Happy Birthday Ingrid Bergman.

Ingrid in the Bathroom/WC/Restroom/Toilet/Loo

2011-06-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm back.

Once again from a long hiatus, but I am back none-the-less. How is everyone? Still in love w

ith Ingrid Bergman? I know I am. I might be even more smitten these days... Because I have been at some events that showcased her beautiful face, talent and persona. Let me fill you in...

I went to a Los Angeles crew screening of the new movie Bridesmaids. It was at the Westwood Theater here in L.A. and in the bathroom I found a funny and pleasant surprise... Photos of Ingrid from Casablanca! After I stopped laughing, I took a photo of the photo and freaked out several ladies waiting in line. It was worth taking the picture though. Just made me feel more connected to Ingrid, this time in a truly intimate setting. Lol.

I think this is appropriate, don't you? It's not like she was hanging over or near the toilets. Just in the powder/waiting room outside. It was cute and I liked it. The movie was awesome too.

The second thing I would like to post about... Is the TCM Classic Film Festival... but now that I think about it-- I think I'm going to keep you in suspense and work on a post solely dedicated to that event. HINT: It was fun :)

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, screen legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away at the age of 79.

Now, the disclaimer: I am not an expert in anything Elizabeth Taylor (with the exception of her "White Diamond's" commercial) and I'm also not a fan of hers.

Elizabeth Taylor's epic "White Diamonds" commercial. I not only know what this commercial looks like, thanks to my Mom, I know the smell of the perfume. Well played, Taylor. Well played.

I think it's hard for any of us Classic Film fans to lose any of our favorites. My condolences to Elizabeth Taylor fans (as well as her family and friends who are not reading this post, but they're out there somewhere). She made some films that are essential to filmmaking and are well crafted, some of my favorites: National Velvet, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe? She was also in Cleopatra, which was a bomb, but a hugely expensive film and a marker in film history.

She was famous for almost her entire life, acting in films when she was 10. Known early on for her symmetrical and attractive looks, her eyes and her talent she spent her whole life in a kind of "false reality." I can't imagine living that long in the spot light, there's no wonder she was yelling "Gladiator! Gladiator!" at the Oscars as well as prancing/wheeling around Neverland Ranch with Michael Jackson.

One of my favorite Michael Jackson videos.

I know you've been waiting for me to comment about her social life. Her notorious marrying and re-marrying... stealing Debbie Reynold's husband, Eddie Fischer... but I feel like it's been said. Plus, if I'm going to talk about a lady who got around during her years in Hollywood... it's going to be Ingrid. I mean this blog isn't called "Elizabeth Taylor Life and Films," now, is it?

Seriously, you should watch Carrie Fischer's "Wishful Drinking" one woman show. Hilarious.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone-

I hope you are all living it up somewhere, sleeping soundly, or maybe just on the internet like I am for your new year's eve. I'm not a big fan of this holiday, so I spent it with my parents. I am on the East Coast right now seeing family and friends. I go back to film school soon... and this past year has been a crazy one and one that has only deepened my love of cinema and the world of movies.

Though I haven't been the avid blogger I once was, I still love Ingrid Bergman as much as I did when I was more frequently posting.

I would like to tell you all that reading about classic film, writing about it and, of course, watching it has enhanced my abilities and knowledge at film school. I actually schooled this person, who shall remain nameless...

Here's my side of the story:

The person I was working with did a completely horrific job writing a script and was leaving everything until the last minute. I was trying to cut together a decent film noir and he was clueless... well... it came to "do you even know what your story is about?" and he didn't.

I literally chewed the man out by noting how Hitchcock's Notorious was pieced together-- plot point by plot point, detail by detail...

Well he was stunned. Left out to dry. I had had enough.

My editing teacher just looked at me, said "Very good." then slow clapped.

That's right. Slow clapped. If you don't know what this is-- google "movie slow clap" I'm sure something will come up.

I would like to thank the ghosts of Ingrid Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock, Ben Hecht, Alma Hitchcock, and what the hell... Cary Grant and Claude Raines (for good measure).

I hope everyone made a New Year's resolution to watch more Ingrid Bergman films or just classic films in general. Keep the art alive and feel free to comment.

Cheers!

Alexis

I'm Back!

2010-12-09T15:34:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone-

It has been a while since I've posted anything, and I hope to get back to writing more consistently.

This past semester has been CRAZY busy and I haven't had time to watch Ingrid and report back.

I am going to start working on some material and will hopefully have a more substantial post soon :)

Alexis

Archival Footage of Ingrid and Roberto with the Twins

2010-10-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have just come across an article that was written in 1954 and re-published this Oct. 14 (2010).

The article and video that is attached are really interesting!

There is footage of Ingrid and Roberto presenting the twins, Ingrid Rossellini and Isabella Rossellini to the public.

Here's the video:

Be sure to check out the article at The Guardian's website.

Event Through USC SCA

2010-09-16T09:51:00.001-07:00

"Out Of The Archives" is an event happening now at USC SCA (aka, where I go to school). There is a huge collection of USC Warner Bros. Archives, stills from films, including Casablanca, on display from today September 16th through December 12th. The event is taking place at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (you might know them for the "Oscars") in the Academy Grand Lobby Gallery . Admission is free-- so if you're in the Los Angeles area, you should check it out! There are also rare photos of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, among others.

I'm hoping to get a free minute to get over there and see the photos... this semester has been insanely busy! Hope everyone is doing well.

Ingridly love,

Alexis

Isabella Rossellini Judge in Berlin Film Festival

2010-09-01T10:54:00.001-07:00

Here's an interesting note from one of our German readers... If you're in Berlin or at the Film Festival, you might see Ingrid's daughter, Isabella Rossellini.

Check it out here: ISABELLA ROSSELLINI ARTICLE

HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY INGRID BERGMAN! :)

2010-08-29T12:15:00.001-07:00

TCM Classic Film Festival VIDEO!!

2010-08-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here it is!

The TCM Classic Film Festival video!

I hope you enjoy it!

There will be a TCM CFF next year... read here for info TCM Classic Film Festival 2011

Real Life = Not Enough Blogging or Ingrid Bergman

2010-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.
So I finally just finished the TCM Classic Film Festival video!

I will be posting it shortly (it's mixing right now!)

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have been receiving your suggestions for reading, your ideas for posts and your own personal writing... I'm just SWAMPED with work right now.
2nd semester of Film School is a crazy time!

Anyway- a suggestion I have is that you write up whatever you want submitted for a post, send it to my email ingridbergmanfilms@gmail.com and I can post it (after, of course proof reading... gotta protect myself and the blog).

I know I owe a lot of posts... and I will get to them... it's just going to take some time this fall!

I hope to put up some posts on Ingrid's birthday.

Feel free to comment or remind me that you've sent me emails -- my brain is mush!

Enjoy the new TCM Video!

Ruby's Idea

2010-07-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

One of our fellow Ingrid Fans, Ruby, had a marvelous suggestion under one of the comments of a recent post. She suggested that I write about who, what, why, where, when & how about Ingrid. Or in her (better) words "..the reasons I love Ingrid or curiosities, things about her I mean..."

So I am going to tell you about my reasons for loving Ingrid Bergman and what I am out to find or figure out thanks to her life or about her life. But let me tell you, the fun doesn't stop there, no way. I want YOU to respond with what Ingrid Bergman has done for you and what you do for her. How has she affected you? When did you start adoring her life, work, spirit, etc.? Anything Ingrid is welcome. I would like to hear from you in the comments, on Twitter, Tumblr, or send me a post that you have posted on your blog... I'll repost it (PUBLICITY for your blog. Yay!).

Here goes nothing:

What: My "Ingrid Friedel Bergman-Lindstrom-Rossellini-Schmidt Addiction/Fandom"

How/Who: I discovered Ingrid Bergman purely by accident, well I'd say more, the stars aligned and new light was shed in my life, but less dramatically-- by accident.

I have always been a fan of classic television and film. My parents influenced and encouraged this, as well as, participated in the hobby. I was watching TCM one night and came across this film Gaslight. As most of us know, this was Ingrid's first Oscar win, Angela Lansbury's first film, Charles Boyer's (looking handsome as ever) and Ingrid's first (of many) paring and directed by the fabulous George Cukor.

When I saw it, it was just a really creepy movie that kept getting better and better.

I consider myself lucky to have seen this as my first Ingrid film. She is spectacular. I mean her singing and jovial nature juxtaposed with her screaming and insanely amazing "knife scene" at the end. Brilliance in a can (literally, since film was canned in those days... hehe... film nerd joke!). I, then, decided that I was going to find all of Ingrid Bergman's films. With research and breaking my former thoughts of her just being a blown up icon-- how wrong was I!? I do want to say "Thanks Dad" for helping me feed my Classic Film addiction, day in and day out. :)

When: This was, embarrassingly, 3 years ago. I was just coming off an Anne Bancroft bender.

Why: Ingrid Bergman was devoted to her work and was described (by her daughter Pia) as "a train on the tracks" so I think if you weren't going the same way, look out. I feel that I am the same type of person. I think she was a woman who lived to act and did it well. She was incredibly human and made many mistakes, but never regrets. She seems exciting to me and I think she is one of the most beautiful creatures ever printed on celluloid.

Her career was beautiful as well... her history is thick with drama, adventure and interesting as hell. For these reasons, and many more, I follow the book of Ingrid.

Where: I originally discovered Ingrid Bergman in Easton, Maryland. I continued my research from the Eastern Shore-- but now I discover her wherever I go.

Including...

My School,

the MoMA in NYC and everywhere!

A New Look!

2010-07-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a big change around here... I have switched the look of Ingrid Bergman Life and Films...

I don't do this very often, because I'm a fan of remaining familiar and comfy when it comes to websites... easy to navigate and such. I felt, recently, that IBL&F just needed a new little spark. I'm still in search of a great template that reflects the feeling of Ingrid Bergman and Classic film... but for now, I feel like this template is like Ingrid's stint in Italy-- her "Rossellini Period."

(Ingrid and her puppy, Stromboli, named after the island on which they filmed the 1950 film Stromboli)

If you have suggestions of a good site full of blogger templates-- let me know!

I know, I know!

2010-07-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone--

I was just watching Gaslight and I realized I have so much to do on the blog! I am really going to work on getting some fabulous posts up in the next few days. I'll even work on trying to tackle Casablanca. I have never dealt with a movie that has such iconic pull-- so I'm thinking it might just be me doing crazy commentary-- let me know what you think about that... I'd love some input.

Hope everyone is doing well and I'll give you some Ingridly love as soon as possible :)

Alexis

"Siamo Donne"

2010-06-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here are two segments from the Rossellini/Bergman collaboration in 1953 "Siamo Donne."

Ingrid is trying to solve the problem or mystery of who is destroying her roses. Enjoy these shorts! It's pretty unique to hear a Swede speak Italian! She knew so many languages (Swedish, German, English, French and Italian)! It astounds me.

Viaggio in Italia

2010-05-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while-- and I apologize! I am on the East Coast now... the end of the semester was crazy busy and then I haven't been around on the internet long enough to write!

I still owe you all some blogs, and I hope to catch up on this... but for now

"Viaggio in Italia" -

The 1954 film Directed by Roberto Rossellini, starring Ingrid Bergman, is being screened on June 5th at 5 PM, at the NY Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It is also screening there on June 7th at 8PM at the same place. The screenings will be held in Theater 1.

I won't be able to get up here for the screenings-- which is a real bummer because I would love to see Ingrid in a Rossellini film on the big screen. Hopefully something will come to L.A. when I'm back out there.

I am currently in NYC-- so I have to cut this short, but I'll leave you with a snippet of the film as to entice you into traveling to the MoMA to see it!

New Videos!

2010-04-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my first semester at USC SCA, with the exception of my 510 paper in which I will compare Ingrid Bergman in "A Woman's Face" to the play "Hedda Gabler."

I haven't been posting that often because of my course load and I'm hoping summer vacation will change things. If you are or were curious about what I've been up to-- here are some examples.
The first is a film I directed...

TCM FIlm Festival Day 1

2010-04-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Tonight was the first night of the 1st TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, CA and it was marvelous!

I went with my friend Alex and he and I saw Monkey Business and Casablanca.

Monkey Business stars Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe, was directed by Howard Hawk and it is a blast. I hadn't seen it in a few years and it cracked me up as well as brought back some great memories of watching it with my Dad.

Casablanca, was better than I had imagined. To see Ingrid's talent and beauty on the big screen was breathtaking. It was a complete experience. It was like traveling back in time in a comfy theater seat, with popcorn fuel and soda pop dreams. Her tears for Rick and Laszlo were as big as me! I seriously almost cried when she asked Sam to play "As Time Goes By."

I also clapped and sang along to "Knock on Wood." LOL. I think they should tour with this film and we should make it like the Rocky Horror Picture Show-- everyone participate and dress up... but don't dress like a Nazi. That wouldn't be tasteful.

Well I'm tired- so I can't report much more, except that everyone should see an Ingrid Bergman film or a classic film on the big screen before they die. It's pure bliss.

Here are some pictures from today and tomorrow I think I will be wearing my floppy brown hat and my blue and gold dress.* If you are at the festival, please say hello-- or send an email to ingridbergmanfilms@gmail.com and let me know if you're going to a screening. It would be great to have some pictures with readers and to meet you!

Marquee at Mann's Chinese 6.

PURE HOLLYWOOD. LOL

Alex and Me (he's a brilliant filmmaker who is in my class at USC SCA)

(Me next to the Casablanca image on the map at Mann's Chinese 6 Theater)

(This is the red carpet we couldn't get to because our passes are just "Classic" lol)

Oh - PS - Peter Bogdanovich introduced Monkey Business and Ben Mankiewicz introducedCasablanca- both were hilarious and know their stuff. Entertaining and informative! :)

*Change of plans with the clothing... but I'll definitely have my floppy hat. I'll probably tweet what I'm wearing and which screening I'm at, if anyone is there.

I GOT A FREE TCM FILM FESTIVAL PASS!

2010-04-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

I had some drama obtaining a TCM Film Festival pass, but I am going to get it soon!

My school had a give away of 30 "Classic" level passes and I was 3rd in line to get one. Well, the girl at the office told us to take our numbered tickets she had handed us and to come back any time that day to appropriate the passes. My friend Alex and I went at 1:30 and the guy she worked with had given the passes away at 1. He said "I sent in the email that they would be handed out at 1." I replied, "We were here at 11:30! She told us to come back any time!" Well, he said he was working on getting more passes and we were allowed to put our names at the top of the list because of our numbered tickets being #3 and #4.

Today I found out that we are on the top of a list of 5 people getting passes (the ones who would have been handed their passes last week if things had worked properly).

I am also working on finishing my rough cut of my current project so that I can cut out of class early on Thursday and see the 10 PM screening of Casablanca! I hope to attend as many of the films as possible this coming weekend-- I'll be sure to take my video and still cameras. Hopefully I can piece together a cute video or something for everyone to see what goes on at the TCM Film Festival!

If you're going to be there at all-- please let me know-- maybe you could be in the video? It would be great to meet other Ingrid Bergman and Classic Film fans!

That's all for now- I have a lot of work to do to prepare! (So many exclamation points.)

Ingridly Love,

Alexis

I love USC SCA for getting me a $500 pass for free. They better not f- this up!

TCM Film Festival

2010-04-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to see if anyone is going to the TCM Film Festival coming up on April 22-25? I am going to go, and DEFINITELY going to see Casablanca on Friday night.

If anyone is also going to the festival, let me know! We can perhaps meet and greet there. I'm most likely going to bring a camera and take pictures and video for the blog!! :) So we can all feel like we get a piece of the action.

If you are going to the festival- please send me an email or leave a comment! Hope to see some of you there! :)

ingridbergmanfilms@gmail.com

Popping In

2010-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers-

Sorry I've been a phantom of the blog these past months. I've been crazy busy with school. I hope to have some fantastic posts when things slow down. I am actually attempting to read a dissertation written by a NC State Professor about Ingrid and Roberto Rossellini. One of our fellow readers/fans wrote me about it and I'm trying to get enough info for a really juicy post!
I'll have some downtime after the semester and will hopefully give you more detailed Ingrid posts and maybe someday attempt to play by play Casablanca. LOL.

Hope you're all doing well. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you're up to!

I watched Notorious! last night, and like always-- Fell in love with the film AGAIN! :)

Ingridly Love,

Alexis

Ingrid Bergman Official Page

2010-03-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know if everyone is aware, but there is an Official Ingrid Bergman website. I'm not it (shedding a single tear), but it's worth checking out!

They aren't always up to date with updates, but they do post things about Ingrid as well as the rest of her family. There are links to other sites and I'm working on having my blog linked to them.

I was disappointed with the page last spring, I checked and it hadn't been updated in a year. It was sad to see that Ingrid's memory was, yes, still being upheld, but that it was being run by a company who wasn't investing any time. It was actually one of the major motivations toward creating this blog. This fall, however, I saw a piece on 60 Minutes about the company who manages her page, CMG Worldwide, about celebrities making money after they've died. It was interesting, and I wish I could find it online, but haven't had any luck, and it was what triggered me to check her page again. They updated it! I'm sure they did it because they knew the 60 Minutes piece would draw an audience to the pages, but it got the job done. I just hope they keep it up and don't let Ingrid's estate pay for them to sit around and let it coast. She would never have liked that!

Well just like Ingrid, I am "a train on a track" so I must get back to my hectic life of producing a film! I acted in one the other day-- got to play a bitch! -- Kept "WWIBD?" in my brain (as well as "WWMTMD?")-- you know "What Would Ingrid Bergman Do?" It was fun!

Hope everyone is doing well! We have 69 followers now! YAY!

Ingridly love,

Alexis

PS If you want to see Ingrid's official page... click here--> INGRID BERGMAN RULES!

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

2010-03-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today, Ingrid Bergman Life and Films is one year old.

We have 67 followers, 78 Facebook fans, a tumblr account linked to the site, have been reposted by blogs and websites, I've made tons of new friends and received Ingrid themed gifts from talented people all over the world and tweeted a lot since last March.

I cannot believe how fulfilling this blog has been. I mean, now I can because it's a part of my life, but I see, hear, notice, feel Ingrid Bergman around me everywhere.

Last year, I was still waiting to find out about Grad schools, had no real direction, didn't know what to do with my spare time. Once I started this blog, the support and direction followed. It was like the spirit of Classic Film and Ingrid Bergman (among the hundreds of stars everyone else blogs about) were pulling me and motivating me to steer toward my dreams. Reach for the highest stars. "Be yourself, everyone worships an original."

I have been learning so much from this blogging experience. I'm collecting Ingrid movies, branching my movie experience as well as my network.

I am so impressed by the following Ingrid Bergman has, especially how international it is. I love hearing from all of you. I love receiving tweets from various time zones, re-blogs from Canada, and DVD's from Spain! It just proves that Ingrid's immortalization through celluloid wasn't in vain, she will never die in any of our hearts.

I was hoping to have something monumental to talk about, but since I haven't even finished the Casablanca play by play (what is this? month 4 of not finishing?) I will only leave you with something that I feel captures the entire theme of the blog and this post.

Ingridly love to you all (thanks for that catchphrase Mike!) and enjoy.

Movies Unlimited: Movie Fan Fare

2010-03-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

I am extremely happy today! Ingrid Bergman Life and Films has been re-posted and promoted by "Movies Unlimited: Movie Fan Fare"!!!

I was contacted by Chris Cummins from the website and he said the following:

"Hello,

We would love to repost your Casablanca: A History piece (http://ingridbergmanfilms.blogspot.com/2009/11/casablanca-history.html). The only changed we would make would be that we would include a new piece of art as the header image and insert a retail link to the film on our retail site. (www.moviesunlimited.com). If either of these changes is a problem, please let me know.

Additionally, at the bottom of your piece we would like to include a brief bio of you. Could we use the one from your website, or would you like to write a new 1-2 line bio for us? Either way is fine. We will give you a link at the bottom of the page as well. At this point, we would like to run the piece in approximately 2 weeks, we can email you when we know exactly when. Again, a million thanks for sharing this piece with us. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Chris"

Of course I said a giant "YES!" to the situation. Lol.

I am truly honored to have my blog represented in such a fashion. It's a feather in the cap of Ingrid Bergman as well. As long as she remains in discussions and around us, I'm doing my job!

The blog is almost a year old and you all have made it such fun to have an environment in which Ingrid is loved and respected.

Thank you Movies Unlimited and thank you for reading :)

"The world was waiting just for you..."

2010-03-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

My dog, Sadie May, was put down on Sunday.

This has really effected me deeply. She was my best friend. She was there for me and was a loyal pal. We rescued her from the pound on October 7, 1997. She, like me, wasn't warm at first. We both took our time to get to know one another and both agreed that we were the bosses of Erin.

Sadie was a goof. She would do the best tricks. I would say "What do we do in Vietnam?" and she would get down and do a low crawl for a treat. It was the funniest trick and a great time. She was always there to hang out with me. I'm a homebody and just like staying in and watching television, writing on the computer, watching movies and reading. Sadie was either laying on my feet or right there beside me. She was a big fan of whatever I was obsessed with at the time. She never judged me for being a little weird or trying to do something outside the box. If I cried, she was there to lend a soft ear and a wag of her tail. She didn't lick, unless you had soap or peanut butter on your hand. She loved pillows, blankets and couches. "Sunny spots" were areas of the house that she would frequent and boy was she obnoxious when it came within 15 minutes of her food time.

I guess we get used to having our little furry friends under foot. I don't think we take them for granted, but we sure don't devote as much time to them as they do to us. I can't think of any times, even if she had been at the kennel, when I felt Sadie was mad at me. Though I definitely pitched fits towards her.

I'm going to miss giving her nicknames... I think she racked up at least 100. My "Derz" as I would affectionately refer to her, was a shy soul. She was a great story. She was thrown from a moving truck. Rescued by a guy. Rescued by us and enjoyed a life filled with treats and adventures. Though she shook like a leaf in the car, she would give anything to go to a lacrosse game or a road trip with the family.

All of my friends knew Sadie. They would show her love and she loved them. Carol scared the shit out of her one time and we laughed for hours. She would only bark twice at the sight of John then realizing it was one of her favorite people. She hated tall bald men, Pop pop never quite won her over... Pa did... with one swift swat with a newspaper to set her straight. She loved him. She was there for me when they passed.

I sit here with tears rolling down my cheek because I don't like the finite nature of death. I don't know what happens to us or our animal friends when we stop ticking. I don't know what happens at all. I feel like I'm being melodramatic, but how else to you act when you lose something that has stolen such a large chunk of your heart?

I know I wish Sadie were here watching MTM with me. I know she wouldn't care how hard I laughed or how many times we'd watch the same episodes just so I could memorize the details I would like to know inside and out.

I was able to say goodbye to her. She even skyped and reacted to my voice.

I am going to miss her a lot and this week is going to be hard, especially since she's who I'd call upon for a snuggle.

I guess I can't say anything else. I'd just go on for hours. I've posted this song here that always makes me think of Sadie. It has her name in it and it's hilarious... the reason why it reminds me of her.
The song is "Sexy Sadie" by the Beatles. I think it's great because Sadie was anything but sexy. She was funny, quirky and cute. She hated to be snuggled but loved to snuggle on her terms. I respect that.

This is for you Sadie. I miss you already and I love you so much.

Looney Tunes: "Carrotblanca"

2010-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Someone on Tumblr.com posted a picture of Looney Tune's "Carrotblanca," so I had to find it on youtube.com

Amazing. Hilarious. Stunningly accurate. All of the jokes are right on target. The quotes are just close enough to be funny and it's Looney Tunes...who can refuse?!

I hope you enjoy this short blissful parody as much as I have. I hope to write soon. Just let me finish some homework and I'll try and get to it! :)

61 followers! Yey!

PS if you want more Ingrid consistantly, please follow my tumblr.com account or follow me on twitter... also-- comments make everyone happy! :)

TCM Poster Mock-ups

2010-02-21T14:25:00.001-08:00

Recenlty, on tumblr, (If you're not following my page yet there, here's a link to INGRID BERGMAN FILMS TUMBLR) these "TCM posters" have been going around.

They are hilariously funny!

María, from Daisies and Buttercups (Be sure to follow her as well! She posts marvelous pictures of Ingrid), suggested we need to see some Ingrid posters like this.

Now, I'd say, we should suggest this to TCM, but I think it would be more fun if everyone came up with their own version of the poster (but in the same style and humor of the orignials) and make them Ingrid Bergman/ Ingrid Bergman film related.

What do you say? Shall we do this much like the logo contest?

Who's in?

If you want to do this, leave a comment and we'll get this party started--polls, rules, posts, etc!

Here are examples of the TCM posters:

60 Followers!

2010-02-10T17:52:00.001-08:00

We've reached 60 followers here at Ingrid Bergman Life and Films!

Thanks for reading everyone! I'm so glad we can share in the "Ingridly love" of Ms. Bergman!

A Bergman Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for some way to ignore the commercialism of Valentine's Day, or looking for a way to celebrate with your boyfriend or girlfriend... here's a list of Ingrid films playing that day!

February 14th, TCM is playing 3 Ingrid Bergman films! Here is a list of the times that the films will be playing on TCM. Though they are mostly playing in the wee hours of the morning (unless, like me you're in a different time zone and are hours behind the original play time and TCM has yet to realize that they should adapt...) I have highlighted them and printed out the rest of the day's schedule. There are movies here that are just simply worth seeing (The African Queen for one!)

Also- if you click on THIS LINK it will send you to tv-now where you can check when Ingrid is on television! Enjoy!

4:00 AM	Murder On The Orient Express (1974)
	Belgian detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a mysterious businessman during a luxurious train ride. Cast: Albert Finney, Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman. Dir: Sidney Lumet. C-128 mins, TV-14, CC, Letterbox Format
14 Sunday
6:15 AM	Notorious (1946)
	A U.S. agent recruits a German expatriate to infiltrate a Nazi spy ring in Brazil. Cast: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains. Dir: Alfred Hitchcock. BW-101 mins, TV-PG, CC
8:00 AM	High Society (1956)
	In this musical version of The Philadelphia Story, tabloid reporters invade a society wedding. Cast: Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra. Dir: Charles Walters. C-107 mins, TV-PG, CC, Letterbox Format, DVS
10:00 AM	Foreign Affair, A (1948)
	A prim Congresswoman gets caught up in the romantic decadence of post-war Germany. Cast: Marlene Dietrich, Jean Arthur, John Lund. Dir: Billy Wilder. BW-112 mins, TV-PG
12:00 PM	More the Merrier, The (1943)
	The World War II housing shortage brings three people together for an unlikely romance. Cast: Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, Charles Coburn. Dir: George Stevens. BW-104 mins, TV-G, CC
2:00 PM	Devil and Miss Jones, The (1941)
	A department store owner goes undercover as an employee to thwart union activists. Cast: Jean Arthur, Charles Coburn, Robert Cummings. Dir: Sam Wood. BW-92 mins, TV-G, CC
4:00 PM	Lady Eve, The (1941)
	A lady cardsharp tries to con an eccentric scientist only to fall for him. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Charles Coburn. Dir: Preston Sturges. BW-94 mins, TV-PG, CC
6:00 PM	Ball Of Fire (1941)
	A group of professors takes in a nightclub singer hiding from the law to protect her gangster boyfriend. Cast: Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Dana Andrews. Dir: Howard Hawks. BW-112 mins, TV-G, CC
8:00 PM	Casablanca (1942)
	An American saloon owner in North Africa is drawn into World War II when his lost love turns up. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid. Dir: Michael Curtiz. BW-103 mins, TV-PG, CC, DVS
10:00 PM	African Queen, The (1951)
	A grizzled skipper and a spirited missionary take on the Germans in Africa during World War I. Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley. Dir: John Huston. C-105 mins, TV-PG, CC
12:00 AM	Summertime (1955)
	A schoolteacher is surprised to find love on a Venetian vacation. Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi, Isa Miranda. Dir: David Lean. C-100 mins, TV-PG
2:00 AM	Little Women (1949)
	The four daughters of a New England family fight for happiness during and after the Civil War. Cast: June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Lawford. Dir: Mervyn LeRoy. C-122 mins, TV-G, CC, DVS
4:15 AM	Tortilla Flat (1942)
	Inhabitants of a Southern California fishing village strive for the simple pleasures of life. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Hedy Lamarr, John Garfield. Dir: Victor Fleming. BW-99 mins, TV-PG, CC

Fred 62

2010-02-04T00:05:00.001-08:00

I took a picture of a drawing of Ingrid Bergman that was hanging on the wall at the L.A. diner, Fred 62. It's famous for all night breakfast and milkshakes! We went there at like 3:30 in the morning... gotta love L.A.! :)

Spellbound

2010-02-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

Today, in my writing class, we were talking about dream-like treatments and branching beyond reality. I didn't do too well with my treatment, he felt it was too linear for the assignment, but I still loved the dream I wrote about... I was working on the Mary Tyler Moore Show... it was amazing!

I felt better at the end of class because our teacher said he wanted to show us a dream sequence from "Suspicion" and a couple of my classmates and I were like... what dream sequence?

He was like, "You know the one that Gary Cooper has..." and I said, "You mean Cary Grant?" And he said, "No, no, no..." (somewhat dismissively, which of course I took as a challenge) Then he said, "You know the one made up by Dali, I was going to bring that one in." And of course I said, "That's Spellbound, with Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman."

So after a while, he had me pull up the video off youtube so we could watch the dream sequence. I'm really glad this is the dream sequence he picked, because it helps me to think in "dream-like" ways not just "dreams," the difference being that dreams can be linear and he wanted symbols, colors and abstract (or surreal). I'm also glad that once again Ingrid has come to my rescue.

So here's the dream sequence and I hope you like it.

Sorry my posts haven't been consistant and I still owe you Casablanca... school is insanely busy so I'm trying to find time to watch the movie and really give you quality posts.

If you're looking for a quick Ingrid fix, be sure to read her biographies, follow me on twitter (@alexis_morrell) and I'm also on Tumblr.

100 Free Classic Films Everyone Should See

2010-01-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

A representative from a blog emailed me this:

Hi Alexis,

I am representing (Associatesdegree.com), and I wanted to let you know that we just launched a post that we think you would be interested in reading and hopefully passing along to your readers. “100 Free Classic Films Everyone Should See” can be found by clicking on the following link, which will direct you to our blog at (http://www.associatesdegree.com/2010/01/28/100-free-classic-films-everyone-should-see/).

Thanks so much for your time!

Jesse Young

So I thought I'd pass it on to you... feel free to check it out. Looks pretty cool!

Hoepfully I'll have more time to post Ingrid things soon! If you want up to the minute Ingrid stuff follow my tumblr or twitter (@alexis_morrell) thanks :)

Original Notorious Poster from USC SCA

2010-01-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is the poster I wrote about before. It's an original print from 1946. Cary Grant looks like Frankenstein's Monster. LOL.

This is hanging in the lobby of my school along with posters from Psycho and other Hitchcock films. Then you walk the hallways and there are posters from every movie you can imagine- most are signed. It's pretty awe inspiring.

I love my school! :)

Ingrid Pie

2010-01-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

My roommate Tyler saw this at a restaurant (of which he forgot the name) last night in L.A.

It's named "the Ingrid Bergman." Bon Appetite!

First Day of School and Notorious!

2010-01-12T11:34:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of me on my first day of film school. It resembles the type of picture we used to take every day on the first day of school.

For example, here's one of Julia on her first day of Pre-school (since I don't have any adorable pictures of yours truly. LOL)

It's fun to do these, I recommend it.

On to my day...

I woke up ready to roll. My roommates and I all walked together to our first class, Concepts of Cinematic Production (to which I might refer to as 510). This class is taught by Pablo Frasconiand Tomlison Holman. This class seems like it will teach us all the language of film, production, direction and sound. It involved the entire Spring 2010 class, and we each had to give a 1 minute autobiographical introduction. I almost barfed all over the microphone.

Though I wasn't first or even last, I was incredibly nervous. I am fine with getting in front of people when I'm singing, acting, improvising, giving a speech, answering questions-- sure it makes me nervous, but I get over THAT. This, this was talking about myself!! I can't do that. My statement of purpose took me like 2 months to finally write on paper! I can give you stories about life all day, but if you want me to tell you my accomplishments, I can't just list them... who does that?!

So after my "speech" which involved me plugging my Ingrid Bergman blog and looking like a total idiot in front of everyone (does anyone doubt that I'm the Mary? If you do, feel free toemail me because I'd love to hear otherwise. LOL), we watched some film clips and learned some concepts. That was exhausting!

I walked home after class and sat down to eat some lunch, pizza, in front of the television. Now, though this pizza wasn't very good, it was still pizza, which is one of my favorite things on this earth. When I turned the channel, Bewitched was on! Well, what a great way to continue my first day of film school. I'd like to credit Bewitched with my first cognizance of what I wanted to be when I grew up: A witch. Well, once I found out that magic isn't necessarily probable or even possible (and generally creepy) I figured the next best step was learning how to make magic-- aka Film/Television. Signed, sealed, delivered...I'm yours, film.

Watching Bewitched, eating pizza, all after my first film class, could this day get better? Yes.

My other class of the day was a meeting for 507, my Production-1 class. My SA, Dennis, was awesome. He gave us instructions with great detail and was completely on our side. A fantastic reminder of why we pay so much to go here.

The class is filled with people I have come to be friends with and more friends to come. It is also taught by Jim McBride, who is a director and has done many films (if you want to know what, follow the link on his name).

This class was interesting. A little hard to follow at first because Jim is new and we are as well. Once we got going, though, it was fine. It became even better after our 15 minute break. The first film we were analyzing shots of was: Notorious! I was totally geeking out.

This seemed like a sure sign that I am in the right place right now. I mean, for real?!

The day was a great one.

Though I have to end on a sad note. My Aunt Mary passed away last night after a long battle with cancer. Ingrid Bergman once said "Cancer victims who don't accept their own fate, who don't learn to live with it, will only destroy what little time they have left." Aunt Mary wouldn't speak to us about her cancer, she just lived everyday for the best. She was a great supporter of mine and was a huge maternal influence on my Mom and her sisters. We will all miss her very much but it is good to know her suffering is over.

Thank you for reading.

New Video... Not Mine, but New To Me

2010-01-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

My School is SO COOL

2010-01-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

I've been kind of busy, moving, meeting new people in this grand city of L.A. but Ingrid has been EVERYWHERE!!!

Here's a little story for you...

The other day, I decided to go for a run. I wanted to scope out the neighborhood and get my bearings a bit. I ran to campus, which is about a mile away and walked around. The campus is really pretty. There are palm trees and gorgeous buildings everywhere but a lot of construction. The construction actually forced me to see more of campus than I had planned, but it was nice none-the-less.

I went over to the SCA building, which is the newest building that carries three somewhat significant names in the film world: Steven Speilberg, George Lucas and the Academy of Motion Pictures... do you know who these people are? I hear they make indies.

I went into the Speilberg wing and no one was in the lobby. This moment of solitude and this gorgeous building weighed heavily. It was like the air was thick with happiness and my realization that I am finally about to make it happen.

I walked over to a wall of plaques dedicated to financial contributors and saw Mary Pickford's name and Alma and Alfred Hitchcock... pretty rad.

That wing drew me to some more happies- there were original classic movie posters everywhere, from George Lucas' personal collection. The Hitchcock ones are the coolest, but there was one in particular that really showed me this is where I should be. Notorious! A 6 foot tall, original print from 1946. Though Cary Grant's face has turned green (I guess he started drinking the poison?) and the color is weird on it, it was still pretty freaking awesome.

Thank you for reading.

Alexis :)

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

2009-12-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

"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...)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

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

And The Winner Is...

2009-12-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

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!

LOGOS!

2009-12-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

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

Logo Contest

2009-12-06T19:40:00.001-08:00

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! :)

Ingrid Logo Contest

2009-11-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

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!!! :)

email them to ingridbergmanfilms@gmail.com

Casablanca: A History

2009-11-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

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).

Ingrid Quiz...

2009-11-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

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?

"Life in Black and White and Technicolor"

2009-11-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

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???

2009-11-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Twitter

2009-11-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

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!

Silents and Talkies

KateGabrielle.com

@KateGabrielle on twitter

KateGabrielle on Etsy

(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!

Ingrid Bergman Life and Films Facebook Fan Page!

2009-11-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have done a few things to keep up with you kids and the crazy times...

I have:

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 :)
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!

Rare Ingrid Films Showing in Berkeley, CA

2009-11-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

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 :)

My Last Fiesta Videos

2009-11-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

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!

Halloween Ingrid!

2009-11-01T13:24:00.001-08:00

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?

The Ads and TUMBLR!

2009-10-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

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! :)

Lauren and "My Big Paintings"

2009-10-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

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!

My site is IngridBergmanFilms.tumblr.com.

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

Casablanca It Is!

2009-10-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

Next Movie Post

2009-10-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

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

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>

Green Porno 3: Bon Appetit

2009-10-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-10-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

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! :)

If you're wondering, I'm being Dr. Temperance Brennan from "Bones" for Halloween! :)

Another Classic Forever Photo of the Day!

2009-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Donate Button- No Obligation

2009-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

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

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

40!

2009-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Millie Photo of the Day

2009-09-15T19:26:00.001-07:00

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

Vote Ingrid!

2009-09-14T20:46:00.001-07:00

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"

Favorite Actress

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

Working on a Major Post

2009-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

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.

34!

2009-09-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

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!

Mother-Daughter-Granddaughter

2009-09-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Walpurgis Night

2009-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have or has anyone seen Walpurgis Night? I just found it on ebay but I'm not sure of the quality and can't get it right now. I'm curious as to how difficult it will be to find again... if anyone knows, please let me know! :)

Montblanc Edition Ingrid Bergman Pen

2009-09-03T20:10:00.001-07:00

I have found a piece of devine honorary craftsmanship that I would love to grasp if I had the $$. The Montblanc Ingrid Bergman Pen. That's right, this year they have released a limited edition pen (both fountain and ball point) that is inspired by Ingrid Bergman. The pen is GORGEOUS. I just wish I could find and buy the thing (hard to pin down).

The Ingrid pen is following sets that were in honor of Garbo, and Dietrich... This particular pen was inspired by Ingrid's "outstanding talent, riveting personality, sophisticated elegance and charismatic radiance."

The pen would be a remarkable gift for any Bergman fan or writer-- or a writer who also happens to be a Bergman fan *cough* *cough.* jk. Lol.

Maybe someday, if/when I make it big, I'll buy myself a fancy Ingrid Bergman pen. Lol. If you can buy it--please send a picture of the pen or of you writing with it. That would be amazing! :)

Goldstein Reviews Write Up

2009-09-02T14:31:00.001-07:00

One of my future USC SCA Trojans has written a doozie of a write up for my blog! Will Goldstein pens the blog Goldstein Reveiws-Balanced Film Commentary and this blog covers various aspects of film; reviewing, must-sees, classic hits, etc. It is a well articulated commentary based on Will's opinions but also his education in film. His point of view leaves room for argument and like any good author, he entices the reader to bring their POV to the table in an open forum. His blog is entertaining and informative--I suggest checking it out.

The write up about Ingrid Bergman Life and Films can be found here: For Those Interested in the Classics, Read On...

Casablanca Parodies

2009-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have realized that the posts I've made today have all revolved around Casablanca. This is assuming everyone has seen it since you're here @ Ingrid Bergman Life and Films.

I want to now point you in the direction of Casablanca parodies that I have found on the internet. Feel free to point me in the direction of any other ones you know about, please! :)

These are all pretty ridiculous, but I think they're funny and related to the theme of the day. Lol.

Enjoy, lightheartedly.

!0 Year Old Classic Hollywood Prodigy

2009-09-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Friday night I was having dinner with the people I live with and their friends. Their friends have 3 children, one of whom, Thomas, is really into classic film!

The catch is: Thomas is 10.

This kid knows a ton about Classic Film. He has his favorites and is a total WWII buff. He and I had talked about Indiana Jones before, but on this particular evening he brought up Casablanca.

Thomas told me that he has a poster of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, from Casablanca, in his room.

I thought this was amazing. The kid could list off tons of movies including Gunga Din and The Maltese Falcon.

He was most interested in how the studio system conducted business, including the breakdown of the system and buy outs. Smart kid.

Thomas has a blog. Yes, can you believe it? He, a 10 year old, has a blog and it's about Classic Film. Well, let me be more specific; his blog is about Legos and Hollywood.

I have known about these shorts that Lego's does, involving recreating scenes and summaries of iconic films with Lego pieces. Thomas has made a blog discussing his favorite films, the Lego recreations, and it includes photos, write ups and video!

If you'd like to check out Thomas' work, blog, opinion or become one of his followers, please visit Legos-Hollywood. Keep in mind that he is 10, but also, that he is trying to learn all he can about film and the system.

Thomas, if you read this-- Check out this book that Sarah Case gave me for my birthday last year-- it's called Boom and Bus t: American Cinema in the 1940s (click on the link and it will take you to what it looks like and prices on amazon.com). It might be a bit of an advanced read, but it explains the studio system, who bought who in the 40s and how it all worked. A dry, textual read, but extremely. informative.

Oh, anyone else can click that as well... just thought I'd tell Thomas first! :)

So True

2009-09-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Adi sent me this page of her Marketing text book. The comment below the poster says,

"Consumers often feel dissonance when purchasing products or services. It is that uncomfortable feeling of mixed emotions-- the movie makes me said, but I love Bogart and Bergman."

Not only was it really cool of Adi to send me this photo, but it's also incredibly true. We overcome the knowledge of emotions that may cause us to be temporarily uncomfortable in order to see the better parts of things, including our favorite stars, directors and scenes. This short statement is making a simple analogy to try to appeal to the Marketing students who might read the text, but within this simple analogy is a deeper appeal to people who enjoy what is actually pictured.

We know that in order to be worth while, a film has to have conflict. In order for us to love Casablanca, there have to be parts which we don't necessarily love. A few key moments in Casablanca for example, most people say, "I would have done this..." or "I would have done that..." but what makes the film great, is that the moments of dissonance occur.

Granted, I'm taking this statement and running. I mean I'm sure the writer of the text was not thinking, "Oh, I'm sure some Classic Film geek will be blogging about this some day so I better refer to Casablanca in order to have my work vaguely referred." Doubtful.

Conflict and drama rely on the juxtaposition of emotions, situations, people, personalities or really any two things. Sometimes, more than two. I am not a big fan of the word juxtaposition when I am describing films. Though, I feel that we all use it from time to time, I just feel it an "any film person's" word and slightly pretentious. I digress.

The contrast, though it may make us uncomfortable, irritable, angry, sad or the opposite of those things, it is needed. You would never be happy if you didn't know un-happy. You would never know agitation without desire.

When a film has a blend of ups and downs, timed correctly and rightfully administered, it is inescapable and memorable.

When I film is too bland or too rough towards the senses, chances are, it will lose you at some point, you'll check your watch or reject what is being offered.

Casablanca is a film where you cannot look away. It never asks you if you're alright with the situation, but it captures you and won't let go.

The film has it's own initial contrast, which I constantly bring up because the irony is too good: The film itself was a happy accident. The actors weren't pleased with the movie while filming, the writers didn't have an ending (they shot two because they couldn't figure out what was best on paper), many people threatened, or thought about leaving... and yet it ended up #2 on AFI's Top 100 movies of all time.

The end result was worth the dissonance. So, don't reject dissonance until it completely loses you. Whatever is around the corner might be the best thing you could imagine.

Fantastic Ingrid Birthday Write Up

2009-08-31T19:32:00.001-07:00

I just read a very well articulated post at The Film Experience about Ingrid, her life and her birthday. I suggest everyone check it out.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and thanks for the fabulously Bergman-tastic comments.

Feel free to comment like that on a regular basis! Lol. Just kidding. Glad to have you all as readers and contributors! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY INGRID! :)

2009-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's the big day. A bittersweet celebration for all of us Ingrid Bergman fans.

Today marks the 94th anniversary of the birth of Ingrid Bergman as well as the 27th anniversary of her death.

In case you weren't aware, Ingrid Bergman died on her 67th birthday (not assuming you can't do math or decipher the previous statement, it's merely a lead in. lol).

Ingrid Freidel Bergman was born in Stockholm, Sweden on August 29th, 1915 to Justus and Freidel Bergman. Her mother died when she was 3 and her father died when she was 12. Though Ingrid faced personal troubles most of her life, she prospered into the --insert heavy opinion-- BEST actress of all time.

Ingrid loved acting more than anything. She loved the work, the feeling, the escape, the beauty, the families and every other aspect. She devoted her life to the art. This, of course, wasn't easy for many to understand and left many by the way side.

Ingrid's daughter, Pia, once described her mother as a "train on train tracks" claiming that once Ingrid made up her mind to do something, get on board or get out of the way.

I love this about Ingrid. No apologies. Just hard work.

Ingrid made over 50 films during her time on this earth. I often think of her as my guardian angel, or at least my guide through life. Whenever I can't figure something out I say "W.W.I.D.?" "What would Ingrid do?"

Even if it's outlandish or ridiculous, it can at least make me laugh. Plus, I think Ingrid would have understood this mentality. She looked to Joan of Arc in the same way (and probably would have blogged about it if technology had warranted such a task).

She is an eternal icon. Her face is captured for eternity in film, photographs and words. We know her voice and her looks, long after she has left us.

I am glad to have known Ingrid, if only through books, film and television. I am grateful for the communities of people she has guided me to (chances are, that's you I'm referring to, since you're reading my blog, lol.). I wish I had known her. Even if she were not the Ingrid I have built in my head, I'd still want it. Her ability to be an iconic star and yet so human is what draws me to her. Not to mention her spirit and insanely amazing acting ability.

Ingrid lived many ups and downs. In her films, her career and her life. This is what we celebrate here @ Ingrid Bergman Life and Films and I thank you all for your support.

It is amazing that she lived a full circled life. She entered and exited like a true actress; with grace, dignity and a performance no one will ever forget.

Lolita's Classics

2009-08-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

Lolita recently submitted a logo that is now the one you see when you look at the top of this blog. It is lovely, truly capturing a vibe that is ingridly magnificent.

Another magnificent thing to look at is Lolita's Classics, her blog. This blog has an edgy appeal and Lolita is always working arduously to advance her blog and the blogs of others. If you haven't checked it out yet, do it now! :)

Contest

2009-08-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

So I guess the contest isn't going to well-- so I'm going to re-vamp things. What I will do is:

Put up the logo that I receive.
Post a write up about their blog and who gave me the logo.
Hope that this encourages others to make cool Ingrid logos.
If this works, decide on the one I like best and put it up.

The first logo is the first one I have received and it's from Lolita!

I will be giving her a write up asap! :)

Sony Tour!

2009-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! This is a muti-state blog. I've written parts of it in California and in Colorado. I'm currently on the road back to the East Coast to go back home and work....ENJOY!

I took the Sony Studios tour! It was a blast. My cousin Jess and I saw a bunch of things and actually saw a guy who played a part in Twilight. Now, I don't know anything about Twilight, but apparently he plays "James." Anyway there were plenty of Classic Film elements offered, so those I will address--as well as relating the whole thing to Ingrid (of course!).

I took a bunch of pictures for you all.

So if you watched my Sneak Preview you saw a bunch of apartment buildings that have been turned into offices.

As most of you know, when all of our favorites were roaming Hollywood (Culver City in this case), the studios would often put them up in apartments during shooting. This was a way to keep new stars safe, old stars around and keep others away. We walked by 4 buildings which I would like to note:

The first building (on the way in, it's the last in the video) is the Katharine Hepburn building. Kate the Great would stay here and the building was named after her because she used to throw lavash cocktail parties on the roof! I think that it is not out of character (or at least the character I have observed/built from interviews, documentaries, movies and books) for her to be the trend setter in the now, ever so popular, roof parties.
The second building was the Joan Crawford building. Here's some irony for you. Our lovable yet slightly off starlet has a former school house named after her. Mickey Rooney attended this school (they said not too much school work was actually completed here, lol) but I just find it funny that the woman whose life was the story in Mommy Dearest is has her name on a school house. Anyone else think this is funny?
The next building was the Spencer Tracy building. I just love him, so that was cool. Plus it was a door down from the Katharine Hepburn building... I wonder if there was any hanky-panky going on on the lot? Lol.
The last one was the Judy Garland building. Judy, Judy, Judy. She was a big deal for MGM, I mean if you count being the biggest star in their company a big deal, and this building is the homage on the lots. It is now inhabited by Happy Madison Productions. You might know this company because it is owned and operated by Adam Sandler and his friends. It was pretty cool to see Sandler's Cadillac golf cart in front of his office. That's how you know you've made it.

The tour guide was a nice guy. He said he's trying to be a screenwriter. He had some information about the studio, but really focused on the present day activity. He wasn't too knowledgeable about the classic film era. Jess and I had to correct him on Margaret Hamilton's name when he was talking about the Wizard of Oz.

Now, Audrey and Katharine fans... be warned... this may make you angry... he lumped the two Hepburns together. As if they were sisters. I was like, "BLASPHEMY!"

He's trying to be a screenwriter, so I wish him the best, but he should brush up on his Classic Film as not to piss off nerds like us! :)

So to tie this all in with Ingrid-- like I said I would--

Sony Studios was once, not only MGM, but also the home of Columbia and Columbia-Tri-Star Pictures. There's a huge sign for Columbia hanging over the lot and tons of MGM stuff as well (though MGM went from 400 acres to 44 when they built the hotel in Vegas...)

So, I've made a list of the Columbia Pictures films in which Ingrid starred and found an amazing page that hosts details about her movies and where you can find them now!

A Walk In Spring Rain (Columbia)

Cactus Flower (Columbia)

A Yellow Rolls Royce (MGM)

Goodbye Again (United Artists)

Arch of Triumph (United Artists)

Spellbound (United Artists)

Gaslight (MGM)

Adam Had Four Sons (Columbia)

Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde (MGM)

Rage in Heaven (MGM)

Studio Tour Sneek Preview!

2009-08-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am working on a post about the tour. I am pretty tired from a day of traveling and blah blah blah. I'm trying to get my stuff together for my cross country trip back home (not really looking forward to leaving California).

Anyway- here's that sneak preview.

CONTEST

2009-08-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

Entries Thus Far:

(Lolita's Logo)

SEND IN YOUR LOGOS! THEN WE'LL VOTE

(voting will be done in the comments--or I'll find a poll)

MGM Studio Tour

2009-08-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here watching From Here To Eternity which has little to do with Ingrid or MGM-- it is a classic film and I do fully enjoy it.

I love Donna Reed. I actually almost went to her town to study fine arts for a summer. She's in one of my favorite movies, It's a Wonderful Life, and she was just amazing.

Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, and of course, Deborah Kerr. With this group of all stars, how can one not like this film? "Reenlistment bluesssss..."

(This movie is best when watched with my Dad. lol)

Anyway, let me get to my exciting news!

On Monday morning I will be touring Sony Studios a.k.a. the former MGM studios! My Uncle Bob's niece, Cathie, works for Sony and she's setting up a tour for my cousin, Jess, her boyfriend, Matt and ME!

I am totally going to INGRIDLY nerd out!

Here's why:

Ingrid was loaned out to MGM to make Intermezzo, Saratoga Trunk, Goodbye Again and the DVD set that was just released containing her Hitchcock work was released by MGM.

I can't wait to hear what the tour guide has to say. Where people stood, what went on.

I can't wait to see tiny specs of what used to be.

You know that feeling? When you know something's been changed, yet, you can still sense that other people walked the halls before the renovation. I long for that.

I'll keep everyone posted and hopefully be able to take pictures! :)

My Video

2009-08-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in the midst of writing a couple blogs for you, but I have also just finished a short of my own. It's for a contest that I'm entering held by Crunch Gyms.

Hope you enjoy it! Now back to more writing.

(Oh and if you get a chance, please go vote for my Howcast.com Video!)

TCM Classic Film Union

2009-08-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all but I'm slightly addicted to TCM CFU. I mean, it's a fantastic way to meet tons of classic film fans, find out what's going on on TCM and promote blogging!

I'd like to talk about a few people I've come in contact with via the CFU.

"AliciaHuberman"- Now obviously this name is an instant hit! Nothing like finding another Notorious fan lurking about CFU! Alicia... has a blog that, I think, everyone should check out. Go to http://kittenbiscuits.dreamwidth.org and read about classic film, film and opinion. AH loves classic film, the 40s, slapstick, and tons of other genres and wants the blog to be a forum for discussion and insight.
"Jonavo"...if you look up this screen name you will find a hilarious picture of Jon and Ingrid. Jon has replaced Humphrey Bogart's face with his own. This drew me in immediately-- you should all become his friends on CFU, just for that.
"Veejay"- Veejay has reminded me that adding a ton of friends can be problematic if you don't pay attention to them. This is a good point. I want to be able to talk to the general CFU crowd, but due to the slow uploading pages and sometimes the abundance of messages and profile comments--it catches up to you! Though this is a good point-- I am trying my best. Veejay has a grand assortment of friends and is a good friend to have when on CFU. Connections. Connections.

My list of friends has grown, and I'm hoping that this will help all of the blogs that I interact with on here. Hopefully we can all catch a few eyes and get some new classic film fans hooked to our styles!

So here's for all of you bloggers I know are on CFU-- Let's get our blogs noticed by people who LOVE classic film! --if I haven't friended you--leave a comment with your SN!

"Notoriousdreamteam"
"KateGabrielle"
"RupertAlistair"
"Caliana"

My SN on CFU is "IngridBergmanFan" and I would love for you to be part of my network there!

HelP ME WIN THIS FILMMAKING CONTEST~!

2009-08-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

Please help me win this howcast.com video contest.

Go to MY VIDEO, join howcast and vote. It's free and it would be a huge feather in my cap. Thank you!

LOGO CONTEST

2009-08-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

If you complete a logo for the contest please send it to this fancy, sweet, amazing, Ingridly, Bergtastic, address: ingridbergmanfilms@gmail.com

Thank you!

Hope the contest is a success. Keep working on the logos! :)

Ingrid Sings "As Time Goes By"

2009-08-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

I just found this gem on youtube.com! I'm not sure where or when she sang this and I don't trust the people in the comments (I know that Frank Sinatra helped her sing the song in the 1980 tribute, but he's nowhere on this audio)...so just enjoy it! :)

Graphic Design Contest

2009-08-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I WANT YOU TO HELP WITH THE LOOK OF THE BLOG!

I was just thinking that --since I know a lot of you are crafty classic movie fans as well as artists and creative people-- we should have a contest for a graphic design logo on the Ingrid Bergman Life and Times blog!

Submit your best work!

What we'll do is:

You submit a logo, somehow related to Ingrid and the blog, with the name of the blog or a clear reference to the blog.
I round up the entries and pick a number of them for us to vote into the header of the blog.
The best design makes it into the header, the 2nd place makes it into the side bar and the others become a wonderful gallery of work--to be used at a later time (I'll try and notify you when yours is up!)
It's a win win win contest... with time being the competitive element.

I know everyone has talent, let's see it!

A Matter of Time--In A Matter of Time

2009-08-12T01:43:00.000-07:00

I'm working on watching A Matter of Time, which Kinga sent me so graciously.

Though this is an excuse ("make no excuses, play like a champion") I have been somewhat busy and haven't sat down to watch the whole thing. I plan on doing so and doing an analysis of the film.

Keep the Ingridly faith! lol.

Let me know how you like things around here and if anyone is participating in the graphic/logo contest!

Thanks :)

The Movie Projector Blog

2009-08-09T23:51:00.001-07:00

I recently stumbled upon The Movie Projector blog and I absolutely love it. I think it's a well organized blog, intensely and educatedly written.

Here is a link to the analysis of Autumn Sonata composed by R.D. Finch.

Thank you R.D. Finch for your blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!

2009-08-09T22:59:00.001-07:00

A big "Ingridly" birthday wish to Nicole from Classic Hollywood Nerd! Though it is only 11 PM here in California-- I want to make my shout out LOUD and CLEARRRRR!

Hope you have a fantastic birthday filled with classic memories, tons of films, brand new DVD's, great wishes and, of course, CAKE!

Have a good one Nicole! :)

TCM Thread

2009-08-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

I've posted a new topic of conversation (to try and get us all readers) on TCM.com

Hello everyone-
I just wanted to make you aware of the blog that write dedicated to Ingrid Bergman. I am in a ring of classic movie blogs and if anyone is interested in reading it, please visit
I would love for you to read, comment, inform me, discuss or contribute to our community and to my blog. I love classic film and I am a filmmaker--so all are welcome and encouraged!

Ingridly love to all TCM fans!
Alexis

PS
don't forget to friend each other on the TCM Union!!

Feel free to visit the topic/thread if you like or direct your TCM Union friends to the post. This may help all of us get some sweet readership--anything to help the classic film community!

Check out "Hats Galore"

2009-08-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this post at Classic Hollywood Nerd. It's about women and their hats and Ingrid is featured quite a bit.

I just want to tell Nicole, who runs Classic Hollywood Nerd, I am not trying to rip off your look. I just noticed we have a similar look going on. Hope it's the more the merrier not offending. Lol.

Keep working on your logos!! :)

Ingrid Reference

2009-08-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

The book I'm reading, The Big Rewind by Nathan Rabin has an Ingrid reference in it!

The book is a memoir depicting Rabin's life, his struggles and triumphs all relating to pop culture and what has made him, him.

I have laughed my butt off through most of this book. Even in the worst of times, Rabin doesn't hesitate to throw in a joke or two or make a sweet reference that no geek, movie buff, television addict or book worm can resist.

On page 284, Rabin makes a reference to the 1944 film, Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer. He says, "At one point Ridley referred to what we were doing to Zorianna as gaslighting, after the 1944 classic where Charles Boyer wages a subtle, persistent campaign to drive Ingrid Bergman insane."

I have been going on and on about this book for 2 weeks, trying to pace myself and not finish too quickly. I'm coming toward the end and I'm pretty sure Nathan Rabin probably thinks I'm stalking him on twitter because I keep tweeting about it. Oh well, you're now a hero in pop-culture yourself Mr. Rabin--deal with it!

I am a big fan of the website Rabin writes for, The A.V. Club and have suggested (via email) that Ingrid Bergman be a "Gateway to Geekery" article. Who knows, they might pick her!

I even used the word "Ingridly" in my email...pretty sweet...pretty classic.

Start working on your logos! :)