Celebrating a "Yankee Doodle Dandy" 4th of July!

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On this 4th of July, I'm recognizing Independence Day

by highlighting the patriotic movie, Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Loosely based on the life of entertainer & composer George M. Cohan, 

it starred James Cagney in the leading role, for which he won an Academy Award.

It was released on Memorial Day,1942, 6 months after 

the bombing of Pearl Harbor, when the US entered World War II.

Instead of selling tickets to the Broadway opener,

they sold War Bonds, raising 5 million dollars.

James Cagney's sister Jeanne played Cohan's sister Josie.

This was the first movie in which a living US President (FDR) was portrayed.

George M. Cohan died of cancer the year the film was released, November 1942.

In 1985, this movie was one of the first to be colorized.

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Among the Cohan songs in the musical score are Harrigan, You're a Grand Old Flag, 

Over There, Give My Regards to Broadway, and of course, Yankee Doodle Boy.

Here's the video of Jimmy Cagney, as George M. Cohan, performing

Yankee Doodle Boy. You'll see Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland as well. 

Calendars for 2015

As we're nearing the end of the year, I'm rounding up some choice calendar selections.
I think they make ideal gifts to reflect the personal tastes of those on your list.
Choose one for yourself that will bring a smile to each of your days in 2015!

Above: I'm lovin' this vintage typewriter mini calendar by Blackbird Letterpress.

Barnes & Noble

With Downton Abbey beginning its 5th season,
this calendar reminds fans why the show is so popular.
(My favorite is the photo of Bates & Anna stealing a kiss!)

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Oh, the quality of letterpress!

The gilded & textured patterns are so classy.

And how about the wood stump holder?

(Next year you can just order a refill.)

Amazon.com

Calling all movie buffs!

Each month brings you a vintage movie poster!

Drenculture

Garden of Birds.

Fabulous bold graphics!

Christianbook.com

Scripture verses are featured with

lovely paintings by LANG's Susan Winget.

Slick Turtle Design

This vivid year-at-a-glance poster calendar is available in 3 sizes.

Eye-catching and bold.

Papyrus

How fun is this? Quirky for sure.
A hula girl on the dashboard and a knitted teapot cozy.

Mary, Did You Know?

This past year, The History Channel gave us an unforgettable miniseries called The Bible.

Along with a recap of the movie in this official video,
CeeLo Green sings one of my favorites, "Mary, Did You Know?".

I'd like to share it with you as my "Merry Christmas!"

While we watch, we can appreciate the full story.

Our history is "HIS-story".

His birth.

His sacrifice.

His gift of salvation.

The History Channel

CeeLo Green

Les Miserables

imdb

I can't wait!

Les Miserables, coming to theaters on Christmas Day 2012.

individual images facebook, collage by MyPaisleyWorld

Jean Valjean ~ Hugh Jackman

Javert ~ Russell Crow

Fantine ~ Anne Hathaway

Cosette ~ Amanda Seyfried

Marius ~ Eddie Redmayne

Eponine ~ Samantha Barks

Thenardier ~ Sacha Baron Cohen

Madame Thenardier ~ Helena Bonham Carter

The official trailer:

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If you're like me, that just wasn't enough.

Check out the international trailer:

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In this featurette, the actors explain why this movie is such a phenomenon.

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via anthonymatula.com

This was a "teaser" poster.

I'm glad we don't have to wait until next summer, aren't you?

Lincoln

I must say, I am really psyched to see the movie Lincoln, due for release on November 16th. This is going to be a good one. It's about the last 4 months of Lincoln's life, as he worked toward bringing an end to the Civil War, and toward passing the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.


Based on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the film is directed by Steven Spielberg.

Daniel Day Lewis stars as the president. Co-stars include Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field. Enjoy the full official trailer:

Here's another one:

For those of us who can't get enough of the inside scoop,
watch this interview of Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis by AMC.

Videos courtesy of YouTube.
Really looking forward to seeing this! Anybody beside me thinking ahead to the Oscars?


>>>>>Update: My husband and I saw this movie on December 1st.
                          We could really see Lincoln's true heart to abolish slavery.
                          Daniel Day-Lewis was phenomenal. Now THAT is acting.