Follow Brandie on Twitter: @trueclassics
My name is Brandie, and I am a classic movie freak.
“Hi, Brandie.”
Okay, so there’s no such thing as Classic Movies-aholics Anonymous, but perhaps there should be. We could sit around and watch the best that Hollywood had to offer in the Golden Age of film. Although, now that I think about it, that would likely exacerbate the problem.
I could talk all day about classic movies (and I actually have, on more than one occasion), so this blog is a much-needed outlet for me. I mean, what’s not to love about film in general? It excites us, surprises us, thrills us, romances us, titillates us. And to me, the most provocative, heartfelt, joyous, enticing films were, for the most part, produced prior to 1970. That doesn’t mean I dislike current or “modern” film–in fact, quite the opposite–but sometimes it seems like Hollywood’s run out of decent ideas. And seriously, if I have to sit through another remake of a tepid 1980s cheesefest, I’m gonna hurl. In 3-D.
I possess insane, inane trivial knowledge about classic movies, information which I tend to pass on to willing (and unwilling) recipients within earshot whenever TCM comes up on the channel guide. I also harbor a huge, mega-gigantic crush on TCM host Robert Osborne. It’s wuv. Twu wuv (if you know what that quote is from, you deserve brownies. The good kind, with walnuts and dark chocolate). I was in the auditorium for the opening night of his Athens-based annual classic film festival in March 2009, and being in the same room with him almost made me lose my mind. Alas, running on stage to prostrate myself at his feet would not go over well with security, so I had to resign myself to taking many surreptitious photos. Like this one.
Le sigh.
I also got to see him up close and personal in Atlanta in March 2012. He was literally two feet in front of me, but alas–a meeting was not in the cards. Someday, Robert O. Someday.
I guess now would be the right time to declare that I’m not a stalker.
I swear.
In my non-reel life, I am a freelance writer and editor. As of late, my specialty has been ghostwriting and editing memoirs, something I thoroughly enjoy doing–I love hearing other people’s stories, and it’s even more fun to have a hand in helping preserve their personal histories. And, of course, I love to hear about other folks’ experiences with the movies. Everyone’s relationship to cinema is unique, and there’s nothing quite like getting a glimpse into the past through these shared memories.
would like an easy link to this blog…
Ever seen “You Can’t Take it With You,” with Lionel Barrymore? I highly recommend it if not. Also, “The Saphead,” with Buster Keaton.
YES! I love “You Can’t Take it With You.” Jean Arthur is a perennial favorite of mine.
I haven’t seen “The Saphead,” but I’ll be adding it to my list of must-sees. Buster Keaton was just plain amazing, wasn’t he? “The General” is one of my favorite silent films of all. The things he did with his body–I’m amazed he managed to survive some of those stunts.
Brandie:
I found out you existed by reading your latest Maltese Falcon posting. It was superb. You’re definitely a woman after my heart. Everybody has a favorite line from that film (one of my top five, I think). What’s yours?
Steve (Retired Naval Offcier/Active Classic Movie Buff)
Thank you very much! I think one of my favorite lines from the film is Spade’s: “I don’t mind a reasonable amount of trouble.” Words to live a life by. Thanks for stopping by the site.
If it existed I’d have to join the “Classic Movies-aholics Anonymous” lol.
Anyway, I’m loving this blog 
I found this blog yesterday, I think and sometimes I want to kill myself for not getting into the golden age of hollywood sooner
Well, thanks! We love new readers.
I think someone should definitely start a Classic Movies-aholics group. I know quite a few folks who could be charter members!
Hello there! I just wanted to point out that…Barbara Stanwyck is the first on your list of favorite actresses!!! *scream*!!! I think you’re the first blogger I’ve found (other than me) where that’s true. Goodness, will you be my best friend?! Just kidding. Just so seriously kidding. But, I love your blog, by the way…a lot… Hopefully this doesn’t sound really weird, but my goal in writing is to be as good as you when I get older.
<3,
Natalie
Thank you for the comment and for the compliment! I do truly love Barbara. She was beautiful and brash and oh, so talented. Truly one of the greats, and it’s sad that she’s not more popular today (I know classic movie fans love her, but few non-classic fans actually know her outside of the stuff she did later in life, like The Big Valley and The Thorn Birds).
I’d love to write a post for your movie memories series–how does one get chosen to do so?
I sent you an email, Kendra!