"The Boss" and Career Metamorphosis

Renaissance man. Wearer of many hats. Multi-tasker.  Jack of all trades. [I'm just realizing that all these idioms are so masculine.]

There has always been a lot of labels for someone who takes on many different jobs or is tremendous at multiple skills. These terms especially become relevant in today's world, as it seems like it is only becoming more and more popular for most people (out of necessity or fun) to have multiple jobs and interests that takes them throughout their day to day life.

Of course this doesn't just apply to us regular joe's (or how about regular jane's, eh?) - it is also very relevant for those working in the entertainment industry, especially actors. Some actors are good at one thing and will stick to gross out comedy or super serious period dramas for their whole life. Then there are actors that are continually morphing into new characters and performing in different mediums every time you see them - from theater, to TV, to the big screen.

There are even those bold, versatile entertainers, that have switched from being a musician to an actor. Sometimes you just never know what opportunities will arise and where that new move will advance you down the path of your life.

Melissa McCarthy knows this better than any performer in recent years.

She may be the star of the number one movie at the box office this weekend (The Boss), but one of her old hats got put back on the rack again this week. After months of drama and stress for fans, it was finally announced that McCarthy will be returning to the show that made her famous after all! New episodes of Gilmore Girls  without Sookie St. James would have been miserable - she provides a large chunk of bubbly heart, laughter, amazing cooking accidents, and makes up one half of the tremendous friend duo with Lorelai Gilmore. Even if she's only able be part of one scene, that's better than nothing at all.

Many years after leaving Stars Hollow, McCarthy became a bona fide movie star after Bridesmaids rocketed her into the spotlight and led to her first Oscar nomination. She's now considered top billing on all her movies, is producing her own scripts, and has become the muse of director/writer Paul Fieg (from former Heavyweights fame - never forget). What makes McCarthy admirable (other than her top notch lip sync skills), is that all her success hasn't gotten to her head (or at least it doesn't appear to have) and she couldn't be more thrilled to return to a TV show that used to find its home on a little network called the WB.

Other people who have made the transition to bigger stardom don't always like reflecting on their past. I'm mostly just referring to Mark Wahlberg. Calling him Marky Mark today is only for the bold. Allegedly he does not get "Good Vibrations" from the past. [Terrible pun definitely intended.]

Wahlberg really did conquer a rarity.  The transition from TV to the big screen is one hurdle, but morphing from a singer to an acclaimed actor is more comparable to that time Homer tried to skateboard over the Springfield Gorge. There's probably someone out there that could make that jump, but more will crash down to the bottom of the ravine.

Time has shown that it is definitely much harder for musicians to be taken seriously as actors. Yet, there are some legends who have successfully made the jump.

I got talking about Cher's Twitter presence yesterday (per usual - and if you want to live your best life you too should join Twitter just to read her tweets, which showcase the only proper way to use emojis ) and the conversation turned to people who started as singers and then successfully became movie stars. It's not about Mariah's turn in Glitter, or Christina's take on Burlesque, or Vanilla Ice's foray into Cool As Ice - these were one off gigs. I'm talking about actors who you can watch in a movie and you completely forget all about the fact that they were singers at one point in their life. The small group that fall into this category have found immense success - even being nominated for numerous Academy Awards.

Ultimately, acting wasn't just a whim for singers like Cher, Wahlberg, Dolly Parton, Will Smith, or Queen Latifah.

Out of that list, Dolly and Cher have since reverted back to their singer/performer status after their string of hit movie performances in the 80s and 90s (except for when they bring out the big acting guns for more recent flicks like Burlesque and Joyful Noise).

There's always an ebb and flow to everyone's life, but I don't see Wahlberg ever reverting back to his musical roots, but hey, you never know. The need to release some tunes might start pumping back into his veins.

There's also nothing wrong with moving on and looking toward bigger success. Much like McCarthy, the transition from TV actor to movie star status can happen, but it just might take some time. People like Jennifer Aniston, Tina Fey, Chris Pratt, and Steve Carell all got their start on the small screen and have now only continued to take over the entertainment world.

It is possible to convince people that you are capable of more than one thing, even if it takes awhile. But that doesn't mean that you always have to leave everything from your past behind.

Based on the box office numbers, the world can't get enough of the hilariously brassy characters that McCarthy has become known for in the film world, and yeah, I love it all too. Although, I only hope that in between all that lovely cursing and hilarious hi-jinx, McCarthy gets the opportunity (like in the wonderful St. Vincent) to be the leading lady that shows off some of that old school Sookie St. James charisma on the big screen as well.

Until next time. 

Battle Of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1997

It all started with a giant hat. 

Back in 1997, on a (possibly) crisp sunny day, 4th grade had been let out for an early release, and my dad couldn't wait to bustle me and my schoolmates from the steps of elementary school to the movie theater.

Sandwiched between my dad and two friends, the tale of doomed lovers on a sinking ocean liner was just about to unfold on the screen in front of us for the first time.

All it took was one sweeping shot panning down to a glorious purple hat atop Rose Dewitt Bukkater's (aka Dawson's) head, with that lively James Horner score, and I was lost forever to the Best Picture Winner of 1997.

Titanic, the ship of dreams, where a real man makes his own luck, and the movie of a lifetime.

As ridiculous as it is, that memory of the first time I saw this worldwide blockbuster has vividly stuck all these years. It is as if I always knew I would need a snappy anecdote to comment on Jack, Rose, and the gang. That opening shot is truly genius, and draws me into the movie every time.

Fifteen years later, the cultural buzz has turned to hate, especially as it seems "cooler" to gripe about Titanic these days. I will admit to rolling my eyes at a few cheesy lines. Remember Jack handcuffed to a pipe and his, "I'll stay right here!" quip?

However, a crappy one liner is the only complaint I will ever agree on. Otherwise to me, and many others, Titanic is perfect.

For those questioning my movie taste, I will say; remember the first time you saw that grand ship cruise onto the big screen or heard the haunting score? Blew your mind, right? Take yourself back to 1997 and you will get back on board!

Terrible puns aside, as I don't need to remember that feeling. Each time I sit down to watch Titanic that same amazement is still there. Inside, 10-year-old me continues to rejoice, but really doesn't understand why I now care so much about the piece of hair that gracefully falls over Leo's eye.

When it swept in outrageous popularity across the world, the movie became personal to fans. Each probably have a similar tale of adoration.

We quickly grew attached to Rose's bold efforts to be her own person and the innocent tale of girl meets boy from across the tracks (or Wisconsin). Not to mention the outstanding special effects, the heart-pounding and terrifying historical tragedy as the central theme, and the energy the entire film radiated through the theaters. It was a movie event unlike any other in my lifetime.

The elaborately detailed sets and costumes build on each character and scene. The look is so glamorous in fact, you wish you had been there, until you remember how the story ends.

Every moment still bursts with those bold images and dreamy colors that James Cameron worked endlessly to create. Many of these scenes are now infamous, with due credit to Cameron's staging of them.  Jack and Fabrizio at the bow of the ship screaming, "I'm The King Of The World", with deep blue ocean crashing beneath them, or Jack and Rose in the same spot "flying" across a gorgeous sunset would not have been so widely referenced (and mocked) in our culture if they had not first been magnetic scenes that got our attention.




The greatest scene though, one that I would hop on that ship to join even knowing had I been a third class passenger I would have likely died, involves some serious dancing.

Jack and Rose's, "Irish Party In Third Class",  is not a complex scene, it is just entirely joyful. Rose is freer than she's ever been, drinking and spitting like a man, and with the sinking of the ship imminent, it's the perfect interjection of time simply seeing Jack and Rose have fun. Until that pesky man servant steps in...

People often criticize Titanic for the romance, saying the star crossed lovers bit has been done before. That is all stating the obvious, as it has been done for hundreds of years and in other Best Picture Winners (West Side Story); it is the most classic of all plot devices. Winslet and DiCaprio are just so well suited for each other that it doesn't matter. Even if it's known their romance will have to end in tragedy, we can thoroughly enjoy it while it lasts.

Amongst all the drama and sadness, Titanic is still one of those flicks that always brings a smile to my face. Much of this is because the world  Cameron created is now so familiar, but also much can be said for the enjoyment of boisterous characters like Molly Brown (the always enjoyable Kathy Bates) and the out of control antics of Cal (Mr. Titanic himself, Billy Zane).

I have only just touched the surface on all the fantastic things that are offered (we didn't even get to everyone's favorite rouge Irishman, Tommy!), but since this could go on for days, it has to wrap up somewhere.

Whether or not you appreciate Titanic, it is one of the biggest movies of all time. The impact of the adored story reached around the world, but also played a small part in my own story of falling in love with movies, and will continue to stick with fans and new ones as each generation discovers this grand classic.

I am still always keeping my eyes out for any opportunity to wear a giant purple hat.


(As a side note, it has to be said, Titanic 2: Jack's Back, might be the greatest YouTube video of all time. Mostly for the, "My Heart Will Go On" remix at the end. I would see that movie.)


Up Next: The 90's epic love stories barrel on with Gwyneth and Shakespeare.

Battle Of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1985

Only a couple months back, Meryl Streep walked away with her third Oscar for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Three decades earlier, her take on another true story (and European accent, because Meryl loves accents) was getting acclaim.

Danish writer Karen Blixen, under her pen name Isak Dinesen, wrote a memoir reflecting her early life as a coffee plantation owner in Kenya during the 1910s, and the man she met and fell in love with while living in Africa.  Played by Streep and Robert Redford this tale became the Best Picture Winner of 1986; Out Of Africa.





The movie has everything the Academy voters notoriously look for in a best picture; sweeping sceney, lush epic feel, drama, and of course, romance. These all happen to be qualities a lot of movie viewers adore as well, which puts Out Of Africa as both a best picture winner and a classic to many lovers of film.

Thirty years later all of the reasons people love this movie has definitely stood the test of time and, vastly crucial, made me want to reserve my place on a safari as soon as possible; any movie that excites travel plans is a winner in my book.

Only having seen it once before, while hopped up on pain meds after surgery a couple years ago, I knew that a time would come where I would need to watch it coherently.

At that time, even while slightly out of it, I appreciated it for many of the above qualities, but mostly just Redford's dreaminess, and for the love of all things Meryl.

Watching it a second time was definitely necessary to fully understand the story filled with WWI excitement and gender struggles over a woman's place in society, which Blixen was pushing against her entire life.

Out Of Africa is definitely a Best Picture winner to put on your movies to see list. I feel like this is one of those that I will grow more fond of, through each viewing, and especially as I grow older.

As a final tip of my hat to this memorable film I give you something that is either the funniest thing I have ever done...or the lamest. You decide and judge accordingly, but none the less it was a blast.

As a promise to last years me, who was inspired by the annual Washington Post Peeps Contest, but did nothing about it, I present my entry: Out Of Peeps (or the less creative Peeps Of Africa).

I know what you're thinking; the likeness to Meryl and Redford from this scene are uncanny! Also, to answer your question, yes, that is Rajah from Aladdin-we'll just pretend he's a lion.

Go snag a copy of your favorite Oscar winner and wrangle some Peeps for a night of fun!

Battle Of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1983

In an attempt to catch up to 1997 by say, April 4th, my movie watching is turning into an all hands on deck mission: Oscar winners 24/7.

Which brings us to another popular winner from the 1980s; so beloved that, "Give my daughter the shot!" became a powerhouse exclamation, long before, "Show Me The Money".

Mother-daughter relationships are powerful, emotional, and at times, just plain tough. This bond has never been shown better in a movie than in Terms Of Endearment.

Shirley MacLaine plays the mother half of this equation; a crazy, over bearing piece of work, who is feared by most people on their block. Debra Winger is the perfect opposite to her madness; a cutesy daughter striving for independence, all while still holding on to the strong base of her mother.

After watching every scene these two women share together it is clear why moviegoers flocked to it back then, and why it hits home with the same emotions thirty years later.

 [LOVE old movie trailers. Long, yet doesn't ruin anything]

The film follows the lives of these two ladies, holding on to their bond through death, divorce, and being separated by distance. Jack Nicholson and pre Dumb & Dumber Jeff Daniels, are the guys who come in and out of their lives, and are always enjoyable as leading men, but really, the movie belongs to the women.

Winger, with the same lovable spunk and look (those big eyes!) of Zooey Deschanel, seemed too quickly to fade from the movies, even though she is rather fantastic to watch.

MacLaine is also unstoppable. She is a frustratingly hilarious mother that won't let go, and any daughter would lose their mind.  Yet Winger's character, like many daughters will attest, still continues to answer that phone every time it rings, even knowing her mother is on the other side; She drives you nuts, but there is always love.

Coming in at two and a half hours, some sections of the movie lose its charm, especially when mother and daughter are separated by distance. Although, for the most part, the magic of next door neighbor/astronaut Nicholson hitting on MacLaine (both won Best Supporting Actor awards) makes up for some of the slower sections.

Terms of Endearment still gets high marks for perfectly blending the realities of life, both the heartbreaking and ridiculous, and for superb performances by an all star cast. A good cry also never hurt anyone.

Next up: The 1980's love their bio-pics, Rock Me Amadeus!

Battle of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1965

When I started this Best Picture or Bust challenge, I knew many of the winners were things I had never seen.

Then we get to the Best Picture Winner of 1965, which is not only the most consistently enjoyable musical, but also a film recognized and loved the world over.

As I count myself among these fans, consider this less of a review, and more a retrospective in a life-long appreciation of  The Sound Of Music.

In my younger years, wearing a flowing pink dress and dancing around in a gazebo was high on a list of priorities after seeing this film for the first time. Not that this idea doesn't still appeal to me, however the song, "Sixteen Going On Seventeen", definitely doesn't gain my praise as much as when I was ten.

Now, watching this for about the millionth time, in my twenties, it makes way more sense to slap Ralph in the face, call him a traitor, and hold out for a rendezvous with a handsome captain to sing the ballad, "I Must Have Done Something Good." Oh, how the years change our view on things!

The Sound Of Music is one of those films that can be loved forever, especially as it can be looked at completely different each time it is watched throughout a lifetime. The story has numerous levels; as a child it can be enjoyed just for the memorable music, or for the wonderful Julie Andrews, and even adults can admire it simply because of the soaring Austrian scenery and groundbreaking cinematography.

I was one of those kids who was mesmerized by the music, with all the "raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens" business, and I still remember the first time I realized there was much more to the movie than happy- go-lucky times with a governess. Oh, so you're telling they are running away from the Nazi's at the end? Got it! Others probably shared this epiphany along with similar later-in-life revelations about E.T. and that whole scary government conspiracy.

Figuring out the WWII connection was really just the beginning of discoveries when growing up with this film. As a child I would never have appreciated the dynamic between Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Those two work so well together pushing each others buttons in their first meetings, and then, as mentioned earlier, the romantic inside me has currently made their moonlit meeting in the gazebo an all time favorite movie scene. The lighting and just the way those two look at each other is quite fantastic. Although, it does put a damper on things once it was revealed that Plummer is not doing his own singing; one movie fact a trivia buff actually hates learning.

In a classic film like this one, through the years, some appeal never changes; The Sound Of Music is simply an astounding sight for the eyes. From bright, sunny days a top hills alive with music (does any other film have a better opening or ending scene?) to the children, with Maria in tow, "Do Re Mi-ing" throughout the thriving streets of Salzburg; there is never a moment where your eyes drift from the screen.

Many times movies we enjoyed as children get lost on us once we age. The true test of some classics is that the audience will get older, and the film only gets better.

Battle of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1964

It is hard to admit defeat, but sometimes it has to be done. Best Picture winners you beat me, and apparently you are still winners. (To rub it in, I'm not kidding when I say that, "The Winner Takes It All" just started playing on my computer. ABBA, you bitch.)

Even with being deeply determined to accomplish this goal, it just couldn't be done.That goal being: to watch all of the past Best Picture winners by today,  the day of The Academy Awards. It was sort of unrealistic, especially judging by the fact that I have barely gotten through half of the winners. We'll get 'em next year!

Fittingly, I was at least able to squeeze in one last classy, extravaganza before today, that I honestly believe had never graced my eyes before (which is ridiculous). Completely worthy of its eight Oscars, My Fair Lady will put anyone in the mood to honor the cinema greats.

Truly a travesty; with my adoration for Audrey Hepburn and musicals, why did it take until my 20's to see this? Your guess is as good as mine. If anyone else has missed out on My Fair Lady, please don't wait as long as I did and check it out now.

From the whimsical opening sequence filled with elegant and bright flowers, all the way through to the end, My Fair Lady stands the test of time, and really displays to the current culture how a movie musical should be done. It truly sucks you into the world of Eliza Doolittle for three hours, where every song sticks in your brain and each scene is memorable.






(Hats! Hats! Must find a really important way to wear a giant fancy hat as soon as possible.)

No details were over looked, and the extraordinary costumes and decadent sets further enhance the extravagant fashion of the British hierarchy. Trying to think of a more perfectly dressed scene, than Eliza's first excursion as a "real" lady at a horse race, can't be done.

Being an Audrey Hepburn movie and all, each scene is filled with enviable looks and gowns, but the shear scale of this production number just left me in awe.

Where the costuming and sets are flawless, a fact that always shadows this film, and many movie musicals of this decade, is the voice behind the music. When covering West Side Story, I took an in-depth look at the fascinating life of Marni Nixon and her dubbing of Natalie Wood's singing voice.

Nixon was famously at it again, dubbing Hepburn for My Fair Lady, but for some reason it doesn't bother me as much as it does in West Side Story. Maybe it's because Hepburn's own voice can be heard in segments of a couple songs, and during the parts that it is obvious Nixon's voice is shining through, Hepburn just commits to her performance so well, it's really hard to even care.





Being swept away into a world is, to me, what defines quality films that will be loved for a lifetime. My Fair Lady does that  and will continue to inspire people to admire musicals and adore the art of movies.

Battle of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1958

Running away for the sheer purpose of singing and bashing about Paris, has never appealed to me more than after watching the Best Picture winner of 1958.

Musicals are not always filmed on location (a MGM stage set did no justice to past winner An American In Paris), but for the sake of Gigi it was able to soak up all the glory the City Of Lights had to offer. The film as a whole is better because of it.

Production numbers take place all over Paris in one fabulous garden after another, where the sun is always shining, everyone twirls around with parasols, and it is believable that riding in a carriage is always accompanied by a catchy melody. I was born to love these unrealistic nature of musicals, and continually wish events like this would actually happen in the periphery of my life.

Focusing around a young girl, Gigi, and her life living with a protective family that only wish her to experience love...I think? There are a few restrictions. I really loved this movie, but the plot gets a little weird when you realize that her Grandmother and Great Aunt just want, well, to pimp her out (it's an old movie, but this is the only way I can explain it), so that Gigi will end up with a guy who can give her lots of jewels and take her on adventures.

Also, marriage is out of the question! But then that guy...okay, watch it and then we can discuss things about this story that slightly confused me. The feminist inside all women will probably be sounding the alarm.

All and all though, a fun, beautiful looking musical, packed full of classic songs that I am now able to identify their origin ("Thank Heaven For Little Girls" most notably).






Leslie Caron, seen here performing my favorite bit of hers, freakishly reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and it couldn't leave my mind the entire time I watched this movie. In a coincidence of sorts, and after scouring IMDB, I uncovered a factoid (film nerds need only continue with this sentence); Gigi was originally a stage musical, where the role of Gigi was played by...wait for it...Audrey. Hepburn. Crazy, right? When Hepburn was unable to reprise her role, I apparently wasn't the only one that saw the similarities in the two.

Caron justly steals this movie, and we all know that Hepburn eventually makes it in the movies, and has her own musical turn in an Oscar winner coming up on the list.

Even with the, at times, weird plot line, this is definitely a must see. Approved!

Battle of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1950

It is true that no one can play a better crazy Ophelia than Kate Winselt, but Winslet, even you have to step up the crazy compared to the ultimate cuckoo movie performance; Anne Baxter as Eve in All About Eve will win every time. Forty years before the masterpiece Single White Female, Eve was stomping around (but sadly without any murder by stiletto plots) and stealing other people's lives like nobody's business.

Broadway star Margo Channing, (played by the, it goes without saying, iconic Betty Davis) is on top of the world getting the biggest and best roles NYC has to offer. Being one of Margo's biggest fans, Eve is welcomed into the celebrity world by Margo's best friend (played by utterly lovable Celeste Holm). Once Eve enters their lives, with the big city lights beaming in her eyes, she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Growing up in a household where Betty Davis is highly regarded, where impressions of the woman are on constant display and quotes from her movies are used in everyday situations, I have seen All About Eve numerous times throughout my lifetime. Because of this I found it nearly impossible to watch alone and decided to watch it with my dad for old times' sake. Let me tell you, it is just that much more fun.

From the witty dialogue to the enjoyable story and performances, this is definitely one of the movies on this trek that definitely screams why it was a Best Picture contender and winner; it's a classic through and through. Interestingly enough though, all of the lead actresses were nominated, and none of them won. You know who won instead? That hussy Judy Holliday! I actually have no idea who she is...

I'm going to bold and declare that I find it hard to believe someone not enjoying this movie. As a matter of fact, I dare you to not like it. I mentioned Anne Baxter is cruiseazy in this right?

Battle Of The Oscar Stars: Best Picture 1942

Sometimes movies really know how to throw a viewer off. By this I mean, titles can often be misleading. When I read the title of the Best Picture Winner of 1942, I was anticipating...well, I wasn't anticipating much. Doesn't the title Mrs. Miniver sound like a movie that will follow the homely life of a crotchety old British schoolmarm? I thought so. Curses to the agreement with myself to only obsessively scour IMDB after watching a movie for the first time.

Just a little research would have revealed a drastically different image; one of intense war propaganda, high class broads, and lots of intrigue! What does this teach us? Don't judge a movie by its title; except for Piranha's 3D. If you actually pay to see that movie you should know by the title that you are basically throwing your money away.

Based in 1939 England (and I thought we cranked out movies quickly today) Mrs. Miniver follows the start of WWII and how it affects the people in a small village, though focusing on the privileged Miniver family. The namesake of the movie (played by Greer Garson) watches as her son then husband assist in the early war efforts while she is left home to listen to bombs dropping around her and wonder if her family will return.

The quick turn around in the release of this movie makes sense as it was basically used, and actually worked quite well, to gain sympathy for the British efforts in the war. Though, this only worked because what was produced was an incredibly interesting and enjoyably movie. Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon waltz comfortably around the screen, and, in one of the most emotional scenes in a bomb shelter, they make you openly care about their characters as they read Alice In Wonderland to their children, all while the terrifying sound of bombs nearly drown out their voices.

Without even googling it, and it turned out I was right, I could tell that Garson should have won the best actress award that year. Though the effortless acting wasn't all that was acknowledged, as this film won six Academy Awards that year, including awards for writing, directing and cinematography.

This movie wouldn't have worked if it was just emotional tripe trying to pull at American heartstrings. I mean Mrs. Miniver actually turns out to be quite the badass as she finds a German pilot in her backyard and after he has her at gun point she actually slaps the guy! As movie characters go, I have a new idol. Let me tell you, I wouldn't have been able to guess that by the title.

Last words; surprisingly engrossing and more importantly (not to dumb this excellent movie down) Walter Pidgeon sort of resembles Jon Hamm. Recommend stamp!

Battle Of The Oscar Stars: Epic Day of Gone With The Wind

For the Best Picture winner of 1939, you are seriously going to have to set aside a day. The perfect collision of some midsummer terrible Washington weather came together just in time for this past weekend. While the rain poured down the windows, I was able to cozy up and enjoy all four hours (or just under four, but when anything is longer than three hours specifics just don't matter) of Gone With The Wind without feeling as if I was wasting my life away.

Some wish to call this classic overrated, but I completely disagree. This epic tale of love, war, and that crazy Scarlet
 O'Hara can be just as enjoyable now as it was to people when it was released over 70 years ago.

I can truly speak to this from fresh eyes, because it was my first for watching Gone With The Wind. Well, all the way through. Even being the movie nerd that I am, only bits and pieces of classic scenes has been presented to me in the past. Having read, and loved the book, I knew that the story was hugely epic, but still imagining sitting and watching this movie for the entire length seemed daunting. Although, I will admit that finishing it felt entirely rewarding.

Like most epic movies, there is never a dull moment, and the only thing that reminds you just how long you have been sitting there is when you are jerked out of Tara faced with an actual Intermission and disc two must be inserted.

Something truly amazing is to compare this movie with the film that won the Best Picture the year before. From a black and white simple story of a family to one of the most expensive and successful films ever created, just in the span of a year.


(Or you could just spend 30 Seconds watching this...it's pretty much the same)

Anyone who needs convincing that this movie holds up over time, simply watch the scenes depicting the disastrous effects of the Civil War on the people of Atlanta. Incredibly well done, and the hundreds of extras used makes these scenes actually terrifying to watch. Also, it goes without saying that the charisma of Clark Gable as Rhett Butler and his chemistry with Vivien Leigh as Scarlet might be another reason the movie will continue to top best of lists.

All in all I am glad to have finally seen this, and I think most people who haven't seen it should just commit some time already and watch. There is no better company for a rainy day.

On forward now into another decade; the 1940's! Still have so many to go...