Display at Christian Dior in Beverly Hills
At the Christian Dior store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, I learned that today is an important fashion anniversary. Dior’s first couture show debuted “The New Look” on Feb. 12, 1947.
Who loves you, baby? FNB does, that’s who!
February 7, 2011 by
Robert Mitchum in "The Night of the Hunter"
LOVE NIGHT: If you’re looking for a stylish, old-school place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider the Sunset Tower Hotel, 8358 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, 323-654-7100. Formerly the Argyle Hotel, this Art Deco gem was designed by Leland A. Bryant; it opened in 1931. The Argyle was a residence for Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Paulette Goddard, Preston Sturges, George Stevens, Michael Caine and Quincy Jones. When dining, be sure to save room for the baked Alaska – it’s making my mouth water, just thinking about it. Mmmmm.
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See how much FNB loves you? 😉
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United Artists image of Robert Mitchum
What’s new at the Aero and the Egyptian in February
February 4, 2011 by
There’s much classic and neo noir to choose from this month at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. Highlights at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica include:
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Director Christopher Nolan appears at the Egyptian’s “Memento” screening to mark the film’s Blu-ray launch; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4.
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As part of the Gypsy Rose Lee Centennial, “Gypsy” shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Aero. Come back to the Aero for Valentine’s weekend to see “Casablanca” and “Double Indemnity” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13.
Anjelica Huston
“Reservoir Dogs” comes to the Aero at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23.
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The Egyptian Theatre is at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. The Aero Theatre is at 1328 Montana Ave. General admission is $11; members pay $7. Several programs at the Aero were unconfirmed; be sure to check the schedule for final times.
Noir City 9 memorial reel honors movie greats
February 3, 2011 by
At the recent Noir City 9 in San Francisco, besides the marvelous movies, audiences got to see a memorial reel for talent who died in 2010, created by Richard Hildreth, Noir City showrunner.
Peter Graves in "The Night of the Hunter"
Seeing Graves’ name and the clip from “The Night of the Hunter” (recently re-released by Criterion) reminded me to feature this movie on my site and I’m lucky to have a review to share from critic Michael Wilmington.
MW rightly praises Robert Mitchum’s performance. But for me it is the child actors, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce, who make the film so moving and resonant.
Peter Graves image from today.msnbc.msn.com
Vintage expo and Valentine’s celebrations
February 2, 2011 by
Looking for some retro additions to your wardrobe? The Vintage Expo, now in its 23rd year, comes to Santa Monica this weekend (Feb. 5 and 6).
The clothing covers a period of about 100 years and there’s a broad selection of jewelry, shoes, textiles and accessories. Show organizers say you can expect to find: tailored suits, tiered petticoat skirts, long dresses, one-piece swimsuits, short shorts, “Grandpa” sweaters, lace-up oxfords, thigh-high and short lace-up boots, skinny belts, aviator sunglasses, chandelier earrings (and all large statement jewelry), platform sandals and high-waisted pants.
The Vintage Expo has a broad range of clothes, jewelry, shoes and accessories.
Expo co-producer Lis Normoyle explains: “Fashion magazines are full of vintage-inspired fashions. At the show, you can see and try on and take home the real vintage clothing that these styles try to imitate, but without the craftsmanship or unique style of the originals.”
The expo is held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. It runs Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. On Saturday, for $20, you can get into the early-buying portion of the show that runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Students are free on Sunday with student ID.
For more information and to download a coupon, visit www.vintageexpo.com.
Also on Saturday, Feb. 5, SusieCakes home-style bake shop is teaching sweetheart baking classes, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Newport Beach, Calabasas, Marin and Manhattan Beach; and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Brentwood. The cost is $145 per couple and includes a champagne toast. You’ll take home cupcakes, cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries. For more info, visit www.susiecakesbakery.com.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m., Only Hearts in Santa Monica, 1407 Montana Ave., is hosting a Valentine’s celebration with lingerie modeling, boudoir photo sessions by Nico Moon, and tea and pastries from Valen Dolce. There will be a raffle, specials and goodie bags for the first 50 guests. For more info, visit www.onlyhearts.com and www.nicomoon.com.
Expo photo by Lis Normoyle
SF noir fest: Who’s driving whom nuts?
January 25, 2011 by
Hallucinations, imaginary family members, gold diggers and good girls, cheating spouses, murder, fake death certificates, freaks, fiends and assorted psychopaths … there was much to love over the weekend at Noir City 9, the ninth annual San Francisco Film Noir Festival. This year’s theme is “Who’s Crazy Now?” and the madness continues at the Castro Theatre through Jan. 30.
Addressing the sold-out crowd on Saturday night, fest founder and czar of noir Eddie Muller commented on the fact that this year’s lineup of films, all of which touch on insanity, featured more female protagonists than ever before.
“But there’s no hidden message there,” he said. “Men are driving them crazy. And the idea that noir is a man’s world? This festival disproves that.”
Good answer, Eddie. 😉
I spent a whirlwind weekend in SF, watching movies, eating, shopping and enjoying this pretty city. Here are some highlights from the trip.
The view from a balcony overlooking Union Square.
The Castro Theatre hosts Noir City 9.
The poster shows Marilyn in a red bustier, great to wear when baby-sitting, of course.
The festival crowd at the Castro on Saturday night.
Lobster cappuccino at Chez Spencer.
Christian Louboutin's retro red gingham in the window at Neiman Marcus.
FNB is crazy for Noir City 9
January 22, 2011 by
Monroe and Widmark in "Don't Bother to Knock."
Happy Saturday and hello from San Francisco! It’s beautiful weather here and there’s much to see at Noir City 9, the terrific film festival put on by the Film Noir Foundation.
This year’s theme is “Who’s Crazy Now?” described by festival organizers as a lineup of 24 tales of madness, ranging from Oscar-winning performances by Ingrid Bergman (“Gaslight”) and Ronald Colman (“A Double Life”) to obscure rarities, all presented as originally intended, in glorious 35mm. The fest runs through Jan. 30.
Just returned from “Strangers in the Night” by Anthony Mann at the Castro Theatre and will be returning for tonight’s double feature, the little-known “They Won’t Believe Me” and “Don’t Bother to Knock,” the sexy thriller starring Marilyn Monroe.
Between movies, there are so many divine restaurants, I’m afraid I might lose my mind. 😉
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Almost time to tweet about the Golden Globes
January 16, 2011 by
Setting up for the Golden Globes ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hilton on Wilshire Boulevard.
It’s a gorgeous day in LA, but for me a cozy spot on the sofa is the best vantage point for taking in the Golden Globes. Join me on Twitter as I scour the red carpet for nods to noir and retro charm. I think “Social Network” is a shoo-in for best pic, but I’m not so sure about other categories.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association presents the awards; the first ceremony was held in January 1944 at Twentieth Century Fox in LA.
What’s new at the Aero and the Egyptian in January
January 5, 2011 by
There’s much for noir aficionados to see this month at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. Highlights at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood include:
That Special Something: A Tribute to Great Screen Icons, spotlighting “film actors [who] transcend the realm of mere celebrity, reaching a more profound level of cultural significance.” The series honors Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, John Wayne, James Dean, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Elvis.
Humphrey Bogart
Film noir entries include: “In a Lonely Place,” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Egyptian as well as Hitchcock gems “Rear Window” and “Dial M for Murder” starting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Egyptian. The Screen Icons series runs Jan. 5-29.
“Chinatown” and “The Tenant” will show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the Egyptian as part of Traumatic Rendition: A Roman Polanski Retrospective.
William Friedkin’s “The French Connection” and “To Live and Die in L.A.,” will run at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Aero. This double-bill is part of Strangle-Hold: The Gripping Films of William Friedkin.
This is just scratching the surface, so be sure to check complete schedule. The Egyptian Theatre is at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. The Aero Theatre is at 1328 Montana Ave. General admission is $11; members pay $7.
Meanwhile, I just booked my ticket to attend the Film Noir Foundation’s Noir City 9 in San Francisco, Jan. 21-30 at the Castro Theatre. Looking forward to the excellent lineup of films!
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