Good Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant by Jennifer Grant

via NPR

I enjoyed this book. Not as much as her mother's book Dear Cary, but as far as reminiscences (is it still a word if I put an "s" on the end?) go it was good.

It's not in any chronological order, but rather in subject order. Jennifer talks about how he father handled certain things (such as fame) and about things he taught her (such as budgeting). It is clear from her writing that Grant was a devoted father. Jennifer was his only child and came when he was in his 60s and had retired from acting. Grant had taken pains to save anything and everything from Jennifer's childhood. He even had recordings of her. She inserts small snippets of these conversations in the text of her book. The stories Jennifer tells are fun to read because this is a side of the iconic Cary Grant we've never seen.

If you are a Cary Grant fan (and enjoy reading up on him as I do) you will love this book.

Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant by Dyan Cannon

via My Books

I loved this book. First of all I adore Cary Grant (doesn't everybody?) and I've read another biography (Cary Grant: A Class Apart, I think). He was a brilliant man who shaped his own career beautifully. He knew who he wanted Cary Grant to be.

This book is a great look into his life with Dyan Cannon. I love the way she writes, it feels very honest. It's also easy to ride along with her. I found myself feeling excited for her at the beginning, then worried for her in the middle and proud of her at the end. It feels like you are listening to a friend tell you about her life. She's not bitter or angry, just grateful for her experience. Also she's just a good author. It was an easy book to read. 

If you like biographies about the stars of yesteryear you'll probably like this. I sure did!

Next up: Good Stuff by Jennifer Grant

Destination Tokyo (1943)

via Sittin' on a Backyard Fence

 This was my first time viewing Destination Tokyo. I bought a set of Cary Grant films last year and this one was in it. I never watch movies unless I feel like it, so I hadn't watched this one until today.

I loved it. I can't even tell you how much I loved it. It is so well done.

The only complaint I have is the way they talk about the Japanese people, their talk is full of stereotypes and falsehoods. The film was made during World War II and was definitely propaganda.

via All Posters

I'm not sure that I've ever seen a war film that had me on my toes like this one did. Several times I dropped what I was doing to cover my mouth or my eyes. I found my self consciously trying to breath calmly during several scenes. The suspenseful scenes were done very well. The actors were incredible!

via Nitrate Diva

On top of the suspense the film is terribly heartwarming. The characters are so real. They're the guys you went to high school with, your brother, your cousins, and your father. They talk of their families, their sweethearts, their hopes and dreams. They are courageous. They excel because they work as a team and truth each other.

via tumblr

Their captain is obviously what fosters this type of crew. He is a husband and father whose "biggest kick of last year" was being at his son's first hair cut. He is fair and considerate. He encourages his crew and treats them with kindness and respect. He works right along side the men as they take care of important and necessary tasks.

via DBCovers

Has anyone else seen this film? What did you think? I would really love to hear your thoughts!

On another note (one that I cannot ignore) Cary Grant has never been more attractive than he is in this film. (At least to my knowledge, and I've seen a lot of Cary Grant films.)

via Sweet Fancy Moses

My Weekend in Movies

Saturday

The Corn is Green (1979)

poster via johnbarry.org

First time I ever saw this movie. Since Katharine Hepburn stars in the movie it's no surprise that I liked it. It's about a lady who decides to teach the poor children of a mine town. She discovers genius in one of the young men and decides to push him to become the best he can. It's a well told story and inspiring.

I can't seem to find the trailer for this one. Sorry!

Bottom line: It's a TV movie so it's nothing fancy, but it's well done. I would recommend it!

His Girl Friday (1940)

poster via Dr. Macro's

I adore this film. It's brilliantly funny and very fast paced! I can't remember what I thought the first time I watched it, but I imagine I missed at least 50% of the funny lines. It's just so quick!

Bottom line: Hilarious! Watch it over and over and over. It never gets old. You'll catch a new joke each time you watch it.