Let's Go to the Movies!

Yes, I know. The sound is out of sync. There aren't any other versions of this on Youtube...

This evening at dinner, my grandmother told the story of her first visit to an American movie theater.

Edward Hopper - "New York Movie" 1939

She first left her native Colombia for the United States in the fall of 1950 to attend Mississippi Southern College. She still has all the correspondence she wrote in those early days. Much of the content of her letters pertained to the vast differences between her country and ours - for instance, how the black people were forced to sit in the back of the bus. She found this out the hard way when she took a seat in the rear of a city bus. The driver actually stopped the bus, went up to my grandmother and forced her to switch to a seat closer to the front. Needless to say, my grandmother was embarrassed and confused.

Poster for the movie that made Clara Bow

Many other things about the United States seemed very foreign to her, and the American movie theater experience was no exception. On a double date with her good friend from Colombia, the (American) men were very attentive. After buying their tickets and finding seats, they asked my grandmother and her friend if they'd like some popcorn. My grandmother's English was still rusty, so she asked for clarification. Her date explained that it was fried corn kernels covered with salt and butter. She and her friend exchanged looks - not because she didn't recognize the food; quite the opposite.

Damn. Good. Movie.

My grandmother had grown up eating popcorn as a side dish much like rice, so it was odd to think one would eat popcorn at the movies. The only movie theater treat my grandmother knew were candied almonds and other sweets. The movies weren't really a place to eat. In fact, eating at the movies would spoil one's appetite for tea after the movie in one of many local cafés. You can only imagine what she thinks of the nachos and hot dogs available today.

Not a movie poster, but you gotta love Barbi

I adore hearing these stories from my grandmother and from anyone who can share little gems of life in different times. I hope to share more and more of these with you as I blog my way through the ages.


Finis
Nostalgically Yours

The Tony Awards - Best Dressed

I know it's long overdue, but I thought you might like to know what I thought of the Tony gowns. Before I do, I would like to share with you a picture you will find hilarious if you follow theater news:

I did not create this image, nor do I own it. All credit goes to the original author

Anyway, back to business. I'll start out by saying that Sean Hayes did an incredible job hosting. The highlight of the evening was, of course, his and Kristin Chenoweth's big kiss. According to Us Magazine, the kiss came in response to claims from Newsweek that Hayes couldn't convincingly play Chenoweth's husband in their Broadway hit "Promises, Promises" because he was openly gay.

Photo credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

And here I thought they were just playing off the string of same-sex kisses at awards shows we've seen recently!

Moving on to the best dressed. These are not listed in any particular order, just some of my favorite gowns, who wore them, and why I thought they were fabulous.

Catherine Zeta-Jones




The "Little Night Music" star really knows what colors suit her. Pastels look lovely on her dark complexion. The form-flattering bodice is beautifully detailed with piping and ruching, and the light, airy skirt hits her hip just right. She opted for a simple pair of earrings which compliment the complexity of the bodice, without distracting from it.



Cate Blanchett




I always admire risk in award show dress, and Blanchett really put herself out there in this silver pant suit. She looked spectacular, and she dealt with the question of "What blouse can I wear with a metallic suit?" very well! Simple make-up, hair, and accessories made sure the look didn't go overboard. Kudos!



Idina Menzel




The former "Wicked" star shows off her raven hair in a matching princess line gown with a white embroidered floral motif radiating from the waist. Another great example of how detail work can really make what might otherwise be a simple gown really special. Again, no jewelry (I smell a trend) and simple makeup and hair round out the look quite nicely.



Scarlett Johansson




I have to say that I was unimpressed with this gown until I saw a photo of it online. I had no idea it was green! Up close the rows of sequins and/or embroidered jewels are actually visible. The detail work on this gown is amazing, and I very much like the extra straps. Yet again, only earrings and a great pompadour complete the outfit, and if it weren't for the awful color of her nails, this would be a perfect ten.



Viola Davis




I've seen this color green in many stores, in fact my mother owns a dress in exactly this color, however I rarely see it worn by women. Here is a great example of how risk-taking in fashion can really pay off. Color can be especially dangerous because of its dependence on the light source. Colors onstage can look drastically different to color in a photograph or in natural lighting. I have yet to see a bad picture of this dress. Stunning.



Photo credits go to CBS and Huffington Post

Some honorable mentions include: Helen Mirren (but really, when doesn't she look fabulous?), Laura Bell Bundy, Lea Michelle, Paula Abdul, Bebe Neworth, and Bernadette Peters. Though I adore Kristin Chenoweth, I felt that she and Jada Pinkett Smith looked a bit out of place in their super-trendy, super-short dresses.

Nostalgically Yours