Happy Birthday... James Stewart (1908-1997)

Born James Maitland Stewart on May 20th, 1908 in Indiana, PA. Whenever I refer to him I say "Jimmy Stewart" instead of James but I'm sure I'm not the only one...

There were many actors who you could say were just as great as he, in their own right, but few if any had his ability to deliver lines. There is just something about his voice that I always find so captivating. He wasn't handsome like Cary Grant, tough like Humphrey Bogart, or a crooner like Frank Sinatra, but where he lacked in looks, grit, or singing he more than made up for in performance. I've never seen a Jimmy Stewart movie I didn't like, even Vertigo, where it isn't my favorite Hitchcock movie because it feels like it drags on forever, he still played the part of a desperate man who thinks he's losing his mind, to perfection.

If I had to pick just one of my favorites I couldn't. How can I say Harvey is my favorite over Rear Window, or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? They are all so different and highlight separately what made him one of the greatest actors ever to grace the big screen. Watching his movies I always seem to catch something I never saw before. Whether it's the subtlety of a line or the way his eyes grow wide, pulling you into the moment right along with him. I could go on forever about how great he was and which movies I love of his, but instead let me share a few scenes that showcase his talent and be sure to scroll past them to see a list of his movies that I've seen:





List of James Stewart movies I've seen:

You Can't Take it With You (1938)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Destry Rides Again (1939)
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Pot o' Gold (1941)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rope (1948)
The Stratton Story (1949)
Harvey (1950)
No Highway in the Sky (1951)
Rear Window (1954)
Vertigo (1958)
Bell Book and Candle (1958)
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

Jimmy Stewart died on July 2nd, 1997 in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 89.

Which (if any) James Stewart movies have you seen?

Happy Birthday... Katharine Hepburn

Born Katharine Houghton Hepburn on May 12th, 1907 it could easily be argued she was one of the best actresses of her time. She died on June 29th, 2003 at the wonderful age of 96! I'd say, and I'm sure she'd agree, she lived a long and wonderful life, both personally and professionally. Unlike many stars around her at the time, she truly did things her way and I think that's why many today can't quite understand her. There are rumors about how she lived her personal life, some proven and others remain murky to this day. But whatever you may think about who she was off camera, there is one thing that can't be denied about her on camera...my was she beautiful, and funny, and classy, but most of all, an amazing performer who far out-shined her co-stars. I love Katherine Hepburn at just about any age and in just about every movie I've had the pleasure of seeing her in.

Two days ago TCM showed some of her movies. Admittedly, for the exception of Bringing Up Baby, they weren't what I would consider some of her best roles. Below I'm going to list for you the ones I've seen and I would highly recommend you seek to watch as well. Many of them, I'm sure, will be featured on multiple occasions on TCM throughout the year.

Little Women (1933)
Stage Door (1937)
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Holiday (1938)
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Woman of the Year (1942)
Adam's Rib (1949)
The African Queen (1951)
Pat and Mike (1952)
Summertime (1955)
Desk Set (1957)
Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Looking back there were more Katharine Hepburn movies I DIDN'T see versus the ones I have seen. I'm not sad about it because it only helps me realize just how many more times I'll get to experience her nuanced way of smiling, and laughing, and just making me feel great while watching her act. The short list above doesn't even begin to cover some of the great roles she's played throughout her 40+ years spent as one of the most sought after stars. She played along side some leading men as well; most notably, Spencer Tracy whom she loved deeply till the day he died.

Of the list above my favorite serious role for her I'm torn between Suddenly, Last Summer and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. But as for her best comedic role I will probably always say Bringing Up Baby. No matter how many times I watch that movie I will always find myself laughing till I'm near tears.

What's your favorite Katharine Hepburn movie? Why?