Posts Tagged ‘classic movies’

A Day of Classics: The Picture of Dorian Gray – 1945

Posted: March 10, 2012 by msashtonwriter in A Day of Classics
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How many of us own a portrait of ourselves that will age while we keep our youthful appearance? Nobody.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a very good film in which Dorian Gray, played by Hurd Hatfield, is manipulated by Lord Henry into making a wish in front of an Egyptian statue. Dorian offers his soul in return to keep his youthful appearance, not realizing the emotional consequences that lay ahead.

Soon a romance blooms between him and singer Sibyl Vane who is played by Angela Lansbury. When Lord Henry learns of the relationship, he tricks Dorian into playing a cruel joke in order to test her—which ends in tragedy.

Years pass and Dorian still remains unchanged. His portrait, on the other hand, begins to show Dorian’s age along with the physical and emotional scarring of the life he leads.

Stuck in his own personal hell, his secret begins to surface as his best friend, an old lover, and Sibyl’s family are on the verge of discovering the truth behind the “perfect” Dorian Gray.

What other movies do you suggest that may be similar?

A Day of Classics – Gaslight

Posted: February 26, 2012 by msashtonwriter in A Day of Classics
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The other day, the movie Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer caught my attention.  The 1944 film is a classic and a mystery. I love Ingrid, and I think she played her role very well. I cannot imagine being driven insane by my husband…especially when he is doing it intentionally.

Ingrid’s character, Paula, carried herself with such regal grace as she struggled to keep her sanity. For instance, there was this pocket watch scene where Charles’ character, Gregory, puts a similar watch to his in Paula’s purse—during this whole time his pocket watch is in his vest. Gregory then decides to confront her during a classical composer’s performance, embarrassing her in front of the social elite.

When they get home, Gregory continues his tirade. She puts up an emotional fight and, at the same time, defends herself. All I have to say is thank goodness for the concerned Inspector Cameron who is played by Joseph Cotten. He steps in and helps prove to Paula that she is not going out of her mind.

What better way for her to get back at Gregory than by mentally torturing him while he is tied to a chair, waiting for the wagon to take him away. She teases him by…oh. That is enough…I cannot tell the ending of the movie! :)

Criminal Lines Editorial Calendar

Posted: February 2, 2012 by msashtonwriter in Roll Call
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I thought it was important to put together an editorial calendar for the Criminal Lines blog. Here is the current editorial calendar, which will go into effect on February 18, 2012:

Monday – A Writer’s Library: Researching our Craft. I will share resource books that I have read and talk about what I have learned from them.

Tuesday – Crime Fiction Corner. An update on crime fiction authors and crime fiction news.

Wednesday – We’re Talking Writers. I thought this would be fun. This will be a chance to talk with other writers and their progress in the industry. This will include published and unpublished writers.

Thursday – Checking in with the Law. Whether it is law enforcement, forensics, or postings from research articles for my topic of interest, this will be the day to talk about it.

Friday – Unscripted. This will be the time for guest posts from different types of people about my two favorite passions; writing and law.

Saturday – A Day of Classics. I had no problem deciding on this one. I will thumb through my movie and music collections and write a short blurb on why I love it.

Sunday – Dear Blog. This will be my time to post random thoughts.