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In honor of Desi Arnaz's 100th birthday, which was yesterday (March 2), this week on «Film Friday» I bring you the film that marked his screen debut. It was also the picture that introduced him to (arguably) the greatest love of his life, Lucille Ball.   Directed by George Abbott, Too Many Girls (1940) is the story of Connie Casey (Lucille Ball), a high-spirited, headline-chasing heiress who keeps her manufacturing-tycoon father (Harry Shannon) busy worrying about her. Deported from Europe for her antics, Connie enrolls in her father's alma mater, Pottawatomie College, in New Mexico, to be near her latest sweetheart, British playwright Beverly Waverly (Douglas Walton). In desperation, Mr. Casey secretly hires four Ivy League football players — Clint Kelly (Richard Carlson), Jojo Jordan (Eddie Bracken), Manuelito Lynch (Desi Arnaz) and Al Terwilliger (Hal LeRoy) — to act as her bodyguards. (from left to right) Hal LeRoy, Lucille Ball, Eddie Bracken and Richard Carlson in Too Ma...

On February 27, 2015, I made the spontaneous decision to create a classic film blog. At the time, it was just a way for me to share my newly found passion for the wonderful world of Old Hollywood and the fascinating people that were part of it. I had no idea that my little corner of the Internet would become such a big part of my life — and all due to you lovely people who read my articles and take the time to comment. So, all I can say is thank you so much and here's to another year! Let's revisit all the exciting things that happened on this blog since February 27, 2016. In March, I participated in the Classic Movie Quotes Blogathon hosted by The Flapper Dame . My entry was about my favourite film quote of all time: « Here's looking at you, kid. » from Casablanca (1942). A few days afterwards, I entered the Marathon Stars Blogathon hosted by In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood and The Wonderful World of Cinema . The idea was to basically explore the body of w...

Throughout this month, I've decided to do a series of Oscar-related articles in anticipation to tonight's 89th Academy Awards ceremony, which I am going to see live on television. Yesterday, I presented you my top 15 favourite Best Actor-winning performances , so today I thought I would do the same, but for Best Actress winners instead. As I have said before, please bear in mind that this is my own personal opinion, which of course is limited to the films I have seen so far.     15. Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce (1945)   Mildred Pierce (Joan Crawford): I was always in the kitchen. I felt as though I'd been born in a kitchen and lived there all my life, except for the few hours it took to get married.     14. Joan Fontaine in Suspicion (1941) Lina McLaidlaw Aysgarth (Joan Fontaine): I must go now or I'll be late to luncheon. Anyway, if my father saw me come in both late and beautiful, he might have a stroke.   13. Elizabeth Taylor in Who's Afraid of...

Throughout February, I have decided to do a series of Oscar-related articles in anticipation to tomorrow's 89th Academy Awards ceremony. Last week, I told you my top 10 favorite Best Picture winners from 1929 to 1969 and from 1970 to 2015 , and today I am sharing with you my top 15 favorite Best Actor-winning performances. Again, please bear in mind that this is my own personal opinion, which is limited to the films I have seen so far.   15. Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club (2013)   Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey): Let me give y'all a little news flash. There ain't nothin' out there can kill fuckin' Ron Woodroof in 30 days.     14. Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront (1954)   Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando): You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.     13. William Holden in Stalag 17 (1953)   Sergeant J. J. Sefton (William H...