If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Me :)

First of all, THANKS for participating in the latest edition of When I say, you say. You guys rock!

Well, this post will be the last one of the successful Season I of If I Had to Keep 4. I'm going to take some time to look for more guests and make a great Season II.

So, what would I keep if my house got on fire and I could save just 4 of my favorite movie items?

(Click to enlarge)

1. Sometime ago I was exploring a flea market, and I saw the face of Audrey in some book. And it was War and peace! It's in Spanish and illustrated with stills from the movie. I really love it, but I have to admit that  I still haven't read it. I'm so sorry Mr. Tolstoy!

2. My magazines folder. I have a small collection of the old Chilean magazines. I love the covers and I love reading the articles, the old Hollywood gossips originally written by Sheilah Graham (yeah the same from Beloved Infidel) and the old pictures. I also found some Chinese movie brochures, which contains information about the films, like biographies of actors and directors, photos and credits. I guess. I don't speak Chinese.

3. My Sound of Music Vinyl Disc. Also found at a flea market, I wasn't sure about buying it since I don't have a turntable and it wasn't very cheap. But I couldn't resist it. In Latin America, the title chosen for this movie could be translated as The Rebel Novice. The information is in Spanish and I have never listened to it.

 

4. My Isabella Rossellini's autograph. It was awesome to meet her (story) and she is the only person connected with Classic Hollywood that I've actually met (for those living in Mars, she's not only a great actress but she's also the daughter of Ingrid Bergman).

So, that's it. My poor book collection, cigarette cards and It's a wonderful life board game would stay in the flames :(

IF I HAD TO KEEP 4: SEASON 1

• Dorian shared marvelous items with us, including Adrien Brody's autograph (and the amazing story of how she met him) and her Vertigo press-kit-in-a-tube.
• Tom Austin picked his favorite movies from his VHS collection and showed what a great company movies can be through difficult times.  Monty shared his cool movie collection, plus his books and comics...and his Lord of the Rings sword.
• Kendra marveled us with her amazing items of Viv and Larry: signed pictures, an amazing scrapbook and a beautiful finding.
• Hilary and Katie shared awesome objects: LIFE Magazines, Gone with the Wind Box Set and a beautiful framed edelweiss.
• Becky (who picked the name for this series) shared with us her interesting RCA Videodisk collection, plus her VHSs and poster of Casablanca.
• Sophie, the first guest, picked awesome signed pictures of Deborah Kerr and Greer Garson and her The King and I VHS.

Well, that's it, kiddies! Hope you enjoyed :) 

PS. REMEMBER that if you want to be part of Season II of this series, simply contact me at kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com

If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Dorian

We're gonna give Bad Gregory Peck and Tanned Jennifer Jones some days to meditate about their behavior. 

In the meantime I present you another super duper If I had keep 4 entry: this time Dorian Tenore-Bartilucci --from the always interesting, profound and fun Tales of the Easily Distracted-- decided to share with us her four most precious items from her movie memorabilia.

1. My Rutgers Films In Print edition of Ernest Lehman’s North by Northwest screenplay.

Back in the late 1990s, our dear longtime friend Jason Simos (who as of this writing works at in public relations at Focus Features) introduced my husband Vinnie and me to the Museum of the Moving Image. If you live in New York City and you love movies, television, and all kinds of digital media, you owe it to yourself to drive or take the subway to visit this fun, fascinating museum in Astoria, Queens. When we still lived in NYC, we’d get together with Jason for classic movies, among other exhibits. The museum also has a gift shop, and one of the treasures I found was the hardcover edition of Lehman’s North by Northwest script, including photos to accompany the complete script, film reviews from The New Republic’s Stanley Kauffmann and Cahiers du Cinema’s Luc Moullet, commentaries by Robin Wood and Marian Kea, an interview with Lehman himself, and more—and the book was on sale!

Here’s a link to The Museum of the Moving Image and its many delights:
http://www.movingimage.us/

And a link to my North by Northwest blog post, if you’re interested:
http://doriantb.blogspot.com/2011/01/north-by-northwest-mad-men-and.html

2. My Vertigo press-kit-in-a-tube.

In 1997, another dear longtime friend of ours, Michael Gingold, best known to horror movie fans as Managing Editor of Fangoria Magazine, was kind enough to give Vinnie and me a press kit for the re-release of the remastered edition of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. As if that wasn’t cool enough, the press materials were all packed neatly into a tube! The art on the tube was modeled on Saul Bass’ Vertigo poster. Inside, there are glossy black-and-white photos from the film, including stars James Stewart and Kim Novak as well as restorers and authors James C. Katz and Robert A. Harris (Harris was kind enough to respond to questions I had about the restored version of Rear Window, but that’s a story for another time); press kits including letters from Stewart and Kim Novak; and even glossy Point of Purchase (P.O.P.) materials to display in video stores!

Want to hear more of my Vertigo-related ramblings?

http://doriantb.blogspot.com/2010/08/if-i-let-you-change-me-will-that-do-it.html

3. My trade paperback edition of the 1977 novelization of High Anxiety.

Being a fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Mel Brooks, the latter’s 1977 Alfred Hitchcock spoof High Anxiety has been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it in its theatrical release in 1977. When I love a movie, I try to learn everything I can about it, including buying novelizations of that film if there is one, including High Anxiety. Author Robert H. Pilpel’s adaptation was as funny as the movie while still fleshing out the characters well. Pilpel has a real gift for humorous writing with a sting in the tail, blending comedy, suspense, and romance nicely. He even wrote tongue-in-cheek psychiatric evaluations of the characters, like this excerpt for Hitchcock Blonde-style love interest Victoria Brisbane’s file, played by Madeline Kahn:
“Victoria Brisbane was a non-Jewish-American Princess, or a Jewish-American princess who happened to be a WASP. In other words, she suffered—if “suffered” is the word—from the syndrome of endless paternal pampering and consequent father fixation. In other words, she and her father were innocently and unconsciously stuck on each other….”

For more about High Anxiety, here’s a link to my blog post:
http://doriantb.blogspot.com/2011/08/high-anxiety-you-winme-over-my.html

4. I’ve saved the best—and longest—story for last! Allow me to explain the back story behind these autographed Adrien Brody DVDs. When we of Team Bartilucci—namely my husband Vinnie, our then-13-year-old daughter Siobhan, and me—went to the New York Comic Con (NYCC) in October 2010, Vinnie surprised me with the news that Oscar-winner Adrien Brody (for the 2002 fact-bsed drama The Pianist, you surely recall) was going to be at the NYCC for an hour signing autographs and posters for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of his summer hit Predators.

Those of you who’ve come to know me well may recall that I hold Brody in very high esteem. I don’t know if the folks in charge of the NYCC’s crowd control underestimated Brody’s drawing power or what, but Siobhan and I ended up in a crowd of nearly 300 people in a line going all over the place! The guy who ran the Doctor Who merchandise booth next to the Brody line was furious because the line blocked the entrance from potential Doctor Who customers.

We wound up standing on line for over two hours. Those who know me well may recall that Siobhan, then 13, has been diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome, and Aspies tend to get stressed out in unfamiliar situations. Vinnie even took Siobhan around the NYCC with him for a while, since we figured it would be less tedious for her than standing in line for ages. Siobhan was a little trouper, bless her, but eventually she felt anxious with all the NYCC hubbub, and wanted to come back to me. I must say Shugie was good as gold, being very patient and calm considering her ADHD/Aspie issues (frequent hugs helped). It would have helped if the NYCC crowd control folks hadn’t mismanaged the Brody line to a fare-thee-well. They kept making our line move out farther so the Doctor Who booth could let customers in and out more easily—resulting in the path being blocked from the other direction, forcing folks to shove through the line against traffic!

The last straw came 90 minutes into our wait, when the con’s head crowd controller announced that the line would be capped at 100—with Siobhan and me being 101 and 102! Happily, here’s where people’s better instincts kicked in. Before this announcement, Siobhan and I had been chatting with other Brody fans as we stood on line. I’d offhandedly mentioned we’d come all the way from Pennsylvania for this, and that Shugie had ADHD and Asperger’s. I admitted that at this point I felt badly about keeping the poor kid standing in this crowded, chaotic line all this time, and how proud I was of her for being such a good girl in spite of the stress of the situation. Some of the folks we were with had Aspie kids and loved ones, too, so they could relate. The next time the line manager came along, the fans we’d been talking with confronted him and said they’d be willing to give up their opportunity for autographs and face time with Adrien Brody if they’d let Siobhan and me stay. I wanted to hug every last one of them, but Siobhan and I only had time to wave in gratitude at our NYCC comrades as the crowd control crew swept us onto the now-fast-moving line; apparently Brody was on a tight schedule himself.

As the line moved, I found myself making eye contact with Brody as he sat at his autograph table. He was smiling warmly and looking dashing in a semi-hip-hop way (yes, Adrien Brody’s into hip-hop), wearing a sort of short-brimmed Panama hat and the kind of nicely-groomed beard and mustache that I must admit I find particularly attractive on him. I was not only proud of Siobhan’s good behavior, but also kinda proud of myself for not visibly geeking out on Brody like some 21st-century bobby-soxer. J Maybe someone explained the situation to Brody, or maybe he’s simply a nice guy, or both. In any case, despite the crowd control folks’ visible impatience to wrap things up, when Siobhan and I reached Brody’s table with DVD covers of The Darjeeling Limited and The Brothers Bloom to sign, he was kind, friendly, and chatty considering the time crunch.

When we gave him the Cliffs Notes version of our story, he seemed to be just as sympathetic and impressed with Siobhan’s patience as the fans and I had been. (He made sure he spelled our names right and everything! ) Afterward, Siobhan and I sincerely thanked him and were about to scram, what with the crowd control folks still acting antsy. Brody’s silver-sage eyes widened in surprise: “Hey, wait! Wouldn’t you like a signed poster, too?” Frankly, I was (pleasantly) surprised myself. “Sure,” I said, “if you think you’ve got time. Looks like they’re in a rush here.” He waved his hand in a Leave It To Me gesture. “Don’t worry.” And that was how Siobhan and I got a total of three autographs, at least as many smiles, and a little face time with Adrien Brody. Such a mensch, bless him!

Wow! Great items and what an amazing story with Mr. Brody, Dorian! Thank you very much for being part of this series :)


PS. If you want to share your 4 most loved items from your classic movie collection, just send me an e-mail to kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com

If I Had to Keep 4 | Tom Austin

Hi guys, it's Friday and you know what that means: a new edition of the series If I Had to Keep 4. This time my guest is someone I didn't previously know, Tom Austin from the sci-fi blog The Old Movie House Blog.

Short bio: He was born in 1956. He started writing as a teen and hasn't stopped. He has written for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Radio), helped write the History In Dispute encyclopedia series, and has written many short stories with highly varied subjects. He's been married for 29 years.

Even when the series is about picking the four most special items from the guest's memorabilia, the four you would run to save in a fire or an alien attack; I decided to publish this entry, in which Tom wrote about the 4 films he would keep from his collection. I found his story very powerful and it shows how movies can be a great company through difficult times.

"A burning house is a bummer. After seeing Frederic March go up in flames, or seeing Spencer Tracy get trampled by some highly overweight, slightly crazed, axe wielding fire fighter would not put me in the mood to watch any movie. And if I was alone on an island I would not ask myself “Ok, which film will I watch tonight” because I know there’s no blasted electricity. So I will put myself in a situation I know oh too well. Coming home from the hospital after having a hunk of my person removed. I’ve been in that situation four times already, I’m looking at a fifth time, and I know a steady diet of good films is just the thing to put me in a good mood. After all, having more rope inside your mouth than there is on a Christmas turkey is far from cozy.

For me the choice would be far from easy. Right now I have 104 VHS tapes with 1 or movies on them - forgive me. I know it’s the 21 century, and movies should all be on DVDs, but I’m sort of set in my ways. But I am progressing. I have 43 DVDs, plus a number of special boxed sets. But the question remains. Which will be the four films I take with into my room, “my lair”, as my wife calls it, to watch while my body repairs itself.

Spencer Tracy is a very versatile actor. And Judgement At Nuremburg is an excellent film which is going to “the lair” . But I must get my sci-fi fix or I’ll be cranky as a bear. I think I’ll pick The Day the Earth Stood Still. It’s not too long, so when my wife reminds me its time for my afternoon nap it’ll fit right in. Plus it won’t give me nightmares the way The Thing from Another Planet might. Thanks to the surgeons taking a tumor out of my mouth I’ve developed a bit of a stutter so Jimmy Stewart is going. But which one, Harvey, no, he won’t do. If I laugh too much I might rip my stitches, then I’ll be back on baby food. Maybe I’ll choose Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Nope, that won’t do either. There’s an election coming up, and I might get angry. I’ve got it. No Highway In The Sky. That’s just the film. Kenneth More, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Hawkins, Marlene Dietrich, Glynis Johns. Lets see. So far its Judgement At Nuremburg with Spencer Tracy, The Day the Earth Stood Still with Michael Rennie, and No Highway In The Sky with Jimmy Stewart. One more. Hmmmm.

Got it !. My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn, the fantastic Rex Harrison, the incredible Stanley Holloway, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. As I collect the films my wife stands at the door to “the lair”. She gives me a look, and says “By my count you have one too many films there. So hold your horses young man”. As I look at her, as innocent as could be, purer than new fallen snow, I pick up My Fair Lady and mumble “Long film, two tapes”. My wife waves her hand in front of her face and says “Hey buffalo breath. Wash your mouth out. Your breath stinks !”. As I settle into my favourite chair I look at the haul. Judgement At Nuremburg, The Day The Earth Stood Still, No Highway In The Sky, My Fair Lady, and The Wolf Man with Lon Chaney Jr. And grin. I know that’s five, but in this particular case I’m glad I failed math all through school."

Thanks Tom for being part of this series, and writing about such a personal matter. From the movies he mentioned, I just have seen MFL, so I have some watching to do!

Want to share your favorite items from your classic movies memorabilia? Wanna see your cards, posters, photos, books, special editions, etc etc featured here? Send me an e-mail at kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com.

PS: This weekend I'm celebrating two very especial events: my country's Independence day and THE GUILTY PLEASURES MOVIE BLOGATHON hosted by the CMBA. The film I picked is Paris when it Sizzles starring Audrey Hepburn and William Holden. Till then :)

If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Monty

Hi guys, this Friday we have a special guest: the first man that wanted to be part of this series, my friend Monty from the always entertaining All Good Things :) Right now he's organizing a movie tournament for Dawn at Singin' and Dancing Back in Time. How cool is that?

See the items from his movie collection he would keep, next:

1. Without a doubt, my movie collection. I'm including my VHS, which I started way back in the 80's to my blu-rays and DVDS that I am now collecting. I still watch VHS and still record with them movies showing on TCM. I would not know what to do if I didn't have my movies. Probably go crazy. The pic I took is just a small amount of my collection.

But it is a good pic to show as a starting point. I've got movie laying around everywhere. I stopped counting when I reached 600 and that was about 4 years ago. If I had to guess, I would say I am flirting around 1000.

2. My comic book collection. I started collecting them back in 1981 and still are today. They are from my childhood and I still enjoy reading them to this day. I have 5 long boxes which hold about 150 each and then more graphic novels and trades. So it's quite a bit. The pic I took is just my novels and trades and few comics that I haven't put in a box yet.

3. My movie books collection. I didn't realize I had so many until I started looking through them again for this post. Several books that are about the studios, stars, and movies era. I love them all and have re-read them countless times.

4. And finally..my Lord of the Rings collectible sword and three plates from the movie series. My wife got that for me as a Christmas gift. One of the best gifts I have ever received.

THANKS Monty, you have a great collection, loved your movie books!

If you want to pick 4 items from your classic movie collection and be part of this series, just send me an e-mail at kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com

PS: Thanks a million to all the readers who left a message with their first movie-related thought in the last edition of the game When I say, you say. The word was book.

PS2: I'm sorry I haven't been around this week. The past days have been very sad for my country, I'll tell you more about that this weekend.

If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Kendra

Like Rebecca Black would say: it's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday..etc etc...This time all the fun is brought to you by no other than Kendra from the globally beloved, ultra cool, informative and beautiful site Viv and Larry.

See the awesome items she picked, next:

1. This might be my prized possession. It's a scrapbook that was compiled by a woman called Emilie Davie. She was an American actress and New York socialite who became a member of London's prestigious Old Vic Theatre Company for the 1937-38 season. As a bit player, she acted opposite the greats: Laurence Olivier in Macbeth and Othello (when he played Iago), Emlyn Williams in Richard III, and Vivien Leigh in A Midsummer Night's Dream, among others.

The scrapbook is comprised of her personal memorabilia--personalized letters from theatrical director and part-time film actor Tyrone Guthrie and producer Michel Saint-Denis, autographs from Emlyn Williams and Laurence Olivier, original photos by Angus McBean and D.W. Debenham. It's a real piece of amazing theatre history and although very fragile, I still fell lucky to own it!

2. Before Vivien Leigh married Laurence Olivier, she had a fling with a man called John Buckmaster, Gladys Cooper's son. This photo, from 1950, is personally made out to him and autographed. Awkward? Maybe. Awesome? Oh, yeah. This was a gift from an author friend of mine.

3. One of the best things about running a fan site about someone/people you love is meeting people who equally share your passion for the subject(s). About three years ago, one of the visitors at vivandlarry.com was downsizing his collection, and sent this autographed card to me in the mail as a birthday present. I may or may not have totally cried, it was such a lovely thought!

4. One of my favorite things to do is rummage through old book shops--you know, the kind where old tomes are piled on the floor and a musty aroma attacks you as soon as you step inside the door. A couple of years ago on a solo trip to London, I stopped in one such shop in the Charing Cross Road. It's actually a theatre ephemera shop, run by a nice old man who knows everything he has in his enormous inventory. I asked for anything Laurence Olivier or Vivien Leigh. He handed me a shoe box full of old playbills. As I started digging through it, I came across a white envelope and inside was this gem.

It was one of the yearly Christmas cards the Oliviers sent out to their friends and family. The cover was designed by set designer Roger Furse (Hamlet, Henry V) and depicts a scene from the 1953 Terrence Rattigan play The Sleeping Prince, which the Oliviers staged for the Coronation year. The inside reads "To bring you the happiest wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Vivien and Laurence Olivier”.

Thanks Kendra for being part of If I Had to Keep 4! Hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I did!

You can check the previous posts of this series here.

If you want to share your classic movie items with us, just send me an e-mail at kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com.

PS: If you haven't checked Millie's post about some awesome home movies starring Lauren Bacall, Paul Newman, Natalie Wood, Anthony Perkins, Jane Fonda...well, I really don't know what's wrong with you :)

Keep rockin'.

If I Had to Keep 4| Guests: Hilary & Katie

This series has been blessed with the participation of bloggers I admire: first Sophie, then Becky, and now the girls from the Scarlett Olive, "a podcast devoted to classic film". Katie is from Canada and Hilary from Texas, but they have made every possible effort to give their audience an awesome podcast. They have succeed IMO: great topics, great guests, great info, great talking, great fun. And now they're starting school...in the same one :)

Let's see which are the items these girls would keep...

Since The Scarlett Olive podcast is hosted by two people, Hilary and Katie, the items discussed will be divided among them both. The first two items belong to Katie and the last two items belong to Hilary.

1. Edelweiss

One classic film related item I cannot live without is my frame of pressed edelweiss right from Switzerland.

Obviously, they remind me of one of my favourite songs featured in one of the best musicals of all time written by one of the greatest song writing teams known to the musical genre onscreen and onstage. In case I lost you in that poorly structured sentence, I am talking about the song “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. They are a great conversation piece and a beautiful token of friendship. My friend picked them for me during her exchange trip to Switzerland and painted the frame as well.

I had this hanging in my room at home before I took it with me to university where it has hung proudly in my temporary bedrooms. They represent my love for musicals, film history, beauty, and give me a sense of home during the school year. Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me and I plan on taking you with me wherever I go so you can look happy to meet me and put a smile on my face.

2. LIFE Magazine Collection

A collection can be a singular item, right? Well, forget the rules, my LIFE magazine collection may become something that will help me live; therefore, it is something I cannot live without. My plan is to sell them in the future and make a nest egg for my retirement.

These magazines give me a chance to immerse myself in the simple daily living of an era I missed out on. It is definitely a piece of the past I cherish. Even though most of the articles in the magazines can be accessed online, the feeling of holding something tangible that writes about your favourite stars in the present tense is an incredible feeling.

Some of my magazines are precious to me – Judy Garland, Vivien Leigh, Julie Andrews, etc. – and will never be for sale. However, my multiple copies such as my five Elizabeth Taylors, four Beatles, Paul Newman, and countless Marilyn Monroes will enter the market once they gain more value. I have many more copies and stars in stock, so if you’re interested in what I have, email me at scarlettolive@gmail.com.

3. Framed Bette Davis Life Magazine

When people walk into my room, I want them to know I’m not your typical classic film fan. So, I knew I needed a poster or some representation of Bette Davis; a woman who, quite literally, changed my life. There is a particular photo of Bette Davis that I adore, and it’s from the 1939 LIFE magazine photo shoot ... here you go:

I couldn’t find a large version of it, so I decided on the next best thing: the magazine cover, framed (same hairstyle, different outfit, and sadly ... no girly nail polish). The magazine cover represents such an outstanding year in Bette Davis’ career since she had four unforgettable performances for Warner Bros. (Dark Victory, Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The Old Maid, and Juarez), along with yet another Academy Award nomination under her belt. The year itself represents a peak in Hollywood history, and I firmly believe Hollywood has not met the bar of 1939 since.

My collection would not be the same with out the distant gaze of the empowering and inspirational Bette Davis gracing my wall.

4. Gone with the Wind Blu-ray boxset

Yes, I had to include “Blu-ray” ... have you seen Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in high-def?! It’s life changing.

First, let me tell you: I hated Gone with the Wind because I was forced to watch it in school, surrounded by preteens who cared more for passing notes than watching the actual film. Until I met Katie, this hatred was steadfast and verbal. But, one day in late 2009, she told me to look past my disagreement and “get lost in the plot”. Why I listened to her, I will never know, but it changed my point-of-view completely. A few months later, I purchased this box set with birthday money. It was the perfect investment and Gone with the Wind has quickly moved its way to the top of my list.

The boxset, itself, has much to offer: photo and archival reproductions, a sampling of the soundtrack, a book with familiar and rare photos to feast your eyes on, and much more. Oh, and the special features? To die for. Six hours of MGM history, Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh documentaries, Olivia de Havilland rambling on and on about four ruffles .. who could ask for anything more?

People who don’t enjoy Gone with the Wind say it’s a waste of time. They’re right. But, I wouldn’t want to waste my time any other way.

Thanks a million Hilary and Katie for being part of this series! You chose awesome items :) Oh, and I hope you have a great time now you're in the same school!

Guys, remember to visit The Scarlett Olive and listen to their entertaining podcasts.

PS: Want to be part of this series? Send me an e-mail at kfercovic[at]gmail[dot]com :)

If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Becky

Another special guest has joined the new series If I Had to Keep 4: Becky, the classy lady from the insightful and always interesting ClassicBecky's Brain Food.

Check the four film items she would keep, next:

Clara has kindly asked me to participate in her series about four favorite pieces of movie memorabilia in my possession. I took this to mean four movie treasures that I would be willing to run back into a burning house to get, or four things that would have to go with me to that proverbial desert island. I do not have any autographed pictures or posters, no valuable pieces like Dorothy''s ruby slippers or Captain Blood's sword. However, I do have four movie treasures that mean that much to me! 

No. 1 -- Years ago, my dear Mom gave me a Christmas present that thrilled me: A special edition VHS release of Citizen Kane, with a full-sized copy of the script and a bonus tape about the the making of the movie, all boxed in a beautiful leather-looking container as big as the Bible! Even when the day comes that the VHS tape deteriorates, and VHS players are no longer available, I will always keep this gift. 

No. 2 -- My thoughtful sister Lisa gave me a beautiful framed poster for my birthday, a favorite scene of a favorite movie: From Casablanca, a wonderful still of Rick and Ilse saying goodbye at the airport. I love it and have it hanging in a place of honor! 

No. 3 -- My collection of the very first technology, created in the 1980's, providing movies to play at home -- RCA Videodisks. They are the size of record albums, heavy as lead, and are the dinosaurs of movie collections. I no longer have a videodisk player, and they have not been manufactured for probably 20 years. The videodisks are large enough to have beautiful cover art, and I have many classics, including The Red Shoes, Moby Dick and The Adventures of Robin Hood. My sons tease me about keeping my tower of now-useless movies, but I can't bring myself to get rid of them. They were the beginning of my very own classic film collection. However, I'm afraid that this treasure is too heavy to carry out of a burning house. LOL!

No. 4 -- My enormous collection of VHS tapes of the best movies ever made: Since the time that American Movie Channel was worthwhile, and after blessed Turner Classic Movies came along, I have taped hundreds of films. Many of them are obscure, of no interest except to rabid classic film fans, and I know these will never be released on DVD. I have several special tapes that I painstakingly put together, three of which, as an example, contain favorite musical numbers, movie scenes and movie shorts. My collection fills several large containers, and what a treasure to me!

Thanks, Clara, for giving me the opportunity to share my treasures!

Thank you, Becky! It means a lot to me that you decided to share these special items with us :) Oh, maybe you could frame those RCA videodisks covers, judging by what you said, sounds like they would be awesome art pieces to hang in the wall :)

PS: If you want to be part of this series, just send me an e-mail to kfercovic [at] gmail [dot] com.

If I Had to Keep 4 | Guest: Sophie

New series, guys:  If I Had to Keep 4. Basically, they are those 4 pieces of memorabilia that are the most special to you, those you would run to save in a fire or an alien attack. Those items you would keep above everything else.

Our first guest is Sophie from the lovely and always entertaining movie blog Waitin' On a Sunny Day. See what she would keep, next:

(Click to enlarge)

1. The first item I would keep is my old VHS of The King and I. My Aunty gave it to me as a Christmas present when I was 5 or 6, just after I had discovered and fallen in love with the film. It's been played hundreds of times and the quality isn't that good any more but this film was my introduction to classic film and Deborah Kerr so I won't ever get rid of it! 

2. The second item I would keep is my signed Greer Garson letter. The signature on photo is a pre-print but the signature on the letter is genuine. In the letter Greer talks about filming Blossoms in the Dust, so it must be from around 1941, and you can really hear her voice when you read it... it's wonderful! I would want keep this because Greer is my absolute favourite actress next to Deborah and I feel so lucky to own something that she sent to a fellow fan, albeit 70 years ago, who probably loved and admired her just as much as I do! 

3. My third item to keep would have to be my framed photograph of Deborah. My brother gave it to me for Christmas 4 years ago (I think) and it's been on my wall ever since. I was so thrilled when I received it that I actually sat and hugged it for a while - don't laugh! ;D I would save this because, besides it being a gorgeous photo of Deborah, my brother gave it to me which makes it all the more special.

4. The last thing I would keep is, you guessed it, another Deborah item. It's a beautiful autographed photo that I was lucky enough to win on eBay last year. It wasn't going for as much as the autographs without specific dedications but that doesn't bother me really; I'm just glad to have it and I will always cherish it!

Thanks a gazillion Sophie for this wonderful guest post! I hope you guys enjoyed this entry as much as I did! If you want to be part of this series, just send me an e-mail to kfercovic [at] gmail [dot] com. Have a great weekend! I love exclamation marks!

PS: Forgot to thank Clarabela & Sophie for helping me to pick the name of the series; and Becky for coming up with the definitive one :)