Christmas Cookie Countdown - Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

What I should be doing right now is working on my latest review. But I couldn't help myself. It's time for Christmas cookies! And here is my first.

Now I'm not saying this is my recipe. It's actually Quaker's. But there are some alterations that I have made to suit our style. Some healthier alterations.

Here is my gluten-free version:

To-Die-For Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• 1/2 c butter
• 1/2 c sucanat
• 4 eggs, organic
• 1-2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 c. coconut flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 c. quick oats
• 1 c. organic raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soften butter and add sucanat. Blend till smooth, then add eggs. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, salt, coconut flour, and baking soda. Add oats and raisins. By then the mixture should be thick and hard to mix.

Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet an inch or so apart and bake for 7-8 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before removing to racks. Enjoy warm with a glass of raw milk! Yields about 42.

We adore chocolate but we also love oatmeal raisin cookies and these we have found to be the right recipe. Cook a little longer for a crispier top. And don't forget to tell me what you think!

Coming up next: Chocolate Mint Brownie Cookies, gluten-free!

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What Do You Do When...

What do you do when your schedule is too full for you to do what you love best?

That is the question. I'm a devoted writer who loves writing fiction AND non-fiction, and if I had the chance, I'd write 24/7. But I don't seem too devoted when I let my other responsibilities override my love for writing. I used to pride myself in doing what was necessary and leaving what I wanted for last. Any more I realize it's not a form of unselfishness but a misplacement of priorities.
 

I have neglected my blog of late in order to accomplish other things that appear more necessary. Unfortunately that doesn't mean that I'm actually able to accomplish those other things. The race for time is merciless. 

Now if I had all the time I wanted to spend on here I'd write daily on oodles of subjects. I have many interests, if you haven't noticed by now. The topic I love most is marine biology and technology. Taking the time to research (something I love in itself) and then writing about it takes a great deal of my time but I find it the most enjoyable.

And following those subjects is maritime archaeology and history. Having grown up watching old swashbucklers I developed a love of the real thing. I used to read the classics like Treasure Island and Captain's Courageous all the while making notes on the nautical terms and vernacular so that I could learn as much as possible. I'd get books from the library of old sea tales and even some pirate tales. Then I discovered the shipwreck section! Archaeology has always fascinated me; finding old treasures, keys to the past, it's thoroughly invigorating. And the stories I read about shipwreck discoveries only heightened my interest. I suppose it's all part of my love of history.

But when I don't want to write science or history I turn to the easier topics, like movie reviews and fashion highlights. I have definite opinions and have fun critiquing fashion but on most occasions I talk about past fashion. Modern styles can be classy and chic but the best are inspired by the past. So when I write my movie reviews I often end up taking specific shots of costume to use in a later post. For an example, see my posts on my page A Look at Fashion.

Another genre of writing I enjoy are writing book reviews, of which I've done a few. It's not a subject I write on often. I have just as much of an opinion as anything else and love putting a good story into my own summary, it's just that I don't get around to reading as much as I would like and so a book might take me quite a few months to finish.

But the topic I come back to continually is my crocheting. Since I design crochet patterns weekly for Crochet Spot, I can't help but have it on my mind. It often becomes my go-to topic when I don't have the time to talk about anything else. This can sometimes be a problem since I don't want anyone to get the idea my blog is mainly a crocheting blog. I'm a committed crocheter but my true love is writing, science writing to be exact. This brings me to my frustration.

I wonder at times if I should crochet less and devote more of my time to my writing. But my crocheting is the only form of paying work I have at the moment, and there are advantages to having your own money. I've been given the chance to expand my crocheting abilities, which has been incredibly challenging and motivating. I've learned so much since I started. And beside all of this, God provided me with this job and I wouldn't want to make any kind of change without feeling peace about it. I've wondered and waited before and God has provided, so it stands to reason that I should wait once again for Him to provide His best.

I'm actually considering cutting back on how much I crochet. Or maybe my problem is in the patterns I design. I know I've mentioned before that I have a terrible tendency to think big about my crocheting. To me a blog pattern can be small and quick to make but a store pattern needs to be big and extensive. Because of this I often max myself out, emotionally, physically, and in manner of time. Another incentive to take it easier in my crocheting is my body. For one thing, my wrist has been hurting of late, sometimes to the point of restraining me from crocheting. At first I didn't know what caused it but after crocheting a good deal one day, with thread, and then having wrist pain the next day, I eventually put two and two together. There are four options I can think of for handling this: 1. Deal with the pain, 2. Stop crocheting, 3. Crochet less, or 4. Find some way to ease the pain. The first two are definitely not an option for me so I must consider the last two. I intend to do some research on the fourth. Then of course, there is my eyes. I strain them with all the time I spend staring at the the stitches, but the worst of it is when I use the computer. And etc.

It is obvious that I have a lot to work out. Mum is advising I take it easier and crochet less. She's right when she says I shouldn't grow to dislike something that I used to love. I'm just not sure where the happy medium is. ...That is the problem. Now comes the patience. Something I'm not good at.

Tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you.

(Pictures taken by me after our weekend ice storm.)

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A Princess For Christmas (2011) - Movie Review

Okay, so I know Thanksgiving isn't over yet, and I'm not trying to rush it by. But as I said in my last post, I am not going to wait. If I want to talk about Christmas, or watch a Christmas movie, or do a Christmas craft, etc, I will. So! I am going to share with you a review on the first Christmas movie of the season.

A Princess for Christmas!

This is one of the most recent Christmas movies on our list. We only discovered it on Hallmark last year. It has a simple plot, and not too altogether unoriginal, but it's sweet and pretty much well acted. The atmosphere, something that can make or break a movie, is just cozy and warm, what everyone wants for the season.

Starring Katie McGrath, Sam Heughan, and the former 007 heartthrob, Roger Moore, this film was filmed at various castles in Romania. Other titles have been Christmas at Castlebury Hall, A Princess for Castlebury, and a Christmas Princess.

So read my review and then tell me what you think!

Review

Jules Daly is an antiques enthusiast with a touch of the out-of-the-ordinary. When her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car accident, she becomes her niece and nephew's guardian. With this being the first Christmas without them, everyone is a little down. While trying to handle her grieving niece and nephew, and keep everything under control, times look as if they are going from bad to worse. First she loses her job and then the nanny quits. On top of all this, they receive an invitation to spend Christmas with the kid's grandfather, the Duke of Castlebury. Jules declines the offer, remembering how the Duke disowned his son for marrying her sister. But soon it becomes clear that they all need a change and going to Castlebury just might be it.

When they arrive, they are treated like royalty with their own servants and lush apartments. Right off, Jules runs into Ashton, the Duke's son and her sister's brother-in-law, but his cool demeanor prepares her for the worst. Despite her earlier feelings, Jules encourages her niece to give the Duke a chance. The atmosphere around the castle is cold and stiff, but Jules down-to-earth nature soon takes the chill off everyone. That is, everyone except for Ashton's girlfriend, nearly fiancée, who immediately sees Jules as competition.

Right before Christmas Eve the Duke decides to have their annual Ball and makes all the preparations. Since their arrival, Jules and Ashton have become attracted to one another, but when she overhears him and the Duke speaking about a woman being crass and having no title she mistakes it for her. Hurt and upset, Jules plans to leave and return home before the ball, telling the children they'll have a second Christmas together when they return. At the train station, she is all prepared to leave when a handful of the castle's staff show up to bring her back. They reveal the dress they all pitched in to buy and Jules can't help but agree to return to the castle with them.

At the ball, Jules learns the truth about the Duke and Ashton's discussion. She is greatly relieved and enjoys a dance with Ashton. But his former fiance, angry at being slighted starts trouble in accusing Jules of being there only for money. Ashton stands up for them and as well as the Duke, who ends up throwing her and her family out.

Their troubles are over as Ashton marries Jules and the Duke takes them into his home. So what started out as a bad year ends in happiness!

--------------

As I said before, there isn't anything new in the story, and honestly they could have given it a little more spice to the plot, but all in all it's a good story and nice movie to watch. A classic Hallmark film.

Fashion Opinion

Now I can't write a review without making some mention at costume. In an effort to give Jules Daly an eccentric sort of style, the costume designer chose a some random outfits for the character. The one she wears the first night at Castlebury Hall is a loose-fitting burnt orange dress that in no way flatters McGrath's figure. On the other hand, her sweater dress with black tights, red belt and socks, with brown boots makes up for the earlier outfit.

I remember when I first saw the film I was immediately drawn to her hat and scarf, the one she wears through most of the film. The stitch is obviously knitted, but as a believe in everything crocheted, one day my version will find it's way to my hook.

Her ball dress, unfortunately, looses what credit the designer had gained in my eyes. Another effort at giving McGrath's character a unique feel, it fails to meet the standards of a classy ball gown. There was potential: the colors were dreamy, and the material had elegance. But the lack of regularity in the style ruined it. She needed a stiffer bodice and more organized folds. It could have looked it great.

But these are my opinions. I am sure there are many people who would not agree and that is their privilege.

Thanks for reading! Be sure and leave me a comment below telling me what you think.

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Culinary Chronicles: The Holidays Are Here Again!

The days are growing shorter, and colder, and Thanksgiving is just next week! Every year we complain that the holidays come too quickly, but this year, though I still agree, I'm setting my mind to enjoy it anyway. I told my family that I'm going to listen to Christmas music when I want and do holiday activities when I want. This might sound spoiled, but what I really mean is I'm not going to wait around and let it slip by me again. My family understands and agrees with me.

First things first, and that means Thanksgiving! Growing up, thanksgiving was the least favorite holiday of my generation family members. My cousins, siblings and I loved the festive atmosphere but the food for some crazy reason turned us off for the most part, with differing degrees of finickiness of course. Now that we are all older, though I can't say for sure about our cousins, we love the food. As for me, since it is obvious that I love to cook, it's a chance to be more involved than before. But we always have too much food, or at least pies anyway.

The one bad thing about holiday meals is they tend to get unhealthy, and for those of us who desire to eat better, the holidays get to be a bit difficult. Perusing helpful blogs like Healy Real Food Vegetarian gives ideas to find the same foods you love and expect just better for you. Here is 20 ideas she has collected for our convenience.

Today I tried her Simple Roasted Carrots and loved it. We often roast carrots for a veggie side but this was a slightly different version. Here is what mine looked like.

One of my all-time favorite dishes has been the Green Bean Casserole. But with unhealthy fats and MSG in most cream of mushroom soup, it is hard to make it healthy. Not to mention the french fried onions. Here's a recipe from Grass Fed Girl that I'm going to have to try.

Now gluten free pies is a horse of a different color. I've experimented a little and will have to talk about it on a further date. So don't forget to check back real soon!

In the meantime, I've written a guest post on my sisters blog Life In A Palace, so be sure and check it out as well as all her past posts. It's a journal of the life of Queen Emerald and the kingdom of Krespania, a fiction world created by her and our brother. It will definitely get you interested! So be sure and tell her (and me) what you think!

An excerpt from The Journey Home, a Life In A Palace post:

The shadows have long since grown and faded as night has once again fallen on the camp. But tonight we have reason to rejoice, for victory has been won!

We are finally on our way back to Krespania. When we made camp, my Lady insisted on writing of the consequences of the ambush but I refused. She was exhausted and barely able to hold her Jomacha cup. So she entrusted the duty to me. Thus this entry will be written by Meredith de Barra, her lady-in-waiting. Read more!

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Holothurian Distinction

After first being introduced to the "live" world of ocean exploration this last June, I have wrote a few articles on the finds of both NOAA's Okeanos Explorer, and the Nautilus, which is funded by many different exploration groups as well as by NOAA.

Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library

A creature that both have seen at their different destinations on more than one occasion is the holothurian, or sea cucumber. The terrestrial equivalent to these exciting creatures are the earthworm, as they share the common goal to recycle base nutrients in their environments and return them to the ecosystem. Thus their primary diet is earth.

Like the sea stars I have spoken of before, holothurians are Echinoderms. What all of the creatures in this phylum have in common is that they are radially symmetric, among other things. There are some classes of echinodermata that do not appear to be radially symmetric, such as the holothurian and echinoid, or sea urchin, but a closer look at their body structures reveals that they are.

Most of the holothurians we witnessed were purple or pink and usually very gelatinous. In the case of the Nautilus and their most recent expedition in the Caribbean, the holothurians have been seen time and again swimming through the water in a graceful sort of dance. The first thing that stood out to me when beginning my research was the continual reference to their benthic tendencies. Obviously, I was confused. The images I saw were of fat and solid-looking worms, more often than not prickly, nothing at all like the gentle, clear organisms I had seen live. I changed my objective to finding the difference in the species and found out a great deal.

Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library

The species I was looking for are called free-swimming holothurians. For example, the genus Enypniastes and species of Peniagone and Paelopatides. I was thrilled when I found this distinction. My research stump had a breakthrough. But unfortunately for you, this post has drawn to an end. More on the subject coming soon, so stay tuned!

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The Best Intentions...

So much for the best intentions! Long ago I had intended to have written a post on Holothurians (sea cucumbers) in the Caribbean, as well as more on ROV's. Unfortunately, since I spend so much of my time trying to figure out which is more important to me, crocheting and marine science, I find myself falling behind in my plans. My crochet schedule is subject to a deadline not my own, while there is no such demand for my science articles. I can't say I like it this way, but beggar's can't be choosers.

Courtesy of NOAA Ocean Explorer

I have had a chance this week to do some research. Trying to find a specific species of holothurian isn't the easiest thing to do. I've searched encyclopedias and science sites and have found every species but the one I am looking for. Distressing to say the least. But I am not giving up. Except for the tension of keeping up with my posts, I enjoy a good search. Finding details is an appealing pastime. The loss of time is what stresses me. Anyhow, I might have a lead so all is not lost.

Besides researching sea cucumbers, I have been... well, crocheting, obviously. My fall list of projects so far amount to my Indian Bracelet, Trellis Wrap, and Autumn Leaf Earrings, all of which you can find on Crochet Spot and my Pinterest board. Coming up is my Pumpkin Appliqué, Scarecrow Hat (name debatable), and Acorn Appliqué. Around Christmas I hope to have an exciting new capelet and/or wrap, but I'm not giving away any details. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled.

If you've kept up with my movie reviews you'll notice I'm not really settled on the style I want to write in. I love old movies, as I'm sure you have guessed, and I enjoy reviewing them. However, the time I spend writing some of these reviews hardly makes it worth it. I have to admit, I feel a lot better spending that much time on a scientific post than a movie review. I suppose I expect everything I do needs to be "worth" something, and if I don't feel like it is, I get frustrated. Either way, I'm working on finding the perfect review template for me, so if you can bear with me, I'd be so grateful.


That's it for now but return soon for my (hopefully) next post on Holothurians in the Caribbean!

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The Woman in White (1948) - Movie Review

Hello again, everybody! Halloween is almost here and this is a movie you must see! Full of suspense and danger, this movie will definitely get your blood racing. Never have I seen Sydney Greenstreet in a more terrifying and demented role. Hardly the overbearing-but-jolly man I grew up seeing in Christmas in Connecticut (one which I reviewed last year if you'd like to read about it).

Eleanor Parker plays duel parts in this film and does a remarkable job at it. Many times we have raved at the diversity of roles she pulls off but her drama in this takes the cake. It's funny, but in another movie she played called One For the Book, she was an actress who had a problem figuring out how to play a mad woman. I think she succeeded in figuring it out.

Other actors of note are Alexis Smith and Gig Young. The movie begins from Walter's --Gig Young-- point of view and then when the mystery really livens up, switches over to the more personal view of Marion played by Alexis Smith. Based on a book from the 1800's by Wilkie Collins, here is the review for The Woman in White: 

Brief Synopsis

In Gothic England, a young painter travels to Limmeridge House to teach the master's daughter, Laura, but as soon as he arrives he runs into a mysterious woman and even stranger members of the household. After discovering a terrible plot, he is forced from the house, but not before he makes known his beliefs to Marion, Laura's cousin. At first she doesn't believe him, but when things start changing, she realizes she should have listened to her friend's advice and now it might be too late!

Full Synopsis

Walter Hartright is a young painter on his way to Limmeridge house where he is to teach the master's daughter, Laura Fairlie. He arrives late and meets a strange woman all clad in white along the road who warns him not to go to the house but disappears when a coach drives up. The man in the coach asks about her but for some reason Walter is reluctant to divulge her whereabouts.

At the house, he is met by Laura's cousin, Marion, who makes him right at home, and Count Fosco, a seemingly cheerful friend of the family. When he meets Laura, he is shocked at the resemblance between her and the woman on the road but Laura thinks it a good joke and tells the family. It's not long before Walter has fallen in love with Laura and for some reason this causes Count Fosco to tell Marion that Walter should be dismissed. In light of Laura's engagement to Sir Percival Glyde, Marion agrees that this is for the best and asks Walter to leave.

Leaving the house, he runs into the strange woman again and this time he finds out her name is Ann Catherick. She tells him that Count Fosco and Sir Percival are working together on a plot to gain Laura's fortune. Walter confronts Count Fosco and Sir Percival only to be thrown out of the house. Having liked Walter very much, Marion finds it all very hard to digest but having known the Count for so long is reluctant to believe the worst.

Laura and Sir Percival marry and spend their honeymoon in Europe. The day they are to return to Limmeridge House, Marion returns from visiting with family. To her surprise everything is changed: all the beloved servants of her and Laura's childhood have been replaced and Count Fosco and his wife have moved in. A bit distressed by all the change, Marion tries to be cheerful and welcome the newly-weds home. Things only get worse when she finds Laura strange and changed as well. Later Laura tells her that something is wrong and life is not as she thought it would be. Not long after she becomes sick and Marion begins to suspect that Walter may have been right all along.

That night she overhears the Count and Sir Percival discussing their plans but she is caught in the process and locked in her room. From then on the Count is very careful to keep her from being able to say or do anything.

While struggling with delirium, the affect of Count Fosco's drugs that he uses on his patients at the asylum, Laura is visited by Ann Catherick. Ann, who has long been a victim of the Count's tactics, tries to warn Laura against the two of them but when Count Fosco suddenly appears the half mad girl dies of shock. The Count sends Laura to his asylum in Ann's place and tells everyone that Laura has died.

At the funeral Walter finds Laura's death hard to believe. He knows something has to be going on and speaks to Marion. The two plan to go to London and see if Laura is at the Asylum.

Though heavily drugged, Laura manages to escape the asylum the same way she heard Ann do. Walter finds her but is met by Sir Percival, whom he fights and eventually sees get accidentally killed by one of his own men.

Marion, feeling hopeless, decides to return to Limmeridge House and beg the Count to release Laura. Count Fosco explains that Ann was the illegitimate daughter of his wife, the Countess, who happens to be the sister of Lord Fairlie, Laura's father. He blackmailed Fairlie all these years and managed to get Sir Percival, a incorrigible gambler, in on his plan to steal Laura's fortune.
Marion demands he write a confession and leave Limmeridge House forever. He agrees to... but only if she goes with him. Horrified but resolute, Marion promises to go with him. But while he is writing the confession and gloating his wife stabs him unexpectedly in the back. At that instant, Walter arrives with Laura and the police.

Years later Marion and Walter have married and live with their daughter at Limmeridge House with Laura and her son, no longer plagued by the horror of Count Fosco and his greedy, murderous schemes.


As I may have mentioned before, Eleanor Parker is the lady of many faces. She can be lighthearted and a bit ditzy, or forward and world-hardened, or as country as all get out. The emotion she displays in this film is extraordinary. Some of her other great films I would recommend are Scaramouche (1952), One for the Book (1947), and Many Rivers to Cross (1955).

If you want something tensing to watch this Halloween, this is the movie for you! Check it out and tell me what you think. I'd love to hear from you!

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Classy Velvet - Men's Fashion: Then and Now

Like most women, I have a natural inborn interest in fashion. But not only am I interested in women's fashion; I have a definite opinion on what a well dressed man looks like. On my Pinterest page you will find a board called Men's Fashion, if you are interested in seeing more of my opinion. And don't miss a previous post on men's fashion called The Ever Loving Trenchcoat.

Today we are going to take a look at velvet, then and now.

In the 1957 version of My Man Godfrey, David Niven is seen with a forest green velvet hat. Since he never wears it, and only gives us a slight glimpse, I can't tell what type of hat it actually is, though I am suspecting a homburg. The color is rich and warm, paring nicely with his light gray overcoat and brown and taupe scarf.

Similarly, some 5o years later, actor Jeremy Renner has been seen choosing a velvet blazer, at least twice, to complete a dressy look. Above, you will see him sporting a royal blue velvet blazer, while in another instance he wears a dark gray. Both colors are rich, well chosen for formal attire. Which brings me to the conclusion that if one must wear velvet, let it be in dark colors. Clearly, a lime green velvet would be the makings of a cheap Halloween costume worth a lousy 5 bucks. Also, too much velvet is a bad idea. A full suit of velvet might be a hard one to pull off. I don't recall ever seeing it done and liking it. But I'm sure there are those who could convince me otherwise.

Velvet is a material only occasionally seen in fashion, especially men's, but every once and a while it pops up when a daring trendsetter wants to make a statement. In all honesty, velvet has never been a material I'm partial to. It can appear cheap or, paired with the wrong look, merely a sad imitation at classy. But worn with tact and a keen sense of style, it can make the outfit.

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Crochet Inspiration in the Movies - Part 2

Some months ago I wrote a blog post called Crochet Inspiration in the Movies where I mentioned a blanket I wanted to make shown on The Glass Bottom Boat and fingerless gloves from The Scarlet Pimpernel.

A lot has changed since then. But my tendency to look for crochet inspiration in the movies has not. I've rounded up a few more.

In The Far Country, James Stewart plays a man who gets himself tangled in a crooked town and must fight his way out.

At one point there is a pioneer woman, a mother holding a child, wearing a two-tone shawl. The stitch is very open and it is very ruffled at the bottom. It's obvious that it is folded, so maybe it is a very long shawl that has been folded for better warmth, or it is actually a blanket that she uses for a shawl. This is something I have actually done. I had an afghan that I folded and wore as a shawl until it started wearing out. Now I need to make myself another one... A good excuse to try and reinvent this one. When I do, I will have a problem making my mind up on the color of yarn. This taupe and chocolate isn't my favorite color combination, even though it's nice. But since the original was made in those colors I would like to make mine with those colors as well, simply to reproduce the original design.

The next movie with an object that caught my eye was Tammy Tell Me True with Sandra Dee. The blanket on the bed, the one that she has her elbows on, looks to be the typical granny motif, a simple and well known design that still has a great deal of charm. The colors are excellent choices, though. One motif is dark red in the center, a brighter red on the next row, and then a granny smith green on the outside. Then there are light pinks and light yellows, and maybe even a darker green, all surounded by black.
The black really makes the brighter colors pop, even though black is not a color I often use. It's a wonderful choice. I would definitely like to remake this blanket.

Similarly, there is a shawl worn by Mary Stuart Cherne's mother in Many Rivers to Cross.

Unlike the first shawl I mentioned, this one looks very thick and warm, obviously a necessity during the cold winter nights in America before central heating was invented. But like the blanket I just spoke of, this shawl is full of bright colors surrounded by black. Either this was a popular color choice over the years or Hollywood had the blanket on hand from the first movie and decided no one would notice if they used it in another one. I've seen it done before. I guess they didn't expect anyone to keep that close an eye on things.

You will notice the motifs are arranged in diagonal rows. One line of light blue, then light pink, light red, minty green, light purple, and the last color might be blue again. From the front you will notice a row of light yellow and bright red. My previous thoughts on it being the same blanket are obviously wrong since the colors in the motifs are different.

Of course, they might not be in diagonal rows. I can't figure out if it was made square or like a typical shawl. If it were square then it would be bunched up around her neck, and even though the picture quality is lacking, it doesn't look like it is. I'm not sure, but the jury is still out on that subject.

And that is all I have for now. I'll be keeping my eyes open, as usual, for other crochet inspiration occurrences. Now that I am makine two store patterns a month, as well as two free patterns, I don't have as much time to crochet other projects. In fact, I've had a Crochet Today Lollipop Tank I'm making for my Mum that I've been working on for quite a while now. I think I'll just have to make time for it.

Thanks for reading. And if you see any crochet inspiration in the movies be sure to drop me line. I'd love it!

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Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) - Movie Review

Welcome to the October series of movie reviews on the perfect films for Halloween. This first one is an absolute favorite. Just reading the synopsis might cause you to consider this one a dark and demented movie, but it's not at all. In fact, the movie is a comedy. Cary Grant plays the role of Mortimer Brewster, a man who finds out that his family is crazy. The faces of Cary Grant are immortal. His shock, disbelief, obstinate attitude, during the whole story is hilarious. And, anyone who has seen a Cary Grant movie (specifically his comedies) will recognize the typical mumbling he does when no one will listen to him.

With the acting talents of Priscilla Lane, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair, Jack Carson, and Raymond Massey, looking a lot like "Boris Karloff", the movie was destined to be a smash!

Brief Synopsis:

Mortimer Brewster is a well known marriage critic but when he falls for the girl next door, Elaine Harper, they elope and prepare to spend their honeymoon in Niagara Falls. While waiting for Elaine, Mortimer decides to find his most recent manuscript and burn it. During the search he finds something he never expected to: a body in the window seat! His innocent aunts admit to having killed the gentleman and what is more shocking, they think they've done the man a service. Beside himself with disbelief, Mortimer tries to figure out how to handle the situation without turning his dear aunts in. But matters only get worse when he finds there are more dead bodies, and his malicious brother arrives with another!

Full Synopsis

Despite his well-known outspoken opinion against marriage, Mortimer Brewster falls in love with Elaine Harper, the girl next door, or at least next door to his childhood home where his dear aunts reside. On their way to the train station and Niagara Falls after eloping, Mortimer drops Elaine off at her house and goes to tell his aunts the big news. Aunt Abby and Aunt Martha are dear old ladies. They tell him just how happy they are that he and Elaine have decided to marry, and Teddy, his mentally challenged brother who fancies himself President Roosevelt, wishes him well with all the fervor of the president himself.

While he waits for Elaine, Mortimer decides to find and burn his latest manuscript on the downsides to marriage. Mortimer browses the room for the manuscript. Opening the windowseat, Mortimer stands stunned. A body! Shocked beyond belief, Mortimer stares at the contents of the windowseat.  Aunt Abby and Aunt Martha appear and he warns them that Teddy's condition is worsening and turning to murder. Casually and quite at ease, the two sisters clarify that the body is not Teddy's but theirs, "Mr. Hoskins", they say, and go merrily back into the kitchen. Aunt Abby says that she had to put him there since the Reverend Harper, Elaine's father, was arriving for tea and she didn't have time to call Teddy to take him down to the cellar. What's more, the kind ladies tell him that there are twelve other gentlemen buried down in the cellar. Why?! Mortimer asks.

The first man to die, they tell him, had a heartattack and the look on his face was so peaceful that they reasoned if they could assist other lonely old men in such a way as to give them that peace then they would. As simple as that.

Mortimer tries to explain that what they had done is considered murder in the eyes of the law but this only upsets the women. They think he simply doesn't understand. So Mortimer tries to figure out what to do, all thoughts of Elaine and marriage gone from his mind. Then he comes up with the wonderful idea to put the blame on Teddy, since everyone knows he's crazy. The former plan was to wait until the two women died to send Teddy to the Happy Dale Sanitarium but Mortimer calls the judge up and has him draw up the papers to have Teddy committed at once and takes off to visit the judge.

While he is away, his aunts get ready to hold services for the man in the windowseat but are interrupted by strangers at their door. When they don't answer the men enter anyway. To their surprise, he calls himself Jonathan, their nephew. But his face is horrifying and they find it hard to believe.

With him is Dr. Einstein, a small man with a foreign accent. They make themselves at home, helping themselves to supper and rooms for the night. Unfortunately, Teddy returns from digging the lock and invites the doctor to go with him to the Panama Canal, otherwise known as the cellar. The doctor qucickly returns to tell "Jonny" about the grave-sized hole down there. He says it will be just the right size for "Mr. Spinalzo". Ordering the ladies to an early bedtime, they plan to bring the body of another criminal Jonny killed through the window and bury him in the cellar. But while they are in their rooms, Teddy takes the body from the windowseat and puts him in the "lock".

Jonathan and Dr. Einstein bring Mr. Spinalzo in through the window and have to stuff him in the windowseat to hide him.

Mortimer returns to find Jonny manhandling Elaine. He doesn't believe it's Jonathan either, until Jonathan reminds him of some of the horrible things he did to Mortimer when they were boys. Still bothered about the problem with his aunts, Mortimer tells Jonathan to leave. He then proceeds to call Mr. Witherspoon of Happy Dale Sanitarium to tell him things are in order for him to take Teddy. Hurt and mad, Elaine stomps from the house.

With nothing to do but wait, Mortimer takes another look at Mr Hoskins in the windowseat but sees Mr. Spinalzo instead. Accusing Aunt Abby of the crime, to which she denies, he realizes the body is Jonathan's when it becomes apparent he is trying to hide it.

Eventually, sounds from the house draw the neighborhood officer, O'Hara who comes to investigate. O'Hara, unfortunately, fails to see the seriousness of the situation but Mortimer tries to use him to scare Jonathan away. When Jonathan finds out what the old ladies have done, Mortimer's plan is fouled, and he instead has to keep Jonathan from telling O'Hara the truth.

After a narrow escape from Jonathan's evil schemes, Mortimer sits by in a resigned stupor when his brother gets found out and fights the cops to get away.

Finally, when Jonathan is taken away, Mr. Witherspoon arrives to get Teddy. But Mortimer isn't out of the clear yet. Before he left he managed to mention the cops going down in the cellar. The dear old ladies don't deny there are bodies down there, to which Mortimer becomes hysterical. At first the chief of police thinks he's nuts, but he finally gets the idea Mortimer is trying to "humor" the old ladies. Since it's obvious the old ladies are as crazy as Teddy, they are all happily admitted to Happy Dale Sanatorium. And Mortimer can breathe at last.

Right before they leave, his aunts come up and tell him that he really isn't a Brewster but the son a sea cook. Convinced that all Brewster blood is tainted with insanity, Mortimer whoops and hollers. That is, until Elaine ventures into the cellar to see if the story is right. She comes up screaming that it's true and Mortimer grabs her and kisses her to silence her. He then slings her over his shoulder and runs for her house, all of his troubles over.

Behind The Scenes

First written as a play, Frank Capra adapted the long running broadway show into a film play but wasn't able to be released until 3 years later after the show had finished. Originally, Boris Karloff played Jonathan Brewster, but since his name was so big they didn't dare pull him from the play to do the movie, so they got Raymond Massey instead.

Bob Hope was their first choice for Mortimer Brewster but Paramount wouldn't release him to do the film. In my opinion, it's a good thing. Bob Hope couldn't have pulled off the stunned expressions as well as Cary Grant did. Ronald Reagan was another choice. I think Ronald Reagan would have been a good choice, but I still don't think he would have been as good at the part as Cary Grant was.

After only eight weeks of filming, the movie Arsenic and Old Lace was finished, and in 1944, released for the world to enjoy. Critics raved then and they still do today.

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The Harvey Girls (1946) - Movie Review

The Harvey Girls, starring Judy Garland, John Hodiak, and a plethora of Hollywood names, is a bright, show-stopping musical with the usual glamour only MGM could muster. Based on the true story of Fred Harvey's restaurants and the waitresses he employed, this story takes place in small, uncivilized town in New Mexico.

Brief Synopsis:

Tired of her own home town in Ohio, Susan Bradley responds a matrimonial ad in the newspaper and agrees to marry a man she has never seen. She leaves for the remote town of Sand Rock with her hopes high. On the trains she befriends some girls who are going to Sand Rock as well to become waitresses at the new Harvey House. When she arrives, Susan is immediately surprised to find that the man who wrote all those beautiful letters is a rough cattle hand and not the learned gentleman she thought. She soon finds out that the whole trip was a joke played by the local saloon owner, Ned Trent. Infuriated, Susan tells Trent just what she thinks of men like him, and joins the Harvey girls in their fight for civilization. They endure trials and grave danger but in the end, the Harvey girls prevail. And Susan finds the writer of her letters to be the man of her dreams.

Judy Garland performs beautifully, singing as well as acting. She is accompanied by rising stars such as Cyd Charisse, and well-known actors such as Virginia O'Brien and Ray Bolger. Also in the film are the lovable raspy-voiced Marjorie Main, a hard-as-nails Angela Lansbury, and a tough and dangerous Preston Foster. John Hodiak, a rare man to find in musicals, pulls the character of saloon owner off well. Unfortunately for him, his only singing part was cut from the finished film.

Full Synopsis:

As the Santa Fe rail line moves westward, civilization follows close behind. Credit for this advancement is due in part to Fred Harvey's chain of restaurants and his straight-laced, white collar waitresses dubbed the Harvey Girls.

Susan Bradley, a lonely girl from Ohio, is heading west with dreams of her beloved leading her on. Having responded to a matrimonial ad in the newspaper and started a relationship with its writer, she agreed to marry him and left her boring home for a new one.

Also on the train heading west are a group of young women just employed as Harvey Girls. A few of them take pity on Susan's lack of food and offer her some of theirs which sparks a valuable friendship. None of them know just what they are getting into but they are soon to find out.

In Sand Rock, Judge Purvis, a man with the power of the town behind him, is none too happy to see a Harvey House opening up next to the Alhambra, a saloon owned by his friend Ned Trent. He advises Ned to be careful, having heard the effect Harvey Houses have had on the towns they've occupied. Not sharing his friends suspicious nature, Ned waves him off.

The train arrives with a grand entrance as nearly the whole town comes out to meet them. As the crowd dies away the Harvey girls gather up their belongings and move into the new building already set up for them.

Susan, on the other hand, is looking anxiously for her husband-to-be, H. H. Hartsey, Esq.. When she spots him though she is taken aback. The man who calls himself Hartsey appears to be a rough cowhand no more able to write a letter than fly to the moon. Obviously expecting someone different as well, the two eventually agree that the marriage wouldn't be right for both of them.

Thinking out loud, Hartsey mentions the fact that the letters were written by a "friend" who must have thought it would be a good joke. Infuriated, Susan finds out he's none other than the owner of the Alhambra, Ned Trent, and marches straight through the doors of the saloon. She tells him what she thinks of men who take liberties with innocent people and gives him more than a piece of her mind. As a last jab, she promises the Harvey girls will shove people like him and his dance hall girls out of the town for good, and immediately marches off to join them. Little does she know her spunk, despite the anger behind it, has sparked Ned's interest in her.

In no time the Harvey House is open and ready for the next train. Eager to size up his new competition, Ned visits the Harvey House and orders a famous Harvey House steak.

Sonora, the cook, informs them all that the meat is gone, vanished. Rolling up her sleeves, Susan heads back over to the Alhambra. She grabs a pair of six-shooters and threatens to shoot if they don't return the meat she knows they have taken. Hardly a menacing figure, the men go along with her anyhow, too surprised and delighted by her tenacity. Moments later, she returns to Mr. Trent's table with one steak, very rare.

That night, Judge Purvis hires a man to shoot out the girls light, succeeding in scaring some of the girls away. But the next day, when Ned tells him to cut the rough stuff, he tells Susan and Deborah that Ned is the one trying to drive them away while he is perfectly happy to have them there.

Once again taking matters into her own hands, Susan bursts through the saloon doors for the third time. Expecting to find Ned, she instead finds Em, the saloon's star dancer. Em tells Susan that she's glamorizing Ned and inadvertantly clarifies him as the kind one, not Purvis. Though her words are biting, Susan quickly realizes that Em loves Ned. Em doesn't deny it but bitterly adds that he doesn't know she exists.

Em mentioned something about a valley and suddenly Susan recalls Ned having written to her about a valley he loved to go and visit. Now ready to thank him instead of fight, she finds him just where she thought, in his valley. Though at first cold, Ned falls prey to Susan's good-girl charm, and Susan soon has to admit his feelings are mutual.

They return to town together, and closer than they were before, but in less than a minute, trouble pops its ugly head up. Hearing a scream from the Harvey House, Susan and Ned run up to to find a rattlesnake threatening Deborah in a closet. Ned heroically kills the snake but Susan realizes that as long as he runs the Alhambra and endorses men like Judge Purvis he is doing the same as helping them in running the girls out of Sand Rock.

Deborah, a dancer, hears the lovely music coming from the Alhambra and can't resist the temptation to get a closer look at its creator. The young man, Terry O'Halloran, is enchanted with Deborah and sings the song for her. But when Susan arrives to bring Deborah back the jealous saloon girls move in on them. In no time Susan is joined by the rest of the Harvey girls and the battle rages with fists and screams.

The girls throw a ball for the men of the town and entertain them with dancing and singing. The air is festive and everyone is having a wonderful time, despite the appearance of Ned and Purvis. But when the dance hall girls arrive in their bold colors and feathers, the mood becomes tense. Ned stands up for his girls and they go their way.

After the ball, Susan rushes out to the valley. Not long after, Ned arrives. They love each other, they both know it, but they can't come to terms with the differences in their beliefs. Ned informs her that he plans to move the saloon to Flagstaff and leaves. The moment is bittersweet for Susan, knowing that he loves her and yet they can't be together.

When Ned returns to town alone, he catches Purvis and his henchman setting fire to the Harvey House. He takes them on singehanded but fails to save the building. Daylight reveals a burned down building where the restaurant used to stand. Ned offers to let them have the Alhambra until the Harvey House is repaired and prepares to leave for Flagstaff.

Only when the train is ready to leave, he admits to Em that he isn't going with them. Em realizes she has lost.

As the train moves out, Em spots Susan in one of the cars. When Susan tells her that she would do anything for Ned, Em does the right thing and stops the train. Already riding to catch up, Ned finds Susan and the two get married right in his valley, all their problems resolved.

Behind The Scenes

The song that hit the charts higher than any other on the film was On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, sung by artists such as Bing Crosby, Johnny Mercer, and even Judy Garland, but Mercer's version was the most popular.

Since Virginia O'Brien was pregnant at the time of shooting she lost parts in the second half of the film do to Judy's delaying the film because her condition became more and more noticeable.

Not surprising, Angela Lansbury's singing voice was dubbed as well as rising star Cyd Charisse.

My Opinion

I've watched this movie for as long as I can remember, and though I wouldn't recommend it for a historical piece, I love the music and simple plot. John Hodiak does an excellent job in the role of the saloon owner while Judy pulls off the necessary spunk for her character.

Other than the obvious inaccuracies, the only thing I really don't like in the movie is the implications that compromising your morals for the man or woman you love is alright. The fact that Susan believes they'll both have to compromise their standards to make a relationship work is wrong. Moral standards should never be compromised. Ned was the one who needed to change. Susan's speech at the end about the only difference between her and Em was the clothing style they chose to wear was completely illogical. Hollywood once again gets the award for glamorizing real life. Em and her fellow saloon girls were prostitutes, or at least saloon girls in that day and time were.

Other than those apparent inaccuracies, I would definitely recommend this movie for anyone who wishes to see a quaint, enjoyable musical!

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