A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Scrooge (1970): Ghost of Christmas Present

December 23, 2021

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I just love trying to recreate a character or scene from a film. I think the key to recreating is the genuinely love or be inspired by something. That way you approach the character from a point of admiration and created your vision authentically with your own personal touch. 

After reading my Classic Film Spotlight: Scrooge (1970) post I hope you know how much a deeply adore and love this rendition of the classic A Christmas Carol story. The character of the Ghost of Christmas  Present is this burly and jovial character who shows Scrooge the joy found in Bob Cracket's house and the fun being had at his nephew, Harry's house where they play The Minister's Cat game. The Ghost of Christmas Present then gives Scrooge a drink that is the milk of human kindness. He then proceeds to sing him a jolly song called, "I Like Life".

I like life 
Life likes me 
Life and I fairly fully agree 
Life is fine 
Life is good 
'Specially mine, which is just as it should be 
I like pouring the wine and why not? 
Life's a pleasure that I deny not 

It is one of my favorite songs from this film. It's positive and honest and reminds us of the joy to be had by being kind and being open to receiving kindness in return. In my recreates of this jolly giant I pulled out my green Boden coat, some garlands hanging in my home, some icicle ornaments, and a fancy glass of apple juice that my children happily drank after my shoot.

It made me so happy to channel the character of the Ghost of Christmas Present from Scrooge (1970). If you haven't seen my other recreates you can check them out HERE. What other characters or films would you like me to try and recreate?

A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present

Classic Film Spotlight: Scrooge (1970)

December 22, 2021

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There are a few renditions of A Christmas Carol that are incredible to watch like Scrooge (1935) and Scrooge (1951) because they have an amazing cast of actors. Scrooge (1970) is my absolute favorite version of Scrooge because not only does it have all the incredible acting and story telling that the first two renditions have but with this film version they added music, dance, songs, and even a catchy parlor game. 

Scrooge (1970) stars Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge, Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley, Edith Evans as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Kenneth More as the jovial Ghost of Christmas Present, Laurence Naismith as Mr. Fezziwig, and Anton Rodgers as the unforgettable Tom Jenkins. 

The story begins with Scrooge being his old miser self when suddenly at night he is awakened by three ghosts. Each ghost of the past, present, and future shows him what he is missing in his life, why he is the way he is, and the untapped happiness that awaits him if he turns over a new leaf. What makes this story more unique than the others is that the cast sing, dance, and act their way through the film making the viewer feel as though they too are on a unexpected adventure with Ebenezer Scrooge.

There are quite a few scenes in the film that are unique for a retelling of A Christmas Carol. You have Marley's personal hell filled with fire and brimstone, Marley flying high with his chains attached to him (Alec Guinness actually injured himself on that), a session of A Minister's Cat game which was a popular parlor game of the time, the Ghost of Christmas Present singing a uplifting song called "I Like Life", and a  bittersweet flashback of Scrooge's romance with his old boss Mr. Fezziwig's daughter. There is even an incredible song that is performed twice for two separate scenes called "Thank You Very Much". Watching the performances in this film is like watching a Broadway show come to life.

What also makes this rendition of Scrooge so unique is that Albert Finney plays himself both young and old. They aged him up to play Ebenezer Scrooge even though he was only 34 years old at the time. His performance is the most heartbreaking and uplifting I have even seen on film. 

This retelling of the Dickens classic tale of redemption is bursting with song and dance. The joy found in this film is unmistakable and connects to people of all ages. I started showing my children this film on Christmas Eve a few years ago and it is now a tradition they really look forward to experiencing every year. 

Have you seen this version of Scrooge? Have you had the chance to the watch the 1935 and 1951 film versions?

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A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Classic Holiday Movies, Classic Film Blog,  Classic Christmas Movies
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Classic Holiday Movies, Classic Film Blog,  Classic Christmas Movies
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Classic Holiday Movies, Classic Film Blog,  Classic Christmas Movies
A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Classic Holiday Movies, Classic Film Blog,  Classic Christmas Movies

An Interview with Karolyn Grimes: Zuzu Bailey from It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

December 20, 2021
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75 years ago today It's a Wonderful Life was released in theaters on December 20th, 1946. In honor of this great films 75th anniversary I would like to share with you a look back at an interview I did with Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu Bailey, George Bailey's youngest daughter in the film. 

Ten years ago I attended a screening of It's a Wonderful Life to celebrate it's 65th Anniversary. One of the speakers before the viewing of the film was Karolyn Grimes.  She did me the honor of allowing me to interview her a few days after the screening. This is what she had to share:

What is one of your fondest memories of working on the film, It's a Wonderful Life (1946)?

Playing in the snow, it wasn't real but I loved it. It never snows in Hollywood.

You had some sweet and memorable scenes with James Stewart. What was it like it like for you to work with him?

He was very tall 6'4" and very gentile. He had a lot of patience.

The first time you saw yourself in this film--what did you think of your performance and about what the message it was trying to convey? 

I was young when I saw it and really did not think about it. Today I think there were many messages in the film but the main messages are that each one of us matter and that we can touch lives and make a difference. We should be thankful for what we have in our lives and realize the importance of faith family and friends.

The films represents the idea that great friends and faith in yourself can bring you out of the worst situations that life has to offer. Do believe this is the reason this particular film continues to inspire so many people even after so many years? 

That and the fact that it is a tradition and family time that is so special. It gives you hope and comfort.

The younger generations seem to dismiss classic films and simply labeling them as "old" and "relics"--to them it means it has no value in their society. How would you explain the worth of viewing and enjoying classic films to younger people? How would you encourage them to give these films a try? 

I think there are many young people that appreciate the value of the classics. I believe that they are more and more becoming aware of the films of the golden era...That is what my emails tells me as well as the many young people that I meet on the road.

It was a special experience to be able to have met Karolyn Grimes and be able to hear her thoughts on such a special film. Happy 75th Anniversary to It's a Wonderful Life (1946). We are all so lucky that we get to enjoy such a inspirational film for so many years.

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A Wonderful Life Experience was first published in Bunny's Victory and has 

since been edited and updated for A Vintage Nerd

Classic Film Spotlight: It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

December 20, 2021
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It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is one of my favorite films. It stars James Stewart and Donna Reed with an incredible supporting cast of Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, and Gloria Graham. 

The films begins with a few angels recalling the life of one simple man named George Bailey. They review his life and all those who he helped along the way. Then on Christmas Eve because of unforeseen financial circumstances, George Bailey decides to commit suicide by jumping over a bridge. Before he is able to jump, another man jumps and falls into the cold winter water. George immediately jumps in after him and saves his life. We then find out his name is Clarence Odbody who is played by the wonderful Henry Travers.

What George doesn't realize at first is that Clarence is George's guardian angel. In order for Clarence to get his wings up in heaven, he must help George realize his own worth. Each step they take together leads George into understanding that what he really had was truly a wonderful life. 

"It's a Wonderful Life" Trailer-also starring Donna Reed

75 years later It's a Wonderful Life is still teaching us lessons about friendship, family, and the value life has in this world. This film teaches us to keep our dreams alive even if we are never meant to make them come true. It teaches us to have faith in ourselves and in the people we love and admire. It also teaches us to get to the good parts of life sometimes we may have to endure the bad and the ugly parts as well.

I really do cherish this film. I cherish the gift that director Frank Capra gave to us. A film with a positive message, uplifting message. A film that in my eyes does not age--not at all--because the message is ageless. Love and Faith....two precious treasures that we can give to others and that others can give to us. But most importantly, they are two gifts we can also give to ourselves.

Celebrating Rita Moreno's 90th Birthday

December 12, 2021

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            Today is Rita Moreno's 90th Birthday. There are those who might know all about this amazing actress and                  those that might not. In celebration of such a big milestone I wanted to share a few images throughout the years of Rita.                                                                                     She is such a beauty and a passionate performer. 

If you haven't seen any of her films, here are a few Rita Moreno films I think you might enjoy:

  1. West Side Story (1961)
  2. Summer and Smoke (1961)
  3. The Night of the Following Day (1968)
  4. Popi (1969)
  5. Marlowe (1969)
  6. Carnal Knowledge (1971)
  7. The Ritz (1976)
  8. Four Seasons (1981)
If you are also eager to learn more about her life, her autobiography is called , Rita Moreno: A Memoir (2013)  and her documentary, Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021). Rita's life story is  very relatable in many ways and I believe many of you would enjoy learning more about her. 

Turning 90 is a huge blessing. I fully admire those who choose to live life as fully as she does. Happy 90th Birthday, Rita Moreno!

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A Vintage Nerd, Rita Moreno, Rita Moreno 90th Birthday, Old Hollywood Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Classic Film Blog
A Vintage Nerd, Rita Moreno, Rita Moreno 90th Birthday, Old Hollywood Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Classic Film Blog

Classic Television Shows That You Can Introduce To Children

November 28, 2021
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For a few years now I have been introducing my children to classic films but I realized that there were a slew of classic tv shows that would amazing to watch as well. The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) is one of my favorite shows and a show my husband and I love to watch together. I have shown my children a few episodes of the show before but I figured to just go for it and watch the whole thing. We started the process in January 1, 2021 and finished on September 12, 2021. Almost every day after classes we would watch one or two episodes. After nine months we devoured all five seasons which included 156 episodes. 

One cool thing we would do after we would watch an episode is talk about the story, the actors, and the lessons that could be learned from the stories. I think watching a classic tv show gave my children a view into another time period different from their own. It also allowed them to broaden their tastes, gave them an understanding of powerful storytelling, and expanded their view of the world around them. 

I think kids today are capable of pulling themselves away from the video games and phone if we only give them a chance. Introducing them to a tv show that you can watch with them creates memories that they will take with them their whole life. I remember watching I Love Lucy and Bewitched when I was a kid in the 1980's and those good memories have stayed with me. I watched them mainly at my grandma's house because she had cable and a lot of times we would watch them together. I never forgot the pure simple joy that these shows gave to me as a kid and I wanted my children to experience this. I won't lie, some days they just weren't in the mood to watch an old black and white tv show but I encouraged them to finish what we started together and reminded them that this was their special time with me every day away from chores, homework, and video games. To my absolute pleasure they actually stuck with it and now they are forever changed by the special stories a writer like Rod Serling was able to put on the small screen.

October was all about the spooky movies and November we have been catching up with our other shows but I am hoping in the new year we will continue this tradition. I want my children to be exposed to all mediums of art and to be aware of what life was like at other time periods other than their own. The next shows we may tackle together is Night Gallery and The Wonder Years. The Night Gallery because it is more Rod Serling but set in the 1970's and I have never seen this show. The Wonder Years because not only is it a show I watched when I was a pre-teen and teen but because it depicts life as a young person set in the 1960's-1970's from a boys perspective. 

What classic the shows did you grow up learning? Have you introduced any to the kids around you? What did they think about it?

Here are a few classic television shows that you can introduce to children:

1. The Twilight Zone 
2. The Addams Family
3. Gilligan's Island
4. Bewitched 
5. I Love Lucy
6. The Brady Bunch
7. Batman
8. Leave it to Beaver
9. The Munsters
10. Lassie 
11. I Dream of Jeannie
12. Dennis the Menace 
13. The Partridge Family 
14. Little House on the Prairie 
15. Diff'rent Strokes
16. Doctor Who
17. Mork & Mindy
18. Star Trek
19. Happy Days
20. The Patty Duke Shows

20 Famous Classic Films I Have Not Seen Yet

November 28, 2021

A Vintage Nerd, Laura 1944, Classics Films Not Seen, Classic Film Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Old Hollywood BlogSomething funny happens to me when people talk about a movie a lot or suggest that I see it. It's not that I don't want to join in the excitement of a new film or view a movie that has pleased audiences for years and years. I think I sort of recoil from films that are super famous because a lot of times they come with high expectations. I tend to put them aside for a wee bit until I get in the mood to see them or somehow I come across them and make myself watch them finally.

There aren't a lot of super famous classic films I haven't seen but there are a few that did well in the box office at their time or are well known to many. The other day I finally got access to Now Voyager (1942) and it made me think about all the famous classics I have yet to see. Here is my list of 20 famous classic films I have not seen yet.

What famous classic films have you not seen yet? Why haven't you watched them? Have you seen any of these?

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It Happened One Night (1934)

Stagecoach (1939)

His Girl Friday (1940)

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

The Maltese Falcom (1941)

Citizen Kane (1941)

Laura (1944)

Double Indemnity (1944) 

Gilda (1946)

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

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Sunset Boulevard (1950)

On The Waterfront (1954)

Carmen Jones (1954)

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

An Affair to Remember (1957)

La Dolce Vita (1960)

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

The Dirty Dozen (1967)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967): Delphine & Solange Garnier

November 18, 2021
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Over the summer I had the pleasure of joining my good friend Dalin at one of my favorite places, The Museum of Moving Image. They were showing The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) on the big screen and neither of us could resist to see it and dress in theme. I even put on some faux bangs so that I can channel the Garnier sisters a bit more.

It was a rainy day that day so I dressed casual channeling Solange played by the late Françoise Dorléac while my friend channeled Delphine played by the great Catherine Deneuve. It’s a Jacques Demy film so like many of his films this one was filled with bright pastel colors and heaps of random singing and dancing. 

Watching this film on the big screen reminded me that all films should be seen in this format, particularly classic films. Dalin and I are huge cinephiles so watching this together was pure joy for us both. You can find my friend Dalin on her blog Magic-Ala-Mode and her Instagram Magicalamode.

Have you ever felt compelled to dress in theme to an event or screening of a film?

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A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Vintage Recreates, Retro Fashion Blog, Catherine Deneuve, Classic Film Blog, Vintage Fashion Inspiration


Classic Film Spotlight: The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)

November 17, 2021
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac

The Girls of Rochefort (1967) was directed by Jacques Demy and starred Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac. Deneuve and Dorléac play twin sisters in the film and in real life they were sisters. Sadly it would be their last film together as Dorléac tragically passed away from a car accident four months after the film was released at the age of twenty-five. 

This film is set in the seaside town of Rochefort where Delphine (Deneuve) and Solange (Dorléac) are two talented and gifted young women who are both eager to explore of the world.  Then a fair comes to town for the weekend bringing a host of characters including Etienne (played by George Chakiris as Etienne) and Bill (played by Grover Dale), who get dumped by their girlfriends as soon as they get into town. Then quickly you get introduced to the sisters mother who regrets losing contact with the father of her son, a lonely man who recently opened a music shop, and Andy Miller (played by Gene Kelly) who is pining for a girl he just encountered (Solange). 

Then in the midst of all of these characters you get introduced to a young sailor named Maxence (played by Jacques Perrin) who painted a portrait that looks exactly like Delphine that hangs in the local art gallery. He sings about his unrequited love for this mystery girl and although their paths cross multiple times, Maxence never meets Delphine, or does he?

You get a smorgasbord of musical numbers, love found and lost at all ages, and when you least expect it Demy throws in an odd murder mystery for good measure. This film is visually stunning with costumes celebrating a pastel palette and dance sequences that make you just want to leap in the air with joy. Jacques Demy has a wonderful way of blending multiple storylines and wrapping them up with song and dance all the while having it make complete sense.

The beauty of this film is that although it seems like there is a lot going on with different characters and storylines, the stories of these characters are simple and easy to follow. Demy makes falling in love and finding your way through life like a magical adventure painted in bright blues, pinks, and yellow. 

How can you not enjoy a Jacques Demy film? Have you ever seen The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967)?

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Film Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Sixties Film Review, Jacques Demy Movies, Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac

12 Must Have Vintage Vinyl Soundtracks

November 15, 2021

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Vinyl Records, The Apple, The Apple Soundtrack, Best Vintage Soundtrack List

Back in the day there was nothing better than putting on a record and listening to the latest vinyl. The quality of music that can be heard on a vinyl is something special. It sounds more intimate as if you are listening to the band play nearby.

These days listening to and collecting vinyls has made a huge comeback. It honestly took me a while to move from cassette tapes to CD's and even longer to switch from CD's to the Apple Music on my phone. But I have to tell you this, I still have all of my cassettes and all of my CD's and so does my husband. If our children ever want to delve into the oldies but goodies they will be able to look through a treasure trove of cassettes, CD's and yes, vinyls. 

Recently I acquired a really hard-to-find vinyl soundtrack from the movie, The Apple (1980). One of my guilty pleasures is musicals (in film, tv, or Broadway) and this film has it all-music, campy songs, glitter makeup, over-the-top dance numbers, a battle between good and evil, and in the middle of it all is an epic love story. The soundtrack of this film cannot be found on cassette, CD, or on any music app so finding this record had made me feel so lucky to be able to add it to my collection.

Music plays a huge role in films. There are some films whose soundtrack become a main character in the story. Here are 12 must have vintage vinyl soundtracks that you can add to your collection:


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The Best Part of Halloween

November 10, 2021
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Unique Vintage Retro Dress, Vintage Halloween Inspiration, Retro Halloween, Coraline Costume Inspiration

This past Halloween weekend was jammed packed with activities ranging from birthday celebrations for my youngest to a halloween party. I plan all of these events and celebrations a few months in advance, so when the day finally came we were all so excited to just embrace the holiday and have a ton of fun. The best part of Halloween is the part where we get to dress up. 

I wore my favorite dress from Unique Vintage and paired it with a vintage 1960's cardigan, a Ben Cooper inspired retro cat mask, a vintage 1960's pumpkin bucket, and a black beret also from Unique Vintage. My children dressed up as Coraline, Rick Sanchez from Rick & Morty, and Georgie from It. It was a spooky blast dressing up. It was a beautiful day out here in New York on Halloween and we all felt really grateful to be able to get out and have a little fun.

What is the best part of Halloween for you?

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A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Halloween, Unique Vintage Retro Dress, Vintage Halloween Inspiration, Retro Halloween, Coraline Costume Inspiration
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Halloween, Unique Vintage Retro Dress, Vintage Halloween Inspiration, Retro Halloween, Coraline Costume Inspiration
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Halloween, Unique Vintage Retro Dress, Vintage Halloween Inspiration, Retro Halloween, Coraline Costume Inspiration
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Halloween, Unique Vintage Retro Dress, Vintage Halloween Inspiration, Retro Halloween, Coraline Costume Inspiration

The 6 Steps I'm Taking To Become a Film Historian

October 24, 2021

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Old Hollywood Books, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Becoming a Film Historian, Classic Film School, How to become a film historian

What on earth could this tower of books and dvd's be? I feel lucky that through my blog I have been able to explore Old Hollywood and my personal style for ten years now. But I would like to bring my studies up a notch. 

My days are filled to the rim with housework and mommy work and lots of tending to my health because of my disability. And although my lifestyle is never boring, it is very demanding. Which is why I am so grateful that my blog has given me the opportunity to keep creative and delve into things I love without taking away from my everyday life. 

Simply put, one day I want to be a film historian and an author.  I figure as my children get older I will have more time, opportunity, and help so that I could go back to school and get a degree in film history. Until then I thought I could take my passion for film and explore it on a deeper level on my own through A Vintage Nerd blog. I am taking my education into my own hands.

As you can imagine I will be writing more film reviews and book reviews in the months and years ahead because delving deeper into Old Hollywood is what makes me the happiest. It has always been the foundation of my blog. I will continue to do personal style outfit posts, inspirational posts, and general vintage themed posts, but I will also take a deeper dive into the world of classic film.

What are the things that make you happiest? Have you even known a film historian before? 


Here are my 6 steps to becoming a film historian:

1. Make a list of films you want to see. Keep yourself open to films you think you might not enjoy. Add silent films, various types of genres, and international films as well. 

2. Watch those films. Write about them on a blog, social media, or down on paper.

3. Find a classic film group to join. You can find them on social media, through a blog or website. This way you can interact with others who enjoy classic films as much as you. 

4. Make a list of actors and actresses you'd like to know more about. 

5. Research all the books that were written by the actors and actresses you're interested in. 

6. Make a list of autobiographies and biographies to give yourself a chance to get to know the actors or actresses from the viewpoint of themselves and others. 

7. Take your time watching the films and reading the books. Writing things down about what you watched and read will help you remember. Talking about what you watched and read will help you filter out ideas, thoughts, and feelings about what you learned. All of these steps will take you closer to becoming a film historian.

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If you would like to support my film studies I have a wishlist set up at Amazon that include films and book that I can review here on A Vintage Nerd. You can find my list HERE. Thank you for your support!

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A Vintage Nerd Recreates: The Birds (1963): Melanie Daniels

October 17, 2021

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The other day I was looking through old posts of mine and discovered that I was doing recreations inspired by classic films/tv shows long before I realized I was doing recreations. Back in 2012 I did a photo shoot at the Flushing Meadow Park where the World's Fair took place in 1964. In keeping with the Halloween spirit I channeled my inner Melanie Daniels from The Birds (1963).

Tippi Hedren's portrayal of Melanie Daniels is an iconic staple in the horror genre.  Draped in high fashion by the great Edith Head, Melanie soon finds herself on island where the birds have decided to attack humans. 

It's been such fun to look back at ten years of posts and realize there are some really cool things I have done and experienced. This shoot was one of my favorite ones to put together. If you are interested in dressing up as Melanie Daniels from The Birds (1963), here is some Halloween costume inspiration.

A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas
A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas
A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas
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A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas
A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas
A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates,  Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes,  Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas

My Interview with author Carla Valderrama from This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories

October 06, 2021

A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Carla Valderrama, This Was Hollywood, Old Hollywood Books, This Was Hollywood Book, Classic Film Blog
Photo by Zack Munson
 

If you love Old Hollywood and have been on Instagram, you must have come across Carla Valderrama's amazing account called This Was Hollywood. It is a jam packed account filled with images and tidbits about classic films and their stars from every decade. 

Recently Carla wrote her own book all about the Old Hollywood stars she loved. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her book which you can find HERE. I was also lucky to score an interview with Carla and learn more about where her passion of classic films and Old Hollywood comes from. She is such a sweetheart and I feel lucky to have connected with someone who gets as giddy about classic films as I do. 

If you are interested in reading Carla's book This Was Hollywood ,  you can get your own copy HERE. Carla also created a super fun Movie Club for those of you who identify as classic film buffs or are interested in learning more about Old Hollywood movies. 

When did your love for classic film begin? What was the first classic film ever you watched?  

My love for classic film started at a Party City with my mom when I was 6, and I saw a cardboard cutout of Marilyn Monroe. I asked my mom, “Who is that?” and she said, “It’s Marilyn Monroe, she was a huge movie star.” And I knew I had to watch all of her movies. 

 

I don’t remember the first film. It might have been Some Like It Hot, but it might also have been Gone With the Wind. It’s all a blur.


What motivated you to share your passion on Instagram?

 

I was frustrated and depressed with where I was in my life, and classic movies always made me feel better. So I decided to share them with other people, hoping it would make them feel better too.

 

What is one classic film you can watch over and over again and not get bored?

 

Singin’ In the Rain. Watched it more times than I can count. It’s the greatest escapism ever. It’s got singing, dancing, a great story with tons of film history. And it’s in glorious Technicolor.

 

What is your favorite year or decade of classic film?

 

Depends on the day of the week. I love the 40s and 50s because of film noir and musicals. But I also love the 70s, because it’s so real and raw. 

 

Name your favorites: 

 

Man, you’re not playing around here!


Top five films:

 

In no particular order, also changes all the time. But today’s Thursday, and here’s what I’m feeling:

Singin’ In the Rain. Vertigo. Sherlock Jr. (1924). Odds Against Tomorrow. Paper Moon. 

 

Director:

 

Can’t pick one. Lois Weber, because she was a badass bitch and super innovative. Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, because they turned out an insane amount of classics. Stanley Kubrick, because he did something different for every movie. 

 

Costume Designer: Travis Banton, a guy more people should know about.


Top five actors:

 

Sidney Poitier, John Garfield, Robert Mitchum, Gary Cooper, William Holden

 

Top five actresses:

 

Carole Lombard, Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Grahame, Gene Tierney, Judy Garland

 

Did you always want to be an author? How did the idea of your book, This Was Hollywood come about? 

 

Yes, but I never thought I’d get to write a book. Especially since I never finished college and never published anything before, LOL. 

 

The idea came from my Instagram, where I was writing really long captions. An editor from the publishing house noticed and asked if I had an idea for a book. I said yes, and quickly came up with one on the spot.

 

What did you learn from the process of putting this amazing book together? 

 

To always fight for what I believe in, even if other people are telling me otherwise. It doesn’t matter if something isn’t usually done a certain way. If I think it’s the way it should be done, I’m going to push for that. A lot of people did not think this book would succeed based on how I presented it, but it did because of how I presented it. Which was very satisfying.

 

Also, in a world of remakes and reboots, be yourself.

 

What advice do you have for those starting out watching classic films?

 

Have fun. Movies are fun. They’re not a chore. If you’re watching a movie and you’re not enjoying it, move on to something else. I don’t care if some pretentious institution says it’s a great film. It doesn’t matter. The only basis I think you can judge a movie is an emotional one. Does it make me laugh or cry or feel something? If not, why am I wasting my time. Also, don’t pay attention to reviews—either from critics or IMDB or whatever. I’ve discovered many gems just by keeping an open mind. 

 

What advice would you have for those who want to share their passion for film? 

 

Share what you love and do it for fun. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point? Let’s be real, we ain’t in this for the money!

 

Lastly, list ten films you think are as close to perfect as a film could be. 

Singin’ in the Rain (again!). Paper Moon (again). Rififi. La Grande Illusion. Casablanca. The Godfather. The Killing. Sunset Boulevard. Double Indemnity. It’s a Wonderful Life. 

 
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