#lucille davenport

[arachniasbride]

@voyagerweek - DAY 6: Favorite Holodeck Program ⤷ Janeway Lambda One + Lucille Davenport costume appreciation/study x

"...But when a tragic mystery begins to unravel, Lucille must decide: will she flee the darkness that threatens to consume her, or will she surrender to the haunting allure of Lord Burleigh and the secrets he keeps?"

[citizenscreen]

The Charles family from THE THIN MAN GOES HOME (1944): William Powell, Myrna Loy, Lucile Watson, and Harry Davenport

[claudia1829things]

"LITTLE WOMEN" (1949) Review

"LITTLE WOMEN" (1949) Review

Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel is a bit of a conundrum for me. I have never been a fan of the novel. I have read it once, but it failed to maintain my interest. Worse, I have never had the urge to read it again. The problem is that it is that sentimental family dramas - at least in print - has never been appealing to me. And this is why I find it perplexing that I have never had any problems watching any of the film or television adaptations of her novel.

One of those adaptations proved to be Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 1949 adaptation, which was produced and directed by Mervyn LeRoy. It is hard to believe that the same man who had directed such hard-biting films like "LITTLE CAESAR", "I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG" and "THEY WON'T FORGET", was the artistic force behind this sentimental comedy-drama. Or perhaps MGM studio boss, Louis B. Meyer, was the real force. The studio boss preferred sentimental dramas, comedies and musicals. Due to this preference, he was always in constant conflict with the new production chief, Dore Schary, who preferred more realistic and hard-biting movies. Then you had David O. Selznick, who wanted to remake his 1933 adaptation of Alcott's novel. One can assume (or not) that in the end, Meyer had his way.

"LITTLE WOMEN", as many know, told the experiences of the four March sisters of Concord, Massachusetts during and after the U.S. Civil War. The second daughter, Josephine (Jo) March, is the main character and the story focuses on her relationships with her three other sisters, the elders in her family - namely her mother Mrs. March ("Marmee") and Aunt March, and the family's next-door neighbor, Mr. Laurence. For Jo, the story becomes a "coming-of-age" story, due to her relationships with Mr. Laurence's good-looking grandson, Theodore ("Laurie") and a German immigrant she meets in New York City after the war, the equally good-looking and much older Professor Bhaer. Jo and her sisters deal with the anxiety of their father fighting in the Civil War, genteel poverty, scarlet fever, and the scary prospect of oldest sister Meg falling in love with Laurie's tutor.

Despite my disinterest in Alcott's novel, I have always liked the screen adaptations I have seen so far - including this film. Due to the casting of Margaret O'Brien as the mild-mannered Beth, her character became the youngest sister, instead of Amy. Screenwriters Sally Benson, Victor Heerman, Sarah Y. Mason and Andrew Solt made other changes and they left out some of Alcott's memorable plot points from the novel's narrative. But these changes, however regretful a few of them were (namely Jo and Amy's conflict over the former's manuscript) did not have any real impact on Alcott's original story. Ironically, both Victor Heerman and Sarah Y. Mason wrote the screenplay for Selznick's 1933 film. This should not be surprising, considering that this adaptation bears a strong similarity to the earlier version. I thought Mervyn LeRoy's direction injected a good deal of energy into a tale that could have easily bored me senseless. In fact, MGM probably should have thank its lucky stars that LeRoy had served as producer and director.

As much as I admired LeRoy's direction of this film, I must admit there was a point in the story - especially in the third act - in which the pacing threatened to drag a bit. My only other problem with "LITTLE WOMEN" is that I never really got the impression that this film was set during the 1860s, despite its emphasis on costumes and the fact that the March patriarch was fighting the Civil War. Some might say that since "LITTLE WOMEN" was set in the North - New England, as a matter of fact - it is only natural that the movie struggled with its 1860s setting. But I have seen other Civil War era films set in the North - including the 1994 version of "LITTLE WOMEN" - that managed to project a strong emphasis of that period. And the production values for this adaptation of Alcott's novel seemed more like a generic 19th century period drama, instead of a movie set during a particular decade. It is ironic that I would make such a complaint, considering that the set decoration team led by Cedric Gibbons won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction.

I certainly had no problems with the cast selected for this movie. Jo March seemed a far cry from the roles for which June Allyson was known - you know, the usual "sweet, girl-next-door" type. I will admit that at the age of 31 or 32, Allyson was probably too young for the role of Jo March. But she did such a phenomenon job in recapturing Jo's extroverted nature and insecurities that I found the issue of her age irrelevant. Peter Lawford, who was her co-star in the 1947 musical, "GOOD NEWS", gave a very charming, yet complex performance as Jo's next door neighbor and friend, Theodore "Laurie" Laurence. Beneath the sweet charm, Lawford did an excellent job in revealing Laurie's initial loneliness and infatuation of Jo. Margaret O'Brien gave one of her best on-screen performance as the March family's sickly sibling, Beth. Although the literary Beth was the third of four sisters, she is portrayed as the youngest, due to O'Brien's casting. And I feel that Le Roy and MGM made a wise choice, for O'Brien not only gave one of her best performances, I believe that she gave the best performance in the movie, overall.

Janet Leigh, who was a decade younger than Allyson, portrayed the oldest March sister, Meg. Yet, her performance made it easy for me to regard her character as older and more emotionally mature than Allyson's Jo. I thought she gave a well done, yet delicate performance as the one sister who seemed to bear the strongest resemblance to the sisters' mother. Elizabeth Taylor was very entertaining as the extroverted, yet shallow Amy. Actually, I have to commend Taylor for maintaining a balancing act between Amy's shallow personality and ability to be kind. The movie also featured solid performances from supporting cast members like Mary Astor (who portrayed the warm, yet steely Mrs. March), the very charming Rossano Brazzi, Richard Stapley, Lucile Watson, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport, and the always dependable C. Aubrey Smith, who died not long after the film's production.

Overall, "LITTLE WOMEN" is a charming, yet colorful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel. I thought Mervyn LeRoy did an excellent job in infusing energy into a movie that could have easily sink to sheer boredom for me. And he was enabled by a first-rate cast led by June Allyson and Peter Lawford. Overall, "LITTLE WOMEN" managed to rise above my usual apathy toward Alcott's novel.

[marzipanandminutiae]

@svankmajerbaby asked where I got the Crimson Peak saucer that Lady Matilda's head was resting on while the old glue soaks off which is a great question!

I got it from Cynthia Finlay's Antiques in Toronto...and it's an actual cup and saucer set used in the filming of the movie

I was. You cannot imagine my excitement when I got it. jumping up and down was the START

(antiques dealers often rent things to production crews, and anything that nobody on the crew wants to buy after the movie wraps ust...goes back to the shop. a doll dealer I used to work for had rented some dolls to SNL at one point, and then sold them on later as usual)

(apparently Ms. Finlay is a very popular dealer to rent from in the Toronto area- she still has the Cushings' everyday china set in her shop, which was also used in The Handmaid's Tale. I don't know if she has any CPeak pieces left in this pattern, Royal Crown Derby Imari 2451, but this particular set came with provenance saying that it went to the production of the movie. I lost the provenance in the fire, but the set survived!)

the pattern in general is not hard to find at all- a bit expensive, but both RCD and Davenport did the exact same design at different points in time. I actually have a full tea set and the type of handled soup dish that Lucille feeds Edith out of, though only this one cup and saucer were actually used in the movie

[70s80sandbeyond]

Harry Davenport, Lucile Watson, William Powell and Myrna Loy in a publicity still for The Thin Man Goes Home (1945)

[feelings-fortilly]

About:  Tilly Beaumont

PERSONAL:

Full Name:  Natalie Faith Davenport Beaumont Nickname:  Tilly Do they like their nickname?:  Yes - she chose it, and if you call her Natalie you will get a perfect manicure poked into your eyes. Birthday:  June 10, 1997 Birthplace:  Los Angeles, CA Hometown:  Hollywood Hills, CA Species:  Human, Empath Ethnicity:  English, Spanish, Scottish, Argentinian Religion:  None Pets:  She would love a fluffy white cat to decorate in bows and scarves - but alas. Major:  Dance and Fashion Design Minor:  Method Acting Current Occupation:  Salesperson at Island Pleasures (she’ll say she doesn’t need the money, she mostly wants the employee discount) Sexuality:  Straight Relationship Status:  Single Do they drive?  What kind of car do they own?:  Back home she has a champagne BMW.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Height:  5′6 Body Type:  Slim and a little rawboned Hair Color:  Naturally dirty blonde, dyes it platinum or sometimes a copper red, depending on the season or her mood.  Has been a brunette - it truly depends. Hair Type:  Straight Hair Style:  She typically just keeps it naturally straight, but sometimes she’ll blow it out or style it in intricate updos.  She doesn’t like curling her hair. Eye Color:  Dark brown Glasses/Contacts?:  She has contacts.  Tilly does have rose gold rimmed glasses that she never ever wears - emergencies only. Prominent Features:  Tilly likes to say her entire being is a prominent feature. Scars:  Under her chin from a swing set chain when she was eight. Tattoos:  A tiny crescent moon on her left ankle - it was a stick and poke at a party. Piercings:  Three on each ear Health Problems or Conditions:  She does a bit of an alcohol/drug problem, which leads to other problems. Style:  Expensive.  Floral and babydoll dresses, sometimes she’ll just wear satin nightgowns/slips as outfits.  Almost always heels - she doesn’t own many flat shoes.  Rarely  Notable Jewelry:  She has a gold star necklace that she does wear a lot. Grooming:  Tilly never shows up looking anything less than perfectly put together.  She’s very clean, taking her beauty standards and skincare routines very seriously.  Lots of lotions and hair and face masks, her nails and toes are always done.

PAST:

Mother’s Name:  Lucille Mother’s Maiden Name:  Davenport Status:  Alive Relationship:  Tilly and her mom are fairly close.  Lucille was a model when she was Tilly’s age, who starred in a couple of movies here and there - it’s how she meant her father.  That gave them a nice bond.  Lucille cares a lot about her looks, her beauty, and fashion, which she shared with Tilly, her first daughter.   Father’s Name:  Harry Beaumont Status:  Alive Relationship:  Harry dotes on her, as she’s his only daughter.  She’s definitely a daddy’s girl - he spoils her rotten, even when it’s against her own good.  She has a lot of respect for him, looks up to him a lot.  They have a great relationship, as best as they can when the both of them are always on the move.   Siblings:  Samuel (+3), Darlie (-8, half sister), and Jack (-9, half brother) What was their childhood like?:  The Beaumonts had literally everything they ever wanted.  Extravagant birthday parties, summer and winter homes, every pet they could ask for.  Samuel was always busy training as a baseball pitcher (he currently plays in the MLB for the Diamondbacks), and Tilly had her acting and theater.  Lots of time split between parents after they divorced, but that meant double the gifts for affection.  Lots of her childhood was spent on TV sets, and as she grew into her teenage years, she got more into parties and slacking off and “trying to make as many memories as possible”. Earliest Memory:  Christmas dinner when she was 2 and her parents got them each a puppy. Happiest Memory:  Her first day on set of Found Family, the TV show she was on that ran for five seasons. Saddest Memory:  Her first day of the first stint in rehab. Education:  Tilly was essentially homeschooled on sets, but because of the rigorousness some of these teachers were, she always says she got some of the finest education with private tutors. Past Jobs:  She was a child actor on Barney, the Found Family, then a few short lived, one season shows, TV movies, some theatrical releases, and a pilot for Disney Channel that ended up not getting picked up.  She has a lot of LA theater on her resume as well, and some sparse indie film as she got older.  She’s also been a spokesperson for a few makeup and beauty brands, advertising on her Instagram. Police Record:  Some drug charges that got dropped, and some speeding tickets. Major Past Trauma/Illness - Are they still affected?:  Being in the spotlight with the demands from producers and directors to child actors always have some negative effects.  Tilly’s always had an inflated sense of self anyway, which meant that any question of that, or really any adversity, was harder for her.  She’s obsessed with her looks and keeping herself thin, which has led to unhealthy habits.  It was easier for her to cope with what she considered “failure” with the ways other teen stars did - alcohol and drugs.  The psychological effects of that didn’t help her any either, heightening her emotions and making her anxious and depressed.  She still isn’t totally over her addictions either.

SEX & ROMANCE:

First crush:  She had a crush on one of the recurring actors in Found Family. First sexual experience - Was it a good or bad one?:  Tilly was shooting a teen drama when she was 15, and one of the boys in the cast was 16 and they both had been flirting with each other the whole time.  They were filming on his 17th birthday, so Tilly’s present to him was for some alone time in his trailer.  It was a lot of fun. Sexual Type:  Switch, but she teeters more into submissive for the show of it. Turn Ons:   Role Play, Giving/Receiving Oral, Bondage, Sensory Play, Spanking, Lingerie, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Multiple Partners, Orgasm Control, Foreplay, Rough Sex, Hair Pulling, Praise/Compliments, Public Sex, Dub-Con, Consensual Non-Con Turn Offs:  Bathroom Play, Non-con, Infantilism, Feet Love Type:  Tilly likes being spoiled, and does care a lot about looks - if they look good together, that’s even better.  It’s hard for her to let other people know the real her.  She’d want to be adored and loved, but she’s also the biggest hype-woman on earth.  To friends or romances, she loves inflating their egos and making them know how important they are - they have to get onto her level, of course. Significant Past Relationships:  None that lasted longer than a couple of months.  She’s never had anything significant past short-lived boyfriends and the semi-frequent hookup while she was single - which wasn’t often.

MENTAL WELLNESS:

Psychological Issues/Mental Illnesses:  Addiction Outlook on Life:  Life is too short not to have the most fun possible. Myers-Briggs Personality Type:  ENFP Temperament:  Sanguine Sun Sign:  Gemini Moon Sign:  Leo Rising Sign:  Capricorn Venus Sign:  Cancer Alignment:  Neutral Evil Hogwarts House:  Slytherin What/Who do they value most?:  Her clothes, her jewelry, her hair. What/Who are they willing to die for?:  Not many.  Some of her close friends, her family.  Most of the time. Personal Philosophy:  You can never be overdressed or overeducated.  But especially not overdressed. Biggest Fear:  Failure, or being considered irrelevant.  Being forgotten. Are they superstitious?:  Yes - she believes in zodiacs, in witches, and her being an empath has always had her thinking she was in tune to things other people weren’t, or that there were other powerful forces in the universe.  She was ecstatic to be proven right when she got to the Institute. Greatest Strength:  Her confidence. Greatest Weakness:  Her pride.  She can’t back down or admit when she’s on any kind of losing side.  She has a very hard time being wrong. Good Characteristics:  Tilly is very fashionable, and actually quite charitable.  She likes making people feel good about themselves, to the best of her ability.  She isn’t the type of girl that will ever tear others down, even she has a sort of stuck-up look.  She is a good friend with the few she has, she likes to spoil them and make sure they feel special on birthdays, or bad days.  Bad Characteristics:  She’s not humble, by any means.  She’s very much the kind to brag about her accomplishments, then remind the other that “it’s no competition.”  And Tilly is incredibly selfish, because at the end of the day, the most important person to Tilly, is Tilly. Favorite thing about themself?  Why?:  Her looks.  Second, her talent. Least favorite?  Why?:  Her voice.  Someone told her once it doesn’t match her face, and it’s bothered her since.  It’s one thing she can’t really change. Biggest regret:  She has none.  Truly, she isn’t someone who regrets - everything happens for a reason, and everything makes a good story. Proudest moment:  Going to her first awards show - Found Family was nominated for a Golden Globe in its first season. Quirks:  She only takes her coffee with cinnamon in it.  When she’s thinking hard, she bites her lip and screws her eyes shut to concentrate.  She has to have a clean face before she goes to sleep. How are they in crisis?  Tilly is very good in crisis.  She’s had to deal with lots of crisis in party situations, after-parties, vacations, club settings - she’s seen a lot.  And somebody always has to stay calm and not freak out.  She’s an actress, she’s good at it.   What do they wish to change most about themself?:  She doesn’t want to be an addict anymore.  She thinks it’s fun, and she needs it for having good times and getting through the day, but she hates the dependence.  

SPEECH & COMMUNICATION:

Pace:  Even and sure of herself. Voice Tone:  Often inflected, but her voice is more melodic than she gives it credit for.   Accent/Dialect:  She slips into the Valley Girl accent a bit, especially when she’s been drinking.  She will deny it, though. Speech Patterns:  It’s not something she does on purpose, but the ends of her sentences always seem to be like questions, even when they aren’t. Favorite Words/Phrases:  Not so much anything verbal, but she is known to roll her eyes and scoff a lot.   Mannerisms/Demeanor:  Confidence.  She speaks every word with conviction.   Posture:  She stands straight, all the time.  Walks through life unflinching. Gestures:  Tilly uses her hands, a lot.  She’s not over-the-top about it or anything, but she’s a very touchy feely girl, even in casual conversation, not just flirting. How good are they at lying?:  Very good.  Tilly justifies it because she’s an actress.

BEHAVIOR:

Finances:  Tilly is not good with money, it’s typically wasted on booze and clothes and makeup... but is that really a waste, when you think about it? Alcohol Use:  Often.  The fruitier, the better.  The hangover is worth the taste. Drug Use:  Also often, but the “glamorous” drugs - cocaine, LSD, acid, mushrooms, weed.   Morning/Night Person?:  Night person.  If it were up to her, the day wouldn’t have to start until noon. Morning Routine:  Wake up, wash her face.  She doesn’t often drink coffee, only when she’s hungover.  Otherwise, it’s an iced matcha latte in the morning for breakfast, sometimes a bagel.  But that’s rare.  It takes her some time to do her hair and makeup and pick out an outfit, so that tends to bleed into the day routine - none of her classes are before 11am, if she can help it. Day Routine:  She’ll go to the dance studio and choreograph something for herself.  She’ll take videos of it, sometimes.  She’ll go to the gym right after, or do some other kind of workout.  She’ll take a shower, then take a half hour cat nap.  If she doesn’t have any workouts, she’ll go shopping, or window shopping if there’s nothing she likes.  Grab lunch with a girl friend, or someone she met the night before for a little date. Evening Routine:  Typically, she goes out in the evening.  It’s not far off from her morning routine, picking out an outfit and getting herself dolled up for a night on the town.  She spends it dancing in clubs, or drinking, or finding her way into someone’s nice, hopefully four-poster bed - anything not in the cells. Night Routine:  Unless she sleeps over someone’s house, she has her whole evening skincare routine.  It helps wind her down.  Then she’ll read a book until it makes her fall asleep.  If she’s not in the cells, she will still find time to wash her face - she’s very meticulous about it. Sleep Habits:  She’s a heavy sleeper, so she’ll sleep right through the night.  Snores when he’s really tired, but never talk about it. Special Skills:  Dancing, singing.  She’s good at sewing.  She loves fashion - at work she’ll dress up mannequins every day, so the storefront looks different and has variety, showing off her skills and the merchandise.  She loves listening to showtunes, it’s her first love. Unskilled at:  Academics.  Most sports.  Sharing.  Video games.  And driving - she’s not a careless driver on purpose, but she likes to go fast and is pretty addicted to her phone.  She’s not a good reader, but she’ll still read - it just takes her longer. Hobbies:  Makeup, fashion.  She reads fashion magazines like the bible, but does like the occasional thriller or romance.  If she had her own kitchen, she’d be baking, but only small portions.  She does really like the beach, laying out in the sun - except it’s mostly shade, because she isn’t risking wrinkles to her pale skin for that extra bit of warmth.  Watching soap operas and other daytime television.

FAVORITES (AND OTHER MISCELLANIA):

Book:  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Movie:  Legally Blonde TV Show:  The Young and the Restless Album:  Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream Artist:  Taylor Swift Song:  Like a Prayer by Madonna Sport/Sport Team:  The Westminster dog shows Color:  Pink.  Or red.  Sometimes gold.  And silver, too. Meal:  Cheesecake Drink:  Grey Goose Cosmo Snack:  Heart-Shaped Lollipops Outfit:  A pink slip used as a dress with ankle high, white go-go boots, along with a leather jacket and sparkly clutch purse. Quote:  “She’s like a dream girl.  And I think a dream girl should live in a dream world. Prized Possession:  She has a lot of vintage perfumes she hoards and protects.

[namenerdery]

Girls with interesting names born in Ohio between 2011-2015 [O, P, Q & R]

O Nestyh Kalise Rozionna Obsydian Rose Occieannia Nichoal Kai Diyanne Oc'Shean Shavonna Oddesty Marie

Odyssey Malaysia Oliveeha Marie Oliviayre Lucille Omega Rae On'Jeanlia Madison-Monique

Onystie Amour Orchid Catherine Osbourne Suki Lee Ottawa Augustine Ottoman Davenport

Paege Seren Pahlmer Daley Grace Paije Armonie Pai'Shynce Krystine Lou Paivyn Mallory Lynn

Pansy Miracle Paradise Sunshine Pashion Renee Marie Passions Leigh Paye'Tynn Ah'Mere

Peekaboo Annastasia Peigelynn Rose Pemberley Emma Penellipe Rose Pepper Storm

Peregrine Harper Peridot Rose Perpetua Rose Persimmon Genevieve Peyliee Amore

Peytiance Marie Phanci Lee Elizabeth Phaythe A'Mira Philomena-Celeste Cerenity-Renee Phinelope Nakayla

Phoede Stone Pistolmae Mabel Poet Mi'Angel Patrice Polyxena Therese Porphyria Styliani

Prah'Mis Ann Precieuse Ambroisine Pride Tinisha Princeton Viola Pristine Alon

Prophetess Zion Providence Anne Louise Prynncess Melodee-Laurel Psalms Elizabeth Purity Lilah-Dawn

Purpose Devine Pypper Hayze Pyxie Ann-Scout

Qaidynne Alexia Dalynne Q'Audreyana Sincere Qay'Brielle Rianne Qeymonei Jahstus Deairomarie Qraven Jo-Ryleigh

Quarry Rosalee Quay Selina Quedynce Lundynn-Skye Queencess Ai'Lille Quewyn Inez Marie

Quinndailyn Joyce Quintessence Rose Quynnzelle Richelle

Radiance Ianna Ruth Raecie Joleigh Rahazelyn Aryabella Rian Jones Raighlynn Nykole Jayde Rainbow Rose

Rain-Eve Joesie-Jean Rakenzie Mae Ranesamae Lynn Rangeley Elizabeth Raslynne Isabelle

Rave Isaiah Marchette Raycelynne Leeann Raydiance Kasyndra Reace Jordanne Reallyn Myracllerae

Re'Alyti Chanae Rebel Storm Reidleigh Raine Reighllyn Ray Relic Bellaluna Ahlowhen

Renaissance Nicole Renezzamay Raelun Addison Rha'Xzya Desirae Nancy Rhemediee Karma-Sade Rhiddlee Rhea Stevie

Rhraena Jeyne Rider Lynne Ridley-Bell Chestoria Rinzyn Drew-Iris Riot Everly

Rioux Makenzie Rob'Briella Lucy Roccxi Lynn Rogue Diamond Romance Ginger-Aleenah

Roszelynn Sahirra Rouxmer Marilyn K Blanco Rowzylin Marie Royal'Au'Brie Jordan Michelle Rozalie-Renezmee Ellamae Lynne

Ro'Zarrhea Ann Rumor Peace Ryatt Jaylynn Ryze Nidalee

[hollywoodholdall]

[Caption reads: "OFF-STAGE AMY . . . Elizabeth Taylor, Amy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's delightful Technicolor production of "Little Women," takes time out between scenes of the production to relax and enjoy herself. The cast of the production includes June Allyson, Peter Lawford, Margaret O'Brien, Janet Leigh, Rossano Brazzi, Mary Astor, Lucille Watson, Sir C. Aubrey Smith, Harry Davenport, Elizabeth Patterson and Leon Ames. It was produced and directed by Mervyn LeRoy."]

Elizabeth Taylor en el rodaje de “Mujercitas” (Little Women), 1949

[letterboxd-loggd]

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Vincente Minnelli

October 2nd 2022

[erstwhile-punk-guerito]

[badmovieihave]

Bad movie I have Meet me in St.Louis 1944

[citizenscreen]

Harry Davenport as Bertram Charles, Lucile Watson as Mrs Charles, William Powell as Nick Charles and Myrna Loy as Nora Charles in a publicity still for Richard Thorpe’s THE THIN MAN GOES HOME (1945).

[emmikamikatze]

So when I was about 11/12 years old my mom would writers little letters to me aka Miss Davenport (forgive her spelling, she doesn't speak English.) Apparently I've always been a nerd with an overactive imagination and my mom has always indulged me. 😊

[streamondemand]

'Meet Me in St. Louis' – a musical for all seasons on HBO Max

‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ – a musical for all seasons on HBO Max

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Vincent Minelli’s first Technicolor film, is the ultimate in Hollywood Americana and a masterful musical that turned Judy Garland into a true leading lady. A celebration of old fashioned values in song, dance, and family melodrama in turn-of-the-century St. Louis, the glowingly nostalgic tale follows a year in the life of a family as they reluctantly prepare to move���

[marzipanandminutiae]

more crimson peak HCs?

The Sharpes don't drink alcohol, except when they're running the con and/or courting investors and need to appear normal around other people (wine with dinner being de rigeur among the upper classes back then). Any interest they might have had in it was killed by their father's drunken rages long ago.

The baby wasn't the first time Lucille got pregnant, or the last. Just the only time she tried to keep it. before, and after their son died, she ended the pregnancies with a homebrew pennyroyal tincture and never told Thomas. There haven't been many, since malnutrition during puberty left her not overly fertile, but there have been others.

Edith had her ears pierced when she was eight, after Eunice taunted her for being "too scared" to do it. Her mother caught her in the bathroom with a needle, working up the nerve, and insisted that they have a jeweler do it properly- many had similar methods to modern professional piercers, albeit less sterile.

Lucille's were done by a sympathetic housemaid around the same age, the old-fashioned way, with a needle in the attic. For many years she just wore the loops of silk thread used to keep the holes open while healing, for fear that actual earrings would get ripped through her earlobes during a beating. After the asylum, where obviously no earrings OR thread were allowed, she re-pierced them herself.

This one is very common fanon: Lucille's hair was forcibly cut off in the asylum, and now she has hangups about it. Specifically people touching it. In OT3 scenarios, Edith has to earn Hair-Touching Privileges, and it's a very big deal when she does.

Edith calls the dog Dante, to honor his Italian roots.

The Sharpes' china set is NOT actually Royal Crown Derby Old Imari 2451, but an identical Davenport imari pattern that was produced until the 1880s. Just seems like something their family would have bought in more prosperous times, and the RCD imari started being produced only after Davenport folded. (Note: in the movie it is in fact the RCD imari- I own a teacup and saucer set used in the filming; can confirm)

Thomas keeps trying with the mines not because of actual interest, but because he's trying to be a better Sharpe patriarch than his father. He'd be much happier- and make more money -as a maker of luxury clocks and automata.

Lucille's French is better than Thomas' grammatically, but because he had lessons and she taught herself out of books, his accent is better.

Edith does not love Alan romantically, and never will. I always feel like pairing them up as a couple is kind of a cop-out for a movie that does so much to avoid the "this woman's love is a prize for this man to win" trope and show a healthy friendship where one person is in love with the other, but respects that she doesn't feel the same way (especially rare for M/F friends where the man is the lover). They might get married platonically after the events of the movie, but I don't like imagining that Edith falls in love with him. The official novelization does this. The official novelization is a bunch of dreck.

Eunice is aroace; she's only concerned about getting married so she can continue having a comfortable lifestyle. And maybe also get away from her mother. She'll never live to see a term coined for that, of course, but that doesn't mean the feeling doesn't exist.

And while we're on orientations, Edith is bi and thinks all women are. She's never talked about it with anyone or encountered any references to it in fiction (or homophobic medical texts), so she just blithely assumes it's the norm. Again, for women. She's not sure about men; probably they're the same way, though.

Lucille is gay and will never figure that out because, even though her feelings for Thomas are not normal adult attraction, the sex is physically pleasurable and they love each other so much generally that she'll never untangle it from what she (unwillingly) feels for other women. Even in an OT3 scenario, she will always assume that the ways she feels about Thomas and Edith are the same, so she couldn't possibly be An Exclusive HomosexualTM.

Thomas is straight. Very few people who've met him- and who knew that Gay was a possibility -have believed this, but it's true.

[esperwatchesfilms]

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Having a crush on your neighbor and goofily staring at him across the yard is definitely something I understand. I never had neighbors I had crushes on, but I have stared across many a friend’s yard to stare at some cute neighbor THEY had. Lucky things. No boy next door for me.

The kids in this family are so bizarre.

In reference to a joke the maid, Katie, makes about kicking the cat down the stairs. She didn’t actually, but this was Agnes’s response:

“Oh, if you killed her, I'll kill you! I'll stab you to death in your sleep, then I'll tie your body to two wild horses until you're pulled apart.”

Then Tootie has the following conversation when talking about how pale her doll is looking. Yes, her doll:

'Tootie' Smith: Poor Margeretha, I've never seen her look so pale. Mr. Neely: The sun oughta do her some good. 'Tootie' Smith: I suspect she won't live through the night, she has four fatal diseases. Mr. Neely: And it only takes one. 'Tootie' Smith: But she's going to have a beautiful funeral, in a cigar box my Papa gave me, all wrapped up in silver paper. Mr. Neely: That's the way to go, if you have to go. 'Tootie' Smith: Oh, she has to go.

YIKES. RIP Margeretha.

This dad really just told his daughter, “Remind me to spank you after dinner.”

I legitimately hate the “man of the house”.

“Nice girls don't let men kiss them until after they're engaged.”

Bad news for me, I guess.

No, Esther. Not obvious at all. “Help me turn all the lights out in the house even though you’ve already gone out the front door!”

“Hey! Your perfume smells like my grandma!” So flattering.

These kids... are trick-or-treating... by throwing flour in strangers’ faces. AND THE GRANDFATHER AND MOTHER ARE ENCOURAGING THEM1? WHAT THE HECK!? XD Can we please have the beginning of the 1900s version of trick-or-treating back? Because I’m keen for it. Even if I’m the flour-throwing victim, I’m okay with it.

I love Esther for getting mad and beating on John Truett despite her crush on him for the sake of her sister, but the man did NOT try to hurt her. She should have spoken to him first. But I love her response to someone trying to bully her sister.

Though, she really should give her sister a fucking smack. They put a fake body on the trolley tracks thinking when they yanked on the brake, the trolley would jump the tracks. THAT SHIT IS DANGEROUS, YOU LITTLE SHITS.

“If you’re not busy tomorrow night, could you beat me up again?”

Oh, John Truett. You cute nerdy thing.

“Roses are red, John's name is Truett, Esther's in love, and we always knew it!”

God, if I could look that thin, I wouldn’t mind the corset. Hell, I’d let it break all my ribs to look that good.

GRANDPA TO THE RESCUE!!!!!

Ms. Ballard is a sweetie! “HE OBVIOUSLY LIKES YOU, AND I LIKE YOUR BROTHER, SO THIS IS DUMB! SWAP TIME!”

I’m so glad John showed!!

I’m glad they’re staying in St. Louis. Going to New York was a lame as fuck idea.

Tootie’s obsession with death and killing things (not literally, just play-acting) reminds me of Ashley and I when we were younger.. hell, reminds me of me and Ashley. And honestly? Possibly Kenzie.

ESE: 97/100

50 +3 for pretty half-circle window +5 for cute crushes on your neighbor +5 for Judy Garland +10 for death threats to Katie +10 for Lady Bambi the cat +2 for Grandpa playing along +5 for The Trolley Song +2 for the way these kids celebrate Halloween -5 for making Tootie say “I hate you” to Mr. Braukoff +5 for Tootie being the “most horrible” for “killing her banshee all alone” -10 for putting a fake body on the trolley tracks and then lying about how Tootie got hurt +5 for kiss between Esther and John Truett -10 for this shitty, unreasonable father +5 for gorgeous alto harmony in “You and I” +10 for Grandpa +5 for Tootie’s obsession with death