Love Letters to Old Hollywood

The idea of "opposites attract" is nothing new for a romantic comedy. Two completely different people meet. They somehow keep running into one another. Eventually, after spending some time together, they realize they aren't so dissimilar. Slowly they begin to mirror each other -- a shared phrase here, a slight gesture there -- until their feelings can no longer be denied. It's a story we've seen time and time again, one which we will likely still be seeing for years to come. It takes a really special romantic comedy to take such a stale concept and turn it into something with genuine heart and laughter (and maybe a few tears). Ball of Fire is such a romantic comedy.  Nightclub singer Sugarpuss O'Shea (Barbara Stanwyck) and Professor Bertram Potts (Gary Cooper) do not belong together at first glance. They would point that out to you themselves. Upon meeting, there are no butterflies in the stomach, no lilting string music in the air, no fluttering hea...

It's time to announce the return of one of my favorite events: my Van Johnson blogathon! MGM's Golden Boy, America's Sweetheart, and the bobbysoxers' dream man, Van is one of classic Hollywood's most underrated talents, which makes me all too glad to host this annual three-day tribute to him. The rules are simple: talk about Van. You can discuss his films, his TV appearances, his stage work, or his personal life -- just remember to be kind! I also ask that there are no duplicates . I would love for this to be a diverse celebration of Van because he more than deserves it. To join, please leave me a comment, select a banner below, and I'll see you in August! List of Participants: Love Letters to Old Hollywood | Two Girls and a Sailor (1944) In the Good Old Days of Classic Hollywood | State of the Union (1949) Caftan Woman | 23 Paces to Baker Street (1956) Champagne for Lunch | Easy to Wed  (1946) and In the Good Old Summertime (1949) R...