At The Cocoanut Grove

Highlights For January Charles Boyer is this month's Star of the Month, airing Thursday nights.  TCM Spotlight features Survival Movies airing Friday nights.  Joanna Going is this month's Guest Programmer on January 22nd. The three films she picked are: The Black Stallion (1979), Wings of Desire (1987) and  Day For Night (1973)   The Essentials continue to air Saturday nights with: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Bullitt (1968), T he Band Wagon (1953) and White Heat (1949) Films Airing This Month to Check Out: Dog Day Afternoon (1975) airs 1/8 at 2:30/1:30 a.m. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) airs 1/14 at 8/7 p.m. Une Parisienne (1957) airs 1/18 at 12 a.m./11 p.m. The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) airs 1/20 at 5:45/4:45 p.m. The China Syndrome (1979) airs 1/21 at 10:15/9:15 p.m. The Impossible Years (1968) airs 1/27 at 4/3 p.m. Tomorrow is Forever (1946) airs 1/29 at 2/1 a.m.  Please Note: I am not employed or affilia...

Since we're in December I thought I'd make another holiday themed original and remake. This time it's the 1940 film, T he Shop Around the Corner . There are 2 remakes of this and it is based on the Hungarian play Parfumerie.  The Shop Around the Corner (1940) Directed By: Ernst Lubitsch Starring: James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, Frank Morgan Running Time: 99 Minutes In the Good Old Summertime (1949) Directed By: Robert Z. Leonard and Buster Keaton (uncredited) Starring: Judy Garland, Van Johnson, Buster Keaton Running Time: 102 Minutes You've Got Mail (1998) Directed By: Nora Ephron Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear Running Time: 119 Minutes So again, I'm completely biased as a fan of both Judy Garland and Buster Keaton and because I love musicals, so my pick is the 1949 version. That being said the other two films are fun to watch. All the movie couples have chemistry, the supporting cast in all thr...

With Christmas just around the corner I thought I'd make a playlist. I'm sure you're being bombarded with Christmas music non-stop but how much of that music is classic? A few years ago I made a playlist and here's another one you could add to this one. Enjoy! Sleigh Ride by Arthur Fiedler & The Boston Pops (Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man With the Bag by Kay Starr O Tannebaum by Vince Guaraldi Trio The Little Drummer Boy by Harry Simeone Chorale We Need A Little Christmas by Percy Faith & His Orchestra and Chorus Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season by Andy Williams Here Comes Santa Claus by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters A Marshmallow World by Dean Martin Mistletoe and Holly by Frank Sinatra Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms Frosty the Snowman by The Ronettes Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch by Thurl Ravenscroft Until Next Time, Ashley A. 

Here's my annual gift guide for the classic film and TV fan. I tried to get different movies and entertainers to please different people. I've also included something for someone who might be a TCM fan. For the Star Wars Fan Retro Star Wars Mug For the Frank Sinatra Fan Frank Sinatra Ultimate Christmas LP For the Buster Keaton Fan Buster Keaton Collection For the TCM/Classic Movie Fan Classic Movie Trivia Book For the Classic Movie Fan Vintage Movie Posters Calendar For the I Love Lucy Fan Glass TV Ornament Until Next Time, Ashley A. 

Here's what to check out on TCM in December.  Highlights For The Month: Lana Turner is Star of the Month airing Tuesday nights.  TCM Spotlight features The Great American Songbook airing Thursdays Matt Walsh is this month's Guest Programmer on December 11th. The three films he picked are: Being There (1979), My Favorite Year (1982), Withnail & I (1987) Treasures From The Disney Vault airs December 20th with 5 films, 1 short and 1 special  Films Airing This Month to Check Out: The Children's Hour (1961) airs 12/2 at 6/5 p.m. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) airs 12/10 at 1:45/12:45 p.m., 12/22 at 12 a.m./11 p.m. and 12/24 at 6/5 p.m. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) airs 12/10 at 8/7 p.m. Gay-Purr-ee (1962) airs 12/15 at 6:15/5:15 p.m. Imitaion of Life (1959) airs 12/19 at 11/10 p.m. Fitzwilly (1967) airs 12/25 at 2/1 p.m. Sex and the Single Girl (1964) airs 12/28 at 12:45 p.m./11:45 a.m. Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) airs 12/29 at...

Since Thursday is Thanksgiving I thought I'd make a post on some Thanksgiving specials, episodes and one movie. I originally made a post like this last year but some of the links aren't working and videos aren't showing up, so I'm re-doing my post. By the way there are some shows and episodes on here from the 1980s- which I don't consider old but are childhood favorites so they are still included. Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989) Directed By: Phil Roman  Co-Directors: Gerard Baldwin, Bob Nesler, John Sparey Voices of: Lorenzo Music, Pat Carroll, Julie Payne Running Time 24 Minutes Full House (1987) The Miracle of Thanksgiving Season 1, Episode 9 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) Directed By: Bill Melendez and Phil Roman  Voices Of: Bill Melendez, Stephen Shea, Robin Kohn Running Time: 25 Minutes Mister Ed (1962) Ed The Pilgram Season 3, Episode 13 Plymouth Adventure (1952) Directed By: ...

I know it's a week early but I'm making a holiday themed post for next week so Original and Remake is this week. This month because we are so close to the holidays I thought I'd make a holiday movie post. This time it's Miracle on 34th Street. There are 2 big screen versions, the original from 1947 and the remake from 1994. It is based on a novel by Valentine Davies and there are 3 made for TV versions of this film and a stage play. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Directed By: George Seaton Starring: Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn Running Time: 96 Minutes Miracle on 34th Street (1994) Directed By: Les Mayfield Starring: Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins, Richard Attenborough Running Time: 114 Minutes The original by far is the best version here. First I'm probably biased since I'm a huge Natalie Wood fan but I think she's absolutely precious as Susan, the little girl who doesn't believe in Santa Claus. ...

This title is probably really corny but I didn't want the post title to be 'My Favorite Blondes' because I already used a similar title in a post back in August. Anyway I thought mainly because I have really bad writer's block this week I'd make a post on my favorite blondes. I have to admit this list is fairly short but I think I'm biased as a brunette myself! Anyways here's my favorite blonde actresses. Grace Kelly Born: November 12, 1929 - Died September 14, 1982 Known For: Being one of Hitchcock's blondes and the Princess of Monaco Notable Films: High Society (1956), Rear Window (1954), To Catch a Thief (1955) Catherine Deneuve Born: October 22, 1943 Known For: Playing aloof sensitive beauties and her cool sex appeal. Notable Films: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), Belle Du Jour (1967), The Last Metro (1980) Brigitte Bardot Born: September 28, 1934 Known For: Her 'sex-kitten' persona and her ...

Here is a schedule and highlights for November on TCM. Highlights For November: James Stewart is Star of the Month airing Wednesdays throughout November.  TCM Spotlight features The Hollywood Blacklist airing Monday and Tuesday nights throughout the month.  Matthew Modine is this month's Guest Programmer on November 24th. The three films he picked are: The Dirty Dozen (1967), Cool Hand Luke (1967) and Network (1976) Films Airing This Month to Check Out: A Child is Waiting (1962) airs 11/5 at 2/1 p.m. Lolita (1961) airs 11/10 at 5:15/4:15 p.m. This Property is Condemned (1966) airs 11/10 at 12:30 a.m./11:30 p.m. Rope (1948) airs 11/15 at 6/5 p.m. The Goodbye Girl (1977) airs 11/16 at 10:15/9:15 p.m. Rear Window (1954) airs 11/18 at 8/7 p.m. The Bad Seed (1956) airs 11/25 at 10/9 a.m. Strangers On A Train (1951) airs 11/26 at 10/9 a.m .  Note: I am not employed or affiliated with TCM (or its affiliates) in any way. I am only a fan that e...

I'm back with Original and Remake . Since we're still in October I thought I'd make one last Halloween themed post, and since I've already make a post on Psycho , I thought I'd do another popular film, Carrie . It has a few movie adaptations, including a sequel, but I'm only focusing on the 1976 and 2013 big-screen adaptations. It is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by Stephen King. Carrie (1976) Directed By: Brian De Palma Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolta Running Time: 98 Minutes Carrie (2013) Directed By: Kimberly Peirce Starring: Chloe Grace Mortez, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer Running Time: 99 Minutes The original is my pick here. I understand to hire adults as opposed to actual teenagers because of certain working laws but I felt Sissy Spacek really nailed the role of Carrie. And while Julianne Moore is a very good actress, she's almost laughable in the role of Carrie's mother. Persona...

Here is my final installment from My Favorite Films by decades. I have to admit this list is pretty small because of two reasons, the first being that sadly a lot of films from this era are lost and secondly I haven't actually seen a lot of 1920s films, but I am trying to see more. I also really wanted to finish this installment to make the series complete. I will admit I have seen a lot of Buster Keaton films because he's one of my favorite actors but I only listed one of his films because it's my all-time favorite of his and I believe it's one everyone should see. Anyway here's my small list of 1920's films. Show People (1928) Directed By: King Vidor Starring: Marion Davies, William Haines, Polly Moran Running Time: 79 Minutes *Note: This is not the trailer but a short clip. The Kid (1921) Directed By: Charles Chaplin Starring: Charles Chaplin, Jackie Coogan, Edna Purviance Running Time: 53 Minutes Laugh, Clown, Lau...

I'm still continuing with my Halloween themed posts. In the past I've made Halloween playlists, the first and second and I'm continuing with another one. If you'd like you can put all three playlists together for one long playlist, especially if you're having a Halloween party. Theme To The Alfred Hitchcock Hour Theme From Psycho Theme From Strangers On A Train Theme From Jaws Theme From The Exorcist Theme From Halloween Killer Queen by Queen Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival Strange Magic by Electric Light Orchestra Evil Ways by Santana (Don't Fear) The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult Devil With A Blue Dress On by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels Werewolves Of London by Warren Zevon Frankenstein by The Edgar Winter Group Season of the Witch by Donovan That Old Black Magic by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra Old Devil Moon by Margaret Whiting Until Next Time, Ashley A. 

Since it's October I thought I'd make some Halloween themed posts. In the past in October I've posted on five horror themed flicks to check out and here's five more. If you're interested you can read part one and part two . Again, I know these aren't typically 'horror' films because they either are suspense or comedy but honestly I'm not a horror person, while I like Halloween and will watch some movies I just can't do those gory, slasher ones. Anyway if you're looking for some Halloween type flicks to check out this month, here's five below. Young Frankenstein (1974) Directed By: Mel Brooks Starring: Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Teri Garr Running Time: 105 Minutes  The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Directed By: Jim Sharman Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Surandon, Barry Bostwick Running Time: 100 Minutes Carrie (1976) Directed By: Brian De Palma Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, John Travolt...

Highlights For October: Anthony Perkins is Star of the Month, airing Friday nights throughout October.  TCM Spotlight features Trailblazing Women airing Monday nights throughout October. Monster of the Month features Dracula airing Sunday nights throughout October. TCM Guest Programmer features Todd Haynes on October 19th. The four films he picked are: The Crowd (1928), Sounder (1972), The Night of the Hunter (1955) and Walkabout (1971) Films Airing This Month to Check Out: Frankenstein (1931) airs 10/3 at 8/7 p.m. The Cameraman (1928) airs 10/4 at 3:15/2:15 p.m. High Society (1956) airs 10/9 at 10/9 a.m. Light In the Piazza (1962) airs 10/10 at 12:45 p.m./11:45 a.m. The Bad Seed (1956) airs 10/13 at 4:30/3:30 p.m. The Curse of the Cat People (1944) airs 10/13 at 6:45/5:45 p.m. Side Street (1950) airs 10/15 at 10/9 a.m. Old Acquaintance (1945) airs 10/22 at 6/5 p.m. Psycho (1960) airs 10/27 at 8/7 p.m. Pretty Poison (1968) airs 10/27 at 10:15/9:15 p...

Here's my monthly edition of Original and Remake. This month I'm focusing on A Little Princess . It's based on the  1905 children's book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. For this post I'll be focusing on the 1939 and 1995 big screen versions, however, there is a 1917 silent adaptation as well as several television movies. The Little Princess (1939) Directed By: Walter Lang Starring: Shirley Temple, Cesar Romero, Sybil Jason Running Time: 93 Minutes A Little Princess (1995) Directed By: Alfonso Cuaron Starring: Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham Running Time: 97 Minutes Personally my pick is the remake, maybe I'm a bit biased since I saw the remake first as a child and imminently fell in love with the story. It's funny because I am a Shirley Temple fan, she was the first Old Hollywood star I became interested in, but the 1939 version I don't 100% love. Sure it's a sweet film, it has it...

Here is my second to last installment of my favorite films by decade. Like the 1960s, I don't have a lot of favorite 1930's films. There are several ones I've seen and like but I just don't consider them my favorite. I have a musical, a childhood favorite, an epic masterpiece, a comedy and a dramedy. Gone With the Wind (1939) Directed By: Victor Fleming Starring: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia De Havilland Running Time: 234 Minutes The Wizard of OZ (1939) Directed By: Victor Fleming Starring: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr Running Time: 102 Minutes Bright Eyes (1934) Directed By: David Butler Starring: Shirley Temple, James Dunn, Jane Withers Running Time: 85 Minutes * Note: The above is not the actual trailer but a clip from the film. The Thin Man (1934) Directed By: W.S. Van Dyke II Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan Running Time: 87 Minutes City Lights (1931) ...

I know this blog is more of a classic movie and TV blog but from time to time I post music playlists. One little fact about me, I love music, this includes classical music. I've been heavily listening to classical since I was 8 years old (I'm 32 now, you do the math!). September is Classical Music Month and in honor of that I decided to put together a playlist of several pieces I enjoy. Les Toreadors from Carmen Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet In The Hall of Mountain King Op.46 by Edvard Grieg Anvil Chorus by Giuseppe Verdi Ode an die Freude 'Ode To Joy' - Ludwig van Beethoven Ride of the Valkyries - Richard Wagner O Fortuna Carmina Burana- Carl Orff Nocturne op.9 No.2 - Chopin Gymnopedie No.1 - Erik Satie Claire De Lune - Claude Debussy Swan Lake Op.20, Act 2, No.10 - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Waltz - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Waltz of the Flowers - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Blue Danube Waltz - Johann Strauss II Habanera 'Carmen' - Geo...

Highlights For September: Jennifer Jones is Star of the Month airing Tuesdays throughout the month. TCM Spotlight features Motion Picture Television Fund airing Wednesdays throughout the month. Treasures From the Disney Vault airs September 11th with 5 films and 1 short.  Counter Culture Classics airs September 14th, 21st and 28th.  Films Airing This Month To Check Out: Rope (1948) airs 9/3 at 6:15/5:15 p.m. Taxi Driver (1976) airs 9/8 at 1:30/12:30 a.m. Rear Window (1954) airs 9/9 at 12 p.m/11 a.m. Summer of '42 (1971) airs 9/9 at 4/3 p.m. Sex and the Single Girl (1964) airs 9/10 at 5:45/4:45 p.m. Freaky Friday (1976) airs 9/11 at 2:30/1:30 a.m. Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story (2015) airs 9/13 at 8/7 p.m. Now and Forever (1934) airs 9/15 at 12:30 a.m./11:30 p.m. I Married A Witch (1942) airs 9/22 at 6:30/5:30 p.m. Strangers On A Train (1951) airs 9/25 at 4:30/3:30 p.m. Heidi (1937) airs 9/27 at 8/7 p.m. A Star is Born (1954) airs 9/...

Here is my next Original and Remake, this month I'm focusing on the film, Freaky Friday.  It is based on the 1972 children's book of the same name by Mary Rodgers. There are two big-screen adaptations, the original from 1976 and the remake from 2003. There was also a made for TV version from 1995 but for this post I'm only focusing on the big screen adaptations. Freaky Friday (1976) Directed By: Gary Nelson Starring: Jodie Foster, Barbara Harris, John Astin Running Time: 95 Minutes Freaky Friday (2003) Directed By: Mark Waters Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Jame Lee Curtis, Mark Harmon Running Time: 97 Minutes The original is my tried and true pick here. The remake has it's moments, particularly with Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess Coleman, Ryan Malgarini as Harry Coleman and Harold Gould as Grandpa Alan - Anna's mother, younger brother and grandpa, respectively. Also true, this film has a bit more comedy than the original but I feel the orig...

Here we are in the 1940s, my favorite films from this decade include a musical, suspense, animated, comedies and a drama flick. So let's get started. Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) Directed By: Vincent Minnelli Starring: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor Running Time: 113 Minutes Rope (1948) Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock Starring: Farley Granger, John Dall, Jimmy Stewart Running Time: 80 Minutes Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Directed By: George Seaton Starring: Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn Running Time: 97 Minutes Waterloo Bridge (1940) Directed By: Mervyn Leroy Starring: Vivien Leigh, Robert Taylor, Lucie Watson Running Time: 109 Minutes The Curse of the Cat People (1944) Directed By: Robert Wise & Gunther von Fritsch Starring: Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Ann Carter Running Time: 70 Minutes The Major and the Minor (1942) Directed By: Billy Wilder Starring: Ging...

If you follow old movies I'm sure you know all these dresses. If you follow fashion there's probably a couple you're familar with. Here are my favorite iconic dresses from movies. Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton - Wedding Dress from Funny Face *It might be funny to start this post off with a wedding dress but I've always loved this dress, even more than her iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's dress.  Grace Kelly as Francis Steven - White Strapless Gown from To Catch A Thief Rita Hayworth as Gilda - Strapless Black Gown from Gilda Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale - Gingham Dress from The Wizard of OZ Cinderella's Blue Ball Gown from Cinderella Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara - White and Green Ball Gown from Gone With the Wind Ginger Rogers as Dale Tremont - feather dress in Top Hat *BTW, I picked this image to show it in motion. What are your favorite iconic movie dresses? ...