Happy Birthday, Donna Reed!!!

Today is the 91st birthday of my birthday mate---the lovely Donna Reed.  (January 27, 1921-January 14, 1986).   Yes, we share the same date of birth...albeit 40 years apart.

While this dear lady is not one of my favorite actresses, I do like her very much.  My absolute favorite of her films is the beloved It's a Wonderful Life.  I read that Jean Arthur and Ginger Rogers were offered her role first, but since they both turned it down (one due to another commitment, the other because of not finding it "meaty" enough), the part was given to Miss Reed.  While I adore both Jean and Ginger, somehow I just can't imagine anyone but Donna in that role.  She was perfect in it, and the chemistry between her and Jimmy was wonderful.

Another favorite Donna Reed film is From Here to Eternity, the 1953 film for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award.  She portrayed Montgomery Clift's love interest, Alma/Lorene, and, again, she was perfect in the role and had great chemistry with her co-star.  (Reviewed HERE)

So, Donna Reed, my birthday mate, I am thinking of you on your 91st birthday.  While I'm not familiar with very many of your works, two of your films are quite beloved to me...very much 5-star films.  Thanks for beautifying my life with those great movies!!