Happy 115th birthday to the incredibly talented Mr. Fredric March, one of my top 10 favorite actors of all-time. (August 3l, 1897 - April 14, 1975)
Born Ernest Frederick McIntyre Bickel, the two-time Oscar winning (and five-time nominated) Mr. March enjoyed success on both the screen and the stage. In fact, in addition to his two Academy Awards, his stage performances garnered him a Tony Award on two different occasions. With a career spanning five decades, Mr. March was an extremely versatile actor, fully capable of light comedy and heavy drama.
Mr. March has the distinction of having 2 of his films on my 10 all-time favorite movies list. By the very narrowest of margins, The Best Years of Our Lives (reviewed HERE) receives the honor of being my absolute favorite Fredric March film. A completely awesome movie (with the equally awesome cast of Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Harold Russell, Virginia Mayo, and Hoagy Carmichael), Best Years is one of the films for which Mr. March won a Best Actor Academy Award. He was completely stellar in his role...and very worthy of his Oscar win.
Rounding out my list of five favorite Fredric March films are:
2. Middle of the Night (with Kim Novak, this is also one of my 10 all-time favorite
movies---reviewed HERE)
3. A Star Is Born (with Janet Gaynor---reviewed HERE)
4. Death of a Salesman (with Mildred Dunnock, Kevin McCarthy, and Cameron
Mitchell---reviewed HERE)
5. The Desperate Hours (with Humphrey Bogart)
Just FYI, The Bridges at Toko-Ri is also a very favorite Fredric March film; however, since he is in support there (to William Holden), rather than a leading player, I decided to go with The Desperate Hours instead.
So, Mr. Fredric March, here's to you on your 115th birthday! You were a sensational actor, and you will always be one of my very favorites. Thank you for beautifying my life through so many wonderful films, including two which are among my ten favorite movies of all-time.
I really want to see Middle of the Night, I'll have to check Netflix for it. I am with you on Best Years of Our Lives...wonderful movie that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch. I loved A Star is Born also:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Mr. March!
Victoria, I don't believe "Middle of the Night" is available through Net Flix. It IS out on DVD, as part of the Kim Novak Collection, which I was able to obtain through the library system. It had been on my radar for MONTHS, and TCM never seems to air it, so I used inter-library loan. Because I loved it so much and HAD to own it, I was willing to spend nearly $20 for just that one film, and I obtained it through a company who specializes in hard-to-find classic films.
DeleteI've only seen Frederick March in one film the Western Hombre. I know you're not a fan of Westerns so I doubt you'll have seen it.
ReplyDeleteI do like the sound of Middle of the Night after reading your review again. I'm quite taken with Kim Novak, especially after watching Vertigo for the first time last week.
I was home alone last weekend and took the opportunity to watch several classic films for the first time. As well as Vertigo I finally watched Citizen Kane, which I found beautifully shot and well worth watching. To Kill a Mockingbird brought tears to my eyes more than once, and it was wonderful to see Harper Lee's book brought to life.
I also came bought From Here to Etenity on DVD from a bargain shop a few weeks back and loved it. Definitely the best 3 pounds I've spent in a long time!
Paul, you are right, I have never seen "Western Hombre." However, as you know, I AM trying to cultivate a taste for Westerns, so that film may cross my path at some point.
DeleteIf you are enjoying Kim Novak, another of her films which I absolutely MUST recommend to you is "Strangers When We Meet." Also starring Kirk Douglas, it is one of my 5-star film discoveries of the year. Kim is a love-starved wife, who embarks on a passionate love affair with married Kirk. I reviewed it a couple months ago, so check my "films reviewed" page.
You are more rounded than I am, because I still have never seen "Vertigo" or "Citizen Kane." Yes, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a fantastic movie. I remember that you like the book, so I'm glad to know that the film didn't disappoint.
"From Here to Eternity" also is a book. Have you read that? I wonder how they compare.
I don't think I have yet seen the classic film, Middle of the Night. I will have to add it to my "must see list".
ReplyDeletePaul S, What a great way to spend a quiet week end at home. I'm so thrilled that you were able to see, Vertigo for the first time. I'm not a fan of the classic, Citizen Kane, but, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.. I agree.. To Kill a Mockingbird, is an amazing film as well as.. From Here to Eternity.
Oh, Dawn, yes, you've got to see "Middle of the Night." It's a powerful, emotion-inducing story, and Fredric March's acting is completely sensational. Kim Novak's is too, but Mr. March is brilliant.
DeleteHI Patti, I just watched "A Star is Born." I had only seen the Judy Garland version. WOW, what a wonderful movie!! I like it so much better and I am a huge Judy Garland fan but the 1937 version is beyond compare. Such believable, honest performances. I bawled like a baby at the end. Thanks for alerting me to such a gem, Dee
ReplyDeleteDee, I'm thrilled that you loved "A Star is Born" as much as you did. When I am passionate about a film and love it to pieces, it's always gratifying to know when others feel the same way. I was right there with you, bawling like a baby at the end. Such a touching, heart-wrenching movie.
DeleteWhat a classy character - I'm bookmarking these two movies for "movie nights" - thanks Patti!
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome...hope you enjoy them.
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