A while back, I had a post about my introduction to classic films. I got a lot of feedback on that post, but one of the comments I received managed to sit in the back of my mind for some time. C.K. Dexter Haven, of
Hollywood Dreamland, mentioned that he would be curious to see how my interests would change over time. I figured I understood what he meant; as I watched more and more films, and got introduced to different actors, I would gain new favorites and perspectives. One thing I kept thinking was that over time, Audrey would stop being my favorite actress. Well that was something I refused to accept.
It's happened however. My new favorite actress:
Gene Tierney.
The reason behind this is all due to Gene's performance in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947). I don't mean to say that this film is her best (although it is a favorite of mine), or that because of it I took her seriously as a performer. I've always thought Gene was remarkable; as a beauty and as an actress. But she endeared herself to me a lot more.
However, I still adore Audrey; as an actress, role model, what have you. It's just that my interests have started to shift.
I know what you mean! When I just got into Classics, I wasn't really a Classic Filmfan yet, more like a GRACE KELLY fan ;D She was my only favorite, read lots and lots of books about her.. and although she will always be a favorite, there are more actresses sharing that place with her now, Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn & Ingrid Bergman for example. (:
ReplyDeleteBtw, it's funny and striking that Audrey is often the actress who gets people into classics or that she's he only classic actress people know!
First, let me say that I'm *thrilled* that anything that I might say might resonate with someone! Thanks! You made my day, Harley! :)
ReplyDeleteI deleted a long-winded post about how favorite works of art change in our minds as we grow, but I'm sure you'll see things in Audrey that perhaps you hadn't noticed the first time around. This happened to me just a couple of weeks ago with an R.E.M. song I hadn't heard in nearly twenty years!
Ah, the endless thrill of discovery!
I'm looking forward to reading about your Gene adventures.
Loes: Let me say, I adore all of your favorites! Aud, Lauren, Ingrid & Grace! Audrey didn't get me into classic film; in fact, it was that other Hepburn that got me hooked, along with Cary Grant. I think AH just really struck a cord with me.
ReplyDeleteC.K.: You made my day! I'm so happy to hear that! You're right about seeing new things in Audrey, that has definitely happened. Thanks again!
I don't know why, but this post makes me want to cry! ;-D
ReplyDeleteIf ANYONE had to replace Audrey, Gene is an excellent person to do that...
But, still, it just strangely makes me sad...
Now, let's just hope your strange undislike of Jimmy can be turned around...mwahaha!
I totally know what you mean Harley! Great post! I first got into the classic films when I was a kid via Clark Gable, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. While I do enjoy those actors greatly, as I became more immersed in the films they no longer became my absolute favorites, and actually today I don't even rank Katherine Hepburn in my top 10. Like CK says "the endless thrill of discovery!"
ReplyDeleteI'm sure as time goes on we will all shift to new favorites again. :) xoxoxo!
Wonderful post honey. I love Gene! Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my Gwen post. Hope you have a great weekend. Kori xoxo
ReplyDeleteMillie: Aww, Mills! I felt the same way too at first. It'll pass ;-D
ReplyDeleteAnd Jimmer will always be adored by me. ALWAYS. =P
Vintage Vamp: Thanks! And why you don't have Kate in your top ten? Is it because of Ginger's book by any chance? ;-)
Kori: Thank you as well. Your Gwen post was wonderful, as is the rest of your blog. A great weekend for you as well. :-D
Great post! I completely understand what you mean, too. I actually did a post last year on how I think Audrey Hepburn is like a gateway into liking classic films - for thousands of people she's the first star we like (me too), and through her we end up discovering the world of classic movies.. and other favorites, like Gene. She really was marvelous in The Ghost & Mrs. Muir! I also thought she was brilliant (though her character was unlikable) in The Razor's Edge! :-D
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