Sparkling Stars

I first began developing a love for old movies in my early teens. The singing, the dancing, the gay costumes, and the fascination of a bygone era drew me in despite lengthy prologues and somewhat slow plotlines. Yet out of all the beautiful, talented stars, only a few made lasting impressions on me. It wasn't because they were the prettiest or the most talented--far from it. They stood out because they contained something different. Contagious smiles, bright eyes, graceful manners, and sweet spirits are only a few characteristics that added to their sparkling stage presence.



Doris Day, extremely popular during the 1950's and 60's, won me through her dazzling smile, mellow voice, and rambunctious spirit. I especially loved her in Calamity Jane (1953).



Julie Andrews is another actress who sparkles onstage and off. Her gentle graces and charming British accent are the epitome of a well-bred lady. She is most famous for her performances in Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).



Jane Powell, as seen in the picture above, simply glows when she smiles. Perhaps best known for the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), she also does a spectacular job portraying Fred Astaire's successful dance partner in Royal Wedding (1951).

Whenever these actresses walk onto a scene, all eyes are drawn to them. Their grace, confidence, and unrestrained smiles create a brilliant aura that follows them wherever they go, and although these stars are not without flaws, you are sure to enjoy their performances as they each bring their own sparkle to the stage.

Leslie Caron

Fresh-faced, vivacious, bright, talented, girlish, charming--these words and more describe Leslie Caron in her early years as a budding dancer and actress.



In many of her first movies, she plays the role of a naive French girl who charms everyone's socks off. I first saw her in Gigi, then in An American in Paris and more recently in Daddy Long Legs.



In all these movies she becomes romantically involved with considerably older men, and though the vast difference in ages can make some scenes a bit awkward, Leslie pulls it off with grace and her ballet scenes are stunning. Having taken ballet for six years, watching Leslie Caron's performances always makes me want to go dig up my old ballet shoes. :)

You can view my favorite of her dance scenes here. Enjoy!

Snow White: Spiritual Applications?

My mom was always very leery of Disney movies when my siblings and I were younger. Films like The Black Cauldron, The Little Mermaid & Snow White were not allowed at our house. By the time we were older, she gave us more freedom in what we watched, but it taught me to be very careful with what movies I viewed.

Because of the black magic scene featured in Snow White, it has always been on my taboo Disney movies list. Until yesterday, the only three that made the "child-safe" cut were Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. But after watching it again with my little sister Emily, I reconsidered. The fact is, black magic exists, and sheltering children from its existence is like blinding them to the real world.



The bible says that the devil "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour"(1 Peter 5:8). It's no secret that Satan wants to destroy us. But he goes about it a lot more subtly than the witch in Snow White did. In 2 Corinthians 11:14 it says Satan "masquerades as an angel of light." He promises immediate gratification of our desires (the poisoned apple), but instead of resulting in life, it results in spiritual death.



It is when we are absolutely dead in our sins that our Prince and Savior comes to rescue us. (Only our Prince is a bit more valiant than the effeminate, tights-wearing guy in Snow White.) After giving us new life, he puts us on his milk-white steed, and leads us to our eternal home. (Fittingly drawn in Snow White as a golden castle in the sky.)



I've come to realize it's not so much about sheltering children from the existence of evil as it is teaching them how to fight it through prayer and the Word of God. And if nothing else, Snow White can always be used as an object lesson of why we don't talk to strangers...

A Gem of a Movie...

If you love old movies, you'll love With a Song in My Heart. Though it starts out a bit slowly, it picks up speed. Dazzling costumes, a patriotic spirit, and timeless songs like "Embraceable You" and "Tea for Two" will put a smile on your face. A bit of a tearjerker, it maintains credibility yet is still inspiring.



Charmingly narrated by Rory Calhoun, we follow the true story of singer Jane Froman (portrayed by the enchanting Susan Hayward) as she sails to the top of the charts. Through a failing marriage and an unexpected tragedy, Jane manages to look outside herself to encourage others. An inspiring and satisfying watch. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.