The Miracle Worker

Recently I ran across some reviews for a new version of The Miracle Worker playing on Broadway. The reviews aren't good, but the pictures look nice:


The play, which is about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, has always been a favourite of mine. Here is a real picture of them when they were older:




I watched the 1962 movie when I was in school and it made a lasting impression. When I got older I sought out biographies on these two remarkable women. While the play only focuses on a brief period in their lives, it is definitely interesting to watch the connection that is forged through so much difficulty. There are two movie versions, one from 1962 and one from 2000. There are some things I like about the 2000 version, but overall I prefer the 1962 version. The actresses actually wore padding to prevent bruising in some of the most violent scenes! If you haven't seen this classic, I definitely recommend that you do so! Even though many dispute the accuracy of this film (and rightly so), it is still an intriguing look into the past.


I couldn't find any screencaps from the 2000 version, but here is a picture of the cover:

The Sisters Dare

I recently saw this somewhere in my travels around the web:


Mary Pickford, early movie actress. In this day and age of HD I think we lose something. My brother has a very nice TV. It is so clear and sharp! However, it makes everything look rather cheap. Movies start looking more like badly shot documentaries and all the news people look even scarier than normal. Maybe a little softness around the edges wasn't so bad after all!

I love looking at old photographs. One time when I was scrolling through some old pictures of actresses, I came upon the Sisters Dare. I was enraptured by the splendid photography and lavish costumes.

Phyllis:


Zena:
Don't they look like fun?

You can read more about them here:

Phyllis Dare

Zena Dare

Isle of Sark

Here is another place I want to visit! I forget how I happened upon this wonderful place, but right away I knew it had to be added to my list of places to visit one day. The Isle of Sark is the smallest of the English Channel Islands. Want to know why I want to go? Read on!

First reason: cars are not allowed on the Isle of Sark!

Your choices for transportation are: walking, bicycling, pony carts, or tractors!

Second reason: it looks simply gorgeous!

There aren't many paved roads, just lots of trails and winding paths.

Third reason: no snakes or reptiles!

Hehe, yeah I'm not a fan of those.

Fourth reason: They seem to have fun events there. Including sheep racing!

How fun is that!?! If you are interested in learning more, please check out the lovely tourism site for the island:

Link

An Age I Want To Visit

My family and I have long been fans of the series of computer games called Myst. The amazing graphics, the eerie music, and the stunning idea that you could travel to other worlds (ages) via hand-written books have always drawn me to these games.

I've always felt a pull to visit these fictional places, because they look simply amazing!


Recently I stumbled upon this link that put me in mind of this silly wish:

Earth's Most Bizarre Landscapes

One of the places listed on there is Cappadocia, Turkey. I found this picture of a hotel there, and it reminded me very strongly of a Myst Age. So needless to say, I want to go there. :)

Maybe someday....

Pride and Prejudice

I recently re-watched the loooong mini-series Pride and Prejudice starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. This is definitely my favourite version of this classic book. There are so many great lines and the actors pull them off admirably!

Jennifer Ehle is lively and engaging in her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett.

Colin Firth is appropriately stern and disapproving.

And the Bennett family as a whole was by turns silly, loud, and sarcastic.

Recommended for: Book purists and people who love BBC mini-series.

Overall, I like this one the best. However, the others are good too! If you are a fan of the story, I suggest you watch them all!


The oldest version is pure comedy. Liberties were taken with the story, as the movie is based on the play version, rather than the book! Also, the time period was moved to much later than is usually shown, probably to play off the popularity of the big skirts in Gone With The Wind.

This movie moves at lightning speed. Mr. Darcy (Laurence Olivier) plays a much nicer Darcy than in the other versions. Lizzie, played by Greer Garson, is lively and charming.

Recommended for: Hyper people or fans of old movies.


This next one was made in the 1980s and it is probably my least favourite. Still, it sticks very closely to the book and it has some lovely moments.


Recommended for: Die-hard fans of BBC mini-series.


The newest version has created a whole new wave of fans for this story. It pushed the time period back a bit, to include the earlier lower waistlines. I'm not a huge fan of this newest version, but there are good things about it.

Rosamund Pike played a very pretty Jane.


Claudie Blakly and Tom Hollander were amazing as Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins.

Recommended for: Everyone

A Fun Find

I recently stumbled upon this gem in a local antique/thrift store. She was hiding demurely behind a couch, but I spotted her first thing and fell instantly in love. At first I assumed that it was an engraving, but upon closer inspection I now believe it to be an actual sketch! Here is a (rather bad) picture of the corner. You can just barely see traced lines around the edges of the whole picture.

I just love the composition of the whole thing!


Her face is beautifully and softly done.

The spinning wheel is a neat touch. I'm a little confused about the little cup. Anyone have any ideas what that might have been used for?

New Victorians

I found this slideshow recently and to be quite honest, it thrilled my soul!! Hurray for Victorian fashion coming back around!

Link

There is even a slideshow about the creation of tintypes:

Link 2

On a side note, isn't this dress gorgeous? I don't care for the color that much, but the way it is made almost looks like icing. So pretty!