Sunday, October 17, 2010

Happy 90th Birthday Montgomery Clift

 Flashback to my favorite high school class, Mr. Smith's US History & Social and Cultural studies, 11th grade 17  years old. As he popped in a tape of the film 'From Here to Eternity" I saw him, there he was one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen and once the film was done I knew that this was one great actor.. Montgomery Clift. 
Edward Montgomery Clift
October 17, 1920 - July 23, 1966
(Such beauty, the fact that his first name is Edward really makes me love him more it's another favorite name of mine)

The Film that started it all for me, "From Here To Eternity". This scene is amazing. (Although Monty didn't actually play the trumpet in the film he was soo dedicated to his role he took trumpet classes to make sure the lip movements looked authentic)

A young Montgomery during childhood.

Such great style.

Montgomery reminds me of Morrissey in this photo. Or is it that Moz reminds me of Monty?

Montgomery in the Alfred Hitchcock film, "I Confess" ( I must say it's terribly wrong to say this, especially since I'm from a Catholic family, But it would be hard to contain my emotions for such a young priest.)

Monty had a horrible accident in the 60's, which messed him up and he had to have reconstruvtive face surgery. It took away from his pretty boy looks, But I don't care one bit I think regardless he is still beautiful. The fact that he says 'Victoria' in his first appearance in the film "The Misfits" I just shrieked!
I thought "Perce" and "Roslyn" should have ended up together in the end. Marilyn Monroe once said about Monty that, quote "He was the only person I knew that was more messed up then me." Monty said that Marilyn was one of the most marvelous and incredible actors to work with.

"A Place In the Sun" 1951, This movie is probably my very very favorite Montgomery Film and Liz Taylor film. It's probably one of my favorite films ever! This scene is pure romance, uh to have something like this happen to me would be the ultimate romantic dream come true! A young innocent girl falls for an older young man, that might be no good, but she doesn't care she loves him anyway...such a Victoria scenario.

A scene from a "Place In The Sun"
Liz and Monty had some of the best chemistry together on and off film. During filming "Place in the Sun" she would sneak off to his trailer much to her mother's disapproval. They were very very close, but never romantically involved. However the media was quick to assume and name them the "Most Beautiful Couple in Hollywood" ( I would say yes!). Liz was the one who saved him in his deadly car accident. Liz Taylor's Husband actor Richard Burton, said that Liz was always in love with Monty. Monty said that Liz was his soulmate, and having being bisexual he said that "(Liz Taylor) Is the only women I have ever met who turned me on. She feels like the other half of me." Monty struggled with his bisexuality throughout his life, and is known for having been involved with women  in emotional relationships and being quote "unflinchingly" loyal to them. When he bought his New York Manhattan townhouse he said he envisioned his future there with a wife and children. He has said, "I like men in bed, but I really love women."

Monty passed July 23, 1966 at home due to a coronary occlusion ( he struggled with alcoholism and a pill addiction) his last words were "Absolutely Not!" in response too if he wanted to watch one of his films that was on television. He paved the way for many actors after him, James Dean said he was one of his idols and would call Monty just to listen to his voice. His obituary in the New York Times made a note of his portrayal of quote, "Moody, Sensitive Young Men". During his career he received 4 Academy Award Nominations, 3 for Best Actor. I wish I could have seen Monty in person and I hope one day I get too visit his grave. Regardless of his troubles & his decisions that made him well himself, I will always love and adore Montgomery.
 Rest In Peace Monty.

I've put the song "Let Me Kiss You" by Morrissey. It reminds me of Monty and the film "A Place in the Sun". It's one of my very favorite songs. So sad and beautiful.

All my love -Victoria 

Friday, October 15, 2010

Rainy Days

Well this time of year we should all be expecting the foliage to change colors, cool breezes and the occasional rain. But here in Los Angeles the weather has been abnormal for October. However that may be considered normal? After all, the last week of September and the first week of October was soo hot, Los Angeles had a record breaking heat of 113 degrees! I guess they don't call it Sunny Southern California for nothing. So when things quickly went from excruciatingly hot to cold and wet in a matter of 24 hours. I was thrilled to put on my winter clothes, grab my hat and coat and pretend I was in Europe somewhere. That's what I like to do when it rains, pretend I'm in my own little French film, pull out my camera, listen too some music and feel romantic and lonely. So that's just what I did...for what lasted about a week. Hahaha


















(All photos by. Victoria Inez Rivera)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Satin Dollz Pinup Dancers in "Whatever Lola Wants"

The Satin Dollz in "Whatever Lola Wants" from Dan Blank on Vimeo.

The Satin Dollz are an very entertaining and classy never trashy pinup- esque dance troupe from Hollywood California. They're soo beautiful, cute and talented. I've had the privilege of seeing them live. Now, I've never heard this song before,but now I'm desperately in love with it! I saw this video on Facebook awhile back, being circulated within my friends.  This music video is too die for! It's fantastic work from artist Dan Blank, who also did the video for the Cicada Club, "Night of the Cicada". I couldn't believe I spotted my friend the handsome and dashing Johhny Danger [at 1:22 ] ( my friend and co- founder of the Griffith Park Hooverville/ Ghetto Gatsby Dustbowl BBQ Picnic)! The video also features the fabulous UK band The Jive Aces! They're a great Swing/ Jive band! And the cigarette girl is pictured at the Cicada Club!
Awh, it's times like these when I wish my name was Lola. Or should I say Dolores? Because Dolores and Lola are two of my very favorite names. And though I'm a Victoria, which I love (named after my grandma) I feel like a definite Lola. hahahha
For more info about the artists and venue check out:
The Satin Dollz
(satindollz.com)
Dan Blank
(danamation.com)
The Jive Aces
(jiveaces.com)
Cicada Club
(clubcicada.com)
until again -Victoria