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The rise of dead celebrities is new again, thanks to "Rogue One."

The post The Debate About Digitally Resurrecting Dead Actors is Interesting, But It’s Not New appeared first on Cartoon Brew.

Fifty-nine years ago this month, My Fair Lady made its debut on Broadway to a rapturous critical response. It became the longest-running musical to date, and was a landmark in the genre.

The post The street where she lived: My Fair Lady at 59 appeared first on OUPblog.

By Sarah Rahman

Clara Bow, whose birthday falls on 29 July, was the “it” girl of her time, making fifty-two films between 1922 and 1930. “Of all the lovely young ladies I’ve met in Hollywood, Clara Bow has ‘It,’” noted novelist Elinor Glyn. According to her entry in American National Biography, “With Cupid’s bow lips, a hoydenish red bob, and nervous, speedy movement, Bow became a national rage, America’s flapper. At the end of 1927 she was making $250,000 a year.”

Clara Bow by Paramount Photos. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

In recognition of the numerous leading ladies of the early days of Hollywood, the American National Biography team has put together a quiz to test your knowledge of early Hollywood and its stars. Film buff or not, the experiences of these iconic actresses may surprise you.

Sarah Rahman is a Digital Product Marketing Intern at Oxford University Press. She is currently a rising junior pursuing a degree in English literature at Hamilton College.

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The post How much do you know about early Hollywood’s leading ladies? appeared first on OUPblog.

        

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In his acceptance speech at the 1981 Oscars (best original screenplay, Chariots of Fire), Colin Welland offered the now famous prediction that ‘The British are coming!’ There have since been some notable British Oscar successes: Jessica Tandy for Driving Miss Daisy (1989); director Anthony Minghella for The English Patient (1996); Helen Mirren (in The Queen, 2006); and — maintaining the royal theme — awards for best director, actor, and film for The King’s Speech in 2011.

But looking at all British Oscar winners — since the first Academy Awards in 1929 — presents a different story. Less the ‘British are coming!’, more the ‘British have been!’ A full list of Oscar winners with entries in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (currently 79 individuals) lists 70 recipients between 1929 (Charlie Chaplin, The Circus) and 1980 (Alec Guinness, honorary award), and just 9 winners since Colin Welland’s rousing prediction. The Oxford DNB’s selection criteria — that all people included are deceased in or before 2009 — means this imbalance isn’t really a revelation, nor should it come as a surprise. Quite simply, and happily, most post-1981 British winners remain in good, creative health.

But the ODNB’s Oscar list is nonetheless an interesting reminder of outstanding talent, and outstanding films, from the history of British cinema. Here, of course, you’ll find the great names: Vivien Leigh (twice best actress for Gone with the Wind, 1940, and A Street Car Named Desire, 1952), Laurence Olivier (special award for Henry V, 1947 and best actor, Hamlet, 1949), or the lovely Audrey Hepburn (best actress, Roman Holiday, 1954). Also notable is that some of the most successful figures in British cinema have worked behind the camera, including the directors Carol Reed and David Lean who were both double winners.

The Oxford DNB’s list also reminds us of the perhaps forgotten successes: Jack Clayton whose The Bespoke Overcoat won ‘best short (two-reel) film’ in 1957 or Elizabeth Haffenden, winner, in 1960, of the best costume (colour) Oscar for the often scantily-clad Ben-Hur. Then there are the surprises: did you know that George Bernard Shaw won a statuette in 1939 for his adapted screenplay of Pygmalion, or that the dramatist John Osborne collected the same award for Tom Jones in 1964?

Finally, there are the ones who almost got away. It seems extraordinary that Stanley Kubrick (he lived in Britain, so he’s in the ODNB) won only once — and this for ‘best special effects’ in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Or that Cary Grant (born in Bristol) had to make do with an ‘honorary award’ in 1970. Perhaps most surprising is that the giant of twentieth-century film, both in the UK and US, only reached the stage once, to receive the Irving G. Thalberg memorial award in 1968. He, of course, is Alfred Hitchcock whose life is recreated in an eponymous film out this month — and possibly on next year’s Oscar shortlist.

In addition to the Oxford DNB biographies above, the life stories of Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant are also available as episodes in the ODNB’s free biography podcast.

Now, from podcast to a pop quiz from Who’s Who, we’ll test you not only on what you know about the BAFTAs and Oscars, but who you know.

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography  is the national record of men and women who have shaped British history and culture, worldwide, from the Romans to the 21st century. In addition to 58,500 life stories, the ODNB offers a free, twice monthly biography podcastwith over 175 life stories now available. You can also sign up for Life of the Day, a topical biography delivered to your inbox, or follow @odnb on Twitter for people in the news. The Oxford DNB is freely available via public libraries across the UK. Libraries offer ‘remote access’ allowing members to log-on to the complete dictionary, for free, from home (or any other computer) twenty-four hours a day.

Who’s Who is the essential directory of the noteworthy and influential in every area of public life, published worldwide, and written by the entrants themselves. Who’s Who 2013  includes autobiographical information on over 33,000 influential people from all walks of life. The 165th edition includes a foreword by Arianna Huffington on ways technology is rapidly transforming the media.

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Image credit: CHICAGO – JANUARY 23: Oscar statuettes are displayed during an unveiling of the 50 Oscar statuettes to be awarded at the 76th Academy Awards ceremony January 23, 2004 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois. The statuettes are made in Chicago by R.S. Owens and Company. (Photo by Tim Boyle) EdStock via iStockphoto.

The post ‘And the Oscar went to …’ appeared first on OUPblog.

"God kissed her on the cheek, and there she was." ~ Billy Wilder on Audrey Hepburn




I'm really happy to welcome author Margaret Cardillo and illustrator Julia Denos to alphabet soup today because I love love their new picture book biography, Just Being Audrey (Balzer + Bray, 2011)!

As a lifelong Audrey fan, I was truly excited when I first heard about this book when reading Julia's fab interview at 7-Imp. At a time when young girls look to celebrities for role models, and when all too often those role models disappoint, it's heartening to know that now Audrey's story can be held up as rock solid inspiration.

Distilling Hepburn's fascinating life into 32 pages must have been a daunting task, but Margaret and Julia have done a beautiful job of presenting significant milestones -- from Audrey's unique childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, to her rise as an award-winning actress and fashion icon, to the tireless work she did on behalf of the world's impoverished children as International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.



I love how Just Being Audrey captures the essence of Audrey's grace, elegance, style, beauty, indomitable spirit, and unfailing kindness. She was definitely someone who always remained true to herself, and it's exciting to see generation after generation, regardless of age or gender, continue to admire not only Audrey's "movie star" persona, but also the totally unassuming person she was in real life. The more you learn about Audrey, the more you want to emulate her conduct and live by her values. Margaret's and Julia's own admiration, enthusiasm and love for Audrey shine through on every page -- making this well-written, gorgeously illustrated book an especially good choice for Women's History Month and a wonderful keepsake for girls (and women) of all ages. 

I know you'll enjoy hearing what Margaret and Julia have to say!

If you could meet Audrey today, what would you say to her?  

Margaret: I’d thank her for inspiring me, for being completely lovely and a great role model. And then I would listen to absolutely anything she had to say. I’d hang on every word and commit them to memory. Then I’d probably compliment her outfit because I’m sure it would be fabulous. 

Julia: You know, I've spent months saying, "If only I'd had the chance to meet Audrey," but I could never imagine much beyond a big hug! I know I'd be speechless, but she'd probably break the ice by offering to make spaghetti. 

 

Have you seen this yet?

I'm in love -- and so excited that both Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos will be stopping by next week to tell us all about their brand new Audrey Hepburn picture book biography! I've been an Audrey fan forever, and think this gorgeous book is a marvelous choice for Women's History Month.

To whet your appetite, here's the official book trailer and a video of Audrey singing "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's -- one of my all-time favorite cinematic moments.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 8, 2011

Our shared history unites families, communities, and nations.  Although women’s history is intertwined with the history shared with men, several factors – social, religious, economic, and biological – have worked to create a unique sphere of women’s history. ~ The National Women’s History Project

Just Being Audrey

by Margaret Cardillo (Author), Julia Denos (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (January 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

From her life as a child in Nazi occupied Europe to her rise to fame as an actress to her empowering work with UNICEF, Hepburn’s kindness and compassion has been highlighted clearly and carefully and will most definitely inspire young girls. The beautifully painted artwork truly captures the eloquence and signature style that exuded from Hepburn her entire life. Just Being Audrey certainly has a special je ne sais quoi.

Add this book to your collection: Just Being Audrey

My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream

by Jennifer Fosberry (Author), Mike Litwin (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition (September 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

This picture book is a brilliant way to introduce young girls to some very wonderful women. It’s empowering and inspiring and a whole lot of fun. These are some of Isabella’s role models: U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley.

Add this book to your collection: My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Girl Dream

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

by Candace Fleming

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (February 8, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Candace Fleming is a non-fiction writing master. There are many books about Amelia Earhart that have been written for children, howev

I’m certainly not unique in declaring that I’m an enormous fan of Audrey Hepburn.    I feel like I’ve grown up with her.  First, at 11 years old, when I was introduced to her by way of Funny Face.

Then again in high school when I watched Roman Holiday for the first time and felt that there really wasn’t a more perfect ending in all of Hollywood than the ending of that movie.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s was next, inevitably.  As an adult, I found Wait Until Dark and it had me looking over my shoulder for weeks.

Fast forward to today and I have the pleasure of telling you all about JUST BEING AUDREY, a picture book biography of Audrey Hepburn, on-sale today.  Written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos, this follows Audrey’s life from her childhood in war-torn Europe to her film career through her role as a UNICEF ambassador.  Here is a lovely example of the interior text and art (though it doesn’t do the gorgeous spreads justice, of course):

In addition to checking out JUST BEING AUDREY, I’d recommend the movies Funny Face and My Fair Lady to get kids started on Audrey’s legacy.

And don’t forget to “like” the JUST BEING AUDREY fan page on Facebook: share your favorite Audrey Hepburn movie and enter to win a signed print and a copy of the book!  Winner will be chosen at random this Friday.  (And make sure to read others’ responses – they’re entertaining and fun!)

Talking about the movie here, which was made in 1961.

A few observations after watching it last night, for the first time since I was a kid (when SO much went over my head):

1. In 1961, Fifth Avenue was a two-way street.

2. I remember watching the NY Public Library scene as a kid, and wishing that some day I could go there, and see the lions, and sit at one of those long wooden tables with the brass lamps, and read a book.

3. That wish was granted approximately 30 years later.

4. In 1961, the library had a physical card catalog, which took up whole walls.

5. I'm pretty sure that sometime between Roman Holiday and this movie, Audrey Hepburn had her teeth straightened. Which is too bad, because perfect teeth are kinda boring.

6. Brad Pitt has nothing on George Peppard.

7. Mickey Rooney as the Japanese landlord?? Oh dear. (In a 2005 interview, director Blake Edwards said he wished he could take back that decision.)

8. Now I need to read the book.

Ok, A little over the top here. I've never been attracted to the Audrey Hepburn type. Too skinny. I like her movies though.
Hope everyone is well.
Hey don't forget to check out my NEW Art book "Monito Hermoso" (Mike Cressy) on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells and your local bookseller! I'll sign a copy for you if you buy it and leave a nice note on Amazon.
-MC