Monday, November 30, 2020

Favorite Pic of the Day for December 1st

Above:
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~Check out today's BIRTHDAYS HERE:~

Start of the Seasonal Sightings


 Balcony View

Overdue...

I've been meaning to feature actor Mark Deklin for a couple of years now.  Today's 12 Days post provided a tempting invitation.  Check it out on the NEXT PAGE HERE:

A Vintage Vantage: Paul Newman in Torn Curtain


An American scientist publicly defects to East Germany as part of a cloak and dagger mission to find the solution for a formula resin before planning an escape back to the West.


Although I like to think of myself of somewhat of a film buff, there are many classics that I haven't seen.  I especially however, finding films with stars I love that I didn't even know existed.  I love Alfred Hitchcock films, but I've really only seen a small number of them.  I re-watch Rear Window whenever it's on and have seen Psycho and The Birds several times.


I've seen others, but most only once.  I was pleasantly surprised then, to discover several new Hitchcock films during TCM's recent marathon.  I'd never heard of Torn Curtain, and certainly wasn't aware that Paul Newman and Julie Andrews appeared together in a Hitchcock film.  For some reason this flick doesn't seem to get the repeat airings some many of the other famous director's films get. 


'Just give me five minutes with her. After all, she is my girl'
Professor Michael Armstrong 




What was most surprising about Torn Curtain was how Hitchcock tapped into his leading man's good looks.  We're used to him focusing on the beautiful blondes he casts, but Torn Curtain contains three shirtless scenes with Newman, including even a hint of nudity behind a shower curtain.  Torn Curtain certainly isn't one of the director's best, but it more than held my attention with it's tense storytelling and quick pace. 

Morning Coffee: Gabriele by macpics


' Some guy came in to tell us that we were being naughty....'

This piece originally began as a 'summer beach' piece.  I first contacted Ian from macpics this past summer after seeing his shots of the gorgeous Gabriele frolicking on what appeared to be a very windy beach.  Turns out, there was a wicked wind blowing straight up from Antarctic with only Tasmania in the way of the cold Southern gusts.  When Ian sent on the images shortly after, summer had turned to Autumn, and I decided to put the beach shoot on hold. 


Thankfully, Ian and Gabriele had also done some studio work, and on location, including a shoot in Rippon Lea, a national-trust house.  Ian wanted to make the most of his time with Gabriele after flying him in to shoot.  They first connected on Model Mayhem, and although Ian knew right away he wanted to work with him, Gabriel was working in Tokyo, so it took a little while for their schedules to line up.


Given Rippon Lea is a national-trust home, Ian wasn't aware he actually needed a permit to shoot inside the building.  He'd called ahead and got the go ahead to shoot outside and on the grounds, but guests were not permitted to shoot inside.


'I told one tour-guide  about what I wanted to do and she seemed ok with it... at first.  Either she changed her mind, or someone else ratted on us as while we were shooting.  Some guy came in to tell us that we were being naughty. Thankfully, I was able to sweet-talk him and promised to make a donation to the place.  After a pause, (maybe to look at Gabriel) .he said ok and seemed happy enough with that.'


At another location, an especially large window, and some incredible light, produced this series of images. In addition to shooting, Ian gave Gabriel a tour and there was a lot of sightseeing.  Ian shares he  especially seemed to enjoy seeing kangaroos and koalas at the Healesville Sanctuary which is, basically, a zoo.  Ian says it was both a pleasant working collaboration, and a pleasant social visit during Gabriele's visit and enjoying having such an experienced model as his guest for the week.

Check out a few shots from Ian's studio work with Gabriele on the NEXT PAGE HERE:

macpics on ModelMayhem