Memories of Oscar

©2012 denise coate harvey

As a child, my memories of Oscar are few.  I was not ‘allowed’ to watch the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science hand out its annual awards for merit that aired on the television, as I might see a clip from a film that my mother deemed ‘inappropriate” (and that would be most of them!)  So, most of what I remember is ‘monumental’ of headline newsworthy. I do, however, remember Sacheen Littlefeather accepting Marlon Brando’s best actor win in 1973 for “The Godfather.”  He was protesting Wounded Knee & was provided a stand-in, just in case he won.

In 1974, I also have vivid memories of talking my mother into letting me ‘switch channels’ (which without a remote control was a feat unto itself) to constantly check to see if “The Sting” (although I had not seen it) would be named “best picture.”  She didn’t want me to see any clip from “The Exorcist,” which was also a nominee in the same category. I did change channels, I didn’t see any of “The Exorcist,” and “The Sting” garnered the win. I also didn’t see, was the streak that occurred behind David Niven, followed by David’s great quips.  Streaking was quite the rage at the time, & although I did not see one on television that night, I did see a streak live in person my first day of high school during the first day opening rally.  (How’s that for initiation?)

There was also Sally Field receiving a second Oscar win for “Norma Rae,” telling the audience “You like me, you really like me!” And in that same year, Dustin Hoffman’s “Kramer vs. Kramer” win, sharing his observations of Oscar’s “private parts.”  Jack Palace doing push-ups on stage, Roberto Bernini walking over theatre seats, Bjork in the ‘swan dress,’ but I digress. 

2005 - "(Missed) Career Day" at school

For most of Oscar’s big night, the festivities were held on Monday evenings. I used to dash out from work a tad early just to get home and see the red carpet arrivals.  I even used to decorate the house with old film roles, statuettes, stars, and movie lights; but as of late, the poor hosting (keeping my fingers crossed for Billy this year), the political agendas that just keep getting worse and worse, and the poor selection choices and winners, have made me jaded toward what I used to love.  But with this year’s more tasteful choices (sans “Bridesmaids”), I am hopeful for a return to what once was.

Everywhere you look, someone’s “got a list” for the Oscars.  You name it, they’ve made a list.  I even found a blog of “The Haters Guide to the 2012 Academy Awards.”  There’s always at least one brash enough to loathe the mainstream.  So, I’ve made my own list.  I’m going to give myself away, as I begin the list the year I was born.

I tried to play by my own rules, but I broke them, (it’s my list!), and I mark those of which veer from those rules. From the top six awards (seven, if you think there’s a difference been a ‘best picture’ and a ‘best animated picture’ – I don’t - a ‘best’ is a ‘best’), I have chosen my favorite of the wins. Other cases will be noted.

1961 -  Best Picture, “West Side Story”

1962 – Best Picture – “Lawrence of Arabia”

1963 – TIE: Best Picture “Tom Jones” –& Best Actor – Sidney Portier, “Lilies of the Field”

1964 – Best Actress – Julie Andrews,  “Mary Poppins”

1965 – Best Picture, “Sound of Music”

1966 – Best Actor who DIDN’T Win – Richard Burton “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

1967 – Best Director - Mike Nichols, “The Graduate”

1968 – TIE: Best Actress - Barbra Streisand (she tied with Kathryn Hepburn) and Best Picture that

           DIDN’T win – “FUNNY GIRL” *** (My favorite movie – ever)

1969 - A fantastic year on film – “Everyone’s a Winner!”

1970 – Best Actor - George C Scott, “Patton”

1971 – Best Supporting Actor – Ben Johnson, “Last Picture Show”

1972 – Best Picture – “The Godfather”

1973 – Best Picture – “The Sting”

1974 – Best Picture – “The Godfather, Part II” (although I love “Chinatown,” too)

1975 – Best Supporting Actress – Lee Grant, “Shampoo”

1976 – Best Picture – “Rocky”

1977 – Best Actor - Richard Dreyfuss “The Good-bye Girl” **

1978 -  Best Actress that DIDN’T win - Ellen Burstyn “Same Time, Next Year”

1979 – Best Actor that DIDN’T win -  Peter Sellers, “Being There”

1980 – Best Supporting Actor – Timothy Hutton, “Ordinary People”

1981 – TIE: Best Picture that DIDN’T win – “One Golden Pond” and Henry Fonda & Kathryn

            Hepburn winning for “On Golden Pond”

1982 – Best Actor that DIDN’T win - Peter O’Toole, “My Favorite Year”

1983 – Best Picture that DIDN’T win -  “THE RIGHT STUFF”

1984 – Best Director - MILOS FORMAN, “Amadeus”

1985 – Best Supporting Actress - Anjelica Huston “Prizzi’s Honor”

1986 – Best Picture that DIDN’T win - ‘THE MISSION”

1987 – Best Supporting Actor -Sean Connnery, “The Untouchables”

1988 – Best Director - Barry Levinson, “Rain Man”

1989 -  Best Actress - Jessica Tandy, “Driving Miss Daisy”

1990 – Best Supporting Actress - Whoopi Goldberg, “Ghost”

1991 – Best Actor - Anthony Hopkins, “Silence of the Lambs”

1992 – Best Supporting Actress -Marisa Tomei, “My Cousin Vinny”

1993 – Best Supporting Actor WHO WASN’T EVEN NOMINATED – “Val Kilmer, “Tombstone” (and

             I am not a big Kilmer fan, generally – just a great performance that should have been recognized)

1994 – Best Picture that DIDN’T win – “Shawshank Redemption”

1995 – Best Actor that DIDN’T win - Richard Dreyfuss, “Mr. Holland’s Opus”**

1996 – Best Supporting Actor - Cuba Gooding , Jr., “Jerry Maguire”

1997 – Best Picture that DIDN’T win - “L.A. Confidential” (A “titantic” year – literally!)

1998 – Best Director - Steven Spielberg “Saving Private Ryan”

1999 – Best Actor - Kevin Spacey, “American Beauty”

2000 – Best Actor that DIDN’T win - Ed Harris, “Pollock”

2001 – Beset Director that DIDN’T win - Peter Jackson, “Lord of the Rings”

2002 – Best Actress that DIDN’T win - Rene Zellweger, “Chicago”

2003 – Best Actor - Sean Penn, “Mystic River”

2004 – Best (Animated) Picture – “The Incredibles”

2005 – Best Actor – Phillip Seymour Hoffman, “Capote”

2006 – Best Director -Martin Scorsese, “The Departed
2007 – Best (Animated) Picture – “Ratatouille”

2008 -  Best (Animated) Picture – “WALL-E”

2009 – Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

2010 – Best (Animated) Picture – “Toy Story 3”

 “And this year's Oscars go to…”

In Flight with Patricia Barry

For someone under the age of 65, the name Patricia Barry may not be familiar.  My apologies, if this is not the case! Patricia, born in 1921 in Davenport, Iowa, was a very prolific actress in the 1940’s, Patricia has an uncredited role in “Humoresque” (1946) (one of my more favorite Joan Crawford films), and then began a full television career in the 1950’s well into the ‘’90’s – everything from dramatic roles in “The Twilight Zone,” “The Rifleman,” “Playhouse 90,”to situation comedies such as “My Three Sons, “Bachelor Father,” and “The Flying Nun.”  She also carried roles on television serials “Days of Our Lives,” “All My Children,” and “The Guiding Light.” As a third-generation soap opera devotee, I was born into watching “The Guiding Light,” and from 1984-1987, she portrayed the conniving southern-belle, “Sally ‘Miss Sally’ Gleason.” This was how I knew and recognized Patricia Barry. 

With Robert Culp 

This is where my story begins.  In June of 1985, I had my first child, Glenn, and now as a stay-at-home mother, I enjoyed baby’s naptime with the guilty pleasure indulgence of an afternoon soap.  “Miss Sally” was mixed-up with the Shayne and Lewis families.  Blackmailing, bribing, and extortion…well, you get the picture. And she played it well.  We ‘loved to hate’ Miss Sally and this ‘more money than God’ character she played; and when you’re a stay-at-home mom in the ‘80’s, you get rather caught up in those characters.  You know that’s not who they are, but – that’s who they are!

In October of 1985, we had moved from Southern California to Reno, Nevada.  We still had connections in Orange County and made many journeys to and from the area.   On this particular instance, I was making an airline flight to Orange County and taking along my 5-month old and all the trimmings that accompany a journey that include an infant.  We of course made it from Reno to San Francisco without much trouble.  But after the first leg of the trip and a lengthy layover, you can imagine how tiring this was not only for a baby, but from mommy, as well.  When the time came to board, it was nice that I was able to qualify in that “parents with infants and young children” category – I jumped at the chance, hurried to board, took my seat, and began to get my baby quiet and hopefully, sleeping for the hour plus conclusion to my destination.  As we got settled, the rest of the travelers began to board.  I tried to look happy and smile, so the people as they passed by me would not frown at the sight of an unhappy baby, but maybe be understanding in my plight.  As I watch people enter the cabin, you can imagine my heart jump and skip a beat at the sight of whom I think is one of my staple favorite soap opera stars – Patricia Barry!  She looked just like everyone else, but that “Miss Sally” class and charm was ever-present.  I was going to be on a flight with a celebrity.  No wait!  Make that I was going to be sitting NEXT TO a celebrity.  This lovely woman walks up to my row and gracefully takes the center seat next to me.  I am rubbing elbows with “Miss Sally” and I have an irritable baby in my arms.  I didn’t say anything but, “Hello,” and she to me, and did my best of 30 minutes to get my son to be “on his best behavior,” (as if a 5-month old know what that is!).  But I did manage to get him settled and eventually sleep.

Patricia Barry (c. 1985)

At this point, I became very brave and asked, “Are you “Miss Sally” on “The Guiding Light”?"  “Why, yes, I am, Dear,’ she responded, and the conversation was of how I had watched it ever since I could remember, how I loved the show still, and that I was thrilled to get to meet her.  I don’t remember all the words said, but I do remember what a lovely and kind woman she was.  I knew she was a “real person” just like anyone else, but she held the “movie star/celebrity” image to its highest standard.  She didn’t complain or ask to move seats – she sat next to me and understood my frustrations as a new mother. 

I don’t believe anyone else on the flight recognized Patricia during or even after the flight, and I felt as though I had a ‘private audience’ with her that day.  Before we landed and disembarked, she autographed the ticket envelope and wished me the best.  I don’t recall who picked us up from the airport on that trip, but I know I felt the load of motherhood was a little lighter after that. 

"To: Denise - A patient & loving mother - Love to you! Patricia Barry "Miss Sallly" Guiding Light"

Patricia Barry’s autograph hangs framed in our entertainment den alongside other celebrity signatures.  But none have a story to tell like this one.  She has a special place in my heart.  Thank you, “Miss Sally,” for our ‘afternoon in the air.’

For Patricia Barry's body of work at imdb 

Prepare Ye the Way

I have not traveled much in my life (compared to many of my ‘jet set’ friends & acquaintances), but I have had some wonderful opportunities to see places I otherwise would not.  Take for instance, my youngest son’s 8^th grade graduation trip to the East Coast (Williamsburg, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City).  We did everything to raise the money to get not only him a ticket, but for me to go as a chaperone, as well.  Once that happened, it was anything but hard work – I was on, for me, the trip of a lifetime! (Little did I know that I would also get to accompany my husband on a business trip to Cardiff, Wales & London, England – but that’s another related blog.)

What does this have to do with the love of movies you ask? Well, as in last week’s blog, it’s about those ‘light bulb gasping’ moments that you realize where you’re standing and what you’re looking at. In this case, New York City, is one, big movie set.  Granted, on this trip we did not hit many location sites (as this was a trip with a plan & set agenda for middle school students, not for movie lovers).  But for me, it was anything and everything I wanted to make it.

Most of the trip was directed to the students and their eighth grade history studies (and as a retired 8^th grade history teach myself), that worked well, but on the last day of the trip, we took a shallow walk into Central Park.  And there it was.  The Bethesda Fountain.  In all her beauty and splendor.  It was all I could do to not run down the stairs, take off my shoes, and plunge myself into the waters! Huh? 

Not only I am I a movie aficionado, but I also have stage blood in my veins.  I was taking drama classes in summer school as a kid and continue to be active in directing and acting during my adult years. Part of this resume, is the stage production of “Godspell,” of which I have been cast 3 times in my ‘career.’  The first time I was cast, (1980) I knew it originally was a stage production, but was more familiar with the 1973 film (containing one new musical number, dodging two stages number (but in a different form on film), and a re-ordering of the script).   This movie was entirely filmed on location in New York City.  The not-yet-completed Twin Towers are also part of this production (“All For the Best”).  So seeing the Bethesda Fountain “live and in person” was such a treat for me! I felt child-like in my jubilation over seeing her right in front of me." (The photos above taken by Denise Coate-Harvey, June 2005)

Granted, I know that one event can not top all the places I am sure my readers have seen, but it’s that moment of connection; this is what movies do – we experience them and feel connected.  When it’s right in front of you, it’s as if you’re part of what happened, and the film becomes part of your film collective consciousness.

How do I wrap this up?  I want to advertise one of my favorite coffee table books. Scenes From the City – Filmmaking in New York (1966-2006).   I received this book as a gift a few years ago, and it is a fabulous pictorial account of films shot in New York City.  If you can find a copy, you may want to grab it.  I know the next time I get an opportunity to visit the Big Apple, I will include some of my favorite locales into my trip for sure. It’s just like “in the movies”!

If you have a favorite “I’ve been there” spot in New York City, write them in the comments below.  I will be writing on other places I ‘ve seen in future blogs.  

Until then - 

Second Bananas

You know that light bulb that turns on over your head when you finally make a connection?  That’s how it was for me with George Sanders.  The first time I unknowingly ever ‘experienced’ George Sanders acting talent wasn’t visually, it was audibly, as a voice over in “Walt Disney’s Jungle Book.” He was cast as ‘Shere Khan,’ the Bengal tiger who would love nothing more than to eat Mowgli for a snack.  And that was it – just a voice.  No other connection but that memorable voice.  It had to be.  Because it wasn’t until years later, beginning to watch what are now considered ‘classics,’ did I see this man on screen and say, “Who IS that? Boy, his voice is really familiar?”  And then it happens – “Oh my gosh! That’s the voice of ‘Shere Khan’!”  Instantly, I am a new fan.  His every moment on screen now becomes devoured by me – a reversal of roles, shall we say!

The more films I watched with George Sanders, the more I wondered, “Why is this guy always the ‘second banana’?” With his British charm and refined tones, George was more often than not the gentlemanly scoundrel, always looking for a way to undermine our heroine or hero, or the devious highbrow with alternative motives.  And with every turn, he commanded our attention and stole the scene (even if it was with Peter Sellers!) 

George Sanders was born to British parents in 1906 in the Russian Empire (St. Petersburg). He was married to Zsa Zsa Gabor (wife #2), and later married to her older sister, Magda (wife #4). Sadly, he predicted his death and died by his own hand at the age of 65 in 1972.  Although many of my favorites have personal lives that are “less than stellar,” their on-screen hours show us what acting talent is all about and how they can never be replaced once their star burns out.  So, here but a few memorable moments to honor George Sanders, one of my favorite “second bananas.”

“Rebecca” (1940, “Jack Favell”) Oh, the scoundrel! Jack lurches in and out the windows, sweet talks his way into every scene, and I find him more alluring than Laurence Olivier could ever be!

“I Can Get It For You Wholesale” (1951, “J.F.Noble”) Once again, George plays a character who romances the beautiful and self-made lead (played by Susan Hayward).  Does he truly love her or her amazing head for business & talent for fashion?

“Call Me Madam” (1953, “General Cosmo Constatine”) In this instance, the general is pursued by the heroine, wonderfully played by Ethel Merman.  Originally a stage production (which I would love to grab that role), “Call Me Madam” is roughly based on real-life events.  I have yet to uncover the truth on whether or not George does his own singing in the film.  But whether he does or not has no effect on the role. I believe it is George’s voice.

   “A Shot in the Dark” (1964, “Benjamin Ballon”) Okay, how many people can really stand-up to one of my favorites, Peter Sellers?  (“Being There” is in my “Top 50” list, which over time I will divulge here.)  “A Shot in the Dark” is one of my favorite films, also, but it couldn’t be done without the ‘yin and yang’ of Sellers and Sanders.  Here he does play the aloof aristocrat completely abhorred by Inspector Clouseau’s antics, and rightly so – he has much to conceal.

I will look back on more ‘second bananas’ as the year goes on – feel free to share your favorite ‘second banana’ moments here in the comments.