I Confess...

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I Confess (1953), is one of famed Alfred Hitchcock's lesser known works. Starring Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter, and Karl Malden, it is the story of one man, a priest, who must choose between proving his innocence in a crime he did not commit or holding true to his priestly vows.

Father Logan (Clift) unwittingly becomes the lead suspect in the Villete murder case after listening to the confession to the murder by one his parishioners. Unable to alert detectives to the real killer's identity without revealing information given to him in the confessional, Father Logan quickly becomes the prime suspect.


I Confess lacks a great deal of the sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense that marks some of Hitchcock's most noted films, as viewers know the identity of the killer right from the start. But even with the lack of suspense & mystery...the great filming, heartwarming plot line, and memorable casting of characters more than makes up for it.

Montgomery Clift's performance as the serious, caring Father Logan is captivating. I would be the first one to admit that I couldn't quite picture Clift--of A Place in the Sun fame--as a believable priest, but after watching only the first few moments of the film, you can't help but be drawn in by the sincerity & warmth of his performance.

Anne Baxter & Karl Malden

Co-star Anne Baxter is one classic actress I usually don't care that much for. But, in I Confess, Anne is luminous as Father Logan's former love, Ruth Grandfort. Also, watch for Karl Malden, who only one year later would play a priest himself in On the Waterfront. He is perfect as the obnoxious detective you just love to hate.

All in all, I think the "Master of Suspense" hit the nail on the head with another classic, well-made film. If you haven't yet watched, I Confess, make sure to find a copy!

M is for Marlon...

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"Regret is useless in life. It's in the past.
All we have is now."

Marlon Brando

A Blog Award...

Fellow classic film fanatic, Millie, was sweet enough to pass an award my way. Thank you so much! If you haven't yet visited her blog...you really should stop by. Her enthusiasm for Classic Hollywood & its luminaries is refreshing & mirrors my own wonder.

The rules:

1. Tell you seven things that you don't already know about me.
2. Name seven other blogs to receive this award.

3. Leave a comment on the blogs I have nominated letting them know that I have given them an award.

4. And lastly, thank the blog that gave you the award.

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7 Things About Me:

1. When I was much younger I used to dream about becoming a world famous gymnast. Or ice skater. Maybe both...now wouldn't that have been interesting?

2. We used to have a pet pot-bellied pig named Harley when I was a little girl.

3. I never in a million years would have thought I would become one of those "blog" people. But I have. And I love it.

4. The words 'tendon' & 'flesh' send shivers up my spine.

5. I read much too quickly. I can thoroughly read (no skimming allowed) several books in a day easily.

6. I hate to do things by myself. I am definitely a people person. I enjoy having time by myself to do, or dream, or write...but with the knowledge that people are close by.

7. I've been knitting since I was seven years old. Only another knitter will understand that sometimes your fingers just "itch" for a new project to work on.

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I'd like to award:

A Banner of Crimson
Actually Laura
Blessed Femina
Dum Spiro Spero
In My Own Little Corner
Ribbons of Light
Those Northern Skies

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Up next: an award from lovely Elise!

Elizabeth...

"People who know me well,

call me Elizabeth.
I dislike Liz."

Elizabeth Taylor

Where Emily Admits Modernity...

I have something to confess.

*whispers while peering over her shoulder*

You'll never believe it,
but I have a...Facebook page.

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Alright now. Pick your jaw up off of the floor.

Yes, you guys know me too well. I usually tend to be one of those "behind-the-times" sort of girls who actually, you know, likes it that way. But awhile back, a friend from college pestered me about joining Facebook so we could swap pictures--and pestered, and pestered, and pestered--until, you see, I just had to give in if I wanted to keep any semblance of sanity. Yes, it seemed pointless and stupid and...and...idiotic at first, but now, I have to admit, I've succumbed. I actually sort of....like it.

So, anyway, the whole point of this confessional post was to ask:

Do you use Facebook?

Over the past two years I've grown to love you all so dearly. You have brought me friendship, and empathy, and such joy. I really wonder where I would be without you. So, if you'd be interested, I'd love to invite you a little closer into my life. Leave a comment (enlightening me a bit on who you are if I won't be able to recognize your screen name) & I'd be more than thrilled to swap info for Facebook with you.

Would you like to be "friends?"

:)

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Ann...

"As an actress, I have always believed that the truer challenge,

the deeper obligation, begins after the camera stops.

My role as a woman in my community and in my home has

always overshadowed the excitement of any

part I have ever played on stage or screen."

Ann Blyth

So Very Long...

It's been so very long since I've written anything at all for songs I sing. I can't tell you how much I've missed it. Somehow along the way, though, I've lost that spark that makes words leap readily from my pen or my fingers dance across the keyboard. I know that someday my heart will sing through my fingertips once again, but for now, it is slow going. More than anything else I appreciate the patience others shower on me since I can't seem to find any for myself.

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Life has been a whirlwind these past few months. Sarah, my beloved Sarah, was happily married in Florida at the end of December. Seeing her happiness, being a part of something that has been a dream of hers for so very long, is something I will never forget. She has always been my kindred spirit, confidant, and best of friends...Sarah, I treasure you.

Along with all of the craziness that seems to go hand in hand with out-of-state wedding planning, we have once again picked up roots and moved--this time all the way to North Carolina from Michigan. Being the second move we've made in six months, yes, things have been more than a little harried, but now that we are mostly settled in, I can't tell you what a peace I have in my heart about being here. It's the right place for us right now...it really is.

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I can't promise how often I will really be able to update songs I sing with new posts, but I can promise that I will try. I've found how easy it is to lose sight of yourself in the losing of someone you love. But I'm working on it. Some days it is more of a struggle than others...but at least I'm trying. I find that is what is really most important.

Much love,
Emily