Irene Dunne

(December 20, 1898 - September 4, 1990)

Irene Dunne was nominated for five Oscars in her day and though she had no wins, her accomplishments in life far exceeded the silver screen. Not only was Irene married faithfully for 37 years until the death of her husband, but they adopted their daughter, Mary Frances, at the age of four from New York Foundling Hospital. 

Dunne was also one of Hollywood's most active supporters of the Republican Party. She was involved in many events of her time. On Disneyland's "dedication day" in 1955 Dunne was present and asked by Walt Disney to christen the Mark Twain Riverboat. In 1957, she was appointed as one of five alternative U.S. delegates to the United Nations by President Eisenhower. Irene Dunne is easily one of the classiest, gorgeous, quick-witted actresses of all-time!

A few great Irene quotes:

- "Trying to build the brotherhood of man without the Fatherhood of God is like having the spokes of a wheel without the hub."

- "When we have learned to love our neighbour, not just ourselves, no matter where we come from, then America will be perfect."


- "I appeared with many leading men. But working with Cary Grant was different from working with other actors - he was much more fun! I think we were a successful team because we enjoyed working together tremendously, and that pleasure must have shown through onto the screen ... I will always remember two compliments he made me. He said I had perfect timing in comedy and that I was the sweetest-smelling actress he ever worked with." 

- "No triumph of either my stage or screen career has ever rivalled the excitement of trips down the Mississippi on the river boats with my father." (A true southern girl! Irene was born in Louisville, Kentucky. What a great city to be born in to.)

5 Irene Dunne films you shouldn't miss:

My Favorite Wife (1940)

Anna and the King of Siam (1946)

The Awful Truth (1937)

Show Boat (1936)

Love Affair (1939)

What's My Line

One of my favorite time-wasters is to watch old mystery celebrity episodes of What's My Line? on youtube. Here is one of Irene's appearances on the show displaying some of her classic charm...

Melodious Birthdays

This week celebrates the birthday of a few stars from some of the best musical films ever made. If you haven't seen each one of these classics you're missing out!

Margaret Hamilton (December 9, 1902 - May 16, 1985)

Margaret Hamilton stars as one of the best played villains in cinematic history. She will always be known as the woman who immortalized "I'll get you my pretty... and your little dog too!" You really cannot call yourself an American if you've never seen the Wizard of Oz (1939), from "the greatest year in cinematic history".

Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 - May 14, 1988)

One of the best voices ever known, Frank Sinatra's pipes can be heard on the soundtrack of over 250 films (to date). A few of those starred the man himself in several beloved musicals. Guys and Dolls (1955) is my personal favorite of his films. Whether you'll enjoy this movie or not is an easy gamble when you've got Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons, and Marlon Brando in one motion picture!

Dick Van Dyke (December 13, 1925 - present)

Mary Poppins (and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) wouldn't be the same without the lovable Dick Van Dyke. Mary Poppins (1964) is one my "go to" movies when I want to relive my childhood. It's not a coincidence that this story is such a beloved film, book, and broadway success!

Christopher Plummer (December 13, 1929 - present)

How interesting that two of Julie Andrews' most famous leading men share a birthday?! Simply put, The Sound of Music (1965) is easily one of the best films in cinematic history. Rodgers and Hammerstein really know how it's done. Nothing brings me to tears faster than Christopher Plummer singing Edelweiss. He's starred in 197 films (to date), yet to me he will always be Captain Von Trapp.

Christmas Classics

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" which means it's time to watch your favorite holiday classics. We all have, or should have, at least one Christmas film that we can't help but watch during this season.

This genre is always expanding (i.e. A Christmas Story, Elf, etc) but there is just something extra about those wonderful older classic films. Much like listening to Nat King Cole singing 'the Christmas Song' versus Michael Buble. Here's 10 Christmas classics everyone should enjoy....

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) / Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) / Frosty the Snowman (1969)

(Yes, I cheated here and did a three for one deal.) These films are some of our childhood favorites and depending on who you are and your childhood, you will prefer one over the others. 

9. A Christmas Carol (1951)

Probably the most remade Christmas film, A Christmas Carol is definitely a classic. Whether you see the play, watch the movie or read Dicken's classic tale, this story is a must during the season to get you in the "Christmas spirit". 

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Who can't resist Dr. Seuss' memorable sing song rhyme... "It came without ribbons. it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." 

7. The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Let's face it, 90% of the reason this is a great movie is Cary Grant. The ladies might enjoy this one a bit more but nonetheless, it has some superb acting and a heartwarming story.

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Cue the piano. It just wouldn't be Christmas without some Charlie Brown. Easily the film with the best message of what Christmas is all about.

5. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

A wonderful film to watch all the year round but some consider it a Christmas movie. This is the classic story which has been remade into the films 'In the Good Old Summertime' (1949) and 'You've Got Mail' (1998) as well as the 1978 Broadway musical 'She Loves Me'.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Every year since I can remember I have watched this movie with my Daddy-O on Thanksgiving weekend. It has always been a great way to kick off the Christmas season in our household. 

3. Holiday Inn (1942)

What would we do at Christmastime without the enchanting music of Irving Berlin? This fun romantic comedy is great for any holiday but especially perfect during Christmas and New Year's.

2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

In my opinion, the most moving Christmas film there has ever been. Frank Capra is one of the great story tellers of our time and this is no exception.

1. White Christmas (1954)

We are all familiar with Bing Crosby's suave chorus of 'White Christmas'. Irving Berlin does it again with wonderful music and dancing in one happy Christmas motion picture.