Media Medley

I bought the most amazing hat on Thursday which I was planning to share with all of you. Unfortunately I woke up yesterday with a massive cold and it refuses to go away! (I was supposed to go for coffee with a rather dapper young gentleman today but that had to be cancelled. I do not enjoy being sick!) So, since I've been watching old movies all day, I've decided it's time for another Media Medley post!

I couldn't find an appropriate picture in my file of magazine scans (I really need to scan more of
my collection...). But since I can't have a post without a picture, here is a random image of soup. 

For those of you who missed my last "Media Medley" post, I basically share some of my favourite songs, radio programs, and movies that are in the public domain. So on with this weeks selections:

Music:
Say Arabella by Billy Murray - This is one of my favourite songs at the moment. I am really loving Billy Murray's recordings, and this is one of his best. It's from 1925.
Vera Lynn Collection - For those Vera fans out there, there are a bunch of her recording available. This is just one of the many collections available of hers in the public domain. 
The Freckle Song - Not sure of the date on this one, but it amuses me. I do love novelty songs.

Movies:
The Kennel Murder Case - I actually watched this one on TV so I'm not sure how the quality is, but I do know it's a good movie. It's a Philo Vance mystery, starring William Powell and Mary Astor.
Kitty from Kansas City - Not the best picture quality, but it has Betty Boop AND Rudy Vallee so I had to share. Just as bizarre as most Betty Boop cartoons (technically she is referred to a Kitty in this cartoon, but she looks like Betty, sounds like Betty and it was made by the same people so I'm calling her Betty).  

Radio Show:
Phillip Marlowe - This is an obvious choice, but it is my all time favourite radio show (I love the novels as well) so I thought I should share with anyone who hasn't heard of this series. Phillip Marlowe is a hard-boiled detective, and while the plot lines are rather predictable (he almost always gets beat up at some point, and there is ALWAYS a pretty dame involved) I always find myself thoroughly enjoying each episode.

I would love to hear your suggestions of great things to watch/listen to!

That's All.

The Artist and a day in Toronto

I've finally got out of the house and done something blog-worthy!! I was supposed to be having a big gettogether with my friends from highschool but that fell apart at the last moment. I was rather upset and my mom took pity on me and offered to pay for Britt and I to go see The Artist in Toronto. Obviously I jumped at the chance! I will get to the movie in a minute but first, outfit photos!

It has finally gotten cold enough to pull my winter coat out of the closet! It is so warm and I love the bright red colour. My original outfit plans included a 1920's style dress but it was just too cold (we had to walk for about 45 minutes to get to the theater, since I'm too cheap to pay for the subway). Instead I went for a more subtle early 1930's influence.

I bowed my lips, using my Ruby Woo lipstick (and cherry liner) which perfectly matches my coat!

Outfit Details:

Coat: Novelti (purchased at an independent store, which has since closed down)

Hat: Made by me using the Sweet Bea pattern (available in my Etsy Shop)

Shoes: Ariat (these are actually riding boots, and by far the best boots I have ever owned)  

Pants: Max Studio (purchased at the same place as the coat)

Sweater: Costa Blanca

Necklace: Made by me. I simply wrapped a long strand of faux pearls around my neck three times and added a brooch (from Michaels)

Gloves: They are from an independent coffee store in Warkworth whose name I have totally forgotten...

The movie itself was amazing! I was worried I would be disappointed but it was great. Even Britt liked it, and she isn't a big fan of old (silent) movies. I realize it wasn't technically an old movie, but it certainly felt like one. The costumes were lovely and the cinematography was very well done. There was also a lot of subtle references to old movies, which were fun to pick out but not essential to the plot. If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend it. It's a shame more theaters aren't showing it!

Media Medley

One of the best things about loving old music is that a lot of it is in the public domain (and thus free). Archive.org has a great selection of various media in the public domain (including movies and radio shows!). However, unless you are looking for something specific, it can be difficult to sort through everything and find the gems. I've been rather lacking blog inspiration lately so I thought I might start a series highlights great songs. Then I decided why limit it to songs? My "Media Medley" posts will feature a movie, radio program, and a couple songs :)

This weeks selections are:
Songs:
Which Switch is the Switch, Miss, for Ipswich? This song is from 1915 and one of my all time favourite songs!
Piccolo Pete Perfomed by Stan Greening & His Orchestra this recording is from 1929.
Various Songs by Smith Ballew This small collections features 5 recordings by Smith Ballew. They are all great but "Just a Gigolo" is my favourite (it is such a sad song!).

Movie:
Lady of Burlesque Stars Barbara Stanwyck as a burlesque dancer who becomes involved with a murder investigation after one of her fellow dancers is killed. Worth watching for some of the costumes alone!

Radio Show:
Casey, Crime Photographer This show ran from 1943 to 1955 and followed the adventures of Casey, a crime photographer for a newspaper (often paired with reporter Ann Williams). Great 30 minute episodes which are perfect to listen to while knitting!