Silly Cinema: The Parent Trap (1961)

Have I mentioned (less than one million times) that The Parent Trap (1961) is my favorite movie in the whole wide world?  Coming from a classic-movie nerd, this might seem like a questionable choice, yet I make no apologies.  The casting is perfect.  The sets and locations are incredible.  The script is hilarious.  The music is stellar.  And the costumes...don't even get me started on the costumes.  The Parent Trap is my "happy place" movie, a movie that I can watch any time of any day in any mood.  It is a movie for which I, an unyielding critic, am forever willing to not only suspend my disbelief that two people would actually separate their infant twins only to never speak to/of said twins again, but to love them all the more for the zany story-telling opportunities their poor decision making created!

"Oh El Capitan, my El Capitan..."

When my dear friend informed me that there was to be a "Throwback Thursday" screening of The Parent Trap at the historic The El Capitan Theatre (est. 1926), I cleared my already-empty schedule and headed straight for Hollywood!  Unfortunately, I wasn't warned that this was not to be a sing-a-long/talk-a-long performance; with a view count reaching into the hundreds, I come prepared with memorized score, script, songs, and a full-arsenal of character voices!

I was more than excited to go to The El Capitan; the only time I had ever been inside was not to see a film, it was to be a character extra in a photo shoot for a restaurant at Disney's California Adventure Park.  Sadly, according to reports, I didn't make it into the restaurant's final design as it was determined that no one could look at my face and keep their food down.  Be that as it may, I was still happy to return to the scene of my crimes against photography.  Often overshadowed by its neighbor across the street, The Chinese Theatre, The El Capitan holds its own as a true movie palace.

If you don't believe me, just take a look a look at the ceiling of the forecourt!!!

And a few of the other glorious details!

Can you believe that we got all of that history and beauty plus popcorn, a drink, and a raffle ticket for only ten dollars - and that was before the movie even started?!!  Once inside the theater, we were further treated to a small display of artifacts from the film. 

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the original puppets used in the
opening title sequence of The Parent Trap.  I had heard from a few insiders
that despite the warehouses full of material, Disney has gaping holes in its
archives.  At only 5-6" tall these pieces could have all easily gone the way
of "Marcia's" hair...

The Parent Trap (Opening Titles)

As I am of the opinion that Maureen O'Hara is the most beautiful creature to have ever roamed the face of this earth, my favorite things to see were the costume sketches for Margaret McKendrick (Maureen O'Hara); her evolution from uptight "well-bred, ladylike, Bostonian matron" to earthy, barefoot goddess is thoughtfully executed in costume by designer, Bill Thomas.

Cold...

Getting warmer...

HOT!  HOT!  HOT!!!
Step aside, Ava Gardner, there is a new "Barefoot Contessa" in town!
I have actually made a version of this outfit for Mary because I could
never get it out of my head!

From clothing design, to architecture (I would KILL for a real version of Mitch Evers', Brian Keith, Carmel ranch), to comedy, to music, it probably goes without saying that this film has informed much of the wacky tacky sensibility.  Having only ever seen the movie on the small screen, however, it was a rare treat to capture some of the finer details on the big screen.

The evening's program began with an medley of Disney favorites played on
a gorgeous theater organ, after which a Disney archivist presented a slide
show highlighting some special behind-the-scenes moments.  Then the real
fun began!

Our old pal, Richard Sherman, one half of that inimitable writing duo,
The Sherman Brothers, was on hand to play, sing, and charm the audience
with stories about the song-writing process for The Parent Trap.  He explained
that he and his brother, Robert, basically composed the entire soundtrack, with
each new song an attempt to name the movie ("Let's Get Together," "For Now,
For Always," etc.).  It wasn't until Walt Disney came to them with the name
"The Parent Trap" that they composed the film's title song and the rest is history.

Leaving the stage to a standing ovation, Mr. Sherman joined the audience and the house lights dimmed so the movie could begin.  If, for whatever reason of moral delinquency, you've lived your entire life without ever having seen The Parent Trap, then repent now for the kingdom of Hayley Mills is nigh.  Should you not have access to a glorious movie palace, a television, a dvd player, or a pirated movie stream, then you are welcome to the wacky tacky clubhouse for a viewing; The Parent Trap DVD is more than likely already in the player.  Should the power go out, I can always perform my live-action version for you, in which I play every role.  C'mon, "Let's Get Together!"

"Let's Get Together" - Hayley Mills & Hayley Mills

from The Parent Trap (1961)

Do you have any beautiful movie palaces where you live?  Have you seen The Parent Trap?  Have you seen it as many times as I have and committed it to memory?  If you could die and come back as any person, would it be Hayley Mills?

The El Capitan Theatre

6838 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

(818)845-3110

elcapitantheatre.disney.com

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

AWARDS SEASON III: Ich Liebster Dich

Oo-de-lolly!!!  Amidst the excitement of our big blog giveaway and the forthcoming holidays, I've barely had time to think about my next post.  Fortunately, the problem has been solved in a very timely fashion by The Pocket Size Wife.  Much to my surprise and honor, she has awarded wacky tacky with the Liebster Blog Award.

Blog awards are always a bit of a challenge because instead of writing about things that I like, I am forced to write about a subject on which I have a tenuous grasp at the best of times - myself.  Answering the eleven questions that are a mandate of the Liebster Award, I had to think a little harder and do a little more self-reflection than I would normally.  So, with my answers here, we can both play a special game that I like to call "Getting to Know You."

"Getting to Know You" - The Lennon Sisters on

The Lawrence Welk Show

1. What is your favorite film from the silver screen era?

This is one of those questions to which it is impossible to reply with a single answer.  I have a very large collection of movies and most are pre-1960.  Movies that I LOVE include: Sunset Boulevard, My Man Godfrey, North by Northwest, Now Voyager, State Fair, and many more.  To be perfectly honest, my favorite movie of all time would probably not be considered the silver screen's finest production but it is my "happy place" movie that I can watch anytime, anywhere - The Parent Trap (the original with Hayley Mills, Brian Keith, Una Merkel, and Maureen "Hubba Hubba" O'Hara).

The Parent Trap
(Source)

2.  What is the number one thing you can't live without from your closet and why?

Hmmmm...I think I am known more for creating clothes than for the clothes I wear.  I wish that I put more effort into my clothing and appearance but I am extremely low maintenance.  I prefer work wear for everyday, so I guess the answer then is denim - jeans AND overalls.

It would make so much more sense if I worked even half as hard as these guys.
(Source)

3. Who is your most influential style icon from the past and from today?

A figure from the past that I would give anything to look like (physically and clothing wise) is Cary Grant.  He had amazing style but it wasn't too precious or overwrought.  Many guys in the vintage community put in more effort, time, and energy into the acquisition, handling, and display of their clothes than any woman I know; I think that it takes all of the fun out of it.  Also, I am not a big, macho, manly man but this activity in men seems so non-masculine/prissy.  Cary Grant could look dapper, dashing, sophisticated, or relaxed without trying too hard and he always looked like a man.  My paternal grandfather had similar style; he always looked very put together without trying hard.  He wore clothing that was always appropriate for the occasion; he dressed as much for my grandma as he did for himself and he took a healthy amount of pride in his appearance.

This is what I want to look like.
(Source)

This is what I want to wear.
(Source)

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

I hate to say it, but it is TMZ, not so much the website as the TV show.  Even though I don't participate heavily in contemporary popular culture, I can't help but be fascinated by our society's (and my own) perennial obsession with celebrity.  One time I was driving through Beverly Hills and the TMZ tour bus was next to me;  I rolled down my window and kept yelling at the tourists that I was one of the Backstreet Boys.  I am a dork - a dork that thinks he's hilarious.  I'm also hooked on The People's Court but I don't feel guilty about that at all.

TMZ - I don't even know what that means??
(Source)

Harvey & Marilyn
The stars of my two favorite shows
(Source)

5. What is your current obsession?

My blog.  Is that weird?  Most of the things I do in my life are things that I have to do.  My blog is something that I get to do and look very much forward to doing.  I really enjoy every aspect of it - research, creating, adventure, writing, and connecting with awesome people.

Does that make me self-obsessed?

6. What is your most prized possession and how did you come about it?

I was born into it.  I hate to be serious but my family is my most prized possession.  My parents are cool and they, if not indulge, at least tolerate my eccentricities.  My very best friends are my brothers and sisters and their support means more to me than all the collections in the world.  And I'm not sure if I've mentioned him or not, but my nephew is the light of my life!!!  

My family - truly possessed.

I think all collectors go through phases of hunting, hoarding, and purging.  I am far from evolved, but I am definitely in the phase of disenchantment with my "stuff."  I am ready to organize and simplify; I find that experiences and adventures are far more fulfilling than amassing a bunch of things.  Having said all that,  I am quite fond of my sewing machine.  It wasn't cheap and I had to save to get it.  It is a tool that helps me turn my ideas into reality.

7. What famous person from the past or present do you think you look like?

I don't think that anyone in this world has ever gotten famous by looking like me - heaven help them if they do!!!  I never get stopped and told by anyone, "Hey, you look just like...." or "Does anyone ever tell you that you are the spitting image of..."  I have been told multiple times over the phone that I sound like Robert Downey, Jr.  Granted, it was by the same woman each time and she was trying to sell me something; my family has assured me that I sound nothing like Robert Downey, Jr.  I don't know, maybe Chaz Bono or Francis from Pee Wee's Big Adventure???

Francis Bux-TON
(Source)

Chaz Bono
(Source)

What do you think?

8. If you had one more day to live, how would you spend it?  What would you do?

I would spend it with my family - in shifts (we don't do well all crammed together in one room).  I think I would want to be exploring the desert or adventuring in Australia.  Food would definitely be involved.  I might even indulge in dairy products.  Lactose intolerance be damned - tomorrow I die!!!

I need some good, old fashioned nutrition!
(Source)

9.  Are you a pet lover? If so, do you own any pets?

Alas, I am allergic to everything - hair, fur, or feathers practically send me into anaphylactic shock.  We have had the odd fish (they were indeed odd - at least two committed suicide) over the years but I think the allergy gene negated the animal lover gene in me.

That's me...the boy in the bubble.
(Source)

10. If you could go back in time, where would you and why?

Another tough one to answer.  It is probably obvious from my blog that I am particularly enamored with the first two-thirds of the 20th Century, so I would want to pick the perfect time where I could go back and enjoy the best of every decade.  I constantly think about the business opportunities; I could go back and buy up huge quantities of vintage clothes, cars, Christmas decorations, bakelite and bring them all back to the 21st Century and get rich!

I don't think Doc and Marty ever fully explored the money making potential of the DeLorean.
(Source)

11.  Who would you like to go out to lunch with from the blogging world?

Without a doubt, it would be the group of bloggers from Nashville that I follow.  If y'all (see how I included that) aren't familiar with Eartha Kitsch of Ranch Dressing with Eartha Kitsch, Lisa of My Pretty Baby Cried She was a Bird, and Rae of Say It Ain't So, then be sure to check out their blogs.  They are hilarious, they collect awesome stuff, and even though at least two of them are vegetarian, I know we would be eating beautiful layer cakes, Pac-Man cookies, and delicious Southern food.  

Eartha's Beautiful Bunny Cake
(Source)

Lisa's Pac-Man Cookies
(Source)

Rae's Raspberry Coffee Cake from Heaven
(Source)

I must pause and express my gratitude to The Pocket Size Wife for this award.  Thank you for thinking us worthy of the award; I hope we can maintain your interest and support.

If you haven't yet visited her blog, be sure to check it out.  There is something for everyone there - marriage, Morrissey, millinery, and more!!!  Thanks again!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

ABC Boogie

Not so very long ago, I was awarded the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award by my friend Emily over at The Silver Screen Affair.  As part of that award and subsequent blog post I was required to list seven, little-known facts about myself.  Recently, I have hit one of life's charming, little "bumps in the road" and consequently, "ye olde blog" has definitely suffered.  I haven't gotten out of the house very much and therefore have not had much about which to write.  In a feeble effort to maintain the blog, I thought I would share an additional bit of personal trivia (something I would not ordinarily do) because I am a "blogger lemming" and after seeing a few other bloggers share their alphabetical information I thought it seemed interesting.  Hopefully, I am not alone in that.  To get you in the spirit, please enjoy the "ABC Boogie."

"ABC Boogie" - Bill Haley & The Comets

A-Age: 

Majority.  I always wondered why people hid their true age; now I know it is because it is embarrassing to explain to people that even though you act like you're 14, you're actually 30 - from what I hear.

B-Bed: 

I go alone. Nosy, yeesh...

C-Chore that you hate:

Shaving!!!  I suppose shaving would better be listed under the category of personal hygiene/grooming but dang, it is definitely a chore.  What can I say, I have a big face!

D-Dogs:

They're barking...time for some orthotics.

E-Essential start to your day:

Waking up.

F-Favorite Color:

It is hard to think of a color that I don't like.  I am definitely drawn to the primaries.

G-Gold or silver:

This is probably the only one that I can give a completely-honest and unequivocal answer - GOLD, GOLD, GOLD!!!!  Silver just ain't tacky.

H-Height:

Am I standing up straight?

I-Instruments you play:

Okay, it's time to get a little serious.  Just recently I have discovered that one is never too old to become a child prodigy.  Without bragging, I have been told that I am a Fisher-Price Pull-A-Tune Xylophone virtuoso.  I am self-taught and play entirely by ear.

J-Job title:

The title that I would give my job is far different than the imprint on my business card.  Until the whole go-go dancer/reality show star thing works out, I think it better to simply refrain from saying anything negative. 

K-Kids:

Love 'em.  No matter how old I get my mentality remains that of a seven-year-old - a very hungry, very opinionated, very surly, seven-year-old that has missed his nap, but a seven-year-old nonetheless.  It is their honesty and quickness to laugh that makes kids the best human beings.  I could never be a teacher, Sunday School or otherwise, because I think everything kids do is hysterical.

L-Live:
Absolutely, despite the ghostly pallor, I am 100% alive - okay, maybe 94% alive in sunny, Southern California.

M-Mother's name:

Sometimes I wish that it was Lily Munster or even Yvonne de Carlo but I got pretty lucky with the mom I have; her name is Deborah.

N-Nicknames:

Occasionally, people drop the "Mister" and just call me Tiny.  I am very decorous, however, and do not encourage this kind of behavior.

O-Overnight hospital stays:

None, but there's always tomorrow.  That's me, always looking on the bright side.

P-Pet peeves:

Bad drivers - with those who flip me off when they have done something wrong leading the category followed closely by those who refuse to use their turn signals, cutting in line, coughing and/or sneezing (yes, general symptoms of a potential allergy attack/cold drive me bonkers), fake British accents,  uncorrected, speech-impediments in adults, people at work who obviously see the sign but continue to exit the restroom without washing their hands, weak hand shakes (especially with the people at work who have not washed their hands), my neighbor of over 20 years who knows my name but puts "anonymous" notes addressed to "driver of this car" on my windshield threatening to call the police when I park in front of his house on a public street with the added suggestion that I park a block away and walk so his "view" will remain undisturbed, servers in restaurants who sit down with me when they are taking my order, being "put on hold" when I am actually present in a store/at an office so the person can take a phone call, slow walkers, when the volume on the TV doubles during commercial breaks...I could go on but I am afraid I'll begin to lose friends and followers...

Q-Quote from a movie:

Where do I start???  I try not to be one of those people who constantly quote films but I am an avid movie watcher and sometimes the quote fits!  Basically, any line from The Parent Trap (1961), The Quiet Man, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  Also, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon; we already have the stars."

Side note: please notice the disparity between
Sharon's dainty tootsies and Susan's gargantuan, bare feet!
Additional side note:  I think Maureen O'Hara is one of the
most beautiful women to have ever graced our universe,

R-Right or left handed:

Correct.

S-Siblings:

Two many brothers and two many sisters...get it?

T-Time you wake up:

I think it actually is time that I woke up.  Truthfully, I wake up as late as possible whilst still allowing me to get to work reasonably on time. 

U-Underwear:

Buy me dinner. 

V-Vegetable you hate:

I can't think of a veggie that I hate - except CELERY!!!  You can cover it with all of the peanut butter in Peter Pan's arsenal and it still tastes gross!  And it has strings!  STRINGS!!! It's like getting a stray hair with every bite! Yech!

W-What makes you run late:

I never run if I can help it.

X-X rays you've had:

Is it normal for people to gag to the point of vomiting from routine, dental x-rays?  No, I am not asking because it happens to me every time.

Y-Yummy food that you make:

Everything I make is yummy.  I am loathe to toot my own horn, but I am a solid home-cook and love to make dinner for the fam.  Clean plates and no complaints!  I think I'll tole paint that on a little sign to hang above the stove....barf.

Z-Zoo animal:

I've already discussed my siblings, quit asking.


BONUS ABC TRIVIA: I can say/sing the alphabet backwards in under 3 seconds.  I'm sure a lot of people are capable of the same thing but really, throw me a bone, it's all I've got.




Cheers!


Mr. Tiny