Peter O'Toole 1932-2013

Always loved Peter O'Toole. So beautiful, so elegant, so witty.

An amazing actor who lived life tot he full. He will be much missed but still will always have his films to enjoy. One of my favourites was How To Steal a Million. A fluffy comedy but did Audrey Hepburn and Peter light up the screen. A joy to watch.

I loved this quote and he certainly a achieved it

As a teenager, Peter O'Toole scribbled a pledge in his notebook:

 "I will not be a common man. I will stir the smooth sands of monotony."

 

Review of America's Queen by Sarah Bradford

America's Queen by Sarah Bradford

 

 

Synopsis taken from The Daily Mail

With the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination just days away, this revised and reissued biography is a timely reminder of the contradictory and complicated character of the First Lady. The daughter of a notorious drunk and womaniser whom she adored, Jackie was attracted to power and money and if that meant tolerating sexual infidelity, then the deal was worth it. However, she valued loyalty above all else in others, and could be ruthless with those who broke ranks. Her lasting role in American history was cemented by the images of her at JFK’s assassination and funeral, although her subsequent marriage to the physically unattractive but rich and influential Aristotle Onassis shocked many.  Bradford’s sources include Jackie’s sister, Lee Radziwill and although Jackie’s obsessive privacy leaves many doors still unopened, this is a revealing portrait.

 

My Musings

I was really pleased to see this fascinating biography reissued. (Although I do prefer the original pink cover). For anyone interested in the Kennedy's or just in the rich and powerful this is a must.
Jackie was a product of her family, especially her womanising father, Black Jack Bouvier. She learned from him the importance of money and also how to deal with charming rogues and Alpha Males. It charts her extraordinary rise to the top of America's political royalty. How she used her attributes, her attractiveness and little girl voice to full effect while being capable of total ruthlessness and coldness. It gives us an insight into how and why a woman would put up with such a womanising husband. It also exposes why in fact she did fall for Onassis much to America's horror at the time. Bradford has written a multi layered and in depth account of Jackies' life and of those closest to her. She was a formidable woman who's love of  power and wealth and her ruthless ambition probably helped her deal with the unimaginable cruelties that littered her family's life. This is a great present and a real page turner.

If you like this you might like

Life of the Party by Christopher Ogden
This is the fascinating story of Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman , whom when I started it I knew absolutely nothing about. However a friend insisted that I read it and I wasn't disappointed. An absolute riot of a read!!
NB. from what I can see this is now out of print but if you can get your hands on it snap it up quickly!

Synopsis

When President Bill Clinton nominated Pamela Harriman to become U.S. ambassador to France in 1993, he was rewarding an extraordinary supporter with a crown jewel from the American political spoils system. Few deserved it more. The glamorous widow of statesman Averell Harriman had sheltered the Democratic party through a dozen years of exile and had used her late husband's fortune and her own drive to raise $12 million for the party and, ultimately, Clinton's campaign. But long before she became a diplomat, Pamela Harriman had an international reputation - as courtesan of the century. The ambitious eldest child of an English baron, Pamela was eager to flee rural life when her formal education ended at sixteen. Red-haired, voluptuous, and sexy at eighteen, when she claims to have met Adolf Hitler, she married Winston Churchill's only son at the onset of World War II and moved into No. 10 Downing Street. A volatile marriage to Randolph Churchill propelled the seductive young mother into wartime affairs with such powerful men as Harriman, Edward R. Murrow, and top generals on both sides of the Anglo-American alliance. After the war, Pamela divorced, moving to France and into liaisons with wealthy playboys Aly Khan, Gianni Agnelli, and Elie de Rothschild. Her second marriage, to Sound of Music producer Leland Hayward, put her at the crossroads of Broadway and Hollywood in the 1960s. After Hayward's death, a family feud, and a flirtation with Frank Sinatra, she married the seventy-nine-year-old Harriman. The former ambassador, New York governor, and presidential candidate introduced her to a new generation of world leaders as well as Democratic party officials delighted to welcome a beautifuland energetic doyenne. Unauthorized, but based on months of exclusive talks with Pamela Harriman, plus interviews with nearly two hundred friends, relatives, and critics, Life of the Party is the first inside look at the spectacular life and rise of a remarkable woman.

Sherlock: Series 3 Launch Trailer - BBC One

Cannot Wait!!!

Review of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire

Synopsis

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

My Musings

I unexpectedly  loved The Hunger Games Book Series which I had put off reading for a while due to the publicity about it's violent content. I also really enjoyed the first film so I couldn't wait for the second installment, Catching Fire. I wasn't disappointed.


The tension builds agonizingly slowely from the beginning when Katniss and Peta are forced to pretend they are in love while on their winning tour  as their family and friends have been threatened by Snow. The dystopian world is brilliantly portrayed with powerful imagery of  the poor areas compared to the rich Capitol. It echoes of regimes and dictatorships past and present and makes it suitably uncomfortable viewing. You feel the repression, the frustration and the desperation of the different sectors to find any hope and that they find it in Katniss who seem to have broken rules but still be alive and well. Donald Sutherland and Phillip Seymour Hoffman  play the villains like two chess masters using the Hunger Games competitors as pawns to hang on to power.

With rebellions breaking out , in desperation they take all the winners of past Hunger Games and pit them against one another in a Hunger Games Special . Like before the competitors form alliances alongside enemies  while surviving against whatever Hoffman throws at them as The Games Master. This part is really exciting and one point ( monkeys!)  I jumped out of my chair. It's very eerily atmospheric, mainly played out in dusk but they show Katniss as a real warrior showing no mercy and her growing feelings tomards Peta. Suzanne Harris wanted to show what violence really can do, what a battle can be like and the consequences of those actions and the sacrifice that people have to make rather than glamorise it as they do in other films and books. They definately succeeded in this film which I really appreciated.

I really appreciate seeing a strong powerful and inspiring femail role model. Jennifer Lawrence must be thrilled to have such an iconic role that even today is a rarity. I also think the films success rely heavily on her commitment to the role. This does not include a spoiler but the brilliant last scene is exceptional as Jennifer lets you know exactly what Katniss is feeling without uttering a single word.

The film really tries to remain true to the book while making a gripping action film. You will leave the cinema with your adrenilin pumping!  I cannot wait to see the third film.
A MUST SEE!!

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 Fiction for Adults and Children

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 Fiction for Adults and Children

Alina Cojocaru and Sergei Polunin by Zoe James-Williams, pastel

My list of ballet books was getting so long I thought I had better put it into two parts.

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 focuses on ballet in fiction for adults and children.

Ballet In Fiction

Prima Donna by Karen Swan

Pia Soto is the sexy and glamorous prima ballerina, the Brazilian bombshell who’s shaking up the ballet world with her outrageous behaviour. She’s determined that no man will ever control her destiny. But ruthless financier Will Silk has Pia in his sights, When a devastating accident threatens to cut short Pia’s illustrious career, Sophie has to step out of the shadows and face up to the demons in her own life. A really fun holiday read by an author who has clearly done her research. Very enjoyable with larger than life characters and lots of glamour!

Pan ISBN 978-1447223740

Check out Karen Swan's Website

Dancer by Colin McCann

Fictional life of Rudolf Nureyev as a child and how he became a dancer.

Phoenix ISBN: 978-0753817049

First Love by Adrienne Sharp

Gripping story of two ballet dancers in love making their way through the ranks. Quite dark in places so have put it in Fiction but could be given to older teenager. NB this seems to be out of print but if you can get it worth the read. An easy holiday read.

Arrow ISBN-13: 978-0099491026

Two books using Degas and the ballet world so must read

Painted girls by Cathy Buchanan

Set in the Paris it tells the story of three sisters, one of whom becomes the model for Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. A Darkly Beautiful read on theatre life in The Belle Epoque. For My Review click here

US Imports ISBN-13: 978-1594486241

Ballet in Children's Fiction 7+

Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A historical romance in which one Harriet Morton comes to life only when she attends her weekly ballet class in 1912. She finds her fortune as a dancer, but all the time she is followed by her father and by the man intent on becoming her husband. A great read for Ibbotson fans and a modern day classic!
Picador ISBN- 978-0230014848
Children 9+

Ballet Shoes Noel Streatfield

The story of three sisters going to stage school, the youngest being an inspiring dancer. A Classic.

Puffin ISBN- 978-0141334424
Children 9+

Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfield

When their mother dies, leaving them orphaned, Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their aunt, who runs a troupe of dancing girls -'Mrs Wintle's Little Wonders'. Hilary, a talented dancer, settles there immediately and loves the chance to dance every day. Rachel finds it more difficult to fit in. She's also got another worry on her mind. Her mother's dying wish was for Hilary to attend the Royal Ballet School. But Hilary seems to have other ideas! Another classic

Hodder ISBN- 978-0340626634
Children 9+

Magic Ballerina Series by Darcey Bussell

A delightful series of stories about different little ballerina's on various adventures. The first one is called Delphie and the Magic Ballet Slippers.

Harper Collins ISBN- 978-0007286072
Children 7+

Ballet in Picture and Activity Books

TIGER IN A TUTU BY FABI SANTIAGO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A striking picture book about a tiger who aspires to be a ballet dancer in Paris. Against all the odds he follows his dream and with a little help from his new friend finally performs in a proper theatre. The bold limited palette really captures the French capital and the twilight world of theatre life. Enchanting and inspiring with the lovely sentiment that nothing is impossible this is the perfect present for little dancers everywhere.
ISBN: 9781408336885 HB Orchard Books £11.99

5/5 Stars

Ella Bella Series by James Mayhew

Stories of a little student ballerina being whisked away into the words of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and the Nutcracker (isbn below). Beautiful illustrations and a real delight.

Orchard ISBN-: 978-1408314081

Ps. James has a great blog to check out
James Mayhew Blog

Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

Funny and heart warming story of a Dog who Dreams of Being a Ballerina

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1847384744

Tutu Tilly Series by Adele Geras

Tilly's adventures as a ballerina including My Ballet Dream and Little Ballet Star and The Ballet Class(isbn below)

Orchard ISBN: 978-1843624134

Angelina Ballerina Series by Katherine Holabird

A Series of adventures of a little mouse who is a ballerina. Picture Books

Puffin ISBN- 978-0723271666

Fairy Pop-Up Ballet Tree

A beautiful 3D pop-up tree with movable pieces, press-out fairies and decorations, fun fairy facts and a novelty pocket

Macmillan ISBN 978-0230760301

How to Draw Princesses and Ballerinas by Fiona Watt 5+

Aspiring artists can choose from gorgeous projects including a Sugar Plum Fairy, a Fairytale castle and a Princess Sleepover. With simple step-by-step instructions, children will be able to produce satisfying results time and time again.

Usborne ISBN 978-1409566366

Ballerinas, Usborne Sticker Fashion by Leonie Pratt 5+

Dress the ballerinas up in different costumes with 400 stickers provided

Usborne ISBN 978-0746076583

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 1 Non Fiction

Waiting to Dance, pastel by Zoe James-Williams www.zoejameswilliams.com


Books for Ballet Lovers
Being a huge ballet lover and fan I have read and have been given all types of ballet books so I thought I would make a categorised list from my bookshelf and wish list. Please feel free to add suggestions that I may have missed.

Ballet Biographies

No Way Home by Carlos Acosta

Superb rags-to-riches story of one of the world’s greatest dancers, from his difficult beginnings living in poverty in the backstreets of Cuba to his astronomical rise to international stardom.

Harper Perennial     ISBN 978-0007250783

Xander Parish, Russian Prince

This tells the extraordinary story of the former Royal Ballet dancer, whose exceptional talent was spotted by Yuri Fateyev, artistic director of the legendary St Petersburg company.

 ISBN 978-09549804-6-7 £15.95

Rudolf Nureyev, The Life by Judith Kavanagh

A fascinating biography of one of the worlds most famous ballet dancers. It covers his highs and lows and you will laugh and cry. A real work of love.

Penguin ISBN- 978-0141029696

  

Daria Klimentova, The Agony and Ectasy by Daria Klimentova and Graham Watts

Autobiography of Daria Klimentova Senior Principal at English National Ballet. Daria had forged a remarkable partnership with the young Russian Principal, Vadim Muntagirov,

Metro Books ISBN 978-1857828832

Margot Fonteyn by Meredith Daneman

The extraordinary life of one of Britains most loved prima ballerina's.

Penguin ISBN 978-0140165302

Dancer in Wartime by Gillian Lynne

Biography of a young dancer working her way through the ranks in WW2 alonside such names as Fonteyn and Moira Shearer. I thought this was a delight. Very insightful and fascinating.

Vintage ISBN 978-0099555773

Bloomsbury Ballerina by Judith Mackrell

The extraordinary story of Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova who lived a long and remarkable life.

Orion ISBN- 978-0753825785

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li's inspirational story of how he came to be Mao's last dancer, and one of the world's greatest ballet dancers.

Penguin ISBN: 978-0141040226

Hope in a Ballet Shoe by Michaela and Elaine DePrince 

Biography of an orphan from Sierra Leon who becomes a ballerina against all the odds. A Truelly inspiring read.

Isbn 

My Review of Hope in a Ballet Shoe

The Royal Ballet 75 Years by Zoe Anderson

In 1931, Ninette de Valois started a ballet company with just six dancers. Within twenty years, the Royal Ballet was established as one of the world's great companies. This book presents a critical account of its first 75 years, tracing the company's growth, and its great cultural importance.
Faber and Faber ISBN 978-0571227969

Ballet in Coffee Table Books/ Photography Books

Pas de deux, The Royal Ballet in Pictures

I love this book, its got some gorgeous photos off and on stage of principal Royal Ballet dancers.

Invitation Sylvie Guillem

Photographs of the ballet phenomenon that is Mademoiselle Non!

ISBN-13: 978-2702207000

Darcy Bussell by Darcy Bussell

This book of stunning images chronicles Darcey Bussell's amazing career on the stage.

Ballet Russe

Dancers Behind The Scenes by Andrei Uspenki

Royal Ballet dancer Andrej Uspenski has a unique perspective on photographic composition of dance imagery, as well as unrivalled access not only to the Royal Ballet's productions, but also to the dancers who perform in them. This gives the reader an exclusive insight in to the Royal Ballet's work. DANCERS includes exclusive, backstage photographs, as well as a number of breathtaking images taken from the wings during live stage performances, making this a unique photographic record, perfect for all ballet fans. Some amazing photos.

Oberon Books ISBN 978-1849433884

Natalia Osipova, Becoming a Swan By Andrei Uspenski

Haven't seen this yet but I am sure it a beautiful book and a must for fans of Osipova

ISBN 978-1783190225

Diaghilev and The Golden Age of Ballet Russes by Jane Pritchard

A sumptous book charting the rise and fall of Diaghilev and his legendary ballet company Ballet Russes

V&A Publishing ISBN 978-1851776139

Ballet in Art Books

Laura Knight at the Theatre by Timothy Wilcox

Wonderful book of the first femail RA and her passion for ballet and theatre

Unicorn Press Ltc ISBN-13: 978-1906509798

Degas and The Ballet: Picturing Movement by Richard Kendall

Gorgeous book to go with a past exhibition at the RA. Quite a tombe but well worth the read and some wonderful paintings and drawings included

ISBN-13: 978-1905711680

Degas Drawings

Lovely PB book for those who admired Degas drawings of ballet dancers

Dover Publications, ISBN:9780486406985

Sir William Russell Flint by Ralph Lewis (Out of Print but if you do find one buy it!)

Features his paintings of ballet dancers and Moira Shearer who stared in the Red Shoes

Reference Books for Ballet

The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions and Joys of Ballet by Eliza Gaynor Mindon

A great reference book that covers all aspects of ballet
Simon and Schuster ISBN 978-0743264075

Paul Walker 1973-2013

Paul Walker  1973-2013

 

 

Waking up to the shocking news Hollywood actor Paul Walker had tragically died in a car crash today.

I am a huge fan his and of the  Fast and Furious franchise. I had only just watched the latest great installment.

 

 I also have to mention Below Eight a beautiful adventure film in the Arctic. One of my favourite animal films and another wonderful vehicle for Paul Walker.

 

Not only was he incredibly good looking but a great actor and had real presence on screen. His career was going from strength to strength. He will be very much missed.

Thought and prayers with his family and friends