The Sound of Music. Singin’ in the Rain. The Wizard of Oz. Cabaret. When people talk about the best movie musicals, these are often the titles that you’ll hear. In my opinion, there is one glaring omission: 1953’s Kiss Me, Kate. A brilliant mixture of William Shakespeare and Cole Porter, Kiss Me, Kate first opened… Read more »
Entries by Michaela Owens
The Exquisite Esther Williams
Guest post by Michaela Owens. Let me start this by saying that it was a miracle I didn’t end up writing 10,000 words. When it comes to a woman named Esther Williams, I honestly can’t stop myself from blubbering. Strong, confident, funny, self-aware, and resilient, Esther Williams became an instant role model to me when… Read more »
Om Shanti Om: A Giddy Cinematic Ride
Guest post by Michaela Owens. Four years ago, I watched a film I never forgot. Every week for my musical theatre class, we would watch a range of musicals, from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to Rent. I had heard of all of them, except for an export from Bollywood called Om Shanti Om. Only one person… Read more »
In Praise of Cary Grant
Guest contributor Michaela Owens extols the virtues of Cary Grant. When you think of The Philadelphia Story, your first thought is likely of Katharine Hepburn. Who can blame you? Hepburn had a stunningly powerful cinematic presence, and The Philadelphia Story is without a doubt her film — playwright Philip Barry wrote it for her, after… Read more »