Saturday 9: Over There (1942)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this rendition? Hear it here.
1) George M. Cohan wrote this song in 1917, inspired by our country's entry into WWI. It was not only popular with the young men who enlisted, it was reassuring to their families. Tell us about a time when music was a comfort to you.
Music is always comforting, especially Lawsuit music when I'm missing Paul.
2) "Over There" was revived at the start of WWII, and President Franklin Roosevelt cited this song specifically when he awarded Cohan with the Congressional Gold Medal. What's your favorite patriotic song?
Probably "Stars and Stripes Forever."
3) This rendition of the song is from the 1942 film, Yankee Doodle Dandy. James Cagney won an Oscar for his performance as George M. Cohan. Also nominated that year was Gary Cooper, who portrayed a different Yankee, Lou Gehrig, in Pride of the Yankees. Tell us about a movie biography you have enjoyed.
I have seen a lot of biographies I have loved, like Calamity Jane, Houdini, Interrupted Melody (story of opera singer Marjorie Lawrence), The King and I, Sound of Music, The Miracle Worker and a whole bunch more.
4) Cagney had a rebellious streak. His boss, studio head Jack Warner, nicknamed Cagney, "The Professional Againster." Cagney joked that he was proud of the title. How about you? Are you rebellious?
Good lord, no.
5) In the clip linked above, a woman sings with Cagney. Her name was Frances Langford, nicknamed the "GI Nightingale" because during WWII she performed for the troops at bases throughout Europe, North Africa and the South Pacific. Do you have any nicknames?
No. Just Bev or Mom.
6) In 1942, when audiences were enjoying this performance of "Over There" in movie theaters, the fashion trend was for mothers and their young daughters to wear identical dresses. Moms would buy lots of fabric and patterns for the same casual day dress in both their own sizes and their little girls'. Can you sew?
Walt has had to throw away shirts that needed buttons sewed on them. My mother was a terrific seamstress, a talent she did not pass along to her daughter!
7) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?
I'm terrible about applying sunscreen. I go out in the sun so seldom that it never occurs to me. When we are out in sun with people who care, they are very good about reminding me to put sunscreen on. That's something we did not grow up with so I never got into the habit.
8) Mosquito bites an be a major summer annoyance. Are you scratching any itches right now?
Oh Lord, I have itches in so many places all the time.
9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?
Well, I don't know what we will be eating on the 4th but Tom's BBQ is essentially a 4th of July BBQ even though it will be a couple of days before the 4th. He will be barbequing tons of beef, chicken, salmon, and veggies on the beach in Santa Barbara and inviting everybody he knows to come and bring side dishes. He usually gets some 50-70 people to show up.
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PHOTO OF THE DAY
My mom didn't pass on her sewing skills, either. I can't sew a botton on, either. I also didn't inherit her knitting skills.
ReplyDelete#6 I am horrible at sewing also, usually I end up poking my fingers.
ReplyDelete#8 I have the no-see-ums that come through the screen and bite. They are small bites but they itch like crazy.
#9 Yikes, that is some cookout!
Oh, I wish I'd remembered to answer with The Miracle Worker! What an exceptional movie about two truly exceptional women.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, The Miracle Worker was a great movie!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a big cookout. I couldn't imagine feeding that many people. I have a lot of itchies too.
ReplyDelete