Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly’s Favorite Things

She was more than an actress; Grace Kelly took beauty and fame to a whole other level when she became the Princess of Monaco. And she became the embodiment of her own name.

But she was more than just a pretty face. At Grace Kelly’s funeral, a touching eulogy was read by actor James Stewart, who said ‘You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met’.

Classic Cinema, Designer, Grace Kelly, Her Favorite Things, Inspiration, Love, WeddingStefanie CosmanNovember 12, 2019grace kelly, royalty, princess, fragrancesComment

Classic Hollywood Recipes to Keep You Warm

I am a tremendous fan of Jean Harlow -- not just her work, but the woman behind the silver screen. Her life was plagued by scandal and, in the end, tragedy. But before that, she was the kind of film star who, if she happened to meet you on the street, might invite you to that evening's barbecue. She truly wanted to make her guests feel welcome, and was known as more of a tomboy than a glamour girl to those who knew her best -- more at home in pants than in sequined dresses.

Which is perhaps why I had to try out one of her recipes, in preparation for the upcoming colder months.

Classic Cinema, Jean Harlow, Recipes, SimplicityStefanie CosmanNovember 11, 2019RecipesComment

Classic Hollywood Haunted: A Carole Lombard Ghost?

An avid Carole Lombard fan, I feel a certain reverence visiting Las Vegas’ Pioneer Saloon. If you are wondering why I feel such a veneration for Carole Lombard, it might help to read The Beautiful Ghost Story Behind I Love Lucy.

If you aren’t familiar with Carole Lombard’s life story already, the main thing you should know is that Classic Hollywood starlet (and comedienne extraordinaire) Carole Lombard died tragically in a plane crash on nearby Mt. Petosi. Her husband, King of Hollywood Clark Gable (aka Rhett Butler) was devastated.

Carole Lombard, SupernaturalStefanie CosmanOctober 28, 2019Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, classic cinemaComment

A True Alfred Hitchcock Ghost Story

In honor of Halloween, this month I am focusing on Hollywood tales of a spooky nature. Enjoy!

Sometimes when I am reading interesting stories from Old Hollywood, accounts vary tremendously. This one about a shrunken head is too good to ignore, regardless of the differences in details.

It seems that Clark Gable once gave Carole a shrunken head as a gift -- you see, they were both the ultimate pranksters. It was their thing -- to try to one up each other.

But this time, Clark had gone too far. Carole accused him of putting a curse on her, and threw the shrunken head out the window on the way to a party as they passed through Coldwater Canyon. This is where the story diverges. It is well-documented that they went back to pick up the head (I guess she was afraid of the fury of the shrunken head, perhaps because she was known to consult with psychics and mediums? I am sure they would advise her that was not good ju-ju).

Carole Lombard, SupernaturalStefanie CosmanOctober 21, 2019Ghosts, carole lombard, Clark Gable, Alfred Hitchcock, HalloweenComment

Movie Stars of the 1920s Favorite Getaway: Hearst Castle

An invitation to "the Ranch" back in the days of Old Hollywood was like finding a real life golden ticket to meet someone who, in many ways, was like Willy Wonka -- without the chocolate. The guests of Hearst Castle included the greatest of the glittering Hollywood elite: David Niven, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, Errol Flynn, and Cary Grant.

If you were in the news, you might find yourself lucky enough to garner an invitation -- Hearst was in the publishing world, after all, and he loved to meet the people that made headlines.

Now, Hearst Castle is a State Park. For the fee of $25 per tour, you can enter the place that once upon a time, was esconced in mystery, only accessible to very few.

Classic Cinema, Golden Age of Cinema, SupernaturalStefanie CosmanOctober 7, 2019Comment

7 Scary Classic Movies

Modern cinema offers a plethora of scares; from Ari Astor’s nightmarish Midsommar to Jordan Peele’s psychological terror, Us, you don’t have to look far to get the living daylights scared out of you.

But lest you find yourself craving a more vintage scare, the following are some of the creepiest films to keep you in the spooky mood.

Classic Cinema, Supernatural, Classic Movie Round UpStefanie CosmanOctober 7, 2019spooky, ghost, halloween, scary movies, Alfred HitchcockComment

Marilyn Monroe's Favorite Books: A Classic Reading List

One might not think of Marilyn Monroe as a bookworm, but she actually considered literature one of her favorite hobbies. In fact, some argue that she was photographed reading more than she was ever photographed nude.

Knowing this kind of makes the following quote all the more meaningful, doesn’t it?

Her Favorite Things, Inspiration, Marilyn MonroeStefanie CosmanSeptember 9, 2019Marilyn Monroe Comments

Views from Sunset Boulevard

As I drive down Sunset Boulevard, I can see the Hollywood sign and I think about a quote attributed to Marilyn Monroe.

.“I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I’m not going to worry about them. I’m dreaming the hardest.”

Month in ReviewStefanie CosmanSeptember 2, 2019News, Hollywood, cinemaComment

9 Classic Breakup Movies to Help You Survive the End of a Relationship

The agony of a breakup is undeniable. You read inspiring pick-me-up articles that suggest you exercise, drown yourself in chocolate, and hang out with your gal pals. “Enjoy your independence!” they say.

Meanwhile, you are thinking of all the things you would rather experience than your present heartache. You would rather fall into a river infested with bloodthirsty pirhanas. Get an unexpected phone call from the IRS. Live through a fiery armageddon.