Movie: The Love Machine (1971)

I just reviewed a film called THE LOVE MACHINE (1971) for TCM that was recently released on DVD and I couldn't resist sharing a few screen grabs here. The film has some great interiors that I know a lot of vintage furniture and design enthusiasts will love. It's based on a novel by the best-selling author Jacqueline Susann who's best remembered today for writing "Valley of the Dolls." I spotted some Burke chairs in the film that were inspired by Eero Saarinen designs for Knoll as well as some nice glass tables, op art wallpaper, etc. If you're interested you can find my review of the film at TCM's blog, The Movie Morlocks. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the images!

 

 

 

Mod Macabre @ Cinebeats Oct. 1-31

This month I'm participating in the "Countdown to Halloween" blogathon over at my film blog Cinebeats with a little celebration I'm calling Mod Macabre. I thought I'd let Mid-Century Living readers know in case they're looking for some Halloween viewing suggestions or just want to enjoy some vintage Halloween inspired fun.

Hope to update here soon too but I was in a car accident a few weeks ago and it's kind of thrown a wrench into my blogging plans. In the meantime please feel free to stop by Cinebeats anytime and you can also find me on Twitter & Facebook.

Jason Statham's Mid-Century Home

I'm fond of the handsome British action star, Jason Statham. He's appeared in a lot of lackluster films but I get a kick out of The Transporter movies and loved him in films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Bank Job. Apparently his taste in architecture is a bit more refined than his ability to choose a decent script. Statham's Los Angeles home has recently gone on the market and it's a real beauty!

I couldn't resist sharing some photos of this beautiful mid-century gem (originally built in 1957) that I swiped from the Redfin real estate site after reading a news headline about the sale. The actor is supposedly shopping around for a new home right now but I can't imagine why he's giving up something like this. Maybe his next house will be just as spectacular? Statham's decorating style is a little too sparse for my own taste and it's definitely got a masculine edge. It's easy to imagine the star of The Transporter films relaxing here after a hard day at work.

The following text is from the original listing: "Reminiscent of the famed 'Glass House' by Phillip Johnson this meticulously manicured home boldly displays fine lines with its post and beam motif throughout. Outdoor and indoor blend harmoniously as from all aspects natural light flows through the countless floor to ceiling panes of glass. Crisp uber chic finishes in the interior, complement the Jay Griffith designed landscaping throughout the whole property. Culminating with the essentially private pool and bathing area presenting the finest home of its kind on the hill today."

 

Interested in purchasing Statham's home? It will cost you a whopping $2,749,000! More details available at the Redfin site.

Sascha Brastoff

Apologies for the lack of updates. I've been really busy lately and every time I decide to post an update Blogger starts acting up and I can't seem to log in or post anything. Today things seem to working just fine around here so I thought I'd quickly share a link to an article I recently wrote for TCM's Classic Movie Blog titled "In Search of Sascha Brastiff" where I discuss the life and work of this talented mid-century artist & designer.

- In Search of Sascha Brastoff


I really admire his work and I've started looking for Brastoff pieces when I'm out thrifting and antiquing. Below are some pictures of the Sascha Brastoff items I own.




I also decided to start a Sascha Brastoff Collectors Group over at Flickr where I've uploaded a lot more photos of Brastoff and his work. If you're a Flickr member please consider joining! At the moment I'm the only member but I know there has to be other Brastoff fans out there.

What Makes A Good Party?

Trying to become a better host or hostess? Need some new ideas for your next party? Check out this entertaining instructional film called What Makes A Good Party? from 1950.

MOVIE: Bachelor in Paradise (1961)

I recently reviewed a Bob Hope comedy called BACHELOR IN PARADISE (1961) that featured some great ranch homes and interiors. I couldn't resist sharing a few screen grabs from it. Apologies for the quality but my old video tape isn't in the best shape.



More info about the movie can be found here

Oscar Party Tips

This weekend the 82nd Academy Awards are taking place and many people will be hosting their own Oscar parties on Sunday night. I'm living out of boxes at the moment so I won't be hosting any Oscar parties of my own but I will be watching the show and "Twittering Live" for Cinebeats.

I thought I'd share some last minute Oscar party tips including mid-century hors d'oeuvre recipes and some links to other helpful sites where you can find cocktail and menu ideas.

If you were hosting an Oscar party in 1958 you might have made some of the hors d'oeuvres featured in the following ad for Seagram's Golden Gin. I haven't tried any of them myself but some of them will probably look familiar since a lot of these hors d'oeuvres haven't changed all that much since 1958. Just click on the image to see the ad fullsize.

If you're looking for more current menu ideas you could always borrow some from Wolfgang Puck's official menu for the 2010 Academy Awards Governor's Ball. This annual Oscar after-party is well-known for it's Academy Award winning attendees and its fabulous menu which was posted by Hadley Tomicki over at the Grub Street Los Angeles blog.

Need some cocktail ideas? I highly recommend visiting Miss Charming's site where she has collected various cocktail and drink recipes from classic Hollywood films. Ever wonder what drinks were served in Casablanca? Curious about what Bette Davis drank in Now, Voyager or what drink Barbra Streisand sipped in Funny Girl? You'll find all those answers and more at Miss Charming' Silver Screen Cocktails 1900s-1960s page.


Stars gather for an Oscar after-party in 1958

If you need more beverage ideas check out the Hollywood Cocktails page at About.com where you'll find alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail recipes perfect for all ages such as the Hollywood Martini, The Red Carpet, the Roy Rogers, the Scarlet O'Hara, the Shirley Temple and The Graduate.

Last but not least, the official Oscar site also features a helpful page devoted to Oscar party planning. The Oscar Party Kit contains a lot of great recipes for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, as well as party game ideas and more.

Even if you aren't planning your own Oscar party this year you can use all of the ideas above for hosting special movie nights with friends or if you just want to throw a Hollywood inspired theme party.

Film Poster for HOME

Normally I post all my movie related chatter at my film blog Cinebeats but I recently came across this wonderful poster for the 2008 French film HOME at The Auteurs site and I just had to share it here.

HOME is a comedy/drama and it has just opened in limited release across the US so I don't know much about it yet, but I absolutely love the poster for it. It features the French actress Isabelle Huppert in a really cute vintage looking kitchen surrounded by what looks like mid-century modern furniture and bright cookware. It's incredibly eye-catching and I really like the fonts they used in the design. It would look great framed! Hopefully the movie is as good as the poster looks.