1950s Movies

The 1950s saw many technical innovations, but the biggest advance was in the new approaches to acting and narrative storytelling resulting in grittier drama, towering performances and some unforgettable movies. Here are some of them.

Cinderella (1950)
When Cinderella’s cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and from her Fairy Godmother.
Sunset Blvd. (1950)
A screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.
A Streetcar Names Desire (1951)
Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.

The African Queen (1951)
In WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
A silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood.
High Noon (1952)
A town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at “high noon” when the gang leader, an outlaw he “sent up” years ago, arrives on the noon train.
Shane (1953)
A weary gunfighter in 1880s Wyoming begins to envision a quieter life after befriending a homestead family with a young son who idolizes him, but a smoldering range war forces him to act.

Roman Holiday (1953)
A bored and sheltered princess escapes her guardians and falls in love with an American newsman in Rome.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei’s fiancé, as well as a rich, enamored old man and many other doting admirers.
Rear Window (1954)
A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.

Dial M for Murder (1954)
A tennis player frames his neglected wife for murder after she inadvertently foils his plan to have her murdered.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt.
Rebel Without a cause (1955)
A rebellious young man with a troubled past comes to a new town, finding friends and enemies.

The Ladykillers (1955)
Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.
…And God Created Woman (1956)
In sunny St. Tropez, a young sexpot loves one brother but marries the other.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
British POWs build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors, oblivious of the Allies’ plans to destroy it.

12 Angry Men (1957)
The jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.
Vertigo (1958)
A former police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with a hauntingly beautiful woman.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
An alcoholic ex-football player, drinks his days away and resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father, who is dying of cancer, jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.

North by Northwest (1959)
A New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.
Ben Hur (1959)
When a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.
Some Like it Hot (1959)
When two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

1950s Top Thirteen – 1950, 51, 52

If you were expecting a continuation of the 80s top thirteens, apologies. I will pick them up again when the fourth book is released. In the meantime, we’ll be looking mostly at the 50s when Just in Time, the second Time Doctors book is partially set.
After that, there’s a wee surprise for the third book.

I have to confess I wasn’t around for all but the last 2 and a half months of the fifties, so these songs are mostly my Mum’s music – she was the one who bequeathed me my inability to function without music – and for that I thank her tremendously. Dad recons she had a radio in every room in the house and would switch them on as she moved from room to room. So when he came home, he’d go round the house switching most of them off. I’m proud to say I am my mother’s daughter – although mostly the music is on my phone and moves with me.
I didn’t recognise many of the early 50s stuff – apart from Doris Day, Frankie Laine and Mario Lanza who were always playing! So here’s my list cobbled together from the first three years of the decade.

1. Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa – 06-50 – Capitol
2. Frankie Laine – Jezebel – 05-51 – Columbia
3. Mario Lanza – Because You’re Mine – 11-52 – RCA Victor
4. Les Paul & Mary Ford – How High The Moon – 04-51 – Capitol
5. Billy Eckstine – My Foolish Heart – 05-50 – MGM
6. Doris Day – Bewitched – 06-50 – Columbia
7. Guy Lombardo & Royal Canadians – Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) – 03-50 
8. Perry Como & Betty Hutton – A Bushel And A Peck – 11-50 – RCA Victor
9. Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters – Quicksilver – 03-50 – Decca
10. Mel Blanc – I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat – 02-51 – Capitol
11. Nat King Cole – Too Young – 04-51 – Capitol
12. Mario Lanza – The Loveliest Night Of The Year – 05-51 – RCA Victor
13. Don Howard – Oh Happy Day – 12-52 – Essex

These are not so much bubbling under as representative of the top artists of the early fifties.
The Andrews Sisters – I Can’t Dream, Can’t I – (1949) – Decca
Vera Lynn – Auf Wiedersehn Sweetheart – 06-52 – London
Frankie Laine – High Noon – 08-52 – Columbia
Eddie Fisher – I’m Yours – 05-52 – RCA Victor
Peggy Lee – Lover – 07-52 – Decca

A curious phenomenon I noticed when trawling through the excellent lists from http://www.severing.nu/music/1950UK.html, is the number of occurrences of the same song by different artists within weeks of each other.
Take Rodgers and Hart’s Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered), first sung on stage by Vivienne Segal on December 25, 1940, in the Broadway production of the musical Pal Joey. The songs were prevented from becoming popular standards because of a dispute resulting in thousands of popular songs being banned from radio play. The broadcasters refused to pay the fees that ASCAP imposed, and the situation wasn’t resolved until the late 1940s when the ban was lifted.
In 1950, The Bill Snyder Orchestra released a version in April, Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra released one in May. Then Columbia released the Doris Day version in June (apparently recorded the previous May), so that made three. This was not unusual throughout the rest of the decade and into the 60s. I never noticed this happening anything like as much in the decades I cared about the charts (mostly 70s, 80s).

Ghosts of Warwick Castle – part 1

In writing the second Time Doctors book, I created a bunch of scenes which my new editor, Paul, said did not fit the Dungeons and Dragons feel I was aiming for.

This one stands up on its own and gives a taste of melding history with role-play. Plus I had so much fun researching Guy of Warwick, I’d like to pass on some of his heroic deeds.

   The jester gathered his ghost hunters into the library, his excitement evident. “Good evening, my friends. Tonight’s session is a little different because its subject is of truly great significance to the history of the whole town, as well as the castle. Streets all over Warwick still bear his name.”
   Evadne sneered. “Oh no, not more history lessons with Rosalina being taken over by the spirit of a wanton female ghost.”
   He chuckled. “The exact opposite. Tonight you will all have the opportunity to take part in an immersive experience so you can better understand the spirits involved. It concerns a legendary hero known as Guy of Warwick, whose massive footsteps can be heard walking from one tower to another, in particular the Bear and Clarence gun towers which form the north-west entrance to the castle enclosure.”
   “They were built by Richard the third in the fifteenth century.” Professor Grenville couldn’t help himself
   Neither could Kurt. “I believe Bear tower is so called because it held the creatures used in bear-baiting.”
   “I don’t think that’s ever been proven.”
   Before the pair could get into another pissing contest, the jester informed them of the characters they would be connecting with, and Kurt smirked, pleased to be taking on the leading-man role.
   The jester set the scene.
   Guy Gorian was a humble cupbearer, a page at the court of Lord Rohand, the Earl of Warwick. We find him in the kitchen, bemoaning his troubles with his best friend, Barty Miller.
   He glanced at Rosalina, who mimed glancing up from her bread-making task. “What ails thee, my friend? You grouse like a dog with a sore head.”
   “Talk not to me of dogs.” Guy slumped on a bench. Unless it is the pup who shares my beloved’s fair lap.”
   “So she’s finally chosen. Did she go for the white one?”
   “Of course. It may be the runt of the litter, but she dotes on it as though it were of the finest pedigree.”
   “So why on God’s good earth would you be sad because Lady Felice has finally chosen a pup?”
   “Felice.” Guy clasped his hands in rapture. “Even her name means happiness, and nothing fills my heart with more joy than one of her smiles.”
   “You have seen her do this? On the few occasions I’ve caught a glimpse, her very mouth seems beset by a weight which turns down her lips so.” Barty demonstrated.
   “You have lain eyes on her? Is she not the most beautiful of all women?” Guy sighed.
   “And one of the richest. Or her father is. What makes you think the esteemed Earl would allow a match between his beloved daughter and a humble cupbearer?”
   Guy’s face dropped and his friend nudged his arm. “I know your father was a noble Northumbrian knight, but now he’s a mere steward. You should lower your sights.”
   “You don’t understand. Lord Rohand has invited me to join in tomorrow’s Tournament to show my valour.”
   “But that’s wonderful news. He must have heard of your progress in the training yards. So why the sad face?”
   “Because he invited me to the great dinner first.”
   “How is that a bad thing?”
   “Because one of the knights said they’d allow dogs at the table next. Not so loud the Earl heard, but I did. And everyone around him laughed at me.”
   “They won’t be laughing when they’re on the ground, staring up at your broken lance, you mark my words.” ending Barty’s speech, Rosalina glanced at the jester, who inclined his head at her as he set the next scene.
   And so our hero found himself sitting at the grand top table, after her father made a huge fuss, treating Guy as an honoured guest and introducing him to all the nobles. Shy at finding himself among so many grand lords, and knights, and fair ladies, he took courage and, raising his eyes, saw the Earl’s daughter Lady Felice staring at him thoughtfully.
   Evadne picked up on the cue, affecting a cultured tone. “Are you the same Guy whose courage and swordsmanship have set a stir amongst all the brave knights here?” Felice gestured lower down the table and he felt the hostile glares of several men.
   “I have some skills, but there are several squires who are my equal and many better.”
   “Is there another named Guy?”
   “N-no, my lady.”
   “Then you are modest as well as handsome.”
   Her smile brought the sun out, dazzling his poor eyes, which lowered as he desperately sought a suitable riposte: something witty, profound, or simply made of words. But none came, and her expectant silence dragged his shoulders down more than the heftiest pauldron. More than anything, he wished the dinner would be over so he could impress this beautiful lady with his combat skills. He sensed her interest waning, and when the nobleman sitting to her left asked a question, she seemed more than happy for him to claim her attention.
   Guy was never so relieved as when the Earl stood, bidding his guests to follow him to the tilt, where the tournament would shortly commence.
   The jester stood with an exaggerated bow. “As you may perceive, my fellows, the gentle Guy is far too modest to do any justice to the telling of his prowess that day. So it falls to me to hint at how well our hero fought in this great spectacle.”
    He gestured at Isaac, who mimed fighting Ben and Georgie, while a backing track gave the clang of clashing metal. The detailed replica weapons were made from solid wood, which was strong enough to withstand blows, but light enough to wield easily. The jester continued, describing how Lord Rohand, Lady Felice, and many lords and ladies, watched while the knights jousted and fought.
   “No one expected this newcomer to conquer his opponents with such ease, apart from Guy himself. He had no need to resort to underhand tactics as he unhorsed every one of the knights, and dazzled his opponents with speed, agility and such rare swordsmanship as had ever been seen. Shouts and cheers filled the air as he knelt before Felice.”
   Guy bent forward as she placed a golden chain around his neck. He slid a glance at his trusted friend, whispering. “My heart beats so loud and fast – can you hear?”
   Barty shook his head. “No, my friend.”
   “Are you sure? I fear these nobles will heed it and know my every thought.”
   “Well gone, Guy. Now lift your head.” Felice smiled kindly at him as she put the crown of roses upon his head. “It pleases my father greatly that the son of his trusted steward should be so brave.” She bent so close he could almost taste her sweetly-scented skin.
   As he knelt before her, Guy knew he loved her, although he did not dare tell her so.

If this has whetted your appetite for some Dungeons and Dragons ghost-hunting role-play in Warwick castle, click the link to read the first chapters of Just in Time

1982 Top Thirteen

I’d hazard a guess my 80s memories are not the same as the true afficionados of that era – I really wasn’t into the whole New Romantic scene at the time, however compared to the last couple of decades, their songs did have some merit, and quite a few are creeping in as the decade progresses.

I dare say if I’d done this at the time, the songs would all be there, but maybe in a different order because I wasn’t making it to anything like as many discos/nightclubs back then.

1. PhD – I Won’t Let You Down – 05-1982 (WEA)
2. Toni Basil – Mickey – 03-1982 (Radialchoice)
3. Foreigner – Waiting For A Girl Like You – 01-1982 (Atlantic)
4. The Stranglers – Golden Brown – 01-1982 (Liberty)
5. Irene Cara – Fame – 07-1982 (RSO)
6. Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry – 10-1982 (Full Moon)
7. Dexy’s Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen – 07-1982 (Mercury)
8. Dire Straits – Private Investigations – 09-1982 (Vertigo)
9. Marvin Gaye – (Sexual) Healing – 11-1982 (CBS)
10. Fat Larry’s Band – Zoom – 10-1982 (Virgin)
11. Daryl Hall & John Oates – Maneater – 11-1982 (RCA)
12. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – 05-1982 (Epic)
13. XTC – Senses Working Overtime – 02-1982 (Virgin)

And the also-rans:
The J. Geils Band – Centrefold – 02-1982 (EMI America)
Madness – Our House – 12-1982 (Stiff)
David Bowie & Bing Crosby – Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy – 12-1982 (RCA)
Phil Collins – You Can’t Hurry Love – 12-1982 (Virgin)
Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger – 08-1982 (Scotti Brothers)
Clannad – Theme From Harry’s Game – 11-1982 (RCA)
Duran Duran – Hungry Like The Wolf – 06-1982 (EMI)
ABC – The Look Of Love (Part 1) – 05-1982 (Neutron)
Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Annie I’m Not Your Daddy – 10-1982 (Ze)
Jon & Vangelis – I’ll Find My Way Home – 01-1982 (Polydor)
Shakatak – Easier Said Than Done – 02-1982 (Polydor)
Charlene – I’ve Never Been To Me – 06-1982 (Motown)

Have the Happiest of New Years

2023 will see us all taking a upturn in our fortunes – I can feel it in my water.

Pause.
Take a moment to be thankful for everything going right in your life and see if you can find thirteen things to be grateful for.
At the end of each one, blow a kiss and say “Thank you universe” (or whoever you prefer to receive your gratitude).

If you can do this on every full moon in 2023, so much the better.

Release of Just in Time

Goodness me this has been a bit of a crunch trying to get two books out in two months, but I have a special reason for trying to get at least the first two in the series out in 2022 – not just because they’re set in that year. Look out for the whole master number thing, and all should become clear.

So, here’s the blurb – you can pick up Just in Time, book 2 of the Time Doctors series till the end of the year at the pre-release price of a meagre £2.99/$3.49. Fingers crossed.

Big Bang Theory meets Stranger Things meets Most Haunted with a huge helping of time travel.
Jen’s always known her take on life wasn’t exactly conventional – being deserted by a weak-willed father skewed her view of all men, compounded by unrealistic expectations based on her brother’s role-model for the perfect partner. Hence still being on the shelf with her 33rd birthday just around the corner. Living in a house with three extremely eligible males didn’t help, especially when two of them vied for her attention, but the only one who came close to meeting her ideal was walking out with her best friend. Watching them together hurt, although being in her own real-life version of Friends meets Big Bang Theory had advantages, especially when Kev took a turn at being Dungeon Master, leading them on a madcap ghost tour of an extremely haunted castle.
But an unexpected visit to Wimbledon reveals things about her past she never wanted to face.

For fans of modern adventure and quirky fantasy with irreverent British humour and a slice of the unexpected.

The great 2022 Advent giveaway

I’ve done this for a few years now and people seem to like it. Here’s the deal – for every day in December there are at least two books by Jacky Gray (and/or Rowanna Green) for free, and various other reductions throughout the month. Remember, all of these books are free to read on Kindle Unlimited at any time.

Here’s a little reminder of the series:
The 13-book fantasy saga with Nature’s Tribe, Hengist and Colour of Light.

Bryant Rockwell (YA) and Calamity Chicks (Coming of Age)

Ro’s more grown-up series: Hostage, Jeopardy and Juke Box Musicals

Time and Time Again

How much fun have I had writing this new series? Totally inspired by the fabulous writings of Keith A Pearson and the wonderful crew at the Broadhall Social Club, this story is a meld of the geeky camaraderie of Big Bang Theory, the quirky, role-playing adventure of Stranger Things and the outrageous fantasy of the phenomenal Labyrinth, featuring an unforgettable performance by the awesome David Bowie.
Ok, so probably not the best decision to try yet another new genre, especially one that combines such disparate genres as Time Travel (sci-fi), Dungeons and Dragons (fantasy) and contemporary lad-lit (comedy). But I’m hoping it will find fans from all three disciplines.

A massive shout-out to my new cover designers – a fabulous Ukrainian outfit called getcovers, who created this gorgeous cover in just two days. I’m in awe, guys.
As well as my fabulous editor Katy Haye – a phenomenal author of so many fabulous books, I’m thrilled to have found a couple of brand new beta readers, Andrea and Paul, who have generously supported me with their technical expertise. Thank you so much guys, I couldn’t have done this without you – you brighten my days and rock my world!

So, here’s the blurb – you can pick up book 1 of the Time Doctors series for the next couple of days at the pre-release price of a meagre £2.99/$3.49. Fingers crossed.

Time and Time Again
Big Bang Theory meets Stranger Things meets Labyrinth with a huge helping of time travel.
Ben has a problem. Well, several really, if the truth be told. With a borderline narcissist for a boss and a prankster lady-killer for a desk-mate, his work life at a gaming firm isn’t wall-to-wall playtime. The last thing he needs is a promotion, much less a bright, attractive feminist as the first addition to his new coding team. But when they all join the same Dungeons and Dragons party, it makes for an interesting life. Throw in a claustrophobic living arrangement and a global pandemic and there’s plenty of scope for fun and adventure.
But what they find in the attic turns everything on its head.

For fans of modern adventure and quirky fantasy with irreverent British humour and a slice of the unexpected.

My Favourite 1980s Movie – Labyrinth

Actually, there’s probably another half-dozen movies vying for favourite, but we’ll get to them in another post. This one has always had a special place in my heart, and now it has an even more special place as it’s found its way into one of my books, as the setting for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.

Coming to an e-reader near you very soon – look out for Time and Time Again.

Yeah, it’s a great story with lots of twists and turns (literally), mazes, monsters and cracking puzzles, but the very best thing about it? David Bowie in his prime.

I have to admit to a huge thrill when I met Brian and Wendy Froud at a Fairy Festival – they were both truly magical, creative people, and how fun was it that their son, Toby played the baby in the film? Thankfully, he followed them into the movie industry – such a talented family.

And I couldn’t finish without a mention of THAT DANCE.
If I ever did Strictly, this would be my Waltz.