Week in Review - :Links

Sophia Loren from Film Noir Photos

• I love classic stars reading.  Pictures of modern stars reading don't really interest me because often they are reading nothing worth wasting two seconds on.  Even though many of the classic stars reading are staged, the books are often more interesting.  I've even tried to read a few myself, with some surprising finds.  Film Noir Photos features a delightful Sophia Loren reading at home.  Gorgeous!  And congrats on its Blogiversary!

Ladd as Gatsby

Alan Ladd played Jay Gatsby in the 1949 adaptation of The Great Gatsby.  I haven't seen this particular version, that I recall.  I haven't seen this year's adaptation either.  I just can't bring myself to see a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.  He is just to swarmy for me.  I have seen the 1973 and the 2000 versions and found them less than impressive.  I just don't know if anyone has the acting chops to bring Gatsby to life.

Leslie Learns

Leslie Howard; 1941

Leslie Howard in a classic pose in his home Stowe Maries in Dorking, Surrey.

Buster Keaton at home

Buster enjoying a good book

I love pictures of stars reading.  Not the beach reads you often see stars reading today, but actual literature.  And how cool is the fireplace in Buster's home?  You don't often think of a comedian as an intellectual, so I find this photo particularly interesting.

Buster and his dog

And who could resist these two?  Definitely another case of a dog and his owner looking alike.  Kindred spirits.

James Dean Gets Serious

James Dean

James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor Reading

“I’m a serious minded and intense little devil – so tense I don’t see how people stay in the same room with me.  I know I wouldn’t tolerate myself”.

[Source:  Movieland;  February 1955]

Gregory Peck Reading