FUGUE

As part of the Australian Ballet's 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Townsville's premier contemporary dance company Dance North will be taking its latest Raewyn Hill creation, "Fugue" to Melbourne next month. This 20-minute non-stop-dance-extravaganza is set to Maurice Ravel's infamous Bolero. Tonight, I was part of the lucky few home-town audience members to experience a preview of the piece. "Fugue" will also be performed tomorrow night - for those Townsvillians who have not yet had the chance to see this show - it is a must.

The last time I experienced a Dance North production - and it is an experience - was last year when the company performed "Mass". True to form, Dance North's dancers displayed their athleticism, steely strength and their unique sense of style. Tonight they incorporated imaginative lighting by Townsville's own Ben Shaw, with stellar Australian designer costumes created by Sass & Bide. Raewyn Hill's choreography again was both original and demonstrative of her dancer's skills and capacity.

I am always impressed by Raewyn's dancers - their strength, their fitness, their athleticism. I don't just see dancers on stage, I see strong people and this is incredibly appealing. The 20-minute piece is unforgiving and demands everything out of the dancers. They do not exit the stage once and they are all performing as a cohesive unit - as one, throughout the entire piece. There is no room for error and there is no room for any "weak links". The choreography and the fact that all the dancers act and perform as a pack compliments Ravel's Bolero. As the music becomes more and more intense so too does the energy of the dancers. It was truly exciting. 

Aside from "Fugue" itself, audiences were treated to a rare insight into the inception, creation and development of a choreographic piece. Raewyn commenced the evening by giving the audience an insight into how the concept for "Fugue" was initially formed and how the piece developed from concept to stage. The dancers presented a visual representation of rehearsal - performing sections of the piece whilst verbally cuing each other in regards to their footwork, timing, energy levels and names. It was a very clever visual demonstration of what goes through a dancer's mind during the rehearsal process. Tonight delivered a healthy dose of education and escapism.

Wishing Raewyn, Bradley Chatfield, Dancers - Thomas Greenfield, Jeremy Poi, Jessie Oshodi, Alice Hinde, Anita Hunziker, Rebecca Bassett-Graham, Aaron Smeding and David Norsworthy all the best in their coming season in Melbourne! It is sure to be a treat. 

Health Series 3#

ROOIBOS TEA

This month's Health Series we take a look at a South African tea leaf that is packed full of antioxidants and has many proven health benefits. I was fortunate to discover this tea through a friend of mine, who is also a tea-fanatic, we both began quite the tea collection and when I was introduced to this organic variety of tea I was skeptical with the marketing slogans touting it to have soothing and calming qualities - but again, I should learn to be less skeptical. Not only does it taste good, it has a lot of properties that are good for the human body!!! I would highly recommend any body- not just dancers, to start drinking this type of tea.

Rooibos tea is made from the Aspalathus linearis plant, which is a native plant found north west of Cape Town in South Africa. The Dutch settlers of South Africa upon learning of the locals harvest method of Rooibos tea began to develop and drink it as an alternative to the then-expensive black tea that was imported from Europe. It wasn't until Russian immigrant, Benjamin Ginsberg in 1904 recognized the marketing potential of Rooibos tea that it became commercialized. In 1930, Dr. P le Fras Nortier discovered the medicinal qualities behind the tea.

Rooibos tea is full of natural antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cells and tissues in the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can speed up the aging process by damaging body cells and tissues. Free radicals can come from the environment such as pollution and smoke as well as from prolonged exposure to the sun.

Rooibos tea is also naturally devoid of caffeine, therefore for those that are sensitive to caffeine, it is safe to drink at night before bed time. This element is what makes Rooibos tea so soothing and it in fact has a calming affect on the body when one consumes it. Therefore, for those dancers out there, if you are looking for a beverage to end your day of heavy dancing then this is the tea for you. It will help you wind down after a long day. For any individual, especially those that hold demanding and high-stress jobs, this tea is ideal in balancing an already hectic lifestyle demanding of bodies to be constantly on the go. It helps restore that balance that you need to slow down and de-stress. As a naturally very anxious person, I drink a lot of Rooibos tea to calm my nerves and ease stress. It can be drunk any time of the day - despite its calming qualities. In fact, anyone with a high stress job I highly recommend you keep some Rooibos tea in your drawer and substitute that instead of coffee, which is likely to make you more highly strung than relaxed.

Rooibos tea is also low in tannins. Tannins can be found in regular tea and act to naturally bind minerals such as iron and manganese in the digestive system. This binding reduces the body's capacity to absorb the minerals, therefore as Rooibos tea is low in tannins it allows for mineral absorption to occur more freely than other beverages that are abundant in tannin.

Rooibos tea is also packed full of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, sodium and copper. With all these good elements, this tea can be used for medicinal purposes such as treating babies with Colic, treating upset stomachs, supporting the immune system, supporting the nervous system and is safe for pregnant women to consume. It has a high concentration of Polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-mutagenic qualities.

This tea can be drunk both hot and cold. I prefer to consume this hot with a splash of milk. South African friends of mine have advised me that the tea is also good with a slice of lemon (no milk). Rooibos tea can be purchased from most health food stores.

Disclaimer: The information used for this blog post can be found from Vital Health Foods manufacturer's website: www.vitalhealthfoods.com.au;

I will also take this opportunity to note that I am not a doctor or certified nutritionist. Aside from the factual information above, any other anecdotal information is based on my personal opinion and advice. Health Series should not be a substitute for professional advice. If in doubt, always see a qualified and trained health care professional.

Movie May Month

To draw Movie May Month to a close here is a look at all the Best Picture Winners from the Academy Awards dating 1928-2011.

Enjoy!

Australian Women of Cinema

As part of Movie May Month we now take a look at some of the modern-day Screen Goddesses that hail from Australia! These ladies have made their mark both in their home country and internationally, not just for featuring in big blockbuster films, but for the fact that they are genuinely talented artists. Beautiful inside and out, these ladies are doing more than just making great films or winning golden statuettes....

NICOLE KIDMAN

At first, she was only known in Hollywood as "Mrs. Tom Cruise" but Nicole was in fact a very hungry performer with a desire to make her own mark in cinema. Whilst being romantically connected to one of the most powerful men in the industry did serve to aid her in forging many networks and connections, she made it on her own in Hollywood, stealing the spotlight in Baz Luhrmann's romantic vaudeville epic "Moulin Rouge"(2001) and keeping audiences in suspense in "The Others"(2001), culminating in a well-deserved Oscar Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in "The Hours" in 2003. She has followed that with flawless performances in films such as "The Human Stain"(2003), "Cold Mountain"(2003), "Birth" (2004), "The Interpreter" (2005), "Fur"(2006), "Margot at the Wedding" (2007), "Nine" (2009) and the critically acclaimed "Rabbit Hole" (2010). 

Now, married to country singer (and fellow Australian) Keith Urban, mother to two daughters and two adopted children, she is a philanthropist and a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. She was also in 2006, a recipient of the Companion of the Order of Australia for her service to the performing arts.

CATE BLANCHETT

She has always been known as a serious actress. Her break-out performance was as the Virgin Queen in 1998's medieval epic "Elizabeth". This earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Unfortunately, that year she lost out to Gwyneth Paltrow for her role in "Shakespeare in Love"(1997). True, prior to her critically acclaimed performance in "Elizabeth"(1998), Cate had already featured in several low-budget, independent films. A graduate of the esteemed National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Australia's foremost drama/theatre college, she quickly entered her acting career in theatre.

Prior to Ms. Blanchett's Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in the 2004 aviation epic "The Aviator", she appeared in several films and always performed to an incredibly high level. She has garnered significant praise for all her roles in films including, "The Talented Mr. Ripley"(1999), "Pushing Tin"(1999), "The Gift" (2000), "Charlotte Gray" (2001), "Bandits" (2001), "The Missing" (2003) and "Veronica Guerin"(2003). Her appearance as the ethereal Queen Elf, Galadriel in Peter Jackson's masterpiece trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkein's timeless classic "Lord of the Rings" cemented her cult-status. She will reprise this role in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" due out later this year.

Cate has demonstrated over the years her incredible versatility. She can do comedy - "Pushing Tin"(1999), she can also pass off challenging and dramatic roles such as her portrayal in "Babel"(2006) opposite Brad Pitt,  and she is fearless in tackling sensitive subject matters such as the confronting film "Notes on a Scandal"(2006). A versatile and incredibly talented actress, she is destined for legendary status...

JUDY DAVIS

Nominated twice for an Oscar, winner of two Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards, one BAFTA Award and seven AFI Awards, Judy Davis is a house-hold name in Australian cinema. She is best known for her portrayal of Judy Garland in the television mini-series "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows". Whilst majority of her work has been in television, Judy Davis has also appeared on the bigscreen in films such as "The Ref"(1994) where she played opposite Kevin Spacey, "Deconstructing Harry"(1997), "Celebrity"(1998), "The Break-up" (2006) and "Marie Antoinette"(2006).

Judy has also ventured on stage - her most recent theatre performance was in last year's Anton Chekhov play "The Seagull" at Sydney's Belvoir St Theatre.

Tim Burton's Muse

Helena Bonham Carter

True, Tim Burton had already made at least nine feature films and legions of short films and television films before he met Helena Bonham Carter, however, it is undisputed and often touted that this woman, mother of his two children and lover is his muse and has been for over ten years. Helena Bonham Carter had a career of her own before meeting Tim Burton and before appearing in many of his films. She is without a doubt unusual, gothic and yet incredibly interesting, quirky, sexy and fascinating. 

Helena Bonham Carter in "Frankenstein"(1994)

Born in London, on the 26th May 1966, she was educated at South Hampstead High School and Westminster School. She did not receive any formal training in drama or acting, rather, she made her leap onscreen for the first time in a television commercial! Her first role was in the television series A Pattern of Roses in 1983. This performance led to her being cast in the film A Room with a View (1985) and later Lady Jane (1986). She later appeared in a few television shows such as Miami Vice and Absolutely Fabulous. She became known as the "corset queen" however upon her string of appearances in period films such as, Frankenstein(1994), Twelfth Night (1996), The Wings of the Dove (1997) and the television-film Merlin (1998). It wasn't until her appearance in David Fincher's popular Fight Club (1999) where audiences gained a glimpse of a different side to Bonham Carter. 

With partner, Tim Burton on the set of "Big Fish"(2003)

In 2001, Helena Bonham Carter met the ever charismatic and enigmatic Tim Burton on the set of Planet of the Apes (2001). Since their meeting she has appeared in six of his films. Living in Belsize Park, London the pair live quite a quirky existence - true to both of them being quirky themselves. They own two houses that adjoin eachother. Helena and the two children live in one and Tim Burton, the other. They visit of course, spend time together and have dinner, and do all the "normal" things that families do...but when it comes time for them to have their own space and they recoil into their own houses. This arrangement must work for the engaged pair as they have been together for over eleven years. 

What audiences will expect to see when Helena Bonham Carter embodies the tortured Charles Dickens' character Miss Havisham in "Great Expectations", due out later this year

Nevertheless, aside from her obvious influence and presence in her partner's films, Helena Bonham Carter has appeared in other blockbuster films such as the Harry Potter series and the Academy Award Winning The King's Speech(2010) where she played the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth.  She is set to star in two great adaptations later this year - as Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens' classic Great Expectations and as Madame Thérnardier in Victor Hugo's masterpiece Les Misérables. It seems the muse of the great Burton has a natural affinity for petty-coats and corsets.... 

Dancer turn Actor

Ballet dancers are versatile creatures. They are talented in many many arenas. Yes, it is true their primary talent is the movement of their body - their art form - classical ballet. However, classical ballet requires not just great technique, musicality, flexibility or athleticism. It also requires artistry and a capacity to inhabit characters and roles that help make a story on stage come alive. There is that degree of drama. So it is no surprise that there have been some very talented albeit famous dancers that have also graced the big screen. As part of "Movie May Month" here are some of them below, a mini-tribute...

MOIRA SHEARER

(1926-2006)

Moira in "The Red Shoes"(1948)

Moira Shearer will forever be remembered onscreen as the young aspiring dancer, Victoria Page in The Red Shoes(1948). This is a classic and is the first film to depict classical ballet as something beyond just tutus, tiaras and all things pink. Throughout ran dark themes of psychosis and obsession. It told of an aspiring young dancer torn between her ambitions to become a star and the love of a man. The ongoing struggle eventually destroys her. For a young Royal Ballet dancer, this was an excellent foray into the land of celluloid. Shearer gained much praise for her portrayal. She later starred in six films.

RUDOLF NUREYEV

(1938-1993)

Nureyev in the 1983 film "Exposed"

It is no secret that this Russian Revolutionary of Dance had a secret longing for Hollywood. He did get his chance in a 1983 film Exposed. Directed by James Toback it co-starred Nastassja Kinski and Harvey Keitel, it follows a young Wisconsin girl whom makes the daring move to New York to become a fashion model. A little-known film it did not do much to launch Nureyev into a career in front of the camera.

MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV

(b.1948)

With Helen Mirren in "White Nights"

The other Russian whom broke ranks from the Soviet oppression that went on to make a few successful films - obviously with the central theme being classical ballet and whom also went on to star in a few episodes of the much loved hit television series Sex & the City, Mikhail Baryshnikov is the star of all stars. The Lord of Ballet whom is renown for his creative and incredible virtuoso allegro as well as his dramatic and exciting dancing, he appeared in Herbert Ross' Academy Award nominated film The Turning Pointe(1977), which also starred Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine. Baryshnikov earned himself an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Yuri, the superstar ballet dancer whom goes on to win the affections of a young ingenue only to leave her broken hearted. He reprised this kind of role in another Herbert Ross film that was set to the ballet "Giselle", Dancers (1987). However, the film many remember Baryshnikov for is White Nights(1985), to which he plays opposite Isabella Rossillini and Helen Mirren. This story was very close to home for Baryshnikov as it told of a Russian expat-dancer whom finds himself in Soviet territory when his plane is forced to land. This film won an Oscar for Best Original Music.

LESLIE BROWNE

(b.1957)

Leslie Browne with Mikhail Baryshnikov in Herbert Ross' "Dancers"(1987)

The young American ballerina starred in two Herbert Ross films, The Turning Pointe (1977) and Dancers (1987). It wasn't just pure luck that she was chosen either - Herbert Ross happens to be her Godfather. It was rumoured that Leslie was only chosen to take the role of young Emilia because famous Balanchine Ballerina Gelsey Kirkland had turned it down sighting the role to be too naive a depiction of a young aspiring dancer and devoid of intelligence. Nevertheless, Leslie went on to star in the film and garnered praise for her performance. In reality, Leslie Browne was a Principle Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, a company that Mikhail Baryshnikov would later become its Artistic Director.

JULIE KENT

(b.1969)

Still dancing, Julie Kent is a household name and the Principle Ballet Dancer of American Ballet Theatre - still to this day. She appeared onscreen opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov in the Herbert Ross film Dancers (1987). She was the young ingenue whom falls head over heals for the ballet company's star dancer. It was a film that attempted to bring to screen a modern version of the story of "Giselle". 

Many years later, Kent starred in the turn-of-the-century cult hit, Centre Stage (2000). This time, she was the mature and already established ballerina whom grappled with her dance partner's womanising as well as focussing on her career.

AMANDA SCHULL

(b.1978)

This ex-San Francisco ballet dancer appeared in Centre Stage (2000) as the aspiring dance student, Jody whom falls in love with a Principle Dancer but then also holds feelings for her peer, Charlie - played by American Ballet Theatre dancer, Sascha Radetsky. Unlike other dancers turned actors, rather than returning to her pointe shoes, Amanda opted to pursue a career in film and television. She has since appeared in episodes of Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer, Lie to Me, Bones, One Tree Hill and Castle. She returned to the bigscreen in the film version of Li Cunxin's biography Mao's Last Dancer (2009). 

90's Wonders

As part of "Movie Month May" I thought we'd take a look at some of the actors and actresses that dominated the bigscreen in the 1990's. Whilst most are still working today, the 90's signified to them either the blossoming of their career, a booming of their career or just represented a time when their star shone the brightest. These individuals will forever be known and recognised for this decade.

These are the 90's Wonders...

WINONA RYDER

Winona Laura Horowitz, better known as Winona Ryder is the all-time 90's woman. Before shoplifting became what she was known for today (or sadly what she has been remembered for), she was the darling who stole hearts onscreen, the girl next door you wanted to go steady with and the really cool chic you wanted to emulate . Known for her gamine looks and girl-next-door charm, she was the thinking-woman's woman and the bohemian-man's gal. Onscreen she was known for her roles as Lydia in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988), Veronica in Heathers (1990), the sweet-hearted love interest to Edward Scissorhands (1990) where she met and fell in love with Johnny Depp and Charlotte in Mermaids (1990) where she shared the screen with Cher and Christina Ricci. Other roles saw Winona stretch her acting muscles and show a bit of versatility - her appearance as Mina Murray in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, Dracula (1992) proved she could handle more serious characters; as the gentle and fragile May Welland in The Age of Innocence (1993) not only sealed her stamp in petty-coat-dramas it also demonstrated that she could handle more classical roles. Great 90's favourites however, have to be her scene-stealing performance in Reality Bites (1994) as the valedictorian who finds herself not quite on her ideal path to success - not only is this a 90's favourite of mine, but it is a role that she is remembered for amongst her vast legion of dedicated fans. Winona starred in many great films during that decade including Little Women (1994), How to Make an American Quilt (1995), Boys (1996), The Crucible (1996), Alien:Resurrection (1997), Celebrity (1998) and Girl Interrupted (1999). 

Captured with then-boyfriend Johnny Depp on the set of Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands"

Whilst Winona enjoyed success in her film career, it did not translate in her personal life where she battled demons of her own. Never being entirely secure with herself, she was noted in interviews to mention that she was not entirely comfortable with the pressures of fame. After being found guilty in 2001 for grand-theft and vandalism her career came to an abrupt halt. Winona Ryder still appears in films today, however, not in the roles or the calibre that she is really capable of. The 90's was Winona's decade, however, I wonder had she not spiralled out of control could she truly have become something greater?

ETHAN HAWKE

Yes Mr. Hawke still works today and yes we have seen him in films such as the Australian-American co-production DayBreakers (2009) and we are yet to see him in the Len Wiseman re-make of Total Recall (due out later this year), however, it is without a doubt that Ethan's star power and most successful decade was the 90's. He is Winona Ryder's counter-part. The thinking-woman's man and to some extent, the thinking-man's man. A published author, he was able to bring to screen one of his work's The Hottest State in 2006, however it would not have been without his success in the 90's that would have allowed him to pull that off.

With ex-wife Uma Thurman whom he met on the set of "Gattaca"

Ethan Hawke's break-out role was in the Robin Williams' classic hit Dead Poets Society (1989). As the young Todd Anderson, Hawke played a character that was in the throes of adolescence and learning his place in the world. Without the inspirational teacher played by Robin Williams he would not have been able to come out of his shell. This classic film continues to herald references in today's pop-culture. It immortalized and popularized the term "carp diem" - seize the day. Following this film, Hawke appeared in the Disney classic White Fang (1991), Mystery Date (1991), A Midnight Clear (1992) and Waterland (1992). It was the 1994 Ben Stiller film, Reality Bites, where he shared the screen with Winona Ryder that suddenly garnered him "heart-throb" status. He followed that with Before Sunrise (1995), Gattaca (1997) where he met ex-wife Uma Thurman, Great Expectations (1998), Snow Falling on Cedars (1999) and Hamlet (2000). 

Ethan Hawke has enjoyed a relatively steady career through the early 00's and still appears onscreen today - favouring independent films to mainstream, Len Wiseman's Total Recall will be his first blockbuster since Training Day (2001). 

KEVIN COSTNER

Kevin Costner enjoyed success in the mid-to-late-80's however he also had a field day in the 90's. His directorial debut to which he also starred, in Dances with Wolves (1990) was a smash-hit cleaning out Best Picture and Best Director (to which Kevin won) in the 1991 Academy Awards ceremony. This film proved not just to audiences but to Hollywood that not only could the man act, but he could direct and he could bring to screen a story so touching and poignant that it is still remembered today. Supremely talented he followed that with JFK in 1991 - this Oliver Stone film was also nominated for Best Picture at the 1992 Academy Awards ceremony. That same year, Costner starred as Robin Hood in Kevin Reynolds' Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. It is no secret that despite the fact that this Robin Hood had an American accent (and was criticised for it) Kevin Costner's portrayal is still by far, my all-time favourite portrayal of Robin Hood. The film in fact, still to this day, I prefer to all other Robin Hoods (overriding that Ridley Scott disaster that was released a few years ago). 

Kevin Costner directing

In 1992, Costner appeared opposite diva, Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard. His haircut and style from the film was copied the world-over. In 1995 he appeared in Waterworld, once again collaborating with director Kevin Reynolds. Other 90's hits included Tin Cup (1996), The Postman (1997) and Message in a Bottle (1999). 

Opting for a more quiet lifestyle, Kevin Costner resides on his ranch in Colorado. A musician, he plays country music with his band "Modern West" and has released an album as well as gone on tour. Costner is also a philanthropist who serves on the honorary board for "The National World War I Museum" in Kansas City. He owns a casino in South Dakota and also supports and partly owns the baseball time Zion in Illinois. 

MADELEINE STOWE

Today, Madeleine Stowe would be recognised in the hit-television drama series Revenge. However, prior to her forays into television, Stowe had quite the career in film. During the 1990's Stowe appeared in fourteen films. Her career began a decade earlier however her career was definitely in its highlight during the 90's. 

In the TV series "Revenge"

Stowe can be remembered for her role in the historical-epic directed by Michael Mann, The Last of the Mohicans (1992). She played Cora Munro whom served as the love interest to Daniel Day-Lewis' Nathaniel Hawkeye. A visual epic and blockbuster of the early-90's it was largely criticized for being overly melodramatic and romanticised. Stowe followed that film with performances in Another Stakeout (1993), Shortcuts (1993), China Moon (1994), Blink (1994) and Bad Girls (1994). My personal favourite however, would be her performance in the science-fiction film 12 Monkeys (1996). A film with an intriguing soundtrack and baffling plot, she played opposite action hero Bruce Willis and a very young Brad Pitt. After this film, Stowe opted to dedicate her time to motherhood, she returned to the screen two years later in several films, however, it was her family that would always play number one. In 2003 she left the screen entirely to spend time on her ranch in Texas with her family, only opting to return to television in late 2005.

Triple Threats

The term "triple threat" denotes a very special type of performer. It's what is used to describe the ultimate "all rounder" - the performer that can act, sing and dance. Triple threats are highly desirable if not, preferable in today's theatre scene, however, even in cinema and film, it is always advantageous to be proficient at all avenues. Listed below are some of the greatest triple threats that have ever lived. They have won multiple awards - not just accolades for their work in film, but also for their capacity to both sing and dance.

JUDY GARLAND

Born Frances Ethel Gumm on the 10th June 1922, Judy Garland will forever be considered one of the greatest and most tragic of all Hollywood starlets. A silver screen star, her claim to fame was her appearance as the young Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz"(1939). What followed was a supreme pairing with the one and only Micky Rooney - the duo dancing and singing in many films together. Whilst Judy entertained audiences with a vast array of musicals, there was no denying her talent - she was a great actress, an incredible singer with such a recognizable and mature voice and she could dance - and dance quite well. Nominated twice for a Golden Globe and winning a Golden Globe for her performance in "A Star is Born"(1954), recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, three-time Emmy nominated,  she was also nominated for a BAFTA in 1956 and twice nominated for an Oscar. Judy Garland's record, "Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall" earned her five Grammy Awards and she remained at the top of the Billboards in 1961 for two months. In 1952, she even won an honorary Tony Award for her contribution to Vaudeville style theatre. Judy Garland's contribution to music, theatre and film was immense and her influence can still be felt today. Her melodical rendition of "Over the Rainbow" will forever be her signature piece, though she will always be remembered for being truly great.

JULIE ANDREWS

Julie Andrews is the ultimate triple threat. With a freakish but beautiful four-octave voice, her claim to fame was the musical "Mary Poppins"(1964) to which she won an Oscar for her performance. That film displayed Julie's capacity to hold an audience not just from her incredibly beautiful voice but her capacity to act and dance. Prior to the success of "Mary Poppins"(1964) Julie made her debut on Broadway, making her mark in the 1956 musical "My Fair Lady" playing Eliza Doolittle. This musical made her a star of the stage even before she made it to the big screen. Her next big hit in film came with the all-too-recognizable "The Sound of Music"(1965). Songs from the 1965 hit are still sung today and the influence of this musical on pop culture can still be felt - cartoons often parody the Von Trapp Family.  Julie Andrews career on Broadway and film serve as text book lessons for those aspirant performers that one day hope to follow in her footsteps. She still appears in films and television to this day.

FRED ASTAIRE

Fred Astaire is remembered more for his dancing, however the light-footed Austrian could sing and act. He entered show business at the age of five performing with his sister Adele Astaire. His first film was "Dancing Lady"(1933) and that was quickly followed by "Flying down to Rio"(1933) to which he starred with Ginger Rogers. Then the legend of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers was born. The couple were screen-equals. Both matched each other in dance and became a signature pair. They appeared in nine films together. During the years of 1945-1947, Mr. Astaire opened his own dance school, The Fred Astaire Dance Studios. He returned to the screen in the 1950s appearing in films such as "Funny Face"(1957) opposite Audrey Hepburn. Multi-Golden Globe Award winner and recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille award he was also the founder of Ava Records. It is no surprise that the dancing-man had his legs insured for a million dollars...

LIZA MINNELLI

She is the daughter of the great Judy Garland, so it is no surprise that blessed with those performer genes, Liza Minnelli can hold her own on the stage and in film. Liza is a dual-Oscar winner and Tony Award winner. Her first Oscar was for her performance in "The Sterile Cuckoo" (1968) and her second Oscar was for her seductive and memorable performance as Sally Bowles in the hit musical "Cabaret"(1972). In 1990 she was awarded a Grammy Legend Award. Recently more known in the tabloids for her many marriages and health issues, Liza Minnelli is a legend in her own right. Whilst she suffered comparisons between herself and her mother during her early career, it is safe to say that this woman did more than prove that she was capable of succeeding without the Garland name...

Silver Screen Legends ~ Katharine Hepburn

Considered by the American Film Institute as the Top Female Hollywood Legend, Katharine Hepburn was the ultimate modern woman. She was a role model for the intellectual and free-thinking woman, someone whom wasn't afraid to show a bit of masculinity and someone whom was above all else was strong and not just in character. Four-time Academy Award Winner her range of work was as vast and versatile as light hearted comedies to literary drama. 

Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on the 12th May 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the daughter of a urologist and a feminist campaigner. Her parents encouraged her to always be open about her opinions and speak her mind. Katharine would often accompany her mother on several "votes for women" demonstrations. She was an active child whom cut her hair short and liked to call herself Jimmy. She swam, ran, played sports and climbed trees. Someone who was very close to her brother Tom Hepburn, it was no surprise that his sudden death would cause such grief. It was Katharine herself whom would discover his lifeless body. Her brother had died of apparent suicide in 1921. As a result, Katharine became introverted and would spend less time with the other children. She dropped out of Oxford School and began receiving private tutoring. For many years Katharine would use November 8th as her birthday - the date of her brother's...it wasn't until the release of her autobiography in 1991 where she openly stated that her real birthday was in fact 12th May.

Katharine attended Bryn Mawr College, an institution that her mother once attended and whilst her mother had once praised and loved the school, Katharine did not share this sentiment. She did not enjoy her experiences at the university after spending many years in private tutoring, but it was here that she discovered a love for acting and drama and she managed to land a role in the school production "The Woman in the Moon". In June 1928 Katharine Hepburn graduated with a degree in history and philosophy.

Following completion of her university studies, Katharine went on to appear in several Broadway productions, however it was in "The Warriors Husband" that became her break-out role. The play ran for three months and Katharine received many glowing reviews. It was this play that led to her being spotted by Leland Hayward whom was a Hollywood agent's scout. She was encouraged to screen test for the film "A Bill of Divorcement"(1932). She was offered the role and at the age of 25 appeared opposite John Barrymore in her debut film. It was a success and Katharine received rave reviews. Katharine signed on to RKO and from there made five additional films where the third, "Morning Glory"(1933) earned her, her first Academy Award.

Despite the surge of sudden success, stories began to filter around the Hollywood scene of what was considered bizarre behaviour for a star actress. Katharine would often wear slacks and refuse to wear make-up or participate in photoshoots or interviews. When she appeared on Broadway in "The Lake" in 1934, audiences and critics alike deserted her - instead of applauding her they panned her. Katharine's career took a slight nose dive between 1935-1938 where she churned out a few flops and only had two successful films "Alice Adams"(1935) and "Stage Door"(1937). Unfortunately, Katharine was labelled "box-office poison". She returned to Broadway instead. Luckily, she was rewarded with a smash hit - "The Philadelphia Story" in 1938, so much so, that she bought the rights to the film and was able to return to Hollywood on her own terms, selecting the director for the screen version of the Broadway hit. In 1940 Katharine Hepburn starred in the screen version of "The Philadelphia Story". From there she starred opposite Spencer Tracy in "Woman of the Year"(1942). This film would ultimately commence an affair with Spencer Tracy that resulted in several collaborations onscreen later. The pair were lovers for 25 years.

With Spencer Tracy in "Woman of the Year"(1942)

In 1951, Katharine starred in "The African Queen" which led to her fifth Oscar nomination. Other films during the 1950s included, "Summertime"(1955), "The Rainmaker" (1956) and "Suddenly, last summer" (1959). The 1960s saw less of Katharine onscreen as she devoted more of her time to her lover Spencer Tracy who by this stage was declining in health. Their last film together was "Guess who's coming to dinner"(1967), merely weeks after they concluded shooting did Spencer Tracy pass away. For her role in her last Spencer Tracy collaboration she won her second Oscar. The consecutive year she won again for her role in "The Lion in Winter"(1968). 

During the 1970s Katharine made the move to television appearing in made-for-television-films such as "The Glass Menagerie"(1973) and "Love among the ruins"(1975). Her fourth Best Actress Academy Award win came from her appearance in "On Golden Pond"(1981) opposite Henry Fonda. She holds the record for the most wins for a female in that category. Throughout the 1980s Katharine appeared on television and penned her autobiography in 1991. Her last feature film was in "Love Affair"(1994) with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning. 

Shortly after her final screen appearance, Katharine Hepburn's health began to decline. Bouts of pneumonia weakened her and she began to suffer from dementia. In 2003 an aggressive tumour was found in her neck and it was decided not to operate. She died at her family home on the 29th June 2003, age 96.

Katharine Hepburn will forever be considered a cultural icon, a fashion icon and a woman whom greatly influenced society and helped shaped the world during her time. She held her own in Hollywood and never succumbed to the pressures of depicting a standard "Hollywood Image" - she was her own woman and paved the way for other independent and strong women to do the same. A pioneer, she will always be considered a True Silver Screen Legend.

"Who is Katharine Hepburn? It took me a long time to create that creature."

Katharine Hepburn

Silver Screen Legends ~ Marlon Brando

He was the God Father...amongst many other roles...

He was quite possibly the greatest actor of all time.

He was Marlon Brando...

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 3rd, 1924, to a pesticide manufacturer and one of three children, Marlon Brando attended Libertyville High School despite being held back a year and subsequently expelled. He was then transferred to Shattuck Military Academy where his father once studied. He was always good at mimicking behaviour and had followed his sister's interest for dramatic arts. His sister, Jocelyn Brando went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Art and was later seen on Broadway, in films and television. His other sister, Frances Brando pursued art in New York and this was where Marlon followed.

In 1943, Marlon Brando followed his sister to New York where he attempted to find odd jobs to support himself. He managed to enrol himself at the American Theatre Wing Professional School where he studied the Stanislavski System under Stella Adler.

In "A Streetcar named Desire"

In 1944, Marlon made his Broadway Debut in "I remember mama" where he was spotted by several studio talent scouts whom all asked him to screen test for them. Marlon turned all of them down as he did not want to sign on to the then-standard seven-year contract. His film debut did not come until 1950 in "The Men". Playing a paraplegic soldier his portrayal brought a new depth of realism to the screen, until then not experienced by many audiences. It left quite a mark on those whom saw his performance and from then he was cast for "A Streetcar Named Desire"(1951) - one of his many most memorable roles and his first of what would be eight Oscar Nominations.

Marlon appeared in "Viva Zapata!"(1952), "Julius Caesar"(1953) and "On the Waterfront"(1954) all of which were Academy Award Nominated performances - he won for "On the Waterfront"(1954). In every role he played he injected that depth of realism that audiences came to know him so well. In true method style it was not unknown for Marlon to inhabit his characters off-set. His preparation for his first onscreen debut in "The Men"" (1950) for example, he spent a month in bed at Birmingham Army Hospital. His desire and demands for realism garnered a reputation for being difficult to work with, however he had no shortage of work during the 1950's and 1960's churning out stellar performance after stellar performance.

His mid-career highlight however, to which many younger generations will forever remember him for however, would be his role in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather". Playing Vito Corleone, "The Don" in 1972, the performance won him another Best Actor Academy Award, however he turned the award down even going as far as boycotting the ceremony. In his place, he sent American Indian Rights activist Sacheen Littlefeather to deliver his reason for absence stating his objection for the way that American Indians were depicted in Hollywood and on television. 

"The Godfather"(1972)

Nevertheless, this move did not hurt him as the following year he was again nominated for a Best Actor award for his performance in the scandalous "Last Tango in Paris"(1972). The film garnered more attention for its eroticism than it did Marlon's performance, however it still managed to give him just enough surge to reignite his already esteemed career. He made the cover of "Times" magazine and was once again a box office draw card. Despite the attention and fame, Marlon Brando walked away, taking a hiatus from the business. Three years later he appeared in "The Missouri Breaks"(1976) with Jack Nicholson, a film that became somewhat of a flop. He followed this with an appearance as Superman's father in "Superman"(1978) whilst obtaining as much money as possible for as least amount of work performed. He was paid $2million for his cameo appearance in Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" (1979) - a role which largely unscripted was improvised onscreen take after take after take. 

Marlon Brando's reputation for only being in it for the money was largely refuted upon his sudden appearance in 1989's "A Dry White Season" after almost a decade absence from the screen, to which he also received his eighth and final Oscar Nomination. All his earnings for that film went directly to an anti-apartheid charity.  

Marlon Brando's career and his performances have influenced many generations of actors and actresses. His style is seen as somewhat of a text-book for all method actors. In July 2004, Marlon Brando passed away at UCLA Medical Centre, aged 80. He was survived by eleven children and over thirty grand children. 

"Regret is useless in life. It's in the past. All we have is now."

Marlon Brando ~

Silver Screen Legends ~ Olivia de Havilland

Cousin of Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, a British aviation pioneer whom designed aircraft such as the war time Mosquito Fighter and older sister to also famous actress, Joan Fontaine, Olivia de Havilland is the only surviving major cast member of the Civil War Epic, "Gone with the Wind" (1939). A dual Oscar winner, she was also the first ever female president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965. 

Olivia Mary de Havilland was born in Tokyo, Japan on the 1st July 1916. Her mother was celebrated stage actress Lillian Ruse and her father Walter Augustus de Havilland was an attorney whom had his own practice in Tokyo. Her parents did not stay together long after her birth and separated by the time she turned three. Due to health concerns, Olivia's mother took her and her sister Joan to Saratoga, California where she underwent specialist attention and quickly improved. Shortly after her mother remarried to a department store owner, George M. Fontaine. Sadly, both Olivia and her sister disliked their step father immensely and unfortunately the siblings themselves never really got along with each other. Since the death of their mother in 1975, neither Olivia nor Joan have spoken to each other - they remain estranged to this day.

After Olivia graduated from high school she attended Mills College in Oakland. There she snagged a role in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as Hermia. It was there that Max Reinhardt, Hollywood Director spotted the young Olivia. Later, she starred in the film version which became her debut in 1935. Warner Brothers were smitten by this young girl and signed her immediately to a seven year contract. She appeared in three films that same year, "The Irish in Us"(1935), "Alibi Ike"(1935) and "Captain Blood"(1935). It was the film "Captain Blood"(1935) however, which saw her linked for the first time to swashbuckling Tasmanian, Errol Flynn - they would go on to make eight films together, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) to which Olivia played Maid Marian. 

Dodge City (1939) with Errol Flynn

Warner Brothers then loaned Olivia de Havilland to David O Selznick whom went on to create the classic "Gone with the Wind" in 1939. It was rumoured that Olivia's sister, Joan Fontaine was approached first, however upon discovering that she was not auditioning for the lead role of Scarlett but the supporting part of Melanie she turned it down in a rage and declared that her sister would be the better option for the role. Olivia went on to receive an Oscar Nomination for the role, however lost out to her co-star Hattie McDaniel. 

Over the years Olivia was increasingly given scripts and roles of what she termed "damsels in distress" and this typecasting infuriated her. She began rejecting roles and insisting she be given more substantial complex characters. The fact that in 1941 her sister, Joan Fontaine beat her to go on to win an Oscar for her role in "Suspicion"(1941) when both were nominated for an Academy Award (in the same category) only added more fuel to the fire. When her contract was due for expiry with Warner Brothers she was suddenly placed on six months suspension due to her continuously rejecting roles. It was a move for the studio to control an otherwise difficult employee. Not one for being trampled over or controlled, Olivia mounted a lawsuit against Warner Brothers with the support of the Screen Actors Guild. She won, thereby reducing the amount of power studios had on their actors and actresses regarding creative freedom. This meant that studios could only sign actors for seven years. Her triumph was touted as "The De Havilland Decision". For the length of the court battle, Olivia de Havilland did not appear in a single film. 

It was no surprise that following the lawsuit, Warner Brothers refused to work with Olivia ever again. Olivia moved on to sign a three-year contract with Paramount Pictures. Following this move she was cast in more meatier roles and as a result, won two Best Actress Academy Awards for her roles in "To Each His Own"(1946) and "The Heiress"(1949). After a three year hiatus, she returned to the screen for "My Cousin Rachel" (1952) and would later make appearances on Broadway and on television.

Despite her film career, Olivia de Havilland had her political pursuits and actively campaigned for Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman. She was a staunch liberal and was involved in what became a highly publicized "row" between herself and the Independent Citizens' Committee of the Arts, Sciences and Professions - a group which later was identified as a communist front organization.

Nevertheless, throughout her pursuits, Olivia de Havilland married twice and had two children. She continued to appear onscreen and on television until the 1980's. She cherished a strong friendship with actress Bette Davis to whom she made four films with and was also very close to Gloria Stuart until her death in 2010. 

Today, Olivia de Havilland lives a quiet life in France. She rarely makes public appearances however in 2003 presented an award at the 75th Academy Awards as well as made an appearance for her 90th birthday celebrations in 2006 hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Amongst her film accolades she has been awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2008, has been appointed the Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in September 2010 by the President of the French Republic and has been awarded the César Award in 2011. 

"Famous people feel that they must perpetually be on the crest of the wave, not realizing that it is against all the rules of life. You can't be on top all the time, it isn't natural."

Olivia de Havilland ~

Silver Screen Legends ~ Errol Flynn

This Star of the Silver Screen is just that little bit special because he comes from a place where I call home....Tasmania. Often called "The Baron", "The Tasmanian Devil", "Rolly" and "Satan's Angel", Errol Flynn was the ultimate swashbuckling hero.

Who knew that a Hobart-born boy would one day become a Hollywood super star? His father, Theodore Thomas Flynn was a lecturer at University of Tasmania - a specialist of biology. The family moved to Sydney where Errol attended Sydney Church of England Grammar School. His classmate at the time would be the future Australian Prime Minister, John Gorton. His childhood was punctuated with misdemeanour's which saw him expelled from several schools - not just Sydney Grammar, but a few in Tasmania as well. Until his brush with fame, Errol handled a few odd jobs, even moving to New Guinea to attempt to own a tobacco plantation in his early 20's.

In 1933, Errol joined the Northampton Repertory Company for seven months in London. That same year, he scored a part in the Australian film "In the Wake of the Bounty" and in 1934 he appeared in "Murder at Monte Carlo" - considered a lost film it was commissioned by Warner Brothers, which later led to his departure to America. There he became a citizen in 1942.

Errol Flynn (right) doing what he does best

It was by pure chance that Errol would replace actor Robert Donat in the film "Captain Blood"(1935). He typically became an overnight sensation. Through this he moved on to "The Charge of the Light Brigade"(1936)  and "The Prince and the Pauper" (1937). However, it was his appearance as Robin Hood in "The Adventures of Robin Hood"(1938) which etched him forever to be the swashbuckling legend. It was a celebrated role and something that would immortalize him. He was noted for his incredible skill as a swordsman and his swordsmanship was continuously noted upon in other films such as "The Sea Hawk"(1940).

Despite portraying a strong and athletic figure onscreen, offscreen it was a very different story. After becoming a US citizen and in the throes of the Second World War, Errol tried desperately hard to join the defence force. He was repeatedly rejected due to several health issues. Errol had an enlarged heart, a murmur, chronic re-occurring tuberculosis, chronic back pain and re-occurring malaria. This meant that he was classified "4-F" - not acceptable for military service due to the inability to meet minimum fitness standards. For someone whom onscreen was portrayed as the fittest of the fit in reality, it was not so. Warner Brothers Studio came under fire numerous times for their casting of Errol in "war hero" roles when in fact he could not even enlist in the military. The Studio's reluctance to rebut such criticisms came as a tactic to hide Errol's health problems.

Sadly, behind the scenes Errol's excessive drinking, smoking and party lifestyle aged him dramatically, especially in the 1950's. He was a reputed womanizer and was subsequently accused of statutory rape - having undergone two court cases in 1943 he was cleared of both accusations. The resulting reputation garnered the phrase "in with Flynn". However, despite the excessive lifestyle, he did marry...in fact three times and had four children. 

Errol Flynn passed away, suffering a heart attack on the 14th October 1959, aged 50. He was the action hero of the Silver Screen and will forever be remembered as Robin Hood...

"If I have any genius it is a genius for living..."

Errol Flynn ~