The Lake Update for July 2015 – PLUS JULY FIVE HONOREES

Long-time readers of the site know July kicks off a solid two months of fun on Journeys in Classic Film, starting with the July Five and seguing into TCM’s Summer Under the Stars in August. We haven’t hit SUTS yet, but thanks to the nearly 140 votes you cast I can announce which actors/director being honored this year for the July Five 2015. Click the “read more” tag to see which films will be reviewed, as well as what else is happening in July!

Outside of the July Five I’m hoping to do a few more video reviews or at least something with video blogs. I’m open to suggestion, just note I’m limited in my resources so I can’t do anything too fancy in the way of video production. I am interested in diversifying, though, and want to know your honest opinions. Do you think there’s a space for video of some kind on Journeys in Classic Film? What would you like to see done with video, if anything? No answer is wrong. I’m interested in hearing about what keeps you coming back to the site or, what would make you stop visiting.

Other than that, I will be posting up two more entries in Biopic Theatre – reviews of Frances (1982) and Jeanne Eagels (1957) – before putting the series on hiatus. It’s something I’ve done the last year, both because the upcoming theme months and holidays usually smother it and to replenish my biopic collection. If there’s a biopic you want me to review, be sure to leave a comment and I’ll be sure to review it when the series starts fresh next year.

Thanks to TCM, I’ll be attending several of the upcoming Fathom events screenings, starting with their latest, Jaws (1975). Look for that review this weekend or next. I’ll be trying to get some contests going, it’s been awhile, and see about getting you kind readers out in support of their upcoming showings with free tickets. Stay tuned!

Now, on to the honorees for the July Five 2015. If you don’t know, over the next five weeks, running throughout July, I pick five stars (a couple, a director, two actresses and an actor) and review five of their films. (If you must know, this started as a way for me to finally open those box sets I purchased at Christmastime.) Past recipients have included John Wayne, Frank Capra, and William Powell and Myrna Loy. This year’s winners and their films are below:

Preston Sturges

The Lady Eve (1941)

Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)

Sullivan’s Travels (1941)

The Great McGinty (1940)

The Palm Beach Story (1942)

Rita Hayworth

Gilda (1946)

Angels Over Broadway (1940)

The Lady From Shanghai (1947)

Down to Earth (1947)

Music in My Heart (1940)

Gene Kelly

On the Town (1949)

An American in Paris (1951)

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Brigadoon (1954)

Anchors Aweigh (1945)

Barbara Stanwyck

Double Indemnity (1944)

Baby Face (1933)

Annie Oakley (1935)

East Side, West Side (1949)

My Reputation (1946)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

The Gay Divorcee (1934)

Swing Time (1936)

The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)

Top Hat (1935)

Shall We Dance (1937)

Hope you’re as excited about this year’s July Five as I am! Which week/films are you looking forward to?