While I’m not completely averse to contemporary cinema, my heart really belongs to classic films, particularly those from the 40s and 50s.

I can’t tell you exactly how my passion for these movies first came about. However, my father was a film editor and I grew up with an acute awareness of his craft and the artistry involved in it. This fostered a deep and long-held respect for what I can only describe as the ‘magic’ of cinema. I think my sister and I were raised on the films that Dad felt best exhibited the technique and creativity of great film making. For the most part, these were movies that many would consider to epitomise Hollywood’s golden era.

We watched these films like other children watched the great popcorn-munching blockbusters of the 80s and 90s. Instead of the latest Spielberg flic, we were perched in front of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in ‘On the Town’ or humming along to the score from ‘Singing in the Rain’.

Watching these films meant that my love for classic Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Judy Garland etc. etc. developed at a very early age. I think I have always aspired to the level of femininity and glamour that these women portrayed on screen. I rarely achieve it I’m sure, but it’s always there, in the back of my mind.

Over the last fortnight I’ve watched a few new old films, that is old films that are new to me of course! I can absolutely recommend them all.

‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ is a must for any fans of the great Marilyn Monroe. It’s very funny! Marilyn’s character is so ditzy and I adore the costumes. Lauren Bacall is also fabulous. I’m working on expanding my collection of Marilyn movies and this is my newest addition. I need to get my hands on a copy of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ too as I’ve not seen it in years.

I’ve completely fallen in love with ‘An American in Paris’. I’ve had the DVD for quite a while but only got round to watching it the other day. Gene Kelly is amazing and the George Gershwin’s music is just beautiful. If you love dancing this is a must… you’ll never feel the urge to watch ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ again once you’ve seen Kelly and Leslie Caron dance. They’re so sensual together… honestly there is more chemistry between them than you’ll find in most modern day sex scenes. That said I’ve included a clip of Kelly on his own singing ‘I’ve Got Rhythm’. I love the french children and it’s one of my favourite Gershwin numbers.

I’m also going through a bit of a Hitchcock phase at the moment. Having watched ‘Rear Window’ the other evening we picked up ‘Vertigo’ too. It’s not quite as wonderful but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I love Kim Novak. She’s often described as a poor man’s Marilyn Monroe but she does look wonderful in this. I adore the grey skirt suit she wears in a lot of the film.

Loveaudrey xxx