IRON LADY - GOLDEN PERFORMANCE

MERYL STREEP AS MARGARET THATCHER in THE IRON LADY - CLICK TO ORDER IN iTUNESActing marvel Meryl Streep gave yet another jaw dropping performance this year in THE IRON LADY.   Streep plays former British Prime Minister - Margaret Thatcher.   Thatcher was the longest running Prime Minister (1979-1990) of the 20th century, and the only Woman to ever hold the post. FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER CIRCA 1985   Thatcher was controversial figure as she favored deregulation and a decreased role of labor unions.   The Iron Lady was a nickname given to Thatcher due to her strong public persona.

Streep disappears in her portrayal of Thatcher with her use of diction, demeanor, and physically transforming herself to that of Thatcher over decades as we watch her go from a blossoming politician to an elderly Woman battling dementia.MERYL STREEP AS MAGARET THATCHER - CLICK TO ORDER   The fim is touching as we see the struggles of a Woman who once held the most powerful office in Great Britian as she faces her own mortality and must relegate power to household staff and a less than leader-like middle aged daughter.

The movie also created one of the biggest fashion statements of the year.   The timing was ripe as the 1980's have come roaring back as a source of inspiration for the fashion world.   Designers have embraced big hair and matching ensembles on runway after runway.  Months before the release ELLE Magazine featured a major editorial title IRON LADY.   With a nod to Streep and Thatcher, Elle gave us the best of the smart skirt suit dressing Thatcher is known for.  Photog Terry Richardson shot Georgia Jagger (Mick and Jerry Hall's daughter) in her best Thatcher like style.  Let's not forget that iconic hair!

Meryl StreepSTREEP TAKES HOME OSCAR GOLD took home Oscar Gold for the best female performance in a leading role. 

GEORGIA JAGGER AS MARGARET THATCHER IN FERRAGAMO - PH: TERRY RICHARDSONIf you haven't seen the film, you should.   Find it in a theater or on Netflix or iTunes asap.

BLANCHE FURY - OF THE MANOR BORN?

For all those fans salivating for the second season of Dowton Abbey, I have a perfect movie to tide you over for just a little bit longer.   A brilliant classic from 1948, Blanche Fury has it all!  Romance, class struggle, adultery and a murder or two! VALERIE HOBSON AS BLANCHE FURY Add to that breathtaking cinematography of French director Marc Allegret, and this British classic set in the dark and brooding countryside of 1800's England will make you swoon!   Valerie Hobson plays Blanche, a young woman forced into a life of service following the death of her mother.  After several years of serving a mean old woman,  Blanche receives a letter from her wealthy uncle asking if she would come and be the governess on his estate.  You bet your pale, white, 19th century ass she does!   Blanche hightails it to the estate and that's where things really get interesting.STEWART GRANGER   Of course, there is a perfectly appropriate cousin to marry (fans of batman will find a familiar face here- Michael Gough aka Alfred) and guarantee her permanent place at the estate.   Do I have to mention there is a much hotter rebel, Philip- played by Stewart Granger.  Philip despises her uncle and lays claim to be the rightful owner of the estate?  Guess what happens next?   The acting is wonderful, but it is the costuming, cinematography, and sets that are brilliant.    Rent or buy yourself a copy today!

The British sensation Downton Abbey has taken the U.S.A. by storm!  The most successful British miniseries in recent history, the classic tale of upstairs / downstairs had everyone on the edge of their sofas all year long.   Elizabeth McGovern and the legendary Maggie Smith lead an impeccable team of actors.  The level of intrigue and dramaACTING LEGEND - MAGGIE SMITH is outrageous and instantly addictive!  Smith is at her best as the iron fisted, and out of touch dowager, Violet - Countess of Grantham.  Her delivery of already infamous lines such as "What are these weekends people speak of" or "put that in your pipe and smoke it".   If you haven't seen Downton Abbey - click the photo at right and start downloading episodes today!   Netflix customers you can also find it there. 

Incidentally, there was an indie rock band formed in the early 1990's in Dallas by the name Blanche Fury.   The all girl group had a cult following and the songs are available on iTunes.   Click Blache Fury Rocks to listen today.   CLICK BELOW TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE: