Just the other morning, I was eating an early breakfast with my husband with TCM Cinéma playing in the background. I often turn on the television first thing when I come downstairs because there is usually a 1930s/1940s film playing. Honestly, what better way is there to get your day going?

The picture playing that morning was Follow the Fleet (1936), a delightful musical with Fred Astaire and his frequent leading lady, Ginger Rogers. There is a moment in the film when Fred and his band start playing in front of some guests visiting their ship. All of sudden, Fred-baby breaks into one of his epic song & dance routines. I immediately started bouncing up and down in my chair with joy! Then I made the statement to my husband that “everyone needs a bit of 1899 to start their day”, referring to the year of Fred’s birth. (Since Fred and I share a birthday, this was common knowledge.😉) It was then that I got the idea for a blogathon themed around the year 1899.

So, how about welcoming in 2024 by turning the clock back 125 years? 🥳

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The purpose of this blogathon is to celebrate the lives and works of those Old Hollywood players who were born in the year 1899. It is scheduled to take place from 29 December 2023 (Friday) to 2 January 2024 (Tuesday).

Here is a list of some better-known 1899’er celebrities:

  • Ramon Navarro (Feb. 6)
  • Gale Sondergaard (Feb. 15)
  • Gloria Swanson (Mar. 27)
  • George O’Brien (Apr. 19)
  • Aline MacMahon (May 3)
  • Fred Astaire (May 10)
  • Irving Thalberg (May 30)
  • Charles Laughton (Jul. 1)
  • George Cukor (Jul. 7)
  • James Cagney (Jul. 17)
  • Ernest Hemingway (Jul. 21)
  • Paul Kelly (Aug. 9)
  • P. L. Travers (Aug. 9)
  • Alfred Hitchcock (Aug. 13)
  • Alma Reville Hitchcock (Aug. 14)
  • Glenn Strange (Aug. 16)
  • Colleen Moore (Aug. 19)
  • Charles Boyer (Aug. 28)
  • Douglas Shearer (Nov. 17)
  • Hoagy Carmichael (Nov. 22)
  • Noël Coward (Dec. 16)
  • Humphrey Bogart (Dec. 25)

You are not limited to the names above and are more than welcome to talk about lesser-known players from the day. Feel free to use this page for inspiration. (Note: John Gilbert is erroneously included, having been born in 1897.)

Charles Boyer ringing in 1939 alongside Dolores Del Rio.

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Here are the rules of the blogathon:

  • If you wish to participate, let me know the topic of your choice either on this page or by contacting me on Twitter.
  • Considering the large array of topic/title possibilities, no duplicates will be allowed this time.
  • Previously published articles are more than welcome, as long as it is noted in the title or text or your work. (Example: “Revisiting the Films of George Cukor”, “Rewind Review: Casablanca”, etc.)
  • Submit your contribution any time you wish before, during, or even after the event, as it is most convenient for you.
  • Have fun!

You are invited to take a banner and to spread the word about the Party Like It’s 1899 Blogathon! 😊

Thank you in advance for your participation and support! 💕

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PARTICIPANTS

Poppity Talks Classic Film: Douglas Shearer, Green Dolphin Street (1947)

Realweegiemidget Reviews: Gloria Swanson, Sunset Boulevard (1950) & Airport 1975 (1974)

Whimsically Classical: The films of James Cagney & Humphrey Bogart

Taking Up Room: Pat O’Brien, Bombardier (1943)

Stone Gasman: Jobyna Ralston, The Kid Brother (1927)

Classic Film and TV Corner: Humphrey Bogart, Tribute to Bogie & Bacall

Dubsism: Charles Laughton, Sports Analogies Hidden in Spartacus (1960)

Speakeasy: Article on Paul Kelly and his 1899’er wife Dorothy Mackaye

The Stop Button: Akim Tamiroff, The Magnificent Fraud (1939)

Crítica Retro: Colleen Moore, Ella Cinders (1926)

Dominique Revue: Focus on Orlando Martins

The Everyday Cinephile: The films of Lotte Reiniger

Silver Screenings: Ramon Navarro, Ben-Hur (1925)

Old Books and Movies: Fred Astaire, favourite dance numbers

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