Sunday Viewing: “Giant,” 1956

Warner Brothers



Adapted from the novel by Edna Ferber and directed by veteran film-maker, George Stevens, Giant tells the tale of a wealthy Texas family and their struggled (both internal and external) as they try to maintain their way of life amidst changing times.

Warner Brothers

At the start of the film, rancher Bick Benedict returns to his sprawling Texas ranch, Reata, with his new bride from Maryland, Leslie Lynnton. Bick’s sister, Luz, runs the ranch with an iron fist and resents Leslie and her refined ways and progressive ideas about the equality of the ranch’s Mexican workers. Luz tries her best to undermine Leslie whenever given the chance. Luz’s favored assistant, Jett Rink, is also a thorn in Bick’s side. Not only is Jett clearly infatuated with Leslie, but he also comes to have a claim on part of Reata—a parcel of land that eventually yields oil. The struggle between Bick and Jett intensifies as Bick and Leslie’s differences lead them farther apart. As their world changes with the approach of the second World War, Bick finds that he may have to alter his mindset.

Warner Brothers

Stevens originally wanted Alan Ladd to play Jett Rink. His wife advised him against it, stating that Ladd’s career was fading and that he should consider up-and-coming star James Dean. Stevens cast Dean, but bristled at the young actors overwrought method acting which didn’t fit into Stevens’ tight directing style which he had honed since the days of silent films. For the role of Bick, Stevens considered William Holden, but ultimately cast Rock Hudson who was given the choice of two leading ladies—Grace Kelly or Elizabeth Taylor. Hudson chose his good friend Elizabeth Taylor who gives one of her more even performances in the film. Joining Hudson, Taylor and Dean in the cast are Mercedes McCambridge as Luz, Sal Mineo, Carroll Baker, Jane Withers, Chill Wills and Dennis Hopper.

Warner Brothers

Giant was filmed in Marfa, Texas which doubled as Reata. The scenes set in Maryland were actually shot at the Belmont Estate in Albemarle County, Virginia. All interiors will filmed in Burbank, California at Warner Brothers. The film was a year in the editing. James Dean was killed before the release of the film and actor Nick Adams had to be hired to dub Dean’s final lines.

Warner Brothers

Perhaps because of the untimely death of Dean, the film received considerable attention. It opened to good reviews and features excellent performances from the principle cast. Dimitri Tiomkin’s peculiar musical score is the most criticized feature of the film with many feeling that he reworked a score from a previous film. Otherwise, it’s quite interesting to see the differences in acting style between James Dean and Taylor and Hudson. When left to his own devices, Dean is at his best, however, in some scenes his costars seem a little startled by his performance.

This trailer for Giant will give you a taste for the film if you haven’t seen it. Part s of it are a trifle slow, but it’s an interesting, well-acted picture with an intriguing story that you will, no doubt, enjoy.

Painting of the Day: “Home (The Return from the Crimea)” by Sir Joseph Noël Paton, 1859

J. Breese, 1855
Personal Collectio
of Queen Victoria
The Royal Collection

The Crimean War lasted from 1853 until 1856 and was, essentially, a struggle of the great European powers for control over the lands of the failing Ottoman Empire. Queen Victoria was very much affected by the atrocities of the Crimean War and had great sympathy for the British soldiers who were killed or wounded during the battle. Victoria often commissioned photographs of soldiers who returned home to England—broken and battered. She kept these photographs as reminders of the sacrifices made by her people and the hideousness of war.

Home (Return from the Crimea)
Sir Joseph Paton, 1859
Commissioned by Queen Victoria
The Royal Collection

In 1859, Queen Victoria commissioned painter Sir Joseph Paton to produce a commemorative, monumental work in honor of those soldiers who returned from the Crimea. The painting depicts a wounded soldier lovingly welcomed home by his wife and mother. The composition suggests something of a Pieta scene or image of Christ being removed from the cross. While the scene is filled with comforting images of home such as a sleeping infant and a fishing rod, they are in conflict with the more grisly elements of the scene—the solider’s wounds and the gruesome souvenirs he has brought with him. Victoria was clearly upset by the war and kept this painting in a prominent place. Today, it is displayed as part of the Royal Collection.

Sunday Morning Special: An Interview with James Dean

Warner Brothers Pictures

In 1955, to promote their films, Warner Brothers created a special program hosted by Gig Young (one-time husband of Elizabeth Montgomery).  Young would describe upcoming pictures from Warner Brothers and interview the young stars to garner interest in the films.  In a program about Rebel Without a Cause, Young interviews James Dean who was in the midst of shooting his last film, Giant.  Dean appears in costume from the set of Giant (and somewhat in character as well) to talk about the importance of safe driving.  Shortly after this (before the release of Giant), Dean was killed in a terrible automobile crash.  This short clip of ironic footage is both sad and interesting. 

Reminder: "Punch's Cousin" Will Return on Monday

Last week, Christmas came to Marionneaux, Louisiana in Punch’s Cousin. Mr. Punch and his friends had the chance to take a few moments away from their drama and strife to enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning together—giving gifts and solidifying their bonds. However, not everyone in that wicked little town was making merry. Marjani was in turmoil as she watched her daughter and son-in-law continue to suffer from The Yellow Fever. And, of course, the last thing on Barbara’s mind was “peace on Earth” as she set about stealing from Cecil and Adrienne and trying to make her way to Iolanthe Evangeline’s New Orleans Bawdy House. Under the thrall of Ulrika Rittenhouse, the nanny set about an evil plan to make it appear that Julian was going to take his own life. Ulrika’s treachery didn’t end there. She’s been scheming to get Arthur all to herself as well as keep the stolen blue diamond. The Christmas joy was cut short as Agnes Rittenhouse crept into the Halifax House and Mr. Punch was startled by the unexpected arrival of Iolanthe Evangeline and her cruel greeting.


This week, we will discover just how Mr. Punch will react to Iolanthe’s arrival. Meanwhile, the well-to-do of Marionneaux journey to New Orleans for Edward Cage’s annual Masquerade Ball. At that ill-fated fete, powerful forces will collide and perhaps unite as Ulrika and Iolanthe clash for domination and Barbara Allen makes a startling confession. Meanwhile, a visitor from England will threaten Julian’s sanity. Will Mr. Punch have to take permanent control of his master’s body? As Robert’s plan to expose the people who have tried to oppress them comes to a head, a group of Marionneaux residents finds unexpected freedom and faces a challenge for which they’re ill-prepared.

As Punch’s Cousin reaches its one hundredth chapter, I’ll also post a recap of the events that have led us up to this point. For those of you new to the story, all of the previous chapters have been archived. I appreciate your support and kind words. I promise you won’t be disappointed as Punch’s Cousin continues.

Goal for the Day: Treat Yourself to a New Fragrance

Who doesn’t like to smell nice?  If you’re out shopping today, take a moment to pause by the fragrance counter at a local department store.  Test some new fragrances.  You might find one that you like.  While it may seem a bit decadent, you can treat yourself every so often to something personal.  A fragrance is an excellent way to express your taste and style in a subtle way.  If you’re like me and have a scent that you consider your “signature fragrance,” treat yourself to another bottle.  All of our senses are part of our collective personalities.  When you smell good, you feel good. 

Object of the Day: A Victorian Scent Bottle

Very often, fragrances were transferred to special decorative bottles which matched other vanity objects in a lady’s collection.  Victorian art glass was particularly fine, featuring beautiful colors and hand-painted embellishment. 

This English scent bottle from the late Nineteenth Century showcases a lovely magenta base which graduates to clear glass.  The vessel has been adorned with hand-painted daisies with cobalt blue centers and gold details.  While the stopper is most likely a replacement from the 1930’s, the bottle itself is in excellent condition and still retains a faint floral scent.

Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque"

The Palazzo Spada

Our journey this week will take us to a variety of interesting places as we continue our exploration of beauty both past and present.


We’ll take a trip to Rome to visit the Palazzo Spada and its famed art collection. While in Italy, we’ll also be entertained by a Pulcinella show as we examine the roots of Britain’s beloved Mr. Punch.



The Lesser George

Our voyage into Queen Victoria’s world will give us a glimpse at her magnificent hand-painted piano and we’ll, once again, open her cherished collection of personal jewelry to have a look at the magnificent insignia known as “The Lesser George.”

As always, we’ll study trends in design through the ages to see how artists and craftsmen of the past have influenced the objects that we use every day. We’ll be treated to a look at a fantastic contemporary portrait artist and see how the work of Sir Edwin Landseer served as a reference point for her original compositions.

A tour of my personal collection of antiques will reveal some unusual furnishings, art glass, metal work and paintings. And, we’ll take another look at the British Museum as we discover what is, perhaps, their most bizarre artifact. A visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum will afford a rare look at an early Twentieth Century collection of Punch and Judy Puppets and we’ll see how Mr. Punch was a model for many of the toys that we all played with as children.



Bette Davis

 Our nod to classic films will include two of Bette Davis’ finest performances. We’ll meet "Charlotte Vale" from Now, Voyager and learn more about another, lesser-known Davis film which also stars Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn.



Punch and Judy Collection



You’ll still be able to submit your nominations for both Humanitarian of the Year and Person of the Year as well as have an opportunity to read a preview of my upcoming novel, The Cages of Marionneaux. Of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue with Chapter 97 as our heroes journey to New Orleans for the Cages’ Masquerade Ball. With all of our characters in one place—in disguises, no less—some dramatic things are bound to happen.

Many thanks to all of you who come here each day to stalk the Belle Époque with me. We’ve got a lot of excitement ahead!