Saturday 9: The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight (1936)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) They lyrics tell us that no matter how low the singer feels, it will raise his spirits to recall the way his lover looks tonight. Share a special moment in your life that brings a smile to your lips, no matter what.  These days it's just about anything the grandkids, do. Because I've always said "Hi, baby" or "Bye, baby" to our youngest granddaughter, she now uses the same greeting for everyone. It just tickles me when she leaves, waving her hand and calling "Buh-eye-eee, baby!" Then she will call "Hug!" and run back for one...about 10 times before she will leave. 

2) This song was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1936 movie, Swing Time. It won the Oscar for Best Song. What's your favorite movie song?  I'm an 80's girl and my favorite movie is Dirty Dancing so while I like the theme song, Time of My Life, I like music with a faster beat so I love Do You Love Me from the staff party scene.

3) Though today Fred is revered as a Hollywood legend, producers had to be convinced to give him a shot. The initial notes on his screen test were: "Can't act. Slightly bald. Also dances." Tell us about a time when someone underestimated you.  My former boss comes to mind. She did not like me for whatever reason, and after telling me to do something she would always lecture me not to screw it up/do it wrong/etc. I loved it when the residents and their families responded to me and not to her. It happened quite a bit. She was not a very nice person.

4) Fred's legion of fans includes Jackie Chan. The martial arts star says Astaire's movies influenced the way he choreographed the Kung Fu fight sequences in his films. Mr. Chan is one of the most popular film stars in the world. Have you seen any of his movies?  Yep. My husband really liked his movies back during his heyday, so I've probably seen them all or close to it.

 

5) Fred was always fascinated by new things. In the 1970s, when he was in his late 70s, he took up skateboarding and became so good at it he was awarded life membership in the National Skateboard Society. Have you been skateboarding? If not, is it something you're tempted to try?  I seem to remember giving it a half-hearted try back in the 70's. I didn't have a skateboard and didn't want one. I just tried out my friend's board. As for would I try it now. Not unless paramedics with strong pain meds were standing by.

 

6) Fred's friends were amused by his passion for daytime soap operas. In the days before video recording, he would call home from the club house at the golf course and ask his maid what had happened that day on his favorite "story," As the World Turns. Is there a show you try not to miss?  A soap opera? I used to be hooked on Another World and Days of Our Lives but I haven't watched them since my daughter was born...nearly 29 years ago. When she went down for a nap, I had better things to do than watch soaps. Like sleep. I'm not hooked on any show these days.

7) In 1936, the year this song was popular, the US patent office issued a patent for the Zippo lighter. Beginning in WWII and for decades after, Zippo lighters were issued to our soldiers. During the Vietnam War, troops had their lighters engraved with personal mottos. What's something you have had engraved or personalized? What did it say?  I ordered a personalized granddaughter necklace for our oldest granddaughter a few years ago. I can't remember what I had engraved...maybe "I'll love you forever." 

8) Also in 1936, a killer tornado struck Tupelo, MS. Have you ever been in a tornado? How about a hurricane or an earthquake?  I have been in a tornado and an extremely mild earthquake.

 

9) Random question -- We're creating an action figure of YOU. What two accessories should we be sure to include in the box?  A book and a can of Diet Coke.

Thanks to Crazy Sam @ the Saturday 9

for the music and the questions!