A Rose For Mrs. Miniver: The Life of Greer Garson

Greer Garson as Mrs. Miniver

Modern actors and actresses don’t seem to have the charisma, style and elegance of yesteryear’s stars. Maybe that’s because most of today’s actors are really nothing but pitiful celebrities striving to be what once was, when Hollywood was golden.

Many people long for yesterday when it comes to film stars: Betty Davis, Myrna Loy, Katherine Hepburn Ginger Rogers, and so many more. But nobody, it would seem, is to be as far more elegant, charming and very beautiful as Greer Garson. The graduate of many honors turn star of MGM who we all thought was born in 1908, but was really born in 1904!

Author Michael Troyan delves into Greer Garson’s life, as much as anyone could, given that she was an extremely private woman. He carries you through her intense desire to succeed as an actress, her `discovery’ and career struggles to resist being typecast, all the way through her marriages, and to her death on April 5, 1996 at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital with Van Cliburn at her bedside.

IWe’d always thought of Ms. Garson as a brilliant actress who could get any part she wanted. Little did we know of her struggles with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. One of her best films is the record-breaking “Mrs. Miniver.”  It hasn’t stopped anybody from watching it!

And while it felt a bit like voyeurism looking in on her life, I’m glad I visited it through Troyan’s eyes. It was a satisfying trip. And the author did a marvelous job showing us a small but very important and intimate part of the woman who was Greer Garson.

For a compelling look at one of the best actresses to ever grace the stage, big or small screen, read A Rose for Mrs. Miniver: The Life of Greer Garson.

I just have to read this!!! I asked my sister to buy it for me, because it isn’t available here! I hate bookstores that doesn’t sell American Related Biographies of Stars. I should sue, if I have to! But I don’t have money. To all of you who loves Greer, read this!

Somebody, Someone, Somehow, Somewhere

This would be my newest entry, ladies and gentlemen. I believe blog entries are most important in a lady’s life. I believe sharing her deepest thoughts and feelings in blogs are very much appreciated by most of the people who care to read it. But I’m not going to write something affectionate here, right now, so I guess you could say I fooled you this minute!

I’m a bit weirder than usual right now. I feel butterflies in my stomach apart from the reason that I’m a bit hungry, craving for chips and chocolates. I can’t say I’m in love, because I’m not. I can’t say I’m admiring someone, because… Alright, I’ll say it. I’m admiring somebody right now. I can’t say this somebody is the best thing I’ve ever known. I haven’t known this somebody. I just saw this somebody in a movie and I was so mesmerized by this somebody that somehow, somewhere, I’ve known who this somebody is! I sure wish I have. I sure wish I’ve seen this somebody somewhere before, when I had the time to live during the golden age of hollywood.

I sure wish I did live during the 40’s. I would have collected autographs from famous stars that I do so admire right now. I told you I’m weird.

It feels like I’m walking in the clouds

Have you ever felt like being on top of the clouds? As if you’re defying the laws of gravity and feel like you’re walking into thin air? Don’t despair! It only means one thing: You’re very much in love!

I know you’ve felt like your heart pounding 100 times faster than usual. I know you’ve not eaten much since your last phone call from the one you admire the most. I know you’ve always looked at yourself in the mirror, seeing if you’re good enough to be seen by the one you love. I know you’ve done so many things to please him/her. I know you’ve made him/her laugh, even cry… But you’re just in love, that’s all!

It’ll be normal again, once you get off that cloud you’re on. I know! I’ve been there. I’ve been on every path you’re going through right now. And I know you’ll eventually cry, feel pain, and wish your life has ended. I know. I’ve been there.    ~Greer, from The Valley of Jane’s Dolls

This is a prototype of my new story in mind. The Valley of Jane’s Dolls. It’s like Saber Marionette J, but live action if you may imagine it!

Rosemary Clooney and her songs…

I am currently listening to so many Rosie Clooney songs. I love the songs! I know it’s kind of old school and very ancient to some but I enjoy it! It’s the best music I’ve ever heard! Half as Much, Hey There, Blues in the Night, Mangoes, and the most famous MAMBO ITALIANO!!! Oh I just love them all!

The True Beauty of being a Woman

“…She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes… She can ruin your faith with her casual lies. But she only reveals what she wants you to see… She hides like a child but she’s always a woman to me…”

I have just read an essay type letter, written by Rizal for the women of Malolos during the Hispanic Wars. I felt the value he has for women. For the first time in my life, I have admired his writing. Not that I dreaded his works of art, believe me! It’s the interest that failed, not the happiness of knowing that a fellow countryman made them. I admired this particular essay/letter not because Rizal wrote it, but because it is for women and their true beauty hidded beneath the already obvious physical beauty. It sure makes me happy being a woman. There are many things he justified in it, too! How we as women are born without chains, and that we have the right to be free, and that we’re not obliged to kneel before who we see as respectable little Gods. It’s unjust in our own reputation, for we symbolize life and life itself symbolize the hardwork of women. If ever a man or a group of men mention how Eve have seducted Adam into eating the forbidden fruit, we could always say, “If she hadn’t done that, you wouldn’t have a hard time looking from underneath any woman’s clothing, now would you? To reveal something you boys want for so long?” It’s a little vulgar, but any woman reading this would agree. There’s always this “hidden desire” feeling in every man that won’t stop them from doing so. It’s what makes them MAN. Our vivacity, beauty and grace, our charms, and our sometimes ignorant expressions are what makes us WOMAN. These, obviously are two different words. b

I admire women’s strength in all things. They’re more emotional, I have to admit. But the emotion given by any woman is far more powerful than that of any man. Cries meant they’re happy or sad or angry. For men, cries are only for sadness. (I think. Tell me what it means when a man cries) When a woman is happy, she does things that seem very unusual. She jumps for joy, hugs and kisses everybody, and all other things. I guess [happiness] makes women do things none the least like her.

When a woman starts to flutter her eyelashes like butterflies, she’s definitely flirting. As if to say “I am into you. Come closer, I wanna talk to ya!” in a very weird girly way. If you see her legs crossed, it’s a… I don’t know what it means! I’ve been doing it and is doing it right now but I don’t understand why I do it. Why don’t you figure it out for yourself?

When a woman kisses back, it’s true affection. When they’re playing hard to get, it means “keep trying”. When a woman laughs at her mistakes, it means you have to laugh along with her and not pressure her. The true beauty of a woman is written in Billy Joel’s song. Didn’t you know? That’s why I’ll paste it here right now!

She can kill with a smile
She can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child,
But she’s always a woman to me

She can lead you to love
She can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth
But she’ll never believe
And she’ll take what you give her, as long as it’s free
Yeah, she steals like a thief
But she’s always a woman to me

CHORUS:
Oh–she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants
She’s ahead of her time
Oh–and she never gives out
And she never gives in
She just changes her mind

And she’ll promise you more
Than the Garden of Eden
Then she’ll carelessly cut you
And laugh while you’re bleedin’
But she’ll bring out the best
And the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself
Cause she’s always a woman to me
–Mhmm–

Bridge

CHORUS:
Oh–she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants
She’s ahead of her time
Oh–and she never gives out
And she never gives in
She just changes her mind

She is frequently kind
And she’s suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases
She’s nobody’s fool
And she can’t be convicted
She’s earned her degree
And the most she will do
Is throw shadows at you
But she’s always a woman to me
–Mhmm–

I see no problem in this song. It’s what’s true, anyhow! And I like it!

It’s College of Education Blues again…

We don’t have a school for PREVAIM yet. I wish we’ll have one by Wednesday. This is due next week! I sure wish somebody would help us for it.

CURIDEV… Need I say more? Hell days are Mondays and Wednesdays. Well, the extremities of it, I suppose. The middle part is a little demanding but not as demanding as the first and last courses! It’s not a good combination of subjects, if I may say so.

I don’t have any regrets for taking CED, but I want to end this term now. It’s not because of the subjects. It’s because of the Professors! ITEO, I can’t wait for you!

I am so excited for it, too!

Ah well, I guess I don’t have much of a choice for it, right? It’s hopeless, too! I don’t care. I dream I’m a good teacher now! And I know I’ll do good for it, too!

You Were Meant for Me

“Life was a song, you came along

I lay awake the whole night through

If I but dare to think you care

This is what I’ll say to you…

You were meant for me

and I was meant for you

Nature patterned you and when she was done

You were all the good things rolled up in one

You’re like a plaintive melody

That never lets me be

I’m content the angels must have sent you and

They meant you just for me…”

The beauty of this song still makes me cry. If you know the tune, you’d sing to it. I just love how Gene sang it in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and I’m very glad I have it on DVD. I am currently dreaming that someone ideal could sing this for me, as a courting gift. I would be the happiest girl in the world. I would celebrate, too! And I might answer his question!

History is Repeating Itselft!!! (Part 2)

I forgot to mention something about our parade for the intrams. Or was it the foundation week, I don’t remember. We were the FANTASY Fairy tale batch, 2nd year. Our section had this shaul on, like Malong I think, and wore a little bit of glitter on our… face! And we had a magical glow in the dark wand, too! The best part about it is that WE WON BEST IN COSTUME and MOST DISCIPLINED!!!!!!! It’s the most wonderful thing that happened! I just couldn’t believe it!

I gave her my wand, and I so liked it! She liked it, too that’s why she wanted it! I should have kept it, lol!

She gave me a book for Christmas. Footprints, it says. I haven’t read all of it, I’m afraid. I know until now I could still remember her face as she gave it to me. I don’t really remember what I gave her. I wonder what it was. I don’t remember anything at all! I think it’s a drawing of some kind… She gave Mako something as well and I know Mako loved the gift so!

History is Repeating Itself!!! (Part 1)

What do I remember from Asian History back in High School? Hmm.. Frankly, I don’t recall much about the lessons (Well, maybe a few… I do know that Chiang Kai Chek is… uhh… Well, an Asian! And That Ghandi is the person who started peaceful disobedience. I also know that The Great Wall is a long wall… that is great! LOL) but I do know a lot about the people who were part of it…

In The Beginning:

We went back to our classrooms, some four years ago, after Mako and I have bought our lunch. It was such a lucky day, me having Kare-Kare for lunch. A few yards from our classroom stood the almighty 2nd year bulletin board, which right now is being carefully designed by our dear Level Monitor, whom I will call Joyful… for now! “Sipag, ah!” I said. She heard me. And looked at Mako and I as we passed her, lunch in our hands. “Oo nga eh! Ikaw, Ms. Sanz, me maisusuggest ka ba? Nakita ko kasi na magaling kang magdrawing at artistic ka…” (Well, her hunch of my artistry actually began when we were doing this project about the Middle East, where we’re suppose to do a demographics about it. I was assigned to draw the countries in it. Oh yeah, she also noted my wonderfully done art work for our Monthly test in AP. So I guess that’s how she knew how talented I was, No Bless Oblige!) “Ako, miss? Ahahaha! Kami ni Mako siguro. If you want, tutulungan namin kayo!” and I did mention we’d eat first! After which, we came out and helped her align Mama Mary’s Mosaic. I attached it leaning a little to the left so she laughed, and I laughed, and Mako laughed and well, we’re laughing! But then again we can’t just abandon our classes, so what she did… she asked our Math teacher to excuse the both of us to finish this. It’s a good thing our Math Teacher and Joyful are closest of friends. Eventually, after the nicest artwork has been done, if one should call it artwork, I told her she can count on us on making the bulletin board for Christmas.

I won’t elaborate on that anymore, basically, it’s the same thing that happened. But I didn’t mention a while ago that she gave me her cell phone number. I willingly accepted it! I’m such an ignoramus before, and very immature, if I should say so. Later that night, or some other nights… I don’t remember, I sent her a message and she responded willingly. The first thing I texted to her made the both of us click, big time! I just don’t remember what it is, but it started all this, I know!

And the constant messaging on the cell phone continued in the duration of our favorite prime time soap/fantasy series, ‘Mulawin’. I accidentally called her ‘Vultra’, because Ara Mina’s character reminded me of her strict ways in the classroom (Not that Ara is strict or anything. She’s mean in the series, but Joyful isn’t) and what she said surprised me. “Bagay naman sakin un! Lawiswis nalang itatawag ko sa iyo.” and so I jokingly suggested she call Mako ‘Pagaspas!’ for the reason that we’re the Bulletin Board Helpers. It made me laugh that she agreed on the suggestion. Since my artistic hands decided to draw that night, I drew a comical picture of Vultra, in a chibi kind of appearance. I even colored it, to my delight. The following day, I gave it to her. Her initial reaction is “Para san to?” and I was explaining that I was bored the other day so I drew that and that it meant so much to her to be called Vultra, seeing that it was I who called her that. I was at the door, and she was ready to go to class on the other room. Our Math Teacher is on her way to our room as well, but was stopped because Joyful showed her the drawing. And well, they talked a little about me and how I was doing in our Math class. Luckily, Ms. Flo answered politely. “She’s doing well, Gai. Don’t worry!” I was standing there, innocently listening to them. I was thinking, “what the heck are they talking about me for?” and inside of me, I could feel my heart thumping a thousand times per second. Sure, I was scared. This isn’t suppose to happen, I thought. My sister warned me about her already! She’s hateful in some ways. I know I’ll hate her. But I didn’t! I actually liked her…

After the Beginning:

It’s Christmas. Remember the bulletin board I was talking about? Yes! We’re doing it again. It’s the longest job anybody could take. There’s a lot of things to take into consideration; the design, the drawings, the lantern picture, the color, the artworks, the pictures of the teachers (?) and many other things! I, once again, was assigned on the caricature. She lent me the teacher’s picture, so I’d know what to do. Let me recall how I did it. It has a band, and saxophones and drums and trumpets and… a person selling lanterns and a Santa Claus and an angel. I know there’s more, I don’t remember. SHE HAS IT, for crying out loud! Oh, she’s the angel, by the way. She couldn’t believe it herself, but I told her she has wings in Mulawin, too! LOL

Did I mention it’s Report Card Day during the Bulletin Board Renovation? I was anxious to get a high grade, with my Top 1 reputation and all. I asked if I could pause for a moment ang get my card. I ran fast and got it. My highest grade is AP. 96??? How the hell did that happen? I guess it’s the project. But I do remember that our styro made bulletin board didn’t last for how many days. I think a small push is its death sentece.

Oh yeah, my adviser, Ms. Nenen, asked me if I could be their host for their annual teacher’s caroling season. I hesitated, wondering why it was me she chose. I was… well, astonished. But I did say yes. The whole caroling thing was successful, seeing that they almost ate ALL of the Belgian Bites. (They left one) All of them went inside to watch ‘Lovers in Paris’ and ‘Mulawin’ at the same time. Who’s watching who, I wonder? Joyful watches both of them! Isn’t that just funny? We didn’t really talk that much, when she was at home, maybe because she’s with all of her friends or colleagues and that the most proper thing for her to do is just wait. Ms. Nenen has every right to talk to my mom and me…

I wouldn’t finish this entry right now. Well, this particular entry is done for the day. I’ll add part two some other day. The conflict hasn’t started yet. There are a lot more happy memories than bad. But the one bad thing that happened erased it all. I couldn’t believe it. I just couldn’t. I’m crying right now, as I type. It’s frustrating. It’s horrid, and sad. I just don’t feel happy right now. She’s the greatest friend I ever had. But I ruined it, our friendship. I ruined it somehow. And ruining something like that which involves two immature and emotional individuals mean horror…

Oh, Duchess!

(Again, fictional! I’m just so in love with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon TOGETHER!!!)

To my ever dearest Duchess,

Here’s to another heart felt letter. I address this to you, again, to tell you what I do so feel. I have been sleepless countless hours at night just thinking of you. You remind me of a flower blossom, ready to open into the world, worthy to be seen, touched, smelled and be picked.

I admire you ever so dearly. I don’t last a day not knowing I’ll ever see you, or hear you speak, or even wave good bye to me. It’s another day without you, right at this moment. I don’t like it, frankly.

You are one who is greatly admired by most people, and for that I give you all my support and love, as well as my trustworthy intentions. I have no right to speak to you of this, as it may somehow make you sad or worried that I’ll be hurt if ever you don’t return my love. But I don’t care! I still love you and I want to be with you as always, just as we are ever together in our character roles. It’s true love, if I may be allowed to say so, and I won’t regret it.

I end this letter with a fair kiss, and an embrace that would prove my love for you. I’m always here!

Yours truly,

Walter

Isn’t it romantic? I’ve never felt like this before! I never felt this with Cary and Deborah, or Bette and George. Greer and Walter had this very really chemically bonded chemistry in them. I just love how they portray their roles. I don’t care if it sounds or seems always the same. It’s the two of them together and that’s what really counts, right? I wish it would have been them that were married!