For you viewers of THE CROWN:  Have you ever seen a portrait of the original Queen Elizabeth?     Portraits of Queen Elizabeth depict her as a very determined woman who was extraordinarily intelligent, but not particularly beautiful.  Just wondering.  The pictures I see of the young woman portraying Elizabeth the First show a very beautiful Elizabeth.

Sue

SCFSue - The Netflix program, The Crown, is about Queen Elizabeth, II, (The Second), who is  still the reigning monarch, at the age of 91.  The British actress who plays her, actually looks very much like Queen Elizabeth, looked when she was a young wife and mother.  The time frame of the series is now up into the 1950's.

Marilyne, thanks for the correction/update.  I just assumed it was Elizabeth I.  I do remember when Elizabeth II was crowned as I stayed up during the night to listen to that on the radio.  I was in the 8th or 9th grade at that time.  I haven't been following the current program as I don't use Netflix.

Sue

Good afternoon, still quite cold.  of course it is Dec.

I was Miracle of 34th Street last night, the one made in 1947, the year my son was born. I had not seen it in a couple of years, but sure did enjoy it.

Gloria - I missed Miracle on 34th Street, but I think I can get it on my Netflix or Amazon?  Also I want to see It's a Wonderful Life, and a couple of my other Christmas favorites.

FlaJean - Tonight we watched The Crown episode of Princess Margaret's meeting with Anthony Armstrong-Jones.  It was good, but I wonder how much "literary license" they took with that story?  If true, he was quite the sexy ladies man!   

We've been watching just one episode every night, just to make it last longer.  Last night we saw the one dealing with Prince Philip on his infamous tour!  I remember when that happened, and there were all the rumors of infidelity, etc.  I had forgotten all about it though, it's been so long ago.  It is really interesting, knowing they are now 91 and 95, and still married.

I am loving The Crown and have already binge
watched all of season two.   

I may even rewatch these first two series in order to absorb the
story  and nuances...

Usually find the second time around I discover what I have missed out on
the first showing.

My short term memory is not what it used to be,  but I suspect
that since I am 74,  that is not that unusual. 

Sandy

Im also enjoying the crown.  Finished Margaret’s big wedding and on to the next episode.  Taking it slowly.  I’ll probably wait a couple of months and watch both series again.  I have forgotten so much of the first series and will probably forget the second by that time.

Sandy - Good to see that you're also enjoying The Crown.  It's a great series, and from what I've read about it, all incidents are based on facts.  It is a British series, so with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and others in the Royal family still living, I believe they would have to pretty much stick with the truth??

FlaJean - We watched Margaret's wedding last night.  The story of Anthony Armstrong-Jones, is certainly colorful, to say the least.   I remember all the news stories about her relationship with Peter Townsend, but don't recall reading anything about AA-J at the time, except that he was a photographer.

I'm so impressed with all the actors who play the secondary characters in the show.  My favorite is the actor who plays Tommy.   

I also like the actor who plays Tommy.  I was really surprised about Antony Armstrong-Jones.  My memory of reading about their courtship and marriage at the time left such a different impression.  My favorite episode so far is #6 when she puts her Uncle in his deserved place.

I was surprised at how much the actress in The Crown resembles Queen Elizabeth at her age in the episode.  Even the gown is an exact copy of the gown she wore.  An interesting article about how factual the series is to reality except the series perhaps sugar coat real life a bit.  "They say" that Queen Elizabeth is enjoying the series.

[attachimg=1]

Marilyne, I just saw in the morning paper, that Miracle on 34th St. and White Christmas will be on AMC to night .  Also Sunday and 1:15 and Thursday at 8. that is Miracle.  I plan on watching the Bishops Wife with Gary Grant on sunday.  TCM will also have WC

FlaJean - That old photo of Queen Elizabeth, definitely DOES look like the actress, Claire Foy!  We watched the "Kennedy" episode last night.  I thought it was very good, but I didn't care for the actress who played Jackie.  The costume designers did a great job of copying the blue dress!  Did you like the dress?  I thought it seemed that it didn't fit her too well . . . too tight maybe?  I agree that the the episode where she sent her Uncle away, was excellent.  Those real photos of the Duke of Windsor, with Hitler and all the Nazi brass, were pretty amazing! 

Gloria - thanks for the reminder that "Miracle" and "White Christmas", will be on tonight.  I plan on recording them, so I can skip the commercials.  I've noticed that "It's a Wonderful Life", doesn't seem to be playing on any channel this year.  I looked at the On Demand movies to see if I could rent it,  but it was only available to buy!!  Maybe I can find it on Netflix or Amazon?

I'm behind the rest of you in watching episodes of Crown - but am enjoying it very much.
Glad to see this picture of the Queen because I was questioning the opinions that the actress looks like her.  I see more of a resemblance here.

Thought I would have serious withdrawal issues earlier today.  All of a sudden, I had zero internet access on pc and Tablet (no e-books from library  ) PLUS both t.v.s were out.  Two hours later,  Cox tech was just about to get a former teacher's "irate customer" speech when everything came back on.  Whew!!!!

Callie - Good to hear that you are also watching The Crown.  I hope I didn't say anything to spoil any of the upcoming episodes for you?  I mistakenly thought that only FlaJean, Sandy and I were following this series, but I should have known better than to talk about the content of the show! 

Is anyone else watching the Hallmark Christmas movies?  Since The Christmas Train, the only other one I've seen is The Christmas Cottage.  I know that all Hallmark movies are predictable, but "Cottage", was predictable within the first three minutes, and never wavered for almost two hours! Boring is an apt description of that particular story.  I have two more recorded that I will likely watch in the next couple of days, Christmas in the City, and The Christmas Homecoming.  My  daughter recommended those two . . . especially "City",which is her favorite. 

Marilyne, oh, no - you didn't spoil anything,   I usually see a synopsis of each episode on Netflix before I start watching so.....Talk away!! 

I was disappointed in the first new episode of "Last Tango In Halifax".  Sounds as if the writers really had to hunt to come up with a story line.   According to my local PBS magazine, there are only two episodes in this series.  Might be enough for me.

I also watched the first rerun leading up to the new season of "Victoria".  Either I missed it the first time around or I've had a major Intellectual Interlude (or both!) because I didn't remember the details.
I'm looking forward to the new season.

Sorry to say that last night we finished watching The Crown.  Season #2 ended way too soon, even though we limited ourselves to only one episode per day.  I thought there were twelve episodes altogether, but turned out there were only ten.  Now I suppose we will wait another year or longer for Season #3.  I plan to follow Sandy's lead, and watch the entire series over again, as there are some things that I want to understand better.   

There is a new show on Netflix, that has received wonderful reviews in our newspaper, and from all the online critics.  It’s called Godless, and is a Western drama, that takes place in New Mexico,in 1884.  One of the stars is Michelle Dockery, the actress who played Mary, in Downton Abbey.  It also stars Jeff Daniels, an actor I like a lot.  He has played all kinds of good and bad characters in movies, and always does a great job.  We plan to start watching it tonight. 

I watched a couple episodes of "Godless" and it is gory, raw and totally R rated, IMO.
It is however good viewing.  Dockery is excellent, and Daniels in this villanous role is superb.  (I hate to see him being "bad guy").  You may need to close your eyes at some scenes.

Tome - we watched the first episode of "Godless" last night.  I felt like I was watching a David Lynch production . . . all the weird people, and no explanation for anything.  AJ liked it better than I did, and plans to continue watching.  Not sure if I will or not?  If you can convince me that it gets better, I may change my mind.   As for the acting . . . everyone was so stoic and stone faced! Too many miserable people, and no one was even remotely likable.  I agree with you, in that I didn't care for Jeff Daniels in the bad-guy role.  FINALLY, at the end, Sam Waterston appeared, and talked a lot and explained the situation.  I still didn't understand exactly why?  Maybe I should listen to Waterston again?

Also, between the 2 or so episodes I've watched, they kind of switch back-and-forth between what happened previously, and what's happening now...or what we think is "now".  I've been putting off going back to watch more episodes.  Watching Season 6 of Longmire, and frankly, I think they've kind of gone "off the rails" with storyline, in more than one episode.  I guess I ought to ask if you and AJ watch or have watched the Longmire series? 

TCM, has a bunch of old musicals playing today and tonight.  I plan to record The Dolly Sisters, 1944, starring Betty Grable and June Haver.  I remember going to the Saturday matinee with friends, and sitting through that movie two times!  We all loved Betty Grable, in those days, because she was the favorite pin-up girl for the GI's during WWII. John Payne is the leading man, and sings the popular song, "I Can't Begin to Tell You".  Lots of music and dancing and the usual predictable plot! LOL   Also, playing later on TCM, is On the Town, with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.  It's always mentioned as one of the best musicals of that era.  Some wonderful dancing and great songs like,  "New York, New York It's A Wonderful Town . . . the Bronx is up and the Battery's Down".

I have a big stash of movies on my DVR, so we will have a lot to choose from on New Years Eve.  Neither of us is a big fan of the live show from Times Square, or any of the shows from other places.  They always have singers, bands and entertainers that we've never heard of, and don't really care to see or hear.   

Tome - I agree totally, about Longmire.  I really liked the first three or four seasons, but have not enjoyed the recent ones.  For me, the show took a downward turn, when they "killed off" Branch. That whole story line, was ridiculous IMO.  After that,  I watched the beginning of the next season, but it lost interest and have not looked at it since.  I do like all the actors - especially Lou Diamond Phillips.

Last evening we watched the movie Brooklyn.  It was made from the book written by Colm Toibin.   Some of us here read that sometime during the past year.   It was a pretty good story and a good change from the Christmas romances.   There were also a handful of old musicals on but when I saw that title,   I wanted to check it out.    Al hasn't felt well for about a week so he doesn't sit up to see a movie through to 10pm these days.    Finally today we got lab results and a script for an infection that has been making him feel just done in.

Marilyn, I agree with you about Time Square, but years ago I would watch, when I recognized the songs they were playing, then they would show what was going on, on the West coast. Of course I go back to Guy Lombardo.  In the summer, we would go to the plays at Jones Beach, He would always come in in his speed boat to start the plays, After the play, we would go to the tent and dance to his music.

mary - good to see you posting in this folder!  I'm sorry that your Al, hasn't been feeling well this week. Maybe Christmas, and all the activities and people, really wore him out?  I know it took a toll on me this year, and I haven't recovered yet. 

I thought the movie "Brooklyn", was very good. I loved the book, and was afraid that they would change things around for the movie, as they often do.  However, I think they followed the story quite well. I would like to watch it again, and would also like to read the book again.

Gloria de - I remember the Guy Lombardo New Years Eve Party!  I looked forward to it every year, and wish I could see it again.  Too bad they don't have old reruns of his New Years shows, but I'm afraid nobody would watch them, except for those of us who are old enough to remember him.

I’m another fan of the Guy Lombardo New Year’s Eve.  I don’t really enjoy any of the New Year’s Eve programming anymore.  It is all just foreign to me.  It will probably be movies for us too.

Mary, hope Al starts feeling better and you too Marilyne.

Time Square on New Years Eve has no attraction for me either.    Especially now with so many bad things happening in crowds.   I know that the Mayor of NY and Gov.  have both urged people to go on as usual but it isn't my cup of tea.    With the extremely cold weather we are having here in the east it will be a very very cold place to be this year as well. Besides the music and dancing are as FlJean said like something foreign.   We like to tune into the Buffalo station at midnight.   They have a family party for the evening and fireworks at midnight.  It is fun to see the fireworks going off over  sights that we recognize.  Without Guy Lombardo,  the festivities just don't seem the same.

Gloria,  I can just imagine you out there dancing to his music.   What wonderful memories! 

I think I have to explain to anyone about the Joan's Beach Theater, years ago, famous stars would play in the shows.  the difference was it was and outdoor stadium, with the state aways out on the bay.  When the did some plays they incorped the water in the acts, like the
Sound of Music instead of a car chase they use boats going round and round.  thats why Guy L. would come up in his boat to open the shows. Of course, as of all good things, that has ended and now they do this generation shows with the music I do not understand. ALSO they can go get alcohol drinks, which was not allowed till after the play.  My age is really showing.

Gloria - It must have been fun, to watch a performance at The Jones Beach Theater.  I don't think I've ever heard of a stage that is set out on the water.  Just thinking about the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, playing Auld Lang Syne at midnight, brings back lots of wonderful memories!

mary - Your Buffalo New Years Eve show, sounds much better than Times Square, or any of the others.  It would be so much more enjoyable and personal, to see a show from a city that you're familiar with.  Everything has to be such a big extravaganza now!  I guess the younger generation loves that sort of entertainment, and that's the audience that the sponsors are trying to attract.

Gloria,  Your Jones Beach venue for shows and concerts reminds me of our Earl Brydges Artpark.   It was built in the '70 as a summer theater and a state park.   In the early years the shows were wonderful as were the concerts.    Over the years it has had less and less of good quality shows in the theater  and more and more of outdoor concerts aimed at the younger audience.    Now there is a large outdoor stage and viewing area that attracts large and not so nice crowds.  During the times since these concerts started there has been a constant struggle with policing the folks who frequent the place.   The admission is so cheap ($5. per car) and some park other places in the Village and in getting back to their transportation after the concert,  some wander in various stages of sobriety throughout private yards etc.  It is hard to understand how a State Park can be put to this use.

mary - Last night on the news, they showed lots of pictures of Niagara Falls . . . all frozen over!  It was an amazing sight to see.  Do you plan to go, and take a look this year?  If so, please post a photo!

It's hard for me to understand the people who go to Times Square, and stand, for endless hours, just waiting for midnight and for the ball to drop.  I guess the majority are young people in their teens, twenties and thirties? I hope people don't bring their children? That would be dangerous. The thing I always wonder, and I know others do too, is how to manage if you have to use the bathroom?  They say there are no Porta-Potties available, and no way to get out, once you get in. It doesn't sound like much fun to me . . . more like an ordeal that must be endured!

I'll be watching The Golden Globe Awards tonight, starting here in the West, at 5:00 PM.  It's shown live from Beverly Hills, which is why it starts so early here.  Viewers on the East Coast will see it at 8:00, and those in between at 6:00 and 7:00.  I watch most of the awards shows, and enjoy hearing the monologue, as well as the comments by the presenters and winners.  I haven't seen any of the movies that are up for awards this year, however I have seen lots of the TV shows that have been nominated.