"The Counterfeit Traitor"

Lilli Palmer is another one of my all-time favorite actresses. She's got grace, elegance, wit and some mean acting chops! Here are a few scenes from the first film I saw her in (that I'm aware of as my first film of hers...it could have been something else like, "The Pleasure of His Company," but I'm old and I don't remember):

To learn more about Lilli, you should check out her autobiography Change Lobsters---and Dance. You will find her to be candid, witty, charming, intelligent and loving. I got a lot out of it as an actress but mostly as a human being. Lilli was a strong woman. She is the personification of perserverance. Truly. Her book was enlightening, inspiring and motivating. On top of all that, she's one helluva writer. I couldn't put her book down. I finished it in 3 days. One of my favorite books.

http://www.myspace.com/lillimariepeiser

10 Principal Shortcomings of Lilli Palmer (as named by Elsa Schreiber)

1. Remember: you have no charm
2. Don't act adjectives. No need to illustrate what you're saying.
3. Iron out those abrupt, hasty gestures.
4. Take your time. Then no one will be bored.
5. Don't mumble.
6. Listen to your fellow actors. That will make you interesting.
7. Stay dry. Sentimentality is Mortal Sin Number One.
8. Don't stand with your feet apart. Keep them together. You're not in the gym.
9. Stay vital. Monotony is Mortal Sin Number Two.
10. Courage--above all, courage!

*Elsa Schreiber was Lilli's acting teacher/coach. A woman with a great talent who shared her knowledge and helped her students blossom and bloom.

Lilli as Cleopatra (duh) in Shaw's CAESAR AND CLEOPATRA

"You are The Star"

I took this "What Tarot Card are You" quiz just now. Inspired by a director that I just worked with to take it. You know, even though, I think stuff like this is jargon, there comes a nice reinforcement such as this (HA!):

You are The Star

Hope, Expectation, Bright Promises.

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

(I love the cranes on the card)

On a totally DIFFERENT note...I finished Lilli Palmer's autobiography. I'm kinda sad, though. Why sad? Well, because I wanted more. I think that is the best way to end the book. What a writer she is. She has also penned 5 novels of fiction. I think perhaps I may have to get my hands on all her works besides her films. I'd love to see her paintings as well...

Did I mention that I Love her? I didn't? Well...I do.

Currently reading: Change Lobsters--and Dance: An Autobiography

Quoting with Lilli Palmer

"Mary Lee, what does the well-dressed woman wear to the funeral of her husband's mistress? Black?"

Ouch=X

Lilli wrote that in her autobiography Change Lobsters--and Dance (1975). I've been trying to do some research on the internet about her...can't get much. Though, I have gotten interesting tidbits here and there. VERY interesting tidbits. I will be receiving her autobiography any day now (which I'm very excited about). I can't wait to learn more about this sensitive, elegant, lovely, witty woman.

She also said, "Fidelity is a gift not a requirement."

Yikes! I don't know about that...I love her but I must disagree with her. Granted, she is coming from a most different place than I am. But still...don't cheat! That's all. (Though, I do understand what she means)

I feel a poem coming on...

Currently watching: Maedchen in Uniform

"Mädchen in Uniform" (1958)

If you have time...watch the following 10 clips. It was a remake done from the 1931 version of the film. Lilli Palmer and Romy Schneider star. Romy's character loses her parents in an accident and is sent to a boarding school in Prussia. She falls in love with her teacher played by Lilli. In an older blog on Romy Schneider, I talk about this film. I haven't seen some of these newer clips, though. So, I'm excited that I get to watch what I missed from the older clips!!!

Currently listening to: Metamorphoses