Oxford Bibliographies Online (OBO)

Now covering 15 major subjects, OBO offers peer-reviewed annotated bibliographies on specific topics. The latest additions focus on Victorian Literature, International Relations, Communication, and Public Health. Coverage for each subject area is extensive -- and the articles are regularly updated by their authors. OBO is an excellent resource for online research.

Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor

For the next several weeks, I will be highlighting films starring Elizabeth Taylor -- in what I consider some of her best performances as an actress.

The first film is Who's Afraid of Virigina Woolf?

Based on the play by Edward Albee, the film featured Elizabeth Taylor opposite Richard Burton as the battling and drunken duo, Martha and George. Taylor played a character considerably older than her 32 years and successfully managed the haggard look with weight gain, makeup and unglamorous costumes. Under the masterful direction of Mike Nichols (in his directorial debut), Taylor gives a searing performance. There is never a dull moment as this dark story plays out over the course of an evening. Often funny, the film is an emotional roller-coaster also featuring excellent performances from Burton, George Segal, and Sandy Dennis (her film debut). The film received five Oscars including a Best Actress award for Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor Dead at 79

The end of an era.

Read the New York Times obituary.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

My film pick for St. Patrick's Day, check out The Last Hurrah directed by John Ford and starring Spencer Tracy as Frank Skeffington, the Irish-American mayor of a New England city. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, Frank Skeffington is based on James Michael Curley, the multi-term Mayor of Boston serving in the early -mid 20th century. A changing world and the changing nature of "big-city" politics eventually leads to Skeffington's decline. Masterful acting from Tracy and an a-list supporting cast including Pat O'Brien, Basil Rathbone, Donald Crisp, and John Carradine.

Watch Elvis this Spring Break!

Have some fun this spring break by watching a few films starring Elvis Presley.

Presley rose to fame in the 1950s to become one of the most celebrated performers in America. As a singer, he helped popularize rock 'n' roll music with his unique sound and his famous dance moves which usually created near hysteria from fans. His music topped record charts with such major hits as "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog." He was heard on radio and seen on television with appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. By 1956, already a major star, he turned to film acting and took on roles ranging from somewhat autobiographical story lines to romantic musicals. He received positive reviews for a number of his films including Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas.




Check out these films from Butler Media!

• Blue Hawaii


• Double Trouble


• G.I. Blues


• Girl Happy


• Harum Scarum


• It Happened at the World's Fair


• Jailhouse Rock


• Kissin' Cousins


• Live a little, love a little


• Speedway


• Spinout


• Stay Away Joe


• Tickle Me


• Trouble With Girls


• Viva Las Vegas

Dark Shadows

Dark Shadows aired on the ABC television network from 1966 -1971. Best described as a Gothic soap opera, meet Barnabas Collins, the vampire, Victoria Winters, and other family members as they encounter werewolves, ghosts, witches and other monsters. You will find familiar plot elements, very cool sets, unforgettable music -- and likely become transfixed by the characters and storylines. Never a dull moment in Collinsport!



Tim Burton is directing a film version starring Johnny Depp as Barnabus. Look for the film in 2012. For now, you can view hundreds of episodes on DVD now available from Butler Media!