I have a little ritual. Every summer (usually on the hottest summer evening) I crank the AC way up, grab my fake fur blankie and watch the movie "Rear Window." It is my favorite Hitchcock film, and in my opinion, the best film he ever made. It has all the Hitchcock elements: suspense, great story line, wonderful camera effects, beautiful blonde (in this case, Grace Kelly), etc. etc... Rear Window is not just a story about a photographer that suspects his neighbor of murder, but it's also a story about, "Miss Lonely Heart," the struggling composer, the newly weds, Miss Torso, the artist, the couple with the little dog and I'm probably forgetting someone.

Now for the personal reasons I watch this movie every summer.

I can relate to this film. No...I didn't suspect my neighbor of being a murderer, although... some neighbors have been a little questionable.

The "City" New York: I lived in a similar apartment in Manhattan.

The broken leg/legs: been there done that. Broke one leg being pushed in front of a cabbie by some psycho. The other leg after I slipped and fell.

The 21 Club: A New York landmark. My first date with my hubby was at the 21 Club in New York City. BTW... that was with my cast on. The 21 Club allowed me to hobble in with my altered jeans.
So, the place is a number one in my book. The classic place to dine in New York City, or anywhere for that matter.

Lisa: Ok... I inwardly gloat over the fact that Grace Kelly's character "Lisa" is pronounced "Lezah" throughout the movie, which gives me a chuckle. And it doesn't hurt that the name shows up in the form of a song at the end of the film. I don't believe there are any other songs in the world with my name in it. Oh, another song in the film, "Mona Lisa." ;) If you happen to know a "Lezah" song please hum a few bars.

And, of course, I adore Grace Kelly. Who doesn't? Such style, class and well... grace. The clothes in this movie are so timeless and beautiful. It makes me want to dust off my dress form and drape something.
I wish I had every article of her wardrobe in this film, and please throw in the jewels. The charm bracelet is my favorite.



Let's not forget, James Stewart
(also a favorite and who gets top billing). He is, in my opinion, a little old for her (Grace Kelly)) in this film, but let's face it, what man isn't too old for the girl in New York City. Anyway, he's believeable and just plain wonderful.

The ending of this film is so Lezah. Grace Kelly, "Lisa," starts off reading a book, "Beyond The High Himalayas."
But when she discovers James Stewart, "Jeff," is asleep, she breaks out the fashion magazine, "Bazaar."
Love that!

Please... If you have not seen this film. Warm some brandy, crank up the AC, switch on a fan, dim the lights, snuggle in with the fake fur (or your significant other)and watch Rear Window.

No... I have not seen the re-make, "Disturbia." Does it have a fabulous wardrobe and jewelry? If not..forget it.