I am a gay man living in Missouri...I can hear the gasps already!!  How very un-chic of me, yes I know.  It was here I was born and here I have stayed.

I'm currently single but always looking for that special someone that makes my heart skip a beat...in addition to being able to put up with my neurotic ass.  The worst thing about being a romance writer is finding a real life hottie that can live up to the fantasy I create in my head and subsequently thrust upon him before actually getting to know the real him.  I can hear you getting all judgie...it's an occupational hazard!!  To all my past and future boyfriends, my sincerest apologies...I can't help myself! 

I was the youngest of four children and the only boy, so needless to say, I was spoiled rotten.  I've always had an extravagant fantasy life.  When I played with my Star Wars action figures as a child, I liked to make up my own stories.  Naturally, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were totally meant for each other, and Princess Leia made a bitchin' wise cracking Fag Hag. 

I somehow managed to survive high school living in a small racist town in Southeast Missouri and emerged unscathed, realizing life was too short to pretend to be anything other than who I was.  I was the little homo that could...so damn it, I did!  It was all very Lifetime Movie Network meets After School Special I assure you. 

After a few stints in college, I eventually signed up for a Creative Writing course.  I took the class because there were no tests.  For once my scholastic laziness paid off, and I found an outlet for all the fantasies running amuck in my head.  It was love at first write, and I've been doing it off and on ever since. 

Now I've decided its time to un-barricade the doors and unleash my imagination onto the world.  So very sorry world!! With the help of the lovely and talented team at Loose Id and MLR Press, my fantasy life is now available for public consumption.  I'm desperately hoping your really, really hungry.

Copyright 2009.Ethan Day.All Rights Reserved.

Ethan’s Classic Film Must-List

Ever wonder who the hell Deseree and Davis were talking about in Tadd’s bathroom in Self Preservation?  Feel a little lost as to what Julian and Danny were arguing about during Gabby’s dinner party scene?  Do the names of actors or titles of movies sound familiar, yet you can’t quite place the face or plot line?  I figured I’d make an attempt to help fill in any blanks for those who might be interested. 

Unfortunately, way back in the dark ages when I was going to high school, there was no TCM.  Horrific, I know.  If you’re like me, that thought makes Freddy Kruger look like Mr. Rogers!  Basically, that meant I grew up scouring the local T.V. guide every week highlighting the classic films being shown or bugging the poor owner of the local video store into ordering something I wanted to see.  I can’t imagine my life without these films, which have greatly influenced me as an individual and more than likely, my writing. While this list doesn’t include all my favorites, it will make a nice little crash course for anyone who’s unfamiliar and interested.

I hope you enjoy!

Ethan





Comedy/Romantic Comedy 

The Philadelphia Story (1940) – Totally brilliant, if you haven’t seen this film then you might as well be dead – seriously.  You’re living without oxygen and you don’t even know it!!  Hop over to Netfilx this instant! ; )

Bringing Up Baby (1938) – People go on and on about Hepburn & Tracy and what an incredible team they made, and while I wouldn’t disagree, I prefer Hepburn and Grant.  I don’t think they’re given the attention they deserve and this film is probably the best example of how well they clicked.  Totally zany with lightning fast dialog, and incredibly seamless physical comedy – Baby is a true gem.  I wouldn’t trade it for all the diamonds in the world.

Woman of the Year (1942) – Hepburn and Tracy at their bantering best.  This was the first film I watched of this on-screen pairing and I wasted no time getting my paws on the rest of the films they stared in together.

The Women (1939) – Skip the soft-core remake and go straight for the jugular with your freshly painted Jungle Red nails. Good, clean, catty fun with insults and innuendo flying around at lightning speed. 

Pillow Talk (1959) – There is no contest, it’s the best of the ‘bedroom comedies’ out of the late fities/early sixties.  Doris is hysterically funny and Rock is simply mouth watering.  It’s so amazingly light and bubbly that I feel slightly euphoric every time I watch it.  I’m not the type to lose my head around famous people, but I’d probably faint or become speechless if I were ever to meet Doris Day. 

Move Over Darling (1963) – A remake of the Cary Grant Irene Dunn classic which is also a great film.  This is the same movie that Marilyn Monroe had been fired from just before her untimely death.  I think Doris brings an extra punch of zany, one of the most under rated comediennes of all time in my opinion.  A young and hunky James Garner co-stars.  Doris pretending to be a Swedish masseur in one scene – friggin’ hysterical.

Lover Come Back (1961) – Rock and Doris are together again in a familiar Pillow Talk-like formula.  Not quite as shiny and sparkly as their original, but still a great a movie that I love to watch over and over.  It just makes me feel good!  When Doris gets mad, I get giddy.

Dinner at Eight (1933) – A funny, witty look at class distinctions and the effects of fame in the late thirties. Jean Harlow practically glows on screen as the social climber who can go from sweet little girl to gun mol in 2.5 seconds.

My Man Godfrey (1936) – Carole Lombard rocks!  She is so hysterically funny in this film; crazy-zany, beautiful, childish, spoiled and so damn lovable. If you only ever see one Carole Lombard film, this is the one I’d recommend.  She was also a great dramatic actress but she was so blessed with the funny and her comedic timing for me was like watching fireworks, sheer on-screen magic.

Nothing Sacred (1937) – if you only see two Carole Lombard films, make this the second one. : )  Slap-sticky yummy goodness!!

How To Marry a Millionaire (1953) – Bubbly, frothy, goodness AND it has a fashion show smack dab in the middle of the film.  What little homo could resist!?!  Monroe is hysterical as a girl who can’t see without glasses, yet refuses to wear them in public, Grable is at her fun-loving dim-witted best – dreaming about sandwich’s and beer while the other two dream about wealth and jewelry, and Bacall is sharp and witty as a woman who just can’t seem to control the world she lives in despite her best efforts.  A must see.

Some Like It Hot (1959) – If you haven’t seen this movie, you’re no longer aloud to talk to me. : )  A cross-dressing, gender-bendy classic.  Fast-paced and funny as hell.

Pride and Prejudice (1940) – I love almost all of Greer Garson’s films, but this is the crown jewel of them all, and subsequently my favorite version of the Jane Austen classic.  I realize it probably strays the farthest from the book, but it’s just so funny I don’t give a damn.  Garson was so great at sass and wit, which she was able to deliver with an air of charm and feisty goodness.  There was realness about all of her performances.  No matter how overly melodramatic, she just had weightiness to her style and delivery that made you believe every word that came out of her mouth.  She was always her best as the strong woman who pushed past any limits society might attempt to impose upon her. I’d also recommend, Mrs. Miniver (1942), That Forsyte Woman (1949), Mrs. Parkington (1944), Julia Misbehaves (1948), and Random Harvest (1942).

All About Eve (1950) – You really shouldn’t be allowed to call yourself gay if you haven’t seen it.  You really shouldn’t be allowed to breathe, either…but since I’m anti-capital punishment and would hate being a hypocrite, I’ll let it go. : )

Roman Holiday (1953) & Sabrina (1954) – Breakfast at Tiffany’s gets all of the Audrey attention, but I actually like both Sabrina and Roman Holiday more.  Both of these earlier films are fun, romantic, sweet, and tug at your heart as well as make you giggle.  It’s amazing to me that Roman Holiday was her first movie and it won her an Academy Award.  It’ll make you laugh and cry, it’s so good.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) – Hysterically funny and with that truly fantastic song that gets stuck in your head – you’ll be singing Moonriver for days. 

The Awful Truth (1937) – So damn funny, Cary Grant at his best – even the dog is funny!  I laughed so much when I watched this the first time, it’s a can’t miss movie.

Barefoot in the Park (1967) – Neurotic hi-jinks and a hunky Robert Redford.  You’ll have so much fun with this one.

Born Yesterday (1950) – Her voice…Think Fran Drescher meets Minnie Mouse.  But she’s such a loud mouthed smart-ass I can’t help but love her.  

His Girl Friday (1940) – The holy grail of dialogue.  So funny and so fast!  Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell talk ninety to nothing and usually at the same time.  I never get tired of watching this one.  I’m usually staring at the screen in disbelief that anyone could talk that fast!

It Happened One Night (1934) – Sexy, funny, and sizzling chemistry in this fun romantic romp.

The Lady Eve (1941) – I love romantic comedies where the women take on the more ‘masculine’ role of pursuer – even funnier when the male lead is a somewhat clueless scientist type.

Ninotchka (1939) – The Meryl Streep of her generation in her first comedy, and wow, what a great combination they made.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) – OMG!  I can’t even – sweet little old lady, serial killers?  And Cary Grant, of course.  So damn funny!

Monkey Business (1952) – There’s something about seeing Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers act like children after drinking a youth serum mixed by a chimpanzee.  It doesn’t actually make them LOOK younger, just ACT younger.  I laugh every time!

The Long Long Trailer (1953) – LOL funny!

The Thin Man (1934) – Smart, sassy, witty, cocktail slinging married couple solves crimes.  There’s several sequels which are also fun and well-worth watching.

Cactus Flower (1969) – Silly good fun, and Goldie Hawn’s first film role.  I’ve never been a Matthau fan, but this is a fun movie.





Suspense

Laura (1944) – Great thriller/mystery.  Beautifully filmed in that shadowy noir style with great twists.

The Big Sleep (1946) & To Have and Have Not (1944) – Bogie and Bacall at their finest, and you’ll find some of the best one liner’s in these mystery/thriller films.  They had great chemistry.  He was another man that was mysteriously sexy.  He just had something.

Gilda (1946) – Its about 20 minutes into the film before it happens, but the instant Rita Hayworth comes on screen and flips her hair back, looking into the camera you’ll gasp.  She is simply breath-takingly beautiful and her performance as the bad girl, so tragically misunderstood is delicious to watch.  This is another film where the heated chemistry of its stars will come off the screen and have a very real physical effect on you.  There’s hate, desperation, longing and a conflict of wills that gurgles along under the surface.  I still remember the summer day, way back when I was in high school when I sat down on the sofa and watched this movie the first time.  Mesmerizing.  I’ve seen it so many times and Hayworth takes my breath away each time.

Rebecca (1940) – One of the Hitchcock films I love the most.  I’m constantly going back and forth between Rebecca and Rear Window as to which one is my favorite from this director who was really the first to become as famous as the stars who headlined his films.  Lawrence Olivier is dashing and Joan Fontaine feels convincingly relatable as the ‘everyman’ thrust into a life she really doesn’t fit into.  I always love themes of hidden pasts rearing their ugly heads at inopportune moments, and this film has a very palpable, almost haunted quality to it.  You’ll find yourself feeling slightly uncomfortable and on edge through the entire film.  It’s totally brill.

To Catch a Thief (1955) – I loved Grace Kelly in this film, and Cary Grant is his usual wit and sexy self. There’s a dangerous edge to his performance in this film which I enjoyed. Like he might hurt you a little, but in a way you’d probably enjoy.

Rear Window (1954) – My other favorite Hitchcock film.  The tension in this movie grows slowly, building and multiplying to the point you’ll be literally on the edge of your seat without realizing it.  It’s every amateur sleuth and nosy neighbors wet dream and biggest nightmare all rolled into one. It’s brilliant in the fact that the entire movie takes place from one set, from one vantage point, and proof that it doesn’t take multi-million dollar effects and explosions to scare the pants off of you.

Notorious (1946) – The final Hitchcock on my list, but certainly not the last one worth seeing.  He made so many great films; I’d recommend you see them all at least once.  There are two things I love best about this movie, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.  That, in itself should be enough!  The actors make this film work on a whole other level.  Hitchcock was so great at putting characters together who wanted each other desperately yet can’t for whatever reason. 





Drama

Imitation of Life (1959) – Certainly in the running for the top honors of the Melodrama Mama award.  I get sucked it each time it comes on, though.

An Affair to Remember (1957) – the melodramatic movie that was the base of Sleepless in Seattle.  It’s irresistible and so schmaltzy but I can’t resist it.  I am powerless to resist!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – such an incredible movie.  It makes you want a better government and a better country.

Gone With the Wind (1939) – As God as your witness, you shouldn’t be seen in public if you haven’t seen this film.  This book was the Twilight or Harry Potter of its day, capturing the mystique of the entire country. 

Giant (1956) – An epic that’s not to be missed.  I watch this movie about once a year. I just find it irresistible Rock is gorgeous in what is certainly his best role, Liz Taylor was never more beautiful, and Dean is deliciously smarmy. 

China Seas (1935) & Red Dust (1932) – The chemistry between Gable and Harlow was fantastic, and no one did sass and spit-fire better than Harlow.  She and Gable trade barbs brilliantly, and for me she was one of the few women who ever seemed like she might be able to take him in a fight, despite her tiny frame.

Casablanca (1942) – One of the best romance movies ever.  Sad, sexy, full of wantony lust and with a dash of mystery/suspense.

The Way We Were (1973) – “You’re girl is lovely, Hubble.”  If you don’t understand the full meaning of this line then you are so sadly missing out.

Now Voyager (1942) – There are so many fantastic films starring Bette Davis, but this one is my all time favorite; possibly because while her character has an inner strength, which is the one theme that ties all of her roles together, but, there was a softness to her performance in this one that sets it apart.  It’s got it all, romance, mother/daughter issues, a make-over…hello???  Need I say more?
Other B. Davis fav’s include:  Dark Victory (1939) – Sad, sad, deliciously sad. 
Mr. Skeffington (1944) – Bette Davis is so totally selfish and disgustingly self serving in this movie.  I love it! : )  No one else could have done this part justice. 
The Letter (1940) – another great, meaty performance with murder, adultery, and courtroom drama.

A Place in the Sun (1951) – A stunning Elizabeth Taylor and drool-worthy Montgomery Clift.  It’s kind of a twisted movie, but…a drool-worthy Montgomery Clift!

Bus Stop (1956) – For me, Marilyn is at her most vulnerable in this film.  Beautiful and with a sadness in her eyes at times that will break your heart.   

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) – You’ll want a cigarette after watching this movie.  It seems to actually emit a sensuality from the screen as Liz Taylor and Paul Newman go at it.  There’s a heat to it, and Paul Newman looks slap-your-momma hot. 

Kitty Foyle (1940) – I love this movie.  It’s overly melodramatic, disgustingly sentimental, has an arguably happy ending  – depending on your individual preferences – but I can’t seem to resist it.  The conversations Aden has with himself in the mirror in Dreaming of You were an idea that came from this film.  Used as more of a story telling device to buffer flashbacks in the film as opposed to the way I used it to expose Aden’s unspoken desires, I’m sure it was cutting edge special effects back in the day.








Musicals

Wizard of Oz (1939) – There are only a handful of musicals on my list, but this one beats them all.  I can’t really imagine anyone not having seen it.  For the love of all that is gay and holy, if you haven’t been to Oz, please keep it to yourself.

Shall We Dance (1937) & Top Hat (1935) – All of Astaire and Rogers musicals are worth a viewing, but these are the very best for me.  After watching 3 or 4 they can seem a little formulaic, but I must say that Astaire is the oddest looking sexiest man I’ve ever seen.  He dances and I swoon.  Go figure?

A Star Is Born (1954) – The Judy Garland version is the best in my opinion, although you have two other versions to choose from if you like.  Juicy, overly-dramatic, goodness.

You Were Never Lovelier (1942) – I love watching Rita Hayworth dance and this is by far my favorite musical she made.  Astaire brought out the best in her, and despite being in black and white, when Hayworth dances – there’s a joy that will take you over.  The title fits, she was never lovelier.

Funny Girl (1968) – There is no false advertisement in this title.  Hysterical.  I still laugh out loud when I watch it.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – Marilyn Monroe and Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend – that iconic moment that catapulted Monroe into the stratosphere.  I love this film, it’s funny, sassy, flirty, and just plain cool to see the women finish on top.  Jane Russell talks like every gay man I’ve ever known in this movie.  A can’t miss confection!