Picture Parfect

Two years ago, I suggested to my boyfriend that he throw all caution to the wind and bet on Ernie Els for the win at the British Open in St Andrews. Because I was all too convinced  that my natural gypsy radar surely must be signalling and that the seasoned South African would make his proverbial marking on that little old Claret Jug. A South African, ironically did earn those very honours, it would be journeyman Louis Oosthuizen, or as his friends so lovingly refer to him - "Shrek," that would seventy-two hole his way to the big letter V.

                                 Please panic not, an optical illusion with the kig.



Two years later, and today actually, less than an hour ago in fact; after some missing links, Herr Els did indeed get to see his name go up in gold. Perhaps you can give me some retroactive credit for that - or
perhaps not( I imagine the latter would be your call). 

And what on earth has  all this got to do with film history? I know what you are thinking, see I said I had a natural gypsy radar.






I was thinking for those of us that are hybrid film and golf fans  (ha ha, yes I even laughed at that one) ; and you were still running on Sunday adrenaline after an 18th hole will-he-or-won't-he be play-off bound Adam Scott. I imagined you may still need more fix and might be interested in watching something thematic today in the celluloid department, it's on the third floor, by the way.

         Never mind that small horse, keep your eye on the ball, keep your eye on the ball, yes.



The first choice would have to be, an absolute necessity in fact - Monte Brice's 1930 pre-code short
The Golf Specialist, and as I do always say, if it Fields good - do it. W.C ( not the lavatory) is J. Effingham Bellweather ( say that 10 times fast please) and this would be the first time you would get to hear Mr Fields in full vocal regalia and ( oh yes, those clever asides) It's all about keeping your eye on the ball, and mind the pie on the floor too! What better swing coach than William Claude Dukenfield afterall, and if you perhaps had no interest in the sport itself, I am sure this RKO goodie
will leave you  in want of a bit of the action.

          Bobby was Jonesing for it in 1926. Channeler : Jim Caviezel 2004





And perhaps you may be shocked at the notion of me doing so, but I shall now recommend a film from the year 2004 - Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius. I cannot resist this one, why it is the very fairway to heaven for the continuity alone and that chap (Jim Caviezel) who Mel Gibson appointed as Jesus the very same year in the subversive (not in a good way in my humble opinion) The Passion of The Christ, turns up the holy notch with his heavenly portrayal of the titular god of golf. Okay 'one 'of the gods of golf, for naysayers sake. Rowdy Herrington directed this well above-par bio-pic and your peepers will even be privy to Malcolm McDowell in this endearingly enchanting account of the legend that was Monsieur Jones.

                               Stroking Hepburn's ego some more here.




And if you are cuckoo for Cukor, George that is, why not take an excursion with the 1952 comedy romantique via Spencer and Tracy, Pat and Mike. Of the nonet of films the duo made together, this was Kathy's most treasured, it was birdies all the way for her as Pat Pemberton, and she did all her own golf moves here, as Hepburn was a method actress, with or without the help of Stanislavski. The scribes were none other than Ruth Gordon and husband Garson Kanin who took home the golden boy for this one. It even veers into tennis territory, famously featuring one of a handful of actual on-screen matches. Lest we forget Terry-Thomas and Ian Carmichael opposite sides of net in 1960's School for Scoundrels ( watch that one too please, may as well)! And in Pat and Mike we are treated to more reality still with the likes of golf goddess o' the day, Babe Didriksen on board.






I can assure you a bogey-free round with these selections.
FORE!!!!






 Oh, and Mazel Tov Ernie! And Tigs, number 15
 beckons, watch this space...