Bringing Up Baby

Katharine Hepburn’s character in “Bringing Up Baby” – described in the trailer as “a flutter-brained vixen with love in her heart” – may not be her most feminist role.  Yet the amazing Ms. Hepburn somehow manages to make Susan Vance simultaneously mischievous, anarchic, clever, and utterly endearing.  Cary Grant’s snowballing exasperation with Susan is priceless – especially because, deep down, he loves every minute of it.

Trailer:

 

Ending (Spoilers!):

Following Trixie

One night, coming home from the movies, Honey’s brother sees her shivering and asks whether she is cold – ready to offer her his scarf ...

‘Not cold,’ she answered.  ‘Those western pictures frighten me.’

‘How you could have followed Trixie into some of the tight spots she led you into, I’ll never know,’ Mart said.

‘I didn’t know about them until I was into them.’ Honey sighed.  ‘When I did know I’d have been more frightened to have her go on alone.’

 

- Trixie Belden and the Mysterious Code (1961)

 

Jane and her Parachute

“The leap from the plane had been so sudden Jane had no time to analyze her feelings while she fell…. She tried to relax as the chute neared the ground… landing in a parachute was anything but a lark.”

- Jane, Stewardess of the Air Lines (1934)

Trixie's Big Idea

When the principal cracks down on clubs at school, Trixie needs to find a new project to justify the “Bob-Whites of the Glen”… 

‘How about something to help UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund?’  Trixie asked.  Then she added, dramatically, ‘That would cover the whole world!’ 

‘Say, Trixie, that really sounds like something,’ Mart said, excitedly.  Just let the school board try to put the heat on us when we’re doing something for the United Nations!’ 

- Trixie Belden and the Mysterious Code (1961)

 

 

Illustration by Paul Frame

Nancy Drew, Detective

Original art, adapted from the cover art of the Grosset & Dunlap 1959 edition of Nancy Drew Mystery Stories.

Party like Nancy Drew

Celebrate the New Year like Nancy Drew – with sleuthing, historical costumes, and just a little bit of cross-dressing.

“Helen was holding up a man’s purple velvet suit.  It had knee breeches and the waistcoat had a lace-ruffled front… ‘I think I’ll wear this and be your partner, Nancy,’ Helen said.”

 

- Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (1930)

 

 

 

Plucky Penny

“Are you all right?” the fireman asked, taking her arm.

“Quite,” Penny smiled.  “You needn’t hold me.  I’ll not faint.”

“You have pluck, Miss…” 

- Penny Nichols and the Black Imp (1936)