Meet Grace Kelly’s Fandom!

Grace Kelly’s day has finally arrived, which means we’re ready to celebrate her here on the blogosphere! As you know, I’m hosting the 4th Wonderful Grace Kelly Blogathon via my blog The Wonderful World of Cinema but, this year, I’m joined by a new co-host: Emily from The Flapper Dame!

This year I wanted to do something unusual for the blogathon. Something that would really entertain my readers. After reflection, I had the idea to create a sort of survey for Grace Kelly’s fans and publish each people’s answers on this blog! The various participants gave us personal and well-detailed answers that I had a lot of pleasure to read. I hope it would be the case for you as well!

What makes me particularly about this compilation is that we have participants from various backgrounds (age, place of living). So, it proves us the Grace Kelly does cross the ages (and the continents!) and the admiration we have for her is timeless!

So, without further ado, take a seat a meet GRACE KELLY’S FANS!

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David Lance Roten

Age: 48

Place of living: Summerville, South Carolina

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

Late 70’s, probably around 1978. My Mom would get all kinds of celebrity magazines. One she had with Ranier and Grace on the cover. As far as actually seeing one of her films for the first time, that would be June 1998. Rear Window. Excellent film. Excellent leads.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

The fact that she left Hollywood at the peak of her career and never went back. She had other plans for her life and stuck to them. It’s similar to Jim Brown walking away from the Cleveland Browns after 9 dominant seasons and giving Hollywood and other avenues a look. Ken Dryden in the NHL, very similar also. Plenty of respect from me to do that.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Dial M for Murder. I saw it for the first time in Spring 2004 when I began putting a bigger emphasis on watching vintage and Studio Era films. I think it’s Hitchcock’s best, I’m probably in the minority with that opinion. But Grace, Ray Milland, Bob Cummings, and seriously underrated John Williams really are at their best in that one. It’s a movie I could watch at anytime and never tire of it. Grace always had screen presence, but in this film, she’s also got vulnerability.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

In a weird sort of way, she has influenced my Sports Card Collection. As mentioned above I know of a few pro athletes who walked away at their peak to try other things, and never looked back with regret. I do reference Grace as an Icon who left at the top of her game, and I will often times search out pro athletes who did the same.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

I know very little about fashion (lol) but the pink w/ white gloves outfit worn in To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant as the passenger in the car she’s driving is really cool.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I’d probably try to ask her out if it’s 5 minutes pre-marriage to the Prince LOL. Ahh, kidding (sorta). 5 Minutes. Hmm. I would ask her how close she actually was to return to Hollywood in the mid 60’s – early 70’s time frame. I know there was interest from some directors at the time.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief. He and Grace, Hollywood royalty. Pure class.

8-  Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

Any to be honest. Of all the movie stars and other celebrities I’ve seen in my life, she’s the most beautiful. She didn’t take bad pics at all, I’ll go with the simple headshot.

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

I’m locked into Dial M for Murder here I think lol. She’s surrounded in that movie by serious acting talent but still manages to dominate the screen in her scenes.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

Winning the 1954 Academy Award for Best Actress in The Country Girl. No, I’m not old enough to have been around for that (lol) but I’ve seen clips. She’s underrated as an actress in my opinion, and I’m glad she received that honor before leaving Hollywood and ending her career.

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Talita

Age: 33

Place of living: Brazil

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I became a Grace Kelly fan watching High Society – I was a Sinatra fan already, and first watched the movie because of him.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Initially, her beauty; over time, her gentleness, determination, kindness, and willingness to be there for so many.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

It’s High Society because it made me a fan of hers!

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

She most certainly does. I’ve become a better person by looking up to her.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

My favorite movie costume worn by Grace is a mauve/purple empire dress, seen briefly in The Swan – I wish it had more screen time!

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I’d like to thank her profusely for brightening up my life! I’d tell her about all the moments she’s helped me over the years, simply by being my role model.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

William Holden, hands down! He’s my favorite actor, and I love him so much! Their paring was amazing, and I’ll be forever grateful they worked together in two movies.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

Tough call! But I think it’s this one, by Peter Basch:

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Rear Window. You just can’t go wrong with Rear Window. Her most famous movie, I’d say.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

I have two, in fact: visiting her exhibit in my own country, back in 2011, and paying her tribute by leaving roses for her on her grave, in Monaco. I’m extremely grateful for having had these opportunities.

We invite you to visit Talita’s blog dedicated to Grace Kelly: Doses of Grace

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Emily Graziano

Age: 22

Place of living: Chicago, IL

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I first discovered Grace when I was in grade school – on a TV program covering classic movie stars- But I didn’t take a real liking to her until I was 16. I’m a fan of British Royalty and saw the footage of Princess Diana meeting Grace in 1981. I then realized- “WOW! I remember that’s Grace!” I then looked her up online and I just sort of went from there

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

I’m impressed by her down to earth attitude. She was famous almost her whole life- yet when people met her, they didn’t pick up one ounce of snobbery from her. I’m also impressed she is still so relevant to young people today- like myself. She died when my mom was around my age (early 20s) and now I know who she is too- it’s just a testament of how wonderful a person she was.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Wow- hard question. I’d have to go with The Country Girl – it’s so easy to say « I love her Hitchcock films » I feel her other ones don’t get a lot of love. She is with Bill Holden and Bing Crosby and she proves she’s more than a pretty face, she’s a serious actress.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

Yes- Her style does. She was always dressed perfectly- no matter what occasion- formal or informal. She knew what to wear and when. I try to incorporate that into my life.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

I adore this number she wore in Rear Window. I think its terribly under-rated !! I know Edith Head tried to avoid prints in fear one day they would look dated- but it never will be.

 

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I’d love to do this- even though yes it’s impossible. I’d love to ask her about her movies- secrets from filming, what was it like working with Hitchcock. But I’d also ask her about life advice- what’s the best way to handle rude people ?, How do you keep a good attitude towards people you don’t like, what is a way to always dress for the occasion? So many things to learn from this lovely lady!

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

Cary Grant- they two together are the definition of « Glamourous Movie Stars » in movies.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

This IS the epitome of 1950s movie star. The hair, the dress, the earrings, the curtains- Just. So. Perfect.

 

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Watch Rear Window– Its a masterpiece and you will understand the true meaning of a Hitchcock Blonde. Its so easy to love this film- and Grace is a very big part of that. It was both the first Hitchcock and also the first Grace film I ever saw.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

I will never forget the scene she is driving in To Catch a Thief– that pink ensemble with the scarf blowing in the wind, that gorgeous blue convertible, that handsome Mr. Cary Grant sitting next to her. Scenes like this make her unforgettable.

We invite you to visit Emily’s blog The Flapper Dame. She’s my co-host for this blogathon!

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Margaux

Age: 22

Place of living: Montreal

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

As far as I can remember, I think I discovered her in 2013 when I went to see the exhibition about her at the McCord Museum in Montreal with a friend. I must have certainly read her name somewhere before when I went into classic movies, but I can’t remember when exactly.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Her beauty (of course!), her elegance, and her humbleness. Three things many women, famous or not, lack nowadays in my opinion…

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

I really haven’t seen many films of hers. I only remember three: Dial M for Murder, High Society, and Rear Window, but I loved Dial M for Murder, so I am going to choose this one.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

No. I don’t know her enough for that.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

Again, I don’t have enough knowledge to answer that question. That being said, I am sure everything she wore looked beautiful on her. She was gorgeous!

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I would not only talk about her public life as an actress and princess with her but also about life in general, as I would do with my friends because famous people don’t always like to be talked to as if they were circus freaks.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

I have no idea. I haven’t watched enough films.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

What the hell of a question is that? Is that even answerable? Haha!

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

I would recommend Dial M for Murder, because that’s the only one I remember, and because all the aesthetic and narrative aspects of the film are amazing, including Grace’s beautiful dramatic performance!

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

Probably my visit to the exhibition dedicated to her.

We invite you to visit Margaux’s website dedicated to actress Marisa Pavan, as well as her new blog Art Psychosis.

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Don Brigham

Age: 65

Place of living: Wichita, Kansas, USA

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I discovered Grace Kelly in my 20s. I was aware of her, but I developed an interest in Alfred Hitchcock movies.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Well, she was a great beauty. She also had a wonderful grace (Her name was apropos.) about her. Plus, she was very talented.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

There were many good films, especially with Hitchcock. I would say Dial M for Murder is my favorite, although To Catch a Thief is a very close second.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

No, but I always liked that we were born on November 12th. Mine was a few years after hers. My cousin was born on my third birthday. He always had to horn in on my glory!

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

No. None of them would look good on me.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I would love to talk to her about her work with Hitchcock.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

Cary Grant.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

I like them all.

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

To Catch A Thief. It is fast-paced, breezy, suspenseful, and has some comic relief.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

I don’t have a specific one other than the roles she played.

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Mike Noonan

Age: 63

Place of living: New York

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

Rear Window

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Classic beauty

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Rear Window– Just love the film/great Hitchcock.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

No

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

Dress in To Catch A Thief

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

Her collaboration with Hitchcock.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

James Stewart

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

Sitting on the couch in To Catch A Thief

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Rear Window

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

Just that she always showed such class

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Samantha Ellis

Age: 22

Place of living: West Chester, PA

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I first discovered her in Entertainment Weekly’s 100 Greatest Stars of All Time book. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in classic film, as it has gorgeous pictures of dozens of Old Hollywood stars along with a short biography and film recommendations. I remember Grace being the first one that caught my eye.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Of course, I’d say her beauty, but as I got to know her I began to admire her talent and determination. She managed to establish an incredible career in Hollywood and as the Princess of Monaco, without so much as a blemish to her reputation. Everyone who knew her adored her, and so do I.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Without a doubt, High Society. She really shows off her comedic timing against Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, and she never looked more gorgeous! It’s like that film was made for me.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

I believe being a fan of Grace has heightened my own level of class. She was so kind but also so above any negative comments or petty issues, and her style influences mine more than any other star. Whenever I go shopping, I always ask myself if my clothing choices are things that Grace would have worn. That’s why I don’t own any pairs of jeans, just like her!

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

As I mentioned before, I really admire her style, so there are tons! I think both her 1954 and her 1955 Oscar looks are stunning, and my favorite film costume of hers would be the flowing blue and white gown that she wore in To Catch A Thief. I also have to give a lot of praise to her iconic engagement ring. I love jewelry, and hers is one of my favorite pieces! I even bought a replica!

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I would ask her how she always appears so poised and put together, and what she would do when she came across hardship in her life. If there was time, I’d also probably ask why she turned down Bing Crosby’s marriage proposal. They seemed like a suitable match.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

I won’t be biased and say Bing Crosby just because he’s my personal favorite of his costars! I think William Holden probably worked with her best. He was closest to her in age, and I think his sarcasm and slightly rebellious nature was a lovely complement to her polished exterior.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

I think there’s something to love about every single one, but I have to give credit to the first picture I ever saw of her:

And my personal favorite, which I think is perfection:

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

I think High Society is amazing, but I would probably recommend The Country Girl. It bothers me that Grace gets so much hate today for “stealing” Judy Garland’s Oscar, when in fact very few people making this accusation have seen Grace’s incredible performance.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

I think the first time that I ever saw her was a real eye-opener for me. I watched Dial M For Murder while on vacation, and she couldn’t have been lovelier! She was everything that I wanted to be, and I really enjoyed the film too!

We invite you to visit Samantha’s blog dedicated to her love of classic films, Musings of a Classic Film Addict.

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Liz Ramunni

Age: 41

Place of living: Sidney, Australia

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I discovered Grace Kelly when I was a little girl on The Golden Years of Hollywood show. Every Saturday, they would play a classic and a lot of the time it would be a Gracie film.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Her sense of style and elegance, along with her beautiful manner in speaking.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

The Country Girl as it really brought her talent as an actress, playing a part so unlike her real-life self.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

Yes, in the way i dress. I try to emulate her sense of style but make it my own. She avoided fads, I like to try to do the same.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

Yes, her red gown in Dial M for Murder really stands out to me.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

What it was like being married to a prince. And her flower pressing hobby.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

Without a doubt, Cary Grant.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Rear window as Hitchcock did such a great job showcasing her talent in acting and sense of style. She WAS Lisa Carol Freemont.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

Her meeting Prince Rainier for the first time. I read in a bio that her hairdryer didn’t work, etc. So she had to make do with putting it up wet but she was still so very beautiful to her Prince Rainier.

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Mathilde Di Bianca

Age: 57

Place of living: France

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

When I was a child, in the 1960s. Grace Kelly was then Princess of Monaco and many photos of her could be seen in French magazines, doing her daily official duties or with her children. Since Monaco is along the French Riviera, it was a little bit as if all this happened in our country. I had been told by my mother that she had been an actress before she married the Prince of Monaco.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Her beauty of course! She was fascinating for her beauty, dignity, and the sense of purity which emanated from her.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

The first film I saw with Grace Kelly was High Noon on French TV. My favourite Grace Kelly film is Dial M for Murder. I think that, in this films, she gives a quality performance as an actress. She is not just pretty.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

No, I do not think so.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

The green suit with white chemisier which she wears in Rear Window.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

Oh, I would like to talk about many subjects with her. Since I have read different biographies of Grace, I would like to exchange feelings about life, and about the way she managed (or not) to assume an official role that was not her true personality. I would encourage her to be more modern and to free herself, to open herself to the 1960s movements of liberation.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

Ray Milland and Robert Cummings are great co-stars in Dial M for Murder. It is a great team. Although I really like Cary Grant, I do not think that To catch a thief is his best performance.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

I know and collect so many photos of her that I really can’t tell.

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Rear window for she is both mischievous, clever, and gracious at the same time. And Dial M for Murder: she displays in this film different aspect of a complex character: She is perfect as a posed and responsible adult woman, who assumes to have a lover as well as  the moving victim of a miscarriage of justice.

John DiBenedetto

Age: 54

Place of living: USA

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

I first saw Grace on an afternoon movie is television: it was The Country Girl! I was about 12.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

Not to be redundant but I admired her Grace!

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Rear Window has always been my favorite.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

No influence but I’m never really influenced by anyone I haven’t met.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

I love the gowns in Rear Window. Edith Head I think.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I’d love to have asked if she missed the life as a bakers daughter at all.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

A tie: Bing Crosby/ James Stewart

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

My favorite is a photo from 1954 of her looking over her shoulder at the camera. I found it at Lisa’s History Room site

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

I’d tell someone to watch High Society as their first movie since it’s so entertaining to most.

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Adrienne

Age: 23

Place of living: Montreal

1- First of all, tell us how you discovered Grace Kelly:

The first time I heard of Grace Kellym I was about 10 years old. My grandmother was obsessed with her. She talked about Grace all the time. She used to show me pictures of her and movies.

2- What impressed/impresses you the most about her?

I guess her beauty impressed me at first.

3- We’d like to know what is your favourite film of hers and why!

Rear window because I like the story, and talk about that scene when she’s in that pink outfit when she dancing, just amazing.

4- Does Grace Kelly influence your everyday life in any way?

Yes! I got a book for Christmas a couple of years ago, What would Grace do? and to this day I still think about how to be as graceful and elegant as her.

5- We all know that Grace Kelly was a great fashion icon. Do you have any favourite gowns, movie costumes she wore?

My all time favourite is her wedding dress.

6- We know that this is technically impossible, but if you had the chance to discuss with Grace Kelly for about five minutes, what would you like to talk about with her?

I guess I would want to know if she regretted becoming a princess and having leaving her country.

7- Who do you think was Grace’s best co-star on screen?

I don’t know, I kind of like them all.

8- Grace was one of the most photographed women in the world. What is your favourite photo of her?

The one in her blue mint dress accepting her Oscar in 1955.

9- Which film would you recommend to someone who hasn’t seen any of her films and why?

Rear window, it’s an interesting movie in general.

10- Lastly, what is your favourite memory of Grace Kelly?  

Her wedding, she was perfect!

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Many thanks again to all those who accepted to answer the survey! This blog post was really made thanks to YOU. I judged unnecessaryto answer the questions myself because I really wanted to make something about other people, to prove you that I’m not the only one admiring this wonderful lady. Also, I’ve probably already answered these on my blogs through various articles. 😉

Don’t forget to check the other participant’s entries!

Grace Kelly Blogathon Day 1

Grace Kelly Blogathon Day 2

A very happy heavenly birthday to our dear Grace!