We’ve been watching quite a few black and white movies lately, especially those made in the forties and fifties (like Sullivan’s Travels directed by Preston Sturges, and All About Eve directed by Joseph Mankiewicz), which make me think about the social context of the postwar era and how that affected the entertainment industry.

With grandiose settings, elaborate costumes, and refined manners, we’re swept into the world of the American bourgeouis, of charming gentlemen and beautiful, sexy, and often conniving women. It’s a world only accessible to the few, and perhaps that what made is so entertaining, to see that despite the mountain of riches they owned, the men and women at the top of the pinnacle were susceptible to the same troubles and vices that beget those who possess much less.

While I continue to muse over those things, I’d like to share with you a great link that the husband pointed out, called “Today’s Inspiration.” It’s a place for those who are interested in illustrations from the 1940s and 1950s (I love the style, colors and lettering of posters from that period!) to share their knowledge, views and opinions.

If you’re like me and like to look at inspiring pictures, it’s definitely worth a visit — scroll down and you’ll see some really amazing paintings and illustrations!

February 2nd, 2007