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filmstruck · 6 years

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Such a Sweet and Wonderful Torture: Delbert Mann’s THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (’59) by Jill Blake

Widower Jerry Kingsley (Fredric March) walks into his $240-a-month apartment cold and soaking wet, with a spirit that is thoroughly crushed. Jerry’s overbearing older sister, Evelyn (Edith Meiser), who lives with him and acts as more of a housekeeper and controlling, obnoxious gossip than a supportive figure, is hard at work vacuuming the carpet. After scolding her brother about tracking in dirt on the newly-cleaned floor, Evelyn hears what she’s long been waiting for: Jerry’s relationship and engagement with Betty (Kim Novak), a young woman half his age, is all over. Jerry is devastated, barely able to hold his emotions together in front of his sister. Evelyn appears to take a little too much joy in the news, falling just short of saying, “I told you so.” She brushes off Jerry’s heartbreak too quickly, because in her mind, there’s no way he could have been that serious about this girl. Surely, it was just a fling, nothing more. Jerry must have lost his head, because how could any mature man see any value or depth in a romantic partner as young as Betty? Evelyn believes her brother doesn’t need a woman, and certainly not that woman. “You’ve got a good life for yourself, a fine business. You’ve got hundreds of friends,” she says, as if Jerry will take comfort in her words and immediately feel better about losing a great love and a shot at real happiness late in life. Fighting back tears, Jerry bares his soul, “I feel something inside me is dying right now. I want to be loved by a woman. That want dies hard.” Jerry is reaching for just a glimmer of humanity from his sister in his state of devastating vulnerability. But Evelyn doesn’t understand, and certainly doesn’t want to, and Jerry quickly realizes that he’s truly alone, demanding his solitude so he can grieve a loss that is perhaps greater than that of his late wife. There’s certainly more at stake here, as Jerry faces the prospect that he could spend his final years completely alone.

Director Delbert Mann routinely explored the everyday lives, troubles and relationships of ordinary people. He was a no-frills director who carried much of his directorial experience in television over to the big screen. Mann firmly believed in the importance of the story and script, as well as strong acting talent to interpret the story. If the story and acting were good, then everything else would fall into place. This utilitarian, stripped-down approach to filmmaking made these films more attainable and realistic, and the performances all the more believable. And Mann’s underrated and overlooked masterpiece MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (’59) is one of the finest films of the 1950s and a bright spot in the careers of both Fredric March and Kim Novak, an unlikely romantic pair that somehow works beautifully. Through Mann’s direction and an incredible script by Paddy Chayefsky, we witness the extraordinary circumstances surrounding an unlikely May-December romance between a widower in his late 50s and a 24-year-old divorcée. At first glance, their relationship must be about sex and nothing more. Just the typical fling between the dirty old man and the fortune hunter. But the relationship between Jerry and Betty is so much more. It’s complex, terrifying, beautiful, fulfilling and confusing. In other words: a typical relationship.

Jerry is in the second year following the death of his wife. He is a wealthy garment manufacturer with a booming business that he founded with his friend Walter Lockman (Albert Dekker). Betty is newly divorced from her husband, George (Lee Phillips), a good-for-nothing musician with a wandering eye. Betty works for Jerry as a receptionist and secretary. She’s quite pretty and is constantly sexually harassed by many of the male employees and vendors. But Jerry never harasses her. Matter of fact, he’s so busy in his work that he’s hardly noticed her. At least, not like that. And so, when Betty has sent herself home to nurse a broken heart over her ex and the direction her love life is taking, she finds an unlikely confidant in her boss, who stops by her apartment to pick up some business papers. All of the sudden, Jerry sees Betty for the first time. Yes, he’s struck by her beauty and poise, but he’s attracted to her spirit and her need and desire to be loved. And for the first time in years, even before his wife’s death, Jerry seizes an opportunity for real happiness. A chance to live life. Jerry and Betty start seeing each other, fueled purely on their mutual emotion and desire.

But for Betty, the reality of the situation quickly sets in. Although she loves Jerry’s company, and she cares for him deeply, she can’t get past their difference in age. She’s terrified of flaunting social conventions and worried about her perceived inability to love another unconditionally. She has a fairly immature view on love, preferring to keep her romantic relationships as meaningless flings. Betty even goes so far as suggesting that Jerry is too nice and would do better if he was just interested in sex. Jerry doesn’t want a fling, he wants a partner. He wants someone to spend the rest of his days with. And he doesn’t care what other people think, including his family. He sees a possible future with Betty, and he knows that she needs it, too, and he fights like hell to hold onto it.

With this unconventional love comes great uncertainty and stress for Jerry and Betty. As their relationship progresses, Jerry grows paranoid, terrified that Betty will leave him for a younger man. Each day is beautiful for Jerry, as he’s reminded that he doesn’t have to spend it alone, but he goes through fits of jealousy and moodiness, which unintentionally drives a wedge between him and Betty. But the strain also helps their relationship by bringing much-needed closure to other aspects of their lives, both past and present. This closure gives them a fair shot at some semblance of happiness together, which is more than most get in an entire lifetime. Through their troubles, Betty realizes how much she loves and needs Jerry and is finally ready to commit to a life with him. But old habits die hard, and Jerry has difficulty adapting to a more modern relationship and Betty’s interpretation of love. When Jerry rushes to check on his friend and business partner Walter, who has attempted suicide after a romantic tryst in a hotel room, he finally realizes that despite the stress and jealousy that comes with being with a young, beautiful woman, with Betty he was truly living, eagerly making the most of each and every day. Who cares if his relationship with Betty isn’t logical or conventional, so long as there’s love.

“Love, no matter how shabby it may seem, is still a beautiful thing. And everything else is nothing.”

#FilmStruck #Middle of the Night #Fredric March #Kim Novak #Delbert Mann #StreamLine Blog #Jill Blake

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edc-creations-blog · 7 years

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Debut author J. Nichole

Freshmen Fifteen

Sophisticated Sophomore

Summer Fling

Grown & Sexy Senior

In Love 101, we meet Laila a student at Lee University, a Historically Black College & University in Tallahassee, Florida. Throughout the series, Laila tackles the challenges of finding new friends, and a new love. Each book in Love 101 chronicles the progression of her college experience, and ultimately her relationship with the man who snagged her freshman year.

Reviews for Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101: Book 1) 35 Amazon Ratings of 4.4 or 5.0 Stars Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101: Book 1) 5 Star Review “I loved the book it reminded me of my freshman year LOL… I hope there is a part 2 to see what the characters have been up to.”

Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101: Book 1) 5 Star Review “This was a quick page turner about a young woman entering a new chapter of her life. We not only got a chance to take this journey with her but we were also able to catch a glimpse at the supporting characters embarking on their own journeys of self discovery. There were plenty of life lessons sprinkled throughout the book. It also included humor and of course love. I recommend this book to anyone who remembers what it was like to be young, dumb(kidding), and down for fun. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book to see what the Lee University students are up to. P.S. Something tells me we haven’t heard the last of Courtney.”

About the Love 101 – New Adult Series After releasing Freshmen Fifteen, book one of the Love 101 series, the feedback J. Nichole received was that the book left readers wanting more! What happened to Laila and Chris? What becomes of Laila’s best friend, Tanya? Although Love 101 was not in the plans, J. Nichole wanted her readers to feel satisfied with their investment into Laila’s life. So with that, J. Nichole went back to her desk and didn’t emerge until she completed Laila’s story. With the series, readers can follow Laila from her first year in college until she walks across that stage four years later.

Excerpt: Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101) by J. Nichole He stands up and slowly wraps his arm around my waist as he starts dancing, and I feel his muscles tense as he moves. I’m going to ignore how inappropriate this is, he gets a pass this time. I cock my head up and say, “Well, hello there.”

“It’s about time I get a chance to get close to you.” He stops dancing and stares me in the eyes with a playful smile. Staring back, I take note of each of his features. His eyes are slightly darker than hazel and his goatee is perfectly trimmed. “I hope you are having fun tonight. I have to go, but let me give you my number so you can call me.”

“Your number? I don’t even know your name, nor do you know mine.”

“Oh, I know your name, Laila. But I apologize. My name is Chris, Chris Clark. Now like I said, let me give you my number.”

How does he know my name? I pull my phone out and begin entering each number as he says it. As I press Done, he takes my phone and presses the call button. When he hands my phone back, I look at him sideways and say, “You didn’t have to take my number, I would have given it to you.” Sexy, but cocky. I’m not sure about this one.

“You’re right, but like I said, I need to run. Promise me you will call me when you make it back to the dorm.”

I don’t make any promises, but I give him a gentle smile. He kisses my cheek, then walks away, leaving his scent of sweat and cologne behind. I turn to Jennifer and Nicole, who are standing with big goofy grins on their faces. I shake my head a couple of times. Never would I have imagined I would have met Mr. Sexy like this.

( Continued… )

© 2017 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, J. Nichole. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Purchase Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101) by J. Nichole https://www.amazon.com/Freshmen-Fifteen-Love-101-Nichole-ebook/dp/B06XP9635Y

Freshmen Fifteen is the first book in the Love 101 series by debut author J. Nichole. Genre: African American Romance, New Adult. Freshmen Fifteen is the first book in the Love 101 series, by debut author J. Nichole. Each book tackles another year of Laila’s university adventures, important friendships, and romantic entanglements. This series is intended for mature, new adult audiences.

Sophisticated Sophomore (Love 101) by J. Nichole Laila Jackson survived freshman year at Lee University, a historically black college and university in Tallahassee, Florida. Now summer is over, and she’s signed up for another grueling course load.

Luckily, Laila has the perfect distraction from her studies! She and her boyfriend, Chris, are closer than ever. Together, the two of them survived the machinations of Chris’s unstable ex-girlfriend, Courtney—but she’s not done with them yet.

While attending a football game with Lee University’s rival, A&T, Laila is surprised by the appearance of an old acquaintance. Throughout high school, Laila always had a crush on Josh, the brother of her best friend, Tanya. She thought he never saw her as more than Tanya’s friend, but their chance meeting changes her mind!

Suddenly, Laila is in the middle of a love triangle. Josh is finally interested in being more than just friends, but she and Chris have worked hard to build a solid relationship. Courtney’s meddling further complicates Laila’s relationships.

In this second book in the Love 101 series, Laila faces difficult new challenges. She’s no longer a naïve freshman, but she still has a lot to learn when it comes to matters of the heart.

Summer Fling (Love 101) by J. Nichole J. Nichole’s third Love 101 romance joins rising junior Laila Jackson as she tries to move forward from a wrecked relationship.

Laila doesn’t understand the reason behind her breakup with her boyfriend, Chris Clark. She truly, deeply loved Chris, and he left her with no explanation. She is hurt, confused, and humiliated. Her friends advise her to stay single for a while.

That’s easier said than done. Laila thought she would be too busy working at a summer internship for the What’s Happening Jacksonville magazine to meet any men, but she meets two almost immediately. Isaiah is an old acquaintance and alum of Laila’s school, Lee University. Dante is a football star with a flair for the dramatic.

Laila’s also still thinking about Josh. During sophomore year, he told her he wanted to be in a relationship. Laila knew it wasn’t fair to either of them to make Josh a rebound from Chris, but she still has deep feelings for him.

As Laila tries to decide between three different men, Chris comes back into the picture. Can Laila get closure from their painful breakup, or does Chris have one more surprise in store for her?

Grown & Sexy Senior (Love 101) by J. Nichole In this, the final chapter of J. Nichole’s Love 101 series, Laila Jackson graduates from Lee University and starts her new career as a journalist. As senior year winds down, she must make tough decisions and discover what—and whom—she truly wants in life.

Laila is caught between two incredible men: Josh and Chris.

Josh was her first crush. He patiently waited for her as she tried to sort out her feelings. He always knows just what to say to make Laila feel better, and he wants her to move back home and marry him. Does she want to be his bride?

Chris was Laila’s first everything else. He was the first man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. And he always put her first too. Even their confusing and devastating breakup was a result of the evil scheming of Chris’s ex-girlfriend, Courtney. Chris thought that leaving Laila would keep her safe from Courtney but soon realized he couldn’t live without her. Can she live without him?

Laila will have to draw on all the wisdom she has earned in the past four years to decide which path to take—and which love to choose.

#Sophisticated, #Sophomore, #SummerFling, #GrownAndSexySenior, #AfricanAmerican, #Fiction, #NewAdult, #TeenRomance, #YoungAdult and #WomensFiction

Why Freshmen Fifteen? by J. Nichole

The ‘freshman fifteen’ is an infamous term to describe the weight you gain your freshman year of college. Unfortunately, for me, it was accurate.

I attended Florida A&M University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Tallahassee, Florida. When the idea of Freshmen Fifteen popped into my head, it was only right that Laila have the same challenges I faced of dealing with the sweltering heat of Tallahassee. But Lee University, is purely fictional.

Where did the idea come from? I’d like to think God planted the seed. It happened one day while I was commuting to work. Before sitting down to write it, the only other book I authored was Journey After School, a non-fiction book for graduating college students — I guess I have a special place in my heart for college-aged adults.

Being an IT major I didn’t particularly need to write much in college, and working in my career field I probably write even less than when I was in school. But I have always loved to read. Reading hundreds of books through the school year to earn Little Caesar’s bucks… does anyone else remember those or was it just me?

In high school, my interest in books peaked when I read The Coldest Winter Ever. The book that turned me into an insomnia-reader. Sister Souljah captured me from the first page and didn’t let me go till I was finished. I was even reading in the back of a classroom when I was supposed to be listening to the lecture.

I love other creative art forms as well, I binge watch Netflix… currently watching Frankie & Grace. And ratchet music, is my guilty pleasure. I still rock out to Knuck if you Buck! But it’s something about reading that will always take the highest place in my favorite things to do list.

With Love 101 I hope to create other insomnia-readers, I hope that with the first page of Freshmen Fifteen when you first meet Laila, you won’t put it down until you know how her college career ends in Grown & Sexy Senior!

Freshmen Fifteen (Love 101) by J. Nichole In Love 101, we meet Laila a student at Lee University, a Historically Black College & University in Tallahassee, Florida.

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