Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, certainly had her choices.Do girls still dream of being a princess?
Not too many days ago, I was sort of talking to someone about "handles" or "nicknames" for use in blogs or in forums or in chat rooms. I asked her which "moniker" she would choose to use. She said, Grace Kelly. That started the wheels cranking, so I did a bit of research on Princess Grace.
The first thing you will notice, and I am certain you will agree with even a quick glance at the cluster of photographs, is that Grace was a very attractive young lady. Assuming there is no need for a left to right or clockwise explanation, Grace is shown with William Holden. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "The Country Girl," which also starred Holden and Bing Crosby. She is shown with Jimmy Stewart as they appeared together in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window." Cary Grant was her partner in another Hitchcock production, "To Catch a Thief." These gentlemen and other movie stars of their generation were among the men in Grace's life.
So, who is the guy dressed up like Napoleon she is shown standing next to? Looks all right, I guess, but maybe a little silly since they are not appearing in a movie together but, rather, in a wedding. Of all the men in her life, Grace picked an actual prince to marry, Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
It would not be inaccurate to describe Monaco as a tiny country -- sort of an old-fashioned city-state. The same family has ruled it since the 13th Century. It is a place the rich and the even richer like to hang out. Next time you cruise the northern edge of the Mediterranean Sea in your yacht, you might decide to anchor in Monte Carlo and test your luck as a high stake's gambler.
It is entertaining to speculate more than 50 years after the fact why she chose the man she did. Nice looking man, with his own castle and money to burn. That probably answers the question right there. Security and a family as a real-life princess vs. life as a glamorous movie actress. What a choice. She only appeared in 11 movies, and had a couple of opportunities later in life to do others, but those did not work out. She died in an automobile accident in 1982 at the age of 52.
Even more curious I am than to know why Grace chose being a real-life princess over a motion picture diva is to know why a young lady of today would choose Grace's name to be her "handle" or "nickname" or "moniker" for use in a blog or in a forum or in a chat room. Still hoping to be a real-life princess, maybe? I assume that it continues to be the dream of every little girl and, perhaps, a thought that lingers forever in the minds even of a few big girls.
Music Note: Listening to Queen ....
Specifically, "Queen Rocks" ....
Some lines from "I Want It All:"
I'm a man with a one track mind
So much to do in one life time (people do you hear me)
Not a man for compromise and where's and why's and living lies
So I'm living it all (yes I'm living it all)
And I'm giving it all (and I'm giving it all)
I want it all I want it all I want it all and I want it now
I want it all (yeah yeah yeah) I want it all I want it all and I want it now
I want it
Now
I want it I want it
16 comments:
Hi Fram :) I do love Grace Kelly myself. She really had it all, style, beauty and grace. Absolutely a fashion icon. She was a successful actress and later married her prince. It seems that they did have a "real" love affair...stayed married until her death and he never remarried after she was gone. For heavens sake, the woman even has a postage stamp!
Jimmy Stewart said about her, "You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met. Grace brought into my life as she brought into yours, a soft, warm light every time I saw her, and every time I saw her was a holiday of its own. No question, I'll miss her, we'll all miss her, God bless you, Princess Grace."
She really seemed to have it all and then wrapped it all up in a fairy tale life too :) Being called "a holiday." That's nice :) I would like to be considered "a holiday."
She was a smart princess...that's the good kind :)
I love the pictures too!
Have a Happy Day!
I always figure that I am a princess, it just takes some time for everyone else to figure this out. It's possible, I do descend from old Bavarian aristocracy.
Chocobo: redefining princess since 1980.
You should think of an angle to use Princess Grace in one of your posts, Kelly. There are a couple of illustrations on your page that remind of 1950s movies whenever I see them, particularly the image in the "Your Blog is Fabulous" award. It makes me want to jump into a time machine and take a leap back the Rome or the Paris of the 1950s.
Anyway, I agree, Grace certainly did have a remarkable career and an even more remarkable "life ever after."
I think of myself in many ways, Angie, but never as a prince. I am more into being the white knight-type, saving everyone from the fiery dragon before riding off into the sunset. If you ever produce a play calling for such a role, give me a yell and I'll audition.
By the way, part of me is descended from Bavarian brewmeisters. Maybe my ancestor worked for your ancestor.
"To Catch a Thief" – love it, but my favorite Grace Kelly is in “High Noon”.
What’s “moniker”? Whatever it is, mine was Thais (of Athens)
Moniker = nickname.
That is the second time you've stumped me in recent days, Natalie. First the Soviet shooting badge, and now an opera? Not fair.
I liked "High Noon," too, but disagreed with the casting. Gary Cooper looked like Grace Kelly's father. Either his role should have gone to someone younger or her role to someone older, I think. But, they both did a great acting job. Very believable in that sense.
Hello Fram! :-) I will be back again, because I have to go now, but yes, every women wants to be a princess, or even a queen for their mans. I want to be a queen! :-) Have a beautiful weekend! :-)
I love the symbiosis of the object of your attention today and the track you chose. Grace is one of a kind. Even in movies where there's a strong male presence, 'Rear Window', for instance, she still shines. Many thanks for the feature and the song. Yes, I want it all (listening to Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' album as I type this)
Greetings from London.
Magdalena ....
Your beauty, your kindness, your talent, your understanding already have made you a queen. Any and all men should pay homage to you simply for the privilege to sit by your side and to see your smile.
CiL .... Grace seems to have been exactly what you said, one of a kind, which I did not realize until preparing this post. I suppose there are many definitions of a "true lady," but her persona might well be the closest. Rock on, music man.
:-)))*** I am very, very happy now, thank you my Dear Friend!!! And you are the perfect king to your woman, Fram.
Magdalena .... Unfortunately (or, maybe, fortunately. Who knows?) the throne next to mine atop the dais is vacant at this moment in time, and is awaiting the arrival of a new queen to claim it. Therefore, I gladly welcome all the kisses offered to me by beautiful young ladies. Thank you.
I know, I'm saying about this new one from the restaurant, who doesn't know about it yet! :-) Have a beautiful Sunday! :-)
Magdalena .... I do not think there ever has been anyone who understands life as well as you do, or who so perfectly recognizes the important things in life as well as you do. My wish for you is forevermore only happy days.
In the slang of my times, you are one neat lady.
Thank you so much, Fram, and for you too and even more if possible :-)*
Hmmmm.. not so sure if I'd want to be a princess. Too sheltered and coddled. Methinks I would more prefer a huntress role, respected, powerful, and able to hold her own amongst the menfolk. Taking lovers as I will, fighting and revelling in the glory of both... Yessss, a huntress/warrior woman. More my style!!! :)
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