A new digital download in the shop today, a poppy for the Poppy Appeal with all profits donated to help to provide thousands of modern veterans, Service men, women and their families with vital advice and support.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/253438960/poppy-appeal-poppy-original-illustration?ref=shop_home_active_1

FILM 1184: THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES

TRIVIA: Harold Russell was first discovered by William Wyler when he saw an army training film called Diary of a Sergeant (1945) that Russell had appeared in about the rehabilitation of wounded servicemen.

Director William Wyler was furious when he learned that Samuel Goldwyn had sent Harold Russell for acting lessons; he preferred Russell's untrained, natural acting.

For his performance as Homer Parrish, Harold Russell became the only actor to win two Academy Awards for the same role. The Academy Board of Governors thought he was a long shot to win, so they gave him an honorary award "for bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans through his appearance." Later that ceremony he won for Best Supporting Actor.

William Wyler wanted a completely unglamorous look, requiring all costumes to be bought off the rack and worn by the cast before filming, and making sure all sets were built smaller than life-size.

Film 819: Scent of a Woman

Trivia: Al Pacino was helped by a school for the blind in his preparation for this role. He said that he made himself appear blind by not allowing his eyes to focus on anything.

Frank's bizarre habit of yelling "hoo-wah!" is an actual United States Army battlecry, although he is saying it wrong. He places far too much of a "W" sound on the second syllable. The real version is closer to "hoo-ah!"