Hazard of Hearts.

I'm a sucker for Historical Romance Novels. One of my favourites has got to be "Hazard of Hearts" by Dame Barbara Cartland. I have not read the novel though. :P But seen the 1987 movie. I love the casts.

The story started with Sir Giles Starveley, (Christopher Plummer) a compulsive gambler, who was challenged by a long time adversary Sir Harry Wrotham (Edward Fox) where Lord Starveley lost all his property and even his daughter (yikes!) Serena, (19 year-old Helena Bonham Carter), to Lord Wrotham. All for the game of Hazards if I'm not mistaken the game is called. Too embarrased to face his daughter, Lord Staverley shot himself.
Fortunately for Serena (if I may say fortunate), she and all her property were won over by a stunningly handsome Lord Vulcan (Marcus Gilbert).Now, Lord Vulcan didn't know what to do with the prize he won. Both he and Serena had never met. He thinking that she might be an old maid, since the father was rather old, and she already decided that he is a cold hearted, emotionless, lucky devil through his notorious reputation.
Things started to change when Justin Vulcan finally paid a visit to Serena. Suprised that she was much, much younger than he expected. Not wanting tongues to wag about she being his mistress, he decided to invite her to live as a guest with his mother at Mandrake, his family mansion. Now, Justin Vulcan, had a rather interesting character of a mother, Lady Harriet Vulcan (Diana Riggs). Also a compulsive gambler (well, this movie is mainly about gamblers :D),she despised Serena Staverley. But didn't despise the 80,000 guineas of gold that Serena will inherit from a trust after she is married. So, in order to get her hands into some of that gold, she schemed on getting Serena married as soon as possible. To anyone accept her son. :) (she'd make an adorable step mom LOL in snow white or cinderella that is)
Now, that's when the story started to become more interesting. Lord Wrotham will come into the picture again. Secrets of Mandrake will be revealed one by one. Jealousies.Justin Vulcan will reveal his interest towards Serena Staverley in most sweet subtle ways. (Which is why I love this movie, sooo romantic!)

For more, read up the novel or watch the movie. If the movie is still on Youtube. It should be at these links. Right click and open in new window if you don't want to divert from this page.

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Thanks to 00SpaceLordMother00 for uploading the movie. Hope they won't be deleting the movie too soon. Enjoy!

Daddy Long Legs

Do you have a book that you can read over and over
again yet you never get bored or tired reading it? For
me, I can read "Daddy long legs" by Jean Webster times
over and I won't be bored of it. Simply a classic!
It's about an orphan girl named Jerusha Abbot a.k.a
Judy, who grew up in an Orphanage. When her talent for
writing was admired by one of the trustees; who then decided to support her to continue her studies in Highschool.
Fell in love with a rich guy who was like more than a decade
her senior in age,Jervis Pendleton. From a poor girl in an
orphanage to a beautiful, successful and independant woman.
Simply inspiring.
So this story is mainly about how Judy overcame her fear
of her past. She was afraid that people would know that she
came from an orphanage. Also about her fight to gain
independence. The thing that I really admire in this character
is that, she is determined to get what she wants and persistant in
reaching her goals and dreams. Besides that, I just love
the romance in it. :)


Click Here to read online version of the novel.

I saw a japanese anime, adaptation of the book.
"Watashino Ashinaga Ojisan"1990 production.

Though I liked the anime Judy, just that her hair is just
too Pippi Longstokingish. LOL. If you don't know who is
Pippi Longstoking, this is her.

If you're interested in finding the anime, try downloading
it from Fansub group, C1 anime. Click image.

Can download using torrent or their irc channel. If you
like the anime do donate some money for them to keep their
download bot going. :D

Huh, writing about the book makes me feel like reading it again! :)
I really recommend this book for those in need of inspiration.

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Victorian Emma Bangaihen

If you were one of those who are just like me, in love with this anime, you might be grateful that Kaori Mori didn't just end the beautiful anime just like that. Emma bangaihen or Emma further tales are not sequels of the manga but more of a plus or additional stories of other characters in this anime.

Currently there are only 8 chapters which has been translated by ittran. Still more coming up though. Yeay! :)

Can download the ones that are already translated here:

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , Chapter 7 , Chapter 8


At least something to do while waiting for the second season huh? *wink, wink*

The Sound Of Music

While I was cooking lunch today, I caught myself humming to the tune of the song "Do Re Mi" from the "Sound Of Music". I don't remember when was the last time I saw the movie. Saw the movie over 40-50 times in my lifetime. It's a real evergreen classic. Just watching at the scenic views from the movie and listening to the songs is so refreshing (at least for me) :)





It makes one long for the hills, the fresh air.... lying on the luscious green grass, listening to the birds chirping in nearby trees.... *sigh*

Scenes which has always been my favourite in the movie is the part when the children came one by one to Maria's (Julie Andrew) room during the storm and they sang "My favourite things". Makes me feel all comfy inside. Yes, I like it when it rains and being comfortable in my pajamas or nightgown and lying in bed, with a cup of warm chocolate drink on the table next to my bed and reading my favourite book. This scene always reminds me of that kind of comfortable feeling. :)

Also when the children performed a puppet show for the adults. Makes me think how nice it is to have many children, (just for 3 seconds) LOL, that they can perform theatre shows for you. Though I doubt it would be as good as in this movie. :) I can watch this over and over yet haven't found myself getting bored of it. :)




Another scene, is when the nuns were discussing about Maria through singing (well... this is a musical). Don't know why I like this one though, but I just seem to like it.

Last but not least when Captain Von Trapp started to show an interest on Maria. The part when he took over Maria from his son Kurt when they were dancing outside in the open. The way they danced was so graceful, (well through the eye of a person who barely can dance). Not to mention romantic as well... :)

In a nutshell, simply an excellent movie for the whole family to enjoy over and over and over again.

Victorian Romance Emma

Another Anime review! I'm not really good at giving reviews but bear with me. :) I'm learning, so be kind. :D

A romance anime based on 19th Century England. A beautiful love story between William Jones, a member of the high class gentry, and Emma, a simple, hard working, modest maid. Basicly, its about their struggle to cling on to their love for each other and overcome the barrier of social rules and tradition of that time.

Story began when Mr. William Jones made a social call to his ex-governess ( after so many years) and saw Emma for the first time and had an immediate special interest for her. Something that is taboo due to their social status in the society. However being somewhat of a revolt, William just pursued on getting Emma's attention, in which he succeeded.


Official website. (english)

Official website. (Japanese)

Another aspect I really like about "Emma" is the historical part. The way the anime was presented and the drawings of the surroundings and architecture in the anime you can even get the feeling of how people in 19th century England had lived.



The anime 1st season consists of 12 episodes, can be downloaded using torrent HERE by Iichan fansub group. They even took the trouble to do some historical review at every end of an episode. Brilliant job. And if after watching the whole season of the anime and you feel itch to know whats the ending you can read the full Manga HERE. 2nd season is due to come out this year. Not sure of the exact date. But I can't wait to watch the sequel. :)


P/s: can watch it online at youtube here!!