Lauren B. Davis, on writing:

 

If you are a real writer, then just surrender to the writer's life, all of it, even the bad stuff.

When you do that, the beauty appears:
the peace, the meaning, the joy, the fulfillment,
the sense that you are doing what you were born to do
and what could be better, in the end, than that?
 
- Lauren B. Davis.       

Recommended reading - The Godfather

The Godfather

by Mario Puzo.

Filmed as The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Published by Berkley.
First published 1969.
Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0451205766
ISBN-13: 978-0451205766

Description:

“A staggering triumph...The definitive novel about a sinister fraternity of crime.” – The Saturday Review.

“You can’t stop reading it, and you’ll find it hard to stop dreaming about it.” – New York Magazine.

50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION – WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA.

Mario Puzo’s classic saga of an American crime family that became a global phenomenon – nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

With its brilliant and brutal portrayal of the Corleone family, The Godfather burned its way into our national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty continues to stand the test of time, as the definitive novel of the Mafia underworld.

A #1 New York Times bestseller in 1969, Mario Puzo’s epic was turned into the incomparable film of the same name, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is the original classic that has been often imitated, but never matched. A tale of family and society, law and order, obedience and rebellion, it reveals the dark passions of human nature played out against a backdrop of the American dream.

With a Note from Anthony Puzo and an Afterword by Robert J. Thompson.

Born on this day – Harriet Medin:

 

Harriet Medin

Actress

Casting Director

March 14, 1914 – May 20, 2005

Credits:

A Farewell to Arms (1957); Abdullah's Harem (1955); After the Fox (1966); Agent 8 3/4 (1964); All I Want for Christmas (1991); All-American Girl (1994); Baby M (1988); Beat the Devil (1953); Beautiful But Dangerous (1955); Black Magic (1949); Black Sabbath / Segment: La goccia d'acqua (1963); Blood and Black Lace (1964); Blood and Roses (1960); Blood Beach (1980); Bonanza (1968–1970); Conquered City (1962); Crossed Swords (1954); Daddy's Boys (1988); Death Race 2000 (1975); Esther and the King (1960); False Arrest (1991); Family (1979); Fast and Sexy (1958); Genoveffa di Brabante (1947); Ha da venì... don Calogero (1952); Helen of Troy (1956); Hunter (1987); It Happened in Athens (1962); It Started in Naples (1960); JAG (1996); La Dolce Vita (1960); Merkmale der Gotik am Beispiel von L'orribile segreto del Dr. Hichcock (2018); Mill of the Stone Women (1960); Murder Can Hurt You! (1980); My Life and Times (1991); Never Take No for an Answer (1951); Northern Exposure (1993); Othello (1951); Paisan (1946); Panic Button (1964); Phaedra (1962); Quantum Leap (1989); Quo Vadis (1951); Schlock (1973); Solomon and Sheba (1959); Squares (1972); Stranger on the Prowl (1952); Sword of the Conqueror (1961); The 300 Spartans (1962); The Bermuda Triangle (1979); The Captive: The Longest Drive 2 (1976); The Colbys (1986); The Doris Day Show (1970); The Eye of the Needle (1963); The Fanelli Boys (1990); The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1993); The Ghost (1963); The Hills Run Red (1966); The Horrible Dr. Hichcock (1962); The Killing Time (1987); The Montecarlo Story (1956); The Murder Clinic (1966); The Pigeon That Took Rome (1962); The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell (1968); The Quest (1976); The Tenth Month (1979); The Terminator (1984); The Whip and the Body (1963); The Witches of Eastwick (1987); Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995); Thirtysomething (1991); Those Secrets (1992); Time of Indifference (1964); Trapeze (1956); Troppo per vivere... poco per morire (1967); Troublemakers (1994); Vulcano (1950); Who's the Boss? (1990).

Born on this day – John Flynn:

 

John Flynn

Director

Writer

March 14, 1932 – April 4, 2007

Credits:

Absence of the Good (1999); Best Seller (1987); Brainscan (1994); Defiance (1980); GodFarter III Screen Test - Behind-The-Scenes, Out-Takes and Interviews (1993); John Goldfarb, Please Come Home! (1965); Kid Galahad (1962); Kings of the Sun (1963); Lock Up (1989); Lone Star (1983); Marilyn: The Untold Story (1980); Nails (1992); Out for Justice (1991); Protection (2001); Rolling Thunder (1977); Scam (1993); The Great Escape (1963); The Jerusalem File (1972); The Outfit (1973); Touched (1983); Two for the Seesaw (1962); West Side Story (1961); What a Way to Go! (1964).

Born on this day – Bertrand Blier:

 

Bertrand Blier

Writer

Director

Actor

March 14, 1939 – January 20, 2025

Credits:

1, 2, 3, Freeze (1993); 100 films par 100 personnalités (1999); 30ème Comité central du Groland (2022); À Cheval sur le 21 (Carnet Filmé: 22 décembre 2020 au 17 janvier 2021) (2021); A City Runs Through the Festival (2007); A Look Through His Lens (2024); A Secret (2007); All About Actresses (2009); Allons au cinéma (1976); Antenne 2 Midi (1981); Apostrophes (1981); Arte Journal (2025); Beau geste (2024); Beau-père (1981); Belmondo, itinéraire... (2011); Belmondo, l'influenceur (2020); Bertrand Blier, l'homme tout contre... (2008); Bertrand Blier, l'iconoclaste impenitent (2022); Blier by Nice (2003); Blier, Leconte, Tavernier: trois vies de cinema (2020); Bogart (1989); Bouillon de culture (1996); Buffet Froid (1979); C à vous (2019); Café Picouly (2010); Ce soir (ou jamais!) (2008); Cinéast(e)s (2015); Cinéma cinémas (1985–1990); Cinéma par Albert Dupontel (2017); Cinépanorama (1963); Claude M Loves the Cinema (2012); Clique dimanche (2019); Comme au cinéma (1999–2001); Compositeurs / réalisateurs, dialogue impossible? (2002); De Caunes/Garcia - Le meilleur de Nulle Part Ailleurs 2... suite et fin! (2005); Dead Tired (1994); Debout les crabes, la mer monte! (1983); Días de cine (1996); Dix de der (1976); Empreintes (2011); Femmes Fatales (1976); Gérard Depardieu, grandeur nature (2015); Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (1978); Going Places (1974); Heart of the Festival (2002); Heavy Duty (2019); Hitler, connais pas (1963); Horror Castle (1963); How Much Do You Love Me? (2005); If I Were a Spy (1967); Il était une fois... (2010); In the Tracks Of (2010); Jamais seul avec toi (1995); Je vous salue Marielle (2013); Jour de fête (2007); Keep an Eye Out (2018); Konbini (2019–2025); La grande semaine (2024); La grimace (1966); La nuit des Césars (1982–2011); La trilogie des 'Monocle' (2003); L'âge d'or de la pub (2023); Le scandale Clouzot (2017); Les acteurs (2000); Les côtelettes (2003); Les rendez-vous du dimanche (1979); L'Extravagante petite vie de J.C.D Dreyfus (2021); L'hebdo cinéma (2008); L'invité (2005–2022); L'invité du jeudi (1981); Lundi en histoires (2015); Ma vie est un enfer (1991); Marco Perrin (2010); Ménage (1986); Merci La Vie (1991); Metropolis (2000); Michel Serrault, un clown en liberté (2015); Morceaux de Cannes (2021); Moving Pictures (1992); My Best Friend's Girl (1983); My Man (1996); Nos Zamis Lé Hyens (2005); Nulle part ailleurs (1991–1998); Nulle part ailleurs cinéma (2001); Océaniques - Des idées des hommes des oeuvres (1991); Ombre et lumière (2002); On a tout essayé (2005); On n'est pas couché (2010); Our History (1984); Papa, Alexandre, Maxime & Eduardo (2015); Patrick Dewaere (1992); Patrick Dewaere, l'enfant du siècle (2003); Patrick Dewaere, mon héros (2022); Pédale dure (2004); Pierrot le Fou / (1989–1990); Pour le cinéma (1971–1974); Profession comique (1987); Recto verso (2002–2004); Sacrée soirée (1989); Salut les Terriens (2010); Soir 3 (1979); Sonate pour Solange - L'histoire des mouchoirs (2003); Spécial cinéma (1980); Stars (1981); Tchi tcha (2019); The Black Monocle (1961); The Clink of Ice (2010); The Jesus Rolls (2019); Thé ou café (2001); The Seventh Juror (1962); Too Beautiful for You (1989); Troubleshooters (1971); Un film qui me ressemble (2015); Un jour, un destin (2007–2019); Un siècle d'écrivains (1999); Vendredi, c'est Julie (2000); Vivement dimanche (2000–2007); Vivement dimanche prochain (2009); Women and War (1961).

Born on this day – Wolfgang Petersen:

Wolfgang Petersen

Director

Writer

Producer

March 14, 1941 – August 12, 2022

Credits:

37 Grad (2006); 4Pop (2004); 60 Millionen für Phantásien - Wie die 'unendliche Geschichte' ins Kino kam (1984); Air Force One (1997); Anna und Totò (1972); Attacking Troy (2007); Aufs Kreuz gelegt (1974); Avenger (2006); Bambi Verleihung 1984 (1984); Bernd Eichinger - Wenn das Leben zum Kino wird (2000); Bicentennial Man (1999); Bitte umblättern (1985); Charlie Rose (2000); Chicxulub (2006); Corazón de... (2006); Creating an Emotion (2000); Das Boot - Die komplette TV-Serie (1985); Das Boot / The Boat (1985); Das ist Ihr Leben (1979); DAS! (2016); De película (1986); Der Bernd (2012); Der Eine - der Andere (1969); Días de cine (2010); Die goldene Kamera 1999 (1999); Die rote Fahne (1968); Die Stadt im Tal (1975); Enemy Mine (1985); Film Genre (2002); Filmlegenden. Deutsch (2005); Glamoroso! (1998); Hans im Glück (1976); Häuser auf dem Sunset Boulevard (1990); HBO First Look (1995–2006); Hollywood in München (1984); Hollywood Insider (2018) (2021); Hollywood Science (2006); Hollywood, Germany (1997); Hollywood's Best Film Directors (2012); HypaSpace (2006); I Will Kill You, Wolf (1971); Ich nicht (1969); In the Line of Fire (1993); In the Line of Fire: Behind the Scenes with the Secret Service (1993); In the Line of Fire: Catching the Counterfeiters (2001); In the Line of Fire: How'd They Do That? (2001); Instinct (1999); Kuckucksjahre (1967); Mein Leben (2009); Michael Ballhaus - Begegnung mit dem Auge Hollywoods (2001); Mundo VIP (2000); Na sowas! (1983); NDR Talk Show (2016); Offene Wunde deutscher Film (2017); One or the Other (1974); One Vision (1998); Ôsama no buranchi (1997); Oskar Langenfeld. 12 Mal / Starbuck Holger Meins (2002); Outbreak (1995); Planübung (1977); Poseidon (2006); Poseidon: A Ship on a Soundstage (2006); Poseidon: Upside Down (2006); Red Corner (1997); Reimagining the Neverending Story (2014); Rogue Waves (2006); Schwarz und weiß wie Tage und Nächte (1978); Shattered (1991); Shipmate's Diary (2006); Shooting 'In the Line of Fire' (1993); Smog (1973); Stadt auf Stelzen (1965); Stardust Hollywood - Sternenstaub und Götterwelten (2013); Stellenweise Glatteis (1975); Tatort (1971–1977); The 100 Greatest War Films (2005); The 55th Annual Academy Awards (1983); The Agency (2001); The Boat (1981); The Consequence (1977); The Directors (2000); The Making of 'Air Force One' (1997); The Making of 'Shattered' (1991); The Making of 'Troy' (2004); The NeverEnding Story (1984); The Perfect Storm (2000); Töne bedeuten mir mehr als Worte - Klaus Doldinger (2016); Treffpunkt Kino (1985); Troy (2004); Troy in Focus (2007); Troy: An Effects Odyssey (2004); Troy: From Ruins to Reality (2005); Troy: In the Thick of Battle (2005); Van der Valk und die Reichen (1973); Vier gegen die Bank (1976); Wetten, dass..? (1991–1993); Wolfang Petersen: Mein Weg nach Hollywood (1995).

Born on this day – Anita Morris:

Anita Morris

Actress

March 14, 1943 – March 2, 1994

Credits:

Radioland Murders (1994); Trade Winds (1993); Me and the Kid (1993); Little Miss Millions (1993); Major Dad (1993); A Different World (1992); Matlock (1989–1992); Melrose Place (1992); Eerie, Indiana (1992); Pros and Cons (1991); Off and Running (1991); Tales from the Crypt (1991); WIOU (1990–1991); Good Grief (1990); Martians Go Home (1989); Bloodhounds of Broadway (1989); A Sinful Life (1989); Who's the Boss? (1989); Murder, She Wrote (1989); The Arsenio Hall Show (1989); Circus of the Stars #13 (1988); 18 Again! (1988); Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1987); Miami Vice (1987); Aria (1987); Cheers (1987); A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986); Ruthless People (1986); Blue City (1986); Absolute Beginners (1986); A Masterpiece of Murder (1986); Circus of the Stars #11 (1986); The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1985–1986); Night of 100 Stars II (1985); Berrenger's (1985); The 38th Annual Tony Awards (1984); Maria's Lovers (1984); The Hotel New Hampshire (1984); The Rolling Stones: She Was Hot (1984); The 38th Annual Tony Awards (1984); Eubie Blake: A Century of Music (1983); The Magic Show (1983); Circus of the Stars #7 (1982); Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon (1982); Working in the Theatre (1982); The 36th Annual Tony Awards (1982); The Merv Griffin Show (1982–1984); So Fine (1981); Big Blonde (1980); The Happy Hooker (1975); The Broad Coalition (1972); The 26th Annual Tony Awards (1972).

Born on this day – Carol Speed:

 

Carol Speed

Actress

Singer

Writer

March 14, 1945 – January 14, 2022

Credits:
 
Songs:
 
I Can Make It (1973); My Soul is a Witness (1974).
 
Books:
 

Gods in Polyester, or a Survivors’ Account of 70s Cinema Obscura (2004); Inside Black Hollywood (1980); The Georgette Harvey Story (2002).

 

Movies and television:
 

Abby (1974); American Pimp (1999); Black Samson (1974); Bummer (1973); Days of Our Lives (1970); Disco Godfather (1979); Dynamite Brothers (1974); Getting Away from It All (1972); Julia (1970); Love Hate Love (1971); Sanford and Son (1972); Savage! (1973); TCM Remembers 2022 (2022); Tenafly (1973); The Big Bird Cage (1972); The Girls of Huntington House (1973); The Mack (1973); The New Centurions (1972); The Paul Lynde Show (1972); The Psychiatrist (1970); Village Vengeance (2006).

On this day in movie history - Sleeper’s West (1941)

Sleeper’s West

directed by Eugene Forde,

written by Brett Halliday, Lou Breslow and Stanley Rauh,

based on the novel Sleeper's East by Frederick Nebel,

was released in the United States on March 14, 1941.

Music by Cyril J. Mockridge.

 
Cast:

Lloyd Nolan, Lynn Bari, Mary Beth Hughes, Louis Jean Heydt, Edward Brophy, Don Costello, Ben Carter, Donald Douglas, Oscar O'Shea, Harry Hayden, Hamilton MacFadden, Ferike Boros, George Chandler, James Conaty, Oliver Cross, Ralph Dunn, Harold Goodwin, Jesse Graves, Sherry Hall, Paul Kruger, Sam McDaniel, Charles Meakin, Charles R. Moore, Mantan Moreland, George O'Hanlon, Dick Rush, Syd Saylor, Allen D. Sewall, Harry Strang, Charles Tannen, Fred 'Snowflake' Toones.

On this day in movie history - The Godfather (1972)

 

The Godfather

directed by Francis Ford Coppola,

written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola,

based on the novel by Mario Puzo,

was released in the United States on March 14, 1972.

Music by Nino Rota.

 
Cast:

Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, Al Lettieri, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Talia Shire, Gianni Russo, John Cazale, Rudy Bond, Al Martino, Morgana King, Lenny Montana, John Martino, Salvatore Corsitto, Richard Bright, Alex Rocco, Tony Giorgio, Vito Scotti, Tere Livrano, Victor Rendina, Jeannie Linero, Julie Gregg, Ardell Sheridan, Simonetta Stefanelli, Angelo Infanti, Corrado Gaipa, Franco Citti, Saro Urzì, Frank Albanese, Chris Anastasio, Norm Bacchiocchi, Max Brandt, Tybee Brascia, Garrett Cassell, Carmine Coppola, Gian-Carlo Coppola, Italia Coppola, Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Don Costello, Robert Dahdah, Richard Fass, Gray Frederickson, Ron Gilbert, Anthony Gounaris, Joe Lo Grippo, Sonny Grosso, Louis Guss, Bobra Harris, Merril E. Joels, Randy Jurgensen, Tony King, Paul Lambert, Peter Lemongello, Tony Lip, Lou Martini Jr., Raymond Martino, Joseph Medaglia, Carol Morley, Dave Moskin, Rick Petrucelli, Joe Petrullo, Burt Richards, Sal Richards, Chuck Riley, Tom Rosqui, Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Nino Ruggeri, Frank Sivero, Filomena Spagnuolo, Joe Spinell, Gabriele Torrei, Nick Vallelonga, Ed Vantura, Ron Veto, Matthew Vlahakis, Ilene Woods, Conrad Yama.

 

On this day in movie history - Insomnia (1997)

Insomnia

directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg,

written by Nikolaj Frobenius and Erik Skjoldbjærg,

was released in Norway on March 14, 1997.

Music by Geir Jenssen.

Cast:

Maria Mathiesen, Stellan Skarsgård, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Gisken Armand, Kristian Figenschow, Thor Michael Aamodt, Frode Rasmussen, Bjørn Moan, Maria Bonnevie, Marianne O. Ulrichsen, Bjørn Floberg, Guri Johnson.

On this day in movie history - The Prophecy 3: The Ascent (2000)

The Prophecy 3: The Ascent

directed by Patrick Lussier,

written by Carl V. Dupré and Joel Soisson,

was released in the United States on March 14, 2000.

Music by Steve Boeddeker.

Cast:

Christopher Walken, Vincent Spano, Davino Buzzotta, Kayren Butler, Steve Hytner, Brad Dourif, Scott Cleverdon, Jack McGee, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Mark Prince Edwards, Tyrone Tann, Moriah 'Shining Dove' Snyder, J.D. Rosen, William Stanford Davis, Drew Swaine, Anthony Rosselli, Hi Border, Tom Kane, Shawn Driscoll, Johnny Martin.

On this day in music history: The album The Way It Feels, by Roxanne Potvin (2006)

 

The Way It Feels

by Roxanne Potvin

was released on March 14, 2006.

Track list:

A Love That's Simple; I Want To (Do Everything For You); Hurting Child; Caught Up; La Merveille; While I Wait For You; Your Love Keeps Working On Me; Say It; Don't Pay Attention; Sweet Thoughts Of You; Let It Feel The Way It Feels; Break Away.

On this day in television history - M Squad (1958)

M Squad
Season 1. Episode 25.

Episode entitled: The Chicago Bluebeard.

Released March 14, 1958.

Directed by David Rich.

Written by Donald Clark and Oscar Millard.

Music by Stanley Wilson.

 
Cast:
Lee Marvin, Vaughn Taylor, Bart Burns, Amzie Strickland, Mary Adams, Betty Hanna, Paul Newlan, Molly Glessing, Mildred Law, Edward Earle, Courteen Landis.
 

On this day in television history - The Pacific (2010)

The Pacific

10-part mini-series.

Produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, HBO, Playtone, DreamWorks, Seven Network and Sky Movies.

Based on the books With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge and Helmet for My Pillow by Robert Leckie.

Released in the United States on March 14, 2010.

Music by Blake Neely, Geoff Zanelli and Hans Zimmer.

Episode titles:

Guadalcanal / Leckie; Basilone; Melbourne; Gloucester / Pavuvu / Banika; Peleliu Landing; Peleliu Airfield; Peleliu Hills; Iwo Jima; Okinawa; Home. 

Cast:

James Badge Dale, Ashton Holmes, Josh Helman, Keith Nobbs, Jacob Pitts, Toby Leonard Moore, Henry Nixon, Tom Budge, Caroline Dhavernas, Joseph Mazzello, Rami Malek, Martin McCann, Brendan Fletcher, Linda Cropper, Conor O'Farrell, Dylan Young, Leon Ford, Scott Gibson, Gary Sweet, Jon Seda, Joshua Bitton, William Sadler, Jon Bernthal, Annie Parisse.