Today's a new holiday!

Yes, the new holiday you've all been anticipating for months has arrived-- TODAY is the very first INTERNATIONAL "TALK LIKE JAMES MASON" DAY!!!

James Mason--an unforgettable actor who memorably starred in movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and was menacing on television in Frankenstein: The True Story and Salem's Lot, is our model for vocal impersonation today.

When holiday creator Callum Stewart is asked why the world needs this new holiday, he invariably replies "Why? Because James Mason's voice was awesome, that's why!" He's right, of course.

And how does one sound like James Mason, you might ask? Stewart says "I find if you exhale as much as you can and then start speaking in an English accent you automatically sound like James Mason. That or you turn blue and die."

I decided to ask Mr. Stewart some questions about his idea. Here's our short Q & A:

How did you get the idea?

I was watching NORTH BY NORTHWEST, which is my favorite Hitchcock movie, by the way, and I was thinking about various other "talk like" days that exist: talk like a pirate day, talk like Batman day, talk like a pilot day, etc. and it occurred to me that if we should spend a day talking like anyone, then it should be the man who had the best voice ever.

What are your favorite James Mason performances?

He's great in everything he's in, but NORTH BY NORTHWEST (obviously) is one of my favorites. I also love his Watston in MURDER MY DECREE and his Nemo in 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA. There's also an animated version of THE TELL-TALE HEART narrated by Mason and it's brilliant.

Name one or more movie or TV roles that are relatively current you wish you could see James Mason in.

Hmm... that's a toughie. I always thought he'd have made a great Bond villain. Can't you just hear him saying "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die?"

What did James Mason put in his Mason jars?

LOL! I reckon he had a stash of Thunderbird wine in his basement. Not sure if he kept it in Mason jars though!

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Mr. Callum, over at the Classic Horror Film Board, shared this video of James Mason hawking Thunderbird:



So boys and girls, celebrate by drinking some Thunderbird (you'll need it for courage) and putting on your most sonorous British voice. Talk like James Mason! Do it!

Today I shall go around repeating this line from Mason's performance as Dr. Watson in Murder By Decree: " Holmes, you squashed my pea." Why don't you join me?