If you’re into flowers and I mean REALLY into flowers, you’re going to flip when you see the new Hallmark Movie Channel’s January release of “Flower Shop Mystery: Mums the Word”! Not only is the title clever (you’ve got to giggle at the clever pun on words), but also the cast is nothing short of a Hollywood hit list. It is well know that bigger and popular stars are starting to sign on to more TV series and independent films but when you headline Brooke Shields as the main character, there’s no doubt a huge interest will be created. Along with the ex super model, she’ll also be accompanied by Brennan Elliott and Beau Bridges who still bring their sizzle to the silver screen. This flick has all the makings of becoming a Hallmark’s Hollywood classic smash and lucky for us, there’s allegedly three more installments signed off for production.
So if I’ve grabbed your attention you’re probably wondering “So what’s the plot about?”
Great question!
The story is set in a quaint town of “New Chapel” where the recently widowed, Abby Knight (played by Shields), decides to quit her job as a lawyer and follow her dreams of running her own flower shop. Assisted by her father and daughter who recently started college, Abby starts to rebuild her life within a new career. Everything seems to be going along as planned until her vintage car is rear ended by a hit and run. Determined to find the culprit, she finds support from her hunky next-door neighbor and ex-marine, Marco Salvare (Elliott) who assists her on her hunt. As they get closer and closer, another tragedy hits when the body of her friend turns up murdered. It isn’t long before the finger points to Marco, leading Abby to race against time determined to clear her romantic interest’s name and catch the real killer!
Actress Jean Harlow shows that flowers in your dressing room are not only welcome but appreciated.
(This photo was taken at the Cannes Film Festival.)
Carole Lombard in her dressing room is flanked by two vases of gladioli.
Audrey Hepburn showing off her skills at the flower design bench.
Vivien Leigh poses with her Oscar alongside a floral arrangement featuring birds of paradise and gerbera daisies. Editorial note, this floral arrangement was way ahead of its time.
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall picking flowers.
Mae West and roses. Ed. note, roses have come a long way in size and petal count.
I can't help but wonder if Ginger Rogers is reading a card from dance partner Fred Astaire.
Marlene Dietrich caught strolling in Warsaw with a bundle of lilacs.
Elizabeth Taylor's love for flowers is well known. This earlier photo of her shows her knack for floral design.
Greta Garbor is engulfed in flowers.
Ingrid Bergman looking like she has Rick Blaine on her mind.
Bette Davis definitely has an idea of spacial organization.
A rare photo of Brigitte Bardot with a typical floral design of the era.
Jayne Mansfield picking flowers. Florists often grew their own flowers at that time. Note the greenhouse in the back. Most flower shops in the mid 20th century had their own greenhouses to grow flowers.
No collection of screen legends would be complete without Marilyn. She even adds grace to a simple carnation.
In the 1948 movie, Ladies of the Chorus, Marilyn Monroe plays dancer Peggy Martin. During the film, Peggy has an admirer who sends flowers and does not sign the card. (note to clients, always sign the card,). This secret admirer leads Marilyn to the flower shop, Mimi the Florist, who delivered the lovely flowers. Marilyn's visit to this florist shows florists a great deal about merchandising and marketing their own flower shops, sixty five years later. 
