Classic Movies

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

Tom Neal (1914-1972)
Ernst Lubitsch (1892-1947)

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Classic Links

2012-01-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting post about the alleged musical rape in The Artist (2011) and musical homage in general—All Talking! All Singing All Dancing!

“. . .she wants audience reaction shots of dewy 20-year-old starlets looking puzzled as shit at the sight of Janet Gaynor.” Heehee. I’m guessing a lot of you have already read this post, but if you haven’t—it’s a must-- Self-Styled Siren

Katherine Heigl grumbles about her long work hours on the set until Debbie Reynolds tells her she used to dance with bleeding feet. Take that you young whippersnapper!—IMDB

Megan Fox won’t be playing Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming television biopic. Now that the project has gotten attention, the producers are free to hire an unknown! Or can we still just drop the whole thing?—IMDB

RIP screenwriter Robert Dozier, son of producer William Dozier—Vineyard Gazette

I like this review of Mary Pickford's Kiki (1931), because while it is honest about the movie's shortcomings, it also acknowledges the charm of its ill-cast, but irresistible star—Movietone Cameos

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Donna Reed (1921-1986)

Troy Donahue (1936-2001)

Sabu (1924-1963)

George K. Arthur (1899-1985)

Jerome Kern (1885-1945)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Joan Leslie (87)

Charles Lane (1905-2007)

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Classic Links

2012-01-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

Though Debbie Reynolds had originally planned to have more memorabilia auctions, she has changed her mind. It looks like the experience was more painful than she expected. I thought she was pretty tough for going through the first two–IMDB

Hooray! Hollywood Heyday is back with the news from May 8, 1932—Hollywood Heyday

Five films about films. There are some interesting choices here—Movie Classics

Check out all the posts for the Comedy Classics Blogathon sponsored by the Classic Movie Blog Association—Classic Movie Blog Association

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dean Jones (81)

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These Amazing Shadows: Full Version

2012-01-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Film is the art form of the twentieth century, and we have let it go.-Robin Blaetz, Chair of Film Studies, Mount Holyoke College

So much of film history has been lost, but there’s still a great deal that can be saved if we are willing to do it.-Stephen Leggett, National Film Registry Coordinator

A couple of days after I posted my review of the documentary These Amazing Shadows, I received an email from one of the directors of the film, Kurt Norton. He mentioned that there was a longer version of the film, and asked if I wanted to see a copy. I sure did!

The version of the film in my previous review was edited for television, and specifically an episode of the PBS program Independent Lens. It runs just under an hour. The full version, which was screened at Sundance in 2011, is about 88 minutes. This is the version which has now been released on DVD and BluRay.

I got a very different feeling from the full-length version of These Amazing Shadows. It went into a lot more detail about the board and their process. It was interesting to see how this diverse gathering of film experts collaborated with and inspired each other. They all seemed dedicated to challenging both themselves and the public by striving to find diverse choices that were worthy of preservation.

This part of the documentary gave me great insight into the reasons members pick films. They definitely aren’t there to pick their favorites, and at least one member said she would actually pick a film she didn’t like if she felt it had merit. It is this spirit that seems to aid the group in reaching a consensus when there are hundreds of titles to consider each year.

It was fascinating to get a peek at the process of selection, but I was even more intrigued by the segments that showed film preservationists at work. What enormous patience it must take to prepare a film, frame-by-frame, for preservation. Watching one woman a work, I figured she had to have a permanent crick in her neck. She sits every work day looking at frail pieces of film, removing small pieces of tape and treating tiny tears.

One of these preservationists, George Willeman, nitrate film vault manager of the Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation even coined the phrase “These Amazing Shadows”. In this version of the film, Willeman has a lot more screen time. I enjoyed the charisma and panache he exuded in his entertaining, but also informative segments.

I also loved getting a peek inside a film vault. My stomach dropped as I watched Willeman peel damaged bits of celluloid off a piece of damaged film. It really drove home how fragile these films are, and how important the work of preservation is.

This version of the film also tells the story of the discovery of censored footage from the pre-code Barbara Stanwyck flick Baby Face (1933). While comparing two copies of the film, Willeman realized one reel was larger. When he compared the films, he realized he had found footage that was believed to be lost for decades. The film was finally restored in 2005.

I was also moved by the stories of loss, preservation and restoration in a short film that was one of the special features on the DVD called Lost Forever: The Art of Preservation. This is a closer examination of film preservation, with several of the interviewees from These Amazing Shadows providing background. There are many stories of discoveries made in archives far away from the United States, where films were often abandoned at their last stop after their run had ended.

One discovery of over 400 reels of discard films buried under the ground really got to me. Movies by stars such as Douglas Fairbanks and John Barrymore were left to rot away. Some of these films could have been lost forever if they had not been found.

It was also amusing to see some of the interview outtakes. John Waters was especially funny, mostly because his opinions about these movies are unusual, but undeniably practical. .

I liked having the opportunity to watch both versions of These Amazing Shadows, because it gave me the opportunity to really focus on different aspects of the film. Though I loved the segments where interviewees discussed different elements of the movies, I was most fascinated by the work of the board and the preservationists. I wouldn't be surprised if this film eventually made it onto the registry itself. It’s a rich document of a worthy cause.

You can read my original review of the film here.

Thank you to Kurt Norton for giving me the opportunity to view this DVD.

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ernest Borgnine (95)
Ann Todd (1909-1993)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ernie Kovacs (1919-1962)
Randolph Scott (1898-1987)
Jeanne Moreau (84)
Dan Duryea (1907-1968)
Sergei M. Eisenstein (1898-1948)
Franklin Pangborn (1889-1958)

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Classic Links

2012-01-22T22:56:00.000-08:00

Dick Cavett remembers an amusing series of phone conversations with Marlene Dietrich—New York Times

I’ve never heard of Vertigo-ing a movie. This is pretty funny. It works surprisingly well with Mean Girls—Huffington Post

This is a nice story about Cary Grant’s generosity to a struggling hospital— Queens Chronicle

If this really was Elizabeth Taylor’s typical daily menu, I’m surprised she lived into her seventies. Bacon for two meals a day? Sounds good to me—Village Voice

What if recent films had been made decades earlier?—Collider (via Mental Floss )

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Quote of the Week

2012-01-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cheap footwear equals low class, with the correct footwear a woman can conquer the world.

-Joan Crawford

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

D.W. Griffith (1875-1948)
Constance Collier (1878-1955)
Ann Sothern (1909-2001)
Conrad Veidt (1893-1943)

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Classic Links

2012-01-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

A bio of Alice Faye with tons of gorgeous photos—My Love of Old Hollywood

I love this comparison of the very similar and yet dramatically different 1937 and 1952 versions of The Prisoner of Zenda—Sidewalk Crossings

Do you know your Hitchcock cameos? Take this quiz to find out. I’m ashamed to say I missed a couple (maybe ashamed is an overstatement)—Mental Floss

Now Elizabeth Taylor’s art collection is going to be auctioned. Every time there’s a Taylor auction, I remember how she considered herself to be not the owner, but only the temporary custodian of her jewels. I wonder if she felt that way about the rest of her possessions? I think it’s a great philosophy-- IMDB

TCM’s list of the 10 most influential silent films. No surprises here!—Criterion Cast

How to live in a noir past—The Poison Pen

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Federico Fellini (1920-1993)
George Burns (1896-1996)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Tippi Hedren (82)
B.P. Schulberg (1892-2009)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cary Grant (1904-1986)

Danny Kaye (1913-1987)

Oliver Hardy (1892-1957)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Nils Asther (1897-1981)
Moira Shearer (1926-2006)
Noah Beery (1882-1946)
Mack Sennett (1880-1960)
Carl Laemmle (1867-1939)

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Classic Links

2012-01-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

RIP two actresses:
Denise Darcel (pictured)-- The Guardian
Dorothy Morris-- Laura’s Miscellaneous Musings

There’s a slapstick version of The Wizard of Oz?—Forgotten Films

I love this scalding and brilliant letter Raymond Chandler wrote to Hitchcock—Pondering Life

The adventure classics that inspired Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)—Mental Floss

I’m sure there would be a lot to tell in a televisions series about the Bates Motel that serves as a prequel to Psycho (1960), but wouldn’t it be distracting to already know what happens to everyone?—/Film

The Monkey makes some good points about screwball comedy here—A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies

I’ve been enjoying seeing video clips on the Gunslinger. This one is particularly magical—If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger. . .

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Katy Jurado (1924-2002)

Ethel Merman (1908-1984)

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Quote of the Week

2012-01-15T05:05:00.001-08:00

Technical progress kills a kind of human quality in us.

-Jean Renoir

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Margaret O’Brien (75)

Lloyd Bridges (1913-1998)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Bebe Daniels (1901-1971)

Harold Russell (1914-2002)

Joseph Losey (1909-1984)

Russ Columbo (1908-1934)

William Bendix (1906-1964)

Cecil Beaton (1904-1980)

Hal Roach (1892-1992)

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Classic Links

2012-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

A book about the real life events that inspired Double Indemnity--Shadows and Satin

I’m disappointed that the new Loy bio. does not appear to have much more to say than the actress said about herself in her autobiography, Being and Becoming. I’ve had a copy of that for years and still haven’t read it. I should get on that! This is a thoughtful review-Sittin’ on a Backyard Fence

I always liked Gloria Grahame, because she seems like the kind of dame who could talk you into a lot of trouble on a girls’ night out--Film Noir Photos

People who write like this astound me. It must be a lot of fun in this woman’s brain--Asleep in New York

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Kay Francis (1905-1968)

Gwen Verdon (1925-2000)
Robert Stack (1919-2003)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

Luise Rainer (102)

Patsy Kelly (1910-1981)
Tex Ritter (1905-1974)

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Classic Links

2012-01-11T05:05:00.001-08:00

As some of you know, I usually get in a snit when Hollywood classics are remade. I suppose you could make the argument that this one isn’t technically a remake, but I’m fascinated by this new take on the Wizard of Oz. This is a world that I feel could be interpreted in new ways, especially since it came from such a rich series of books. –/Film

I think I’ve posted these Saul Bass title sequences before, but there’s no way to overdo these beauties—Movie Title Stills Collection(via /Film)

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Wow, this Kim Novak thing is crazy. I was turned off by the language she used in her statement (her use of the ‘r’ word upset me the most), but I can’t weigh in until I see The Artist (2011). I’m not sure I’m interested enough in the whole uproar to revisit it though.

The first thing I thought of when I read her statement was, “I wonder if she’s seen Greenhilly?” It’s a sketch from an old episode of SNL. Does anyone remember this? Alec Baldwin is visiting this fancy estate, and the joke is that he is so alluring that he drives everyone to kiss him, from a maid to the family dog (who has a long tongue and a penchant for frenching—don’t worry, it’s a puppet). The first time I ever heard the love theme from Vertigo was in that sketch. I wonder what Novak would think of the use of the score for a satire like that?

Except for this teeny clip that doesn’t do it justice, I can’t find the sketch anywhere online, but at least you can hear the music. This site has the sketch transcript and a shot of the amorous doggy.
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Lindsay Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor? I think Lohan’s voice would make it difficult for me to accept her in the role. This picture of her in Interview dressed as Taylor makes me think of a little girl playing dress up! Actually, who the heck could play Taylor? We ought to just leave that one alone—The Advocate

The Jane Powell exercise tape. I love it!—Comet Over Hollywood

I have no trouble believing that Joan Collins is totally sane.—IMDB

I think Universal should bring back the little plane for their new logo—Criterion Cast Image Source

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-11T05:05:00.000-08:00

Chester Conklin (1886-1971)

Rod Taylor (82)
Monte Blue (1887-1963)

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Constellation TV: A New Way to View Films Online

2012-01-10T05:05:00.001-08:00

Late last year, I received an invitation to try Constellation TV, a new online theater. Rather than streaming titles at any time, users buy individual admissions to specific show times. This is meant to heighten the social experience of watching the movies in a couple of ways.

Some showings are hosted by VIPs, such as the directors of the movies and people who are knowledgeable about the movies such as film journalists. These guests introduce the films via webcam and then answer questions at the end. Showings without hosts still have social opportunities via a chat bar that can be displayed for the entire film.

Though I was invited to attend a hosted showing, it was at 5PM West Coast Time, which was a difficult time of day for me to manage. I eventually became too curious to try the service to wait for a hosted showing I could attend. I decided to watch Grey Gardens (1975) on a Sunday afternoon.

My first step was to purchase my ticket. That gave me access to the theater, where I could enter any time before the showing. There was a nifty countdown clock which showed me exactly how much time I had until show time.

The main theater screen is set up into a few sections. Along the bottom there is a bar which shows an icon for each audience member. On the right, there is a column for chat, with an entry box at the bottom. Then the movie plays in the remaining space in the upper left portion of the screen (click on the image to get a better view).

It took me a bit of digging to figure out how to make the screen full size. It turned out a little rectangular icon on the left of the screen does that. This is a good option for viewers who wish to hide the chat feature.

There were a couple of technical issues during the screening. For some reason, a line of random characters would periodically flash over the screen:

It happened frequently enough to irk me, though it didn’t quite take me out of the movie. It also stopped to load a couple of times near the end, though I couldn’t tell if that was due to Constellation or my own connection.

Except for a couple of people who popped in during the last ten minutes of the movie, I was alone in the theater for the entire showing. That was a bit of a bummer, but I didn’t necessarily expect to interact with audience members. Still, it was exciting to see those icons pop up. I realized how much fun it would be to have a little chat during certain films. As someone who can’t even stand it when audience members whisper in a regular theater, I thought this was amusing.

Though I didn’t get to have the prime, VIP-hosted Constellation TV experience, I do see some interesting possibilities with this model. If I’d invited guests to my showing, it could have been fun to chat back and forth about Grey Gardens and the loveable Edies. I also think it would be interesting to see a movie introduced by its director or by someone who had good insight into the medium. It would be about as close to a film festival screening experience as you could get online.

I’m planning to keep tabs on Constellation TV. I’d like to see where the company goes with this concept, because there are lots of interesting possibilities. I’d still like to attend a hosted event if the timing works out. I hope that some future hosted events will be scheduled at more convenient times for those of us in PST.

I’m also curious to see what kinds of titles will come out of the Criterion Collection relationship. Some of the classic titles that have been made available include the Seventh Seal (1957) and Mr. Hulot's Holiday (1953), both of which were hosted by film experts.With expanded offerings and show times, this could be a fun concept.

Constellation TV

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

Ray Bolger (1904-1987)

Sal Mineo (1939-1976)
Paul Henreid (1905-1992)

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Classic Links

2012-01-09T05:05:00.001-08:00

I’d love to have this in my backyard too, but I’m afraid it would spook the dogs next door. They have enough trouble with my cat and her evil eye—If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger. . .

RIP silent era screenwriter Frederica Sagor Maas, 111. She was the third oldest person in California!--IMDB

Here are some of the entertaining contributions to the #favoritethingsinclassicfilm tag that bounced around Twitter for a couple of days (at least!)—Sittin' on a Backyard Fence

I’d love to see one of these costume exhibits someday— IMDB

City Streets (1931), directed by the innovative and artful Rouben Mamoulian—Movietone Cameos

A great George Sanders flick: Scandal in Paris (1946)--Classic Movie Ramblings

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

Lee Van Cleef (1925-1989)
Vilma Bánky (1898-1991)
Fernando Lamas (1915-1982)
Anita Louise (1915-1970)

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Quote of the Week

2012-01-08T05:05:00.001-08:00

A film is a ribbon of dreams. The camera is much more than a recording apparatus; it is a medium via which messages reach us from another world that is not ours and that brings us to the heart of a great secret. Here magic begins.

-Orson Welles

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

José Ferrer (1912-1992)
Elvis Presley (1935-1977) [Thanks Tom!]

Yvette Mimieux (70)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Butterfly McQueen (1911-1995)

Adolph Zukor (1873-1976)

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#favoritethingsinclassicfilms= Fun+Community-Work-Sleep

2012-01-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

It all started with a tweet yesterday morning:

What followed was an amazing bonding experience among us classic movie geeks on Twitter. Dozens, maybe even hundreds of tweets followed. The simple, open-ended idea gave everyone free reign to be creative in describing the things they loved about classic movies, from great moments and performers, to the way stars used to dress and behave.

The results were entertaining and addictive.I usually check in with Twitter a few times a day, but yesterday I could hardly pull myself away. Even during times when I usually give the laptop a rest, I would check back in and get sucked into the vortex again, reading tweets and writing my own. I finally realized it was past my bedtime and I needed to wrap it up!

Check out some of these posts. I’m not even picking favorites here. I just grabbed a few that I retweeted:

There’s so much more than this to see, but you get the idea. Twenty-four hours later, people are still posting with this tag. It’s been like a party!

If you are not on Twitter, I highly recommend it as a place to meet classic movie fans. If you’re wondering who to follow, just take a look at #FavoriteThingsInClassicFilms and #FavouriteThingsInClassicFilms and you are sure to find many interesting people. I'm there too @classicmovieblg!

Thanks to Jill at Sittin’ on a Backyard Fence for an idea that was brilliant in its simplicity. You can follow her at @biscuitkitten.

Classic Links

2012-01-06T05:05:00.001-08:00

Have you seen the version of Metropolis with songs by Adam Ant and Freddie Mercury? It’s kind of awful and kind of mesmerizing. This review sums it up beautifully, though Chris is more generous about all the tinkering than I am—Silent Volume

There’s a new print of Napoleon (1927) with 30 more minutes of newly found footage. It’s also been restored. I can’t wait to check this out—Criterion Cast

Going through Marilyn Monroe's clothes before they go up for auction (at least, that was the part that interested me)-- Slate

This is a nice tribute to Cary Grant’s daughter Jennifer. I love the interview clip—Noir and Chick Flicks

I’m excited to see a big UPA cartoon collection coming out. So much good stuff—ClassicFlix

The Natalie Wood investigation is now a cold case. It seems like it should never have been re-opened. The whole thing is so sad. I feel sorry for her loved ones and especially her sister—IMDB

Classic Birthdays

2012-01-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

Loretta Young (1913-2000)

Capucine (1928-1990)

Mickey Hargitay (1926-2006)

Danny Thomas (1914-1991)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

Jane Wyman (1917-2007)

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Classic Links

2012-01-04T05:05:00.001-08:00

Though I didn’t know much about her yesterday, I love Diana Dors now. If you watch the movie linked in this post, you might find you do too (if you don’t already). There are also many other Dors titles on YT. I plan to watch them all! The Siren writes a fascinating review, as always—Self-Styled Siren

Laura wrote a lot of great movie reviews last year. She’d got them all linked here. I plan to use this as a resource for finding new things to watch—Laura's Miscellaneous Musings

I didn’t know Hedy Lamarr inspired the Cat Woman character. Really?—IMDB

I’ll bet this item made a lot of people go “oh yeah, Jean Paul Belmondo. I love him!” I know at least one person did—IMDB

Review Round-up:

My Cousin Rachel (1952) Olivia and Joan: Sisters of the Silver Screen
Yellow Sky (1948) The Movie Projector

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

Sterling Holloway (1905-1992)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-03T05:05:00.000-08:00

Anna May Wong (1905-1961)
Sergio Leone (1929-1989)
Ray Milland (1905-1986)
Dorothy Arzner (1897-1979)
Marion Davies (1897-1961)
Zasu Pitts (1894-1963)
Josephine Hull (1886-1957)

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Oscar Micheaux (1884-1951)

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Quote of Week

2012-01-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

I enjoy being a highly overpaid actor.

--Roger Moore

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Classic Birthdays

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Carole Landis (1919-1948)
Dana Andrews (1909-1992)

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R.I.P. 2011

2011-12-31T05:05:00.001-08:00

It is always bittersweet to reflect on the people who have passed each year. I first learned of many of these people by reading their obituaries. It's sad to think of these artists passing on, but inspiring to reflect on their achievements and in some cases, get to know them better. Regardless of the size of their impact, each of these people made their mark on classic movies. Please let me know in the comments if I have missed anyone who you feel belongs on the list!
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Ray AghayanCostume designer, Doctor Dolittle (1967), Our Man Flint (1966)

Dev AnandActor/Director, Jewel Thief (1967), Haré Raama Haré Krishna (1971)

James ArnessActor, The Thing From Another World (1951), Gunsmoke (1955-1975)

Doe Avedon SiegelActress/Model, Deep in My Heart (1954), The High and the Mighty (1954)

William CampbellActor, Lover Me Tender (1956), Man Without a Star (1955)

Linda ChristianActress, Athena (1954), The Devil’s Hand (1962)

Diane CilentoActress, Tom Jones (1963), The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

Jackie CooperActor, The Champ (1931), Skippy (1931)

Paulette DubostActress, Rules of the Game (1939)

Annalisa EricsonActress, Summer Interlude (1951)

Peter FalkActor, Murder Inc. (1961), Pressure Point (1962)

Edith FellowsActress, She Married Her Boss (1935), Pennies from Heaven (1936)

Margaret FieldActress, The Man From Planet X (1951), mother of Sally Field

Anne FrancisActress, Forbidden Planet (1956), The Blackboard Jungle (1955)

Dolores FullerActress, Glen or Glenda (1953), Bride of the Monster (1955)

Betty GarrettActress, On the Town (1949), Neptune’s Daughter (1949)

Susan GordonChild Actress, Attack of the Puppet People (1958), The Five Pennies (1959)

Farley GrangerActor, Strangers on a Train (1951), Senso (1954)

John Howard DaviesActor/Producer, Oliver Twist (1948)

Michael GoughActor, Batman (1989), The Man in the White Suit (1954)

Jill HaworthActress, Exodus (1960), In Harm’s Way (1965)

Sybil JasonChild Actress, The Little Princess (1939), The Blue Bird (1940)

Leonard KastleDirector, The Honeymoon Killers (1969)

Barbara KentActress, Lonesome (1928), Flesh and the Devil (1926)

Arthur LaurentsScreenwriter, Rope (1948), Anastasia (1956)

Judy LewisActress/Therapist, daughter of Clark Gable and Loretta Young

Anna MasseyActress, Peeping Tom (1960), Frenzy (1972)

Cynthia MyersActress, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

Harry MorganActor, Moonrise (1948), The Ox-Bow Incident (1943)

Mary MurphyActress, The Wild One (1953)

Charles NapierActor, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970), Cherry, Harry & Raquel! (1970)

Marilyn NashActress, Monsieur Verdoux (1947)

David NelsonActor, Peyton Place (1957), The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966)

Paul PicerniActor, House of Wax (1953), The Untouchables (1959-1963)

Harry Redmond, Jr.Special Effects, King Kong (1933), The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

Cliff RobertsonActor, Charley (1968), Picnic (1955)

Jane RussellActress, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), His Kind of Woman (1951)

Tura SatanaActress, Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965), Irma La Douce (1963)

Miriam SeegerActress, When Knights Were Bold (1929), Seven Keys to Baldpate (1929)

Elaine StewartActress, The Adventures of Haji Baba (1954), Brigadoon (1954)

Hideko TakamineActress, Floating Clouds (1955), House of Many Pleasures (1955)

Elizabeth TaylorActress, National Velvet (1944), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966)

Yvette VickersActress, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958), Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)

Googie WithersActress, Night and the City (1950), The Gang’s All Here (1939)

Dana WynterActress, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Something of Value (1957)

Susannah YorkActress, Tom Jones (1963), A Man for All Seasons (1966)

All images from Wikimedia Commons

There Are Many Greats Still With Us

2011-12-31T05:05:00.000-08:00

Once again, I’ve decided to compile a complement to my yearly R.I.P. post. There are still several performers who made their mark in classic movies that are alive today. From top box office stars to reliable support players, there are about 160 people on this list. I wouldn't be surprised if I've still missed someone. Please let me know in the comments if you've got a name to add.

Jerry Mathers, 63

SueLyon, 65

TuesdayWeld, 68

YvetteMimieux, 69

JulieChristie, 70

Ann-Margret,70

GigiPerreau, 70

PeterFonda, 71

KarolynGrimes, 71

SamanthaEggar, 72

RichardBeymer, 73

ClaudiaCardinale, 73

DoloresHart, 73

MilliePerkins, 73

PaulaPrentiss, 73

JaneFonda, 74

MargaretO'Brien, 74

SusanKohner, 75

RobertRedford, 75

DeanStockwell, 75

DiahannCarroll, 76

JulieAndrews, 76

AlainDelon, 76

RussTamblyn, 76

BrigitteBardot, 77

GeorgeChakiris, 77

BarbaraEden, 77

SophiaLoren, 77

ShirleyMacLaine, 77

JoanCollins, 78

KimNovak, 78

MarisaPavan, 79

DebbieReynolds, 79

ClaireBloom, 80

LeslieCaron, 80

AnitaEkberg, 80

JohnGavin, 80

MitziGaynor, 80

TabHunter, 80

JohnKerr, 80

RitaMoreno, 80

AnnE. Todd, 80

Sean Connery, 81 (thanks Bill Parades!)

Clint Eastwood, 81 (thanks Artman!)

TippiHedren, 81

MarniNixon, 81

RobertWagner, 81

JoanneWoodward, 81

AnneMeara, 82

VeraMiles, 82

TerryMoore, 82

DonMurray, 82

IrenePapas, 82

JoanPlowright, 82

JanePowell, 82

RodTaylor, 82

AnnBlyth, 83

ArleneDahl, 83

PeggyDow, 83

SallyForrest, 83

RitaGam, 83

JamesGarner, 83

KathleenHughes, 83

MartinLandau, 83

BarbaraLawrence, 83

NancyOlson, 83

ShirleyTemple, 83

HarryBelafonte, 84

HonorBlackman, 84

CoraSue Collins, 84

LeeGrant, 84

RosemaryHarris, 84

GinaLollabrigida, 84

RogerMoore, 84

EstelleParsons, 84

SidneyPoitier, 84

BarbaraRush, 84

JuliaAdams, 85

MonaFreeman, 85

AndyGriffith, 85

AnneJackson, 85

GloriaJean, 85

ClorisLeachman, 85

JerryLewis, 85

JoanLorring, 85

MarcyMcGuire, 85

JaneWithers, 85

PatriceWymore, 85

LolaAlbright, 86

DeniseDarcel, 86

GloriaDeHaven, 86

JulieHarris, 86

MarthaHyer, 86

AngelaLansbury, 86

JoanLeslie, 86

JuneLockhart, 86

DorothyMalone, 86

ColetteMarchand, 86

DickieMoore, 86

DickVan Dyke, 86

CaraWilliams, 86

LaurenBacall, 87

TheodoreBikel, 87

RubyDee, 87

StanleyDonen, 87

EvaMarie Saint, 87

RichardAttenborough, 88

ValentinaCortese, 87

BetsyDrake, 87

RhondaFleming, 88

GlynisJohns, 88

DinaMerrill, 88

PeggyStewart, 88

JeanStapleton, 88

TurhanBey, 89

DorisDay, 89

ColeenGray, 89

JanisPaige, 89

JuanitaMoore, 89

EleanorParker, 89

LizabethScott, 89

HarryCarey, Jr., 90

CarolChanning, 90

NancyDavis (Reagan), 90

DeannaDurbin, 90

BarbaraHale, 90

PhyllisThaxter, 90

EstherWilliams, 90

MaryAnderson, 91

NanetteFabray, 91

JayneMeadows, 91

MicheleMorgan, 91

NoelNeill, 91

MaureenO'Hara, 91

MickeyRooney, 91

AnnRutherford, 91

RuthTerry, 91

MargeChampion, 92

LouisJourdan, 92

PatriciaMedina, 92

PattyAndrews, 93

JoyceRedman, 93

DianaSerra Cary (AKA Baby Peggy), 93

AudreyTotter, 93

EfremZimbalist Jr., 93

ErnestBorgnine, 94

DanielleDarrieux, 94

PhyllisDiller, 94

JoanFontaine, 94

ZsaZsa Gabor, 94

LornaGray, 94

CelesteHolm, 94

MarshaHunt, 94

Oliviade Havilland, 95

KirkDouglas, 95

PatriciaMorison, 96

AliciaRhett, 96

EliWallach, 96

NormanLloyd, 97

RisëStevens, 98

MaryCarlisle, 99

Tony Martin, 99 (Thanks Tom!)

Luise Rainer, 101

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Pola Negri (1894-1987)
Orry-Kelly (1897-1964)

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Classic Links

2011-12-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Whether or not it was Tarzan’s Cheetah who died, an elderly primate has left us. Isn’t that reason enough to mourn?—The Guardian, Alt Film Guide

I never thought I would be interested in watching the Opposite Sex, but this post makes a good case for it— The Silver Screen Affair

I’m just sharing this link because you can never see too much of the Dali/Disney collaboration Destino--The Atlantic

This article puts Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961) in a totally different light for me. It’s really more “you go girl” than you’d think. I finally understand why I like it so much—The Guardian

I am so with this post. I was born in the right decade to enjoy the best parts of the past—Flying Down to Hollywood

All these winking photos are messing with my mind! The first three looked cute, but after that it just looked like everyone had an eyelid problem. Is it just me seeing this? I think winking may just be better in motion—Film Noir Photos

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Jo Van Fleet (1914-1996)
Russ Tamblyn (77)
Carol Reed (1906-1976)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Barbara Steele (74)

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Must Watch TV: These Amazing Shadows

2011-12-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if this was specifically planned, but I think it’s great that the National Film Registry announced its choices for the 2011 list today, one day before These Amazing Shadows, a documentary about the birth of and reason for that list will air on Independent Lens (PBS, 10PM PST).

These Amazing Shadows starts in the eighties, a dark time for those who love film. Ted Turner (who would eventually be the ‘T’ in TCM!) has purchased the MGM film library and he is determined to make his new acquisition marketable to as wide an audience as possible. His solution is colorization, a process that director John Huston once called as effective as “pouring sugar water over a roast”. There was an immediate uproar, both from the public and the artistic community. Turner seemed flabbergasted. There’s a clip in the documentary where he arrogantly smirks, “the last time I checked, they were my films. I’m working on my films.”

Of course, a lot of people knew better. In fact, is there any other art form where the public claims such fervent ownership of the product? You could make an argument for music, but there’s no denying that despite whoever owns the rights, movies are the shared cultural heritage of anyone who cares to claim it. It is this passionate belief, and the fear of seeing that heritage destroyed, that led to the National Film Preservation Act of 1988 and the creation of the National Film Registry.

Each year, the Library of Congress selects twenty-five notable films that will be preserved. The National Preservation Board, with assistance from the public, helps to pick the titles.The only common element among these choices is that they are deemed to be "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". As a result, the list of over 550 movies is a wonderful mishmash of all sorts of goodies. From short to feature-length, fictional to documentary and home movies to big budget Hollywood productions.

These Amazing Shadows manages to cover many of these areas, with clips from the movies and personal interviews with notable film lovers. The diversity of interviewees was almost exciting. How fun to see Debbie Reynolds and John Waters in the same documentary. It was great to see a classic film blogger, Farran “Self-Styled Siren” Nehme, speak her piece as well!

The film zips among genres with delightful grace. One minute you’re learning about sci-fi, the next you’re watching a family in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. You’d think switching moods so frequently would be jarring, but the transitions are managed smoothly. In addition to the overall review of many of the things Registry titles have to offer, there are also segments where lesser-known titles are explored in greater detail.

Though the Registry is a government-sponsored effort, it is clear that it is driven by passion for the many worlds to be found in film. The voices here may be diverse, but their common affection for movies enveloped the film.

I felt invigorated after watching These Amazing Shadows, because it spoke to a lot of the reasons why I treasure the medium so much. I did not need to be reminded of the importance of the Registry, I think a lot of the people who watch this film will feel that way, but I was surprised to find how much more I appreciated the significance of what it does for our culture.
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These Amazing Shadows airs Thursday, December 29 at 10PM PST on the PBS show Independent Lens.

Check out the amazing site for the documentary.

There are lots of interesting things to read and do on the documentary site at Independent Lens as well.

I love this interview with the filmmakers.

Classic Links

2011-12-28T05:00:00.001-08:00

The fact and fiction of My Week With Marilyn (2011)--NPR

The brownstone that was Holly Golightly’s pad in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) is up for sale—IMDB

Though I do think she has her own distinct look, sometimes Nancy Carroll looks very Clara Bow-ish to me--Film Noir Photos

I hope Anita Ekberg gets the help she needs. What a sad story—IMDB

I like this bio. of John Payne. I didn’t realize how little I knew about him—Shadows and Satin

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Maggie Smith (77)
F.W. Murnau (1888-1931)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992)
Michel Piccoli (86)
Oscar Levant (1906-1972)
Sydney Greenstreet (1879-1954)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Richard Widmark (1914-2008)
Elisha Cook Jr. (1903-1995)

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Deanna Durbin Sings Silent Night

2011-12-25T05:05:00.001-08:00

[This is the third year I've posted this clip on Christmas Day. It's a perfect way to celebrate the holidays!]

I get chills every time I hear Deanna Durbin's low-key, but lush performance of Silent Night. It's from the murder mystery-musical-comedy-noir (and how many of those exist?) Lady on a Train (1945). While she sings to her father to ease the pain of being apart on Christmas Eve, even the thug listening at the door is moved to tears (though he still goes through with the secret theft his shifty boss has ordered). Given the underlying threat of danger, it's an oddly peaceful, heartwarming scene.

Happy Holidays!

Quote of the Week

2011-12-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

You are here to please me. Nothing else on earth matters.

-Cecil B. DeMille

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Helen Twelvetrees (1908-1958)
Cab Calloway (1907-1994)
Humphrey Bogart (1899-1957)

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Jazzy Holiday Cartoon: Frosty the Snowman (1954)

2011-12-24T05:05:00.001-08:00

I love this lively version of Frosty the Snowman from UPA. The animation is charming. I've never seen such an energetic Frosty!

Classic Birthdays

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ava Gardner (1922-1990)
Franz Waxman (1906-1967)
Ruth Chatterton (1892-1961)
Michael Curtiz (1886-1962)

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It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)

2011-12-23T05:05:00.002-08:00

(I wrote this post for Flying Down to Hollywood’s 12 Days of Christmas blogathon. Check out the site on Christmas Eve for links to more entries.)

It’s funny, It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947) is one of my favorite Christmas movies, but you don’t even see a Christmas tree until the movie is nearly over. Still, I’ve added it to my annual holiday queue, because it has the warm spirit of the best Christmas movies.

The story begins with a drifter who long ago decided that, rather than work, he would simply enjoy the fruits of other men’s labors. This makes him sound like a real jerk, and I suppose he is on paper.

He squats in lavish homes while the owners are away and he’s been happily spending his winters in the 5th avenue mansion of the second richest man in the world for the past three years.He runs into a veteran who has just been evicted, and they think they run into another drifter, though she is actually the daughter of the man who owns the house.

Everyone shacks up, which is more wholesome than it sounds. Then the veteran’s army buddies, their wives and children move in. Finally, the wealthy owner himself arrives and lives there incognito with his ex-wife who has flown in from Florida.

As can be expected, this full house has its share of craziness, but it isn’t madcap. The humor is laid back. Sometimes it is sly and ironic. Often it is tender and sweet. It all works because the cast is so charming.

Here are some of the major players:

Aloysius T. McKeever (Victor Moore) is the drifting squatter. He may wear another man’s clothes and pinch food from his pantry, but he’ll also make sure the furniture is dusted and that no one steals anything. Particularly the stuff he is borrowing.

Jim Bullock (Don DeFore) is a high-spirited World War II vet who has just been evicted from his apartment. He is furious to realize he is staying the house of the man who ordered that eviction so he could destroy the building to clear space for a new development.

Trudy O'Connor (Gale Storm) is the charming, lonely heiress. She is delighted to learn that so much is happening in her father’s home while everyone is away. It is just the thing she needs to lift her spirits and her eager crush on Jim lifts them all the more.

Michael J. 'Mike' O'Connor (Charles Ruggles) is the wealthy owner of the home, though he pretends to be an aimless drifter to humor his daughter. He bristles when Aloysius wears his lounging robe and gives him chores to do in his own home, but underneath his irritation, there always seems to be a small spark of amusement.

Mary O'Connor (Ann Harding) is Mike’s ex-wife and Trudy’s mother. She also pretends to be a drifter, and she has a good time doing it. She’s the only one in the house with a sense of calm—like the eye of the storm. Mary is so dignified, she doesn't even look goofy in that party hat.

Then there are the army buddies, their wives and children. I have to admit I mixed them up a lot. The only stand-out among them for me was a very young Alan Hale Jr., years before Gilligan’s Island.

And this baby too. Isn’t he cute?

I don’t think any of the actors ever worked with him. It looks like they just filmed a bunch of shots of him cooing and edited them into the scenes.

This is a great flick, and since it’s not too Christmassy, you won’t feel weird if you watch it next week. So check it out!

Classic Links

2011-12-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

RIP Doe Avedon Siegel, an actress who was the inspiration for what would be the Hepburn character in Funny Face (1957)—IMDB

Welles’ Citizen Kane Oscar sold for $861,000 (and not to David Copperfield, despite his best efforts)—IMDB

That Oscar, and the sale of the statues in general, has an interesting history—The Guardian

Jack Klugman is returning to the stage at 89!—IMDB

I really want to see The Wicked Lady (1945), partly because it has a great plot and cast, but mostly because this review is so well-written it got me excited to see it—The Girl With the White Parasol

Class warfare as musical comedy—Pussy Goes Grrr

What better way to celebrate the holidays then to read this entertaining review of The Fly (1958)?—Who Can Turn the World Off With Her Smile?

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Fredi Washington (1903-1994)
Eric Blore (1887-1959)

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"You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch": All Hail Thurl!

2011-12-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

I’ve always loved Boris Karloff’s narration of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. For years, I thought he also sang the song You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch. At some point though, I began to realize the voice was too low to be Karloff. I finally did a little research and learned that the rumbly bass voice belonged to voice actor and singer Thurl Ravenscroft.

There are many reasons to love this man:

• His name is Thurl Ravenscroft. You don’t mess with a guy who has a name like that. You just bow down.

• It took one audition at Paramount Studios for him to break through as a studio singer. He received so many job offers that he had to abandon his studies at the Otis Art Institute and take up singing full time.

• He was the voice of Tony the Tiger for over five decades.

• Out of all the things there are to love in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Thurl steals the show with that song.

• He was in singing groups called the Sportsmen, the Metropolitans and the Mellomen. This man attracts cool names like a magnet.

• Thurl worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley.

• Since he was a bass, he rarely faded into the background, even though he was often a backup singer.

• One of his solo records (pictured above) was simply titled Ravenscroft. Do you think he ever answered the phone like that? “Ravenscroft” or “Ravenscroft here”? Can you imagine having a phone conversation with this man? Swoon.

• And once again, his name is Thurl Ravenscroft

I couldn't embed, but here's a link to that unforgettable song.

For more information about this magnificent singer: All Things Thurl

Classic Links

2011-12-21T05:05:00.000-08:00

I would love to see this lost number from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)—Blame Mame

This story about Elizabeth Taylor’s dog eating one of her $11.8 million pearls cracks me up—IMDB

After 58 years, Dalton Trumbo finally gets official credit for his work on the Roman Holiday (1958) screenplay—The Guardian

I didn’t know Fred Astaire and Betty Hutton were in a movie together. This cowboy photo is hilarious!—Film Noir Photos

Wow, how did this double feature come to be?—If Charlie Parker Were a Gunslinger . . .

Could Letty Lynton (1933) really be available as early as 2012?—Classic Montgomery

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Jane Fonda (74)

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Classic Movie Gift Guides

2011-12-20T22:22:00.001-08:00

A few classic movie bloggers posted great gift guides this year. I thought I’d gather them together for last minute shopping ideas:

Immortal Ephemera

Frankly My Dear

Out of the Past

This one is awfully cute:
Via Margutta 51

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The Forties Goldmine of Christmas Movies

2011-12-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

[This is a slightly-edited repost of one of my favorite review posts.]

What was it about the forties that inspired so many heartwarming holiday movies? I think World War II had a lot to do with the sentimentality in these wonderful flicks. They are all about the longing for love and family at a time of year when those things are held especially dear.

Remember the Night (1940)
It’s a shame this romance gets draggy in spots, because in its best moments, this is the perfect holiday movie. Barbara Stanwyck is a shoplifter on trial who is sprung from jail for the holidays by a sympathetic assistant D.A. (Fred MacMurray). They end up traveling together to his country home, where they fall in love over the course of a cozy holiday with his family. All the best elements of a dream holiday are here: down home cooking, family sing-a-longs, loving relatives and joyful present exchanges. It sounds a bit corny on paper, but it is heartbreaking when you see the longing in Stanwyck’s eyes, and realize how badly she wants this kind of a life.

I’ll Be Seeing You (1944)
This is a darker holiday tale of a couple that overcomes unusual obstacles to find love, but it is equally moving. Ginger Rogers is a convict who is on furlough from prison so that she can spend the holidays with her aunt and uncle. On the train, she meets an emotionally-disturbed sergeant (Joseph Cotten) who is also on leave, but from a mental hospital. Over the course of their holiday, they struggle to bond while still hiding their dark secrets from each other. Cotten and Rogers poignantly communicate their frustrations, disappointments and fears as they struggle to reveal themselves to each other completely. The plot may sound depressing, but you really root for these sympathetic characters.

Beyond Tomorrow (1940)
A trio of lonely business associates who share a mansion in New York play a game on Christmas Eve to see if they can find some last minute dinner guests. Their ploy works, and the lonely man and woman who join them end up falling in love themselves. The new couple continues to enjoy spending time with their benefactors, until tragedy strikes, and the men are killed in a plane crash. The ghosts of the men continue to walk the earth, and it is a good thing, because the happy couple they left is struggling and needs their intervention. Though Jean Parker and Richard Carlson are sweet as the young couple, this movie belongs to the character actors: Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith and Charles Winninger as the wealthy benefactors and Marie Ouspenskaya as their loyal maid.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
Victor Moore is Aloysius T. McKeever (that name must have been hijacked from the files of W.C. Fields), a homeless man who takes up residence in a New York mansion each Christmas while the owners are on holiday. This year, he picks up a few more houseguests--including the family—who all unexpectedly turn up and end up playing along with their thoroughly in the wrong, but also quite reasonable squatter.

[I'll write more about this charming movie later this week.]

Holiday Affair (1949)
This is a great movie for anyone who shrinks from holiday-themed schmaltz. Though this story of a war widow who meets a helpful stranger has the requisite happy, romantic ending, Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh and even Gorden Gerbert as her precocious son are all so darned laidback. Which is not to say this group is too cool; there is great warmth and good humor in this story of a war widow comparison shopper who tangles with, and then falls for a department store clerk. Though the interactions between Mitchum, Gerbert and Leigh are great fun, this is at heart the story of a grieving wife who must overcome her reluctance to deal with the loss of her beloved husband. Leigh’s struggle to move on both places the story firmly in the post-war era and helps it to transcend time.

Classic Birthdays

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Audrey Totter (93)
Irene Dunne (1898-1990)

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Classic Links

2011-12-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

I’ve already shared this on Twitter, but I wanted to make sure you all saw the wonderful story of Louis Armstrong’s first Christmas Tree. He was 40 when he got it!—Mental Floss

This is an adorable gallery of actresses in holiday outfits. Some of those promo shots are so silly!—Pictures

I do believe that this is the year classic film made a comeback with the general public—The Kitty Packard Pictorial

More auction news:
Some Munchkin items— IMDB
And another big memorabilia auction where a lot of Marilyn Monroe’s items were up for sale—IMDB

Look at all the great pre-code titles coming out. I love MOD—ClassicFlix

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ralph Richardson (1902-1983)
Edmund Purdom (1924-2009)

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Quote of the Week

2011-12-18T05:05:00.000-08:00

There, but for the grace of God, goes God
-Herman Mankiewicz, about Orson Welles

My personality is that of an egotisical adventurer
-Orson Welles

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable (1916-1973)
Ossie Davis (1917-2005)
Lynn Bari (1913-1989)
Jules Dassin (1911-2008)
Celia Johnson (1908-1982)

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Classic Links

2011-12-16T05:05:00.000-08:00

The auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels and clothing broke records. That second link is a gallery of some of the amazing things that were sold— MSN Entertainment,The Guardian

At least Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law will not be in a remake of Some Like it Hot. Hopefully the whole thing was just a silly rumor—IMDB

I love this brief post about the heat Tuesday Weld and Elvis Presley generated when they worked together—The Sheila Variations

Another memorabilia auction. This sounds like a big one—IMDB

This post about automats isn’t specifically about the movies, but it reminds me of a lot of classics I’ve seen and enjoyed. These places fascinate me—Mental Floss

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Max Linder (1883-1925)
Barbara Kent (1906-2011)
Liv Ulmann (73)
Noel Coward (1899-1973)

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Classic Links

2011-12-14T05:05:00.000-08:00

It’s that TCM Remembers time of year. Sniff (via Laura’s Miscellaneous Musings )

Tomorrow on TCM there will be a 24-hour festival of movies preserved by the George Eastman House, including a rarely-seen Kubrick flick making its television debut-- Criterion Cast

Would some people have been better off without George Bailey?--Classic Forever

Auctions galore! Why are there so many lately?
Elizabeth Taylor’s wig from Cleopatra goes for $16,000— IMDB
Charlie Chaplin’s bowler-- IMDB
Orson Welles’ Academy Award for Citizen Kane (this is the second try, it failed to sell a few years ago)-- IMDB, NPR

Classic Birthdays

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Lee Remick (1935-1991)
Dan Dailey (1913-1978)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Van Heflin (1910-1971)
Dick Van Dyke (86)
Larry Parks (1914-1975)
Lillian Roth (1910-1980)

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Classic Links

2011-12-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is a fascinating interview with Lizabeth Scott, recorded in 1996. She is so grand that she essentially performs her answers, and yet she is down-to-earth as well--YouTube (via The Night Editor)

Shirley Maclaine remembers Elizabeth Taylor. I never realized they were friends, but I can see how they would have gotten along. They both have/had nerve, loyalty and a bawdy sense of fun--The Guardian

A remake of Some Like it Hot? I mean they’ve got the plot, but everything great that went into that movie is dead. Think about how ridiculous the original would have been in the wrong hands. It was the cast, Billy Wilder and his co-screenwriter I.A.L. Diamond who made it great--IMDB

The TCM cruise begins. It looks like they have a nice group of guests.--Alt Film Guide

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Karen Morley (1909-2003)
Connie Francis (73)
Honor Blackman (84)
Frank Sinatra (1915-1998)
Laura Hope Crews (1879-1942)

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Quote of the Week

2011-12-11T05:05:00.000-08:00

First picture I've ever seen in which the male lead has bigger tits than the female.

-Groucho Marx, about Samson and Delilah (1949, Starring Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Jean Marais (1913-1998)
Carlo Ponti (1912-2007)
Sally Eilers (1908-1978)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dorothy Lamour (1914-1996)
Hermes Pan (1909-1990)
Una Merkel (1905-1986)
Victor McLaglen (1886-1959)

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Classic Links

2011-12-09T05:05:00.000-08:00

RIP Harry Morgan. Out of everything he did, I was most touched by his wordless performance in Moonrise (1948). Here's a few interesting facts about his life—Mental Floss

This Claudia Cardinale interview made me grin several times. She tells so many great stories--The Guardian, Gallery

It turns out there are at least two pictures about Hitchcock in the works--IMDB,/Film

A repost from the Monkey to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Georges Méliès. This post touches on several film pioneers--A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (1909-2000)
Kirk Douglas (95)
Broderick Crawford (1911-1986)
Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990)
Maximilian Schell (81)
Ernest Lehman (1915-2005)
Lee J. Cobb (1911-1976)
Irene (1900-1962)
Georges Méliès (1861-1938)

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Classic Links

2011-12-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

RIP Dev Anand, early Bollywood matinee idol. I loved him best in Jewel Thief (1967)--The Guardian Tribute, Obituary

This is a tough, but interesting movie quiz. It’s part of the promotion for a fascinating PBS documentary that I’ll be previewing in a couple of weeks—PBS

I love Raquelle’s holiday gift guide for classic film fans!--Out of the Past

This is an interesting piece about Karolyn Grimes, Zuzu from It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). I interviewed her once myself several years ago. She’s a nice lady. I’ll post about it sometime!--MSN Entertainment

I love these reviews of movies starring pre-code king Warren William--Mondo 70

A review of Son of Harpo Speaks, a rare Hollywood kid autobiography of a kid who adores his famous, but devoted dad--Flickhead

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Fay Bainter (1893-1968)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

William S. Hart (1864-1946)
Elissa Landi (1904-1948)
Agnes Moorehead (1900-1974)

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Classic Links

2011-12-05T05:05:00.001-08:00

I’ve never been interested in jewelry, but something about Elizabeth Taylor’s collection fascinates me. Maybe it’s the passion she had for collecting them or the gaudy size of so many of the jewels. She had such lovely dresses too. I love her yellow wedding dress--Cinema Style

There’s going to be a bio-flick about the relationship between Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock. My first thought—who is going to be Hitch? Sienna Miller will be Hedren--IMDB

A tribute to Shemp: the forgotten Stooge. Written by that guy who always played geeks in 80s movies-- Mental FlossThis pic of Norma Shearer is stunning!--All Good Things

A Les Vampires (1915-16) review from a disappointed viewer—Silent Volume

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Grace Moore (1898-1947)
Otto Preminger (1906-1986)
Emeric Pressburger (1902-1988)
Walt Disney (1901-1966)

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Quote of the Week

2011-12-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

I am a wife-made man.

-Danny Kaye

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

Deanna Durbin (90)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Anna Sten (1908-1993)
Nino Rota (1911-1979)
Paul Bern (1889-1932)

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Classic Links

2011-12-02T05:05:00.000-08:00

This story about a man meeting his childhood crush Jane Powell gave me a perma-grin-- The Guardian

R.I.P. Judy Lewis, the once secret love child of Loretta Young and Clark Gable, though inheriting her father’s ears made it a very poorly-kept secret. Her autobiography was very well written. Laura mentions it, and the autobiography in which Young confirmed the story, in this post--Laura's Miscellaneous Musings

It would be a lot of fun to wear the Cowardly Lion’s costume, but it’s a little depressing that it was made out of a real lion hide--IMDB

All these welcome back tributes to Robert Osborne are so nice. You don’t often see universal affection for a public figure--Welcome Back Bob

I’m surprised that Audrey Hepburn’s lucky dress didn’t sell--
IMDB

Classic movie posters with dancing. The last one is gorgeous!--The Guardian

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Classic Birthdays

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Warren William (1894-1948)
Julie Harris (86)
Ray Walston (1914-2001)

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Classic Links

2011-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful tribute to Robert Osborne. It's great that he is back!--Noir Girl

Another great tribute, this one to Kay Francis. Lots of lovely pics-- A Person in the Dark

Shopping and department stores as mythologized by the movies--Movie Morlocks/TCM

Another archive discovery: this time it’s a lost Disney short--NPR

A review of a new book about Hedy Lamarr’s genius invention--Slate Image Source

Classic Birthdays

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Virginia Mayo (1920-2005)
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. (93)

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Classic Birthdays

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yakima Canutt (1895-1986)
Busby Berkeley (1895-1976)

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Classic Links

2011-11-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

I love the way Anna Kendrick writes about her experiences watching The Women (1939)--The Guardian

This interesting post has lots of scans of an issue of Screen Book from 1929. It features Broadway Melody--Allure

A review of 7th Heaven (1927), one of the swooniest movies ever.--Silent Volume

It’s amazing to see movies like The Artist and Hugo doing well at the box office. It’s already exciting enough that there are so many classic Hollywood-fan-friendly flicks in theaters right now (I’m thinking of My Week With Marilyn as well).--Alt Film Guide

This information about the pros and cons of the Disqus commenting system may be useful to some of you who write blogs--Via Margutta 51