My Love Of Old Hollywood

Call Of The Wild: Part Two

2012-03-05T13:02:00.003-08:00

I thought it would be fun to have another look at our classic stars as they take another walk on the wild side. Dig out your pith helmet and your favorite leopard print attire so we can dive in. Also, please take the time to participate in my photo caption contest at the end.

*No animals were harmed in the making of this post.

Anita Page has it all here! Hat, fur, animal print and driving gloves. I think this outfit needed a turkey feather or two though.

Gene Tierney. Nothing says a beautiful spring day like five yards of leopard, bare feet and a couple of oddly placed flower pins.

Ingrid Bergman looks thrilled to be wearing this coat. Either that or she was just shown a review of "Arch of Triumph"!

I'm sure we've all gone for a stroll wearing flip flops, a tiny bikini and a leopard skin coat so Jayne Mansfield looks perfectly normal here while out with her son. Mickey Jr.

Martha Hyer is on the prowl. Borrowing Jayne Mansfield's pants is never a good idea!

Paulette Goddard is just too sweet to have been punked this way!

Maria Montez, even with that gorgeous face and body can't save this one. I'm not sure where to start but what's going on with her boobs, that backdrop and don't get me started on the fact that her dress appears to be made of rubber that's starting to melt away from her torso.

Barbara Stanwyck is working that muff but that hat is making my scalp itch!

Claudette Colbert, the inspiration for "Clan of the Cave Bear"! I have no doubt she could survive out in the wild for a few days before crying out for a martini cart and a fresh pair of footies!

Carole Lombard get's the award for most creative use of leopard print! I'm sure the cameraman is yelling at her to stop looking so sexy here. This is how you work leopard sleeves!

Elizabeth Taylor, showing us why she had six husbands and seven marriages!

Joan Davis. I think we can all agree that this hideous outfit was the inspiration for Snuggies! No amount of pouty lips and far off looks is going to make this get up look sexy. Well, perhaps a belt and a veil.

Connie Francis was given some catnip then told to do something, I'm not sure what. She's like Julie Newmar Lite! If I have to wear that to find out where the boys are, I'll pass!

I thought it would be fun to have a Photo Caption contest so whoever has the most clever caption for this Dolores Del Rio photo, it will be added here. I have very funny and creative readers so let the fun begin! (just leave your caption ideas in the comments)

Well, that's all of the animal print I can take for one day! Thanks for stopping by everyone and please leave your opinion on these outfits.

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Classic Film, Six Degrees of Separation: Round 5 is underway!

2012-03-04T17:18:00.001-08:00

Michael over at I Shoot The Pictures started the round with Skippy (better known as Asta) the dog needing to be connected to Desmond Llewelyn.

Skippy was in Topper Takes A Trip (38) with Billie Burke.
I now hand it off to Becky over at Classic Becky's Brain Food

It's not too late to get in on this round or future rounds. Just put a logo up on your blog then shoot me an email letting me know since I'm keeping track of who's playing for everyone else. Or if you need a logo or a different color let me know. If you've been chosen but you aren't sure who's participating feel free to ask me.
Thanks,
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When Fur Was Fabulous: Part Two

2012-02-29T12:54:00.001-08:00

It's a bit difficult to think about furs without sweating, especially since it will be 76 degrees here in OKC today. Perhaps a short fur with shorts or a bathing suit would be okay. Well, the show must go on so if you're ready for more fabulosity let's get started.

When you look like Alexis Smith you can get away with a fur over a brassiere. Of course if a star walked around in that today they would get arrested or worse. I hope Alexis had a handler.

Mary Carlisle. Nothing says look at me like a coat that wiped out an entire fox family!

Even Anna May Wong has gone all Hollywood. Just look at those claws! She's taking this seriously.

OH, Bette Davis! I can't hate on you for this outfit and posing with a dead tree and a sad bush really does highlight everything going on here perfectly!

Here's Barbara Stanwyck showing us her inner sex kitten. Perhaps she should save that for Robert Taylor!

I really don't have anything bad to say about Joan Crawford here. If I were ripping and running back in the 20's I would have chosen this same outfit. Work IT Joanie but get yourself a new hairdresser!

I have to say I'm a bit afraid of Dolores Del Rio here! She's standing on that poor polar bear with a look like she just skinned it then wrap herself in it's hide. I bet Cedric Gibbons is somewhere cowering in fear.

Elizabeth Taylor in another one of her gorgeous furs.

Lupe Velez is here to upstage Dolores! You just know she hunted that polar bear down and killed it with a kick to the throat. And that was after a night of partying. Lupe kicks ass!

The beautiful Paulette Goddard. I wonder how many men have seen this photo and fantasized about getting stuck in an igloo with her?

Well that's enough furs for today but I do have one more photo to share. I've mentioned my mink stole that was passed down from my great aunt. Of course I've never worn it anywhere but I did have fun with it one night.

Several years ago my step mother Terry had this bright idea for us to start dressing up for movie night. This was the night we watched Sunset Blvd! Of course we threw a few hideous things together then smeared some high eyebrows and lipstick on. I think my widows peak and the red eyes give everything a nice touch. I'll spare you the photo of us the night we watched Boogie Nights. Poor Norma Desmond! Looking back now, we really did look like demented clowns!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part Six

2012-02-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Before we dive in to more fabulous hats, everyone pay attention to Shirley! She found a cute outfit after two posts of wearing pajama's or having nothing clean and she wants everyone to notice how cute it is. Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way let's see what our stars were trying to get away with as hats.

Shirley, what do you think of Ann Miller's turban type hat? Shirley: "I think those turbans were designed for stars who were having a bad hair day. It looks a lot like a raisin twisty bread too!"

Olivia de Havilland is cute as a button in houndstooth. Shirley: "She started showing up in that when her career slowed down!...Rumor has it that she had a paper route out in Rancho Mirage."

Claire Trevor, flawless as always! Shirley: "She could pass for Marlene Dietrich's daughter!" Oh, don't let Marlene hear you say that! Shirley: "She's too busy ironing her slacks and tearing down No Smoking signs all over the studio lot."

Dorothy Lamour is always perfection isn't she? Shirley: "My mother says she made her career going into the jungle with boys, wearing what passed for clothes, but it was really just a hand towel!" We do what we can!

Linda Darnell, one of the most beautiful women to come out of Hollywood! Shirley: "When peacocks show off their pretty feathers, they're looking for a mate! I read that in National Geographic." I doubt she had to work that hard but it's a sweet story.

Mae West had a style all her own. Shirley:

"Is looking like a bear that coughed up a Matador considered fashion?"

What do you think of Joan Bennett? Shirley: "A wind up monkey in a rug!...Let's wind her up and throw tokens at her."

Joan Crawford and that beautiful face! Shirley: "I hope she gets sued by Basil Rathbone and Arthur Conan Doyle! Release the hounds on Joan!" That's a bit harsh Shirley! Shirley: "You haven't endured a play date at her home!"

Jean Harlow has never looked more beautiful! Shirley: "She's trying out for the part of a little Dutch girl with a giant head!" I won't argue with that since I had to crop her photo down because it was taking up half the margin.

Surely you have nothing bad to say about Jeanette MacDonald? Shirley: "I really like Jeanette and her husband Nelson Eddy!" They weren't married! Shirley: " Nobody is falling for them 'reading lines' in her dressing room all hours of the night!..Just ask Gene Raymond if you don't believe me. He's off somewhere crying into his Scotch." Perhaps you worked too many late hours. Sure there are laws in place about that.

Anna May Wong is picture perfect here and I love her hat. Shirley: "I think she's in morning so I won't say anything bad!" She always looked like she was in morning because she never smiled.

Rita Hayworth, another Hollywood beauty! Shirley: "I won't say anything bad about her either since someone ran over her hat then told her it looked okay!"

Well, that's a wrap for this walk down fashion lane. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and stay tuned for my series on fur as it continues, more Hollywood star bios as well as two more Blogathons that are coming up in March. We also have the Classic Stars: Six Degrees game that should be starting this weekend.

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Dogathon 2012: Bringing Up Baby (1938)

2012-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

When Rick at Classic Film & TV Cafe announced he was hosting a Dogathon I thought I might have to sit it out since my Disney viewing list isn't very long and lets face it, the most iconic, classic film dog is Asta and I was sure the Thin Man films would be grabbed up immediately. After just a couple of minutes and realizing I never turn down a Blogathon, Dogathon and most likely a Catathon if there ever is one, I thought about my favorite screwball comedy having a dog which adds a lot to it's story.

If you're a lover of Classic Films then you've seen Bringing Up Baby a few times. It's hysterically funny from beginning to end, showcasing Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant as they run around getting themselves into all kinds of hilarious but precarious situations. The little wired hair terrier, George adds to the fun along with a leopard or two and some of the best co-stars on the silver screen.

As anyone who has read my reviews knows, I do snark most of the time but there's no way I would ever attempt to re-write, try to replace lines that are already perfect so I'll do my best to showcase the highlights and what makes George another one of our favorite movie dogs. So, if you're ready, you're up to date on your rabies shots as well as equipped with your favorite snack food, let's get this party started.

I've never looked that closely at the movie poster but I have to say I'm a bit upset that George isn't on it and that pain in the butt leopard is being portrayed as a manageable baby! (Oh, sure his name is Baby but he's a jerk and he would never sit in a high chair!)

CAST:
Katharine Hepburn as Susan
Cary Grant as David Huxley
Charles Ruggles as Major Applegate
Walter Catlett as Slocum
Barry Fitzgerald as Mr. Gogarty
Mary Robson as Aunt Elizabeth
Fritz Feld as Dr. Lehman
George Irving as Mr. Peabody
Tala Birell as Mrs. Lehman
Virginia Walker as Alice Sparrow

Directed by Howard Hawks
Screenplay by Dudley Nichols

As the film opens we get our first glimpse of David Huxley. A Paleontologist and a deep thinker.

He's interrupted by his fiancee, Alice Sparrow and his boss who have great news. His intercostal clavicle has arrived. And it's not just any intercostal clavicle either. It's for his Brontosaurus that he's been working to complete for years.

Alice is quick to let him know that nothing gets in the way of his work, not even their wedding in 24 hours! Well, she is precious and being that this is a screwball comedy we know she'll be lucky to see this chap ever again let alone have the wedding of her dreams. Let's face it, Paleontologists are a wild bunch (so I hear!)

David makes his way out to the golf course where he has an important meeting with a potential donor for his research, Mr. Peabody. (What? They're rich and educated, you didn't expect them to chat over a game of horseshoes.)

Oh, there's Susan who is happy to be a wealthy nitwit. We get a funny scene of her confusing David's ball for hers then like any screwball comedy everyone is left even more confused. (I have to say I've played a lot of rounds of golf and I've never seen anyone that happy or dressed like a girl on her first day of missionary work on any hole!)

Other things Susan confuses is the car she arrived in, opting to drive off in David's car but not before banging it up.

I'm thinking that if you're dealing with the type of woman who's willing to drive off with you on the running board of your own car you should just call it a day before you end up wrapped around a tree like a pretzel. That's what insurance is for!

Susan ends up at a dinner club dressed like a crackpot who just got punked by a kid with 40 yards of shiny fabric and a fake fashion designers permit as she sidles up to a stranger who has olives. Yes, I know that sounds crazy but the olives actually have a purpose as David trips on them in 3...2...1 (Boy, I envy the idle rich!)

She manages to wind up with someone else's purse which is why David should have called the cops a few hours earlier while at the golf course. She's a flaky menace...The worst kind! (All I can say is I'm glad she's rich! Can you imagine her trying to rob a bank or figure out a time card while working a 9-5 job? Like an opossum trying to solve a rubik's cube)

Fresh out of banana peels, manholes or falling pianos, we get the torn coat gag as David tries his best to escape Susan, olives, hidden golf balls, and the fact that his fiancee gave him carte blanche to do his own thing for 24 hours. (This is like The Hangover except without friends, exotic locations and much needed blackouts!)

On her way to leave, David repays Susan with a very unfortunate dress tear. I have to say it does improve the dress even though her drawers go to her shins! (Somewhere Spencer Tracy is embarrassed and I get it!)

Remember back in the first scene when I said Paleontologists were "deep thinkers"? Yeah, I take that back as he goes to her apartment to get his coat repaired. How the a fire extinguisher doesn't explode while he gets his sleeve sewn to his sock I have no idea!

Susan's face when she finds out David is getting married in 24 hours.. Oh, I've seen that look before in "Desk Set"..Again, sorry Spencer Tracy!

Having survived the night, David answers the phone and it's Susan. Not being the kind of guy who says he has a rare disease that can only be treated near the Amazon...has to rush off for his boat... He hears her out! (Oh, and the intercostal clavicle has arrived!)

Susan is just calling to let him know that her brother's pet leopard, Baby has arrived and when he shows no signs of interest she fakes an attack by Baby. (Ladies, use this excuse only in case of emergencies but be warned that you'll need a leopard and a fire escape just in case your knight in shining armor arrives and he's not amused or mauled while trying to save you.)

David comes to her rescue with his bone only to find her looking okay although still as crazy as the Mad Hatter.

He's led to a bedroom where Baby is. Not sure if she's crazy or trying to have him killed over ripping her party dress.

They end up in a car together with Baby breathing down David's neck. Christ on a cracker, he's desperate for fun!

On their way to Aunt Elizabeth's country house to drop off Baby they end up behind a truck of chickens.

Which leads to this! David ends up buying a few chickens which can't be easy on a struggling Paleontologist's salary. (Baby was hungry!)

They end up stopping so David can go buy Baby a few pounds of meat where Susan gets all confused while talking to a local sheriff and to avoid a ticket she steals a car. (I know! I was going to tell you there's a circus in town but I'm trying to ease you into things.)

They finally make it to Susan's Aunt Elizabeth's home in the country where they manage to get Baby placed in a stall.

While David showers Susan gives his clothes to the housekeeper to be sent into town. This is her way of doing as much as possible to delay his departure. (Not being pre-code we get to see Cary in the shower and not Kate..for that I'm most grateful, although she would probably fall through the glass door and impel herself to a horseshoe and two ferns .)

Desperate for clothes, David is left with a wonderful robe for now.

And just in time to greet Aunt Elizabeth who thinks he's a bit imbalanced.

Oh, and there's George, Elizabeth's feisty little dog.

He's not a fan of David's so they bark and hiss at one another for a couple of minutes.

Oh, it could be worse and I'm sure it will get much worse so cheer up. If you were with Ms. Swallow right now you would be in a flower shop or sampling wedding cakes. Consider this an unusual bachelor party but without strippers, booze or blackmail photos.

Left alone, George finds the intercostal clavicle which he runs off with.

Now in the gardeners clothes, David tries to figure a way out of this mess while Susan manages to confuse him even more which is only fair since she's confusing me by opting to dress like Luise Rainer in The Good Earth.

It doesn't take long to realize George has kiped the bone so they head outside to start searching.

If anyone has ever walked in thong sandals and socks you know it's not the fasted way to get around. Of course I would never admit to doing that but Grant looks appropriate for hanging out with O-Lan Lite.

With a pep talk, George leads them to a spot then starts digging.

For me, these are some of the funniest scenes of the film as George goes to town. (Some friends of mine have a wired hair terrier who digs holes just like this which always reminds me of these scenes. Of course he's never dug up anything useful, just a few expensive tulips)

Of course these two get impatient so they help George dig.

Awww, just an old boot! I think I would look for the other one and ditch the thongs.

A bit later, George looks exhausted but pleased with himself.

Then we pan out and get a look at holes all over the yard but no bone.

Cary Grant delivers another funny line when he asks if George is even trying.

Susan gets stopped by her aunt while David chases George around some trees. It's time for dinner so the search will have to wait.

While David is off calling Alice to explain his delay back to town, Susan greets their dinner guest, Mr. Applegate. He's a big game hunter. (I hope he brought a shovel and a spare pair of shoes)

Back in his clothes, he saves George from getting attacked by Baby then off they go to dinner.

While everyone else discusses big game hunting, David keeps his eyes on George.

We get more funny scenes as George keeps getting up only to go in circles around the house with David following.

They pass the gardener on one run. Hmmm, he doesn't look like the type who would wear riding pants and thong sandals but since they're rich I'm guessing they have another gardener who's more fashionable.

As David and George wander back through everyone is talking about the fact that Susan has fallen hard for our boy genius. Of course everyone else thinks he's crazy and has suffered a mental breakdown. Guessing because Susan's rich they've given her a pass on her behavior. (Oh, well at least he's not a bum that she brought home from the city dump to pose as their butler! Wha..? That really is a movie?)

The gardener goes to his hidden stash of booze then leaves the gate open, allowing the leopard to escape.

Now that the leopard is loose he starts howling or whatever leopards do which starts a discussion on loons. (No, not Susan but an actual loon!)

These two brainiacs realize having Baby loose can't be healthy for George so they put their heads together for a solution without actually knocking heads. I would just put George on a lease but this is a screwball comedy.

So David calls the zoo to report a leopard on the loose. (A quick reminder there's also a circus in town and not this circus but one with animals and sword swallowers.)

Applegate and Elizabeth out for a walk, try out their loon calls which summons Susan and two peacocks. (Okay, that last part didn't happen but it would be funny!)

David and Susan head off to find George and the leopard with a croquet mallet, rope and a butterfly net. I'm starting to understand why it took David 5 years to find the intercostal clavicle. Guessing it was mistakenly placed on the Brontosaurus's tail by the last bone collector.

Of course they end up sliding down a hill. Somewhere George and Baby are watching while pointing and laughing. This is why I'm convinced not everyone is fit to own pets, have children or have a driver's license. Oh, and go for a walk without an adult.

Up on their feet again, they spot Baby and George on the other side of a creek.

George is busy ripping Baby a new one. This dog is tough but he would have to be to survive living in the country in Connecticut.

Of course I'm on team George since Aunt Elizabeth was probably going to have Baby delivered to make into a new coat or a piano stool.

These two manage to get all wet while trying to cross the creek. If they wander into quick sand or a patch of prickly pears I won't be surprised at all.

They stop to dry themselves after building a camp fire which causes David's clothes to shrink. (Don't they have city ordinances in Connecticut against this kind of stuff? You know, to keep the ditzy rich from harming themselves or deterring tourism.)

They find their way onto a road where the circus truck has stopped. It just happens to be carrying a wild leopard that's being disposed of after mauling a trainer. Not knowing this or much of anything unless it happened an hour ago, Susan helps it escape.

Then they manage to find George who's chased Baby or non Baby up on a roof.

They should have stocked up on meat while at the butcher's earlier. But David has decided to climb up on the roof with his croquet mallet and rope. (Perhaps they're saving the butterfly net in case he really gets out of hand!)

All of the commotion wakes the homeowner who just happens to be the man with the large supply of olives from the restaurant. He also happens to be thrilled to see Susan since she still has his wife's purse. (Just pack your monocles and relocate! You have no idea what this woman is capable of.)

He drags Susan inside to wait for the cops. This wasn't really necessary. Just tell her you have fairy dust and a box of buttons she can play with.

David comes back just in time as the cops pull up.

Of course it's the same cop who witnessed their earlier car theft.

Susan gets busy picking the lock. (I find this hard to believe given her antics over the last hour.)

The gardener shows up three sheets to the wind. (Boy, I hope this was his day off otherwise the rose bushes will look awful.)

Aunt Elizabeth and Mr. Applegate show up. The first thing I notice is that he's carrying a gun into a police station! Luckily it's 1938 when that was acceptable.

David has had enough of trying to explain things, he'd rather just do his time in peace.

Of course Susan, never content to just sit down or have a normal thought starts doing her gangster's mole routine in the next cell. (Who doesn't love Cary Grant and that face?)

She manages to talk her way out of her cell. (It's scenes like this that make me happy that the studio's paired Cary and Kate up again! They really were wonderful together on screen. (Again, sorry Spencer Tracy!)

Susan starts smoking right next to guns. Guessing these people don't know her. This could get ugly.

Right after Susan escapes out a window (No, not sure how she managed it without killing herself but perhaps the butterfly net broke her landing!) Mr. Peabody and Alice shows up.

Oh, and there's George and Baby. Perhaps they'll make sense of things.

Susan is soon to follow with the circus leopard. (They're going to need a bigger jail!)

After everything is back to normal, we meet up with Alice and David. Poor Alice, she has broken off their engagement. (Most likely not because of his country adventure with Susan but because he's as dumb as a stump. (If I could give Alice some words of advice it would be to 1. Don't give your fiancee permission to focus on anything but your wedding the day before and 2. Find yourself a nice day trader who's only quirk is stamp collecting.)

Susan shows up with the intercostal clavicle and the news that David will get his grant while wearing a strange hat. (Either she found the bone in a bee hive or I'll never understand the fashions of 1938!)

We get a closeup of the Brontosaurus and I have to say Howard Hawks dropped the ball on this one. They look like paper mache bones. I haven't seen a prop this badly made since "The Little Shop of Horrors", 1960!

Never content to just do something normal for five minutes, Susan decides to climb up.

Which causes this! And no wonder, it's made of wet paper.

We have to have our happy ending since these two are in love so David saves her. (For the safety of Manhattan I hope the museum doors have been cemented shut behind them....Stay tuned for "Nightmare At the Museum", the sequel.

Well, that's my look back at "Bringing Up Baby", the funniest screwball comedy of all time in my opinion. I know I've seen it at least 30 times and it's just as funny now as the first time I saw it as a kid. It has so many quotable lines which I've used over the years.

David to Susan "Not YOU and definitely not you!"

David referring to George: "Oh, just look at the nasty little cur, he's been digging!"

David after George has dug a few holes: "I don't think he's even trying!"

Being that this is the first ever Dogathon that I know of, I'm dedicating it to my two favorite dogs. My parents dogs which they often state are my little brothers!

Bob Barker, who's so fat and old he doesn't dig. He does walk at a turtles pace though and the only trick he knows is bringing his food bowl to you when he's hungry and when he's not! (He's often confused!) Oh, and he has escaped in my parents golf cart twice. While left in it at my parents local store (I think my dad was inside buying fish bait because that's what you do when you're retired and you live at the lake), he managed to kick it into gear, running up over a curb and into the store window. Then I left him and his sidekick Buddy in the golf cart while running in to pick up a take out order at a cafe once. When I came outside they were both headed backwards in it, rapidly approaching a car. (I've never seen dogs looking so pleased with themselves.) Luckily I was able to drop the food and chase them down before they hit something.

Here's the sidekick, Buddy who's also known as "The nasty little cur" to my parents chagrin. And I can't prove it but I'm pretty certain he's the one who puts Bob Barker up to all of his golf cart shenanigans. Let's face it! Bob Barker isn't all that motivated or clever on his own.

Thanks for stopping by everyone, and please check the Dogathon schedule for all of the other entries HERE.

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When Fur Was Fabulous.

2012-02-16T22:31:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to start my series on our Classic Hollywood stars wearing their furs but with the weather being in the 60's here it just hasn't felt like winter. I'll pretend it's chilly out for now, throw some fake snowflakes on the windows and get this fur fest started anyway. So if you're ready let's jump right in but what ever you do don't tell PETA! I don't need those kind of problems.

Alice Faye looks quite glamorous in her white fur. Like a polar bear who fell into a vat of glitter.

Betty Grable is fashionable in her mini. Guessing the luggage is full of her full length furs just in case the weather dips to a cool 72 degrees.

Ann Sothern looks like a Toy Poodle competing for Best In Show. Love the shoes though!

Mary Astor prefers the traditional mink cape over her evening gowns. The star wallpaper isn't over the top at all either!

Claudette Colbert prefers her furs to match her hair. I hope she doesn't wander off into the woods.

Marlene Dietrich has opted for a matching fur hat to keep her warm. I wonder if she's wearing fur lined slacks too?

Claire Trevor is under there somewhere. She looks like my great aunts Chow.

Linda Darnell is decked out and if I were to wear fur I would go with the chocolate brown too. What a beauty she is!

Ann Blyth is a beauty in her white cape. I thought fur was supposed to 'bulk' you up but Ann looks like a frosted toothpick here.

Ann Francis has the right idea! Just wear something sexy and lay on the fur to stay warm and fashionable.

Barbara Stanwyck prefers the mid length fur. Always stunning!

Bette Davis prefers fur sleeves which weigh more than she does. It doesn't look all that warm but I'm sure she was a real head turner in that outfit.

Clara Bow loved her fur. Guessing that color was red fox to match her hair.

Elizabeth Taylor was a big fan of fur when they were acceptable. She was gorgeous in her Chinchilla. You'll be seeing a lot of her in this series.

Thanks for joining me and please return for more of my fur series as well as my post during the Dogathon on Tuesday. (More fur!) Stay warm, film fans!

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Happy Valentine's Day from My Love of Old Hollywood

2012-02-13T22:23:00.000-08:00

Betty Hutton is ready for a night of romance.

Marilyn Monroe is ready to play cupid.

Cyd Charisse is picture perfect.

Jeanette MacDonald looks like she's ready to serenade some lucky guy and melt his heart.

Ann Miller could catch any guys attention with those perfect legs.

Rita Hayworth, the perfect rose for Kevin at Kevin's Movie Corner.

Toby Wing is sure to steal a few hearts.

Virginia Mayo is looking lovely.

Debbie Reynolds wants you to be her Valentine.

I'm sure many men have dreamed of Ann Sheridan being their Valentine.

Jean Harlow is already diving in to her box of chocolates.

Florence George looks like she should be on top of a heart shaped cake.

Betty Grable is ready to take aim.

Dolores Moran is ready to give Betty some competition. No man is safe!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love and laughter.

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The Academy Awards: 1938

2012-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

It's time to take another look back at the Academy Awards and this week we'll be discussing the winners, nominees and snubs for 1938. This will be my last Oscar post as the 2012 Academy Awards approach but I'll re-visit them in December, where we will pick back up with the films of 1939. So if you've got your popcorn and crying towel ready, let's jump right in.

BEST PICTURE:
Winner: You Can't Take It With You, Nominees: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Boys Town, The Citadel, Four Daughters, Grand Illusion, Jezebel, Pygmalion, Test Pilot

Best Picture winner, "You Can't Take It With You"

BEST ACTOR:
Winner: Spencer Tracy in "Boys Town", Nominees: Charles Boyer in "Algiers", James Cagney in "Angels With Dirty Faces", Robert Donat in "The Citadel", Leslie Howard in "Pygmalion"

Spencer Tracy, Best Actor winner in "Boys Town"

BEST ACTRESS:
Winner: Bette Davis in "Jezebel", Nominees: Fay Bainter in "White Banners", Wendy Hiller in "Pygmalion", Norma Shearer in "Marie Antoinette", Margaret Sullavan in "Three Comrades"

Bette Davis, Best Actress winner in "Jezebel"

Best SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Winner: Walter Brennan in "Kentucky", Nominees: John Garfield in "Four Daughters", Gene Lockhart in "Algiers", Robert Morley in "Marie Antoinette", Basil Rathbone in "If I Were King"

Walter Brennan, Best Supporting Actor winner in "Kentucky"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Winner: Fay Bainter in "Jezebel", Nominees: Beulah Bondi in "Of Human Hearts", Billie Burke in "Merrily We Live", Spring Byington in "You Can't Take It With You", Miliza Korjus in "The Great Waltz"

Fay Bainter , Best Supporting Actress winner in "Jezebel"

BEST DIRECTOR:

Winner: Frank Capra for "You Can't Take It With You", Nominees: Michael Curtiz for "Angels With Dirty Faces:, Michael Curtiz for "Four Daughters", Norman Taurog for "Boys Town", King Vidor for "The Citadel"

Michael Curtiz, Best Director winner for "You Can't Take It With You"

OSCAR SNUBS and OMISSIONS:

Errol Flynn in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (see cast below)

"Bringing Up Baby" for not being nominated for Best Picture as well as Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn being snubbed (comedies continuing to get a bad rap)

"Holiday" getting snubbed, again with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn

Mickey Rooney for Best Supporting Actor in "Boys Town"

Basil Rathbone being nominated for the wrong film. He should have been nominated for "The Adventures of Robin Hood"

Henry Fonda for Best Actor in "Jezebel"

The cast of "You Can't Take It With You" (Best Picture and Best Director winner but omitting Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore and Edward Arnold in the acting categories is shocking)

Pat O'Brien in "Angels With Dirty Faces"

Claude Rains in "Four Daughters"

John Cromwell for directing "Algiers"

Alfred Hitchcock for directing "The Lady Vanishes"

William Wyler for directing "Jezebel"

MY HONORABLE MENTIONS:

The cast of "Bringing Up Baby", (my favorite comedy of all time) director Howard Hawks

The cast of "The Adventures of Robin Hood", director Michael Curtiz

The cast of "Marie Antoinette", director "W. S. Van Dyke

The cast of "Test Pilot", director Victor Fleming and cinematography (The Best Cinematography Award would go to "The Great Waltz")

"The Lady Vanishes" was completely snubbed! The cast and director, Alfred Hitchcock

"Vivacious Lady" was nominated in the Best Cinematography and Sound Recording category but the director, George Stevens and actors Ginger Rogers and James Stewart deserve a mention for this delightful comedy.

OSCAR TRIVIA:

The ceremony was held at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on February 23rd, 1939. This would be the first year that there would be no official Academy Award host.

This would be the first year that a foreign film was nominated for Best Picture with Jean Renoir's "The Grand Illusion"

This would be the first time in Oscar history that three of the four winners were previous Oscar winners.

Spencer Tracy would become the first actor to win back to back Oscars, now tied with Luise Rainer. This would not be repeated again until Tom Hanks won his second Oscar in 1994 for "Forrest Gump".

The first Juvenile Oscars were given out this year with Mickey Rooney and Deana Durbin recieving miniatures of the statuette.

The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was given to Hal B. Wallis.

Honorary Oscars were presented to Walt Disney and studio executive, co-founder of Warner Bro's studio, Harry M. Warner as well as Oliver Marsh and Allen Davey.

Walt Disney would also win his seventh Academy Award for his Short Subject: Cartoon, "Ferdinand the Bull". Due to the outrage of Walt Disney's full length film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" getting snubbed the previous year, Walt Disney was also presented another special Oscar which was seven miniatures, representing the seven dwarfs.

Even though the Best Picture and Best Director winner, "You Can't Take It With You" was nominated for seven Oscars, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold and James Stewart weren't nominated. Just mind boggling if you ask me.

Fun Facts about Best Picture winner, "You Can't Take It With You".

The rights to the film caused a court battle when director Frank Capra saw the play and pushed for the screen rights which Harry Cohn was having no part of after the final cut fiasco with "Lost Horizon" the previous year. He felt another comedy starring Jean Arthur was not worth laying down $200,000 for the screen rights. Capra feeling otherwise, went to court then won the battle with Columbia shelling out the cash for the screen rights with the stipulation that Capra direct the film. (I'm sure Cohn wound up eating crow once it won big at the Oscars)

This would also be the first collaboration between James Stewart and Frank Capra. Stewart would get the role of Tony Kirby after Capra saw his performance in "Navy Blue and Gold".

Shortly before filming began, Lionel Barrymore lost the use of his legs due to crippling arthritis and a hip injury. To accommodate him and his debilitating condition, the script was altered so his character had a sprained ankle, allowing him to depend on crutches to get through filming. Sadly, he would need injections for the pain hourly just to get through filming.

Ann Miller was only 15 yrs old when she appeared in the film. Her character in the film would have to perform grueling ballet routines which was very painful for Ann, however being a pro she never complained, waited until she was off camera and away from the crew to cry out. James Stewart never realized the reason Ann was always so visibly upset during scenes but being concerned about her, he had boxes of candy sent to her throughout filming to make her feel better. (Such a nice chap, that Jimmy!)

Frank Capra would team up again with Jean Arthur and Jimmy Stewart for "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" but more on that later.

Bette Davis after receiving her Oscar in 1939. I'm a big fan of Bette's and I'm thrilled she won for my favorite of her films "Jezebel".

Well that's a rap for this years Academy Awards. Please let me know what you think of the winners, losers and omissions as well as any I've forgotten to mention. Also, please enjoy the below montage of all of the winners for 1938 serenaded by Best Song winner Thanks For The Memory from "The Big Broadcast of 1938", music by Ralph Rainger.

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Musicals and other crazy stuff!

2012-02-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

It's become a bit of a joke that I have this aversion to musicals! And I readily admit that I'm not a fan of them. Believe me when I say that I've tried many times to embrace them, find a way to covet them because my fellow bloggers show such love and admiration.

I've spoken about my mother many times here, how watching films with her as a little girl turned me into a fan of classic film but we never watched musicals! Hmmm While on the phone with my mother recently I brought up musicals and my moms response was "GOD, I can't stand them!" There you go I guess!

Perhaps it was the music! I have tried watching musicals in order to write star bios so I dove into some Betty Hutton musicals. No and please no! Dick Powell singing is okay and tolerable and I even attempted sitting through a Ricardo Montalban musical. (I made it through 14 minutes of that!)

Now that I've spent three paragraphs complaining I have to add that I love any film with Judy Garland singing but that's about it for me! "Meet Me in St. Louis" is wonderful but my favorite is Somewhere Over the Rainbow. A true sign that a musical stands the test of time is having it's songs replicated. I haven't heard Betty Hutton's "Annie Get Your Gun" renditions remastered yet!

If you're still with me and you haven't left to remove me from your "I heart musical's" list then hear me out! I'm a big fan of music and I have pretty eclectic taste. You'll find me listening to Andrea Bocelli, Eminem, Blake Shelton, Donny Hathaway or Flo Rida on any given day.

I want to talk about Judy Garland and what does appeal to me. Whenever I hear Somewhere Over the Rainbow I stop what I'm doing and I listen, smile and I reminisce. That is what music in film should do to you. While thinking about this post I did a bit of research and I realized that Judy's most iconic song has been performed many times since it first appeared in "The Wizard of Oz" 1939. Let's have a look.

Judy singing the original version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow

We've had many versions of this song performed since 1939.

Ray Charles

Eric Clapton (see, I do embrace Republicans : )..)

Eva Cassidy

Leona Lewis

Keith Richards

Bob Marley

Nora Jones

And the song has carried over to our talent shows in recent years... A show stopper!

Katharine McPhee (a beautiful version)

Jason Castro on American Idol with his ukulele.

I can't hate on talented men in dread locks since my younger brother sports dreads and he is a very talented artist living in Jordan.

My younger brother Tommy with his wife Sara.

My sister Jamie who looks like Meg Ryan with her husband Justin (Our active duty Marine) but back to musicals! (The last time I checked she didn't have dreads but she loves music even though she's tone death!) I rode in a car with her once as she played a Dixie Chick CD while singing until I tossed it out of the car window! It was much worse than any 50's musical! (Oh, I just realized my family really enjoys sepia which is a good thing)

And last but not least, my favorite version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow to date (since Judy) sung by Javier Colon who won the first season of The Voice. Oh, and I did search high and low on Youtube but I didn't find a new version of Singin In the Rain or Guys and Dolls but that doesn't mean they are any less special.

Please leave a comment on any of the videos you've seen (a favorite) or just feel free to rant about my dislike of musicals. Always happy to hear your comments, opinions here. And please know that if anyone hosts a Blogathon on Musicals I will be happy to sign up...Oh, yes I will! : )

Also, Rich brought up a great question in comments. Yes, I love a lot of the current Broadway musicals. Phantom of the Opera is my favorite though, I've seen it on Broadway as well as six other cities. My favorite viewing was at the Chicago Opera House on the same weekend that I saw La Cage aux Follies. I also liked a couple of recent musicals like "Chicago" and of course "Moulin Rouge". I've seen that film at least 40 times. So beautifully done and the music is amazing. So perhaps it really just has to do with not liking a type of music that has turned me off of certain musicals.

Thanks for stopping by.....Go out and sing your heart out, good or bad!

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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part Five

2012-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's time to have a look at our Classic stars in fabulous hats. Shirley is here to co-host but she's boycotting clothes today so she's here in pajamas. Let's get started, shall we?

Anne Nagel is stunning in her turban. Shirley: I'm suspicious! "I think she's a spy and that umbrella is some kind of weapon." Did you watch "Notorious" again last night?

I just love Arlene Judge's daisy hat. Don't you Shirley? Shirley: "It needs a propeller!"

Anna May Wong is a beautiful with or without a hat. Shirley: "She is hiding fortune cookies up there!" Okay, let's keep it moving.

Carole Lombard in straw today. Shirley: "She wants Clark Gable to think she's outdoorsy but you don't work on the farm in gold bangles! It's a hazard." You're very observant and like a Girl Scout...Saving lives, one misguided actress at a time!

Louise Brooks is beyond adorable today. Shirley: "I stole a flat iron to try to do my hair like hers but I looked like Dietrich in "Blonde Venus" when I got finished." I'm sure you aren't the first to try to pull off Brook's bob only for it to end in disaster!

Joan Fontaine is very pretty in her flowery hat. Shirley: "It is pretty now but wait until she goes outside. She'll be bed ridden with bee stings."

Ida Lupino is very fashionable today. Shirley: "That's the Loretta Young look!"..."Clark Gable better run and hide!" I think your studio handlers need to keep a closer eye on you.

What do you think of Anita Page? Shirley: "I thinks she's asking for it." Asking for what? Shirley: "Being attacked by spider monkeys!"

Vivien Leigh is always fashionable. Shirley: "Did you know she poisoned 30 actresses to get Gone With the Wind?" That's not true Shirley. Where did you hear that? Shirley: "I read it on the wall of the ladies bathroom over at MGM!" OH! By any chance was it Paulette Goddard's handwriting? Shirley: "No, but it could have been Olivia de Havilland." Makes sense!

Billie Seward is cute as a button. Shirley: "She might want to change before she gets sued by Buster Brown!"

Bette Davis is cute in her beret. Shirley: "When you smoke you don't have any friends, not even Joan Crawford!"...."You're left all alone to hang out with lava rocks!"

Shirley, what do you think of Carmen Miranda? Shirley: "How much is Walt Disney paying her to advertise for his amusement parks?"

Well, we got through another round although I'm pretty certain Shirley will be hearing from de Havilland's attorney.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

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A Quick Note!

2012-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

In January we had our first Blogathon of the year which was a lot of fun (if you missed it, the full list with links are available on my sidebar.) but we also gained several new CMBA members. Congratulations to all of you and welcome to our little group of bloggers.

While you're here, I wanted to let you all know that the game, Six Degrees of Separation: Classic Film will resume within the week now that the holidays are behind us. For our new members I'll get an email out to you within the next couple of days with logos to place on your blogs as well as the game format. I hope you'll join in as round 5 begins shortly. Also, for everyone who participated during the first 4 rounds, thanks so much, I hope you'll keep playing. As you may have noticed when the round gets to you, it takes very little time and effort to propel the game forward so please join us. (Existing members, that didn't play, hop on board any time by adding a logo anywhere on your blog)

I'd also like to say thanks to everyone who has been a loyal reader, commented here, started following my blog. Our classic film discussions continue to be the highlight of my day.

Stay tuned to see whats in store for My Love of Old Hollywood this year. Now that the honeymoon phase is over (October was my one year anniversary) I'll do my best to keep our relationship strong.

See you all soon whether it's here or at your own fabulous homes (I'll bring refreshments)!
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The Academy Awards: 1937

2012-01-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

As we gear up for this years Academy Awards, it's time to take another trip back to previous seasons. Thanks for joining me for the 1937 ceremony, the winners, losers and snubs.

BEST PICTURE:
Winner: The Life of Emile Zola, Nominees: The Awful Truth, Captains Courageous, Dead End, The Good Earth, In Old Chicago, Lost Horizon, One Hundred Men and a Girl, Stage Door, A Star is Born

Best Picture winner: "The Life of Emile Zola"

BEST ACTOR:
Winner: Spencer Tracy in "Captains Courageous", Nominees: Charles Boyer in "Conquest", Fredric March in "A Star is Born", Robert Montgomery in "Night Must Fall", Paul Muni in "The Life of Emile Zola

Spencer Tracy, Best Actor winner in "Captains Courageous"

BEST ACTRESS:

Winner: Luise Rainer in "The Good Earth", Nominees: Irene Dunne in "The Awful Truth", Greta Garbo in "Camille", Janet Gaynor in "A Star is Born", Barbara Stanwyck in "Stella Dallas"

Luise Rainer, Best Actress winner in "The Good Earth"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Winner: Joseph Schildkraut in "The Life of Emile Zola", Nominees: Ralph Bellamy in "The Awful Truth", Thomas Mitchell in "The Hurricane", H.B. Warner in "Lost Horizon", Roland Young in "Topper"

Joseph Schildkraut, Best Supporting Actor winner in "The Life of Emile Zola"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Winner: Alice Brady in "In Old Chicago", Nominees: Andrea Leeds in "Stage Door", Ann Shirley in "Stella Dallas", Claire Trevor in "Dead End", May Whitty in "Night Must Fall",

Alice Brady, Best Supporting Actress winner in "The Awful Truth"

Director:

Winner: Leo McCarey for "The Awful Truth", Nominees: William Dieterle for "The Life of Emile Zola", Sidney Franklin for "The Good Earth", Gregory La Cava for "Stage Door", William Wellmann for "A Star is Born"

Leo McCarey, Director winner for "The Awful Truth"

Omissions and Snubs:

Cary Grant in "The Awful Truth" (Comedians always getting the shaft!)

Director Victor Fleming for "Captains Courageous"

"Way Out West"

Busby Berkeley for his finale dance number in "Varsity Show" (Best Dance Direction)

George and Ira Gershwin's They Can't Take That Away From Me, sung by Fred Astaire in "Shall We Dance" (lost out to Bing Crosby's Sweet Leilani)

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in the Best Picture category

Carole Lombard in "Nothing Sacred"

"Camille" for Best Picture or Best Director (George Cukor)

Frank Capra for Best Director "Lost Horizon", Ronald Coleman in "Lost Horizon"

Paul Muni in "The Good Earth"

W.S. Van Dyke, Best Director for "The Prisoner of Zenda"

Honorable Mentions:

The Marx Brothers comedy: "A Day At The Races"

"Topper" Ensemble cast and directing. (In my opinion, Roland Young should have won the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance.) Darn biopics!

"The Hurricane" for it's ground breaking special effects, Mary Astor for her supporting role.

The cast of "Stage Door", Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers and Adolphe Menjou

Oscar Trivia:

The award ceremony was held on March 10th, 1938 at the Biltmore Hotel and hosted by Bob Burns. (The ceremony was originally scheduled for March 3rd but due to heavy flooding in Los Angeles it was postponed.

Luise Rainer was the first thespian to win back to back Oscars, winning the year before in "The Great Ziegfeld" She would also be the first to win two Academy Awards. (Spencer Tracy would tie her record the following year) I will say that I agree with Tracy and Rainer's winning. Luise was phenomenal as O-Lan from Pearl Buck's beautifully written book, the screen adaptation was everything you want a film to be, with Muni in one of his best performances as well. (Now, her win the previous year, well I won't get into that again!)

This would be the last year for the categories, Best Assistant Director and Best Dance Direction. (Sorry Busby Berkeley)

The Life of Emile Zola would receive a record 10 nominations with three wins. It would also be Warner Bro's first Best Picture win. Warner Bro's, already known for it's biopics pushed heavily for the film to be made with Paul Muni after his Oscar win the previous year in "The Story of Louis Pasteur"

Walt Disney won his sixth consecutive Oscar in the Short Film category for "The Old Mill"

The Oscar nominated film "The Good Earth" would be the last film Irving Thalberg would work on before his untimely death at 36 at the end of 1936. Prompting the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award which Darryl F. Zanuck would be the first recipient of during the 1938 ceremony.

Mack Sennett won an Honorary Award for his lasting contribution to the comedy technique of the screen. Edgar Bergen and cinematographer, W. Howard Greene were also given the Honorary Award that year.

The most egregious Oscar omission for 1938 was Cukor's "Camille" which was far superior to "In Old Chicago" and "One Hundred Men and a Girl" (both Best Picture nominees).

Best Picture winner, "The Life of Emile Zola" was filmed in reverse, with Muni starting out with his own long beard. It was trimmed and darkened as the film progressed. (I guess in the case, regressed). His makeup took 3 1/2 each morning.

Early in the film "The Life of Emile Zola", there's a scene with Zola in his drafty apartment burning books to keep warm. The real life Emile Zola died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a stopped chimney

Well, that's a wrap for the winners and losers of 1937. I hope you enjoyed my look back and please share your opinion on the winners and snubs, your favorites. Also, take a moment to enjoy the short montage of the winners of 1937 below. Take it away Bing!

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The CMBA sponsored Comedy Classics Blogathon: Easy Living (1937)

2012-01-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

When I found out our next Blogathon would be on Classic Comedies I was a bit nervous. How can you snark on a film that's already funny? Well, after much thought I decided to give it a try. This really is a fun film with Milland and Arthur at their best. I just wish we would have had more interaction between the two. The supporting cast was a riot, just what you want in a screwball comedy.

My favorite comedy is "Bringing Up Baby" but I couldn't bring myself to snark on it. Although Easy Living is a very good film that I hope everyone has seen. If not, there really aren't any spoilers here but plenty of snark so please forgive me.

CAST:

Jean Arthur as Mary Smith

Ray Milland as John Ball Jr.

Edward Arnold as J.B. Ball

Luis Alberni as Louis Louis

Mary Nash as Jenny Ball

Directed by Mitchell Leisen

Screenplay by Preston Sturges

We open to a large mansion and lots of staff with strategically placed ladders.

This Park Ave. mansion belongs to J.B. Ball who's super rich and grouchy. (What kids today would call a 1%er) Let's see your tax returns Mr.!

And uncoordinated apparently. Or the staff has had enough of this turnip throwing his weight around.

No, you don't look guilty at all. I bet that picnic basket is full of silverware.

By the time he reached the bottom step the maid was on her way to sad city.

Things move fast on Park Ave. and if you thought he had a sense of humor, just look at how he described that poor maid.

It's time for breakfast with Richie Rich Jr. If you look closely, he's on the right behind the tower of silver. This one is clueless and spoiled. He's charged a foreign sports car to daddies account.

They're all arguing over butter vs lard and finding this snot a job. Just look at the collar. Who dresses like that for breakfast? The 1%, that's who.

It's all so confusing on Park Avenue. They're still fighting about butter vs lard and by judging the butler I'm guessing he's on team lard.

More bad news! Mama Ball has been out shopping! (Hide your eyes OWS protesters)

OH, look! She's wearing a fur trimmed robe while rubbing rose water on her precious legs...and who said the idle rich weren't creating jobs?

She's hidden the Sable in the closet in plain sight. (PETA just passed out!)

This one can't keep his balance. Should they even be fighting over using butter or maybe a substitute?

With a head start, Mama Ball has managed to get away with the sable. Barely noticing the vines growing up the wall.

Apparently she's found a seldom used hallway where the staff is growing hemlock.

They both realize they ran up two flights of stairs when there's a perfectly good elevator. But back to the sable....(obviously never having set foot in a kitchen, they don't know the difference between thyme and hemlock.) Revenge of the staff can move forward!

The sable get's tossed on a bus, landing on the luckiest and dumbest girl in Manhattan.

The lucky girl gets off the bus to find the owner.. Not realizing that when dead animals land on your head you keep it movin. (I read that in National Geographic, Issue 157)

Richie Rich refuses to take it back and before you know it these two manage to confuse themselves. Her broken hat has everyone in a trance.

The only logical thing to do is hop in a limo with a perfect stranger and your new coat. Dating on Park Avenue sure is easy. Well it could be dating but this is all so confusing that we might be witnessing an abduction.

Ditzy tries to explain the percentage paid back on a loan on 100 dollar coats which ends up with me wanting to jump out of the car.

More arguing and non explaining...even this banker can't explain small loans to Ditzy so the only logical thing to do is....

Go Shopping! YAY for the wealthy! But you might want to get her a different hat. One that doesn't have enough fabric to choke her during one of her walks through Central Park.

She's happy and he's acting shady on the way out of the boutique. Just wait until Mama Ball get's wind of this! If she can find her way back down ten corridors and twelve rooms to that hemlock, you're toast.

OH, I hope she doesn't hurt herself with that hat! Anyway, who's up for blackmail?

Ditzy D. get's dropped off at The Boy's Company. Gee, it's not even 10 a.m. and she's getting passed around like X-Lax at a model convention.

Apparently she works here with the elderly who appreciate a good fur.

Nosy Ned doesn't waste any time getting on the horn to spread some rumors. Everything's so confusing that whoever he's talking to will never get it. Hang up the phone! I can't take it.

Ditzy D has to explain why she's late to work. Which goes something like "Lard, rode a bus, dangerous hats, the wealthy are fat but nice, broken hats, I rode in a limo and did fancy math, late is okay sometimes if there's a loan but well, I need to sit down, Gee whiz Park Avenue is dangerous but lucky. I mean I think it's lucky and so are sable coats."

What do you mean my hair is changing into the Shearer flip? And what does that have to do with fat math or sudden good luck on the poor people bus?

Ditzy D's boss, not believing any of her story besides her changing hair, checks to see if a fur coat was sold.

You know what makes this scene fun? Losing your horrible job after catching a $68,000 fur coat. PETA was right! Fur makes people feisty and troubled. (It's the guilt!)

For a Boys Company the ladies sure are unattractive. Not that I'm judging what the rich go for.

We get the news that Mama Ball is headed to Florida where they don't wear fur coats but you can get some good hemlock to sooth your mind. (wink, wink)

Richie Rich has some of the most expensive cardboard backdrop that money can by. Manhattan is approaching two dimensional.

If you weren't yet convinced of his wealth, the studio has thrown in the "Cleopatra" backgrounds to set you straight. (That set designer has a sense of humor or a good stash)

Louis, Louis has just left Richie Rich with the bad news that his loans are due on his fancy hotel. Nosy Ned greets him with some gossip. (the short and coherent version is they now think Richie Rich is seeing Ditzy D)

Let's check in with Ditzy D who's managed to find her sad apartment and some spare change.

She finds a note from the landlord who is either kiding, riding or a bad speller. (That's idiot speak for Pay Your Rent!) They've got to be related.

Even the piggy bank looks sad and over it in this joint.

The pig get's it with a shoe! I can't say he didn't deserve it with that attitude but Ditzy finds a telegram.

Louis has plans at Hotel Louis...P.S. Bring your brain so I don't have to keep shilling for the man.

Louis, the smooth operator says "You look exactly like I thought you would but 100 times better." Huh? Either he was expecting Richie Rich's wife's twin sister or a garbage pail!

Ditzy D (still trusting and as dumb as she was an hour ago) follows Louis, Louis to a large suite for a tour. I'm starting to understand where 'screwball comedies' got their name. This one is Janet from another planet! She needs a Chaperon and some boundaries.

The ceramic busts are giving her the side eye and judgmental looks! Know your place ladies but stay alert in case this is a murder scene.

This suite is Trump Tower tacky! And Ditzy D doesn't have any money for rent but that's okay. Louis, Louis will rent it for a $1 a day. No, I can't figure out why he's almost bankrupt either. She'll take it! (Keep in mind that she didn't accept the coat, hat, a ride, the directions to Louis, Louis either. I don't think Jean Arthur realizes shes even in this film)

Just look at that bathtub, fountain, tunnel to broken hearts fiasco. I'm so jealous of the rich right now.

We get a glimpse of the exercise room and how the Uber Wealthy stay so fit. They vibrate their guts out on mechanical horses.

We get our second glimpse of how the wealthy stay fit. (I won't judge but at least I have eggs and a bottle of hot chili sauce for guests)

D.D. finds her way down to the closest Automat without a map or being summoned so she's making progress. It's like a canteen truck but for the wealthy.

And look who's working here. Richie Jr. With double shifts he should be able to pay his father back by 1972.

They've got a chocolate fountain set in marble! But she's broke so she better get creative or stand around for 5 seconds until someone offers her a steak, the Queen Mary and a Cartier watch. (She's got it, I just don't know what "It" is!)

Just like clockwork (meaning the writers) she waits a few seconds for R.R Jr. to sidle up and offer her the world. Okay, not the world but a hot pie at window 10.

Hot pie for the clueless at window 10! (I had to stop and call up Goodwill to see if they have any sable coats...I got laughed at then hung up on...guess I'll go to work tomorrow) This film it making me do weird things out of jealousy.

R.R. Jr. is busted! And like anyone who helps out the needy he offers up an explanation.

Which ends in fighting and a screen grab of Milland's backside. Sometimes you should just run! During the scuffle the lever to the food windows gets switched. ('screwball' alert)

Over caffeinating the poor is always a bit risky unless you have a truckload of furs handy.

This scene wasn't predictable at all!

Richie Rich Jr. and his new girlfriend (she doesn't know it yet and guessing she never will!) manage to escape. He let's her know that he doesn't want to work twenty years just to end up standing behind a nut salad. Well, good news! You worked 3 hours and ended up beside a nut salad.

Never meeting a stranger that she doesn't trust, Ditzy D invites him up to her suite. (She wouldn't survive a week on Craigslist!) This is her explaining the coat, lard, bus rides, sad pigs, Louis, Louis, dollar rent and how Columbus sailed to Cambodia on a wooden raft. (Okay, not the last part but this clueless hottie zoned out at sad pigs.)

They try to figure out how the bathtub works which is pointless. Just throw some coins in it and wait for the Taj Mahal to be delivered to your suite.

Lacking brain cells but never giving in when they focus really hard, they manage to get the water to work. These kids really should get married and go back and finish fifth grade!

Either they've summoned a novice cross dresser or Nosy Ned is back to deliver more furs. (Being mistaken for the mistress of Daddy Warbucks really does pay off) Now, if only they realized why they keep getting all this stuff. I'm sure this simpleton would be satisfied with a kitten and a yo-yo.

Down in the lobby, Papa Ball has checked in after being left by his wife and son.

Twenty yards of tulle and crazy exits the elevator just in time to greet Big Papa. It's all so confusing to Louis, Louis when they don't interact. Ditzy has food on her mind.

A reporter notices the two from afar so within an hour all of Manhattan will think something tawdry is going down at Hotel Louis.

Ditzy D.: "Does this tulle make me look stupid?" R. R. Jr.: "Only the last five yards of it!"

After eating everything on the hotel menu that was ordered up by Daddy Rich, they need a nap. (Just to clarify, Daddy Rich didn't know he was feeding his son who doesn't know Ditzy is there because Daddy Rich gave her a coat, which led to sad pigs, the dollar suite, fat dresses and the jobless rate in Manhattan going up 2% because of her) You're welcome!

D.D. "Are you sleepy?" R.R. Jr.: "No, I just noticed the back of your hair. It's the Shearer flip!" D.D. "NOOO! Wait..if I wave out the window I bet someone will show up with some rollers, a mobile salon and two ticket to The Follies Bergere." R.R. Jr. "Isn't that in Las Vegas in 1992?" D.D: "This is a screwball comedy...with a huge budget!"

Time for things to get crazy!

D.D. does her best to work phones. Obviously for her safety they need break away cords.

She has a new car being delivered with two chauffeurs. (Boy, mistresses were treated differently in those days. Now they just grow helmet hair and convince their husbands to run for President.)

Richie Jr. finds his way back to the suite with more gifts. Not once has he had a light bulb moment where he figures out none of this makes any sense. (Stay in school and know being middle class is okay kids!)

Louis, Louis let's Papa Rich know that his old lady is on her way back from Florida after hearing the news of his affair. (He still has no idea who he's having an affair with. Well he's not actually having an affair nor is anyone else but...Oh, nevermind)

D.D. tries to explain her situation using horses and chickens in a bizarre analogy. Richie Jr. just nods like he understands. He's just happy to have another day or two to figure out how the bathtub works.

Thinking she's the mistress of the great J.B. Ball, a stockbroker shows up wanting stock tips. Would someone please sit this woman down and listen to her for a few minutes before she does something dangerous without knowing it? She's like one misunderstanding away from becoming the Ambassador of Leprechaunia.

Richie Jr. finds it all amusing and tells her to sell steel low...It's all funny when it's not your money. (Guessing this is how Wall Street crashed in 1929.) Rich jokesters!

Once the market goes into chaos, Richie Rich and a few other 1%er's gather to meltdown and figure out how to fix things by buying up a lot of steel.

He's losing money like mad and I bet they're on their way to repo his skyline.

In the meantime Ditzy Dee is getting the Pretty Woman treatment up in her suite except there are no thigh high boots or a john, when she gets a call that she has made $18,000 on her stock. (I'm sure with her own money she'll be more frugal.)

Down on Wall Street the floor is in total chaos as the rich lose their shirts. (You're welcome middle class!)

I was just sitting here thinking, if I had $18,000 I would get a couple of sheep dogs, some birds and a bowl of fish. Guessing the dinosaur bones and the six person gondola are on back order.

Mama Bell has shown up and boy is she aware of their situation. Just look at that sad coat! She can only afford fur sleeves and a collar. Times are rough uptown.

Realizing what a mess he's made, trust fund baby shows up to straighten things out. Only, he doesn't know that everyone is having a freak out over his prank nor that he's been shacking up with the woman who's shut down Manhattan with a wink and a smile.

Ditzy D. and her dogs show up at the bank which causes people to fall down, scream and get all twisted up. (Who wouldn't love this mess and offer her the world on borrowed silver?)

Everyone does their best to figure out how all of this started in the first place which would take less time if we had a two hour sequel in braille.

I feel like Manhattan is closing in on me! (Nope! They're just repossessing the backdrop so stand away from the window.) He gets the bright idea to call up the stockbroker with another tip. (Find a sofa, the genius is going to need a nap.)

D.D.: "Hello, I've got two sheep dogs that I'll trade for Austria and a snow cone." Daddy Rich: "Just tell them steel is selling HIGH!"

Ditzy D. tells Prince Charming that she shouldn't have been a smarty when trying to explain how she got the coat." Huh?

Not getting to the bottom of anything with less than five minutes left, she takes off to Austria, not realizing she doesn't own it or a snow cone. I have no idea what happened to the birds or fish but if we can get a wide shot I'm betting they're on top of a water tower or the taxi roof. She's just adorable!

Who summoned Eric Von Stroheim, who's obviously stolen Norma Desmond's car? They're being chased by the cops.

Hey, how did those fish get up there?

I can't bear it! Here goes the coat.

I guess when you're wealthy its less embarrassing to toss furs over the railing than return them.

Just do yourself a favor and throw it in the trash then run to the closest PETA safe house.

These two look happy. Well, I think they're happy but who can tell. Find yourselves a safe place and don't talk to anyone! (Oh, on a side note, the Easy Living poster shows these two Rhodes Scholars in a passionate kiss but I didn't see them kiss even once! Perhaps they were under an avalanche of chocolate, behind a tower of silver or I was just distracted by that bathtub. For whatever reason, I feel a bit jipped!)

Thanks for joining me for my contribution to the Comedy Classics Blogathon. If you haven't seen this film it's available in it's entirety on Youtube. I give it a 9 out of 10 sheep dogs!

For a full list of the films being reviewed by our fellow members just click HERE. There are some great reviews up already, with more to come all week. So please stop by and give everyone your support.

See you in the funny papers,

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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part Four

2012-01-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

It's time to take a look at more fun and fabulous hats but you'll have to excuse Shirley. I caught her during laundry day so she doesn't have a thing to wear.

Anna Sten looks pretty in her floral hat. Shirley: "All of that smoking has made her all hunched over and neck less!"...." Is that one of those PSA's against smoking?"

Carole Lombard is sizzling hot today! Shirley: "She's giving Clark Gable her bedroom eyes!" OH, Where did you ever hear that phrase? Shirley: "William Powell!.."I think he's seen it before too."

Ann Harding is so chic! Shirley: "She matches the dog!..Her ears are telling us that she's hungry."

Greta Garbo loved her hats and this one is just lovely on her. Shirley: "Somebody needs a nap or she's just trying to look sleepy so she can be left alone." Or, she just came from visiting Barbara Lamarr's dressing room. "I don't know what that means." And you won't! We don't have time for a PSA on opiates.

Barbara Stanwyck can pull off a very large hat. Shirley: "It's hard to notice with that sickly rodent sitting on her shoulder but at least it's well trained." This is why I'll be doing my fur series alone.

Brenda Joyce looks just fine in feathers doesn't she Shirley? Shirley: "She stuck a feather in her hat and called it matrimony." That sounds about right..Are your clothes dry yet?

I just love Bette Davis in anything so her beaded beanie is spot on. Shirley: "She looks sad so I think she was waiting on husband #2 to notice her." I'm guessing Joan Crawford walked by right before the photo was taken. Shirley: "Is Ms. Crawford coming?....Is she here?...I've got to find clothes, sit up straight and act like a good little girl... Oh, I'm afraid!"

Loretta Young is one of my favorites and, obviously she can pull anything off. Shirley: "She's a picnic...and ever since she heard Mr. Gable likes fruit she's been walking around this way." I think those are radishes so she might be waiting awhile!

Joan Crawford was the Queen of hats! I would wear that dress today. Shirley? Shirley? I guess we'll move along since Shirley seems to have disappeared.

Louise Brooks is always flawless. Shirley: "Is she gone?" Is who gone? Shirley: "Ms. Crawford!" Yes, but she said something about inviting you over for a play date as she left. Shirley: "I won't go!"..."Louise has a lot of jewelry...that means she has lots of Admirals!" Guessing you mean admirers. Shirley: "No! Admirals and a few Generals." It's always nice to support the troops. Nothing wrong with that!

Ginger Rogers..such a beauty! Shirley: "She looks like she fell in a patch of mistletoe!" Sounds painful! Shirley: "And stupid!...I think she needs glasses." Well, at least it wasn't laundry day.

Norma Shearer is flawless today! Shirley: "She should wear hats all of the time!".."Did you see her hair in "The Women"? Good one Shirley!

Well, we managed to get through another round! Time to get Shirley dolled up and ready for her play date. Oh, this should be fun! We'll see you all next time.

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Alice Faye (1915-1998)

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure who I would do a bio on next but a few weeks ago when we had our mini earthquake here in OK my Alice Faye autograph, photo fell off the wall and the frame broke. I thought, hmmm it's a sign! Okay, I actually thought, since it was out of the frame, I guess I'll scan the autograph before gluing the dang thing back together. So ready or not Alice, it's your turn in the spotlight.

The adorable little New Yorker started out in vaudeville as a chorus girl like so many ambitious and talented actresses before her. At the age of 16, she managed to get a role in George White's Scandals on Broadway, the year was 1931. Alice settled in with the Ziegfeld Follies type revue where she would remain in the cast until 1934. Initially, her hope was to become a chorus girl in the actual Ziegfeld Follies but when she tried out she was passed over due to her young age, not yet 16 at the time.

In "365 Nights in Hollywood" 1934

Alice was keeping busy during the early 1930's with her Broadway gig, feeling lucky to have a full time job acting, singing and dancing with an occasional appearance on Rudy Vallee's Radio Show The Fleischmann Hour. Then in 1934 she caught her lucky break when Lillian Harvey was unable to take the lead in the film version of "George White's 1935 Scandals". Now close friends with Rudy Vallee who would be appearing in the film, Alice was recommended to replace Harvey. Faye's appearance on the big screen was well received and with Darryl Zanuck finding her delightful and moldable she was on her way to stardom. Of course it was the young Broadway star, Eleanor Powell who stole the film with her "specialty dance" number. A then unknown actress named Jane Wyman also appeared in the picture with an uncredited walk on.

Faye, was also cast with James Dunn in "365 Nights in Hollywood" in 1934, showcasing her musical talents and a few comedic lines which we'll see a lot more of a bit later. Zanuck took a risk on another young blonde, fresh off the Broadway stage and whether he hoped to create his own Harlow, after her untimely death, he certainly wanted Alice under contract at Fox before MGM discovered her as they did Harlow.

With James Dunn in "George White's 1935 Scandals"

With longtime friend, Rudy Vallee in "George White's 1935 Scandals"

Now a part of the Fox family, Alice was given a softer makeover with a different shade of blonde and more mature makeup so she wouldn't be compared to the original blonde bombshell, Jean Harlow. Not yet a great or even good actress, the studio decided to focus more on her beautiful singing voice. Newly coiffed and polished, Faye was given a starring role in the musical, "King of Burlesque" in 1936 with the young Warner Baxter and Jackie Oakie. The film was a moderate success, even getting an Oscar nod for Best Dance Direction.

Faye would star in three other pictures the same year. "Poor Little Rich Girl" with Shirley Temple, Jack Haley and Gloria Stuart was next up for Alice. (I actually watched the film again recently and the final dance number is one of the most memorable of Shirley's for me plus it really is a cute story.) Of course during the 1930's Shirley was the star and everyone else was just there to prop her up and be supportive in her films. I guess it was a good gig if you could get it! Especially if you're given the task of taking care of Miss Temple while she's on another one of her adventures. On a side note: I might be partial to the dance number in "Poor Little Rich Girl" because the Shirley T doll that I have, she's wearing that little soldier outfit. See, this bio is about Alice and I've wandered off on a discussion about curly top!

Alice Faye with Jack Haley and Shirley Temple in "Poor Little Rich Girl" 1936

Next up for Alice was another musical "Sing, Baby, Sing" which co-starred Adolphe Menjou, Gregory Ratoff, Patsy Kelly, The Ritz Brothers and Michael Whalen. Faye's final film during 1936 would pair her up again with Shirley Temple in "Stowaway" which also starred Robert Young. Perhaps I'm a softy because I loved this film too. Shirley, either running away or getting lost never gets old (okay, that probably didn't come out right) but it's a cute film and even though I'm not a fan of musicals I like the ones with Shirley and Alice really was a good singer too.

Fox would continue to keep Faye busy and 1937 would provide her with the script and performance that she's most known for. "In Old Chicago" which starred the very handsome and popular Tyrone Power, Don Ameche, Alice Brady. Brian Donlevy and Phyllis Brooks. The action, drama focuses on the O'Leary brothers ongoing feud leading up to the great Chicago fire of 1871. The events are historically accurate, the plot surrounding the fire are a bit weak and the singing is decent with Faye belting out the films title song In Old Chicago. The picture was well received by critics and the Academy, garnering a total of six Oscar noms including Best Picture, Best Writing and Best Sound Recording. The other Alice (Brady) would win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Robert Webb would also win for Best Assistant Director. Although Brady's accolades were well deserved I thought Ameche was fantastic too. As far as Power, I could take him or leave him in his role but I'm sure others would disagree.

With Tyrone Power and Phyllis Brooks in "Old Chicago" 1937

Faye was cast in back to back musicals after "In Old Chicago" (I haven't seen either one so if anyone has an opinion) First was "You're A Sweetheart" then "Wake Up and Live" before she dove in to "You Can't Have Everything" where she reunited with Don Ameche and The Ritz Brothers. Gypsy Rose Lee would also make an appearance in all her feathered glory. Alice's final film for 1937 was another musical (I'm so thrilled!) titled "On the Avenue". She would team up with Dick Powell, Madeleine Carroll and The Ritz Brothers for the picture which had some pretty memorable songs. I'm actually a bit surprised that none of them were nominated for any awards. When the songs are composed by Irving Berlin and the best part of the film, well other than the gorgeous clothes, I mean who doesn't love He Ain't Got Rhythm or This Years Kisses, sung so beautifully by Faye. (Well look at that! I actually do enjoy certain musicals.)

With George Barbier, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Dick Powell on the Fox lot during filming of "On the Avenue" 1937

Alice's first of two films during 1938 was the cute little romantic comedy, "Sally, Irene and Mary" which co-starred Tony Martin, Jimmy Durante and Fred Allen. Oh, and that little sex pot Gypsy Rose Lee was back to shake her tail feather and other parts. Faye's second film during 1938 was the very successful and entertaining "Alexander's Ragtime Band". Tyrone Power, Don Ameche and Jack Haley were back to light up the screen, this time bringing along Ethel Merman and her amazing singing voice. The musical was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning one for Alfred Newman for Best Music, Scoring. The costumes are wonderful and Faye really stands out with her solo numbers, just as pleasing and memorable as Merman's. The film earned the distinction of being the top grossing musical of the 1930's, giving Faye's already successful career another boost.

Publicity still for "Sally, Irene and Mary" 1938

Alice Faye in "Alexander's Ragtime Band" 1938

With Tyrone Power in "Alexander's Ragtime Band" 1938

Still under contract at Twentieth Century Fox in 1939, Alice kept busy, starring first in the drama "Tail Spin" with Constance Bennett, Joan Davis, Nancy Kelly, Charles Farrell and Jane Wyman. If you're a fan of aviation, beautiful women fighting over hero's and Alice getting to belt out one song then this little romp is for you. Next up was another pairing with Tyrone Power with Al Jolson thrown in to the mix for the musical drama "Rose of Washington Square". Loosely based on the story of Fanny Brice and Jules Stein, Alice finally makes her way to the Ziegfeld Follies even if it's just for a fun hour on screen.

Her final film of 1939 would reunite her with Warner Baxter for the adventure drama "Barricade" This one you wouldn't write home about but I'm sure Baxter fans loved it. In case you're wondering if Alice was all about work during her early days in Hollywood, she had actually found love while filming "Sally, Irene and Mary". She had fallen in love with her handsome co-star, Tony Martin which led to them marrying in 1937.

With Constance Bennett in "Tail Spin" 1939

With Nancy Kelly and Joan Davis in "Tail Spin" 1939

1940 would prove to be a busy year for Faye, on screen and off. After 3 years of marriage things weren't all bliss with Tony Martin and they would eventually divorce that year. She kept busy with back to back films, the first being the biopic "Little Old New York" with Fred MacMurray, Richard Greene and Brenda Joyce. Faye really shined for me, finally getting to try out comedy and proving she was made for that genre even if the studio kept her busy with their musicals. She certainly had the right leading man to spread her wings since Fred is always perfect in comedies where he also shined.

Alice would pair up with Betty Grable next for another musical "Tin Pan Alley". Directed by Walter Lang, it was a box office success but not my cup of tea. I guess once you've seen Faye in a comedy you're resistant to sit through another dozen musicals. Well, unless it's a biopic/musical since I'm a fan of biopics unless they're titled "The Great Ziegfeld"! Her last film of 1940 was "Lillian Russell" where she plays the singer with great success. Her co-stars were Don Ameche, the young Henry Fonda, Leo Carrillo, Nigel Bruce, Warren William, Edward Arnold, and Lynn Bari. The film won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.

While Alice was still living in New York and working on Broadway she not only made friends with Rudy Vallee who became a close friend and mentor but she also met the Band Leader and Comedian, Phil Harris while doing Rudy's radio show. Soon after her divorce from Tony Martin, Alice reconnected with Harris, a romance developed which led to their marriage in 1941. A marriage that would produce two beautiful daughters, Alice, born in 1942 and Phyllis, born in 1944. Their union would also provide Alice with another career but more on that a bit later.

Newly married, Alice continued to work during 1941, appearing in three films for Fox. The first, another comedy/musical "That Night in Rio" co-starring Don Ameche and Carmen Miranda. (I guess if you can't have Gypsy Rose Lee shaking everything you might as well have Carmen shaking her basket of bananas!). Lots of singing, shaking, great comedic lines, another good film overall and another box office success for Faye.

Click on Alice Faye's autograph and photos from my collection for a larger view.

Faye would finish out 1941 with two more musicals, the first being "The Great American Broadcast", a fictional account of the early days of radio. The musical with it's watered down script, and mediocre performances by Jack Oakie, John Payne and Cesar Romero should have been left in Fox's file cabinet. "Week-End in Havana" was a little more successful, with Carmen Miranda back alongside Cesar Romero. Alice should have skipped this one as well as John Payne but when you're under contract and trying to keep the studio happy you didn't have a lot of say so in what you got saddled with in those days.

Alice and husband, Phil Harris's Palm Springs home

Alice returned to work in 1943 after the birth of her oldest daughter, jumping right in to another musical, "Hello Frisco, Hello". A strong script and a cast that meshed well, John Payne, Ward Bond, June Havoc, Jack Oakie and Lynn Bari gave their best as a vaudeville troop, an heiress (Bari) with plenty of laughs by all. Alice never sounded better and the film garnered one Oscar for Best Music, Original Song. You'll Never Know, sung beautifully by Alice Faye. This would be her most successful song during her career and a favorite of many couples for years to come.

Faye's other 1943 film was the musical/comedy "The Gang's All Here". When the studios were churning out films dedicated to our war hero's, those who were left on the home-front and audiences wanting to take their minds off of the struggles facing them, this was one of Fox's tributes to servicemen. Faye's romantic lead was Phil Baker with Carmen Miranda and Benny Goodman offering up more laughs and memorable songs.

In "Hello Frisco, Hello" 1943

After the birth of her daughter's, Alice became less interested in acting, signing a new contract with Fox that would allow her more free time, committing to only one project a year. She also campaigned for more serious roles and when those weren't offered, she turned down many scripts, opting instead to spend that time with her family. With younger stars now under contract, Zanuck had moved on from Faye just like so many talented stars before her. In 1944, after agreeing to co-star with Zanuck's newest darling, Linda Darnell in "Fallen Angel" it became very clear to Alice that she was yesterdays news. Upon realizing that most of her scenes had been cut to make way for Darnell to shine, feeling betrayed, Faye drove off the Fox lot feeling dejected, stopping only to hand in her dressing room key at the front gate.

This would be the end of her 11 year relationship with Zanuck and the downward turn for her film career. You don't walk away from Darryl Zanuck! By the end of the day, Alice was blackballed from every major Hollywood studio due to breach of contract. But it certainly wouldn't be the end of Zanuck and Alice which we will get to shortly. (Let's hope it involves a few kicks up Zanuck's backside but somehow I don't see that happening!)

No longer obligated to Fox, Alice teamed up with her husband for an NBC radio show in 1946 titled The Fitch Bandwagon. Showcasing Phil and Alice's chemistry, their comedy sketches along with Alice's very popular musical intro's, the show was an instant hit. In 1948, with the new sponsor Rexall, their show was renamed The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. Of course, during this time Darryl Zanuck was calling Alice, offering her the lead in the successful films "The Razor's Edge", "The Dolly Sister's", A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and "Wabash Avenue". Alice turned every role down, opting instead to keep her life Zanuck free.

She would not return to the silver screen for another 16 years when she took a part in "State Fair" in 1962. Her last musical, for the first time in a supporting role with Ann Margret and Pat Boone, the fresh faces of Fox in the lead. The film has become more popular over time but in 1962 it was panned by critics. It's lucky for all of us that Twentieth Century Fox later familiarized itself with the notion of quality over quantity!

Throughout the years Alice and Phil continued to do projects together, often appearing on The Jack Benny Show then after a 43 year absence, Faye returned to Broadway alongside her Hollywood leading man, John Payne to star in the play, Good News.

Alice and Phil would remain happily married and seldom apart until his death in 1995. Alice would survive him by only three years, falling ill with cancer, she passed away just four days after her 83rd birthday. Her ashes were placed next to her husband, Phil Harris in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, (Cathedral City) near Palm Springs, CA. Alice Faye starred in over 40 films during her Hollywood career that spanned 40 years. She was cute as a button and one of Hollywood's true talents, not to mention a consummate professional, never taking her opportunities and success for granted. If you've ever had the pleasure of listening to her radio show, you would instantly pick up on her kindness and quick sense of humor. Qualities that must have made her a joy to be around, on and off the studio lot.

Alice Faye: Fun Facts and Trivia

She introduced almost twice as many "Hit Parade" songs in her movies (23) as her competitors Judy Garland (13), Doris Day (12) and Betty Grable (12).

Irving Berlin was once quoted as saying that he would choose Faye over any other singer to introduce his songs. George Gershwin and Cole Porter called her "the best singer in Hollywood during 1937".

Faye always named "Lillian Russell" as one of her personal favorites. But playing Lillian was no easy task for Alice. Wearing a tight fitting corset was grueling, causing her to pass out on set several times and it shrunk her waist a full six inches.

Speaking of Lillian Russell, after the success of "The Great Ziegfeld", MGM wanted to put her story on film with Jeanette MacDonald in the lead. After that fell through, Fox went ahead with "Lillian Russell", a lucky break for Faye.

The film "Rose of Washington Square" was so close to the real life story of Fanny Brice and Jules Stein that he sued Twentieth Century Fox for slander. The suit was ruled in his favor, then quickly settled out of court.

After working with Betty Grable on "Tin Pan Alley", Alice and Betty became fast friends, remaining close until Grable's death in 1973. Of course, there were rumors throughout their careers that they were arch rivals but it couldn't have been further from the truth.

Released during the height of World War II, "Hello Frisco, Hello" was the highest grossing film for Fox. The sheet music for Faye's Oscar winning song, You'll Never Know went on to sell over a million copies after the films release. And the role would earn Faye the title of "Top Box Office draw in the world" for 1943.

The final tap dancing number in "Poor Little Rich Girl", featuring Faye, Haley and Temple, with it's precision took endless takes. Even though all three were excellent tap dancers they found it difficult to stay in sync for such a long and complicated number. (Perhaps it was Shirley causing a distraction since she lost her first baby tooth during filming.)

Alice Faye and Jimmy Stewart took small roles in the 1978 film "The Magic of Lassie". Stewart claimed he took the role because it was the only 'family-friendly' role with a grandfatherly part but after it flopped at the box office he semi-retired from acting.

Alice can be heard singing her signature song You'll Never Know in the Scorsese film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" 1974.

Alice once said about Shirley Temple, "She was a nice kid, with a wonderful mother and father. We all liked her. But she was brilliant. She knew everyone's dialogue and, if you forgot a line, she gave it to you. We hated her for that."

On Tyrone Power she said, "He was the best looking thing I've ever seen in my life. Kissing him was like dying and going to heaven."

Thanks for taking the time to look back at Alice Faye's life and career with me. Feel free to comment and enjoy the below clip of Alice and Rudy Vallee in "Oh, You Nasty Man" 1934

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The Academy Awards: 1936

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back to continue counting down the Academy Awards and this week we'll be looking at the Oscars for 1936, the first year that the Supporting Actor category was introduced. If you're ready, let's discuss the winners, nominees and the snubs.

BEST PICTURE:
Winner: The Great Ziegfeld, Nominees: Anthony Adverse, Dodsworth, Libeled Lady, Mr. Deed Goes to Town, Romeo and Juliet, San Francisco, The Story of Louis Pasteur, A Tale of Two Cities, Three Smart Girls

BEST ACTOR:
Winner: Paul Muni in "The Story of Louis Pasteur", Nominees: Gary Cooper in "Mr. Deed Goes to Town", Walter Huston in "Dodsworth", William Powell in "My Man Godfrey", Spencer Tracy in "San Francisco"

Best Picture Winner, Paul Muni

BEST ACTRESS:

Winner: Luise Rainer in "The Great Ziegfeld", Nominees: Irene Dunne in "Theodora Goes Wild", Gladys George in "Valiant is the Word for Carrie", Carole Lombard in "My Man Godfrey", Norma Shearer in "Romeo and Juliet"

Best Actress Winner, Luise Rainer

SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Winner: Walter Brennan in "Come and Get It", Mischa Auer in "My Man Godfrey", Stuart Erwin in "Pigskin Parade", Basil Rathbone in "Romeo and Juliet", Akim Tamiroff in "The General Died at Dawn"

Supporting Actor Winner, Walter Brennan

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Winner: Gale Sondergaard in "Anthony Adverse", Beulah Bondi in "The Gorgeous Hussy", Alice Brady in My Man Godfrey", Bonita Granville in "These Three", Maria Ouspenskaya in "Dodsworth"

Supporting Actress Winner, Gale Sondergaard

BEST DIRECTOR:

Winner: Frank Capra for Mr. Deeds Goes to Town", Nominees: Gregory La Cava for "My Man Godfrey", Robert Z. Leonard for "The Great Ziegfeld", W.S. Van Dyke for "San Francisco"

Best Director Winner, Frank Capra

OSCAR SNUBS AN OMISSIONS:

My Man Godfrey not being nominated for Best Picture

Modern Times (Chaplin's last silent film) should have been nominated for Best Picture, Best Director AND Best Actor

Swing Time should have garnered Best Actress/Actor nods for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Fury for not getting a Best Picture nod or Best Director nod for Fritz Lang

The Charge of the Light Brigade should have given David Niven a Best Supporting Actor nod and Michael Curtiz a Best Director nod

Suzy, once again Franchot Tone and Jean Harlow were snubbed

Clark Gable and Jeannette MacDonald were snubbed for San Francisco and Spencer Tracy should have been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Jean Arthur for Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

My Honorable Mentions:

The cast and director of The Charge of the Light Brigade

Modern Times was completely ignored

Fury for not recognizing director Fritz Lang or Spencer Tracy, Sylvia Sidney and Bruce Cabot

OSCAR TRIVIA FOR 1936:

Let me get something out of the way real quick. I don't think it's a secret that I adore Charlie Chaplin and I've expressed many times here on my blog and especially during my Oscar series that I'm distraught over his snubs and unfair treatment in Hollywood. But to completely ignore his last and stellar silent film. Modern Times is a disgrace! It's hard to put it into words how deeply this saddens me. He deserved so much more and he should have been admired for keeping his integrity, continuing with his craft long after sound was introduced and silents were a thing of the past. Sure, he was righted a wrong years later when he received his honorary Oscar but it was over 30 years too late. It's really hard to talk about it without getting choked up so we'll move along.

The Academy Awards was held at the Biltmore Hotel on March 4th, 1937 and hosted by George Jessel.

My Man Godfrey was the first film to receive all four acting nominations but not a Best Picture nod and no wins. Libeled Lady took it's place in the Best Picture category. I have to admit that I love biopics but The Great Ziegfeld isn't one of them! I could barely get through it and I really like the stars.

This was the first year that the Best Supporting Actor/Actress category was introduced. A category that remains today.

Bonita Granville was the first child to be nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Walt Disney received his fifth consecutive Oscar in the Best Animated Short Film category for Country Cousin

Jean Harlow passed away just three months after the Academy Award ceremony in 1937, her last chance to receive an Oscar for her performance in Suzy or Libeled Lady (failed to receive a nomination) . She was only 26 at the time of her death. Sadly, Carole Lombard would not win for her performance in My Man Godfrey as it would be her only Academy Award nomination as she also passed too soon in 1942 at the age of 33.

During the Academy Awards and long after, there was shock and disappointment that My Man Godfrey or Dodsworth did not win Best Picture over The Great Ziegfeld. Perhaps the mentality hasn't changed much since we know that biopics, dramas or epics rule the day and comedies are just not considered Oscar worthy.

Swing Time did win for Best Song, The Way You Look Tonight then it received a nod for Best Dance Direction but it lost out to The Great Ziegfeld. Busby Berkeley was also nominated for Gold Diggers of 1937.

Gale Sondergaard won in the Best Supporting Actress category in her film debut. This would be the first time and not repeated again for another 10 years when Harold Russell won for his performance in The Best Years of Our Lives (1946).

Irene Dunne lost out to Luise Rainer for Best Actress, something she would become very familiar with as this would be her second nod out of five nominations and no wins. Her role as Theodora Lynn was her first comedic role nod.

Five of the Best Picture nominations were MGM films. Their picture The Great Ziegfeld would take home the statuette. The film with it's elaborate dance direction and twenty three songs was nominated for a whopping seven nominations with three wins. It was MGM's most costly biopic to date with a budget of 2 million.

San Francisco received five nominations and one win for Best Sound Recording. It would garner Spencer Tracy his first of three consecutive Academy Award nominations.

MGM Producer, Irving Thalberg passed away suddenly from pneumonia at the end of 1936 at the age of 37. He had been collaborating with his wife, Norma Shearer for her Oscar nominated role, Romeo and Juliet as well as just finishing up San Francisco which he had pushed to get made as well as Mutiny on the Bounty the previous year. Irving, not one to want credit for his work would not be credited on screen until the 1937 film, The Good Earth then again for Goodbye Mr. Chips in 1939 with a special dedication at the beginning of the film. A film that he had set in motion but didn't live to see. He had also been working on pre-production for A Day at the Races and Marie Antoinette (another vehicle for his wife Norma) at the time of his death.

Thank You for joining me for another look back at the Oscars and please let me know what you think of the winners and nominees for 1936. Below is a quick montage of the Award winners that I hope you'll take the time to enjoy.

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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part Three

2012-01-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

Shirley is back to help me out and she looks adorable today in her leather coat and hat. If everyone else is ready let's jump right in to our favorite stars decked out in their finest toppers.

Anita Page is looking quite glam in her sequins. Shirley: "I like that hat! It makes me want to tap dance." Well, you can dance if you want but give me your opinion between routines.

I love Anita Stewart's feathers and velvet. Too bad we can't see it in color. Shirley: "I've only seen her in black and white too. She's one of those ladies that couldn't talk so they gave her words on the screen." I'm pretty sure you mean Silent pictures.

Mary Astor is looking quite stylish today. Shirley: "She looks like she's ready for court! I hope she's practicing her crying and sad face" I think you've been listening to studio gossip again Shirley.

Brenda Marshall certainly is original. Shirley: "Does original mean weird and crazy?" In polite circles I think so. Shirley: "My grandmother would say "Bless her heart" but I think she's just in love with Fred Astaire and this is her way of saying hello." I hope it all works out for her.

Ann Miller is pretty as a picture. Shirley: "We have the same cheeks and she's a good dancer." Does she know Errol Flynn?" I guess so, why?" Shirley: "Because she looks like she's going to court too." Oh, go back to dancing!

What do you think of Joan Bennett? Shirley: "Her hat is handy!" "My grandfather sat on that same hat after a surgery." I'm pretty sure they aren't the same but if they are don't mention it to Joan"

Jean Harlow is beautiful as always. Shirley: "I thought it was Jean Harlot?" We aren't going there today. Shirley: "Oh, since I started calling her that, every time she sees me she runs away and cries." You're lucky!

Lucille Ball looks gorgeous in black. Shirley: "Why does everyone love Lucy?" They just do. Shirley: "Well, can I tell you a secret, I don't! She's a tirade" I think you mean tyrant. Good luck with her fans and look into security.

Fay Wray is very fashionable today. Shirley: "I think she looks like a sheep, and gorillas eat sheep!" I can't argue with that but at least she doesn't have a court date. Shirley: "She isn't a tirade either! heehee"

Sophia Loren is always a stunner. Shirley: "What's a sex kitten?" Where did you hear that? Shirley: "I hear my dad say that when he pulls her pictures out of his locked desk drawer. It's our secret!" Well, your mother is probably better off if you keep that secret between you and your pops.

Okay Shirley, we made it through another one and I'll be sure to forward all hate mail your way. See you back here for Part Four. Thanks everyone for stopping by.

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Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-12-31T13:43:00.000-08:00

Ann Miller is ready to bring in the New Year.

Here at My Love of Old Hollywood I am ready for 2012 and more fun posts. Wishing everyone a prosperous, healthy and love filled 2012 with lots of Classic Films on your viewing list. Thank you everyone who has visited my blog throughout the year and a warm welcome to all of my new blog followers. You're the reason I churn out these posts and I'll do my best to keep them entertaining going forward.

Shirley Temple is here to let everyone know she'll be back for more co-hosting but for now she's ready to ring in the New Year with the rest of us.

See you in 2012.

Love and laughter,

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Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Taylor wishes everyone a warm and Merry Christmas!

Clara Bow has built herself an Igloo for the holidays. I hope she doesn't catch herself a cold.

Bette Davis is festive with her stuffed dogs.

Deanna Durbin is glowing in her holiday fur!

Marlene Dietrich is busy flocking her trees.

Greer Garson has even brought Holiday balloons to the party.

Shirley Temple is adorable with her Christmas scooter.

Bob Hope makes an adorable Santa with his furry sidekick.

Esther Williams is counting the days until Christmas.

Janet Leigh makes a very pretty Santa's helper.

Sonja Henie is going to ski her way into Christmas.

Wait for Arlene Dahl, Sonja!

Joan Crawford is out delivering gifts.

Olivia de Havilland is in the holiday spirit.

Dorothy Malone has found a snowman to snuggle up to.

Elizabeth Taylor is back to show off her wonderful tree. It looks like she has lot's of wonderful gifts to open.

However you celebrate the holidays, may your days be joyful while surrounded by the ones you love.

Please share how you'll be spending Christmas as well as any great Holiday films you'll be viewing. I plan to watch Christmas In Connecticut for the first time as well as The Cabin in the Cotton.

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The Dueling Divas Blogathon: Just A Friendly Competition?

2011-12-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

Lara at Backlots is hosting the very clever Blogathon, Dueling Divas from Dec. 20th-23rd so I hope everyone will visit her blog for links to all of those participating. Here is my contribution. Thanks Lara!

With so many stories about Joan Crawford and Bette Davis's long standing feud I thought it would be fun to poke a bit of fun at it, perhaps get to the bottom of it or even get those two stirred up again for no reason.

Are you ready to get this resolved Bette?

Not especially Joan, but I'll go along with it as long as you play fair and stay on your side of the room!

Bette: How far back are we willing to go to determine that I'm the bigger and better Diva? I was walking and talking quite clearly at 18 months of age!

Joan: I leaped out of the womb tap dancing so I guess that's settled!

Okay ladies, let's move ahead to the beginning of your careers otherwise we'll be here for days.

Bette: Before we go to Hollywood I would like to add that I actually kept my real name which is Ruth Elizabeth Davis on my birth certificate. Bette is short for Elizabeth! What say you Lucille Fay Le Sueur? I won't hit below the belt and bring up that you shaved two years off of your age when you got to Hollywood.

Joan: Well, I'm special enough that Louis B. Mayer ran a contest in fan magazines to choose my stage name! Joan Crawford was a special gift to me and you can't take that away.

Bette: Mayer thought your name sounded like Le Sewer so don't forget to include that!

Can we get into your films, early career so we can get to the bottom of things?

Joan: I was dancing and singing on Broadway by the time I was 18. I had amazing musicality unlike Bette who looked like a radish in a back brace after a bottle of gin while trying to dance!

Bette: I made my way to Broadway at 19! Of course I was off finishing my education before that time.

Joan: My education came from the real world! And I remember your first Broadway performance, specifically that George Cukor wasn't all that impressed. Perhaps a little more ballet and less Charles Dickens would have been helpful to you but I'm not judging!

Bette: Oh, Joan! I could bring up the time you starred in "nude films" early on which there's proof of all over the interwebs but I'm a lady. Of course I would never look at something that distasteful and crude but I have heard that you were shall we say "Rubenesque" in your early days. Perhaps you should have tried some of those 'ice treatments' on your derriere!

Joan: I thought this conversation was about Divas and not showing what an old prude you are? And by the way, those nude photos are considered art and quite valuable now so I hear. Eat your heart out Bette!

Bette: I came to Hollywood in 1930 for a screen test for Universal Studios where I was given a part in my first film "The Bad Sister" This led to a long contract with the studio.

Joan: Bette forgot to add that she failed her first screen test but moving along! I arrived in Hollywood at the end of 1924 where I was offered a contract by MGM. My first film there was "Pretty Ladies" And might I add that I was selected as a WAMPAS Baby in 1925.

Bette: Good for you Joan! It's fascinating that MGM would choose 30 year old 'babies'.

Joan: I was NOT 30! I was uhmmmm 20 or 22. With a wonderful figure that I worked tirelessly at maintaining. We all can't have a figure of a pubescent boy and a constant frown that resembles a kid sucking on limes.

Bette: Oh, really? Weren't you a bleach blonde at one time? You just couldn't stand that I have naturally blonde locks that shine like a ray of light! And I hear that you started that whole shoulder pad trend to draw attention away from your growing hips and turkey neck.

Joan: Shoulder pads were fabulous and they even came back again in the 80's! A trend I started and I looked gorgeous in. What fashion trend did you ever start?

Bette: I didn't need to start a trend! I have Bette Davis eyes in case you haven't heard...Don't you ever listen to the radio? Oh, silly me, of course you do! You listen for Pepsi Cola ads! I'm a Coca Cola fan myself. "Clink" There goes another Pepsi ad...drop another nickel into Joan's coin purse!

Okay, perhaps we could retract the claws a bit and focus on your careers, why you were feuding.

Joan: Our feud started over a man of course. My man! I was quietly engaged to the delightful Franchot Tone and he was loaned out to Universal to star in a film with our little wallflower Bette. Oh, he felt sorry for her as she made her advances but when we realized that she had fallen head over heels in love with Franchot, we had to tell her that he was taken, betrothed to me! Of course Bette was embarrassed, humiliated. This started our first feud but it certainly wasn't because of me.

Bette: First of all, I'm impressed that Joan can keep track of all of her many husbands and love affairs. Secondly, I was just a girl, an innocent girl when I worked with Franchot in "Dangerous". Any romantic advances were not started by me!

Joan: If by innocent you mean she was married to her first of four husbands at the time. We all know that Bette was known for falling in love with her co-stars. I mean really Bette! There was a lot more going on during "All About Eve" than trying to get poor Ann Baxter to stand in bad lighting and all of the distractions to forget her lines. How is that delightful Gary Merrill anyway?

Bette: Joan was married four times as well! It would have been double that if a few of her lovers hadn't managed to escape. From what I hear it wasn't just those poor children that were strapped down and locked in at night! Oh, have I gone too far?

This is getting a bit uncomfortable! Let's talk about your many awards ladies. You're both accomplished stars with a long line of successful films on your resume.

Bette: I was nominated for an Academy Award five years in a row! 1939-1943. A wonderful honor and a tie for most consecutive Oscar nods, which I share with the lovely Greer Garson. I was nominated for 10 Oscars during my career and I won two! Sure you've heard of the little films titled "Dangerous" AND "Jezebel" Joan. Oscar also got it's name because of me! Oscar is my first husbands middle name.

Joan: Of course Oscar got it's name from Harmon Nelson. Both cold an sterile! I won an Oscar for "Mildred Pierce". At least it was for a role where I wasn't playing a desperate floozy or trying to sleep with my co-star!

Bette: That's rich Joan! Should we talk about your being mentioned as 'the other woman' during two Hollywood divorces? Home wrecker!

Joan: Only if we can call up Miriam Hopkins and ask her how it felt when you were sleeping with and trying to steal her husband.

Let's talk about the 1963 Academy Awards. What happened there that stirred up your long running feud?

Bette: Joan made such a spectacle of herself that year! It all started while we were filming "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" the previous year if you want to know the truth. Joan was impossible to work with. Always late, often sick, throwing her weight around! She literally threw her weight around! Adding rocks to her pockets to make it hard on me to drag her old body around was just juvenile behavior. And the scene she made over not being nominated for Baby Jane...Openly campaigning for Ann Bancroft just to hurt my chances to win again.

Joan: Bette, always so innocent! Agging the producer of Baby Jane on to put Coca Cola machines in certain scenes just to get back at me for my entrepreneurial successes. I can't help that Ann Bancroft couldn't attend the Academy Awards in 1963! She asked me to accept the award for her and I did. Of course I knew she would win that year. Who in the world would vote for an aging actress who ran around dressed like a 5 year old lunatic just to find work? You were an absolute fright in Baby Jane and if I had bigger pockets I would have loaded them with bowling balls!

Bette: If I was such a nightmare to work with then why did you throw such a fit when you were replaced with the lovely Olivia de Havilland for "Hush, Hush....Sweet Charlotte"?

Joan: I had digestive troubles during that time, truly ill and I was unfairly mistreated by you and the studio! It's obvious that our feud was always sparked back up by you Bette.

Well ladies, I don't know that we've actually resolved anything but it's certainly been entertaining to have you both back and speaking again. Is there any chance that we can call a truce since it's the holidays?

Bette: Well, Joan always did love the holidays! The one time of the year when she dragged her children out, threw them in their fancy, matching clothes for their obligatory family photo ops.

Joan: My children were loved dearly and they never wanted for a thing! I would be happy to call a truce, to show Bette that I've always been the bigger person. Merry Christmas Bette!

Bette: Merry Christmas Mommy Deare.. I mean Joan! You really were an icon and a beautiful woman.

Joan: Thank you Bette! You were quite talented and fabulous yourself. Now go wrap yourself in tinsel and a giant bow!

Thank you everyone for joining me and don't forget to read the other Blogathon posts which can be found via Backlots blog. Also, for the record, I adore Bette and Joan equally. I'll be doing full bio's on both stars in the future.

I'll see you back here for my Christmas post.

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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part Two

2011-12-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

I'm back for Part Two and Shirley is here, although she's got a bit of an attitude this evening. (I think somebody pinned her curls too tight!) So if you're ready let's have another look at our glamorous stars, sporting fabulous head wear.

Shirley, what do you think of Marion Davies? Shirley: I haven't seen anything that weird since pretending to run through the Alps in "Heidi"....Has she lost her suspenders?

Ann Baxter looks just wonderful! Do you like this hat Shirley? Shirley: "My grandmother has three of these! One on each end table and she keeps the other one on her toaster." Your grandmother has very expensive taste in doilies.

Shirley, isn't Clara Bow adorable in her big floppy hat? Shirley: "I wore that hat last week! I would ask for it back but my mother won't let me go near Ms. Bow. What does Harlot mean?" Uhmm, it's another name for a red head but I wouldn't go around using that word.

Jean Harlow looks just beautiful as always! Shirely: "I'm not allowed to go around her either!" Well, I don't want to know why. Shirley: "Of course you do! It's because she doesn't wear under garments. I think she should dye her hair red too"

Maureen O'Hara looks just lovely. Shirley: "I like her and she's a nice Harlot!" I'm pretty sure you mean 'red head' but let's move along.

Mae West is looking very fashionable in her black felt. Shirley: "She is a big lady and she likes lots of boys! They visit her dressing room a lot to play board games." ...Well, that's nice and you're very observant Shirley!

Loretta Young wears her fur well! Shirley: My mother says that Loretta is like a nun but then she always giggles! (I'm going to get hate mail!)

Ann Sheridan looks very sweet this week! Shirley: "She's a nice lady but she looks sleepy. What are bedroom eyes?" It's how your face looks before noon..No more questions please!

That's our hats for today. Off to take inquisitive Shirley for a little walk. See you next time and thanks for joining us!

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Six Degrees of Separation: Round 4

2011-12-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

We are now on round four of Classic Film: Six Degrees of Separation with the round starting out with Becky of http://classicbeckybrainfood.blogspot.com/ starting the round with Charlie Chaplin and Grace Kelly. And here we are back to me and my star is Peter Finch who was chosen by our friend at http://backlots.wordpress.com/

I will choose Peter Finch in "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965) with James Stewart and pass it along to Michael at http://ishootthepictures.com/

So that everyone can focus on their holidays/special posts we will resume Six Degrees after the New Year. So we will see you back for the game then when Michael picks the next two stars (assuming he can connect Grace to Jimmy that is) : )

Thanks everyone who has played so far and followed along. We'll see you back in January for more fun.

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The Academy Awards: 1935

2011-12-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

It's time to continue with the Academy Awards! Next up is the 1935 ceremony in all it's glory, so if you're
ready lets take a look at the winners, losers and snubs.

BEST PICTURE:
Winner: Mutiny On the Bounty, Nominees: Alice Adams, The Broadway Melody of 1936, Captain Blood, David Copperfield, The Informer, The Lives of Bengal Lancer, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Les Miserables, Naughty Marietta, Ruggles of Red Gap and Top Hat

BEST ACTOR:
Winner: Victor McLaglen in "The Informer", Nominees: Charles Laughton, Clark Gable and Franchot Tone all in "Mutiny On the Bounty", Paul Muni was a write-in for "Black Fury"

BEST ACTRESS:
Winner: Bette Davis in "Dangerous", Nominees: Elisabeth Bergner in "Escape Me Never", Claudette Colbert in "Private Worlds", Katharine Hepburn in "Alice Adams", Miriam Hopkins in "Becky Sharp" and Merle Oberon in "The Dark Angel"

You did it Bette! You deserve to smile.

BEST DIRECTOR:
Winner: John Ford for "The Informer", Nominees: Michael Cortiz for "Captain Blood", Henry Hathaway for "The Lives of Bengal Lancer" and Frank Lloyd for "Mutiny On the Bounty"

1935 Oscar Snubs and Omissions:
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire for their performance is "Top Hat"
Busby Berkeley for not being nominated under Best Dance Director for "Top Hat" (more on Busby a bit later)
Alfred Hitchcock for Directing "Thirty-Nine Steps"
James Whale for Directing "Bride of Frankenstein"
the Marx Brothers for "Night at the Opera"
Elsa Lancaster and Boris Karloff for "Bride of Frankenstein"
Paul Muni in "Bordertown"
"Dante's Inferno"
Joseph von Sternberg for Directing "The Devil is a Woman"
The Musicals "Roberta" and Reckless" omitted as well as their casts
Shirley Temple for "The Little Rebel" and "Curly Top"

My Honorable Mentions:

"Bride of Frankenstein" with James Whale Directing, Elsa Lancaster and Boris Karloff in one of our most iconic horror films.

Top Hat's two stars, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing their way into our hearts with Busby Berkeley showcasing his massive talent.

"David Copperfield" and it's outstanding cast, Freddie Bartholomew, W.C. Fields, Lionel Barrymore, Elsa Lancaster and Elizabeth Allan. George Cukor for Directing.

"Anna Karenina" with Greta Garbo, Fredric March and Basil Rathbone being ignored for their performances. Director Clarence Brown also snubbed.

Oscar Trivia and Fun Facts:

The 1935 ceremony was held at the Bitmore Hotel in Los Angeles in March of 1936. The host for the ceremony was Frank Capra.

This would be the first year that the statuette would be publicly referred to as "Oscar".

This was the first year that the category "Best Dance Direction" was introduced. Three years later with much lobbying the category would be removed. 1935 was the perfect year for Busby Berkeley to win and Oscar in this category for "Top Hat" and for his choreography for two dance numbers for "Gold Diggers of 1935" but sadly it wasn't meant to be. The statuette went to David Gould for "Broadway Melody of 1936. Busby Berkeley would never receive and Academy Award which is a shame.

Dudley Nichols won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Informer" but he refused to accept the award due to union disagreements. The first time an Oscar would be declined but not the last! (Hello Marlon Brando). "The Informer" was nominated for six awards and it won four. Also Best Music Scoring. It should be noted that Nichols did claim his Oscar three years later once the union disputes were resolved.

Walt Disney would win his fourth consecutive Oscar in the Short Subject category for the cartoon "Three Orphan Kittens".

A Special Award was given to Director D.W. Griffith for his pioneering efforts pre-Academy Award Films.

Lullaby of Broadway won Best Song for the film "Gold Diggers of 1935".

Even though Claudette Colbert and Katharine Hepburn were nominated for Oscars for outstanding performances they had won an Oscar previously so Bette Davis was given the award to make up for her slight the previous year for her performance in "Of Human Bondage". (She was a write-in the previous year and her snub created a lot of controversy in the acting community).

John Ford received his first Oscar for Directing "The Informer", this would be his first of four Academy Award wins. Ironically he would never win for a Western.

Charles Laughton was the second actor to appear in three Best Picture nominated films the same year. Claudette was the first in 1934.

This would be the first year that a studio would campaign with press ads with MGM going all out for a win with "Ah, Wilderness!". The film received zero nominations.

This would be the second and last year that write-ins were allowed. Paul Muni, a write-in for Best Actor and Hal Mohr for Cinematography for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (the only time a write-in would win an Oscar)

Thanks for joining me for my Oscar series and stay tuned as we approach the holidays for more fun posts. Please enjoy a quick montage of all of the winners for 1935 below.

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A Quick Note!

2011-12-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

We have just started our third round of the Classic Film: Six Degrees of Separation game and it's going strong. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who's signed on to play and are continuing with the fun. We've had a great first two rounds and I hope to see other CMBA members throw a logo up and get in on the action. If you do decide to join in just shoot me an email so I can add your blog to the list of players. If you haven't had the chance to follow the first two rounds to see how they played out I hope you will visit everyone's blogs that participated.

Also, a quick thank you to my new followers and those who visit here on a regular basis, join in on our discussions on Classic Cinema and the stars. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.

Stay tuned for what's ahead here at My Love of Old Hollywood!
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Milliners Invade Hollywood: Part One

2011-11-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do a series on our old Hollywood stars wearing fabulous hats but I needed a co-host, one not afraid to give an honest opinion so I've chosen Shirley Temple! Right now Shirley looks thrilled but we shall see if that changes as this series moves forward. So if you're all ready let the fashion show commence.

What do you think of Ann Miller, Shirley? Shirley: "She is very tall and pretty but I'm more interested in the swing"

Okay, what about Ann Sheridan? Shirley: "Is this a joke? I' would like to borrow it to go for a ride down a water slide" Guessing it was a bit too expensive for that Shirley!

Betty Grable looks fabulous, don't you agree? Shirley: She looks trust worthy, like my school teacher."

Colleen Moore? Shirley: "Is that real fur?" Nope! Not at all...moving along.

Carole Lombard looks divine! Shirley: I don't know what divine means but she's very serious and her hair reminds me of my puppies tail" We all can't have perfect little curls Shirley!

Hedy Lamarr looks perfect! Shirley: It reminds me of an ice cream cone and that I'm working through lunch again!" Eat your pixie stick, we're almost done!

Claudette Colbert in faux fur (pretty certain) Shirley: Claudette knitted that between scenes one day..she's very talented for an adult actress"

Gail Patrick, looking fashionable in hounds tooth. Shirley: She isn't showing any teeth but I recognize that gate!"...It's what they use to keep us corralled between scenes" Uhmmm.... It's probably best we don't discuss that here or anywhere.

Eve Arden in a pretty little hat. Shirley: I've seen that one before, on the Good Ship Lollipop"

Jean Arthur, fancy smancy! Shirley: Was she trying out to replace me for my number in Poor Little Rich Girl? If not I like her just fine.

Well, we will stop here for now. Somebody needs a nap and Shirley is getting cranky too. We hope you'll return for our weekly series on hats followed by my Winter series: Stars in furs (shhhh, Shirley thinks they are all faux fur)

Have a great day!

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The Academy Awards: 1934

2011-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

It's time to have a look at the Academy Award winners, nominees and the snubs for 1934.

BEST PICTURE:
Winner: It Happened One Night, Nominees: The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Cleopatra, Flirtation Walk, The Gay Divorcee, Here Comes the Navy, The House of Rothschild, Imitation of Life, One Night of Love, The Thin Man, Viva Villa!, The White Parade

BEST ACTOR:
Winner: Clark Gable in "It Happened One Night", Nominees: Frank Morgan in "Affairs of Cellini", William Powell in "The Thin Man"

BEST ACTRESS:
Winner: Claudette Colbert in "It Happened One Night", Nominees: Grace Moore in "One Night of Love", Norma Shearer in "The Barretts of Wimpole Street", Bette Davis in "Of Human Bondage" (a write-in candidate)

BEST DIRECTOR:
Winner: Frank Capra for "It Happened One Night", Nominees: Victor Schertzinger for "One Night of Love", W.S. Van Dyke for "The Thin Man"

Oscar Snubs and Omissions:
Myrna Loy in "The Thin Man
Marlene Dietrich in "The Scarlet Empress"
Bette Davis in "Of Human Bondage" (she was a write-in candidate but more on that later)
W.C. Fields in "It's A Gift"
Joseph Von Sternberg for directing "The Scarlet Empress"
Howard Hawks for directing "Twentieth Century"
John Barrymore in "Twentieth Century"
Edgar Ulmer for directing "The Black Cat"
Leslie Howard in "Of Human Bondage"

Film Snubs and Omissions:
Of Human Bondage
The Scarlet Empress
The Black Cat
Twentieth Century
It's A Gift

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

An honorable mention goes to "The Black Cat" for it's cinematography and art direction/set design

John Barrymore and Carole Lombard's performances in "Twentieth Century"

Leslie Howard and Bette Davis for their outstanding performances in "Of Human Bondage" as well as John Cromwell for directing.

Oscar Fun Facts and Trivia for 1934:

The ceremony was held in March of 1935 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles and hosted by Irvin S. Cobb. It had been held at the Ambassador Hotel the previous three years and at the Biltmore previously in 1931.

This would be the first year that Oscars weren't handed out for performances, films spanning over two years and the way it would be going forward.

"It Happened One Night" would be the first film to claim a "clean sweep" , winning the golden statue for all five of the top categories, Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director and Best Screenplay. A feat not duplicated again until 1976 with "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" then again for "Silence of the Lambs" in 1992.

There was such a controversy, outrage over Bette Davis not being nominated for her performance in "Of Human Bondage" that the Academy allowed for a write-in candidate for the first time in Oscar history. Write-in candidates would be allowed until after 1935.

Three new categories would be introduced this year. Best Editing, Best Original Score and Best Original Song. (I'm sure all of you can think of one or two Best Song winners over the years that you just shook your head at)

The musical/comedy "One Night of Love" received the most nominations with 6 and it won two, Best Musical Score and Best Sound Recording.

This would be the first year that both leads won the Best Actor/Actress Oscar with Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable winning for "It Happened One Night". This would be one of three career nominations for Clark and his only Oscar win. Claudette also broke records for starring in three Best Picture nominees with "It Happened One Night", Imitation of Life" and "Cleopatra" that year. I don't think anyone would dispute her Academy Award win. (well, perhaps Bette)

Walt Disney would pick up his third consecutive Oscar in the Short Subject: Cartoon category for "The Tortoise and the Hare"

Shirley Temple, at the age of five at the time of the ceremony, received the first ever "Special/Juvenile" Oscar for her 'outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during 1934'. She was presented with a miniature version of Oscar. Shirley appeared in 12 full length pictures during 1934, so you could say she was the hardest working person in pictures, not counting her downtime for naps and schooling of course.

The Best Picture category had a record 12 film nominees that year then in 1935 but it would then decrease to 10 then finally to five per year.

Thanks everyone for coming back for my Academy Award series as we approach the next Oscar season. Please enjoy the famous 'Hitchhiking Scene" from "It Happened One Night" and leave a comment about what you thought of the winners, losers and snubs for 1934.

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Classic Film: Six Degrees of Separation ROUND ONE continued

2011-11-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well okay! Things are already back to me during round one and Dawn of Noir and Chick Flicks chose
Kirk Douglas and Gena Rowlands in Lonely Are The Brave (1962) to which I will say

Gena Rowlands and Rock Hudson in The Spiral Road (1962)
The next name out of the hat is Priscilla of Reel Revival so take it away Priscilla! (In case you missed my first post, the initial stars to connect by six degrees were Mabel Normand and Walter Matthau.)

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*Yes, I accidentally on purpose looped back so we could end the first round at six degrees. I should have known our members were too clever. : )

The Classic Film: Six Degrees of Separation game has officially begun!

2011-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed these logos popping up on several CMBA members sites and wondered what it was all about. Well, we are kicking off the first ever Classic Film: Six Degrees of Separation game. To get it started I have put everyone's name with a logo into a hat and the first person who will carry the game forward is Dave of Dave's Classic Films.

Without further ado The Password Is: Oh, wait, that's another fun game. The first two actors we will be connecting in hopefully 6 Degrees are:

Mabel Normand and Walter Matthau

Before the first round kicks off:
Anyone who hasn't yet added a logo can do so at any time. The person who connects to Matthau will then choose the next two stars and so on. For now we won't be including Directors or Television shows but perhaps that could be a fun option at a later date. Going forward I'm just another player so everyone will put their next star and film choice on their blog, hopefully within a day or two of being chosen. Of course I will be available to answer any questions via email or if you want a different logo etc. Choose whoever goes next however you want to but as a courtesy make sure they have a logo first. I will keep an updated list on everyone who's participating so if you need that let me know.

Oh, I know stars can probably be connected in less than six films but hopefully each round goes to six so they aren't over before they even get started. (We have some very clever bloggers within the CMBA)

Thanks everyone who has signed on to play and for putting up with my emails while we worked out all of the details. You're all great sports.

*You don't need to 'sign up' to have a turn or let me know guys...just having your logo up is enough for others to find someone to move the rounds forward. Sorry if there was any confusion.

Let the fun begin!
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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2011-11-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hopefully nobody will have to hunt for their dinner like Judy Garland.

Since part of Thanksgiving is getting together with loved ones over a giant helping of homemade goodies I thought I would take a different approach this Thanksgiving and show our fabulous old Hollywood stars out stuffing themselves. Hopefully it will make you feel better about over indulging even though they probably didn't touch their plates because they were too full from sucking up all of the oxygen in the room.

So get your comfy pants on with the elastic waist band and let's have a glimpse at the stars while they sit around a table.

Al Jolson and Ingrid Bergman enjoying themselves over a fancy dessert.

Ann Sheridan and Jeff Chandler graciously posing for a photo while out at dinner.

Dorothy Lamour and Betty Hutton are out on the town at The Brown Derby.

Dolores Gray, Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly find time to have a bit to eat at a local diner.

Gene Tierney and Victor Mature get serenaded while out at The Stork Club. (So far I've seen mostly smoking and drinking so hopefully we'll see some actual food)

Charlie Chaplin out with wife Paulette Goddard. (Well, at least they appear to actually be ordering something)

Gloria Valdez out with Clara Bow and husband Rex Bell. (Who eats with a giant fur on?)

Randolph Scott who appears to be deep in chat between courses.

Glenn Ford out with Evelyn Keyes

Virginia Bruce with Jimmy Stewart. I think the only time these stars actually ate was during awards shows.

Gloria Swanson seems to be having a grand time out with friends. I don't think we have to worry about there being any eating going on here either. The table is covered with purses but who can eat with that distracting zebra print hovering about?

Jeannette MacDonald with husband, Gene Raymond (I see a dinner roll!)

Frank Sinatra having dinner with Lauren Bacall but the only food is being eaten by an unknown guest.

Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings, enjoying a nice meal. I am betting that it's just strained broth.

Betty Grable having dinner with her daughters, Victoria and Jessica. They were probably just there to feed the dolls! Just look at that fat little doll on the right.

Well okay, that was more of a public service announcement against smoking in restaurants but don't give up!

Greer Garson is here to save the day! She looks like she knows her way around a kitchen.

Wishing you all safe travels and blessings, that your day is filled with many things to be thankful for while surrounded by loved ones.

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Simone Simon (1910-2005)

2011-11-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

Born near Marseille, the French beauty got her start on the silver screen after a chance encounter. She spent her childhood, for the most part in France after relocating to Madagascar, Budapest, Berlin and Turn then Marseille to finish high school. All of this travel was made possible due to her French father's job as an engineer that transitioned to his becoming a fighter pilot during WWII. Sadly it would become the ultimate sacrifice for his country as he was captured then placed in a concentration camp where he eventually died. Simon's Italian mother would make due with small jobs in order to care for her family.

Simone made her way to Paris in 1931 to find work. Like most young girls she wasn't quite sure which of her interests she would pursue as a career. At one point she wanted to become a sculptress, a model, a singer and a fashion designer. It was a chance encounter that would choose her career path for her. I guess you could say it was the Lana Turner story French style. (No word on if she was wearing a tight sweater). While dining at a restaurant with friends Simon was spotted by the Russian director, Victor Tourjansky who offered her a film contract. She would make her film debut in Le chanteur inconnu (The Unknown Singer) that same year. The film was an instant success, paving the way for Simone to be offered steady work in foreign films.

Although a famous star in France by 1934, it would be her performance in Marc Allegret's "Ladies Lake" that year that would get the attention of Hollywood heavy hitter Darryl Zanuck, another encounter that would propel her to worldwide fame. Like so many actresses before her, she was brought to Hollywood where the studio machine launched a campaign to get her noticed, the name recognition that would fill theater seats. After filming one more film in her native France in 1935, Simone was ready to relocate to California, embracing all that it had to offer, good or bad.

Once settled in CA, Simone was given her first assignment, not on screen of course but in a classroom where she would take weeks of lessons, not for acting but to actually learn English well enough to fit into certain roles. She was to appear in her first English speaking film in 1936, "A Message to Garcia" Unfortunately the studio felt Rita Hayworth was better suited for the role. I can only imagine the young Simone trying to adjust to her second language then being offered a role where she would be tanned, and directed to give a Spanish accent. Perhaps it was lucky for her that Rita, who was actually of Spanish decent took the role.

click on Simone's autograph and photos from my collection for a closer view.

Before Simone's International career even got started there was a bit of hubbub over her being fired from her first film during 1935. While filming "Under Two Flags" under director Frank Lloyd, she was let go after a few weeks and Zanuck let it be known that it was her temperamental behavior on set which Simone disputed, having cited a lingering illness for her being discharged from the picture. Years later she would admit that she was a bit temperamental during her first year in Hollywood but it was due to getting used to the California lifestyle which she felt was a bit too extroverted. Her behavior also changed after a confrontation with Marlene Dietrich on set who told her "A star is only as important as she makes herself out to be" (Meowww, hiss). Claudette Colbert would replace Simone in "Under Two Flags" which co-starred Ronald Coleman. It should be noted that Simon was actually hospitalized during this time, most likely due to exhaustion. Luckily it wasn't from Dietrich clawing her eyes out. (I wonder if she was thinking of dear, sweet Marlene years later while playing a black panther?)

By 1936, Simone had grown disillusioned with Hollywood and was preparing to sail back to France when she was offered a supporting role in "Girls Dormitory". The romantic drama starred Herbert Marshall and Ruth Chatterton. Obviously Chatterton like Dietrich before her witnessed the same temperamental behavior which caused immediate conflict on the set between her and Simone. Ruth felt Simone was getting too much attention and Simone's excuse this go around was that she was extremely nervous due to the studio watching her so closely. In the end the much anticipated film was a box office flop although Simone did get positive reviews for her first American on screen performance. In just a few years she would be watched closely by the FBI but more on that a bit later.

With the public clamoring to see more of the French beauty, she was immediately cast in "White Hunter" which would also be directed by Irving Cummings. Although a B film, the director was anxious to work with her again but once again Simone was waylayed with the flu and had to be replaced shortly after production began. This time she was replaced with June Lang. (I wonder how many out of work actresses waited around Simone's sets waiting on work?)

The studio still wanting to avoid losing Simon, cast her instead in "Lady in Love" during 1936 which co-starred Constance Bennett, Loretta Young and Janet Gaynor. Of course it wasn't long before the three actresses made noise about Simon getting too much attention so to avoid any further outcries about her behavior, Simone hired an assistant to speak for her, decreasing her need to get involved in all of the 'bitchiness' between the three very large ego's she was now surrounded by. She would go on to star in the remake of "Seventh Heaven" with Janet Gaynor and James Stewart in 1937 which didn't have great success but I love the scenes between Simone and a very young but adorable Jimmy Stewart. Once it was released in theaters she was cast in "Danger-Love at Work" but she was once again replaced, this time with Ann Sothern, the official reason being her heavy French accent not fitting with the character. With nothing to do she took a 6 week vacation back to France, returning to Hollywood in the summer of 1937 in anticipation of filming "Suez". This time filming was delayed and Simone was eventually replaced once again. This would be the end of her working relationship with 20th Century Fox. (Obviously there was more bickering than actual working)

With Jimmy Stewart in "Seventh Heaven" 1937

By the end of the 1930's Simone returned to France, feeling her reputation had been tarnished and in need of steady work. Her move to America left her deflated and frustrated that all of the publicity had backfired, affecting her ability to work in her native France. She did get to work and realized that her appeal was still there, being given a role in the Renoir picture "La Bete Humaine in 1938 (The Human Beast) followed by the successful French Historical drama, "Love Cavalcade" which was released in 1940. By now WWII was in full swing so to escape the ongoing devastation in her beautiful homeland, Simone returned to Hollywood, this time signing a contract with RKO Radio Pictures.

Her first film for RKO was the very successful Fantasy Drama, "The Devil and Daniel Webster" which co-starred Edward Arnold, Walter Huston and Jane Darwell. The film was a welcome escape during WWII, garnering two Academy Award nods in 1942, Walter Huston for Best Actor and for Best Music Scoring. Simone, finally finding her niche, was immediately cast in the role that she has become synonymous with, "Cat People" 1942 which co-starred Kent Smith, Tom Conway and Jane Randolph. I don't know many old film fans who haven't seen Cat People and I actually re-watched it again just a few weeks ago. Perhaps Simon just needed a French director to understand her and to allow her to express herself, director Jacque Tourneur made that happen. RKO invested in a few cheap, quickies to recoup some of their losses after Citizen Kane. (That seems odd to even type) The film that many consider the best film of all time, Citizen Kane just about bankrupted RKO so they churned out these B rated Horror films to bail themselves out of financial ruin.

Like so many early horror films you don't actually see anything gruesome or scary, but you're left to your imagination as to what actually happens when Simone's character, a Serbian immigrant who winds up stateside and in love, all while we see her life unravel as she visits her Psychiatrist. Oh, and there's the fun little fact that she turns into a killer black panther when she gets upset, aroused. You have to feel for her doctor who crosses the line by falling in love with her all while she's delving into her terrifying past of strange curses about women turning into black cats and her obsession with these very objects that cause her life to spiral out of control. If only that silly doctor and her wayward husband had repossessed her day pass to the Bronx Zoo!

Simone would get another chance at success in a Musical Comedy with " Tahiti Honey" in 1944, which co-starred Michael Whalen and Dennis O'Keefe. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing this film (sarcasm) so I'll go with IMDb's rating of 8.5 and if anyone has actually seen it please enlighten us. Simon would star in three films for RKO during 1944. The War Drama, "Mademoiselle Fifi" which was directed by Robert Wise takes place during the French-Prussian War with Simone giving a beautiful performance in a film that given a bigger budget could have had even more success. (huh-hum Calvalcade) but it was during wartime so RKO did accomplish an eye appealing piece with strong performances by Simon and her co-stars John Emery and Kirt Krueger. Interestingly the period piece was produced by Val Lewton who also produced Cat People and was known mostly for B rated Horror films at RKO during the 40's.

Simone would next shoot the sequel to "Cat People", reuniting with Kent Smith and Jane Randolph in "The Curse of the Cat People". I have to admit that I wasn't all that crazy about this one. Simone is back but only as a ghost and the imaginary friend of a little girl, the daughter of Irena's widower husband. It did have box office success though so I won't rip on it too much. Simone's last film of 1944 was the Romantic Comedy "Johnny Doesn't Live Here Anymore" which co-starred James Ellison and William Terry. I actually liked this film in all it's campy glory. I found Simone just great as she deals with the trials of sharing an apartment with young men during wartime at no fault of her own. The ending was a fun twist and the cast really did have good chemistry. I wish she had been given more chances at comedy, I think she would have excelled.

Simon did not work during 1945 and it was with the assistance of Director Marc Allegret that she was able to star under him in the French film "Petrus" in 1946, a Crime Mystery that had very little success. Her last film of the decade would be in the Crime Drama "Temptation Harbor" 1947, co-starring Robert Newton and William Hartnell. A film about greed over weighing what's morally correct, with mediocre performances by all involved. Simone seems to have trouble maintaining her English accent after more than enough years to do so. (But it's not near as bad as the accents Angelina Jolie has tried to pull off over the years. Don't even get me started on "The Tourist" and that mess "Alexander").

Simone would return to France where she would continue to work in B rated pictures until retiring from the silver screen in 1956. It's assumed that she led a quite life in and around Paris during this time and she would appear only once on screen in 1973 in the French film "The Woman in Blue". Simone never married nor did she have any children. She passed away from natural causes at the age of 94 in her Paris apartment. She was buried at the Cemetery, Chateau-Gombert in the Cote d'Azur region of France. I hope her retirement was filled with love and laughter. It must be a hard to spend your later life without parents, siblings or children around you. I'm sure she had a very fine circle of friends though.

With Don Ameche in one of her early 20th Century Fox films, "Josette"

Simone Simon Trivia:

The only bit of scandal that Simone ever found herself in was when her maid was caught stealing from her then later convicted. To get revenge, her maid leaked the rumor that Simone would hand out a gold key to her boudoir to any man she found herself attracted to. Of course Simone disputed this rumor and the maid was quickly put under a gag order as part of her sentencing.

Simone had an affair with composer George Gershwin which she never denied when asked about it late in life, stating above all else it was music that they had in common. It's been suggested that Gershwin wrote Love Walked In with Simone in mind.

Her most notorious affair was with the double agent and Spy, Dusko Popov. It's not often that a Yugoslavian spy get's to spy for the German's (so they thought) only to be spying for the British. Popov's close friend Ian Fleming, used his life adventures for his character James Bond.

During the production of "Cat People", Simone was under FBI surveillance for her association with Popov.

Thanks for joining me for my look back at Simone Simon's life and career. And please enjoy the below clip of Simone and Jimmy Stewart in a scene from "Seventh Heaven"

See you all soon,
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