Marion Davies and her crazy costume parties— And. . .Scene
A great analysis of Nosteratu (1922)-- Riku Writes
Review: Song of the Thin Man (1947)— Hollywood Dreamland
Part II of one of my favorite series: monsters really like carrying chicks— Retrospace
Like the Ramones? How about the Joans? (Crawford that is)— The Chicagoist
Oct 30, 2009
Oct 29, 2009
Classic Links
Now Universal is doing a Manufactured on Demand program. Woo hoo!— ClassicFlix Blog
Happy 91st Birthday Baby Peggy!— Filmphiles
Sometimes a bedpost is just a bedpost?— David Bordwell
Review: Waxworks (1924)— Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Review: The Innocents (1961)— Classic Movies Digest
Glorious Dolores Costello— The Kitty Packard Pictorial
Six of those blasted remakes compared to the original classics-- AMC
John Huston’s stunning Irish manor on the market— About.com
Happy 91st Birthday Baby Peggy!— Filmphiles
Sometimes a bedpost is just a bedpost?— David Bordwell
Review: Waxworks (1924)— Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Review: The Innocents (1961)— Classic Movies Digest
Glorious Dolores Costello— The Kitty Packard Pictorial
Six of those blasted remakes compared to the original classics-- AMC
John Huston’s stunning Irish manor on the market— About.com
Spooky Silents
This Halloween season, I thought I’d explore the dark side of silent movies in the hopes of finding some new favorites. I was most impressed by this trio of moody, stylish flicks. These aren’t your typical boogieman movies, but rather dramas with horrific elements and an atmosphere of suspense.
The Unknown (1927)
There was a formula for Lon Chaney’s movies just as much as there was for Esther Williams’ (how’s that for a comparison?). He tended to play downbeat, down-on-their-luck characters who had some sort of mental or physical (or both) deformity, and who never, ever got the girl, often because he would sacrifice his life to save her. This horrific tale flips some of those conventions by throwing in a few surprises. Chaney is an armless knife-thrower who is in love with a girl (a nearly unrecognizable Joan Crawford in an early starring role) whose father owns the traveling carnival for which he performs. He hopes to win her, because she is repulsed by the feel of a man’s arms around her, but his plans are complicated by a burly body builder. Chaney will do anything to get Crawford, and his determination feeds most of the horror, but he is at his most unsettling when he reacts to the news that his sacrifices will not help him to fulfill his dreams. It is a startling, raw moment. Chaney might have been legendary for his elaborate disguises and make-up, but here is proof he didn’t need them to turn in a gut-wrenching performance.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
This period flick is an unusual combination of horror, drama and romance. Conrad Veidt stars as a traveling performer whose face has been carved into a ghastly, permanent grin. Though the set-up sounds gruesome, this can be a surprisingly tender movie, with warm relationships and many upbeat moments. At first Veidt seems to be portraying a Lon Chaney character, but while he has similar struggles, he is not nearly as tragic. However, there is also plenty of horror. The early scenes are particularly chilling, with glimpses of hanging skeletons swaying in the wind, and the description of the shudder-inducing act that causes Veidt’s deformity.
Faust (1926)
Emil Jannings is such an amusing, clever devil in this horror fantasy that you may find you don’t give two figs for Gösta Ekman as the hapless Faust. His simultaneously amusing and frightening performance is enough to make the movie a classic, but its special effects make it revolutionary. With clever use of light, fire and perspectives, director F.W. Murnau creates an astonishing world of magic and dread.
The Unknown (1927)
There was a formula for Lon Chaney’s movies just as much as there was for Esther Williams’ (how’s that for a comparison?). He tended to play downbeat, down-on-their-luck characters who had some sort of mental or physical (or both) deformity, and who never, ever got the girl, often because he would sacrifice his life to save her. This horrific tale flips some of those conventions by throwing in a few surprises. Chaney is an armless knife-thrower who is in love with a girl (a nearly unrecognizable Joan Crawford in an early starring role) whose father owns the traveling carnival for which he performs. He hopes to win her, because she is repulsed by the feel of a man’s arms around her, but his plans are complicated by a burly body builder. Chaney will do anything to get Crawford, and his determination feeds most of the horror, but he is at his most unsettling when he reacts to the news that his sacrifices will not help him to fulfill his dreams. It is a startling, raw moment. Chaney might have been legendary for his elaborate disguises and make-up, but here is proof he didn’t need them to turn in a gut-wrenching performance.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
This period flick is an unusual combination of horror, drama and romance. Conrad Veidt stars as a traveling performer whose face has been carved into a ghastly, permanent grin. Though the set-up sounds gruesome, this can be a surprisingly tender movie, with warm relationships and many upbeat moments. At first Veidt seems to be portraying a Lon Chaney character, but while he has similar struggles, he is not nearly as tragic. However, there is also plenty of horror. The early scenes are particularly chilling, with glimpses of hanging skeletons swaying in the wind, and the description of the shudder-inducing act that causes Veidt’s deformity.
Faust (1926)
Emil Jannings is such an amusing, clever devil in this horror fantasy that you may find you don’t give two figs for Gösta Ekman as the hapless Faust. His simultaneously amusing and frightening performance is enough to make the movie a classic, but its special effects make it revolutionary. With clever use of light, fire and perspectives, director F.W. Murnau creates an astonishing world of magic and dread.
Oct 28, 2009
Classic Links
A good overview of the new Columbia Film Noir collection— Audiophile Audition
Review: Blithe Spirit (1945)— Classic Maiden
Carole Lombard cheesecake (very stylish suits!)— Glamour Splash
Love this pic of Jack Lemmon— Classic Forever
Review: Blithe Spirit (1945)— Classic Maiden
Carole Lombard cheesecake (very stylish suits!)— Glamour Splash
Love this pic of Jack Lemmon— Classic Forever
Oct 27, 2009
Classic Links
A review of one of Mary Pickford’s best movies: Sparrows (1926)-- Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
A fun trio of classic actresses dressed as witches— And. . .Scene
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Third Man remake is a cuckoo-clock idea-- The Guardian
A fine list of movies for the Halloween season— Riku Writes
I love the Audrey picture in this gallery of magazine covers— Old Hollywood Glamour
A fun trio of classic actresses dressed as witches— And. . .Scene
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Third Man remake is a cuckoo-clock idea-- The Guardian
A fine list of movies for the Halloween season— Riku Writes
I love the Audrey picture in this gallery of magazine covers— Old Hollywood Glamour
New Releases
Jungle Siren (1942), with Buster Crabbe and “burlesque legend” Ann Corio
The Best Arbuckle Keaton Collection: with shorts from 1917-1921, including The Butcher Boy, Coney Island, Out West, His Wedding Night, The Garage
Death in the Garden (1956), directed by Luis Buñuel
African American musicals: Ten Minutes to Live (1932), Miracle in Harlem (1948)
The Sam Fuller Collection: It Happened in Hollywood (1937), Adventure in Sahara (1938), Power of the Press (1943), Shockproof (1949), Scandal Sheet (1952) The Crimson Kimono (1959), Underworld U.S.A. (1961)
Criterion Collection: Z (1969)
I found all of this information in the new releases section of Movies Unlimited
The Best Arbuckle Keaton Collection: with shorts from 1917-1921, including The Butcher Boy, Coney Island, Out West, His Wedding Night, The Garage
Death in the Garden (1956), directed by Luis Buñuel
African American musicals: Ten Minutes to Live (1932), Miracle in Harlem (1948)
The Sam Fuller Collection: It Happened in Hollywood (1937), Adventure in Sahara (1938), Power of the Press (1943), Shockproof (1949), Scandal Sheet (1952) The Crimson Kimono (1959), Underworld U.S.A. (1961)
Criterion Collection: Z (1969)
I found all of this information in the new releases section of Movies Unlimited
Oct 26, 2009
Classic Links
I keep forgetting to post this wonderful David Thomson tribute to Orson Welles— The Guardian
Classic cartoon: Parade of the Award Nominees-- Motion Picture Gems
A tribute to the musicals Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo did for Samuel Goldwyn— Kitty Packard Pictorial
A great collection of old movie magazine ads— Allure
Review: Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)— Silver Screen Stars
I love this pic of Merian C. Cooper— Just a Cineast
Classic cartoon: Parade of the Award Nominees-- Motion Picture Gems
A tribute to the musicals Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo did for Samuel Goldwyn— Kitty Packard Pictorial
A great collection of old movie magazine ads— Allure
Review: Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)— Silver Screen Stars
I love this pic of Merian C. Cooper— Just a Cineast
Monday Serenade: Hollywood Party!
Singer and Broadway performer Frances Williams makes a rare movie appearance, singing the catchy title song from Hollywood Party (1934). I love the stylish Art Deco sets, the lively pre-code sauciness of the chorus girls (is sauciness a word?), and the racy “getting ready” vignettes. This one will be running through your head all day.
Oct 25, 2009
Quote of the Week
The only reason they come to see me is that I know that life is great -- and they know I know it.
-Clark Gable
Image Source
Oct 23, 2009
Classic Links
Stars and their cars (Errol Flynn’s car definitely suits his reputation)— And Scene
An interview with a charming group of Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz (1939) (wow, these guys outlived everyone in the cast!)— Newsweek
A review of This Above All (1942) starring Joan Fontaine— Motion Picture Gems
The mysterious fifth Marx Brother— A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
An interview with a charming group of Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz (1939) (wow, these guys outlived everyone in the cast!)— Newsweek
A review of This Above All (1942) starring Joan Fontaine— Motion Picture Gems
The mysterious fifth Marx Brother— A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
Oct 22, 2009
Classic Links
A toast to Audrey Hepburn (there are some nice memories from her coworkers here)— LA Times
I love this clip of the MGM stars eating luncheon in celebration of the studio’s 25th anniversary. The stargazing starts at 1:30— Joan Crawford Deluxe Suite
The bizarre, but fascinating 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)-- Green Cine
A hilarious trio of actresses with “angry face”— And Scene
One of my favorite Audrey pics— Classic Forever
I love this clip of the MGM stars eating luncheon in celebration of the studio’s 25th anniversary. The stargazing starts at 1:30— Joan Crawford Deluxe Suite
The bizarre, but fascinating 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953)-- Green Cine
A hilarious trio of actresses with “angry face”— And Scene
One of my favorite Audrey pics— Classic Forever
Four with Joan Fontaine
Today Ms. Joan Fontaine turns 92 years old. In celebration, here is a selection of her movies that, for good or ill, has always fascinated me:
Jane Eyre (1944)
I’ve always felt that Fontaine should have received more praise for her work in this gothic romance. It is miraculous that she was able to pull off such a complex, but subdued performance opposite supremely hammy Orson Welles as Edward Rochester (I found him amusing, but I can see how his bluster might turn some against the movie). They’re an odd pair, but Fontaine makes up for that with her delicate portrayal of a heroine who is strong and wise, but also painfully vulnerable.
September Affair (1950)
I’ve always found it interesting that though I tend to see Joan Fontaine as a romantic heroine, she has rarely had great chemistry with her male leads. That’s why it is such a pleasure to see the cozy affection she enjoys with Joseph Cotten in this low-key drama. Their bond is the best element of a simple story about a couple who decide to grab an opportunity escape the world together.
Born to Be Bad (1950)
This swift little drama isn’t very good: the stars deserve much better material and the plot alternates between unbelievable and ridiculous, but I keep going back to it. Yes Fontaine has a goofy hairdo, and she is sometimes unbearably coy, but it is fascinating to see her go against type to play a bad girl whose bag of tricks isn’t quite deep enough to make her a true femme fatale. The interaction between delicate Fontaine and blunt Robert Ryan has a ragged energy that adds a jolt to the drama. I also wonder if there’s a bit of the real Fontaine in this calculating woman; I have a hard time believing she was as angelic as she claimed in her autobiography.
Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)
Fontaine is at her most effective in this bittersweet romance about a woman obsessed with a philandering pianist. As she takes her character from a dreamy childhood crush to a more adult longing, Fontaine demonstrates the destructive effect of consuming passion with painful precision. The production itself is also top notch, with lush settings, a strong script and Louis Jourdan as the perfect romantic cad.
Image Source
Oct 21, 2009
Classic Links
This is bizarre (but not a huge surprise): the stage boards from James Dean’s high school are for sale— IMDB
John Carradine sings— Retrospace
Felix the Cat frolics with the stars in Hollywood— Motion Picture Gems
A scan of a movie magazine w/ Barbara Stanwyck— Classic Maiden
John Carradine sings— Retrospace
Felix the Cat frolics with the stars in Hollywood— Motion Picture Gems
A scan of a movie magazine w/ Barbara Stanwyck— Classic Maiden
Oct 20, 2009
New Releases
There's lots of interesting titles coming out this week. I found this information on Movies Unlimited:
The Judy Garland Show—Holiday Special
Summer Storm (1944) [Linda Darnell]
The William Castle Film Collection: Homicidal (1961), Mr. Sardonicus (1961), Zotz! (1962), The Old Dark House (1963), The Tingler, 13 Ghosts (1960), 13 Frightened Girls!, Strait-Jacket (1964)
23 Paces to Baker Street (1956) [Van Johnson]
An American Tragedy (1931) [Sylvia Sidney]
An Ideal Husband (1948) [Constance Collier, Paulette Goddard, Glynis Johns, C. Aubrey Smith]
Back Street (1941) [Margaret Sullavan, Charles Boyer]
Condemned (1929) [Ann Harding, Ronald Colman]
Fanny By Gaslight (1944) [James Mason, Stewart Granger]
Sherlock Holmes: The Archives Collection (three-disc collection)[this is a compilation of different Holmes movies (many of them shorts), from the silent days through the popular Rathbone series]
Warners Archives:
Big Boy (19310) [Al Jolson]
Conspirator (1949) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Cynthia (1947) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Go Into Your Dance (1934) [Ruby Keeler, Al Jolson]
It’s a Big Country (1951) [Gary Cooper, Van Johnson, Nancy Davis, Gene Kelly, Janet Leigh, and Fredric March]
Love is Better Than Ever (1952) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Rhapsody (1954) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Say it With Songs (1929) [Al Jolson]
The Singing Fool (1928) [Al Jolson]
The Singing Kid (1936) [Al Jolson]
The Story of Mankind (1957) [Vincent Price, Ronald Colman]
The Story of Three Loves (1953) [James Mason, Leslie Caron, Pier Angeli]
Weekend at the Waldorf (1945) [Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers]
The Judy Garland Show—Holiday Special
Summer Storm (1944) [Linda Darnell]
The William Castle Film Collection: Homicidal (1961), Mr. Sardonicus (1961), Zotz! (1962), The Old Dark House (1963), The Tingler, 13 Ghosts (1960), 13 Frightened Girls!, Strait-Jacket (1964)
23 Paces to Baker Street (1956) [Van Johnson]
An American Tragedy (1931) [Sylvia Sidney]
An Ideal Husband (1948) [Constance Collier, Paulette Goddard, Glynis Johns, C. Aubrey Smith]
Back Street (1941) [Margaret Sullavan, Charles Boyer]
Condemned (1929) [Ann Harding, Ronald Colman]
Fanny By Gaslight (1944) [James Mason, Stewart Granger]
Sherlock Holmes: The Archives Collection (three-disc collection)[this is a compilation of different Holmes movies (many of them shorts), from the silent days through the popular Rathbone series]
Warners Archives:
Big Boy (19310) [Al Jolson]
Conspirator (1949) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Cynthia (1947) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Go Into Your Dance (1934) [Ruby Keeler, Al Jolson]
It’s a Big Country (1951) [Gary Cooper, Van Johnson, Nancy Davis, Gene Kelly, Janet Leigh, and Fredric March]
Love is Better Than Ever (1952) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Rhapsody (1954) [Elizabeth Taylor]
Say it With Songs (1929) [Al Jolson]
The Singing Fool (1928) [Al Jolson]
The Singing Kid (1936) [Al Jolson]
The Story of Mankind (1957) [Vincent Price, Ronald Colman]
The Story of Three Loves (1953) [James Mason, Leslie Caron, Pier Angeli]
Weekend at the Waldorf (1945) [Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers]
Classic Links
A mural of a punk Hitchcock in his hometown— The Guardian (via About.com)
This castle from Nosferatu is my favorite so far in the amazing horror movie house series on this blog— She Blogged By Night
The Hollywood Canine Canteen (classic movie stars as cartoon dogs)— Motion Picture Gems
The forgotten starlet series: Betty Field— Classic Hollywood Nerd
The short, sweet life of Olive Thomas— A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
A great intro. to the Tammy movies— Noodle in a Haystack
This castle from Nosferatu is my favorite so far in the amazing horror movie house series on this blog— She Blogged By Night
The Hollywood Canine Canteen (classic movie stars as cartoon dogs)— Motion Picture Gems
The forgotten starlet series: Betty Field— Classic Hollywood Nerd
The short, sweet life of Olive Thomas— A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
A great intro. to the Tammy movies— Noodle in a Haystack
Oct 19, 2009
Classic Links
Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca: rows, rivalries and a movie classic— Telegraph
I love these behind the scenes camera shots-- And Scene
Hollywood gossip, April 9, 1932— Hollywood Heyday
Fun creature feature quote quiz— AMC
Nice Arline Judge profile— Allure
Tips on collecting vintage movie posters— LA Times
Must-see classic Mexican movies— IMDB
I love these behind the scenes camera shots-- And Scene
Hollywood gossip, April 9, 1932— Hollywood Heyday
Fun creature feature quote quiz— AMC
Nice Arline Judge profile— Allure
Tips on collecting vintage movie posters— LA Times
Must-see classic Mexican movies— IMDB
Monday Serenade: Carmen Miranda
Since Carmen Miranda singing South American Way was such a happy way to start the musical Down Argentine Way (1940), I thought it would be the perfect way to start the week.
Oct 18, 2009
Oct 16, 2009
Classic Links
Lovely Linda Darnell pics—
Dreaming in Black and White
A rare hour-long interview with Alfred Hitchcock—
/Film
I love these star-studded vintage cartoons—
Motion Picture Gems
Tired of Barbie? Try a Joan Crawford doll—
Joan Crawford Deluxe Suite
More about the Joan Crawford dolls. There’s also an Ava Gardner collection, and it doesn’t look anything like her!—
Tonner Dolls
Review: The Rage of Paris (1938)—
Noir Chick Flicks
Paris seen through the eyes of a classic movie fan—
Classic Maiden
Even if you don’t like Wheeler and Woolsey, this is a good read—
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Dreaming in Black and White
A rare hour-long interview with Alfred Hitchcock—
/Film
I love these star-studded vintage cartoons—
Motion Picture Gems
Tired of Barbie? Try a Joan Crawford doll—
Joan Crawford Deluxe Suite
More about the Joan Crawford dolls. There’s also an Ava Gardner collection, and it doesn’t look anything like her!—
Tonner Dolls
Review: The Rage of Paris (1938)—
Noir Chick Flicks
Paris seen through the eyes of a classic movie fan—
Classic Maiden
Even if you don’t like Wheeler and Woolsey, this is a good read—
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Oct 15, 2009
Powerful Angela Lansbury
As Angela Lansbury is turning 84 tomorrow, I thought it a good time to give her a little attention--because while she seems to be universally adored, there hardly ever seems to be much discussion about her accomplished movie career.
I usually like to pick a handful of titles when I pay tribute to an actor, but I found that impossible to do with Lansbury. For one, I feel that all her performances have something to distinguish them--no matter what the quality of the movie (I call this the “James Cagney Syndrome”). Even among her very early films, there are so many great performances to admire: her youthful haughtiness in Gaslight and National Velvet (both 1944), her charming freshness in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), the lush romance of her queen in The Three Musketeers (1948), her saucy showgirl/hostess in The Harvey Girls (1946)--and check out her flirty specialty number in Til the Clouds Roll By (1946):
I’m going to sidle away from her Academy Award-nominated roles, including her iconic steely mother in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and focus on two widely different characters she tackled within a year of each other:
The Private Affairs of Bel Ami (1947)
It is heartbreaking to see Lansbury’s charming single mother fall prey to eternal cad George Sanders in this dark period drama. Quite often, the good girls can lose audience interest to more vibrant and less apologetic villains. This is not the case with Lansbury. Though she is all decency and kindness, her warmth is entrancing; the whole drama is infused with her spirit. As the only pure adult in a landscape of bitterness, she lifts the movie from total blackness. She also makes you want to give Sanders a strong kick to the rear.
State of the Union (1948)
Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn are as sharply attuned to each other as ever in this political drama, but even playing against such mighty leads, Lansbury has a strong presence, whether or not she is onscreen. Her portrayal of a woman desperate to elevate her lover, and herself, into the White House is almost entirely uncompromising in its coldness. In those moments when she is onscreen, she is riveting. Impeccably dressed and coiffed, often still and observant—she is always ready to pounce. Even when her back is to the camera, she radiates power—you can sense the tension within her. However, in her first scene, she rescues her character from one-note villainy with a show of emotion that efficiently explains her ruthless behavior. That powerful moment changes the meaning of all that follows.
Image Source
Classic Links
Ooh—new monthly podcasts from TCM. Interviews with classic stars!—
Out of the Past
Achievements in the use of sound: 1927-1931 (fascinating stuff)—
A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
Is that Mustache Really Necessary?—
Silents and Talkies
Ageless Joel McCrea—
Classic Hollywood Nerd
I love this pic of Danny Kaye offering Ingrid Bergman a light—
Flickr
Elia Kazan’s Man on a Tightrope (1953)—
The Epoch Times
Crypt above Marilyn Monroe back up for auction (here we go again. . .)—
AP
An 83-year-old shoe saleslady and former Hollywood bit player (great story)—
Courier Press
The Douglas Fairbanks Museum donation drive—
The Douglas Fairbanks Museum
Out of the Past
Achievements in the use of sound: 1927-1931 (fascinating stuff)—
A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
Is that Mustache Really Necessary?—
Silents and Talkies
Ageless Joel McCrea—
Classic Hollywood Nerd
I love this pic of Danny Kaye offering Ingrid Bergman a light—
Flickr
Elia Kazan’s Man on a Tightrope (1953)—
The Epoch Times
Crypt above Marilyn Monroe back up for auction (here we go again. . .)—
AP
An 83-year-old shoe saleslady and former Hollywood bit player (great story)—
Courier Press
The Douglas Fairbanks Museum donation drive—
The Douglas Fairbanks Museum
Oct 14, 2009
Classic Links
Sun Valley Serenade (1941): a good musical with a great Dorothy Dandridge/ Nicholas Brothers number—
Silver Screen Stars
Day three of the Billy Wilder event—good fun—
LAMB
A review of Freaks (1932)—
Classic Film and TV Cafe
This has nothing to do with movies, except that Roger Ebert posted it on his Twitter this morning (yes, I’m stretching). It made me laugh though, so I had to share—
Rain City Story
Silver Screen Stars
Day three of the Billy Wilder event—good fun—
LAMB
A review of Freaks (1932)—
Classic Film and TV Cafe
This has nothing to do with movies, except that Roger Ebert posted it on his Twitter this morning (yes, I’m stretching). It made me laugh though, so I had to share—
Rain City Story
Oct 13, 2009
Classic Links
More great Billy Wilder posts—
LAMB
Some terrific Al Hirschfeld sketches of classic stars (I love the Cary Grant pics)—
And Scene
Leave it to a burlesque stripper to perfectly emulate Jean Harlow’s hair style (it looks like it took so much work!)—
Vintage Starlet
April 8, 1932 in Hollywood—
Hollywood Heyday
A nice little tribute to Grable. It reminds you of what a kind person she was—
Kitty Larue Revue
I love this list. What a great idea. It’s like counting your pop culture blessings (and I give him props for including his wife)—
Riku Writes
LAMB
Some terrific Al Hirschfeld sketches of classic stars (I love the Cary Grant pics)—
And Scene
Leave it to a burlesque stripper to perfectly emulate Jean Harlow’s hair style (it looks like it took so much work!)—
Vintage Starlet
April 8, 1932 in Hollywood—
Hollywood Heyday
A nice little tribute to Grable. It reminds you of what a kind person she was—
Kitty Larue Revue
I love this list. What a great idea. It’s like counting your pop culture blessings (and I give him props for including his wife)—
Riku Writes
TV Tuesday: Grouch Marx and Rock Hudson for DeSoto
I felt almost uncomfortable watching Groucho "Mr. Anarchy" Marx making such an earnest pitch in this DeSoto commercial. I kept waiting for the punchline. However, it did make me realize how much I like to hear him speak, no matter what he is saying.
On the other hand, while Rock Hudson has the looks of a born pitchman, he delivers his lines with a lot less enthusiasm. Doesn't he seem bored? (I wish they still made cars with that snazzy "sports swivel seat"):
New Releases
I didn’t have time to find full release information for the new DVD titles this week, but so many of them looked interesting that I had to share. There’s more detailed information on these titles at Movies Unlimited.
College Holiday (1938)
Bowery Champs (1944)
Block Busters (1944)
False Faces (1932)
G.I. Honeymoon (1945)
Glamour Boy (1941)
Hit the Hay (1945)
Honeychile (1951)
Horace Takes Over (1942)
M (1951)
Ruth Etting and Lillian Roth short subjects— Roseland (1930), Melody in May (1936), Masks and Memories (1934)
Scattergood Baines (1941)
Scattergood Survives a Murder (1942)
Secrets of Scotland Yard (1944)
Silent Sweethearts of the Silver Screen short comedies-- Her Bridal Night-Mare (1920), Campus Carmen (1928), As Luck Would Have It
So Evil My Love (1948)
So You Won’t Talk (1940)
Spotlight Scandals (1943)
Swingtime Johnny (1943)
The Bride Comes Home (1935)
The Kid From Cleveland (1949)
The Lady Wants Mink (1953)
The Meanest Man in the World (1943)
The More Laurel or Hardy Collection—includes: Something in Her Eye (1915), A Warm Reception (1916), The Chief Cook (1917), The Noon Whistle (1923), Huns and Hyphens (1918), The Weak-End Party (1922), No Place Like Jail (1918)
The Nickel-Hopper (1926)
The Speed Spook (1924)
The Talk of Hollywood (1929)
And Sudden Death (1936)
Armored Car Robbery (1950)
Blazing Six-Shooters (1940)
Child in the House (1956)
Crime Without Passion (1934)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1912/1913)
Ellery Queen and the Perfect Crime (1941)
Ladies in Retirement (1941)
Philo Vance’s Secret Mission (1947)
Swiss Family Robinson (1940)
The Fatal Witness (1945)
The Torture of Silence (Mater Dolorosa) (1917
Thursday’s Child (1943)
Waterloo Road (1945)
College Holiday (1938)
Bowery Champs (1944)
Block Busters (1944)
False Faces (1932)
G.I. Honeymoon (1945)
Glamour Boy (1941)
Hit the Hay (1945)
Honeychile (1951)
Horace Takes Over (1942)
M (1951)
Ruth Etting and Lillian Roth short subjects— Roseland (1930), Melody in May (1936), Masks and Memories (1934)
Scattergood Baines (1941)
Scattergood Survives a Murder (1942)
Secrets of Scotland Yard (1944)
Silent Sweethearts of the Silver Screen short comedies-- Her Bridal Night-Mare (1920), Campus Carmen (1928), As Luck Would Have It
So Evil My Love (1948)
So You Won’t Talk (1940)
Spotlight Scandals (1943)
Swingtime Johnny (1943)
The Bride Comes Home (1935)
The Kid From Cleveland (1949)
The Lady Wants Mink (1953)
The Meanest Man in the World (1943)
The More Laurel or Hardy Collection—includes: Something in Her Eye (1915), A Warm Reception (1916), The Chief Cook (1917), The Noon Whistle (1923), Huns and Hyphens (1918), The Weak-End Party (1922), No Place Like Jail (1918)
The Nickel-Hopper (1926)
The Speed Spook (1924)
The Talk of Hollywood (1929)
And Sudden Death (1936)
Armored Car Robbery (1950)
Blazing Six-Shooters (1940)
Child in the House (1956)
Crime Without Passion (1934)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1912/1913)
Ellery Queen and the Perfect Crime (1941)
Ladies in Retirement (1941)
Philo Vance’s Secret Mission (1947)
Swiss Family Robinson (1940)
The Fatal Witness (1945)
The Torture of Silence (Mater Dolorosa) (1917
Thursday’s Child (1943)
Waterloo Road (1945)
Oct 12, 2009
Classic Links
One of the great Ida Lupino flicks: The Man I Love (1947)—
Self-Styled Siren
I’ve been enjoying the Stanley Donen saga on this blog—
Out of the Past
Lots of great posts about director Billy Wilder—
LAMB
Buried treasures: 99 River Street (1953)—
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Why would someone lie about seeing a classic movie?—
About.com
A tribute to Pepper the Cat, the first feline movie star—
FilmPhiles
Self-Styled Siren
I’ve been enjoying the Stanley Donen saga on this blog—
Out of the Past
Lots of great posts about director Billy Wilder—
LAMB
Buried treasures: 99 River Street (1953)—
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Why would someone lie about seeing a classic movie?—
About.com
A tribute to Pepper the Cat, the first feline movie star—
FilmPhiles
Oct 11, 2009
Oct 9, 2009
Classic Links
Two great posts about Joan Crawford—
Self-Styled Siren
Little Round-Headed Boy
The flapper bob revolution—
All Talking! All Singing! All Dancing!
This is a great gallery of Elizabeth Taylor photos, but it gives me the creeps, because it feels like an obituary—
ABC News
Elizabeth Taylor tweets her recovery from surgery—
The Guardian
Lovely Helen Burgess—
Classic Hollywood Nerd
Image Source
1940s Breakdancing?
I have to agree with the person who posted this clip on YouTube; the dance moves in this scene look a lot like modern breakdancing.
Oct 8, 2009
Classic Links
Those old Hollywood gossip columnists—
Kelowna
Great Carole Lombard pics—
Silents and Talkies
More movies for your inner leftist—
Riku Writes
Great pic of Lilyan Tashmen with a very intricate hairdo—
Art Deco
10 residents of the Motion Picture Country House (I’m so sad that this place is closing)—
Mental Floss
Kelowna
Great Carole Lombard pics—
Silents and Talkies
More movies for your inner leftist—
Riku Writes
Great pic of Lilyan Tashmen with a very intricate hairdo—
Art Deco
10 residents of the Motion Picture Country House (I’m so sad that this place is closing)—
Mental Floss
Batman Window Cameos
One of the most famous images from the 1960s Batman show is of the Dark, Groovy Knight and his Boy Wonder slowly climbing up the outside of a building, trading cheesy lines as they prepare to surprise the villain of the week. On several episodes, a celebrity would pop out of a mid-building window for a quick chat. The cameos were about an even mix of television and movie stars. Here are a few of the appearances made by
stars who also made their mark in the movies:
Jerry Lewis made the first cameo in season one:
Sammy Davis Jr. popped up in season two:
Andy Devine, the character actor with the unmistakable voice, made an appearance as Santa Claus:
This is my favorite cameo. Edward G. Robinson, an art collector in real life, discusses artists with Batman and Robin and takes a jab at Andy Warhol and pop art:
stars who also made their mark in the movies:
Jerry Lewis made the first cameo in season one:
Sammy Davis Jr. popped up in season two:
Andy Devine, the character actor with the unmistakable voice, made an appearance as Santa Claus:
This is my favorite cameo. Edward G. Robinson, an art collector in real life, discusses artists with Batman and Robin and takes a jab at Andy Warhol and pop art:
Oct 7, 2009
Classic Links
New book--Bette Davis: Larger Than Life (produced in conjunction with her estate)—
TCM
New book—Morbid Curiosity: The Disturbing Demises of the Famous and Infamous (this is supposed to be a “funny” book about death) –
TCM
Elizabeth Taylor to undergo heart operation—
The Guardian
About Gene Eliza Tierney---
Nothin' I Wish to be Ownin'
Image Source
Oct 6, 2009
More Warner Archives Titles
Another great crop of titles now available from Warner Archives (I'm so excited about the pre-codes!):
The Barbarian (1933) - Myrna Loy, Ramon Novarro
The Bribe (1949) - Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price, John Hodiak
Comrade X (1940) - Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Oskar Homolka, Felix Bressart, Eve Arden
Every Girl Should Be Married (1948) - Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Franchot Tone, Diana Lynn, Alan Mowbray
Our Miss Brooks (1956) - Eve Arden
Penthouse (1933) - Myrna Loy, Warner Baxter, Charles Butterworth, Mae Clarke
Perfect Strangers (1950) - Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, Thelma Ritter
Pretty Baby (1950) - Dennis Morgan, Betsy Drake, Zachary Scott, Edmund Gwenn, William Frawley
The Subject Was Roses (1968) - Patricia Neal, Jack Albertson, Martin Sheen
Ten Thousand Bedrooms (1957) - Dean Martin, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Eva Bartok, Walter Slezak, Paul Henreid
Top Secret Affair (1957) - Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Paul Stewart, Jim Backus
The Barbarian (1933) - Myrna Loy, Ramon Novarro
The Bribe (1949) - Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price, John Hodiak
Comrade X (1940) - Clark Gable, Hedy Lamarr, Oskar Homolka, Felix Bressart, Eve Arden
Every Girl Should Be Married (1948) - Cary Grant, Betsy Drake, Franchot Tone, Diana Lynn, Alan Mowbray
Our Miss Brooks (1956) - Eve Arden
Penthouse (1933) - Myrna Loy, Warner Baxter, Charles Butterworth, Mae Clarke
Perfect Strangers (1950) - Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, Thelma Ritter
Pretty Baby (1950) - Dennis Morgan, Betsy Drake, Zachary Scott, Edmund Gwenn, William Frawley
The Subject Was Roses (1968) - Patricia Neal, Jack Albertson, Martin Sheen
Ten Thousand Bedrooms (1957) - Dean Martin, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Eva Bartok, Walter Slezak, Paul Henreid
Top Secret Affair (1957) - Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Paul Stewart, Jim Backus
Classic Links
Why do barbers love photos of Marlon Brando?—
The Guardian
B-day gal Carole Lombard is so glamorous in this pic!—
Art Deco
Of course, I can’t forget it is Janet Gaynor’s b-day as well—
Silver Screen Stars
I love the haunted house series on this blog—
She Blogged by Night
Tuesday Weld in I’ll Take Sweden (1965)—
Out of the Past
Interesting review of the new Elizabeth Taylor bio—
Times Online
Unforgettable classic cartoons—
Matinee at the Bijou
Movies for your inner leftist—
Riku Writes
Nice, short bio of Charles Coburn (This blog has a great musical soundtrack. Check it out!)—
Midnite at Sunset and Vine
The Guardian
B-day gal Carole Lombard is so glamorous in this pic!—
Art Deco
Of course, I can’t forget it is Janet Gaynor’s b-day as well—
Silver Screen Stars
I love the haunted house series on this blog—
She Blogged by Night
Tuesday Weld in I’ll Take Sweden (1965)—
Out of the Past
Interesting review of the new Elizabeth Taylor bio—
Times Online
Unforgettable classic cartoons—
Matinee at the Bijou
Movies for your inner leftist—
Riku Writes
Nice, short bio of Charles Coburn (This blog has a great musical soundtrack. Check it out!)—
Midnite at Sunset and Vine
Happy Birthday to the Profane Angel
I can think of no better way of celebrating birthday gal Carole Lombard than with a profanity-laced blooper reel from one of my favorite movies: My Man Godfrey (1936). Here's to the Profane Angel!
TV Tuesday: Bette Davis on the Dick Cavett Show
This is probably my favorite talk show interview ever: Bette Davis on The Dick Cavett Show in 1971. I feel like I've been yakking about it a lot lately, so I figured I might as well post one of my favorite parts--when Davis talks about kissing on screen, including a particularly devastating early experience helping other actors screen test their kissing skills. Davis and Cavett are a marvelous pair: the grand, but candid Hollywood legend and the starstruck, but eloquent boy from Nebraska.
Classic New Releases
Warner Home Video/ TCM Spotlight Collection Woo hoo! The second volume of the Esther Williams Collection is now available! The titles are: Fiesta, Easy to Love, Million Dollar Mermaid, Pagan Love Song, Thrill of a Romance, This Time For Keeps
Warner Home Video Karloff and Lugosi Horror Classics: The Walking Dead, You'll Find Out, Helen Parrish. AKA: Here Come the Boogie Men, Zombies on Broadway, Frankenstein 1970
Universal Studios The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 1--One Night in the Tropics, Buck Privates, In the Navy, Hold That Ghost!, Keep 'Em Flying, Ride 'Em Cowboy, Pardon My Sarong, Who Done It?
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 2-- Hit the Ice, In Society, Here Come the Co-Eds, The Naughty Nineties, Little Giant, The Time of Their Lives, Buck Privates Come Home, The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 3-- Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff, Comin' Round the Mountain, Lost in Alaska, Mexican Hayride
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 4-- Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, The World of Abbott and Costello
Kino International Classic Educational Shorts Volume 1: How to be a Man (1949-1970) and Classic Educational Shorts Volume 2: How to be a Woman (1948-1982)
Warner Home Video Karloff and Lugosi Horror Classics: The Walking Dead, You'll Find Out, Helen Parrish. AKA: Here Come the Boogie Men, Zombies on Broadway, Frankenstein 1970
Universal Studios The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 1--One Night in the Tropics, Buck Privates, In the Navy, Hold That Ghost!, Keep 'Em Flying, Ride 'Em Cowboy, Pardon My Sarong, Who Done It?
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 2-- Hit the Ice, In Society, Here Come the Co-Eds, The Naughty Nineties, Little Giant, The Time of Their Lives, Buck Privates Come Home, The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 3-- Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff, Comin' Round the Mountain, Lost in Alaska, Mexican Hayride
The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 4-- Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, The World of Abbott and Costello
Kino International Classic Educational Shorts Volume 1: How to be a Man (1949-1970) and Classic Educational Shorts Volume 2: How to be a Woman (1948-1982)
Oct 5, 2009
Classic Links
Audrey Hepburn outfits to be auctioned—
Press Trust of India
A fabulous profile of determined Hollywood pioneer Mary Pickford—
Silents and Talkies
A pic of young Bette Davis, before the fire in her belly translated to the silver screen—
Art Deco
A Modern Musketeer DVD review (I love the title cards)—
The Douglas Fairbanks Museum
Classic Hollywood stuntwoman dies at 92—
UPI
Great pics of Cary Grant through the years—
Classic Hollywood Nerd
Image Source
Oct 4, 2009
Classic Links
Veronica Lake and the peek-a-boo bang—
FilmPhiles
Style icons we classic movie fans can appreciate—
Perpetual Flapper
Part two of that great Joan Crawford find from last week—
Allure
I love these old movie mag write-ups! Here’s April 7, 1932—
Hollywood Heyday
A lovely gallery of Gina Lollobrigida pics—
Classic Forever
FilmPhiles
Style icons we classic movie fans can appreciate—
Perpetual Flapper
Part two of that great Joan Crawford find from last week—
Allure
I love these old movie mag write-ups! Here’s April 7, 1932—
Hollywood Heyday
A lovely gallery of Gina Lollobrigida pics—
Classic Forever
Quote of the Week
My passions were all gathered together like fingers that made a fist. Drive is considered aggression today; I knew it then as purpose.
--Bette Davis
Image Source
Oct 2, 2009
Classic Links
I’ve never seen this amazing pic of Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland together in 1942 (Wow--you can actually see the tension between them)—
Film Noir Photos
Flappers and the Halloween fringe dress myth—
Perpetual Flapper
This looks like fun: the 31 days of Halloween at Classic Film and TV Café—
Classic Film and TV Café
A Tony Curtis Interview—
Courant
Film Noir Photos
Flappers and the Halloween fringe dress myth—
Perpetual Flapper
This looks like fun: the 31 days of Halloween at Classic Film and TV Café—
Classic Film and TV Café
A Tony Curtis Interview—
Courant
Oct 1, 2009
Classic Links
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Mr. Bogart defends his own (this vintage article is sort of bizarre)—
The Guardian
Leslie Caron says Warren Beatty told her she was too old to play Bonnie to his Clyde (She was five years older than him, and he was her lover at the time. How charming.)—
IMDB
Roger Ebert’s Great Movies: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) (I just re-watched this movie, and I remembered how well Ebert described it in this review.)—
Chicago Sun Times
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