Yay—a new Kim Novak movie collection is coming out! I finally get to see Middle of the Night (1959)!— ClassicFlix
A Jean Seberg interview from 1968 (lots of interesting tidbits—including her strong political views and Lee Marvin’s claim that she and Claudia Cardinale were Toshiro Mifune’s favorite actresses!)— indieWire
The early homes of Bette Davis— Dear Old Hollywood
This is an amazing post about the development of color in film. There are also a few clips here showcasing the early use of the process—some as early as 1912-- All Talking! All Singing! All Dancing!
A brief history of movie serials, with lots of 1930s title card shots— Allure
May 31, 2010
Monday Serenade: Bette Davis Sings--Again
Oh Bette Davis, even from beyond the grave, you keep giving and giving. Here she shares her golden throat with a performance of Single on The Hollwood Palace (1965).
May 30, 2010
May 29, 2010
Saturday Newsreel: The Stars Arrive
Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy chat with reporters as the Queen Elizabeth approaches the shores of Southampton. (I can't believe Taylor has to maintain that teeny little mustache while on vacation; what a drag.)
May 28, 2010
Classic Links
The thoroughly modern Nell Shipman in The Grub Stake (1923)— Another Old Movie Blog
Hondo (1953) was the first 3D movie I attempted to watch on TV. They had this promotion just for the showing where you could get free 3D glasses at a local electronics store. I don’t remember it working at all.-- TCM/Movie Morlocks
A 1940 UK review of Gone With the Wind (1939)— The Guardian
I’ve been enjoying this history behind the flick series—this piece is about Spartacus (1960)-- Cinematical
Hondo (1953) was the first 3D movie I attempted to watch on TV. They had this promotion just for the showing where you could get free 3D glasses at a local electronics store. I don’t remember it working at all.-- TCM/Movie Morlocks
A 1940 UK review of Gone With the Wind (1939)— The Guardian
I’ve been enjoying this history behind the flick series—this piece is about Spartacus (1960)-- Cinematical
May 27, 2010
Classic Links
Classic movie LAMBs (Large Association of Movie Blogs) now have their own chops! -- LAMB
Before there was A Star is Born, there was What Price Hollywood (1932)-- Self-Styled Siren
This is an excellent film noir viewing list-- Rupert Pupkin Speaks
See how Airplane! (1980) liberally borrowed from Zero Hour (1957)--/Film
An interview with Tony Curtis-- GQ
Before there was A Star is Born, there was What Price Hollywood (1932)-- Self-Styled Siren
This is an excellent film noir viewing list-- Rupert Pupkin Speaks
See how Airplane! (1980) liberally borrowed from Zero Hour (1957)--/Film
An interview with Tony Curtis-- GQ
May 26, 2010
Classic Links
I love this pic of long time friends Joan Crawford and Barbara Stanwyck-- Joan Crawford Deluxe Suite
Great pics of the gorgeous costumes from That Night in Rio (1941)-- Livin' Vintage
An interesting review of Edward Dmytryk’s (one of the Hollywood ten) 1978 memoir-- Pesblanc's Classic B-Movie Reviews
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the 40 greatest unloved films list—it’s pretty darn good-- Cinematical
Interesting tidbits about Jayne Mansfield (including at least one NSFW pic)-- The Kitty Larue Review
Great pics of the gorgeous costumes from That Night in Rio (1941)-- Livin' Vintage
An interesting review of Edward Dmytryk’s (one of the Hollywood ten) 1978 memoir-- Pesblanc's Classic B-Movie Reviews
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the 40 greatest unloved films list—it’s pretty darn good-- Cinematical
Interesting tidbits about Jayne Mansfield (including at least one NSFW pic)-- The Kitty Larue Review
May 25, 2010
Classic Links
An amusing, and sometimes odd collection of ads featuring classic stars— Skeins of Thought
Venice, Italy in California? Check out how Hollywood mastered local location filming in 1927— /Film
How Katharine Hepburn turned her bad box office around— Classic Movies Digest
I’ve always wondered what Sharon Tate could have accomplished. She had unique presence, and an interesting intelligent bombshell persona— Noir and Chick Flicks
Brando’s estate sues a leather jacket maker-- IMDB
Venice, Italy in California? Check out how Hollywood mastered local location filming in 1927— /Film
How Katharine Hepburn turned her bad box office around— Classic Movies Digest
I’ve always wondered what Sharon Tate could have accomplished. She had unique presence, and an interesting intelligent bombshell persona— Noir and Chick Flicks
Brando’s estate sues a leather jacket maker-- IMDB
TV Tuesday: Kim Novak in 1956 and 1985
I found a pair of interesting Kim Novak interviews--filmed decades apart from each other. The first is on a British television program, filmed in 1956. Novak attempts to be soft-spoken and gracious, but some of the questions seem to raise her ire. She especially seems to struggle to find something kind to say about Tyronne Power. This woman was obviously too strong to be destroyed by the sex symbol label, as so many actresses were.
In this 1985 clip from Entertainment Tonight, the interviewer visits her at her Carmel, California property. It's striking how much more secure she seems here. It appears that her self-imposed exile from Hollywood had exactly the effect she had hoped for.
Novak would go on to a guest run on Falcon Crest and supporting roles a couple of independent features, but I don't think she found the plum role she was hoping for. However, I hear she is still living a lovely life in rural Oregon.
In this 1985 clip from Entertainment Tonight, the interviewer visits her at her Carmel, California property. It's striking how much more secure she seems here. It appears that her self-imposed exile from Hollywood had exactly the effect she had hoped for.
Novak would go on to a guest run on Falcon Crest and supporting roles a couple of independent features, but I don't think she found the plum role she was hoping for. However, I hear she is still living a lovely life in rural Oregon.
May 24, 2010
Classic Links
They’ve added some interesting stars to TCM Summer Under the Stars this year— TCM
A video tour of Warner Bros ranch-- Dear Old Hollywood
RIP Evelyn Dall-- The Guardian
Lots of well-written reviews:
Tabu (1931)-- Silent Volume
Lola Montes (1955)-- Mondo 70
Band Wagon (1953)-- Astaire and Kelly
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)-- Edward Copeland on Film
Mark of Zorro (1940)-- A Shroud of Thoughts
A video tour of Warner Bros ranch-- Dear Old Hollywood
RIP Evelyn Dall-- The Guardian
Lots of well-written reviews:
Tabu (1931)-- Silent Volume
Lola Montes (1955)-- Mondo 70
Band Wagon (1953)-- Astaire and Kelly
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)-- Edward Copeland on Film
Mark of Zorro (1940)-- A Shroud of Thoughts
May 23, 2010
May 22, 2010
Saturday Newsreel: Stars Among Stars
A gaggle of stars gather for the 1942 Academy Award Ceremonies. Can you imagine what it would have been like to sit in a room with this glamorous crowd? What a thrill it would be to look across the room and see Cary Grant or Norma Shearer. The thought gives me chills!
May 21, 2010
Classic Links
A bunch of pics of Brigitte Bardot looking in the mirror—it’s interesting how objectively she looks at herself. She seems totally lacking in vanity.-- Vintage Belle
Eli Wallach had his best bad guy role in The Lineup (1958)— Cinematical
Richard Conte in the not-so-noir Hollywood Story (1951)-- Where Danger Lives
The TCM Lena Horne tribute is tonight-- Just a Cineast
Eli Wallach had his best bad guy role in The Lineup (1958)— Cinematical
Richard Conte in the not-so-noir Hollywood Story (1951)-- Where Danger Lives
The TCM Lena Horne tribute is tonight-- Just a Cineast
May 20, 2010
Classic Links
I’m excited that Chicago (1927) is finally going to be on DVD!— Classicflix
Actor salary rebellions and other Hollywood controversies from April 24, 1932— Hollywood Heyday
Here’s a handy list of resources for classic movie lovers— Motion Picture Gems
RIP Pamela Green— The Guardian
Actor salary rebellions and other Hollywood controversies from April 24, 1932— Hollywood Heyday
Here’s a handy list of resources for classic movie lovers— Motion Picture Gems
RIP Pamela Green— The Guardian
May 19, 2010
Classic Links
Randy Jackson wants fans to be able to visit Michael Jackson’s tomb, which now rests in a private area of Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The tombs of Clark Gable and W.C. Fields are also in this area. Their grandsons have differing opinions on the matter. . .--IMDB
I missed Nancy Kwan on my birthday list! I must go fix that. (thanks Monty)— All Good Things
Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon at Cannes— Alt Film Guide
Review Round-up:
Destination Murder (1950)– Noir and Chick Flicks
The Whole Town’s Talking (1935)-- And. . .Scene
I missed Nancy Kwan on my birthday list! I must go fix that. (thanks Monty)— All Good Things
Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon at Cannes— Alt Film Guide
Review Round-up:
Destination Murder (1950)– Noir and Chick Flicks
The Whole Town’s Talking (1935)-- And. . .Scene
May 18, 2010
Classic Links
The Stanley Kubrick movie quiz (harder than I expected)-- Mental Floss
Some interesting trivia about North by Northwest (1959)-- Blonde Episodes
William Powell as a pre-Nick Charles detective-- A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
Some interesting trivia about North by Northwest (1959)-- Blonde Episodes
William Powell as a pre-Nick Charles detective-- A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
TV Tuesday: John Wayne for Great Western Bank
The steadfast, honest and easygoing persona that John Wayne had on the screen transcended not only genre, but fiction. That's why he was the perfect pitchman, people trusted him. And shucks, I almost got emotional when he started talking about his kids!
May 17, 2010
Classic Links
The wisdom of Sophia Loren— Vintage Belle
Silent movie organist Rosa Rio dies at 107. She got her start at age ten, which means her career lasted 97 years!-- Twenty-four Frames
Tentacles (1977) sounds horrible. I must see it.— Movie Morlocks/TCM
An interesting review of the newly-restored Metropolis (1927)— LA Times Blog
I think he’s talking about a sort of movie attention disorder, and sometimes I’m afraid I have it myself— Kid In the Front Row
Silent movie organist Rosa Rio dies at 107. She got her start at age ten, which means her career lasted 97 years!-- Twenty-four Frames
Tentacles (1977) sounds horrible. I must see it.— Movie Morlocks/TCM
An interesting review of the newly-restored Metropolis (1927)— LA Times Blog
I think he’s talking about a sort of movie attention disorder, and sometimes I’m afraid I have it myself— Kid In the Front Row
Monday Serenade: Lena Horne on Sesame Street
I found these Sesame Street clips as I was trotting down memory lane with Lena Horne (via YouTube). This is my favorite version of Bein' Green. (When I played the clip, an ad for True Blood popped up. Hmmm, I know this is vintage Sesame Street, but I still think they're a bit off target with their demographic.)
I remember this one! Yes, I was lucky enough to be a child of the seventies and learn my ABCs from Ms. Lena. (I was also serenaded by Morgan "Easy Reader" Freeman on The Electric Company. Ah, what a great time for kiddy TV.)
That clip also had the True Blood ad. What the heck?
I remember this one! Yes, I was lucky enough to be a child of the seventies and learn my ABCs from Ms. Lena. (I was also serenaded by Morgan "Easy Reader" Freeman on The Electric Company. Ah, what a great time for kiddy TV.)
That clip also had the True Blood ad. What the heck?
May 16, 2010
May 15, 2010
Saturday Newsreel: The 1966 Academy Awards
This is actually a backstage interview with Lana Turner, Kathryn Grayson and James Garner. Aren't they glamorous? I love the ladies' big '60s hairdos and fancy jewelry. At the end, there's brief silent portion with other winners from the night, including Julie Christie in that amazing gold dress she wore to accept her statue for Darling (1965). Also making an appearance: Shelley Winters, Lee Marvin, Martin Balsam--and I think George Sanders? Am I missing anyone?
May 14, 2010
Classic Links
Lots of great cheesy stuff soon to make it to DVD—including Harlow, Once is Not Enough, Where Love Has Gone and Skidoo!-- Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
Have you seen Der Golem (1915)? I liked it, but I couldn’t stop wondering what the Golem’s voice would sound like if he could speak— David Bordwell
Two Marilyn Monroe biopics? Ech, can’t we just leave it alone?-- /Film
The Rear Window guide to properly spying on your neighbors— Via Margutta 51
A candid of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is auctioned off. I’m always so curious about the people who buy this stuff.-- The Telegraph
Tony Curtis wants to work again. Somebody find this guy a part; I want to see what he can do!-- IMDB
Have you seen Der Golem (1915)? I liked it, but I couldn’t stop wondering what the Golem’s voice would sound like if he could speak— David Bordwell
Two Marilyn Monroe biopics? Ech, can’t we just leave it alone?-- /Film
The Rear Window guide to properly spying on your neighbors— Via Margutta 51
A candid of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is auctioned off. I’m always so curious about the people who buy this stuff.-- The Telegraph
Tony Curtis wants to work again. Somebody find this guy a part; I want to see what he can do!-- IMDB
May 13, 2010
Classic Links
More fabulous stories from the TCM film fest. This lady met Cheryl Crane, Lana Turner’s daughter!-- Classic Film and TV Cafe
The story of Robert Mitchum, a pair of boobs, and a scandalous photo— Out of the Past
Check out that hair—wow— If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger. . .
The monocle-riffic Fritz Lang— Cinematical
The story of Robert Mitchum, a pair of boobs, and a scandalous photo— Out of the Past
Check out that hair—wow— If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger. . .
The monocle-riffic Fritz Lang— Cinematical
May 12, 2010
Classic Links
Anjelica Huston and crew member April Allen tell amazing stories about the making of The African Queen (1951)— The Guardian
This is an interesting pic of Mary Pickford. It’s unusual to see her looking so serious; it strips away her childish image— Vintage Images
A new Robert Mitchum Tumblr blog from Raquelle of Out of the Past--Heck Yeah Robert Mitchum
Cass Timberlane (1947), with Lana Turner and Spencer Tracy-- Immortal Ephemera
Movie magazines and serialization— The Kitty Packard Pictorial
This is an interesting pic of Mary Pickford. It’s unusual to see her looking so serious; it strips away her childish image— Vintage Images
A new Robert Mitchum Tumblr blog from Raquelle of Out of the Past--Heck Yeah Robert Mitchum
Cass Timberlane (1947), with Lana Turner and Spencer Tracy-- Immortal Ephemera
Movie magazines and serialization— The Kitty Packard Pictorial
May 11, 2010
Interviews with Lynn Redgrave and Hayley Mills
I just found the link to this clip in my bookmarks. It's an excerpt from the 2008 British television documentary Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll: The 60s Revealed. I'm not sure when or how I found it, but it seemed an appropriate time to share it, as it has a nice interview with Lynn Redgrave. There's also a bit from a 1967 interview with Hayley Mills where she struggles with her Disney past.
Classic Links
David Thomson celebrates Lena Horne with straight talk— The Guardian
Glynis Johns in British movies-- Movietone News
RIP Adele Mara— Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
When Strangers Marry (1944)-- Where Danger Lives
Glynis Johns in British movies-- Movietone News
RIP Adele Mara— Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
When Strangers Marry (1944)-- Where Danger Lives
May 10, 2010
Classic Links
Goodbye to the amazing Lena Horne:
Two remarkable talents-- If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger
She was such an exciting, expressive performer-- If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger
Horne: A Lady Not for Turning— The Guardian
This obit has some nice pictures and clip from Stormy Weather (1943)— Motion Picture Gems
A couple of clips from the Siren— Self-Styled Siren
A short obituary— All Good Things
The New York Times obituary— New York Times
My only non-Lena link today:
Notorious (1946) on the big screen— Cinema OCD
May 9, 2010
Quote of the Week

All creative people should be required to leave California for three months every year.
-Gloria Swanson
Image Source
May 7, 2010
Classic Links
Constance Bennett discusses her beauty routine. Pretty funny—she talks about starting with a clean base, and she’s already got a full face of make-up-- And. . .Scene
A masterclass with cinematographer Jack Cardiff— The Guardian
Ten famous stage mothers— Mental Floss
The history behind the setting of Doctor Zhivago (1965)— Cinematical
A lovely story from the days before VHS, when it was an event when a great movie was scheduled on TV— Classic Film and TV Cafe
A masterclass with cinematographer Jack Cardiff— The Guardian
Ten famous stage mothers— Mental Floss
The history behind the setting of Doctor Zhivago (1965)— Cinematical
A lovely story from the days before VHS, when it was an event when a great movie was scheduled on TV— Classic Film and TV Cafe
May 6, 2010
Classic Links
Behind the scenes in Hollywood, 1932— Hollywood Heyday
Bette Davis in Hell’s House (1932)— She Blogged By Night
My Name is Julia Ross(1945), with Nina Foch— Laura's Miscellaneous Musings
RIP movie villain Martin Benson— The Guardian
How about Bette Davis Trivial Pursuit?— Noir and Chick Flicks
Bette Davis in Hell’s House (1932)— She Blogged By Night
My Name is Julia Ross(1945), with Nina Foch— Laura's Miscellaneous Musings
RIP movie villain Martin Benson— The Guardian
How about Bette Davis Trivial Pursuit?— Noir and Chick Flicks
May 5, 2010
Classic Links
Orson Welles and television (this is a long one, but it’s interesting)-- Film And Education Research Academy (via The Night Editor)
I love this list of great movie lines— Riku Writes
Robert Taylor in a darker role— Skeins of Thought
Bardot returns to St. Tropez— IMDB
I love this list of great movie lines— Riku Writes
Robert Taylor in a darker role— Skeins of Thought
Bardot returns to St. Tropez— IMDB
May 4, 2010
Classic Links
Lynn Redgrave obituary— The Guardian
And a gallery of pics from Redgrave’s career-- The Guardian
A touchingly personal review of Last Holiday (1950)— Silents and Talkies
This is a particularly glamorous Dietrich pic—fancy!— Art Deco
More pieces of Marilyn Monroe for sale—this time the famous Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend gown— IMDB
And a gallery of pics from Redgrave’s career-- The Guardian
A touchingly personal review of Last Holiday (1950)— Silents and Talkies
This is a particularly glamorous Dietrich pic—fancy!— Art Deco
More pieces of Marilyn Monroe for sale—this time the famous Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend gown— IMDB
TV Tuesday: Betty Grable in 1969
Here's Betty Grable on British television in 1969, handling silly questions with her trademark ease and warmth. I'd love to see the full interview (without that mark over her face!)
May 3, 2010
Classic Links
RIP Lynn Redgrave-- Thrilling Days of Yesteryear
An Q&A with Debbie Reynolds-- The Guardian
Lots of pics of the famous Brown Derby-- Blonde Episodes
A lovely new blog about sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine— Olivia and Joan: Sisters of the Silver Screen
Everything you ever wanted to know about the script for Duck Soup (1933)-- A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
A review of Antonioni’s Il Grido (1957)-- The Korova Theatre
An Q&A with Debbie Reynolds-- The Guardian
Lots of pics of the famous Brown Derby-- Blonde Episodes
A lovely new blog about sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine— Olivia and Joan: Sisters of the Silver Screen
Everything you ever wanted to know about the script for Duck Soup (1933)-- A Mythical Monkey Writes About the Movies
A review of Antonioni’s Il Grido (1957)-- The Korova Theatre
Monday Serenade: Flying High (1931)
Kathryn Crawford charmingly introduces We'll Dance Until the Dawn while trotting around the dance floor with Pat O'Brien. The lively production number that follows bears the unmistakable mark of Busby Berkeley. Crawford and O'Brien were actually supporting players; Bert Lahr (AKA The Cowardly Lion) and long-legged Charlotte Greenwood are the headliners of this comedy-musical. Flying High (1931) is available from the Warner Archives collection.
May 2, 2010
Quote of the Week

It's not whether you really cry. It's whether the audience thinks you are crying.
-Ingrid Bergman
Image Source
May 1, 2010
Saturday Newsreel: Stars Meet the Queen
I love the elegance and grace of the glamorous crowd assembled here to meet Queen Elizabeth. Gary Cooper looks particularly distinguished.
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