Noir and Chick Flicks

Personal Property(1937).

2012-01-29T03:40:00.001-07:00

Personal Property(1937). Romantic/comedy. Cast: Jean Harlow and Robert Taylor and directed by W.S. Van Dyke. It is based on the play The Man In Possession by H.M. Harwood.

The story begins when, Dabney Lingerie and Underwear, hits hard times and Claude Dabney makes plans on marrying a wealthy American widow. Claude's younger brother Raymond, comes home after being released from prison for stealing a car. His mother is happy to have him home, but his father and Claude are worried that his return will end the marriage plans, so they ask him to leave.

That evening, Raymond attends a performance of "Aida" and is seated next to Crystal Wetherby, who he does not know is Claude's fiancee. After the performance Raymond, follows her home in a taxi. Outside the house, Raymond meets Herbert Jenkins, who represents Crystal's creditors. When Jenkins tells Raymond that he would like to leave because his wife is having a baby, Raymond offers to fill in for him and will stay to make certain that nothing is stolen.

Once inside, Raymond is told by Crystal that her husband is upstairs. She then stomps around the house in boots, hoping that the noise will convince Raymond, that her husband is home. The next morning Raymond learns from Clara the maid, that Crystal is a widow.

Raymond, offers to work as her butler "Ferguson" during a dinner party for her, fiance and his parents and is shocked to see that her fiance is his brother Claude. The Dabneys, do not acknowledge their son, then, while Raymond is out of the room, Claude tells Crystal that her butler has been in prison.

Crystal begins to realize that she is in love with Raymond. Later, Claude offers Raymond five hundred pounds if he promises to leave England, which Raymond accepts. Raymond pays all of Crystals debts, but, because she now owes him the money, he has Jenkins repossess all of her furniture just before her wedding to Claude. Raymond then tells Claude about Crystal's financial problems, after which Claude and all the guests leave. Now, what is Crystal to do that she is left at the alter?

Fun Facts:

Throughout the film, Jean wears a star sapphire ring, a sort of engagement ring from her boyfriend William Powell.

Harlow and Taylor make an excellent comedy team and I only wished that they had work together again. The story is very charming and the wit goes along at a nice pace, charming characters and beautiful costumes make this a wonderful movie.

Una O'Connor (October 23, 1880 – February 4, 1959). For many years, she worked in Ireland and England as a stage actress. She landed a part in Alfred Hitchcock's Murder! (1930). She had not attracted much attention until she was chosen by Noel Coward to appear in, Cavalcade (1933). Her success led her to Hollywood to reprise her role and with its success, O'Connor decided to remain there.

A favourite of the director James Whale, O'Connor's best remembered roles are her comic performances in, The Invisible Man (1933) as the publican's wife and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) as the Baron's housekeeper. She played 'straight' roles too, such as the grieving mother of a captured IRA member in, The Informer (1935).

O'Connor also performed in supporting roles in theatre productions, and achieved an outstanding success in the role of "Janet McKenzie", the nearly deaf housemaid, in Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution at Henry Miller's Theatre on Broadway from 1954 until 1956. As one of the witnesses, in what was essentially a serious drama, O'Connor's character was intended to provide comic relief.

O'Connor was highly praised for her work, and also played the role in the Billy Wilder-directed film version of the same story in 1957. The film was a great success, and O'Connor once again received excellent reviews. It was her final film performance. By this time she was in her late seventies and decided to retire.

This Week On N and CF.

2012-01-28T02:54:00.001-07:00

February, means it’s time for TCM's Annual 31 days of Oscars. Please click picture on side bar for more info. I'm really looking forward to watching a couple of "new to me" classic movies this month.

Great On Screen Couples Returns to Noir and Chick Flicks in the month of Feb. Hosted by Monty and Dawn. Please click picture on sidebar for past reviews.

On TCM Feb. 1st. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953). Adventure film directed by Robert D. Webb. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

Video; Full length movie.

Happy Birthday: Clark Gable!(February 1, 1901 – November 16, 1960). Was best known for his role as Rhett Butler in the film, Gone with the Wind. His performance earned him his third nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor; he won for It Happened One Night (1934) and was also nominated for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935). Later movies include: Run Silent, Run Deep, a submarine war film, and his final film, The Misfits (1961). Please click HERE to learn more.

First video of a 7 part Clark Gable documentry.

On TCM Feb. 3rd: The Invisible Woman(1940). A science fiction, comedy film that is the third film following: Invisible Man and The Invisible Man Returns.

Happy Birthday: Ida Lupino!(4 February 1918 – 3 August 1995) Was an English-born film actress and director. In her 48-year career, she appeared in 59 films and directed seven others. Please click HERE to learn more.

On TCM Feb. 4th: The Gay Divorcee (1934). Film based on the musical play Gay Divorce. Please click HERE fo movie review.

On TCM Feb. 5th: The V.I.P.s(1963). It has an all-star cast: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Louis Jourdan, Elsa Martinelli, Maggie Smith, Rod Taylor, Orson Welles and Margaret Rutherford, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, Motion Picture.

From Chick Flicks Musicals blogspot: George Whites Scandals(1945).

Article of the week is from Eves Reel Life Blogspot: Deadly Obsession. The first installment for A Month of VERTIGO.

January 4, Whistlingypsy of Distant Voices and Flickering Shadows muses on Eves Reel Life Blogspot. Bernard Herrmann ~ Composer of Haunting Music and Treacherous Dreams.

January 7, Christian Esquevin of Silver Screen Modiste and author of Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label takes a look at the costumes and the characters who wore them with The Costumes of Vertigo.

January 10, Brandie Ashe of True Classics considers Kim Novak in Vertigo: A Hypnotic Presence

January 13, Michael Nazarewycz of Filmoria.com, ManILoveFilms.com and ScribeHard on Film contemplates the setting of Vertigo, that "jewel of American cities," with More Than Just the Streets of San Francisco. More than just streets of San Francisco.

January 16, Steven DeRosa, author of Writing With Hitchcock, looks at Vertigo from the perspective of screenwriter Samuel A. Taylor with An Inconsequential Yarn

January 19, John Greco of Twenty Four Frames offers his recent interview with preeminent Hitchcock biographer Patrick McGilligan Hitchcock Biographer Patrick Mcgilligan (Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light) on the subject of Vertigo and the filmmaker who conceived it.

January 22, Allen Hefner of Bit Part Actors honors those in Vertigo’s supporting cast with Vertigo, Bit Players

January 25, Classic Film Boy of Classic Film Boy’s Movie Paradise assesses James Stewart's iconic and shaded performance as ‘Scottie Ferguson’ in Vertigo. James Stewart Walk On The Dark Side.

January 28, Brandon Kyle Goco of TCM’s Classic Film Union, Brandon Kyle the Cinephile and guest host of TCM’s October podcast series will ‘vlog’ (video blog) about his passion for Vertigo. Please click here to watch video.

January 31, Eve will reflect on Vertigo in relation to the the novel it was adapted from, D'Entre Les Morts by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.

The Glass Key(1942).

2012-01-26T15:59:00.001-07:00

The Glass Key(1942). Cast: Brian Donlevy, Veronica Lake and Alan Ladd.

Only out for himself.. Paul Madvig, plans to support candidate Ralph Henry for governor after falling in love with his daughter, Janet. Madvig's friend, Ed Beaumont, believes that he is making a big mistake and does not trust Janet, because she is in love with Beaumont. Madvig says that Henry, has given him the key to his house... Beaumont, warns him that it might be a glass key, that may break at any time.

Soon after, Madvig tells gangster Nick Varna, that he is cleaning up the city and that he, will no longer have protection from the police..

Henry's son, Taylor, owes Varna a lot of money, for his gambling debts and when Madvig finds out, Opal worries what he will do to her boyfriend.

Later, Beaumont finds Taylor's body and all evidence points to Madvig. When Varna hears that Beaumont and Madvig have gone their separate ways, he tries to recruit Beaumont. Beaumont turns him down, so Varna has him beaten to try to change his mind.

When Beaumont recovers, he learns that Varna has found a "witness" to Taylor Henry's murder. Madvig has Sloss brought to his office, but Sloss is gunned down before he gets there.

Beaumont finds Jeff and tries to get information from him. Just as Jeff starts to talk, Varna shows up and orders him to shut up. When Beaumont disarms Varna, Jeff strangles his boss. Beaumont, has the waiter call the police. Will Beaumont, be able to prove who killed Taylor?

In this classic film noir, you will be amazed at some of the physical stunts. Especially, when Ladd escapes out of a broken window has him falling off an awning and crashing through the ceiling where a family is having dinner.

Bonita Granville (February 2, 1923 – October 11, 1988). Made her film debut at the age of nine in, Westward Passage (1933). Over the next couple of years she played uncredited supporting roles in films: as Little Women (1933) and Anne of Green Gables (1934) before playing the role of Mary in the film, The Children's Hour. For her role, Granville was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

In 1938, she starred as the mischievous daughter in the multi-Academy Awards nominated comedy film, Merrily We Live and as girl detective Nancy Drew in the film Nancy Drew, Detective. The Nancy Drew film success led to Granville reprising the role in three sequels from 1938 to 1939, including Nancy Drew... Reporter (1939).

As a young adult, she was once again cast in supporting roles in the films: Now, Voyager (1942), Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble (1944) and Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (1946). She is also remembered for her starring role in the World War II film, Hitler's Children (1943). Her career began to fade by the mid-1940s.

In 1947, Granville married Jack Wrather, who had produced some of her films. He formed the Wrather Corporation, and bought the rights to characters from both, The Lone Ranger and Lassie. Granville, worked as a producer for several film and television productions featuring these characters, including the 1954 TV series Lassie. She performed in the film version of, The Lone Ranger(1956) and made her final screen performance in a cameo role in, The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981).

In 1949, she performed with Rod Cameron in the comedy film, Strike It Rich.

She was honored at the Disneyland Hotel, which Jack Wrather owned until it was sold to the Walt Disney Company. The Bonita Tower and Granville's Steak House were named in her honor.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Ruth Chatterton.

2012-01-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Trivia:

She directed Broadway plays beginning in the 1920s, and translated French works for the American stage. She was also a licensed pilot who flew her own plane cross-country.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Rita Hayworth

2012-01-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

The lovely Rita and her cocker spaniel enjoying the warm weather

Comedy Classics Blogathon: Gene Tierney.

2012-01-24T04:17:00.009-07:00

This is my contribution in the Classic Movie Blog Association's Comedy Classics Blogathon. Please click picture on the side bar to read the other CMBA's members contributions..

Gene Tierney, maybe best remembered for her performances in the film noirs: Laura (1944) and Leave Her to Heaven (1945). So, if you are like me you would not think that she would ever perform in a comedy film. Gene Tierney, proved herself to be a actress who could play calm, sweet and innocent characters, with a twist of humor... and she did just that in many of her films in the 1940s and '50s:

Rings on Her Fingers(1942). A very charming comedy starring Henry Fonda and Gene Tierney. Tierney, plays a con-artists who falls for a dreamer who loves sailing. The story become complicated when Tierney wants to return Fonda's life savings after swindling him out of it.. The lively Spring Byington, was the perfect choice playing Tierney's con-artists mother. If you take a little from the films, "Some Like It Hot" and "The Lady Eve" put them together then you have an idea what Rings on Her Fingers is like. One of my favorite scenes is when they are gambling at Tierney's character friends casino and she has it fixed for Fonda's character to win. Of course Fonda thinks he's found a mathematical formula and he becomes very brave at making his bets.

Video: Full length movie.

Heaven Can Wait(1943). Cast: Gene Tierney, Don Ameche and Charles Coburn. The supporting cast includes Marjorie Main, Laird Cregar, Spring Byington, Allyn Joslyn, Eugene Pallette, Signe Hasso, Louis Calhern, Tod Andrews, and Clara Blandick. This maybe my favorite of the Gene Tierney comedies, which is about a women, who believes in the man she loves even though he is a Casanova. You will even love the devil in this charming colorful film..

After 70 year old Henry Van Cleve dies, he is sent directly to Hell. There he is greeted by the devil, who wants to know how Henry has earned his way to hell. Henry, begins to tell his story:

Even as a young boy, he is attracted to girls and when he shows little Mary a beetle, she wants him to give her another beetle, Henry realizes, "If you want to win a girl, you have to have lots of beetles."

Henry's family hire Henry, a maid to tutor him in French and the facts of life. When the mother catches on to what's really going on, Grandfather seems proud and whisks the maid out of the house before she causes any more trouble. Henry, continues drinking and womanizing until his twenty-sixth birthday. Henry shares with his mother that he has met the girl of his dreams and wants to marry her, but he does not know her name.

Later, Henry attends a party celebrating the engagement of his cousin Albert and his fiancee, Martha Strabel. Henry, is shocked to see that his cousin's fiancee is the same girl he fell in love with during a chance meeting. The couple elope that night.

Ten years later, on the day before Martha and Henry's anniversary, which is also Henry's thirty-sixth birthday, Henry receives a telegram from Martha, saying that she has left him. Henry follows Martha to her parents home. When Henry arrives, Martha tells him that she knows about Henry's affairs, but he convinces her to forgive him and the couple go on a second honeymoon.

Now, their son Jack has grown into a handsome young man, who has taken up with a chorus girl named Peggy. Henry, goes to visit Peggy and offers her $25,000 to break off her relationship with Jack. What he doesn't know, is that Jack, already has a new girl friend.

That night, at a party celebrating the couple's silver anniversary, Henry learns that Martha is very ill and they dance their last dance together.

Jack, who has become a successful businessman, is not too happy that his widower father stays out late every night returning to his Casanova ways.

On Henry's seventieth birthday, Henry wakes up from a dream about dancing with a beautiful blonde woman, then dies while the beautiful night nurse, is on duty.

After sharing his story, Henry is told by the devil that they do not cater to "his class of people" in Hell and that someone special is waiting for him some place else.

Even though, this is a beautiful story of the women's love for a man from childhood, through old age and even after-death. It is told with a touch of humor and a couple of tears.

The Mating Season(1951). Cast: Gene Tierney, John Lund, Miriam Hopkins, and Thelma Ritter. This well written comedy will brighten your day. Gene Tierney, was at the peak of her beauty when she wore the beautiful gown designed by her then husband famous dress designer, Oleg Cassini.

After, selling her little hamburger stand Ellen McNulty, has nowhere else to go, decides to visit her son Val. Newly married Val, promises his new wife Maggie, a maid to help her around the house. Maggie, has never met Ellen, so when Ellen arrives at the door she mistakes her for the maid. Ellen, decides to go along with the idea and pretends to be a maid. Even though, Val does not think it is a good idea.

Maggie's snobbish mother, decides to also come for a visit and she doesn't care much for Val. While helping Mr. Kalinger, Ellen finds out that his son, Kalinger Jr., is taking credit for all of Val's work and tells Mr. Kalinger the truth.

Mr. Kalinger then invites Val and Maggie to the party and Maggie gets into an heated argument with an important female client. Val, forces Maggie to call her to apologize, but they get into another fight.

Ellen's friends come for a visit and ask to speak to "Mrs. McNulty". At this point "the cat is out of the bag" that Ellen is Val's mother. Maggie, is furious with Val for hiding his mother's identity from her. Val, tries to explain himself but Maggie won't listen and packs her bags.

Mr. Kalinger, convinces Maggie to come to the hotel bar for a good-bye drink, knowing that Val will be also be there. Val brings his mother to the party and begins introducing her to everyone. Causing, Maggie to have a change of heart.

That Wonderful Urge(1948). Cast: Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney. This film, is a remake of.. Love Is News (1937), which starred Power and Loretta Young. The film begins when, Thomas Jefferson Tyler, editor, wants him to write a tabloid type story about the heiress. He follows her on a skiing trip to Sun Valley.

When Sara goes dog sledding with Tom, they have a minor accident and end up in the emergency cabin. Tom shows her a phony, complimentary story he has written about her, Sara feels comfortable enough to share with him her life story. After Tom leaves, Andre shows the real story to Sara. Angry, she tells reporters that she and Tom are married.

Duffy, sees headlines from rival newspapers saying that Tom and Sara are married and he fires Tom. While meeting with Jessica, Tom comes up with an idea about how to prove that he and Sara are not married. When he and Jessica go to apply for a license, the head clerk refuses to issue them one because all the newspapers say that Tom is already married. What follows is classic fun when things spiral out of control..

Video: Full lenth movie.

Our film noir actress Gene Tierney, now finds herself performing in the Musical/comedy, On the Riviera (1951). Dance sequences choreographed and staged by Jack Cole. This was the third film version of the same story. This version stars Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney and Corinne Calvet with Marcel Dalio, Henri Letondal, Sig Ruman with uncredited featured dancer Gwen Verdon. It was nominated for two Academy Awards; for Best Music and Best Art Direction Lyle Wheeler, Leland Fuller, Joseph C. Wright, Thomas Little, Walter M. Scott.

The movie is about Jack Martin, an American entertainer who does impressions on the French Riviera stage. He does an impersonation of Henri Duran, so well that even Duran's wife is fooled by it. When Duran's business takes him to London when he is supposed to be hosting a party at his home, Martin is hired to impersonate Duran at the party. But things take a turn for the funny worse, when Martin is confronted by several of his women and by Duran's business rival, M. Periton.

I'm not really a Kaye fan, but his performance is good in his dual role (he won a Golden Globe award for it). I thought the typical Kaye moment, in the The Puppet dance number, as he mangles names of animals and flowers, was very clever. I also, really enjoyed seeing Gwen Verdon dance numbers.

FUN FACTS:

The painting of Gene Tierney over the fireplace is, the famous portrait of her from the black-and-white noir classic Laura (1944). It is the only opportunity to see the legendary painting in color.

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah.

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ginger Rogers’ 1929 Duesenberg

The Duesenberg, was very popular with the Hollywood stars of the 1930s such as: Gary Cooper, Tyrone Power and Clark Gable. Although, Ginger Rogers was first to have the disappearing convertible top. It also had a reptile pattern embossed leather upholstery.

Like its owner, Rogers’ 1929 Model J is also a movie star, appearing in the 1933 film The Gay Divorcee, the second of the Ginger and Rogers Fred Astaire musicals and the movie that introduced the dance called “The Continental.”

The CMBA participating blogs and the scheduled posts.

2012-01-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

The CMBA participating blogs and the scheduled posts:

Sunday 22 Jan

Ball of Fire and Oscar – Tales of the Easily Distracted

Road to Utopia - The Bing Crosby Media Archive

Sons of the Desert and Way Out West - Caftan Woman

Monday 23 Jan
Arsenic and Old Lace – ClassicBecky’s Film and Literary Review

Miss Tatlock’s Millions – Jim Lane’s Cinedrome

The Palm Beach Story - The Movie Projector

More Than a Secretary – Another Old Movie Blog

Tuesday 24 Jan

Easy Living – My Love of Old Hollywood

Gene Tierney and Her Classic Romantic Comedies - Noir and Chick Flicks

Pillow Talk - Classicfilmboy's Movie Paradise

The Producers - A Person in the Dark

Wednesday 25 Jan

His Girl Friday – All Good Things

Hips, Hips, Hooray with Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey - Distant Voices and Flickering Shadows

The Great McGinty - True Classics
A Night at the Opera – 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Thursday 26 Jan

Jean Harlow Tribute – The Scarlett Olive

Some Like It Hot – Twenty Four Frames

The Three Musketeers (1939) - Kevin's Movie Corner

Friday 27 Jan

A Shot in the Dark – Classic Film &TV Café

The Odd Couple (1967) - Bette's Classic Movie Blog

City Lights - The Great Entertainers Media Archive

This Week on N and CF.

2012-01-20T06:06:00.007-07:00

On TCM Jan. 24th. The Catered Affair(1956). The film stars Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, Debbie Reynolds, Barry Fitzgerald and Rod Taylor. It was Taylor's first film for MGM. Click here for review

Happy Birthday: Paul Newman.(January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008). Was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional racing driver and auto racing enthusiast. He won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for best actor for his performance in the 1986 Martin Scorsese film The Color of Money. Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

On TCM Jan. 28th. Soylent Green (1973). Science fiction film directed by Richard Fleischer. Starring Charlton Heston, the film overlays the police procedural and science fiction genres as it depicts the investigation into the murder of a wealthy businessman in a dystopian future suffering from pollution, overpopulation, depleted resources, poverty, dying oceans, and a hot climate due to the greenhouse effect. Much of the population survives on processed food rations, including "soylent green". Please click here to view movie review.

Happy Birthday: Dorothy Malone. (born January 30, 1925) Her film career began in 1943, and in her early years she played small roles, mainly in B-movies. After a decade in films, she began to acquire a more glamorous image, particularly after her performance in Written on the Wind (1956), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

ON TCM Jan. 30th. A 5 Movie Tribute for Joan Fontaine:

Jane Eyre (1944)
Constant Nymph, The (1943)
Born To Be Bad (1950)
Suspicion (1941)
Ivanhoe (1952).

Grace Kelly Soothie:
3 1/2 oz. grape juice
1 large guava, peeled and deseeded
5 oz. blueberries
1 pear, pealed quartered and cored
4 1/2 natural yogurt

place the GRAPE JUICE and GUAVA into
the blender, then add the rest of the
INGREDIENTS and blend until SMOOTH.
pour into a glass and serve chilled.

Article of the week is from Eves Reel Life Blogspot: Deadly Obsession. The first installment for A Month of VERTIGO.

January 4, Whistlingypsy of Distant Voices and Flickering Shadows muses on Eves Reel Life Blogspot. Bernard Herrmann ~ Composer of Haunting Music and Treacherous Dreams.

January 7, Christian Esquevin of Silver Screen Modiste and author of Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label takes a look at the costumes and the characters who wore them with The Costumes of Vertigo.

January 10, Brandie Ashe of True Classics considers Kim Novak in Vertigo: A Hypnotic Presence

January 13, Michael Nazarewycz of Filmoria.com, ManILoveFilms.com and ScribeHard on Film contemplates the setting of Vertigo, that "jewel of American cities," with More Than Just the Streets of San Francisco. More than just streets of San Francisco.

January 16, Steven DeRosa, author of Writing With Hitchcock, looks at Vertigo from the perspective of screenwriter Samuel A. Taylor with An Inconsequential Yarn

January 19, John Greco of Twenty Four Frames offers his recent interview with preeminent Hitchcock biographer Patrick McGilligan Hitchcock Biographer Patrick Mcgilligan (Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light) on the subject of Vertigo and the filmmaker who conceived it.

January 22, Allen Hefner of Bit Part Actors honors those in Vertigo’s supporting cast with Vertigo, Bit Players

January 25, Classic Film Boy of Classic Film Boy’s Movie Paradise assesses James Stewart's iconic and shaded performance as ‘Scottie Ferguson’ in Vertigo. James Stewart Walk On The Dark Side.

January 28, Brandon Kyle Goco of TCM’s Classic Film Union, Brandon Kyle the Cinephile and guest host of TCM’s October podcast series will ‘vlog’ (video blog) about his passion for Vertigo.

January 31, Eve will reflect on Vertigo in relation to the the novel it was adapted from, D'Entre Les Morts by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.

A big Welcome to CMBA's newest blogs!!

2012-01-19T08:34:00.008-07:00

A big Welcome to CMBA's newest blogs:
Blame Mame
Frankly My Dear
Lindsay's Moving Musings Please click here.
Random Ramblings of a Broadway, and Film TV Fan
Shadows and Satin

They have all been added to the CMBA blog roll on our web site and are included in the membership directory.

Bureau of Missing Persons(1933).

2012-01-19T04:47:00.003-07:00

Bureau of Missing Persons(1933). Drama/comedy, directed by Roy Del Ruth. Cast: Bette Davis, Lewis Stone, Pat O'Brien and Glenda Farrell. The screenplay by Robert Presnell is based on a story by Carol Bird adapted from the book Missing Men by former New York City police captain John H. Ayres.

When by the book Detective Butch Saunders, is assigned to Norma Roberts' missing husband case, he finds himself attracted to her. He is very disappointed to learn that, she is also wanted for her husbands murder.

Later, when the police find her clothes on the dock, Butch is sure that Norma didn't commit suicide. He stages a fake funeral to try and to lure her out from hiding. Just as he had hoped, she attends the funeral. Norma, tells Butch that when she was Roberts' private secretary, she found out he had an mentally handicapped twin brother. He killed his brother, making it look like he himself was dead to escape embezzlement charges. Butch, takes him in to the Bureau of Missing Persons. Will Webb be able to get him to admit the truth and will Norma be cleared of murder?

If you are a fan of the Hollywood films of the Thirties and Forties, you will love this fast moving classic film. All the characters are perfect in their roles and there are some interesting plot twists near the end. Davis, as young actress, looked absolutely beautiful in this film.

Robby, from: Dear Old Hollywood Blogspot: Bureau Of Missing Persons(1933).. Wrote a very interesting post on some real LA locations in the film. Please stop by and check out his awesome post.

Glenda Farrell (June 30, 1904 – May 1, 1971). She was best known as the wise-cracking, dizzy blonde, along with Joan Blondell, with whom she would be frequently paired.

She is best known for her performances in the films: Little Caesar (1931), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Havana Widows (1933), Bureau of Missing Persons (1933), Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933) and The Big Shakedown (1934).

She became one of Warner Brothers’ most prolific actresses of the 1930s, solidifying her success with her own film film series, as Torchy Blane, "Girl Reporter". In this role Farrell was promoted as being able to speak 400 words in 40 seconds. Farrell would portray the character Torchy Blane in approximately eight films, from 1937 to 1939 when the role was taken over by Jane Wyman.

In 1937 she starred opposite Dick Powell and Joan Blondell in the Academy Award nominated Lloyd Bacon and Busby Berkeley directed musical comedy, Gold Diggers(1937).

Farrell went out of vogue in the 1940s but made a comeback later in life, winning an Emmy Award in 1963, for her work in the television series Ben Casey.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Cary Grant

2012-01-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Since it is Cary's birthday today, I figured it would be a perfect time to post a pic of him and a pet and this is a good one....Happy Birthday Cary!

Stop SOPA.

2012-01-18T12:02:00.002-07:00

To learn why so many bloggers are against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)go to http://sopablackout.org/learnmore. Wikipedia and other sites are temporarily shutting down today to protest the potential legislation.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Gladys Cooper.

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Triva:

Twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for her performances in Enid Bagnold's "The Chalk Garden" (1956) and in "A Passage to India" (1962).

Sex and the Single Girl(1964).

2012-01-17T04:58:00.003-07:00

Sex and the Single Girl(1964). Comedy directed by Richard Quine. Cast: Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Henry Fonda, Lauren Bacall and Mel Ferrer. The film was inspired by the title of the 1962 non-fiction book Sex and the Single Girl by Helen Gurley Brown.

Bob Weston, editor of a scandal magazine writes an eye opening article about research psychologist, Helen Gurley Brown, who wrote the book, Sex and the Single Girl. Wanting to meet her, Bob impersonates one of his neighbors and goes to Helen for marriage counseling.

Eventually, Bob suggests to Helen that they start dating, to get her attention he threatens to drown himself. When she arrives she accidentally causes them to fall into the water. They go to Helen's apartment to dry off and while Bob mixes martinis, Helen tells him, that she is in love with him and he fesses up that he is not really married.

Helen doesn't believe him and asks to see his wife, Sylvia. The next day, Bob sends both his secretary, Susan, and his former girl friend, Gretchen, to Helen to convince Helen that he really is single.

Helen calls the real Sylvia and the three women all show up for the appointment. How will this romantic entanglement get resolved?

Natalie Wood, was a lot of fun to watch in a comedy about the battle of the sexes. When Tony Curtis talks about Jack Lemmon (Curtis' co-star in Some Like It Hot) will make anyone smile, who has seen the classic film.

Fran Jeffries (born May 18, 1937), had a cameo in the 1963 film, The Pink Panther, in which she sang a song called, It Had Better Be Tonight," while she danced provocatively around a fireplace. She had a minor role in, Sex and the Single Girl. She sang on, The Tom Jones Show in 1969 doing a duet of, You've Got What it Takes. She was featured in Playboy Magazine a couple years later, in 1971 at the age of 35, in a pictorial entitled "Frantastic!". Ten years later she posed a second time for Playboy at the age of 45. This second pictorial was titled "Still Frantastic!". Photos reveal that, at some point in her career, she perform onstage with Bob Hope.

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah.

2012-01-16T04:37:00.001-07:00

June Allyson

The XM-800 was featured in the 1954 movie "Womans World" starring Fred MacMurray, Lauren Bacall, Van Hefflin, June Allyson, Clifton Webb, Arlene Dahl and Cornell Wilde.

A new blog: Music from the 60's and 70's, that rocked our world!

2012-01-14T11:01:00.003-07:00

The name of my new blog is: Music From The 60's and 70's, that rocked our world!

The music of the 60's and 70's holds a special memory for those of us who grew up with a little Gypsy in us. Paul 2 has graciously signed on to help me with this blog. I hope that you will jump on the "Magic Bus" and travel back to the 60's and 70's with us ....

How this blog came to be..

Dawn says:
Last summer my husband and I went to see Peter Frampton, in his amazing concert... Then, a couple of weeks after that concert, we went to see Bob Dylan in concert( who looks amazing for being in his 70s). Ever since we have been watching old "classic Rock" video's and listening to our old classic rock CD's. We have really enjoyed "getting back to where we once belonged".. Jojo..

Paul 2 says:

The 60's and 70's were a great time for music of all types. If you were there" You Know What I Mean "(Yes that's a song by the Turtles) but if you were not,or even if you were I hope to turn you on to stuff you might have missed or forgot about.

This week on N and CF.

2012-01-14T04:44:00.006-07:00

On TCM Jan. 15th. It Should Happen to You (1954). A romantic comedy film starring Judy Holliday, notable as the first screen appearance of Jack Lemmon. The film was directed by George Cukor and filmed on location in New York City. Screenwriter Garson Kanin originally intended the script as a vehicle for Danny Kaye, but Kanin's wife, Ruth Gordon, suggested casting Judy Holliday instead. The title was initially A Name for Herself. Please click here for movie review.

On TCM Jan. 17th. Gaslight (1944). This version of the story was directed by George Cukor and starred Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, Joseph Cotten, and 18-year-old Angela Lansbury in her screen debut.

On TCM Jan. 18th. A 7 movie Cary Grant Birthday Tribute. January 18, 1904 –November 29, 1986), his was an English actor who later took U.S. citizenship. Grant is considered one of classic Hollywood's definitive leading men. Please click picture on side bar for more info.

The Toast Of New York(1937). A 19th century con artist rises from medicine shows to Wall Street.Dir: Rowland V. Lee Cast: Cary Grant, Edward Arnold and Frances Farmer.

Topper (1937). A fun-loving couple returns from the dead to help a henpecked husband.Dir: Norman Z. McLeod Cast: Constance Bennett, Cary Grant and Roland Young. Please click here for movie review.

Holiday (1938). An unhappy heiress falls in love with her stodgy sister's freethinking fiance. Dir: George Cukor Cast: Katharine Hepburn , Cary Grant and Doris Nolan. Please click here for movie review.

In Name Only (1939). A wealthy man falls for a widow but can't get his wife to divorce him.Dir: John Cromwell Cast: Carole Lombard , Cary Grant and Kay Francis. Please click here for movie review.

My Favorite Wife (1940). A shipwrecked woman is rescued just in time for her husband's re-marriage. Dir: Garson Kanin Cast: Irene Dunne, Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. Please click here for movie review.

Every Girl Should Be Married (1949) A young woman uses scientific research to trap a man into marriage. Dir: Don Hartman Cast: Cary Grant, Franchot Tone and Diana Lynn.

Room For One More (1952) A family with three children takes in troubled orphans.Dir: Norman Taurog Cast: Cary Grant , Betsy Drake and Lurene Tuttle . Please click here for movie review.

On TCM Jan. 18th. Star of the month Angela Lansbury:

The World of Henry Orient(1964)
The Manchurian Candidate(1962)
All Fall Down(1962)
The Court Jester(1956)
Season of Passion(1959)
The Reluctant Debutante(1958)

Happy Birthday: Tippi Hedren. (born January 19, 1930). An actress and former fashion model with a career spanning six decades. She is primarily known for her roles in two Alfred Hitchcock films, The Birds and Marnie, and her extensive efforts in animal rescue at Shambala Preserve, an 80-acre wildlife habitat which she founded in 1983. Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

Happy Birthday: Patrica Neal. (January 20, 1926 – August 8, 2010) She was best known for her film roles as World War II widow Helen Benson in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), wealthy matron Emily Eustace Failenson in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), middle-aged housekeeper Alma Brown in Hud (1963), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Please click picture on side bar to learn more

On TCM Jan 20th: The Fountainhead (1949). Film directed by King Vidor, based on the best-selling book of the same name . Please click here to read movie review.

ON TCM Jan. 21st. The Glass Key(1942). Film noir, directed by Stuart Heisler and based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The story had previously been adapted for film in 1935. Please look for review.

ON TCM Jan. 21st. The Letter(1940). Film noir directed by William Wyler. The screenplay by Howard Koch is based on the 1927 play of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham, originally filmed in 1929. Click here to read movie review.

Gloria Dehavilland Smoothie:

3oz. Mineral water, chilled
1 mango, halved and cut away from the stone
4 oz natural yogurt
pinch of cinnamon
place all of the INGREDIENTS in the blender
and BLEND until SMOOTH. poor into glass
and Garnish with sliced MANGO and a
CINNAMON STICK.

Please click here to read Strike up the Band movie review.

Article of the week is from Eves Reel Life Blogspot: Deadly Obsession. The first installment for A Month of VERTIGO.

January 4, Whistlingypsy of Distant Voices and Flickering Shadows muses on Eves Reel Life Blogspot. Bernard Herrmann ~ Composer of Haunting Music and Treacherous Dreams.

January 7, Christian Esquevin of Silver Screen Modiste and author of Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label takes a look at the costumes and the characters who wore them with The Costumes of Vertigo.

January 10, Brandie Ashe of True Classics considers Kim Novak in Vertigo: A Hypnotic Presence

January 13, Michael Nazarewycz of Filmoria.com, ManILoveFilms.com and ScribeHard on Film contemplates the setting of Vertigo, that "jewel of American cities," with More Than Just the Streets of San Francisco. More than just streets of San Francisco.

January 16, Steven DeRosa, author of Writing With Hitchcock, looks at Vertigo from the perspective of screenwriter Samuel A. Taylor with An Inconsequential Yarn

January 19, John Greco of Twenty Four Frames offers his recent interview with preeminent Hitchcock biographer Patrick McGilligan (Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light) on the subject of Vertigo and the filmmaker who conceived it . Hitchcock Biographer Patrick Mcgilligan.

January 22, Allen Hefner of Bit Part Actors honors those in Vertigo’s supporting cast with Vertigo, the Bit Players.

January 25, Classic Film Boy of Classic Film Boy’s Movie Paradise assesses James Stewart's iconic and shaded performance as ‘Scottie Ferguson’ in Vertigo.

January 28, Brandon Kyle Goco of TCM’s Classic Film Union, Brandon Kyle the Cinephile and guest host of TCM’s October podcast series will ‘vlog’ (video blog) about his passion for Vertigo.

January 31, I'll reflect on Vertigo in relation to the the novel it was adapted from, D'Entre Les Morts by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.

Mr. Lucky (1943).

2012-01-12T13:36:00.003-07:00

Mr. Lucky (1943). Directed by H.C. Potter. Cast: Cary Grant and Laraine Day.

A night watchman stops and talks to a sailor who has rowed up to the dock from the fog. The sailor then stops him from questioning a lonely young woman who seems to be waiting for someone. The story now begins in a flashback:

Gambler Joe "the Greek" Adams, has a couple of problems. First, he and his friend Zepp have received draft notices to join the army to fight in World War II. One of his other friends, Joe Bascopolous, who has just died had been declared unfit to serve. So, one of them can dodge the draft by taking his identity. They gamble for it and Joe wins.

The next problem is, he does not have the money for his gambling ship. He comes up with an idea to run a "charity" casino, despite the suspicions of socialite, Dorothy Bryant.

Eventually, Joe wins her over by teaching her, Australian rhyming slang, for example "tit for tat" (hat), "twist and twirl" (girl), and "trouble and strife" (wife). Later, he renames his gambling ship in her honor.

On the day of the charity ball, Joe receives a letter addressed to Bascopolous, written in Greek. Curious, he takes the letter to a Greek Orthodox priest for translation. It turns out to be from Bascopolou's mother, who wrote to tell her son about Germans invading their village.

At the charity ball, Joe's men come up with a plan to steal the money. Joe has a change of heart and tells "Crunk", that all the money is going to war relief. But Zepp, overhears what he says and forces him at gunpoint to keep the money. Dorothy, catches them red handed and to protect her, he knocks her out. Joe, then kills Zepp, but.. not before getting himself shot and escapes through a window.

Joe, sends the money back to Dorothy, then loads up his ship with war relief supplies.

Later, Dorothy is shocked when a policeman informs her that Bascopolous is dead. Then she sees the photograph of the dead man and it isn't Joe. When the name of the ship Bascopolous is mentioned, she knows where to find him. She rushes to the dock, just as the ship is leaving for Europe. She begs Joe to take her with him, but he turns away. The ship, is torpedoed and sunk on the return trip. Dorothy visits the dock each night, waiting for her Joe to return.

Fun Fact:

Writer Milton Holmes said that his story was inspired by a real 1936 event, where a nightclub owner staged a one-night gambling benefit at the Beverly Hills Hotel to raise $40,000 for a church. In his original story, the character of Joe dies at the end.

I really wanted to see a noir type movie with Cary Grant, starring in it. It is hard at first to see Grant play a heartless gambler, but.. he plays the part perfectly. The love story maybe a little fluffy at times, for a film noir, but.. it was still enjoyable to watch.

Florence Bates (April 15, 1888 – January 31, 1954) was an character actress who often played grande dame characters in her films.

In 1939 she was introduced to Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in her first major screen role, Mrs. Van Hopper, in Rebecca.

Bates performed in more than sixty films over the next thirteen years. Among her credits are Kitty Foyle, The Moon and Sixpence, Mr. Lucky, Heaven Can Wait, Mister Big, Since You Went Away, Kismet, Saratoga Trunk, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Winter Meeting, I Remember Mama, Portrait of Jennie, A Letter to Three Wives, On the Town, and Les Misérables.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Shirley Temple

2012-01-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

Shirley and her cute little friend

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Dorothy Sebastian.

2012-01-11T03:28:00.000-07:00

Trivia:

Former Ziegfeld girl.
Friend of Louise Brooks, Anita Page and Joan Crawford.
Mistress of Buster Keaton, 1929-1935.

"Vertigo" star Kim Novak lashes out at "The Artist" filmmakers for using "Vertigo" score.

2012-01-10T08:33:00.002-07:00

Please click here to read article.

The Law (1960).

2012-01-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

The Law(1960). Directed by Jules Dassin. Cast: Gina Lollobrigida, Pierre Brasseur, Marcello Mastroianni.

The trouble begins, when engineer Enrico, who works for the government, is sent to small a village to drain the swamps, to stop the spread of malaria. Cesare, is worried because he believes that the swamps hold the Grecian sculpture, but.. Enrico, continues on with his work and wants a girl named Marietta to work for him. Marietta's mother and sisters, who all work for Cesare, think that Marietta should take the job. When, Marietta meets Enrico she tells him that she will "be his wife not his slave". Which causes complications for everyone.

This gorgeous film is set in Sicily and all about power and sex. I wanted to watch this film because of, Gina Lollobrigida. I thought her performance was very.. well um.. sophisticated. I probably will never watch it again, because I never got into the story. The title of the film The Law, comes from a game that the men in the small village play.

Melina Mercouri(18 October 1920, Athens, Greece – 6 March 1994). Her first movie was the Greek language film, Stella (1955). The film received praise at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, where she met the American film director Jules Dassin, with whom she married in 1966. The next year she starred in, He Who Must Die and other films by Dassin such as, The Law (1959).

She became well-known to international audiences when she starred in, Never on Sunday (1960). For this film, Mercouri received the Best Actress Award at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

After her first major international success, she went on to star in Phaedra (1962), for which she was nominated again for the BAFTA Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama. Her role in, Topkapi (1964)landed her one more nomination, this time for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Mercouri worked with other famous directors as well, such as Joseph Losey, Vittorio De Sica, Ronald Neame, Carl Foreman, Norman Jewison, and starred in film, The Uninhibited. She continued her stage career in the Greek production of, Sweet Bird of Youth (1960). In 1967, she played the leading role in Illya Darling (from 11 April 1967 to 13 January 1968) at Broadway, for which she was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, while her performance in, Promise at Dawn (1970) gave her another Golden Globe Award nomination.

She retired from film acting in 1978, when she played in her last film, A Dream of Passion, directed by her husband Jules Dassin.

Her Highness and the Bellboy(1945).

2012-01-09T04:16:00.001-07:00

Her Highness and the Bellboy(1945). Cast: Hedy Lamarr, June Allyson, Agnus Morehead and Robert Walker.

The story begins, when a beautiful princess falls in love with a handsome American reporter. She travels to New York, just to be with him. While staying at one of the city's best hotels she meets a bellhop who thinks she is her a maid. She invites him to be her escort, not realizing he has fallen in love with her. It is not long before he thinks that she feels the same way he does.

Later, the bellhop goes to visit a young woman who is a invalid. He doesn't realize that the girl is in love with him. After the princess finds her reporter, he turns her way, because he thinks they are from two different worlds. She is broken hearted and the bellhop asks if he can help. She asks him to take her to a bar called Jake's Joint to look for her reporter.

In a tuxedo, the bellhop stops by to visit his invalid friend before his date. He gives her the corsage he had bought for the princess and after he leaves, she cries. At the club, the princess looks for the reporter, but he is no where to be found. The bellhop's friend is there with some thugs and a fight breaks out. The police raid Jake's Joint and the princess is hauled off in the paddy wagon. The reporter gets there in time to see her carried off.

When the bellhop gets back to the hotel, he learns the princess's father has died and she is now queen. The reporter bails her out and they return to her hotel. When the queen learns her father has died she makes plans to go home and offers the bellhop a job. But instead, the bellhop thinks she wants him to be her consort. When he visits his invalid friend to say goodbye, she takes a step and he promises that she will get well. Both the new queen and the bellhop have some big decisions to make.

Fun Facts:

M-G-M saved money by utilizing the same main set as the one from "Weekend at the Waldorf" (1945). When that company finished, "Her Highness and the Bellboy" moved in.

Mickey Rooney was supposed to star in this movie but Rooney ended up being drafted into the war, so Robert Walker was cast instead.

This was Hedy Lamarr's last film she did for MGM under her contract. After this she went on to free lance.

What I was expecting was a fluffy chick flick film, turned out to be a really a beautiful movie, which makes you think about who your friends really are.

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah!

2012-01-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

MG convertible car.

The E-Type Jaguar was the car of choice for celebrities such as George Best, Brigitte Bardot, Steve McQueen and Tony Curtis.

This week on Noir and Chick Flicks

2012-01-07T03:38:00.004-07:00

On TCM Jan. 11th Star of the Month Angela Lansbury list of films:

State of the Union(1948)
The Three Musketeers(1948)
Samson an Delilah(1949)
Till the Clouds Roll By(1946)

Kind Lady(1951)
A Lawless Street(1955)
Claire(1956)

ON TCM Jan. 13th. The Apartment (1960). Comedy/drama starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, and won five, including Best Picture. Please click here for movie review.

Happy Birthday: Faye Dunaway !(born January 14, 1941). Dunaway won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Network (1976) after receiving previous nominations for the critically acclaimed films Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and Chinatown (1974). She has also starred in a many other successful films, The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), The Towering Inferno (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975) and Mommie Dearest (1981). Click picture on side bar to learn more.

ON TCM Jan. 14th. A 5 movie Tribute for Spencer Tracy. Please click picture on side bar to learn more about Spencer Tracy.

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo(1944). General Jimmy Doolittle trains American troops for the first airborne attacks on Japan.

Adam's Rib (1949). Husband-and-wife lawyers argue opposite sides in a sensational women's rights case. Dir: George Cukor Cast: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn and Judy Holliday.

Last Hurrah, The (1958). A political boss faces changing times as he runs for re-election. Dir: John Ford. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Jeffrey Hunter and Dianne Foster.

Father's Little Dividend (1951). In this sequel to Father of the Bride, a doting father faces a series of comic trials when his daughter has her first child. Dir: Vincente Minnelli Cast: Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor.

Cass Timberlane (1947). An aging judge creates a scandal when he marries a younger woman from the wrong side of the tracks. Dir: George Sidney Cast: Spencer Tracy , Lana Turner and Zachary Scott .

Please click here to read Operator13 (1934) movie review.

Gene Tierney Smoothie:
4 ice cubes
1/4-in. piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
1/4 medium-sized pineapple, peeled, core and
eyes removed and cut into chunks
7 oz. natural yogurt

place the ICE CUBES into the blender and
whizz. Add the rest of the INGREDIENTS and
blend until SMOOTH. Pour into a glass.

Article of the week is from Eves Reel Life Blogspot: Deadly Obsession. The first installment for A Month of VERTIGO.

January 4, Whistlingypsy of Distant Voices and Flickering Shadows muses on Eves Reel Life Blogspot. Bernard Herrmann ~ Composer of Haunting Music and Treacherous Dreams.

January 7, Christian Esquevin of Silver Screen Modiste and author of Adrian: Silver Screen to Custom Label takes a look at the costumes and the characters who wore them with The Costumes of Vertigo.

January 10, Brandie Ashe of True Classics considers Kim Novak in Vertigo: Hypnotic Presence.

January 13, Michael Nazarewycz of Filmoria.com, ManILoveFilms.com and ScribeHard on Film contemplates the setting of Vertigo, that "jewel of American cities," with More Than Just the Streets of San Francisco.

January 16, Steven DeRosa, author of Writing With Hitchcock, looks at Vertigo from the perspective of screenwriter Samuel A. Taylor with An Inconsequential Yarn.

January 19, John Greco of Twenty Four Frames offers his recent interview with preeminent Hitchcock biographer Patrick McGilligan (Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light) on the subject of Vertigo and the filmmaker who conceived it.

January 22, Allen Hefner of Bit Part Actors honors those in Vertigo’s supporting cast with Vertigo, the Bit Players.

January 25, Classic Film Boy of Classic Film Boy’s Movie Paradise assesses James Stewart's iconic and shaded performance as ‘Scottie Ferguson’ in Vertigo.

January 28, Brandon Kyle Goco of TCM’s Classic Film Union, Brandon Kyle the Cinephile and guest host of TCM’s October podcast series will ‘vlog’ (video blog) about his passion for Vertigo.

January 31, Eve, will reflect on Vertigo in relation to the the novel it was adapted from, D'Entre Les Morts by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.

Jennifer Diane Grant.

2012-01-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Diane Grant (born February 26, 1966), is an actress and the only child of actors Cary Grant and Dyan Cannon. Her parents divorced when she was only two years old. Jennifer had a close relationship with her father for the rest of his life.

Because her father did not want her to become an actress, growing up she worked as a babysitter, stock clerk at the Village store in Pacific Palisades, grocery store checkout cashier at the Rainbow Grocery in Malibu, and waitress at the Pioneer Boulangerie restaurant in Santa Monica.

After graduating from Stanford University in 1987 with a degree in American Studies, she worked for a law firm, then landed a job as a chef at Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills.

In 1993, seven years after Cary Grant's death, she landed a role in the Aaron Spelling television drama Beverly Hills, 90210, in the role of Celeste Lundy. She appeared as a guest star in the TV show Friends, and later performed in a couple of movies. In 1999, she was the lead actress in the TV sitcom Movie Stars.

In 2011 her memoir Good Stuff: a Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant was published.

Jennifer gave birth to a son, Cary Benjamin, on August 12, 2008.

A Stolen Life (1946).

2012-01-05T03:40:00.003-07:00

A Stolen Life(1946). Drama, starring Bette Davis, who also produced, and directed by Curtis Bernhardt. The supporting cast: Glenn Ford, Dane Clark, Walter Brennan, Charles Ruggles and Bruce Bennett. The movie is a remake of a 1939 British film Stolen Life starring Elisabeth Bergner and Michael Redgrave.

When painter Kate Bosworth, who has made plans to visit her cousin Freddie, misses her steamer boat, she manages to hitch a ride with Bill Emerson, on his motor boat. They make a quick stop to a small island to pick up Dragon Head lighthouse keeper, Eben Folger. Attracted to Bill, she quickly comes up with a plan to see him again. She talks Eben into posing for her by gifting him a ship in a bottle that he has always wanted.

One day, a heavy fog prevents Kate from leaving, which gives her the perfect opportunity to talk to Bill. Soon, they two have fallen in love, even though Bill, is getting ready to leave for a new job, he promises to return.

Kate has a twin sister Pat, who is also visiting the island, meets Bill on the dock and he mistakes her for Kate. Pat pretends to be her sister and has lunch with Bill. The truth comes out when Kate arrives, but later, learning that Bill is going to Boston, Pat follows him and they marry.

After returning to New York, Kate meets artist Karnock, who seems to have a chip on his shoulder accuses her of being a snob. Soon after, Bill comes to inform Kate that he is going to move to Chile. Kate, realizes that she is still in love with Bill and decides to return to the island where she is suprised to find her sister, Pat there, keeping her distance from her husband Bill.

The twin sisters decide to spend the afternoon together and go sailing, when a storm hits them, causing their boat to crash on a near by reef. Kate tries to save Pat from drowning, but she slips away leaving behind only her wedding ring. Kate, is rescued wearing the ring which leads everyone to believe that she is Pat.

After hearing the news Bill returns from Chile, Kate continues to pretend that she is Pat. When she learns that Bill wants to end the marriage, she begs him for another chance until she learns that Pat had many affairs and unable to face Bill. She makes plans to stay with Freddie, who already knows the truth. Will Kate have enough courage tell Bill her true identity?

The film is very well written romantic story. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful and Bette played both sisters parts perfectly..

Fun Fact:

Because of her constant insistence for better productions to work on, and an overall better atmosphere on set, Jack L. Warner asked Bette Davis to produce the film. It would be the first and only time she would be able to do this.

Peggy Knudsen (April 22, 1923 - July 11, 1980). She began her film career in 1946 in the film, A Stolen Life opposite Bette Davis. That same year, she performed in bit parts in the films: The Big Sleep and Humoresque with Joan Crawford.

Knudsen's career never really took off and she performed in many smaller roles in "B" movies. Her last film role was in, Istanbul(1957) with Errol Flynn.

In the 1950s and '60s, Knudsen performed in guest starring roles on several television shows including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Millionaire, Perry Mason and Pete and Gladys. After performing in an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet in 1965, Knudsen retired from acting.

Knudsen suffered from crippling arthritis for most of her later years and was cared for by her close friend, actress Jennifer Jones.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Barbara Rush (and her birthday too!)

2012-01-04T04:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to actress Barbara Rush. I just wrote a post about her on my blog and figured she would make a cool pawsome pet picture as well. Film lovers may know her from such films like It Came From Outer Space, The Young Philadelphians, When Worlds Collide and her work in TV on such series as Peyton Place. Happy Birthday Barbara!

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Joan Collins and Her Pink Poodle.

2012-01-04T03:20:00.000-07:00

Personal Quote on success:

"Show me a person who has never made a mistake and I'll show you somebody who has never achieved much."

Portrait of Jennie (1948).

2012-01-03T04:52:00.001-07:00

Portrait of Jennie(1948). Romantic/Fantasy film based on the novel by Robert Nathan. The film was directed by William Dieterle and produced by David O. Selznick. Cast: Jennifer Jones, Ethel Barrymore, Lillian Gish and Joseph Cotten.

The film begins, when not a very well known painter Eben Adams, is having a hard time selling his paintings. Although, things begin to look up for Adams after a chance meeting with a young girl named Jennie Appleton, while sitting on a bench in Central Park. He notices that Jennie's clothing seems dated.

He makes a sketch of Jennie from memory, which impresses art dealer Miss Spinney, who suggest he paint a "Portrait Of Jennie".

Each time they meet she is older and Adams becomes more confused by her comments and realizes that, if what she says about her past are true, she should be 20 years older.

As time passes Adams tries to find out the truth about Jennie's past and the last time Adams, sees Jennie, is on a rocky seashore during a violent storm, which is absolutely beautiful and tragic. One of the greatest stories of true love ever filmed. The entire film is in black and white, the tidal wave sequence towards the end is shown in green tint, and the final shot of the completed portrait of Jennie is in color.

Florence Bates (April 15, 1888 – January 31, 1954). In 1939 she was introduced to Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in her first major screen role, Mrs. Van Hopper, in Rebecca. Among her other credits: Kitty Foyle, The Moon and Sixpence, Mr. Lucky, Heaven Can Wait, Mister Big, Since You Went Away, Kismet, Saratoga Trunk, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Winter Meeting, I Remember Mama, Portrait of Jennie, A Letter to Three Wives, On the Town, and Les Misérables. Bates had a regular role on The Hank McCune Show and made guest appearances on I Love Lucy, My Little Margie, and Our Miss Brooks.

All Aboard: 5 of 5.

2012-01-02T05:03:00.003-07:00

Shall We Dance(1937). The story is about a ballet dancer Petrov, who follows Linda Keene, across the ocean with many hilarious misunderstandings that keep the story going. A very entertaining musical with the songs: "Slap That Bass" number aboard ship, "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "They All Laughed at Christopher Columbus" and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." Fans of the two dancing stars will love it.

Please click here to view Shall We Dance(1937)movie review.

Anything Goes(1956). After a long running show, dancer Bill Benson, is convinced by his producer, Victor Lawrence, to team up with Ted Adams. Now, all the new partnership needs is a talented female lead. While in London, Bill watches Patsy Blair, performing in a musical and offers her the lead.

Patsy, feels that she can not take the part because her father, is wanted back in the States on tax evasion charges. Her father, lies to her saying that he no longer owes money to the Treasury Department. While in Paris, Ted has signed nightclub singer Gaby Duval, for the same role.

Each, brings their leading ladies aboard a cruise ship. Now, their problem is to decide which one will be chosen for the role. Things become complicated when the guys fall in love with each other's girl. The musical numbers are very entertaining making it a worth while film to watch.

A Night At The Opera (1935). While vacationing in Milan, wealthy Mrs. Claypool hires Otis B. Driftwood to take her to all the hot spots. While out on the town she meets opera impresario Herman Gottlieb, who wants her to hire tenor Rudolfo Lassparri for his New York opera company.

Lassparri, a man who only thinks of himself and tries to sweep Rosa off her feet, but she is in love chorus singer, Ricardo Barone. Rosa, receives an offer to go to America and does not want to leave Ricardo, until she learns that he is a stow away and is working for Driftwood.

When they dock in New York, the stowaways hide in Driftwood's hotel to avoid deportation. When Rosa and Lassparri, are getting ready to perform, Trovatore Lassparri, being stubborn refuses to sing with her. Tomasso takes over for the conductor and performs the music for, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" while Driftwood is out selling peanuts to the crowd. When Detective Henderson arrives with the police, the stage is a shambles and Ricardo performs with Rosa.

It has comedy, music and a good cast, it maybe one of the two best Marx Brothers films, the other being "Duck Soup".

Monkey Business (1931). Four stowaways, Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo, are discovered aboard a luxury liner and are chased by Captain Corcoran and his crew. Harpo, becomes part of a Punch and Judy show and Chico and Harpo impersonate the barber. Groucho hides in gangster Alky Briggs's stateroom, where he finds Lucille, Briggs's wife, alone. Briggs, walks in and hires Groucho and Zeppo as his bodyguards. Chico and Harpo, walk into gang leader Joe Helton's room, to play a game of chess. Briggs enters Helton's room and announces his takeover of Helton's territory, but Helton has different ideas. When the ocean liner docks, the stowaways try to impersonate singer Maurice Chevalier. When a man faints, the stowaways hide in his stretcher and are carried off the ship. Later. Mary Helton is kidnapped by Briggs's men and held in the barn. Because Briggs has told Groucho of his plan, Groucho and the boys go to the barn to rescue Mary.

The funniest Marx Brothers scene, is where all four of the brothers take turns impersonating Maurice Chevalier.

The Naked City (1948).

2012-01-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Naked City(1948). Directed by Jules Dassin. The movie, was filmed on the streets of New York City, showing famous landmarks: Williamsburg Bridge, Whitehall Building and an apartment building on West 83rd Street (Manhattan) where the murder took place. William H. Daniels won an Academy Award for his cinematography.

This is a very realistic crime film and does not have the atmospheric type of lighting, film angles or the femme fatales, as most film noirs. Based on a story by Malvin Wald, The Naked City, is a film is about the police investigation of a murder of a model and veteran cop who becomes charge of her case. The Naked City producer Mark Hellinger, narrated parts of the film. Hellinger died of a heart attack after a preview of the movie. The film was the inspiration for the 1958-63 TV series, Naked City.

The story begins when jewel thieves Willie Garzah and Peter Backalis, kill Jean Dexter. Feeling guilty for participating in the murder Backalis, gets drunk. Garzah, decides to hit him over the head, before he confesses to the police. Then tosses him in the East River. Later, Homicide detectives Dan Muldoon and Jimmy Halloran, are assigned to Jean's murder case.

Dan questions Frank Niles, Jean's ex-boyfriend, who lies about his engagement to Ruth. Later, Dan believes that the bruises on Jean's neck proves that there were to two killers.

The next morning, the detectives learn that Frank sold a gold cigarette case stolen from Stoneman, then purchased a one-way plane ticket to Mexico. They also discover, that Jean's ring was stolen from the wealthy Mrs. Hylton, Ruth's mother. Dan and Jimmy, head over to Frank's apartment, where they save him just in time from being murdered by Garzah, who escapes out the back door. When questioned about the stolen jewelry, Frank says that they were gifts from Jean. Frank, is then arrested for robbery. When Backalis' body is found, Jimmy blames the ex-convict for Jean's murder. Jimmy, soon learns that Backalis' partner in the jewelry story robbery was Garzah. Dan forces Frank, to admit that Stoneman, was Jean's boyfriend and goes by the name, Henderson. Back at Stoneman's office, the married physician confesses that he fell in love with Jean, only to learn that she and Frank were using him in to rob his wealthy friends. Will the police ever catch up with the killer?

I thought it was very interesting to see Barry Fitzgerald, who is well known for his spunky supporting roles, play a serious role as the detective.

Dorothy Hart (April 4, 1922 - July 11, 2004). Her first big movie break came in the 1947 western Gunfighters, with Randolph Scott, after winning the 1944 National Cinderella Cover Girl Contest. She is best remembered for being Howard Duff's fiancee in the 1948 film, The Naked City.

In 1948, Hart made Larceny, with Shelley Winters and The Countess of Monte Cristo, with Sonja Henie. Hart became the tenth actress to play Jane, when she performed with Lex Barker as Tarzan in, Tarzan's Savage Fury.

This Week On N and CF.

2011-12-31T06:20:00.018-07:00

TCM's star of the month for January: Angela Lansbury. (born 16 October 1925) is an English actress and singer in theatre, television and motion pictures, whose career has spanned eight decades. Her first film performance was in the film Gaslight (1944) as a conniving maid, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Among her other films are The Manchurian Candidate (1962), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and Anastasia (1997). Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

Please click here to learn more about Angela Lansbury.
Angela Lansbury movies on TCM Jan 4th:

Gaslight(1944)
Please click here for movie review.
National Velvet(1944)
The Picture of Dorian Gray(1945)
The Harvey Girls(1946)
Please click here to read movie review.
The Hoodlum Saint(1946)
If Winter comes(1947)
Tenth Avenue Angel(1948)
The Red Danube(1949)

On TCM Jan. 2nd. Portrait of Jennie (1948). A fantasy film based on the novella by Robert Nathan. The film was directed by William Dieterle and produced by David O. Selznick. It stars Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten.

On TCM Jan. 3rd. A 7 movie tribute to Woman of the West:

Belle Starr (1941) . D: Irving Cummings. Randolph Scott, Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, John Sheppard , Elizabeth Patterson. Tierney cast as notorious female outlaw.
Please click here to view Belle Starr movie review.

Annie Oakley (1935) . D: George Stevens. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Preston Foster, Melvyn Douglas, Pert Kelton, Andy Clyde. Biography of female sharpshooter Stanwyck and her on-again off-again romance with fellow performer Foster. Moroni Olsen, plays Buffalo Bill.

Annie Get Your Gun (1950). Musical/biography of wild West sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Cast: Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern, Edward Arnold, Keenan Wynn, Benay Venuta, J Carrol Naish. Songs include: "Anything You Can Do," "Doin' What Comes Naturally," "There's No Business Like Show Business."

SHOW BOAT (1951) A beautiful saga of riverboat lives and loves has stars Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel.

Westward The Women (1951).Cast: Robert Taylor, Denise Darcel, Beverly Dennis, John McIntire, Hope Emerson, Lenore Lonergan, Julie Bishop, Marilyn Erskine. A western with Taylor heading wagon train full of females bound for California to meet mail-order husbands. Based on a story by Frank Capra.
Please click here to view Westward Woman movie review.

Mail Order Bride (1964) An aging cowhand tries to help a young rancher settle down by buying him a wife. Cast: Buddy Ebsen, Keir Dullea, Lois Nettleton.

Montana Belle (1952). The Daltons force Belle Starr to help them on a dangerous raid Cast: Jane Russell, George Brent and Scott Brady.

Happy Birthday: Ray Milland. (3 January 1907 – 10 March 1986) was a Welsh actor and director. His screen career ran from 1929 to 1985, and he is best remembered for his Academy Award–winning portrayal of an alcoholic writer in The Lost Weekend (1945), a sophisticated leading man opposite a corrupt John Wayne in Reap the Wild Wind (1942), the murder-plotting husband in Dial M for Murder (1954), and as Oliver Barrett III in Love Story (1970). Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

On TCM Jan. 3rd. A 9 movie Birthday tribute for Marion Davies. (January 3, 1897 – September 22, 1961) . Davies is best remembered for her relationship with newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, as her high-profile social life often obscured her professional career. Please click picture Here to learn more.

The Florodora Girl(1930)
Not So Dumb(1930)
The Bachelor Father(1931)
Five and Ten (1931)
Blonde of the Follies(1932)
Peg O' My Heart(1933)
Operator 13(1934)
Cain and Mabel(1936)
Hearts Divided(1936)

ON TCM Jan. 4th. The Hoodlum Saint (1946). Cast: William Powell, Esther Williams and Angela Lansbury.

Happy Birthday: Jane Wyman! (January 5, 1917 – September 10, 2007) was a singer, dancer, and character actress of film and television. She began her film career in the 1930s, and was a prolific performer for two decades. She received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Johnny Belinda (1948), Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

ON TCM Jan. 6th. Rachel and the Stranger (1948). A western film starring Loretta Young, William Holden, and Robert Mitchum. The Norman Foster-helmed film was one of the few to address the role of women in the pioneer west, as well as portray early America's indentured servant trade. It was based on the Howard Fast short story "Rachel". Please click here for movie review and to watch a video that Disney Princess made for N and CF..

ON TCM Jan. 6th. A 3 Movie Tribute for Betty Grable.

Pigskin Parade (1936). Cast: Stuart Erwin, Patsy Kelly, Jack Haley, Johnny Downs, Betty Grable, Arline Judge, Dixie Dunbar, Judy Garland, Anthony Martin, Elisha Cook, Jr., Grady Sutton and The Yacht Club Boys. Entertaining college football musicomedy with Garland in her film debut and she sings "It's Love I'm After.' Alan Ladd appears as a student, and sings with The Yacht Club Boys.

Yank In The R.A.F., A (1941). Cast: Tyrone Power, Betty Grable, John Sutton, Reginald Gardiner, Donald Stuart and Richard Fraser. Power's only there so he can see Grable, they make a nice team. Songs: "Another Little Dream Won't Do Us Any Harm,'' "Hi-Ya Love.'' Please click here to view Yank In The Raf (1941) movie review.

My Blue Heaven (1950). A married song and dance team tries to adopt a child. Cast: Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and David Wayne. Please click here to view My Blue Heaven movie review.

Happy Birthday: Loretta Young! (January 6, 1913 – August 12, 2000) . Starting as a child actress, she had a long and varied career in film from 1917 to 1953. She won the 1948 best actress Academy Award for her role in the 1947 film The Farmer's Daughter, and received an Oscar nomination for her role in Come to the Stable, in 1949. Please click picture on side bar to learn more.

Elizabeth Taylor Smoothie:
70oz. natural yogurt
1 tsp.vanilla extract
1Tbsp. honey
juice of 1/2 lemon

place all of the INGREDIENTS in the blender
and BLEND until SMOOTH.
pour into a a glass SERVE CHILLED.

Article of the week is from a site dedicated to honoring and remembering some of the great entertainment of the past century through articles, videos, and pictures! Great Entertainers Archives Blogspot: Marlene Dietrichs Vintage Car Sold. Please click link to learn more.

Please click here to view That Hamilton Woman(1941) movie review.

The Screaming Meme.

2011-12-29T21:06:00.002-07:00

Rachel, from The Girl With the White Parasol Blogspot has come up with a wonderful blog idea called: New Years "meme" 12 questions, including a New Years resolution.

1. What is your all-time favorite Grace Kelly costume?

The blue gown from the film, To Catch a Thief (1955).

2. What classic film would you nominate for a remake? Not really a remake, but I would love to see, Gone With the Wind part II. Being a hopeless romantic I would love to know.. if Rhett and Scarlett, live happily ever after..

3. Name your favorite femme fatale. That would be Gene Tierney.

4. Name the best movie with the word "heaven" in its title. Leave Her To Heaven (1945).

5. Describe the worst performance by a child actor that you’ve ever seen (since Laura gave me the idea).

Alfalfa from The Little Rascals

6. Who gets your vote for most tragic movie monster?

King Kong

7. What is the one Western that you would recommend to anybody? Tombstone (1993). For me.. this is a movie about friendship.

8. Who is your ideal movie-viewing partner? My best friend/husband and my little puppy. :)

9. Has a film ever made you want to change your life? If so, what was the film? I don't know if the film changed my life, but the realationship between Don's mother Mrs. Baker and Jill, sure left an impression on me: Butterflies Are Free(1972), with Goldie Hawn.

10. Think of one performer that you truly love. Now think of one scene/movie/performance of theirs that is too uncomfortable for you to watch. The first actor that comes to mind is, Vincent Price, who plays the role of a spineless womanizer, in the film, Laura(1944).

11. On the flip side, think of one really good scene/performance/movie from a performer that you truly loathe. I dunno.. if I loathe any actor, but, I'm not a huge fan of James Cagney, but I loved him in the film, White Heat(1949).

12. And finally, since it will be New Year's soon, do you have any movie or blogging-related resolutions for 2012? Not really, I'm kind of a spur of the moment girl and like to blog about what catches my interest.. Happy New Year Everyone!

Funny scene from the musical: The Great Waltz(1938).

2011-12-29T14:37:00.002-07:00

Johann and Carla drive through the Vienna Woods and Johann is inspired by the sounds of the forest to compose a tune, which he and Carla joyously sing.

Please click here to read The great waltz(1938 )movie review.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947).

2011-12-29T03:47:00.002-07:00

It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). Comedy, directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Victor Moore, Ann Harding, Don DeFore and Gale Storm. The film received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Story.

On New York City's Fifth Avenue, a tour bus guide points out the boarded-up townhouse of Michael O'Connor, the world's second richest man. A middle-aged drifter and his faithful dog Sam, come out of hiding and enter the O'Connor house through a loose board in the fence.

Meanwhile, O'Connor evicts the tenants of one of his city apartment houses in order to build an eighty story building. One of his tenants, Jim Bullock, has no where to go ends up sleeping on a park bench, where he meets, "Mac.". Who, invites Jim to stay with him at O'Connor's townhouse, where he has lived for the last three winters.

As O'Connor, makes plans to buy the deserted army camp Kilson, he learns that his daughter Trudy, has run away from school. When Trudy shows up at the townhouse, Jim, feeling sorry for her lets her stay. For now Trudy, wants to keep her identity a secret. When the patrole men come to check on the house, Mac tells everyone to hide and then feels forced to tell them that he really is a trespasser.

Later, Jim meets two friends from the service, Hank and Whitey and their families who are living in a car and invites them to stay with them. Mac, Jim, Whitey and Hank, begin making plans to build housing project and decide to bid on Camp Kilson.

When O'Connor arrives, he finds Trudy leaving for her new job at a music shop, he orders her to go back to school. She insists that she wants to be with, Jim. Now, O'Connor wants to meet Jim and poses as a drifter to hide his idenity and Trudy and Jim convince Mac to allow O'Connor to move into the mansion.

It is not long before O'Connor, has had enough of everyone living in his house and threatens to call the police. Trudy sends for her mother, who years before divorced O'Connor because his business came first. On Christmas Eve, Mary and O'Connor rekindle their love.

When Mary, finds out that O'Connor, outbid Jim on Camp Kilson and then tried to give him a job in Bolivia, to take him away from Trudy. Mary, has a change of heart.

O'Connor, wanting to please his family lets Jim buy the camp. On New Year's Eve, the house guests all celebrate and O'Connor tells Mary that next November, Mac will be coming through the front door.

Video: Celebrating Christmas....

It Happened on 5th Avenue, will tug at your heart strings and may become one of your favorite Christmas films. It has a wonderful line, "A man without friends is the most serious form of poverty".

Video: First of 12.

Dorothea Kent (21 June 1916 – 23 August 1990). She performed in 42 films between 1935 and 1948. In addition to her credited roles, she also had roles in 6 other films, including her last role in the 1948 film. The Babe Ruth Story.

Cheetah, a chimpanzee who performed in the "Tarzan" films of the 1930s, has died at the age of 80.

2011-12-28T07:23:00.005-07:00

Cheetah-Mike, a chimpanzee said to have performed in the "Tarzan" films of the 1930s, has died at the age of 80, of kidney failure on December 24, 2011. according to the Florida sanctuary where he lived. The average life span of a wild chimpanzee is around 45 years.

Cheetah was said to have performed in "Tarzan the Ape Man" (1932) and "Tarzan and His Mate" (1934), classic films about a boy raised in the jungle starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan.

The Florida chimpanzee who arrived at the sanctuary in 1960 loved finger painting and watching football.

Video Is from: Tarzan the Ape Man (1932). It was in this film that Cheetah the chimpanzee made his debut.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Ginger Rogers.

2011-12-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Personal Quote:
"When you're happy, you don't count the years".

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah.

2011-12-27T06:48:00.003-07:00

Jean Parker -- 1932 Chevrolet Six.

28 May 1935 Jean Parker, is awarded a $249 judgment in municipal court because she found two horses in the rumble seat of her car. She testifies that the horses became frightened during the filming of a motion picture and jumped into the back of her automobile. She seeks $349, but Judge Thurmond Clarke thinks $249 is sufficient to repair the damage.

Beyond Tomorrow (1940).

2011-12-26T05:47:00.006-07:00

Beyond Tomorrow (1940). Fantasy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland. Released by 20th Century Fox under the title: Beyond Christmas. Cast: Harry Carey, Aubrey Smith, Charles Winninger, Alex Melesh as Josef, Maria Ouspenskaya, Helen Vinson, Rod La Rocque, Richard Carlson and Jean Parker.

Three wealthy lonely elderly men, Michael O'Brien, Allan Chadwick and George Melton, are planning on Christmas Eve alone, after their Christmas guest cancel, when Michael suggests that they toss three wallets, out the window and ask who ever returns them to stay for dinner.

They give a beautiful mink coat, to their Russian housekeeper and friend, Madame Tanya, who is over come with their kindness..

George, is certain that no one would will return the wallets and just as they are about to begin to sit down to Christmas dinner. Down on his luck, Texan James Houston and clinic worker Jean Lawrence, both return the wallets. Jimmy and Jean, fall in love over dinner and soon spend all their time with Michael, Allan and George, until the three men tragically die in a plane crash.

After the accident, the three men return as ghosts, but only Madame Tanya, feel their presence. Michael has left Jimmy, some money with which he uses to launch his singing career. Because of the circumstances surrounding his inheritance, he attracts the attention of radio radio star, Arlene Terry. It is not long before Jimmy, begins to neglect Jean and makes plans with Arlene to go away for the weekend.

Soon after George is called to heaven and Allan is called to heaven by his son David, a solider killed in World War I. Michael is also called to heaven but refuses to go because he wants to help Jimmy, even if it means he has to stay on earth for eternity.

Arlene's jealous, husband fatally shoots Jimmy at the country inn. Jimmy is rushed to the hospital, where he dies on the operating table and now Jimmy, is able to see Michael. Jimmy, realizes that he has made a terrible mistake and Michael asks God to give Jimmy another chance. Will Jimmy receive another chance and will Michael go on to be with his son in heaven ?

This is an extremely enjoyable movie to add to your Christmas treasured list of films. You will need the whole box of Kleenex for this Christmas classic.

Helen Vinson (September 17, 1907 – October 7, 1999). Vinson was often featured in roles in which she played the part of the other woman or (pre-Code). Her first film role was in, Jewel Robbery (1932), which starred William Powell and Kay Francis. She performed as Doris Dulafield in, The Kennel Murder Case, which starred Powell. One of her memorable roles was in, The Wedding Night (1935). She played the wife of Gary Cooper and the rival of Anna Sten, in a story about the Connecticut tobacco fields. Another performance was in the film, In Name Only (1939), in which she was cast as the treacherous friend of Carole Lombard, Kay Francis and Cary Grant. Another well known role for Vinson was as an undercover federal agent posing as a femme fatale in the film, Enemy Agent (1940). She followed that role with the role of Helen Draque in, The Thin Man Goes Home.

Jean Parker (August 11, 1915 – November 30, 2005). She was discovered by Ida Koverman, secretary to MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer, after she saw a poster featuring Parker portraying Father Time.

She performed in important roles such as Beth in the original, Little Women, she also performed in the films, Lady for a Day and Gabriel Over the White House, Sequoia, Limehouse Blues, The Ghost Goes West, Rasputin and the Empress, with the Barrymore siblings (John, Ethel, and Lionel) in the only movie they all made together. In 1939, she starred opposite Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in, The Flying Deuces.

In the 40s, she performed in the film, Dead Man's Eyes. Parker managed her own airport and flying service with then-husband Doug Dawson in Palm Springs, California until shortly after the start of World War II. During the war, she toured many of the veteran hospitals throughout the U.S. In the 1950s, Parker co-starred opposite Edward G. Robinson in, Black Tuesday, had a small role in, The Gunfighter and performed in another western, Lawless Street (1955). Her last film performance was in, Apache Uprising (1966).

This week and N and CF.

2011-12-25T03:29:00.015-07:00

Happy Birthday: Humphrey Bogart!(December 25, 1899 – January 14, 1957). Click picture on sidebar to learn more. Also, ON TCM Dec. 27th. A Humphrey Bogart 4 movie tribute:
Passage to Marseille (1944)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre(1948)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Casablanca(1942)

Video: Katharine Hepburn, talks about working with Humphrey Bogart.

Happy Birthday: Marlene Dietrich! (27 December 1901 – 6 May 1992). Dietrich remained popular throughout her long career by continually re-inventing herself, professionally and characteristically. Her performance as Lola-Lola in The Blue Angel, brought her international fame and provided her a contract with Paramount Pictures. Hollywood films such as Shanghai Express and Desire made her one of the highest paid actresses of her era. Click picture on side bar to learn more.

ON TCM Dec. 29th. A 5 movie tribute for Gene Kelly:
For Me and My Gal(1942)
Anchors Aweigh(1945)
That's Entertainment(1974)
That's Entertainment II (1976)
That's Entertainment III (1994)

Although, he is best known for his performances in Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris, he was a dominant force in Hollywood musical films until musicals fell out of fashion. He is credited with making the ballet popular with film audiences. Click picture on sidebar to view past movie reviews.

Article of the week is from: Mythical Monkey Blogspot. Christmas. Movies You May Have Forgetten. MM says: That he loves Christmas movies—It's A Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Scrooge (both the 1951 and 1970 versions), Miracle On 34th Street (1947 only), How The Grinch Stole Christmas. And he could watch little Ralphie Parker's quest for an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle (with a compass in the stock!) twenty-four hours a day if only some cable channel would think of it. But a lot of people don't like Christmas or its movies, and that's okay with him. Here are some alternatives which will allow you to acknowledge the season without succumbing to it. Please click on the link to read the rest of MM's post...

I'm also planning on posting a couple of Classic Christmas "new to me" movies, that I have watched over the past couple of days.

I posted a blog about the film, Little Women (1949). Over at PAPILLONS: OF THE GREAT PERIOD FILMS Blogspot. Please click the link Little Women(1949). to check it out.

In Memory 2011. Please click picture on side bar to view posts that are dedicated to the memory of the talented actors/actress, who have recently passed away.

Doris Day Smoothie:

3 1/2 oz.orange juice
1 mango halved and cut away from the stone
3 oz carrots, trimmed and chopped
place the ORANGE JUICE and MANGO,
then add CARROTS and blend until SMOOTH.
pour over CRUSHED ICE,

Happy New Year from Jean Harlow and the rest of us here at N and CF.

A Christmas story that you will not soon forget: All Mine to Give(1957).

2011-12-23T16:28:00.005-07:00

All Mine to Give(1957). Drama starring: Glynis Johns, Cameron Mitchell, and Rex Thompson. This story is based on a true-life story set in Wisconsin.

The film is told in flashback, while pulling one of his sisters in a sled through the snow on Christmas Eve, young Robbie thinks about how his family was before their lives began to fall apart:

Just off the ship from Scotland, Robert and his pregnant wife Mamie come to America to begin their new lives.. They are very disappointed to find that Mamie's uncle, had died in a fire three weeks before. The couple can not believe when their neighbors help them to rebuild the cabin.

After Robbie is born, Rob, walks to a logging camp twenty-five miles from home looking for work. Tom Cullen, hires Rob as a cutter, but when Cullen calls him a "Nordsky," Rob, informs him that he is Scottish. Cullen, rarely allows him to go home to see his family. Rob, at the end of his rope challenges his boss to a fight. When Rob wins the fight Cullen, begins calling him "Scotty" and they become good friends.

Rob, wanting to spend more time with his family returns to building his boats after the birth of his son, Jimmie. During the next few blissful years, Mamie and Rob have four more children: Kirk, Annabelle, Elizabeth and Jane.

One day, Kirk, becomes ill with diphtheria and Dr. Delbert, quarantines the house. The rest of the family stay in an abandoned cabin in the woods, while Mamie nurses Kirk back to health. After a couple of weeks, Rob and the very dirty children happily return home, Rob begins coughing.(You will want to keep the Kleenex box in your lap for the rest of the film.)

Mamie, takes care of Rob until his death and then takes in sewing to support her children. Around Christmas Mamie, comes down with typhoid fever. Mamie calls Robbie, to her bedside and asks him to find good homes for the children, after she dies.

During Mamie's funeral, Mrs. Runyon cruelly asks what they are to do with six orphans. Robbie, asks that they be allowed to spend their last Christmas together and Dr. Delbert agrees. After, his brothers and sisters have fallen asleep, Robbie and Jimmie decide which families the children would be happy living with. On Christmas Day, Robbie visits each of the families hoping that they have the Christmas spirit in their hearts to take them in:

Annabelle, is given to the Tylers, as they are just sitting down to Christmas dinner. The family Robbie has chosen for Lizzie is away for the holidays, so he asks childless couple who teach at the school to take her.

When they arrive back at the cabin, Mrs. Runyon, is trying to leave with baby Jane. The brothers bar the door, but Mrs. Runyon promises to return later for Jane.

Realizing, he has run out of time to send Kirk to the family he had selected for him, Robbie gruffly sends his tearful brother to another family. This all takes its toll on Robbie and he collapses, by a tree that they all craved their names on. He soon gets it together and says goodbye to Jimmie. As Jimmie knocks on the door of Mrs. Raiden, whose daughters were always calling him "cute," Robbie loads Jane into a small sled and pulls her ten miles, until he finds a cosy looking home with a kindly woman, who agrees to take them both in. Robbie is tempted for a minute and then continues through the snow back to Cullen's logging camp.

A wonderfully heart-warming movie about a large family, who's troubles lead to an extremely heart-breaking conclusion, that you will never forget. All the children give wonderfully, believable performances

Video: First of 11.

Hope Emerson (October 29, 1897 – April 25, 1960). Made her film debut in Smiling Faces (1932). In the 1940s, Emerson was well known as the voice of Elsie the Cow in Borden Milk commercials on radio.

Standing 6 ft 2 in, Emerson's most memorable performances were a circus strong woman in the film, Adam's Rib who lifts Spencer Tracy up in the air (1949), in the film noir, Cry of the City (1948) and as a mail-order bride in, Westward the Women (1952). Her most famous role, was as prison matron Evelyn Harper in the film, Caged (1950) which landed her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The Thin Man Series

2011-12-22T03:51:00.003-07:00

Thin Man Series, is a very entertaining collection of classic crime films about retired private eye Nick and his wife Nora. Known for their witty banter over cocktails. They are probably one of the most sophisticated couples of romantic comedies.

They live in a beautiful New York City apartment, which over looks Manhattan. Not really wanting to continue in the PI business, they just can not seem to turn down the jobs that come their way. Filmed during the Great Depression, Americans seemed to love the, Thin Man Series..

The first and my favorite of the series is: The Thin Man(1934). Directed by W.S. Van Dyke. The story is about a eccentric, thin inventor, named Clyde Wynant, who has disappeared. Nora convinces Nick, to take on the case because she wants to see how a murder is solved. The dashing Nick, wanting to please Nora, takes the case with the help of their dog Asta and a few martinis. Tripping, over a few corpses along the way. Supporting cast: Maureen O'Sullivan, Minna Gombell, William Henry, and Cesar Romero.

Next.. in the series: After The Thin Man (1936). Another fast-paced, classic full of glamour and plenty of sexy and sophisticated banter. This time the couple, go looking into a blackmail turned murder case. The two have just returned to their California home, where they find Nora's relatives have all come for a visit. Nora's cousin's husband turns up missing. Her wealthy family, are all worried about the scandal of his affair with a nightclub singer, becoming public. Nick and Norah find him, dead and you will never guess who the killer is. Fun Fact: A very young James Stewart makes a brief appearance.

Another Thin Man(1939). This classic film, in the series has a one year old Nickie Jr., keeping his mother Nora, a little too busy to keep up with Dad. The Charleses have been invited to spend the weekend at the Long Island estate of Colonel Burr MacFay, a friend of Nora's father. Who believes that an old business partner Phil Church, is going to kill him. Phil Church, who has just been released after spending ten years behind bars, has been holding a grudge all this time against MacFay and has threatened his life. When MacFay dies, Nick and Nora find themselves on the list of suspects. Fun facts: Virginia Grey plays the Colonel's daughter Lois and Ruth Hussey plays Nicky's nurse.

Shadow Of The Thin Man(1941). Nick and Nora, are off to the races when a jockey is murdered. At first Nick, decided against taking the case, because he wants to spend more time with his family. Unfortunately, he cannot say "no" to New York Athletic Commissioner, who asks him personally to take the case. There are a couple of hilarious scenes. One which takes place on a department-store merry-go-round and a huge fight, started by Asta, at a fancy restaurant. Fun Fact: Famous acting teacher Stella Adler as Claire Porter and young Donna Reed also makes an appearance.

The Thin Man Goes Home (1944). Nick and Nora, travel back to Nick's home town of Sycamore Springs, where his parents criticize what he does for a living. They really wanted him to follow his father's footsteps and become a doctor. When a man drops dead on the front porch, they quickly change there mind.. Fun Facts: Gloria DeHaven, Edward Brophy, Lloyd Corrigan, Leon Ames, and Ann Revere as the eccentric "Crazy Mary."

Last but not least: Song Of The Thin Man(1947). This classic has Nick and Nora looking into the mysterious murder of bandleader Tommy Drake. Gloria Graham sings "You're Not So Easy to Forget," by Herb Magidson and Ben Oakland. Fun Facts: Jayne Meadows, Keenan Wynn, Dean Stockwell, Ralph Morgan, William Bishop and Marie Windsor also makes an appearance.

Please click here for further reading on the Thin Man series Doriantb Blogspot. Thin Man Meets Fitzwilly Team

Myrna Loy (August 2, 1905 – December 14, 1993). Trained as a dancer, until she was bitten by the acting bug in a few small roles in silent films. She usually performed as a vamp or a Asian woman. Her career improved after she landed the role as, Nora Charles in The Thin Man (1934). Her pairing with William Powell resulted in 14 films together, including five, Thin Man films.

Director W. S. Van Dyke, chose Loy after he meet her at a Hollywood party. He pushed her into a swimming pool to test her reaction and he liked how she handled the situation. Louis B. Mayer, really did not want Loy to play the part because he felt she was more of a dramatic actress.

The Thin Man, became one of the year's biggest hits and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Film. Loy, later referred to The Thin Man as the film "that finally made me... after more than 80 films".

With the outbreak of World War II, she walked away from her acting career to work with the Red Cross. She helped run a Naval Auxiliary Canteen and raise money for them. She returned to films with, The Thin Man Goes Home (1945).

Powell's, most famous role was that of Nick Charles, in the six Thin Man films. The role provided a perfect opportunity for Powell, to showcase his wonderful speaking voice, his sophisticated charm and his witty sense of humor. He received his first Academy Award nomination for the film, The Thin Man.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Janet Leigh.

2011-12-21T04:16:00.002-07:00

Personal Quote:

"Merry Christmas!!"

Video: Please watch on youtube website.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Myrna Loy

2011-12-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

The sweet and beautiful Myrna with her little friend

All Aboard: Part 4 of 5.

2011-12-20T03:01:00.010-07:00

Rich and Strange(1931). A British romantic comedy, directed by Alfred Hitchcock during his time in the British film industry. It was adapted by Hitchcock, his wife Alma Reville and Val Valentine from a novel by Dale Collins. The film is best known for the recreation of a full sized ship in a water tank used in the film.

The story begins one night, after a young couple receive an early inheritance and decide to take a cruise around world and live the good life. Fred, falls into alcoholism, philandering and seasickness. In spite of all this.. the over the top acting is very entertaining.

There are some wonderful Hitchcock's moments, like when two main characters are walking/talking to and a social event on a cruise ship, while the camera follows their feet and Emily's dragging her dress behind her.

Please click here to learn more about the film The Rich and Strange.

Abandon Ship(1957). The story begins as a luxury liner is destroyed by a mine, which has all the survivor's boarding a lifeboat equipped to handle 12 or 14 people. There are 27 surviving passengers, weight, rations, sanity and control are all problems that Tyrone Powers, must struggle with. Only dark/deep waters for the next 1200 miles a head of them. Will these survivors be floating out to their death, or will they be saved from their watery grave?

Tyrone Powers, performance is amazing and you will never forget him making the final decision on those that he considers "dead weight". This movie will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!

Video: The credits are a little scratchy but not the entire film.

Life Boat(1944). As a freighter is attacked by a German submarine, the passengers try to board the lifeboats. After both vessels have been sunk, journalist Connie Porter, finds herself alone in a lifeboat, it is not long after when Kovac, pulls himself aboard. Kovac, accidentally knocks Connie's camera into the sea, while pulling Stanley Garrett, into the boat. Then both men pull in nurse Alice Mackenzie, wounded Gus Smith and C. J. Rittenhouse into the lifeboat. Next to come aboard, is Connie's old friend Ritt, she is also happy to see the steward Joe Spencer, who put her in the lifeboat, who is now trying to save Mrs. Higley and her baby.

After Joe and Mrs. Higley are aboard, Alice realizes that the baby is dead. Just as everyone becomes distracted by a German, who they believe does not speak any English. Connie, translates as he claims that he is an only a seaman and is sorry for the attack. Kovac, wants to throw the German overboard, but Gus, a German-American, talks them out of it.

Soon after, Joe says a prayer as they bury the baby at sea. The next morning, they discover that Mrs. Higley has jumped overboard into the dark sea after her baby. Ritt, tries to lighten the mood by seeing what they have in the way of sea rations and handing out jobs for everyone.

When Ritt follows the German's advice about setting a course, everyone becomes suspicious who the German really is. Connie tricks the German, into revealing his true identity when she calls him Captain. Although, the German is best qualified to run the lifeboat, Kovac orders them to follow the course to Bermuda, which is the opposite of the German's. Gus's wounded leg becomes infected and after the German says that he was also a surgeon, Alice helps him as he amputates the leg. After, having gained their trust, the German, tells the others to change direction.

That night, as Sparks is steering the lifeboat, the stars show him that they are heading away from Bermuda. The next morning, Joe finds a compass that the German had secretly been using to steer them toward a German supply ship. Kovac, is about to kill the German when a huge storm hits and the German, tells them that he speaks English, brings the lifeboat safely through the storm. Unfortunately, they have lost all of their food and water and with the boat's mast gone, the German rows them toward the German ship. Gus, catches the German drinking water and he pushes Gus overboard to keep him quiet.

Later, the group realizes that Willi is sweating, Joe grabs a water bottle from the Germans shirt. The German admits that he has been drinking water. They all attack the German except Joe, who can not believe what he is seeing as they force the German overboard.

The survivors have hit a low point when Connie, who has become less selfish yells at them for being quitters. She gives Kovac her diamond bracelet to use as a lure and just as they are pulling the fish in, Joe spots a ship. The ship turns out to be German, but before it can pick them up, it is attacked by an American warship. The German ship is sunk and as the survivors wait to be rescued by the Americans. A young German sailor climbs aboard the lifeboat pointing a pistol at them. Will the American War ship get there in time?

This is an amazing film about, six people with different personalities and backgrounds. The cast includes: Tallulah Bankhead as a self centered photo-journalist, Hume Cronyn, who finds love on the lifeboat, Canada Lee as a brave steward, Walter Slezak as the German and John Hodiak, who has to keep one step ahead of Tallulah's advances.

Video: Part 1 of 10.

Fun Facts:

Director Alfred Hitchcock Cameo: in "before" and "after" pictures in a newspaper advertisement for Reduco Obesity Slayer. The pictures were genuine, as he had just been on a crash diet (although not with the fictional Reduco) from 300 to 200 lbs. However, the so-called "Reduco Obesity Slayer" diet pill or potion ad seemed so real that audience called the studio and wrote letters to Alfred Hitchcock asking where could they get this product. (In Rope, a neon sign advertising "Reduco" with Hitchcock's famous silhouette is seen outside the Manhattan apartment where the film takes place.)

Seasickness hit the entire cast at one point or another, and much of the cast caught pneumonia after constant exposure to cold water, Tallulah Bankhead having suffered twice from it. Hume Cronyn almost drowned in a storm scene when he got caught under a large metal water-activator, used for making waves. Joe Peterson, a lifeguard hired especially for the production, saved him in the nick of time. Hume Cronyn also suffered from cracked ribs during the course of filming.

After she caught pneumonia, Tallulah Bankhead was given a puppy by Alfred Hitchcock for being such a good sport during the film. He had already named the dog Hitchcock. I wonder if one of these puppies is the little.. Hitchcock.

The Lady Eve(1941). After wealthy Charles Poncefort Pike, leaves a zoological expedition in the South American jungle, he boards an ocean liner headed for the East Coast.

Con artist Jean Harrington, wanting to get to know him better trips him as he leaves the dining room. Jean seduces Charlie and despite the warnings of Muggsy, they fall in love. Jean, tries to intervene in her father's card game that night, but Harrington wins $32,000 from the clueless Charlie.

Charlie, breaks off his engagement to Jean, when he learns that she and her father are famous con artists. Heartbroken, Jean wants revenge and is happy when her father shows her Charlie's check that she thought he had ripped up..

After the ship docks, the Harringtons run into another con artist Pearly at a horse race. They, come up with a plan to have her pose as Pearly's niece, Lady Eve Sidwich of England. Then the Pikes throw a party for Lady Eve, at which a socially awkward Charlie attends and is amazed how much she looks like Jean. Even though Muggsy, truly believes that Lady Eve and Jean are the same person, Charlie, insists that they are different women.

Jean and Charlie, become engaged and she continues her revenge through their wedding. She finally shares a fictional history of love affairs to her husband. Not wanting to accept his new wife's colorful past, Charlie gets off their honeymoon train, still in his pajamas and sues her for divorce. Jean, realizes that she is still in love with Charlie and wants to speak with him, but he refuses.

Jean, books passage on the same ocean liner on which Charlie is traveling and again trips him. Charlie is thrilled to see Jean, still unaware that she is also Lady Eve and when he tries to explain that he is married, she tells him that she is too...

The Lady Eve, is one of those wonderful comedies of the golden era. Some of the best scenes is when Stanwyck, shares her life story with Fonda, as they go under the train tunnel and the scenes where food keeps spilling on Fonda. Barbara Stanwyck, looks amazing in her little black, bare-midriff dress.

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah!

2011-12-19T04:34:00.004-07:00

Gary Cooper 1951 Montery Mercruy

William Powell admires Gary Cooper's duesenberg .

The Duesenberg was considered one of the most popular luxury cars, driven by Clark Gable, Gary Cooper. Each driving one of the two very rare SSJ 125″ short-wheelbase convertibles. You can also add Al Capone, Evelyn Walsh McLean, Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, Mae West, Marion Davies, Tyrone Power, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, William Randolph Hearst to the list of Duesnberg proud owners.

The following Pictures were provided by Gilby37.

Casanova Brown(1944).

2011-12-17T17:02:00.007-07:00

Casanova Brown(1944). Cast: Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, and Frank Morgan. Directed by Sam Wood.It was nominated for three Academy Awards; for Best Score, Best Sound, Recording (Thomas T. Moulton) and Best Art Direction (Perry Ferguson, Julia Heron).

When Casanova asks Madge's father, J. J. Ferris, for permission to marry Madge, her father believes that he is only marrying her for her money turns him down. Casanova and Madge, decide to ignore her fathers wishes and go ahead with their marriage plans. On the day of the wedding rehearsal, Casanova receives a letter from a maternity hospital in Chicago, asking him to contact Dr. Martha Zernerke. He thinks back: to when he first met his ex- wife Isabel's parents and when her eccentric mother wanted to consult the stars about their future.

The stars predicted disaster and he accidentally burns down the Drury mansion. When Mrs. Drury, says the fire is a warning about their future, their marriage is annulled. After sharing his story, with J. J. he decides to go to Chicago, but plans to be back in time to marry Madge.

At the hospital, Casanova, sees his baby for the first time. Dr. Zernerke, tells him that Isabel, has put the baby up for adoption. Casanova confronts Isabel, about the adoption and admits to her that he still loves her. Isabel, reminds him of his up coming marriage. Casanova, then decides to kidnap the baby.

Meanwhile Madge, is dressed in her bridal gown, when Casanova calls J. J. to break the news about the baby. Now, he has to tell his wife and daughter, that Casanova cannot make the wedding. Casanova, takes the baby to his hotel room where, he is helped by the maid and the bell captain.

When the bell captain, still wearing his hotel uniform, visits the hospital, asking too many questions Casanova worries.. that they will trace the baby back to the hotel.

Madge and her father and Isabel and her father, arrive at Casanova's hotel room where the bell captain, informs them that Casanova has gone to City Hall to be married to the maid. Casanova, hides with the baby in a different hotel room. Who will Casanova end up with at the end of the day, the maid, Madge or will it be Isabel?

This is one of those fluffy romance movies, where the characters find themselves always at odds with each other. The cinematography is really wonderful. If you are a hopeless romantic you will love this film.

Anita Louise (January 9, 1915 – April 25, 1970), made her acting debut on Broadway at the age of six, and within a year was performing in Hollywood films. By her late teens she was being cast in leading and supporting roles in major productions, and was highly regarded for her delicate features and blonde hair.

As her popularity in Hollywood grew, she was frequently described as one of cinema's most fashionable and stylish women. Her reputation was further enhanced by her role as Hollywood society hostess, with her parties attended by the elite of Hollywood.

Among her film successes were: Madame Du Barry (1934), A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935), The Story of Louis Pasteur (1935), Anthony Adverse (1936), Marie Antoinette (1938), The Sisters (1938) and The Little Princess (1939).

By the 1940s, she performed in minor roles and acted very infrequently until television provided her with better opportunities. She played one of her most widely seen roles as the mother, Nell McLaughlin, in the CBS television series, My Friend Flicka from 1956–1957.

This Week on N and CF.

2011-12-16T16:53:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday: Betty Grable! (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973). She was a actress, dancer and singer. Please click picture on the side bar to learn more.. Video: I love this video of Betty Grable with her husband Harry James.

ON TCM Dec. 18th. The Man Who Came To Dinner(1942). Comedy film directed by William Keighley.

ON TCM Dec.19 th. A 7 Movie Cary Grant Tribute. Please click picture on side bar to read past Cary Grant movie reviews.

ON TCM Dec. 20th. 8 Movie Irene Dunne Birthday Tribute. (December 20, 1898 – September 4, 1990) was a film actress and singer of the 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s. Dunne was nominated five times for the Academy Award for Best Actress, for her performances in Cimarron (1931), Theodora Goes Wild (1936), The Awful Truth (1937), Love Affair (1939) and I Remember Mama (1948). Click picture on side bar to read past movie reviews.

On TCM Dec 21st. 8 movie Jane Fonda Tribute. (born December 21, 1937) is a actress, writer, political activist, former fashion model, and fitness guru. She rose to fame in the 1960s with films such as Barbarella and Cat Ballou. She has won two Academy Awards and received several other movie awards and nominations during more than 50 years as an actress. After 15 years of retirement, she returned to film in 2005 with Monster in Law, followed by Georgia Rule two years later. She also produced and starred in over 20 exercise videos released between 1982 and 1995, and once again in 2010. Click picture on side bar to read past reviews.

ON TCM Dec. 22nd 6 movies from the Thin Man collection. The Thin Man is a collection of comic detective films starring William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a flirtatious married couple who banter while they solve crimes. Nick is a drinking retired detective and Nora a wealthy heiress. Their dog, the wire-haired fox terrier Asta, was also popular. I plan on posting a article on the Thin Man Classic Moivie Collection.

Happy Birthday: Ava Gardner! (December 24, 1922 – January 25, 1990) She was signed to a contract by MGM Studios in 1941 and performed in small roles until her performance in The Killers (1946). She became one of Hollywood's leading actresses, considered one of the most beautiful women of her era. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mogambo (1953). Click picture on side bar for more info.

Anita Louise Smoothie:
2 cups eggnog
1 banana
1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup of 2% milk
2 cups of ice
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cinnamon

Blend until the banana is creamy.

Article of the week is from: Kevins Movie Corner. Blogspot. Holiday Film Fun at the Tvoli. Kevin says.. This week he enjoyed seeing on the big screen “Holiday Inn” (1942) and “Remember the Night.” (1940). “The Lemon Drop Kid” (1951), which introduced the song “Silver Bells”. Please stop by and read about a very special evening Kevin had at the Tvoli.

Merry Christmas from Carole Lombard and the rest of us here at N and CF.

All Aboard!! Part 3 of 5.

2011-12-15T05:03:00.008-07:00

April in Paris(1952), directed by David Butler. Is a musical film starring Doris Day and Ray Bolger. The story begins when chorus girl Miss Ethel 'Dynamite' Jackson, mistakenly receives an invitation from the State Department to represent the American theatre at an arts exposition in Paris, France. Unfortunately, the invitation was really meant for, Miss Ethel Barrymore. Winthrop Putnam, who sent the invitation tries to correct his mistake. That is when the adventure begins.

I loved the dance routines: "I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight" and the political-themed dance with former Presidents' paintings, coming to life to dance.

The highlight of the film is when Doris Day sings, "April in Paris".

Please click here to view April In Paris(1952) movie review.

You will love Jane Powell, in in the entertaining film, Luxury Liner(1948). She is so bubbly and cute. George Brent, plays the captain of the ship and her father. Jane, wants to be with her father and she ends up as a stowaway aboard his the ship. That is when the real trouble begins.

Please click here to read Luxury Liner(1948) movie review.

New Moon(1940). Musical, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, was the sixth of eight musical films pairing Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. It is a very charming movie and you will remember the songs forever. The story begins when Marianne de Beaumaniour, who is on her way to New Orleans from Paris to check out the plantation she inherited from her uncle. On board ship she meets Charles, Duc de Villiers, a political enemy of the king. Charles is bought by Marianne's plantation manager. Marianne soon learns of Charles', true-identity and she sets him free. Marianne, decides to sail back to Paris with the Police Captain on the ship, 'New Moon', but, they must first stop at Martinique. After Martinique, the ship is attacked by pirates. Marianne is shocked to see that Charles is the leader. That night, they are hit by a fierce storm and everyone is ship-wrecked. Now, that Charles is the leader you will have to see what happens next...

Melody Cruise(1933). A bachelor millionaire, on a cruise is protected by a friend from a bunch of Gold diggers.. There are many great one-liners, sexual innuendos and great moments. It borders on being a musical, you will also love the great choreography.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Ann Baxter.

2011-12-14T03:34:00.000-07:00

Personal Quote:

"I'm an actress, not a personality. It's more successful to be a personality. But can you use it in every role? I don't spill over into everything I do. I do what I do from inside someone else's skin."

Donna Reed and Skippy aka Asta

2011-12-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

A really young Donna Reed and a hyper Skippy

Beep Beep'm Beep Beep Yeah!

2011-12-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

John Lennon received his first driver's license in 1965, by this time the Beatles, were world famous. Within hours, high-end luxury car dealers were outside Lennon's home in England, with cars including Jaguars, Maseratis and Aston Martins, according to Bonhams. Lennon chose the Ferrari.

He owned the Ferrari for only a few months before selling it. By that time, he had already purchased a Rolls-Royce limousine which he had painted in a psychedelic color scheme. He also owned a Mini Cooper at the time.

One of Lennon's last cars, a 1972 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon used in New York City. The car was said to be Lennon's favorite because it allowed him to travel unrecognized.

Lawyer Man(1933).

2011-12-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

Lawyer Man(1933). Drama directed by William Dieterle. The story is based on the novel by Max Trell. Cast: William Powell and Joan Blondell.

Lawyer Tony Adamis, is asked by successful lawyer Alan Dinehart, to join his law firm. Even though Tony, has found himself on the wrong side of a very important political leader, David Landau.

Later, showgirl Virginia St. Johns wants to hire Tony, to help her sue her fiancee, Dr. Gresham, for a "phony" breach of promise case. To his surprise he later learns that Virginia is helping Gilmurry frame him. He defends himself in court. Even, with a hung jury his partnership with Bentley is finished.

Tony breaks off his relationship with Barbara, not wanting to involve her in his problems. Tony takes every shady case that comes his way, including the case against Gilmurry. When Gilmurry tries to settle out of court, Tony agrees to accept the position of assistant district attorney.

Gilmurry warns him that Gresham is part of his organization, but Tony, believes in himself and wins the case of fraud against the doctor. Gilmurry offers Tony a judgeship, but Tony turns him down. With his trustworthy secretary at his side, they return to the old neighborhood to set up an honest legal practice.

Not one of Powell's best films, but.. he is still wonderful playing a character that gets in over his head. Joan Blondell, is always good and I always try and catch her films whenever they are on TCM.

Helen Vinson (September 17, 1907 – October 7, 1999), performed in roles which she played the part of the other woman or (pre-Code) loose women. Her first film role was, Jewel Robbery (1932), which starred William Powell and Kay Francis. She performed as Doris Dulafield in, The Kennel Murder Case, with Powell. One of her memorable roles was in, The Wedding Night (1935). She played the wife of Gary Cooper and the rival of Anna Sten, in a story about the Connecticut tobacco fields. Another performance was in the film, In Name Only (1939), in which she was cast as the treacherous friend of Carole Lombard, Kay Francis and Cary Grant. Another well known role for Vinson was as an undercover federal agent posing as a femme fatale opposite Richard Cromwell in, Enemy Agent (1940). She followed that role with the role of Helen Draque in, The Thin Man Goes Home. After which Vinson's film career faded.

Pre-Code: Fashions of 1934(1934).

2011-12-11T04:34:00.002-07:00

Fashions of 1934(1934). Pre-Code/musical/comedy directed by William Dieterle with musical numbers created and directed by Busby Berkeley. Based on the story The Fashion Plate by Harry Collins and Warren Duff. Cast: William Powell and Bette Davis.

Sherwood Nash's, New York investment business hits hard times until he meets dress designer Lynn Mason. They quickly come up with a plan to earn a living making knock offs of beautiful Paris designs.

They learn by accident that Oscar Baroque, gets his ideas from old costume designs. Lynn, picks up on the idea and she and Sherwood sells her designs to their New York customers.

Sherwood, comes up with a new scam and becomes partners with Joe Ward, an ostrich feather salesman after he recognizes the Grand Duchess Alix, his old friend, Mabel. Threatening to expose who she really is, Sherwood suggests that she convince Baroque, to back and design the costumes of the musical in which she is performing. Wanting to please the Grand Duchess, Baroque buys Ward's entire supply of ostrich feathers. Lynn, who has grown very tired of his scams, thinks about leaving him for the piano player.

Sherwood opens a new fashion house called, Maison Elegance and Lynn's designs are very popular, until Baroque finds out about their scam. The police give him one afternoon to straighten everything out. Will he be successful or ruin everyones lives?

William Powell, is one of those witty con artiest that you can not help fall in love and root for. You will not be able to take your eyes off the very talented Bette Davis and her glamorous blonde hair. If you enjoy fashions from the 30s. This film is for you.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to watch this film, was for the production number created by Busby Berkeley. Meant to showcase 'Spin A Little Web Of Dreams' with Busby's trademark identical blonde showgirls performing complicated dance numbers.

Verree Teasdale (March 15, 1903 – February 17, 1987). Trained as a stage actress at the New York School of Expression. She first appeared on Broadway in 1924 and performed there regularly until 1932. After co-starring in Somerset Maugham's play The Constant Wife with Ethel Barrymore in 1926-27, she was offered a film contract, and her first film, Syncopation(1929). Teasdale appeared older than her physical age, which enabled her to play bored society wives, scheming other women and second leads in comedies such as, Roman Scandals (1933).

In 1935 she married actor Adolphe Menjou, and they remained together until his death in 1963. Teasdale and Menjou performed together in two films, The Milky Way(1936) and Turnabout (1940), and were also co-hosts of a syndicated radio program in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Teasdale retired after the radio program finished its run, keeping busy with her hobby of costume design.

This Week on Noir and Chick Flicks.

2011-12-10T04:04:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday: Dorothy Lamour! (December 10, 1914 – September 22, 1996). She is best remembered for appearing in the Road to movies, a series of successful comedies starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Click picture on side bar to learn more.

ON TCM Dec. 11th. Christmas in Connecticut(1945). Is a Christmas film and romantic comedy directed by Peter Godfrey, and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet.

Happy Birthday: Edward G. Robinson! December 12, 1893 – January 26, 1973) was popular star during Hollywood's Golden Age, he is best remembered for his roles as gangsters, such as Rico in his star-making film Little Caesar and as Rocco in Key Largo. Other memorable roles include Barton Keyes in the film noir Double Indemnity and as Dathan in The Ten Commandments. Click picture on side bar to learn more. TCM is hosting a 7 movie Edward G. Robinson birthday tribute.

ON TCM Dec. 17th. It's A Wonderful World (1939). A romantic screwball comedy starring Claudette Colbert and James Stewart, directed by W. S. Van Dyke.
Please click here to read Its Wonderful World(1939) movie review.

Busby Berkeley and Carole Landis

Busby Berkeley Smoothie:
1 pink grapefruit, peeled, deseeded
and cut into chunks
1 mango, halved, the fruit scooped out and cut up
1 banana, peeled and cut into chunks

place the GRAPEFRUIT, MANGO and
BANANA in the blender and BLEND until
SMOOTH. pour into a glass over ICE.

Article of the week is from: Eves Reel Life Blogspot Shop Rround Corner(1940). Eve says: It is only occasionally that a film ages with extraordinary grace. Ernst Lubitsch's 1940 classic, The Shop Around the Corner, has mellowed in the manner of a rare and prized bottle of Hungarian Tokaji Aszú... please click on link to read the rest of her amazing post.

Merry Christmas from Carole Lombard.

Six Degrees of Separation Game,

2011-12-09T04:49:00.005-07:00

Sorry that I took so long... Update for those following the Six Degrees Of Separation game begun by Page from, My Love Of Old Hollywood. Dorian, from Tales Of The Easily Distracted, solved for Carole Lombard to Goldie Hawn and picked Myrna Loy and Danny Kaye for the next challenge. Dorian, also picked Laura over at BackLots who solved for Myrna Loy and Danny Kaye, in less than six films.

Laura, selected Judy Garland and Olivia De Havilland for the next round, which brings us to, Whistlingypsy to play the game.

Whistlingypsy, chose the film, Every Sunday (1936), which teamed Judy with Deanna Durbin. Whistlingypsy, selected Dawn at Noir and Chick Flicks to carry the game forward with her selection featuring Deanna.

I chose Deanna Durbin who performed in the film, One Hundred Men and a Girl (1937), with Adolphe Menjou, who played her father.

I select Rachel from: MacGuffin Films, to carry the game forward. Macguffinmovies.wordpress.com

All Aboard: Part 2.

2011-12-08T07:42:00.003-07:00

Love Affair (1939). Romantic film starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer and featuring Maria Ouspenskaya. It was directed by Leo McCarey, based on a story by McCarey and Mildred Cram.

Love Affair was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Writing, Original Story (Mildred Cram, Leo McCarey), Best Original Song (Buddy G. DeSylva, For the song "Wishing"), and Best Art Direction (Van Nest Polglase, Alfred Herman).

The film was remade in 1957 as An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, using a very similar screenplay, and in 1994 as Love Affair, starring Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, and, in her last feature film appearance, Katharine Hepburn.

French painter Michel Marnet meets American singer Terry McKay, aboard a liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Although, they are both already engaged, to other people, they fall in love. On a stop at Madeira, they visit Michel's grandmother Janou.

The couple promise to meet six months later on top of the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, Terry is hit by a car on her way to be reunited with Michel and is told that she may be crippled for the rest of her life. Not wanting to be a burden to Michel, she does not contact him, preferring to let him think that she had a change of heart.

They meet by accident at the theater, though Terry manages to keep her condition hidden. Michel then visits her at her apartment and finally learns the truth.

One Way Passage (1932). A romantic film starring William Powell and Kay Francis, directed by Tay Garnett. It was remade in 1940 as 'Til We Meet Again, featuring Merle Oberon and George Brent.

Escaped murderer Dan Hardesty, has traveled to Hong Kong, where he accidentally meets terminally-ill, Joan Ames.

Police Sergeant Steve Burke catches up with Dan and escorts him to a ocean liner heading back to San Francisco. On board, Dan spots Joan among the passengers and talks Steve into removing his handcuffs. Dan and Joan fall in love on the month-long cruise, not knowing the others troubles.

Two of Dan's friends are also aboard, thief Skippy and con artist "Barrel House Betty", masquerading as "Countess Barilhaus". The countess keeps Steve entertained to help Dan. Just before they reach a stop over in Honolulu, Steve has Dan put in the brig, but he escapes and goes ashore. Where he and Joan spend a wonderful day together. When they drive back to the dock, Joan feeling weak faints. Dan carries her aboard for medical help. Later, Joan's doctor tells Dan about her condition.

Meanwhile, the "countess" and the policeman fall in love and he proposes to her. She then tells him her true identity, but he still wants to marry her. As Steve and Dan get ready to leave, a steward overhears the truth and when Joan comes looking for Dan, tells her what he knows. The two lovers part for the last time without letting on they know each other's secret. Joan collapses after Dan is out of sight.

They had agreed to meet again on New Year's Eve, a month later. A bartender can not believe his eyes when two glasses on the bar break with no one around.

Now, Voyager(1942). Drama, with Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains, and directed by Irving Rapper. Based on the 1941 novel of the same name by Olive Higgins Prouty.

Charlotte Vale, is repressed spinster whose life is dominated by her emotional abusive mother. Fearing Charlotte is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, her sister-in-law Lisa introduces her to psychiatrist Dr. Jaquith, who recommends she spend time in his sanatorium.

Away from her mother's control, Charlotte transforms into a beautiful woman and decides to take a cruise instead of returning home. On board ship, she meets a married man, Jeremiah Duvaux Durrance, who is very devoted to his daughter, Christine and how his devotion keeps him from divorcing his shrew of a wife.

Charlotte and Jerry, fall in love while stranded in Rio de Janeiro, after their car crashes. They miss the ship and spend five days together before Charlotte flies to Buenos Aires to rejoin the cruise. They decide it would be best not to see each other again.

When she arrives home, Charlotte's family is stunned by the dramatic changes. Her mother is determined to regain control over her daughter, but Charlotte is strong enough to keep her newly found Independence.

Charlotte becomes engaged to wealthy, widower Elliot Livingston, but after a chance meeting with Jerry, she breaks off the engagement. Her mother becomes so angry that she has a heart attack and dies. Feeling guilty, Charlotte returns to the sanatorium.

When she arrives, she meets a very unhappy Tina, who reminds her of herself. With Dr. Jaquith's permission they become fast friends and later takes her home to Boston.

Jerry and Dr. Jaquith visit them, where Jerry is delighted to see the changes in his daughter. Dr. Jaquith agrees, to allow Charlotte to keep Tina if she promises to keep her relationship with Jerry platonic. She tells Jerry that Tina is her way of being close to him. When Jerry asks her if she's happy, Charlotte tells him, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars".

That Girl from Paris (1936). Musical comedy directed by Leigh Jason. In the middle of her arranged wedding to Paul DeVry, Parisian opera star Nicole "Nikki" Martin, takes off in search of true love. While hitchhiking, Nikki meets American musician Windy McClean and makes up her mind to follow him back to New York.

Hiding her identity, Nikki stows away on the ship on which Windy and his performers, "McClean's Wildcats," are working and is later discovered in their room by a steward. Nikki is locked up and the "McClean's Wildcats," are fired.

Nikki, escapes from the ship in New York and finds the band's apartment. The men demand that Nikki leave, but she refuses until the men start undressing in front of her. The policemen are spotted outside, they allow the singer back into the apartment.

The next morning, dancer Clair Williams, Windy's girl friend, shows up with a Mr. Hammacher, who offers them a job performing at his roadhouse. They accept the offer and they all pack up and head for the city.

Nikki, becomes a singing sensation, but a jealous Clair sells her out and sends the group running once again.

To solve Nikki's problem, all of the men volunteer to marry her, then at Whammo's suggestion, they cut cards for her. When Nikki, finds out her feelings are hurt and once again becomes a run a way bride.. will they catch up with her and change her mind?

Dodsworth(1936). Drama directed by William Wyler. Sidney Howard based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis.

Middle-aged Sam Dodsworth, owns his own car manufacturing company. His wife Fran, a shallow woman convinces him to sell his company and take her to Europe. Searching for excitement in her life, she informs Sam that she's leaving him for another man. While in Italy, Sam reunites with Edith Cortright, a divorcee he first met aboard the Queen Mary and the two fall in love. When Fran's plans to marry fall through, she joins Sam on a ship to sail back to America. He gets off the ship to find Edith after he realizes how much he is in love with her.

In Memory: Harry Morgan. (April 10, 1915 – December 7, 2011)

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Harry Morgan, a favorite character actor best known for playing the kindly Colonel Potter in the TV show “M*A*S*H,” died on Wednesday morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 96.

His son Charles confirmed his death, saying Mr. Morgan had been treated for pneumonia recently.

In more than 100 movies, Mr. Morgan, performed in the movie, Orchestra Wives as a young man pushing his way to the front of a ballroom crowd with his date to hear Glenn Miller's band play.

A few years later, he was cast in the role of pianist Chummy MacGregor in the 1954 biopic The Glenn Miller Story.

Morgan continued to perform in important roles on the silver screen in films: The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Wing and a Prayer (1944), Dragonwyck (1946), The Big Clock (1948), High Noon (1952), and several films in the 1950s for director Anthony Mann, including Bend of the River (1952), Thunder Bay (1953), The Glenn Miller Story (1954), The Far Country (1955) and Strategic Air Command (1955); in his later film career he appeared in Inherit the Wind (1960), How the West Was Won (1962), John Goldfarb, Please Come Home (1965), Frankie and Johnny (1966), Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969), Support Your Local Gunfighter! (1971), Snowball Express (1972), The Shootist (1976), The Wild Wild West Revisited (1979), and a cameo in the film version of Dragnet (1987) with Dan Ackroyd and Tom Hanks. Besides all of the Anthony Mann films, Morgan was in a number of movies with James Stewart, including Strategic Air Command (1955), The Mountain Road (1960), How the West Was Won (1962), The Glenn Miller Story (1954) and The Shootist (1976).

He also performed with John Wayne, in How the West Was Won, featuring Morgan portraying Ulysses S. Grant to Wayne's William Tecumseh Sherman in the John Ford-directed segment of the Cinerama film.

Morgan played Officer Bill Gannon, Joe Friday's partner in Dragnet (1967–1970).

I Take This Woman (1940)

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I Take This Woman(1940), Drama film starring Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr.

Heartbroken, after breaking up with Phil Mayberry, a married man who refuses to divorce his wife. Georgi Gragore, decides to end her life by jumping into the sea from the upper decks of the ocean liner. Dr. Karl Decker, saves her just in time. After arriving in New York, Georgi decides to visit Karl, at his clinic. Karl gives Georgi, a job and soon finds himself falling in love with her. After the two are married, Karl meets Georgi's wealthy friends and begins to worry about supporting her in the style to which she is used to. When Dr. Duveen, offers him a position in private practice, Karl gives up his clinic, to make more money.

Georgi, still struggling with her feelings for Mayberry, goes to see him at his apartment, where she soon realizes that she no longer in with love him. When Karl hears about Georgi's visit, he is crushed. Soon after, Karl, is called back to the hospital on an emergency, where a young woman dies. Karl, disillusioned with his life, gets ready to leave for China. Will Georgi be able to stop him in time?

Spencer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr, made a odd couple. Lamarr's performance was my favorite, she is always so much fun to watch.

Mona Barrie (December 18, 1909 – June 27, 1964). An English actress who made her debut as a ballet dancer at the age of sixteen. In 1933 she moved to New York and was given a screen test which led to her film debut in, Sleepers East(1934). Her film career spanned almost twenty years and she performed in more than fifty films.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: James Cagney

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Isn't this just so cute?

Pawsome Pet Pictures: William Powell.

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Personal Quote:

"My friends have stood by me marvelously in the ups and downs of my career. I don't believe there is anything more worthwhile in life than friendship. Friendship is a far better thing than love, as it is commonly accepted."

Beep beep'm beep beep yeah!

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Rita Hayworth, posing with her 1941 Lincoln Continental.

Rita in the Pink.

Rita, loved to collect cars and here are a few of her favorites.

This picture looks like it was taken on the set of The Loves of Carmen ( 1948).

I would like to know the story behind this picture.

During the 1950s, it was still possible to order a chassis from a manufacturer and have it sent to a coach builder to be fitted with a custom body. One of only two known to have been built by Ghia, this coupe was purchased by Ali Khan for the actress Rita Hayworth. This coupe was reliable, easy to drive, and simple to maintain.

Video: Ali Khan bought Rita Hayworth this 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe, that was custom built by Carrozzeria Ghia. There are only two of them in the world.

The Kennel Murder Case(1933).

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The Kennel Murder Case(1933). directed by Michael Curtiz. Cast: William Powell as Philo Vance, reprising the role for Warner Brothers after appearing as Vance in three films for Paramount.

The story begins when, hot shot detective Philo Vance joins up with wise-cracking police sergeant Ernest Heath, to solve the death of wealthy Archer Coe, which is first thought to be a suicide. Until.. Coe's brother Brisbane, is also found dead.

There are plenty of suspicious characters, all connected to a dog show and all having very good reasons to murder Archer Coe:

Mary Astor.

First on the list, Hilda Lake, who resented his control of her money.

Paul Cavanagh

Next up, Sir Thomas MacDonald, who planned to marry Hilda and who wanted revenge after his prize show dog was killed.

Ralph Morgan

Raymond Wrede, Coe's secretary, who was also in love with Hilda and believed that Coe stood between them.

Helen Vinson

Doris Delafield, Coe's mistress, who was about to run away with her art dealer boyfriend, Eduardo Grassi, until Coe caught them together and canceled a very important business deal with Grassi and broke off his relationship with Doris.

Last but not least, Liang, Coe's cook, who had been helping his employer illegally purchase ancient Chinese art, is caught hiding evidence. Now, he is added to the list of suspects.

After, an attempt is made on Sir Thomas' life. Vance, with the help of Sir Thomas and a Doberman pinscher.. comes up with a plan to expose who the killer is...

Video: Full length movie.

As far as murder mystery films go, it just doesn't get any better with it's many twists and turns that make this film a fast-moving, fun mystery.

Mary Astor(May 3, 1906 – September 25, 1987). Mary's parents wanted something more for their daughter and entered her into many beauty contests. Which eventually caught the attention of Hollywood. Her first movie was a bit part in, The Scarecrow (1920). Throughout 1921-1923 she continued her career with minor roles in a number of movies. In 1924, Mary landed a role as Lady Margery Alvaney opposite the great John Barrymore in the film, Beau Brummel (1924). She stared with him again in the film, Don Juan (1926). Mary was one of those lucky actresses who made the successful transition to "talkies" because of her voice and strong screen presence. Mary's career took off in successful films such as, Red Dust (1932), Convention City (1933), Man of Iron (1935), and The Prisoner of Zenda (1937). In 1938, Mary turned out five films which kept her in the spotlight. In 1941, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Sandra Kovac in, The Great Lie (1941). That same year she performed in the film, The Maltese Falcon (1941), but her star soon began to fade. Her final film was, Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964).

This week on N and CF.

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The Holidays are here and who better to celebrate them with than TCM's star of the month William Powell, who will be featured every Thursday in the month of December. Powell's best known role was that of Nick Charles in six Thin Man films, beginning with The Thin Man(1934). The role was a perfect opportunity for Powell to showcase his sophisticated charm and his witty sense of humor. Which he received his first Academy Award nomination for. Please click picture on side bar to read past reviews.

Video: William Powell Christmas morning.

ON TCM Dec.1st. Kisses For My President(1964). Kisses for My President(1964) A comedy directed by Curtis Bernhardt, starring Fred MacMurray and Polly Bergen. Leslie McCloud, makes history when she is elected the first female President of the United States. However, her husband Thad McCloud is less enthusiastic.

ON TCM Dec. 1st. Lawyer Man (1933). Drama based on the novel by Max Trell and the film stars William Powell and Joan Blondell.

Happy Birthday: Agnes Moorehead !(December 6, 1900 – April 30, 1974) She performed in more than seventy films beginning with Citizen Kane and on dozens of television shows during a career that spanned more than thirty years, Moorehead is most widely known to modern audiences for her role as the witch Endora in the series Bewitched. Click picture on side bar to read past movie reviews.

For the first time On TCM Dec. 2 nd. Don't Trust Your Husband(1948). (aka "An Innocent Affair" and "Under Suspicion"). Is Fred MacMurray and Madeleine Carroll in their fifth and final film together.

ON TCM Dec. 3rd. 5 films starring Rhonda Fleming. She acted in more than 40 films, mostly in the 1940s and 1950s, and became known as one of the most beautiful and glamorous actresses of her day. She was nicknamed the "Queen of Technicolor" because her fair complexion and flaming red hair photographed exceptionally well in Technicolor. Click picture on side bar to read past reviews.

Out of the Past(1947). A private eye becomes the dupe of a homicidal moll.Dir: Jacques Tourneur Cast: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and Kirk Douglas .

For the first time on TCM: Instant Love(1964). A romance quickly turns into a marriage, but then runs into problems as the lovers face a combination of boredom and jealousy. Dir: Paul Sylbert Cast: Rossano Brazzi, Carlos Alberto and Peter Bashka.

While The City Sleeps(1956). Reporters compete to catch a serial killer. Dir: Fritz Lang Cast: Dana Andrews, Rhonda Fleming and George Sanders .

Alias Jesse James(1959). An insurance agent lands in hot water when people mistake him for the infamous western outlaw. Dir: Norman Z. McLeod Cast: Bob Hope, Rhonda Fleming and Wendell Corey.

Gun Glory(1957). A reformed gunslinger is rejected by everyone until he's needed to fight off outlaws. Dir: Roy Rowland Cast: Stewart Granger, Rhonda Fleming and Chill Wills.

ON TCM Dec. 4th The Bishop's Wife(1947). Romantic/comedy starring: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven in a story about an angel who helps a bishop with his problems. It was released by RKO. The film was adapted by Leonardo Bercovici and Robert E. Sherwood from the 1928 novel of the same name by Robert Nathan, and was directed by Henry Koster.

ON TCM Dec. 5th A Christmas Carol(1938). A wonderful film adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel.

Happy Birthday: Kirk Douglas! (December 9, 1916) is a stage and film actor, film producer and author. His popular films include Out of the Past (1947), Champion (1949), Ace in the Hole (1951), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), Lust for Life (1956), Paths of Glory (1957), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Spartacus (1960), and Lonely Are the Brave (1962). Click picture on side bar to read past reviews.

Happy Birthday: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. ! (December 9, 1909 – May 7, 2000) was a actor and a highly decorated naval officer of World War II. Click picture on side bar to read past reviews.

ON TCM Dec. 9th. Fashions of 1934 is a (1934) Pre-Code musical comedy film directed by William Dieterle with musical numbers created and directed by Busby Berkeley. The screenplay by F. Hugh Herbert and Carl Erickson was based on the story The Fashion Plate by Harry Collins and Warren Duff. The film stars William Powell, Bette Davis, Hugh Herbert and Frank McHugh, and has songs by Sammy Fain (music) and Irving Kahal (lyrics)

Gene Tierney Smoothie:
12 oz. Cantaloupe melon, peeled,
deseeded and cut into chunks
8oz. strawberries, hulled
1 tsp. vanilla extract
ice cubes to serve

place MELON, STRAWBERRIES
and VANILLA EXTRACT in the BLENDER
and blend until SMOOTH. pour into a
glass over ICE.

Article of the week is from :Classic Movies Digest. . Rupbert says: With the film Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) you have one of the most charming, enduring and elegant classic musicals ever put to film. Developed by the MGM musical powerhouse of producer Arthur Freed and director Vincent Minnelli, it showcased the fragile songbird Judy Garland at the height of her fame and talent and became a box office bonanza for the mega studio in the winter of 1944-45. Please head over to Rupbets blog and check out his wonderful post.

Merry Christmas from Margaret Lindsay.

Pre -Code: Jewel Robbery (1932).

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Jewel Robbery (1932). Comedy directed by William Dieterle. Cast: William Powell and Kay Francis.

The Baroness Teri, is bored by her older wealthy husband and her boyfriend and wants more excitement in her life. She meets her husband, after a wonderful bubble bath, at a very fancy jewelry store where he promises to buy her a twenty-eight carat diamond ring.

Just as a well dressed, robber breaks into the store, (even with their elaborate burglar alarm), with his men and empty out all the cases and robs the customers of their jewelry. As all of this is going on the robber flirts with Teri, but you are never quite sure if he has eyes for her or her jewels.

The robber, later gives everyone a choice between being locked in the safe or smoking marijuana. Everyone who smokes it is told to inhale deeply and the Robber, tells them that later they will have huge appetites when they wake up tomorrow.

Some men refuse to smoke the marijuana, so The Robber locks them in the vault, knowing it will open automatically in the morning. As the Robbers are leaving the happy group they give some of their wacky tobacky to the guard.

Later, that night at the police station Teri, tells them she fainted and cannot positively identify the robber. The guard from the jewelry store is too high and is no help to the police, so they decide to send Teri home. The guard offers the officers the wacky tobacky and they all start giggling and begin making crank calls.

When Teri arrives home she finds a huge bouquet of red roses from The Robber. Teri and Marianne start fantasizing about the robber and his past adventures. It is not long before Teri is worried she's been robbed, after seeing her safe has been opened. She sees her diamond ring is still there. Marianne, frightened that The Robber may return she quickly leaves. The Robber comes out from his hiding place. She tells him he has to take the ring because she would never be able to explain how she still has it. The police arrive and cuff The Robber and take Teri with them to make a statement.

It turns out the police are really The Robber's men. They've taken her back to The Robber's luxury apartment for a romantic evening, while Teri's husband and friends believe Teri has been kidnapped.

The Robber shares with Teri how he entered into a life of crime. She asks to see his jewels. He explains that he stole a necklace while a woman was talking with the Prince of Wales and she was so entranced that he "could have removed her dress" and she would have noticed.

When The Robber suggests they run off together, Teri asks if they can meet in Nice the next Thursday and leaves his apartment to go home. The Robber's butler notices the jewel case missing and The Robber knows that Teri has robbed him.

She changes her mind and goes to return the jewels, but the police arrive. She runs back to the apartment where The Robber forgives her. They promise each their to meet up later, and he ties her up and leaves her sitting in a chair. Will the Robber and his men escape the police in time?

I was very surprised when Powell gives his victims marijuana cigarettes to smoke to keep them subdued. The police station scene is a little far fetched. But.. This is still a very entertaining gem of a film to watch. With it's spirited dialog and beautiful scenery.

Helen Vinson (September 17, 1907 – October 7, 1999). Vinson's screen career often featured her in roles in which she played the part of the other woman or (pre-Code) loose women with active romantic lives. Her first film role was Jewel Robbery (1932), which starred William Powell and Kay Francis. She performed as Doris Dulafield in, The Kennel Murder Case, which starred Powell as Philo Vance. One of her memorable roles was in, The Wedding Night (1935). She played the wife of Gary Cooper and the rival of Anna Sten, in a story about the Connecticut tobacco fields. Another performance was in the RKO film, In Name Only (1939), in which she was cast as the treacherous friend of Carole Lombard, Kay Francis and Cary Grant. Another stand-out role for Vinson was as an undercover federal agent posing as a femme fatale opposite Richard Cromwell in the action drama entitled, Enemy Agent (1940). She followed that role with the role of Helen Draque, in The Thin Man Goes Home. Vinson's film career faded by 1945.

Star of the Month: William Powell.

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William Powell (July 29, 1892 – March 5, 1984). After Powell graduated from AADA and performing on the Broadway stage, he began his Hollywood career in 1922, playing a small role as Professor Moriarty in, Sherlock Holmes with John Barrymore.

His best known role in silent movies was with Emil Jannings, as a fallen general in the film, The Last Command (1928). A story about a Russian officer, Grand Duke Sergeus Alexander, who has just put revolutionary Leo Andreyev (William Powell) in prison and taking up with his mistress. She plans to kill him, but changes her mind when she learns that he loves Russia as much as she does. While helping him, she is killed.

Many years later, Sergeus Alexander is making a small living as a Hollywood extra. A director, which turns out to be his old adversary Leo Andreyev, recognizes him and wanting to humiliate him, casts him as a Russian general in a battle scene. He is told to give a speech to a group of actors playing his soldiers. Slowly.. he loses his grip on reality.

Video: 6th of 6.

His performance in this film, led to Powell's first starring role as amateur detective Philo Vance in, The Canary Murder Case (1929). A crime/mystery, directed by Malcolm St. Clair and Frank Tuttle.

It was the first film in the series of Philo Vance films adapted from the novels, starring William Powell, Louise Brooks and Jean Arthur.

The story is about why a nightclub singer, that goes by name "the Canary" ends up dead. All the suspects had a motive to see her dead. The only witness to the crime has also been killed. Only detective Philo Vance, can solve the case.

Powell's most famous role was that of Nick Charles, in six Thin Man films and he received his first Academy Award nomination for The Thin Man. Myrna Loy played his wife, Nora, in each of the Thin Man films. They performed in 14 films all together.

Please click to read the post : Great On Screen Couples William Powell and Myrna Loy.

Please click here to read Manhattan Melodrama(1934) post.

Please click here to read Libeled Lady(1936) post.

Powell and Loy also starred in, The Great Ziegfeld(1936). A fictionalized biography of Florenz Ziegfeld, from his show business beginnings to his death. It showcases many musical performances. Due to financial problems at the studio at the time, the entire production, including some already constructed sets and musical arrangements were sold to MGM. Universal wanted to keep Powell, which resulted in his performance in the classic comedy, My Man Godfrey, where he received his second Academy Award nomination, for his performance.

My Man Godfrey (1936). A comedy film directed by Gregory La Cava. The story is about a socialite who hires a guy down on his luck to be her family's butler, only to fall in love with him, which means only trouble for him. William Powell, gives a perfect performance as Godfrey Parke, the hobo-turned-butler. Carole Lombard, also gives a perfect performances as Irene Bullock, the spoiled socialite who really just wants to live a normal life.

Please click here to read My Man Godfrey(1936) post.

In 1935, he starred with Jean Harlow in the film, Reckless. A musical film directed by Victor Fleming. The story was based on the scandal of the 1931 marriage between singer Libby Holman and tobacco heir Zachary Smith Reynolds and his alleged suicide. One week before production Harlow replaced Crawford, as David O. Selznick had decided that Powell's real-life romance with Harlow would help to publicize the film. Harlow died at the age of 26 in June 1937, before they could marry. His distress over her death, as well as his own battle with colon cancer, caused him to accept fewer acting roles.

In 1947 he received his third Academy Award nomination for his performance in the comedy film, Life with Father. It tells the true story of Clarence Day, a stockbroker who wants to be the head of his household, but finds his wife and his children have plans of their own. In keeping with the autobiography, all the children in the family (all boys) are redheads.

His last film performance was, Mister Roberts (1955), with Henry Fonda, James Cagney, and Jack Lemmon. The story is about how Mister Roberts, who is working in the Pacific during the Second World War. He wants to leave his boring life on a ship to join in the "action". The captain of the ship does not want to sign Roberts' transfer request.

William Powell admires Gary Cooper's duesenberg

In Memory: Judy Lewis (November 6, 1935 – November 25, 2011).

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Judy Lewis was the biological daughter of actress Loretta Young and actor Clark Gable, who had a brief affair while working on the film, Call of the Wild. Young concealed her pregnancy to protect their film careers.

Judy looked a lot like Gable, including having his large ears. When Judy was fifteen, Gable came to her mother's house and asked about her. It was the only time that Judy ever spoke to Gable. When Judy met her future husband, it was he that told her that Gable was her biological father. Judy wrote a book about her life titled Uncommon Knowledge. Loretta Young died on August 12, 2000 at the age of 87, and confirmed in her autobiography, published after her death, that Gable was her father.

Lewis performed on TV serials: General Hospital, Kitty Foyle, The Brighter Day, The Doctors. Ms. Lewis had her longest running serial role on The Secret Storm as Susan Ames from 1964 - 1971. She also produced the short-lived Another World spin-off, Texas and was a script writer for NBC Daytime's Search for Tomorrow.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Joan Bennett

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A young and lovely Joan Bennett