Old Movies, Actors and Actresses | Hollywood Yesterday

James Dean Tin Sign Features a Quote That’s Both Iconic and Ironic

November 30, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

This great-looking James Dean Tin Sign features one of his greatest (and tragically ironic) quotes: “If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, and if he can live on after he’s dead, then maybe he was a great man.”

The 16″ x 12″ sign pictures one of my favorite pictures of James Dean.

When I read this quote again today (for probably the millionth time), it occurred to me how eerily similar he and Marilyn Monroe were and are. Both are huge legends – so huge, in fact, that huge doesn’t even seem to cover it. I searched my mental reserves for a larger, more appropriate adjective but none would serve any better than huge, so I did the next best thing.

I made it bold. STILL not enough for these two!

They’re household names and faces, even among people who have never seen a single scene from one of their movies.

Another thing they, obviously, have in common is the tragic ending to each legend’s life. Both died needlessly and far too soon. James Dean was only 24 when the car wreck took his life. 24! It boggles the mind to think of the things this actor would have gone on to accomplish. He was unspeakably talented and, let’s face it, had more spark on screen than most actors.

Whatever “it” is, both he and Marilyn were dripping in it.

The final thing they had in common is their insight and wisdom. It comes through in their quotes. Each was far brighter than probably even they realized and spending time with them leaves me feeling so cheated. What movies, pictures, and quotes could these huge personalities have gone on to bless us with.

The world is a brighter and better place because James Dean and Marilyn Monroe once walked among us.

Take a closer look at the James Dean Tin Sign pictured here.

Happy Birthday to the Glamorous and Gifted Veronica Lake….

November 14, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Do you find that certain Old Hollywood stars pull at your heartstrings more than others? Sure, you have your favorites (we all do!), but there are certain actors and actresses who simply move you emotionally when you see their face or read their name. Veronica Lake is one of my own most emotionally-charged stars. She has long been one of my favorite actresses because of her adorable screen presence and glamorous persona.

When I first became obsessed with the Golden Age of Hollywood, I always thought of her as a little china doll. She seemed so beautiful, small, and fragile. I never realized how fragile until I began to read more about her. Like many, many people, Veronica suffered from a mental illness that (at that time) had very little hope of being treated. The suffering she must have endured within herself must have been unbearable.

“I will have one of the cleanest obits of any actress. I never did cheesecake like Ann Sheridan or Betty Grable. I just used my hair.” – Veronica Lake

As I’ve often written on Hollywood Yesterday, many of our favorite actors and actresses battled these emotional and mental demons and, at that time, the only relief they found were in bottles of some sort. It’s beyond heart-breaking when you think of someone being in so much pain that anything that takes their mind off of the pain is attractive. Even if and when it’s completely self-destructive… which it always is.

Veronica Lake was only 50 when she died and never was able to achieve all she could have without demons breathing down her neck.

Constance Frances Marie Ockleman was born into the world on November 14, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York. She would be remembered (to this day) for her glamour and beauty as Veronica Lake.

“There’s no doubt I was a bit of a misfit in the Hollywood of the forties. The race for glamour left me far behind. I didn’t really want to keep up. I wanted my stardom without the usual trimmings. Because of this, I was branded a rebel at the very least. But I don’t regret that for a minute. My appetite was my own and I simply wouldn’t have it any other way.” – Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake Trivia Below….

Veronica Lake Tidbits and Trivia

Veronica (at 4′ 11″) made it difficult to find leading men who didn’t tower over her. She actually got her big break when she was teamed with the only actor in Hollywood relatively near to her in height, Alan Ladd. He was 5′ 6″.
In her biography “Peekaboo” Veronica Lake’s mother says that her daughter was diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia. She claims that the disease was responsible for her alcoholism, numerous infidelities, and mood swings.
During World War II, the incredible popularity of her peek-a-boo hairstyle became a safety hazard when women in the defense industry would get their bangs caught in machinery. Veronica had to take a publicity picture in which she reacted painfully to her own hair getting caught in a machine in order to make the public aware of the danger.
Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, Jayne Mansfield and Gene Tierney were the five gorgeous inspirations for the character of Jessica Rabbit. You could say that Jessica Rabbit couldn’t miss!
She and Marlon Brando had a brief romance while working in Hollywood. Years later, when he read that a newspaper reporter had found Veronica working as a cocktail waitress in a Manhattan bar, he sent her a check for a thousand dollars. Out of pride, she never cashed it, but kept it framed in her Miami living room to show her friends.
Veronica died (at 50 years young) five days after Betty Grable.

(About Marlon Brando) “Our romance was short but sweet. He was on the dawn of a brilliant film career, and I was in the twilight of one. Of course, my career could never compare with his.” – Veronica Lake

Scarlett and Prissy Figurine from Gone With the Wind

November 14, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

The beautiful Scarlett and Prissy Figurine depicts a classic scene from Gone with the Wind. Prissy is, to this day, one of my favorite movie characters EVER – right up there with Mammy from the same movie.

Prissy makes you just want to put your arm around her and protect her. Prissy was brought to life by the adorable Butterfly McQueen, who doesn’t get nearly enough credit for her acting talent. She brought so much passion to this character and, even though the role was relatively small, everyone knows who Prissy was and, more importantly, everyone knows who Butterfly McQueen was! Making yourself and your character so memorable that she stands the test of time is the work of an exceptional actress.

I loved her famous character so much, I named one of my most loved cats ever “Prissy” in her honor.

I cannot even begin to fathom what actors and actresses of color went through during the Golden Age of Hollywood – simply to be able to live out their dream. Well, actually, as a history buff and someone who has read a great deal from the era, I can fathom it… I simply don’t want to. It scorches the psyche.

To be able to focus on your craft in spite of the hardships and injustices around you simply takes my breath away. Each actor and actress who fought for their rights to enjoy the right to live out their dream deserves our respect and deserves to be recognized often. I mean, they did what the white actors and actresses did but with unimaginable restraints and cruelties on their shoulders. Again… it takes my breath away.

I regularly hear from other Gone With the Wind, Butterfly McQueen, and Prissy fans who are looking for “Prissy” dolls and figurines – so I’m always on the look-out for her.. for them as well as myself! One of the things I love most about this particular figurine is the way Prissy’s hands are nervously fiddling with her apron, something the actress brilliantly did to help bring her character to life.

Like Butterfly, herself, it’s just beautiful.

Click through to take a closer look at the beautiful Scarlett and Prissy Figurine.

Gloria Grahame as Ado Annie: “I Cain’t Say No!” from Oklahoma

November 12, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Musicals! How could anyone not absolutely love, love, love, LOVE musicals? They’re so fun, happy, upbeat, lyrical, wonderful… if they were a human emotion, I believe they’d be laughter.

Loud and proud laughter.

Oklahoma is the reason I fell in love with musicals in the first place. Gloria Grahame’s Ado Annie was, and is, one of my all-time favorite characters from any movie or television show. I’m just not sure I’ve ever seen a more perfect embodiment of a character – as good as, sure. But, better? Not on your life.

When my three daughters were growing up, we’d watch Oklahoma over and over. We had every song memorized and would frequently break out in song while cooking supper, riding bikes, or riding in the car. Ado Annie was a favorite, so (naturally) her songs were on repeat.

Good times. No – make that GREAT times.

So, as you see, I now have even more reasons to love and cherish all three: Oklahoma, Gloria Grahame, and Ado Annie!

Fall in love with Ado Annie (and Gloria) all over again as she sings I Cain’t Say No….

Ingrid Bergman in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (One of the GREAT Performances)

November 9, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ingrid Bergman as Ivy in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

One of the things that I get the biggest kick out of is becoming totally infatuated with a star I had never really gotten past the friends stage with. When you watch a LOT of classic movies, it tends to happen. As I’ve often said on this blog, one of the problems for me is that I tend to watch movies staring my absolute favorites… so I often miss stars that would easily become favorites if I simply gave them a chance!

Ironically Ingrid Bergman is a perfect example. While I had seen a few of her movies (Casablanca and Rage in Heaven), I hadn’t witnessed the full range of her talent and magnetism. I recently came face to face with both in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and she BOLTED into my top five favorite actresses. I went from “liking her perfectly fine” to “Got to get my hands on every Ingrid Bergman movie made!”

True to form, I watched Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) because it starred a personal favorite (Lana Turner – who is also wonderful in this movie). I expected to love Lana – after all, I’ve always loved Lana! – but I didn’t expect for another star to steal the movie right out from under her!

Shhh, don’t tell Lana.

Ingrid Bergman stars as Ivy in the movie and every single second she’s on the screen is magical. She absolutely takes your breath away – and you don’t mind it a bit. Playfulness, fear, flirtation, heartache… she squeezes all that can be squeezed from each emotion and then some.

In short, it’s just a joy to behold. It’s performances like this that remind us why we love movies as much as we do – especially the classic ones because they have the best stories to tell and, in my opinion, tell them best.

The 1941 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde isn’t, if I’m being honest, the most handsome soldier in line. Is it good? Yes. Great? Well… that’s a tough one. Ingrid Bergman (Ivy) and Lana Turner (Beatrix) are great. They’re wonderful, make no mistake about it.

The story is also great. That’s why it consistently stands the test of time. Everyone will always know and talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

So what keeps me from calling the movie, itself, great? I hate to say anything negative about a wonderful actor that I think the world of (Spencer Tracy), but his portrayal of Mr. Hyde is pretty distracting. The makeup – over the top. The expressions – over the top. Naturally, these are only my opinions but if someone had reigned him and the makeup department in a bit, this would have been (without question) a great movie.

Oddly enough, Spencer is fantastic as Dr. Jekyll. He’s the charming, wonderful, warm actor we all know and love.

Then comes that cursed, creepy Dr. Hyde!

Having said all of this, it is most definitely a movie worth watching. The performance of the two actresses, alone, should make this a movie you either watch or re-watch right away.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some (Ingrid Bergman DVDs) shopping to do on Amazon!

A Scene from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

Maureen O’Hara Autobiography: ‘Tis Herself

November 8, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

One of my favorite actresses of all time is Maureen O’Hara. As far as I’m concerned, she made any scene (or movie for that matter) instantly better simply by showing up.

If she is listed in the credits, count on it… it’s a movie I’ll see. As in dozens of times.

The beautiful actress enjoyed a wonderful career in Hollywood for over 70 years. Known as “the queen of Technicolor,” she had a reputation for having a strong will. This strength of will showed in her performances and was part of the reason it was impossible not to follow wherever her character led.

Given my adoration of this beautiful actress, it’s completely puzzling to me how I haven’t read her autobiography before! I mean, one of the few things I enjoy as much as watching old movies is reading about the stars that made the Golden Age so golden.

I, literally, have two biographies, autobiographies, or memoirs in my hand or within reach at all times: one from “Old Hollywood” and one historical bio. Currently, I’m reading Ginger Rogers’ wonderful autobiography as well as a Cleopatra biography – two powerful women who left their mark on our world!

You’re looking at a picture of a biography I’ll soon be diving into.

Maureen O’Hara’s character, intelligence, and independent nature earned her a legion of admirers in and outside of Hollywood. ‘Tis Herself: An Autobiography recounts the legendary star’s life and tells her story as it should be told… by the lady, herself and I cannot wait to lose myself in its pages.

From Amazon:
O’Hara was brought to Hollywood as a teenager in 1939 by the great Charles Laughton, to whom she was under contract, to costar with him in the classic film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She has appeared in many other classics, including How Green Was My Valley, Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, and Miracle on 34th Street. She recalls intimate memories of working with the actors and directors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Laughton, Alfred Hitchcock, Tyrone Power, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and John Candy.

With characteristic frankness, she describes her tense relationship with the mercurial director John Ford, with whom she made five films, and her close lifelong friendship with her frequent costar John Wayne.

Successful in her career, O’Hara was less lucky in love until she met aviation pioneer Brigadier General Charles F. Blair, the great love of her life, who died in a mysterious plane crash ten years after their marriage. Candid and revealing, ‘Tis Herself is an autobiography as witty and spirited as its author.

See ‘Tis Herself: An Autobiography for more information.

Marilyn Monroe Christmas Ornament (Into the Cart with You, MM!)

November 6, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

I’m not sure I’ll get it done this year (after all, I have officially waited until the absolute last minute) but by next year, I want an entire tree in our den decorated entirely with all things pertaining to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

If I start rounding up ornaments now, a year from now I’ll be SET.

This gorgeous Marilyn Monroe Keepsake Ornament may just be the first one in my collection! The fact that it’s such an iconic moment from Marilyn’s history and from Old Hollywood makes it absolutely irresistible for me.

I also love that it’s from Hallmark… that means it will be as perfect as Miss Monroe was, herself.

Okay. Close.

See Marilyn Monroe Keepsake Ornament for more information.

John Wayne Coffee Mug Features One of His Best Quotes

November 6, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

If you have fans of John Wayne on your Christmas list, here’s a great gift idea. This is the John Wayne Courage Mug and it’s gorgeous. I love the Western-themed colors and the Western font used on the John Wayne quote printed inside the mug (“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”) is absolutely perfect.

Features:

20-ounce Mug
Dishwasher Safe
Microwave Safe
Material: ceramic

Click through the picture or the link for more information.

Also on Amazon: More John Wayne Coffee Mugs

Random Movie of the Month Review: Sanctuary (1961) with Lee Remick and Odetta

November 1, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lee Remick (Temple) and Odetta (Nancy) in Sanctuary

Ready for an understatement? I watch a lot of old movies. A. LOT. OF. OLD. MOVIES. Like most fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood, I watch and re-watch the classic favorites (Gilda, It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, The Stooge, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy…. what do you mean it’s not a classic… watch your mouth!… etc….). I also have a great affection for jumping into movies no one really ever talks about. “Random” movies like the one I’m telling you about today – Sanctuary from 1961.

Most of the time, I’ll select a random movie based upon a favorite actress or actor starring in the movie (such was the case for Lured, for example.. George Sanders and Lucille Ball are both favorites, so that was an easy pick). A few times, however, either the plot or the fact that I know absolutely nothing about the cast will inspire the selection. This was the case with Sanctuary. Sure, I was familiar with Lee Remick from television but couldn’t recall ever seeing one of her movies. As for her co-stars, not a one of them rang a bell.

It was intriguing enough to make me grab a tall glass of iced tea and settle in.

Lee Remick (Temple) in Sanctuary

While I did enjoy the movie and while I was blown completely away by Lee Remick and Odetta (more about their performances in a minute), make no mistake about it – this is a disturbing movie. There is one “scene” where Lee Remick’s character “Temple” is presumably sexually attacked by a man nicknamed “the Candy Man.” The scene goes black before you actually see anything other than her horrified expression.

That’s disturbing enough, of course… but then Temple falls in love with The Candy Man. In fact, when relaying the story to another character, she basically claims that she was never forced into anything. Add this to the murder of a child AND the way race was dealt with in what seems like prehistoric times in some movies and you have a disturbing movie.

However…

You knew there’d be a however, right? Lee Remick’s breathtaking and complex performance as Temple causes you to make sense of where she’s coming from. She’s young with emotions and hormones that are wired for trouble. The job this lovely, innocent-looking actress does with this character is phenomenal. Before I go on raving about her more, just let me remind you that I’ve seen countless movies and even more actor and actress performances in my life. I’m in no way new to movies or the fascinating world of acting.

Odetta (Nancy) in Sanctuary

After watching Sanctuary, I will never be able to talk about an actor or actress giving the performance of a lifetime without mentioning Lee Remick and her multi-layered Temple. She glides from innocent little rich girl to unpredictable hellcat as easily as a professional ice skater glides across the ice.

Another outstanding performance in this movie was turned in by beautiful Odetta. I wasn’t familiar with Odetta before. This talented lady was a songwriter, guitarist, actress, and legendary black folksinger. She was actually trained in opera singing as a teenager. I’m currently looking for movies Odetta starred in and am VERY anxious to hear her sing. Her performance in Sanctuary would have completely stole the movie, if not for Lee Remick’s outstanding work as Temple.

Odetta in Sanctuary

The movie also stars Yves Montand, Bradford Dillman, Howard St. John, and Harry Townes, but make NO mistake about it, it’s the two ladies who carry this movie. Sanctuary is, honestly, worth watching for Lee Remick and Odetta, alone.

Sanctuary, based on the William Faulkner novel of the same name, takes place in the South in the 1920s. The governor’s pampered and adored daughter (Temple) makes a shocking confession to the governor in hopes of keeping a household servant (Nancy) from execution for the murder of Temple’s child and the governor’s grandchild.

Disturbing? Make no mistake about it. Worth watching? Again… make no mistake about it. These are two outstanding performances and, if you love movies, you don’t want to miss them.

Watch the full movie below or on YouTube

The Haunted Castle: Review of a Silent Movie That’s Perfect for this Time of Year

October 20, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Olga Tschechowa and Lulu Kyser-Korff

Before getting to the review of The Haunted Castle, let me say (right up front) that this isn’t a horror movie like you’re probably used to. I’m not sure I’d even classify it as “scary,” although the eye makeup and a couple of scenes come about as close as most Silents are going to come. It is a really good movie, however, and very much worth taking the small amount of time it’d take to watch it.

Oddly enough… even though I’ve been completely obsessed with the Golden Age of Hollywood since I was a pre-teen… I am very new to the world of Silent movies. Confession time – this is only the fourth silent movie I’ve ever watched and the first was just three weeks ago. I honestly never thought I’d enjoy a silent movie and yet, here I am, rounding them up on YouTube like I round up groceries at Kroger.

I’m smitten and I’m hooked. I mean, I’ve watched four within a month, that’ll tell you something! The reviews for the others will be coming soon – I’m adding a silent movie category under Old Movie Reviews because they’ve become very important to me.

For one thing, they are an art form all in and of themselves. All acting and conveying of emotions must be done with facial and body movement. That takes a great deal of talent!

The Haunted Castle, 1921

They’re also completely relaxing, in some way. Maybe it’s the music that accompanies them – that, combined with the wonderful step back in time (way back!). As someone who frequently has family members (including a precious 10 month old grand baby I have the blessing of watching most days of the week) and cats around them, I find that it’s easier to watch a Silent on my iPad or iPhone than to try to follow a talkie. I mean, have you ever tried to hear over a husband or 10 month old?

How did I not become hooked on Silents years ago?!

The Haunted Castle was made in 1921 and… get this… was shot in 16 days. The movie takes place in a castle, Vogeloed, which is (of course) the haunted castle the movie refers to. Again, be warned, if you’re looking for a movie that’ll scare your socks off, this isn’t the one. Your socks will never even know you watched a movie.

Vogeloed: The Haunted Castle

The scariest parts of this movie are the outside shots of the castle and one guest’s really weird dream.

Plot: A group of aristocrats and other people of importance are gathered in Vogeloed. They are awaiting the arrival of baroness Safferstätt and her second husband. However, Count Oetsch (brilliantly played by Lothar Mehnert) invites himself to the gathering. Count Oetsch is the brother of baroness Safferstätt’s first husband and is suspected by nearly everyone of having murdered him! Count Oetsch maintains his innocence and vows to find the real killer. Realizing things could get awkward fast, the host and hostess attempt to convince Count Oetsch to leave but he refuses to budge.

It’s a darn good thing, too, because Lothar Mehnert is, unquestionably the star of the movie. He’s just wonderful. It hasn’t taken me long to discover that in Silents, there are two types of actors/actresses: those who GO BIG, often larger than called for (more about her in a minute!) and those who reign it in, allowing themselves to become woven into the story.

In all fairness, I’d imagine that the second group would be infinitely harder to do. It’d be easier to simply go full Susan Lucci and see what happens from there – but it’s much, much more enjoyable to watch the stars who allow the story to be the star. Lothar Mehnert did as fine a job of that as I’ve seen (in silents or talkies).

Remember the bit about going full Susan Lucci? Well, this is a good time to introduce you to Olga Tschechowa. You know what, on second thought, the saying may need to be changed to going full Olga Tschechowa because Mrs. Lucci has nothing on her.

Ever watched a movie with a character you detested so much you kind of wish someone would throw them out of a window. Like, from the third flour? Seventh, if you’ve got it? That was her character. See the picture at the top where Lulu Kyser-Korff’s character is draped all over her? I literally said, “Good! You’ve got her! Now take her out.” But, alas her character adored the baroness like I adore my daughters and didn’t do me the favor.

Was it the character, herself, I hated with unbridled hatred or the portrayal by the actress? Both. Absolutely both.

Now, I understand, this was the twenties and I understand that we’re dealing with a silent movie here. Emotions had to be conveyed through facial expressions and body movement… but, hot dang, this woman was hysterical without meaning to be.

Having said that… it’s still a darn entertaining movie. I don’t know, maybe her theatrics added to the amusement. In the end, though, it was simply a good script and the performance by Lothar Mehnert and the rest of the cast that pulled it off. The scenery is also stunning – I actually stopped and rewound about 10 times to “take in” the furniture, clothing, decor, etc.

Lothar Mehnert

When I watch a movie and/or come across new stars, I read everything I can get my hands on about them. I am having a horrible time finding out much about this cast…. except for Miss Olga. Olga (also listed as Olga Chekhova) was apparently one of the most popular stars of the silent film era. Maybe she was less… ummm… over the top in other roles. She was born in what is today Armenia. She had a wonderful film career in Europe and even had her own film production company, Venus-Film Olga Tschechowa. Incredibly impressive for a female at that time! Adolf Hitler reportedly fell for Olga after seeing her in several films in the 1920s…. not as impressive, but there you have it.

Olga Tschechowa was, indeed, a lovely actress. The makeup they had on her in this particular film (for most of the movie) forbid it to shine through. The makeup was so morbid, in fact, at the first of the movie I thought both female leads were being played my males – kind of like old Shakespearean plays. The picture below kind of gives you an idea of why my brain took that route.

The Haunted Castle, 1921 (love the clothes!)

You can watch The Haunted Castle below, in its entirety. I do highly recommend it – it’s just a really fun-to-watch and cool-to-say-you-watched movie.

Did you know that you can find A LOT of old movies (including silent movies) on YouTube in their entirety?!? I have folders in my YouTube Library that include…

Barbara Stanwyck
Rita Hayworth
Lucille Ball
Joan Crawford
Marilyn Monroe
Silent Movies
Abbott and Costello
etc….

It’s breathtakingly lovely to be able to access classic movies on your laptop, iPad, iPhone, or desktop – and when you’re in the middle of one, it’ll keep your place. I instantly collect all the movies my personal favorites ever made, simply because it’s the right thing to do, and never let it be said I don’t do the right thing, even if it means spending a fortune on dvds – however, I love to actually watch most movies to see if I want to add them to my collection or not.

I’m currently watching a wonderful Lee Remick movie from 1961, Sanctuary. She’s giving an Academy Award level performance in this movie. I’m sure I’ll be writing a raving review about it and her soon here on the blog.

In the meantime…. do check out The Haunted Castle. It is VERY much worth watching and this is the time of year to watch all the scary movies you can… even those that just think they’re scary!

Find more Silent Movies (and silent movie collections) on Amazon (affiliate link).