Joi | Hollywood Yesterday

It’s a Wonderful Life Lobby Card with Lionel Barrymore, Frank Hagney, Donna Reed, and James Stewart

November 29, 2022 By Joi

It’s a Wonderful Life Lobby Card

Another day, another It’s a Wonderful Life post. What can I say, this movie is an absolute obsession with me and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Before next Christmas, I would LOVE to have the beginnings of an It’s a Wonderful Life lobby card and movie poster collection.

I’m not going to lie… I would leave them hanging all year. After all, you can never have too much Christmas magic in your life and this movie is JUST that.

You can buy It’s a Wonderful Life on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

It’s a Wonderful Life Behind the Scenes Pictures

November 28, 2022 By Joi

It’s a Wonderful Life Behind the Scenes

“I thought it was the greatest film I ever made. Better yet, I thought it was the greatest film anybody had ever made…. It was my kind of film for my kind of people.” ~ Frank Capra, director

One of my favorite movies in the world is It’s a Wonderful Life. The film is absolutely magical in every way and I honestly grow to love it more each time I see it. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street are two of the reasons I became obsessed with classic movies in the first place.

Behind the Scenes Photo from It’s A Wonderful Life

In fact, to this day, Maureen O’Hara, James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore are four of my VERY favorites.

I hope you enjoy these behind the scenes pictures from the movie. They bring about such wonderfully nostalgic memories!

On the Set of It’s a Wonderful Life

You can buy It’s a Wonderful Life on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the magic on Prime Video.

Behind the Scenes, It’s a Wonderful Life

James Stewart and Donna Reed

It’s a Wonderful Life Gifts on Amazon… Holy Cats, I NEED These Like a Fish Needs Water

November 27, 2022 By Joi

I was browsing Amazon a few minutes ago and had just seen a gorgeous It’s a Wonderful Life Canvas Print (Amazon link) I desperately need (not want, y’all, NEED). Before I could recover from the excitement of that find, I saw another great need… the stunningly beautiful It’s a Wonderful Life Blanket (Amazon link).

Seriously, how am I expected to make it through another month without either of these?!

Little dramatic? Possibly. It’s a side effect of watching old movies like it’s your job for more years than I care to count.

I love that both feature the same photo – it means they’ll pack a double whammy when hanging out in my den.

If you’re as in love with this movie and its wonderful stars as I am, you might want to hurry up and drop these hints to Santa before it’s too late.

Or… I guess you could just go on to Amazon and buy them for yourself. What’s wrong with a little self-care during the holidays, right?

I’ll meet you there! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

An Accidental Pirate by Brooks Almy (Exciting Novel Due in Spring 2023!)

November 26, 2022 By Joi

An Accidental Pirate by Brooks Almy

While the focus of Hollywood Yesterday is old Hollywood and Classic TV, when an especially exciting book or film comes along, I will absolutely tell you about it. In the case of this particular novel, An Accidental Pirate, I want to bring it to your attention for three reasons…

As Maureen O’Hara’s biggest fan on the planet, I’m drawn to the title and main heroine – when you read about her, below, I’m certain that you’ll agree with me… she sounds JUST like a colorful, spirited character Maureen would have deliciously brought to life!
I am a book fanatic and always jump at the opportunity to tell others about new books
The author, Brooks Almy, is an actress and, let’s face it… I am completely drawn to Hollywood stars past and present!

You may know Brooks Almy from The Closer, George Lopez, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Hawaii Five-O, Ally McBeal … she has done a LOT of work in television.

Book Description:

An Accidental Pirate is a rollicking female empowerment story with a fiery heroine, disguises and secrets, sea battles, pirates, both elegant and rowdy, hurricanes, and true love. This Young Adult novel is a swashbuckling tale complete with well-developed main characters including a heroine you won’t forget and will surely admire. Brooks’ compelling storytelling, descriptive settings, and historical detailing is all woven within a true adventurous love story.

A writer and storyteller through film and stage all her life, Brooks’ debut novel all started when she had a chance encounter with a brilliant writing teacher named Claudette Sutherland who re-ignited her love of writing with her workshops and week-long intensives in Ireland and Joshua Tree. Brooks subsequently wrote, but did not publish two children’s books, a horror story and a cookbook for people who hate to cook called Cooking: when you are on a budget, don’t know how and don’t want to learn.

But then one night she had a dream about a historical book she had encountered in a museum bookshop while she was on tour in San Francisco 30 years before. It was about all the famous women pirates, but one short paragraph stayed in her mind. A girl named ‘Fanny Campbell’ disguised herself as a man and went to sea to find her lost husband. This was the story Brooks began to write in Claudette’s workshop. About a third of the way there, life intervened. She re-encountered her Italian soulmate after 30 years apart, got married, recovered from cancer, went through cancer with her husband, traveled extensively for work, and began a new life in Italy. When Covid hit, ‘Fanny’ came roaring back into Brooks’ life. She now had the time and ‘Fanny’ demanded to be written, so Brooks put her on the page for her adventure to be shared.

The book will be out in spring of next year. You can follow its progress by visiting Brooks Almy’s website. I will return to this post after the release to add the Amazon link.

For anyone who loves great fiction, this one sounds especially exciting!

Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara (Against All Flags, 1951) are pictured below to further put you in the swashbuckling mood….

Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara Against All Flags

Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford in The Big Heat (1953)

November 22, 2022 By Joi

Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford

Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford completely light the screen UP in The Big Heat (1953), directed by Fritz Lang. The film-noir (one of the best ever made in my opinion) also stars Lee Marvin and Jocelyn Brando.

I’ve said it before and I KNOW I’ll say it again, Gloria Grahame fascinates me. She always has. The versatility this actress had is honestly remarkable.

You can find The Big Heat on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Prime Video.

Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood

November 20, 2022 By Joi

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood (Amazon link)

Every now and then, kismet happens and I revel in its glow for months. A while back, after watching Maria Montez in two back to back movies, I became enthralled by her. I read up on her and became even more enthralled.

I read all I could get my hands on about her – which, sadly, wasn’t much – and wished desperately she had a biography I could devour.

Literally two days later, I read about the gorgeous biography you see pictured here, The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood by Tom Zimmerman.

Kismet, you beautiful thing, you.

From the Inside Cover:

Best known for her appearances in the six Technicolor “Neverland” movies, Maria Montez is a film icon. Growing up as one of ten children in the Dominican Republic, her rise as a film star in the United States seemed unlikely. In 1939, Montez set off on her own to New York City to fulfill her aspirations of movie stardom. Despite having no substantial acting experience, Montez managed to sign with major agent Louis Schurr who helped her secure a contract with Universal Studios before she moved out to Hollywood.

Following her arrival in Los Angeles, Montez began cultivating the larger-than-life persona for which she is known. Her beauty, personality, and series of publicity antics, including dramatic restaurant entrances, endeared her to the press. She even created her own fan club―The Montez for Stardom Club. Her ambitious self-promotion bolstered the success she found with her first big lead in Arabian Nights, released in 1943. From then on, the studio referred to her as “The Queen of Technicolor.”

Author Tom Zimmerman puts Montez’s life in historical context, including her role as a cultural icon and a living representation of the United States’ Good Neighbor Policy with Latin American countries. With her thick Dominican accent, Montez struggled to make herself intelligible to an American audience. However, unlike some of her Latin contemporaries, she did not present a caricature of her culture or use her accent for comedic purposes, giving her credibility with a Latin American audience. Zimmerman skillfully recounts the story of Montez’s fiery ambition and her ascent to Hollywood fame, giving her the opportunity to live on in public memory.

What I LOVE About this Maria Montez Biography:

It’s a wish come true and gives Maria Montez more of a voice among other stars of her time. As I said above, there simply isn’t a lot of information available on beautiful Maria, her life, her films, or her place in film history. She was a trailblazer and should be given the respect other trailblazers receive.
It is written by a fan of the actress. When I read biographies (whether they’re historical or old Hollywood biographies), I can always tell if the author is a long-time fan of his or her subject or if they’re using them simply to get a book published. Maybe it’s because biographies have been a HUGE obsession of mine, literally since I learned to read, but I’ve read enough to be able to immediately distinguish a “labor of love and respect” from a “cash grab.”
The book is a very interesting read! Let’s face it, if a book is boring company, we aren’t going to read it no matter how much the subject intrigues us. Tom Zimmerman provides great details about Maria’s life, insight into her career and into an area she dazzled in, self-promotion.
Maria was deliciously aware of how to “market” herself and knew how to get her name and image right in front of the public’s eye. While I pretty much suspected this PRIOR to reading this enlightening book, I had no idea just how brilliant she was at it! Her career was mostly in the forties – to truly appreciate her great need to “stand out,” it helps to remember other actresses she had to compete against for attention during this time: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Ann Sheridan, Maureen O’Hara, Claudette Colbert, Ingrid Bergman, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Gene Tierney, Veronica Lake, Natalie Wood, Lana Turner, Ava Gardner – to name but a few! Can you imagine trying to stand OUT in that group? While I mean ZERO disrespect to lovely Maria (I adore her and all she meant/means to classic films), she did not have the talent to compete with many of these other actresses. Let’s face it, she wasn’t going to beat out Bette Davis for any roles (neither, for that matter, would Marilyn or Lana!). She had to do what all great trailblazers and pathfinders do… they use THEIR strengths and, to a great extent, do what needs to be done to stand out. Fortunately for Maria, she had more personality, color, humor, and charisma than most. In other words, her arsenal was full, you needn’t worry about that!
The book is visually stunning. When this book came in the mail, as soon as I opened the package, I gasped. Pictures simply don’t do it justice – it’s an absolute beauty. This book would make such a gorgeous gift for any book lover in your life – especially someone who is a fan of old Hollywood. It’s a very substantial book (around 400 pages), packed with all of the information you could ever want about this colorful actress (as well as a lot of other stars you encounter along the way).
The photos are beautiful and very unique. The photos in this beautiful book aren’t photos you’ve likely seen anywhere else. They’re absolutely wonderful and I love studying them!

Finally, I love that this biography, like all the other extra special old Hollywood biographies I’ve read, serves as a glorious piece of a puzzle… the “Old Hollywood” puzzle. The more biographies, memoirs, and autobiographies you read, the more pieces you have of this puzzle. You read certain names (stars, directors, executives, etc) over and over again and, in doing so, you get a truly accurate picture of them. Each time this happens, you get another piece of the puzzle.

That’s why I don’t just read biographies about my favorites (Maureen O’Hara, Lena Horne, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, Maria Montez, Ann Dvorak…), I also read biographies of those who really aren’t on my radar. One of two magical things ALWAYS happen when I do this…

The star jumps onto my radar!
I learn more about others who are already there.

Most importantly, each book serves as part of a puzzle to one of the most fascinating, glamorous, mysterious, and intriguing places on earth: Old Hollywood.

About the Author

Tom Zimmerman is a photographer who has permanent collections in the United States Library of Congress, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Motion Picture and Television Photo Archive, and Fortress of Peter and Paul in St. Petersburg, Russia, among others.

He is the author of Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign that Created Los Angeles 1870-1930, Downtown in Detail, and Spectacular Illumination.

You can find the absolutely gorgeous biography The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood (Amazon link) on Amazon.

The Queen of Technicolor: Maria Montez in Hollywood is from The University Press of Kentucky.

Maria Montez, Arabian Nights

Touching Quote from Beautiful Katy Jurado

November 18, 2022 By Joi

Katy Jurado

“I am very proud to make this picture because I look and act like a Mexican – not imitation. Some Mexicans go to Hollywood and lose career in Mexico, because they play imitation. I don’t want this to happen to me.” ~ Katy Jurado, High Noon (1952, directed by Fred Zinnemann)

The exotic, talented, and beautiful Katy Jurado all but steals High Noon right out from under the rest of the cast. There’s just something so touching and believable about her character and her performance.

I only wish she’d been onscreen more!

You can buy High Noon on dvd or Blu-ray (Amazon link) or watch the iconic Western on Prime Video.

The Ridiculously Beautiful Julie Newmar as Catwoman (Also Ridiculously Talented!)

November 18, 2022 By Joi

Julie Newmar, Catwoman

One of my favorite classic television shows is Batman – my husband and I watch and rewatch the deliciously entertaining episodes regularly. We recently saw two of my favorite episodes back to back – Hot off the Griddle and The Cat and the Fiddle (part one and two of The Catwoman’s mischief!). These episodes originally aired on September 14 and 15, 1966.

While I find Julie Newmar’s performance as Catwoman to never be anything less than purrfection, I think she’s EVEN more remarkable in The Cat and the Fiddle. Catwoman disguises herself and impersonates a rich recluse, Minerva Matthews, and she is absolutely mesmerizing. The expressions, the things she does with her voice, her body movements… she showcases just how much comedic talent she has, and it’s considerable.

You can find the Batman Television Series on DVD (Amazon link) or watch each season’s episodes of Batman on Prime Video.

Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss From Iowa to Elvis by Sally A Hoedel (Review of a Wonderful Biography)

November 17, 2022 By Joi

Destined to Fly by Sally A. Hoedel

One of my all-time favorite actors/singers/entertainers extraordinaire is Elvis Presley. He’s also one of the first stars I “collected” – in fact, and Audrey Hepburn began my old Hollywood collections long ago. I can’t remember which beloved star came first, but they kicked off a lifetime habit of scouring bookstores, eBay, yard sales, and antique stores.

One of my favorite items to collect for any old Hollywood star is books, because that’s the best possible way to get to know them.

I just finished the book you see here, Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) – a book that not only satisfied my inner history buff, but was like a joy ride for my inner Elvis fangirl. Author Sally A. Hoedel tells the fascinating story of Ron Strauss, an extremely likable and admirable pilot with 12 years of military service under his belt, a loving family, an exciting career.. oh, and two years in Elvis Presley’s inner circle.

You know, the average life of a boy from Iowa.

Elvis Presley

While I completely expected to hang onto every single word of every single story about Elvis that Ron Stauss shared, I didn’t expect to hang on just as tightly to every word about his own life, military experiences, and family – whether the King happened to be in the room or not.

Yet that’s exactly what happened. Whether it was stories from Ron’s childhood, his experience of joining the military (and almost not making it!), meeting his wife, or the ones involving one of the most iconic figures in the world… every single word of this book is extraordinary and I reread many passages more than once.

The author has not only written a thoroughly enjoyable book, it’s one that reads very “fast.” There are no wasted pages, no wasted “filler” paragraphs.. it’s all perfectly wonderful and as entertaining as watchin an old movie.

If you know anything about me, you know what high praise I just heaped upon this book.

(Review continued below…)

From the Back Cover

This lovely book also has photos the family of Ron Strauss has shared and they are an absolute delight. One of my favorite things about this book and about Ron Strauss is the respect with which Elvis is treated. I am so very thankful and grateful for that and, now that I know more about the author and Mr. Strauss, I’d expect no less.

If you are an Elvis fan, you will absolutely love this book… but, here’s the thing… you wouldn’t even have to know who Elvis was to enjoy it! (not than any such person exists, but you get the gist…) Ron Strauss’ story is an extraordinary one and you will enjoy this book greatly.

Author Sally A. Hoedel has a journalism degree from Michigan State University. Like me, she is a lifelong Elvis fan and collector. I felt a connection with her immediately after reading that!

You can visit her website, www.ElvisAuthor.com for more information. While reading this book, I learned that she had also written a book about Elvis titled “Destined to Die Young.” I plan on getting my hands on that one as soon as possible.

I was sent a copy of the wonderful Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) in exchange for telling you about it. Books in exchange for telling others about them is a dream come true for this book lover!

The Simple Reason I’ve Stopped Allowing Comments on the Blog…

November 17, 2022 By Joi

Roger Moore: What a Saint!

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EDIT (11/18/22): Since writing the below post, Twitter has begun having a few issues (rumors of problems and something odd going on today!). If it goes south, I will absolutely turn comments back on, as it will at least be one way we can all stay in touch and have conversations about our beloved actresses, actors, films, and television shows! ~ Joi (“Joy“)

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First of all, if you want to contact me about anything (a post, photo, book review, or even opinion I have/express), I am completely reachable – either by e-mail or Twitter. I absolutely LOVE hearing from others who love old Hollywood and classic television as much as I do. I made a friend several years back simply because she initially e-mailed me asking what my favorite Marlene Dietrich films were. We’ve continued e-mailing back and forth for three years. Many other friends I’ve made on Twitter and can’t imagine a single day without them.

Lesson of the story, when you open the lines of communication with me (my name’s Joi…. “Joy” by the way), you’re stuck with me for good.

So why would a friendly, people person do something as unheard of as turning off comments on her blog?!

Please hang with me while I try to explain…

Let’s set the stage…. I am, by nature a ridiculously positive, upbeat, bright-side, sort of person. Kind of a compilation of Mary Poppins, Joy from the movie Up, and Lucy Ricardo (if you think it’s tricky dealing with me, imagine my poor family). It is what it is and, given that I’m on the kicks and giggles side of 50 years old, there’s ZERO chance I’ll ever change.

I like positivity. I’m drawn to positivity. I ooze positivity. But it’s more than that… I’m downright negativity intolerant.

Makes my psyche itch.

Due to the fact that… well, let’s face it… there aren’t a lot of Mary Poppins meets Joy meets Lucy Ricardo hybrids out there (save your “thank God” thoughts, you’ll hurt my feelings), comment sections can range anywhere from…

… (insert random actor) cheated on his wife and neglected his family
… (insert random actress) wasn’t at all talented.. she only got by on her (insert body parts)
… (insert random star) said such-and-such, I hate them for that
… (insert random star) did (insert perceived wrong against humanity)

Okay, you get the idea. I also hate it when people make comments about a star’s sexual preferences. I always think, “Okay, it’s your business why exactly?”

I put time, money, effort, and great passion into Hollywood Yesterday (as well as my Twitter page) and it is with one goal in mind: To keep the wonderful stars and films I love so much alive and shining.

I get a HUGE kick out of seeing stars from Old Hollywood “trending” on Twitter. You know what that means, right? A part of them never left us. Come on, how magical is that?!

Why would I want to share a photo, film review, book review, or quote to LIFT UP and SHOWCASE a star simply to have a Negative Nancy or Donnie Downer show up with some mud to sling on their name.

When it comes to always focusing on the positives, a few other things are ALWAYS in the back of my mind…

How horrible would it be to have negative, ugly things said about you when you aren’t even around to either defend yourself, apologize, or explain yourself? Stars who are no longer with us have NO way to say, “I never said that… here’s what I actually said..” or “I was drunk when I said that horrible thing and it does NOT represent what I really think.” or “I was young and dumb and I am so very, very sorry for the pain I caused (insert wronged individual or individuals).” It just seems cruel, in many ways, to take shots at someone incapable of deflecting them or firing back!
Mistakes should not identify us or follow us around. I’m… on most days anyway… human and I have made mistakes and I would HATE to have said mistakes brought up EVERY SINGLE TIME my name was mentioned. Some people LIVE to bring up ugliness each time a star is mentioned… haven’t figured out what they get out of it, but it’s true. There are movies, actors and actresses who I used to pause before Tweeting about or blogging about because I knew some wouldn’t be able to (or even try to) help themselves. They see a photo of someone and something goes off inside their mind… “OH! Gotta let this ugliness out! Can’t contain it!” I often wonder if they search for certain star’s names simply to sling mud. Stupid hobby if you ask me.
Stars from old Hollywood and classic television have families and friends who are very much online. One of my favorite things about having an old Hollywood blog and Twitter is hearing from people – all of you. Every now and then I hear from a family member or someone who knew one of the stars who I think so much of. I heard from a lady about her (actor) father a few years ago and it occurred to me, “If my dad (or anyone else I loved dearly) had been a star, how would I want him talked about?” What we say online can be seen by someone’s daughter, son, wife, grandchild, close friend, etc… Personally, it would feel like a punch in the gut to read something unkind about one of my loved ones. Everyone is free to approach life in the way he/she chooses, but I’m not in the habit of giving out gut-punches.

That’s it. I just wanted to let you know why (on the blog) I don’t have comments activated any longer and why (on Twitter) I don’t reply to unkind comments. I see the comment, I read the comment.. I just don’t have anything to add to the conversation.

One final thought about Twitter… I welcome (and love!) everyone’s comments and would never dream of telling anyone what they can or cannot say under my Tweets or on their own account. I have only blocked three people on there: (1) Someone who had me blocked for some reason… I simply repaid the honor. (2) A woman who replied, “Yuk!” LITERALLY after every tweet I made about a Western! Seriously! I mean.. was she a gunslinger in a past life who can’t stand the sight of Marshall Dillon or what? Given that it’s my favorite genre of movies (grew up watching them with the beloved dad I mentioned above), I talk about Westerns a lot on Twitter and simply got tired of her nonsense. (3) A clown who said something snarky after any and every Tweet that wasn’t what he considered “related enough” to old Hollywood. My account, buddy, I’ll share pictures of my cats and grandbabies any dang time I want to! Saying something under a photo of a grandbaby is an instant block.

I will hasten to say this, I am NOT at all talking about someone saying they don’t like someone’s acting style, a particular movie, or even liking a particular star or genre. Everyone has their own opinions and that makes life extra fun! You know what I’m talking about, right? The unnecessary ugliness.. when things are taken too far and the comments are too personal. I simply don’t like seeing any of it – if that makes me wrong, I’m honestly okay with that!

I’ll put on an episode of I Love Lucy or a favorite Western and get on with my day.

I hope the rest of your week is extraordinary! ~ Joi ( Pronounced “Joy…” some things can’t be made up!)