Joi | Hollywood Yesterday

One of the Best Old Hollywood Biographies I’ve EVER Read: June Allyson’s Autobiography

October 21, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

June Allyson by June Allyson

My husband has a passion for BBQ that is, in my opinion, completely unrivaled. The man can smell a BBQ restaurant three miles away – when he locates one, we either visit it right away or, if we’ve recently eaten, he instantly make plans for when we WILL be back.

Sometimes he even tells it, on the way by, that we’ll be back.

When he has a plate of BBQ in front of him, it’s quite the production. JUST the right amount of sauce is added (after first tasting it to see how much will be required), the perfect amount of onions and perfect number of pickles are invited to the party, the napkin placed in his lap and… he dives in without a care in the world. It’s one of his greatest passions and seeing him “BBQ happy” makes me happy.

This is very much how I am with cats, chocolate, strawberry sundaes, fried catfish, old movies, classic tv and radio, and old Hollywood biographies/autobiographies. Fortunately, for cats, I only eat three of these passions.

As I’ve often said in my Hollywood Yesterday Book Reviews, I am always, always, always in the middle of at least 3 books at any given time. I can’t help myself, I just love them that much.

I recently read one that is, now, officially one of my all-time favorites: June Allyson by June Allyson.

First, a few words about how I feel about June Allyson. She’s my Doris Day. Is that a strange thing to say? Well, stick with me, kid, you’ll get used to it. I say a lot of strange things – sometimes within one sentence.

Doris Day is sunshine, personified to many people. Perhaps they were going through a rough patch in their life when they saw her in a movie and her rays of sunshine broke through their clouds. Or, maybe they didn’t have any dark clouds to break through – maybe she simply caused the sun to seem brighter.

I have nothing against the wonderful Doris Day, mind you – but June Allyson is MY personal Doris Day.

Except she’s my June Allyson.

I warned you about me.

June Allyson and Her Beloved Husband Dick Powell

My parents both died far too young. My dad was just in his 50s (after a long illness) and my mom was in her early 60s (complications from diabetes and heart disease – both of which are monsters). June Allyson movies were like medication on both occasions.

Recently, one of my beautiful daughters had a high-risk pregnancy that had this mother hen beside herself. I can’t even begin to tell you how many June Allyson movies I watched!

Naturally, I watch June Allyson even when my world isn’t turned upside down. I just adore her and everything about her. Whether she brings Van Johnson or Dick Powell with her into my den, it doesn’t matter -she is always, always, always welcome.

Her wonderful autobiography, June Allyson is as sunny, honest, and unpretentious as she was. It was an absolute joy to read every single step of the way.

In fact, I did something after finishing this one that I have never done before. Instead of placing her on one of my Old Hollywood book shelves, I turned back to page one so I could enjoy the journey through her life one more time.

I say “one more” but there will be other journeys – and plenty of them.

June Allyson pours her heart out in this poignant autobiography. She takes us inside her early days in Hollywood with wonderful stories about Mickey Rooney, Van Johnson, and her very close friend Judy Garland. As is the case with all exceptional memoirs, you meet household names along the way and, in this case, you get to enjoy their presence as well as June’s adorable instances of being starstruck.

Stars you’ll meet along the way: Lucille Ball, Dick Powell, Judy Garland, Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, James Stewart, Van Johnson, JFK, Peter Lawford, Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan, Alan Ladd (oh boy, is there some Alan Ladd content), Merle Oberon, Rita Hayworth, Susan Hayward, Joan Blondell (who happened to be Dick Powell’s glamorous wife, then ex-wife during the course of the book), Charles Boyer, Mary Pickford, Jack Benny, Ronald Colman, Gracie Allen, George Burns, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Margaret O’Brien, Gloria DeHaven, Louis B. Mayer, Kathryn Grayson… and more.

Reading about the movie “The Conqueror” (the deaths of John Wayne, Dick Powell, Susan Hayward, Pedro Armendariz, and Agnes Moorehead have all been tied to the making of this film) was unsettling and interesting at the same time.

Most compelling (for me, anyway) was the love story between her and Dick Powell. Their marriage lasted 17 years – until his death. When she lost her soulmate, she had a horrifying downward spiral – understandably. Her book tells how her friends helped her find her way out of the devastating darkness.

With a personality few stars could even hope to rival, spending time with June Allyson, the author, is as joyful as spending time with June Allyson, the actress.

While you journey through the valleys and mountaintops with this wonderful lady, you can’t help but be awestruck how she survived it all. One of the things I love most is that it all ends on a mountaintop with her husband Dr. David Ashrow. It may sound like a Hallmark greeting card but there’s only one way to put it: He helped her find happiness again.

As I often say, one of my greatest and perhaps guiltiest pleasures with autobiographies and memoirs is hearing about the other stars. When an actor or actress tells about their experiences with fellow stars, you learn a lot about the stars they are referring to as well as the one doing the reminiscing. Katharine Hepburn, June Allyson, and Fred Astaire are three that come immediately to mind when thinking about stars who were kind to other stars.

There are one or two stars who June Allyson doesn’t shine an especially favorable light on, but it isn’t, shall we say, an unflattering light we didn’t already know about!

Overall, she is extremely positive about everyone she knew along the way and I love that about her.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about June Allyson (the book or the actress!). Every word is a delight – whether it makes you feel warm, happy, shocked (two words: Alan Ladd), or sad. You’ll laugh out loud in places and probably swipe at a few tears in others (I certainly did). You’ll come to love stars you already loved even more (for me: Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, James Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Van Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Susan Hayward, John Wayne) and you’ll become a fan of stars you didn’t know much about before but want desperately to know them better now (for me: Alan Ladd, Alan Ladd, Alan Ladd, and Alan Ladd).

You’ll also find that some of your favorite stars were as complex and multi-layered as you always suspected (for me: Joan Crawford, Joan Blondell). I love that June doesn’t attempt to judge anyone – she knows something I always preach: Everyone fights their own battles in their own ways. Period.

In addition to the wonderful writing and priceless memories and stories, the pictures in this book are extra wonderful. I have been a huge fan of June Allyson and Dick Powell for years and there were many pictures I have never seen.

Read more about June Allyson by June Allyson on Amazon. As for me, I’m going to kick back and read another chapter right now. Yes, for the second time. What can I say… she’s my Doris Day.

Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes by Bob Hope with Linda Hope (Review)

October 19, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes

One of my favorite entertainers of all time is synonymous with the word, itself: Bob Hope. The man was simply brilliant in everything he did – every word, every joke, every film… brilliant.

Not only was Bob Hope a wonderful actor and entertainer, like some of my other favorites, he was also all class – with some to spare. James Stewart, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Hattie McDaniel, Maureen O’Hara, Olivia de Havilland… some stars were such high quality people that it makes being a fan as easy as an autumn breeze.

The book above, Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes by Bob Hope with Linda Hope is one of my all-time favorite books in my collection. It’s like sitting down in your favorite chair with a hot cup of tea (or tall glass of iced raspberry tea, depending on the season) and having Bob Hope, himself, stand in the middle of your room making you laugh until your sides ache.

“I was destined to be an actor. The day I was born, I stood up and took a bow. Really. When the doctor slapped me, I thought it was applause “

The stories, jokes, and vintage Bob Hope self-deprecating humor are such a joy, I’m really at a loss for words. If you, or anyone in your life loves to laugh, this book is a must have…. if you love to laugh and are a fan of the wonderful Bob Hope, Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes is an absolute MUST HAVE.

To comedians, ‘material’–their jokes–has always been precious, worthy of protecting and preserving. On stage, a good vaudeville routine could last years as it was performed on tour across the country. On radio, a year’s vaudeville material might be fodder for one week’s broadcast. Bob Hope used new material not only for his weekly radio series, but also for the several live charity appearances he made each week.

Organized by the stages of his life, accompanied by black-and-white photographs, this book gives readers a chance to enjoy the very best of Hope’s jokes, from his early years in vaudeville, his top-rated radio show in the ’30s and ’40s, his legendary television appearances, and much more.

Bob Hope’s wonderful, one-of-a-kind personality comes shining through on every page of this delightful and fun book.

“I knew the troops would be glad to see me. I said, ‘Look at me, fellas, these are the kind of clothes you’ll be wearing when you get home!’ Fifty guys re-enlisted.”

About the Authors

Bob Hope was in the forefront of the entertainment industry for virtually his entire life. Primarily a comedian, he also acted, sang, and even danced, hosted his own radio and television shows, and starred in sixty movies. Bob Hope’s dedication to and love for the American GI is legendary. He traveled around the world to entertain the men and women in uniform during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. No individual in the history of show business journeyed so far–and so often–to entertain so many. He received more than two thousand awards and citations for his humanitarian and professional efforts, and was honored and befriended by every U.S. president since Franklin Roosevelt.

Linda Hope, Bob and Dolores Hope’s daughter, is chief operating officer of Hope Enterprises, Inc., and producer of her father’s television specials for the last twenty-five years.

“Jobs didn’t come easy. For months at a time, I forgot what kind of work I was out of.”

Bob Hope: My Life in Jokes is absolutely hilarious and would make a perfect gift idea for anyone. They broke the mold when Bob Hope came along and this collection is a perfect reminder of this very fact.

Dinah Washington: What Difference A Day Makes

October 18, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Dinah Washington (Photographer: James Kriegsman)

Dinah Washington does not get nearly enough recognition. I am not sure why this is, exactly, but it certainly has nothing to do with her talent. She had the voice of an angel… and I know that saying is very over-used. Heck, I wear it out, myself! But, in Dinah’s case, it couldn’t be more appropriate.

Listen for yourself!

Did You Know: “What a Difference a Day Makes” was written in 1934 by Maria Grever – the first successful female Mexican songwriter. She wrote it as “Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado,” which translates to “When It returns To Your Side.” Lyricist Stanley Adams rewrote it as “What a Diff’rence a Day Made and Dinah Washington did the rest!”

Lucille Ball Quotes About Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Quotes About Lucille Ball

October 16, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

“He did make me happy, and I really want people to know that.”

Anyone who knows me knows I am completely, utterly, and unapologetically obsessed with Lucille Ball. She’s one of the stars I collect – as in I collect Lucille Ball books, dvds, magazines, dolls, t-shirts…. anything with her on it, in it, or associated with it! She is one of my favorite stars of ALL time and my day is instantly brighter if I have seen a Lucille Ball movie, television episode, or read from one of the many biographies I have about her.

Fortunately, most days include more than one of these bright spots.

There’s something to be said for identifying your sources of happiness and even more to be said for wallowing in them. And so I wallow.

One of my favorite things about Lucille Ball was the depth of love she had for the people who mattered to her – her mom, children, Gary Morton, extended family, friends, and (of course) Desi Arnaz. While she and Desi’s marriage (1940-1961), unfortunately, didn’t last in the long run, their love for one another most certainly did.

Below are some of my favorite quotes each had about the other. What a wonderful love story… better than anything I’ve ever seen in a movie, that’s for sure.

The reason is obvious – the two colorful people involved could never have been created by even the best screenwriter.

Lucille Ball Quotes About Desi Arnaz

(About meeting Desi Arnaz for the first time): “It wasn’t love at first sight. It took a full five minutes.”

“Desi was the great love of my life. I will miss him until the day I die.”

In many ways, marrying Desi was one of the boldest things I ever did. I had always gone with older men. I had also achieved some kind of stability in Hollywood, and Desi with his beautiful girls and good times seemed headed in another direction.

Life with Desi is crazy and exciting, but our love is deep and changeless.

Yet I sensed in Desi a great need. Beneath the dazzling charm was a homeless boy who had no one to care for him, worry about him, love him. And I wanted him and only him as the father of my children.

It’s so hard to believe he is gone. I’m the only one left now. I remember the very last time I spoke with him. It was November 30th, our anniversary and he was in Del Mar with Lucie. He was very weak. Lucie held the phone up to his ear, and we said I love you over and over again to each other. On December 2nd, 1986 I was in the car coming home from taping an episode of Password when I heard Desi died. I could not stop crying. I felt lost, and like my own life had come to some kind of end. Lucie arranged the funeral and Danny Thomas gave the eulogy. It was funny and touching, but so very hard for me to sit through. With Desi’s passing I lost my youth, my great success and the only man I ever wanted to be father of my children. Besides Dede, Fred & Cleo, he was the one person who had been in my life the longest and made the greatest impact. I didn’t want to even consider what my life would’ve been without him.

The best time of my marriage was when I was pregnant. That was the kind of marriage that I’ve always hoped for.

After the short ceremony, we ate our wedding breakfast in front of a bright fire in the club’s lounge. Outside a fresh mantel of snow hung on the pine trees. After all the indecision we’d been through, Desi and I were dazed with happiness. We kissed each other and the marriage certificate again and again. It still has my lipstick marks on it. I’m going to keep this forever and ever. I told Desi. Clutching it to my black wool covered bosom. This marriage had to work. I would do anything, sacrifice anything to make Desi happy.

We had it all, Desi and I, we had it all.

I hate failure. And that divorce was the number one failure in my eyes. It was the worst period of my life. Neither Desi nor I have been the same since physically or mentally.

Desi was singing. His dark eyes were shining, his face radiant, but his hands I noticed were shaking. In Greenwhich, we spent a harried two hours seeing a judge about waving the five day wedding period and getting the necessary health examination. Desi had planned to marry me at the office of Justice of the Peace John J. O’Brien. He had forgotten only one thing, a wedding ring. Desi’s business manager ran into Woolworth’s and bought me a brass one. Although, Desi later gave me a platinum ring, that little discolored brass ring rest among the diamonds and emeralds in my jewel case for years.
There would be no Lucy without Desi.

I had never met a Latin before. In fact, up to this time, I hadn’t had much fun. I’d gone out with lots of guys and it had been in the papers, that I was engaged to this one and that one, but now I think back on it, they all seem pretty ordinary. But this I can say for myself and this is the truth. I never wanted to marry anybody until I met Desi.

If you don’t believe he’s a great producer, I got two little Arnaz’s at home to prove it.

I knew there was nobody in the world for me but Desi. We may have our ups and downs just as many people have. I would rather quarrel and make up with him more than anyone else in the world.

He did make me happy, and I really want people to know that.

Desi Arnaz Quotes About Lucille Ball

I loved her very much and, in my own and perhaps peculiar way, I will always love her.

I Love Lucy was never just a title!

(After Lucille Ball was, outrageously, accused of being a Communist) The only thing red about her is her hair, and that isn’t even real.

She’s not someone I am likely to forget. I love her and will continue loving her till the day I die.

I fell in love with those big beautiful blue eyes when I met her. It was unnatural how I could fall in love so fast.

Lucy had a quality which was rare; you can count the women who have had it on the fingers of one hand. While doing the wild antics of a clown, disheveled, rain-soaked, disregarding how she looked even with mud all over her, could make you laugh, and yet at the same time make you want to go to bed with her.

One of the big reasons for the show’s success is Lucy. She is the greatest.

Lucy, she has no idea how happy she’s made me. She’s wonderful. I adore her with all of my heart. She’s given me everything I could ask for. No pun intended, I Love Lucy.

We had been married for nine years, but when I saw her coming down the aisle with her bouquet and wedding dress and hat, I got as much of a thrill as the first time, perhaps even more.

I love Lucy was never a title. I don’t care what her present husband thinks, I still love Lucy. Yes very much. She knows that I will do anything for her. All she has to do is ask.

Though we are not together anymore, I still love her. I always will. Lucy is my soulmate, my world. I can’t imagine my life without her. I Love Lucy was never just a title.

They were gorgeous. Her eyes very blue. One of the many things I absolutely love about her. She was mine and I was hers. The way it should have been.

She’s a wonderful mother to our daughter, Lucie Desiree. In spite of a busy schedule, she arranges to have three days a week with Lucie.

Twelve years ago, I was enjoying recognition in New York play “Too Many Girls” and RKO studios wanted to film it. They took me along with the deal and I went to Hollywood. Working as the star of that picture was the most beautiful, wonderful, bright, happy person I’d ever met in my life, Lucille Ball. And how you said it. It was love at first sight.

The first time I saw Lucy was in Hollywood studio lunchroom. Lovely, dazzling Lucille Ball was to be one of the stars of Too Many Girls. I was eager to meet her. Then she walked in. She had a black eye, frowzy hair and was wearing a too tight dress with a rip in it. She had been playing a dance hall floozy in a free for all fight scene. I groaned ‘oh no.’ That afternoon when she showed up on the set where I was working, I said ‘Oh yes.’ She had fixed her hair and make up and put on a sweater and skirt. She was a dream. I took one look and fell in love.

She (Lucille Ball) was a very shy girl. She hated when you stared at her. So I did.

The most important thing of all was that, we now had our daughter, our son, and two people couldn’t have been more in love and happier than we were.

I’m convinced that the reason that we survived the constant arguing, fighting and accusations for so many years, was because we had something extra special going for us. We were very much in love with each other, and we were able to be together, our sexual relationship was heavenly. Also, and perhaps even more important. We had a good sense of humor. We are able to laugh at ourselves and at our sometimes absurd and stupid arguments.

When we got married, nobody gave it more than two weeks. There were bets all over the country, with astronomical odds against us.

Lena Horne: Her 1996 PBS “American Masters” Biography

October 15, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lena Horne

If you watch a lot of Old Hollywood movies – especially if you cover a LOT of territory (say from the silents through today) and a LOT of genres (silents, film noir, westerns, comedies, rom com, slapstick, drama..) – you meet a lot of new stars along the way. Stars who may have either missed your radar completely in the past or stars that, while on the radar, hadn’t really had their chance to shine for you. YET.

Personally, June Allyson is a perfect example of a star being on my radar (after I’d seen her in Executive Suite) but became an absolute favorite after I saw her in a few other films.

The beautiful and talented lady above, Lena Horne, is one who had completely escaped my radar somehow. It is only within the past few years that I saw my first Lena Horne movie!

It was love at first sight, so to speak, with Lena. She had a huge impact on me the minute she first danced on my screen. She had an obvious beauty that jumps out at you right away, with such a radiant complexion that you know shines from within. And the smile? Her dazzling, perfect smile lights up the room. She had a happiness from within that put on a spectacular show on the outside.

Then when she opened her voice and began to sing… well, that’s when my jaw really hit the floor.

While I hate comparing stars and try (often unsuccessfully) not to do so – her gift for entertaining and for taking her viewers far, far away begs to be compared to that of Judy Garland. Yes, she was her own woman, actress, singer, dancer, and star BUT her showmanship and command of the spotlight greatly reminds me of Judy Garland – one of the highest compliments that can be handed out, if you ask me.

I still just have no idea how I could have watched old movies and classic tv shows all of my life – and done so as though I were being paid to do it – and not ever come across a Lena Horne movie until recently. It never ceases to amaze me when I come across new favorites or begin to see an old favorite in an even better light. It’s also great fun when you start liking a star you’d previously disliked… yes, that has even happened from time to time!

I encourage you, yet again, to often step out of your favorite decade(s) and even genre(s). You never know who might be waiting for you on the other side. They might just have the most dazzling smile and beautiful voice you ever heard!

Review: The Passionate Plumber (Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante)

October 15, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

When you hear the name Buster Keaton, you tend to think of his legendary silent films. After all, his silent films are some of the ABSOLUTE best films ever made. The General, Steamboat Bill, Jr, The Cameraman… the list goes on and on – with each film as perfect as the last.

However, make absolutely no mistake about it, Buster Keaton made some outstanding “talkies” as well. One of my personal favorites is The Passionate Plumber (1932). While this film was not my first Buster Keaton film, it was my first Jimmy Durante film. So, while I knew what delicious antics to expect from Buster, I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d love Durante- the two of them, together, were almost more than my funny bone could stand.

It seems odd to confess it, now, but before The Passionate Plumber, all I knew about Durante was from cartoons I’d seen “him” appear in. I knew he had a trademark “snicker” and a distinguished nose. That was it.

Both make iconic appearances in this film by the way.

Plot: Buster Keaton plays Elmer Tuttle, a plumber who is summoned by a socialite named Patricia (Irene Purcell) to fix her shower. True to a Buster Keaton character’s form, our hero ends up falling in love with her!

Problem is, she already has a boyfriend… and a jealous one, at that. Jimmy Durante is beyond perfect as his bungling sidekick. The wonderful Polly Moran also appears in this outrageously fun romp as the socialite’s maid and object of Durante’s affection.

(Continued Below…)

The Basics

The Passionate Plumber was the first time MGM paired comedic giants Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante. They would also be paired in Speak Easily (1932) and What-No Beer? (1933).
An article in The Hollywood Reporter stated that Robert Montgomery was originally cast as the lead in August 1931 but was replaced with Buster Keaton the following month. Ironically, Robert Montgomery and Buster Keaton are two of my absolute favorite actors – so I was destined to love this film either way!
Irene Purcell, primarily a stage actress (and it’s apparent in her films) only appeared in 6 feature Hollywood films. She is best known for this role and as Robert Montgomery’s leading lady in The Man in Possession in 1931.

Irene Purcell and Buster Keaton

When I first saw The Passionate Plumber, I borderline hated the casting of Patricia. Irene Purcell was obviously meant for the stage and her entire performance screams this fact. (Speaking of which, there is a scene where she shrieks and screams at Buster Keaton’s Elmer and I’m pretty sure it would frighten the hair off of most cats.) In fact, after watching the movie for the first time, I even thought, “If it weren’t for Irene Purcell, this would be such a wonderful little movie.” I couldn’t believe that the same people who cast Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante, and Polly Moran chose an actress who was so completely a polar opposite.

However… when I watched it recently, for the second time, I came away with a different view. “.. (they) chose an actress who was so completely a polar opposite….” – it was either luck or pure brilliance. After all, Elmer (Keaton), Julius (Durante), and Albine (Moran) are working class characters… and not necessarily at the head of the class lmao – whereas Patricia (Purcell) doesn’t even have to get her own glass of water.

She IS their polar opposite.

Would those in charge of casting realize that a stage actress without much film experience would, in fact, come across as a stage actress – rather snooty and not off-the-charts likable? For an average film situation, I’d say it’s “very possible.” For one in which Buster Keaton is involved and could, at any time, influence decisions.. I say it’s “very probable.”

Either way, this film (primarily Irene Purcell’s role in this film) is a classic example of why I ALWAYS say, “If you don’t like a particular film or star… give them another chance.” Heck, give them two or three more chances, at least.

Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante

As I often say with my reviews, I like to keep them sort, sweet, and to the point. Why?? So you won’t spend time reading how much I like it when you could be spending it finding out for yourself!

Speaking of which, the film in its entirety is below. Not time like the present for a Buster Keaton movie, I always say…

The Passionate Plumber Poster is available on Amazon. It’s a must-have for Buster Keaton, Polly Moran, or Jimmy Durante collectors.

Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante

Cab Calloway’s Minnie the Moocher (Hi De Ho!)

October 15, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Cab Calloway

I simply cannot get enough of classic movies, classic television, classic radio, OR classic music. Let’s be honest – the “classics” aren’t just hard to beat, they’re impossible to beat.

If you are familiar with the great Cab Calloway (a name synonymous with entertainer), you certainly know what I mean when I say no one today can even come close to him.

Recently, while enjoying an afternoon of great music on YouTube from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, it occurred to me that I haven’t added NEARLY enough musical content to Hollywood Yesterday. I want to bring as much attention to stars such as Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, The Nicholas Brothers, Bing Crosby, Ethel Merman, Ethel Waters, Eddie Cantor, etc. and keep their legacies shining as brightly as I do anyone’s, so watch for a lot more of this content on the Old Hollywood blog.

My greatest hope is to see more people fall in love with their work and want to learn more about them. This music truly is the best – I cannot imagine working at my computer, cooking, or driving without wonderful stars like this alongside me… singing their hearts out while they make mine soar.

Here, folks, is a story about Minnie the Moocher…

I could (and do, now that I think about it) listen to this song all day.

Also on Hollywood Yesterday: 16 Fast Facts About Cab Calloway

Lena Horne: The Lady is a Tramp (One of my Favorite Lena Horne Performances)

October 11, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

There are many actresses, actors, and performers who I always find myself wondering, “How is everyone in the world not a HUGE fan?!” Lena Horne is one of these under-celebrated stars (at least in my opinion).

What do I (personally) consider to be under-celebrated?

If the average person (not someone in our Old Hollywood community) can’t name at least one of their movies or songs, they’re under-celebrated.
If those of us within the community can’t name at least three of their movies or songs, they’re under-celebrated.

While Lena Horned, obviously, doesn’t fall through the completely unknown crack, she should be more heartily celebrated.

The lady had more talent in her left eyebrow than a lot of stars did.

That’s right, I said it.

This is actually one of the best things about having an Old Hollywood blog (and Twitter account) – I can go on and on and on and on and on about my favorites and feel like I’m (hopefully) helping keep their name familiar, their body of work work alive and their face forever smiling.

I know, a little deep for a Friday, but… blame it on Lena. She puts me in my feels.

When you watch Lena perform in the video above (which I surely hope you will at least once), pay close attention to her facial expressions and her hand gestures. I think she was simply brilliant – and the stage command! The lady was doing what she was born to do and, if you ask me, that is always breathtaking.

Bette Davis Quotes: What a Way with Words (She’s More Entertaining than A Lot of Movies!)

October 10, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

“I will never be below the title.”

“If you want a thing well done, get a couple of old broads to do it.”

“Today everyone is a star – they’re all billed as ‘starring’ or ‘also starring’. In my day, we earned that recognition.”

(About Katharine Hepburn’s tie with Barbra Streisand for the 1968 Oscar) “I wanted to be the first to win three Oscars, but Miss Hepburn has done it. Actually it hasn’t been done. Miss Hepburn only won half an Oscar. If they’d given me half an Oscar I would have thrown it back in their faces. You see, I’m an Aries. I never lose.”

(About fourth husband, Gary Merrill) “Gary was a macho man, but none of my husbands was ever man enough to become Mr. Bette Davis.”

(When she was told that “at one time” she had a reputation for being difficult) “At one time?! I’ve been known as difficult for 50 years, practically! What do you mean ‘at one time?’ Nooo, I’ve been like this for 50 years. And it’s always always to make it the best film I can make it!”

(When told not to speak ill of the dead) “Just because someone is dead does not mean they have changed!”

(About her mother) “I had to be the monster for both of us.”

“If Hollywood didn’t work out, I was prepared to be the best secretary in the world.”

“I have been uncompromising, peppery, infractable, monomaniacal, tactless, volatile and offtimes disagreeable. I suppose I’m larger than life.”

“(Joan Crawford) and I have never been warm friends. We are not simpatico. I admire her, and yet I feel uncomfortable with her. To me, she is the personification of the Movie Star. I have always felt her greatest performance is Crawford being Crawford.”

(After blowing a line several times in Hollywood Canteen (1944), in which she plays herself) “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I think I just can’t play myself. I don’t know how! But, if you give me a drink – give me a cigarette – give me a gun – I’ll play any old bag you want me to. I just can’t play myself!”

“I was a person who couldn’t make divorce work. For me, there’s nothing lonelier than a turned-down toilet seat.”

“I always had the will to win. I felt it baking cookies. They had to be the best cookies anyone baked.”

“My favorite person to work with was Claude Rains.”

“I certainly would have given anything to have worked with John Wayne. He’s the most attractive man who ever walked the earth, I think.”

(During tension on the set of The Whales of August, about co-star Lilian Gish) “She ought to know about close-ups… she was around when they invented them!”

16 Fast Facts About Elsa Lanchester

October 10, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ironically the wonderful Elsa Lanchester is best-known for a film in which she barely even appeared and a role in which she didn’t even speak. While her name is synonymous with “Bride of Frankenstein,” the actress has had much richer and rewarding roles.

For example, she nearly steals the entire film, The Big Clock (one of the best film noirs ever made in my opinion), right out from under Charles Laughton and Ray Milland. Nearly.

She was an uncommonly talented actress with a special something that set her apart from her contemporaries. Were there other talented actress? Yes. Were there other talented actresses who also happened to be beautiful? Yes… And yet…. Elsa just had something extra.

Every time she was on the screen, she dared viewers to take their eyes off of her. It’s a dare she surely knew we’d never win. If she’s on the screen, you simply cannot look away.

Elsa Lanchester was born on October 28, 1902 in London, England.
She met future husband, the outrageously talented Charles Laughton, while acting in the play “Mr. Prohack” in 1927.
Appeared in 7 (SEVEN!) Oscar Best Picture nominees: The Private Life of Henry VIII. (1933), David Copperfield (1935), Naughty Marietta (1935), The Razor’s Edge (1946), The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Witness for the Prosecution (1957) and Mary Poppins (1964).
In her autobiography (Elsa Lanchester Herself), she states that she and Charles Laughton never had children because he was gay. Maureen O’Hara, a very friend and co-star of Laughton (he was her mentor), denied that this was the reason for the couple’s childlessness. Maureen asserts that Charles Laughton had told her that the reason he and his wife never had children was because of a very private issue with Lanchester (I don’t want to go into the details, out of respect to her.). According to Elsa Lanchester’s biographer, Charles Higham, the reason she did not have children was that neither she or her husband wanted any. Maureen O’Hara also disputes this, stating that Charles Laughton very much wanted children.
(On playing the title part in Bride of Frankenstein) “The most memorable thing I did in that film, I believe, was my screaming. In almost all my movies since, I’ve been called upon to scream. I don’t know if it’s by chance, but I would like to think that I’m not hired for that talent alone.”
As a child, Elsa had a great desire to become a classical dancer. When she was 10 years old, her mother enrolled her at the famed Isadora Duncan’s Bellevue School in Paris.
She founded the Children’s Theater in Soho, London around 1920 and even taught there for several years.
She made her stage debut in 1922 in the West End play Thirty Minutes in a Street.
Her first film appearance was in 1925 in an amateur movie by friend and author Evelyn Waugh called The Scarlet Woman: An Ecclesiastical Melodrama.
Her formal film debut was in the British movie One of the Best (1927).
Charles Laughton appeared with Elsa in three of the four films she made in 1928: Blue Bottles, Day Dreams, and The Tonic. The fourth film was The Constant Nymph.
Elsa and Charles were married in 1929 and remained married until his death in 1962.
She came to Hollywood with Laughton in 1932, but not permanently until 1939. MGM offered her a contract in 1932.
Making the Bride of Frankenstein was no walk in the park – for at least ten days, she was wrapped in yards of bandage and covered in heavy makeup. The iconic hairdo was accomplished by combing it over a wire mesh cage! Her eyes were kept taped wide open for long takes – it had to be agonizing!
She made ten movies with Laughton, the last of which, Witness for the Prosecution (1957) earned her her second supporting actress nomination.
Elsa once said of her film career, “…….large parts in lousy pictures and small parts in big pictures.” That quote troubles me because she, honestly, deserved a filmography she could be 100 percent proud of. She was an extraordinary actress.