Golden Age of Hollywood
Elsa Lanchester and Colin Clive
I am so obsessed with Elsa Lanchester as The Bride of Frankenstein that I collect LITERALLY anything associated with the movie. It’s such a phenomenal character and the only female monster from the wonderful old Hollywood horror films.
The movie also stars Boris Karloff as the monster, Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein, and Valerie Hobson as Elizabeth.
You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Elsa Lanchester
Bela Lugosi
I apologize that the photo of the great Bela Lugosi behind the scenes of Dracula isn’t a better quality. It’s something we run into a lot when dealing with old Hollywood, though, isn’t it?! You can certainly still appreciate the picture and actor.
The thing that comes across most (for me) about this picture is how you can tell that Bela truly embraced this role and opportunity. Sadly, it would later serve to limit the roles he got, but I honestly believe he was very excited about the role before and during filming. There was just something in his approach and photos of him (promotional and behind the scenes).
Bela Lugosi, Dracula 1931
You can buy the iconic 1931 film Dracula on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Boris Karloff
As I’ve stated often, I am obsessed with “on set” and “behind the scenes” pictures. I’m not sure WHY exactly, but they make my world spin.
This great photo of Boris Karloff kicked back enjoying a sandwich while filming The Bride of Frankenstein makes my day. Hopefully, serving as picture of the day, it’ll make your day as well.
You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange
Granted, I love all “on set” and “behind the scenes” pictures but there’s something extra special about this Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange behind the scenes of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). Come on… Dracula smoking? You don’t see that everyday!
The 6’4″ Glenn Strange is best known by many as Frankenstein’s monster in this and other movies and television appearances but he also had a VERY fine career in movies. I, personally, associate him most with his role on Gunsmoke. He played the lovable bartender Sam Doonan for many years.
Cast of Gunsmoke
Pictured above, Glenn Strange, Ken Curtis, Roger Ewing, Milburn Stone, James Arness, and Amanda Blake.
You can buy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the hilarity on Prime Video.
Fay Wray, King Kong
For my money, the 1933 King Kong was the BEST King Kong and it isn’t even close. I also think Fay Wray was the best Ann Darrow and, again, I don’t think it’s even close!
She is so associated with this iconic character that actresses who came after her are more often referred to as, “the one in the Fay Wray role” than they are “Ann Darrow.”
Now that’s when you know you’ve put your fingerprints all over a role!
You can find King Kong on dvd (Amazon link).
Cast of Dracula (1931)
Love this Dracula (1931) Promo Shot! The stars are Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, David Manners, and Edward Van Sloan (five of the reasons this iconic movie is as wonderful as it is).
You can buy the iconic 1931 film Dracula on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Edward Van Sloan, David Manners, Helen Chandler, and Bela Lugosi
Elsa Lanchester
I’m not sure I’ve ever published two photos of the day back to back of the same star (or even movie) before, but holy cats, it’s Halloween season and The Bride of Frankenstein is my favorite movie monster, so I can’t help myself.
I love this behind the scenes photo of Elsa. This iconic role was perfectly cast as a role could be cast – she was absolutely perfect in every way.
You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Elsa Lanchester, The Bride of Frankenstein
As I’ve already stated on the old Hollywood blog several times, I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the Frankenstein movies. My favorite is The Bride of Frankenstein but it’s only because of Elsa Lanchester. If she had been in the movie more, I’d have liked it a lot more.
I’m really not sure why I’m not a bigger Frankenstein fan – I LOVE the Dracula movies. Heck I’ve never met one of those I didn’t like.
The most peculiar part of me not liking Frankenstein films is this… Elsa Lanchester isn’t just one of my favorite actress, she’s one I “collect,” as in every photo, doll, or piece of memorabilia I can get my hands on. I particularly love to collect The Bride of Frankenstein figurines and collectibles.
What’s more, in spite of the fact I love Dracula, she is actually my favorite movie monster. She was spectacular.
And yet…. I have no love for the movie… only her!
Sigh. Be that as it may, I enjoy her immensely every single year from about mid-September all the way up to October 31. I break out my Bride of Frankenstein decorations and watch her movie 3-4 times…. admittedly only watching her the final two times.
Even her short scene at the front of the film is outstanding. How could the people in charge not see how magical she was and featured her MORE in the film!?
Okay. Rant, officially over.
For now.
You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Henry Wilcoxon and Claudette Colbert
Cleopatra (1934) was directed by the extraordinary Cecil B. DeMille and boasted a cast that was extraordinary in its own right: Claudette Colbert as Cleopatra, Warren William as Julius Caesar, Henry Wilcoxon as Marc Anthony, Joseph Schildkraut as Herod, and Ian Keith as Octavian.
This is one of those special movies I personally rewatch every chance I get. Not only is it mesmerizing and entertaining each time but I also notice something I’d never noticed before – in spite of having seen this one well over 10 times! Each time I revisit these characters and story, I notice a new expression on someone’s face, a gesture they make I hadn’t noticed before, a gorgeous piece of furniture or jewelry… there’s just so much exquisiteness you can’t possibly enjoy it ALL at one sitting!
You can find Cleopatra (1934) on dvd (Amazon link). Trust me, buying the dvd is the way to go… this one begs to be watched and rewatched
Henry Wilcoxon and Claudette Colbert
Dorothy Lamour, Typhoon (1940)
Typoon was a 1940 film starring the beautiful and exotic Dorothy Lamour. Directed by Louis King, the movie also stars Robert Preston, Lynne Overman, “Chief Thundercloud,” and J Carrol Naish.
Unfortunately, like many of Dorothy’s movies, this one is rarely shown on television.
You can find many Dorothy Lamour dvds (Amazon link) and lobby cards on Amazon. I hope more of her films will become available and would love to see more on Prime Video.
The beauty above is Silent Film star Mildred Davis. She was a frequent co-star (and longtime wife) of legendary actor Harold Lloyd. She’s one of my favorite silent film actresses and one I can’t understand not being a household name!
Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright, charismatic, and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Whether it’s a Musical, Western, Comedy, Romance, Film Noir, or Drama – if it’s on, I’m not too far away… with popcorn and raspberry tea in hand and a couple of cats nearby.
Below are a few Old Hollywood movie reviews I’ve done on the blog. There are, as you’d imagine, a lot more to come. – Joi (“Joy”)
We’re in the Money (Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell)
The Naked Spur (James Stewart, Janet Leigh)
The Prince and the Showgirl (Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier)
The White Sister (Helen Hayes, Clark Gable)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Howard Keel, Jane Powell, Russ Tamblyn, Julie Newmar)
Rio Bravo (John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan)
El Dorado (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Michele Carey)
Rio Grande (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara)
Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (What is it With Me and These Movies??)
The Stooge (Jerry Lewis’ favorite Lewis and Martin Movie… for good reason.)
Critic’s Choice (Hilarious movie starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball)
To Please a Lady (Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck team up in a fast track movie)
Grand Hotel (Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore)
Hearts Divided (Marion Davies, Dick Powell)
The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald)
More Old Hollywood Movie Reviews
Find out just how much I (truly) Love Lucy in the Lucille Ball category. I’m warning you, I call it an obsession for a very good reason…
