Old Hollywood Actresses

Here are the actresses (leading ladies as well as "scene stealers") from Hollywood's Golden Age - the classic era that many refer to as "Old Hollywood." I just call it the Best Hollywood.

How Well Do You Know Maureen O’Hara?

December 22, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Maureen O’Hara as Esmerelda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Beautiful Maureen O’Hara has long been one of my favorite actresses. I first saw her in Miracle on 34th Street and remember thinking, even as a child, that she was extraordinarily beautiful and compelling. Of course, I had no idea what compelling meant at that time, but I knew she was all over it.

The second movie I remember seeing her in was The Parent Trap with Brian Keith. Still gorgeous and still compelling – and this time I understood the word. You just cannot look away when she’s commanding a scene.

Growing up with a father who loved Westerns like kids love candy (that’s where I get my infatuation with Westerns from), I’d go on to see her very, very often alongside one of our favorite cowboys, John Wayne.

While Maureen O’Hara starred with John Wayne in five films, it often felt like she was in every other one. In each film they starred in together, they portrayed a married couple. John Ford directed the first three:

Rio Grande (1950)
The Quiet Man (1952)
The Wings of Eagles (1957)
McLintock! (1963)
Big Jake (1971).

She and John Wayne remained friends until his death. In fact, in her home in St. Croix, she had a wing she actually called the John Wayne Wing because he stayed there while visiting.

Fast Facts About the Compelling Maureen O’Hara!

She was having lunch with Lucille Ball when Lucy first saw Desi Arnaz.
Was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
She became an American citizen on January 25, 1946 but retained her Irish citizenship. It was the first time in history that the United States government recognized an Irish citizen as Irish, leading to a change in process for all Irish immigrants.
An exceptional typist, she typed some of her own scripts and rewrites.
In 1993, she was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Gave birth to her only child, daughter Bronwyn Brigid Price (aka Bronwyn FitzSimons) in 1944. Bronwyn was named after the character played by Anna Lee, Maureen’s co-star, in How Green Was My Valley (1941).
She was one of four actresses to be nicknamed “Queen of Technicolor”. The other three: Maria Montez, Yvonne De Carlo, and Rhonda Fleming.
She was the second actress (Myrna Loy was the first) to receive an honorary Academy Award without ever having been nominated previously.
Bronwyn’s son Conor Beau FitzSimons became an hairdresser who owns his own line called “The Red Collection“, honoring his famous grandmother.
Maureen got her daughter started in movies with a cameo in Spencer’s Mountain(1963). Though a gifted actress, Bronwyn dropped out of films after a brief career and began a family.
A Conservative Republican, she supported the Presidencies of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush.
Maureen O’Hara was the last credited cast member of Miracle on 34th Street to pass away (October 24, 2015 in Idaho). She is buried at Arlington Cemetery, beside her late husband Charles Blair, a great military officer.

Continued Below…

John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Claude Jarman, Jr. in Rio Grande

Maureen O’Hara Quotes

“Every star has that certain something that stands out and compels us to notice them. As for me I have always believed my most compelling quality to be my inner strength, something I am easily able to share with an audience. I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I never thought my looks would have anything to do with becoming a star. Yet it seems that in some ways they did.”

“I made John Wayne sexy. I take credit for that.”

(About some of her leading men.) “I enjoyed James Stewart, I enjoyed Brian Keith and I enjoyed Henry Fonda. Jeff Chandler was a nice man but a bad actor.”

(When asked what her most marked characteristic was.) “The hell and fire in me. They came as a set.”

“Speaking as an actress, I wish all actors would be more like Duke (John Wayne), and speaking as a person, it would be nice if all people could be honest and as genuine as he is. This is a real man.”
(About Walt Disney referring to her as, “That bi*ch.”) “I don’t mind what he said. He didn’t like me because I wouldn’t let him get out of a contract. Not many people had the guts to stand up to him. At least he didn’t think of me and say, ‘That wimp’.”

“I proved there was a bloody good actress in me. It wasn’t just my face. I gave bloody good performances.”

Miracle on 34th Street: Memorable Scenes from One of the Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time

December 22, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

In a funny little twist of irony, some of my absolute favorite stars have starred in the absolute best Christmas movies:

Jimmy Stewart: It’s a Wonderful Life
Maureen O’Hara: Miracle on 34th Street
Barbara Stanwyck: Christmas in Connecticut
Bing Crosby: White Christmas

I’m not sure why, but Miracle on 34th Street (1947) doesn’t seem to get the attention many other Christmas movies do. Yes, the others are outstanding… but so is Miracle on 34th Street!

This has been one of my favorite movies since I was around the age of Natalie Wood’s adorable character Susan. The movie is filled with love, laughter, emotion, and hope – who can ask for more than that from a Christmas movie?

The fact that you often hear people talk about Die Hard as a Christmas movie more than this one is enough to make you as nutty as the cookies you leave out for Santa.

Okay, ranting over. Let’s just celebrate this wonderful, beautiful movie!

Did You Know?

According to a Natalie Wood biography, young Natalie believed that Edmund Gwenn was actually Santa Claus! In fact, it wasn’t until she saw him out of costume at the wrap party that she realized he wasn’t Santa.
Natalie Wood was eight years old when filming Miracle on 34th Street.
Maureen O’Hara had this to say about Edmund Gwenn, “By the time we were halfway through the shoot, we all believed Edmund really was Santa Claus. I’ve never seen an actor more naturally suited for a role.”
The department stores (Macy’s and Gimbel’s) depicted in the movie had to grant permission in order for the producers to use their names. Both stores wanted to see the finished film first before they gave this approval. Fortunately (and for obvious reasons), both stores loved the film and gave their permission!
From Maureen O’Hara’s autobiography: “Everyone felt the magic on the set and we all knew we were creating something special. I am very proud to have been part of a film that has been continually shown and loved all over the world for nearly sixty years. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) has endured all this time because of the special relationship of the cast and crew, the uplifting story and its message of hope and love, which steals hearts all over the world every year. I don’t think I will ever tire of children asking me, ‘Are you the lady who knows Santa Claus?’ I always answer, ‘Yes, I am. What would you like me to tell him?'”

Below are just a few special scenes from this extra special movie.

Santa Won’t Lie to Susan:

Susan Believes:

The One and Only Santa Claus!

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.

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.

Life-Size Rita Hayworth Standup Cardboard Cutout

October 18, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

I’ve bellyached and bemoaned so long that maybe… just maybe… we’ll start seeing more collectibles, gift ideas, books, etc. for ALL our Golden Age of Hollywood favorites as opposed to just Marilyn, James, John Wayne, and Audrey.

Not that I don’t love them muchly, because I do. But let’s not forget Lucille (not just as Lucy), Ava, Rita, Barbara, Hattie, Veronica, Lana, Angie, Maureen, Joan Crawford, Joan Blondell, Joan Fontaine, Lauren, Bogie, Elizabeth, Bette, Claudette, Helen, Yvonne, James Stewart, Dorothy, Ginger, Fred, Jerry, Dean, Ray, Butterfly, Jane Wyman, Olivia… you get the idea.

There are far too many wonderful stars to settle for just four!

I just saw this glorious Rita Hayworth Standup Cardboard Cutout on Amazon and I had to come blog about it instantly.

Can you tell she’s one of my absolute favorites?

Printed on heavy duty cardboard
Can be mounted on wall or door or can be displayed standing with the included easel
Shipped folded and is easily assembled
Stands 68 inches tall and is 27 inches wide

I only hope we’ll start seeing more of all the stars we love so much. I’ll just keep bemoaning and bellyaching until we do.

Count on it!

Mitzi Gaynor: Anything Goes!

October 12, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

When it comes to having a favorite genre of movie, it’s impossible for me to choose one. I love all old movies and trying to pick a favorite genre is almost like trying to pick a favorite child!

Watching a Mitzi Gaynor or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical is as Heavenly for me as a John Wayne or Glenn Ford Western and a Western is as Heavenly as a Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis or Abbott and Costello comedy…. which, of course, is as Heavenly as a Barbara Stanwyck or Rita Hayworth drama.

See what I mean? Impossible. Instead of taking time to pick a favorite, I’d rather spend my time watching, enjoying, and loving each and every one. Which is, of course, exactly what I do.

I recently re-watched Anything Goes (for probably the tenth time) and, as always, I was blown away by the uncommonly gorgeous and talented Mitzi Gaynor. It should have been illegal to be that beautiful and so multi-talented. The lady could sing, dance, and act… all while looking like a gazillion bucks.

She has long been one of my favorite stars and these are, obviously, a few of the reasons. But, if we’re being honest, it goes beyond the beauty and even the talent. There was a sincerity and a pureness about each of her performances. You never watched a Mitzi Gaynor scene or musical number and thought, “Well, her heart wasn’t in that one…” She had a love of entertaining people that was palpable. Like other extra-special performers (Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis, Jr come to mind), she obviously loves to bring happiness to people and, if you ask me, that’s the kind of magic that sets some stars apart from the rest.

Now I’m doing what I often do with my favorites…. babbling on! I’ll just leave you with one of my favorite Mitzi Gaynor performances and let you see what I’m trying to say for yourself.

Mitzi Gaynor Singing Anything Goes from the 1956 Movie Anything Goes:

Also See: Mitzi Gaynor: I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy from South Pacific

The Bat: FUN Classic Horror Movie With Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price (Review)

October 8, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Vincent Price and Gavin Gordon in The Bat

Although the weather here in Kentucky doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo, we are fast-approaching Halloween. What better time to focus a few movie reviews on delicious old horror films?!

First up to bat… well… The Bat!

I’m sure I’ve mentioned in my Old Hollywood movie reviews before that there are precious few classic movies I dislike. I am so completely in love with the Golden Age of Hollywood that I’m very easy to please when it comes to movies. Honestly, I’d rather re-watch the movies I don’t particularly like (Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Prince and the Showgirl, Mogambo) than to watch anything from Hollywood since 1980.

But that’s just me.

So, there will inevitably be movies now and then that I like or even love that others (possibly even you) may feel lukewarm about or even hate with a vengeance. The movie I want to rave about today might just be the poster child for such a situation. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever read anyone liking The Bat as much as I do.

The Bat was made in 1959, so you have to be understanding when it comes to special effects. Of course, those of us who pretty much live for our next old movie understand that.

The movie stars the always perfect Vincent Price and one of my favorite actresses, Agnes Moorehead. The wonderful cast is round out by Lenita Lane, Gavin Gordon, BEAUTIFUL Elaine Edwards (all caps… yes, deserving), John Sutton, and Darla Hood. Yes! That Darla Hood, from The Little Rascals. You’ll know her the minute she walks in the room – same face, same hair. It’s as though little Darla was simply stretched out and gussied up. Her role isn’t a large one, but she’s memorable.

Plot: A crazy killer known as “The Bat” is on the loose in a mansion (“The Oaks”) filled with people. Agnes Moorehead plays mystery writer Cornelia Van Gorder who has rented The Oaks, along with her secretary/friend Lizzie (played by Lenita Lane… quite the scene-stealer).

{Review Continued Below…}

Agnes Moorehead in The Bat

Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price, and Lenita Lane are outstanding in this movie. Somehow it just seems Mr. Price was born for this type of film, doesn’t it!?

Ironically, in an interview on Sinister Image in 1987, Vincent Price revealed that the stage version of “The Bat” had absolutely terrified him when he was a child. Apparently this is why he accepted the role in this film because he thought the filmmakers “would revive it and bring it up to date.” Sadly, he was disappointed with the final result because he didn’t believe it was a good script.

Could the script have been better? Well, yes. But that simply points out how wonderful the cast and director were to take an “okay” script and make a very entertaining film out of it.

The Bat would be the last film for both Lenita Lane and Darla Hood. Each actress would go on to live out their life outside of movies rather than in them.

The Bat isn’t, in my opinion, a very frightening film, but it IS very enjoyable and entertaining and absolutely perfect for this time of year!

On Amazon:

Vincent Price 5 Frightening Features (The Bat, Shock, The Jackals, The Last Man on Earth, and House on Haunted Hill )
Horror Hall of Fame Gift Set (Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, Donald Sutherland, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing…)