Golden Age of Hollywood
Ann-Margret, The Pleasure Seekers Promotional Pic
I would point out that this picture of Ann-Margret is one of my favorites except for one thing… they’re all my favorites! She is, undoubtedly, one of the most photogenic ladies to ever exist.
I love how, in this picture, she proves that redheads can MOST CERTAINLY wear red. Or any darn color they’re in the mood for!
Love this photo of Ann-Margret, Carol Lynley, and Pamela Tiffin! The three beautiful actresses starred together in The Pleasure Seekers (1964) and, for whatever reasons, the film didn’t do as well as it, honestly should have.
It’s a lot of fun and, in many ways, is kind of the 60’s version of How to Marry a Millionaire. I really love it.
Ann-Margret believed that the lack of success was due to the fact that audiences weren’t ready to see her in an adult, lady of the world type of role because they knew her mainly from Bye, Bye Birdie. I truly think she makes a great case.
Hopefully audiences, today, will discover the film and give it the attention it deserves.
An Ann-Margret, Carol Lynley, and Pamela Tiffin fan can certainly hope, can’t she?!
Pat Boone and Ann-Margret, State Fair (1962)
As I’ve said before (probably a million times), Ann-Margret is one of my favorite actresses. For one thing, I’m drawn to happy people and, somehow, she (in and out of character) strikes me as a very happy person. I love her energy, her talent (very versatile lady), and her overall vibe. While she’s (obviously) one of the most beautiful actresses of all time, her beauty (for me anyway) isn’t even in the top 3 of things to love about her.
If you’ve never seen her in State Fair, I hope you’ll see the film as soon as possible. She’s so adorable in this film- it’s one of my favorite of her roles. While the movie has a wonderful cast, I think she’s the main reason it’s as fun as it is.
Beautiful Ann-Margret has LONG been one of my favorite actresses. I have never considered actresses from her era (such as Angie Dickinson, Julie Newmar, Barbara Eden, Elizabeth Montgomery, Tina Louise… other huge favorites) “Old Hollywood,” as they feel far too modern for the term.
However, the title of the blog IS Hollywood Yesterday, after all, and I want VERY MUCH to draw as much attention to these stars as any, so I’m going to begin including them more – side by side with the Buster Keatons and Katharine Hepburns of the world.
I seriously doubt anyone will mind one bit!
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, Viva Las Vegas (1964)
If you love both Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret like I do, then you’ll love this film! It’s just good, clean, old-fashioned fun like most of Elvis’ movies and like so many of the films made at this time.
They didn’t overthink things back then when making comedies – they just had as much fun as God’s law would allow!
(Continued Below….)
A Few Fast Facts About Viva Las Vegas:
Ann-Margret, Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
Director George Sidney was, understandably, so moved by Ann-Margret’s talent (and, I’m certain, her personality and charisma) that when the film was edited he went to Columbia’s executives and proposed that the opening and closing bumpers showcase her. They didn’t want to pay for any additional filming so he rented the studio and crew at his own expense!
He asked the composers to come up with a title song. Ann-Margret’s wonderful skirt-flipping & hair-tossing rendition of the song was used and Ann-Margret became a household name.
View the Opening and Closing “Bumpers” Below:
So much talent, beauty, personality and charisma it almost isn’t fair!
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.
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
I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn, A Personal Biography
Steps in Time (Fred Astaire)
Enchantment (Audrey Hepburn)
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…
Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!
