Debra Paget | Hollywood Yesterday

Susan Hayward and Debra Paget, Demetrius and the Gladiators

August 7, 2023 By Joi

Susan Hayward

Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954) was directed by Delmer Daves and boasts a full on wonderful cast – Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Ernest Borgnine, and Anne Bancroft to name a few.

This is one of those deliciously entertaining films that makes you fall in love with old movies all over again. While it isn’t an iconic, household name like Casablanca or The Adventures of Robin Hood, it is wonderfully colorful, vivid, and incredibly fun. Outstanding cast, beautiful costumes, and larger than life sets.

Sign me up!

You can find Demetrius and the Gladiators (Amazon link) on Prime Video, DVD, or Blu-ray.

Debra Paget, Yvonne De Carlo, Anne Baxter, and Charlton Heston: The Ten Commandments (1956)

March 22, 2022 By Joi

Debra Paget

When I hear the word epic used in the world of film, one of the first movies I think of is the wonderful The Ten Commandments (1956). Directed by the director most associated with epics, Cecil B. DeMille, the movie boasts an absolutely ALL STAR cast: Charlton Heston, Anne Baxter, Yul Brenner , Yvonne De Carlo, Edward G. Robinson, Debra Paget, Cedric Hardwicke, and John Carradine… just to name a few.

Charlton Heston as Moses

I’ve read that at least 14,000 extras and 15,000 animals were used in the filming of The Ten Commandments. Now, I have no idea if it’s factual or not but a long-held old Hollywood story (involving an extra) goes like this: While filming a scene that precedes Moses’ descent from Mount Horeb with the two stone tablets, the legendary producer/director Cecil B. DeMille was seated on top of a ladder, looking down on the action. He was in the middle of one of his customary LONG-WINDED speeches and directions through a megaphone to the hundreds of extras involved. Legend has it that he was angered when he spied a female extra talking to another woman during (horrors!) his speech. He was so incensed that he pointed and directed everyone’s attention to the horrified woman and asked if she’d like to share (with everyone else) what she was saying to the other woman…. what could have been SO IMPORTANT that she’d dare not listen to him with rapt attention?!

After an awkward few seconds of silence, the young woman confessed, “I was just saying to my friend here, ‘I wonder when that bald-headed old fart is gonna call ‘Lunch!‘”

Unfazed, DeMille stared blankly at the woman for a moment… then lifted his megaphone and shouted, “Lunch!”

Again, I have no idea if it’s true or not but I ever so want it to be!

Anne Baxter, The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar and, personally, I have no idea how it didn’t win. The award was given to Around the World in 80 Days. I think I will be scratching my head over that one for all of eternity.

You can find the WONDERFUL epic The Ten Commandments on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Yvonne De Carlo

Debra Paget and Robert Wagner, Behind the Scenes of Prince Valiant

January 9, 2022 By Joi

Robert Wagner and Debra Paget, Behind the Scenes of Prince Valiant

My love for behind the scenes photos has been well-established on the old Hollywood blog, so you already know how much I adore this photo. The costumes, the birds, the hairstyle, makeup…. and even the wig on Robert Wagner!

Prince Valiant is a very entertaining 1954 film, directed by the wonderful Henry Hathaway. If you haven’t seen it in a while – or have never seen it – I hope you check it out soon. The cast is outstanding and also includes James Mason, Janet Leigh, Victor McLaglen, Sterling Hayden, Donald Crisp, and Mary Philips.

Told you it was outstanding!

You can find the Prince Valiant dvd online (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Debra Paget, Prince Valiant: The Gorgeous Picture of the Day We Deserve…

April 16, 2020 By Joi

Debra Paget, Prince Valiant

Stunningly beautiful Debra Paget is an actress most movie fans aren’t too familiar with, and that drives me nuts. Those of us who pretty much, mentally anyway, live in old Hollywood know her very well but the average person hasn’t seen many of her wonderful films. The reason for this? They aren’t shown on television nearly enough. If they were, more would be familiar with this extraordinary actress.

She should be a household name!

So many of our wonderful actors and actresses from classic movies and television have gotten lost in the shuffle over time, which is another reason many aren’t as well-known today as they deserve to be. Many stars who lived more dramatic lives or, tragically, died far too young, are more remembered than others (like Debra Paget) who are just as deserving of remembrance.

Often, the films the stars appeared in have a say in how well-remembered they are, too. If you were fortunate enough to be in a film that is shown frequently on television, you have a much better chance at becoming a household name for future generations.

For wonderfully talented stars such as Debra Paget, sometimes the factors above just don’t work in your favor. Beauty, talent, charisma, and class…. and yet, it is only those of us who truly cherish the classic age of Hollywood who know and appreciate her.

Not to worry, though, you and I are going to do something about that, aren’t we?! That’s why we’re here online sharing pictures, information, facts, movies, and names… we will MAKE them household names or overdose on caffeine trying!

Oh, just me? Okay… I’ll drink enough coffee and raspberry tea for all of us.

If you aren’t familiar with Debra Paget films, I hope you’ll search them out. She was truly something special.

You can find the Prince Valiant dvd online (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Debra Paget: The Ten Commandments Publicity Photo

April 8, 2020 By Joi

Beautiful Debra Paget, The Ten Commandments

Debra Paget is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful actresses of all time. Absolutely stunning, if we’re being honest.

She was also a very good actress and brought a lot of personality and charisma to every role she graced. One of my favorite Debra Paget films is The Ten Commandments. If you’ve never seen this epic film (or if it’s been a few years since you viewed it), I recommend getting your hands on a copy and losing yourself in the splendor.

Remarkable movie, remarkable cast, and… most of all… a remarkable piece of History.

Stunning Debra Paget Picture from Prince Valiant

February 16, 2018 By Joi

Debra Paget, Prince Valiant

Is this an eye-catching picture of the day or what?! The lovely Debra Paget is one of the stars from classic Hollywood that is as beautiful inside as outside.

Which, if you look at her pictures is really saying something!

Lovely Debra Paget Quote About Elvis Presley

January 16, 2018 By Joi

Elvis Presley and Debra Paget, Love Me Tender

About Love Me Tender (1956):
“Originally, it had no songs. Elvis didn’t want to sing, but they wanted to cash in, so he did sing in the movie. I didn’t know Elvis was to do the picture until it was time to do the film. I was very shy, very quiet and very immature for my age. I was in my very early twenties but I was emotionally more like a 16-year-old. Elvis and I just sort of came together like a couple of children really. Following the film, he did ask me to marry him, but my parents objected to my getting married. I cared about Elvis, but being one not to disobey my parents, that did not take place. He was a precious, humble, lovely person. Elvis had a lot of talent; there was a lot of depth they never used.” ~ Debra Paget