Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors
Elvis Presley
The adorable photo above is Elvis Presley behind the scenes of The Ed Sullivan Show. Elvis made three appearances on the iconic television show, twice in 1956 and once in 1957.
You can enjoy Elvis’ January 6, 1957 Episode on Prime Video. You can also find Elvis’ Ed Sullivan Show Appearances on DVD (Amazon link).
Destined to Fly by Sally A. Hoedel
One of my all-time favorite actors/singers/entertainers extraordinaire is Elvis Presley. He’s also one of the first stars I “collected” – in fact, and Audrey Hepburn began my old Hollywood collections long ago. I can’t remember which beloved star came first, but they kicked off a lifetime habit of scouring bookstores, eBay, yard sales, and antique stores.
One of my favorite items to collect for any old Hollywood star is books, because that’s the best possible way to get to know them.
I just finished the book you see here, Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) – a book that not only satisfied my inner history buff, but was like a joy ride for my inner Elvis fangirl. Author Sally A. Hoedel tells the fascinating story of Ron Strauss, an extremely likable and admirable pilot with 12 years of military service under his belt, a loving family, an exciting career.. oh, and two years in Elvis Presley’s inner circle.
You know, the average life of a boy from Iowa.
Elvis Presley
While I completely expected to hang onto every single word of every single story about Elvis that Ron Stauss shared, I didn’t expect to hang on just as tightly to every word about his own life, military experiences, and family – whether the King happened to be in the room or not.
Yet that’s exactly what happened. Whether it was stories from Ron’s childhood, his experience of joining the military (and almost not making it!), meeting his wife, or the ones involving one of the most iconic figures in the world… every single word of this book is extraordinary and I reread many passages more than once.
The author has not only written a thoroughly enjoyable book, it’s one that reads very “fast.” There are no wasted pages, no wasted “filler” paragraphs.. it’s all perfectly wonderful and as entertaining as watchin an old movie.
If you know anything about me, you know what high praise I just heaped upon this book.
(Review continued below…)
From the Back Cover
This lovely book also has photos the family of Ron Strauss has shared and they are an absolute delight. One of my favorite things about this book and about Ron Strauss is the respect with which Elvis is treated. I am so very thankful and grateful for that and, now that I know more about the author and Mr. Strauss, I’d expect no less.
If you are an Elvis fan, you will absolutely love this book… but, here’s the thing… you wouldn’t even have to know who Elvis was to enjoy it! (not than any such person exists, but you get the gist…) Ron Strauss’ story is an extraordinary one and you will enjoy this book greatly.
Author Sally A. Hoedel has a journalism degree from Michigan State University. Like me, she is a lifelong Elvis fan and collector. I felt a connection with her immediately after reading that!
You can visit her website, www.ElvisAuthor.com for more information. While reading this book, I learned that she had also written a book about Elvis titled “Destined to Die Young.” I plan on getting my hands on that one as soon as possible.
I was sent a copy of the wonderful Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis (Amazon link) in exchange for telling you about it. Books in exchange for telling others about them is a dream come true for this book lover!
Imogene Coca, Steve Allen, and Elvis Presley
The Steve Allen Plymouth Show aired on NBC from 1956 to 1960. The variety style show featured some of the biggest names in entertainment including Lena Horne, Elvis Presley, Lou Costello, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, Don Knotts, Imogene Coca, Johnny Carson, Jayne Meadows, and many more. The list of guest stars reads like a Who’s Who in entertainment greats!
Imogene Coca and Elvis Presley were guests on an episode in season one that aired on July 1, 1956.
Look at how young Elvis was! When you stop to realize just how young he was when fame overtook his life, it really makes you stop and think. What must it have been like for someone THAT young?
Elvis Presley, Jailhouse Rock
Elvis Aron Presley was Born on this date in 1935 and those of us who love fun movies and great music are awfully grateful that he was!
Elvis’s middle name was Aaron, named in honor of one of his dad’s friends, but his parents used the Aron spelling to match the middle name of Elvis’ stillborn identical-twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley. You’ll find it written Elvis Aaron Presley more times than not in the media, however, and I believe it’s even spelled that way on his tombstone.
Elvis is one of my very favorites, whether we’re talking singers, entertainers, or actors. He was one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Some people (the negative Nancies and Critical Carls crowd… I try to avoid these characters but every now and then they pop up) want to fixate on his films… criticizing them for not being Casablanca and poking fun at him for not being Humphrey Bogart.
HELLO!?!? MOST films don’t measure up to the greatness of classics like Casablanca and FEW actors could hold their own with the Humphrey Bogart or James Stewarts of the world.
But here’s the thing…. they don’t have to! Entertainment comes in all flavors and all varieties. If a genre or actor/actress doesn’t appeal to you, I have wonderful news – there are many others to choose from. Have at them!
But for goodness sakes, leave people alone who DO enjoy what you seem unable to.
Sorry for ranting – people who spread their negative views when others are trying to be positive and enjoy a particular person or film drive me berserk. I just don’t understand that type of thinking… “Uh oh, this person is saying they enjoy this star’s (Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, John Wayne…) films. I’d better tell them why they’re ridiculous to do that.”
Seriously? Get another hobby lmao!
Okay, Joi (that would be me), breathe. Drink your cranberry smoothie and move on.
Happy Heavenly birthday, Elvis, and thanks so very much for the wonderful music and movies… there’s nothing quite like kicking back and escaping with one of your films. Sometimes it’s EXACTLY what the day calls for!
Shelley Fabares and Elvis, Girl Happy
Elvis on the Set of Girl Happy
Not quite sure what he was up to here, but I pretty much love this photo of Elvis Presley on the set of Girl Happy (1965)!
You can buy Girl Happy on DVD (Amazon link) or watch on Prime Video.
Shelley Fabares and Elvis
There’s something so RIGHT about watching an Elvis movie… especially when it’s one as good as Girl Happy (1965). This movie is one of my favorites – it and Viva Las Vegas are perfection in my world and tie for my favorite Elvis film.
In fact, the leading ladies in these two (Shelley Fabares and Ann-Margret) tie for my favorite Elvis co-star as well. Each wonderful and beautiful actress is incredibly talented and brought out (in different ways) the best of Elvis.
You can find Girl Happy (Amazon link) on dvd or watch on Prime Video.
Ann-Margret and Elvis, Viva Las Vegas
When it was time to choose a picture of the day for Memorial Day, this one came to my mind immediately. To wonderful American stars – one born here, who also served his country (Elvis) and one who chose to call America home (Ann-Margret). I think it’s a great honor when people who could live almost anywhere in the world choose the United States of America to be their home. It honors and flatters every one of us and our beautiful country.
It also shows remarkable taste on their part, if I may be allowed to say so!
Happy Memorial Day to all those who have served, as well as to their families who often sacrifice more than anyone should ever be asked to sacrifice. Have a beautiful and peaceful day and please remember all of those who gave so much for the freedoms and life we tend to take for granted.
~ Joi (“Joy”)
Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley, Viva Las Vegas
Ann-Margret…. one of my favorite actresses and entertainers.
Elvis Presley….. one of my favorite actresses and singers.
Viva Las Vegas…. how could it NOT be one of my favorite movies. As in EVER?!
I am in love with this 1964 movie more than I could ever say. It epitomizes the Sixties in many ways and makes visiting the colorful and fun era unspeakably entertaining.
Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley, Viva Las Vegas
Two of my favorite stars of all time are Ann-Margret and Elvis Presley – love everything about these two. So, it only stands to reason that I should be a fan of Viva Las Vegas (Amazon link), right?? It goes beyond being a fan of it, I’m in love with it! I could seriously watch it several times a month and still want to see more of it.
It’s fun, colorful, upbeat, doesn’t have stress, strife, and violence – it’s just a very enjoyable movie with two of the most charismatic and entertaining stars to ever grace the big (or small) screen. Elvis had a tremendous amount of talent and personality – a tremendous amount… BUT when Ann-Margret is on the scene, she causes him to kick it up a notch, making him even more entertaining and enjoyable.
She’s simply one of those amazing stars who makes everyone around her even better. She did it in every movie she was in. She worked her magic on so many people they may not have even realized they were completely under her spell.
(Continued Below….)
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret
I love many of Elvis’ movies (they’re always just so much fun), but Viva Las Vegas (Amazon link) is my absolute favorite. The music is wonderful, the story is adorable, Elvis is outstanding, and I love the dancing. Most of all, however, make no mistake about it…. it’s the Ann-Margret factor.
The lady is one in a billion.
Elvis Presley, Jailhouse Rock
If you’re going to post a Tuesday picture of the day… might as well make it a great one!
This was a promotional picture for his wonderful 1957 movie Jailhouse Rock (Amazon link to the dvd).
I love this photo of Elvis – it has as much personality as he did. Well, almost.
My main goal with Hollywood Yesterday is to keep the names, faces, and films of the stars that mean so much to me shining brightly. When I’m guilty of focusing more time on my personal favorites (such as Olivia de Havilland) than other stars, I hope you’ll forgive me. I am, by all indications, very human!
Also, please know that I try to keep my posts (except for book reviews) short and to the point, so you can enjoy the pictures, grab the information, and get back to your life. I don’t appreciate anything that’s overly wordy, so I don’t want to do that to others. For better or worse, I write as I talk, so if you ever feel like you’re reading the words of someone who’s a cross between Lucy Ricardo, Daisy Duck, and a Jerry Lewis character, that’s just because you are!
Wait. What did I just admit to??
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…
