Frank Sinatra | Hollywood Yesterday

Vera-Ellen, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, and Jules Munshin: On the Town (Wonderful Musical, Perfect Cast)

September 24, 2022 By Joi

Vera-Ellen and Gene Kelly, On the Town

On the Town (1949, directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly) is such a wonderful musical – each time I see it, the same thoughts swirl around my head….

We simply do NOT talk enough about Vera-Ellen. She was an absolute treasure and treasures should be loudly celebrated.
Frank Sinatra, while (deservedly) celebrated for his music, voice, entertainment skills, and charisma, does not get enough credit for his acting. He had so much talent as an actor and was VERY versatile. Drama, musicals, comedy – there wasn’t a role out of his reach.
Betty Garrett was the very definition of a flawless performer. She was mesmerizing in every role, every scene… so much energy and always so fun to watch. Whatever film this actress made, she made you fall in love with her character AND her!
Jules Munshin was an absolute GENIUS… he managed (with aplomb!) not to get lost in scenes with not one but TWO iconic legends in Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Seriously.. how does one even think about pulling that off? What’s more, he even manages to steal a few scenes. This wonderful performer should have been given more roles. He was truly something else!
Speaking of “should have been given more,” one of the first names that always comes to mind with these words is the stunningly beautiful and talented Ann Miller. She was never anything less than a knock-out and, like Jules, a complete scene-stealer… yet, Hollywood consistently relegated her to supporting roles or the “second female.” She was capable and deserving of so much more.

Frank Sinatra

On the Town was the third (and final) movie Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra made together. Frank Sinatra would go on to say in an interview, “I could never dance, but Gene Kelly made me look like I could.”

Could have fooled me!

Betty Garrett and Frank Sinatra

Ironically, when I first saw the movie (as a teenager), my initial response to the pairing of Betty Garrett and Frank Sinatra was negative…. okay, hugely negative. Why? I have no idea. But I distinctly remember the characters all showing up on my tv screen and my mentally pairing them up differently… Frank Sinatra with Vera-Ellen, Gene Kelly with Ann Miller, and Betty Garrett with Jules Munshin.

Yes… pairing them completely different than they were in actuality! When it became apparent how each couple was to be paired, I was okay with two of the three but completely not buying into Betty and Frank.

Long story short, they won me over before the movie was even half over. What’s more, guess which pair is my favorite each and every time I revisit this movie. You guessed it, Frank and Betty.

Having said that, I love each couple with all my heart, but… well… feel a little something extra for the one I took a few minutes to warm up to.

Ann Miller and Jules Munshin

You can find On the Town on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the magic on Prime Video.

Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, Guys and Dolls (1955)

August 27, 2022 By Joi

Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra

Two of the most iconic legends from old Hollywood, Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, star in the wonderful 1955 film Guys and Dolls. Directed by one of the greatest directors ever, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the film’s cast also includes Jean Simmons, Vivian Blaine, Robert Keith, and Stubby Kaye.

As likable as Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra always seem (to me anyway) to have been, they apparently didn’t get along whatsoever. It seems they didn’t get off on the right foot, and things kind of went downhill from there. Doesn’t seem to be a hideous feud… just two ridiculously talented, bright, and headstrong men who didn’t see eye to eye.

The strained relationship certainly didn’t affect their performances (professionals always find a way to get the job done!) and the film is truly extraordinary. I think I fall more in love with it each time I watch it. Truth be told, however, Frank Sinatra is such a favorite that I could watch anything he’s in and declare it a classic.

Guys and Dolls is available on dvd and Blu-Ray (Amazon link) or you can watch the movie on Prime Video.

Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando, Guys and Dolls

The Man with the Golden Arm: Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, and Kim Novak

January 28, 2021 By Joi

Eleanor Parker

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) starred Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak, and Eleanor Parker and was directed by Otto Preminger. It seems to be a film that not only few have seen, but also one few have even heard of! That’s a real shame because the three leads turn in outstanding performances.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was a wonderful actor and this role gives him a chance to really showcase his talent.

You can watch The Man with the Golden Arm on Prime Video or buy the dvd on Amazon. I highly recommend this one.

Kim Novak

Hollywood in Kodachrome: A Spectacular Book for Anyone Who Loves Old Hollywood, Beauty, and Photography

July 20, 2020 By Joi

Hollywood in Kodachrome by David Wills

As I said in a previous post, I’ve had a really, really rotten July. I just did my makeup, so I won’t get into the details again.. runny mascara isn’t much of a look on anyone not named Ava Gardner.

To lift my spirits, one of my daughters (Brittany) bought me the book you see here, Hollywood in Kodachrome. Knowing my GREAT love for Old Hollywood, she knew I’d lose myself in its pages at a time when losing myself would be just what I needed.

This book is absolutely spectacular – if you love old Hollywood and/or photography, this is the next book you’ll want to add to your collection. Each time I sit, looking through the gorgeous photos, I think how it feels this book was made just for me… just for now.

However, that’s dangerously short-changing the book. Hollywood in Kodachrome is an ideal book for anyone – whether their spirits need to be lifted or their spirits are soaring just fine, thank you very much.

Photographers, understandably, are very particular about where, when, and how their photos are shared with others, so I don’t want to include any here in the post. When you click through one of the links in this post, you can see some of the photos in a preview on Amazon. Even though they appear there, I’m just not comfortable publishing them, here.

I will tell you a few names you can expect to see gorgeous photos of:

Lena Horne
Maureen O’Hara
Henry Fonda
Veronica Lake
Rita Hayworth
Lana Turner
Frank Sinatra
John Wayne
Martha Vickers
Marilyn Monroe
Bette Davis
And many, many, many more.

Many of these photos are never-before-seen!

From the Back Cover

Kodachrome film saturated the 1940s with an unprecedented explosion of color. Movie audiences, accustomed to seeing photographs of their favorite stars on magazine covers, billboards, and cinema marquees in monochrome or black-and-white, were suddenly enthralled as their idols came to life in vibrant hues as flesh-and-blood human beings. For the first time, the world was treated to the glory of Rita Hayworth’s auburn hair, Gary Cooper’s blue eyes, Betty Grable’s rosy cheeks, and the multicolored fruit bouquets of Carmen Miranda’s hats.

Curator and photographic preservationist David Wills has amassed one of the world’s largest private collections of original Kodachromes and color photographs from the 1940s. Now, in Hollywood in Kodachrome, he has gathered spectacular, museum-quality work from many of the great photographers of Hollywood’s golden era—George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, John Engstead, Paul Hesse, Ernest Bachrach, Bernard of Hollywood, Robert Coburn, Ray Jones, Bud Fraker, Frank Powolny, Eugene Robert Richee, and many others—to create this stunning portfolio of images that pays homage to the richest, clearest, most brilliant, and archivally dependable film stock in history.

Among the highlights:

Rare and classic images digitally restored from their original 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 Kodachrome sheet transparencies, vintage Carbro and dye transfer prints, and modern Cibachrome prints.

Never-before-seen publicity photos, scene stills, and work shots from many of Hollywood’s most beloved films of the 1940s.

Previously unpublished portraits of Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, Lana Turner, Errol Flynn, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, and many others.

Rare “posed candids” and behind-the-scenes photos of stars at play, poolside, relaxing at home, and with family.

Unpublished outtakes of stars in famous ad campaigns, including Max Factor, Lux, Lipton Tea, Lucky Strike, and Royal Crown Cola.

Never-before-seen WWII patriot photography of stars in service uniform and posing with the American flag.

Pairing more than 250 first-generation photographs with vintage magazine covers, advertisements, movie posters, quotes from photographers, and a personal foreword by Hollywood’s “Queen of Technicolor,” Rhonda Fleming, Hollywood in Kodachrome is an unforgettable showcase of a time when movies were truly glamorous and color photography reigned supreme at its most luscious.

Find this extraordinary book on Amazon (Hollywood in Kodachrome) or in a bookstore. You’re going to love it each time you look through it. Talk about a fascinating coffee table book – only problem is, you’ll lose your guest’s attention entirely as they look through this very, very large 352 page book!

Kathryn Grayson in The Kissing Bandit (Beautiful Actress, Fun Movie!)

December 26, 2019 By Joi

Kathryn Grayson

Ever watch a movie you thoroughly enjoyed, only to read bad reviews afterward??! For me, it happens fairly regularly and I guess one of the reasons is a simple one… I’m not difficult to entertain! You’ve heard the saying, “It doesn’t take much to amuse me..” right? It could have been invented for me. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with it, but I am an only child, so (at a very young age) I learned to entertain myself and find amusement and joy in the simplest of things. If you don’t have siblings to entertain you and add adventure to your world, you’re on your own. Literally.

Maybe I learned, early, that life is one highly entertaining place and it’s just waiting for you to jump in!

The Kissing Bandit (1948) is a bright, colorful, light-hearted, spirited, and fun movie. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and, I’m sure, hoped the viewer wouldn’t either. Pure fun. Plus it stars the always entertaining and enjoyable Frank Sinatra and the ridiculously talented and beautiful Kathryn Grayson.

What’s not to love?!

If you’re the type who enjoys a fun romp, you’ll love The Kissing Bandit (dvd on Amazon).

Ravings of a Dean Martin Fan with “A Marshmallow World” on the Side

December 13, 2018 By Joi

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, A Marshmallow World

There are many personal favorite stars who I am convinced DO NOT get the appreciation they deserve. Who knows, maybe one of the reasons I started this Golden Age of Hollywood blog, in the first place, was to remedy the oversights!

Example of the day…. Dean Martin. Okay, this is one I could really go on and on about. Seriously.

Is he a household name? Absolutely.

Do people realize that he was a hilarious comedian? Absolutely.

Do they realize how extraordinary his voice was? Absolutely.

But… somehow (in my opinion) he still doesn’t quite get the appreciation he deserves.

Dean Martin had a larger than life personality and a sense of humor that was staggering. These traits seem to be associated with him more than any other – which is fine, mind you… we should all have such a wonderful personality that it’s remembered long after we’re gone.

And yet…

If you’ve watched as many Dean Martin movies as I have and have listened to as many of his songs as I have, you know that this was an incredibly multi-talented star – the kind that do not come around often.

I think I actually had “Dean Martin fan” etched into my DNA. He was one of my mother’s favorite singers (he, Elvis, and The Oakridge Boys… what a soundtrack I had growing up!) and he was one of my dad’s absolute favorite actors. Like me, he’d go on and on about how effortless he made each role seem. Whether he was playing straight man to the wonderful Jerry Lewis or serving as a deputy to John Wayne’s character in Rio Bravo – he was never caught “acting,” he simply WAS the character you were enjoying at the moment.

My husband and I watch Rio Bravo several times a year and, yes, we do have the lines memorized at this point. We’ve seen it so often, we’ll often cue the characters…

Okay, Dude, rub your face…
Time to sing, boys…
Walk it out, Chance…
Fling those feathers, girl!

Sometimes we’ll even laugh in anticipation of what Stumpy’s fixing to say.

A couple of things consistently occur to me EACH time we watch this favorite movie.

ONE. Angie Dickinson was (and is) impossibly and flawlessly beautiful. Her facial features master the concept of teamwork better than most. She was the perfect “Feathers” and there is no actress who could have brought the character to life as beautifully.

TWO. John Wayne was larger than life. His onscreen persona, to this day, stands out as being one of the most imposing of all stars. Whatever “it” is, he had “it” from the tip of his hat to the toes of his boots. Watching John Wayne movies is one of the funnest things in the world and he is the reason.

THREE. Walter Brennan is a national treasure. His Stumpy is one of the most adorable and hilarious movie characters of all time – like “Feathers”, the role was cast perfectly.

FOUR. Dean Martin was more than a performer and more than a personality… he was an actor… make that ACTOR. If he had chosen to, he could have carved out a career as a dramatic actor and gone on to make a slew of memorable dramas. Fortunately for us, however, he chose a diverse career and has left us with dramatic roles, comedic roles, and songs that are as memorizing as a flip of Feather’s feathers.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is also one of my favorite Dean Martin songs and I listen to it nonstop this time of year. A Marshmallow World is a seriously fun song – it sets the tone for the Christmas season deliciously.

At the top of the post is A Marshmallow World performed by Dean Martin and a friend of his… I’m sure you’ve heard of him.. Frank Sinatra. I love this duet! At the bottom of the post is the version of A Marshmallow World by Dean Martin all by himself. What. A. Voice. I couldn’t decide which version to include in this post, so I did the “totally me” thing and went with both.

What can I say? I hate decisions.

Dino Paul Crocetti will always be one of my favorites and, if you get a chance, I hope you’ll watch each of his movies and listen to each of his songs. If he isn’t already, he’ll quickly become one of your favorites, too.