Fred Astaire | Hollywood Yesterday

BOTD, the Legendary, Beautiful, Talented, and ICONIC Judy Garland

June 10, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

In the Good Old Summertime, Van Johnson and Judy Garland

Frances Ethel Gumm was BOTD in 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The adorable little girl would go on to become “Judy Garland,” one of the brightest and most-loved stars of all time.

While Judy’s angelic voice and charismatic stage performances are legendary, I actually think of her primarily as an actress – and an extraordinary one, at that.

While I love all of her films, my personal favorites are In the Good Old Summertime (1949), The Pirate (1948), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), and Easter Parade (1948).

Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in The Pirate

Judy exuded warmth, charm, humor, and EVER SO much talent in each of her roles. She also had a natural rapport and chemistry with everyone she came near. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that everyone was sincerely thrilled to be working with her.

Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, Easter Parade

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire: The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

April 26, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

When I see people naming their favorite Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movie, I always wonder the same thing, “How could you possibly choose just one – or two or even three.. or four?!” I love them ALL so completely that I don’t think I’d ever stand a chance of narrowing my favorites down to 4, let alone one.

Apart, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were effortlessly charming, charismatic, and talented. Together? They were movie MAGIC.

While I love all of their films, including the one depicted in this post (The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, 1939), this particular movie is often cited as fan’s least-liked Rogers and Astaire film. However, not surprisingly, even fans who don’t rate it particularly high still say the same thing, that it’s still very good and most certainly worth watching.

Personally I think the problem some may have with this one is that it’s pretty different from the rest in their filmography. It is different but, in my opinion, this is a good thing. When you watch and re-watch as many of their movies as I do, you kind of appreciate the change of pace.

People can be funny sometimes, can’t they? They’ll say so and so made movies that were “all the same” but when one ventures away from a particular formula, they scream, “Not as good! Go back to what made you popular!”

In The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Astaire and Rogers portray Vernon & Irene Castle, renowned ballroom dancers in the years preceding World War I.

This is one of the few I haven’t added to my Ginger Rogers movie collection yet. Looks like I need to skedaddle over to Amazon and take care of that pronto.

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (Amazon link) is available on dvd but doesn’t, unfortunately, appear to be on Prime Video yet. I’ll let you know if that changes.

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Shall We Dance (1937)

November 16, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Fred Astaire

Some stars in Old Hollywood were just so RIGHT that we kind of take them for granted. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, IMO, fall into this category. They were so perfect (every move, every step, every inflection, every expression…) that we kind of take them for granted.

By that I mean, how often do we fail to list Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers on our lists of favorite old Hollywood stars…. but, yet, truth be told, we love them as much as anyone!

Many times, when making a mental (or physical) list of favorites, we tend to go through the dramatic movies… the epics!… and gather up favorite stars. This is all fine and good, but let’s not forget the musicals and comedies. Comedy is even harder for an actor/actress and, let’s face it, there is no better legacy than leaving laughter behind!

When you add to this the fact that musical stars had to act AND sing AND dance, you can’t help but be blown away by their talent.

Ginger Rogers

Recently, on Twitter, I answered a poll that asked for your favorite 20 old Hollywood stars. Given that I watch every single genre from silent films through the 70s, I have many, many favorites. I was kind of proud of myself that I was able to narrow the usual suspects to 22 (I mean, just cheating by two is hardly even cheating, right?), but as soon as I hit “Tweet,” I realized I had forgotten two of the stars who, over the years, have brought me as much joy and happiness as any star – Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

I took them for granted! I replied to myself almost immediately and added them. It made me feel a little better anyway.

Whether they’re together in one of their lovely, perfectly flawless musicals or apart in one of their individual films… I simply love these two to distraction.

And I vow to never leave them out of a favorite list ever again.

You can find Shall We Dance (link to the dvd) on Amazon or watch it on Prime Video.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Shall We Dance

BOTD in 1918, The Beautiful and Talented Rita Hayworth…

October 17, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth, You Were Never Lovelier

Rita Hayworth has been one of my absolute favorite actresses for as long as I can remember. I remember being very, very young and walking through the living room and saw what looked like a princess from one of my storybooks come to life. I sat and watched her with my mom. While I’d give just about anything to be able to sit and watch anything with my mom again, some things haven’t changed – I still think of Rita as a fairytale princess that came to life – if only for a brief time, before leaving us.

The first Rita Hayworth film I saw (the one I watched with my mom) was You Were Never Lovelier (1942) and, to this day, I don’t know why Gilda is so much more popular than this one. Granted, Gilda is an extraordinary movie… but so is You Were Never Lovelier.

Truth be told, though, I am absolutely wild about just about every Rita Hayworth movie. The Lady from Shanghai and The Loves of Carmen aren’t high on my list, but Rita’s in them… and that’s good enough for me!

If you’ve never seen You Were Never Lovelier (link to the dvd on Amazon), I hope you’ll find it and watch it soon. If you HAVE seen it, watch it again! Each time I do, I love it even more.

The Only Thing Better than One Fred and Ginger Movie…Two Fred and Ginger Movies

April 17, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, The Gay Divorcee

As far as I’m concerned, there is just nothing quite like sitting down and enjoying a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical. The world outside your window can be barking mad (and is it ever right now?!), but if Fred and Ginger are on the tv… everything suddenly feels fine… perfectly fine.

Oh, sure the madness will be there as soon as the ending credits finish rolling (it comes more into focus the closer the credits get to the end, doesn’t it?), but for a blissful few hours, the only thing that matters is helping “him” straighten things out with “her,” so that “you” get that happy ending you need.

(Continued Below…)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Roberta

Today, I did something I seldom do (simply because I don’t often have the opportunity) – I watched not one but TWO films back to back and just let the laundry and dishes fend for themselves. When I met up with my cats in the den – with my raspberry tea and popcorn in tow – I knew I had carved out the entire afternoon for a double feature. The only thing left to do was decide which two movies it’d be.

A Western? Maybe a Film-Noir? A Musical? A Comedy? Drama?… Possibly a combination of two different genres??

Nah. Fred and Ginger – cheek to cheek, toe to toe, and back to back. I hadn’t seen The Gay Divorcee in two forevers, so I decided to start with it. Then, I decided to follow it up with Roberta because Ginger is especially adorable in it… too adorable for her own good, actually.

Four hours of BLISS and I don’t regret a single second. The dishes, the laundry, and supper (Uh oh.. I’d better get that started…) can wait. When your psyche needs the magic of Fred and Ginger.. that’s all that matters.

Sigh. They really were something else all together, weren’t they? I love them both dearly.

Hmmm… wonder what my cats have any plans for tomorrow afternoon?

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse: The Band Wagon

April 12, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire, The Band Wagon

The Band Wagon (1953), directed by Vincente Minnelli, stars a few names that helped make musicals as successful as they were and as enjoyable as they are: Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Oscar Levant, and Nanette Fabray.

Everything about this film is stunning – the wardrobe, the choreography, the stars.. everything.

As someone who grew up watching ABC soap operas like her life depended on it, I also get a huge kick out of seeing a very young James Mitchell – not at all like the Palmer Cortlandt (All My Children) I’m most familiar with.

Was he ever deliciously wonderful in the role of Palmer?!?! One of the best daytime actors and characters of all time.

Sorry, I got sidetracked.

Something that Fred Astaire doesn’t get nearly enough credit for is the fact that he was a really good actor. He was, obviously, an absolute dancing guru… but, make no mistake about it… the man could act.

If you’ve never seen The Band Wagon, check it out as soon as possible. It’s a lot of fun and very well-directed – Vincente Minnelli was absolutely one of the best.

Rent or Buy The Band Wagon on Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy The Band Wagon on Blu-Ray (Amazon Link).

Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, Royal Wedding (1951)

March 6, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Fred Astaire and Jane Powell

Jane Powell and Fred Astaire starred in the colorful and fun Royal Wedding in 1951. The musical was directed by Stanley Donen and also stars Peter Lawford, Sarah Churchill, and Keenan Wynn.

While I love this movie, I would have LOVED to have seen a musical featuring these two musical legends as a couple as opposed to siblings. I think the same thing each time I see this one!

You can watch Royal Wedding on Prime Video or buy the dvd (Amazon link).

Iconic! Four Legendary Actors from Ghost Story (1981)

November 14, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Fred Astaire, John Houseman, and Melvyn Douglas

Talk about an ICONIC photo! These four men aren’t just legends, they’re four of the greatest actors of our (or any) time. This is from the wonderful 1981 film Ghost Story. It would mark the last theatrical feature film for Melvyn Douglas, Fred Astaire, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.. I am, and forever will be, amazed and thankful that these men were teamed for a film.

Melvyn Douglas and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. are two of the stars I “collect” – as in all of their films, articles, etc… but this particular film, oddly enough, is proving to be difficult for me to find! I’m accustomed (as an avid collector of my favorites) to struggling to find some older films, but this one is from 1981, it should be easy peasy.

IF you can ever get your hands on it, or find it on TV (also often difficult), be sure to watch it. It’s a darn good movie, wonderful plot… and the cast?? CAN’T BE BEAT!

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: Hard to Handle from Roberta

August 14, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

If Fred and Ginger are on my television (iPad, iPhone, Computer…), I’m utterly transfixed – to their every move, expression, and word. These two were magic, there’s just no other word for it. They made everything look easy, when obviously it was anything BUT!

Below is Hard to Handle from Roberta.

Absolutely magical.

Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire, The Band Wagon (Picture of the Day)

April 15, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire, The Band Wagon

The Band Wagon (1953) stars Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Oscar Levant, and Nanette Fabray. It was beautifully directed by Vincente Minnelli and is, unquestionably, front to back gorgeous – the stars, the wardrobe, the sets, the choreography, the makeup, the story… everything as flawless as Cyd and Nanette.

Nanette Fabray fascinates me – she somehow manages to be both beautiful and adorable at the same time. I just really enjoy watching her films. She brought so much energy to each role.

If you’ve never seen The Band Wagon, I hope you’ll find it on TV or get your hands on a dvd. Like so many musicals from Hollywood’s magical past, it was a delicious escape from reality and just a whole lot of fun.

How can you beat that?!

Rent or Buy The Band Wagon on Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy The Band Wagon on Blu-Ray (Amazon Link).