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You are here: Home / Archives for Harry Belafonte

Carmen Jones: The Magic of Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte

July 20, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Carmen Jones Lobby Card

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte: Carmen Jones Lobby Card

Do you happen to have a favorite movie (literally, one of your all-time favorites) that hardly anyone you talk to has ever seen? You want to talk about its stars, quotes, and scenes with someone but…. it seems only you, within your circle of family and friends… has even seen it?!

Carmen Jones is one of mine that fits this description as perfectly as Dorothy Dandridge fit a dress (A Woman’s Secret and The World, the Flesh, and the Devil are two more).

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte are two of my absolute favorites. One of my greatest “old Hollywood” regrets is that these charismatic and talented stars weren’t in more. I can’t tell you how much I’d LOVE to have shelves filled with their dvds. There’s just something about the acting styles and charisma of these two that lights up the room for me.

Carmen Jones is a fascinating film. It’s almost like director Otto Preminger took an old black and white film-noir, added color… then took a musical and added it to the mix. Then, for good measure grabbed a sexy mystery and threw it in the pot. The result is fascinating, in every sense of the word.

When I first watched Carmen Jones (years ago), I was really upset that Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte were dubbed by opera singers. I mean… come on… Belafonte can MORE THAN sing for himself and Dorothy Dandridge had a lovely singing voice. At the time, I thought this “dubbing” was the one drawback of the film.

However, when I watched it a second time (and then third, fourth, fifth…), I actually “got” what Otto Preminger was selling. The opera absolutely, positively adds to the entire ambiance of the film and helps it to stand out as an even more unique and mesmerizing work of art.

Many movies you can say, “THIS film is a lot like THAT one…” but not with Carmen Jones. Why? There is absolutely not another film like it and I’m certain there never will be. This cast and its director and writers struck pure gold. The film and its stars should have won as many awards as were available. Seriously, the Academy Awards that year should have been a Carmen Jones invitational.

(Continued below Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte)

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte, Carmen Jones

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte

Dorothy Dandridge was, at least, nominated as lead actress – but she wasn’t given the award. I refuse to say, “..she lost” because that’s not quite true. She wasn’t given her award – and, make no mistake about it, it was her award and should have been in her hands.

I often wonder what winning would have done for this beautiful actress.Her troubled life ended far too soon (she was only 42 when she died) and she was never given the type of (or number of) roles she deserved. I often wonder if she had been given this award if her life would have changed.

For that matter, I often wonder what a win would have meant for black actors and actresses – would they have earned the respect and chance they deserved sooner? Questions like that frustrate me because, trust me, the award should have been Dorothy’s. I’ve seen each of the films from which the actresses in the category with her were in – and Carmen Jones multiple times.

The Oscar was given to the wrong lady. Period.

What’s even more frustrating – more should have been nominated! Harry Belafonte gave an absolutely phenomenal performance. He took his character on one heck of a journey and did so flawlessly. He begins the film as such an innocent young man… then here comes beautiful Carmen and my guy didn’t stand a chance!

If you love great acting, great chemistry, film-noirs, musicals, wonderful stories, and movies with endings that leave you speechless (and thinking about them for days!), I am begging you to see Carmen Jones.

Watch Carmen Jones on Amazon Prime.

Buy Carmen Jones on DVD (Amazon link).

Buy Carmen Jones on Blu-Ray (Amazon link).

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Carmen Jones Lobby Card

Filed Under: Carmen Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Carmen Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier: Actors, Activists, and Friends for Life

March 10, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Harry Belafonte Sidney Poitier and Charlton Heston
Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Charlton Heston
When two of your favorite actors or actresses happen to be friends in real life, it’s pretty cool, isn’t it? Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte are actually longtime friends. They were born just nine days apart and first met in New York (when they were 20) before either was in show business.
I love both actors/activists so much. Class acts, talented men, and great role models for young men today.
The actors made Uptown Saturday Night (1974, Directed by Sidney Poitier) and Buck and the Preacher (1972, also Directed by Sidney Poitier) together. I can’t tell you how much I wish they had (or would have!) more collaborations.
(Photo: Civil Rights March 1963 – Charlton Heston is also pictured.)

Filed Under: Charlton Heston, Harry Belafonte, Picture of the Day, Sidney Poitier Tagged With: Charlton Heston, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier

Pictures of the Day: Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Ruby Dee (Buck and the Preacher)

March 5, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, Buck and the Preacher

Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, Buck and the Preacher (1972)

How’s this for a great picture of the day? Two of my favorite actors in one place… BANG! Well, literally bang because this picture of the talented twosome is a scene from the wonderful western Buck and the Preacher (Amazon link).

(Continued Below Ruby Dee…)

Ruby Dee, Buck and the Preacher

 

This western isn’t shown often on television and it’s a real shame. Ruby Dee and Cameron Mitchell also starred in this one. Ruby Dee is, as always, mesmerizing in her role as Ruth. This talented lady was quite an actress and should be as much of a household name as anyone.

Speaking of household names, I love the way Sidney Poitier (who also directed the film) and Harry Belafonte worked together in Buck and the Preacher and wish they’d made a lot more movies together.

I hope you’ll check this western out as soon as possible. Phenomenal cast and the directing… by Mr. Poitier.. is excellent.

Seriously… is there anything this man can’t do?


 

Filed Under: Harry Belafonte, Picture of the Day, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Westerns Tagged With: Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier

Harry Belafonte: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (1959)

February 1, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Harry Belafonte: The World the Flesh and the Devil

Harry Belafonte: The World the Flesh and the Devil

If you’ve never seen The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) from 1959, don’t feel too badly. It’s a very difficult movie to find on tv and the dvd isn’t too easy to find either… but, my goodness, is it ever worth the effort.

Harry Belafonte does a phenomenal job in this film (as he does in all his films). He stars as Ralph Burton, a trapped miner who frees himself only to find that all of humanity has been destroyed in a nuclear holocaust.

Or has it?

He travels to New York City only to find it seemingly deserted.

The movie is at its absolute best when it is just Harry Belafonte’s Ralph – all alone in the world. It’s amazing just how entertaining it is to watch these scenes. It’s so enjoyable, in fact, that you kind of resent the other two characters showing up – especially Mel Ferrer’s jerk character Benson. Inger Stevens (Sarah) is likable enough to forgive her for intruding on Ralph’s world, but not Mel.

The World The Flesh and The Devil Lobby Card

In fact, after he had been on the scene for just 3 minutes, I was yelling, “Why did you have to survive?!” at the tv. What can I say, I get into my movies – plus it entertains the cats, so it’s a win-win.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie is still good even after these two show up… BUT it is a perfect 10 before they arrive… a solid 9-1/2 after Inger arrives.. and a solid 8 when oh what’s-his-name comes dragging along. It’s not Mel Ferrer’s fault, mind you – great, great actor. It’s just that his character is about as likable as a two week stent with a stomach virus, topped off with pneumonia, pink eye, and a fractured kneecap.

Oh yeah, he’s a joy.

The World The Flesh and The Devil Lobby Card

Having said all of that, I still give this movie a HUGE thumb’s up and a very high recommendation. Harry Belafonte is such an excellent actor and is always so compelling to watch – I’m honestly shocked he hasn’t been given the chance to headline more films.  Inger Stevens is also a beautiful and talented actress and their chemistry is outstanding.

Until “he” shows up like a bucket of ice water on a fire the viewers are very much enjoying.

Movies From the 1950s

Many people who are fans of “Old Hollywood” tend to pick a decade (sometimes two) to focus on. Experience has taught me that (with obvious exceptions) there are a couple of “main” camps in the Old Hollywood crowd:

  • those who love the ’30s
  • those who love the ’40s
  • those who love silent films
  • those who love the ’30s and ’40s
  • those who love silents and the ’30s
  • those who love the 50s
  • those who love the 60s
  • those who love the 50-60s
  • those who love the 70s

Very few of us seem to love, embrace, and pretty much obsess over everything from silents through the 70s. I recently saw a poll on Twitter that asked you to name your favorite decade of films. NO WAY! I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to three… let alone two.. and LET ALONE (all caps) one. Seriously, the best I could do would be to go with a 4-way tie (30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s) and, even then, I’d do so begrudgingly.

For whatever reasons, movies from the 50s are often overlooked and left out of the hoopla. This is a total sham and a shame because there were some amazing movies in this decade. Absolutely, the 30s-40s were glamorous and mesmerizing and the 60s were gloriously colorful and over the top… but do not, not, not ever sell the 50s short.

The films they left behind is as wonderful as the music they left behind.

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil is just a wonderful movie and Harry Belafonte is especially phenomenal. If you aren’t already a fan of this ridiculously talented man, you will be after this film.

I happened to already be a fan of his (thanks to his music, Bright Road and Carmen Jones – which I watch probably 6 times a year), but this movie made me an even bigger fan. He bolted up into the ranks of Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, Melvyn Douglas, Henry Fonda, and Robert Montgomery for me. My mind occasionally pauses to think what could have been had he been given the roles the other gentlemen enjoyed.

But then I get the blues and have to eat cookies to snap me out of it.

Please see The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) as soon as you can.

The World The Flesh and The Devil Lobby Card

Filed Under: Harry Belafonte, Movie Reviews Tagged With: Harry Belafonte, The World The Flesh and The Devil

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte Light Up the Screen in Carmen Jones

January 20, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte, Carmen Jones

 

Do Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte make a beautiful couple or what?! They had so much chemistry in their films – as much chemistry as any film couple I’ve ever seen.

If you’ve never watched Carmen Jones, I hope you’ll make a point of doing that ASAP. These stars are outstanding in this fantastic film. Dorothy Dandridge was nominated for an Oscar for her performance but she didn’t win.

She should have. That’s a hill I will die on. She was robbed.

Harry Belafonte should also have gotten an Oscar. They were both mesmerizing in this film. Olga James and Pearl Bailey are also excellent. I wish Olga had been onscreen more. She was adorable and so very, very talented.

Please see the movie soon!

Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte, Carmen Jones

Filed Under: Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Musicals, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Carmen Jones, Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, picture of the day

Welcome to Hollywood Yesterday!

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

My name is Joi (“Joy”) and I created Hollywood Yesterday as my personal tribute to Old Hollywood. It’s my effort to help keep the stars from Old Hollywood, Classic Television, and Old Radio Shows alive and shining forever. Old Hollywood was sheer magic and I see no reason for the magic to ever die! Read more about Hollywood Yesterday (and see my own favorites) here.

Old Hollywood Actresses

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See the Old Hollywood Actresses page for the index of Classic Hollywood Actresses and Classic TV Actresses.

Old Hollywood Actors

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See the Old Hollywood Actors page for the index of Old Hollywood and Classic TV actors.

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Recent Posts

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Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

The Quiet Man is one of the most beautiful, entertaining, colorful, and perfect movies ever made. Two of my favorite stars (Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne) in one of my favorite movies? It doesn’t get much better than that!

More old movie reviews.

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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!

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Old Hollywood Movies

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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

Classic Hollywood Books & Biographies (Reviews)

Maureen O'Hara's Autobiography 'Tis Herself

‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara
I Know Where I'm Going (Katharine Hepburn Biography) and Princess

I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn, A Personal Biography

Debbie Reynolds Unsinkable
Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds

Ginger Rogers Autobiography - Ginger: My Story

Ginger by Ginger Rogers
Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
More coming soon!

Dorothy Dandridge

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Getting to Know the Gorgeous and Talented Dorothy Dandridge

My Lucy Obsession

Lucille Ball

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…

Barbara Stanwyck Quotes

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!

Legalities…

Aside from pictures of books I review, I do not claim to have taken any of the pictures on this website, nor do I own the pictures – the ones of the stars or the affiliate (product) pictures.  Other, far more talented photographers than me have the credit for the beautiful photos you see. If you would like credit for a photograph or would like one removed, please e-mail me.

Movie posters and promotional photos are used in the belief that they qualify for the Fair Use law. Fair use is a doctrine in the law of the United States that permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder. Fair use is one of the limitations to copyright intended to balance the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in the wider distribution and use of creative works by allowing as a defense to copyright infringement claims certain limited uses that might otherwise be considered infringement.

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