Hollywood Yesterday | Hollywood Yesterday

Upcoming Old Hollywood Book Reviews… So Many Wonderful Books to Tell You About!

June 15, 2022 By Joi

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel

I am putting the “Pictures of the Day” on pause for a few weeks while I focus on a couple of extraordinary books I want to finish reading and review. As I often say on here as well as on Twitter, I actually enjoy reading old Hollywood and classic television biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs as much I love watching old movies (and that’s a LOT!).

I also love reviewing these wonderful books because, honestly, what better way to keep these wonderful stars’ names and faces alive and well than to introduce them to others?

I am currently reading three biographies that are among the best I’ve ever read and cannot wait to tell you all about them.

One of a biography of one of my top 10 favorite all-time actresses, Ann Dvorak. To make the deal even sweeter, it’s written by one of my favorite authors, Christina Rice. Needless to say, I’m enjoying every single word of this one and am anxious for the entire journey I’m taking with Ann and Christina.

I’m nearly finished with another fascinating biography, Natalie Wood: A Life by an author that is new to me, Gavin Lambert, but one that I will now seek out EVERY book written by him.

I also have a few others I have recently finished that I want to tell you all about in the coming days as well.

As for the Pictures of the Day, there will still be pictures and they will still be under the category “Pictures of the Day,” they just won’t be daily. This book fanatic wants to focus on the books. Summer is the perfect time to escape into the delicious, adventuresome, and fascinating world of old Hollywood and I have some extraordinary books to tell you about!

The Natalie Wood biography review should be published in a few days and Ann Dvorak will be right on her heels.

Hope you’re enjoying the beautiful, warm weather! ~ Joi

Natalie Wood Biography

John Wayne, Anna Lee, and John Carroll in Flying Tigers (1942)

March 24, 2022 By Joi

John Wayne and Anna Lee

Flying Tigers is a really, really good 1942 drama starring John Wayne, Anna Lee, and John Carroll. Directed by David Miller, it’s a film that doesn’t get as much attention as many of the Duke’s films but it is wonderful in every way.

John Wayne, Anna Lee, and John Carroll

Each time I see this film I’m reminded of how much I adore John Wayne in AND out of westerns. While he fits westerns so perfectly I’m convinced he was born to be a cowboy, he was also wonderful in other films and other roles. Every now and then it’s refreshing to see him out of a cowboy hat… even if I keep half-expecting a horse to be around each corner!

I’m also reminded, with each viewing, how very lovely and talented Anna Lee was. Known most for How Green Was My Valley and General Hospital, she had a strong presence in every film she appeared in and made each scene better simply by showing up. I’m always amazed at how someone who looked so lovely and delicate could have had such a presence!

You can find Flying Tigers on dvd (Amazon link). Several versions are available but I’m linking to the dvd that has Anna Lee on the cover along with John Wayne. Yes… I do look for such things. You can also watch the movie on Prime Video. I am pleasantly surprised it’s available on Prime!

John Wayne and Anna Lee

GORGEOUS Marilyn Monroe 3-Piece Wall Canvas

February 1, 2022 By Joi

I love to surround myself with things that make me smile (maybe that’s why we have 5 cats?!?), so you’ll find a lot of colorful, whimsical decorations and artwork in our home. A great deal of it is related to old Hollywood, as you’d expect.

In the den, alone, are framed photos of Marilyn, Claire Trevor, John Wayne, James Dean, and Audrey Hepburn!

I have my eye on this gorgeous Marilyn Monroe 3-Piece Canvas (Amazon link) as well. I mean… just look at it. GORGEOUS.

I love that it’s in black in white, except for her lips. It makes the entire photo really pop – plus it’s a stunning image of Marilyn… I just love everything about it.

The three piece set is framed and ready to hang, meaning your room of choice can get the makeover it deserves the minute you welcome Marilyn to your home!

Bela, Boris, and Basil in Son of Frankenstein (1939)… Talk about a 1, 2, 3 Punch!

October 30, 2021 By Joi

Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi

Some films boast casts and some films boast ICONIC casts. Son of Frankenstein (1939) is the latter. Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi.. in ONE film?! That’s what I call a film for the ages.

The classic horror was directed by the wonderful Rowland V. Lee and I call him wonderful not just because he was an outstanding (and way ahead of his time) director but also because (as a huge Bela Lugosi fan) I love the extent he went to in order to give Lugosi more respect, credit, and even money while making this film.

Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbone

Sadly, Bela Lugosi’s career was beginning to decline when he signed on to make Son of Frankenstein and his fee reflected this decline. Fortunately, director Rowland V. Lee was VERY much in his corner. He realized that Lugosi wasn’t being treated fairly and was perhaps even being taken for granted, so he gave Bela’s character (Ygor) more dialogue and a bigger role in the film, causing Bela be paid (and respected) more.

This role, IMO, is one of Lugosi’s absolute best performances. He more than rewarded Lee’s wonderful efforts!

You can watch Son of Frankenstein on Prime Video (Amazon link). I’m having a heckuva time finding it on dvd for my collection, but if I’m ever to find it, I’ll let you know.

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi

Claudette Colbert, Publicity Photos for The Sign of the Cross (1932)

September 22, 2021 By Joi

Claudette Colbert

When an actor or actress “fits” a role so perfectly it seems to have been designed for them and ONLY them, movie MAGIC happens. Such is the case with Claudette Colbert and Empress Poppaea in The Sign of the Cross (1932, directed by the legend, himself, Cecil B. DeMille). Then again, this can be said of quite a few of Claudette Colbert roles can’t it?

Seems a great deal of the MAGIC was with the actress more than the roles. Why doesn’t this surprise me??!

Claudette Colbert

You can buy The Sign of the Cross on dvd (Amazon link). Unfortunately it isn’t on Prime Video (yet!).

The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection (Beautiful Boxed Set)

October 24, 2020 By Joi

The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection

What exactly is it about The Little Rascals that makes these episodes so enjoyable?!? The children are so adorable and their situations so funny, I could (and often do) watch them every day of the week.

One of the smartest purchases I’ve ever made is shown here – the complete collection of The Little Rascals. Not only is it highly convenient to have the entertaining series available any time I want to kick back with the “gang,” the collection came with an great little booklet with fun facts and pictures (pictured below).

Fun Booklet of Facts and Photos

The entire collection is packaged beautifully, too. I love the way it looks sitting on my dvd shelves. All television and movie collections should be as great looking as this one. I’ve become a huge fan of boxed collections, whether they’re a particular star’s movies, a television series, or film franchise. I do buy some tv seasons separately, but a collection simply looks neater on shelves – plus it’s easier to find what you’re looking for!

Trust me, I’d know. Sometimes it takes me over 10 minutes to find a particular movie or episode I’m in the mood for. Frankly, that’s precious time that could be spent waiting hand and foot on my cats or popping popcorn for movie night!

I’d highly recommend this collection for any fan of The Little Rascals. I’d also suggest it as a great gift idea for anyone in your life who loves classic movies and television. This is the type of gift that would be enjoyed for years and years and years.

And then some!

See The Little Rascals: The Complete Collection (Link to the Collection on Amazon) for more information. There’s a lot of joy to be had in this collection.

My Favorite Catwoman: The Purrrfect Julie Newmar

October 19, 2020 By Joi

Julie Newmar as Catwoman

I honestly can’t think of an actress’s portrayal of Catwoman I DIDN’T like – the role has always been very well-represented in my opinion. Having said that, however, one does stand out as my favorite – Julie Newmar.

Again, I love all of them (some more than others), so don’t take this as a knock on any of the others…. but I feel Julie’s performance best depicted the character if you think in terms of a “cat come to life.” As a self-described crazy cat lady, I have had cats all of my life – and almost always more than one or two.

Those numbers are for amateurs!

Catwoman is my all-time favorite villain and it very well may have something to do with the fact that she was a cross between a woman who had been hurt and let down by humans and a cat seeking to even the score! While the Batman TV Series (link to the complete series on Amazon) was pure “light” entertainment, I still feel that Julie brought the most charisma and cat-like attitude to the role.

Batman TV series is on Prime Video. I love how they have the description for each episode, so you can find your favorites quickly and easily. While I will watch and rewatch all of them… I guarantee you the first ones I seek out will be the ones with Julie Newmar.

Julie Newmar as Catwoman

Christmas in Connecticut (1945): Time for this Movie to Be More Famous!

December 2, 2019 By Joi

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut

Old Hollywood enthusiasts certainly know (and LOVE) Christmas in Connecticut (Amazon Link). We joyfully list it with our other favorite Christmas films – It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas. However, for some reason (that’s beyond me), “mainstream” movie viewers aren’t familiar with it.

Maybe it’s time we start making more noise about this film!

(Continued Below….)

Creative Plot

Barbara Stanwyck stars as journalist Elizabeth Lane. She is a food writer with a popular column runs is one of the country’s most-read magazines. In these columns, she describes herself as a great cook, a hard-working mother… as a woman who runs her home, kitchen, AND farm!

Sounds impressive, right? Unfortunately it’s all lies! She lives (alone) in an apartment in New York and gets all of her recipes from her adorable best friend Felix (played by S.Z. Sakall, in the only way he knows how to play any role… to perfection and deliciously). Truth be told, Elizabeth would probably struggle with boiling water.

The owner of the magazine she works for has decided on a special holiday “angle” for the column: A heroic serviceman will spend his Christmas on Elizabeth’s farm. Obviously… first they’re going to need a farm!

Elizabeth fears that, if the truth comes out, she’ll lose the job she loves, so she gets desperate. Desperate to the tune of “creating” a family, cooking skills, and even the beautiful farm and home.

(Wrapped Up Below….)

Perfect Cast

Joining Barbara Stanwyck and S.Z. Sakall (who’d be plenty in and of themselves) is Sydney Greenstreet (another of my favorites), Dennis Morgan, Reginald Gardiner, and the always wonderful Una O’Connor.

Though he isn’t as well-known as most of the stars around him, Dennis Morgan is absolutely perfect in this role. He plays it to a tee and has noticeable chemistry with beautiful Barbara Stanwyck.

The film is filled with laughs, loves, and plenty of Christmas spirit and charm. If you’ve never seen Christmas in Connecticut (Amazon Link), check it out right away. If you have seen it…. you know what I’m fixing to say… see it again!

Lobby card with Barbara Stanwyck, Sk Sakall & Reginald Gardiner

Buttons: A Christmas Tale On DVD December 3!

November 23, 2019 By Joi

As I began to put this post about Buttons: A Christmas Tale together, I kept thinking, “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a new dvd release…”

But it just now hit me. I don’t think I’ve EVER been this excited about a new movie’s dvd release, simply because my favorite movies are old! Which is why I am beside myself with excitement for this one – two of its stars aren’t just legends, they’re two of my favorites: Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to adding this to my collection.

Buttons: A Christmas Tale is the magical, musical story that shows believing can be the greatest gift of all. Follow the heartwarming journey of two orphan girls whose only wish is to find a home for Christmas. With a little help from their guardian angels (screen legends Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury), they discover that miracles really can happen when you find the power to believe. From director Tim Janis, this inspiring holiday film for the whole family features an all-star cast including Jane Seymour, Roma Downey and Abigail Spencer, and is narrated by Kate Winslet and Robert Redford.

It seems like there is so much negativity, cantankerousness (bet you didn’t expect to bump into that word today), and anger in the world, maybe Buttons is thing we ALL need right now.

A couple of beloved Guardian Angels coming into our world… reminding us how beautiful life truly can be? Sign me up!

Buttons Official Trailer:

I love the beauty in front of and behind this film. I also love that they used two Hollywood film and television legends in these extraordinary roles. They were wise enough to know that extraordinary roles call for extraordinary stars. Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke are as extraordinary as extraordinary gets.

I hope you’ll show your appreciation for these wonderful legends by adding this one in a billion film to your collection. Legends don’t team up everyday, you know.

Continued Below….

The release date of the DVD is December 3, 2019, but you may pre-order at https://paramnt.us/Get.Buttons now. This would make such a beautiful Christmas gift – especially for young people or for people (like me) who are head over heels in love with the film’s guardian angels, Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury.

Digital copies of the film are also available. The digital copy may also be purchased at the same link.

Buttons: A Christmas Tale on DVD

Lena Horne: The Lady is a Tramp (One of my Favorite Lena Horne Performances)

October 11, 2019 By Joi

There are many actresses, actors, and performers who I always find myself wondering, “How is everyone in the world not a HUGE fan?!” Lena Horne is one of these under-celebrated stars (at least in my opinion).

What do I (personally) consider to be under-celebrated?

If the average person (not someone in our Old Hollywood community) can’t name at least one of their movies or songs, they’re under-celebrated.
If those of us within the community can’t name at least three of their movies or songs, they’re under-celebrated.

While Lena Horned, obviously, doesn’t fall through the completely unknown crack, she should be more heartily celebrated.

The lady had more talent in her left eyebrow than a lot of stars did.

That’s right, I said it.

This is actually one of the best things about having an Old Hollywood blog (and Twitter account) – I can go on and on and on and on and on about my favorites and feel like I’m (hopefully) helping keep their name familiar, their body of work work alive and their face forever smiling.

I know, a little deep for a Friday, but… blame it on Lena. She puts me in my feels.

When you watch Lena perform in the video above (which I surely hope you will at least once), pay close attention to her facial expressions and her hand gestures. I think she was simply brilliant – and the stage command! The lady was doing what she was born to do and, if you ask me, that is always breathtaking.