General | Hollywood Yesterday

James Dean Tin Sign Features a Quote That’s Both Iconic and Ironic

November 30, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

This great-looking James Dean Tin Sign features one of his greatest (and tragically ironic) quotes: “If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, and if he can live on after he’s dead, then maybe he was a great man.”

The 16″ x 12″ sign pictures one of my favorite pictures of James Dean.

When I read this quote again today (for probably the millionth time), it occurred to me how eerily similar he and Marilyn Monroe were and are. Both are huge legends – so huge, in fact, that huge doesn’t even seem to cover it. I searched my mental reserves for a larger, more appropriate adjective but none would serve any better than huge, so I did the next best thing.

I made it bold. STILL not enough for these two!

They’re household names and faces, even among people who have never seen a single scene from one of their movies.

Another thing they, obviously, have in common is the tragic ending to each legend’s life. Both died needlessly and far too soon. James Dean was only 24 when the car wreck took his life. 24! It boggles the mind to think of the things this actor would have gone on to accomplish. He was unspeakably talented and, let’s face it, had more spark on screen than most actors.

Whatever “it” is, both he and Marilyn were dripping in it.

The final thing they had in common is their insight and wisdom. It comes through in their quotes. Each was far brighter than probably even they realized and spending time with them leaves me feeling so cheated. What movies, pictures, and quotes could these huge personalities have gone on to bless us with.

The world is a brighter and better place because James Dean and Marilyn Monroe once walked among us.

Take a closer look at the James Dean Tin Sign pictured here.

Elizabeth Taylor Quotes

August 29, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Elizabeth Taylor

“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”

“Big girls need big diamonds.”

Richard came on the set and sort of sidled over to me and said: “Has anybody ever told you that you’re a very pretty girl?” ‘I thought, Oy gevalt, the great lover, the great wit, the great Welsh intellectual, and he comes out with a corny line like that! But then I noticed his hands were shaking as if he had Saturday night palsy. He had the worst hangover I’d ever seen. And he was obviously terrified of me. I just took pity on him. I realized he really was human. That was the beginning of our affair.

“I really don’t remember much about Cleopatra. There were a lot of other things going on.”

(After she divorced Richard Burton for the second time) “I love Richard Burton with every fiber of my soul, but we can’t be together. We’re too mutually self-destructive.”

“I’ve always admitted that I’m ruled by my passions.”

“People who know me well, call me Elizabeth. I dislike Liz.”

“I’ve only slept with men I’ve been married to. How many women can make that claim?”

“I am a very committed wife. And I should be committed too – for being married so many times.”

“I fell off my pink cloud with a thud.”

(About Michael Jackson) “He is part of my heart. We would do anything for each other.”

(About Marilyn Monroe) “She seemed to have a kind of unconscious glow about her physical self that was innocent, like a child. When she posed nude, it was ‘Gee, I am kind of, you know, sort of dishy,’ like she enjoyed it without being egotistical.”

“Acting is, to me now, artificial. Seeing people suffer is real. It couldn’t be more real. Some people don’t like to look at it in the face because it’s painful. But if nobody does, then nothing gets done.” (2005)

“I don’t entirely approve of some of the things I have done, or am, or have been. But I’m me. God knows, I’m me.”

“I don’t like my voice. I don’t like the way I look. I don’t like the way I move. I don’t like the way I act. I mean, period. So, you know, I don’t like myself.”

“I’m a survivor – a living example of what people can go through and survive.”

“Everything makes me nervous except making films.”

“There’s still so much more to do. I can’t sit back and be complacent, and none of us should be. I get around now in a wheelchair, but I get around.” (2005)

“I’ve been through it all, baby, I’m mother courage.”

“If someone’s dumb enough to offer me a million dollars to make a picture, I’m certainly not dumb enough to turn it down.”

“You find out who your real friends are when you’re involved in a scandal.”

“Put on some lipstick and pull yourself together.”

“I hate being called Liz, because it can sound like such a hiss.”

(About Michael Jackson) “What is a genius? What is a living legend? What is a mega star? Michael Jackson – that’s all. And when you think you know him, he gives you more . . . I think he is one of the finest people to hit this planet, and, in my estimation, he is the true King of Pop, Rock and Soul.”

(on John Wayne) His image had as much impact in the world as many of our presidents have had, but Duke was a great actor, a great humanitarian, but always himself. To be a friend was a lifetime thing.”

(Tweet 7/23/2010) “Hold your horses world. I’ve been hearing all kinds of rumours about someone being cast to play me in a film about Richard and myself. No one is going to play Elizabeth Taylor, but Elizabeth Taylor herself.”

“I believe in mind over matter and doing anything you set your mind on. I, along with the critics, have never taken myself very seriously.”

“Success is a great deodorant.”

“My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.”

“Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses.”

In 2009, during a hospital stay, Elizabeth Taylor tweeted to Kathy Ireland: “Thanks Darling for the beautiful flowers and all the prayers. Now can you just get my puppy past security?”

“Never let yourself think beyond your means…mental, emotional or any otherwise.”

Katharine Hepburn Quotes

February 16, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

“Who is Katharine Hepburn? It took me a long time to create that creature.”“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get – only with what you are expecting to give – which is everything.”

(About marriage) “It’s bloody impractical. ‘To love, honor, and obey’. If it weren’t, you wouldn’t have to sign a contract.”

“I wear my sort of clothes to save me the trouble of deciding which clothes to wear.”

“I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done; As long as I enjoyed it at the time.”

“People have grown fond of me, like some old building.”

“I’m a personality as well as an actress. Show me an actress who isn’t a personality, and you’ll show me a woman who isn’t a star.”

“Not everyone is lucky enough to understand how delicious it is to suffer.”

“With all the opportunities I had, I could have done more. And if I’d done more, I could have been quite remarkable.”

“I find a woman’s point of view much grander and finer than a man’s.”

“I remember as a child going around with “Votes For Women” balloons. I learnt early what it is to be snubbed for a good cause.”

“Acting is a nice childish profession – pretending you’re someone else and at the same time selling yourself.”

“Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around wondering about yourself.”

“Life’s what’s important. Walking, houses, family. Birth and pain and joy. Acting’s just waiting for a custard pie. That’s all.”

“Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I’ve had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh.”

“Enemies are so stimulating.”

“I have many regrets, and I’m sure everyone does. The stupid things you do, you regret if you have any sense, and if you don’t regret them, maybe you’re stupid.”

(About Cary Grant) “He is personality functioning.”

(When asked what star quality means) “It’s either some kind of electricity or some kind of energy. I don’t know what it is, but whatever it is, I’ve got it.”

“Who is Katharine Hepburn? It took me a long time to create that creature.”

(When Barbara Walters asked her if she owned a skirt) “I have one, Ms. Walters. I’ll wear it to your funeral.”

(About Marlon Brando) “I don’t think he’s a limited actor at all – I think he’s a very gifted actor. Although I’m afraid he may be a limited person.”

(About Humphrey Bogart) “He was a real man — nothing feminine about him. He knew he was a natural aristocrat — better than anybody.”

(About Peter O’Toole) “He can do anything. A bit cuckoo, but sweet and terribly funny.”

(In 1954, about Judy Holliday) “My, I like Judy Holliday! She looks like a Monet model. And she’s so — so defenseless. I like defenseless people. They’re the best.”

“Cold sober, I find myself absolutely fascinating.”

“I’ve made forty-three pictures. Naturally I’m adorable in all of them.” (1991)

“Acting is the most minor of gifts and not a very high-class way to earn a living. After all, Shirley Temple could do it at the age of four.”

“Now to squash a rumor. No, I don’t have Parkinson’s. I inherited my shaking head from my grandfather Hepburn. I discovered that whiskey helps stop the shaking. Problem is, if you’re not careful, it stops the rest of you too. My head just shakes, but I promise you, it ain’t gonna fall off!

Shop for Autographed Katharine Hepburn Collectibles at HollywoodMemorabilia.com

How to Become the Next Star

December 19, 2016 By Joi Leave a Comment

The following is a sponsored post.

Many people look back at the Hollywood stars of yesteryear and wonder just how they can be like them. It might seem near impossible to become famous these days, but then again, it is almost easier than ever before.

In the old days, stars used to have to send out head shots before anyone would ever even recognize them. Rather than contend with agencies and agents who do not really care about your success, you can actually catapult yourself to fame rather easily. With the rise of social media, you can actually make yourself trend and go viral if you know the right formula to follow. Simply take some time to study how other Internet stars have achieved the recognition you want, and try to emulate their style. Or, come up with a unique approach to utilizing social media that will put you in prime position to receive the fame you are after.

If you are truly interested in making it, you need something that sets you apart. You can’t simply sit in front of a camera and hope people will find your face interesting enough to star at day after day. Instead, you are going to need a combination of good looks and raw talent. Apply a little bit of perseverance in studying a skill, and you will soon be on your way to a successful new career.

To get started, you need to invest in an instrument that you can use to help you catapult yourself to fame. Invest in a great guitar at Guitar Center, for example, and practice daily. With a little bit of hard work, you will acquire enough skill to be able to start covering some of the past great songs. Pull off a great cover, and you might find yourself at the forefront of the Internet in no time. When you are ready to write an original, get some help from a songwriter to make sure the lyrics are catchy enough to win over the interest of everyone across the web.

You simply cannot go wrong with a great pitch like a musical instrument. The Internet loves great background music, as well as a strong performance, so take some time to master an instrument, and you are set.

Lucille Ball Quotes

October 9, 2016 By Joi Leave a Comment

“I’m not funny. What I am is brave. ”

“Luck? I don’t know anything about luck. I’ve never banked on it and I’m afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work – and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t.”

“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.”

“It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”

“In life, all good things come hard, but wisdom is the hardest to come by.”

“How I Love Lucy was born? We decided that instead of divorce lawyers profiting from our mistakes, we’d profit from them.”

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

(about the opening night of I Love Lucy) “All I remember about that night was trying to protect my stomach. Lucie had just been born by Caesarean section and I was wearing a huge bandage over my stomach. I was more concerned with that than anything else. When the laughs started coming, I was very relieved. I remember sayin, ‘Whew! It’s working.'”

“Use a make-up table with everything close at hand and don’t rush; otherwise you’ll look like a patchwork quilt.”

“What could I do? I couldn’t dance. I couldn’t sing. I could talk.”

In acting, Lucille Ball rarely made a mistake. However, on one occasion, she stumbled miserably over a speech while filming an episode of I Love Lucy. She broke the tension by finally yelling into the studio audience to her mother, seated in the top row of the bleachers, “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll get it!”

Shop for Autographed Lucille Ball Collectibles at HollywoodMemorabilia.com

Rita Hayworth Quotes

September 26, 2016 By Joi 1 Comment

“After all, a girl is – well, a girl. It’s nice to be told you’re successful at it.” – Rita Hayworth

“Every man I have ever known has fallen in love with Gilda and awakened with me.” – Rita Hayworth

“(about her marriage to Edward Judson] “I married him for love; he married me for an investment. My husband was always finding fault with me. He was extremely jealous and quarrelsome. I never had any fun. I was never permitted to make any decisions. From the first he told me I couldn’t do anything for myself. My personality crawled deeper and deeper into a shell.” – Rita Hayworth

“All I wanted was just what everybody else wants, you know, to be loved.” – Rita Hayworth

“What surprises me in life are not the marriages that fail, but the marriages that succeed.” – Rita Hayworth

“We are all tied to our destiny and there is no way we can liberate ourselves.” – Rita Hayworth

“I can’t take his genius any more.” (when asked why she divorced Orson Wells) – Rita Hayworth

“I rode on horseback, though I was terrified of them. That was when I was doing westerns. They were something else again. And I did them because that was work, that was my job. So I don’t start from the top.” – Rita Hayworth

“I was never sick during The Lady from Shanghai (1947). Poor Orsie (Orson Welles) was the one who was sick; Harry Cohn made him sick.” – Rita Hayworth

“I couldn’t get used to the New York weather. On one occasion, I was laid up for a week because I caught a severe cold rushing from the dance studio, still soaked with perspiration, back to the hotel for voice lessons.” – Rita Hayworth

“Movies were much better in the days I was doing them.” – Rita Hayworth

“I guess the only jewels of my life were the pictures I made with Fred Astaire.” – Rita Hayworth

“I never really thought of myself as a sex goddess; I felt I was more a comedian who could dance.” – Rita Hayworth

“Whatever you write about me, don’t make it sad.” – Rita Hayworth

The Jetsons Halloween Costumes (Plus Trivia)

August 25, 2015 By Joi Leave a Comment

Naturally, loving the Golden Age of Hollywood and Classic Television like I do, I think the coolest Halloween costumes are from yesterday rather than today. Not only are these costumes fun and nostalgic, they almost guarantee you that you’ll be dressed in an original.

I was always a bigger fan of The Flintstones than I was of The Jetsons, but I have to admit, the Jane Jetson Costume, above, is ridiculously cute. The orange wig and boots are included with the dress.

The other family members are shown below – Not sure what’s up with “George,” though!

Daughter Judy….

I wasn’t able to round up an Elroy or Astro. Astro doesn’t surprise me but I thought there’d be an Elroy. Maybe he’d be too tough to identify?

The Jetsons Trivia:

The Jetsons was the first program ever to be broadcast in color on ABC.
Based on the Blondie comic strip.
Mel Blanc was the voice of Cosmo S. Spacely.
The Jetsons’ phone number is VENUS-1234.
The Jetson clan appeared in print ads for Electrasol Dish Washer tabs and were the subject of a series of collectible tins (2004-05) .
George O’Hanlon (the voice of George Jetson) portrayed a TV Commentator in the 1976 smash hit “Rocky.”
Don Messick (Astro) is a legendary voice actor. Among countless other characters, he was Dr. Benton C. Quest and Bandit in Johnny Quest, Muttley on Wacky Races, Sebastian the Cat in Josie and the Pussycats, and perhaps most memorable of all… he was Scooby Doo!
Jean Vander Pyl brought Rosie the Robot to life. Flintstone fans, such as myself, will recognize the name as the voice behind Wilma.
Janet Waldo (Judy Jetson) was also the voice for Penelope Pitstop in Wacky Races. She provided the voice for many memorable animated characters and appeared, herself, in a great number of television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, Petticoat Junction, and I Love Lucy.
On the episode of The Andy Griffith Show titled “A Wife for Andy,” Janet Waldo was Amanda.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)

December 19, 2014 By Joi Leave a Comment

Mickey Rooney (who’d go on to voice Santa Claus four years later in “The Year Without a Santa Claus”) brought Kris Kringle and Santa to life in the 1970 classic Santa Claus Is Comin to Town.

Narrated by Fred Astaire, Santa Claus is Coming to Town is one of the most perfect Christmas movies ever made.

The Winter Warlock was played by Keenan Wynn. One of my favorite “old Hollywood” quotes is by Wynn: “My billing has always been and, or with, or including. That’s all right; let the stars take the blame.”

Pretty much channeled the Winter Warlock, there, and I love it!

The Year Without a Santa Claus… CLASSIC in Every Sense of the Word!

December 19, 2014 By Joi Leave a Comment

Another favorite Animated Christmas classic… The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974). Shirley Booth (best known.. and loved… as Hazel) was Mrs. Claus and, of course, Mickey Rooney was none other than Santa, himself.

Find the The Year Without a Santa Claus (Deluxe Edition) dvd on Amazon!

Retro DVD Sets: Saturday Morning Cartoons (1960’s. 1970’s. and 1980’s )

December 4, 2014 By Joi Leave a Comment

Saturday Morning Cartoons: 1960s Vol. 1 (above)

I was working on a post about Retro Candy on my food blog when I came across these Saturday Morning DVD Sets. Talk about a fun, nostalgic trip. When you’re through here, you’ll want to click the link above and check out this retro candy from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

I’m not sure when Saturday Morning Cartoons became a thing of the past – but I know it’s a sad thing that it ever happened. Seriously, I think you can trace a lot of the problems we face in the world today right back to the end of good old-fashioned Saturday morning cartoons.

I can remember countless Saturday mornings spent in my favorite living room chair wearing pajamas and a smile while crunching away on sugar-filled bowls of cereal.

I had the cartoon lineups memorized – the time and channels for Bugs Bunny and the Roadrunner, Hong Kong Fuey, Scooby, the Jetsons, Tom and Jerry – all my favorite Saturday morning friends.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the “serious” cartoons. They always saved these ‘toons for the last, didn’t they? Mind you, they were still cartoons, so I stayed in my chair and the cereal kept pouring.

One of my favorite parts of the entire Saturday morning experience were the Schoolhouse Rock spots. How great were they?!?! I have Conjunction Junction memorized to this day. I wish I had a dollar for every spoonful of Lucky Charms I crunched to the beat of that song.

I’ll post the video at the end.

Over time, new LAME cartoons came along, then they just disappeared entirely. To be honest, some were so bad, their disappearance isn’t entirely a bad thing.

If you want to add a little nostalgic fun to your dvd collection (or add to someone else’s collection in the way of a unique gift), click through any of these dvd sets and take a closer look. A DVD set packaged with some Retro Candy would make a heckuva great Christmas or birthday present.

When you click through, you’ll find even more retro cartoon collections.

1970’s Saturday Morning Cartoon Collection

Saturday Morning Cartoons: 1970s Vol. 1

1980’s Saturday Morning Cartoon Collection

Saturday Morning Cartoons: 1980s, Vol. Okay, I mentioned Conjunction Junction, so it’s only right that I provide the music video, right? See if you can still sing along…