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Lena Horne: Beautiful Promotional Photos for Cabin in the Sky

April 27, 2023 By Joi

Lena Horne, Cabin in the Sky

Lena Horne, Cabin in the Sky

The beautiful Lena Horne photos shown here were promotional pictures for her wonderful 1943 musical Cabin in the Sky. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, the musical’s cast also includes Eddie Anderson, Ethel Waters, Rex Ingram, Louis Armstrong, Bill Bailey, Mantan Moreland, and Oscar Polk.

If you’ve never seen it, I hope you’ll find it soon and fall in love with it. If you HAVE seen it… well… watch it again and fall in love with it all over again. I honestly find something fresh and new each time I revisit it. With a cast this amazing, you’ll discover new expressions each time you spend time with them.

You can buy Cabin in the Sky on dvd (Amazon link) on watch it on Prime Video.

Lena Horne, Cabin in the Sky

Lena Horne, Cabin in the Sky


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Cabin in the Sky, Lena Horne, Lena Horne Pictures

Beautiful, Talented, and in ALL Ways Extraordinary… Dorothy Malone!

March 30, 2023 By Joi

Dorothy Malone, Written on the Wind

Dorothy Malone

Dorothy Malone was one extraordinarily talented and beautiful actress and one who deserves to be a household name. She stood out in every film she ever made – including the ones in which she was literally surrounded by household names!

The gorgeous photo above is a publicity photo for Written on the Wind (1956). Directed by Douglas Sirk, the movie also stars Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, and Robert Stack. It’s wonderfully entertaining and, IMO anyway, Dorothy Malone steals the entire film.

You can find Written on the Wind on DVD (Amazon link) or (in some locations, apparently!) watch the movie on Prime Video.

Filed Under: Dorothy Malone, Uncategorized Tagged With: Dorothy Malone

Raquel Welch in a Colorful Picture of the Day…

August 23, 2022 By Joi

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. Before becoming an actress, Raquel worked as a TV weather person, as a model for Neiman-Marcus, and as a barmaid.

Early work in Hollywood included an episode of Bewitched (she portrayed a stewardess), McHale’s Navy, and The Virginian. Her breakout film was One Million Years B.C. in 1966, a movie that’s loved and watched again and again by its many devotees.

Other films include Bandolero!, Myra Breckinridge, 100 Rifles, Kansas City Bomber, The Three Musketeers, The Four Musketeers: Milady’s Revenge, and Mother, Jugs, and Speed.


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Raquel Welch, Raquel Welch picture

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

June 15, 2022 By Joi

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood's Forgotten Rebel

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 by Gavin Lambert

Natalie Wood Biography

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Ann Dvorak, Natalie Wood, Old Hollywood Book Reviews

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

March 24, 2022 By Joi

John Wayne and Anna Lee in Flying Tigers

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 in Flying Tigers

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 in Flying Tigers

John Wayne and Anna Lee

Filed Under: Anna Lee, John Carroll, John Wayne, Picture of the Day, Uncategorized Tagged With: Anna Lee, John Carroll, John Wayne

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

September 22, 2021 By Joi

Claudette Colbert, The Sign of the Cross

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, The Sign of the Cross

Claudette Colbert

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Cecil B. DeMille, Claudette Colbert, The Sign of the Cross

My Favorite Catwoman: The Purrrfect Julie Newmar

October 19, 2020 By Joi

Julie Newmar as Catwoman
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

Julie Newmar as Catwoman


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Batman TV, Catwoman, Julie Newmar

La Wanda Page: Hilarious Actress who Played Aunt Esther on Sanford and Son

February 5, 2018 By Joi

La Wanda PageLaWanda Page as Aunt Esther

You, undoubtedly, recognize the wonderful lady above from Sanford and Son. She gave Fred as much grief as he gave her and their fights helped make Sanford and Son one of the funniest television series of all time.  But how much do you know about the actress who brought Aunt Esther to life? Read on to learn more about LaWanda Page – a fascinating woman, to say the least!

My love for “Hollywood Yesterday” isn’t just the wonderful old movies and glamorous actresses and actors that brought them to life. I’m also completely in love with classic television (from the 1950s-1970s), as well as classic cartoons.

Some may argue with me, but I’m adamant that (with very few exceptions) the best movies, cartoons, and television shows were made before the 80s.

Sanford and Son is one example of an outrageously hilarious sitcom that would not be made today.  Then again, maybe I should say it could not be made – I mean, this cast was a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble after all! Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson,  LaWanda Page, and Whitman Mayo were TV magic. Their chemistry with one another and with anyone and everything else leaves me pretty speechless.

While Mr. Foxx and Mr. Wilson, obviously, get the majority of credit for the show’s success, one of the funniest actresses of all time, LaWanda Page, has more than earned a great deal of credit, herself. When you think of Sanford and Son, you think of Fred, Lamont, AND Aunt Esther.

In fact, Esther’s arguments with Fred (with poor Lamont in the middle!) are some of my fondest memories of television growing up.. not just from Sanford and Son – from ANY television show.

It occurred to me that I don’t write nearly enough about the wonderful actors and actresses from television’s past. I’m going to take care of that, starting today! I decided that it only made sense to start with someone I absolutely adore – LaWanda Page, the uncommonly talented actress who brought lovable Aunt Esther to life.

LaWanda Page was born Alberta Peal on October 19, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Like a lot of actresses, she began her career as a dancer and chorus girl. While performing as an exotic dancer, she was billed “The Bronze Goddess of Fire” because she lit cigarettes with her fingertips, swallowed fire and touched flaming torches to her body.

While Fred would never admit it, LaWanda was actually a very attractive lady – her Aunt Esther get up concealed it, for the most part, but LaWanda was downright sharp! When she left dancing, she found her calling as a stand up comic.

Redd Foxx was actually LaWanda’s childhood friend. The great comedian gave her the biggest break of her career when he invited her to play his well-meaning, hot-tempered sister-in-law Aunt Esther on his hit series  “Sanford and Son.” She was 53 at the time.

Ms. Page died in 2002 at the age of 81 from complications from diabetes but she (and her classic fights with Fred!) will live on forever in one of television’s most hilarious and lovable roles… Aunt Esther Anderson.

“I lived the life I loved, and loved the life I lived.” – LaWanda Page


Filed Under: Uncategorized

Have a Very Merry, Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2007 By Joi

Burl Ives, Rudolph, and Sam the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Burl Ives, Rudolph, and Sam the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

I’m about to become one with my kitchen, so the computer and I will be estranged for a few days. I wanted to wish you the merriest of Christmases before heading off to the kitchen, though.

Enjoy every single moment with your family, remember you’re making memories that will last forever…not just for you, but for everyone you love as well. Smile and laugh till it hurts, eat till the cook blushes, and love everyone unconditionally. Treat each present as though it’s exactly what you’d always hoped for and live life like it was meant to be lived.

Most of all, be sure to thank God for the greatest Gift ever given and the sweetest Love ever shown.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones – and I’ll see you on the 26th!

Joi

Filed Under: General

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2005 By Joi

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut
Wishing you and your loved ones the most beautiful and wonderful Christmas you’ve ever had…. And may you have more surprises and smiles than you could have hoped for.

Love,
Joi (“Joy”)

Filed Under: General

Welcome to Hollywood Yesterday!

Ann Sheridan, It All Came True

Ann Sheridan
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 positively magical and I see no reason for the magic to ever die.

Be warned, I am (by nature) overtly positive, I never take anything too seriously, I say extraordinary so often you’d think I invented the word, and I overuse exclamation points to distraction. I’m perpetually over-caffeinated.. we’ll blame that.

Read more about Hollywood Yesterday (and see my personal favorites) here!

Old Hollywood Actresses

Lena Horne, Meet Me in Las Vegas

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

Old Hollywood Actors

Henry Fonda, Behind the Scenes The Grapes of Wrath

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

Old Hollywood Book Reviews

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood's Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice

I love reading old Hollywood biographies and memoirs as much as I love watching classic movies, and that’s truly saying something!

To see my Old Hollywood book reviews, please see the index listed here: Book Reviews.

Pictures of the Day

Maureen O'Hara, The Parent Trap

Maureen O’Hara

The Old Hollywood & Classic TV Pictures of the Day are published as regularly as possible. If I miss a few days, please just know that the husband, daughters, sons-in-law, grandbabies, and/or my cats were demanding my attention. I’ll be honest, nothing comes before any of them! Not even Maureen O’Hara or Henry Fonda.

Priorities, y’all.

Movie Collections on Amazon

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Recent Posts

  • A Great Katharine Hepburn Quote That (Like Her) Doesn’t Hold Back!
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Movie Night, ANY Night…

John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and Arthur Hunnicutt in El Dorado
Have movie night ANY night with Prime Video on Amazon:  Prime Video (Amazon link)

Thank You for Visiting!

Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times
Thank you so much for visiting Hollywood Yesterday! You truly HONOR me with your presence. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

My main goal with Hollywood Yesterday is to keep the names, faces, and films of the stars that mean so much to me shining brightly. When I’m guilty of focusing more time on my personal favorites (such as Olivia de Havilland) than other stars, I hope you’ll forgive me. I am, by all indications, very human!

Also, please know that I try to keep my posts (except for book reviews) short and to the point, so you can enjoy the pictures, grab the information, and get back to your life. I don’t appreciate anything that’s overly wordy, so I don’t want to do that to others. For better or worse, I write as I talk, so if you ever feel like you’re reading the words of someone who’s a cross between Lucy Ricardo, Daisy Duck, and a Jerry Lewis character, that’s just because you are!

Wait. What did I just admit to?? 

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!

Old Hollywood Movies

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire Top Hat Cheek to Cheek

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

 

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
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
More Old Hollywood Book Reviews!

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Poster

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…

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 (joitsigers@gmail.com).

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.

When you click through an affiliate (product, book, dvds..) link, I earn a small portion of the money you spend IF you purchase anything. This does not cost you any extra money, of course. This is how I am able to work from home and support my cats! – Joi (“Joy”)

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