Golden Age of Hollywood
Kim Novak, Vertigo Promo Shot
If you’ve never seen Vertigo (Amazon dvd link), I can’t recommend it enough. In fact… if we’re being honest… even if you HAVE seen it, I highly recommend watching it again. I guarantee you’ll notice things you missed the first time around. For example, nuances in Kim Novak’s performances will jump out at you during the second viewing that may have gone unnoticed the first time around.
It’s just a very, very good Hitchcock – one of the best, in my opinion.
Kim Novak and James Stewart, Vertigo (1958)
The first time I saw Vertigo (Amazon dvd link), I was a teenager – it was shown on television one night when I was supposed to be doing homework. I recall being so mesmerized by Kim Novak’s beauty and talent that I could scarcely follow the movie. I just followed her!
Years later, I rewatched it and realized just what a chilling, wonderful movie it is. Trippy, yes… but an enjoyable kind of trippy.
I have to tell on my teenaged self a little here – at the time… this was before I was completely obsessed with old Hollywood, remember…. I spent half the movie thinking that the brunette Kim Novak was Yvonne DeCarlo. At some point, during the film, it occurred to me that it was Kim Novak in a dual role – making me even more impressed with her.
If you’ve never seen Vertigo – I hope you’ll check it out. Fair warning, though… don’t let Kim Novak get you under her spell – you won’t know what’s going on!
Kim Novak, 5 Against the House (1952)
You know an actress who doesn’t get enough credit for her talent, beauty, and wonderful films… you’re looking at her! Kim Novak’s filmography may not be as plentiful as I’d hope for, but it’s a very solid one – and her performances never, ever disappoint!
When choosing a picture for the day, I literally thought to myself, “We don’t just need a beauty.. we need Kim Novak’s beauty!”
So here you go… and you are welcome.
Kim Novak, James Stewart, and Kim Novak!
One of my favorite Hitchock films is Vertigo (Amazon dvd link), starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Barbara Bel Geddes. Great cast, great film.
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!
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
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…
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!
