Kim Novak | Hollywood Yesterday

James Stewart and Kim Novak Behind the Scenes of Vertigo

November 1, 2021 By Joi

James Stewart and Kim Novak Behind the Scenes

I love the shot above of James Stewart and Kim Novak on the set of Vertigo (1958). Something I’m always amazed about with Kim Novak is how much younger (and even prettier) she was without extra makeup, glamour and glitz. She was strikingly beautiful and always looked even younger when she was out of character.

She and James Stewart worked flawlessly together in this film – in roles that weren’t even remotely simple. I honestly don’t feel that either (particularly Kim Novak) gets enough credit for what they did in this wonderful Hitchcock film.

You can fin Vertigo (Amazon link) on dvd, I’m really surprised it isn’t on Prime Video yet.

The Man with the Golden Arm: Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, and Kim Novak

January 28, 2021 By Joi

Eleanor Parker

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) starred Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak, and Eleanor Parker and was directed by Otto Preminger. It seems to be a film that not only few have seen, but also one few have even heard of! That’s a real shame because the three leads turn in outstanding performances.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was a wonderful actor and this role gives him a chance to really showcase his talent.

You can watch The Man with the Golden Arm on Prime Video or buy the dvd on Amazon. I highly recommend this one.

Kim Novak

Kim Novak, Vertigo Promo Shot (Love These Pictures!)

February 24, 2020 By Joi

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

February 17, 2020 By Joi

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!

Picture of the Day: Kim Novak (Five Against the House)

January 12, 2020 By Joi

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.

The Kim Novak Collection