Hollywood Yesterday

Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors

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James Stewart and Kim Novak Behind the Scenes of Vertigo

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James Stewart and Kim Novak Behind the Scenes of VertigoJames 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.


James Stewart and Kim Novak Behind the Scenes of Vertigo

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

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Eleanor Parker, The Man with the Golden Arm

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, The Man with the Golden Arm

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, The Man with the Golden Arm

Kim Novak

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

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Kim Novak, Vertigo Promotional Pictures

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

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Kim Novak and James Stewart, Vertigo

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)

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Kim Novak, Five Against the House

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

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”)