Old Hollywood Movie Reviews

Old Hollywood Movie Reviews: Musicals, Westerns, Comedies, Dramas, Mysteries - all the classic movies that make the Golden Age of Hollywood magical!

The Mad Miss Manton: Quirky Comedy Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda

May 17, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda Star in The Mad Miss Manton

The Mad Miss Manton (1938) is an especially fun film. When one sees that it stars two of the greatest talents of all time (Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda), they’d be inclined to think it might be a dramatic film – perhaps even bordering on film-noir.

One would be mistaken and it wouldn’t take them long to realize it!

Don’t get me wrong – I love it. I can’t think of anything either of these stars could be involved in that I wouldn’t love, though, so be warned – I may be biased. Having said that, films that allow you to escape into their madcap world of laughs and adventure are the heroes we need right now, aren’t they? Movies that don’t CAUSE extra stress or anxiety but help to ERASE any that may already exist – from… oh, I dunno… a global pandemic?!

Directed by Leigh Jason, The Mad Miss Manton delivers exactly what it sets out to – FUN.

Plot: Barbara Stanwyck plays the beautiful, lively socialite Melsa Manton who discovers a body. When said body disappears, police (as well as the press) think she’s nuts (“mad”) until she proves them wrong.

The chemistry between Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck is palpable – studios would capitalize on this chemistry again in 1941, when the pair made The Lady Eve together.

Every now and then, with my movie reivews or book reviews, I like to remind my readers why mine are so short when others create Literature 101-worthy productions.

This Old Hollywood and Classic TV Blog is only one of my blogs – the others require just as much attention… especially my cat blog. Very clingy blog, that one.
I don’t EVER like to give anything away. I want you to enjoy the adventure of the book, movie, or tv series just as I did.
I don’t play the “long content for Google advantages” game. It’s painfully obvious, kind of pathetic, and an insult to readers.
Mostly… what I think isn’t what’s important. What you think is. And the longer you spend reading what I think of books and movies, the less time you have to enjoy them yourself!

You can find The Mad Miss Manton (Amazon dvd link) on Amazon. I highly recommend it! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Harry Belafonte: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (1959)

February 1, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Harry Belafonte: The World the Flesh and the Devil

If you’ve never seen The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) from 1959, don’t feel too badly. It’s a very difficult movie to find on tv and the dvd isn’t too easy to find either… but, my goodness, is it ever worth the effort.

Harry Belafonte does a phenomenal job in this film (as he does in all his films). He stars as Ralph Burton, a trapped miner who frees himself only to find that all of humanity has been destroyed in a nuclear holocaust.

Or has it?

He travels to New York City only to find it seemingly deserted.

The movie is at its absolute best when it is just Harry Belafonte’s Ralph – all alone in the world. It’s amazing just how entertaining it is to watch these scenes. It’s so enjoyable, in fact, that you kind of resent the other two characters showing up – especially Mel Ferrer’s jerk character Benson. Inger Stevens (Sarah) is likable enough to forgive her for intruding on Ralph’s world, but not Mel.

In fact, after he had been on the scene for just 3 minutes, I was yelling, “Why did you have to survive?!” at the tv. What can I say, I get into my movies – plus it entertains the cats, so it’s a win-win.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie is still good even after these two show up… BUT it is a perfect 10 before they arrive… a solid 9-1/2 after Inger arrives.. and a solid 8 when oh what’s-his-name comes dragging along. It’s not Mel Ferrer’s fault, mind you – great, great actor. It’s just that his character is about as likable as a two week stent with a stomach virus, topped off with pneumonia, pink eye, and a fractured kneecap.

Oh yeah, he’s a joy.

Having said all of that, I still give this movie a HUGE thumb’s up and a very high recommendation. Harry Belafonte is such an excellent actor and is always so compelling to watch – I’m honestly shocked he hasn’t been given the chance to headline more films. Inger Stevens is also a beautiful and talented actress and their chemistry is outstanding.

Until “he” shows up like a bucket of ice water on a fire the viewers are very much enjoying.

Movies From the 1950s

Many people who are fans of “Old Hollywood” tend to pick a decade (sometimes two) to focus on. Experience has taught me that (with obvious exceptions) there are a couple of “main” camps in the Old Hollywood crowd:

those who love the ’30s
those who love the ’40s
those who love silent films
those who love the ’30s and ’40s
those who love silents and the ’30s
those who love the 50s
those who love the 60s
those who love the 50-60s
those who love the 70s

Very few of us seem to love, embrace, and pretty much obsess over everything from silents through the 70s. I recently saw a poll on Twitter that asked you to name your favorite decade of films. NO WAY! I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to three… let alone two.. and LET ALONE (all caps) one. Seriously, the best I could do would be to go with a 4-way tie (30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s) and, even then, I’d do so begrudgingly.

For whatever reasons, movies from the 50s are often overlooked and left out of the hoopla. This is a total sham and a shame because there were some amazing movies in this decade. Absolutely, the 30s-40s were glamorous and mesmerizing and the 60s were gloriously colorful and over the top… but do not, not, not ever sell the 50s short.

The films they left behind is as wonderful as the music they left behind.

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil is just a wonderful movie and Harry Belafonte is especially phenomenal. If you aren’t already a fan of this ridiculously talented man, you will be after this film.

I happened to already be a fan of his (thanks to his music, Bright Road and Carmen Jones – which I watch probably 6 times a year), but this movie made me an even bigger fan. He bolted up into the ranks of Humphrey Bogart, James Stewart, Melvyn Douglas, Henry Fonda, and Robert Montgomery for me. My mind occasionally pauses to think what could have been had he been given the roles the other gentlemen enjoyed.

But then I get the blues and have to eat cookies to snap me out of it.

Please see The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Amazon dvd link) as soon as you can.

Ava Gardner, The Barefoot Contessa (1954)

January 6, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ava Gardner, The Barefoot Contessa

Ava Gardner’s The Barefoot Contessa (Amazon Link) is one of her more popular movies and roles. She’s breathtaking in the film and, itself, is a beautiful masterpiece. While it isn’t one of my favorite of her movies (simply because of the ending – I will fall out of love with a movie in a heartbeat if it doesn’t give me a happy ending!), it is one I highly recommend watching. I also, of course, recommend owning the dvd if you (like me) collect all of Ava and/or Humphrey Bogart’s films.

Obviously, given the fact that the movie begins at a funeral, I knew the unhappy ending was coming, but ever-the-optimist, I was hoping for a big reveal. Had that been the case, this would be among my favorites movies.

The story and the acting are truly enjoyable and, as I said earlier, it’s a visual stunner.

With both of these stars (Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart) being favorites of mine, it may seem unusual for me to say this, but (in my opinion anyway), yet another actor steals this film. Edmond O’Brien (as Oscar Muldoon) gives a wonderful, often hilarious performance and literally steals scenes left and right.

Plot: Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner) was a beautiful star who touched many people’s lives. At her funeral, several of these people remember her and the impact she left on their life. Humphrey Bogart plays Harry Dawes, a fairly washed up writer/director ho was hired by rich producer Kirk Edwards to use Maria Vargas in a film and make it a hit.

Oscar Muldoon (played to perfection by Edmond O’Brein) is a stereotypical PR man who adds so much more to this film than I can convey.

The fast-paced, larger than life world that Maria finds herself in… in the end… destroys her.

Again, this isn’t a “feel good” movie but it is a “FEEL” movie as it will move many of your emotions, often simultaneously.

Kathryn Grayson in The Kissing Bandit (Beautiful Actress, Fun Movie!)

December 26, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Kathryn Grayson

Ever watch a movie you thoroughly enjoyed, only to read bad reviews afterward??! For me, it happens fairly regularly and I guess one of the reasons is a simple one… I’m not difficult to entertain! You’ve heard the saying, “It doesn’t take much to amuse me..” right? It could have been invented for me. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with it, but I am an only child, so (at a very young age) I learned to entertain myself and find amusement and joy in the simplest of things. If you don’t have siblings to entertain you and add adventure to your world, you’re on your own. Literally.

Maybe I learned, early, that life is one highly entertaining place and it’s just waiting for you to jump in!

The Kissing Bandit (1948) is a bright, colorful, light-hearted, spirited, and fun movie. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and, I’m sure, hoped the viewer wouldn’t either. Pure fun. Plus it stars the always entertaining and enjoyable Frank Sinatra and the ridiculously talented and beautiful Kathryn Grayson.

What’s not to love?!

If you’re the type who enjoys a fun romp, you’ll love The Kissing Bandit (dvd on Amazon).

Stagecoach (1939): One of John Wayne’s Best Westerns and a Personal Favorite

November 20, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Claire Trevor and John Wayne, Stagecoach

One of my favorite genres of movies is Westerns. My dad was a huge Westerns fan and I watched them with him from the time I was old enough to walk. In fact, my first memories of Westerns involve horses, cowboys, and women in long dresses. John Wayne was one of his favorites and he is, most definitely, one of my own favorites.

Seriously, there aren’t many things better than grabbing raspberry tea, a big bowl of popcorn, and losing yourself in a John Wayne Western for a few hours… two Westerns if you have the time!

I recently re-watched one of my favorite Westerns of all time, Stagecoach, and wanted to take a few minutes to talk about it.

Plot: A group of colorful people are on what should be an uneventful stagecoach trip – two women, a doctor who likes… no, loves.. to drink, a banker, the drivers, and the famous Ringo Kid (John Wayne). The peaceful trip suddenly becomes very eventful when they learn that Geronimo is in the area and looking for big trouble.

The wonderful movie stars an absolutely perfect cast: John Wayne (Ringo Kid), Claire Trevor (Dallas), John Carradine (Hatfield), Andy Devine (Buck), Thomas Mitchell (Doc Josiah Boone), Donald Meek (Samuel Peacock), Louise Platt (Mrs. Lucy Mallory), Berton Churchill (Ellsworth Henry Gatewood), and George Bancroft (Marshal Curley Wilcox).

Continued below the cast photo!

Orson Welles (someone who knows a thing or two about film-making) stated that Stagecoach was the perfect textbook of film-making and said he watched the film more than forty times in preparation for the making of Citizen Kane (1941).

Smart man!

Although John Wayne had minor roles in John Ford’s Mother Machree (1927) and Salute (1929), Stagecoach truly marks the beginning of their partnership. It also, in my opinion, marked the beginning of Wayne’s legendary career.

If you’ve never seen this simply outstanding Western, I hope you’ll get your hands on a copy (or find it on television) as soon as possible. As a bona fide John Wayne fanatic and expert Westerns viewer, I guarantee you this – Stagecoach is one of the best ever made.

Movie Review: In Name Only (Carole Lombard, Cary Grant, Kay Francis)

July 27, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

I have a confession to make – I have always watched movies based upon who is in them. For example, if one of my favorite actresses or actors is in a film, I will pop the popcorn, pour the raspberry tea, round up my cats and head for the den. I will plop in my favorite chair and escape with said favorite or favorites.

The great news is I have a lot of favorites, so I eat a lot of popcorn. However, there have (over the years) been a lot of wonderful gems I’ve come across simply because they were on when I needed a movie to watch – whether a favorite stars in it or not!

This was the case, recently with In Name Only. Don’t get me wrong, I have VERY MUCH liked Cary Grant and Carole Lombard for some time, now- they simply hadn’t reached the same “absolute favorite” rarefied air of, say Lucille Ball, Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Maureen O’Hara, Buster Keaton, James Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Crawford, Ava Gardner, John Wayne, Robert Montgomery, Clark Gable, Marion Daviess… the stars I make time in my schedule for – even if it’s a movie I’ve seen a million and thirteen times…. looking at you, Sabrina and The Quiet Man.

Funny thing is, though, I often “meet” new favorites who ascend to the rarefied air this very way. Cary Grant and Carole Lombard just landed themselves smack in the middle of the aforementioned favorites and I’m now on a mission to see their complete filmographies.

In Name Only is a movie that had never been on my radar – as in, AT ALL. When I saw that it was on TCM recently, I actually had to look to see who starred in it! See? Completely OFF my radar. I’ve recently become a big fan of Cary Grant and needed to see Carole Lombard in something else (I’d only seen her in three), so… you guessed it.. popcorn was popped while the raspberry tea was being poured.

It didn’t take long for this fun and engaging movie to pull me in. Carole Lombard, even without the wonderful assistance from Cary Grant and a solid cast, has a way of luring you in. There’s a certain vulnerability about her that makes you want to enter into her world and help her fight her fights and clear the path to happiness for her.

Cary Grant is Alec Walker who is in a horrible marriage to gold digger, nasty Maida (played sublimely by Kay Francis). Alec meets and falls for beautiful widow (and mother) Julie Eden, played perfectly by Carole Lombard. Even though the nasty wife certainly doesn’t love him, she refuses to give him a divorce. Far too much money involved for that!

The movie then takes you on a roller coaster ride as you hope Maida gets her comeuppance as much as you hope Alec and Julie get their happy ever after.

I am not about to give anything away, but I do want to say this is a roller coaster ride of emotion… and one I enjoyed completely.

Find In Name Only on Amazon – it’s truly a hidden gem.

Bringing Up Baby with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant: Why I Am Obsessed with this Movie

May 11, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ever watch a movie and think, “You are perfect in every way!“? Of course you have! I think these very words every time I watch Bringing Up Baby (1938) with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. There’s nothing about this movie I don’t love to distraction. Truth be told, it’s one of those delicious classic old movies that I am completely and utterly obsessed with.

I could talk for hours and hours about this movie without ever taking a breath…

director Howard Hawks’ brilliance
the perfection of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant’s performances
the hilarious dialogue
the way the film is perfectly timeless – as hilarious today as it was then and as enjoyable the 100th time you watch it as it was the first
the phenomenal way Katharine Hepburn NAILS comedy, in spite of this being her first comedic role
the fact that this is my favorite Cary Grant role
the chemistry between Hepburn and Grant
the beautiful leopard!
how perfect Barry Fitzgerald is in every single movie he’s in
the clothes from this era

See what I mean? Obsessed.

Those of use who are Old Hollywood enthusiasts (addicts, fanatics… whatever word you use, I’ll answer) have lists we carry around in our heads of movies we recommend to those who aren’t as deep into old movies as we are. Bringing Up Baby is high on my own mental list.

I also keep it in my mental files on lists for people who only think they don’t like Katharine Hepburn or people who don’t think Cary Grant can do screwball comedy.

Heck… get out of here with that… he helped invent it.

Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, Bringing Up Baby

Plot: Katharine Hepburn beautifully (absolutely beautifully) plays Susan, an eccentric heiress who happens to have a pet leopard named Baby. She falls hard (literally a few times) for nerdish paleontologist David – played brilliantly and hilariously by Cary Grant. Problem is, she is making a total mess out of his prim and proper life and he just wants to get away from her.

Or, so he thinks.

Not only is this movie an absolute joy to watch, I’m in love with the fact that the stars, Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant had such a wonderful time making the film. I’ve read that they enjoyed it so much they’d frequently show up to the set early, just to get started working on their scenes. Some colorful “scenes,” no doubt as entertaining as the movie, carried out during the making of the movie as well!

The following is from the WONDERFUL Katharine Hepburn biography, I Know Where I’m Going by Charlotte Chandler:

“I make an effort to get along with all of my costars, the director, everyone on the set,” Cary Grant told me, “but I did not wish to establish a relationship with Baby.” He was referring to the leopard in Howard Hawks’ film Bringing Up Baby.

“I felt she might, at some moment, remember the call of her genes that told her she was a wild animal. Or she might like me too much and want to play. I hoped she’d had a good manicure, short claws, but I wasn’t going to be the one to take a close look. Now, Kate was never as worried by Baby. She like to pull her tail, fearless girl that she was, and Baby seemed to enjoy it. Kate didn’t pull very hard.”

“The was I saw my character, Susan,” Kate said, “was, I did anything that came into my heart. There was a great deal of the way I see myself in Susan,” Kate told me.

Ironically, frustratingly, and bewilderingly (pulling out all the stops with the -ly words here, aren’t I?), Bringing Up Baby was a box office bomb. I don’t understand it in the least, but there you have it. Equally {insert all of the previous -ly words here} is the fact that Katharine Hepburn seemed to get the blame!

WHAT?!

Katharine Hepburn, “Baby,” and Cary Grant – Bringing Up Baby

In 1938, the Independent Film Journal published an editorial to the Hollywood studios from the National Theatre Distributors of America. It included a list of stars (wait unitl you read the names) the writer of the letter, Harry Brandt, called “Box Office Poison.” The Hollywood studios ridiculously put a lot of stock in this idiocy.

On the list were…

Katharine Hepburn
Bette Davis
Joan Crawford
Marlene Dietrich
Greta Garbo

Hahaahahahahahaa. They’re household names, today, and I just had to glance back to see Harry Brandt’s name again, even though I’d typed it mere minutes ago!

Spoiler: The ladies would survive Harry’s list.

When RKO attributed the failure to the “poisonous” Katharine Hepburn’s, they had NO idea how popular and beloved the movie would one day become. This is considered one of the original “screwball comedies” and, for my money, it’s also one of the best.

In addition to phenomenal performances by Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, the movie also stars Barry Fitzgerald (although he doesn’t appear onscreen as much as you’d like…. does he ever??), Charles Ruggles, Walter Catlett, Leona Roberts, and May Robson.

“We were both crazy. Bringing Up Baby has always been called a screwball comedy. Well, we were the two screwballs!” ~ Cary Grant

Find Bringing Up Baby on Amazon and add it to your collection today… this is one of those movies that’ll be your “go to” movie when you need a little lift or just feel like escaping with a couple of lovable screwballs.

The Quiet Man: One of the Most Beautiful & Enjoyable Movies Ever Made (Review)

April 14, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara

Father Peter Lonergan, Narrator: “Well, then. Now. I’ll begin at the beginnin’. A fine soft day in the spring, it was, when the train pulled into Castletown, three hours late as usual, and himself got off. He didn’t have the look of an American tourist at all about him. Not a camera on him; what was worse, not even a fishin’ rod.”

And with those lines, one of the most special movies you’ll ever have the privilege of watching begins.

One of my absolute favorite actresses is Maureen O’Hara. Right up there with Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn.

Two of my favorite actors are John Wayne and Barry Fitzgerald.

How could one of my favorite movies NOT be The Quiet Man?! I mean, some things are just destiny.

Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man

Although.. truth be told… the writing, scenery, production, dialogue, direction – the EVERYTHING about The Quiet Man is so perfect, I have a feeling it would be one of my favorite movies even if these three exceptional stars weren’t in it.

But am I ever glad they are.

Director John Ford created an absolute MASTERPIECE with The Quiet Man – a masterpiece wherein every single thing is perfect. While the cast is as wonderful as a cast can possibly be, they’re darn near upstaged by the incredible scenery! In a word, Ireland is breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.

Everything about The Quiet Man is phenomenal – the music, the scenery, the acting, the cast, the wardrobe, the dialogue, the writing. When I first watched it, years ago, I remember thinking (several times throughout the movie), “Please don’t take a bad turn… I’m falling in love with you.. please don’t go bad!”

We’ve all had movies suddenly go from great to awful, halfway through or at the end. In fact, I’ve had THREE in the last month go from 10s to 3s within the last 30 minutes! When a movie goes south, it always feels like a blow, doesn’t it?

I was so thankful when The Quiet Man just kept getting better and better with each passing minute.

John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, an ex-boxer from America who had a horrifying experience in the ring and has moved to Ireland to reclaim a family homestead and escape his past. Right off the bat, in one of the most beautiful scenes in film history, Sean notices Mary Kate Danaher (perfectly portrayed by Maureen O’Hara). She’s (obviously) a very beautiful and spirited woman who happens to be the sister of a hot-head named “Red” Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen). Both of the Danahers (to varying enjoyable degrees!) cause trouble for Sean.

Mary Kate Danaher: Could you use a little water in your whiskey?

Michaleen Flynn: When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water.

The relationship that develops between Sean and Mary Kate could not be more enjoyable – the chemistry between the two stars is palpable and the writing is superb. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara were friends in real life and they worked magic when they were on the screen. This was the second of five movies they made together.

While the love story is a wonderful, huge part of the movie, it doesn’t strike me as purely a romantic movie. Will’s nastiness and the underlying plot of Sean trying to escape himself, to an extent, make for a compelling and fascinating movie.

When I stop and think about The Quiet Man, the thing that truly stands out is the characters. There are so many larger than life, lovable, and FUN characters in this film – they are a joy to watch. John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara lead the way, certainly, but The Quiet Man would not be the perfect movie that it is without Barry Fitzgerald as the wonderful Michaleen Oge Flynn or Ward Bond as Father Peter Lonergan.

The characters in this film stay with you long after you’ve seen the movie.

It’s one of those movies, too, that seems to be EVEN better each time you watch it. I think it’s because you notice new things each time – and everything is so stunningly wonderful about this film, noticing new things is a huge positive. You “catch” new lines of dialogue, too. I’ve seen the movie quite a few times and I often hear something one of the characters says and think, “I didn’t know he/she said that…’ The reason is there are so many wonderful lines, you’re often laughing at one while another is being said!

Fast Facts About The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man is one of the few Hollywood films in which Gaelic (the native Irish language) is spoken…. and it is a beautiful, beautiful thing. It adds to the authenticity of the movie so much.
Green, Ireland’s national color, can be seen in every scene of this beautiful movie.
In the famous scene where Sean finds Mary Kate in his cottage, the wind blew her hair so wildly that she kept squinting. Apparently John Ford screamed at her with a stream of profanity… something that didn’t go over well with Maureen O’Hara! Apparently she yelled back at him, “What would a bald-headed son of a bitch know about hair lashing across his eyeballs.” Sigh. I love her so.
Cast members Charles B. Fitzsimons (Hugh Forbes) and James O’Hara (Father Paul) were Maureen O’Hara’s younger brothers.
John Wayne described why the role of Sean Thornton (considered one of his best) was difficult to portray: “For nine weeks I was just playing straight man to those wonderful characters, and that’s really hard.”
Barry Fitzgerald, who plays the character of the Roman Catholic Michaleen Oge Flynn (not only one of the best characters in this movie, but one of the most enjoyable ones in any movie as far as I’m concerned!), and Arthur Shields, who played the Protestant vicar Cyril ‘Snuffy’ Playfair, were brothers in real life.
I’ve read that when Maureen O’Hara passed away (2015), she did so while listening to Victor Young’s score to The Quiet Man.
In 1986, a New York police officer, was shot and paralyzed on the job. His young wife mentioned to reporters that The Quiet Man was her husband’s favorite movie and that he was a huge fan of Maureen O’Hara. After reading this, Maureen O’Hara flew to New York to meet the officer and lift his spirits! She became involved with the couple as he recovered, attended their baby’s christening, and even marched in a parade on his behalf. Phenomenal woman… phenomenal.
The Quiet Man was Maureen O’Hara’s favorite of her movies.
The scene where Sean and Mary Kate take a stroll through the countryside is so beautiful and so perfect, it leaves me speechless. Okay, so this is more an opinion than a “fast fact,” but.. well, there you have it.

There are many movies I would “make” people watch if I had the power. You know how it is when you love a movie so much you want everyone else to experience the joy for themselves. This is one of those movies I recommend to others… then frequently bug them by asking, “Have you watched The Quiet Man yet??”

I don’t mind being a pest when it comes to The Quiet Man. In fact, I insist upon it. Speaking of which, have you watched The Quiet Man yet?

John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in The Quiet Man

Dorothy Dandridge and James Mason in The Decks Ran Red (Full Movie + Review)

April 9, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

As I said a few days ago on Hollywood Yesterday’s Twitter page, I am in the midst of a glorious Dorothy Dandridge movie binge. With TCM, DVDs, and YouTube, finding movies that were once all but impossible to find is relatively easy these days.

I’ve loved Dorothy Dandridge for YEARS – since I saw her in Carmen Jones on late night tv many, many moons ago. Finding her movies has been a bit of a challenge, but as I said, that has gotten a lot easier of late.

I recently watched The Decks Ran Red on TCM. When I saw it in the listing, I basically moved my entire day around to spend a few hours with Dorothy Dandridge.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this film. To say I didn’t have my hopes up is an understatement. I don’t mind so much that you don’t hear about the movie often (I’ve found some of my favorite movies aren’t at all well known or “popular”). I also didn’t mind that the cast wasn’t filled with household names. Again, that often means buckus.

Maybe my knee-high hopes and expectations came from the fact that this movie had BOTH of the so-called strikes above going for it. You seldom (if ever) hear about this movie and the cast doesn’t exactly read like a who’s who among film stars. Aside from a few stars, even the most devoted film buffs would need to look up a few names.

I grabbed my popcorn and tea as a few of my cats found their favorite spots in the den. I settled into my favorite chair and readied myself for one of my favorite pastimes in the world – watching an old movie. I tried to push my low expectations aside… then one of the worst opening graphics I’ve ever seen in my life appeared on the screen! Someone apparently thought the splash of red in the word RED (as well as the drops of “blood”) would be pretty cool in an entirely black and white movie and graphic.

Heck, they may have even called it “the bee’s knees.” It wasn’t.

(That would be it in all of its glory below…)

I think even my cats were astounded.

Fortunately, the ugliness disappeared as fast as it came.

As a Dorothy Dandridge fan, I’m delighted to say the movie was good – darn good, in fact. It overcame the low expectations and ridiculous graphic right off the bat.

By the end of the very first scene, I knew this would be a fun ride. You know how some movies take a while to win you over – sometimes as much as half the movie? The Decks Ran Red was one of those delicious rare treats where you know from the first scene that you’re about to have a great time.

There was suspense, outstanding acting, and a healthy dose of intrigue. Funny how you forget the word intrigue even exists until a great book or film comes along and reminds you how much you love it.

James Mason (possibly best-known from starring alongside Judy Garland in A Star is Born) is outstanding as Captain Edwin Rummill. It’s a role that would have been easy to “overplay” but Mason brilliantly stayed allowed the writing to be the star. I can’t say enough about him – he was just wonderful. You found yourself pulling for him in every conceivable way – ready to fight anyone (aside from Dorothy Dandridge, of course) who gets in his way.

PLOT: Captain Rummill has been made a Ship’s Captain for the first time in his life. Very eager to prove himself, he sets out to do right by his ship and crew. He’s a great man, but is (of course only human), so he can’t help but notice the cook’s gorgeous wife, Mahia (played perfectly by Dorothy Dandridge) when she steps on board. He knows she will, undobutedly, cause trouble on a ship filled with (even more human than the Captain) men, but he doesn’t intervene.

Of course, trouble arises for Mahia and her husband.

There is more trouble than this aboard for the Captain. A few scoundrels on the crew plan and launch a violent mutiny.

Broderick Crawford (the leader of the scoundrels) and Stuart Whitman (his number one guy) give wonderful performances, but make no mistake about it, James Mason and Dorothy Dandridge are the stars of this surprisingly good film.

One of the things I really appreciate from the film is the fact that Dorothy Dandridge’s character played a pivotal role in the ending. She wasn’t, by any means, window decorations in this movie. She was vital to the entire movie and, as a huge Dorothy Dandridge fan… I applaud it long and loudly.

Stuart Whitman (Leroy) is an especially good actor – he plays a bad type beautifully. Like he was born to do so! He’s one of those actors who, when you see him in a movie or an episode on tv, you think, “I know you! Why do I know you?! Where do I know you from…”

Took me about half the movie to realize that I know him from everywhere. Seriously, his filmography and guest-starring roles are very impressive.

The full episode of The Decks Ran Red is below. I think you’ll love it as much as I did.

INTRIGUE… DOROTHY… what more could you ask for?!

Hearts Divided with Marion Davies and Dick Powell (Review)

March 22, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Dick Powell and Marion Davies

Are you familiar with Marion Davies? Somehow she has escaped the fame bestowed upon certain actresses and, truth be told, I have zero idea WHY. Certain stars (Claire Trevor, Linda Darnell, Barry Fitzgerald, Anne Sheridan, George Sanders…) are known to those of us who swim regularly in Old Hollywood’s beautiful waters but the average Joe or Joy wouldn’t be able to put a face with the name if they had to.

Again… I have no idea why this is, all I know is that it is. Some leap to new heights of fame and some never leave the ground. What’s most bewildering is when (like the names listed above) they’re easily as talented as those who are household names. Heck, some are far more so.

I could park right here and talk two forevers about this very subject, but I have a movie I’m in love with that I’d love to tell you about.

Hearts Divided (1936) is, like our beloved stars mentioned, a movie that is under the radar but infinitely worthy of attention.

If you follow me on Twitter (my personal account @JoiTaniaSigers or my new Hollywood Yesterday Account, @HollywoodYeste1) or read many of my reviews, I am ALL ABOUT chemistry between co-stars. I have seen movies made and movies unmade by chemistry, alone. Some don’t put much stock in chemistry, but that’s understandable, given that I’ve bought all the stock.

Dick Powell and Marion Davies are the very definition of romantic chemistry and they flaunt it but good in this entertaining movie.

Before jumping to the plot – a few quick words about Marion Davies. You will notice that I don’t (yet) have much about this lovely actress on Hollywood Yesterday. Why? She’s new to me! It’s bizarre to imagine, but EVEN when you’ve spent your life watching classics, you will still come across an actor or actress who is new to you. Sometimes the acquaintance is nonchalant, other times (as in this case), they quickly become a favorite and you set out to see everything they ever made!

Ironically, at this point in time, I have two fairly similar actresses (Marion Davies and Claire Trevor) who are new favorites. They have both plowed onto my list of favorites, so you’ll be hearing a lot more about them.

Plot: Hoping to further negotiations (and scrounge up money for his war efforts) in the United States, Napoleon (portrayed masterfully by the ridiculously talented and versatile Claude Rains) sends his brother Jerome (Dick Powell) to the States. Jerome shows up at a Maryland Horse Track and meets Betsy (Marion Davies). He falls for the charming beauty almost immediately but she doesn’t want much to do with him. Maybe it’s because she already has enough suitors – Henry (Charles Ruggles), John (hilariously portrayed by Edward Everett Horton) and Harry (portrayed by the wonderful comedic actor Arthur Treacher).

Although Betsy is aloof (at first), fate has other plans. Jerome gets the honor of teaching her French and she soon returns the love he feels for her. Her well-to-do family frowns on the situation because, well… he’s just a tutor!

As is his style, Napoleon looms large and attempts to ruin everything when he insists that Jerome return and marry into European Royalty. He uses the “do what’s best for France” argument to get to Jerome AND Betsy.

As is the case with all of my movie and book reviews, I have no intention of ruining anything for you, so I won’t give anything away. Another trademark of my movie reviews is keeping things short and sweet. I swear, I’ve read some reviews that seemed to last longer than the actual movie. Personally, I’d rather simply give you a quick preview, tell you what I think about it and let you get back to your life.

So this is where I simply encourage you to find the movie, watch the movie, and love the movie!

Hearts Divided Trivia and Tidbits

Dick Powell was given the role at the request of Marion Davies.
Arthur Treacher (Harry) is best-known as a frequent star in Shirley Temple movies. He also portrayed the Constable in Mary Poppins.
I am convinced Claude Rains (Napoleon) could have played any role with the believability of me portraying myself. You will remember him as Captain Louis Renault (Casablanca), Caesar (opposite Vivien Leigh in Caesar and Cleopatra, 1945), Prince John (The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938), Senator Joseph Paine (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington), and, of course, The Invisible Man (The Invisible Man, 1933).
Dick Powell (who, himself, was a wonderful actor) is one of the people associated with the 1956 film The Conqueror who happened to die from cancer. Many believe it is no coincidence that so many involved with this movie met the same fate, as the Conqueror was filmed near a nuclear test site in Utah. In addition to Powell (who directed the movie), actors John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Ted de Corsia, and Agnes Moorehead each died from cancer. However, in a 2001 interview with Larry King, Powell’s widow June Allyson said she believed he died from lung cancer because he was a chain-smoker.
Marion Davies was as apparently kind as she was beautiful . She had a well-known reputation in the film industry for being extremely kind to the casts and crews of her films. She was even known to pay hospital bills anonymously if she heard that they were sick.
Your best bet for catching this charming movie is probably TCM. As I’ve often mentioned, I collect dvds, books, and memorabilia (especially of my favorite stars). I CANNOT find this dvd anywhere! Unfortunately it isn’t available full-length on YouTube either.