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!

Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein: What is it With Me and These Movies?!?

October 17, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

I don’t know….. maybe it’s just me. I mean, I’ve read so many nice reviews about Frankenstein (1931) and even more about The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). And yet…

Boris Karloff, as the monster, is a household name among horror movie fans. And yet...

Mary Shelley is one of the most widely-respected authors of all time and is often pointed to as the reason many women authors began writing. And yet….

And yet… here I sit, completely baffled by all of the hoop and most of the la. When I read the book as a teen, I detested it. I honestly found it to be the most boring book I’d ever read. I’d rather it had scared the wits out of me and interrupted my sleep (like Dracula, for example) than to bore me speechless. I lost track of the number of times I closed the book, put it down, and decided I’d just “fake” my book report. My mom told me that I’d feel better about the book report if I actually finished the book.

I don’t want to say she was wrong, so I’ll just say she was not right.

Reading that book was painful but, frankly, watching Frankenstein wasn’t much better. If it weren’t for the fact that the time spent watching the movie was less of an investment than reading the book, it’d have been just as painful. While I LOVE old movies – these two could have turned me off of movies for good.

Okay, okay, that’s an exaggeration but you get the idea.

First the positives about Frankenstein: Boris Karloff was great in the role and Edward Van Sloan was PERFECT as Doctor Waldman. This wonderful actor is perfect in everything and is, as far as I’m concerned, the one good thing about Frankenstein. He was also great in Dracula (1931) as Van Helsing. That movie was better than Dracula and his Van Helsing deserves most of the credit.

Another positive – the movie did a great job when it came to setting the ambiance and overall mood. The sets were outstanding, as was the wardrobe and makeup – especially for the time.

Continued Below…

The positives about The Bride of Frankenstein: Again, Boris Karloff is wonderful in the role of the monster. With more true acting to delve into with this second film, he gets to show off his chops. His scenes in a cabin with his newfound “friend” are absolute movie magic. He gives a beautiful performance. Furthermore, Elsa Lanchester is a total scene-stealer both as The Bride of Frankenstein and as Mary Shelley in the opening scene. The fact that she was so mesmerizing is actually one of the things I like least about this movie…. she wasn’t used nearly enough.

Truth is, she was barely on screen at all – which is a shame because she’s really the only thing that could have saved the movie.

As for the original Frankenstein – like the book – it was pretty boring. I watch old movies like it’s my job, so I don’t mind “dated” effects or “less than inspired” camera-work. I don’t mind over-acting, even. In fact, I always say it’s far better than under-acting (the greatest sin of acting). I suspect the cast (with the exception of Van Sloan and Karloff) read the book and were so bored they couldn’t snap out of it. Seriously, the rest of the cast all but naps through their scenes. Not only could the two leads not convince me they were in love, they couldn’t convince me they were the ones who were alive.

I think the biggest problem with The Bride of Frankenstein, however, is the story itself. There were so many moments when I thought, “I’d have done that differently…” or “That wasn’t the way to go with that…” The concept was a great one but, in my opinion, the execution should have been -executed, that is. If you title a movie “The Bride of Frankenstein” she should be a large part of the movie – especially when the actress so much charisma. With a different script, the name Elsa Lanchester would be as famous as the name Boris Karloff.

Do you get the idea I loathe these two movies? I mean, I’m not hiding that fact, am I??

If you’re a fan of one or both of these movies, I honestly apologize. Not for the fact you like them, mind you, but for the fact that I’m coming down so hard on them. As I said at the beginning of this diatribe, it’s probably just me and it isn’t the first time. There have been other stars, movies, and TV shows that others love and I just sort of bite my tongue.

I actually recently re-watched both of these movies on TCM – just to see if I found them more agreeable this time.

Oh, I did NOT. In fact, as soon as Frankenstein went off, I told my cats, “Well, there’s time we’ll never get back.” They weren’t too thrilled with the movie, either. They thought the casting was all wrong and the dialogue excruciatingly painful. I have to agree.

Lovely Elsa (as Mary Shelley) – More of Her Would’ve Made the Movie Better

Golden Age of Hollywood Movie Review: “Lured” with Lucille Ball and George Sanders

October 4, 2017 By Joi 1 Comment

Lucille Ball and George Sanders, Lured

Obviously, I am someone who is utterly consumed with the Golden Age of Hollywood… or Classic Hollywood, Old Hollywood, Hollywood’s Golden Era… whatever you choose to call it, I jumped into it when I was around 12 years old and have proceeded to dive deeper with each passing year.

Never you mind what depths I’ve reached.

When you’ve seen the number of movies, actors, and actresses I have, you have a difficult time narrowing down your absolute favorites. This is evidenced by my healthy lists of favorites on the Hollywood Yesterday About Page. However, the cream of the crop or the “favoritest of the favorites” would make a list if it had to include only a handful of stars. Lucille Ball and George Sanders are two of my.. well… favoritest of favorites and I cannot conceive of any “favorite list” they wouldn’t make.

Not only were these stars incredibly talented, they had that extra little spark that few stars actually had of have. The spark that cannot possibly described. It’s just there. An extra something in their expressions, in their voice, and even in the way they move. Lucille Ball and George Sanders each had this mystery spark and in large doses.

The fact that they starred in a movie (Lured, 1947) together seems like a personal gift to me , straight from Old Hollywood. The fact that the movie is so deliciously good makes it all the better.

In Lured, Lucille Ball is not remotely like the Lucy we’re familiar with. In place of gags, there’s glamour… and tons of it. She shows incredible versatility and talent that even we, her biggest fans, sometimes forget she possessed.

Lucille Ball plays an American nightclub dancer (Sandra Carpenter) in London. Her friend has been murdered and she is recruited by the police as a decoy to catch a serial killer. The killer finds his victims through the newspaper personal ads.

George Sanders is her leading man and plays Robert Fleming, a mysterious and (very) wealthy man.

Their chemistry is off the charts. There were actually rumors around Hollywood that the two stars had a fling, but there’s certainly no proof to back it up. The chemistry, however, is palpable.

In addition to the two stellar leads, the movie has a really strong cast. Charles Coburn (as a lovable Scotland Yard inspector), Cedric Hardwicke, Alan Mowbray, Boris Karloff , Joseph Calleia, and George Zucco.

Boris Karloff dives in head-first in his role as a dress designer.

{Continued Below…}

Lucille Ball and George Sanders are unmistakably the stars here, though – make no mistake about it. Each is phenomenal. The first time I watched Lured, I was so blown away by Lucille Ball’s performance (and beauty) that I didn’t give George Sanders the attention he commands. I think it’s simply because I grew up seeing her as Lucy Ricardo or one of the other Lucy characters from television. Sandra Carpenter is about as far-removed from Lucy as it gets.

Subsequent viewings have allowed me to appreciate George Sanders in this movie as much as Lucille. You may remember Sanders from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (as Miles Fairley), the Saint movies in the late 1930s and early 1940s (as the Saint), The Picture of Dorian Gray (as Lord Henry Wotton), Rebecca (as Jack Favell), or as Mr. Freeze in the Batman TV series (1966).

His roles were kind of all over the place, but he was never anything aside from completely compelling – stealing the scene right out from just about anyone.

Except for a glamorous red-head we all know and love, that is. No one, but no one, steals a scene from Lucille Ball.

If you love old movies, Lucille Ball, or George Sanders, Lured should be one of the next movies you watch. If you love all three… this HAS to be the very next movie you watch. It’s an especially fun whodunit and you’ll be glued to every minute.

Review: The Violent Men with Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, and Dianne Foster

September 14, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Violent Men may not receive the attention many other Westerns do, but it’s an excellent movie. In fact, I think it’s far better than some Westerns that are practically household names.

The strength of Violent Men doesn’t lie so much in the plot or scenery as it does the cast. Glenn Ford, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Dianne Foster, and Brian Keith are each outstanding. Although, if (like me) you’re most familiar with Brian Keith as loving and kind Uncle Bill on Family Affair, it’s odd seeing him play such a smarmy character. Seriously, it took some getting used to.

When I first saw this movie a few years back, my first reaction to seeing him sleaze across the screen was, “Uncle Bill.. what the heck?!”

While Ford and Keith are wonderful in their roles, make no mistake about it, this is Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, and Dianne Foster’s movie. More about them in a minute.

The Violent Men Trailer:

Plot Synopsis: Glenn Ford plays an ex-officer in the Union, John Parrish. Because his fiance is desperate to move out of town (and I do mean desperate), he agrees to sell his land to the ruthless Wilkisons of Anchor Ranch. Because his fiance is so eager to move east, he even considers the ridiculously low offer Anchor’s owner (played to perfection by the great Edward G. Robinson).

However, when he sees what bullies the Wilkisons can be – especially after they murder one of his men – he decides to stay and fight, calling upon his Civil War experience.

The wonderful, strong, and sultry to a fault Barbara Stanwyck plays Martha Wilkison who is married to Edward G. Robinson’s character (Lew) but carrying on a long-term affair with Lew’s brother Cole Wilkison (played by Brian Keith). The fact that Lew has lost use of his legs and is confined to crutches makes it easier for the dastardly duo to cavort behind his back.

Hence the, “Uncle Bill… what the heck?!”

In a relatively small role, Dianne Foster chews up the screen as Lew and Martha’s daughter Judith. Her chemistry with Glenn Ford is the stuff you hope for anytime you sit down to watch a movie.

She has an obvious beauty and tons of talent but she has that certain something “special” that, I don’t know, maybe only those of us who obsessively watch movies could recognize. You can’t take your eyes off of her when she’s on the screen – which, ironically, is the exact same thing I’ve always said about Barbara Stanwyck who plays her mother in this movie.

Foster (particularly with her hair light, as it was in this movie) actually reminds me A LOT of Barbara Stanwyck. The casting, makeup, and hair departments hit it out of the park with this one.

As for the one and only Barbara Stanwyck, she was at her best in The Violent Men. Here’s the thing about Stanwyck, whether she’s playing a good character or a bad one (which Martha certainly is), one thing is for certain…. you want her on your side!

Barbara Stanwyck, in any role, is an absolute force to be reckoned with. That’a one of the reasons she’s one of my top all-time favorite actresses. She’s like a female tornado gliding across the screen. And like a tornado, you do not want to cross her. Admire and respect from a distance? Absolutely. But cross? Not on your life.

What can you say about the great Edward G. Robinson? The man was simply one of the best actors of his time or any other time. Period. Like Stanwyck, he was a force to be reckoned with, so (as you’d imagine) their scenes together left you wanting more and more.

Edward G. Robinson was one of those stars who made everything look so easy and effortless than you often don’t realize just what a remarkable actor he was.While this may not be one of his most famous roles, it is (in my opinion, for what that’s worth) one of his best.

One of the things I liked most about Glenn Ford’s performance in The Violent Men is the fact that he played it with a “quiet strength.” It would have been easy, as the lead in a Western, to dial into a larger-than-life persona. In scenes with Stanwyck and Robinson, it would have, of course, been a disastrous ploy. I mean, how can you possibly be larger than two tornadoes circling one another?!

Ford’s John Parrish was exactly and precisely the sort of hero this movie called for. His understated performance was sheer perfection and, as I said, his chemistry with Dianne Foster was especially nice.

Whether you’re a fan of one of the stars of this excellent cast (how could you not be??!) or simply love Westerns (again… how could you not??), The Violent Men is one you’ll want to both watch as well as add to your collection. It seems that each time I watch it, I notice something else phenomenally brilliant Ford, Stanwyck, Robinson, Keith, or Foster do.

Such a STRONG cast.

Buy The Violent Men DVD on Amazon.

We’re in the Money (1935): Even More Fun Than You’d Expect (A Lot More!)

July 26, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

When people begin naming their favorite Classic Movies, you expect to hear certain titles (several of which are certainly on my own list):

It’s a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
Casablanca
Gone With the Wind
Oklahoma
Rio Bravo
Giant
Citizen Cane
Some Like it Hot
The Wizard of Oz
It Happened one Night
My Fair Lady
A Streetcar Named Desire
Rebel Without a Cause
Rio Bravo
El Dorado
True Grit
Roman Holiday
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
ETC!

However, it’s the rare bird that would include We’re in the Money on their list. While it wouldn’t be the first time I could be described as a rare bird (or even odd duck), this delightful and fun movie would make my list. I absolutely love it – front to back and all moments in between.

Plot: Two beautiful and lovable gold-diggers, Ginger (Joan Blondell) and Dixie (Glenda Farrell) work as process servers for an eccentric (downright nuts!) lawyer Homer Bronson (played to absolute perfection by Hugh Herbert). The girls have decided to quit the thankless, stressful job but when they go to Bronson’s office to do so, he has a big fat reason for them to reconsider. Actually he has 1,000 reasons as in $1,000. All they have to do is serve 4 separate subpoenas in a “breach of promise suit” against the ridiculously wealthy playboy C. Richard Courtney. The rub is this: Ginger has fallen madly in love with a man “Carter,” who she met on a park bench. Turns out Carter and C. Richard Courtney are one and the same.

Each time I watch this wonderful movie, I’m struck by the great loss the world suffered when Ross Alexander took his own life when he was only 29. In this film (two years before he shot himself), Mr. Alexander is a scene-stealer in every sense of the word. You find yourself zeroing in on his expressions and smiling every time he delivers a line. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that if he had not taken his own life, he’d be a household name today. He was simply amazing.

In fact, the entire cast is.

Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell are as talented as they are beautiful and they obviously had a great time with these roles. The chemistry they have onscreen is a rarity and is just delicious to watch. I wish they’d made A LOT of movies together.

I hope you’ll find a copy of the movie (I’m looking for the dvd, myself, so I can watch it any and every time I feel like it!) or watch for it on TCM. It’s just a ridiculously fun little movie that epitomizes what having a strong cast does for a film.

Find the We’re in the Money Movie Poster on Amazon.

The Naked Spur with James Stewart and Janet Leigh

June 6, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

I recently re-watched The Naked Spur for probably the 12th time in my life. How could I not? James Stewart is one of my all-time favorites and Westerns are my jam… and jelly… and toast.

I have a ridiculous confession to make concerning this movie. Like 85 percent of Westerns I’ve seen, my first experience with them was as a child. My dad lived for Westerns, so they were pretty much on 24/7 in our home. Cowboys, “Indians,” saloon girls, deputies, and sheriffs were like family.

When growing up, whenever my dad had The Naked Spur on tv, I had the same three initial reactions each time:

I don’t like George Bailey like this.
I don’t like the lead girl.
I’m out.

So I never watched it in it’s entirety. I had a problem getting past Janet Leigh for some reason. As a young girl, my ideal leading lady in Westerns (as well as tv and other movies) looked closer to the dolls I played with. She needed the flowing brunette, red, or blonde hair and pretty clothes. Janet Leigh, with her sassy short hair and decidedly “boy clothes” didn’t amuse the child version of me any more than angry “George Bailey” did.

Fortunately little girls grow up. When I was older, I watched the movie past the 10 minute mark (all the way to the end) and wondered how I could have been so wrong. James Stewart was, of course, wonderful in the role (the range of this actor is amazing) and as for Janet Leigh… gorgeous.

The kid version of me couldn’t get past the clothes, the adult version of me can’t get past the face. Seriously, this is the exact face you’d expect angels to have. She was a stunning actress and doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the loveliest and most talented actresses ever. Although she doesn’t smile often in the movie, when she does it lights up the screen. Her’s is one of the most beautiful smiles to grace any screen, small or large.

Although I love Westerns as much as anyone and probably more than most, I’ll be the first to admit that the “story” isn’t always the star. In fact, many times (after watching a Western), you’ll find yourself asking, “Okay, what was the plot exactly??” The Naked Spur has a creatively-written plot – an actual story, if you will. The characters are all flawed to a certain degree, which makes it even more entertaining.

The Oscar-nominated story stars Academy Award-winner James Stewart (“It’s A Wonderful Life,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Vertigo”) as a ruthless (or as I always thought of him, an “angry George Bailey”) bounty hunter (Howard) who’s looking to bring in an outlaw (Ben) portrayed by Oscar-nominee Robert Ryan (“Crossfire,” “The Wild Bunch,” “Bad Day at Black Rock”). The bad guy’s beautiful co-traveler is Lina, played by Oscar-nominee Janet Leigh (“Psycho,” “Touch of Evil, “Little Women”).

The film also stars Ralph Meeker (Roy) and Millard Mitchell (Jesse). Mitchell’s Jesse is my personal favorite character in the movie. Little greedy, but you know what, I’m going to go ahead and forgive him for that.

Filmed in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, The Naked Spur is considered by many as one of the best westerns ever made.

When watching The Naked Spur, you, of course, have to keep in mind that it was made in 1953. Going in, expecting more than should be expected from this period will rob you from enjoying the movie as it should be enjoyed. Then again, that can be said of all the wonderful movies we celebrate here on Hollywood Yesterday.

The film is beautifully done and perfectly cast. It’s one of those films that I would (and do) watch every time it’s on television.

Did You Know?

Included in “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.”
Was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry.
Director Anthony Mann also worked with James Stewart in The Man from Laramie.
James Stewart despised the nickname Jimmy (wish I’d known that before naming his “category” on Hollywood Yesterday!)

The Official Trailer for The Naked Spur

The movie is (MUCH) better than the trailer – although it’s a hoot in spite of itself.

You can find The Naked Spur on Amazon. Speaking of the DVD… for those of us who’ve seen the film… ummm, can you believe the far-fetched art work on the front? Pretty funny!

The Prince and The Showgirl with Marilyn Monroe and a Legendary Actor…

May 24, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Okay, first of all, I know the legendary actor’s name as well as anyone – Sir Laurence Olivier. Many people (I’m not among them I’m afraid) consider him to be the greatest actor of all time. Don’t get me wrong, he was magnificent and I certainly believe he is “one” of the best ever… even if I hesitate to give him the title “the best.”

The man’s name is synonymous with fine acting and for good reason.

Oddly enough, however, the name Marilyn Monroe is synonymous with beauty and sex appeal (again, for good reason) but it’s the rare bird who’d associate her with good acting, let alone great acting.

I guess I’m among the rarest of birds.

Marilyn Monroe was so much more than just a beautiful face. Some was good (her intelligence, beauty, and talent) and some was horrible (apparently she was notorious for holding up and inconveniencing others on set and let’s not even get into the whole JFK fiasco). Her intelligence led to her ability to bring so much to each character she portrayed. She simply knew what each character would feel and how they would react to everything and everyone around them.

The Prince and the Showgirl is one of my personal favorite Marilyn Monroe performances, which kind of sucks because Laurence Olivier’s performance makes me cringe. I understand he’s portraying royalty, here, but I’d have preferred royalty with a pulse!

The performance is one of my least favorites in any movie, to be honest. Leslie Howard in Gone With the Wind is right up there too. The thought of both characters being appealing to ANYONE is hard to buy into.. and yet both characters had beautiful ladies fawning over them.

As if!

Somehow, in spite of a lackluster, stiff performance by one of the greatest actors of all-time, The Prince and The Showgirl is still a pretty cute and enjoyable movie. It is, of course, primarily thanks to MM and her adorable portrayal of the “showgirl.” In fact, the entire rest of the cast did a fine job – even those who had only one or two scenes.

I’ve read that MM and LO did not get along at all – he took all kinds of exception to her consistent tardiness and “moods.” I don’t want to believe that this affected his performance, however, because he was the very definition of a professional. Their relationship actually makes me want to read “The Prince, the Showgirl, and Me: Six Months on the Set With Marilyn and Olivier” by Colin Clark.

Book Description: When Colin Clark left college in the 1950s, he got a job as a gofer on the set of the movie The Prince and the Showgirl, starring Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier. The film should have been a box office smash, but even before cameras rolled, things began going wrong–and Clark recorded it all in this beguiling, fly-on-the-wall diary.

New and used copies are available on Amazon, so I’m going to order one SOON.

I recently re-watched The Prince and The Showgirl and came away with the same thing I think each time…. “Why is he making his character so painful to watch?!?! Is he trying to win her over or bore her to tears?!”

Marilyn is so fun, lively, and energetic – she makes the screen sizzle and pop when she’s on it. Then, here he comes.

If you’ve never seen the movie, I hope you’ll watch it soon and see what you think. As I’ve said a million times, old movies and old performances are worth watching even when we don’t love or even like them. There’s always something good or worthwhile about every single movie and in this particular movie, MM and a very strong, lively cast make it worth watching.

In spite of that one.

Also See:

More The Prince and The Showgirl Movie Posters on Amazon
The Prince and The Showgirl DVDs on Amazon

The White Sister with Helen Hayes and Clark Gable

May 12, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

As you’d expect from someone with a Golden Age of Hollywood blog like Hollywood Yesterday, I love old movies (as well as classic television) to distraction. I’m seldom as happy as when I’m curled up in my favorite chair, raspberry tea in hand, losing myself in a wonderful old movie. If you’re as infatuated with them as I am, you’ll know what I mean when I say that I love ALL watching old movies… even ones I don’t particularly “like.”

For example, Mogambo is possibly one of the worst (only in my opinion, mind you) movies I’ve ever seen. My great love for Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, and Ava Gardner couldn’t even save this movie for me. And yet…. the time spent watching it was satisfying because, while it was pretty dreadful, it was still an old movie and it still brought old stars of Hollywood into my den.

The White Sister (1933) is nowhere near as bad as Mogambo. In fact, the majority of the movie is a lot of fun. Helen Hayes (Angela Chiaromonte) impossibly adorable and… well.. delightful. I normally don’t think, let alone use, the word delightful – but several times during the movie, I kept thinking, “Helen Hayes, you are delightful as Angela…” Then I’d stop and ask myself, “Did you just use the word delightful?…”

Another plus for the movie is the fact that Clark Gable (a personal fave) is downright lovable in the role of Giovanni Severi. A little trivia – because who doesn’t like trivia – this was the first time Clark Gable appeared in a movie with a mustache.

My problem with the movie is that I wish it had chosen one lane and stayed in it. The movie starts out so light-hearted and fun, you’re left thinking that you’re in for a fun romantic comedy and, if the writing had stayed in this vein, it’d have been a classic.

A few tragic turns and you’re left with something that isn’t romantic or comedic.

Now… again… having said all of that, the movie is still very much worth watching because of the performances of Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, and Louise Closser Hale (a total scene-stealer in the role of Mina). Unlike a lot of movies of the time, the acting in The White Sister was superb. The early days of Hollywood often say, dare we say it, melodramatic performances that can be hard even for those of us who are obsessed with the era to watch. Not one star in The White Sister tries to gnaw or chew on any of the scenery and there wasn’t one single cringe-worthy moment.

Plot: Angela Chiaromonte (Helen Hayes), is the beautiful, overly-sheltered daughter of a Prince. She falls for Giovanni (Clark Gable) and his zest for life, in spite of herself. When he is reported killed in action in World War I, she is consumed with grief and becomes a nun.

The White Sister is directed by Victor Fleming (Gone with the Wind), which helps explain why the acting is so superb.

What I love about the movie: Helen Hayes, Clark Gable, and Louise Closser Hale do a wonderful job with their roles. They are excellent. The characters are lovable and you can’t help feeling drawn to each one. The clothes are also very memorable – the wardrobe department outdid themselves.

What I didn’t love about the movie: I’d have preferred it if the entire script had stayed light and romantic. The story was at its best when the characters and viewers were having fun.

Is the movie worth seeing? Absolutely. If you love old movies, Helen Hayes, and/or Clark Gable (and especially if, like me, you adore them all!) – you should see this movie right away. Will it become your favorite old movie of all time? Pretty doubtful.

But Helen Hayes is delightful. Perfectly delightful.

Two-Disk Set on Amazon:

Two legends of “Old Hollywood,”Lillian Gish and Helen Hayes, take the same role of Angela Chiaromonte, 10 years apart in The White Sister 2-disk set.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Clean, Crazy Fun – Arguably the Best Kind!)

April 14, 2017 By Joi Leave a Comment

Yesterday, in spite of the fact I was recovering from a terrible cold and should’ve never left the house, I spent the afternoon out with my youngest daughter running errands and shopping. By the time we got back home, all I wanted to do was throw my pajamas on and COLLAPSE with an iced raspberry tea. After crawling into the PJs and pouring the tea, I headed for my favorite swivel rocker, with every intention of popping in a Rita Hayworth or Lucille Ball movie to make me feel better.

I decided to check TCM first, in case something irresistible was coming on.

Was it ever?! The redheads would have to wait.

An all-time favorite musical/movie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, happened to just be coming on, which made me smile ear to ear – in between sneezes that threatened to shake my teeth loose.

The ridiculously fun 1956 musical stars Jane Powell (Milly), Howard Keel (Adam), and Russ Tamblyn at his scene-stealing best as the youngest son, Gideon. Although it’s a smaller role, gorgeous Julie Newmar stars as Dorcas (one of the “Seven Brides”). Although she was an accomplished dancer, she was unable to fully showcase her talent in Seven Brides because her “Brother” (Benjamin) was played by Jeff Richards, an ex-baseball player with zero dancing skills.

Benjamin seldom dances in the movie and if you ever wondered why, it’s simple, he’d have been more at home on a baseball field!

In fact, after doing a little research, it turns out that only four of the “brothers” were considered dancers. You’d never really know from watching the movie – everyone seems loaded with talent.

Heck, they all dance better than me… including the baseball player.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Trivia

For the beautiful dresses worn by the Seven Brides, costume designer Walter Plunkett went to the local Salvation Army, bought old quilts and turned them into dresses! Not only do they make beautiful dresses, it rings more authentic than snazzier dresses would.
One of the first things that jumps out at viewers is the fact that all 7 of the brothers are red-heads. This was a decision made in an effort to more easily distinguish between the brothers and the townsmen. The brothers also dress very differently.
The movie was shot in 48 days!
The women in the general store at the first of the movie will go on to become Adam’s sisters-in-law: Ruth (bonnet with blue ribbons), Sarah (hat with black band), Liza (bonnet with pink ribbon), and Dorcas (hat with brown band).
Howard Keel (Adam) called Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, “one of my happiest filmmaking experiences at Metro Goldwyn Mayer…The cast was magnificent, and the chemistry irresistible. Jack Cummings had his stamp on the whole picture. Jane Powell, as Milly, was perfect, and I loved working with her. She was cute and persnickety and a multi-talented pro…It truly was one big happy family.”
6’4″ Howard Keel is considered the Errol Flynn and Clark Gable of musicals in the 1950’s. However, a lot of people will remember him best as Clayton Farlow in the legendary series Dallas.

The seven brothers & brides couples are:

Adam & Milly
Benjamin & Dorcas
Caleb & Ruth
Daniel & Martha
Ephraim & Liza
Frank & Sarah
Gideon & Alice

If you’ve never seen Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, I highly recommend it. Heck, I highly recommend it if you’ve seen it a hundred times. You’ll enjoy one hundred and one just as much…. trust me, I’d know.

This movie is from a time when fun was the name of the game. No one worried about political correctness (don’t even get me started) – all they worried about was having a great time and giving the audience a fun ride.

Mission beautifully accomplished.

In the coming days, I’ll add more trivia and information for the entire wonderful cast. In the meantime, I hope you’ll grab your own dvd and take a trip back to a simpler…. much, much simpler… time.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein – Always Has Been a Favorite… Always Will Be a Favorite

January 16, 2016 By Joi Leave a Comment

My husband and I watched a couple of Abbott and Costello movies last night. There are few things any better than kicking back with Bud, Lou, and Michael (that’d be the husband).

One of the movies was Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and it was, as always, nothing short of Entertainment Heaven.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is one of my favorite Abbott and Costello movies – it always has been. However, I must say, is this one of the most inappropriately named movies of all time or what? Of all the “monsters,” Frankenstein is onscreen the least. And he doesn’t have much to say for himself when he is. I can only assume that Frankie was big at the time, so they went with Frankenstein over Dracula or the Wolf Man, both of whom are onscreen a lot more.

Title aside, I love everything about this movie. When you sit down to watch an Abbott and Costello movie, you do so with the intentions of leaving everything behind – work, chores, headaches, news, politics, crazy drivers, and so on. You have to just let yourself have fun and enjoy the laughs – you also have to remember that this particular movie was made in 1948, so the effects are going to be…. wellll, you can see more realistic effects on Scooby Doo, but Frank-ly I don’t care.

Truth be told, they’re part of what makes this movie (and all classic movies, as far as I’m concerned) so darn special. I wouldn’t change a thing about this movie – not even the title, because in its own way it’s part of what makes Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein deliciously unique.

Monster movies were HUGE for Universal Pictures in the 1930s. Then the ’40s rolled in with one of the greatest duos of all time, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein was the first of several movies that combined the “monster hits” (literally) and the much loved Abbott and Costello films. The success of this particular movie led to Abbott and Costello teaming up with the Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Mummy.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein features a wonderful cast. Count Dracula is deliciously played by Béla Lugosi. The Wolfman is brought to furry life by Lon Chaney Jr., and Frankenstein is played by veteran monster Glenn Strange.

At the end of the movie, watch (and listen) for an appearance by the Invisible Man. You’ll recognize the voice as that of Vincent Price. This was actually before he went on to superstardom.

Plot:

Count Dracula’s beloved monster, Frankenstein, needs a new brain. The Count is adamant that the new brain has to belong to a simpleton – someone without a drop of malice. Guess what simpleton is hand-picked for the job: Lou Costello’s Wilbur, of course. Bud Abbot’s Chick, along with the Wolfman, have to save Wilbur and keep his brain where it belongs – in his own head.

Lou Costello is at his best in this movie. He’s absolutely hilarious and offers countless laugh out loud moments.

Trivia:

The movie was originally titled, “The Brain of Frankenstein” (apparently they were adamant that Frankenstein appear in the title somewhere!)
The director was Charles Barton, a close friend of both Abbott and Costello’s. Most people consider him to the the duo’s best director.
One of the funniest scenes in the movie involves Wilbur (Costello) unknowingly sitting on Frankenstein’s lap. The scene required multiple shots because Costello was allowed to improvise, which caused Glen Strange (Frankenstein) to constantly break out laughing!
Charles Barton also directed 1959’s classic The Shaggy Dog .
Lenore Aubert (Sandra) was born in present-day Slovenia. She teamed up with the duo again 1949’s Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff.

Quotes:

Chick: I don’t get it. Out of all the guys around here that classy dish has to pick out a guy like you.
Wilbur: What’s wrong with that?
Chick: Go look at yourself in the mirror sometime.
Wilbur: Why should I hurt my own feelings?

Larry Talbot (Wolfman): You don’t understand. Every night when the moon is full, I turn into a wolf.
Wilbur: You and twenty million other guys.

Chick Young: You’re making enough noise to wake up the dead!
Wilbur Grey: I don’t have to wake him up. He’s up.

Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures CollectionAbbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection

All 28 films produced during the height of their popularity at Universal Pictures are available in one collection. Featuring their most popular movies, this collection is filled with some of the most hilarious routines of all-time including “Who’s on First?” Loaded with hours of bonus features and an exclusive collectible book, this is the ultimate tribute to two of the funniest, and most enduring, comedians of all time.

Titles Include:
One Night in the Tropics (1940)
Buck Privates (1941)
In the Navy (1941)
Hold That Ghost (1941)
Keep ‘Em Flying (1941)
Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1942)
Pardon My Sarong (1942)
Who Done It? (1942)
It Ain’t Hay (1943)
Hit the Ice (1943)
In Society (1944)
Here Come the Co-Eds (1945)
The Naughty Nineties (1945)
Little Giant (1946)
The Time of Their Lives (1946)
Buck Privates Come Home (1947)
The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap (1947)
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Mexican Hayride (1948)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff (1949)
Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion (1950)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Comin’ Round the Mountain (1951)
Lost in Alaska (1952)
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops (1955)
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)

Exclusive Bonus:
Abbott & Costello: The Universal Story – 44-page book detailing the legacy of Bud and Lou plus an overview of their films at Universal including rare photos, trivia and exclusive introductions from their families.

Rio Bravo: It’s Never the Wrong Time to Watch this Classic Western

August 14, 2015 By Joi Leave a Comment

Fun Every Time You Watch it: Rio Bravo

I guess the fact that I am infatuated with Westerns shouldn’t surprise me – my dad was one of the three biggest Westerns fans in the entire world. Literally, the first movies I remember watching involve cowboys, dirt roads, shootouts, ladies in long skirts, and lots of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. Even some of my earliest television memories are of Gunsmoke.

Now married to another Western fan, my love for the genre continues. I was once asked who I preferred in Westerns, John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. I told them that was like asking me to choose between coffee and sweet tea – the answer is whichever one’s in front of me at the moment.

Two of my favorite all-time Westerns are Rio Bravo (1959) and El Dorado (1966). Even today, they’re just good, clean, outrageous fun to watch. I actually feel sorry for anyone who can’t sit back and enjoy a good old movie and simply take it for what it is. F-U-N.

Although I love James Caan’s Mississippi in El Dorado about as much as I love any movie character (and Robert Mitchum is mesmerizing as Sherrif J.P. Harrah ), I’d say my favorite of the two is Rio Bravo…. but just by a “feather.”

John Wayne, Dean Martin, Walter Brennan, Angie Dickinson, and Ricky Nelson – with a cast like this, how could it not be a classic? Although it’s darn near impossible to pick any out of that group, I’d (personally) say that Martin, Dickinson, and Brennan make the movie extra special.

In a pretty limited role – Carlos Robante, as Pedro, is also the very definition of scene-stealer.

Plot: In a small town in Texas, John Wayne is Sheriff John T. Chance. Along with his “drunk” deputy/friend, Dude (portrayed brilliantly by Dean Martin), a crankly old man deputy with a limp “Stumpy” (Walter Brennan at his best), and a singing young sure-shot named Colorado (a VERY young Ricky Nelson), he has to keep an eye on a murderer whose very wealthy and powerful brother is trying to break out of jail. As if Sheriff Chance doesn’t have his hands full with these characters, a beautiful distraction named Feathers (beautifully played by Angie Dickinson) comes to town on the stagecoach. She’s mysterious, chatty, and filled with equal amounts of energy and trouble.

Let the games begin!

I could watch this movie once a week and never complain – even though I’m pretty sure I could quote every line that comes out of “Stumpy” and “Feathers.” How are you going to miss with names like those? The wonderful Walter Brennan (Stumpy) and too gorgeous to even be believed or forgiven Angie Dickinson (Feathers) are at their best – and that’s saying something.

If you’ve never watched Rio Bravo or El Dorado, I’d whole-heartedly recommend buying the DVDs. You’ll fall in love with both movies. If you HAVE seen them, watch them again.

Somehow they just get better and better with each viewing.

DVDs on AMAZON: Rio Bravo and El Dorado

My Rifle, My Pony, and Me/Cindy – Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson and Walter Brennan:

Rio Bravo Trivia

The sets were built to 7/8th scale, so the performers look larger than life.
Ricky Nelson celebrated his 18th birthday during filming of Rio Bravo.
Director Howard Hawks didn’t want Ricky Nelson in the role of Colorado. He thought he was too young and unproven to handle his own with Martin and Wayne. He was so sour on the idea that he deliberately gave Nelson the fewest possible number of lines he could for a third-billed star. Undoubtedly, after Ricky Nelson proved himself (and surely helped with the success of the movie), he realized he’d been wrong.
Howard Hawks’ first choice for Colorado was actually Elvis Presley! Elvis was excited about the idea but his manager asked for too much money along with… get this.. top billing! Over John Wayne! Naturally Hawks and Wayne would have none of it, so the search for Colorado continued. Elvis Presley went on to join the US army in March 1958, two months before filming of Rio Bravo began.
One of the movie’s most famous fans is none other than actor/producer/writer Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino has said that before he enters into a relationship with a girl, he shows her Rio Bravo. If she doesn’t like it, the deal is off – there is no relationship! I can appreciate that.
John Wayne was 51 during the filming of Rio Bravo.
Montgomery Clift, who happened to be a very liberal Democrat, turned down the role of Dude because he’d have to work with very conservative Republicans John Wayne and Walter Brennan. Clift suggested Dean Martin for the role and the rest is history.