Musicals | Hollywood Yesterday

Shirley Jones: Beautiful and Talented Star of Film, Musicals, and Television

March 7, 2023 By Joi

Shirley Jones and Robert Preston

If you’ve read previous posts, you know what a big fan I am of Shirley Jones. I consider her one of the most beautiful, versatile and genuinely talented stars I’ve ever had the joy of watching. Whether it’s film or television, she positively lights up the entire house when she’s on the screen.

The thing I don’t quite understand is this: How did her name become so synonymous with The Partridge Family that her wonderful filmography is often taken for granted? Don’t get me wrong, as someone who loves classic television as much as she does old Hollywood, there’s nothing in the world wrong with being a television legend.

I mean… Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Red Foxx, Andy Griffith, Jackie Gleason, Angie Dickinson, Elizabeth Montgomery, Robert Young, Donna Reed, and a HOST of others wear it beautifully… and many, like Shirley, also had phenomenal film careers.

Being a legend in television and bringing joy to generations is just as special as being a legend in film and bringing joy to generations. In fact, when it comes to television, you’re actually…

seen by more people
seen more often, thanks to syndication
in many ways become part of millions of families.. hard to beat that!

Donna Reed (another favorite) is rather similar to Shirley Jones, in my opinion. Both starred in iconic films (several for each lady, in fact) and gave brilliant performances time after time… yet both would go on to portray such strong, wonderful women on television that they’re (more times than not) associated primarily with the roles they played.

Same can be said of Lucille Ball – though she never had a film quite as iconic as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Music Man, or Oklahoma!.

I guess really the only thing that sticks in my craw (is that a great old saying or what?) is the fact that, when people are associating a star with one medium, they short-change the other. Not long ago, I read someone online refer to Lucille Ball as “… a television actress, no more than that.”

Excuse yourself, sir… she was much more than that. WHY do people want to limit or categorize individuals so habitually? What’s perhaps more irritating is this… and please hear me out.. I don’t see it happen as often with actors as I do actresses. I have never read someone say that Jackie Gleason was a “television star, nothing more.” In fact, he is (rightfully so) heralded as a star of BOTH.

Lucille Ball, Shirley Jones, and Donna Reed deserve the same consideration.

Okay, I got that out of my system, time to get on with it!

One of my favorite Shirley Jones movies is The Music Man and she gives one of my favorite Shirley Jones performances. The entire film is simply breathtaking, from the musical numbers to the storytelling and from the hairstyles to the AMAZING costumes.

Side note: Are you familiar with the wonderful animated Christmas movie Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)? The character of Miss Jessica seems to be completely inspired by Shirley Jones’ character in The Music Man. Hair, face, figure, clothes, personality…

Every time I watch this extraordinary Christmas classic (every single year, usually more than once!), I see Shirley Jones in the role and it makes me love Miss Jessica even more.

You can find The Music Man on dvd (Amazon Link) or watch it on Prime Video.

Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan on the Set of Gigi (1958)

March 3, 2023 By Joi

Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan

Some days I have time to linger and chat on the old Hollywood blog… or even get a rant in about a film that doesn’t get enough attention or a sinfully overlooked actress!… other days, I just have to drop a great picture and make a hasty exit (grandbabies, cats, and husbands wait for no one after all!).

Today is the latter, so I will atone for my hastiness with two great pictures instead of just one. These are adorable behind the scenes photos of Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan on the set of Gigi (1958). Directed by Vincente Minnelli, Gigi is one of the most joyful, fun, colorful, and thoroughly enjoyable films ever made. The cast also includes Maurice Chevalier, Hermione Gingold, Eva Gabor, and Isabel Jeans.

You can find the extraordinary Gigi on dvd and blu-ray (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan

Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee, St. Louis Blues (1958)

January 21, 2023 By Joi

Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee

Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee lead a phenomenal cast in the 1958 biography-musical St. Louis Blues. Directed by Allen Reisner, the film features a cast that includes Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, and Mahalia Jackson.

I can only imagine what it must have been like to have been in the company of that many iconic legends!

Nat King Cole brilliantly portrays W. C. Handy, the Father of the Blues. This was Cole’s only lead role in a Hollywood film and that’s a darn shame.

At the age of 85 W.C. Handy actually served as a consultant on this film, but SADLY he passed away before the film opened.

I can’t find a dvd to link to and the film doesn’t appear to be on Prime Video – but I’m looking regularly. I need the dvd for my Ruby Dee movie collection!

Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee, St. Louis Blues

Lovely Quote About Julie Andrews from the Director of The Sound of Music

December 2, 2022 By Joi

Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music

“There is a genuineness about her; an unphoniness. She goes right through the camera, on to the film and out to the audience. Julie seems to have been born with the magic gene that comes through on the screen.” ~ Robert Wise (director, The Sound of Music), about Julie Andrews

Anyone who has seen the magic of Julie Andrews is now nodding in agreement!

You can find The Sound of Music on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the iconic and beautiful movie on Prime Video.

Julie Andrews

Mary Pickford in a Great Promotional Picture for Kiki (1931)

November 14, 2022 By Joi

Mary Pickford, Kiki (1932)

Mary Pickford meant (and means) so much to old Hollywood. I’m convinced that her drive, talent, brains, beauty, and vision helped shape Hollywood and film-making as we know them. She’s also one of those stars who you honestly love more each time you see them.

Frankly, some stars aren’t quite like this – you’ll like them, love them, dislike them… or feel lukewarm about them, often changing with each film or performance! Thankfully there are many who, like Mary Pickford, simply keep your emotions moving in the right direction.

Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews, Behind the Scenes of Mary Poppins (Happy Birthday Julie Andrews!)

October 1, 2022 By Joi

Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews

I am BEYOND in love with this photo of Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews behind the scenes of Mary Poppins (1964, directed by Robert Stevenson). With today being her birthday, what better time to spotlight this joyful movie, its joyful stars, and one of the most adorable pictures ever taken?

You can (and should!) find Mary Poppins on DVD or Blu-ray (this particular Amazon link goes to the Anniversary edition, but others are available) or watch the magic on Prime Video.

Why not both?!

Vera-Ellen, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, and Jules Munshin: On the Town (Wonderful Musical, Perfect Cast)

September 24, 2022 By Joi

Vera-Ellen and Gene Kelly, On the Town

On the Town (1949, directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly) is such a wonderful musical – each time I see it, the same thoughts swirl around my head….

We simply do NOT talk enough about Vera-Ellen. She was an absolute treasure and treasures should be loudly celebrated.
Frank Sinatra, while (deservedly) celebrated for his music, voice, entertainment skills, and charisma, does not get enough credit for his acting. He had so much talent as an actor and was VERY versatile. Drama, musicals, comedy – there wasn’t a role out of his reach.
Betty Garrett was the very definition of a flawless performer. She was mesmerizing in every role, every scene… so much energy and always so fun to watch. Whatever film this actress made, she made you fall in love with her character AND her!
Jules Munshin was an absolute GENIUS… he managed (with aplomb!) not to get lost in scenes with not one but TWO iconic legends in Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Seriously.. how does one even think about pulling that off? What’s more, he even manages to steal a few scenes. This wonderful performer should have been given more roles. He was truly something else!
Speaking of “should have been given more,” one of the first names that always comes to mind with these words is the stunningly beautiful and talented Ann Miller. She was never anything less than a knock-out and, like Jules, a complete scene-stealer… yet, Hollywood consistently relegated her to supporting roles or the “second female.” She was capable and deserving of so much more.

Frank Sinatra

On the Town was the third (and final) movie Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra made together. Frank Sinatra would go on to say in an interview, “I could never dance, but Gene Kelly made me look like I could.”

Could have fooled me!

Betty Garrett and Frank Sinatra

Ironically, when I first saw the movie (as a teenager), my initial response to the pairing of Betty Garrett and Frank Sinatra was negative…. okay, hugely negative. Why? I have no idea. But I distinctly remember the characters all showing up on my tv screen and my mentally pairing them up differently… Frank Sinatra with Vera-Ellen, Gene Kelly with Ann Miller, and Betty Garrett with Jules Munshin.

Yes… pairing them completely different than they were in actuality! When it became apparent how each couple was to be paired, I was okay with two of the three but completely not buying into Betty and Frank.

Long story short, they won me over before the movie was even half over. What’s more, guess which pair is my favorite each and every time I revisit this movie. You guessed it, Frank and Betty.

Having said that, I love each couple with all my heart, but… well… feel a little something extra for the one I took a few minutes to warm up to.

Ann Miller and Jules Munshin

You can find On the Town on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the magic on Prime Video.

Cyd Charisse Publicity Pictures for Sombrero (1953)

May 3, 2022 By Joi

Cyd Charisse

Beautiful Cyd Charisse was an absolute artist when it came to dancing and watching her is a great joy. She loved dancing more than she did acting, which is understandable. Great artists love what they do!

“If I had to give up either acting or dancing, I’d choose to keep dancing.” ~ Cyd Charisse

(Continued Below….)

Cyd Charisse

The stunning photographs in this post are publicity photos for her 1953 film Sombrero. The Musical Romance was directed by Norman Foster and also stars Ricardo Montalban, Pier Angeli, Vittorio Gassman, Yvonne De Carlo, Rick Jason, and Nina Foch.

You can find Sombrero on dvd (Amazon link).

Cyd Charisse

Judy Garland: Beautiful Promo Photo for Summer Stock

March 30, 2022 By Joi

Judy Garland

Summer Stock (1950) was directed by Charles Walters and is one of my very favorite musicals. How could it not be… it stars the extraordinary Judy Garland and the equally extraordinary Gene Kelly?!

The excellent musical also includes Gloria DeHaven, Eddie Bracken, Marjorie Main, Hans Conried, and Phil Silvers.

You can find the wonderfully entertaining Summer Stock on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Prime Video.

Marjorie Main, Gloria DeHaven, Gene Kelly, and Judy Garland

Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, Behind the Scenes of the Wonderful Summer Stock

February 4, 2022 By Joi

Judy Garland and Gene Kelly

There’s just something about a musical to make the world seem blissfully perfect, isn’t there?! For me, it’s even more so if Judy Garland or Gene Kelly is involved… so when they’re in the SAME musical, look out! I will be smiling for days.

One of the musicals I watch and rewatch is Summer Stock (1950, directed by Charles Walters). In addition to Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, the musical stars (among others) Gloria DeHaven, Marjorie Main, Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, and the always entertaining Hans Conried.

You can find the wonderfully entertaining Summer Stock on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Prime Video.