Golden Age of Hollywood
Carole Lombard, Twentieth Century (1934)
After filming of Twentieth Century (Amazon dvd link) ended, John Barrymore gave Carole Lombard an autographed photo he’d autographed with a tribute she must’ve treasured: “To the finest actress I have worked with, bar none.”
What an absolutely beautiful compliment – and a testament to the professionalism and talent of Carole Lombard.
Joan Crawford Robert Young, and Franchot Tone, The Bride Wore Red (1937)
Marlene Dietrich in Knight Without Armour
Marlene Dietrich was born on this day (December 27) in 1901 in Berlin, Germany. She became an American citizen on March 6, 1937 and became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Marlene lived to the wonderful age of 90, dying in Paris in 1992.
While I admire Marlene’s talent and films a great deal, I admire EVEN MORE her generous and compassionate nature.
A few fast facts about this special lady’s compassion:
Happy birthday, Marlene, and thanks for the films, the memories, and all you did to improve the lives of others!
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).
Rita Hayworth, Music in My Heart Publicity Photo
Rita Hayworth and recording artist Tony Martin star Music in My Heart (Amazon DVD link), a musical comedy featuring the wonderful, wonderful, wonderful music of Andre Kostelanetz and his orchestra.
This is one of those films that is a definite feast for the eyes AND ears.
Maureen O’Hara, Kelsey Mulrooney, Richard Thomas, and Annette O’Toole The Christmas Box
The Christmas Box (TV Movie, 1995) was Maureen O’Hara’s first TV film role since The Red Pony in ’73. The film starred Maureen O’Hara, Richard Thomas, Kelsey Mulrooney, and Annette O’Toole.
When asked if anything had changed in the business since she’d last worked, Maureen replied, “I’ll tell you what hasn’t changed. You’re still waiting for the gift of a great writer giving you a great script. And I think The Christmas Box is a wonderful gift.”
It’s a wonderful movie – each of the stars are outstanding. Each time I see it, I always wish Richard Thomas and Annette O’Toole made more movies. I’m a huge fan of both of theirs.
Dorothy Dandridge, Porgy and Bess (1959)
Dorothy Dandridge is, by far, one of my favorite actresses. She didn’t have many opportunities come her way, but the ones she did have she made the absolute most of.
The frustrating thing for me is that, as I said, she’s one of my favorites, but I have a lot of trouble finding pictures of her to share on Hollywood Yesterday. This is the only reason she isn’t featured in more posts.
Believe me, however, I am always on the look out for pictures I can buy and/or scan to add. I’m also in the process of collecting her movies (the ones that are in circulation anyway), so I can at least add screencaps of her.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the rare and wonderful pictures I CAN find.
See also: Sidney Poitier and Dorohy Dandridge, Porgy and Bess
Lana Turner and Lee Bowman, Dancing Co-Ed
I love this picture of the day! Lana Turner is one of my favorites and (EASILY) one of the most compelling and beautiful stars from Hollywood Yesterday. This is from the 1939 film Dancing Co-Ed.
I’m really not overly familiar with Lee Bowman, but after seeing him in this movie recently, I’d like to see more of his filmography. If you’ve never seen Dancing Co-Ed, check it out – it’s as fun as Lana is beautiful…. well, almost.
Lucille Ball and John Hodiak: Two Smart People Publicity Photo
Two Smart People is a film you really don’t hear a lot about but, truth be told, I like it a lot. Watching it is kind of bittersweet, however, because you’re reminded of how young John Hodiak was when he died (just 41). He died in 1955, while shaving at his parents house. He was getting ready to go to the studio to film On the Threshold of Space.
If you’ve never seen Two Smart People, I hope you’ll check it out. It’s a good movie and the leads are extra special.
Click here to see a stunning publicity photo of Lucille Ball from this film.
Natalie Wood and James Dean Behind the Scenes of Rebel Without a Cause
I like to remind my reader friends every now and then of why I keep my posts and reviews as brief as possible. It’s not that I don’t have a lot to say – trust me, I’m very long winded and usually don’t even stop to take a breath!
The reasons I try to be brief the majority of the time are simple…
Finally….. Frankly, sometimes the pictures don’t just speak for themselves, they yell and do not need my help whatsoever. Today’s picture of the day is a perfect example.
Honestly, what could I say that could come anywhere near the emotion this photo carries. All I want to say is this – these two stars have brought more joy to people like me and you than they could have ever imagined. I wish life had been a lot kinder to James Dean and Natalie Wood and wish they could have felt the love THEN that they have from so many NOW.
The beauty above is Silent Film star Mildred Davis. She was a frequent co-star (and longtime wife) of legendary actor Harold Lloyd. She’s one of my favorite silent film actresses and one I can’t understand not being a household name.
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Whether it’s a Musical, Western, Comedy, Romance, Film Noir, or Drama – if it’s on, I’m not too far away… with popcorn and raspberry tea in hand and a couple of cats nearby.
Below are a few Old Hollywood movie reviews I’ve done on the blog. There are, as you’d imagine, a lot more to come. – Joi (“Joy”)
We’re in the Money (Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell)
The Naked Spur (James Stewart, Janet Leigh)
The Prince and the Showgirl (Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier)
The White Sister (Helen Hayes, Clark Gable)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Howard Keel, Jane Powell, Russ Tamblyn, Julie Newmar)
Rio Bravo (John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan)
El Dorado (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Michele Carey)
Rio Grande (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara)
Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (What is it With Me and These Movies??)
The Stooge (Jerry Lewis’ favorite Lewis and Martin Movie… for good reason.)
Critic’s Choice (Hilarious movie starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball)
To Please a Lady (Clark Gable and Barbara Stanwyck team up in a fast track movie)
Grand Hotel (Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore)
Hearts Divided (Marion Davies, Dick Powell)
The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald)
More Old Hollywood Movie Reviews
I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn, A Personal Biography
Steps in Time (Fred Astaire)
Enchantment (Audrey Hepburn)
Find out just how much I (truly) Love Lucy in the Lucille Ball category. I’m warning you, I call it an obsession for a very good reason…
Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!
