Picture of the Day | Hollywood Yesterday

Beautiful Fay Wray: Publicity Photo for King Kong

March 26, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Fay Wray: King Kong Promotional Photo

Some stars have become so associated with particular roles or films that far too often, the rest of their work is overlooked. While it can be frustrating when you are a fan of the star to see the general public unaware of just how well-rounded their career was – we have to remind ourselves that it is actually very flattering.

For a role and/or film to be so ingrained in the public’s mind and heart, speaks volumes about all who were involved in the production.

Fay Wray’s performance in King Kong (1933) won (and wins more each year!) her legions of fans. We feel her fear and other emotions as we watch her go through her ordeal!

Her beauty – especially in contrast to the “beast” – jumps off the screen at you. So, as a Fay Wray fan… when someone hears the name and says, “King Kong!,” I’ve vowed to stop listing her other films and simply talk about how mesmerizing she was in a difficult role. Very difficult, if you think about it! She had to react to a monster that wasn’t even there.

Speaking of the wonderful actress, have you seen her daughter, Victoria Riskin’s biography? It’s called Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir (Amazon Link) and it is excellent. I’m working on the book review for Hollywood Yesterday and hope to have it up within the next few weeks.

Fingers crossed!

Before reading the biography (Victoria is an excellent author, by the way), I knew Fay Wray and Robert Riskin were very likable, classy individuals but… after reading the book… I’m even more of a fan of each. I highly recommend it.

Greta Garbo as Countess Marie Walewska, Conquest

March 19, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Greta Garbo as Countess Marie Walewska, Conquest

I’m not sure why but I am enthralled by this Greta Garbo publicity photo for Conquest (1937). There’s something so regal and beautiful about it, yet incredibly vulnerable at the same time. Garbo could convey many emotions and (much like Joan Crawford and Barbara Stanwyck), she could convey more than one at the same time.

Fascinatingly talented!

If you’ve never seen Conquest (Amazon DVD link), I highly recommend it. There’s nothing quite like seeing an actor or actress in one of their most powerful roles.

Picture of the Day: Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) on Gunsmoke

March 18, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty (Gunsmoke)

My parents and I had a weeknight routine that lasted for what seems like my entire childhood (all the way through high school and into college). We would go to our favorite diner or the Dairy Queen near our house and order takeout. Then we’d bring it home and feed our faces while we watched our beloved “friends” in Dodge City. Miss Kitty, Matt Dillon, Festus (0r Chester), Doc Adams, Sam, and Newly were always there for us and… with chili dog in hand… we were always there for them!

Every weeknight from 10:30-11:30 pm like clockwork.

I have no idea, today, how I was ever able to sleep with a chili dog (or hamburger), onion rings, and a Coke on my stomach (I’d be in serious pain now if I tried it!), but it was never anything but bliss.

I am still as in love with the show, today, as I was then and I love to think of my mom and dad gathered around a Heavenly television catching episodes whenever possible.

The Gunsmoke (link to dvds on Amazon) cast was phenomenal – the people in charge of casting were on top of their game… not just the excellent regulars, but the guest stars as well. Every role was always filled to perfection.

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole: How to Steal a Million (1966)

March 16, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole: How to Steal a Million

One of the cutest, funnest movies I’ve ever seen (and loved) is How to Steal a Million starring the incomparable stars Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. They are so vibrant and colorful in this wonderful film that I wish everyone in the world would watch it all together in a giant movie-watching party.

What a party it’d be… and we’d all be better off for it!

(Continued Below the Greatness….)

Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole

How to Steal a Million also stars Hugh Griffith, Charles Boyer, and Eli Wallach. It was directed by the wonderful William Wyler who also directed Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

If you’ve never seen How to Steal a Million (Amazon dvd link) – or you’ve seen it but it’s been a while… you have to watch this exceptional film as soon as possible. For the entire duration of the film, all will be right in your world.

Who couldn’t use more of that right now?

Leslie Caron in Lili: Love Her and the Movie to ABSOLUTE Distraction!

March 15, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

I absolutely adore Leslie Caron. She’s like a breath of fresh spring air every time she’s onscreen. I’m working my way through her filmography and have fallen head over heels with everything I’ve seen her in.

My most recent fall was for the adorable, fun, and wonderful Lili (1953). The movie co-stars Mel Ferrer, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Kurt Kasznar.

Leslie Caron was 22 years old when she played the 16 year old Lili. She portrays the young girl to perfection – bringing both naivety and youthful enthusiasm to the character. You want to protectively put your arms around her the entire time.

This film was based on a short story in The Saturday Evening Post by Paul Gallico titled “The Man Who Hated People.” It was published in the 28 October 1950 edition and was, itself, inspired by the children’s puppet show “Kukla, Fran and Ollie”.

Due to the success of Lili, Gallico expanded the story into a novella.

This film was a big hit at the box office. It earned MGM a profit of $1,878,000 and was the studio’s most popular musical of the year.

You can find Lili on Amazon (link to the dvd) or watch it on Amazon Prime (link to the movie on Prime).

Mel Ferrer and Leslie Caron, Lili

Marilyn Monroe: The Seven Year Itch

March 14, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Marilyn Monroe, Behind the Scenes of The Seven Year Itch

Marilyn Monroe is primarily remembered as a great beauty icon (and as beautiful as she was, it’s certainly understandable!). However, she was also a very good actress – better, in fact, than she ever gave herself credit for. Her roles were not the type that called for a “Greta Garbo” or “Barbara Stanwyck” performance – they called for a “Marilyn Monroe” performance and she hit it out of the park every single time.

So many people watch stars and compare them to other actors or actresses. For example, they’ll watch Elvis and say, “He’s no Henry Fonda!” or “He isn’t the actor James Stewart was!”

My answers are always the same….

No. He wasn’t Henry Fonda. He was Elvis.

No. He wasn’t the actor James Stewart was. He didn’t have to be!

I hear the same thing with John Wayne – almost weekly. But here’s the thing. Are Elvis and John Wayne as remembered today as Henry Fonda and James Stewart.

Of course they are!

Is Marilyn Monroe as remembered today as well as Greta Garbo and Barbara Stanwyck?

Certainly!

Each star had their own types of roles and their own types of screen images – they knew what the public wanted from them and (this may upset their critics, but so be it)… they gave the public what they wanted just as well as ANY star did.

Marilyn’s roles were perfect for her and she was perfect for them. I may be in the minority, here, but that doesn’t scare me in the least, so I’ll just say it – I believe she could have handled “deeper” roles that were given to other actresses. I believe that if she had been given one that she completely felt challenged by, she would have stepped up to the plate.

That’s just my opinion, but my confidence in her talent is unwavering.

Jerry Lewis in The Day the Clown Cried (1972)

March 13, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Jerry Lewis: The Day the Clown Cried

Today’s photo of the day is from the 1972 film, The Day the Clown Cried. It’s a powerful photo from a powerful (and devastatingly sad) film.

Plot: A circus clown (perfectly portrayed by Jerry Lewis… a much better actor than he is often given credit for) is imprisoned by the Nazis and follows Jewish children to their deaths.

The film and role were bold choices for Mr. Lewis and showcase just how much grit and guts the man had. He lived his life as a lovable clown, then flipped the script and showed us what it would look like when the clown’s heart broke completely.

It’s a film worth watching for anyone else who loves Jerry Lewis as much as I do. He did a spectacular job with acting and directing this film and was also one of the writers.

Sue Ann Langdon and Henry Fonda, The Cheyenne Social Club

March 12, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Sue Ann Langdon and Henry Fonda, They Cheyenne Social Club

With so much bad news going around, I thought it was a great day for extra-fun pictures of the day. Here are the one and only (and ever so wonderful) Sue Ann Langdon and Henry Fonda.

These photos are from The Cheyenne Social Club (1970 – also starring James Stewart and Shirley Jones). It has been entirely too long since I’ve seen this one!

You can find a “Double Feature” DVD Set on Amazon – The Cheyenne Social Club and Firecreek (James Stewart and Henry Fonda).

Sue Ann Langdon and Henry Fonda, The Cheyenne Social Club

Pamela Tiffin, The Lively Set (1964)

March 11, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Pamela Tiffin

Beautiful Pamela Tiffin is one of those stars that I have NO idea how they kept from becoming a household name. I guess, if you think about it, sometimes it may have been healthier for a star to have been able to do what they loved to do (acting) without achieving the level of stardom that, seemingly, can be far too heavy to bear.

When you think of it in those terms, it makes it hard to feel badly for them, doesn’t it?

But still…..

Look at her. A total knock-out! As beautiful as any of the stars of her time (or any time for that matter) – and yet, some are synonymous with “beauty” and you have to explain to younger generations who she is. I like to always have a photo or two on my iPhone to show them who she is. “THIS. THIS is who Pamela Tiffin is!”

Stops them dead in their tracks – and I can tell they’re also having a hard time getting their head around her obscurity.

However… it gets worse. She wasn’t just beautiful in her films – she was incredibly talented and charismatic. Her personality came through the screen. I honestly think most of it is the movies she was in. Had she been, say, cast in a couple of Elvis films (or even just one really good one) or had she been a Bond girl, I don’t think I’d need the photos I keep handy.

Which brings me to something that has been on my mind. If you are an old Hollywood and Classic TV fan as I am and want to keep these wonderful names and faces alive and shining brightly, talk about them freely with others. Share dvds or movie suggestions with younger generations. Show them pictures and tell them about the stars.

If… like many people… you have just a few you really talk about, consider opening up your heart and mind to other stars. The more the better!

Just a thought.

Now I’ll leave you with another photo of gorgeous Pamela Tiffin.

Pamela Tiffin, The Lively Set Lobby Card

A Woman’s Face Lobby Cards: Joan Crawford, Melvyn Douglas,

March 10, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

A Woman’s Face Lobby Card with Melvyn Douglas, Osa Massen, and Joan Crawford

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite actresses… Joan Crawford

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite actors… Melvyn Douglas

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite movies… A Woman’s Face.

When these two powerhouse stars get together, magic happens and that’s exactly what this movie is. Sheer magic.

If you’ve never seen A Woman’s Face (Amazon DVD link), I hope you’ll see it as soon as possible. The entire cast is outstanding and the film-noir, itself, is an edge of your seat type of drama.

If you have Amazon Prime, you can watch A Woman’s Face on Prime.