Picture of the Day | Hollywood Yesterday

Lena Horne, Meet Me in Las Vegas (Gorgeous!)

March 24, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lena Horne

Today is one of those days when I have a gazillion and one things to do. On days like this, I always choose photos for picture of the day that speak for themselves. What better star to turn to than one of my absolute favorites, Lena Horne. With her beauty and grace, her photos don’t just speak for themselves, they scream!

This photo of the gorgeous Lena Horne are from Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956).

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put on one of my Lena Horne LPs and get busy. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Birthday to Joan Crawford: BOTD in 1904

March 23, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Joan Crawford

One of the most polarizing stars from old Hollywood was also one of the stars that supplied it (bountifully!) with its glitz and glamor… the talented and beautiful Joan Crawford. I spent a great deal of time (entirely too much, if we’re being honest) trying to decide what movie or what pictures to use for today’s pictures of the day in her honor.

While photos from a movie she walked out on (Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte) and from a tough time in her life may seem bizarre on my part, there’s a method to my madness.

She began work on the film which co-starred Bette Davis (a huge nemesis of Crawford’s!), but was ultimately replaced by Olivia de Havilland when Joan bowed out very early in filming.

It’s apparent that this was a very difficult time for the star – undoubtedly made worse by working with a star she disliked so strongly.

When Joan was replaced, Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland carried out a “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” routine by toasting one another with Coca-Cola (a nudge to Joan Crawford’s husband having been an executive of Pepsi-Cola and that she was now on the board of directors). Joining in on the toast were co-star Joseph Cotten and director Robert Aldrich.

So, it is quite apparent that there was no love to be found for Joan Crawford on the set of this film. Now, I’m not saying she was exactly an angel, herself! All I’m saying is that Joan had to have been completely miserable around this time… not just miserable… but completely miserable. Not only was she fighting father time, she undoubtedly must have often felt like she was fighting everyone at every turn.

So why choose these two pictures from such an unhappy time? Look at them. What do you see?

I see the posture of a queen and the unshakable confidence of a grand Hollywood legend. I see Joan Crawford holding her head up high… letting everyone fighting her know that they weren’t going to beat her down.

That’s why I chose these two pictures. Because they represent what I love the most about Joan Crawford.

Happiest of birthdays to one of the stars who made old Hollywood one of my favorite places on earth.

Jane Powell and Howard Keel: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Promotional Picture

March 22, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Jane Powell and Howard Keel

I can’t say with absolute certainty that Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the first musical I ever saw, but it IS the first one I remember. I loved everything about it, then, as a little girl, and I love everything about it now… with three little girls of my own all grown!

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was directed by Stanley Donen and boasts an absolutely incredible cast including Jane Powell, Howard Keel, Russ Tamlyn, Jeff Richards, Julie Newmar, and Ruta Lee. It’s beautiful, joyful, and deliciously colorful entertainment that is timeless.

(Continued Below…)

An interesting bit of trivia about this wonderful musical: MGM had (for whatever reasons!) low financial expectations for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. With these low expectations in mind, they chose to allocate resources, instead, to Rose Marie and Brigadoon. Ironically, neither of these films had anywhere near the commercial and critical success of Seven Brides.

In fact, Seven Brides is, to this day, the most popular of the three!

You can watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on Prime Video (Amazon link) or buy the dvd (link to the dvd on Amazon).

Anne Jeffreys and George Murphy, Step Lively Publicity Photo

March 21, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Anne Jeffreys and George Murphy

One of the things that fascinates me most about being an old Hollywood fanatic is the fact that you can watch these delightful films for well over half your life and STILL come across “new to you” stars – new stars who you fall hook, line, and sinker for!

Somehow I had spent my entire life without seeing any of Anne Jeffreys’ movies. I had loved her back in the day on General Hospital. I always loved to see her character show up because she was so regal, feminine, strong, and beautiful. She had an air of royalty about her that mesmerized me. Another General Hospital star, Constance Towers had a very, very similar air about her. I loved seeing them show up, not only because of these traits but also because trouble almost always followed or preceded them!

Flash forward a few years (okay, let’s be honest… many years) to 2021. I caught the beautiful Anne Jeffreys in a Randolph Scott movie I was watching. At the risk of getting off-topic and having to scamper back… a sport I excel at… Randolph Scott is also a star who recently bolted into my “absolute favorites” tier. Sometimes (like Anne Jeffreys) the star is completely new to you on film and other times (like Randolph Scott), you simply have to see enough of their work to become a huge fan.

Any way, back to lovely Anne. I was watching Randolph Scott’s Return of the Bad Men for the first time and hadn’t even glanced at the other stars in the film. Sometimes I love to do this wiht a ” “new to me” movie…. sort of, you know, see who shows up! Anne’s character (Cheyenne) rode up on a horse and, while I knew it wasn’t Ginger Rogers (because I know all of her films and have seen most of them), I thought it had to be her long-lost twin. Same beautiful confident charisma, same beautiful hair, and a pretty darn similar lovely face.

Then I leaned in closer and realized I knew this particular actress from somewhere. Funny how the mind works, but when I put pause on the movie with her loveliness on the screen, I knew it was from a television show.

I even suspected it was from one in color, and that she was a little bit of a snob! I allowed the scene to play out and when she turned her head, I knew exactly who it was. I literally said, “Anne Jeffreys! Fancy meeting you here.”

As I watched the movie, I kept wondering…

How in the world have her movies escaped me until now?!
Why was she not used in more films in old Hollywood?!
How is she not a household name along with other stars from the era?!
How fast can I find, watch, and collect all of the movies she was in?!

Fortunately my second Anne Jeffreys movie (Step Lively, 1944) wasn’t difficult to find. I loved that it also starred a few who I already loved, George Murphy, Frank SinatraAdolphe Menjou, Gloria DeHaven, and Walther Slezak.

I’ve also begun “collecting” Anne Jeffreys along with my other favorites. In fact, the first photograph is on the way as I type these words and subsequent ones won’t be far behind. She has such a special screen presence and so much charisma that she commands every scene she’s in. There’s a certain magic some stars from classic Hollywood had and she’s one of them. I am honestly mystified why she wasn’t cast in more lead roles.

Suffice to say, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Anne Jeffreys on Hollywood Yesterday right away. I’m having a little trouble finding many photos of her, but trust me, I’m on the job!

You can find Step Lively (Amazon link) on dvd or watch on Prime Video.

I was pleasantly surprised that you can also find Return of the Bad Men (Amazon link) on dvd and on Prime Video. What a great time to be alive!

Henry Fonda, Once Upon a Time in the West

March 18, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Henry Fonda, Once Upon a Time in the West

Henry Fonda is, without a doubt, one of my VERY favorite actors. Has been for as long as I can remember. I’m such a huge fan that, I have a confession to make – part of me actually kind of judges a person’s opinions if he isn’t on their list of favorite actors!

Seriously, a part of me (that I never allow out to play) says, “How in the world can you consider yourself a fan of classic Hollywood or films, in general, if Henry Fonda isn’t on your list of favorite actors?!”

Okay, there you have it. My dirty little secret. When it comes to my favorites, one of the little voices in my head isn’t very nice… but, by gosh, is she ever loyal!

(Continued below Henry Fonda giving a menacing look – the same one I give people who don’t name him on their list!)

Henry Fonda, Once Upon a Time in the West

These photos are from his wonderful 1968 western Once Upon a Time in the West (originally titled C’era una volta il West). The movie was directed one of my favorite directors, Sergio Leone, and also starred Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson, Gabriele Ferzetti, and Keenan Wynn.

You can find Once Upon a Time in the West (Amazon link) on dvd or watch it on Prime Video.

Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson, Once Upon a Time in the West

Happy St. Patrick’s Day with One of My VERY Favorite Movies, The Quiet Man

March 17, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Barry Fitzgerald and Maureen O’Hara, The Quiet Man

We all have that movie (or movies) that are extra special to us. We put it in the dvd player or turn on the television and INSTANTLY everything is wonderful in our little world.

The Quiet Man is one of those magical movies for me. From the gorgeousness of Ireland to the PERFECT cast (Maureen O’Hara, John Wayne, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen…), this movie hypnotizes me each and every time I watch it.

(Continued Below…)

One of the things I love best about The Quiet Man is its beautiful simplicity. John Ford (one of the greatest directors of all time) took a beautiful love story, found a beautiful setting, and assembled the perfect cast…. all while allowing Ireland and its extraordinary people to be front and center.

(Continued Below…)

While I have a busy day in front of me, behind me, and all around me – I just wanted to quickly pay tribute to this glorious movie by making it the pictures of the day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you!

~ Joi (“Joy”)

You can find The Quiet Man (Collector’s DVD on Amazon) on dvd or watch on Prime Video.

Maureen O’Hara and Charles Laughton: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Publicity Photos

March 16, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Maureen O’Hara

I have many favorite actresses and actors (one glance at my About page certainly backs up this claim). However, if push came to shove and I was forced to name my number one ride-or-die favorite actress… well, you’re looking at her.

There’s just something about her talent, beauty, charisma, and extemporary character that resonates with me. It has since I was a little girl and saw my first Maureen O’Hara movie, Miracle on 34th Street and it does today, many years and many Maureen O’Hara movies later.

While I love Maureen and Charles Laughton’s performances in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), I don’t rewatch this one as often as I do her other films. As someone who is incredibly emphatic (meaning I STRONGLY feel other people’s emotions – whether they’re real or fictional), sad movies/books actually break my heart a little and cause a black cloud to follow me around for a bit.

Who has time for that?!

It is, however, an extraordinary movie and I do schedule “re-watches” every now and again because the performances are so very strong. I simply make sure I follow it up (quickly!) with a light comedy or musical. Elvis movies always hit the spot.

You can find The Hunchback of Notre Dame (link to the dvd on Amazon) on dvd or watch it on Prime Video. Be prepared for the great Charles Laughton to both amaze you and break your heart a little. The man was such a phenomenal actor.

Henry Fonda: Behind the Scenes of Once Upon a Time in the West

March 12, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

I’m sure I’ve already told you, probably 100 times but I am obsessed (obsessed, I tell you!) with behind the scenes pictures. There’s something absolutely magical about them as far as I’m concerned. If they happen to involve a period piece or western…. it’s even more fun!

This behind the scenes picture of Henry Fonda while making Once Upon a Time in the West is one of my favorites. Here we have a ruthless villain just… you know… reading the paper.

Love it.

You can find Once Upon a Time in the West (Amazon link) on dvd or watch it on Prime Video. I highly recommend it – wonderful western and Fonda is, as always, positively wonderful.

Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie, and Everett Sloane: The Prince Who Was a Thief

March 11, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie, and Everett Sloane

The Prince Who Was a Thief is a fun movie from 1951. Three of its wonderful stars are pictured here: Piper Laurie, Tony Curtis, and Everett Sloane. I haven’t seen this movie in YEARS (thanks to the fact it’s rarely, if ever, shown on television anymore) but I remember liking it a great deal and remember loving Piper Laurie.

I’ve always been a huge fan of this charismatic and beautiful actress. In fact, I recently named a kitten in her honor. I took one look at the kitten with its beautiful eyes and lively, vivacious personality and said, “Piper. She absolutely has to be named Piper.”

You can find The Prince Who Was a Thief (Amazon link) on dvd… but be prepared to gasp when you see the price. I mean….

Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, and Harry Belafonte: Buck and the Preacher Lobby Card

March 5, 2021 By Joi Leave a Comment

Three of my favorite all-time stars together in one film? Pop the popcorn and sign me up! Not only am I obsessed with westerns, I can never get enough of this film’s three stars: Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Harry Belafonte.

I also love the fact that Sidney Poitier did more than just star in the movie, he directed it! For whatever reasons, I am floored by actors/actresses who also direct the film they star in. The talent level to pull something like that off is mind-blowing.

Buck and the Preacher (1972) isn’t shown on television very often, unfortunately, so you may have to make a bit of an effort to see it. It is, however, worth it.

You can find Buck and the Preacher on Prime Video or buy the dvd on Amazon.