Westerns | Hollywood Yesterday

Lena Horne and Richard Widmark: Death of a Gunfighter

May 9, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lena Horne, Death of a Gunfighter

I love Lena Horne for a lot of reasons – she was beautiful, talented, strong, intelligent, stylish, classy, and had the voice of an angel… the star angel in God’s choir.

I also love her because she was one of the musicians and actresses my mom and I agreed on!

She loved Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly the way I loved Maureen O’Hara, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Ann-Margret.

She loved The Waltons… I loved Little House on the Prairie.

She loved Lawrence Welk… I preferred Hee Haw.

She loved Cary Grant best… I preferred John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

(Continued Below…)

Lena Horne and Richard Widmark, Death of a Gunfighter

We even differed with books – She loved reading romance novels… I loved Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew and would need to be PAID to read a romance novel!

But when it came to Lena Horne, we were both in absolute awe of her. If she were on the television, we froze and hung on her every move. If she were on the radio or we were playing her music in the house… we knew every word of every song. We had one lovely entertainer we could agree on! Because of this, I think of my mom anytime I see a Lena Horne photo or film.

So, as you can see, the wonderful Lena Horne has a special place in my heart.

The photos shown here are from her 1969 film, Death of a Gunfighter. I am absolutely in love with the fact that she was cast as Richard Widmark’s wife… the gorgeous girlfriend of the protagonist who just happens to be a woman of color.

We may not think twice about that now, but back then? It was bold casting that paid off in a big way. She was wonderful in the film and had palpable chemistry with Richard Widmark.

If you’ve never seen it, I hope you’ll check it out.

Richard Widmark and Lena Horne

Merle Oberon and Gary Cooper: The Cowboy and the Lady Lobby Cards

May 3, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Gary Cooper and Merle Oberon

In the 1938 film The Cowboy and the Lady, Merle Oberon plays a lonely, somewhat bored socialite (Mary) who pretends to be a maid to add color and variety to her life. She meets a humble and kind cowboy named Stretch Willoughby (how’s that for a name?!) who has no idea of her true identity.

This is a really cute film that’s heavier on comedy than anything else. It’s a lot of fun, doesn’t take itself too seriously, has two wonderful leads in Merle Oberon and Gary Cooper AND co-stars Walter Brennan (he makes everything even better, doesn’t he??).

You can find The Cowboy and the Lady on dvd on Amazon or watch the movie in Prime.

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.

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

Pictures of the Day: Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Ruby Dee (Buck and the Preacher)

March 5, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, Buck and the Preacher (1972)

How’s this for a great picture of the day? Two of my favorite actors in one place… BANG! Well, literally bang because this picture of the talented twosome is a scene from the wonderful western Buck and the Preacher (Amazon link).

(Continued Below Ruby Dee…)

This western isn’t shown often on television and it’s a real shame. Ruby Dee and Cameron Mitchell also starred in this one. Ruby Dee is, as always, mesmerizing in her role as Ruth. This talented lady was quite an actress and should be as much of a household name as anyone.

Speaking of household names, I love the way Sidney Poitier (who also directed the film) and Harry Belafonte worked together in Buck and the Preacher and wish they’d made a lot more movies together.

I hope you’ll check this western out as soon as possible. Phenomenal cast and the directing… by Mr. Poitier.. is excellent.

Seriously… is there anything this man can’t do?

Beautiful Joanna Barnes: Lola, The War Wagon

January 11, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Joanna Barnes, “Lola” from The War Wagon, 1967

An actress who deserves more attention and appreciation is Joanna Barnes. She could play a likable character (one you cheer for) as well as an unlikable character (one you want desperately to see brought down!) and be uncommonly believable in each.

However, didn’t see seem to especially relish those bad girl roles?!?!

Her Vicky Robinson in The Parent Trap is one of my all-time favorite “love to hate” movie characters. She was so nasty!

The beautiful photo above is from The War Wagon (1967). Loved her in this role just as much.

I’m trying to find/buy more photos of Joanna Barnes for Hollywood Yesterday – she’s one of those stars who is proving to be a little difficult to find many photos of. When I do get my hands on more, you’ll surely see more of her beautiful face on this blog!

Barbara Stanwyck: Annie Oakley (1935) -Fast Facts and a Priceless Picture

December 9, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Barbara Stanwyck as Annie Oakley

Fast Facts About Annie Oakley (1935):

Jean Arthur turned down the lead role in this film. While I would have been interested in seeing her take on this colorful character, I’m very happy we have Barbara Stanwyck in the role to enjoy forevermore.
The first Western for both director George Stevens and Barbara Stanwyck.
Released less than 10 years after the death of the real Annie Oakley. If you’ve never read about Annie, I hope you’ll do so. She was a fascinating woman, far ahead of her time. And gutsy? Forget about it, the lady had guts to spare!
The working title was Shooting Star. I actually love that – I kind of wish they’d gone with Shooting Star: The Story of Annie Oakley.

Annie Oakley also stars Melvyn Douglas, Preston Foster, Moroni Olsen, Andy Clyde and Pert Kelton.

Dodge City: A Great Western with a Seemingly Non-Western Cast!

December 1, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn, and Ann Sheridan, Dodge City (1939)

Dodge City (Amazon link) is a fairly underrated Western, but one that is very, very good. VERY good. When I first sat down to watch the film (a few months back), I had no idea what to expect. For one thing, you don’t exactly associate any of its main three stars with Westerns, do you?! And yet, each one came across as though they were as accustomed to Westerns as horses and cowboy hats.

In a role he handled perfectly, Errol Flynn is the hero (Wade Hatton) in charge of bringing law and order to a wide open town (Dodge City). He has an eye for the lovely Abbie Irving (Olivia de Havilland) but she wants nothing to do with him because he had to shoot her brother.

Dodge City Trivia

Errol Flynn’s character, Wade Hatton, was based on Wyatt Earp.
This was the 5th of 9 movies made together by Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn.
The barroom fight (which was pretty darn epic) was the largest ever filmed at the time.
Olivia de Havilland wanted the saloon singer role that went to Ann Sheridan. During this period of time, reportedly, the wonderful actress was uninspired by the roles she was getting. The fact that, during a professionally unhappy time she STILL turned in a wonderful performance shows just how devoted to her craft she was.
Alan Hale appears in this film – it is always fun to see “Skipper” show up in a movie!

You can find Dodge City on Amazon.

Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn, Dodge City

Barbara Eden, Flaming Star (1960)

November 22, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Barbara Eden, Flaming Star (1960)

When I started out making the Old Hollywood blog Hollywood Yesterday, I intended to focus mainly on the Golden Age of Hollywood. However, along the way, I realized that limiting the fun was in NO way the best way to go about this whole celebration of “Hollywood Yesterday.” After all, I enjoy classic television and many movies from the 50s, 60s, and even 70s as much as I do the earlier films.

What’s more, some of my absolute favorite stars were shining in these years. One of my very favorites is pictures above in all of her glory and beauty – Barbara Eden!

Due to the fact that many Old Hollywood blogs and social media accounts DO focus primarily on Hollywood’s earliest days, many of these wonderful stars are often overlooked. Not going to happen here! Barbara Eden, Elvis, Ann-Margret, Elizabeth Montgomery and the rest of them deserve to be celebrated, appreciated, and introduced to new generations as much as anyone.

Sorry… I’ll go ahead and step down off of my soapbox now!

If you’ve never seen Flaming Star (Amazon Link), check it out. It was, literally, a movie caught between the 50s and 60s and it is very apparent, as it has great elements from each decade. Best of all, it has Elvis Presley and Barbara Eden – a beautiful pairing if there ever was one!

Barbara Eden and Elvis Presley, Flaming Star

Stagecoach (1939): One of John Wayne’s Best Westerns and a Personal Favorite

November 20, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Claire Trevor and John Wayne, Stagecoach

One of my favorite genres of movies is Westerns. My dad was a huge Westerns fan and I watched them with him from the time I was old enough to walk. In fact, my first memories of Westerns involve horses, cowboys, and women in long dresses. John Wayne was one of his favorites and he is, most definitely, one of my own favorites.

Seriously, there aren’t many things better than grabbing raspberry tea, a big bowl of popcorn, and losing yourself in a John Wayne Western for a few hours… two Westerns if you have the time!

I recently re-watched one of my favorite Westerns of all time, Stagecoach, and wanted to take a few minutes to talk about it.

Plot: A group of colorful people are on what should be an uneventful stagecoach trip – two women, a doctor who likes… no, loves.. to drink, a banker, the drivers, and the famous Ringo Kid (John Wayne). The peaceful trip suddenly becomes very eventful when they learn that Geronimo is in the area and looking for big trouble.

The wonderful movie stars an absolutely perfect cast: John Wayne (Ringo Kid), Claire Trevor (Dallas), John Carradine (Hatfield), Andy Devine (Buck), Thomas Mitchell (Doc Josiah Boone), Donald Meek (Samuel Peacock), Louise Platt (Mrs. Lucy Mallory), Berton Churchill (Ellsworth Henry Gatewood), and George Bancroft (Marshal Curley Wilcox).

Continued below the cast photo!

Orson Welles (someone who knows a thing or two about film-making) stated that Stagecoach was the perfect textbook of film-making and said he watched the film more than forty times in preparation for the making of Citizen Kane (1941).

Smart man!

Although John Wayne had minor roles in John Ford’s Mother Machree (1927) and Salute (1929), Stagecoach truly marks the beginning of their partnership. It also, in my opinion, marked the beginning of Wayne’s legendary career.

If you’ve never seen this simply outstanding Western, I hope you’ll get your hands on a copy (or find it on television) as soon as possible. As a bona fide John Wayne fanatic and expert Westerns viewer, I guarantee you this – Stagecoach is one of the best ever made.