Old Movies, Actors and Actresses | Hollywood Yesterday

The Avengers TV Series: A Delicious New Obsession

March 28, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Honor Blackman and Patrick Macnee, The Avengers

Sometimes, over the course of my life, I have been late to the game, so to speak. I show up, sweet raspberry tea in hand, only to find it’s already the 7th inning. Everyone else knows what happened, how it happened, and who made it happen… while I stand there, sipping my tea looking as helpless as Lucy when Ricky talks about the b-word (budget.. for those of you who can tolerate such language).

I am woefully and unforgivably late to The Avengers – but, trust me, I’m making up for lost time. Where has this edgy, stylish, addictive, and deliciously original series been all of my life?! I could watch each episode back to back – one after the other and only move when one of my cats wanted something to eat. I am mesmerized by every minute of every episode – from the WONDERFUL opening, with its spellbinding music to the closing credits.

Speaking of the opening music – has there ever been a series with cooler music? Sure, some have had music as cool – but cooler? I think not. It sets the tone, the energy, and the attitude of the entire series, one episode at a time.

Like the writing, the casting, and the acting – the music is perfection.

Mind you, I have just stepped (albeit very late) into this glorious world, so I have not gotten past the third season. I also have not experienced the series without Honor Blackman in the cast. As someone who LOVES her to distraction, I dread the day I see the series come on without her name – however, I have heard that the actress who joins the series in season 4, Diana Rigg, is exceptional.

I look forward to seeing her – but can’t stand the thought of Honor’s Cathy not being there!

If you’ve never seen The Avengers, please find the dvds or enjoy the episodes on Amazon Prime Video.

Trust me… you’re going to be hooked.

Ava Gardner, Mogambo…. She’s the Reason I Don’t Like the Movie (But Not Why You Think!)

March 28, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Ava Gardner, Mogambo

Ava Gardner, in my opinion, was the best thing about the movie Mogambo (1953).

Like… by a long shot.

She was beautiful, feisty, fun, and (by comparison), the rest of the film and cast (in my opinion) just kind of seemed like wet blankets.

Funny thing is, I see and hear from A LOT of people who really liked the film. That’s why, about a month ago, I rewatched it (it was the third chance I’d given to this movie!), just to be sure I wasn’t missing something.

While I didn’t come away liking it any better than the first two times, I did come away with the reason I don’t like the film and, shockingly enough, it’s because of one of my favorite actresses… Ava Gardner!

Nor for reasons you may thing – she was perfect. In every way. Which is part of the problem…

In what universe would any man have someone who looks like Ava Gardner (with the fieriness of her character as a bonus) even take time to glance at another woman?! And yet that’s what Clark Gable’s character does… he spends over half the movie pining after Grace Kelly who not only isn’t interested in him (while Ava’s character IS), she is married, is pretty much lifeless (compared to Ava’s wonderful character), and is…. in this particular role, and again compared to Ava… pretty plain.
Her energy level is so much higher than that of Grace Kelly or Clark Gable’s that she almost makes them seem like they’re sleep walking!

Don’t get me wrong – I love Grace Kelly and Clark Gable. Just not in this film. Each of the three times I’ve watched, I’ve thought of about a dozen actors that would have (at that time) been better in Gable’s role. I hate to say it, because he is one of my favorite actors… but I think he was too old for this particular role.

My profuse apologies to anyone who loves this film… my opinions don’t make me right – they’re simply my opinions. And since my mom always told me to speak my mind… that’s what I tend to do.

Just ask my family!

You know the really unfortunate thing??? I collect ALL of Ava Gardner’s films so… at some point… I’m going to have to buy this film that I don’t at all like! Oh well… she’s worth it.

Ava Gardner, Mogambo

Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly Picture of the Day and A Personal Message…

March 27, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly in One of My Favorite Films, An American in Paris

On this, my Old Hollywood Blog, on my cat blog, food blog, and tea blog…. as well as on the Hollywood Yesterday Twitter…. I have fallen behind. Behind in my daily pictures, behind in my updates, behind in my daily tweets.

Just behind.

Given that I work entirely from home as a web publisher, falling behind isn’t something that happens very often. I mean, even when I had the flu with a side of bronchitis last year, I stayed on top of things. I didn’t look too lovely sitting at my computer in a bathrobe, uncombed hair, no makeup, and holding tissues up to my nose… but I was here!

This is just somehow different. I find myself so preoccupied thinking and praying for all those who have been affected by the Coronavirus – which is, of course, all of us. I’ll be honest, it’s tough to think, “Okay, which Leslie Caron picture will I tweet today” or “Which recipe will I add to the food blog,” or EVEN “What cat toy do I want to spotlight on my cat blog…” when so many people are suffering around the world in one form or another.

But then I remembered a time a while back when I was going through a very, very low point in my life. One of my daughters had a very high risk pregnancy and she wasn’t doing very well. The precious baby boy was born very early and had to be in the NICU for days that felt like months.

Each night I would come home from the hospital, completely wrung out from worry about my daughter and grandbaby and the first thing I would do….. okay, third, feeding the cats and putting on my pajamas came first. In that order – anyone with cats understands…. the THIRD thing I would do would be to fall into my favorite chair in the den and check Old Hollywood Twitter. I had a best friend who was on Old Hollywood Twitter at that time (Bonnie) and I would go to her Twitter page as fast as my fingers would take me and lose myself in the beauty of the photos and the happiness and comfort of the memories they brought back.

Then I’d venture into other Twitter accounts with the same type of tweets.

They brought me comfort, happiness, peace, and momentary deliverance from worry and feelings of helplessness.

When I remembered that time, I realized I have to fight through this wall of numbness and do my part… just in case there is someone out there who I can help the way Bonnie and others helped me.

Some may say, “Pictures and things like that are certainly SMALL things!” and they may be right. But, as someone who leaned on these “small things,” I can tell you this… sometimes it’s the small things that will break your fall.

So, with all of that said, I will not miss a “daily picture” on the blog from here on out and will tweet my favorites as well as your favorites on Hollywood Yesterday Twitter like my life depends on it!

The only things that may slow me down are awfully, awfully adorable things.. they’re the grandbaby I talked about above (he’s a very healthy, happy, and ridiculously adorable and busy two year old now!) and his baby brother (a very healthy, happy, and ridiculously adorable and busy six month old!).

God bless you and your loved ones, do everything you have to do to stay safe and healthy. Please stay well and know that we will all get through this.

~ Love, Joi (“Joy“)

P.S. If you’re looking for a “feel good” movie, check out An American in Paris with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. Love him, love her, love them, love the movie!

Shortest review ever, but there you have it.

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.

A Favorite Irene Dunne Quote And Photo

March 17, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

“When we have learned to love our neighbor, not just ourselves, no matter where we come from, then America will be perfect.” ~ Irene Dunne

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.