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Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors

Broken Silence by Michael G. Ankerich (Glowing Review)

August 3, 2023 By Joi

Broken Silence by Michael G. Ankerich

Broken Silence by Michael G. Ankerich

If you love silent movies, have I ever got a book recommendation for you?! Broken Silence by Michael G. Ankerich (Amazon link) is a dream come true for those of us who love silent films almost as much as we love their wonderful stars.

Unfortunately, many of these stars don’t have a lot of quotes or interviews readily available in the media. To know what it was like when they were making these fascinating films and to learn more about their lives and experiences, we’d have to sit down and have a conversation with them.

Not highly likely, is it?!

Fortunately, author and silent film era expert Michael G. Andkerich has us covered. He interviewed 23 silent film stars (a beautifully eclectic group, too!) and complied them in one absolutely wonderful book. All we have to do to have our much desired conversation with these stars is to sit down in a comfortable chair and start with chapter one, Lew Ayers.

By the time you get to chapter twenty-three (beautiful Gladys Walton), you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and have not only met these 23 extraordinary stars but quite a few others along the way.

When stars talk about their films, friends, lovers, and co-stars, I get so wrapped up in the moment, I barely remember to breathe.

For example, in the author’s interview with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr, the iconic star has this to say about his co-star and wife of four years, Joan Crawford:

“Joan set a good example with her dedication and conscientiousness for her work and her devotion to perfecting everything she could… She never let up on improving herself, and she never sat back and took her success for granted.” ~ Douglas Fairbanks Jr, as told to Michael G. Ankerich

I LOVE that! It says so much about her, as well as his. The fact that he’d speak so highly of an ex makes him even more special than I expected him to be!

Broken Silence by Michael G. Ankerich (Amazon link) is an absolute delight in every way. Every single page.

When you click through the link above, you can see the 23 stars interviewed. You’re going to love each one. I highly recommend adding this lovely book to your old Hollywood library.

About the Author:
Michael G. Ankerich is a writer whose work focuses on the silent film era of Hollywood. A former newspaper reporter, he has written extensively for Classic Images, Films of the Golden Age, and Hollywood Studio Magazine, which featured his interview with Butterfly McQueen (Prissy) on the 50th anniversary of the release of Gone With The Wind. He can be reached at his website michaelgankerich.com.

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

Filed Under: Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Silent Movies Tagged With: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Old Hollywood Book Reviews, Silent Films, Silent Movies

Jane Greer, Out of the Past (1947): Perfectly Stunning Picture and a Perfectly Stunning Film-Noir

August 3, 2023 By Joi

Jane Greer, Out of the Past

Jane Greer, Out of the Past

The 1947 movie Out of the Past (directed by Jacques Tourneur) is, in my estimation, one of the best film-noirs ever made. The perfect cast was put in place to tell the dramatic story.. and did they ever do it with style. In addition to the stunningly beautiful Jane Greer, pictured here, the cast also includes Robert Mitchum, Rhonda Fleming, Kirk Douglas, Richard Webb, Steve Brodie, and Virginia Huston.

Out of the Past is (understandably) one of the first films recommended to people who are new to the world of film-noir. It’s just so deliciously perfect in every way and is, quite honestly, the picture perfect image of what a film-noir should look like.

You can watch Out of the Past on Prime Video or buy the dvd (Amazon link) for your collection.

Filed Under: Film Noir, Jane Greer, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Film-Noir, Jane Greer

Remembering the Extraordinary Ann Dvorak on Her Birthday!

August 2, 2023 By Joi

Ann Dvorak and John Wayne, Flame of Barbary Coast

Ann Dvorak and John Wayne, Flame of Barbary Coast

One of my absolute favorite old Hollywood actresses, Ann Dvorak, is pictured here with a Cowboy I’m fairly sure you know so well you even know his nickname (John Wayne, the Duke… of course!).

I chose these photos and the movie they made (Flame of Barbary Coast) intentionally to shine a light on something that both intrigues and frustrates me as an old Hollywood fan. I’ve talked about it so often on Hollywood Yesterday that you probably already know where I’m heading with this…. why is it that some stars are, to this day, household names while others – just as talented, beautiful, intriguing, and every bit as important to classic cinema – are mostly forgotten, except among those of us who walk the streets of old Hollywood daily.

Ann Dvorak’s lack of name-recognition is one of the ones that saddens and bewilders me the most. She was a dynamic actress with a screen quality very few had – yes, even the household names. She stood out in every one of her films, whether they were excellent movies or less than stellar. She always left an impression and, quite frankly, OFTEN stole scenes right from under the bigger stars – those very well known to this day.

(Continued Below…)

Ann Dvorak and John Wayne, Flame of Barbary Coast

Ann Dvorak and John Wayne, Flame of Barbary Coast

Ann Dvorak is the perfect example that the brightest stars aren’t always the ones that shine the longest. But if you ask me, that kind of makes them all the more rare and precious. You can watch them on the screen and bask in their light while it did shine brightly.

Then you can go to Twitter (or X, I guess it calls itself now?), Instagram, or your local grocery store and talk about this rare star… introducing them to new audiences and doing your part to make  spark the flames and allow them to shine brightly once again!

Speaking of which, I’m off to Twitter (X) and Instagram to talk nonstop about Ann Dvorak right now. See you there! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. Happy birthday Ann, I love you muchly!

Filed Under: Ann Dvorak, John Wayne Tagged With: Ann Dvorak, BOTD, John Wayne

Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra: From Here to Eternity

August 1, 2023 By Joi


Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra in From Here to Eternity

Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, and Frank Sinatra

The 1953 film From Here to Eternity is a literal feast for those of us who love outstanding performances – seriously, they just throw one after another at you. Frank Sinatra, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Donna Reed, and Deborah Kerr were each nominated for Oscars.

Donna Reed and Frank Sinatra won their Supporting Role Oscars for their exceptional performances.

Donna Reed and Montgomery Clift in From Here to Eternity

Donna Reed and Montgomery Clift

You can find From Here to Eternity on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

 

Filed Under: Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra, Montgomery Clift, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra, From Here to Eternity, Montgomery Clift

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan in of My Favorite Christmas Classics: Christmas in Connecticut

July 28, 2023 By Joi

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut

Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut

 

While I am completely and joyfully obsessed with all Christmas movies and specials – heck, if we’re being honest, I’m even obsessed with Christmas commercials! –  is Christmas in Connecticut. Directed by Peter Godfrey, the wonderful film features an amazing cast that includes Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, and one of the all-time most lovable stars ever, S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall.  Hilarious, compelling, and delightful in every way, Christmas in Connecticut deserves to be mentioned alongside other greats like It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas.

I believe that if it were shown on television as frequently as the others, it’d soon become a household name as well…. which it absolutely deserves

You can find Christmas in Connecticut (link to the dvd) on Amazon or watch it on Prime Video.


Christmas In Connecticut Barbara Stanwyck SZ Sakall Movie Poster (Amazon link)

Filed Under: Barbara Stanwyck, Christmas in Connecticut, Dennis Morgan, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Barbara Stanwyck, Christmas movies, Dennis Morgan

Binnie Barnes and John Wayne, In Old California (1942)

July 27, 2023 By Joi

Binnie Barnes and John Wayne, In Old California

Binnie Barnes and John Wayne, In Old California

The career of Binnie Barnes truly baffles me. She was such a deliciously unique actress – very beautiful, very talented, and full of charisma. Yet Hollywood consistently cast her in secondary roles. She had everything it took to be a leading lady and should, if all things were fair in this world, be a household name today. Yet here we are, with another star who wasn’t given the roles or opportunity to shine as bright as they could have.

Don’t get me wrong, many times this is actually a blessing. By everything I’ve read, Binnie Barnes had a wonderful life, a happy (and long – rare in the entertainment industry!) marriage, and a loving family. She enjoyed a long life and devoted her time and money to charities. When stars were worked to the point of dropping and when their fame became too heavy for them to carry, many sacrificed a happy, normal life for their career.

When you look at it in this light, it makes you realize that Binnie (and other similar stars) didn’t lose anything…. they won the greatest game – a happy, normal life!

One of my favorite Binnie Barnes movies is In Old California. It’s simply a highly enjoyable, lightweight film that makes you fall in love with old movies all over again. It also stars another favorite of mine – an actor you’ve probably heard of (wink wink), John Wayne. Their chemistry is really lovely and their performances perfect, as always.

The 1942 Western was directed by William C. McGann and it truly is one you’ll want to check out.

You can find In Old California on dvd and Prime Video. (Amazon link)

Binnie Barnes and John Wayne, In Old California

John Wayne and Binnie Barnes

Filed Under: Binnie Barnes, John Wayne, Westerns Tagged With: Binnie Barnes, John Wayne

Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marion, The Adventures of Robin Hood (Beautifully ICONIC!)

July 26, 2023 By Joi

Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

One of my favorite actresses (since I began watching old movies) has always been the delightful, talented, and beautiful Olivia de Havilland. In fact, one of her most iconic films – The Adventures of Robin Hood – is one of the reasons I fell in love with classic movies in the first place.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) was directed by  the wonderful Micahel Curtiz. The extraordinary cast includes Olivia de Havilland, Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Patric Knowles, Eugene Pallette, Alan Hale, Una O’Connor, Melville Cooper, and Ian Hunter.

How’s that for a stunningly talented cast?!?!

If you haven’t seen this perfect movie in a hot minute, I absolutely recommend revisiting it soon – it, somehow, gets better with each viewing.

You can buy the iconic The Adventures of Robin Hood on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Filed Under: Olivia de Havilland, Perfect Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

Marie Windsor… For When You Need an EXTRA Special Picture of the Day!

July 25, 2023 By Joi

Marie Windsor, The Narrow Margin

The Talented and Beautiful Marie Windsor!

One of the most fascinating things to me is the way that, in spite of practically LIVING in Old Hollywood for well over half of your life, you often manage to somehow find new favorite stars along the way. I’ve been totally and completely enthralled with old movies (and classic television) since I was around 10 (which would have been 1974… don’t worry doing the math, I’ll do it for you, that means I’m 49 *wink*), yet I am always coming across new “favorite” stars – new actresses and actors who I vow to see the complete filmography of!

Mind you, the old favorites don’t budge – in fact my favorites seem almost like family to me (Ann Sheridan, Maureen O’Hara, Lena Horne, Lucille Ball, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Lionel Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, Olivia de Havilland, Buster Keaton, Dorothy Dandridge, Donna Reed… great family!). Others simply join the exclusive group of stars I fawn over and “collect.”

One of the most recent stars to do so is marching up the list of favorites with great style… Marie Windsor.

So, not only is she today’s picture of the day… you can absolutely look for A LOT more of her on the old Hollywood blog!

PERSONAL MESSAGE:

If you’re a regular reader of Hollywood Yesterday (I love you for it, if this is the case… you truly honor me by being here), you probably noticed I haven’t been here very often. In fact, prior to the most recent book review a few days ago, I don’t believe I had posted anything since May!

I’ve been battling a health issue since the end of March and have been as sick as I’ve ever been in my life. I am now, while not completely well, actually feeling better – more like my old eccentric, hyper self. Funny thing about feeling worse than you’ve ever felt in your life… you literally just try to make it through each day. You do the basics: spoil your grandbabies, love your family, feed the cats, feed the husband, feed yourself… the basic necessities! Things like reading books, blogging, and (eek!) even watching old movies simply move down – way down – the list of “things I have (or even want) to do today.”

Now that I am feeling more like myself and can actually see the end of the long, ugly road, I am VERY excited to get back to Hollywood Yesterday, reading, writing, and watching and re-watching old movies like it’s my job.

Today marks the return of Picture of the Day – if I miss a few, just assume that it’s either a bad day, I’m busy spoiling grandbabies or cats, or I’m catching up on my books and old movies!

Stay well, be safe, enjoy ever precious moment, and smile more than you frown! (Sorry, I get motherly when I’ve been sick lol…)

~ Joi (Joy)

Filed Under: Marie Windsor Tagged With: Marie Windsor

The Woman Who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White, Queen of the Serials (Old Hollywood Book Review)

July 18, 2023 By Joi


The Woman who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White

The Woman who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White

I’m actually very annoyed with myself right now. I was sent the gorgeous book a few months ago to review and I am just now finishing the book and sitting down to tell you all about it! A little off my reading and reviewing game, but in defense of myself, I never review a book before reading every word. To me, that’d be like reviewing a meal without ever taking a bite. If you look at the picture below, showcasing the thickness of this literary masterpiece, you’ll understand why this one took a while to read.

The thickness is a sign of just how much dedication and work the author, William M. Drew devoted to his fascinating subject.

When I finish reading a book, one of the things I ask myself is, “Was this a definitive work? Would there be any reason another author should write a similar book on this subject?” Sometimes I answer myself with, “Definitive… possibly but, frankly, another author could take a crack at the subject.”

This time, however, I had to answer, “This is the very definition of a definitive work and another author would be crazy to even try!”

(Review Continued Below…)

The Woman who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White

The author of The Woman Who Dared (Amazon link), William M. Drew, is a film historian who has written quite a bit about early cinema. After reading this extraordinary book, I’m now in the process of collecting ALL of his old Hollywood books, including Speaking of Silents: First Ladies of the Screen, At the Center of the Frame: Leading Ladies of the Twenties and Thirties, and The Last Silent Picture Show: Silent Films on American Screens in the 1930s.

Quite frankly, if he has written it, I need it in my personal library.

Depending on how deeply in love you are with old Hollywood OR how long this love has existed, you may or may not have heard of Pearl White (come on, is that a great name or what?). Pearl was born in Green Ridge, Missouri 1889.  From 1914-15 she was the most popular female silent film star, for a time even topping Mary Pickford’s popularity at the box office!

Unimaginable – and yet, very true. She made so many “shorts” that you’d need a whole afternoon to count them. While her wonderful film career spanned from 1910-1924, sadly many of her films are lost. Lost films make my heart ache so deeply.

Pearl White wasn’t just loved and celebrated in the States, she was a star the world over.

The facts I just sprinkled? Before opening this treasure trove of a book, that was the full extent of my knowledge about Pearl White, which is why I was so anxious to meet her.

Book Description From Amazon:

In the early days of motion pictures―before superstars, before studio conglomerates, before even the advent of sound―there was a woman named Pearl White (1889–1938). A quintessential beauty of the time, with her perfectly tousled bob and come-hither stare, White’s rise to stardom was swift; her assumption of the title of queen of American motion picture serials equally deserved.

Born the youngest of five children in a small, rural Missouri farm town, White first began performing in high school. She would eventually make the decision to cut her education short, dropping out to go on the Trousdale Stock Company. A bit player in the early years of her career, she was eventually spotted by the Powers Film Company in New York. She made her film debut in 1910 and soon set herself apart from her female colleagues with her reputation for fearless performances that often involved her own stunt work.

It was that same daring attitude that would put her on the map internationally as an actress. From flying airplanes to swimming across rapid rivers, to racing cars in serials like The Perils of Pauline (1914), White was undaunted by the demands of her onscreen career. She went on to star in popular serial classics such as The New Exploits of Elaine (1915), The Iron Claw (1916), The Fatal Ring (1917), and The Lightning Raider (1919). As active socially as she was professionally, White would also lend her audacious spirit to activism as she took part in the early feminist movement. Her bravery and mastery of her craft made her a positive role model for suffragettes who battled for women’s rights in the United States.

The Woman Who Dared: The Life and Times of Pearl White, Queen of the Serials, is the first full-length biography of this pioneering star. In this study of film history and female agency, Drew delves into the cultural impact of White’s work and how it evolved along a concurrent trajectory with the social upheavals of the Progressive Era. (Read more on Amazon…)

Pearl White

Pearl White

My Top 6 Favorite Things About The Woman Who Dared:

  1.  The author isn’t just a very knowledgeable film historian, he also happens to be an excellent author. If I can be frank for a minute, not all film historians are.. but let’s not tell them that, okay?! I mean, it’s not like they’re alone, is it? Some historians sit down at the keyboard and somehow manage to drain the excitement right out of the American Revolution. Having a wealth of information doesn’t necessarily mean you have the gift of presenting it in a way that’s entertaining and enjoyable. William M. Drew does just that – and, trust me, when I saw the full scale of the book, I was very much hoping he was a gifted author!
  2. Pearl White was a fascinating woman, often full of contradictions. As I said, I knew very little about the beautiful actress before opening this fascinating book. So, as I got to know her along her exciting journey, it was like meeting someone for the first time. Sitting down and soaking in all of their eccentricities, quirks, loveliness, and, yes, even the demons they fought.
  3. Pause to Reflect. Whether it’s an Agatha Christie mystery, an old Hollywood biography, or a historical non-fiction… I have a special affinity for a book that makes me “pause to reflect.” A book that makes me temporarily put the book down and spend a quiet couple of moments with the information it just gave me. It’s actually one of my favorite things about reading and also one of the true signs of a great author. This book, author, and subject (Pearl White) made me do this multiple times. The moments of reflection often (quite often!) made me wish she had had a stronger network around her, made me sad that she somehow was often her own worst enemy, and made me wish desperately her story had gone another direction.
  4. Many Reasons to Admire Pearl White! While Pearl White’s story (like every human’s story) involves mistakes and disappointments, make no mistake about it – she was a fighter and she is worthy of respect for multiple reasons. While she was born into poverty in 1889 in Green Ridge, Missouri, she went on to become quite a shrewd businesswoman.  She invested in a successful Parisian nightclub, a Biarritz resort hotel/casino, and owned a profitable stable of thoroughbred race horses! As an animal lover extraordinaire, the last one is reason enough to celebrate this daring woman.
  5. You Meet Fascinating People Along the Way. One of my favorite things about old Hollywood biographies and autobiographies is seeing who you meet along the way – names you know as well as those who are completely new to you. You’ll encounter both in this wonderful book and I know you’ll find them as fascinating as I do.
  6. Completely, Completely, Completely Entertaining. Not only is this biography the very definition of a flawlessly researched book, it’s wildly entertaining and fun to read. It would make an extraordinary movie, actually but I’m at a loss for a current star who could rise to the charismatic station of Pearl White…. though Jennifer Lawrence comes to mind

As always, whether it’s with movies OR books, I want you to discover everything for yourself, so I am overly cautious about what I give away. It’s simply more fun to discover things on your own, without even the hint of a spoiler. I simply want to say that I very, VERY much recommend The Woman Who Dared (Amazon link) by William M. Drew.

Now, if you’ll forgive me, I’m on my way to Amazon to find every other book this excellent author has written. Hmm, I think I’d better “follow” his author page as well so they can let me know whenever he has a new book coming out!

Reviews from the Back Cover:

“I hadn’t expected such intensive research. It is an astonishing story and should lead to the revival of the Pearl White films many of us thought had been consigned to the vaults for evermore.”―Kevin Brownlow, film maker and film historian

“Amazingly well researched The Woman Who Dared is a most welcome addition to the growing body of literature devoted to women’s participation in film production during the 1910s and 20s. It is the first full-length biography of Pearl White and an astonishing document following White’s life trajectory from her early career, the glamorous days of serials, the years after she left the film industry until her early death and even continues discussing her legacy in the years to come. Even though the volume provides much material of Pearl White as a star persona, the commitment of the author does not cease when White’s days of stardom are fading but rather keeps the full focus at every step of her career, even when it comes to projects that were not realized. Apart from extra-textual materials the volume also includes analysis of films that are difficult to get hold on and even those that have not survived. The background/context of White’s career gives a detailed account of the first decades of the American film industry and as such an invaluable contribution to Cinema Studies.”―Marina Dahlquist, Professor of Cinema Studies, Stockholm University

“A fascinating study of a fascinating woman who virtually defined the era of silent serial motion pictures. Comprehensive in its scope, meticulous in its research, accessible in its style, and immensely entertaining throughout, William M. Drew’s masterful examination of serial queen Pearl White’s life and times offers insights into an exciting period of American cinema history.”―Barbara Tepa Lupack, author of Silent Serial Sensations: The Wharton Brothers and the Magic of Early Cinema

“It is time that the contributions of the silent-era serial queens are fully recognized, and William Drew’s thoroughly researched and wide-ranging study of Pearl White’s life and career helps cement White’s legacy as a groundbreaking action heroine and international film star. Film fans and scholars will find the details fascinating―everything from translated Soviet booklets about Pearl to the practicalities of filming her serials, to their reception and distribution. The Woman Who Dared captures the magic and mayhem of cinema’s early years and the global influence of the new medium.”―Radha Vatsal, co-editor, Women Film Pioneers Project

Pearl White, The House of Hate
Pearl White, The House of Hate (1918)

Filed Under: Old Hollywood Book Reviews, Pearl White, Silent Movies Tagged With: old Hollywood book review, Pearl White, Silent Film stars, Silent Films

A Great Katharine Hepburn Quote That (Like Her) Doesn’t Hold Back!

May 15, 2023 By Joi

Katharine Hepburn, The Philadelphia Story

Katharine Hepburn, The Philadelphia Story

“I’m a personality as well as an actress. Show me an actress who isn’t a personality, and you’ll show me a woman who isn’t a star.” ~ Katharine Hepburn

I know there are almost always exceptions to every rule, but I completely understand what she was saying… what’s more, I completely agree with her! Obviously, she isn’t saying that an actress (or actor, as well, for that matter) can’t be incredibly gifted or talented if they aren’t a “personality,” she’s simply saying they aren’t a STAR, all caps.

In fact, the ones best-remembered and celebrated to this day?? They’re almost always the ones who were personalities.


Filed Under: Katharine Hepburn, Picture of the Day, Quotes from Old Hollywood's Stars Tagged With: Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn quote

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Welcome to Hollywood Yesterday!

Ann Sheridan, It All Came True

Ann Sheridan
My name is Joi (“Joy”) and I created Hollywood Yesterday as my personal tribute to Old Hollywood. It’s my effort to help keep the stars from Old Hollywood, Classic Television, and Old Radio Shows alive and shining forever. Old Hollywood was positively magical and I see no reason for the magic to ever die.

Be warned, I am (by nature) overtly positive, I never take anything too seriously, I say extraordinary so often you’d think I invented the word, and I overuse exclamation points to distraction. I’m perpetually over-caffeinated.. we’ll blame that.

Read more about Hollywood Yesterday (and see my personal favorites) here!

Old Hollywood Actresses

Lena Horne, Meet Me in Las Vegas

See the Old Hollywood Actresses page for the index of Classic Hollywood Actresses and Classic TV Actresses.

Old Hollywood Actors

Henry Fonda, Behind the Scenes The Grapes of Wrath

See the Old Hollywood Actors page for the index of Old Hollywood and Classic TV actors.

Old Hollywood Book Reviews

Ann Dvorak: Hollywood's Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice

I love reading old Hollywood biographies and memoirs as much as I love watching classic movies, and that’s truly saying something!

To see my Old Hollywood book reviews, please see the index listed here: Book Reviews.

Pictures of the Day

Maureen O'Hara, The Parent Trap

Maureen O’Hara

The Old Hollywood & Classic TV Pictures of the Day are published as regularly as possible. If I miss a few days, please just know that the husband, daughters, sons-in-law, grandbabies, and/or my cats were demanding my attention. I’ll be honest, nothing comes before any of them! Not even Maureen O’Hara or Henry Fonda.

Priorities, y’all.

Movie Collections on Amazon

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Recent Posts

  • Ann Sheridan and George Raft, They Drive by Night
  • Stunning Ann Sheridan Canvas Poster on Amazon… Perfect Gift Idea (for Them or YOU!)
  • The Wonderful Ethel Barrymore was BOTD in 1879
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  • Arlene Dahl and Red Skelton, A Southern Yankee (1948)
  • Lena Horne, Redd Foxx, and Demond Wilson: One of Sanford and Son’s Best Episodes…
  • Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, The Misfits (1961)
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Movie Night, ANY Night…

John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and Arthur Hunnicutt in El Dorado
Have movie night ANY night with Prime Video on Amazon:  Prime Video (Amazon link)

Thank You for Visiting!

Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times
Thank you so much for visiting Hollywood Yesterday! You truly HONOR me with your presence. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Olivia de Havilland

Olivia de Havilland, The Adventures of Robin Hood

My main goal with Hollywood Yesterday is to keep the names, faces, and films of the stars that mean so much to me shining brightly. When I’m guilty of focusing more time on my personal favorites (such as Olivia de Havilland) than other stars, I hope you’ll forgive me. I am, by all indications, very human!

Also, please know that I try to keep my posts (except for book reviews) short and to the point, so you can enjoy the pictures, grab the information, and get back to your life. I don’t appreciate anything that’s overly wordy, so I don’t want to do that to others. For better or worse, I write as I talk, so if you ever feel like you’re reading the words of someone who’s a cross between Lucy Ricardo, Daisy Duck, and a Jerry Lewis character, that’s just because you are!

Wait. What did I just admit to?? 

Barbara Stanwyck Quotes

Another personal absolute favorite of mine is Barbara Stanwyck. Not only was she beautiful and outrageously talented, she was exceptionally bright, charismatic, and colorful. This growing collection of Barbara Stanwyck Quotes will give you an idea of just how colorful she was!

Old Hollywood Movies

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire Top Hat Cheek to Cheek

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

Classic Hollywood Books & Biographies (Reviews)

Maureen O'Hara's Autobiography 'Tis Herself

‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’Hara
I Know Where I'm Going (Katharine Hepburn Biography) and Princess

I Know Where I’m Going: Katharine Hepburn

 

Debbie Reynolds Unsinkable
Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds

 

Ginger Rogers Autobiography - Ginger: My Story

Ginger by Ginger Rogers
Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
Vitagraph by Andrew A. Erish
More Old Hollywood Book Reviews!

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge Carmen Jones Poster

Getting to Know the Gorgeous and Talented Dorothy Dandridge

My Lucy Obsession

Lucille Ball

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…

Legalities…

Aside from pictures of books I review, I do not claim to have taken any of the pictures on this website, nor do I own the pictures – the ones of the stars or the affiliate (product) pictures.  Other, far more talented photographers than me have the credit for the beautiful photos you see. If you would like credit for a photograph or would like one removed, please e-mail me (joitsigers@gmail.com).

Movie posters and promotional photos are used in the belief that they qualify for the Fair Use law. Fair use is a doctrine in the law of the United States that permits limited use of copyrighted material without having to first acquire permission from the copyright holder. Fair use is one of the limitations to copyright intended to balance the interests of copyright holders with the public interest in the wider distribution and use of creative works by allowing as a defense to copyright infringement claims certain limited uses that might otherwise be considered infringement.

When you click through an affiliate (product, book, dvds..) link, I earn a small portion of the money you spend IF you purchase anything. This does not cost you any extra money, of course. This is how I am able to work from home and support my cats! – Joi (“Joy”)

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