• Home
    • About Hollywood Yesterday
      • Privacy
    • Old Hollywood Book Reviews
      • Audrey Hepburn in Words and Pictures
      • Ball of Fire (Lucille Ball)
      • I Know Where I’m Going (Katharine Hepburn)
      • In Such Good Company (Carol Burnett)
      • Joan Crawford A Talent for Living
      • Unsinkable (Debbie Reynolds)
    • Contact Joi (“Joy”)
    • Quotes from Old Hollywood’s Stars
  • Actresses
    • Agnes Moorehead
    • Angie Dickinson
    • Ann Miller
    • Audrey Hepburn
      • Audrey Hepburn Quotes
      • Breakfast at Tiffany’s
      • My Fair Lady
    • Ava Gardner
      • Ava Gardner Quotes
    • Barbara Stanwyck
      • Barbara Stanwyck Quotes
    • Betty Grable
    • Carole Lombard
    • Debbie Reynolds
    • Doris Day
    • Dorothy Dandridge
    • Elizabeth Taylor
      • Elizabeth Taylor Quotes
    • Fay Wray
    • Georgia Hale
    • Ginger Rogers
    • Glenda Farrell
    • Gloria Grahame
    • Grace Kelly
    • Greta Garbo
    • Hattie McDaniel
      • Hattie McDaniel Facts
      • Hattie McDaniel Quotes
    • Helen Hayes
    • Ingrid Bergman
    • Jayne Mansfield
    • Judy Garland
    • Katharine Hepburn
      • Katharine Hepburn Quotes
      • Katharine Hepburn: What’s Not to Love?
    • Lana Turner
    • Lauren Bacall
      • Lauren Bacall Facts & Trivia
      • Lauren Bacall Quotes
    • Lucille Ball
      • I Love Lucy
      • Lucille Ball Quotes
    • Marilyn Monroe
    • Maureen O’Hara
    • Marion Davies
    • Mary Pickford
    • Mildred Davis
    • Mitzi Gaynor
    • Olivia de Havilland
    • Rita Hayworth
    • Shirley Temple
    • Vera-Ellen
    • Veronica Lake
    • Vivien Leigh
  • Actors
    • Abbott and Costello
    • Barry Fitzgerald
    • Bob Hope
    • Boris Karloff
    • Buster Keaton
    • Cary Grant
    • Charlie Chaplin
    • Clark Gable
    • Dean Martin
    • Desi Arnaz
    • Dick Powell
    • Edward G. Robinson
    • Elvis Presley
    • Frank Sinatra
    • Fred Astaire
    • Gene Kelly
    • George Sanders
    • Glenn Ford
    • Harold Lloyd
    • Humphrey Bogart
    • James Dean
    • Jerry Lewis
    • James Stewart
    • John Wayne
    • Laurel and Hardy
    • Ray Milland
  • Movie Reviews
    • Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
    • Critic’s Choice
    • El Dorado
    • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
    • Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein
    • Gilda
    • Grand Hotel
    • Lured
    • Rio Bravo
    • Sanctuary (1961)
    • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
    • The Bat
    • The Haunted Castle (Silent)
    • The Major and the Minor
    • The Naked Spur
    • The Prince and The Showgirl
    • The Stooge
    • The Little Princess
    • The Quiet Man
    • The Violent Men
    • The White Sister
    • Top Hat
    • We’re in the Money

Hollywood Yesterday

Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors

You are here: Home / Archives for classic horror movies

Director Tod Browning, Carroll Borland, and Bela Lugosi behind the scenes of Mark of the Vampire

October 27, 2022 By Joi

Director Tod Browning, Carroll Borland, and Bela Lugosi behind the scenes of Mark of the Vampire

Director Tod Browning, Carroll Borland, and Bela Lugosi behind the scenes of Mark of the Vampire

One of the best classic horror films, in my “in love with the genre” opinion is 1935’s Mark of the Vampire. Directed by Tod Browning, the phenomenal cast includes  Lionel Barrymore, Donald Meek, Ivan F. Simpson, Carroll Borland, Holmes Herbert, James Bradbury Jr., Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Jean Hersholt, Elizabeth Allan, Henry Wadsworth, Leila Bennett, June Gittelson, and Jessie Ralph.

If you haven’t seen this one in a while (and certainly if you’ve never had the pleasure), I hope you’ll find it this Halloween season and enjoy every deliciously entertaining moment.

You can watch Mark of the Vampire on Prime Video (Amazon link).


Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Pictures, Bela Lugosi, Carroll Borland, Horror Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Behind the Scenes pictures, Bela Lugosi, Carroll Borland, classic horror movies

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein: My Love for this Classic Knows NO Limits!

October 25, 2022 By Joi

Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi, and Glenn Strange in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi, and Glenn Strange

When it comes to horror movies, I’m a bit of a chicken… okay, I’m a big chicken, feathers and all. Sure, I can handle most classic horror films (with Mark of the Vampire and The Spiral Staircase being a few of my favorites), but when it comes to modern era horror movies…. thanks but no thanks. All the buttered popcorn in the world couldn’t get me to watch.

I’d much, much, MUCH rather watch Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (one of my favorite movies in the world). I’d rather watch ANY of their movies for that matter. They were comedic geniuses and their films never fail to make me laugh so much my cats think I’ve finally and completely lost it.

You can (and should!) find Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on dvd (Amazon link). You can also find the Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters Collection on Amazon… it’s linked below.


Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters Collection

Filed Under: Abbott and Costello, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange, Perfect Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Abbott and Costello, Bela Lugosi, Bud Abbott, classic horror movies, Glenn Strange, Lou Costello, perfect movies

Mark of the Vampire: One of my Very Favorite Classic Horror Films (What Ambiance!)

October 22, 2022 By Joi

Mark of the Vampire: Carroll Borland, Holmes Herbert, James Bradbury Jr., and Bela Lugosi

Carroll Borland, Holmes Herbert, James Bradbury Jr., and Bela Lugosi

Everyone has their favorite Classic Horror films and I’m certainly no exception. All Abbott and Costello “Meet the Monsters” films are among my favorites, as are the original Dracula and The Bride of Frankenstein but there isn’t a single one I like any better than the one you see pictured here, Mark of the Vampire. The directing by Tod Browning is outstanding and the cast is absolute perfection.

Lionel Barrymore is one of my top 6 favorite actors and Donald Meek and Ivan F. Simpson are two of my absolute favorite character actors… all three are in this film and figure heavily in the story!

While that’s part of the reason why I love this one so much, another is the absolutely delicious classic horror atmosphere the director and crew created. From the early scenes with the townspeople to the bats and the music – it is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable of all the classic horror films and I honestly grow to love it more with each passing year.

In addition to Lionel Barrymore, Donald Meek, Ivan F. Simpson, Carroll Borland, Holmes Herbert, James Bradbury Jr., and Bela Lugosi, the WONDERFUL cast also includes Lionel Atwill, Jean Hersholt, Elizabeth Allan, Henry Wadsworth, Leila Bennett, June Gittelson, and Jessie Ralph.

I hope you’ll include it in your Halloween movie-watching this year. You’ll be frightfully glad you did.

You can watch Mark of the Vampire on Prime Video (Amazon link). I haven’t been able to find it on dvd yet but hope to soon!


Filed Under: Bela Lugosi, Carroll Borland, Horror Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Bela Lugosi, Carroll Borland, Classic Horror Films, classic horror movies, Holmes Herbert, James Bradbury Jr

Boris Karloff and James Whale on the Set of The Bride of Frankenstein

October 19, 2022 By Joi

Boris Karloff and James Whale The Bride of Frankenstein

Boris Karloff and James Whale, The Bride of Frankenstein

While we give the wonderful Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester their due credit for the brilliance of The Bride of Frankenstein, we need to always remember to mention the name of its brilliant director James Whale. He’s also the director responsible for Frankenstein (1931).

(About Boris Karloff) “His face fascinated me. I made drawings of his head, adding sharp bony ridges where I imagined the skull might have joined.” ~ James Whale

You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd or Blu-ray or watch the classic horror on Prime Video.


Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Pictures, Boris Karloff, Horror Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Boris Karloff, classic horror movies, The Bride of Frankenstein

James Whale, Ernest Thesiger, and Elsa Lanchester: Behind the Scenes of The Bride of Frankenstein

October 18, 2022 By Joi

Director James Whale and Ernest Thesiger on the set of The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).

Director James Whale and Ernest Thesiger (“Dr. Pretorius”)

One of the most popular and beloved classic horror movie is the 1935 The Bride of Frankenstein, directed superbly by James Whale. Whale also directed Frankenstein (1931) , The Old Dark House (1932) and The Invisible Man (1933). He clearly had a wonderful feel for the genre.

You can find The Bride of Frankenstein on dvd or Blu-ray or watch the classic horror on Prime Video.


Elsa Lanchester - Behind the Scenes of The Bride of Frankenstein

Elsa Lanchester –  The Bride of Frankenstein

Filed Under: Behind the Scenes Pictures, Elsa Lanchester, Ernest Thesiger, Horror Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: classic horror movies, Elsa Lanchester, Ernest Thesiger, James Whale, The Bride of Frankenstein

Ethel Barrymore in The Spiral Staircase (PERFECT Suspense/Horror Movie from 1946)

September 26, 2022 By Joi

Ethel Barrymore, The Spiral Staircase

Ethel Barrymore, The Spiral Staircase

One of my favorite movies (not just favorite classic horror movies, but favorite movies, period) is the spell-binding 1946 horror film The Spiral Staircase (directed by Robert Siodmak). While it is categorized as a horror movie, I’d call it more of a suspense, but we’ll just go with “horror” since we’re this close to Halloween.

The movie stars one of my absolute favorites, Ethel Barrymore, Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Rhonda Fleming, Gordon Oliver, Elsa Lanchester (SUBLIME as ever), Sara Allgood, and Kent Smith.

The cast is absolutely flawless in a film that’s suspenseful, extraordinarily directed, entertaining, well-written, and downright spellbinding. If you’ve never seen this one, I really hope you’ll check it out this Halloween season. It isn’t necessarily “scary” and won’t give even the biggest scaredy cat (ME!) nightmares. It’s just an outstanding film, period.

You can find The Spiral Staircase on dvd or Blu-ray (Amazon link).

Filed Under: Ethel Barrymore, Horror Movies, Perfect Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: classic horror movies, Ethel Barrymore, The Spiral Staircase

Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, The Vampire Bat (1933)

September 23, 2022 By Joi

Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, The Vampire Bat

Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, The Vampire Bat

The Vampire Bat came out the same year as King Kong… our heroine Fay Wray went through an awful lot during the early 30s… monsters everywhere! Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray are excellent in this film which also stars the wonderful Melvyn Douglas, Maude Eburne, and George E. Stone.

This one’s perfect for getting in the mood for Halloween and VERY much worth adding to your movie collection!

You can find The Vampire Bat on dvd (Amazon link), on Blu-ray (Amazon link), or watch the movie on Prime Video.


Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, The Vampire Bat

Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, The Vampire Bat

Filed Under: Fay Wray, Horror Movies, Lionel Atwill Tagged With: classic horror movies, Fay Wray, Lionel Atwill

Bela, Boris, and Basil in Son of Frankenstein (1939)… Talk about a 1, 2, 3 Punch!

October 30, 2021 By Joi

Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi

Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi

Some films boast casts and some films boast ICONIC casts. Son of Frankenstein (1939) is the latter. Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Bela Lugosi.. in ONE film?! That’s what I call a film for the ages.

The classic horror was directed by the wonderful Rowland V. Lee and I call him wonderful not just because he was an outstanding (and way ahead of his time) director but also because (as a huge Bela Lugosi fan) I love the extent he went to in order to give Lugosi more respect, credit, and even money while making this film.

Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbonev

Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Basil Rathbone

Sadly, Bela Lugosi’s career was beginning to decline when he signed on to make Son of Frankenstein and his fee reflected this decline. Fortunately, director Rowland V. Lee was VERY much in his corner. He realized that Lugosi wasn’t being treated fairly and was perhaps even being taken for granted, so he gave Bela’s character (Ygor) more dialogue and a bigger role in the film, causing Bela be paid (and respected) more.

This role, IMO, is one of Lugosi’s absolute best performances. He more than rewarded Lee’s wonderful efforts!

You can watch Son of Frankenstein on Prime Video (Amazon link). I’m having a heckuva time finding it on dvd for my collection, but if I’m ever to find it, I’ll let you know.

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi

Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi


Filed Under: Art Prints and Posters, Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, classic horror movies

Madge Bellamy and Bela Lugosi: White Zombie (1932)

October 14, 2021 By Joi

Madge Bellamy, in White ZombieMadge Bellamy, White Zombie

White Zombie is a horror film you really don’t hear much about. Oddly enough, it was believed to be lost until its rediscovery in the Sixties.  I really hate that this movie is hardly ever shown on television because it is very entertaining and Bela Lugosi is, as one would expect, completely mesmerizing.

The plot of White Zombie: A lovestruck young man turns to a voodoo doctor to help him lure a beautiful woman away from her fiancé. He, instead, turns her into a zombie slave!

HATE when that happens.

The 1932 classic horror movie stars Bela Lugosi and Madge Bellamy. It was directed by Victor Halperin.

According to his son, Bela Lugosi, Jr., this was one of Bela Lugosi’s favorite films. He is absolutely and completely wonderful in the role of  “Murder” Legendre.

You can find White Zombie on dvd (Amazon link).

Bela Lugosi, White Zombie

Bela Lugosi, White Zombie

Filed Under: Bela Lugosi, Horror Movies, Madge Bellamy, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Bela Lugosi, classic horror movies, Madge Bellamy

Helen Chandler and Bela Lugosi, Dracula (Girl.. RUN!)

October 10, 2021 By Joi

Bela Lugosi and Helen Chandler, Dracula

Bela Lugosi and Helen Chandler, Dracula

I remember the first time I saw Dracula (1931)… even as a child I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how anyone didn’t know Bela Lugosi was bad news the minute they saw him! Seriously… how could they not run as far and as fast as they could in the opposite direction the minute they laid eyes on him.

I’m pretty sure I would have outrun a cheetah to get away from his creepy vibes.

Then again, it wouldn’t have made much of a movie, would it?

I read something unusual a little while back. Apparently Bette Davis was considered for the role of Mina but someone “up the line” didn’t think she had enough sex appeal. Really? When the role dictated, she oozed it! Think “In This Our Life,” “Jezebel,” and “The Star” just to name a few.

I mean, her career did okay without this role but I thought the reasoning was preposterous.

You can buy the iconic 1931 film Dracula on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.

Sorry but the Bette Davis fan in me feels compelled to add a particular photo to the post… It’s like she’s telling Mr. Up the Line, “Boy, please.”

Bette Davis, Jezebel

Bette Davis, Jezebel

Filed Under: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, Horror Movies, Perfect Movies, Picture of the Day Tagged With: Bela Lugosi, Bette Davis, classic horror movies, Dracula 1931, Helen Chandler

Next Page »

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

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Joan Fontaine Gives One of Her Most Memorable Performances in Ivy (1947)
  • Happy Heavenly Birthday to the Extraordinary Donna Reed
  • Nat King Cole and Ruby Dee, St. Louis Blues (1958)
  • The Spider Woman (1943): Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Gale Sondergaard, and Dennis Hoey
  • Rest in Peace, Beautiful Gina Lollobrigida
  • Beautiful Rhonda Fleming in a Stunning Promotional Photo for The Golden Hawk (1952)
  • The Wonderful Paul Henreid was BOTD in 1908
  • Judy Garland Behind the Scenes of Presenting Lily Mars

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”)

Copyright © 2023 | Audrey Hepburn Posters | Ava Gardner Posters