Old Hollywood: Movies, Actresses, and Actors
Ann Sheridan and George Raft
They Drive by Night (1940 film-noir, directed by Raoul Walsh) has the type of cast directors dream of. Lead by Humphrey Bogart, Ida Lupino, Ann Sheridan, and George Raft, the cast also includes George Tobias, Alan Hale, Roscoe Karns, and Gale Page.
Ann Sheridan and George Raft
You can find They Drive by Night on Amazon on DVD or Prime Video.
Ann Sheridan Print, 8 x 10″ (Amazon Link)
Ann Dvorak, Vincent Price, and Barbara Bel Geddes in The Long Night
After finishing my review of Ann Dvorak: Hollywood’s Forgotten Rebel by Christina Rice, I felt it was only appropriate that Ann Dvorak be the picture of the day.
I mean, come on, some things make so much sense even I can figure them out after just one cup of coffee.
This photo is from the wonderful 1947 film-noir The Long Night. Directed to perfection by Anatole Litvak, the film stars Henry Fonda, Ann Dvorak, Vincent Price, and Barbara Bel Geddes. I’m really surprised this film doesn’t get more attention, I personally think it’s outstanding. The performances by the four leads could not be better – particularly the performances of Ann Dvorak and Barbara Bel Geddes – they’re absolutely the heart of the film… and this from Henry Fonda’s biggest fan!
Unfortunately The Long Night isn’t shown on television very often, so if you see it, watch it then and there! You can also find The Long Night on dvd (Amazon link). I desperately need it for my Ann Dvorak collection, so it’ll be flying into my cart right away.
Henry Fonda and Barbara Bel Geddes
Hazel Brooks
Beautiful Hazel Brooks is one of those lovely old Hollywood stars who (for inexplicable reasons) never quite found stardom. She didn’t make very many films, unfortunately.. I would have loved to see her in more! Then again, there is something to be said for the old adage, “Always leave them wanting more.”
Hazel is best known for her role in the wonderful film-noir Body and Soul (1947, directed by Robert Rossen). The movie also stars John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, and William Conrad.
Is that a great cast or what??!
John Garfield and Hazel Brooks
You can find Body and Soul on dvd (Amazon link) on Amazon.
William Conrad and Hazel Brooks
Did You Know?
Hazel Brooks was married to the wonderful Art Director Cedric Gibbons from 1944 to his death in 1960. A FEW of the many wonderful films he worked on: Gaslight, High Society, The Wizard of Oz, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers & The Long, Long Trailer.
The talented Gibbons also designed the Academy Award statuette Oscar!
Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford
Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford star in one of my favorite film-noirs, The Big Heat (1953). Directed to perfection by Fritz Lang, the movie also stars Lee Marvin and Jocelyn Brando (Marlon Brando’s older sister).
If you’ve never seen this film, you have to check it out – it’s a great one. Gloria Grahame and Glenn Ford are extraordinary in their roles and the chemistry is undeniable.
You can find The Big Heat on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Prime Video.
Marilyn Monroe
While these pictures of Marilyn Monroe wearing a bathing suit are considered publicity photos for Clash by Night (1952), they seem more like Clash by Night publicity photos for MARILYN MONROE!
Either way, they’re just what a nice crisp November day calls for.
She was so stunningly beautiful and she didn’t need any of the makeup, glamour, or glitz. The natural beauty was prominently there – as was the natural radiant glow that followed her everywhere she went.
Mind you, she was far more than just a beautiful star or famous icon, she was a very talented actress who was far more talented than even she knew.
Clash by Night was one of Marilyn’s earlier films and she was wonderful in the role. The film-noir, directed by Fritz Lang, also stars Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, and Robert Ryan.
You can find the wonderful Clash By Night on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Amazon Prime.
Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, and Robert Ryan
Clash by Night (1952) was directed by an outstanding director, Fritz Lang, and boasts a stellar cast which includes Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, Robert Ryan, J. Carrol Naish, Keith Andes, and Marilyn Monroe. Inevitably, with that kind of talent and star power, you get a great movie and this film noir is truly that.
You can find the wonderful Clash By Night on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Amazon Prime.
Paul Douglas, Barbara Stanwyck, and Robert Ryan
Marilyn Monroe
These wonderful pictures of Marilyn Monroe on the set of Clash by Night show something I have always said… she was at her most beautiful without all the glam and glitz. She didn’t need anything to give her more beauty – she came fully equipped with all she’d ever need!
Clash by Night (1952, directed by Fritz Lang) was Marilyn’s big break and, in my opinion, she did a wonderful job. If you can share the screen with one of the greatest actresses/actors of all time (Barbara Stanwyck) and not get swallowed alive, you have done something!
You can find the wonderful Clash By Night on dvd (Amazon link) or watch on Amazon Prime.
Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson
The Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson photos shown here are promotional pictures for the wonderful 1944 film-noir Double Indemnity.
Perfectly directed by the Billy Wilder, the movie also stars one of the greatest actresses of all time, Barbara Stanwyck. I’ve found that often (very often, in fact), a movie is popular and well-loved for a good reason and this is most definitely true with this film. When people list their favorite film-noir, Double Indemnity is almost always on everyone’s list! There’s a very good reason for this – it’s one of the most perfect film noirs ever made. It’s as though it set out to set the standard for all other noirs to follow!
You can find Double Indemnity on dvd (Amazon Link) or watch it on Prime Video.
Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson
Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, Behind the Scenes of Double Indemnity
I love these behind the scenes pictures from Double Indemnity (one of the best and most popular film-noirs ever filmed). The 1944 movie was directed by the wonderful Billy Wilder (pictured below with Barbara Stanwyck) and stars, among others, Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson.
You can find Double Indemnity on dvd (Amazon Link) or watch it on Prime Video.
Barbara Stanwyck and Billy Wilder
Jane Greer, Out of the Past
The beautiful and talented Jane Greer and Robert Mitchum star in the outstanding film-noir Out of the Past (1947). Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the movie also stars Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Webb, Steve Brodie, and Virginia Huston.
You can watch Out of the Past on Prime Video or buy the dvd (Amazon link).
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??
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!
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
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…
