Natalie Wood | Hollywood Yesterday

BOTD in 1928, the Wonderful Natalie Wood

July 20, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Natalie Wood and James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause

Legendary actress Natalie Wood was BOTD in San Francisco, California in 1938. Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko, she would go on to become, not only one of the best actresses ever – but also one of the most beloved actresses.

Natalie starred in some of the most memorable movies from old Hollywood:

Miracle on 34th Street
Rebel Without a Cause
West Side Story
The Searchers
Splendor in the Grass
Gypsy
From Here to Eternity
Sex and the Single Girl
The Great Race (pure fun!)

What a filmography. What an actress.

Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood, Miracle on 34th Street

One of the greatest child actors of all time, Natalie defied the odds and went on to have an outstanding career as an adult. If you’ve never seen her in Gypsy, Love with the Proper Stranger, and Splendor in the Grass – be sure to search the movies out and watch them soon. She’s remarkable in each.

Natalie Wood died (presumably from drowning) on November 29, 1981 at the age of 43. Had she lived longer, her amazing filmography would have been even richer. As it is, she has given us many incredible performances to remember her by.

Most Natalie Wood fans CHOOSE to remember her smiling, full of personality and full of life. We choose to focus on her wonderful films and excellent performances. When you’re a fan of an actor or actress, you want desperately to have good things associated with their name… beauty, not ugliness… love, not hate. As a Natalie Wood fan, that’s certainly the choice I make

I’m pretty certain it’s how the beautiful lady would want it.

Natalie Wood, The Searchers

Natalie Wood, Gypsy

Natalie Wood, Gypsy (1962): Photos and Gypsy Trivia

March 8, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Natalie Wood, Gypsy

One of the most beautiful actresses of all time was the wonderfully talented Natalie Wood. She never ceases to amaze me when I watch her movies – whether she was a child or adult, you simply cannot look away when she’s on the screen.

Today’s Pictures of the Day are stunning promotional photos from the colorful film Gypsy (1962).

Gypsy Trivia:

The film is based on the Broadway hit about the life and times of burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee and her aggressive, over-the-top stage mother.
Natalie Wood is gorgeous in the role of Gypsy.
Gypsy Rose Lee was 5′ 8,” whereas Natalie Wood was only 5′ 2.”
Ann-Margret was the first choice to play Gypsy Lee.
The REAL Gypsy Rose Lee visited the set and gave advice to Natalie Wood about stripping, in particular.
Co-stars Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood became close friends in real life.

Natalie Wood: Behind the Scenes Photo from West Side Story

February 21, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Natalie Wood and Director Jerome Robbins Behind the Scenes, West Side Story (1961)

A while back, I watched four Natalie Wood movies within the span of two weeks. I was blown away, not only by her tremendous talent, but by the fact that she went from one of the most adorable child stars of all time to one of the most beautiful actresses of all time.

Many child stars retain a certain “child-like” look that stays with them – so much so that you tend to “see” them as children, even when they’re adults.

Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood, Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Not so with Natalie Wood! She magically and effortlessly transitioned from adorable to gorgeous. It’s obvious, simply by looking at her photos, but it’s downright jaw-dropping if you watch a films like Miracle on 34th Street, Father Was a Fullback, The Searchers, and West Side Story back to back to back to back.

Natalie Wood, The Searchers (1956)

Natalie Wood, Gypsy (1962): Scene at the Mirror

January 28, 2020 By Joi Leave a Comment

Today’s Picture of the Day is one that almost always takes movie viewers back to the first time they saw this powerful scene. The stunning dress (such a gorgeous shade of blue), the mirror, the emotions… and, most of all the wonderful Natalie Wood, make for movie magic.

This scene is from the colorful film Gypsy (1962) and it makes me speechless every single time.

Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood Miracle on 34th Street

December 25, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood, Miracle on 34th Street

One of my greatest obsessions in this world is Christmas – so, naturally I love Christmas movies as much as one can possibly love anything! Miracle on 34th Street (Amazon link to the Black and White version… the best version in my opinion), It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, and all classic animated Christmas films make the season EVEN sweeter. As a Christian, I certainty realize that there is only One who is worth celebrating (it’s His birthday we’re remembering after all!), but all of these films are very dear to my heart.

I want to wish you and your loved ones a beautiful, happy, peaceful, and joy-filled Christmas. Thank you for visiting Hollywood Yesterday – you absolutely honor me with your presence. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Natalie Wood and James Dean: Rebel Without a Cause

December 10, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

Natalie Wood and James Dean Behind the Scenes of Rebel Without a Cause

I like to remind my reader friends every now and then of why I keep my posts and reviews as brief as possible. It’s not that I don’t have a lot to say – trust me, I’m very long winded and usually don’t even stop to take a breath!

The reasons I try to be brief the majority of the time are simple…

Hollywood Yesterday isn’t about ME. It’s about THEM. My thoughts, views, and opinions obviously spill out, but they aren’t what’s important – the ones I’m talking about are. The blog was created to shine a light on the men, women, films, television shows, and radio shows that have brought me countless joy – I want to do my part to keep them shining brightly. I try to reign myself in from going on and on about what I think and feel (hard for a chatty cathy like myself), because (again) that’s not what’s important.
As someone who is very busy, I know you are too! I have a family (including multiple cats who DEMAND my attention as much as I love giving it to them), a home to run, 6 other blogs, and I am an avid cook. I feed, love, and care for feral cats which also takes time (but it’s a labor of love, so it’s a blessing). I know what it’s like to be busy, so I keep that in mind and try to provide my readers with fun bits of information, wonderful pictures to look at, and books and movies I recommend. I do, however, try to keep it brief so you can get on with your life. I want Hollywood Yesterday to be a fun place to visit and want you to always want to come back.

Finally….. Frankly, sometimes the pictures don’t just speak for themselves, they yell and do not need my help whatsoever. Today’s picture of the day is a perfect example.

Honestly, what could I say that could come anywhere near the emotion this photo carries. All I want to say is this – these two stars have brought more joy to people like me and you than they could have ever imagined. I wish life had been a lot kinder to James Dean and Natalie Wood and wish they could have felt the love THEN that they have from so many NOW.

Miracle on 34th Street: Fun Lobby Cards (Love These!)

December 10, 2019 By Joi 2 Comments

Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne

Maureen O’Hara is one of my VERY favorite actresses, so you can bet I’ve seen Miracle on 34th Street more times than the average movie fan. Honestly… I couldn’t even begin to count the number of times, because I watch it multiple times each year.

John Payne and Maureen O’Hara

Heck, I’ve been known to watch in in the middle of July!

Each time I watch it, I love it even more. The cast was simply perfect – from Maureen, Natalie Wood, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn to William Frawley, Porter Hall, Jerome Cowan, and Gene Lockhart. Each was spectacular and (obviously) knew they were part of something extra EXTRA special.

Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne

A few things in particular strike me with each viewing:

Natalie Wood was a very, very special actress – whether she was a child, teen, or adult… she was spectacular and obviously born to do what she did so beautifully.
Maureen O’Hara was as talented as she was stunningly beautiful – and that’s saying something!
John Payne and Edmund Gwenn were exceptional actors and should be household names! How more front and center roles in popular movies eluded them is beyond me – but I’m forever thankful that they’re in this personal favorite film.
Finally, this is a perfect movie – perfect in every way!

Natalie Wood, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne

Find Miracle on 34th Street (1947) on Amazon.

Picture of the Day: Gorgeous Promo Pic from The Searchers

November 5, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

The Searchers: Natalie Wood and John Wayne

The Searchers (1956) turns up on more people’s “Favorite Westerns” lists than probably any other film – and for a good reason. It’s spectacular!

Today’s Picture of the day captures the beauty and heart of this wonderful film with two of its stars, Natalie Wood and John Wayne.

Find The Searchers on Amazon.

Natalie Wood and Gypsy Rose Lee (Now, This is a Photo!)

September 10, 2019 By Joi Leave a Comment

While I love all of the photos I use for “picture of the day” on Hollywood Yesterday (or I wouldn’t spotlight them!), there’s often just something extra cool about some of them. This photo of Natalie Wood and Gypsy Rose Lee (Behind the Scenes of Gypsy, 1962) falls into that category.

It’s almost like two worlds colliding and I am SO here for it!

Find Gypsy on Amazon.

Miracle on 34th Street: Memorable Scenes from One of the Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time

December 22, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

Lobby Card for Miracle on 34th Street

In a funny little twist of irony, some of my absolute favorite stars have starred in the absolute best Christmas movies:

Jimmy Stewart: It’s a Wonderful Life
Maureen O’Hara: Miracle on 34th Street
Barbara Stanwyck: Christmas in Connecticut
Bing Crosby: White Christmas

I’m not sure why, but Miracle on 34th Street (1947) doesn’t seem to get the attention some of the other Christmas movies do. Yes, the others are outstanding… but so is Miracle on 34th Street.

This has been one of my favorite movies since I was around the age of Natalie Wood’s adorable character Susan. The movie is filled with love, laughter, emotion, and hope – who can ask for more than that from a Christmas movie?

The fact that you often hear people talk about Die Hard as a Christmas movie more than this one is enough to make you as nutty as the cookies you leave out for Santa.

Okay, ranting over. Let’s just celebrate this wonderful, beautiful movie.

Did You Know?

According to a Natalie Wood biography, young Natalie believed that Edmund Gwenn was actually Santa Claus! In fact, it wasn’t until she saw him out of costume at the wrap party that she realized he wasn’t Santa.
Natalie Wood was eight years old when filming Miracle on 34th Street.
Maureen O’Hara had this to say about Edmund Gwenn, “By the time we were halfway through the shoot, we all believed Edmund really was Santa Claus. I’ve never seen an actor more naturally suited for a role.”
The department stores (Macy’s and Gimbel’s) depicted in the movie had to grant permission in order for the producers to use their names. Both stores wanted to see the finished film first before they gave this approval. Fortunately (and for obvious reasons), both stores loved the film and gave their permission!
From Maureen O’Hara’s autobiography: “Everyone felt the magic on the set and we all knew we were creating something special. I am very proud to have been part of a film that has been continually shown and loved all over the world for nearly sixty years. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) has endured all this time because of the special relationship of the cast and crew, the uplifting story and its message of hope and love, which steals hearts all over the world every year. I don’t think I will ever tire of children asking me, ‘Are you the lady who knows Santa Claus?’ I always answer, ‘Yes, I am. What would you like me to tell him?'”

Below are just a few special scenes from this extra special movie.

Santa Won’t Lie to Susan: