Silver Screen Stars

I'm on Facebook!

2011-12-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am wanting to let you know that I am now on Facebook! I have a page under "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet". It's mostly film trivia and other vintage things. I am currently trying to get 100 people to "Like" my page. The 100 person to "Like" the page will get a special gift from me! So please, come join me on my page, and share with your friends and readers. You can find it at www.facebook.com/youaintheardnothinyet . See you there!!

New Blog

2011-08-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted on this blog for quite a long time! Actually, I have started a new blog called "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet". This new blog is about classic movies, but also classic radio, music, television, and so forth. I invite you to visit my new blog! You can also Like "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet" on Facebook! You will find this link at the bottom of the blog page. I do not intend to write on "Silver Screen Stars" anymore. I wanted to broaden my horizon a bit. And, honestly, I felt a bit out of my element with classic film blogs such as yours. :-) I hope to see you at "You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet" very soon. You can find my new blog here.

Two Months Too Long

2010-06-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

It has been over two months since my last post. I am truly sorry for not posting sooner, but it has been a crazy couple of months. So, here I am, still alive and back into the blog sphere. Does anyone have any particular subject that you would like me to post on? Please feel free to leave a comment with your ideas! I will start writing regularly starting next week. Stay tuned!!

Fred Astaire & Leslie Caron Dance the Sluefoot

2010-03-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

I watched this clip earlier in the week and had to share it. This is from "Daddy Long Legs" made in 1955, and stars Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Here Astaire and Caron dance the popular "Sluefoot" at her college dance. This is a wonderful movie that I highly recommend! The dance is so awesome to watch. They are fabulous together! Enjoy!!

Sunkist Stars at Palm Springs (1936)

2010-02-20T20:00:00.001-08:00

Here is another wonderful short filmed in 1936 titled, "Sunkist Stars at Palm Springs". I just LOVE these old Technicolor shorts full of Hollywood stars, (like one of my favorites Betty Grable)! Although the "Mike" thing is a bit creepy, the rest is fun!

Starlit Days at the Lido (1935)

2010-02-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a wonderful short filmed in 1935 called "Starlit Days at the Lido". Watch for some of Classic Hollywood's biggest stars! Below is part 1 and part 2.

Classic Movies for the First Time

2010-02-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

This past summer I visited my sister for a few weeks in another state. While I was there our conversation turned to classic films many times (not hard for me to do). We created a list of movies that my sister had not seen that I would send to her. Finally last week, after several months of waiting, my sister got in the mail some must see movies. So, I thought that I would post the list of movies that I sent! Remember, the ones that I have listed are movies that she has NEVER seen.

- "The Jazz Singer" (1927)

- "The Public Enemy" (1931)

- "Little Caeser" (1931)

- "Suspicion" (1941)

- "It" (1927)

- "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938)

- "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939)

- "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946)

- "Jezebel" (1938)

- "Dinner At Eight" (1933)

- "The Philadelphia Story" (1940)

- "To Be or Not To Be" (1942)

- "Sunset Blvd." (1950)

- "Since You Went Away" (1944)

- "Cleopatra" (1934)

- "The Women" (1939)

- "Top Hat" (1935)

- "Swing Time" (1936)

- "The Mark of Zorro" (1940)

- "Imitation of Life" (1959)

- "Captain Blood" (1935)

- "All About Eve" (1950)

- "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947)

- "Gold Diggers of 1933" (1933)

- "Cabin in the Sky" (1943)

- "Heaven Can Wait" (1943)

- "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945)

It's hard to imagine never seeing these great movies! I am so excited for her to be able to watch all of the for the first time. Which one of these classic films do you think is the one that she should not go without seeing?

Movies I Watch Again & Again Part 2/2

2010-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today is part two of which movies I watch over and over again. Again, these are not necessarily my favorite films, but I love to watch them none the less.

A Free Soul (1931)

Starring: Norma Shearer, Clark Gable

Why do I love this? Norma Shearer is fabulous in pre-code films. Although I love "The Divorcee", I find my self watching this one more often. Clark Gable is not the nicest person in this film, but oh well, it's Clark Gable!

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)

Starring: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison

Why do I love this? I guess I have always been drawn to ghost stories, and this is one great ghost story! It isn't scary in the least, just a delightful movie. You can also see a young Natalie Wood playing Gene Tierney's daughter.

People Will Talk (1951)

Starring: Cary Grant, Jeanne Crain

Why do I love this? Every time I watch this I completely fall in love with Dr. Praetorius (Cary Grant). It really isn't hard to fall in love with any Cary Grant character, but who wouldn't love to be married to this doctor?

The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)

Starring: Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Shirley Temple

Why do I love this? This is just a fun movie! Cary Grant is so wonderful and Myrna Loy is as great as ever. Shirley Temple plays the 17 year old bobby-soxer, and is entertaining to watch.

Dancing Lady (1933)

Starring: Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone

Why do I love this? I really enjoy watching Joan Crawford at this point in her career. She looks beautiful, and always has a lot of spunk. Clark Gable is also looking marvelous as always. And Franchot Tone is I believe one of the most underrated actors, he is one of my favorites too!

So there are ten movies that I can't help but watch all the time! I know most of them are on there because of the people that are in them. But this blog is called Silver Screen Stars, and I love to watch the stars! Do any of you have certain movies that you watch a lot that are not in particular one of your favorites films? I would love to hear what they are!

Movies I Watch Again & Again Part 1/2

2010-02-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

I have several movies that I love to watch over and over again that are not listed in my top ten musical, drama, or comedy lists that I posted a couple of months ago. Although they are not my ultimate favorites, I just can't help watching them all the time! In the next two posts I will write about the ten movies that I love to watch. I will try to explain why I love each of them, but even I'm not sure why I watch them so much. So, for the first five....

Wife Vs. Secretary (1936)

Starring: Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy

Why do I love this? Well.....Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy!!! Three of my all time favorites in one movie. Plus Jimmy Stewart has a small part as Jean Harlow's love interest. The story is a pretty good one, and everyone looks their best!

Easy to Love (1953)

Starring: Esther Williams, Van Johnson

Why do I love this? I have of late become a huge fan of Esther Williams. I received the Esther Williams Collection Vol 2 for Christmas and have already watched this film a few times. It is such a beautiful colorful movie with remarkable costumes.

Moon Over Miami (1941)

Starring: Don Ameche, Betty Grable

Why do I love this? I love Don Ameche and Betty Grable. They are both so fabulous in this movie together. I love to hear the both of them sing too! Other than that, it is a typical light hearted musical/comedy.

Second Honeymoon (1937)

Starring: Tyrone Power, Loretta Young

Why do I love this? TYRONE POWER!!!! Need I say more? I think that he looks his best in this film. I could watch it all day long! I love Loretta Young in this too. She is my favorite actress to be paired with Tyrone. Have I told you that I love him? ;-)

No Man of Her Own (1932)

Starring: Clark Gable, Carole Lombard

Why do I love this? This is the only movie that Clark Gable and Carole Lombard made together. Not only that it is a very good film! They are both wonderful in it, and look great as well.

Stay tuned for my next post where I will list the final five movies that I can watch again and again!

The Uninvited (1944)

2010-02-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Several years ago (approximately 14/15) I stayed a week with my grandmother. She had AMC and we watched classic movies together often. One evening we watched an old scary movie and my grandma was scared to death! For years I wondered what movie that was, since I guess I did not pay attention to the title. Then about a year ago I stumbled upon "The Uninvited" on some web site, and knew that this was that movie. I finally was able to watch it last week!

Made in 1944, this movie is set in 1937 on the Devonshire coast in England. A brother and sister (Ray Milland & Ruth Hussey) are vacationing and fall in love with an abandoned house overlooking the ocean. They decide to buy it regardless of the rumors of "disturbances". Shortly after they move in they notice the disturbances themselves. With the help of a young woman (Gail Russell) who has a history in the house, and her doctor (Alan Napier), they uncover buried secrets that go back 17 years.

I am not one to give away the plot of movies. So I will leave the summery as it is. Let's just say that this is one classic film to watch for. I picked it up from the library, and afterward found out that it was on TCM later in the week. I currently do not have TCM, so I'm glad our library was able to get a copy.

You can watch the entire movie on You Tube by clicking here. Or you can watch the trailer below!

Unplanned Break

2010-02-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

It has been three weeks since my last post! This was definitely not something that I planned. January was such a hectic month, and I plan on getting more posts up next week. Honestly, I have also had a kind of blogger's block recently. Thank you for being patient with me!

Tyrone Power on "What's My Line"

2010-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this clip of Tyrone Power on "What's My Line". I love watching all of my favorite stars on this show. Of course I love Tyrone Power, so this is one that I have watched often. Enjoy!

I love "I Love Lucy" in Hollywood

2010-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Last night I watched the "I Love Lucy" episode with William Holden ("L.A. at Last"). For those of you who do not know this one, it's the one where Lucy lights her fake nose on fire. For many years I had only seen the second half of the episode. But a few years ago I finally got to watch the whole thing. This is probably my favorite "I Love Lucy" episode, or maybe it ties with "Vitameatavegimin".

Yes, this blog is about classic film and its stars and not classic television. I must ramble though for a little bit about this "I Love Lucy" season. Ricky gets an offer for a movie in Hollywood, so he and Lucy along with Fred and Ethel travel to CA. There are so many stars in these classic episodes! William Holden, John Wayne, Van Johnson, Richard Widmark, and many many more.

If you are a classic movie fan and have not seen season four and the beginning of season five of "I Love Lucy", go out and buy it! It is so much fun to see all of the stars playing themselves. Lucille Ball is so hilarious with them as she plays their biggest fan. I wonder how I would have acted had I lived back when my favorite stars did. I might have been the same way. Well, maybe not breaking into Richard Widmark's house. Do you have a favorite classic TV episode that has a guest movie star? I would love to hear of any that I have missed!

Below is a scene in "L.A. at Last", where Lucy first sees William Holden, my favorite scene in this episode. He was so great in this!

The Colorful 40's

2010-01-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

This week I watch "Thrill of a Romance" (1945) with Esther Williams. This is is the second Esther Williams collection. The movie was good and very entertaining. One thing that I enjoy about this and other movies made in the 1940's is the use of Technicolor.

Technicolor was used in film earlier than the 40's, but this is when it really took off. I am usually one who defends the black and white movies, but when films are filmed originally with this color the end result is beautiful! This is one reason that I love Betty Grable movies too. Most of them were also filmed in Technicolor. The 1940's style of clothes, hair, and make-up were also best in color. You can't see that bright red lipstick in black and white!

Some actresses I believe were made for Technicolor movies. The above mentioned Esther Williams and Betty Grable are obviously two of them. I have heard that Maureen O'Hara is counted as the queen of Technicolor though, I don't know who came up with that but she did film beautifully. Some actresses shunned color films because they believed that they looked better and more glamorous in black and white. In the 1939 film "The Women" there is a color sequence of a fashion show, but not one of the stars of the film were in this.

Movies filmed in Technicolor always had a kind of unreal feel to them, nothing is that bright and colorful in real life! But that is why they were so popular and are still one of a kind today. Which actors or actresses do you think were made for Technicolor?

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a movie clip from "Holiday Inn" to bring in the new year!

Don Ameche: A Life-Long Legacy

2009-12-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

Within the last couple of years I have turned into a huge Don Ameche fan! A few posts back I listed my top 10 favorite actors, and I really should have listed Don Ameche among the others. As I wrote in that post my list changes from time to time.

Don Ameche was born May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He became a popular radio personality in the 1930's in Chicago, then quickly was offered a film contract with 20th Century Fox. His first couple of films were uncredited in 1935, but it did not take long for him to become a star.

One of his most famous roles was the title character in "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (1939). He also did a popular teaming with Tyrone Power and Alice Faye in "In Old Chicago" (1937) and "Alexander's Ragtime Band"(1938). Don Ameche made many other films with costars such as Betty Grable, Gene Tierney, and Claudette Colbert.

His popularity in film seemed to dim into the 1950's, he then turned to television. There, he worked of and on for many years until he was virtually forgotten. In 1983 he was offered a part along side Ralph Bellamy in "Trading Places". His career once again took off!

In 1985 he played in "Cocoon" and received the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. He continued to work in film until his death on December 6, 1993. His last film "Corrina, Corrina" actually came out in 1994.

I watched "Cocoon" just recently and really enjoyed seeing him in his twilight years. He had such a recognizable voice that did not change with age. I have always enjoyed hearing him sing in the musicals he appeared in too! I know that I put a lot of movie clips on this blog, but I figure that since I blog about classic film and it's stars I may as well show them in action! Tonight I've included a wonderful video tribute to Don Ameche, enjoy!

Classic Film for Christmas

2009-12-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

I thought that I would share with you the classic movie related items that I received as gifts for Christmas! I had a wonderful day with my family, but honestly I am just like a kid when it comes to opening presents in the morning.

First of all I received the book "Bette Davis: Larger than Life" by Richard Schickel & George Perry. This is a beautiful large hard cover book published my Running Press, who also published the books "Lana: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies" and "Lucy at the Movies". I wrote a post on these books a few months ago, you can read it here. I LOVE these books!!! They are perfect books as far as I'm concerned. All of them have many glorious black and white, and color pictures.
Second, I got the DVD set "TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams, Vol. 2". I bought the first Esther Williams set a while back and enjoy each of those films, so I just had to get the second one right!?! I have not seen any of the films in this collection as of yet, but plan to start any day now.

Finally, I got "The Claudette Colbert Collection". I posted of this set a while back, you can read that here. Claudette Colbert is one of my favorite actresses, and I was so excited when I first learned of this box set. I have already watched two of these films since Christmas.

Did any of you receive any classic movie related gifts? If so leave a comment, I would love to hear of them!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Tonight I am posting a clip from "White Christmas" (1954). This is probably the most recognizable Christmas movie clip of all time. Enjoy!

Cary Grant Decorates a Tree

2009-12-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun little clip from the movie "The Bishop's Wife"(1947). This is such a wonderful classic Christmas movie in which Cary Grant plays Dudly, an angel sent to help a bishop (David Niven) and his wife (Loretta Young). Enjoy!

Poll Results: Favorite Christmas Film?

2009-12-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

I don't think that anyone will really be surprised at which movie won this poll. So, without any delay, the winner is "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). I know you're probably all shocked at the result!

"It's a Wonderful Life" actually started out as a Christmas card in 1943. It was written by Phillip Van Doren Stern in 1943, and sent out to all of his friends and family. The title of this card was "The Greatest Gift".

RKO found the card and bought it for $10,000. The studio originally wanted Cary Grant to star in a film based on the story. The writers worked on three different scripts for the film, but in the end they were shelved. This left the story open for purchase for other studios.

Frank Capra saw potential for a great film and bought the rights and the three scripts for the same $10,000. He took bits and pieces from each script and started to create his own unique screenplay. He added such characters as Mr. Potter, and molded the story into the film we know today. It is said that "It's a Wonderful Life" was Capra's favorite film.

James Stewart was the first choice for the film. Can any of us really see anyone else playing George Bailey? It was his first role after serving in the Army in WWII.

"It's a Wonderful Life" is my favorite Christmas film. In this poll it won with 50% of the vote. "White Christmas" (1954) came in second with 31%. The rest of the week I am just planning to post some Christmas movie clips. I'm sorry that I haven't been posting regularly. I've been pretty busy lately, and have been sick. After Christmas I plan to start posting a bit more often. Also, please take a moment to vote on my current poll. Other than OZ, which is your favorite Judy Garland film?

Sonja Henie: The Norwegian Ice Champian

2009-12-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Tyrone Power, and I love watching his movies! Tyrone Power made a couple of movies with Sonja Henie. After watching these, I had to get some more of her films. Even though Tyrone Power is the reason I started watching her movies, my first Sonja Henie movie I watched a couple of months ago was Sun Valley Serenade, a non Tyrone film. You can read my review of this film here.

Sonja Henie was born April 8, 1912 in Oslo, Norway. She became the Norwegian Skating Champion at the age of 14. She won her first Olympic gold medal in 1928 when she was 15, and went on to win two more gold medals in 1932 and 1936. She also won ten World Championships!

Sonja Henie followed this success with going professional, and signed a film contract with 20th Century Fox. Her first movie was in 1937 when she made "One in a Million". She shot to stardom and made another ten movies during her Hollywood career. During this time she also starred and produced many Hollywood Ice Reviews.

Sonja Henie became an American Citizen in 1941, but eventually moved back to her home country of Norway. She continued to perform and produce until she retired in 1960. In 1961, she died of Leukemia. She and her third husband are buried overlooking the Henie-Onstad Art Center near Oslo, a museum holding a great collection of modern art owned by the couple.

Each of the Sonja Henie movies that I have seen have been delightful. They do not have a complex plot and are very predictable, but sometime these movies can be the best to watch. Each film is quite entertaining, and Sonja Henie skates throughout the films. She really was not the best actress in the world. I don't think anyone ever thought she was, but her screen presence and style of skating is so enjoyable! Below is a clip from her first film "One in a Million" (1937).

My Favorite Silent Actor & Actress Pt. 2

2009-11-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

The list of silent movies that I have seen is relatively short. I really enjoy watching them, especially those that were the big hits of their day. The silent stars are fascinating to watch as well. Most did very good acting on screen. They really had to use their eyes, since there was no sound to emphasize emotion with their tone of voice.

Clara Bow is my favorite silent actress. On of the reasons is because of how she used her eyes. I believe that those silent movie actors who had darker eyes looked much better on screen. Clara Bow had those dark, very emotional eyes.

She started her career when she won a contest in a movie magazine. The film that she won a part for has since been lost. After that, she escaped a horrible home life to begin her work in movies.

There were several small supporting roles, and then she played her first flapper role in "The Plastic Age" (1925). Clara Bow, the jazz age flapper was born. Stardom came when she starred in 1927's "It". She plays a shop girl intent on winning her boss, played by Antonio Moreno.

Little did she know that sound films were right around the corner. She still did very well in sound films, but her fear of the microphone drove her out of the movies. Her final film was in 1933's "Hoopla".

Clara Bow married actor Rex Bell and retired to Nevada. They had two sons, and remained together until his death in 1962. She had some personal problems and mental illness for years due to traumatic experiences in her childhood. Clara Bow died of a heart attack in her home at the age of 60 on September 26, 1965.

I have loved each of the Clara Bow movies that I have seen. She put so much energy into each role. Please watch one of her movies soon if you have not seen one. Clara Bow was fabulous! Below is a wonderful video with several clips from her most popular film "It".

My Favorite Silent Actor & Actress Pt. 1

2009-11-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

I recently posted my favorite actors and actresses. There were no silent actors on the list because I thought that they should have a separate post all together. Today I will tell you my favorite silent actor, and later on in the week my favorite actress.

Rudolph Valentino is my favorite silent film actor. I first saw a Valentino movie a few years ago, it was "The Eagle" (1925). I was so excited to finally see a Rudolph Valentino movie! Since then, I have seen several more. I admit he was not the greatest actor in the world, but he was wonderful to watch.

Valentino began in movies in 1918, the film was "A Society Sensation". But his first eye catching part wasn't until 1921, when he starred in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." It is in this movie that he debuted his famous tango. Later, he went on to star in "The Sheik", "Blood and Sand", "The Eagle", and his last film "Son of the Sheik".

It was while publicizing "Son of the Sheik" in New York, that he became ill with a perforated ulcer. Valentino died in surgery on August 23, 1926. He was 31 years old. Mourners were hysterical, and some were said to have committed suicide. His body was brought back to Hollywood where he was interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Rudolph Valentino had that screen presence that attracted millions of fans. It is so wonderful to see him today, eighty plus years later! Below is a clip from "Son of the Sheik" costarring Vilma Banky. I hope you stay to watch it!

Watch for my post later this week to see who my favorite silent actress is! Do you think that you can guess who it is? Leave a comment if you would like to guess. I'd love to hear who you come up with!

Poll Results: The Best Actress for Clark Gable.

2009-11-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Clark Gable was (and still is) the King of Hollywood. He paired up with many of Hollywood's leading actresses including the Queen of Hollywood, Myrna Loy. I was very interested who you would choose as the best actress paired with Clark Gable. My personal favorite is Jean Harlow. They did so many wonderful films together, and played so well opposite each other. Vivien Leigh is obviously a great choice for their pairing in "Gone with the Wind". Myrna Loy and Joan Crawford were good choices too, as was Carole Lombard. I don't know how, but I forgot to add Claudette Colbert to the list, what was I thinking! So, who was voted Clark Gable's best leading lady? Vivien Leigh is the winner tonight!

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh are such a wonderful pair in "Gone with the Wind". I don't believe that anyone could ever choose a better actor or actress to play Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara! They teamed up so well in this film.

Clark Gable was the first choice of movie fans to play Rhett Butler. So really, it made David O. Selznick's decision pretty easy. To make sure that he got Gable, Selznick gave the distribution rights over to MGM. It was a great deal for both Selznick and MGM.

The hunt for Scarlet O'Hara was movie making history. Just about every actress in Hollywood wanted that part. Down to the end it looked like maybe Paulette Goddard was going to be the one to win . But in the end, Myron Selznick (David's brother) who was an agent, brought in Vivien Leigh. The rest is history.

A beautiful couple for a wonderful movie. "Gone with the Wind" is one of my all time favorite films. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh are two of the reasons that it's a favorite. I've been wanting to watch it again for a while, maybe I'll get a chance to this week. I hope so!

Don't forget to select your favorite Christmas movie in my current poll! The poll ends on December 20, and the results will be posted on the 21st.

Happy Birthday Gene Tierney!

2009-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Gene Tierney is one of my favorite actresses and played in some of my favorite films. Today would have been her 89th birthday. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 19th 1920. IMDB says that she was born on the 20th. But books and everywhere else on the web, including her official web site, lists her birthday as the 19th. So I'll be safe and post this on the 19th too!

One of her best known films is of course "Laura", made in 1944. In this film she plays a woman murdered in her home, and Dana Andrews is the detective trying to solve the mystery.

In 1945 Gene starred in "Leave Her to Heaven". She plays Ellen Berent, a very possessive, jealous, and overbearing woman who goes to great lengths to keep her husband (Cornel Wilde) only to herself. Gene Tierney was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her work in this film, but lost to Joan Crawford for "Mildred Pierce".

If you aren't already familiar with Gene Tierney, start by watching these two films. You will not be disappointed! Let's all take time today, or this week, to watch a Gene Tierney film! Here is a movie clip from "Leave Her to Heaven", enjoy!

My Top Ten Actors and Actresses

2009-11-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

A while back I posted on my favorite dramas, comedies, and musicals. I now realize that I have not listed my favorite actors and actresses yet on my blog! So today I am listing my top ten favorite actors, and top ten favorite actresses. Along with the names of my favorites, I am adding my two favorite films of this particular actor/actress (it's so hard just to pick one). My list of favorites might change from time to time, but most of them will always be on the list. Here you go!

Actors

1. Tyrone Power

-"The Mark of Zorro" (1940)
-"Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1938)

2. Clark Gable

-"Gone with the Wind" (1939)
-"It Happened One Night" (1934)

3. Cary Grant

-"The Awful Truth" (1937)
-"The Philadelphia Story" (1940)

4. William Powell

-"The Thin Man" (1934)
-"My Man Godfrey" (1936)

5. Fred Astaire

-"Top Hat" (1935)
-"Easter Parade" (1948)

6. Errol Flynn

-"The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938)
-"Captain Blood" (1935)

7. James Stewart

-"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939)
-"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)

8. Claude Rains

-"Casablanca" (1942)
-"Mr. Skeffington" (1944)

9. Franchot Tone

-"Sadie McKee" (1934)
-"The Girl from Missouri" (1934)

10. James Cagney

-"Public Enemy" (1931)
-"Footlight Parade" (1933)

Actresses

1. Jean Harlow

-"Libeled Lady" (1936)
-"Dinner at Eight" (1933)

2. Claudette Colbert

-"Midnight" (1939)
-"It Happened One Night" (1934)

3. Myrna Loy

-"The Thin Man" (1934)
-"Wife Vs. Secretary" (1936)

4. Norma Shearer

-"The Divorcee" (1930)
-"The Women" (1939)

5. Carole Lombard

-"No Man of Her Own" (1932)
-"My Man Godfrey" (1936)

6. Loretta Young

-"Second Honeymoon" (1937)
-"The Bishop's Wife" (1947)

7. Betty Grable

-"Mother Wore Tights" (1947)
-"Moon Over Miami" (1941)

8. Gene Tierney

-"Laura" (1944)
-"Leave Her to Heaven" (1945)

9. Bette Davis

-"Now, Voyager" (1942)
-"Jezebel" (1938)

10. Greta Garbo

-"Grand Hotel" (1932)
-"Camille" (1936)

A Very Young Linda Darnell

2009-11-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

I watched "Day-Time Wife" this week, starring Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell. If you've seen my earlier posts, you'd know that I LOVE Tyrone Power!!!

I have seen this movie a few times before (It is in the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection), but never really thought about how old Linda Darnell was at the time of its filming. I haven't seen very many Linda Darnell films, but she is very good and very beautiful in this film. The night after I watched "Day-Time Wife", I watched the A&E Linda Darnell biography. I learned that she started working in movie at 15 years of age, and was still 15 while filming "Day-Time Wife"! Wow!!! What's funny is that she plays Tyrone Power's wife of two years. Linda Darnell does not look 15 in this film, although she looks young.

It's amazing how the studios started out some actresses at such a young age. Today, 15 year-olds in movies look 15. I guess it's just how the women carried themselves back then that makes the difference. Anyway, I just thought that this was an interesting fact about Linda Darnell. I am really starting to become a great fan!

Grand Hotel's Hollywood Premier

2009-11-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this video! This is the actual premier of "Grand Hotel" in 1932. I love this so much! This video is on the "Grand Hotel" DVD, and I watch it regularly. There are so many stars in this, way too many to list. How exciting it would have been to attend this and the many other premiers back then! Take a look, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I apologize for the subtitles, I couldn't find a clip without them.

The Pre-Code Hollywood Collection

2009-11-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Last week I watched The Pre-Code Hollywood Collection. This collection includes six pre-code films, and a short documentary called "Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era". I have been interested in this collection since it's release to DVD this past spring. I own all three of the Forbidden Hollywood collections put out by Warner Bros. I guess Universal got the hint that there is a market out there for the pre-code films, so they released their version. Each of the films in this collection were made my Paramount.

The six movie they included in this set were very entertaining. The films included are...(summaries taken from the back of the box)

The Cheat (1931) A compulsive gambler (Tallulah Bankhead) will do anything to pay off her debt - including turning to a wealthy businessman behind her husband's back.

Merrily We Go to Hell (1932) An abusive alcoholic (Fredric March) reunites with a woman from his past and drives his wife (Sylvia Sidney) to drastic measures.

Hot Saturday (1932) Scandal erupts after a young woman (Nancy Carroll) innocently spends the night with a notorious playboy (Cary Grant) and neglects to tell her fiance' (Randolph Scott).

Torch Singer (1933) After giving up her illegitimate child for adoption, a notorious nightclub singer (Claudette Colbert) attempts to find her daughter through a children's radio show.

Murder at the Vanities (1934) While sexy musical revue "The Vanities" captivates an audience on its opening night, a murder investigation takes place backstage. Included in this film is a song called "Marijuana", too funny!

Search for Beauty (1934) Olympic swimming champions (Buster Crabbe and Ida Lupino) are tricked into endorsing a racy magazine - and much worse.

I was quite disappointed with the documentary though. It wasn't very long, and there wasn't really a lot of information about the different pre-code movies. They told a brief history of the production code, but nothing very entertaining. The best bet for a good documentary is in the Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume 2 set. "Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood" was a longer film, with many movie clips.

I would have to say that this set is definitely worth buying. Pre-code movies are so much fun to watch. They were quite scandalous in their day, but nothing compared to the movies made today. I guess that I should do an overview of the Forbidden Hollywood sets one of these days too!

Which Is Your Favorite Monster? Poll Results.

2009-11-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight we find out which movie monster was voted the best. I really wasn't sure how this poll would end, but I was quite surprised by the results. The winner is....well, it was a tie! The Invisible Man and Frankenstein tied for first place! They each got 37% of the votes, with Dracula coming in behind them with 27%. Not one person voted for The Mummy or The Wolfman.

"The Invisible Man" was made in 1933, and was directed by James Whale. It was based on the classic book of the same name by H.G. Wells. I haven't read the book yet, but I plan to in the near future. I've heard that it's wonderful! Claude Rains as the Invisible Man. I love Claude Rains! I think that he is one of the best actors ever in film. He was such a versatile actor. It is always such a treat for me to watch one of his films. In "The Invisible Man" you really hardly ever see Claude Rains, because he's invisible of course! His voice is so recognizable though, and it's great to hear it throughout the film. It's a fun movie all around. I haven't seen it for a while now, so I guess I'll have to one of these days.

"Frankenstein" was made in 1931, and was also directed by James Whale. It was based on the classic book by Mary Shelley. This book I have read, actually just a few months ago. The classic movie is not too much like the book, but great movie making just the same. Boris Karloff of course plays the monster. What can I say about Boris Karloff? Can you get anyone better than him to play the monster? Glenn Strange also played the monster after Karloff, and did a great job, as did Lon Chaney Jr. and others. I have to say though, that Boris Karloff was the best. He also played in many other classic horror films. It so amazing just to watch him act! "Frankenstein" is my favorite classic horror film, and has always been my personal favorite movie monster.

I was really surprised that Dracula did not at least tie for first. Bela Lugosi was the best and most recognizable Dracula there ever was. How could anyone forget his piercing stare! It's always so much fun for me to do these polls. I love to see what everyone's favorites are. I hope that you enjoy them too! Don't forget to cast your vote on my current poll for Clark Gable's best partner!

Rosalie (1937)

2009-10-29T22:33:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my family owned really just a few old movies. We rented some here and there, and as I got older I started building my own collection. "Rosalie" is one of the movies that I watched over and over again as I was growing up. It's not a film that is considered a "classic" now, it's even widely forgotten. Still, there are many reasons why I love this movie!

"Rosalie" was made in 1937, and directed by W.S. Van Dyke. It stars Nelson Eddy as Dick Thorpe, a West Point cadet, and Eleanor Powell as Princess Romanikov of Romanza. This was the first starring role for Eddy after his many successes with Jeanette MacDonald. There really wasn't a better partner for for Nelson Eddy than Jeanette MacDonald, but his paring with Eleanor Powell was wonderful. They played very well opposite each other. I am very disappointed that they never made another film together. Ray Bolger co-stars in this film as Nelson Eddy's best friend. He of course is wonderful! Frank Morgan and Edna May Oliver play Powell's parents, The King and Queen of Romanza.

Princess Rosalie of Romanza (Powell) has been a student at Vassar, concealing her royal identity. She meets West Point cadet and football champion Dick Thorpe (Eddy) at a party one night, and they agree to meet again at Romanza for their festival. Dick Thorpe doesn't realize that she is a princess, and flies across the ocean to find her dancing in the festival. Soon after he learns that she's a princess and he flies back home knowing that they cannot be together. At this time there is an uprising against Rosalie's father the King of Romanza (Morgan), so the family leave the country and wait it out in the US. Rosalie and Dick reunite, he's hesitant, but eventually of course they live happily ever after.

Nelson Eddy sings "Rosalie" and "In the Still of the Night", among other shorter songs here and there. Eleanor Powell dances beautifully throughout the movie. There is one dance in particular that is wonderful! Powell dances on several large drums, eventually spinning down each one to the floor. It is a marvelous sequence that she does very well. This movie also has gorgeous art deco costumes and sets. There are enough things about this movie that makes it hard to believe it is not more popular. I know that there are many reviews out there criticizing this movie, but I disagree with each of them. "Rosalie" is a very delightful movie that deserves better treatment than it has been given. This film is not yet on DVD, but you can still find copies sometimes on Amazon or Ebay. Also, you can try your library. Please take time to find this film and watch it. I do not think that you will be disappointed one bit!

Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

2009-10-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Drums Along the Mohawk" is one movie on the long list of great films made in 1939. What a wonderful year in movie history! I recently watched this for the first time, and wondered why I had not seen it before. My dad owned the video, but I never thought that it would interest me. After a few minutes of the film, I learned how wrong I was!

This film is directed by the marvelous John Ford, and filmed in glorious Technicolor. Usually I am one who loves and argues for black and white films, but in this case, Technicolor was the right choice. The use of color in this film was beautiful. It was a special treat to see Claudette Colbert in color, which she rarely did. Costars include Edna May Oliver, Eddie Collins, and John Carradine.

Set in the Revolutionary War, a newlywed couple (Colbert & Fonda) move to Mohawk Valley to settle on a farm. Their life in Mohawk Valley starts out rough. Shortly after their move, British allied Indians come and burn down their home and farm. The couple make many friends, and experience many hardships along the way. Until the end, when the war is over, and they display their new flag with pride.

"Drums Along the Mohawk" will be one of my next DVD purchases. I can't believe that I didn't already have this wonderful film in my collection. If you would like to purchase this film, click here.

In the mean time, here's the trailer!

Technical Difficulties

2009-10-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am having some trouble with my computer. Hopfully I will be back to posting Sunday or Monday. Check back soon!

Peter Lorre & Sydney Greenstreet

2009-10-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a hilarious clip of Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet in "Hollywood Canteen". This is such a fun movie with so many stars. Enjoy!

Born in the Wrong Decade?

2009-10-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

The other day I noticed that there is a online group called "I was born in the wrong decade". I have thought this for years! There have been many times that I've wondered how it would have been living in a different era.

With being an old movie fanatic, I have often wished I had lived in those decades. A while back I was really into the 1920's, and I still am to some degree. But then I have to remember, the stock market crash of '29 ended that era. Then the glamorous movies in the 1930's! I would have loved to live during that time and wear all of those fabulous close and go to the big nightspots. I would not have wanted to live during the depression though. I'm sure I would have not been idly rich during that time. The 1940's is a wonderful time too, but what about WWII? So it's really hard to determine which decade I would like to live in. I guess if I would have been rich, I would pick the 30's. I just love everything about that time.

Another thing that I consider when I'm wondering about the different era's, is that we have the technology today to enjoy the best of them all! We can just pop in a movie or CD and be transported to the roaring twenties, or the swinging forties. If you want to go further back, you can put in a film set in the Regency or Victorian age. Even though I do not really fit in this current era, I can always enjoy the many wonderful days gone by.

Do you have a favorite time that you would have liked to live? I'd love to hear your choices!

Sun Valley Serenade (1941)

2009-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I watched Sun Valley Serenade. This was such a delightful and entertaining movie with so many attractions including Sonja Henie, John Payne, Glenn Miller, Milton Berle, The Nicholas Bros., and Dorothy Dandridge.

Sun Valley Serenade was made in 1941. Phil Corey's (Glenn Miller) band just got a big gig in Sun Valley. Before they take off, Ted Scott (John Payne) who has agreed to take a refugee finds that he has been give not a child, but a grown up lovely woman Karen Benson (Sonja Henie). This sets up trouble when Ted, who is already seeing someone else, finds out that Karen intends to marry him. Karen follows Ted to Sun Valley, and that starts a love triangle. The plot really isn't terribly complicated, but it's a nice story. There are of course a few ice skating scenes featuring Sonja Henie that are very good.

I have to say that the highlight of this film is the Chattanooga Choo Choo sequence. The Glenn Miller Orchestra start out this part with their famous rendition. Singing along are Tex Beneke and The Moderaires. Halfway through this segment we see the wonderful Nicholas Brothers along with Dorothy Dandridge. This dance number is by far one of the best in movie history, or at least it's era's history.

Try to get a copy of this movie! You will be very happy that you did. It is not available on DVD as of yet. I had to wait until my hold was ready at our library, which took several weeks! Sun Valley Serenade will be a movie that I will be watching for to purchase.

I have added a clip of the Chattanooga Choo Choo scene for you. Enjoy!!

Poll Results: Fred Astaire Vs.Gene Kelly

2009-10-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

The results are in, and after three weeks we find out which is your favorite dancer. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly are undoubtedly two of the greatest dancers who ever lived. But there can only be one winner of this poll. With 57% of the vote, the winner is...... Fred Astaire!!!

Fred Astaire is actually my favorite dancer too. Gene Kelly was the more artistic of the two, but Fred Astaire brought such class to dancing, and to his movies. He is most remembered in his films with Ginger Rogers. We need to remember though that he was popular on Broadway long before the Fred & Ginger teaming. Fred Astaire danced with his sister Adele for many years until she retired from dance. You can hear a clip, or download a MP3 of them singing "I'd Rather Charleston" here. He then made a wonderful film debut playing himself, in the Joan Crawford/Clark Gable classic "Dancing Lady" in 1933. His appearance in the film is very small, but his dancing was fabulous! Fred Astaire only appeared 41 films, which seems pretty small compared to other actors of his day. He only wanted his best work to be seen on film. Also, he was such a perfectionist in his dancing. Even after hours of many takes, he was never completely satisfied with his work. Fred Astaire died on June 22, 1987 from complications of pneumonia, and is now buried at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, CA (Los Angeles County).

The poll of Astaire vs. Kelly was very close to the end. I checked on it here and there to see how it was doing. Sometimes Gene Kelly was ahead, and for a while they were tied. In the end, Fred Astaire came through on top. Take time to vote now on my current poll, "Which is your favorite movie monster?" The poll ends November 1st at 8:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Mont Blanc Commemorates Ingrid Bergman

2009-10-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I visited a Mont Blanc store. They have some of the most beautiful writing instruments I have ever seen! I was so pleased that they put out an Ingrid Bergman pen.

There are actually three editions to this pen, "La Donna", "L'Attrice", and "La Diva" I was able to see and hold the "La Donna" pen. It was absolutely beautiful! One side of the cap has an amethyst and the other has an Ingrid Bergman signature. The other two editions I did not see, but the pictures of them are unbelievable. They are available in fountain or ballpoint.

There is also a Greta Garbo pen that was released in 2005, and a Marlene Dietrich pen in 2007. I have the Greta Garbo pen! It too is extremely beautiful. I would love to get the Marlene Dietrich and Ingrid Bergman pens sometime. If you are interested in these, click on the links below. It is much better if you see them in person, so try to find a store near you.

Ingrid Bergman

Marlene Dietrich

Greta Garbo

Happy Birthday Janet & Carole!!

2009-10-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Today would have been Janet Gaynor's 103 birthday, and Carole Lombard's 101 birthday. These are two of my favorite actresses!

Janet Gaynor was born Laura Augusta Gainor October 6, 1906 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the first woman to win the Academy Award for best actress. The ceremony was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood in 1928. I was lucky enough to stay there a few years ago, and was able to see the room that the first Academy Awards was held in. You can imagine how exited I was! Janet Gaynor really didn't know how important the award was at the time, since it was the first. She said that she was more excited to see Douglas Fairbanks. Janet Gaynor died in 1984, and is buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Carole Lombard was born Jane Alice Peters October 6, 1908 in Fort Wayne, IN. She was one of the biggest stars of her day, the "Queen of Comedy". She was married to William Powell, and later to Clark Gable. On January 16, 1942 Miss Lombard was flying home to California from her home town of Fort Wayne after selling war bonds. The plane crashed in the Las Vegas Mountains killing everyone on board, including Carole's mother. Carole Lombard still has a great fan following today. To read more of her, visit Carla's web site carolelombard.org.

So today I want to honor these wonderful actresses. This week I plan on watching "A Star is Born"(1937), which is my favorite Janet Gaynor film. Also, "No Man of Her Own"(1932), one of my favorite Carole Lombard films. Happy birthday Janet Gaynor and Carole Lombard!

LANA: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies

2009-10-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

I recently read the most wonderful Lana Turner book. "LANA: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies", was written by Lana's daughter Cheryl Crane and Cindy De La Hoz.

This book has everything that I love in a classic film actress book. There are so many wonderful photos of Lana Turner. Every page has at least one! The writing was nicely done. There were many facts and memories from her daughter Cheryl. This is also one incredibly huge book! It is spread like a nice scrapbook with many different sections. I highly encourage anyone who loves Lana Turner to get a copy of this book.

Cindy De La Hoz also wrote a book on Lucille Ball entitled "Lucy at the Movies: The Complete Films of Lucille Ball". I hope to find this book soon!

If you are interested in either of these books, just click below to order a copy.

LANA: The Memories, the Myths, the Movies

Lucy at the Movies: The Complete Films of Lucille Ball

1932 Magazine: A Fan's Queen of the Movies

2009-10-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my 1932 Picture Play magazine the other day and found so many things fascinating. One of which was the "What the Fans Think" section. Here many fans wrote in about movies, actors and actresses, etc. I thought that this letter was wonderful...

"In my mind there can never be but one real queen of the movies. A queen who, starting in as an extra, worked her way up into the sweetly romantic types which so characterized her parts before the great demon, sound, came in. Then she, in her regal manner which so befits her wondrous form and beauty, changed overnight from the sweet heroine in to a blase, sophisticated woman of the world.

Even as the pictures had left their swaddling clothes and suddenly grown up, her acclaimed popularity is proved by the box-office receipts.

Now ask the patrons of any of the film palaces who he or she believes should reign as queen, and they will reply, as I do, Norma Shearer!"

Frances Ann North, Topeka, Kansas

She is absolutely right in the fact of how popular Norma Shearer was at the time. In 1932 I believe that she was queen of the movies. I think that these magazines are so much fun! I hope to add to my collection as soon as I can!

The Cocoanut Grove

2009-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier today my sister and I were talking of a movie short that is on the "The Gay Divorcee" DVD. It is a wonderful short called "Star Night at the Cocoanut Grove". There are many different stars is this film. I love things like this!

This got me thinking about the Cocoanut Grove. That used to be the place for old Hollywood to go. Looking through old movie magazines, you'll see many photos of the stars dining and dancing there. A while back I read up a little bit about the Cocoanut Grove.

The Cocoanut Grove was built with The Ambassador Hotel in Hollywood in 1921. As I said it was quite the hot spot for the big names in Hollywood. That would have been such a wonderful sight to see! The Cocoanut Grove along with The Ambassador Hotel continued to host the stars for decades, until in 1988 when it closed its doors for good. There were many movies filmed in the Ambassador Hotel and the Cocoanut Grove after its closing. You can see The Cocoanut Grove in "The Mask" with Jim Carey, it is the Coco Bongo nightclub.

In 2001, the Los Angeles School district bought the property holding the Hotel and the Grove. In 2006 the Ambassador Hotel was torn down to make room for three schools. They were planning to keep The Cocoanut Grove and use it for part of the school, but then in 2007 it was torn down because they didn't think that it would hold up in an earthquake.

It makes me so furious to know that so many old Hollywood landmarks have been torn down. I've been to Hollywood a few times and I love to visit all of the classic spots. I would love to have seen The Cocoanut Grove, especially in its heyday! I'm glad that there are some short films out there that capture it the way it needs to be remembered.

Gary Cooper Stamp

2009-09-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

Many of you might be interested in the new Gary Cooper stamp. This is the 15th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series. I wish I didn't miss most of the other stamps that they put out. Hopefully I won't miss any more! I need to make sure to stop by the post office as soon as possible to pick up a sheet. I still haven't purchased the Bette Davis one either. I'd better hurry up! To purchase online, click here.

Celebrating The Wizard of OZ

2009-09-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last night was the 70th anniversary Hi-Def showing of "The Wizard of Oz". I took my three year old (who is an Oz addict) with me to see this wonderful film. I was very pleased with this event!

First of all, there was an introduction by the wonderful Robert Osborne. I shouldn't have been too surprised at this, what could be better than Mr. Osborne making an entrance before the film? Following his introduction, they showed "To Oz: The Making of The Wizard of Oz". This documentary is not a new one. It actually is already in the previous DVD's, but it was still fun to see the history before we watched the movie.

Second, I could not believe the clarity and brightness of the color! The picture was so vivid. I noticed colors in this showing that I have not seen the millions of times I have watched it before. It really was like I was watching "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time again.

The only thing that I would say negative about this event, is that there was only one showing. I understand theaters have one time showings of events, but I think that "The Wizard of Oz" should have gotten another night at least.

I am so extremely happy that I was able to attend this amazing event. I hope that there will be more nights like this for other classic films. "Gone with the Wind" would be a good one too. This year is its 70th anniversary, so why not?

The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) will be available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray on September 29. There are many extras in this set, more so than any previous set. The enhanced color in this version is worth the purchase!

To pre-order, click here.

Learning About Sylvia Sidney

2009-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have known about Sylvia Sidney for a while now, but I have not yet done any reading about her. Some things that I have learned recently have really surprised me. For example, she acted in movies until 1996 in "Mars Attacks", and in television until 1998. I had no idea that this beautiful woman in the 1930's played the grandmother in "Mars Attacks"! I haven't seen that movie for several years, but I remember the character. I plan on doing a lot of research on her, so prepare to read a post later down the road on Sylvia Sidney!

The Best Gangster? Poll results.

2009-09-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

The poll results are in for your favorite gangster. The winner is.....James Cagney! He won with 60% of the votes, followed by George Raft with 40%. I have to admit James Cagney is my favorite movie gangster too.

"The Public Enemy" (1931) is Cagney's most famous gangster film. It is probably my favorite gangster film of all! It's ending is so terrible that I can't help but be shocked every time I watch it. If you have not seen this film yet, rent it this week! It's fabulous!!

James Cagney also was very good in musicals too! After watching "The Public Enemy", that might be hard to believe. We all remember him in 1942's "Yankee Doodle Dandy" playing George M. Cohan. I also enjoyed him in the wonderful Busby Berkeley film, "Footlight Parade" (1933). He was such a wonderful, versatile actor. This post is making me want to watch his movies this week. I'm sure my husband won't mind, he's one of his favorites too!

The Betty Grable Collection: Where is Volume 2??

2009-09-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

I love watching Betty Grable movies! I know they are usually very predictable, but they are so much fun, and very entertaining. I have the Betty Grable Collection Volume One, and have had it for quite a long time. So, when should we expect Volume two???? If there wasn't suppose to be a Volume 2, then why put Volume 1 on the box set? I am starting to get a little impatient. I hope that Twentieth Century Fox is busy getting ready the next set of Betty Grable films. There aren't enough of her films available right now on DVD, and I want more!! Please, please, please, more Betty Grable!!

Ruth Chatterton

2009-09-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

One actress that I have been introduced to in recent years is Ruth Chatterton. Today, she is largely forgotten by the mass audience. Very few of her movies are available right now. I am very grateful for the one that are, because otherwise I would have never seen her.

I first saw Ruth Chatterton in the Forbidden Hollywood Collection Volume two. She starred in the movie "Female" along with her husband George Brent. Since then, I have only seen a few more, but they are movies that I have thoroughly enjoyed. She is best known for the film "Dodsworth". This film I have yet to see. I do have a hold on it at our library though.

Ruth Chatterton was born December 24, 1893 in New York City. She started out acting early on in school productions, then shortly after moving to a stock company. Leaving school at age 14, she pursued her dream of acting. She worked as a chorus girl, then latter getting better parts until she found herself on Broadway, quickly becoming a leading lady. Later Ruth moved to California, not to go into the movies, but to star on stage. She was discovered by the actor Emil Jannings who talked her into taking a part in his next film. At age 35, she made her film debut in "Sins of the Fathers" (1928). There she continued to be a star in movies until 1938, when she retired from film altogether. Ruth returned to the stage, and in the late 40's and into the 50's made many appearances on television. She retired from acting in 1953 and became a successful writer. Ruth's marriages include actors Ralph Forbes and George Brent. Her last husband was Barry Thomson, whom she married in 1942, and was happily married to until his death in 1960. In 1961 she suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at the age of 67.

Ruth Chatterton was a star in her day. In the old movie magazines that I have there are many things written about her, fans considered her one of the best. Though there are a few tributes to Ruth Chatterton online, there is still not one website dedicated only to her. She should not be forgotten in our modern day. Instead, we should remember and watch the wonderful films she made, and try our best to keep her memory alive.

Happy Birthday Claudette Colbert!

2009-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today, Sunday September 13, would have been Claudette Colbert's 106 birthday. She is one of my favorite actresses of all time. This week to honor her birthday, I think that we all should watch one of her wonderful films. Maybe I'll have a marathon... who knows. Happy Birthday Claudette!!

Ma and Pa Kettle: Why Not?

2009-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was on the Turner Classic Movies Message Boards. I visit them often, and it's rather fun to join or just read discussions on classic films. If you are ever there, my screen name is HarlowFan (big surprise). Anyways, I stumbled onto a discussion about Augusts Summer Under the Stars series. Somebody was complaining about the line-up for the month and somehow got going on which movies are classics and which are not. I am pretty broad minded about classic films, and consider any old movie a classic movie. I understand not all are "classics" in the true sense of the word, but they're all classic to me.

Eventually this discussion turned to the Ma and Pa Kettle series. Much was said against them and how they are awful movies that are not classics. Other people defended these movies, and soon it was apparent many people love this classic duo.

The characters Ma and Pa Kettle (played by Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride) were first brought to screen in the 1947 film "The Egg and I". This picture starred Claudette Colbert and Fred Macmurray. Ma and Pa Kettle were a side story in this film, but made a great impact. So much, that there were seven more Ma and Pa Kettle movies made!

So why not Ma and Pa Kettle??? These films are so much fun. The humor is wonderful and all of the zany characters are hilarious! They have brought so much joy to many people over the years, and hopefully for many more to come! I know everyone has an opinion, so if they don't like Ma and Pa, they don't have to watch them. I for one will continue to watch these wonderful films as long as I live, and any other classic movie that might not be considered a "classic". Hurray for Ma and Pa Kettle!!

A Piece of the Stars

2009-09-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

There are a series of cards put out by Donruss which are devoted to classic film actors and actresses. These are the Donruss Americana cards. There are many diffrent variations of these, but you can take a look and some of them on the Donruss website, or search for them on ebay.

Donruss started issuing these collectors cards in 2007, and have offered a new collection each year since. The best way to get exactly the card you want is to go strait to ebay.

My favorite are the Hollywood Legends Materials cards. These cards have a swatch of clothing actually worn by the star on the card. Donruss is a reliable trading card company, so you can trust that they are the real thing. Also, if they weren't the real thing, Donruss would have quite a big lawsuit on their hands!

There are only so many of these cards made, and on different scales. For instance..

Hollywood Legends Materials Super Stars: 25 or less were made

Hollywood Legends Materials Golden Era: 50 or less were made

Hollywood Legends Materials Silver Screen: 100 or less were made

Hollywood Legends Materials: 350 or less were made

You can also find other variations, but the Hollywood Legends Materials are the best! In my collection there are, Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, Mae West, Mary Pickford, and others. I love them all!!! Most are from the 2007 collection, but I also have a couple of 2008. I have not purchased any 2009. I bought them quite a while back, and recently I have noticed that the value for the ones I own has increased substantially. That makes me very happy that I bought them when I did!

I'm sure that some of you have seen these, but I really wanted to post about them because they're so fabulous!!! Just think, you can own a piece of clothing from your favorite star!

Choosing a good star biography

2009-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I love to read biographies on actors and actresses from the golden age of film. You can transport yourself into the 30's or 40's and live in Hollywood for a few moments. You can also go behind the scenes of old Hollywood, and see how everything worked, and how the actors lived. Yes, I really love biographies!

Although, it can be very difficult to find a good star biography. There are many books out there about classic movie stars. Most of the good ones sadly are out of print, but they are still available through the library or used book stores. In this day and age you can find almost anything online, such as on ebay or amazon. But how do you know whether the biography you want to read is a credible one or not?

A couple of years ago a bought two biographies. One was one the life of Joan Crawford, and the other about Rudolph Valentino. I thought that these would be so much fun to read, but I was soon very disappointed. These books were written my an author named David Brett. While I was reading the Joan Crawford biography I wondered if what he was writing was the truth or did he just make up the story as he went. After I finished this book I started the Rudolph Valentino biography. I didn't even get half was through this book and I had to stop. It was full of so much garbage that I know was not a part of Valentino's life. I was so disappointed that I bought these awful books. Later on I was online reading about David Brett and I found out that he his definitely not a credible author. He gets most of his information from other books known to be trash. Sadly, he has written many biographies. His most recent is a book on Jean Harlow. From what I hear, this book has many mistakes. So I will let you know now, do not ever buy a biography by David Brett!

The best way to find a credible author of biographies is to research the author. Amazon is a great place to read a lot of feedback from people who have already read the books. If you find a book you'd like to read, first go there and read the reviews. You should quickly find out whether it is a good book or not. Most of the people leaving the reviews on these biographies are true classic movie fans, that know what their talking about.

I am currently reading "Not the Girl Next Door". A biography on Joan Crawford written by Charlotte Chandler. This book has been wonderfully reviewed by many people, including a book of the month spot at Turner Classics. After this I will read a Mae West biography written by the same author.

Don't stop reading the movie star biographies! Just be careful about who the author is. There are many wonderful authors out there who want to do these actors justice.

My Top Ten Musical Favorites

2009-09-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

To finish up this series of my top favorites. Here is a list of my top ten favorite musicals. If you haven't seen some of these films that I have listed this week, I hope you can see them soon!

1. Singin' in the Rain (1951)

2. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

3. Top Hat (1935)

4. Swing Time (1936)

5. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

6. 42nd Street (1933)

7. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

8. The Band Wagon (1953)

9. You Were Never Lovelier (1942)

10. Mother Wore Tights (1947)

My Top Ten Drama Favorites

2009-09-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I gave you my top ten favorite comedies. Now, I have for you my top ten favorite dramas of all time. Stay tuned for my favorite musicals!

1. Gone With The Wind ( 1939)

2. Now, Voyager (1942)

3. Since You Went Away (1944)

4. A Star is Born (1937)

5. Casablanca (1942)

6. Laura (1944)

7. Grand Hotel (1932)

8. An Affair to Remember (1957)

9. Leave Her to Heaven (1946)

10. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

My Top Ten Comedy Favorites

2009-08-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Recently in a post I wrote that I would share my top twenty favorite films. Well, after thinking about it and trying to narrow down the twenty, I decided to make this into a three part series. Today I am sharing my top ten favorite comedies. Later this week I will also post my top ten favorite dramas, and top ten favorite musicals. It is so hard to narrow everything down to ten, but I have to put a limit on here somewhere. So, here is my list for top ten favorite comedies!

1. The Thin Man Series (1934-1947)

2. It Happened One Night (1934)

3. The Awful Truth (1937)

4. The Women (1939)

5. Some Like It Hot (1959)

6. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

7. Dinner At Eight (1933)

8. Midnight (1939)

9. My Man Godfrey (1936)

10. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Jean Harlow at her best!

2009-08-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

This picture is my favorite of Jean Harlow. I think that it is completely awesome! This was taken as a publicity shot for the movie “Dinner at Eight”, made in 1933. I think that she looked her best in this movie. They painted her bedroom in this film different shades of white, to match and compliment her platinum hair.

Jean Harlow is my favorite actress of all time. I hope that more of her movies are released soon! Tonight I'm planning to watch "Hold Your Man". A great Jean Harlow movie costarring Clark Gable. What a Pair!!!

The Andrews Sisters

2009-08-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Andrews Sisters were definitely not movie stars. They really weren’t ever regular characters in movies either. When The Andrews Sisters were in movies, they always played themselves. Entertaining the troops in World War II was their primary goal in each movie. They’d usually start on screen with a song, then we’d see them here and there singing or just being Patty, Maxine, and Laverne.

Patty was generally the one to have most of the lines. None of the three were really “actors”, but they all had great presence on screen. Of course out of all of their songs on film, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” from “Buck Privates” was the most popular, and still the one best known today.

My Dad loved The Andrews Sisters. I’m sure that he was their biggest fan ever, I’m not exaggerating! Growing up I heard them all the time. The only film of theirs that I remember ever watching as a child was “Private Buckaroos“. They sang many songs in this movie, the most well known was “Don’t Sit Under the Apple tree”.

I mostly just want to write about the great movie stars in classic film in this blog, but I can’t ignore the ones who made such a big impact in music, that also made cameos in movies. The Andrews Sisters are one of these groups who I believe made a great impact in music and film in World War II, and helped greatly with the overall morale of the public.

The Claudette Colbert Collection

2009-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am really excited about the new Claudette Colbert collecton! This is definetly a must have for my DVD collection.

The Claudette Colbert Collection is coming to DVD on November 3. In this set are six of Claudette's wonderful movies. These movies are...

"Three Cornered Moon" - 1933
"Maid of Salem" - 1937
"I Met Him in Paris" - 1937
"Bluebeard's Eighth Wife" - 1938
"No Time for Love" 1943
"The Egg and I" - 1947

The only film already available on DVD is "The Egg and I", and it is in the Ma and Pa Kettle Collection Volume 1.

You can pre-order this collection today from Amazon for $36.99. It is so wonderful that they decided to put out this set of one of my favorite actresses of all time! Now, how about a Jean Harlow collection???? I've been waiting a long time for that one. Rumor is, it will come out in 2011 for Jean Harlow's 100th birthday. I sure hope so!!!

Here is a link to pre-order...

http://www.amazon.com/The-Claudette-Colbert-Collection/dp/B002KGREFQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1251085653&sr=8-1

The Stanford Theatre

2009-08-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

In Palo Alto California there is a wonderful theater called “The Stanford Theatre”. I absolutely love this theater! All that they show are old movies. It was built in 1925 and has been renovated to its original grandeur. Every movie begins with or is followed by someone playing their Wurlitzer Organ. They occasionally show silent films, when they do the organ accompanies the movie, it's so wonderful! My husband and I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 5 ½ years and went to the Stanford Theatre all the time. One thing that is so wonderful about it is that they always show a double feature. It is $7.00 to get in, and you get two movies! Their schedule usually changes bi-weekly so you can stop by a couple of times a week and see many different films. I really miss going to the Stanford Theatre and wish that there were more theaters like this around the country. If you live near Palo Alto, please give yourself a treat and visit this theater! Here is the link…

http://www.stanfordtheatre.org

"The Star Machine"

2009-08-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

One of the best books on old Hollywood that I have ever read is “The Star Machine”, written by Jeanine Basinger. This book goes into great detail on how the studios used to create stars. The process described in this book was fascinating! Jeanine Basinger writes about many different stars and how they were formed by the studio system and what they eventually became, whether they were what the studio wanted or not. It is a rather long book, it runs 553 pages, but worth every bit of it. I highly recommend this book! Jeanine Basinger is a leading expert on classic film, and she really excels in writing on the studio system. I also recommend "Silent Stars",also written by Jeanine Basinger. If you want to know how everything worked in the major studios during the golden age of cinema, pick up this book at your local bookstore today!

I Love Tyrone Power!!!

2009-08-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I love, love, love Tyrone Power! I shouldn’t even have to write anything here, just put up several pictures, they speak for themselves.

Tyrone Edmund Power Jr. was born in Cincinnati Ohio on May 5, 1913. His father was an actor on stage and eventually on screen. Tyrone did not grow up around his father. Towards the end of his fathers life, he spent some time around him learning the art of acting. Tyrone soon started work as an actor on Broadway. He trained under Katherine Cornell, and started getting offers from Hollywood. He didn’t feel his was ready to tackle Hollywood yet, so he waited a little while before accepting an offer at 20th Century Fox. His first film with this studio was “Girls' Dormitory”. His part is very small and we don’t see him until the very end of the movie. He walks in a door and says, “Marie”! Right away you know that he is a star! It is said that Hedda Hopper watched “Girls' Dormitory” through a second time just to see the name of this beautiful man in the end credits. 20th Century Fox soon threw Tyrone into several movies, capitalizing in his image as a young playboy, and later as swashbuckling hero. He is best known for his films “The Mark of Zorro”, “The Razor’s Edge”, and “Witness for the Prosecution”. He was married three times to actresses Annabella, Linda Christian, and Deborah Ann Minardos. Tyrone also had three children, Romina, Taryn, and Tyrone IV. On November 15, 1958 Tyrone Power suffered a heart attack on the set of a movie. Shortly thereafter, he died. He was only forty five years old. He is remembered every year on the anniversary of his death at the Hollywood Forever cemetery.

Tyrone Power is one of the greatest and best looking actors to ever be on the silver screen. In my opinion, very few can even slightly reach the level he is on. What a man!!

Seattle and Carole Lombard

2009-08-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

In early July, Goddess of Laughter: The Comedies of Carole Lombard began at the Seattle Art Museum. Every week on Thursday evening they showed one of Carole’s wonderful films. Those screened were “Twentieth Century”, “Hands Across the Table”, “The Princess Comes Across”, “My Man Godfrey”, “True Confession”, and lastly “Nothing Sacred”, which my husband and I were able to see tonight. For various reasons we were unable to attend the other five movies, which made me so extremely sad. Even though I own all of these films, it is so wonderful to be able to see them on the big screen! I hope that in the near future we can see other actors given a festival like this.

My Favorite Film

2009-08-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while a try to make a list of my top twenty favorite movies. They occasionally change, mostly because I often watch classic movies that I haven’t seen before. Some of these eventually become one of my favorites. In a later post I will write down my current top twenty movie list. Today I want to share with you the movie that is number one on that list.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is by far my favorite movie. I believe that this movie has everything that makes a great classic. The 1950’s in general isn’t my favorite era in films, but the story line in this movie is set in the 1920’s during the transition from silent to sound in film. I find this time period to be fascinating! Arthur Freed wrote most of the songs used in this movie back when early sound movies were being made. These songs I believe are some of the best ever written. The clothes are the typical fashion of the 1920’s. There is so much excitement from the beginning to the end of this film. It just never slows down! The comedy of “Singin’ in the Rain” is priceless, especially the “Make ‘em Laugh” song performed by Donald O’Conner. Gene Kelly stars in the role of Don Lockwood. He is of course one of the greatest dancers ever in film. His performance of “Singin’ in the Rain” is one of the most well know scenes in film history, and one of the best! I can’t take my eyes off of him as he sings and dances to this song.

I have watched this movie too many times to count. There have been days where I have watched it over and over again! “Singin’ in the Rain” is thus my favorite movie of all time. Which classic film is your all time favorite, and why?

Dance, Fools, Dance

2009-08-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I watched "Dance, Fools, Dance", a pre-code era film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable made in 1931. This is a movie that I have wanted to see for a long time. I was able to reserve it at our library, and was very happy to see it there this past Saturday. I am so happy that there are so many films available in our library system!

What a delight it was to watch this film! First of all, the pairing of Joan Crawford and Clark Gable is one of the best things that MGM did. This was the first of their pairing and they would continue to do so in eight more films. They also had quite a steamy affair for what she said lasted on and off until his death. They had such wonderful chemistry on screen and I can't wait to see their other films (I have only seen four).

The story was wonderful too. Joan Crawford plays Bonnie Jordon, a carefree socialite. After the stock market crash of '29 her father dies and leaves Bonnie and her brother Rodney penniless. They are forced to go out into the world to find work, which she is willing to do but Rodney is hesitant. Soon Bonnie finds work as a newspaper reporter and Rodney starts working for gangster Jake Luva, played by Clark Gable. Eventually Bonnie goes undercover as a dancer in the Jake Luva club to get a story about a murdered newspaper reporter. She finds herself in a difficult situation when she discovers that her brother is involved in the crime.

I highly recommend this entertaining film. It's so hard for me to resist any pre-code era film, they're so exiting and lots of fun. When you mix in Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, you get a movie worth seeing again and again!

Welcome!!

2009-08-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Silver Screen Stars blog! This is something that I have thought about doing for quite a while, and I hope that all who stop by will enjoy it.

My name is Mary and I am a classic film fanatic. I absolutely love everything that has to do with old movies. I enjoy movies made in the 1920's - early 1960's, though my favorite era has to be the 1930's. There are so many actors and actresses that I love that I really wouldn't know where to begin in naming them all! I have to say Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Tyrone Power, Claudette Colbert, and Cary Grant rank right up at the top.

So please stop by often and feel free to leave comments. I look forward to getting to know all of you!