Classically Speaking: Promoting Classic Movies in a Jaded World!

JACK LEMMON?

2011-10-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

JACK LEMMON (1925-2001), born John Uhler Lemmon III

This was way too hard to pick only five movies for him. Lemmon is no slouch when it comes to acting. Everything I've seen him do is brilliant.

Haven't you seen Some Like It Hot (1959)?

This is one of those movies that I cannot watch without laughing every time and at all the same scenes. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis witness a murder and try to elude thugs by posing as performers in an all girl orchestra. Lemmon in drag is simply hilarious.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Mr. Roberts (1955) This great performance by Jack Lemmon won him Best Supporting Actor as the irrepressible Ensign Pulver. Every time I see this movie, I can help thinking what a wonderful actor Jack Lemmon is.
The Apartment (1960) This is a drama about bosses and dating and what it means to be a "human being". It's one of those movies where I learn something each time I see it. It has a suburb cast. It's darn near impossible for me to watch it and not think about it later for weeks. Characters are well developed and I care about what happens to the main two.
Phffft! (1954) There is so much to like about this film. The cast is wonderful, Jack Lemmon, Judy Holliday, Jack Carson, and Kim Novak. Both Jack Lemmon and Judy Holliday give very strong performances. They truly are an excellent pairing. The comedic timing in this film is terrific. The dialog is great. The story surrounds a married couple that divorces far too quickly, not realizing that each is in love with the other. The husband listens to his womanizing best friend and is miserable as a bachelor. The wife listens to her interfering mother, who'd rather be her gal pal than her mother. All she can do is miss her ex-husband. Throughout the film, I root for the two to get back together. It's a lovely film and does not disappoint.
Tuesdays With Morrie (2000) Jack Lemmon's performance in this made for TV movie about the true last days of a brilliant man, written by sports writer Mitch Albom, must be noted. Lemmon does an excellent job portraying Morrie Schwartz, Albom's old college professor. This movie is a wonderful testimony to true friendship, one where both parties grow.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Fri, 18 May 2001 09:21 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1955 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role: MISTER ROBERTS
1959 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: SOME LIKE IT HOT
1960 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE APARTMENT
1962 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES
1973 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: SAVE THE TIGER
1979 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE CHINA SYNDROME
1980 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: TRIBUTE
1982 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MISSING

JUDY HOLLIDAY?

2011-10-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

Way before Fran Dressler and her distinctive voice was JUDY HOLLIDAY (1921-1965), born Judith Tuvim, was beautiful and funny, a wonderful combination.

Haven't you seen Born Yesterday (1950)? This was the first film I ever watched of Judy Holliday's. I loved it. It was later remade with Melanie Griffith in Judy's role. It's a good story. The original film with Judy was better. Judy took home the Best Actress Oscar that year and rightly deserved.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Bells Are Ringing (1960) I found this little gem after another film on a tape I'd recorded, leaving the VCR to run one night, after I'd gone to bed. It turned out to be this nice musical about a gal who works as a telephone operator for a small answering service. It's a great romantic comedy that also stars Dean Martin. Judy Holliday's dresses are beautiful and the singing and dancing are enchanting.
The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) This film may be my favorite Judy Holliday picture. It demonstrates how one person can make a difference to so many others. The story is about one stockholder with a measly ten shares bringing the corrupt executives of a large corporation to their knees. It's a very funny movie.
It Should Happen to You (1954) You just can't go wrong with any Judy Holliday comedy. Once again, Judy is wonderful. Here, she plays Gladys Glover who is tired of being a nobody in New York. To make a name for herself, she rents a billboard smack-dab in the middle of Manhattan. At first it shows solely her name. Later, she adds her photograph. She ends up becoming the gal everyone is talking about. This film also stars Peter Lawford and Jack Lemmon.
The Marrying Kind (1952) This one is a drama directed by George Cukor. Judy Holliday and Aldo Ray star as Florence and Chet Keefer, a married couple on the verge of divorce. It's a realistic story and a very good film.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Mon, Oct 10 2005 / 00:05:00 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1950 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: BORN YESTERDAY

ALAN HEWITT?

2011-08-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Growing up I saw, ALAN HEWITT (1915–1986), born Alan Everett Hewitt on a regular basis in both Disney films and television programs as he appeared in many of my favorite shows, Dr. Kildare; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; Perry Mason; Bewitched; Gomer Pyle, USMC; I Dream of Jeannie; Lost in Space; Love American Style; Wild Wild West; and My Favorite Martian. It was on My Favorite Martian that he played the highly suspicious Detective Bill Brennan (1964-1966), one of the show's regular cast members. Much like Detective Brennan who won't stop trying find something on Mrs. Brown's tenants to put them behind bars, during the '60s and '70s, Alan Hewitt was repeatedly cast in Disney films as that same type of serious, sneering guy that never succeeds. Although never a major movie star, Alan Hewitt never stopped developing his craft. He was continually on the stage, the bulk of which was 1934 through 1958, appeared in several radio productions, in addition to made for television movies and films. What I want you to know as well is how much more Alan Hewitt did with very little credit or applause. He recorded over 225 books for the blind and physically handicapped for the American Foundation for the Blind, Talking Book Program of the Library of Congress, wrote essays on American Acting in the 20th Century in the American Theatre, and served as an unofficial archivist and statistician for the Actors' Equity Association doing invaluable tabulations and chronologies for classic stars. So, I hope you'll pay attention to the work of Alan Hewitt the next time you see him in classic television reruns or films. He is a fine actor, one that I truly wish I could have seen on the stage.

Haven't you seen That Touch of Mink (1962)? Alan Hewitt plays Doctor Gruber, shrink to Gig Young's character "Roger".

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Absent Minded Professor (1961) He plays General Hotchkiss.
Follow That Dream (1962) He plays H. Arthur King.
How to Murder Your Wife (1965) He plays the District Attorney.
Sweet Charity (1969) He plays Nicholsby.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Aug 31 2011 / 17:52:42 PST

The Curtain Reveals...MARNI NIXON!

2011-08-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

MARNI NIXON (1930-Present), born Margaret Nixon McEathron is actually before the camera in the film, The Sound of Music (1965). Here, she is a singing nun named Sister Sophia with only a couple of speaking lines in the musical number "How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?" The rest of the time, where films were concerned, she was known only to the cast and crew as "The Ghostess With the Mostess" or the "Singing Voice of the Stars". Heard, but not seen, as a ghost singer, Marni Nixon went uncredited until VHS came on the scene and now with special features found on DVDs and Blu-Ray, Marni Nixon is given the credit she deserves.

Despite the appearance that all performers in musicals do their own singing, many of the big stars of the classic films were dubbed despite their having musical talent. Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr, Natalie Wood, and Marilyn Monroe, all needed to be dubbed by Marni Nixon. A soprano trained in opera, she possessed a versatile voice that could imitate different women, despite their ages and type of songs. Marni was often used when particular stars didn't have quite the range that was needed or the ability to sync up their own voices to film sequences. Marni could do both, sustain all the high notes for longer periods and match her singing to the other women's mouth movements. She was the first one Hollywood thought of use to touch up a star's performance and fix any inconsistencies. Marni's last singing voice over was in 1998, when she sang for Grandmother Fa in Mulan. Although she was kept behind the camera as "the voice of Hollywood" where films were concerned, she was not that way everywhere else. Much of her career, she could be seen and heard in the concert halls in front of major symphony orchestras throughout the world, such as the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Marni Nixon toured extensively with Liberace and Victor Borge and recorded songs by Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Arnold Schönberg, Charles Ives, and Anton Webern. Throughout the United States, she performed in operas with the Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera and the Tanglewood Festival, musicals on the stage, and on television. It was when she hosted her own children's television show Boomerang, during the late 1970s and early '80s, that Marni Nixon earned four Emmy awards. In 2008 Marni Nixon was given in New York City, the Singer Symposium's Distinguished Artist Award. She also taught musical education for many years at both the California Institute of Arts and the Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara. Then later joined a group of volunteers to bring musical education to children. On the stage, she was able to play Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and later Professor Higgins' mother in My Fair Lady, a non-singing role. I personally would have liked to have seen her performance as Violetta in La traviata, as well as her promotion from Sister Sophia to Mother Superior in The Sound of Music in 2006 when she performed at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Possibly you've caught a glimpse of Marni Nixon in The Sound of Music (1965)? She was seen in front of the camera in only four films, counting those on the big screen and those made for television. Marni Nixon can however be seen in several documentaries as herself. The Sound of Music was the first place that I caught a glimpse of Marni Nixon. She plays Sister Sophia.

Watch this and then listen for Marni in the following five films.

My Fair Lady (1964) as Audrey Hepburn's Eliza Doolittle's singing voice. She does a lovely job of "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" In the finished film, the only remaining singing vocals by Audrey Hepburn herself are a portion of the song, "Just You Wait", one line of "I Could Have Danced All Night" – "Sleep, sleep, I couldn't sleep tonight", and a portion of the "Just You Wait" (reprise).
The King and I (1956) as Deborah Kerr's Anna's singing voice. She later did Kerr's voice again in An Affair to Remember (1957).
West Side Story (1961) as Natalie Wood's Maria's singing voice and Rita Moreno's Anita's singing voice in one song "Tonight" when her ghost singer Betty Wand developed bronchitis. According to Marni Nixon's autobiography, I Could Have Sung All Night (Billboard Books 2006), she sings both Maria and Anita's lines in a portion of the quintet setting of the song "Tonight".
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) as Marilyn Monroe's touch up artist. Marni Nixon dubbed Marilyn's higher notes in "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend," and the phrase, "These rocks don't lose their shape."
The Secret Garden (1949) as Margaret O'Brien's Mary Lennox's singing voice.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sun, Aug 28 2011 / 16:24:57 PST

Who Are...LOY AND POWELL?

2011-07-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

You really should know who MYRNA LOY AND WILLIAM POWELL are! American actors Myrna Loy and William Powell (1934-1947) are one of the most successful and prolific screen pairings in Hollywood history. They made fourteen films together, all of which are worth seeing. Six of their films make up the very popular private detective "Thin Man" series based on the Dashiell Hammett story. It was through these much loved films that they became known to all as Nick and Nora Charles, the dashing, martini drinking detective and his rich and glamorous wife that solve mysteries together. Let's not forget to mention their irresistible wire-haired Fox Terrier Asta that often uncovers that much needed clue to unravel the whole mystery. Often playing married couples or soon to be married couples, they starred in the Academy's Best Picture of the Year of the 1936, The Great Ziegfeld (1936) with William Powell as Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. and Myrna Loy as his wife Billie Burke. Loy and Powell are definitely my favorite on screen pairing of all time. The joy I find in watching their films is seeing the comfortable relationship between the two stars (although never married in real life), their witty exchanges, and very convincing undying devotion between them, demonstrated by overt affection, loving glances, and playful jabbing. So many times, their films proved to Hollywood that audiences could embrace films where the leading couple was already married and stayed that way by the end of the picture. Their films are an absolute delight and should be part of everyone's movie library.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Double Wedding (1937)? This has to be the funniest film that I've ever seen. The end of the movie was like a fireworks finale of jokes. I love this film directed by Richard Thorpe!

See that and watch them in the following four films:
The Thin Man (1934) In 1935, this film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role: William Powell, Best Director: W.S. Van Dyke, Best Picture: MGM, and Best Writing, Adaptation: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. It also stars Maureen O'Sullivan.
I Love You Again (1940) This screwball comedy directed by W.S. Van Dyke is a delight from beginning to end. It stars Frank McHugh.
Love Crazy (1941) This delightful screwball comedy directed by Jack Conway also stars Florence Bates, Gail Patrick, and Jack Carson.
Manhattan Melodrama (1934) In 1935, this excellent dramatic film directed by W.S. Van Dyke won the Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Story: Arthur Caesar. It also stars Clark Gable and Mickey Rooney playing his character's younger self.

*Contributed by: Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph Date: Sun, Jul 24 2011 / 10:04:29 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
WILLIAM POWELL (1892–1984), born William Horatio Powell
1948 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: LIFE WITH FATHER
1937 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MY MAN GODFREY
1935 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE THIN MAN

MYRNA LOY (1905–1993), born Myrna Adele Williams
1991 Honorary Award: For her career achievement

GIG YOUNG?

2011-07-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

GIG YOUNG (1913–1978) born Byron Elsworth Barr is an American actor known for his wide range of roles. While doing community theatre, he was discovered by a Warner Bros. talent scout. Like so many other stage actors when first coming to Hollywood, Byron Barr learned that there was already some other actor using his given name. He did several bit parts under his real name and as an extra went uncredited, before he landed the role of "Gig Young" in the film The Gay Sisters (1942). It was after making this film that he used his character's name of Gig Young for all future credits. Beyond Gig Young's work on the silver screen which earned him one Academy Award and two nominations, he had quite the prolific career in television making several made-for-television movies, one of which he was nominated for an Emmy. I first saw him Gig Young on the local drive-in screen when I was nine in his Oscar winning role in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? As my love for classic movies grew through watching the films of other favorite stars, I saw Gig Young in many of their comedies. Never the leading man that got the girl in these films, he was always vital to the story. I loved him most as the likable best friend of the leading man or the leading man's failing opposition. Gig Young's characters are always memorable. His delivery is excellent. He truly is someone that I hope you'll get to know and like as I have through watching his wonderful films.

Haven't you seen Teacher's Pet (1958)? Gig Young plays Dr. Hugo Pine in this Doris Day and Clark Gable romantic comedy. Here Gig Young is the boyfriend to Doris Day's character and opposition for Clark Gable's.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

That Touch of Mink (1962) He plays Roger in this romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. Gig Young plays friend and employee of Cary Grant's character.
Desk Set (1957) Gig Young plays Mike Cutler in this romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. He plays the boyfriend of Katharine Hepburn's character.
Strange Bedfellows (1965) He plays Richard Bramwell in this romantic comedy starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida. Gig Young plays the friend to romantic lead Rock Hudson.
Kid Galahad (1962) He plays Willy Grogan in this musical sports drama starring Elvis Presley. Elvis is Kid Galahad and Gig Young is his likable friend that gambles too much.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Jul 23 2010 / 20:41:07 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1970 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?
1959 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: TEACHER'S PET
1952 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: COME FILL THE CUP

RONALD REAGAN?

2011-07-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

Before he was known for being the 33rd Governor of California (1967–1975) and the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989), RONALD REAGAN (1911–2004), born Ronald Wilson Reagan was a radio, film and television actor. During his film career, which began in 1937 and ended in 1964, Ronald Reagan made 63 films (westerns, sports films, war pictures, crime films, comedies, and dramas). It's hard to say where I first saw Ronald Reagan. I know that he was the host of the famed television western, "Death Valley Days" for eight episodes, before he entered politics. I know I saw him in Bedtime for Bonzo (1951), after it came to television. It was this film that made we want to raise a chimpanzee. I watched every movie and television show that had chimpanzees after that. I know that it was seeing Ronald Reagan play Grover Cleveland Alexander in The Winning Team (1952) that spurred me on to seeing every baseball film I could find. Which I saw first, I can't say. I know this much, Ronald Reagan was a good looking man. When he played the good guy dealt a raw deal, such as in Kings Row or The Winning Team, I was there rooting for him, despite his poor attitude. If you haven't seen any of Ronald Reagan's films, now is the time to check out some. He really is an actor that you should know.

Haven't you seen The Hasty Heart (1949)? Ronald Reagan plays Yank. This story takes place in Burma at the close of WW2 in a military hospital. It is the touching story of soldiers befriending a friendless dying soldier. The Hasty Heart has a very good message and never fails to make me well up with tears.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Winning Team (1952) Here Ronald Reagan plays baseball pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander who battles ill health and alcoholism. This touching story also stars Doris Day as Grover's wife.
Kings Row (1942) This Americana melodrama directed by Sam Wood was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture of the Year. Ronald Reagan plays Drake McHugh, a role considered by most to be the finest performance of his career. It is a disturbing story, but worth seeing. Ronald Reagan's "Where's the rest of me?" is one of his two most remembered film lines. The second being in Knute Rockne All American (1940). Kings Row also stars Ann Sheridan, Robert Cummings, Claude Rains, and Charles Coburn.
Knute Rockne, All American (1940) Ronald Reagan plays George Gipp in the story of legendary Notre Dame football player and coach Knute Rockne played by Pat O'Brien. "Win just one more for the Gipper," is the other one of Ronald Reagan's most remembered film lines.
Bedtime for Bonzo (1951) In this charming comedy about the raising of a chimpanzee as if it were a human baby, Ronald Reagan plays college professor Peter Boyd, along with Diana Lynn as Bonzo's human mama and Walter Slezak, a fellow professor Hans Neumann. Sure, this film is sheer fluff, but I like fluff.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Jul 16 2011 / 17:24:45 PST

BEULAH BONDI?

2011-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Throughout her career, even as early as her twenties, BEULAH BONDI (1888–1981), born Beulah Bondy played mothers, grandmothers, and society widows. She played James Stewart's mother in three of my favorite films, It's a Wonderful Life (1946), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Vivacious Lady (1938). People got so used to seeing her play his mother that it made perfect sense that to cast her again as his mother in the television sitcom, "The James Stewart Show" in 1971. The first film I ever rememember seeing in the theater with Beulah Bondi was Disney's So Dear to My Heart (1948) as a rerelease. I saw her in several good films after that. It was her role in It's a Wonderful Life that really made me pay attention to her films. Here I recommend just five of her films, but there are so many more that I've enjoyed. Beulah Bondi also appeared in several television shows. I remember watching her in my teen years in three episodes of one of my favorite shows, "The Waltons". If you have not seen any of her films, now is the time to do so.

Haven't you seen It's a Wonderful Life (1946)? Beulah Bondi can be seen every Christmas on television in this perennial favorite, the story of a man given the precious gift to see what his hometown would have been like had he never been born. Beulah Bondi plays Ma Bailey, mother to protagonist George Bailey played by James Stewart. The role of Ma Bailey is two-fold. First, we find her the happy and loved, adored wife, mother, and sister while George Bailey is alive. Later, we see her as the miserable, resentful and cynical old woman with no one to love, when George has never been born. Beulah Bondi's transformation from one woman to the other is a chilling performance that should not be missed. I'm sure that you, like me, will find that Beulah Bondi will be a face that you never forget. It's a Wonderful Life is my favorite film of all time.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Beulah Bondi plays Ma Smith, one of the other times that she plays James Stewart's mother.
Penny Serenade (1941) Her role as Miss Oliver comes in a close second to Ma Bailey. I adore her as the kind and loving director of an orphanage. Irene Dunne and Cary Grant star as parents wanting to adopt a little boy when they learn that they are unable to have children on their own.
On Borrowed Time (1939) Beulah Bondi plays Nellie Northrup or Granny in this very touching story of an orphaned boy left to the care of his aged grandparents. Lionel Barrymore stars as Julian Northrup or Gramps, of whom the boy grows a strong attachment.
Make Way For Tomorrow (1937) Beulah Bondi plays Lucy Cooper in this sad story about an eldery couple forced to rely on their children for help in their old age. Beulah Bondi is very convincing as a seventy year old woman despite being as young as those playing her children in the film. Victor Moore plays her husband Barkley Cooper.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Jul 6 2011 / 15:55:54 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1939 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: OF HUMAN HEARTS
1937 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: THE GORGEOUS HUSSY

MARTHA RAYE?

2011-06-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

My earliest recollections of MARTHA RAYE (1916–1994), born Margaret Teresa Yvonne Reed was seeing her in Polident Denture Cleanser commercials and on several television shows. Her endorsement line for Polident was, "Take it from a big mouth." These commercials ran during my teen years in the 1970s. Of those shows I watched on a regular basis, Martha Raye played Carrie Sharples in twelve episodes of "Alice" starring Linda Lavin, two episodes of "The Love Boat", seven episodes of McMillan and Wife, eight episodes of "The Red Skelton Hour", eight episodes of "The Carol Burnett Show", eight episodes of the game show "Hollywood Squares", and was a member of the regular cast of two children's programs, "Pufnstuf" and "The Bugaloos". Before my time in 1955, Martha Raye had her very own comedy variety show called "The Martha Raye Show" where she played several characters. I would have liked to have seen that. After knowing her through television, I found I enjoyed her work even more in classic comedy films. Martha Raye was always a delight and someone that always struck me funny. I continue to enjoy her wisecracking remarks, musical numbers, and great facial expressions. She was a master of the double take. I hope that you'll find her as much fun as I have all these years when you check out her films now.

Haven't you seen Keep 'Em Flying (1941)? This is one of my favorite Abbott and Costello films. Martha Raye plays identical twins Gloria and Barbara Phelps. She's hilarious. I love her musical number, "Pig Foot Pete". She's a marvelous entertainer. You can see why was a USO (United Service Organization) favorite and earned the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1969.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Monsieur Verdoux (1947) Alongside Charles Chaplin, Martha Raye plays Annabella Bonheur about halfway into the film and well worth the wait. Her scenes are the funniest bits in the whole movie written by Charles Chaplin.
Rhythm on the Range (1936) She plays Emma Mazda in this Bing Crosby film. See her sing and dance, "Mr. Paganini (You'll Have to Swing It)".
Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962) I watched this film initially to see Doris Day, but enjoyed seeing Martha Raye as well. She plays Lulu in this comedy romance.
Four Jills in a Jeep (1944) This film is worth seeing to see Martha Raye play herself in reenactments of actual USO experiences of entertaining troops overseas. Kay Francis and Carole Landis also star.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Thurs, Jun 30 2011 / 13:16:55 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1969 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

JAMES ARNESS?

2011-06-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

JAMES ARNESS (1923-2011), born James King Aurness is a western icon, known to most for his role as Marshall Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke" (1955-1975), the longest running western series in American television history. James Arness was associate producer for 45 episodes of this series, the executive producer for one, and the executive producer of two "Gunsmoke" made for television films. What you may not know however is that James Arness acted in over forty films. This list includes the made for television movie, The Macahans (1976) and its following two television mini-series called "The Macahans" aka "How the West Was Won" (1977) and "How the West Was Won" (1978-1979), all three of which he played Zeb Macahan. James Arness also starred as Jim McClain in the police drama "McClain's Law" (1978-1979) that lasted only sixteen episodes. James Arness made four films with good friend John Wayne. To think all four are suggested here. It was John Wayne who suggested Arness for the leading role of "Gunsmoke" and actually filmed the introduction for the show's first episode. The rest, as they say, is history.

Haven't you seen The Sea Chase (1955)? James Arness plays Schlieter in this World War II drama starring John Wayne, Lana Turner, and David Farrar.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Hondo (1953) James Arness plays Lennie, Army Indian Scout in this action/drama/romance, starring John Wayne, Geraldine Page and Ward Bond, based on the Louis L'Amour short story, The Gift of Cochise.
Island in the Sky (1953) James Arness is Mac McMullen, pilot in this adventure drama starring John Wayne, Lloyd Nolan and Walter Abel.
Big Jim McLain (1952) Starring alongside John Wayne in this action spy film, James Arness plays Mal Baxter.
The Thing from Another World (1951) James Arness is "The Thing" in this sci-fi/horror film, also starring Kenneth Tobey and Margaret Sheridan.

*Contributed by: "Tim Smith" Date: Wed, Jun 15 2011 / 19:48:12 PST

James Arness backstory written by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph".

Don't Know...WALT DISNEY?

2011-06-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

You really should know who WALT DISNEY (1901-1966), born Walter Elias Disney is! I'll say first that Walt Disney is a producer. He holds the record for sixty-four Academy Award nominations and of those, twenty-six are wins. Walt Disney's personal awards included honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, the University of Southern California, and UCLA; the Presidential Medal of Freedom; France's Legion of Honor and Officer d'Academie decorations; Thailand's Order of the Crown; Brazil's Order of the Southern Cross; Mexico's Order of the Aztec Eagle; and the Showman of the World Award from the National Association of Theatre Owners. As a producer of family entertainment, he personally produced 635 titles of feature films and short subjects--both animated and live action. His character "Mickey Mouse" whom Disney brought to the screen and gave voice is one of the most recognized symbols in history. You should already know that he is the founder of the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. You should also be familiar with such animated greats as Fantasia, Bambi, The Sword and the Stone, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which Disney personally produced. He also produced television shows such as "Disneyland", "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "Zorro". In this showcase, I recommend five live action films. I hope you'll pay special attention to Walt Disney's artistic genius that goes way beyond the creation of an animated mouse. Beyond, his being also a director, a writer, a camera operator, a presenter, and even a hobbyist (model train builder), Disney created a legacy that lives on forever.

A fine place to start is by viewing:

Old Yeller (1957) This family adventure stars Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoron. this heart-warming tale is the very much the story of a dog as it is the family that keeps befriends him.

See that and pay attention to the following four films.
Pollyanna (1960) This family film stars Jane Wyman and Haley Mills. The story is about the positive attitude of one child making a difference to a small town.
Swiss Family Robinson (1960) This adventure film stars Dorothy McGuire, John Mills, James MacArthur, Janet Munro, Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran. It's the story of a family stranded on a island and making the most of it.
Follow Me, Boys! (1966) This film stars Fred MacMurray, Vera Miles, and a young Kurt Russell. It's the story about one man making a difference in a small town as a scoutmaster.
The Ugly Dachshund (1966) This film stars Dean Jones and Suzanne Pleshette. Dean Jones' character owns a Great Dane that thinks he's a Dachshund.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sun, Jun 5 2011 / 17:48:00 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1969 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: WINNIE THE POOH AND THE BLUSTERY DAY The award was given posthumous.
1965 Nominated for Best Picture for: MARY POPPINS Shared with: Bill Walsh
1963 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: A Symposium on Popular Songs
1962 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: AQUAMANIA
1961 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: GOLIATH II
1961 Won Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects for: ISLANDS OF THE SEA
1960 Nominated for Best Documentary, Short Subjects for: DONALD IN MATHMAGIC LAND
1960 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: NOAH'S ARK
1960 Won Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects for: MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP
1959 Won Best Short Subject, Live Action Subjects for: GRAND CANYON
1959 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: PAUL BUNYAN
1958 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTHER GOOSE
1957 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: SAMOA
1956 Won Best Documentary, Short Subjects for: MEN AGAINST THE ARCTIC
1956 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: NO HUNTING
1956 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: SWITZERLAND
1955 Won Best Documentary, Features for: THE VANISHING PRAIRIE
1955 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: PIGS IS PIGS
1955 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: SIAM
1954 Won Best Documentary, Features for: THE LIVING DESERT
1954 Won Best Documentary, Short Subjects for: THE ALASKAN ESKIMO
1954 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: TOOT WHISTLE PLUNK AND BOOM
1954 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: BEAR COUNTRY
1954 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: RUGGED BEAR
1954 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: BEN AND ME
1953 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: WATER BIRDS
1952 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: NATURE'S HALF ACRE
1952 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: LAMBERT THE SHEEPISH LION
1951 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: BEAVER VALLEY
1950 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: TOY TINKERS
1949 Won Best Short Subject, Two-reel for: SEAL ISLAND
1949 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: MICKEY AND THE SEAL
1949 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: TEA FOR TWO HUNDRED
1948 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: CHIP AN' DALE
1948 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: PLUTO'S BLUE NOTE
1947 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: SQUATTER'S RIGHTS
1946 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: DONALD'S CRIME
1945 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: HOW TO PLAY FOOTBALL
1944 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: REASON AND EMOTION
1943 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: DER FUEHRER'S FACE
1943 Nominated for Best Documentary for: THE GRAIN THAT BUILT A HEMISPHERE
1943 Won Best Documentary for: THE NEW SPIRIT
1942 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: LEND A PAW
1942 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: TRUANT OFFICER DONALD
1941 Honorary Award for: FANTASIA (1940) Shared with: William E. Garity and J.N.A. Hawkins for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures through the production of Fantasia (certificate).
1941 Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award
1940 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: UGLY DUCKLING
1940 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THE POINTER
1939 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: FERDINAND THE BULL
1939 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: BRAVE LITTLE TAILOR
1939 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: GOOD SCOUTS
1939 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: MOTHER GOOSE GOES HOLLYWOOD
1938 Honorary Award for: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, recognized as a significant screen innovation which has charmed millions and pioneered a great new entertainment field (one statuette - seven miniature statuettes).
1938 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THE OLD MILL
1937 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THE COUNTRY COUSIN
1936 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THREE ORPHAN KITTENS
1936 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: WHO KILLED COCK ROBIN?
1935 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
1934 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: THREE LITTLE PIGS
1934 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: BUILDING A BUILDING
1932 Won Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: FLOWERS AND TREES
1932 Nominated for Best Short Subject, Cartoons for: MICKEY'S ORPHANS
1932 Honorary Award for the creation of Mickey Mouse.

CHILL WILLS?

2011-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

CHILL WILLS (1902–1978), born Chill Theodore Wills says he was named Chill because he was born on the hottest day of the year. As an actor and singer he appeared in 132 movies and television shows. He was heard as the voice of Francis the Talking Mule and frequently appeared with John Wayne. I had the pleasure of meeting him around 1970.

Haven't you seen The Alamo (1960)? Chill received an Oscar nomination for his performance as the Beekeeper, Davy Crockett's right-hand man.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Rio Grande (1950) This was the final installment of John Ford's "Cavalry Trilogy" (with Fort Apache and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon). Chill portrayed the regimental surgeon.
McLintock (1963) Again he is John Wayne's right-hand-man.
Giant (1956) Chill portrayed Rock Hudson's uncle
Way Out West (1937) He appears with the rest of the Avalon Boys providing the music for Stan and Ollie's dance number. He also provides Stan's bass voice in another number.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Jun 4 2011 / 12:14:02 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1961 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THE ALAMO

MARLENE DIETRICH?

2011-06-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

MARLENE DIETRICH (1901-1992), born Marie Magdalene Dietrich

Haven't you seen Witness for the Prosecution (1957)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Der blaue Engel (1930)
Destry Rides Again (1939)
Morocco (1930)
Golden Earrings (1947)

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Jun 3 2011 / 15:31:03 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1931 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: MOROCCO

YVES MONTAND?

2011-06-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

YVES MONTAND (1921–1991), born Ivo Livi

Haven't you seen Z (1969)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

I comme Icare (1979)
Grand Prix (1966)
Wages of Fear (1953)
Le Cercle Rouge (1970)

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Jun 3 2011 / 15:45:45 PST

MEL FERRER?

2011-06-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

MEL FERRER (1917–2008), born Melchor Gaston Ferrer

Haven't you seen War and Peace (1956)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Lili (1953)
Scaramouche (1952)
The Sun Also Rises (1957)
Knights of the Round Table (1953)

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Jun 3 2011 / 15:15:08 PST

PETER O'TOOLE?

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

PETER O'TOOLE, born Peter Seamus O'Toole (1932-Present) in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Originally planning to become a reporter he discovered theater and soon moved into films, appearing is small roles in films such as Disney's production of Kidnapped. After Lawrence of Arabia he became in international star. He even managed to survive a few horrible films such as the totally miscast Man of La Mancha. Following a bout with stomach cancer in the 1970s O'Toole turned his life around, giving up alcohol and taking better care of himself. Peter O'Toole has given many memorable performances over the years.

Haven't you seen Lord Jim (1965)? O'Toole portrays Jim, a young ship's officer with dreams of heroism and glory. When the ship threatens to sink in a storm Jim follows the other officers into a lifeboat, abandoning hundreds of pilgrims to their fate. The ship does not sink and Jim admits his cowardice. He agrees to take a post as trader in the country of Patusan in an effort to redeem himself. Filmed in Cambodia by Richard Brooks, Lord Jim has a stellar cast including Daliah Lavi, James Mason, Paul Lukas, Curt Jurgens, Jack Hawkins and Eli Wallach. O'Toole's performance is riviting.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Lion In Winter (1968) O'Toole returns to the role of English King Henry II, four years after appearing in Beckett. This Henry is a quarter century older but not necessarily wiser. His eldest son and heir has died and now he must choose a successor to the throne. Long estranged from his wife, Wueen Elinor, he releases her from captivity to attend Winter court at Chinon, along with their three remaining sons, his mistress Alais and her brother, Philip, the young king of France. The dialog is sharp and full of with. The performances are outstanding. Katharine Hepburn was awarded an Oscar for her performance as Elinor. Others in the cast include Anthony Hopkins, John Castle, Nigel Terry, Timothy Dalton, Jane Merrow and Nigel Stock. The Oscar-winning score was by John Barry.
Lawrence Of Arabia (1962) O'Toole leaped into international stardom as T. E. Lawrence, the enigmatic British soldier and scholar. He helps unite Arab tribes in the fight against the Ottoman Empire and to gain their own government following World War One. O'Toole's performance is outstanding, and supporting players include Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins and Omar Sharif.
My Favorite Year (1982) O'Toole plays Alan Swann, a swashbuckling star (based on Errol Flynn) set to appear on the "King Kaiser Show" (think Sid Ceasar). Young writer Mark Linn-Baker Mel Brooks and Woody Allen rolled into one) is assigned to keep Swann sober before the broadcast. Swann is horrified to discover the program is to be broadcast live. "I'm not an actor; I'm a movie star!" This is a delightful film.
The Stunt Man (1980) This is a hard film to describe. Just watch it and revel in O'Toole's performance as ruthless director Eli Cross.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Feb 17 2007 / 15:52:56 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1962 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
1964 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: BECKET
1968 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE LION IN WINTER
1969 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS
1972 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE RULING CLASS
1980 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE STUNT MAN
1982 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MY FAVORITE YEAR

THOMAS MITCHELL?

2011-06-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

THOMAS MITCHELL (1892-1962) was one of the great character actors of Hollywood's Golden Age. In 1939 he appeared in five films, each one considered a classic.

Haven't you seen It's a Wonderful Life (1946)? Mitchell portrays George Bailey's befuddled Uncle Billy whose carelessness precipitates the film's main crisis.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Stagecoach (1939) Thomas Mitchell won the coveted Oscar for his portrayal of the philosophical drunk, Doc Boone.
Gone With The Wind (1939) It's no wonder film historians consider 1939 the greatest year in Hollywood history. Here Mitchell is Gerald O'Hara, master of Tara.
Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) Mitchell is excellent as Clopin, King of the Beggers.
Only Angels Have Wings (1939) Mitchell again shines in Howard Hawk's great aviation drama, supporting Cary Grant and Jean Arthur. And he did at least one other movie this year, something called Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Wed, Oct 12, 2005 / 18:37:29 PDT

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1937 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THE HURRICANE
1939 Best Actor in a Supporting Role: STAGECOACH

CLARK GABLE?

2011-05-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a coincidence that CLARK GABLE (1901-1960), born William Clark Gable, was called the King of Hollywood. Gable's acting talent seemed so natural that some thought it wasn't there. Hopefully this list will convince you otherwise.

Haven't you seen Gone with the Wind (1939)? I almost didn't suggest this one, since some feel this was the only role Gable did well, but you have to realize that the movie-going public of the 1930s wrote letters to Margaret Mitchell after Gone With the Wind came out saying that if Gable didn't play Rhett there'd be no movie, and they were right!

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Any Number Can Play (1949) He's a hard-boiled card shark with a heart of gold. This is one of Gable's "man's man" roles, one that only he could do so well.
Red Dust (1932) Gable and Harlow, heat up the screen in this early non-mustached performance by Clark. If you think you know Gable, see this one and reevaluate him.
Mogambo (1953) What other actor could reprise a heart-throb role 21 years later, and still be convincing? This is what Clark does here. This time around, he has Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner dying over him (and every woman in the audience as well). A remake of Red Dust and just as good!
The Misfits (1961) This is Gable's swan song (he died before it was released), and one where he proved his acting talent beyond a shadow of a doubt. It's an intense and sad film, but a superb piece of acting.

*Contributed by: "Sue Horn" Date: Sat, May 26 2001 / 15:32:13 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1934 Best Actor in a Leading Role: IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT
1935 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY
1939 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: GONE WITH THE WIND

MARLON BRANDO?

2011-05-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

MARLON BRANDO (1924–2004), born Marlon Brando, Jr. is an American actor that left a successful stage career in favor of films after several talent scouts from various studios approached him. Both movie buff and acting students agree that Marlon Brando's performances are truly worth examining. He was not a performer that continued to play himself in every role. Marlon Brando became the characters he played. Many feel that he was chiefly instrumental in bringing method acting to the screen.

Haven't you seen Sayonara (1957)? James Michener wrote the novel. Paul Osborn wrote the screenplay for this film set in Kobe, Japan during the Korean War. The story deals with the subject of forbidden mixed marriages between servicemen and Japanese nationals by the U.S. Military. Brando plays Maj. Lloyd 'Ace' Gruver - USAF, a man in agreement with this ruling and social convention until his best friend Joe Kelly played by Red Buttons breaks all rules and conventions marrying Katsumi played Miyoshi Umeki. In addition to wanting to see his friend happy, he falls in love with a Japanese opera performer. Now, he must come to terms about how he feels about his military career and racial bigotry.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Guys and Dolls (1955) In this musical directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, he plays Sky Masterson.
On the Waterfront (1954) In this drama, he plays Terry Malloy, witness to a murder. This is a great story with a great cast, Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, and Eva Marie Saint.
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) Tennessee William's classic play comes to the screen with Marlon Brando playing Stanley Kowalski. Vivien Leigh is Blanche DeBois. Both actors give excellent performances.
Viva Zapata! (1952) He plays Mexican revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata. I saw this film in high school. My Spanish teacher played it every year for his students. It was his favorite film. He said that there was no actor was better than Brando. Of course, this teacher was not the first to think so. Marlon Brando was often listed as one of the best actors of all time by magazines and movie critics.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, May 28 2011 / 17:02:44 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1990 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: A DRY WHITE SEASON
1974 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: LAST TANGO IN PARIS
1973 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE GODFATHER
Refused to accept the award for the reason that the U.S. and especially Hollywood were discriminating Native American people. Brando did not show up at the ceremony, but instead sent a faked Indian woman named Sacheen Littlefeather who later turned out to be Maria Cruz, a less known Californian actress.
1958 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: SAYONARA
1955 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: ON THE WATERFRONT
1954 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: JULIUS CAESAR
1953 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: VIVA ZAPATA!
1952 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

SIDNEY POITIER?

2011-05-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

SIR SIDNEY POITIER (1927-Present)
Every movie buff should know the first black movie star. There were other black actors before the 1950s, but never was there the type of roles we see today, for handsome and intelligent leading men not of the Caucasian persuasion. Poitier gained international recognition for his Oscar nominated appearance in The Defiant Ones.

Sidney Poitier paved the way for non-stereotypical roles for black people.

Haven't you seen To Sir With Love (1967)? This film ranks high in my top fifty favorite films. Poitier plays a high school teacher in London, England who turns around an entire class of delinquents that no one else could teach and gains their ultimate respect.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) This film stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn who play a couple whose daughter brings home her fiancé to meet them and they soon see it is to be a mixed marriage. This film won two Academy Awards and was nominated for eight others. Hepburn won Best Actress.
A Patch of Blue (1965) This is the story of a white blind girl who falls in love with a sighted black man. Shelley Winters won Best Supporting Actress for her role of the blind girl's mother, a horrible woman. The film was nominated for four other Academy Awards.
The Defiant Ones (1958) This is the story of two escaped convicts (Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier) shackled together who try to flee the police in the deep south. The film won two Academy Awards and was nominated for seven others. It won Best Writing and Best Cinematography. Poitier was nominated for Best Actor.
Porgy and Bess (1959) This film is full of incredible Gershwin music and won an Academy Award for best musical scoring on top of being nominated for three other Academy Awards. It's a folk opera about the love, dreams and jealousy of the poor folk of Catfish Row. Dorothy Dandridge and Sammy Davis, Jr. also star.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sun, Dec 2 2001 / 16:03:00 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1958 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE DEFIANT ONES
1963 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: LILIES OF THE FIELD
2002 Honorary and Other Awards: For his extraordinary performances and unique presence on the screen and for representing the industry with dignity, style and intelligence. Winner presented a statuette.

BILLY DE WOLFE?

2011-05-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

BILLY DE WOLFE (1907-1974), born William Andrew Jones first came to my attention through television. Throughout my childhood, he appeared as a guest in sitcoms, talk shows, and in commercials. My mother and I laughed and laughed when he appeared in drag as the old maid Phoebe Murgatroyd in Ban Roll-On antiperspirant commercials. There he was wearing a hat and shawl with his trademark pencil-thin mustache, claiming to be this expert on romance and answering questions like a regular Dear Abby. You may know him as the voice of the magician/villain, Professor Hinkle, in the animated Christmas television special Frosty the Snowman (1969). My first film with Billy De Wolfe was seen on the big screen in Disney's The World's Greatest Athlete (1973) as Dean Maxwell. Beyond his distinctive look and voice, his pompous air and fussy nature were trademark to his roles. He often tried to convince the girl he was the man for her out of sheer logic, then failing miserably, because she always preferred the dashing romantic lead.

Haven't you seen Dear Brat (1951)? This is the second film in a trilogy, the first being Dear Ruth (1947) and the third, Dear Wife (1949). This film also stars Mona Freeman and Edward Arnold. Billy De Wolfe plays Albert Kummer in all three films. It is acceptable to see these films out of sequence, like I did. It was after I viewed this one that I wanted to see the other two.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Tea for Two (1950) He plays Larry Blair.
Lullaby of Broadway (1951) He plays Lefty Mack.
The Perils of Pauline (1947) He plays Mr. Timmy Timmons.
Call Me Madam (1953) He plays Pemberton Maxwell.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Mon, May 23 2011 / 11:30:37 PST

EDWARD ARNOLD?

2011-05-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

EDWARD ARNOLD (1890–1956), born Gunther Edward Arnold Schneider was a stage, screen and television character actor that appeared in more than 150 films from 1919 to 1956. Because he was a burly man with a booming baritone voice, he was mostly cast as men with strong personalities, authority figures and heavies. The first film with Edward Arnold in the lead that I saw was The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941). I was nineteen and fortunate enough to see this film on the big screen. The U.C. Theater in Berkeley, California offered classic movies every night of the week. Sadly then, I didn't have the means to see that many films there. Now, I can only dream of one day living close enough to such a theater again. Having both seen and liked so many Edward Arnold films, it is hard to recommend as few as five. Hopefully however, you will see these and then others will follow, as they did me. Edward Arnold never fails to give a good performance. This is why he was never short of work and often made two films at once.

Haven't you seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)? In this Frank Capra dramatic film starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, Edward Arnold plays corrupt political boss Jim Taylor, one of the most awful villains ever to grace the screen.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Easy Living (1937) In one of my favorite screwball comedies directed by Mitchell Leisen, Edward Arnold plays the very likable J.B. Ball. Jean Arthur and Ray Milland also star in this delightful film.
You Can't Take It with You (1938) In this Frank Capra comedy starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, he plays Anthony P. Kirby, the father of Tony played James Stewart.
The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) This is where my education of Edward Arnold began. In this story about a man that unwittingly sells his soul to the devil, Edward Arnold plays Daniel Webster, the greatest attorney of his day, who tries to get the man out of his contract with the devil. Many edited versions exist. Be sure to look for the 107 minute length restored version.
The Toast of New York (1937) In this American Biopic also starring Cary Grant and Frances Farmer, Edward Arnold plays financier James 'Jim' Fisk Jr. Here, he plays a character that money changes. Jim Fisk, Jr. goes from being a likable generous man to a selfish greedy madman.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sun, May 22 2011 / 19:51:52 PST

Leehee's TEN FILMS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

2011-05-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Top Ten Films
that Mean Something to Me!
.... in no particular order

The Parent Trap (1961)
I think I have watched this movie over 200 times. I honestly believe that. The first time I saw it was when I was five years old, and I used to rent it over and over again (this was before I ever thought of BUYING movies LOL) till my Mom would go nuts. It's really a fairytale for kids, but even as a grownup I watch it sometimes and still enjoy it as much.

Funny Girl (1968)
This movie got me hooked on musicals and of course, on Barbra Streisand. I was in awe of this woman's talents, and ever since then I've been a die-hard fan of hers. There is so much to love about this gem- the songs are classic (just think "People" and "Don't Rain On My Parade"), the story is funny and sad at the same time, and the acting... oh, the acting! So wonderful.

The Awful Truth (1937)
I don't ever remember laughing this hard while watching a movie... This is the ultimate screwball comedy for me. Not to mention it has Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, who are two of my favorite performers.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
By far my favorite western. (Yes, even before The Searchers) This is a movie that makes you think, and yet, is not really what you think it is... On top of that, it has two of my favorite leading men, John Wayne and James Stewart, and they give two of the best performances of their careers!

Roman Holiday (1953)
This is a sweet fantasy, even though you can really see Audrey Hepburn as a princess.... It's just a lot of fun, with two very charismatic leads, and it doesn't have a 'Hollywood' ending, which I like - it's real.

From Here to Eternity (1953)
THE most romantic movie ever. This movie introduced me to the amazing Deborah Kerr. Incredible acting by all five leads, a captivating story and an unusual romance...what more could you ask for?

The Quiet Man (1952)
I first rented it because Maureen O'Hara (of The Parent Trap fame) was in it, and it seemed interesting enough. I was maybe fourteen at the time, and I can safely say that this is the movie that started it all! I LOVED it, and began watching more and more so called "classic" films. I also decided I had to see every movie Maureen O'Hara ever made, every movie John Wayne ever made, and every movie John Ford ever directed.... I'm a few movies short of completing my mission! :) Oh and by the way, another way this movie changed my life is that it got me hooked on Irish culture... I even have a tiny clover tattoo on my ankle.

Indiscreet (1958)
This is the movie that showed me what I had been missing...meaning Ingrid Bergman's talents. This was the first movie of hers I ever saw (yes, I'm ashamed to say, I only saw Casablanca after seeing this...) and I realized what a truly gifted comic she was.

All About Eve (1950)
Again, this was the first movie of Bette Davis' that I watched.... and I loved it! The wit, the wickedness of this woman...wow. This whole script is brilliant, and all of the performers simply shine throughout the entire movie. A must for theater goers!

And last but certainly not least ... My all time favorite movie ...

Yentl (1983)
It's relatively recent but in my eyes it's a bonafide classic (not to mention it comes from a Isaac Singer short story). If we're talking about movies that changed our lives, this surely fits the bill. As a Jewish Woman, this movie showed me "Nothing is impossible" ,and as a female film maker (as I plan to be), it paved the way for me to be accepted in this man-dominated industry. Its social influences aside, this movie is a still a masterpiece, and you have to remember it came from a first time director! The acting is superb, the music is captivating and emotional, and even the cinematography is out of this world. This movie never ceases to amaze and inspire me, no matter how many times I watch it, and it sets a very high standard for women all over the world and for filmmakers in general.

Whew! That was long. Hope you enjoyed it. :)

*Contributed by: "Leehee" Date: Tues, 12 Jun 2001

Movie stills displayed: The Parent Trap (1961), Funny Girl (1968), The Awful Truth (1937), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Roman Holiday (1953), From Here to Eternity (1953), The Quiet Man (1952), Indiscreet (1958), All About Eve (1950), Yentl (1983)

Miska's TEN FILMS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

2011-05-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Ten Films that Have Influenced My Life
So Far!

...in no particular order

Anastasia (1997)
It was such a cute movie and I had a pretty big obsession on this one. Anastasia introduced me to the world of movie-fan-fiction; and made me remember just how romantic and beautiful an animated movie can be. The movie that first taught me that was...

Beauty and the Beast (1991)
This was my first favorite movie; I was about four when it came out but I've always loved it. The message it sends is timeless, as is the beautiful music and wonderful story.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
The movie that kicked off my "Obsessed with Judy Garland" stage. It's such a lively and entertaining film and Judy truly is wonderful. "From the moment I saw her smile/I knew she was just my style..." One look at her singing "The Boy Next Door" and I was hooked for life.

Star Wars (1977)
My newest favorite movie and the films that followed have introduced me to a brand new genre. My friends even call me a "Jedi Princess" and yes, I do have a light saber. The romance, the mystery, the action and adventure...

Oklahoma! (1955)
My very first Rodgers and Hammerstein musical (that I knew was Rodgers and Hammerstein). Can you imagine the impact it had on a 10 year old girl like me? I loved it from the beginning and watched it about ten times a month. And I couldn't have made a better choice. This is what really got me started in my love of movie-musicals and of R&H.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)
My first Katharine Hepburn movie, and what a great actress she is. Today I admire and adore her very much; she's the greatest. And what fun to see her and Cary Grant playing screwball comedy to perfect!! I've never seen a better pair, and I adore this movie.

West Side Story (1961)
Another of my 'grand passions'. Something about this movie just caught me- maybe it was the music, the doomed love story, the dancing, or the honesty of the whole thing. Yes, I know that New York gangs do not dance or break into song, but I think this movie captures the spirit of these kids, as well as the spirit of the 50's and 60's. Of course the music is fabulous, and as long as I'm around NO ONE is allowed to fast-forward through the dancing :-).

The Sound Of Music (1964)
My very very first musical; a movie that I've loved ever since before I can remember. What is there to say about this classic that hasn't already been said? I love it because it's beautiful, simple, and wonderful. When I'm watching it I think that nothing bad in the world can happen as long as movies like this exist and are preserved.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
A movie that I loved loooong before I knew who Judy Garland was. I grew up with this classic and every year that passes I love it more and more. Another movie that renews my faith in human nature and keeps me a child at heart no matter how old I get.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
A beautiful wonderful movie. This is the number one Christmas movie of all time and I never watch it without tears of pure happiness in my eyes. Maybe it's silly to get so worked up over a movie; but every time George's brother raises his glass at the end and says "Here's to my brother George, the richest man in the world!" I get choked up. People just aren't like that any more. At least, no one that I know. And to be realistic, maybe they never really were, but if they aren't, they should be. Definitely.

*Contributed by: "Miska" Date: Tues, Jan 15 2002

Movie still displayed: It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

DON DEFORE?

2011-05-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

DON DEFORE (1913–1993), born Donald John DeFore first came to my attention in his classic television role, George Baxter, in the sitcom "Hazel" (1961-1965). He was also a regular on the classic television sitcom, "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" (1952-1956). Like many other classic television actors, Don DeFore was not a newcomer to acting. He had both a successful film career and one on the stage. In most films, he plays very likeable guys, often the hero's best friend.

Haven't you seen It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)? This film I didn't discover until I had grown children and purchased a set of Christmas films. It became my favorite Don DeFore film. He plays Jim Bullock.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Romance on the High Seas (1948) This romantic comedy is one of my favorite Doris Day films. Here Don DeFore plays Mr. Michael Kent.
Without Reservations (1946) In this John Wayne and Claudette Colbert film, he plays 1st Lt. Dink Watson.
Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944) In this World War II picture with Spencer Tracy, Van Johnson, and Robert Walker, Don DeFore plays Charles McClure - Crew of the Ruptured Duck.
My Friend Irma (1949) In this Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis film, he plays Richard Rhinelander III.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, May 14, 2011 / 19:30:12 PST

EDMUND GWENN?

2011-05-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

EDMUND GWENN (1875-1959), born Edmund Kellaway, was kicked out of the house at seventeen for wanting to be an actor. He went from stage to screen and was the only actor to ever win an Oscar for playing Santa Claus.

Haven't you seen Miracle on 34th Street (1947)? Is Edmund Gwenn portraying the real Santa Claus? I personally believe he is.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Apartment for Peggy (1948) Jeanne Crain and William Holden star as newlyweds looking for college housing and Crain finds it available in the home of a crotchety old professor played by Gwenn against his better judgement.
Mister 880 (1950) Saw this film originally because of Burt Lancaster and then was immediately endeared to Edmund Gwenn. Dorothy McGuire is also wonderful in this film.
Sally and St. Anne (1952) Edmund Gwenn plays "Grandpa" to Ann Blyth in this lovely film about the daughter of a screwball Irish Catholic family who finds prayers get answered asking St. Anne for help.
Pride and Prejudice (1940) Edmund Gwenn plays Mr. Bennett, who has to be one of my favorite characters of this story.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, May 23 2001 / 11:31:00 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1947 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
1950 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: MISTER 880

JAMES MASON?

2011-05-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

There are so many showcases I'd like to make, but when I look over the filmographies, I end up knowing only four films, not five. This was not the case with James Mason. Here, I needed to narrow down my list to only five favorites. It was tough. Each film, I had seen, held a special place in my heart. I remembered someone who had watched it with me, a parent, a sibling, my husband, or one of my children.

When I think of James Mason, I think of his dashing good looks and his voice. There's a voice that men want to have, so distinguished, so professional and so attractive sounding. You've gotta love James Mason. Born James Neville Mason (1909-1984), JAMES MASON is one of the great English actors. He both British and American films. He originally intended to be an architect, but when he attend college at Cambridge, he caught the acting bug and gave up those plans after gaining First Class Honours. He became a prominent stage actor, accepted small film roles which quickly turned into larger roles in minor films, that grew into great parts and made him one of England's major film stars in 1940s. In the late 40s, he came to America with his wife Pamela and made film after film, establishing himself as one of the best performers on two continents. James Mason was the master of inner dialogue. He was sauve and calm and yet, you knew the words he spoke were not his inner intentions. He was great as the highly educated, villains and romantic interests. Where I saw him first, I cannot say. It may have been as Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or as Professor Oliver Lindenbrook in Journey to the Center of the Earth. All I know is in high school, I saw Heaven Can Wait in the theatre and recommended it to my friends. I mentioned James Mason being in it, before saying Warren Beatty. James Mason also produced, directed and wrote screenplays. He was often used as a narrator and appeared on many television shows. He was on the illustrious Ed's Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" twice and the mystery guest four times on "What's My Line?" He made several made-for-televison movies and was often asked to do theatrical productions for television. In 1956, he was the host of his own show, "The James Mason Show." I hope you'll watch the films I've suggested and look for others of this fabulous actor.

Haven't you seen North by Northwest (1959)? [aka: Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest (USA: complete title)] James Mason played Phillip Vandamm. This is my favorite of all the Hitchcock films. Cary Grant is protagonist. If you haven't seen this film, rent it right away. No one should go through life not having seen this film. It was one of the first I owned on DVD.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) [aka: Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth; Trip to the Center of the Earth] He played Professor Oliver Lindenbrook. I must have watched this film eight times as a kid. If it was airing on TV, I watched it. I was so happy when my younger brother loved the movie, too. For weeks, the two of us quoted James Mason, trying to sound like him.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) [aka Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (USA: reissue title)] He plays Captain Nemo. I remember watching this as kid and being unsure of whether Nemo was a good guy or a bad guy. You decide. Later, as a teenager, a friend of mine couldn't wait to share this film was airing on TV that night. We both talked about how much we loved the film. But, it was my friend who said it first, "I just love James Mason; don't you?" I told him I did and then we both grinned the rest of the day in anticipation.
Forever, Darling (1956) In this Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz fluff film, James Mason plays the Guardian Angel of Susan Vega (played by Lucy). My young daughter loved this movie. She had the biggest crush on James Mason just like Susan in the film.
A Star Is Born (1954) This is the first "musical" remake and stars Judy Garland alongside James Mason. Mason plays the Norman Maine. This film is considered by many to be one of the best musicals ever made.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Feb 14 2007 / 7:16:45 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1954 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: A STAR IS BORN
1966 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: GEORGY GIRL
1982 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THE VERDICT

Who Are...RATHBONE AND BRUCE?

2011-05-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

You really should know who BASIL RATHBONE AND NIGEL BRUCE are! Basil Rathbone (1892-1967) had already gained a great deal of popularity as a screen villain in films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood. Nigel Bruce (1895-1953) was a popular character actor in films like Treasure Island. Their teaming as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson was inspired. Although Watson was played more as a bumbling dolt that in the books, Rathbone and Bruce became the standard portrayals for over 40 years.

A fine place to start is by viewing: The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1939). In this excellent film Rathbone and Bruce were first teamed as the great detective and his biographer. Interestingly enough, they were reduced to support for star Richard Greene as Sir Henry Baskerville. But it's well done and it's a pleasure to see how quickly Rathbone and Bruce developed their rapport on screen.

See that and watch them in the following four films:
The Scarlet Claw (1944) When the Holmes series was moved to Universal the films became a B series (not in quality, but length) and the setting was moved from the Victorian era to contemporary times. In this one Holmes and Watson are in Canada investigating a series of grisley murders in a small village. This is regarded as the best of the Universal series and it is very spooky.
The Spider Woman (1944) Holmes and Watson investigate a series of unusual suicides and run afoul of Gale Sondergaard, a great screen villainess.
The Pearl Of Death (1944) Holmes and Watson encounter a killer called "The Creeper" (Rondo Hatton). The story is based on The Six Napoleons and is another minor masterpiece of mystery and mayhem.
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942) This was the first of the Universal series notable for featuring scream queen Evelyn Ankers on the wrong side of the law.

*Contributed by: Eric Jamborsky Date: Tues, Oct 17 2006 / 08:47:25 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
Basil Rathbone
1936 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: ROMEO AND JULIET
1938 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: IF I WERE KING

Who Are...THE THREE STOOGES?

2011-05-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

You really should know who THE THREE STOOGES are! The Three Stooges were originally a part of Ted Healy's Vaudeville act before going into films.

The Stooges were:

Moe Howard (Moses Horwitz, 1897-1975)

Larry Fine (Louis Feinberg, 1902-1975)

Shemp Howard (Samuel Horwitz, 1895-1955) Shemp left the act because of a strong dislike of the alcoholic Healy.

Shemp was replaced by Curly Howard.

Curly Howard (Jerome Lester Horwitz, 1903-1952)

The Stooges went out on their own and got a contract at Columbia Pictures for a series of short films starting in 1934. Curly remained the third stooge until he suffered a stroke on the set in 1947. Shemp rejoined the team until his death in 1955. Attempts at continuing the series using scenes of Shemp from earlier films, combined with a double, did not work, so comic actor Joe Besser was hired for a season.

Joe Besser (Joseph Besser, 1907-1988)

Joe Besser was a talented comic, but his style just did not mesh with the stooges. When the Columbia Shorts department was closed actor Joe DeRita was hired as the third stooge and the team was reborn and found new popularity in feature films and personal appearances.

Autographed photo contributed by Eric Jamborsky.
Autograph reads: Joe, Moe, Larry
To Eric good luck always, Joe Besser

Joe DeRita (Joseph Wardell, 1909-1993)

When Larry Fine suffered a stroke things pretty much ended, and Moe's death spelled the end of the team.

The Three Stooges performed classic Vaudeville slapstick of a rough and tumble variety and were very popular. Other comic teams tried this approach and most are forgotten today. But despite all the slaps and eye pokes, the Stooges came across as likable people which was the key to their success.

You really must see them in the following:

Violent is the Word for Curly (1938) The boys are mistaken for college professors (don't ask) and the usual mayhem ensues. A highlight is their rendition of the catchy song "Swingin' The Alphabet".

Then, see them in these four:
A Plumbing We Will Go (1940) One of my all time favorites. The boys are plumbers who pretty much destroy the house they are supposed to be fixing. It has some great sight gags.
Heavenly Daze (1948) My favorite film with Shemp. Shemp dies and, as a ghost, has to reform his cousins Larry and Moe in order to enter Heaven. It has a very painful gag involving Larry and a sharp pen.
Outer Space Jitters (1957) The boys wind up on a rocketship to Venus. Great movie villain Gene Roth is an evil Venusian.
Have Rocket Will Travel (1959) This was the first Three Stooges feature and introduced Joe DeRita as the third Stooge. It's still pretty entertaining, although the features tend to run a little long.

Movie still: Have Rocket Will Travel (1959) contributed by Eric Jamborsky. Autograph reads: Curly-Joe To: "Eric" Sincerely, III Stooges

*Contributed by: Eric Jamborsky Date: Wed, Oct. 19, 2005 14:37:54 PDT

Who Are...THE MARX BROTHERS?

2011-05-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

You really should know who THE MARX BROTHERS are!

In birth order, they are:

CHICO MARX (1887–1961), born Leonard Marx

HARPO MARX (1888–1964), born Adolph Marx

GROUCHO MARX (1890–1977), born Julius Henry Marx

GUMMO MARX (1892–1977), born Milton Marx

ZEPPO MARX (1901–1979), born Herbert Marx.

THE BACKGROUND STORY:
The Marx Brothers were a family comedy act, successful in Vaudeville, Broadway and motion pictures. The core of the group were Groucho, Harpo and Chico who starred in all fourteen Marx Brothers films. Although considered to be the funniest of the five brothers by the family Marx, Zeppo ironically appeared only in the first five films, as the straight man to his three zany brothers. Gummo was not present in any of the films. By that point, he already had left acting to pursue a military career. Later, however, he joined Zeppo as the trio's manager. Gummo also was very successful as a theatrical agent.

All of the Marx Brothers were gifted musically. Harpo, the most accomplished, learned to play an estimated six different instruments throughout his career. It was his great talent for playing the harp that gave him his nickname. Chico was an excellent pianist. Groucho played the guitar and sang. Zeppo was a vocalist. On Vaudeville, Gummo sang with Groucho and Zeppo in the group, "The Three Nightingales", which Harpo later joined renaming the group, "The Four Nightingales". When their mother Minnie and Aunt Hannah joined the group, it changed to "The Six Mascots".

It was through performing their comedy act on stage that each brother developed his own distinct character that he brought to the screen. Each created his own look as well, because without costumes, most people could not tell the brothers apart. Groucho wore a greasepaint mustache and walked with a stoop. Harpo didn't speak, wore a fright wig and carried a taxi-cab horn. Chico spoke with a fake Italian accent. Zeppo played the role of the romantic straight man.%

A fine place to start is by viewing: Duck Soup (1933)? All four Marx Brothers can be seen here. Groucho plays Rufus T. Firefly. Harpo plays Pinky. Chico plays Chicolini. Zeppo plays Lt Bob Roland - Firefly's aide-de-camp.

See that and watch them in the following four films:
A Night at the Opera (1935) This is my favorite. Groucho plays Otis B. Driftwood. Harpo plays Tomasso. Chico plays Fiorello.
A Day at the Races (1937) Groucho plays Dr. Hackenbush. Harpo plays Stuffy. Chico plays Tony.
Animal Crackers (1930) Groucho plays Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding. Harpo plays The Professor. Chico plays Signor Emanuel Ravelli. Zeppo plays Horatio Jamison.
At the Circus (1939) Groucho plays Attorney Loophole. Harpo plays Punchy. Chico plays Antonio.

*Contributed by: "Tim Smith" Date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 / 20:12:02 PST

The Marx Brothers "THE BACKGROUND STORY" contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph"

HENRY TRAVERS?

2011-04-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Henry Travers (1874–1965), born Travers John Heagerty first came to my attention playing Angel Second class Clarence Odbody in what became my favorite film of all-time, It's a Wonderful Life (1946). British born, Henry Travers began his acting career on the English stage before immigrating to the U.S. He performed on Broadway until 1933 when he began his film career, often playing kind fatherly figures.

Haven't you seen Mrs. Miniver (1942)? In this war-time drama with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, Henry Travers in his Oscar nominated role, plays the kindly postman and friend of Mrs. Miniver. Mr. Ballard, names a rose the "Mrs Miniver" when he enters it in the local gardening competition.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

1941 Ball of Fire (1941) In this classic comedy, also known as The Professor and the Burlesque Queen, starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Travers plays Prof. Jerome, one of the eight professors that live together.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) In this uplifting Christmas story, Henry Travers plays Angel Second Class Clarence Odbody, the bumbling angel who has earned his wings in some 200 years. Clarence is sent to earth on a mission to help George Bailey, played by James Stewart, on the verge of suicide.
The Bells of St. Mary's (1945) This great Christmas classic starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman is about a financially strapped Catholic school on the brink of closing. Henry Travers plays Horace P. Bogardus, the property's mortgage holder.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) In this Hitchcock thriller, Henry Travers plays the amusing bank clerk and mystery magazine fan Joseph Newton. This film also stars Teresa Wright and Joseph Cotten.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Apr 30, 2011 / 16:12:30 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1943 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role MRS. MINIVER

JACK CARSON?

2011-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

JACK CARSON (1910-1963), born John Elmer Carson in Manitoba, Canada, came to Hollywood in 1937. He worked first as an extra for RKO and later developed into a character actor in musicals, comedies, and westerns. I first saw Jack Carson in one of my favorite Cary Grant films playing one heck of a dopey policeman. He was hilarious. Later, I found him in other Doris Day films. He has great comedic timing.

Haven't you seen Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)? This is a delightful horror spoof. The script is great and the cast is wonderful. See also Cary Grant and Peter Lorre.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Romance on the High Seas (1948) This may be my all-time favorite Jack Carson/Doris Day romantic musical comedy. Jack Carson plays Peter Virgil, Private Detective. My favorite part in the picture is a musical number that Jack Carson does. It never fails to make me laugh.
My Dream is Yours (1949) In this Doris Day musical comedy, Jack Carson plays radio agent Doug Blake.
Mildred Pierce (1945) Along with Joan Crawford and Zachary Scott, Jack Carson stars. He plays realtor Wally Fay.
Gentleman Jim (1942) In this Errol Flynn and Alexis Smith film about Jim Corbett's rise to the top of the boxing world, Jack Carson plays Jim Corbett's friend Walter Lowrie.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Apr 30, 2011 / 10:36:18 PST

Alan N.'s TOP 20 FAVORITE SILENT FILMS

2011-04-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

What's to like about Silent Films?

I'll tell you, a couple of things come to mind: 1.) Without sound/talking, they had to tell the story more visually using images. Hitchcock was a master at this. He used a third of the title cards that the other silent directors used and that translated over in...to this sound films. 2.) Since it was such a new art form there were no "rules" or "codes" yet. Everyone was experimenting and creating. Some of visuals created 100 years ago still blow me away. There are very few filmmakers nowadays that still push the limits of the image or the media, especially without the use of a computer.

This is my list of all-time favorite silent films. In this list, I put in a little bit of everything, different genres and films that are both personal favorites and have historical significance. They are listed in order of release.

A Trip to the Moon (1902)
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
Intolerance (1916)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1918)
Nosferatu (1922)
Greed (1924)
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
The Freshman (1925)
The General (1925)
The Gold Rush (1925)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
The Black Pirate (1926)
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
Metropolis (1927)
Pandora's Box (1928)
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
Man with a Movie Camera (1929)
City Lights (1931)

*Contributed by: "Alan N." Date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 / 7:20:08 PST

Movie still displayed: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)

ROBERT CUMMINGS?

2011-04-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

American actor Robert Cummings (1910–1990), born Charles Clarence Cummings first came to my attention through watching classic television reruns. I learned that Bob Cummings had had two very successful lighthearted situation comedies, "My Hero" (1952) that last 39 episodes and his most famous "The Bob Cummings Show" AKA "Love That Bob" (1955-1959), which last five seasons, 171 episodes. When I first watched "The Bob Cummings Show" in the 1980s, I hadn't seen of his films. All I knew was one had to be very popular to land his own show. It after watching this sitcom, I learned that Bob Cummings had made quite a name for himself as a leading man in lighthearted comedies in the 1930s and 40s for Paramount. Robert Cummings also had done stronger dramatic roles during both the 40s and 50s, before going to television. In my mind, Robert Cummings will always be the good looking nice guy that either gets the girl or walks with another better suited to him by the end of the picture.

Haven't you seen Moon Over Miami (1941)? This musical is sheer fluff and my favorite Robert Cummings film. He plays millionaire playboy Jeffrey 'Jeff' Boulton II. The film also stars Don Ameche, Betty Grable and Carole Landis.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Lucky Me (1954) In this Doris Day romantic comedy, Bob plays Dick Carson.
Kings Row (1942) This is an example of one of Bob's dramatic roles. Here he plays Parris Mitchell. Ronald Reagan also stars.
One Night in the Tropics (1940) In this Abbott and Costello comedy and my first Robert Cummings film, Bob plays Steve Harper.
The Bride Wore Boots (1946) In this comedy of errors, he plays Jeff Warren, opposite Barbara Stanwyck.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Apr 27, 2011 / 17:50:37 PST

DAVID NIVEN?

2011-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

British actor David Niven (1910–1983), born James David Graham Niven is one of my all-time favorite actors. I was first exposed to David Niven seeing the movie Raffles. I found him utterly charming, handsome and fascinating. I have seen so many wonderful David Niven films that it is hard to recommend only five. So, I chose all wholesome family fare. I hope that you will see what I see in this remarkable actor.

Haven't you seen The Bishop's Wife (1947)? In one of my all-time Christmas films, David Niven plays Bishop Henry Brougham. Loretta Young plays his neglected wife. Cary Grant plays an angel that comes to Earth in response to the bishop's prayer. This film is filled with endearing characters and good messages.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Candleshoe (1977) David Niven, in my favorite role, plays Priory, butler/all household male staff to Lady St. Edmund played by Helen Hayes in this Disney classic about hidden treasure in an old English manor named Candleshoe. Jodie Foster stars as Casey, a treasure seeker.
Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) In this comedy, David Niven plays Lawrence Larry Mackay, drama critic for the New York Daily. When he, his wife Kay played by Doris Day and four sons move to country, Kay is busy remodeling while Larry writes nothing but negative reviews.
Bachelor Mother (1939) In this classic comedy, Ginger Rogers plays Polly Parish, a department store clerk, who finds a baby left on the stairs of a foundling home. When she rings the bell, the administrators believe her to be the mother. David Niven plays David Merlin, owner of the department store where she works. He is determined to keep mother and child together.
Raffles (1939) David Niven plays A.J. Raffles, man about town, who keeps himself solvent by committing robberies. Olivia de Havilland stars as his love interest.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Apr 23, 2011 / 18:31:45 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1959 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role SEPARATE TABLES (1958)

MELVYN DOUGLAS?

2011-04-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

MELVYN DOUGLAS (1901–1981), born Melvyn Edouard Hesselberg, was dubbed by publicists for the film Ninotchka as the man who made Greta Garbo laugh. This however was not my first Melvyn Douglas film. I first saw him play Bill Cole in the Cary Grant/Myrna Loy comedy Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. I was immediately taken by his dry humorous delivery. I learned his name from the credits and began noticing him in other comedies equally delightful. In I Met Him in Paris, he was the man that I wanted to get the girl. Although, Melvyn Douglas received two Academy Awards later in his career, I prefer his earlier films of the 30s and 40s.

Haven't you seen Ninotchka (1939)? In this romantic comedy and certainly his most famous role, Greta Garbo plays Ninotchka, a no-nonsense Communist sent on official business to Paris to finish up the sale of the Grand Duchess Swana's jewels for the Soviet government. In Paris, she meets Count Leon, both lawyer and on and off lover of the Grand Duchess (played by Melvyn Douglas) and the two hit it off, something the Grand Duchess does not like.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

I Met Him in Paris (1937) In this romantic comedy about two men competing for the same woman one winter in Paris and Switzerland, I route for George Potter played Melvyn Douglas. Claudette Colbert plays Kay Denham, the woman that both Melvyn Douglas and Robert Young (playing Gene Anders) want. Winter sports include bobsledding, skiing and ice skating.
Theodora Goes Wild (1936) Under the pseudonym of Theodora Lynn, small town girl Carolyn Adams writes a sensational novel entitled The Sinner which has her puritanical hometown all up in arms. Learning of her true identity, Melvyn Douglas who plays the dust jacket illustrator Michael Grant is determined to prove Theodora is not the wild woman that she claims she is.
Too Many Husbands (1940) When pronounced dead husband Bill Cardew (played by Fred MacMurray) returns home to find his wife Vicki (played by Jean Arthur) has remarried Henry Lowndes (played by Melvyn Douglas), both husbands learn that Vicki has no intention of giving either one up.
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) Here Melvyn Douglas plays Bill Cole "friend of the family" (actual quote from the film) in this delightful comedy about a married couple (played by Cary Grant and Myrna Loy) that buy their first home in the country, a real "money pit" - the house with never ending repairs.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sat, Apr 23, 2011 / 9:58:04 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1980 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role BEING THERE
Melvyn Douglas was not present at the awards ceremony. Co-presenter Liza Minnelli accepted the award on his behalf.
1971 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER
1964 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role HUD
Melvyn Douglas was not present at the awards ceremony. His co-star Brandon De Wilde accepted the award on his behalf.

VIVIEN LEIGH?

2011-04-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

VIVIEN LEIGH (1913–1967), born Vivian Mary Hartley

Haven't you seen A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)? She played Blanche DuBois.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Gone With the Wind (1939) She played Scarlett.
That Hamilton Woman (1941) She played Emma Lady Hamilton.
Waterloo Bridge (1940) She played Myra.
Ship of Fools (1965) She played Mary Treadwell.

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Apr 22, 2011 / 16:00:33 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1952 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
Vivien Leigh was not present at the awards ceremony. Greer Garson accepted on her behalf.
1940 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)

WALTER HUSTON?

2011-04-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

WALTER HUSTON (1884–1950), born Walter Houghston

Haven't you seen Dodsworth (1936)? He played Sam Dodsworth.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) He played Howard.
Rain (1932) He played Alfred Davidson.
American Madness (1932) He played Dickson.
The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941) He played Mr. Scratch.

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Apr 22, 2011 / 15:45:23 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1949 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
1943 Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
1942 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER (1941)
1937 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role DODSWORTH (1936)

RALPH RICHARDSON?

2011-04-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

RALPH RICHARDSON (1902–1983), born Ralph David Richardson

Haven't you seen The Fallen Idol (1948)? He played Baines.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Richard III (1955) He played Duke of Buckingham.
The Four Feathers (1939) He played Captain John Durrance.
No Man's Land (1978) He played Hirst.
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) He played The Sixth Earl of Greystoke.

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Fri, Apr 22, 2011 / 15:30:13 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1985 Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES (1984) Posthumously
1950 Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role THE HEIRESS (1949)

RICHARD BURTON?

2011-04-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

RICHARD BURTON (1925-1984), born Richard Walter Jenkins

Haven't you seen Becket (1964)? He played Thomas Becket.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1965) He played Alec Leamas.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) He played George.
Anne of a Thousand Days (1969) He played King Henry VIII.
1984 (1984) He played O'Brien.

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Mon, Apr 18 2011 / 8:25:04 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1978 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role EQUUS (1977)
1970 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role ANNE OF A THOUSAND DAYS (1969)
1967 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966)
1966 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD (1965)
1965 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role BECKET (1964)
1954 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role THE ROBE (1953)
1953 Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role MY COUSIN RACHEL (1952)

MICHAEL REDGRAVE?

2011-04-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

MICHAEL REDGRAVE (1908–1985), born Michael Scudamore Redgrave

Haven't you seen The Browning Version (1951)? He played Andrew Crocker-Harris.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Uncle Vanya (1963) He played Uncle Vanya.
The Dam Busters (1955) He played Doctor B. N. Wallis, C.B.E., F.R.S.
The Lady Vanishes (1938) He played Gilbert.
Time Without Pity (1957) He played David Graham.

*Contributed by: "Carolin" Date: Thurs, Apr 21, 2011 / 12:36:22 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1948 Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role: MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA (1947)

TERESA WRIGHT?

2011-04-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

TERESA WRIGHT (1918–2005), born Muriel Teresa Wright is an amazingly talented actress and the only actress ever to be nominated for Academy Awards for the first three of her films. Much to my disappointment and not being old enough, I was never able to see Teresa Wright on the big screen. I was first introduced to her on a 14 inch black and white television in my bedroom. Teresa Wright played opposite Gary Cooper, as the wife of baseball icon Lou Gehrig in The Pride of the Yankees. She completely captivated me. I had to see her in more films. Each time I saw her, I loved her all the more. She become my mentor for everything I felt I should be, good-hearted, beautiful, passionate, strong and fearless. All five films recommended in this showcase are part of my classic movie library.

Haven't you seen The Best Years of Our Lives (1942)? This movie is one of my all-time favorite classic films. It is an extremely moving story with a phenomenal cast. In addition to Teresa Wright, there is Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Virginia Mayo and newcomer Harold Russell. It's one of those films, I get choked up just talking about. It's a must-see for every classic film fan.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Pride of the Yankees (1942) Teresa Wright plays Eleanor Twitchell. My classic movie library would not be complete without this film. It made me a Gary Cooper fan as well.
Mrs. Miniver (1942) She plays Carol Beldon, the granddaughter of Mrs. Miniver played by Greer Garson (another huge favorite of mine). This film is excellently cast and one that I purchased the day it came to DVD.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) In this Hitchcock film, Teresa Wright plays the lead Charlotte 'Young Charlie' Newton opposite Joseph Cotten as the very scary Uncle Charlie Oakley. I continue to be on the edge of my seat with this one. I don't want anything to happen to my Teresa Wright.
Bill On His Own (1983) This was the second of two wonderful made-for-TV films starring Mickey Rooney as mentally challenged Bill Sackter. In this one Teresa Wright plays Mae Driscoll, the owner of a group home. She teaches Bill to read.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Mon, Apr 18 2011 / 10:18:04 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1943 Won Best Actress in a Supporting Role MRS. MINIVER (1942).
1943 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942).
1942 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role THE LITTLE FOXES (1941).

PAULETTE GODDARD?

2011-04-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

PAULETTE GODDARD (1910–1990), born Pauline Marion Goddard Levy.

Haven't you seen Reap the Wild Wind (1942)? Plays Loxi Claiborne. Also stars John Wayne.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Ghost Breakers (1940) Plays Mary Carter. This one is fun with Bob Hope.
Modern Times (1936) Plays A Gamin. This story is almost like today.
The Great Dictator (1940) Plays Hannah. This is fun for mistaken identity lovers, but gets preachy at the end.
The Forest Rangers (1942) Plays Celia Huston Stuart. It's a gooder; need I say more.

*Contributed by: "Tim Smith" Date: Tues, Apr 12 2011 20:30:16 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1944 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: SO PROUDLY WE HAIL!

Eric Jamborsky's TOP 20 FAVORITE SILENT STARS

2011-03-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

Listed here, in no particular order, are my all-time favorite silent film stars.

Lon Chaney

Mary Philbin

Stan Laurel

Oliver Hardy

Buster Keaton

Pauline Frederick

Lillian Gish (also in favorite sound star category)

Mack Swain

Charles Chaplin

Mabel Normand

Gloria Swanson

Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Mary Pickford

Richard Barthelmess

Alan Hale Sr.

John Barrymore

William S. Hart

Charlie Chase

Gibson Gowland

Conrad Veidt

*Contributed by: Eric Jamborsky Date: Thurs, Mar 31, 2011 / 16:47:13 PST

Autographed publicity still reads:
To Eric -
Regards
Hal Roach

ELIZABETH TAYLOR?

2011-03-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

DAME ELIZABETH TAYLOR (1932-2011), born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor

Haven't you seen Rhapsody (1954)? Elizabeth plays a spoiled rich girl who is going to a posh music conservatory as a pianist, however she isn't very good on the piano but she falls in love with a violinist who wins first place and goes off to play the violin all over the world. A pianist falls madly in love with her and on the rebound she marries him, and stays at the conservatory as his wife. She is not really in love with him but still yearns for the violinist. As a result of the marriage, the husband begins to drink heavily. The violinist shows up and she plans to run off with him. However, her father has a long talk with her and convinces her that she needs to get her husband on his feet again and back to his piano. The long hard climb gets him to the finals and he wins top honors in the piano competition.

If I tell you the rest, you won't see it, but I just loved this movie
even though I haven't seen it for years.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

National Velvet (1944) I saw National Velvet when I was a girl. It was very heart warming and I enjoyed it. For a while after I dreamed about having my own horse. Seeing Elizabeth as a young girl would still be a treat!
Raintree County (1957) Montgomery Clift and Eva Marie Saint were also featured in this movie and the costumes were in the same styles as Gone With the Wind. Actually, Montgomery was one of her good friends. There was a mistake in the music in the film...they were singing a song which was written one year after the time period in the movie.
Little Women (1949) Elizabeth played Amy March. Little Women was one of my favorites, even though Elizabeth had a smaller part than June Allyson. I loved the book and consequently the movie as well.
A Place in the Sun (1951) This is an adaptation of Theodore Dreiser's novel, An American Tragedy, although the characters' names have been changed. This film also stars Montgomery Clift.

*Contributed by: "Emily Omar" Date: Sun, Oct 2 2005 19:05:24 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1993 Won Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
1967 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966) Elizabeth Taylor was not present at the awards ceremony. Anne Bancroft accepted the award on her behalf.
1961 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role BUTTERFIELD 8 (1960)
1960 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (1959)
1959 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958)
1958 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role RAINTREE COUNTY (1957)

WILLIAM POWELL?

2011-03-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

WILLIAM POWELL (1892-1984), born William Horatio Powell

Haven't you seen Libeled Lady (1936)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Thin Man (1934)
My Man Godfrey (1936)
I Love You Again (1940)
Manhattan Melodrama (1934)

*Contributed by: "Vincent Paterno" Date: Sun, May 6 2001 / 10:11:58 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1934 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE THIN MAN
1936 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MY MAN GODFREY
1947 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: LIFE WITH FATHER

JANE RUSSELL?

2011-03-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

JANE RUSSELL (1921-2011), born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell

Haven't you seen Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Outlaw (1943)
Tall Men (1955)
His Kind of Woman (1951)
Son of Paleface (1952)

*Contributed by: "Kris AKA Mayzzie" Date: Mon, May 21 2001 / 21:18:11 PST

HERBERT LOM?

2010-12-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

HERBERT LOM was born September 11, 1917 in Bohemia as Herbert Charles Angelo Kuchacevich Schluderpacheru. He has had a long career in film, on television and on the stage. A fine dramatic actor, he is probably best know as Commissioner Charles Dreyfus in the Pink Panther films.

Haven't you seen A Shot In The Dark (1964)? Here was where Lom first played Charles Dreyfus. In this second film of the "Pink Panther" series, Lom came close to stealing the whole film away from star Peter Sellers. They worked splendidly together throughout the series creating many moments of classic comedy.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Phantom Of The Opera (1962) Lom portrayed the most sympathetic Phantom, Professor L. Petrie, whose Opera is stolen by the slimy Lord Ambrose D'Arcy. The mayhem is left to the Phantom's assistant. Lord Ambrose is played by Michael Gough, another of the excellent British character actors.
Mysterious Island (1961) Lom is Captain Nemo in Ray Harryhausen's filming of the Jules Verne yarn.
Third Man On The Mountain (1959) Lom is Emil Saxo, a mountain climbing guide. This has some of the best mountaineering footage of any movie made.

The Ladykillers (1955) Lom and Peter Sellers appeared together for the first time in this delightful Ealing comedy starring Alec Guinness. This is a true classic which spawned a truly awful remake. This is a must-see for any film fan.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Feb 10 2007 / 12:28:58 PST

Autographed still provided by: Eric Jamborsky
Text reads: Herbert Lom

CARY GRANT?

2010-11-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

CARY GRANT (1904-1986), born Archibald Alexander Leach

The wonderful and gorgeous Cary Grant is my favourite actor - just ask any of my friends and work colleagues. They tend to tremble and shake and bring out the sharp knives whenever I mention his illustrious name. Anyway, who can blame me for my obsession.

Haven't you seen The Awful Truth (1937)? A marvelous screwball comedy; a riot from beginning to end, co-starring my favourite Cary Grant leading lady, Irene Dunne. The film also co-stars Asta, the screwball comedy dog.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)
An Affair to Remember (1957) This was a remake of the 1939 film Love Affair. Irene Dunne starred in that, alongside Charles Boyer. Many critics say that this was a superior film to the Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr version An Affair To Remember. Personally, I would have LOVED to see Irene Dunne and Cary Grant in this film - I think that would have been the perfect pairing.
North by Northwest (1950)
The Bishop's Wife (1947) Every time I watch it I start crying just that bit earlier because I know what's coming up. I'm now at the stage where I cry as the opening credits roll. Soon I'll be crying as I get the video out of its box. Oh well....

*Contributed by: "Donna Moore" Date: Sat, May 5 2001 / 20:44:55 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1941 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: PENNY SERENADE
1944 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART
1969 Honorary and Other Awards: For his unique mastery of the art of screen acting with the respect and affection of his colleagues. Winner presented a Statuette.

ELVIS PRESLEY?

2010-11-14T00:51:00.000-08:00

ELVIS PRESLEY (1935-1977), born Elvis Aron Presley

My education of Elvis Presley the actor truly began long after his death. It was when I ran across several of his films on DVD for sale at very low prices. Before purchasing any of them however, I asked the biggest Elvis fan I knew which films he felt were Elvis's best. In high school, my friend Steve Barker not only had the third largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in America and had met the man once, Steve had impersonated Elvis, giving full concerts using authentic costumes from his collection. It was at one of Steve's concert performances that I truly grasped what Elvis meant to the world. I found myself screaming hysterically along with the rest of the drama class groupies. Had it truly been Elvis, I think I would have fainted.

Today, it's hard to imagine that there is anyone in the civilized world that has not heard of Elvis Presley. Even the Chilean miners trapped under ground for months in 2010 had sung Elvis songs to keep up their spirits. It is true that Elvis will always be known for his great musical talent, his good looks, charisma, showmanship, dedication to his craft, and kindness to his friends, and strangers alike. His appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, in which he was filmed solely from the waist up, is a landmark of television and music history in America.

What you may not know however is how fine an actor Elvis Presley was, as well. He starred in thirty-one films between 1956 and 1969 and despite making movies that can be called sheer musical fluff, Elvis never failed to deliver a good performance, often standing well above the material he was given.

It was shortly after one of the Chilean miners sang on television a little Elvis for David Letterman during an interview shortly after the monumental rescue, that I began watching those Elvis movies that my friend had recommended in addition to any and all I found for sale. Having seen maybe two films with weak plots as a teen, I didn't expect much, but much to my surprise, I learned Elvis had done a variety of dramatic roles with very good dialog, strong characters, and sound plot lines, too. I found myself driven to watch him in film after film. I now understood why my friend Steve had been so captivated by Elvis in his youth, watching an Elvis movie on television.

Despite Elvis Presley never being recognized with an Academy Award, he truly did have something as an actor. His movies are worth a look. Possibly like me, you'll want to own several and watch them again and again. I'm grateful for the preservation of his films. It has been wonderful to learn that Elvis always did his very best, how every movie he made earned money and collectively grew to be what became known as the man's own genre "The Elvis Movie."

Haven't you seen Love Me Tender (1956)? This was Elvis's first film. It was also my first purchase. This is a western that takes place at the end of the U.S. Civil War. Everyone in this film gives a good performance. I enjoyed this film so much that I had to see more Elvis movies.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Follow That Dream (1962) This is a delightful comedy, certainly one that I will watch again and again.
Jailhouse Rock (1957) This film surprised me. I had seen the Jailhouse Rock musical clip from this movie for years, but didn't know the film that housed it. What a great story about the rise of true talent in the music industry. Elvis's performance is superb.
King Creole (1958) This was Elvis's favorite performance. It is directed by Michael Curtiz. It takes place in New Orleans. The music is fantastic from beginning to end.
Kid Galahad (1962) In this one, Elvis does some boxing. You'll have to watch to see how he does.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Sun, Nov 14 2010 / 22:15:38 PST

HAYLEY MILLS?

2010-11-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

HAYLEY MILLS (1946-Present), born Hayley Catherine Rose Vivien Mills in London, England

The Parent Trap (1961) was my first Hayley Mills film. It aired on television in black and white and edited form to allow time for commercials. I was fascinated by the idea that one person could play twins, what's more that both characters could be on screen at the same time. The film was both funny and charming. I enjoyed talking about it the next day with my friends at elementary school. It was much later that I learned of the film's use of split screen techniques and a body double. Despite this knowledge, the magic that the film possessed did not diminish. I found myself watching it again and again, each time finding something new and endearing, as I aged with the film. It wasn't until I watched The Parent Trap on DVD that I saw those missing scenes that Disney and sponsors had found acceptable to delete. I had no idea, for example, that Maggie McKendrick (played by Maureen O'Hara) sang to her daughter the song that played on her first date with Mitch, her girls' father. This heartwarming film grew to be one of my favorite family films. I went on to watch Hayley Mills in other films. Listed here are some of my favorites. I hope that you will find her as captivating as I have.

Haven't you seen The Parent Trap (1961)? This is a Disney film that I never get tired of seeing. Here Mills plays two parts, each half of a set of twins with a mission to get their parents, played by Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith, back together.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Pollyanna (1960) This is an uplifting Disney film about the good example of one child making a difference to an entire town, simply by spreading good cheer.
The Chalk Garden (1964) Here Hayley Mills plays a troubled youth with Deborah Kerr, her governess, out to help her.
Summer Magic (1963) I like the locale, Maine in the summer. I like who's in it, Hayley Mills, Dorothy McGuire and Burl Ives. I like the story, family life on a shoestring. I like the music. "On the Front Porch" is a lovely song.
That Darn Cat (1965) This is a funny story about teenage Hayley Mills helping F.B.I. agent Dean Jones use her cat to find a kidnapped woman.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Fri, May 18 2001 / 08:22:11 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1960 Honorary and Other Awards: For POLLYANNA, the most outstanding juvenile performance during 1960. Winner presented a Miniature Statuette.

HUGH MARLOWE?

2010-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw HUGH MARLOWE (1911-1982), born Hugh Herbert Hipple, was in All About Eve (1950). All About Eve was one of those gems I'd somehow missed in my youth and saw it later when my kids were entering their teens. In this film, Hugh Marlowe played this egotistical playright. He was very good, as was the rest of the cast. Later, I saw him in Monkey Business being scalped by Cary Grant (well, he was given a mohawk actually). I thought Marlowe was great as the jerk lawyer that I wanted to slap. Marlowe played many solemn educated men over the span of his career. He played leads, second leads and character parts. His most productive period was during the early 1950s. Now, that Twentieth Century Fox is releasing so many of their great films on DVD, I'm seeing more of Hugh Marlowe. He was one of their prominently featured actors. I hope you'll look for him.

Haven't you seen The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)? In this wonderful sci-fi drama, Hugh Marlowe played the selfish fiance of Helen Benson played by Patricia Neal. Michael Rennie played Klaatu, an alien from outer space who came to Earth on a peace mission to encourage us to stop our usage of nuclear weapons. A key player in this story is Helen Benson's son Bobby who is played by Billy Gray. It's a wonderful film.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

All About Eve (1950) He played Lloyd Richards.
Monkey Business (1952) [aka: Be Your Age; Howard Hawks' Monkey Business (USA: complete title)] He played Hank Entwhistle and he deserved that Mohawk.
Come to the Stable (1949) He played Robert Masen.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) He played Col. Darly.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Thurs, Aug 17, 2006 / 09:54:28 PST

GRETA GARBO?

2010-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

GRETA GARBO (1905-1990), born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, epitomized the word "Star" during Hollywood's Golden Age. While not outgoing, she was not a recluse either, having a close circle of friends until her death.

Haven't you seen Grand Hotel (1932)? Garbo's ballerina Grusenskaya falls for fallen aristocrat John Barrymore. Garbo's performance is haunting and this is where she uttered the classic line, "I want to be alone." Superb!

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Ninotchka (1939) Here Garbo is the polar opposite of her character in Grand Hotel. She is a hard-nosed Commissar slowly seduced by capitalism in this wonderful comedy.
Camille (1936) Here Garbo is another tragic heroine, a glamorous courtesan succumbing to consumption. An incredibly handsome Robert Taylor is her conquest.
Queen Christina (1933) Her final scene is haunting as she looks beyond the camera. She said director Rouben Mamoulian told her to "think of nothing." Beautiful.
Anna Christie (1930) Garbo Talks!! Her first sound film, and what a doozy. It's directed by Clarence Brown from a play by Eugene O'Neill.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Wed, Oct 12 2005 / 13:53:38 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1929 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: ROMANCE
1929 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: ANNA CHRISTIE
1937 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: CAMILLE
1939 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: NINOTCHKA
1954 Honorary and Other Awards , for her unforgettable screen performances. Winner presented a Statuette.

TONY CURTIS?

2010-09-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

I can't remember a time I didn't know who TONY CURTIS (1925-2010) was. I even remember him animated in an episode of "The Flintstones". Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz, when his career began played mostly glamour-boy roles with those sparkling eyes of his, gorgeous hair, winning smile and cleft chin. He went on from there to play more substantial roles. I own many favorites.
Tony Curtis is a fine actor.

Haven't you seen Some Like It Hot (1959)? This is one of the funniest movies ever made about two men that witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and join an all-girl orchestra to escape being killed by the Mob in Chicago. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon are hilarious in drag.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Defiant Ones (1958) This is a very serious movie about two escaped convicts in the deep South shackled together, one white (Curtis) and one black (Sidney Poitier).
The Great Impostor (1961) This is a biography of the incredible story of Ferdinand Demara (played by Curtis), a man who succeeded in a variety of professional guises without any certification or diplomas.
Houdini (1953) It's hard to pick just five Tony Curtis films. There are so many good ones. This was the first one I'd ever seen. I hear it isn't that factual, but I love it just the same. Tony Curtis is wonderful as Houdini, the world's greatest magician.
Operation Petticoat (1959) This is a comedy that stars both Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. It's sheer fun from beginning to end. I love Curtis in this one, as the con artist who gets the job done.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Fri, Feb 15 2002 / 14:08:00 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1958 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE DEFIANT ONES

RONALD COLMAN?

2010-09-09T04:19:00.000-07:00

RONALD COLMAN (1891-1958), born Ronald Charles Colman

I found this description of him online; I couldn't do better.

Ronald Colman was the personification of the gentleman hero, a type that was perhaps already 'Olde World' when Colman reigned as a star over fifty years ago. His idealism, integrity, and graciousness belong to a time that has since disappeared altogether. There is an ethereal quality about Colman that harks back to that gentler, simpler world, one we can now only visit through his films. For such a gentle man, he had a core of strength, an adherence to his own code of honor like steel - incorruptible and immovable. He could swashbuckle with the best of 'em, his comedic timing was priceless, and as a romantic star he was unsurpassed. He was saved from being too staid by a delicious wit, a twinkle in his eye that showed us he could laugh at himself and at others if need be. And always he gave us that wistfulness - it was in his eyes, in his mannerisms, and especially in that voice. That modulated, liquid voice. His way of speaking, with the hesitations, the pauses between words, somehow conveyed his vulnerability as well as his sophistication - a tantalizing combination that has not lost its power to enthrall.

Text reprinted with permission:
Ravin' Maven of Classic Film Pages http://themave.com/

Haven't you seen A Tale of Two Cities (1935)? Ronald Colman gives a touching performance as Sydney Carton, a dissolute lawyer who sacrifices his life for those he loves.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Random Harvest (1942) Ronald Colman and Greer Garson star in this extraordinary movie.
A Double Life (1947) Here Ronald Colman plays an actor who gets a little too much into his part.
Lost Horizon (1937)
Bulldog Drummond (1929)

*Contributed by: "Katie Connolly" Date: Fri, Dec 14 2001 / 12:26:20 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1929 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: CONDEMNED
1929 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: BULLDOG DRUMMOND
1942 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: RANDOM HARVEST
1947 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: A DOUBLE LIFE

MARGARET O'BRIEN?

2010-08-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

MARGARET O'BRIEN (1937-Present), born Angela Maxine O'Brien

Haven't you seen Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)? By far her most well-known, most memorable role.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945) In my opinion, her best role next to Meet Me in St. Louis.
Lost Angel (1944) This film was made before her breakthrough in Meet Me in St. Louis, but we can already see her emerging talent here.
Three Wise Fools (1946) A movie somewhat outside the mainstream that shows how versatile she was.
The Secret Garden (1949) One of the best of her later movies.

*Contributed by: "Lila M." Date: Thu, May 10 2001 / 10:47:42 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1944 Honorary and Other Awards: Outstanding child actress of 1944. Winner presented a Miniature Statuette.

DEBBIE REYNOLDS?

2010-07-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

DEBBIE REYNOLDS (1932-Present), born Mary Frances Reynolds

When Debbie Reynolds was only sixteen she entered the Miss Burbank Beauty Contest and won. Talent scouts from Hollywood approached her and she was signed by Warner Bros. She made her film debut as a teenage extra in June Bride starring Bette Davis.

Haven't you seen Singin' in the Rain (1952)? It's a wonderful musical also starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, as Debbie's friends. She portrays Kathy Sheldon who interestingly enough dubs over the voice of silent movie star Lina Lamont (played by Jean Hagen) who was never meant to be in talkies. You'll see and hear why. This is interesting because it was Debbie Reynolds who was dubbed over in her earlier film Three Little Words. Singin' in the Rain made with MGM was truly Debbie's first big break and the rest was stardom.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Three Little Words (1950) Debbie portrayed Helen Kane - the boop-boop-e-doop girl, wearing a black wig and a sailor outfit. Even though her vocals of "I Wanna Be Loved by You" were dubbed over by the actual Helen Kane, Debbie charmed studio executives with her performance that they gave her voice lessons, diction lessons, acting lessons, ballet lessons, tap lessons, as well as showing her anything else she needed to become a successful actress.
The Tender Trap (1955) This film had Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm in the cast. The best line in the show is from Celeste when she mimics Debbie and gets annoyed that her boyfriend (Sinatra) is falling for Debbie.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) In this musical, Debbie becomes a hero when she heads off in a lifeboat as the Titanic is sinking and keeps the rest of the people in the boat feeling safe.
The Singing Nun (1966) This musical is both cute and fun to watch.

*Contributed by: "Emily Omar" Date: Thurs, Nov 17 2005 / 16:19:49 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1964 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Who Are...HUDSON AND DAY?

2010-07-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

You really should know who HUDSON AND DAY are! Rock Hudson (1925-1985), born Roy Harold Scherer Jr., and Doris Day (1924-Present), born Doris Mary Ann Von Kappelhoff, made three light-hearted and fun romantic comedies together.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Pillow Talk (1959)? Doris plays Jan Morrow and Rock plays Brad Allen who share the same "party line". A great laugh and some very funny scenes. See that and watch them in the next two films.

Lover Come Back (1961) Rock and Doris play rival advertising agents in this fun romantic comedy
Send Me No Flowers (1964) Rock plays a man who thinks he is dying but isn't and tries to find a new husband for his wife.

*Contributed by: Nina M. Date: Tues, Jul 25 2006 / 17:02:35 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
Doris Day
1959 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: PILLOW TALK
Rock Hudson
1956 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: GIANT

Who Are...ABBOTT AND COSTELLO?

2010-06-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

You really should know who ABBOTT AND COSTELLO are! Bud Abbott (1895-1974), born William Alexander Abbott, and Lou Costello (1906-1959), born Louis Francis Cristillo, are without a doubt, the best comedy team captured on celluloid from the 1940s.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)? The boys at their best in the "Meet" series of films. And it also had Lugosi, Strange, Price, and Chaney, Jr.

See that and watch them in the following:

One Night in the Tropics (1940) While not the stars, this introduced the boys to film.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Cops (1949)
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953) They played well with Boris Karloff
Jack and the Beanstalk (1952) This one is a lark, if you can find it. I found it to be entertaining. Also had Glenn Strange in it.

*Contributed by: "Tim Smith" Date: Feb 17 2002 / 14:34:42

Don't Know...DOROTHY ARZNER?

2010-05-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

You really should know who DOROTHY ARZNER (1897-1979) is! Dorothy Arzner is a popular director in the 1920s and 1930s, Dorothy started as a stenographer, then moved up to Script Girl, then to Editor. She edited several major films including Blood And Sand and The Covered Wagon. In the late 1940s she moved into television production. She later taught at UCLA. Francis Ford Coppola was one of her students.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Christopher Strong (1933) This was a showcase for the young Katharine Hepburn.

See that and pay attention to the following four films:
Craig's Wife (1936) This is the film that made Rosalind Russell into a major star.
Merrily We Go To Hell (1932) Frederic March starred and Cary Grant was in a supporting role.
Bride Wore Red (1937) Joan Crawford starred.
First Comes Courage (1943) This was Dorothy's final feature. Merle Oberon starred.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Date: Jun 21 2002 / 18:45:41 PST

Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph's BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR

2010-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

VERSUS

For quite some time, my readers have asked to see one big list of what I consider my all-time favorite films. They have wanted to know the full range of my tastes, what year I consider the best in movie history, if I like any modern movies or do I ever see movies today at the cinema. Although many movie buff declare 1939 as the best year in movie history, My favorite year is 1941. I do like many modern films, but I do not go to the cinema very often. I probably see only three films on the big screen per year. The rest I watch at home. So, how I would go about making such a comprehensive list frankly had me stumped. It was because of my great love for so many classic films that I created this blog. To my heart’s desire, I could make as many favorite lists that I wanted, each with a much narrower scope.

Then, it came to me. Why don’t I name one film for every year, sort of my version of Best Picture of the Year. And so, I began. At first, there were years that I feared I wouldn’t find anything from which to choose. Then, there were years like 1939 that I felt guilty choosing one film over another. The Wizard of Oz; Gone With the Wind; The Wizard of Oz; Gone With the Wind; The Wizard of Oz; Gone With the Wind...The Debate Continues.

As flawed and not so flawed as my all-time favorites list is, these are my personal choices for Best Picture of the Year. The films asterisked are those that I currently own on DVD. The others are those I hope to own. My “other nominees” listed were added later from sheer guilt. It bothered me to list only one film per year, especially for 1941. Many nominees are sheer guilty pleasures. I do not consider my sheer fluff nominees worthy of Best Picture of the Year. These films are simply those that I watch over and over. I hope you enjoy my list. It should spark a few comments. Hopefully, it will inspire you to watch something new to you.

MY CHOICES FOR BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR

1927 Sunrise: A Song for Two Humans*
1928 Steamboat Bill, Jr.
1929 The Broadway Melody
1930 Raffles
(other nominees: Animal Crackers*)
1931 City Lights
1932 Red Dust
(other nominees: Emma; Mr. Robinson Crusoe*)
1933 Calvacade
(other nominees: Duck Soup*; Little Women; Baby Face)
1934 It Happened One Night*
(other nominees: The Thin Man*; Imitation of Life; The Gay Divorcee*)
1935 A Night at the Opera*
(other nominees: Captain Blood; A Tale of Two Cities; Top Hat; Les misérables)
1936 Mr. Deeds Goes to Town*
(other nominees: My Man Godfrey*; After the Thin Man*; Show Boat; San Francisco; Libeled Lady; Rose Marie; Theodora Goes Wild)
1937 Captains Courageous*
(other nominees: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*; Lost Horizon; The Awful Truth*; A Day at the Races*; Stage Door; Shall We Dance*; Easy Living)
1938 The Adventures of Robin Hood*
(other nominees: Bringing Up Baby*; Holiday*; Boys Town; A Christmas Carol; Alexander's Ragtime Band*)
1939 Gone With the Wind*
(other nominees: The Wizard of Oz*; Ninotchka*; Midnight; Stagecoach; Goodbye, Mr. Chips; Another Thin Man*; Bachelor Mother; In Name Only; On Borrowed Time; Wuthering Heights)
1940 My Favorite Wife*
(other nominees: Fantasia; Pinocchio*; Rebecca; Pride and Prejudice; The Thief of Bagdad; The Mark of Zorro*; The Westerner)
1941 Sullivan's Travels*
(other nominees: Dumbo*; Citizen Kane; The Maltese Falcon; Sergeant York*; Moon Over Miami*; Meet John Doe*; Shadow of the Thin Man*; How Green Was My Valley*; Ball of Fire; Penny Serenade*; Blossoms in the Dust; Keep 'Em Flying*)
1942 The Pride of the Yankees*
(other nominees: Casablanca; Bambi*; To Be or Not to Be; Mrs. Miniver; Yankee Doodle Dandy; Random Harvest; The Talk of the Town*; Holiday Inn; This Gun for Hire)
1943 The Song of Bernadette*
(other nominees: Shadow of a Doubt; The More the Merrier; Lassie Come Home; Madame Curie)
1944 Meet Me in St. Louis
(other nominees: Double Indemnity; Arsenic and Old Lace*; To Have and Have Not; Laura*; National Velvet*)
1945 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
(other nominees: The Sprial Staircase; State Fair*; The Thin Man Goes Home*; Christmas in Connecticut*; Without Love; The Corn is Green; Our Vines Have Tender Grapes; Brewster's Millions)
1946 It's a Wonderful Life*
(other nominees: The Big Sleep; The Best Years of Our Lives*; The Killers; Anna and the King of Siam*)
1947 Miracle on 34th Street*
(other nominees: Life With Father*; The Ghost and Mrs. Muir*; Gentleman's Agreement*; The Bishop's Wife*; The Bachelor and the Bobby-soxer*; Song of the Thin Man*; Lady in the Lake; The Egg and I*)
1948 Call Northside 777*
(other nominees: Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein*; I Remember Mama*; The Snake Pit*; Easter Parade*; Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House*; Portrait of Jennie; Johnny Belinda*; Romance on the High Seas*; All My Sons; Apartment for Peggy; The Fuller Brush Man)
1949 Holiday Affair*
(other nominees: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon; Adam's Rib*; Little Women; I Was a Male War Bride*; In the Good Old Summertime; The Further Adventures of Ma and Pa Kettle*; The Stratton Story; Father Was a Fullback)
1950 All About Eve*
(other nominees: Mister 880; Cinderella*; Winchester '73*; Rio Grande; Cheaper by the Dozen*; Broken Arrow*; Born Yesterday; Halls of Montezuma; The Fuller Brush Girl; The Miniver Story)
1951 A Christmas Carol/Scrooge*
(other nominees: On Moonlight Bay*; Alice in Wonderland*; The Day the Earth Stood Still*; An American in Paris; Show Boat; People Will Talk*; Angels in the Outfield*; The Mating Season)
1952 The Quiet Man*
(other nominees: Singin' in the Rain*; High Noon; Ikiru; Monkey Business*; Hans Christian Andersen; Pat and Mike*; Room For One More; The Stooge; Belles On Their Toes*; The Winning Team*; It Grows On Trees)
1953 The Band Wagon
(other nominees: Roman Holiday*; Peter Pan*; From Here to Eternity; Calamity Jane*; Titanic*; The Long, Long Trailer*; By the Light of the Silvery Moon*; Houdini)
1954 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers*
(other nominees: Rear Window*; 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea*; White Christmas*; Brigadoon*; The Glenn Miller Story*)
1955 To Catch a Thief*
(other nominees: Mister Roberts; Lady and the Tramp*; Oklahoma!*; The Court Jester*; Marty; We're No Angels*; The Tender Trap*)
1956 Friendly Persuasion*
(other nominees: The Ten Commandments; The Searchers*; The King and I*; Forbidden Planet; Carousel; Anastasia; The Girl Can't Help It; The Solid Gold Cadillac; The Benny Goodman Story)
1957 Desk Set*
(other nominees: 12 Angry Men*; The Bridge on the River Kwai; Funny Face*; An Affair to Remember*; Love in the Afternoon*; Old Yeller*; Sayonara; Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison; Silk Stockings)
1958 Gigi*
(other nominees: South Pacific*; No Time for Sergeants; The Defiant Ones; Bell, Book and Candle*; The Inn of Sixth Happiness*; Indiscreet; Teacher's Pet*; Rock-a-bye Baby)
1959 North by Northwest*
(other nominees: Some Like It Hot*; Sleeping Beauty*; Rio Bravo*; The Diary of Anne Frank*; Journey to the Center of the Earth*; Imitation of Life; Pillow Talk*; Darby O'Gill and the Little People*; Operation Petticoat; It Happened to Jane*)
1960 Pollyanna*
(other nominees: The Apartment*; North to Alaska*; Swiss Family Robinson*; Please Don't Eat the Daisies*; It Started in Naples*; Bells are Ringing*)
1961 West Side Story*
(other nominees: One Hundred and One Dalmatians*; Breakfast at Tiffany's*; The Parent Trap*; Flower Drum Song*; The Absent-Minded Professor*; Pocketful of Miracles; Come September*; Lover Come Back*; The Great Impostor)
1962 The Music Man*
(other nominees: Lawrence of Arabia; To Kill a Mockingbird; The Miracle Worker; Light in the Piazza; Gay Purr-ee; That Touch of Mink*)
1963 It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World*
(other nominees: Donovan's Reef*; The Sword and the Stone*; Charade*; The Pink Panther*; Move Over, Darling*; The Courtship of Eddie's Father)
1964 Mary Poppins*
(other nominees: My Fair Lady*; Father Goose*; The Moon-Spinners*; The Incredible Mr. Limpet*; The Unsinkable Molly Brown*; The Chalk Garden; Man's Favorite Sport*)
1965 The Sound of Music*
(other nominees: A Thousand Clowns; Doctor Zhivago; A Patch of Blue; That Darn Cat!*; Strange Bedfellows*)
1966 Follow Me, Boys!*
(other nominees: Born Free*; Batman; This Property is Condemned; The Trouble With Angels*; The Glass Bottom Boat*; The Ugly Dachshund*; The Man Called Flintstone; The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming)
1967 To Sir With Love*
(other nominees: The Jungle Book*; Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; In the Heat of the Night; Wait Until Dark; Barefoot in the Park*; The Happiest Millionaire; Doctor Doolittle; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; The Reluctant Astronaut*; Half a Sixpence*)
1968 Oliver!*
(other nominees: 2001: A Space Odyssey*; Yours, Mine and Ours*; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang*; Funny Girl*; Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows*; The Love Bug*)
1969 True Grit*
(other nominees: Cactus Flower; Support Your Local Sheriff!; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)
1970 On a Clear Day You Can See Forever*
(other nominees: The AristoCats*; The Railway Children; Airport; Rio Lobo; Colossus: The Forbin Project)
1971 Fiddler on the Roof*
(other nominees: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*; Bedknobs and Broomsticks*; And Now for Something Completely Different)
1972 The Poseidon Adventure*
(other nominees: Jeremiah Johnson*; What's Up Doc?*; The Cowboys*; Butterflies Are Free; Snoopy Come Home*)
1973 The Sting
(other nominees: The Way We Were; Paper Moon; Westworld; Charlotte's Web*; The Paper Chase)
1974 That's Entertainment!
(other nominees: Young Frankenstein; The Great Gatsby)
1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*
(other nominees: Return of the Pink Panther*; Jaws)
1976 Rocky
(other nominees: Network; Murder by Death; The Pink Panther Strikes Again*; Freaky Friday*)
1977 Close Encounters of the Third Kind
(other nominees: Star Wars; Annie Hall; Saturday Night Fever; The Rescuers; The Goodbye Girl*; The Turning Point; Candleshoe; Oh God!)
1978 Heaven Can Wait
(other nominees: Foul Play; Same Time, Next Year*)
1979 Breaking Away*
(other nominees: A Little Romance*; Norma Rae; The Black Stallion*; Life of Brian)
1980 From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China*
(other nominees: The Competition; The Gods Must Be Crazy; Nine to Five*; Coal Miner's Daughter; Private Benjamin; My Bodyguard; Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back)
1981 Chariots of Fire
(other nominees: Raiders of the Lost Ark; On Golden Pond; Arthur; The Chosen; Condorman)
1982 An Officer and a Gentleman
(other nominees: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial; Tootsie; The Man from Snowy River; Savannah Smiles)
1983 Yentl
(other nominees: Trading Places*; Flashdance; War Games*; A Christmas Story*; The Dead Zone; Silkwood; Terms of Endearment; Max Dugan Returns)
1984 The Dollmaker
(other nominees: Sixteen Candles; This is Spinal Tap; Amadeus; The Karate Kid; Romancing the Stone; The Natural; Splash; Purple Rain)
1985 Anne of Green Gables*
(other nominees: Back to the Future*; The Breakfast Club; The Color Purple; Desperately Seeking Susan)
1986 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
(other nominees: Ruthless People; The Mission; Top Gun)
1987 Good Morning Vietnam
(other nominees: Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel/Anne of Avonlea*; Moonstruck*; Baby Boom; Roxanne*; The Brave Little Toaster*; La Bamba)
1988 Stand and Deliver*
(other nominees: Big*; Rain Man; Working Girl)
1989 Field of Dreams*
(other nominees: A Little Mermaid*; Steel Magnolias)
1990 Awakenings
(other nominees: Home Alone; Ghost; Pretty Woman; Kindergarten Cop)
1991 Beauty and the Beast*
(other nominees: White Fang; Doc Hollywood*; City Slickers; Hook*)
1992 A League of Their Own*
(other nominees: Aladdin*; Newsies*; Chaplin; Sister Act; Far and Away*)
1993 The Fugitive*
(other nominees: Mrs. Doubtfire; Groundhog Day*; Sleepless in Seattle*; In Search of Bobby Fischer)
1994 Forrest Gump
(other nominees: Il postino; Little Women*; The Lion King*; Only You*; Quiz Show; The Santa Clause*)
1995 Pride and Prejudice*
(other nominees: Babe*; Sense and Sensibility*; Toy Story; Mr. Holland's Opus; French Kiss*; A Goofy Movie*)
1996 Jerry Maguire*
(other nominees: Emma; Independence Day*; Matilda*)
1997 Good Will Hunting
(other nominees: La vita è bella/Life is Beautiful; Titanic*; My Best Friend's Wedding*; Liar, Liar*; The Saint*; Hercules; Anastasia)
1998 Meet Joe Black*
(other nominees: Pleasantville*; Mulan*; The Mask of Zorro*; You've Got Mail*; City of Angels*; Les misérables; Ever After*; Patch Adams; Smoke Signals*; Horatio Hornblower: The Duel*; Horatio Hornblower: The Fire Ship*)
1999 The Cider House Rules
(other nominees: Horatio Hornblower: The Wrong War*; Horatio Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil*; Runaway Bride*; October Sky*; 10 Things I Hate About You*; Blast from the Past*)
2000 Almost Famous*
(other nominees: Lorna Doone*; Finding Forrester*; Remember the Titans*; Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?; Wo hu cang long/Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*; Return to Me)
2001 Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India*
(other nominees: Dil Chahta Hai*; Horatio Hornblower: Mutiny*; Horatio Hornblower: Retribution*; I am Sam*; A Beautiful Mind; Monsters, Inc.*; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*)
2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(other nominees: Catch Me If You Can*; A Walk to Remember*; Spider-Man*; Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones; The Count of Monte Cristo)
2003 Seabiscuit*
(other nominees: Horatio Hornblower: Loyalty*; Horatio Hornblower: Duty*; Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl*; Bagbhan*; Under the Tuscan Sun*; What a Girl Wants*; Johnny English*)
2004 Dear Frankie
(other nominees: Les choristes; Spider-Man 2*; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*; Hotel Rwanda)
2005 The Corpse Bride*
(other nominees: Howl's Moving Castle; Batman Begins; The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants*; In Her Shoes; Just Like Heaven*; Hitch*; Elizabethtown*)
2006 The Pursuit of Happyness*
(other nominees: The Devil Wears Prada; The Holiday*; A Good Year; The Lake House*; Dreamgirls*; Penelope)
2007 Ratatouille*
(other nominees: Freedom Writers*; Sicko; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*; Juno)
2008 Wall-E*
(other nominees: Kung Fu Panda*; The Ramen Girl; Bolt; Get Smart; Iron Man; Mamma Mia!)
2009 Up*
(other nominees: Sherlock Holmes; Star Trek; The Blind Side*; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince*)
2010 Toy Story 3*
(other nominees: The Social Network; Inception*; Megamind*; Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World; The King's Speech; Knight and Day; Flipped*; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1)

*Contributed by "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Thurs, Dec 7, 2006 15:35 PST

Asterisked titles are those films that the contributor owns on DVD or Blu-Ray.

Movie stills displayed: The Wizard of Oz (1939); Gone With the Wind (1939)

Note: Web page is updated annually. Other nominees listed are in no particular order.

JANET LEIGH?

2010-03-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

JANET LEIGH (1927-2004) born Jeanette Helen Morrison

It was 1960, the year that I was born, that my pregnant mother went to the cinema with her sister to see a film starring Janet Leigh. Little did this young woman know that the lovely actress of whom she had known from several light-hearted pictures was to be murdered after only forty-five minutes of on screen time. The film was Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and the role was one that would earn Janet Leigh both a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award nomination. I was pre-teenager when my master storyteller mother told me the entire plot of this film. She frightened me so much that afternoon, that to this day, I have never seen the movie. Regretably, I have seen the infamous mad slasher moment more times than I have wanted. It seemed that whenever I was home alone as a teenager during a thunder storm, watching television in my bedroom, Psycho was airing on one of the channels. I'd be turning the knob through the entire rotation of twelve channels, as quickly as I could to avoid seeing any horror movies, and there would be Janet Leigh in the throws of that grizzly shower scene without fail. I grew determined to see why my mother wanted to see a movie starring Janet Leigh in the first place. Mom claimed that she was a wonderful actress and very sweet natured, one whom Mom liked very much. By the time that I had children of my own, I was familiar with several of Janet Leigh's films and I agreed with my mother. Janet Leigh was delightful.

Haven't you seen Holiday Affair (1949)? Janet Leigh plays a single mom named Connie Ennis. Robert Mitchum and Wendell Corey also star, but it is truly Gordon Gebert that steals the show, playing Connie's son Timmy. This is one of my favorite Christmas films of all-time. I watch it every year and recommend it be part of your holiday collection.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

My Sister Eileen (1955) She plays Eileen Sherwood.
Houdini (1953) She plays Bess Houdini, alongside her real life husband (from 1951-1962) Tony Curtis who plays the lead. You may know their daughter in real life, actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
Angels in the Outfield (1951) She plays Jennifer Paige.
Little Women (1949) She plays Meg March.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Fri, Mar 26, 2010 / 22:27:28 PDT

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1960 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: PSYCHO

GREER GARSON?

2010-03-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

GREER GARSON (1904-1996), born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson

Haven't you seen Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Mrs. Miniver (1942)
Pride and Prejudice (1940)
Random Harvest (1942)
When Ladies Meet (1941)

Contributed by: "Katie Connolly" Date: Thurs, May 10 2001 / 22:38:41 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1939 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS
1941 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST
1942 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: MRS. MINIVER
1943 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: MADAME CURIE
1944 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: MRS. PARKINGTON
1945 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE VALLEY OF DECISION
1960 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO

ANN MILLER?

2010-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

ANN MILLER (1923-2004), born Lucille Ann Collier

Haven't you seen On the Town (1949)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Small Town Girl (1953)
Kiss Me Kate (1953)
Easter Parade (1948)
The Great American Pastime (1956)

*Contributed by: "Stephanie U." Date: Thurs, Feb 28 2002 / 16:58:24 PST

BARBARA STANWYCK?

2010-01-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

BARBARA STANWYCK (1907-1990), born Ruby Catherine Stevens

BARBARA STANWYCK MEMORIES
It was a next door neighbor woman, with a couple of girls my age, that first introduced me to Barbara Stanwyck. I sat in her family room one afternoon, waiting for the girls to get home, as Mrs. Perkins did her ironing. On the television came some show that I'd never seen before. "The Big Valley," I read aloud. "I've never seen this show."

Mrs. Perkins was horrified. "You haven't seen "The Big Valley"! Why, it's got Barbara Stanwyck in it, for heaven's sake! She's my favorite actress of all time." I kept my mouth shut about not knowing who Barbara Stanwyck was. But, there was no mistaking which one she was. The moment I saw that strong character Victoria Barkley, I was hooked, not just on the show, but on Barbara Stanwyck. I scanned TV Guide every week, looking for her name under each movie listing. I watched every movie she was in that I could find. To this day, I share the same love for Barbara Stanwyck that Mrs. Perkins had. Plus, I share the same indignation she had, when I learn someone doesn't know Barbara Stanwyck.

By the time I'd graduated high school, I had seen Barbara Stanwyck over a dozen films, all of which became dear favorites. I also watched her in other hit television shows, such as "Dynasty", "The Colbys", and the miniseries "The Thornbirds". Now, not a Christmas goes by that I don't watch Barbara Stanwyck in Christmas in Connecticut. She is a marvelous actress and one everyone should know.%

Haven't you seen Double Indemnity (1944)? She invented the cold manipulative bi--- (rhymes with witch) role with that one and people are still emulating her - body heat for instance.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Great Man's Lady (1942) Tough to find but worth it. The ultimate Stanwyck, stronger than the male type role.
The Lady Eve (1941) Stanwyck actually having some fun as a con artist who tries to fleece Henry Fonda.
Ball of Fire (1941) Another fun one this time with Gary Cooper. How can you go wrong?
The Strange Loves of Martha Ivers (1946) Another manipulative role that she played so well, luring men to their doom.

*Contributed by: "Wendell Price" Date: Wed, May 16 2001 / 22:17:08 PST

"BARBARA STANWYCK MEMORIES" contributed by: Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph Date: Mon, Jan 11 2010 / 08:31:08 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1937 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: STELLA DALLAS
1941 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: BALL OF FIRE
1944 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: DOUBLE INDEMNITY
1948 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: SORRY, WRONG NUMBER
1981 Honorary and Other Awards: For superlative creativity and unique contribution to the art of screen acting. Winner presented a Statuette.

DEANNA DURBIN?

2009-12-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

DEANNA DURBIN (1921-Present), born Edna Mae Durbin

Haven't you seen Mad About Music (1938)? You'll be humming the song "I Love to Whistle" for days!

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Three Smart Girls (1936)
One Hundred Men and a Girl (1937)
It's a Date (1940)
It Started With Eve (1941)

*Contributed by: "Lila M." Date: Sun, May 13 2001 / 13:30:17 PST

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND?

2009-11-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND (1916-Present), born Olivia Mary de Havilland, was a two-time Academy Award winner, one of the biggest stars in her day, and appeared in two of the most popular movies of all time.

Haven't you seen The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)? She plays a gorgeous and sophisticated Lady Marian in this, the definite version of the legendary thief.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Gone With the Wind (1939) Her performance as Melanie Hamilton is considered by many to be the best in the movie.
Captain Blood (1935) Her second movie, and the first teaming her with Errol Flynn.
The Strawberry Blonde (1941). This is a delightful film, with a great cast, including James Cagney and Rita Hayworth.
Dodge City (1939) One of my favorite westerns!

*Contributed by: "Charles T." Date: Tues, Nov 20 2001 / 11:39:33 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1939 Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role: GONE WITH THE WIND
1946 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: TO EACH HIS OWN
1941 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: HOLD BACK THE DAWN
1946 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: TO EACH HIS OWN
1948 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE SNAKE PIT
1949 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE HEIRESS

PETER CUSHING?

2009-11-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

PETER CUSHING (1913-1994), born Peter Wilton Cushing

Haven't you seen Horror of Dracula (1958)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Tales From the Crypt (1972)
The Mummy (1959)
She (1965)

*Contributed by: "Mark Orr" Date: Fri, Dec 14 2001 / 16:11:05 PST

Eric Jamborsky's FAVORITE HUMOROUS HORROR FILMS

2009-10-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

Horror is often just across a thin line from humor
and some films set out to blur the line.
These are some of my favorite humorous horror films.

Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) This is my favorite Abbott and Costello film and my favorite horror spoof. Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney and Glenn Strange play their monster roles straight.
Young Frankenstein (1974) This may be a couple of years after the cut-off point for this blog, but this is one of the two best horror spoofs made and is my favorite Mel Brooks film.
The Cat And The Canary (1927) The granddaddy of all spooky old house mysteries with a endangered heiress, a grasping hand and secret passages galore.
The Ghost Breakers (1940) Bob Hope, playing his patented comedy coward, aided by Willie Best comes to the aid of lovely Paulette Goddard in a spooky castle in Cuba. Watch for zombies and old hags.
King of the Zombies (1941) Mantan Moreland steals this film from stars Dick Purcell and Joan Woodbury. His performance is a comic masterpiece, easily overriding the usual stereotypes he was forced to play.
The Laurel And Hardy Murder Case (1930) Stan is the last of the Laurels and heir to a fortune, but he and Ollie have to go into a spooky old house and survive the night. Great fun.
The Old Dark House (1932) James Whale pulls out all the stops in this classic and best of the dark house mellers. Great cast includes Charles Laughton, Boris Karloff and Ernest Thesiger.
Bride Of Frankenstein (1935) Director Whale lets his sense of whimsey take hold in this, the best of the Universal Frankenstein films. Karloff, Thesiger and Elsa Lanchester shine.
The Ghost And Mr. Chicken (1966) This was Don Knotts's first starring film and it is a lot of fun.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Tues, Oct 17 2006 / 18:30:13 PST

Movie still displayed: Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

KIRK DOUGLAS?

2009-10-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

KIRK DOUGLAS (1916-Present), born Issur Danielovitch Demsky, was the original dynamic man.

Haven't you seen Ace in the Hole (1951)? A Billy Wilder classic. Also known as The Big Carnival.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) Atmospheric noir with Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heflin.
A Letter to Three Wives (1949) One of the most sophisticated films ever made. If you can find a screenplay the equal of this one, it will probably also be by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
Champion (1949) The best boxing film of all time. (Yes, I've seen Raging Bull and Rocky.)
Young Man with a Horn (1950) Kirk teams with Lauren Bacall, Doris Day, and Hoagy Carmichael in a trumpeter biopic.

*Contributed by: "Bjorn Federer" Date: Fri, Aug 26 2005 / 22:49:56 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1949 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: CHAMPION
1952 Nominated for Actor in a Leading Role: THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
1956 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: LUST FOR LIFE
1995 Honorary and Other Awards: In recognition of his 50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community. Winner presented a Statuette.

DORIS DAY?

2009-08-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

DORIS DAY (1924-Present), born Doris Mary Ann Von Kapplehoff, was America's Sweetheart and everybody's favorite girl next door. Both beautiful and sexy, Doris could sing, dance, and act. She was chosen to star opposite more leading men than any other actress I know. What a career!

Haven't you seen Pillow Talk (1959)? Doris Day and Rock Hudson are one of the most famous romantic teams in the movies. They made four films together.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Teacher's Pet (1958) She's teamed up with Clark Gable and you must see her Mamie Van Doren impression.
Calamity Jane (1953) You must see her in this role unlike any of her others. She's wonderful as Calamity Jane. Howard Keel plays her secret love, Buffalo Bill Cody.
Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960) No one should miss one of her wife and mother roles. Her husband's character is played by David Niven.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) This is Hitchcock and Doris Day does dramatic as well as comedy. Her character's husband is played by James Stewart.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Mon, Apr 30 2001 / 20:18:51 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1959 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: PILLOW TALK

JANET GAYNOR?

2009-03-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

JANET GAYNOR (1906-1984), born Laura Augusta Gainor, had her first starring role in The Johnstown Flood (1926). She retired from the screen in 1938, returning almost twenty years later. She won the first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in three films; Seventh Heaven, Sunset, and Street Angel, the only time an actress was ever given the award for multiple film performances.

Haven't you seen A Star Is Born (1937)? Janet is Esther Blodgett who gets rechristened Vickie Lester in this Hollywood grim fairy tale. She marries star Norman Maine (Frederic March) whose star is in rapid descent. Ironically, this film about a rising star was made just a year before Janet Gaynor decided to retire from the screen.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) Janet and George O'Brien portray a young country couple who make their first visit to the big city. There, her husband is seduced into trying to kill his wife. F. W. Murnau's expressionistic work is considered one of the greatest silent films.
Seventh Heaven (1927) This was the first film to team Janet with Charles Farrell as a romantic duo, on par with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. They live in a walk-up tenament apartment until separated by World War I. A great romance film that inspired the popular song "Diane".
State Fair (1933) Janet plays the daughter of farmer Will Rogers in this first version of the thrice-filmed story. She is romanced by Lew Ayres while her parents show their prize pigs. It's just as good without the songs.
Bernadine (1957) After 19 years, Janet came out of retirement to take a supporting role in this film based on a play by Mary Chase (Harvey). The film stars Pat Boone as a high school student who creates the perfect girl, the fictional Bernadine Mudd. Janet later made a number of television appearances, including "The Love Boat" in 1981.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Mon, Oct 3 2005 / 14:03:14 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1927 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: SEVENTH HEAVEN
1927 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: SUNRISE
1927 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: STREET ANGEL
1937 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: A STAR IS BORN

HARRY DAVENPORT?

2009-01-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

HARRY DAVENPORT (1866-1949) Born in New York City to a long line of stage entertainers, Harry Davenport grew up in Philadelphia and made his stage debut at just five years old. His film career began at age 48, when he appeared in the silent film Too Many Husbands (1914). Despite his apparent "late" start, he has quite an impressive actor filmography of 159 films to his credit. His most notable films in which he appeared include The Life of Emile Zola, You Can't Take it With You, Gone with the Wind, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Foreign Correspondent, Kings Row, The Ox-Bow Incident, Little Women and Meet Me in St. Louis. He also directed 36 films, including some of the Mr. and Mrs. Jarr series of comedy shorts in which he portrayed Mr. Jarr.

Henry Davenport was a character actor with a kind face and the most endearing grandfatherly quality, which I love. There is just something so wholesome and good about him.

Much to my surprise and delight, when I began to learn more about him, I discovered that he is the father of actor Arthur Rankin, and grandfather of Arthur Rankin, Jr. (who along with partner Jules Bass is responsible for the equally wholesome family entertainment 60s-70s stop-motion animation gems, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, which I also happen to love).

Harry had a total of six children, and his daughters, Dorothy Davenport, Fannie "Ann" Davenport and Kate Davenport all became actresses. Some of his great-great-grandchildren are actors today, so the family's illustrious show business legacy continues. All can trace their roots to renowned 18th century Irish stage actor, Jack Johnson. Talk about a rich history and generations of talent! Harry Davenport is also connected to another famous acting clan—he and Lionel Barrymore were brothers-in-law.

Still working steadily at the time of his death in 1949, Harry had a fatal heart attack in Los Angeles at the age of 83. He is undoubtedly remembered for his significant contributions to film, but also as being a champion of the rights of actors and other stage craft professionals. Harry was responsible for the spearheading of the organization that later became the Actors Equity Association. Through the efforts of Harry and co-founder Eddie Foy, Sr., they put an end to the atrocious working conditions that were the plight of the American actor at the time.

Haven't you seen The Enchanted Forest (1945)? In this Cinecolor low-budget whimsical fantasy by PRC Studio, Harry Davenport plays Old John, a hermit who lives in the trunk of a hollowed out redwood tree, away from society and in harmony with nature. He is able to communicate with all the animal creatures and can hear the "voice" of the enchanted forest itself. There is a train wreck and Old John rescues a surviving baby boy from the river and raises him as his own, in the forest. The boy's mother, played by Brenda Joyce, pines for her son and begins to visit the forest to be near where she lost him. Meanwhile, the forest and all its inhabitants are threatened by loggers. The plots converge at the end in a good old-fashioned happy ending for all when Old John reunites the boy with his mother, and the forest is spared. Edmund Lowe also stars in this warm and charming family tale woven with moral values and environmentalism. I have to thank my mother for turning me on to this film; she had seen it as a child and thought it was great. I have to agree.

Watch this and then see these other four fantastic films.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Harry plays Grandpa in this wonderful musical (about my hometown!) starring Judy Garland.
Little Women (1949) This classic film version of Louisa May Alcott's autobiography about growing up with her three sisters during the Civil War stars June Allyson, Margaret O'Brien, Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh. Harry Davenport gives a fine performance as Dr. Barnes.
Gone With the Wind (1939) Ten years earlier, Harry also played the role of a doctor (Dr. Meade) in this Victor Fleming masterpiece that won eight Academy Awards.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) Wise old King Louis XI is portrayed by Harry Davenport in this adaptation of the classic novel.

*Contributed by: "Deanna S." Date: Tues, Jan 24 2007 / 19:37:13 PST

REX INGRAM?

2009-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

REX INGRAM (1895-1969), distinguished black actor with a long career in film. His impressive bearing and personality often caused him to stand out over the nominal stars.

Haven't you seen Green Pastures (1936)? Based on the play by Marc Connelly, the film looks at the Old Testament through the eyes of rural black children. Ingram plays Adam, De Lawd and Hezdrel. The cast is outstanding and this film is too rarely seen.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Thief of Bagdad (1940) Ingram is the genie of the bottle released by Abu, the thief. The film is incredible and Ingram is perfect.
The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1939) Ingram is Jim, the runaway slave, in this adaptation of Twain's novel.
Cabin In The Sky (1943) Another film, this one a musical, with an all black cast. Lena Horne is the temptress Georgia Brown. Satan, Jr. (Ingram) is after the soul of Little Joe (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson). Ethel Waters is the star. Another great film.
Tarzan's Hidden Jungle (1955) The Gordon Scott Tarzan films were a notch above the previous series with Lex Barker, and the producers brought in capable performers such as Vera Miles, Jack Elam, and a young Sean Connery. In this one Ingram is a tribal chief. It was a return to the dark continent. His first film role had been the 1918 Tarzan of the Apes with Elmo Lincoln.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Jul 1 2006 / 18:08:19 PST

EDDIE ALBERT?

2009-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

When I first learned Eddie Albert's name, I was watching "Green Acres" on television. I think everyone I knew could sing its theme song. I still imitate Eva's accent from time to time. In middle school, (in the early 70s), EDDIE ALBERT (1906-2005), born Edward Albert Heimberger, came to my school to give a lecture about conservation. He gave a slide show presentation and encouraged us to plant trees. A huge group of us walked out to the front of the school to wave good-bye. I wanted so much to talk to him, but I felt too shy. I want him to know how much I'd enjoyed his work in on TV. Somehow, it didn't seem appropriate. He had come to talk about more important things. He waved to us all and seemed like such a nice man. I was sorry to see him leave. It was after that I saw him in so many good films. Little did I know then how much he had contributed to the motion picture industry. I learned that he had replaced Robert Preston on Broadway as The Music Man. I would have liked to have seen that. Beyond seeing him in several television shows over the years, I heard his voice in several animated productions. I remember him as Captain Standish in "The Mouse on the Mayflower" and the narrator in "The Lorax". Once you learn who he is, you'll see his guest appearances everywhere. When I purchased every season of "Kung Fu" and began watching those, I found he'd been in a two-part episode. There he was again in a rerun of "Murder She Wrote" a month later. That was one of the better episodes.

Haven't you seen Roman Holiday (1953)? It's truly a toss up, which film role I like best of Eddie Albert's. I love him in this. Here he has a beard and a rather good looking guy, despite not being the lead. It's a story about a princess that runs away from the castle for a day, just to live like a normal person. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn also star. Eddie Albert plays a photographer named Irving Radovich.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Oklahoma! (1955) I absolutely love him as Ali Hakim, the traveling salesman who unsuccessfully avoids Ado Annie.
Escape from Witch Mountain (1975) He plays Jason O'Day who helps the children escape. He was in Beyond Witch Mountain as well.
Four Wives (1939) Eddie Albert portrays Dr. Clinton 'Clint' Forrest Jr. in this sequel to Four Daughters starring the Lane sisters. Eddie Albert is also in the third film Four Mothers, as well. I have all three in my collection and enjoy these films.
The Fuller Brush Girl (1950) Albert plays Hubbell Briggs in this female remake of The Fuller Brush Man. Lucille Ball plays the fuller brush girl and Albert is her fiance. This film is not as good as the original, but I love it. I like Lucy and Eddie Albert together. It's a lot of fun. I own both films and see them as a companion set.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Tues, Jun 27 2006 / 7:46:18 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1953 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: ROMAN HOLIDAY
1972 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THE HEARTBREAK KID

ROBERT MITCHUM?

2009-01-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

ROBERT MITCHUM, born Robert Charles Durman Mitchum (1917-1997), was a top Hollywood tough guy who made making movies look like the easiest thing in the world. Often in trouble as a teen, I Was a Fugitive From a Chain Gang could have been his story, as he escaped from a Georgia chain gang at age fourteen. He drifted to Long Beach where he became involved with community theater. He appeared as a heavy in several Hopalong Cassidy Westerns before getting his big break in The Story Of GI Joe. In 1949, he served a short sentence for possession of marijuana, possibly taking the rap for a bigger Hollywood name. Very nonchalant on screen, he became one of America's favorite actors and appeared in a string of excellent films. In later years, he portrayed memorable roles on television, which included the gigantic 18-hour miniseries Winds of War (1983) and the War and Remembrance (1988) miniseries. They don't make them like him any more.

Haven't you seen Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957)? Mitchum plays an American Marine shipwrecked on a Japanese held island with nun Deborah Kerr. It is primarily a two person show and the stars are a dream. John Huston directed. This is a great place to start an appreciation of Mitchum's films.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Thunder Road (1958) Okay. I'm prejudiced on this one. A few scenes were shot in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I grew up. Mitchum plays a Kentucky moonshine runner and son James plays his younger brother. A lot of the stunt driving is handled by real Moonrunners (soon to become NASCAR drivers). They also provided some of the cars. Gene Barry portrays the law. Mitchum wrote the lyrics for the theme song and made a hit record from it. It was certainly better than Lee Marvin's recording of "Wanderin' Star". This is a fun, exciting film to watch.
Night Of The Hunter (1955) Mitchum is outstanding as a fake preacher con man and serial killer. He meets his match in Lillian Gish, an elderly lady who cares for orphans. Mitchum is in pursuit of two children who hold the secret to a stash of money stolen in a payroll robbery by their father. They escape and find shelter with Gish. Charles Laughton's direction is outstanding. This film is a true classic.
The Enemy Below (1957) Mitchum is the canny skipper of an American destroyer involved in a game of cat and mouse with a German U-Boat commanded by Curt Jurgens. Acting is superior and director Dick Powell has crafted a very suspenseful film. This movie was unofficially remade as the episode "Balance of Terror" during the first season of Star Trek.
The Wonderful Country (1959) Mitchum becomes involved in one of the many revolutions that rocked Mexico. Julie London costars. This is a superior Western.

Autographed still provided by: Eric Jamborsky
Text reads: Eric,
Thank you for your
kindness -
Robert
Mitchum

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Feb 17 2007 / 14:54:07 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1945 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THE STORY OF G.I. JOE

Don't Know...I.A.L. DIAMOND?

2008-12-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

You really should know who I.A.L. DIAMOND (1920-1988) is! I.A.L. DIAMOND, born Itek Dominici in Romania, was a very talented screenwriter. He emmigrated to Brooklyn, New York at the age of nine and moved to Hollywood when he was twenty-one. He changed his name to Isidore Diamond. He chose the initials I.A.L. as his nom de plume. He teamed up with Billy Wilder and began writing and co-writing several Billy Wilder films. His friends called him Iz. People like to speculate what the initials I.A.L. represent. Irregardless, Iz should be known for the art he produced, not the controversy surrounding his initials. He was a truly talented man.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Some Like it Hot (1959). An extremely funny film; one of the best ever made. Great script and cast. It stars Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Monkey Business (1952) A witty comedy starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers and Marilyn Monroe.
Avanti (1972) A romantic comedy set in Italy with Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills in the lead roles.
The Apartment (1960) A comedy with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.
Irma La Douce (1963) Another comedy with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.

*Contributed by: "Nina M." Date: Thurs, Nov 24 2005 / 16:48:49 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1959 Nominated for Writing - Screenplay (Based on Material from Another Medium): SOME LIKE IT HOT
1960 Won Best Achievement in Writing - Story and Screenplay (Written Directly For The Screen): THE APARTMENT
1966 Nominated for Best Achievement in Writing - Story and Screenplay (Written Directly For The Screen): THE FORTUNE COOKIE

GEORGE TOBIAS?

2008-12-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

GEORGE TOBIAS (1901-1980), was known to me as Samantha and Darrin Stevens' neighbor Abner Kravitz on the 60s' television show "Bewitched" long before I learned he'd acted in films, and lots of them, as a character actor. George Tobias played everything well. He did ethnic parts, villains, good pals of heroes, comedic parts and straight dramatic parts in some sixty films, in addition to appearing in scores and scores of television shows. George Tobias began acting at the age of fifteen, on stage in New York City. He later played on Broadway and moved to films in his late thirties, appearing in dramas, comedies and musicals. I haven't seen every film George Tobias ever made, but I recognize him again and again and feel you should, too. He always gives a good performance and those watching movies with me, hear me say, "Oh look, it's George Tobias," along with the qualifier, "You know, Abner Kravitz from "Bewitched"." From this day forth, I hope you'll look for George Tobias and point him out to those you know.

Haven't you seen Sergeant York (1941)? He does a stellar performance as Michael T. "Pusher" Ross.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Silk Stockings (1957) As Vassili Markovitch.
The Glenn Miller Story (1954) As Si Schribman.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) As Dietz.
The Glass Bottom Boat (1966) As Mr. Fenimore.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Sept 13, 2006 / 07:23:48 PST

AVA GARDNER?

2008-12-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

AVA GARDNER (1922-1990), born Ava Lavinia Gardner, was a lovely, Southern born actress who made her mark both as a great beauty and a talented actress.

Haven't you seen Knights of the Round Table (1953)? (MGM) Gardner is Queen Guinevere playing opposite Mel Ferrer's King Arthur and Robert Taylor's Sir Lancelot. Sir Thomas Malory has never been the same.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Barefoot Contessa (1954) A tale of tragedy amidst the nobility of Italy. Costars are Humphrey Bogart and Rossano Brazzi.
55 Days in Peking (1963) Ava is a disgraced Russian Duchess. She is lovelier than ever. Costar is Charlton Heston.
On the Beach (1959) End of the world drama set in Australia. Co-stars are Gregory Peck and Fred Astaire.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952) Again teamed with Gregory Peck in a film based on a story by Hemingway.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Thurs, May 2 2002 / 16:23:35 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1953 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: MOGAMBO

RED SKELTON?

2008-11-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

RED SKELTON (1913-1997), born Richard Bernard Skelton, was a comic genius. He was called Red, due to his red hair. I first saw Red on his own television show, "The Red Skelton Show". I was just a wee thing, but I remember looking forward to seeing him swing on this enormous swing out into the audience. I laughed and laughed at all the funny faces he made. It was later I saw him in movies and learned how enormously talented he truly was. My father gave me three prints of clowns Red had painted. I heard the original paintings earned Red Skelton a small fortune.

Haven't you seen The Fuller Brush Man (1948) aka That Mad Mr. Jones (UK)? This is my favorite Red Skelton film. He plays Red Jones, the man who can't hold a job. Selling Fuller Brush door to door is his last chance. The film was remade to spotlight the queen of comedy, Lucille Ball. That film is fun, too, but it doesn't hold a candle to the original with Red.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Yellow Cab Man (1950) In this light comedy, Red Skelton plays accident prone Augustus 'Red' Pirdy who accidentally comes up with a million dollar idea. He calls it elastic-glass and decides his unbreakable glass is perfect for the automotive industry. Unfortunately, there are those who want to steal his formula.
Whistling in the Dark (1941) This is the first of three 'Whistling' films starring Red Skelton as Wally 'The Fox' Benton, radio star of a murder mystery serial. Wally Benton is truly a fraidy-cat, but somehow gets enmeshed in true life murder mysteries. These films are full of slapstick, great sight gags, and faces only Red can do.
Whistling in Dixie (1942)... aka Mary Names the Day (UK)
Bird lovers would love this one. We find a parrot who can whistle Dixie. It's a fun story.
Whistling in Brooklyn (1943) This is my favorite of the 'Whistling' pictures. My little boys watched them again and again. This story involves a case of mistaken identity. An escaped convict fools everyone by posing as his twin brother, a kind and gentle soul.

Ann Rutherford co-stars in all three 'Whistling' films. After the shooting of these films, she was seen by a doctor for severe chest pains and difficulty in taking a breath without pain. Her doctor asked if she had blown up balloons for a long period of time. It was then she realized that her pain stemmed from Red Skelton having made her laugh so much on the set. She had laughed until she couldn't breathe way too many times and suffered internal injury as a result. Fortunately, Ann got better, but no more 'Whistling' films were made.

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Jun 14 2006 / 18:06:23 PST

Who Are...TRACY AND HEPBURN?

2008-10-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

You really should know who TRACY AND HEPBURN are! This is one of the best pairings in film history. Although, they never married each other (Tracy was already married), the chemistry between the two of them was magic on and off the screen and lasted some twenty-five years. Tracy and Hepburn made nine films together, the first, being Woman of the Year in 1942. Four more, and also my favorites, are suggested here. Tracy and Hepburn were caring people. When their dear friend Humphrey Bogart was dying of throat cancer, they were two of the only people who visited him and his wife, Lauren Bacall. They were at their home on practically every evening up until his death. After Humphrey Bogart died, Lauren Bacall wanted Spencer Tracy to give her husband's eulogy, but Tracy had to decline; it was too emotionally painful for him. John Huston ended up giving the eulogy instead. I hope you'll watch these films and grow to love Tracy and Hepburn as much as I do.

A fine place to start is by viewing: Desk Set (1957)? This is my favorite of the nine films Tracy and Hepburn made together. Here they play Richard Sumner and Bunny Watson. Sumner is an efficiency expert who installs a computer which is supposed to aid the research department where Bunny works. The plan backfires.

See that and watch them in the following four films:
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) In Spencer Tracy's last film, Tracy and Hepburn play Matt and Christina Drayton, whose daughter brings home her fiance to meet them for the first time. There's something she didn't tell them. Joanna Drayton is played by Katharine Hepburn's niece, Katharine Houghton, who makes her film debut.

A little piece of trivia concerning the memorabilia from this film is in June of 2004, Sotheby's Auction House hosted a two-day estate auction of Katharine Hepburn's personal belongings. The most expensive item was a bronze bust of Spencer Tracy that Hepburn created, which had been featured in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. This three-inch sculpture sold for $316,000, when its original estimate had been only $3,000 to $5,000.

Woman of the Year (1942) They play Sam Craig and Tess Harding. You have to see the scene when feminist Tess Harding (Katharine Hepburn) tries to cook.
Adam's Rib (1949) Tracy and Hepburn play Adam and Amanda Bonner, a married couple who both have the same profession. They are attorneys. All is well until they are up against each other.
Without Love (1945) They play Pat Jamieson and Jamie Rowan. This is the story of a scientist and his assistant who enter a loveless marriage only to find they cannot escape love.

*Contributed by: Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph Date: Tues, Sept 19, 2006 / 07:30:28 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
SPENCER TRACY
1936 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: SAN FRANCISCO
1937 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS
1938 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: BOYS TOWN
1950 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: FATHER OF THE BRIDE
1955 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK
1958 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role : THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA
1960 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: INHERIT THE WIND
1961 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG
1967 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER

KATHARINE HEPBURN
1932 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: MORNING GLORY
1935 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: ALICE ADAMS
1940 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
1942 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: WOMAN OF THE YEAR
1951 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE AFRICAN QUEEN
1955 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: SUMMERTIME
1956 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE RAINMAKER
1959 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER
1962 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT
1967 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER
1968 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE LION IN WINTER Co-winner with Barbra Streisand
1981 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: ON GOLDEN POND

CAROLE LOMBARD?

2008-10-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

CAROLE LOMBARD (1908-1942), born Jane Alice Peters

Haven't you seen My Man Godfrey (1936)? Arguably her most famous role and one that best distills her comedic sensibilities.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Twentieth Century (1934) the film that really put Lombard on the map as a comic actress
Hands Across the Table (1935) smart, albeit relatively unheralded film; the first of her four teamings with Fred MacMurray
Nothing Sacred (1937) Carole's only outing in Technicolor
To Be or Not to Be (1942) sublime black comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch; Lombard's final film

*Contributed by: "Vincent Paterno" Date: Sat, May 5 2001 / 10:49:15 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1936 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: MY MAN GODFREY

GINGER ROGERS?

2008-10-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

GINGER ROGERS (1911-1995), born Virginia Katherine McMath

Haven't you seen The Major and the Minor (1942)?

This comedy costars Ray Milland. Ginger's real life mom plays her mom at the end.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Vivacious Lady (1938) This comedy costars Jimmy Stewart. Beula Bondi plays Stewart's mom and is wonderful when she does the Big Apple dance!
I'll Be Seeing You (1944) Costars Joseph Cotton. Ginger plays a convict out on parole, touching story.
Having Wonderful Time (1938) Another comedy which costars Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Ginger goes on vacation, watch for Ann Miller among the campers!
Top Hat (1935) This musical costars Fred Astaire. I love all of the Roger/Astaire movies but this is my favorite one. You can't beat songs like "Cheek to Cheek", "Top Hat", and "White Tie and Tails"! Lucy Ball is the flower shop girl.

*Contributed by: "Deborah Lovejoy" Date: Wed, Jun 20 2001 / 16:18:46 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1940 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: KITTY FOYLE

PAUL NEWMAN?

2008-09-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

I really believe in PAUL NEWMAN (1925-2008), born Paul Leonard Newman. In this day and political climate, one needs someone to believe in. He made many movies before '72, and many after.

Haven't you seen The Long Hot Summer (1958)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) Played Elizabeth Taylor's husband. The part made him look unkind, but just watching the two of them was a pleasure.
Cool Hand Luke (1967) Paul was a convict and a hard case. He wouldn't conform. He bet he could eat lots of hard boiled eggs and he won the bet.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) The story is about two down and out cowboys who thought they would be able to make a better life in Mexico, by stealing there. A sad ending, but what a treat to watch Paul Newman with Robert Redford.
Nobody's Fool (1994) Newman plays Sully Sullivan and Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith also star.

*Contributed by: "Emily Omar" Date: Fri, Nov 11 2005 / 10:44:32 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1958 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
1961 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE HUSTLER
1963 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: HUD
1967 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: COOL HAND LUKE
1968 Nominated for Best Picture: RACHEL, RACHEL — Producer
1981 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: ABSENCE OF MALICE
1982 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE VERDICT
1985 Honorary and Other Awards: In recognition of his many memorable and compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft. Winner presented a Statuette.
1986 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE COLOR OF MONEY
1993 The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: For his humanitarian efforts.
1994 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: NOBODY'S FOOL

AUDREY HEPBURN?

2008-08-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

AUDREY HEPBURN (1929-1993), born Audrey Kathleen Ruston

Haven't you seen Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Roman Holiday (1953) She is just the perfect princess; her Oscar-winning performance will get you hooked on her in no time.
Two for the Road (1967) One of my all time favorite movies; simply the best.
Charade (1963) The ultimate pairing - Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Pure magic!
Wait Until Dark (1967) Oh, so scary .... And she shows that she is talented in everything she does, whether it's comedy, romance or thrillers).

*Contributed by: "Leehee" Date: Tue, May 15 2001 / 09:59:56 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1953 Won Best Actress in a Leading Role: ROMAN HOLIDAY
1954 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: SABRINA
1959 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: THE NUN'S STORY
1961 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S
1967 Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role: WAIT UNTIL DARK
1992 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Awarded posthumously to Ms. Hepburn for her work as UNICEF's ambassador to the world's children. Award accepted by her son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer.

GARY COOPER?

2008-07-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

GARY COOPER (1901-1961), born Frank James Cooper

Haven't you seen Sergeant York (1941)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
The Westerner (1940)
Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Friendly Persuasion (1956)

*Contributed by: "Paul Randolph" Date: Sat, Dec 1 2001 / 11:02:04 PDT

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1937 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN
1942 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: SERGEANT YORK
1943 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES
1944 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
1953 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: HIGH NOON Gary Cooper was not present at the awards ceremony. John Wayne accepted on his behalf.
1961 Honorary Award: For his many memorable screen performances and the international recognition he, as an individual, has gained for the motion picture industry. Gary Cooper could not attend the awards ceremony. James Stewart accepted the award on his behalf.

TYRONE POWER?

2008-07-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

TYRONE POWER (1914-1958), born Tyrone Edmund Power, Jr.

Haven't you seen Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)?

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Witness For The Prosecution (1957)
The Eddy Duchin Story (1956)
The Mark of Zorro (1940)
Rose of Washington Square (1939)

*Contributed by: "Alice Faye S." Date: Wed, May 15 2002 / 13:28:36 PST

TOSHIRÔ MIFUNE?

2008-06-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

TOSHIRÔ MIFUNE (1920-1997) was the best-known Japanese actor of the 20th Century. Mifune was a performer of stunning depth and was capable of playing a wide range of characters, from samurai to petty crooks to doctors. He became better known in America playing the character Toranaga on "Shogun". He was one of the great film actors of all-time. I cannot begin to go into his modern era films here, but seek them out and enjoy the performances.

Haven't you seen Yojimbo (1961)
(Japan) [aka: The Bodyguard (International: English title - literal title); Yojimbo the Bodyguard (alternate title: USA); Yojinbo (Japan - modified Hepburn romaji)]? A Ronin, a masterless samurai, wanders into a town controlled by two warring factions. He plays one side against the other, finally coming out on top. Mifune was named Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for this role. And if the plot seems familiar, it was "borrowed" by Sergio Leone for A Fistful Of Dollars.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

Aru kengo no shogai (1959)
(Japan) [aka: Samurai Saga (USA); Life of an Expert Swordsman (literal title)] This was Rostand's play Cyrano de Bergerac transplanted to 17th Century Japan, and it is a truly beautiful adaptation. Mifune is Komaki, poet and warrior with a rather large nose. In love with Princess Chiyo, he helps her chosen suitor to woo her despite his own feelings. If you do not cry at the end, you have no heart.
Shichinin no samurai (1954)
(Japan) [aka: The Seven Samurai (USA); Seven Samurai (UK); Shichi-nin no samurai (Japan: alternative transliteration)] Peasants hire seven Ronin to protect their village from the annual attack from bandits. Obviously, this was remade in the U.S. as The Magnificent Seven. There are not enough superlatives to describe this film. Directed by Akira Kurosawa it also stars Takashi Shimura as the leader of the Ronin. Mifune is a young Samurai who has a secret. Before I saw this I was under the impression they only made Godzilla movies in Japan.
Kumonosu jô (1957)
(Japan) [aka: Throne of Blood (USA: original subtitled version); Macbeth; Cobweb Castle; Spider Web Castle; The Castle of the Spider's Web] Kurosawa takes Shakespeare's Macbeth and places it in Medieval Japan. Mifune is Washizu, a noble who kills his way to the top before his well-deserved end. Outstanding.
Kakushi-toride no san-akunin (1958)
(Japan) [aka: The Hidden Fortress (USA); The Three Villains of the Hidden Fortress (informal English title); Three Bad Men in a Hidden Fortress (International: English title: literal title); Three Rascals in the Hidden Fortress (International: English title)] A princess, aided by two comic servants and accompanied by a sardonic warrior (Mifune) is pursued by Darth Vader, er, I mean an enemy general. George Lucas admitted this film inspired several elements of the Star Wars story. Mifune is the Princess's general, disguised as a servant as they attempt to make their way across enemy lines. A true classic, but beware newer prints that insert profanities, nonexistent in Japan, into the subtitles.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Sat, Aug 12 2006 / 14:27:57 PST

Autographed still provided by: Eric Jamborsky
This picture was sent off to Japan to get autographed. It traveled further than any other picture and further than I ever will.

JOHN WAYNE?

2008-06-25T03:06:00.000-07:00

JOHN WAYNE (1907-1979), born Marion Morrison

The Duke was the epitome of the American movie star in a career that spanned six decades. Though mostly noted for Westerns, Wayne appeared in a great variety of films outlasting many contemporaries. To many around the world John Wayne was the image of America.

Haven't you seen The Quiet Man (1952)? Wayne portrays Sean Thornton, an American returning to his roots in Ireland. It is one of the great romantic films of all time. Maureen O'Hara co-stars. A true classic film by John Ford.

Watch this and then see these other four films.

The Alamo (1960) Wayne produced and directed this epic tale of the Texas Revolution of 1835-36. He originally intended to appear in a cameo as Sam Houston, but his backers insisted he star. He portrays Davy Crockett. A flawed, but still worthwhile film. Try to see the restored "Director's cut", now out of print.
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) The second of John Ford's "Cavalry Trilogy" and the only one in color. Wayne delivers one of the best performances of his career as Captain Nathan Brittles, a career soldier nearing retirement. It is a powerful portrayal of a warrior seeking a peaceful solution to a looming Indian uprising. Magnificent!
True Grit (1969) John Wayne was awarded an Oscar for Best Actor in this rollicking film from the Charles Portis novel. It is a good performance in an enjoyable film. The supporting cast is outstanding.
Stagecoach (1939) This is the film that started the Duke on the road to stardom after laboring for nearly 10 years in low budget features, learning his craft. John Ford gave him the chance to show what he could do. His Ringo Kid is a memorable Western character.

*Contributed by: "Eric Jamborsky" Date: Tues, May 14 2002 / 16:26:26 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1949 Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role: SANDS OF IWO JIMA
1960 Nominated for Best Picture of the Year: THE ALAMO — Producer
1969 Won Best Actor in a Leading Role: TRUE GRIT

LUCILLE BALL?

2008-05-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

It's truly surprising that someone living in America doesn't know who LUCILLE BALL (1911-1989), born Lucille Désirée Ball, is. "I Love Lucy" is the most recognized television show in world. It was the first show to ever be rerun during prime time scheduling and the only show I know that never stopped being rerun. It has never been off the air and is always playing somewhere in the world. It even transmits in outer space. Several space-age fantasy television shows have mentioned having seen or heard "I Love Lucy". Lucille Ball was dubbed the queen of comedy and rightly so. You may know her from television, but she was a well-known actress before television.

Haven't you seen Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)? This is a story about a widow with ten children falling in love with a widower, played by Henry Fonda. There's only one problem. He has eight children. It's a wonderful family film, both funny and endearing.

Watch this and then see these other four films. There are many films from which to choose, but these will get you started.

Fancy Pants (1950) This film is my favorite Bob Hope film. It was the first film my daughter, as a very little girl, loved. She's in her twenties now and this film still makes us laugh, recalling it.
Mame (1974) Lucille Ball stars as Auntie Mame. This is the musical version of the Rosalind Russell film, Auntie Mame.
The Fuller Brush Girl (1950) This is the female equivalent of the Red Skelton film, The Fuller Brush Man. Eddie Albert plays her boyfriend. My favorite part involves Lucy giving home permanents and naughty little boy with a chemistry set interfering.
The Long, Long Trailer (1954) There are so many Lucille Ball films from which to choose. Since I can only choose five by this blog's guidelines, I cannot skip this one. Here Lucy stars opposite her husband at the time, Desi Arnaz, whom we know from "I Love Lucy".

*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Wed, Aug 31 2005 / 21:43:00 PST