Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on May 23, 2016 by lmharnisch

May 28, 2016, Mystery Photo
This week’s mystery movie has been the 1932 Warner Bros. – First National Picture “Silver Dollar,” with Edward G. Robinson, Bebe Daniels, Aline MacMahon, DeWitt Jennings, Robert Warwick, Russell Simpson, Harry Holman, Charles Middleton, Emmett Corrigan, Christian Rub, Lee Kohlmar, Wade Boteler and William LeMaire. It was directed by Alfred E. Green, from a screenplay by Carl Erickson and Harvey Thew based on a book by David Karsner. It was photographed by James Van Trees, edited by George Marks, with art direction by Robert Haas, gowns by Orry-Kelly and silks by the Cheney Brothers.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: ‘Mothers of Men’ Promotes Women’s Causes

Posted on May 23, 2016 by lmharnisch

'Mothers of Men'

An image from the teaser for “Mothers of Men,” courtesy of mothersfilm.com.

 

At the turn of the twentieth century, women had few rights anywhere in the world. They were basically considered the property of their husbands and fathers, with little to no rights to owning property, voting, serving politically, or keeping the money they earned. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony began rallying American women for the right to vote. Over the next several decades, women organized rallies, marches, letter writing campaigns, all with the purpose of gaining women suffrage. With this right, laws could be changed in favor of women.

Moving picture newsreels documented marches and rallies, while shorts covered the subject, mostly as comedy relief. In 1914, Jane Addams, Anna Howard Shaw, and Mrs. Merrill McCormick decided the best way to reach millions demonstrating their cause would be through motion pictures. With the help of William N. Selig and Lewis J. Selznick’s World Film, they released “Your Girl and Mine,” focusing on an every woman who suffers myriad problems in states without woman’s suffrage. This powerful film did begin to change hearts and minds, receiving universally praised reviews and comments.

 

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

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L.A. Murders 1991 – 2014

Posted on May 19, 2016 by lmharnisch

Homicides in Los Angeles, 1991-2014

Here is a useful infographic from the spring issue of Blueprint, published by UCLA. Jim Newton has the cover story on Jerry Brown and an interview with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck.

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‘To Climb a Gold Mountain’ Airs Tonight

Posted on May 17, 2016 by lmharnisch

To Climb a Gold Mountain

Mary Mallory notes that “To Climb a Gold Mountain” will air tonight at 7 on PBS in Southern California, and again on May 21 and 22.

From the filmmakers:

“To Climb a Gold Mountain” tells the stories of four women of Asian descent who lived in America from the 1850s to the present day.  The women came from different backgrounds and lived dramatically different lives.  Some of the women featured in the film, such as Anna May Wong, have reached success and fame.  Still others, like Sing Ye, who lived in the 1800s and fought for freedom, are all but forgotten.

Each woman’s story represents a distinct theme of struggle and triumph, and ushers in the succeeding story leading up to the present time. Through these stories, the film tracks the progression, evolution and legacy of the immigrants in America as they integrate into the fabric of America.

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on May 16, 2016 by lmharnisch

Blondie of the Follies
This week’s mystery movie has been the 1932 MGM film “Blondie of the Follies,” with Marion Davies, Robert Montgomery, Billie Dove, Jimmy Durante, James Gleason, Zasu Pitts, Sidney Toler, Douglass Dumbrille, Sarah Padden, Louise Carter, Clyde Cook and the Rocky Twins. The story was by Frances Marion, dialogue by Anita Loos, music by Dr. William Axt, gowns by Adrian and photography by George Barnes. The film was directed by Edmund Goulding.

”Blondie of the Follies” was the last film of Billie Dove, who retired from the screen when she was still in her 20s after making nearly 50 pictures, mostly in the silent era. The Los Angeles Times did a brief story on her in 1990 in which she refers to an affair with Howard Hughes and says she is working on an autobiography, which was apparently unpublished.

For some reason (and it is easy to speculate why), the Los Angeles Times did not review “Blondie.” The New York Times said (Sept. 2, 1932): “Frances Marion has dug down into the scenario grab bag and brought up the one about the chorus girl and the wealthy playboy, wherein their pure love is blighted for ever so long amid the cocktails and the sin-laden trappings of Broadway.”

This is a pre-code movie involving chorus girls backstage in scanty costumes and wealthy titans of finance, so “Blondie” gets relatively racy at times. James Gleason, as Blondie’s father, wonders if he is too old-fashioned for being upset with her after she is out all night (ahem, ahem).

“Blondie of the Follies” is available from Warner Archive for $21.99.

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Mary Mallory: Hollywood Heights – Mary Pickford Day

Posted on May 16, 2016 by lmharnisch

Dec. 4, 1923, Mary Pickford Day

Note: Mary Mallory is taking this week off, so I’m running a post from several years ago.

Los Angeles in 1923 was a bustling, growing, optimistic place.  The town recognized all sorts of interesting people and topics, saluting them with their own days.  There were Raisin Day, Prune Day, Father-and-Son Day, Fireless Cooker Day, and many others that year.  Dec. 3, 1923 was Mary Pickford Day, which unfortunately coincided with Golden Rule Day.  Per the Dec. 4, 1923,  Los Angeles Times, only a few Golden Rule observations occurred.

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

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Mad Libs From Real Life

Posted on May 11, 2016 by lmharnisch

Donald Trump Mad Libs: “It was reported in the (adjective) New York Times and other places that I want to (verb) on the (noun),” Trump (verb, past tense). “I’m the (noun) of (noun). I understand (noun) probably better than anybody. I know how to (verb) with (noun) very well. I love (noun).”

Newspaper cutback Mad Libs: As we attempt to become even more (adjective) local over the coming (plural noun), we’ll be making a few (plural noun). One of those (plural noun) is to replace (person’s name)‘s (noun) with more local (noun). For now, that’s going to take the shape of a (adjective) feature that will include (plural noun) from (adjective) citizens, interesting (adjective) anecdotes and reader (plural noun).

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on May 9, 2016 by lmharnisch

'Dark Shadows'
This week’s mystery production was the 1966-1971 TV show “Dark Shadows,” which aired on ABC. “Dark Shadows” followed “General Hospital” and “The Nurses” in the afternoon lineup of soaps, but unlike other soap operas (that would be “G.H.” “The Edge of Night,” “As the World Turns,” etc.)  it brought vampires, seances and time travel into America’s living rooms and dens.

“Dark Shadows” revealed an interesting generational gap in the Brain Trust. Baby Boomers and up nailed it immediately while it was more of a challenge for the younger folks. The show will mark its 50th anniversary next month and there will be a reunion June 24-27 in Tarrytown, N.Y. Stars scheduled to attend include Lara Parker (Angelique/Cassandra), David Selby (Quentin Collins), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans) and other veterans of the show.

L.A. Times articles about Alexandra Isles and Claus von Bulow are here. New York Times articles about Alexandra Isles and Claus von Bulow are here.

Jonathan Frid comes to Orange County, 1991.

It is available on DVD and is also on YouTube.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Hale’s Tours Offer Virtual Reality in 1906

Posted on May 9, 2016 by lmharnisch

George C. Hale
George C. Hale in the Salt Lake City Herald, Oct. 20, 1905.

 

Technology changes often move with the speed of lightning, upending life as it moves hurly burly into a brave new world. The early 1900s saw many new-fangled products introduced such as radio, air conditioning, and vacuum cleaners, while several relatively new inventions such as telephones, automobiles, and electricity moved more into the mainstream.

In the same way, motion pictures began undergoing their own revolution around 1905-1906, when retired Kansas City Fire Chief George C. Hale introduced his Hale’s Tours and Scenes of the World to paying audiences. Filmgoing would soon move beyond kinetoscopes into nickelodeons and eventually movie palaces. More importantly, audiences would no longer just view a movie, but experience it as well.

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

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Books and Authors: ‘Deepwater Horizon’

Posted on May 3, 2016 by lmharnisch

Deepwater

 

Earl Boebert, a member of the Brain Trust, writes that his book “Deepwater Horizon: A Systems Analysis of the Macondo Disaster,”  written with James M. Blossom, will be published in September by Harvard University Press. This is a little off-topic from Hollywood and Los Angeles history, but we wish Earl the best with his latest project.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: 2016 TCM Film Festival Showcases Moving Pictures

Posted on May 2, 2016 by lmharnisch

TCM Wonderful Life

 

After a whirlwind weekend of movies, the 2016 TCM Classic Film Festival comes to a close. A nonstop orgy of films, celebrities, and all things movie, the seventh annual festival offered a little something for everyone, particularly those just learning about classic films or who have just general knowledge of the subject. Basically a celebration of all things movie, the festival is light, breezy, and completely entertaining.

This year’s festival featured the theme “Moving Pictures,” concentrating on films that take flight, sound a call to action, arouse emotion, offer inspiration, or take us to new worlds. The packed schedule kept guests on the run themselves, with little time to rest, catch a real meal, or visit with friends before queuing for the next program.

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

 

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on May 2, 2016 by lmharnisch

image
This week’s mystery movie was the 1943 RKO picture “The Seventh Victim” and there’s a bit of a story to go with it. On Sunday, I had dinner at Musso and Frank with Mary Mallory and Alexa Foreman, formerly head researcher at TCM, who was in town for the TCM Classic Film Festival. The restaurant was packed with TCM fans and we happened to see Eddie Muller of the Film Noir Foundation and his wife, and (to do a bit of name-dropping) Quentin Tarantino. Over dinner, I asked Mary and Alexa to suggest this week’s mystery movie. They came up with several movies that aren’t in the Daily Mirror vaults, but then hit on “The Seventh Victim” and so here we are.

“The Seventh Victim” stars Tom Conway, Jean Brooks, Isabel Jewell and Kim Hunter in her screen debut, with Evelyn Brent, Erford Gage, Ben Bard, Hugh Beaumont, Chef Milani and Marguerita Sylva. It was photographed by Nicholas Musuraca, with art direction by Albert S. D’Agostino and Walter E. Keller. It was produced by Val Lewton, written by Charles O’Neal and DeWitt Bodeen and directed by Mark Robson.

It’s available on DVD with “Shadows of the Dark” from Amazon.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Film Noir Fest Shows the Dirty Side of Life

Posted on April 27, 2016 by lmharnisch

Noir City
Poster by Bill Selby, courtesy of the Film Noir Foundation.

The 18th Annual Noir City: Hollywood at the Egyptian Theatre just concluded after another successful run, focusing on the moral quagmires or despicable decisions of many an ethically challenged character. Duplicitous dames and shady shysters throughout the films attempt to manipulate the system for their own selfish ends, taking a walk on the dark side of the street. Most of these films have never been released on DVD, making seeing them on the big screen a rare delight.

Opening night Friday, April 15, 2016 started off with the powerful Argentinian film “The Broken Stems,” (“Los Tallos Amargos,” 1956), featuring outstanding cinematography by Ricardo Younis and an inventive score by the talented Astor Piazzolla. An insecure newspaper reporter joins a somewhat innocent sounding correspondence school scam, gradually giving way to paranoia and suspicion, leading to darkly ironic and tragic results.

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Raising Money for Documentary on Paul Henreid

Posted on April 25, 2016 by lmharnisch

Tubestart

I recently received word from Monika Henreid that she has begun a fundraising campaign to help complete a documentary on her father, Paul Henreid. She hopes to finish the film in time for the 75th anniversary of “Casablanca” in 2017.

Monika Henreid writes that she has visited her father’s childhood home in Austria, some of the sites of his early acting career and interviewed Robert Clary, Angie Dickinson, Norman Lear, Norman Lloyd and Doris Berger for the project.

Further information is here.

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on April 25, 2016 by lmharnisch

 

Wicked as They Come
This week’s mystery movie has been the 1956 Columbia picture “Wicked as They Come,” with Arlene Dahl, Phil Carey, Herbert Marshall, Michael Goodliffe, Ralph Truman, Sidney James, David Kossoff, Faith Brook and Frederick Valk. The screenplay was by Ken Hughes (who also directed), from a story by Robert Westerby and Sigmund Miller based on the novel “Portrait in Smoke” by Bill Ballinger. Music was by Malcolm Arnold, conducted by Muir Mathieson.

The movie opened in Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 1957, as the second half of a double bill with “Nightfall,” starring Brian Keith and Anne Bancroft, at the RKO Hillstreet and Whittier theaters, and at local drive-ins. (Yes, drive-ins in January).

As far as I can determine, it has never been commercially released on DVD or VHS.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: TCM 2016 Classic Film Festival Celebrates Motion Pictures

Posted on April 25, 2016 by lmharnisch

 

TCM Classic Film Festival

Turner Classic Movies celebrates all things movies with its upcoming Classic Film Festival Thursday, April 28 through May 1, 2016. Organized around the theme “Moving Pictures,” films that inspire, utter a call to action, rouse emotions, or take us to new worlds, the festival affords attendees the opportunity of seeing celebrities, viewing restored films, hearing inspiring stories, and meeting and making like-minded friends. The festival offers something for lovers of every film genre and period, from silents to contemporary films.

The TCM Film Festival once again presents several restored and recently released films, many featuring introductions by those who discovered, restored, or revived them. Thursday night at 9:30, the Argentinian noir “Los Tallos Amargos” (1956) is screened, a beautifully shot, dark look at a newspaper writer involved in a journalism correspondence school scam who begins suspecting his partner’s motives. It recently played both at MOMA and Film Noir Festival in Los Angeles.

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

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Coming Attractions: Mark A. Vieira’s ‘Into the Dark’

Posted on April 19, 2016 by lmharnisch

into_the_dark_cover

Mark A. Vieira writes that he will be signing advance copies of his book “Into the Dark” at the TCM Classic Film Festival. “Into the Dark,” published by Running Press and TCM, won’t be officially released until May 24, so this is an opportunity to be one of the first to get the book. Mark is scheduled to be signing “Into the Dark” on the lobby stage of the Roosevelt Hotel on April 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

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Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on April 18, 2016 by lmharnisch

 

 

April 23, 2016, He Ran All the Way
This week’s mystery movie was the 1951 film “He Ran All the Way,” directed by John Berry, with John Garfield, Shelley Winters, Wallace Ford, Selena Royle, Gladys George, Norman Lloyd and Bobby Hyatt. The screenplay was credited to Hugo Butler and Guy Endore (actually Dalton Trumbo) based on the novel by Sam Ross. The photography was by James Wong Howe with music by Franz Waxman.

It is available from Kino films on DVD and Blu-Ray. It will be shown during the TCM Classic Film Festival on April 29 at noon at the Egyptian Theatre, with Dennis Berry, the son of director John Berry, and Hollywood Reporter film critic Todd  McCarthy.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Shaw and Lee, ‘Nut’ Comedians

Posted on April 18, 2016 by lmharnisch

TCM Classic Film Festiva
A still of Shaw and Lee from “The Beau Brummels” is featured in the promotional material for a special program honoring the 90th Anniversary of Vitaphone at TCM’s Classic Film Festival.

Long before the term “deadpan” described the work of Buster Keaton or Jack Benny, critics employed it in reviewing the work of the now virtually unknown comedy duo, Shaw and Lee. Pairing up on stage around 1911, the team worked together for over 40 years, first in theaters and later in radio, films, and television performing nonsense songs, verse, jokes, and dancing. Like most of vaudeville, their act can be an acquired taste; uproariously hilarious to some and painfully dull to others. While most of their fellow performers are long forgotten, Shaw and Lee live on, thanks to the magic of Vitaphone.

Like many performers, the men came from humble beginnings and little schooling to find a lifetime calling to support themselves and their families. They aped more famous actors as well by changing their names to ones that more easily fell off the tongue. Though never huge stars, they earned a living doing what they loved.

“Hollywood Celebrates the Holidays” by Karie Bible and Mary Mallory is available at Amazon and at local bookstores.

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Journalism in Los Angeles, 1912 – 1962, Saturday at Occidental College

Posted on April 11, 2016 by lmharnisch

I don't read the Los Angeles Times

I will be discussing this c. 1901 lapel button and other interesting facets of Los Angeles newspapers, 1912-1962, at the Historical Society of Southern California’s daylong conference on journalism in Southern California, on Saturday at Occidental College. More information is here.

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