Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + + +)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by lmharnisch

Case of the Velvet Claws
This is “The Case of the Velvet Claws,” a 1936 Warner Bros. film starring Warren William as Perry Mason and Claire Dodd as Della Street, adapted by Tom Reed from Erle Stanley Gardner’s novel and directed by William Clemens. It was remade in the sixth season of the Perry Mason TV show. I’ll have to rummage through my Perry Mason discs to see if I have that episode, but I don’t recall ever seeing William Hopper in drag as Eddie Acuff was in the role of Spudsy Drake.

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Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 35 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: ‘What Happened to Mary’ Introduces Cross-Promotions

Posted on September 15, 2014 by lmharnisch

 

What Happened to Mary sheet music

“What Happened to Mary” courtesy of Mary Mallory.


Distinct and beautiful advertising often sells products better than the actual item, its story or its usefulness. Early film, music and book publishing companies quickly realized the value of beautiful hand-drawn illustrations to attract consumer interest and purchase. Colorful lithographic posters, handbills, trade paper and sheet music enticed the public to attend mass entertainment, patronize restaurants or buy music. Finding ways to combine two or more industries in one medium would exponentially grow business as well.

In publicizing their new 1912 serialized film series, “What Happened to Mary,” the Edison Film Company introduced the idea of combining forces with other media or business companies to more efficiently and cheaply grow audiences for their products. This radical idea led the way to what is now an everyday practice for selling tent-pole films, major television series, blockbuster books, mega music albums or popular Broadway shows to American consumers.

Growing out of Thomas Edison’s early film experiments in the 1890s, the Edison Manufacturing Company ranked as one of the major moviemaking concerns in the late 1900s-early 1910s. Such stars as Charles Ogle, Marc McDermott, Viola Dana and Mary Fuller regularly appeared in their moving pictures.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: San Francisco Silent Film Festival Jazzes Up Fall

Posted on September 15, 2014 by lmharnisch

Laurel and Hardy

The San Francisco Silent Film Festival spices up the fall with a presentation of silent films Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at the glorious Art Deco Castro Theatre for its Autumn Film Festival. The one-day event highlights the glories of what film historian Kevin Brownlow calls “live cinema,” by screening new restorations and highlighting film anniversaries, accompanied by live music performed by top practitioners in the field. The eclectic lineup includes gentle slapstick humor, romantic adventure, historic intrigue, dark shadows and a day at the cinema.

The day opens at 11 a.m., with the screening of three Laurel and Hardy shorts to tickle any funny bone. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Hal Roach’s superb comedy duo who became film superstars and icons, continue to influence screen funny teams today with their superb sense of timing and reaction shots. They demonstrate their unique blend of character study and slapstick with two all-time great two-reelers, “Two Tars,” presenting an over-the-top example of road rage, and “ Big Business,” demonstrating how not to sell a Christmas tree. New Yorker Donald Sosin will provide the musical voice for the films.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

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Wife Stabs Venice Man to Death, Sept. 12, 1944

Posted on September 12, 2014 by lmharnisch

Sept. 12, 1944, comics

Sept. 12, 1944, Killing

Sept. 12, 1944

Charles Holdren, 45, lived at 1515 Trolleyway, Venice, with his wife, Ellen, and daughters from a previous marriage: Virginia, 20, Peggy, 18, and Lois, 13. He worked as a fish cutter and after Charles and Ellen had spent Sunday drinking heavily, he decided to go to bed.

Where he found his wife, Ellen, 44.

The Times said he “objected to her presence in bed when he started to retire.”

At the Wilshire-Ebell Theatre: Rainbow Rhapsody with ‘Spectratone.’

 

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1944 in Print — Hollywood Gossip by Louella Parsons, Sept. 12, 1944

Posted on September 12, 2014 by lmharnisch

Sept. 12, 1944, Comics

Sept. 12, 1944

Danton Walker says: Huge orders for railroad cars, motors, trucks, etc., have already arrived here from France, first indication of U.S. industry’s bite of postwar business.

Louella Parsons says: Hunt Stromberg’s plan to make “Blood and Guts” is a natural. Of course, it’s the life story of Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Jr., and the way he took the American Army right through the German lines. Hunt has contacted Mrs. Patton and he hopes to be able to get some data from the general, if the war is over as soon as we all hope. Bob Considine has been contacted to write the script. Charles Bickford, rough and ready, will have the role of the great soldier. Gen. Patton, to whom war comes first, won the respect of his men, and their unanimous support, even after the much publicized “slap” episode.

Through the grapevine, ’tis whispered Capt. Ronald Reagan, who has been in the service since the beginning of the war, may be out the first of the year. He has a wife and child. If this is true, Ronnie will probably resume his movie career in “The Voice of the Turtle,” which is a natural for him.

VIRGO: No vestpocket effort or half-hearted try will accomplish a thing. Big business needs big action, anticipation and above average comprehension. All these and more you can deliver.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com.

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1944 in Print — Hollywood News and Gossip by Louella Parsons, Sept. 11, 1944

Posted on September 12, 2014 by lmharnisch

Sept. 11, 1944, Comics

Sept. 11, 1944

You needn’t be surprised if you find Mervyn LeRoy producing pictures in Bulgaria, setting up shop in Italy or moving into France. Mervyn has formed an independent producing company to be known as the Arrowhead Productions.

When Fred Allen faces the cameras come Monday, he’ll have Binnie Barnes, gifted actress, as his screen vis a vis.

VIRGO: The more you extend yourself and the less worry and doubt you engage, the fuller the response you receive. Industry, professions favored.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com

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9/11/2001

Posted on September 11, 2014 by lmharnisch

The Daily Mirror is dark for 9/11.

Posted in 2001 | Tagged , | 2 Comments

TCM Viewer Poll: What Is Your Favorite Tribute?

Posted on September 10, 2014 by lmharnisch

So after bashing Melanie Griffith’s annoying tribute to Jean Harlow, I thought I would ask the Brain Trust: What’s your favorite?

As far as I can tell, there is no complete list of TCM tributes (not even on Wikipedia!), so here’s my catalog, which I’m sure is incomplete. I’m not talking about the “What a Character” features (sorry, Edna May Oliver and William Frawley) or Film Fanatics (sorry, noir fans) or brief comments (sorry, Jane Wyman or Gloria De Haven about getting your hair washed by Marlene Dietrich).

This is strictly one actor or actress talking at length about another actor or actress.

Here goes:

Ernest Borgnine on Robert Ryan.

Michael Caine on Cary Grant.

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Posted in Film, Hollywood | Tagged , | 16 Comments

‘Laura’ — The Making of a Film Noir Classic, Part 29

Posted on September 10, 2014 by lmharnisch

'Laura'

The famous portrait of Laura Hunt in “Laura” by the fictional artist Stuart Jacoby. For the film, a large photo of Gene Tierney was heavily retouched to appear to be a painting.

In case you just tuned in, I’m using Louella Parsons’ May 15, 1944, item on Rouben Mamoulian being replaced as the director of “Laura” to take a meandering look at the making of the film, which was released in Los Angeles in November 1944. Previous posts have examined the writing career of “Laura” novelist Vera Caspary and the state of the detective story in 1941, when she was writing the novel. We also explored some of the locations Caspary used in the book.

This time, we’re going to look the novel’s portrayal of Laura Hunt, who is the title character of Vera Caspary’s novel  and the film, but not the most important one – that would be the acid-tongued columnist Waldo Lydecker (played by Clifton Webb in the film).

The Making of “Laura” Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28

James Ellroy to script remake of ‘Laura’

Spoilers ahead

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Posted in 1944, Books and Authors, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

1944 in Print — Hollywood News and Gossip by Louella Parsons, Sept. 10, 1944

Posted on September 10, 2014 by lmharnisch

Sept. 10, 1944, Martha Scott

Sept. 10, 1944

The influence of Andre de Toth, the director, has been very important in the life of Veronica Lake. She is no longer the girl who doesn’t care. She cares very much now what people think of her, and she is eager to win the respect of fellow workers and to explain why she has done some of the things in the past that have brought criticism on her — not really serious things, but impulsive, foolish little exhibitions of her temperament.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com.

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Posted in 1944, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

$400 to Hear the Beatles in Mono? You Must Be Kidding!

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lmharnisch

image
“The Beatles in Glorious, Non-Lifelike Monaural,” listed on Amazon at $374.98.

Dear Millennials and aging Baby Boomers with too much money: Just say no.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of vinyl and have several thousand discs that I bought years ago (yes, including those Beatles LPs and even some of the lo-fi bootlegs). This isn’t about achieving some sort of audio “purity.” It’s merely an attempt to squeeze some more money out of the Beatles catalog.

Perhaps you would like to read Robert Hilburn’s 1987 piece on why “Sgt. Pepper” is full of mediocre songs.  (I don’t happen to agree, but you would never see an article like this today).

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Dear TCM

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lmharnisch

Dear TCM:

Once again, you are airing Melanie Griffith’s “tribute” to Jean Harlow, which is dreadful in every way. I suppose it seemed like a good concept to have a “modern” (well sort of) blond bombshell discuss Harlow. But it doesn’t work.  Griffith is – to say the least – not a film historian and her comments are embarrassing. Her reading is cold and poorly done. I cringe every time it comes on.

You have many other tributes in the vault, such as Tony Curtis and Michael Caine on Cary Grant; or John Waters on Vincent Price; or Martin Landau’s tribute to Bela Lugosi. How about airing one of them instead? Even Robert Redford’s rather wooden tribute to Natalie Wood, while not my favorite, would be an improvement.

Thank you.

Posted in Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

‘Laura’ — The Making of a Film Noir Classic, Part 28

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lmharnisch

'Laura'

Detective Mark McPherson, played by Dana Andrews in the film version of “Laura.”

In case you just tuned in, I’m using Louella Parsons’ May 15, 1944, item on Rouben Mamoulian being replaced as the director of “Laura” to take a meandering look at the making of the film, which was released in Los Angeles in November 1944. Previous posts have examined the writing career of “Laura” novelist Vera Caspary and the state of the detective story in 1941, when she was writing the novel. We also explored some of the locations Caspary used in the book.

In the next few posts I’m going to look at the characters as portrayed in the novel, starting with the smaller roles and working up to Waldo Lydecker (played by Clifton Webb in the film). Although the book and film are titled “Laura,” Waldo is the most important character and the one who required the most work, as Caspary noted in her autobiography, “The Secrets of Grown-Ups.”

Finally, we’re getting to the major characters in the book. This time, it’s New York Police Detective Lt. Mark McPherson, played by Dana Andrews in the film.

The Making of “Laura” Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28

James Ellroy to script remake of ‘Laura’

Spoilers ahead

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Posted in 1944, Books and Authors, Film, Hollywood | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: ‘Why Be Good?’ Celebrates the Jazz Age

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lmharnisch

 

thirsty_for_kisses_sheet_music
“I’m Thirsty for Kisses” from “Why Be Good?” listed on EBay at $8.49.

A pulsating, dynamic salute to the jazz-mad, anything goes generation, the restored Colleen Moore feature, “Why Be Good?” features entertaining performances and gorgeous design set to a syncopated, synchronized symphony of hot jazz music and sound effects. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the United States premiere of the recently restored film at Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Bing Theatre, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014.

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Posted in 1928, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

1944 in Print — Hollywood News and Gossip by Louella Parsons, Sept. 9, 1944

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lmharnisch

image

Sept. 9, 1944

Danton Walker says: Jackie Gleason (“Follow the Girls”), who originally got his start in burlesque, will play the role of a press agent for a burlesque company in his first picture for 20th Century-Fox.

Louella Parsons says: Maj. Frank Lloyd returns to Hollywood and inactive duty next Thursday. He has been decorated for distinguished service in the South Pacific, and has had an enviable war record. With victory so close, Frank, along with some of the older Hollywood men, is now out of the service and ready to resume his prewar job.

Frank’s first motion picture deal is with William Cagney. He’ll direct James Cagney in “Blood on the Sun.” As soon as he takes off his uniform he will go to work getting the Cagney movie in readiness for the screen.

Lt. Ty Power is spending his leave with Annabella in New York … Jean Negulesco and Ilona Massey are now an item … Ward Bond, on crutches, received a royal welcome at the Clover Club — his first appearance since his accident.

VIRGO: Proceed hopefully with prearranged plans and regular schedule. Profits, quick returns from investments may not be immediate but this should not worry you. Benefits later.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer via Fultonhistory.com.

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Movieland Mystery Photo — Tennessee Williams’ Edition

Posted on September 8, 2014 by lmharnisch

Suddenly Last Summer

A member of the Brain Trust has called my attention to a gent appearing in the film of Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly, Last Summer,” a movie I have never seen. Apparently this fellow, who plays Sebastian Venable, is unidentified and I thought the rest of the Brain Trust might have an idea of who he is. (No, he’s not on imdb.) In the play, (which I have also never seen), something unfortunate has happened to Sebastian and he never appears, but the screenwriters decided to put him in the film. A good mystery for the Brain Trust!

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo, Stage | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

Carlos Valdez Lozano: L.A., Friday Night

Posted on September 8, 2014 by lmharnisch

Paramount Ballroom, 2708 E. Cesar Chavez
Paramount Ballroom, 2708 E. Cesar Chavez Ave., via Google Street View.

 


Note: Here’s a post from my Times colleague Carlos Valdez Lozano about an adventure he had with the late George Ramos and former Times reporter Robert J. Lopez. Here’s a piece he wrote in 2011 on Norm’s.

I pulled up to the Paramount Ballroom around 5:30 p.m. and already the line snaked around the building and down the block. We had bought our $40 tickets in advance but now I was beginning to wonder if we were going to get in at all. From the looks of the line — hundreds deep, it was clear that they had oversold the place.

Not to mention, there were 10 police cars parked out front alongside two ladder trucks. The fire marshal couldn’t be far behind.

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Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Buster Keaton’s ‘The Italian Villa’

Posted on September 8, 2014 by lmharnisch

buster_keaton_home
Note: As many of you know, Mary Mallory’s father passed away, so in her absence we’re running one of her most popular posts, from 2012. 

Buster Keaton seemed to have it all in the mid-1920s. His career was riding high, as the public loved his film comedies, making him one of America’s top film personalities. He had a beautiful wife, Natalie Talmadge, and two lovely boys, though the public didn’t know that behind the scenes, the marriage was shaky. All he needed was a grand house to complete the image of the successful gentleman.

The Keatons first built a nice though average size home that Natalie considered too small for the family and staff once completed. After selling it off, Buster began planning an elaborate estate for his wife, one to rival that of her more successful sisters Norma and  Constance, as well as top stars Harold Lloyd and Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

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Posted in 1926, Architecture, Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | 1 Comment

Movieland Mystery Photo (Updated + + +)

Posted on September 8, 2014 by lmharnisch

We Live Again
This week’s mystery movie was the 1934 film “We Live Again,” directed by Rouben Mamoulian, starring Anna Sten and Fredric March.

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Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | Tagged , , | 41 Comments

Mary Mallory / Hollywood Heights: Cinecon Film Festival Screens Forgotten and Historic Films

Posted on September 5, 2014 by lmharnisch

Paths to Paradise
“Paths to Paradise,” Photoplay, July – December 1925.

Another year and another Cinecon Film Festival has come and gone. Started 50 years ago as an opportunity for classic film lovers and collectors to come together to view long unseen films, Cinecon still follows its mission of screening forgotten or difficult to see silent and sound films every Labor Day Weekend. For five days, film afcionados sit spellbound in the historic 1922 Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood viewing hard to see sound and silent films. Here’s a review of the 2014 Festival.

Thursday, August 28 opened at 7 pm with a screening of a “Vitaphone Frolics,” presenting some of the odd and obscure acts that trolled the vaudeville circuits. This reel featured three acts: a hillbilly group singing western songs, two men doing odd tumbling tricks, and “The Golliwog,” which showed a somewhat racist looking but completely double-jointed figure doing the most amazing folding and bending body skills.

Mary Mallory’s “Hollywoodland: Tales Lost and Found” is available for the Kindle.

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Posted in Film, Hollywood, Hollywood Heights, Mary Mallory | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments