Mini Tribute: Producer Pandro S. Berman

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born March 28, 1905 Legendary Producer Pandro S. Berman!

Before I start, I must add a quick ‘disclaimer’ —  this post is only labeled a ‘Mini’ tribute because it is ‘mini’ in ‘written’ content — but given that Pandro S. Berman produced some of my all-time favorite films — this post is by no means ‘mini’ in terms of my respect for him!

So to celebrate Berman’s birthday, a pictorial tribute…

First, some behind-the-scenes photos:

Pandro S. Berman with Katharine Hepburn & Vincente Minnelli on set of Undercurrent Producer Pandro S. Berman (right) with Katharine Hepburn & Director Vincente Minnelli on set of Undercurrent (film released 1946)

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Ginger Rogers, director Garson Kanin and producer Pandro S. Berman on the set of Bachelor MotherProduction Manager Pandro S. Berman (aka executive in charge of production) (right) with Ginger Rogers and Director Garson Kanin on the set of Bachelor Mother (film released 1939)

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Elvis Presley, Barbara Lang and Producer Pandro S. Berman on the set of Jailhouse RockProducer Pandro S. Berman with Elvis Presley near the MGM or Paramount Studio gates (location not confirmed) around the time of Jailhouse Rock (film released 1957);  also pictured is actress Barbara Lang who was originally slated to appear opposite Presley in Jailhouse Rock (but the part ultimately went to Judy Tyler)

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Now for some of my personal favorite Berman films:

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dancing to Cole Porter's "Night and Day" in The Gay Divorcee (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1934)Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, dancing to Cole Porter’s “Night and Day”  in The Gay Divorcee (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1934)

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Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" in Top Hat (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrick director, 1935)Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing to Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” in Top Hat (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1935)

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Harriet Hilliard (Harriet Nelson) and Randolph Scott in Follow the Fleet (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1936Harriet Hilliard (Harriet Nelson) and Randolph Scott in Follow the Fleet (Pandro S. Berman producer, Mark Sandrich director, 1936)

Bilge (Randolph Scott): Well, watch my maneuvers — you can’t beat the navy.
Connie Martin (Harriet Hilliard): All right, sailor, I surrender.
Bilge: unconditionally?
Connie Martin: Well, I’m will to discuss terms.

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 Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in the original Father of the Bride (Pandro S. Berman producer, Vincente Minnelli director, 1950)Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy in the original Father of the Bride (Pandro S. Berman producer, Vincente Minnelli director, 1950)

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Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in Stage Door (Pandro S. Berman producer, Gregory La Cava director, 1937)Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in Stage Door (Pandro S. Berman producer, Gregory La Cava director, 1937)

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And, yes, there are SO many more wonderful Pandro S. Berman films including National Velvet, Sweet Bird of Youth, Of Human Bondage, Roberta, The Hunchback of Notre Dame — so I’m sure this post will be continued at some point soon 🙂

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Gloria Swanson

Posted on March 27, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Gloria Swanson, born March 27th, 1899!

There is a common myth in classic movie folklore. Well, there’s many myths in classic movie folklore actually, but I plan to focus on just one for now…

Sunset Boulevard (1950, Billy Wilder)

In 1950, a movie you might have heard about came out, a little movie called Sunset Boulevard. The story revolves around a writer, an aging actress, and whole mess of lies, deceits, and, ya know, the Hollywood usual. I’d tell you more about it but I’m not in the business of giving away spoilers. I am, however, in the business of spoiling myths — and the myth that needs spoiling in this particular case revolves around the before-mentioned aging actress.

Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (1950, Billy Wilder)

In Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson plays Norma Desmond, a delusional, unwanted, aging silent actress desperately clinging to the fantasy that her best years are yet to come — when clearly they’ve already passed. In real life, Gloria Swanson was also an aging actress who had been out of filmic limelight since about the silent era and was desperately seeking a comeback. Well, actually, only part of that is true. Yes, Swanson was an aging actress, but I’m an aging writer and you are an aging human. And really, other than that, the similarities between Swanson and Desmond end. Sure, they were both huge stars who didn’t transition past the silent era, however, Swanson’s handling of the situation couldn’t had been more different than Desmond’s.

Gloria Swanson lookin’ fly in her old age.

Instead of isolating herself for 20 years in a mansion made of decadence (as Desmond did), Swanson moved to New York and started an inventions and patents company called Multiprizes. The company’s sole purpose was to rescue Jewish Scientist and inventors from war-torn Europe. She also began painting, sculpting, writing columns, and engaged in political activism — all while making appearances on the stage. Oh, and she also designed and marketed clothing. To compare, at this point in her life, all Desmond seemed to accomplish was buying a monkey then watching it die. So, despite the claim that Swanson was merely “playing herself” in Sunset Boulevard, well, we can consider that myth busted.

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Gloria Swanson by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

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Introduction: Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

I’m happy to announce that Michelle Kerrigan, expert in Workplace Confidence — who just so happens to be a passionate Classic Movie Fan — will be doing a series especially for CMH called “Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence!”  The series will kick off on Monday, April 1 — and will feature Michelle’s insight on some of our most beloved Classic Movie Characters and how they exude strength and confidence!

Can’t wait to see the first post 🙂

–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

 

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: David Lean

Posted on March 25, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend David Lean, born March 25th, 1908!

As human beings, and by reading this I assume you are one, we love seeing things grow. We plant tiny little seeds to watch them grow into bright colorful flowers. Parents save photographs of their babies to document their development from tiny little people to adult big people. We buy tiny foam capsules to watch them grow into less tiny foam dinosaurs. Ok. Maybe that’s just me but the point is that we love to watch things grow and develop. And this is why I love David Lean. Not following? It’s ok. Let me explain.

David Lean, being a B.A.

You see, in my opinion, David Lean’s directorial career is a perfect example of organic artistic growth and development.  Like many directors, Lean started his career in the editor’s room, cutting away at others’ work for 10 years before finally getting a chance to sit in the director’s chair. His first three films, In Which We Serve, This Happy Breed, and Blithe Spirit, were all based on Noel Coward plays and demonstrated not only his ease with actors, but also his ability to transpose the staged play into motion picture. Although his first three films gave a glimpse of his talents, his next film, Brief Encounters, also based on a Coward play, showed the evolution of that talent. In the wrong hands, the film could have easily been a tripe British romance, full of stuffy people and stuffy melodrama. But with Lean, we got something more. We got two perfectly played and perfectly subtle performances. We got an unique atmosphere that’s equal parts mystery, romance, and secrecy.  With Lean, we got to see him grow.

Cecil Johnson and Trevor Howard in Brief Encounter (1945, David Lean)

And of course his growth didn’t stop there. He went on to further develop his craft through novel adaptations such as Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, and by working with actors on location in places like Venice. Constantly growing and evolving, it seems the logical next step that Lean would go on to direct Bridge on the River Kwai — and forever change his place in film history. You see, before Bridge on the River Kwai, Lean had not directed anything close to an epic. Sure, his films were “epic” in that they were very well crafted while also being very entertaining. But the Lean we know today, the Lean that directed Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India; The Lean that directs Epics, didn’t exist until 1957. That’s the beauty of Lean — rather than finding a niche and staying with it, he grew. He sought new challenges, new locations, and new ways to grow. Because of that, the boy who directed funny plays became the man who directed classic epics.

David Lean on the set of Lawrence of Arabia

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about David Lean by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

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Mini Tribute: Paula Winslowe

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born March 23, 1910 Actress Paula Winslowe! 

Paula Winslowe appeared in over 30 roles, mostly on TV — including Mrs. Martha Conklin in Our Miss Brooks (radio and TV), Mary Dunkle / Mrs. Peabody on  The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (TV) and Mrs. Netwick in My Mother the Car (TV). She was also the voice of Greta Gravel on The Flintstones.

Winslowe’s Feature Film ‘Claim-to-Fame’ was her Debut Film role as Bambi’s Mother in the 1942 Disney film classic, Bambi.

Paula Winslowe as Bambi's mother in 1942 Disney Film BambiPaula Winslowe as ‘herself’ and as Bambi’s mother in the 1942 Disney Film Bambi

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Paula Winslowe by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

 

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Joan Crawford

Posted on March 23, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Joan Crawford, born March 23rd, 1905!

So, I’m going to honest with you all – my first impression of Joan Crawford was not actually Joan Crawford. Like many young children with a taste for flair and flamboyance, my first Joan Crawford experience was Faye Dunaway screaming “No more wire hanger!” in the movie Mommy Dearest. Now, I don’t want to start a debate over the validity of the film or claims against Crawford because, well, that’s just been done to death. What I want to say is that I’m glad I was able, in my teen years, to overcome that first impression and develop an appreciation for Crawford as a movie star.

What I appreciate about Crawford is not simply her on screen glamour, though glamorous she most definitely was. What makes me truly appreciate and respect Crawford was her dedication to her fans. Living under the credo that she was nothing without her fans, Joan Crawford would sit down for hours at a time and write personalized responses to her fan letters. If Joan Crawford were alive today, that would be the equivalent of answering every fan tweet she received — except instead of doing it in 140 characters, she, ya know, wrote whole entire letters. It’s estimated that in her lifetime, she wrote over three million letters. I can’t help but think that there are many people who probably haven’t written three million words, let alone three million letters, in their lifetime. So, to celebrate this most gracious of classic stars let us observe her being just that.

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Joan Crawford smiling at all her fan mail.

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Joan Crawford signing head shots.

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Joan Crawford writing her devoted fans.

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Joan Crawford by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

 

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Classic Movie Birthdays, March 22

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Trying something a little new today… a tiny tribute to Classic Movie Birthdays…

Classic Movie Birthdays, today March 22 include:

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Chico Marx – Born March 22, 1887:  A Day at the Races, A Night at the Opera, Duck Soup, Horse Feathers…

Chico Marx A Day at the Races Tootsie Fruitsie Ice CreamChico Marx (as Tony) selling Racing Books to Groucho (as Dr. Hackenbush) in the Marx Brothers’ A Day at the Races (1937, Sam Wood director)

“Getta your tootsie-fruitsie ice cream!” -Chico Marx in A Day at the Races

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Karl Malden –  Born March 22, 1912: A Streetcar Named Desire (Best Supporting Actor Oscar), On the Waterfront (Supporting Actor Nomination), How the West Was Won, Nevada Smith -& of course TV’s Lt. Mike Stone on The Streets of San Francisco! Karl Malden as Father Barry in On the WaterfrontKarl Malden as Father Barry in On the Waterfront (1954,  Elia Kazan director)

“You’d better get rid of that gun unless you haven’t got the guts — and  if you don’t you’d better hang on to it!” -Karl Malden in On the Waterfront

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Joseph Schildkraut – Born March 22, 1896: The Life of Emile Zola (Best Sup Actor Oscar), Marie Antoinette, The Shop Around the Corner, The Diary of Anne Frank, Cleopatra 1934…

millie perkins and joseph schildkraut The Diary of Anne FrankMillie Perkins (as Anne Frank) and Joseph Schildkraut (as Anne’s father, Otto) in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959, George Stevens director)

“Always remember this Anna, there are no walls, no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind.” -Joseph Schildkraut in The Diary of Anne Frank

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Marcel Marceau – Born March 22, 1923: “Master of Silence” legendary mime, survived the Nazi occupation, joined the French Underground and saved children during WWII.

Marcel MarceauMarcel Marceau

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Virginia Grey – Born March 22, 1917: All That Heaven Allows, Another Thin Man, The Big Store, The Rose Tattoo, Madame X…

Actress Virginia GreyVirginia Grey

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James Westerfield – Born March 22, 1913: On the Waterfront, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Absent Minded Professor, True Grit…

James Westerfield Character ActorJames Westerfield

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Werner Klemperer – Born March 22, 1920: The Wrong Man, Judgment at Nuremberg – & of course he was Colonel Klink on Hogan’s Heroes!

Werner KlempererWerner Klemperer

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William Shatner – Born March 22, 1931: handful of parts in some Classic Movies (i.e. The Brothers Karamazov 1958 starring Yul Brynner), lots of TV roles – most famously as Sgt. T.J. Hooker AND of course Star Trek’s Captain Kirk!

Wiliiam Shatner as Captain KirkWiliiam Shatner as Captain Kirk

“I drink Labatt’s, not Romulan ale!” -William Shatner

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Herbert Rudley – Born March 22, 1910: The Seventh Cross, A Walk in the Sun, The Silver Chalice -& Eve Arden’s husband in The Mothers-in-Law!

Herbert Rudley Character ActorHerbert Rudley

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Wilfrid Brambell – Born March, 22 1912: I know him best as Paul’s Grandfather in A Hard Day’s Night! 🙂

Wilfrid Brambell A Hard Day's Night Paul's GrandfatherWilfrid Brambell as Paul’s Grandfather in The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night (1964, Richard Lester director)

“I’ve been in a train and a room, and a car and a room, and a room and a room.” -Wilfrid Brambell in  A Hard Day’s Night

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TO SEE WHO’S BORN ON YOUR BIRTHDAY (or any given day) check out the CMH Birthday Database

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

 

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Classic Movie Legend Tribute: W.S Van Dyke

Posted on March 21, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, W.S Van Dyke, born March 21st, 1889!

W.S. Van Dyke is a producer’s dream director. Not only was he capable of directing multiple genres, he had an unprecedented skill of finishing pictures on-time and under budget. He earned the nickname “One-take Woody,” due to his directing praxis of shooting each scene as quickly and efficiently as possible. During his 25-year tenure as a film director, he directed over 90 films.  In case crunching numbers isn’t your thing, I did it for you — that’s 3.6 films a year. To put that in perspective, during Quentin Tarantino’s 25 years as a director, he directed 9 films or .36 films a year with a couple of TV credits thrown in for good measure.

Of course, it’s not simply Van Dyke’s speed as a director that made him the toast of producers everywhere; it was his craft as well. Just because Woody liked to work fast does not mean he wasn’t dedicated to making the best picture possible. In a span of six years, he directed such classics as The Thin Man, Manhattan Melodrama, San Francisco, After the Thin Man, Marie Antoinette and I Love You Again. That’s a classic a year and that is simply amazing. So, to celebrate this speedy director, let us take a look at some of his most beloved films.

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Clark Gable in Manhattan Melodrama (1934, W.S Van Dyke director)

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Myrna Loy, The Thin Man, Classic Movie actress, W.S Van DykeWilliam Powell and Myrna Loy in The Thin Man (1934, W.S Van Dyke director)

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Norma Shearer in Marie Antoinette (1938, W.S Van Dyke director)

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Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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Mini Tribute: Christian Roberts

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born March 17, 1944 Actor Christian Roberts!

Christian Roberts appeared in about 20 films and tv shows through the 1960s and 1970s — but he is probably best known for his role as Denham in his 1967 Feature Film Debut, To Sir with Love.

Christian Roberts in To Sir with LoveChristian Roberts as Denham in To Sir with Love (1967, James Clavell director)

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Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Christian Roberts by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

 

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Disney Legend: Kurt Russell

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Happy Birthday Disney Legend Kurt Russell, born March 17, 1951!

Kurt Russell made his Film Debut in 1963 (uncredited) at 11 yrs old — as the ‘boy who kicks Mike (aka Elvis Presley)’ in It Happened at the World’s Fair.

Russell went on to become a top Disney star during the ’60s and ’70s — starring in some wonderful Disney films including The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit, Follow Me Boys and The Strongest Man in the World. Russell also appeared in a handful of episodes on  TV’s Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color from 1967 to 1972.

Kurt Russell in Disney's The Computer Wore Tennis ShoesKurt Russell in Disney’s The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

In 1998 Russell received the Disney Legends Award for living up to Disney principals of imagination, skill, discipline, craftsmanship and magic!

Disney Legends Award and Statue

Disney Legends Plaza and Handprints Kurt RussellDisney Legends Plaza and Kurt Russell’s Handprints

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Of course, Russell went on to appear in some Cult Film Classics — starring as Snake Plissken in John Carpenter’s action flicks, Escape from NY (1981) and Escape from LA (1996), and as helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady in John Carpenter’s horror film The Thing (1982).

I seem to have a knack for picking movies that go on to be cult favorites.
-Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken in John Carpenter's Escape from New YorkKurt Russell as Snake Plissken in John Carpenter’s Escape from New York

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And, last but not least, Russell appeared in his share of  ‘mainstream’ films including Mike Nichols’ Silkwood opposite Meryl Streep and Cher (1983), Ron Howard’s Backdraft also starring Robert DeNiro and William Baldwin (1991), and Garry Marshall’s Overboard opposite life-partner Goldie Hawn (1987)

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn in Overboard, film by Garry MarshallKurt Russell and Goldie Hawn in Overboard (directed by Garry Marshall)

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Annmarie Gatti at Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Kurt Russell by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

 

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