Mini Tribute: Edgar Bergen

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born February 16, 1903 Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen!

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen appeared in over 40 film and TV roles including You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man and I Remember Mama – and of course he is most famously remembered as the voice behind Charlie McCarthy!

In 1937 Edgar Bergen received an Honorary Oscar for his ‘outstanding comedy creation, Charlie McCarthy’, and in 1990 he was inducted into The Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.

Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy

Edgar Bergen with his famous ‘side-kick’ Charlie McCarthy

Edgar Bergen: I’ve got a good mind to…
Charlie McCarthy: Why don’t you use it?
-from You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man

…..

Oh, and just a ‘reminder’ side note: Edgar Bergen is also the father of Candice Bergen.

Candice Bergen, daughter of Edgar BergenCandice Bergen (Edgar Bergen’s daughter)

…..

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Hall of Fames, Mini Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: John Barrymore

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, John Barrymore, born February 15th, 1882!

Theatrical Royalty. Super Stardom. Tragic Decline…

Barrymore was born into the famous Barrymore/Drew theatrical family; his parents were Maurice Barrymore and Georgie Drew Barrymore (formerly Georgiana Emma Drew) – both actors; his mother’s parents (Louisa Lane Drew and John Drew) – were both actors; his mother’s siblings (Sidney, John Drew Jr and Louisa) – were all actors; his maternal great-grandparents (Eliza Trentner and William Haycraft Lane) – were both actors. And, above all, John Barrymore along with his brother Lionel and sister Ethel were the most famous generation of this legendary thespian family!

Handsome and talented, Barrymore rose to super stardom on both the stage and on screen, best remembered for his stage role as Hamlet on Broadway (1922) and in London (1925), as well as his film roles as Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920), ‘The Baron’ in Grand Hotel (1932), ‘Oscar Jaffe’ in Twentieth Century (1934) and as Don Juan (1926).

Tragically, his weakness for alcohol, as well as health and personal problems, led to his subsequent decline.  But, lucky for us, he has left many brilliant film performances for us to enjoy!

In honor of John Barrymore’s legacy, let us celebrate with three quotes from one of his most famous films, Grand Hotel.

Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore in Grand Hotel

John Barrymore as the Baron with his brother Lionel as Kringelein (left) in Grand Hotel

Otto Kringelein (Lionel Barrymore): I may speak to The Baron, anytime I see him?
The Baron (John Barrymore): Of course Kringelein, why not?
Otto Kringelein: I mean when you’re with your smart friends?
The Baron: I haven’t any friends Kringelein.

…..

Joan Crawford and John Barrymore in Grand HotelJohn Barrymore with Joan Crawford as Flaemmchen (the Stenographer) in Grand Hotel

“I don’t suppose you’d take some dictation from me sometime, would you?”
–John Barrymore to Joan Crawford in Grand Hotel

 …..

Greta Garbo and John Barrymore, Grand HotelJohn Barrymore with Greta Garbo as Grusinskaya (the Dancer) in Grand Hotel

“May I say something madame, you’re so beautiful. It tore my heart to see you in despair like that.”
-John Barrymore to Greta Garbo in Grand Hotel

…..

And one last note: I would be remiss if I didn’t add that John Barrymore is Drew Barrymore’s paternal grandfather.

Drew Barrymore, John Barrymore's grand daughterDrew Barrymore (John Barrymore’s grand daughter)

…..

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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

 

Posted in Birthday Legends, Legends Tribute, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Super Duper Singing Star – Ann Margrock!

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

I Ain’t Gonna Be Your Fool No More! Classic Movie Cartoon Tribute!

In September of 1963, the marvelous Ann-Margret made her TV Debut, ‘appearing’ in The Flintstones as Stone Age Singing Superstar, Ann-Margrock, in an episode called “Ann-Margrock Presents” (Season 4, Episode 1, Sept 19, 1963).  Love that ‘bird’ bass line and the bridge! And, yes, Ann-Margret did do the voice-over and singing.  Very cool Prehistoric Backup Band! It rocks LOL!

Ann-Margret as Ann Margrock in The Flintstones "Ann-Margrock Presents)Ann-Margrock (Ann-Margret) singing:
I ain’t a gonna be your fool no more
I cried and cried until my eyes are sore
I gave you all the love I had, still you try to treat me bad
I love you but I ain’t a gonna be your fool…

 …..

The Flintstones "Ann-Margrock Presents" at the Bedrock Bowl

Ann-Margrock’s super cool back-up band at the Bedrock Bowl!

…..

Fred and Barney dancing with Ann-Margrock, Ann-Margret in The Flintstones "Ann-Margrock Presents"Ann-Margrock (Ann-Margret) singing with Fred (Alan Reed) and Barney (Mel Blanc)

“Come on fellas, I need some help.  Let’s take it from the top!”

…..

The Flintstones “Ann-Margrock Presents” Clip from YouTube

…..

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Visit CMH’s BlogHub for more posts about Ann-Margret by Veteran and Emerging Classic Movie Bloggers.

Posted in Cartoons, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Video Clips, Voice Actors | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

In Celebration of Valentine’s Day: Some Gifs for You!

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Some Valentine’s Day Gifts (oops I mean Gifs) for You!

Just a few of my favorite Classic Movie Kisses in celebration of Valentine’s Day…

Jean Arthur and Joel McCrea from The More The Merrier (GIF from Bellecs Tumbler)

…..

Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe Kissing in Some Like It HotTony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot (GIF: Classic Movie Hub created by Deadly Elegance)

…..

Gone with the Wind, Clark Gable kisses Vivien LeighClark Gable and Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind (GIF: Classic Movie Hub created by Deadly Elegance)

…

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

Posted in Gifs, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Thelma Ritter

Posted on February 14, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Thelma Ritter, born February 14th, 1902!

Friendship is something most people strive for. Humans are naturally social, pack-like animals. We like to be in groups, we like to play on teams, and in general, we like other people. However, we tend to not like all people. If you’re smart, you try to choose your friends carefully. And for me, Thelma Ritter, or at least the characters she played, have always been the kind of friends I would want.

Thelma Ritter was a character actor, through and through. She made her fame by playing sassy, street-wise, working class supporting roles. She was always the little bird in the leading stars’ ear, their sass-talkin’, moral guide through the narrative of their lives. She offered an ear to listen when needed, and a mouth to speak up when the lead star needed to shut up. Above all what I always admired about the Ritter character type was her loyalty. Whatever crazy schemes, ideas, or notions her lead stars seemed to concoct, she was always right there next to them, usually telling them – first by telling them how crazy they sounded then by joining in on the crazy. She was what is sometimes referred to as a “ride or die,” buddy –a loyal friend who will follow you to the end — the type of friend I’ve always wanted. So, to celebrate this great figure in female friendship let us take a look at some of her most “friendly” roles.

…..

bette davis, all about eve, classic movie actress, joesph l. mankiewiczThelma Ritter as Bette Davis‘s blunt talkin’ maid in All About Eve (1950, Joseph L. Mankiewicz)

…..

James Stewart, rear window, classic movie actor, alfred hitchcockThelma Ritter as James Stewart‘s sassy nurse in Rear Window (1954, Alfred Hitchcock, director)

…..

Thelma Ritter with drinking buddy Rock Hudson in Pillow Talk (1959, Michael Gordon)

….

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Birthday Legends, Character Actors, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Jack Lemmon

Posted on February 8, 2013 by minooallen

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Jack Lemmon, born February 8th, 1925!

Some stars are created. They spend years perfectly crafting their screen images, refining everything from their manner of speech to the way they dress to the minutia of a little thing called their past. Others stars just, well, are. They exist in the world of classic Hollywood just as they exist in “real life.” Jack Lemmon is one of those stars.

Unlike other studio-era stars, Jack Lemmon wasn’t pressed with the task of projecting an image to the audience. Because he didn’t have to maintain an illusion of glamour or sophistication, he was free to explore his craft in a myriad of varying characters. Whether playing a cross dressing bass player, a married alcoholic or a grumpy old man, Lemmon always seems completely genuine and lost in his role. He was actor before he was a star, and that’s why we love him. So, let us celebrate this great actor’s birthday by looking at some of his greatest classic movie roles.

…..

 shirley maclaine, the apartment, classic movie actress, billy wilderJack Lemmon with Shirley MacLaine in The Apartment (1960, Billy Wilder director)

…..

Lee remick, days of wine and roses, classic movie actress, blake edwardsJack Lemmon with Lee Remick in Days of Wine and Roses (1962, Blake Edwards director)

…..

Ving Rhames, movie actorVing Rhames giving Jack Lemmon his award at the 1998 Golden Globes because, really, what better role can you play than an influence and inspiration.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Birthday Legends, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Ramon Novarro

Posted on February 6, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Ramon Novarro, born February 6th 1899!

Ramon Novarro

I often wonder to myself if any of my classic movie favorites would translate to modern film stardom. As much as I love people like Fred Astaire, Greer Garson and Cyd Charisse, I have a hard time believing they would be half the stars in today’s Hollywood climate as they were in the Golden Age. There is one star, however, I feel would have benefited by being born 100 years later: Ramon Novarro.

Ramon Novarro looking more modern than a person born before the twentieth century should be allowed.

Yes, of all the Classic Hollywood stars, I feel Novarro is the one can most translate into modern success. And it’s not simply because of his dark good looks or acting ability. The reason is because he seemed to have more modern view of the world; he seemed to be ahead of the time. Just look at this quote about his view on modern movies:

“I was always the hero – with no vices – reciting practically the same lines to the leading lady. The current crop of movie heroes are less handicapped than the old ones. They are more human.”

While I thoroughly enjoy watching Ramon Novarro, perfect hero/lover, I would love to see Ramon Novarro, broken hero/tragic lover as much as I’m sure he wanted to see, too. But until I get enough money to hire a team of mad scientists to build that time machine I’ve always wanted, all I can do is continue speculating and enjoy my perfect hero, Ramon Novarro.

Ramon Novarro as the perfect hero in Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925, director Fred Niblo)

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

 

Posted in Birthday Legends, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mini Tribute: Ida Lupino

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born February 4, 1918 Ida Lupino!

Ida Lupino appeared in over 100 roles including They Drive by Night, The Sea Wolf, High Sierra, The Hard Way, Road House, On Dangerous Ground and Escape Me Never.

Ida LupinoIn 1949 Lupino stepped behind the camera — to write, produce and direct — becoming a widely respected pioneer for women filmmakers. Lupino was the first woman to direct a film noir (The Hitch-Hiker 1953). She also directed the 1966 family comedy The Trouble with Angels starring Rosalind Russell and Hayley Mills, as well as numerous TV show episodes including episodes for The Donna Reed Show, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Have Gun Will Travel, G.E. True Theater, The Rifleman, The Untouchables and Gilligan’s Island.

And, last, but certainly not least, Ida Lupino appeared as the villainess Dr Cassandra Spellcraft on TV’s Batman!

Ida Lupino as Dr Cassandra Spellcraft from TV’s Batman, with Howard Duff as Cabala (photo)

…..

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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

 

Posted in Directors, Mini Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, TV Roles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mini Tribute: Character Actor Walter Catlett

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Annmarie Gatti

Born February 4, 1889 Character Actor Walter Catlett!

Character Actor Walter Catlett appeared in over 150 roles including Bringing Up Baby (the constable that locks everyone up in jail), Yankee Doodle Dandy (the distracted stage manager), Mr Deeds Goes to Town (the drunken poet who offers to take Cooper out on a bender)!

Walter Catlett in Bringing Up BabyWalter Catlett with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby (photo)

“Now you know that’s silly! There never was a leopard in the whole state of Connecticut!”
-Walter Catlett as the Constable in Bringing Up Baby

…..

Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Character Actors, Mini Tributes, Posts by Annmarie Gatti, Quotes | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Classic Movie Legend Tribute: Ida Lupino

Posted on February 4, 2013 by minooallen

 

Happy Birthday to Classic Movie Legend, Ida Lupino, born February 4th, 1918.

To me, Ida Lupino is one of best female role models in the world of classic film. She had the gall of Katharine Hepburn, the independence of Bette Davis, and the talent/work ethic that rivaled any of her contemporaries. It’s always been a wonder to me why she hasn’t been embraced as an Icon of female independence in the way that Hepburn and Davis have been. Much like Hepburn and Davis, Lupino wouldn’t allow the studios to dictate her career. She famously barged into William Wellman’s office, unannounced, to audition for a role she wasn’t offered. She got the role, FYI. She also stood by her principles, refusing to act in roles she felt were no longer appropriate for her as an actress, often being placed on suspension for doing so. In fact, it was while on one of her many suspensions that she became interested in taking on another role – the role of director.

As a woman attempting to break into the male-dominated world of directing, I must admit this is one of the reasons I have such respect for Lupino. It’s hard enough breaking into the industry now, let alone 70 years ago when second-wave feminists were busy, you know, being born. For Lupino to direct was a HUGE deal. While on suspension, she would take that time to simply observe the process of filming and editing to gain a better understanding of the work that went to filmmaking. She would eventually go on to create her own independent company, The Filmakers, where she would act as producer, director and screenwriter for several low-budget, issue-oriented films. With the freedom to do as she pleased, she was unafraid to tackle taboo issues such rape, abuse, and sexuality. A truly modern woman in an era where that just wasn’t accepted.

…..

Ida Lupino acts in High Sierra (1941, Raoul Walsh director)

…..

Ida Lupino directs the movie Outrage (1950, Ida Lupino director)

…..

Ida Lupino as herself, a role model for young women everywhere.

…..

Minoo Allen for Classic Movie Hub

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

Posted in Birthday Legends, Directors, Legends Tribute, Posts by Minoo Allen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments