“I don’t know whether or not I particularly like that kid. But she sure is cute.” -Dick Powell Dick Powell and I are not the same. I liked June Allyson right away. I watched Good News (1947) and found her to be overflowing with charm. She was cute and tiny and bubbly. She had a…… Continue reading Junebug’s 100th birthday
The fact that not one, but two classic Hollywood films exist about grown women impersonating 12 year olds is weird? Amazing? Decide for yourself. The Major and the Minor (1942) starred Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. Susan Applegate pretends to be a 12 year old so she can buy a discount train ticket. In the…… Continue reading June Allyson is Too Young to Kiss
Peter Lawford and John Hodiak were both charming and handsome. They were not, however, Van Johnson. But why make this distinction? I love all three men. Peter Lawford was a better actor than most people remember and John Hodiak simply isn’t remembered enough. To be honest though, Van was special. He just had that certain…… Continue reading Van Johnson’s big break: A Guy Named Joe (1943)
For those who don’t know, Ricardo Montalban is one of my movie husbands. Handsome, suave, distinct voice, devout Catholic, a faithful husband who adored his wife Georgie unto death. He’s just the ideal. I know that for many, he’s Khan from Star Trek. Having never watched the series, he’s forever the dreamy Old Hollywood star…… Continue reading Summer Under the Stars: Ricardo Montalban double feature
Sidney Poitier occupies a very unique place in Hollywood history. As one of the few black actors to gain prestige during the Golden Era, he’s a heroic figure. He paved the way for so many talented men and women who came after him. And that’s noteworthy because neither his career nor his life were sacrificed…… Continue reading Summer Under the Stars: Sidney Poitier in The Defiant Ones (1958)
It’s Eleanor Parker day on TCM today, and my recommendation is The Woman in White (1948). My love for this film simply can’t be overestimated. It airs at 2 am, which is the perfect time for a film as eerie as this one. Based on the 1859 novel by Wilkie Collins, this mystery film also…… Continue reading Summer Under the Stars: Eleanor Parker in The Woman in White (1948)
Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with Gene Kelly. I, who had been courted by Fred Astaire, found my loyalties shifting. Yes, I can and do love both. Their different styles deserve to be celebrated, and both contributed to the Hollywood musical in innumerable, undisputed ways. But I’m a Gene Kelly girl now.…… Continue reading Summer Under the Stars: Gene Kelly in Inherit the Wind (1960)
