Myrna Loy goes solo as detective DANNI CHURCH

Myrna as Danni Church

After playing devoted wife to William Powell in three Thin Man movies so far, Myrna Loy tries the detective game by herself. She is perfectly cast as Danni Church, a war widow, whose husband was a private detective before leaving for the war. When he gets killed in combat, Danni decides to continue the business, Church Detective Agency. She recruits former policeman Mike Tracy (played by Brian Aherne) and they handle cases ranging from cheating spouses to missing persons. When Danni's college room-mate Gloria Morgan (Mary Astor) comes calling because she thinks her husband James (Patric Knowles) is having an affair. So Danni starts snooping and does find that James is having an affair with the much younger Stella Moore (a break-out performance by Susan Hayward). But James is also involved with some nefarious types and soon goes missing. Danni believes foul play but everyone else suspects he is just with Stella. So she and Mike begins knocking down doors, looking for answers. They first corner Eddie the Snitch (Elisha Cook Jr) before meeting crime boss Serrano (Joseph Calleia). This is good twisty film noir with ample amount of humor. Myrna Loy rocks as Danni Church, dropping one liners and getting tough when needed. Check out her tense confrontation with Stella in a bar:

Susan Hayward as Stella

Danni: Ms. Moore?
Stella: yes...
Danni: I'm a friend of Gloria Morgan..
Stella: sorry I don't know her
Danni: No I believe you know her husband James...
Stella: ahhhhhhh....so who are you? the loyal friend?
Danni: yes..and a detective. My name is Danni Church.
Stella: so are you lost or something? Or did Mrs. Morgan misplace James again?
Danni: You're a funny girl. Have you seen Mr. Morgan lately?
Stella: define lately...because if lately means last night...then yes. I tell ya what..go back and tell Mrs. Morgan that James will be home when he feels like it. Be a good little errand girl and do that for me..won't you?
Danni: You're a piece of work. But let me give you some advice. You seem smart and beautiful and can have anything in the world if you put your mind to it. Trust me when I say you and James will not last. Hope you have a nice day.

And with that Danni walks out leaving Stella looking mightily upset.

Brian Aherne as Mike

Mary Astor as Gloria

DANNI CHURCH (MGM, 1940)

Written by Jonathan Latimer
Directed by Howard Hawks

Cast:
Myrna Loy...................................Danni Church
Mary Astor..................................Gloria Morgan
Brian Aherne...............................Mike Tracy
Susan Hayward............................Stella Moore
Patric Knowles.............................James Morgan
Anne Shirley................................Debbie Church
Alan Hale....................................Police captain Ed Donnigan
Elisha Cook Jr.............................Eddie
Joseph Calleia.............................Serrano

This was the first in a proposed series of films but alas Myrna Loy could not fit another series into her schedule. She would return eventually in the sequel Danni Church: Family First (1949), with the stakes much higher as her sister Debbie goes missing.

This is another in my fantasy series..hope you guys liked it!

Doris Day and Lucille Ball team up for the hilarious Have I Got A Story To Tell You (1960)

Doris Day and Lucille Ball are a perfect pair in the comedy, Have I Got A Story To Tell You. The story has our two gals as rival bookstore owners who are forced to team up to stop a major bookstore chain from pushing their small stores out of the picture. Doris plays Lucy Street, whose store is called The Happy Book Store. Lucy plays Ann Morgan, whose store is called Friends and Books. Their stores are located right across the street from one another and have been for over 10 years. Lucy and Ann are respectful of each other and even share coffee every now and then but for the most part remain rivals. That is until major chain Big City Books seeks to expand their chain by opening up a store right in their small town of Kanesville, Colorado. They send their best PR man, Jerry McQueen (played by Tony Curtis) to convince the ladies that this is the best option for their businesses and town. Lucy and Ann band together to declare war on Big City Books but Jerry with his smooth talking ways tries to convince them otherwise. Jerry ends up romancing both women who fall hard until they come to their senses. When Jerry fails at his job, the president of Big City Books, Mr. Langford (Claude Rains) comes to town to handle the deal himself. 

Lucy as Ann Morgan

This is a simple comedy that may be light on story but great on chemistry between Day and Ball. It's a treat to see these two women converse and engage in pratfalls and getting one up on romeo Tony Curtis. It has a breezy run time of only 90 minutes but there are great comic scenes. Including the opening scene where both Lucy and Ann arrive at work to their respective stores and kind of mirror each other. It's a funny scene that lets both actresses mimic each other wonderfully. And then the scenes where Tony Curtis tries to seduce both women are funny as well. Have I Got A Story To Tell You is worth a look.

Tony Curtis and Doris Day

Cast:
Doris Day.................Lucy Street
Lucille Ball................Ann Morgan
Tony Curtis...............Jerry McQueen
Mr. Langford............Claude Rains
Patsy Kelly...............Esther
Pamela Tiffin.............Jilly

Oh btw in case people start scratching their heads about this movie, this is another in my series of fantasy films I just thought of and posted. In short, it doesn't exist. Just a fun exercise for me to work my imagination! Hope you guys liked it.

The Pursuit of Love (1950) starring Cary Grant and Esther Williams....yes it's another Monty fantasy movie

 

So here is my fantasy movie had Cary Grant paired up with Esther Williams. The title is In The Pursuit Of Love and Cary plays suave playboy Peter Lassister who refuses to settle down with any one woman. That is until he sees Liz Watson, a model who aspires to be a swimming champion. Peter pursues Liz instantly while trying to avoid the clutches of  rich society girl Ann Pendergast (played by Joan Caulfield). All the while reporter Stu Blanchard (Eddie Albert) is trying to be be the first to get the story on Lassiter finally settling down. Of course Liz has no time for romance as she is busy trying to compete in swimming competitions. And listening to her is seen it all best friend Sally (Betty Hutton). Of course things will eventually get sorted by the two leads and they fall in love by the end of the movie. Directed by George Cukor and released in 1950. Cary and Esther had remarkable chemistry together as Cary brought out Esther's comedic ability. One of the film's funniest scenes has to be when Liz dares Peter to a swimming race and Peter brags that he doesn't want to show her up. Liz politely whips Peter in front of a bevy of onlookers quite easy. Of course he takes it in stride and wants to be with Liz all that more. A beaut of a comic gem from 1950. And wonderful support from Charlotte Greenwood as Aunt Jessie and Zachary Scott as Jack Gardner, an ex-boyfriend of Liz.

Peter looking all so dapper

Liz about to start her daily routine

Ann actually is not that bad of a girl..just that Peter has eyes
only for Liz

 

Genre: Comedy
Release Date: 1950
Running time: 103 minutes
Directed by George Cukor
Written by Charles Lederer

Cast:
Pete Lassister.....Cary Grant
Liz Watson......Esther Williams
Ann Pendergast.....Joan Caulfield
Stu Blanchard.....Eddie Albert
Sally Rogers.....Betty Hutton
Aunt Jessie....Charlotte Greenwood
Jack Gardner....Zachary Scott

Notes:

This marked the only film that paired Cary Grant with Esther Williams

The Pursuit of Love was a tidy hit, being one of the top 20 money-earners of 1950.

As usual, Esther did all her own swimming sequences..which apparently rubbed off on her
co-stars as Cary and Betty did all their own swim scenes as well.

Joan Caulfield was a last minute replacement as first choice Joan Leslie had to bow out
due to an illness.

Liz being playful

Notable quotes:

Peter: You don't make it easy for a fella do you?
Liz: Easy enough. All you have to do is catch me.

Stu: If I land this story first, I will be the most famous reporter ever! Well maybe second famous!

Aunt Jessie: My dear, men can be just as crafty as we are. The trick is to never let them know that.

Sally is a pretty good swimmer as well

Stu looking shocked!

The sweet Aunt Jessie

The no good Jack Gardner

The Halliday Sisters (1936) features an amazing cast....yes I am at it again with another fantasy film

THE HALLIDAY SISTERS COME HOME (Columbia Pictures)

Carole Lombard as Kate...dreading coming home for the holidays

Annie knows how to make an entrance

The always playful Liz

Genre: Comedy/drama
Release Date: 1936
Running time: 119 minutes
Directed by Gregory LaCava
Written by Preston Sturges

Cast: 
Kate Halliday...........Carole Lombard
Annie Halliday..........Irene Dunne
Elizabeth Halliday......Myrna Loy
James Halliday.........Frank Morgan
Margaret Halliday.....Alice Brady
Aunt Helen..............Billie Burke
Pete Gordon...........Joel McCrea
Nick Stevens...........Brian Aherne
Lucky Mike...........William Powell
Teddy.....................Spencer Tracy
Bill.........................Clark Gable

Mr. Halliday trying to reason with his daughters

The ever patient Mrs. Halliday

Set in the small town of Beacon Falls, Connecticut comes this family who gathers for one Christmas Holiday that brings out the laughter and fun for everyone involved. James Halliday is the town's most successful businessman. He owns nearly half of the town's properties. His loving wife Margaret is a retired school teacher. They have three daughters named Kate, Annie, and Elizabeth. Kate and Annie both moved to the big city to have a life of their own while younger sister Liz stayed at home and is now a teacher herself at the same school Margaret taught at. Well this one Christmas, Kate and Annie both return home to celebrate the holidays. Sisters being sisters when these three get together, it's bound to be a little friction. Kate and Annie always competed with one another in everything..school, boys, etc. Liz was the little sister who always tried to tag along with be like both of them. 

Kate in a little tizzy

Kate's boyfriend Nick

Kate brings along her boyfriend Nick, a successful lawyer who Kate badly wants to impress the family with. You see Kate hasn't had much success with her life. She is a shop girl for Macy's and she doesn't want her family to know. Annie meanwhile has had some success as a gifted writer,who has traveled all over the world. But she has trouble and staying with men. Lo and behold her high school sweetheart Pete Gordon still lives in town with his own mechanic shop. He comes a calling once he hears Annie is visiting for the holidays. Of course Liz is a little peeved as her two sisters get to town and she is overshadowed all over again. To make matters worse, Aunt Helen shows up unexpectedly. Aunt Helen is the relative who always gets on everyone's nerves in no time at all.

Annie looking innocent

Annie's old high school ex-sweetheart Pete

The family dinner is the main focal point as Kate and Annie quickly trade wisecracks at one another. And Liz jumping in with her remarks as well. Things start to mellow between the sisters once they learn dad is sick. Arguing is replaced with memories of good times and soon the sisters are forgiving one another. By the end, dad makes a recovery and everyone has a joyous holiday. 

One of the running gags throughout the film is Liz's constant troubles with men. Her frequent dates include cameos by such stars as William Powell, Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy.

Liz and date #1, Lucky Mike

Liz and date # 2, Teddy

This would mark the only film where Lombard, Dunne, and Loy would make together. Which is a shame. Below are some stats of the film.

Aunt Helen looks positively shocked by something

Scored 8 Academy Award nominations including Best Film, Director, Screenplay, and nods for all three actresses: Lombard and Dunne got nominated for Best Actress while Loy got nominated for Best Supporting Actress.


Was the 4th biggest film earner of 1936.


Cary Grant and William Powell was on hand for the premiere of the film in Los Angeles. Cary was quoted as saying "How come I wasn't asked to be in this wonderful film?"


Much to the dismay of newspapers and critics, the three actresses all got along great during filming. During breaks, they would hang out together eating lunch and just talking. Imagine the conversations these three women must have had.


A follow up film was green lit but the three women could never find time again to come together for the sequel.

Kate looking happy by the time the movie ends

Notable quotes from the film:


James Halliday: Just once, I wish my three daughters could behave like normal daughters.
Liz: Oh but daddy, where is the fun in that?


Kate: Now remember if they ask you, what do you think of my cooking, say you love it Nick.
Nick: Which would be saying something if you ever cooked.


Pete: As you can see Annie, I did alright for myself after you left town.
Annie: Yes, I see. You were always good with your hands. I still got the marks to show for it.


Liz: I shudder every time one of my students call me..Ms. Halliday.


Aunt Helen: My, my, my..you just amaze me Margaret. With this family life, three daughters, a husband. It's something I could never do.


Liz, Kate and Annie in unison: We know Aunt Helen...

Liz and date # 3 Bill...true love at last

Carole Lombard and Cary Grant team up for their only screwball comedy, MOLLY AND HER WORLD (1940)...well one can dream right?

Everyone who has read my blog knows that I like to sometimes write fictional interviews with classic stars. I've done fantasy interviews with Vivien Leigh, Irene Dunne and Cary Grant to name a few. Me and my friend Dawn even wrote some fantasy movie plots featuring Esther Williams a year ago which was quite fun. And let's not forget my party I threw for Cary, when he won favorite classic actor here on my blog. So I thought I would stir up my imagination again for my dream pairing of Carole Lombard and Cary Grant (my two favorite stars in the whole world) for their only screwball comedy. The pair did make one movie together, which was the excellent drama, IN NAME ONLY (1939). Well they also starred together in The Eagle and The Hawk (1933) but shared no screen time. But I wanted to see the pair in their element of screwball zaniness, as I'm should everyone else did. But Carole's sudden and tragic death would prevent any such pairing. So here is what I have imagined as their only screwball comedy. Enjoy.

 Molly looking a little worried.....

Scotty looking pretty sure....

The title is MOLLY AND HER WORLD. Molly Peters is a young woman (played by Carole) who works at an animal shelter. Which is the perfect job for her as she loves all animals. She has several pets of her own including 2 cats named  Annabelle and Theodora. Two dogs named Nick and Nora. And a parrot named Sebastian. She would do anything for any animal no matter what. She is a little ditzy at times but is a great friend to have. But she has yet to meet the man of her dreams. Her friend Ellie (played by Jane Wyman) has no such trouble. Always on a date with some new guy and who always tries to fix Molly up. 

Ellie playing hard to get from Henry...

Well one morning, on her way to work Molly sees a dog about to get hit by a speeding car. Before she can act, a well dressed man leaps out into the street to save the dog. Molly runs over and thanks the gentleman, who introduces himself as Scotty Stewart. They check the dog out to make sure he is ok and Molly takes him to her shelter. Scotty is attracted to Molly immediately and follows her. The two banter back and forth. Scotty is impressed with her and Molly asks what's his job. Scotty says he is a columnist for the newspaper. 

Molly loving on Nora...

The two begin dating and Molly has trouble adjusting since she hasn't been on a date since junior high with Tommy Fields. Luckily Ellie is there to give her some pointers or may be not so lucky. Ellie has man troubles of her own as she is trying to land this new guy named Henry (played by Ronald Reagan). The four go out on a double date and it is one mishap after another. Fortunately for Molly, Scotty doesn't give up and continues to pursue her. Scotty also has to deal with competition in the form of Jack Cuttles (played by Cesar Romero) who has been after Molly for years. Of course more screwball shenanigans occur but things will turn out alright in the end as Molly and Scotty end up together.  Ellie and Henry end up together as well but always seem to be fighting. Look for Ruth Donnelly in a bit part as Agnes, Molly's older sister. Who has a lot to say on the matter of men.


Molly and Scotty together at last..

 So that's my idea of the comedy that Carole Lombard and Cary Grant would have made together. No award winner but a funny little movie. What does everyone think? Here are the full details.


Release date: 1940
Running time: 94 minutes
Directed by Mitchell Leisen
Written by: Norman Krasna
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Cast:
Molly........Carole Lombard
Scotty.......Cary Grant
Ellie........Jane Wyman
Henry......Ronald Reagan
Agnes.....Ruth Donnelly
Jack......Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero as the dapper Jack...

Choice quotes:

Molly: Agnes, you're always telling me that I need a man.
Agnes: Why would you listen to me. I haven't had a man since before the Depression.

Scotty: I usually work at the newspaper. When I say usually, I mean rarely.

Molly: Are you wearing that dress?
Ellie: Why, too much?
Molly: No it's ok. Provided you're trying to knock Henry out.
Ellie: That's the whole point.

Ruth Donnelly as Agnes...