JANE WYMAN - An underrated screwball comedy actress

For this post I wanted to focus on Jane Wyman's contributions to the screwball comedy genre. Most people know Jane for her serious films such as The Yearling, The Lost Weekend, Johnny Belinda (her only Oscar win), Stage Fright, and All That Heaven Allows. But Jane got her start in film early in her career with some great screwball comedies. During the mid 30's she had bit parts (both uncredited) in several comedies headlining Carole Lombard: My Man Godfrey and Fools For Scandals. She took over playing Torchy Blane, the wise-cracking reporter in 1939's Playing With Dynamite and she was off. Films during this period included Wide Open Faces (1938) with Joe E. Brown; the Brother Rat films with Ronald Reagan, Priscilla Lane and Eddie Albert; and Honeymoon For Three (1941) with Ann Sheridan. All these films provided Jane to work on her comedic skills and she would get better with each subsequent role.

with Ronald Reagan

Her break-out comedy film would be 1941's You're In The Army Now, co-starring Phil Silvers and Jimmy Durante. Jane was the girl caught between the two guys and I think she would learn a lot from working with these two comedians. She would pair up with frequent co-star Jack Carson for the first time in the gangster comedy Larceny, Inc. co-starring Edward G. Robinson.

with Jack Carson

From that point on Jane and Jack would team up for 3 more comedies: Princess O'Rourke (1943 with Olivia de Havilland); Make Your Own Bed (1944) and the classic screwball film The Doughgirls (1944) featuring an all-star cast of Ann Sheridan, Alexis Smith, Eve Arden and Charlie Ruggles.

with Kay Kyser

Jane would also star in 1942's My Favorite Spy with Kay Kyser and Footlight Serenade with Betty Grable. So while she may be known more for her dramas and to be fair she did win an Oscar for Johnny Belinda, I think Jane was very underrated when it came to comedy and she was very good at it. Her chemistry with Jack Carson was a plus in those films and her willingness to be a team player in those other films only helped make her a better all around actress. Hats off to Jane Wyman, one of the best.

The Doughgirls: Eve Arden, Jane Wyman, Alexis Smith and Ann Sheridan

Check out this clip from Torchy Blane starring the first Torchy (Glenda Farrell) asking a slightly confused but funny Jane Wyman some questions. It's cool that Jane would later go on to play Torchy in one of the sequels.

The Women Of Hammer Films: Caroline Munro

Caroline Munro....words won't be able to say enough about this fascinating lass. Born in Windsor, England in 1949, she attended art school in Brighton. In 1965 one of her fellow students took her photograph and entered them in a modeling contest. Out of  700 entries submitted, hers was chosen and was named The Face of 1966. She soon went to Hollywood and landed bit parts in G.G. Passion and the James Bond spoof, Casino Royale. One of Caroline's most famous gigs was as the face of Lamb's Navy Rum which had her the poster girl from 1969 thru 1981. 

Dracula putting the moves on Caroline

Caroline's first break with Hammer came with Dracula A.D. 1972 co-starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. She was all of 23 years old. Two years later she would return for Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter which gave her a larger role. Not a success when first released Kronos is now regarded as a cult classic. 

As Margiana in The Golden Voyage of Sinbad

Caroline would stay quite busy during the rest of the 70's. She starred in The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973), Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), At The Earth's Core (1976), and in the Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) as the henchwoman Naomi.

Looking for some adventure

Roles kind of diminished during the 80's but by then Caroline was a popular actress appearing at conventions and guesting on TV series and TV movies. But she secures her place as one of Hammer's most beloved actresses!

Check out this video below hailing Caroline as the First Lady of Fantasy, which I have no argument with...

The Women of Hammer Films: Veronica Carlson

The  lovely Veronica

Every October I spotlight some of the women made world famous by their participation in Hammer Studios Films of the 50's thru the 70's. Last year I wrote about Ingrid Pitt and Valarie Gaunt to name a few. This year I begin with Veronica Carlson. Born Veronica Mary Glazer in Yorkshire, England in 1944. She studied art and received a diploma in design. I fancied myself an artist an one point in my life so I can relate to her already. She tried her hand at modeling which led to her being called to audition for Dracula Has Risen From The Grave. She won the part of Maria and made an immediate impact on audiences around the world.

Veronica getting some direction from the man himself Christopher Lee

She was cast almost immediately in the next Hammer film, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) this time playing the tragic Anna Spengler, who gets involved with the Baron's mad plan (Peter Cushing). There is one very uncomfortable scene that Veronica had to endure which I won't go into details here but you will know it once you see it.

Veronica just wanting to be alone

Veronica's final film for Hammer Films was The Horror of Frankenstein (1970). I can't say too much about this film as I haven't seen it yet. But it would be the last film Veronica would do for Hammer Films. Hammer made more films doing the 70's but Veronica was blackballed as she didn't get offered any of them. Some say it was because she refused to appear nude. And if that was the case I commend this young lady on standing by her convictions. 

with a friendly kitty

To see her at her best check out Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, one of the better Dracula films from that era.

31 Stars in 31 Days: Day 4 - FRANK SINATRA

Ol' Blue Eyes takes center stage today as the star of the day. A multi-talented performer who hit his peak in the mid 50's thru the mid 60's. I recently bought this 10 film collection a few months ago and decided to break some of them in today. With a double bill of Frank as Miami private eye Tony Rome in two jazzy films. But first as usual, let's get to my fave things about Mr. Sinatra.


Favorite Frank film: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
Favorite Frank role: John Baron (SUDDENLY) - I know he won an Oscar for his terrific turn as Private Angelo Maggio in Eternity but I love him even more as the ruthless hitman in Suddenly.
Favorite Frank co-star: even though he starred with tons of Hollywood's top actresses, I think his best co-star was Dean Martin.
Number of Frank films seen so far: 20 out of 64

Frank is taking requests today

Today's film: TONY ROME (1967) and LADY IN CEMENT (1968) - Frank is super cool as Miami detective Tony Rome in these two films. First in Tony Rome, he must solve the mystery of a missing diamond necklace for a millionaire. The millionaire's daughter (Sue Lyon in one of her first adult roles) is at the center of this mystery which quickly spirals out of control. Bodies start piling up fast around Tony and he becomes the main suspect. So he makes it his mission to find out what's going on. Co-starring Jill St. John, Richard Conte, and Gena Rowlands, Tony Rome is one cool film with Frank wise-cracking and drinking the whole time. Probably picked up some pointers from his buddy Dino. Oh and whoever did the close-up shots for this film has a running gag as every time a beautiful woman appears, the camera zooms in on her...ummm...posterior. Gotta love the 60's. And the fun and flirty banter Frank has with Jill is priceless.


Tony: This isn't a family. It's just a bunch of people living at the same address. 
Rating: *** out of *****

"You want me to do what?" Ann Archer is not thrilled about something

Frank would return the following year with another Rome film titled Lady In Cement which has Tony discovering a blonde floating at the bottom of the ocean while he is out searching for buried treasure. But once again things don't turn out as simple as they appear..as Tony gets caught up in Miami's elite and some of the city's worst scumbags. While not as good as his first outing, things are a little lighter. Take for instance Tony wears a light beige suit in this one as opposed to a dark suit in the first film. And his hair is lightly colored blonde this time out as opposed to black in the original. He still cracks jokes even faced with danger. Great support from Dan Blocker (TV's Bonanza) and the extremely sexy Raquel Welch as society queen Kit Forrest. Wait until she makes her appearance...all I will say is WOW! Oh and the running gag of zooming in on women's posteriors is still in effect.


Rating: **1/2 out of *****

Easy Tony, easy...I'll get you a drink!

Cinematic World Tour: BARCELONA (1994)

Next stop on our cinematic world tour...Barcelona. One of my favorite modern films set in gorgeous Barcelona where the views are just spectacular. The story centers on cousins who are so very different trying to meet the women of their dreams. Ted (played by Taylor Nichols) is a salesman who works in the Barcelona office for a U.S. corporation. He's a little uptight and stuffy. His cousin Fred, a Naval officer (played by Chris Eigeman) comes to visit him and is a lot more loose. And he takes it upon himself to find Ted a suitable mate, which leads to some outrageous situations. Especially since Fred likes to tell every woman they come across that his cousin is into the Marquis de Sade and wearing leather underwear, the kind that is very, very tight. You should see the reaction the women have when he tells them that. Their eyes get very wide and immediately go downward. One of the girls is played by Mira Sorvino, probably the most known person in this entire film who plays sexually charged Marta. She hooks up with Fred. While Ted meets the girl of his dreams in the form of.the lovely and the wonderfully named Montserrat Raventos (played by Tushka Bergen), a free spirited Spaniard who dreams of moving to America. 

Ted, Montserrat, Fred and Marta having drinks

So the pair embark on a whirlwind romance with some ups and downs all played out in the scenic city of Barcelona. I mean really...this place is gorgeous. I envy the people who live there. I would love to go for a visit there sometime. Now this film is very engaging as the characters discuss and debate relationships, politics, family,...pretty much everything. In the capable hands of director Whit Stillman, it never bogs down though. The characters are all interesting and having it set in Barcelona is a major plus. So if you have never seen this wonderful film, please track it down and watch it. You won't be disappointed. It is highly recommended.

The women of Barcelona...enough said!

Tour guides getting ready for a busy day

The vehicles of Barcelona

Rita Hayworth in AFFECTIONATELY YOURS (1941) is wonderful as a girl named Irene..

Reporter Ricky Mayberry (Dennis Morgan) is married to Sue (Merle Oberon) but is a ladies man, with a girl in every port. At the beginning of the film Ricky is covering a story in Libson and romancing rival reporter Irene Malcolm (a gorgeous Rita Hayworth) when he gets a telegram that Sue has divorced him and is planning to remarry Owen Wright (Ralph Bellamy, a mainstay in these type of comedies). Ricky immediately flies back to New York to win Sue back. Irene tags along to find out the truth. This is a lightweight but enjoyable comedy. Dennis Morgan is a suitable leading man. It's refreshing to see the usual dramatic Oberon in this type of movie. She has a knack for light comedies. It's too bad she didn't make a lot more. Rita Hayworth is very good as Irene. Not only beautiful to look at, but very funny. And in one hilarious dinner scene, she gets to put on a very British accent that she nails perfectly. Ralph Bellamy gets his best scenes when he trades barbs with Morgan. And a surprise with Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen from Gone with the Wind appearing as Oberon's servants. McDaniel gets in her trademark line "But I don't like it!" several times during the film. All in all, I enjoyed this film and recommend it to anyone looking for a few good laughs.
B-

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967) is a pure delight

For this evening's movie I watched Valley of the Dolls (1967), a recent purchase from good old Amazon. I hadn't seen Dolls in over 15 years so it was like a new experience to me. And I know that most movie watchers regard it as trashy and campy. Me? I think it's awesome. And it's not like this film is not surrounded with a crazy amount of talent. Patty Duke...Oscar winner. Director Mark Robson, who has helmed such films as Peyton Place, The Inn Of Sixth Happiness, Von Ryan's Express, The Harder They Fall and My Foolish Heart to name just a few. Mega film composer John Williams (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman, Jaws). Another Oscar winner in Lee Grant. Rising star Sharon Tate, before her untimely death. The film debut of Richard Dreyfuss. And veteran film star Susan Hayward in one of her final roles. Add all that up and you have an insane amount of talent for a supposedly trash film. I for one never for an instance felt that it was anything less than a stellar drama that had me hooked from the opening title credits with the theme song performed by Dionne Warwick.

Wide eyed Anne on her way to New York

Based on Jacqueline Susann's real life experiences of being an actress from the late 30's to the late 50's who turned into quite the writer. The story focuses on three different young women all aiming to make it big in show business. Small town girl Anne Welles (played by Barbara Parkins) fresh out of college heads to New York and Broadway hoping to land an exciting job and a sophisticated man. She starts out as a secretary for a theatrical attorney. She will soon meet up with the other two young women of this film. One Miss Neely O'Hara (Patty Duke not holding back one bit as the star waiting in the wings of veteran Helen Lawson, played by Susan Hayward). And then there's Jennifer North (Sharon Tate) who knows where her talents lie...her body measurements. These three path's intersect all through-out the movie and it's quite a ride. 

Neely in a quieter moment

Neely in a not so quiet moment

Once Neely makes it big time, she becomes hooked on booze and pills..the pills are called dolls. And she goes thru the wringer, lashing out at everyone, suffering thru two failed marriages and spending time in a sanitarium. Anne ends up falling for agent Lyon Burke (played by David Burke) who is afraid to commit to her and ends up leaving and coming back to her several times after messing around with other women. Jennifer meets and weds nightclub singer Tony Polar (played by Tony Scotti) who lives under the domineering rule of his older sister Miriam (played by Lee Grant). Tony winds up with a heredity disease that leaves him crippled and Jennifer must make French art films (i.e nudie pics) to pay for his treatment). It's ironic that Neely winds up at the same place Tony is at and they get together for a rousing number of Come Live With Me that used to Tony's trademark song that he performed at nightclubs. It's one hell of an emotional scene.

Tony and Jennifer

Like I said, I know most people write this film off as campy but if it is camp, then it is grade A camp. While all three leads give good performances with Patty Duke raging and ripping through everybody, I thought Sharon Tate comes off the best. Her frequent conversations with her mother over the phone involving money are really good. And her final scene shows the potential Sharon had to become a major actress if not for her tragic real life death. I argue that scene will convince anyone that Sharon could really act and was not just a pretty face. Barbara Parkins is really good too as she may not get the flashy part like Duke, but she has an emotional scene towards the end of the film that is heart-breaking and powerful.

Old school Helen Lawson

So if anyone has never seen this film and stayed away because of all the negative talk toward I suggest you try watching it now and you will be pleasantly surprised how good it really is. Filled with tons of memorable lines such as:


Jennifer: French subtitles across a bare bottom does not make it an art film.


Neely: Boobies, boobies, boobies. Nothin' but boobies. Who needs 'em? 


Anne: Neely, you know it's bad to take liquor with those pills. 
Neely: They work faster.


Neely: I have to get up at five o'clock in the morning and SPARKLE, Neely, SPARKLE!" 


B

Jennifer all to herself

Anne Baxter: Classic Movie Goddess video tribute

While over at You Tube, I found this wonderful video paying tribute to my classic movie goddess of the month, Anne Baxter. So here it is, about 7 minutes long accompanied by some really cool music befitting Anne. Enjoy.
 http://youtu.be/ztuC3KDLJo8

Life Imitates Art: Episode 2 (Me and Jerry Maguire)

Recently we had a layoff at my job a few months ago that saw my boss and co-worker let go. So then I had to assume the workload of three people. That first week was very stressful and everyone kept asking was I alright. Making sure I wasn't going to snap or have a meltdown. So one day I kind of re-enacted the scene from Jerry Maguire, where he gets fired and tells everyone that he's not going to do what they think he's going to do, which is flip out. I did the same thing around like 4 or 5 people. The only difference was that I was doing it as a spoof. I think one person caught on that I was doing the Jerry Maguire scene. Which is a like a quarter of the audience. So that's pretty good I guess. Just another episode of my life imitating art that I wanted to share. Here's the clip of Tom Cruise as Jerry, not flipping out. Mind you my scene doesn't have me taking any fish or asking my secretary to come with me. Well I don't have a secretary or fish for that matter...and I didn't get laid off. So I have that going on for me...

The Greatest TV Comedies - Mary Tyler Moore (1970-1977)

Mary Tyler Moore created one of the most loved sitcoms of all time and one of the most iconic TV characters ever in Mary Richards. While Mary Tyler Moore was not her first sitcom, remember she co-starred with Dick Van Dyke for five years on The Dick Van Dyke Show, it turned out to be her best. Well in my opinion. This time she was single and very much a career woman. She leaves her town and heads to Minneapolis to get a job at the news station WJM. And surrounds herself with one of TV's best ensemble casts. There's Ed Asner as gruff Lou Grant, her boss. Gavin MacLeod as Murray Slaughter the writer. Ted Knight as blowhard Ted Baxter, the anchorman. Betty White as the passive-aggressive Sue Ann Nivens. Who can imagine sweet Betty White as the sex-starved Sue! Well she works it and is funny as hell. There is also best friend Rhoda (Valerie Harper). It should be noted that most of these stars would headline their own series as well. In fact Ed Asner and Valerie Harper would spin their characters into their own series. But in Lou Grant's case, it became a drama, which still made for good TV. MacLeod ended up as captain on the Love Boat. Knight would star in the vastly underrated Too Close for Comfort. And of course Betty White would star in The Golden Girls.

Look at the happy cast!

But they all would gel on this classic series, Mary Tyler Moore, first. There was no grandstanding or showboating here folks. Everyone worked as part of a well oiled unit. Moore, who was funny enough to carry the show by herself, didn't have to. I think one of the main reasons this series was so successful was because of the sharp writing. And the characters themselves who were fully developed and not caricatures. I mean this show won tons of Emmys and that's no accident. Let's see...Mary won, as did Asner, Harper, Knight, and White. As did Cloris Leachman who played perky landlady Phyllis for a few seasons before getting her own sitcom as well. I mean the talent involved on this series was crazy insane! Head writer/executive producer James L. Brooks led the way. Along with writer Allan Burns and director Jay Sandrich. All would have long successful careers in television.

Mary and Rhoda just hanging out on a Saturday afternoon

Back to the show, which logged 168 episodes over it's seven year run. I can't recall too many flat episodes. Most of them were hysterically funny. If you mention Chuckles the funeral, I'm sure most people will know what you're talking about. Mary has a hard time trying not to laugh at Chuckles funeral and it's one of the most iconic moments in TV history. When a series runs this long, you know that there is something going on. Great chemistry and performances coupled with excellent writing and direction makes this one of TV's greatest sitcoms of all time.

The one and only Mary Tyler Moore

Facts and trivia:


Won Emmys as Outstanding comedy series for three consecutive years (1975-1977).


Mary picked up three Emmys herself during the series seven year run (1973, 1974, 1976)


Betty White and Cloris Leachman both picked up two Emmys each during their stints.

Look at all those Emmys

Mary's house, which appears in the opening credits, is still standing in Minneapolis, Minnesota - the city in which the show takes place. 
  
When casting the part of Sue-Anne Nivens, producers were stumped for an actress to take the role. They wanted "someone like Betty White". Eventually, someone asked "Why not cast Betty White?"

This program has the most Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series - 5. 

Mary and Ted

Spin-off series:
Lou Grant (1977-1982, 114 episodes)
Rhoda (1974-1978, 110 episodes)
Phyllis (1975-1977, 48 episodes)

And that's a wrap!

Life Imitates Art: Episode 1 (Jurassic Park...I'm Jeff Goldblum...for like 2 minutes)

You know sometimes how certain things in your life, be it at home or work or wherever, can resemble movies? Well maybe because I love movies so much I can see things more than others. Like when something happens I can immediately think of a certain movie that has a similar scene of what I am doing or going through. So I thought I would share some recent stories about my life and movies crossing over to become one.


First story involves Jurassic Park. And before anyone says.."Monty, really you saw actual dinosaurs running around?" No I didn't but there was something that happened that made me think of the scene where Laura Dern and the guy who is like Crocodile Dundee go looking for the others after the T-rex has made it's big intro. They stumble across Jeff Goldblum and load him into the back seat of the jeep with a hurt leg. They take off and soon the T-rex gives chase.

Ok not one of my smartest moves.....

Well at work, where I get to test the golf carts we build, we have this huge test track with lots of obstacles that the vehicles must go over. Like curbs, potholes, huge mounds, a sandpit, a diagonal ditch, gravel, water pit..all kinds of cool stuff. Well we also have this straightaway section where a vehicle came achieve top speed. I was with 2 other people in a vehicle called a 4 passenger car that has a rear seat that faces toward the back. That's where I was sitting while two other people were upfront. And the car was electric so it could only go about 12 mph. Well my boss at the time before our company had a recent layoff came tearing behind us in one of our all terrain diesel vehicles. Those things can go about 25-30 mph. And he got up on us really fast and that's when I turned to the driver, mimicking Jeff Goldbum.."Must go faster!"

I'm trying to be all brave but I was just as scared as Laura was...

Of course no one got the quote because the driver was like "I'm going as fast as I can Monty".
And I tried to say that I was just joking...you know Jurassic Park, chase scene..T-rex...all I got was the sound of crickets.


So this was episode one of my frequent movie/life crossovers. I have tons more. Will be sharing them all. And here is the clip that shows the scene what I am talking about. So just imagine me as Jeff but without a t-rex chasing me! That and no Laura Dern!

Made In Dagenham (2010) is a top notch drama...Highly Recommended!

Everyone who visits my blog, know every now and then I will talk about newer films. Last night I had the good fortune to watch Made in Dagenham on cable. It is a great film and it is based on a true story, which makes it all that much better.

The women on a typical work day

Set in 1968 Dagenham, England at the Ford auto factory, which employs thousands of male workers and 187 female machinists, who are vastly underpaid. The women mainly assemble the car seat upholstery but do so in poor working conditions. It's get so hot in their work area that they have to strip down to their bras to compensate. A running gag is that every time a male comes into their area they scream "MAN!" and promptly put their tops back on.

Rita with her all so lovely smile

Rita (played by Sally Hawkins in a terrific performance...and I think I love her) is asked by the shop steward (a sly and understanding Bob Hoskins) to lead the women to ask for equal pay or they will go on strike. Rita is bolstered by her good friend Connie (Geraldine James in a deep and moving performance) who is a veteran worker; Brenda (Andrea Riseborough) who is all sass; and Sandra, the hot to trot blonde of the group (played by Jamie Winstone).

The always happy Albert

The girls meet resistance in their union leader Monty, who is a piece of crap. I booed and hissed every time he was onscreen as he states that he is working for the betterment of the women, but behind their backs, he is secretly negotiating with the top brass of Ford to undermine the ladies efforts. I wished that me and him didn't have to share the same name. So if you watch this film, try not to think of me as this Monty, please!

Rough day for Sandra

At first the executives don't think these women will go the distance, but days turn into weeks then into months and then production is shut down and now the male workers are out of work as well. Which brings a considerable amount of tension between wives and husbands and boyfriends and girlfriends. Also adding to the predicament is Lisa Hopkins (hey it's Rosamund Pike...who proves once again that she is more than a pretty face) as the wife of one of the executives. She is all for the women and hates the way her husband treats her as having no voice in the matter. Well when an American executive from Ford comes to get a handle on the situation she lets loose why she thinks Ford is no good when it comes to treating their employees. It's a seminal moment for Lisa and the film in whole.

Lisa greeting dinner guests...love her dress

Also getting involved is Secretary of State Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson, all red-headed and fiery) who is conflicted because her boss, the Prime Minister doesn't want to make waves with the US auto giant, and the women who value her trust. Castle ends up meeting several of the women for a little tea function that turns kind of tense as Rita will not back down. Castle does sway to the women's side and politely tells the US auto executive to take his proposed offer and shove it. It's a moment that will have everyone cheer, women and men.

Brenda leading the strike and looking fabulous while doing it

History will show that through the efforts of Rita O'Grady, that the equal pay act was passed in 1970 in England and followed suit around the world in other countries. And that Ford changed it's practices to become much fairer to either of the sexes.

The women meeting Secretary of State Barbara Castle

The performances are all brilliant led by Sally Hawkins as Rita. She comes across as very shy at first and quite unsure of  herself. But once she jumps into the fray she doesn't back down. Ever. Great support from Hoskins, Richardson, James, and Pike. And impressive performances by the relative newcomers Winstone and Riseborough. The look of the 60's is perfectly captured through the clothes and the music. And while it is a drama, there is plenty of humor too. As the situation gets dire, the women still find a way to laugh and stick together. Made in Dagenham is one of the best films I have ever seen. If you have never seen it or even heard of it, please track it down and watch it. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended. Also look for Andrew Lincoln of Love Actually and The Walking Dead in a bit part as a mean school-teacher.
A

VICTORY!