Joyous Jean

     I'm sure I'm not the only one who was glued to my television yesterday for Jean Harlow's TCM Summer Under the Stars day.  As long time readers know, I'm generally not a fan of Summer Under the Stars.  I used to be, but just like with Oscar month, is tending to feature more and more recent material, 1970's stars, and the like.  When I think of the term "classic film star" I don't think Angie Dickinson, featured August 18th.  I understand she is well known, had a lot of roles, and is part of pop culture, but when I think 'classic' she's probably about the last person I would think of.  It's all about context.  Bette Davis or Angie Dickinson - which one is more of a 'classic film star'?  There's no comparison.  And yes, Summer Under the Stars features Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy for the umpteenth time.

Esther Williams's Wishes

In honor of the late, great Esther Williams, I thought I'd re-post one of my favorite posts from 2009 from the October 1946 issue of Photoplay about wishes.

"I'd wish to be reincarnated as a fish. Then I'd have a legitimate excuse for spending all my time in the water. I guess the only reasonable facsimile of that wish would be to have a huge swimming pool right outside my bedroom door, so that every morning I could climb out of bed, plunge into the water, and swim to my heart's content with nothing to interrupt me - weather or engagements or work or friends."

"I seem to have been born with an innate love of water, starting when I was two years old, I used to cry when my mother would take me out of the bathtub. I think I learned to swim even before I learned to walk. In high school I used to do my homework in the bathtub during the winter. Unless I spend part of the day in the water, I suffer a slight drying of the skin."

"I have everything I want except my dream pool where I could spend several hours a day just making like a fish."

I can just imagine Esther swimming laps in the big swimming pool in the sky.  I think part of the reason I adore her is I find swimming so freeing, too.  It is one of the rare activities I feel light and free - almost like a normal person must feel.  We will miss our Mermaid and I wish her family my thoughts and prayers.

RIP Esther Williams

Esther Williams; 1950

Today we lost one of our film gems.  I adore Esther and am saddened to hear of her passing.  What beauty, strength, talent, joy, and zest for life in one package.  She will be greatly missed.

Esther Williams

Esther Williams, 1944

My Favorite Actresses - Part 2

My Favorite Actresses - Part 2

Paulette Goddard

Myrna Loy

Agnes Moorehead

Jean Peters

Jane Powell

Ginger Rogers

Jane Russell

Norma Shearer

Ann Sheridan

Ann Sothern

Esther Williams

Vintage Inspiration September 15th Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

Temps out in MN are roasty. The sun was shining. There was a wonderful breeze. Thought summer was done. Could really use a nice frost so my hay fever would settle down.

I also wish I could have enjoyed the nice weather instead of being stuck at work until 9 PM. No rest for the wicked, I guess. The lovely Esther Williams sure knew how to enjoy a gorgeous day!

If I Had Only One Wish . . . Esther Williams

America's Mermaid, Esther Williams, has today's quote from the October 1946 Photoplay. And would you believe that her wish is that she wants to be a fish?

"I'd wish to be reincarnated as a fish. Then I'd have a legitimate excuse for spending all my time in the water. I guess the only reasonable facsimile of that wish would be to have a huge swimming pool right outside my bedroom door, so that every morning I could climb out of bed, plunge into the water, and swim to my heart's content with nothing to interrupt me - weather or engagements or work or friends."

I think it would be cool to plunge into a pool right out of bed. Might be a little difficult if you were a sleepwalker :)

"I seem to have been born with an innate love of water, starting when I was two years old, I used to cry when my mother would take me out of the bathtub. I think I learned to swim even before I learned to walk. In high school I used to do my homework in the bathtub during the winter. Unless I spend part of the day in the water, I suffer a slight drying of the skin."

Never heard of that study method. Wonder how she didn't get her homework soaking wet. Her skin care method is also intriguing. I've always heard to stay in water as little as possible if you have dry skin. I wonder if Esther's beauty tip works.

"I have everything I want except my dream pool where I could spend several hours a day just making like a fish."

What a wonderful wish, to be able to be free and swim the day away. You have to admit, you could totally see the stunning Esther Williams as a fish.

On a side note, TCM is releasing a new Esther Williams collection of October 6, 2009. It contains the films: Thrill of a Romance, Fiesta, This Time for Keeps, Pagan Love Song, Million Dollar Mermaid, and Easy to Love. Super excited about this release. I just love the simple, sweet Esther Williams films.

To buy it check out: http://turnerclassic.moviesunlimited.com/Product.asp?sku=D02343