Doris Takes Over for Lana and Ava

Doris Day
Will have sixteen numbers to sing in “Love Me or Leave Me” – enough to please the most ardent Day fans. This picture has a strange history. Both Lana Turner and Ava Gardner turned it down. Doris took it for a reported $200,000. Cameron Mitchell, who was borrowed by MGM for the film, says it has one of the best scripts he’s ever read.

(Source: Movieland; February 1955)

I've never seen this film about singer trying to get away from the gangster who made her a star. Lucky for me, it's appearing on TCM next Friday April 22, 2011 at 8:45 am est. Can't beat James Cagney and of course the wonderful Doris Day so I might have to check it out.

John Wayne Gets Hitched in Hawaii

Wonder Why John Wayne and Pilar Palette didn’t invite Lex and Lana to their marriage and wedding reception?

They were all in Hawaii when the wedding ceremony took place. And Lana had just co-starred with John in “The Sea Chase.”.

Duke was quoted as saying something to the effect: “You can bet this will be a hot marriage. The ceremony was performed on a lava bed.” It was, of course, an idle jest, but it just may prove to be true. Both John and Pilar have fiery tempers that easily get out of control, but they cool off quickly. They’ve already had frequent squabbles. Many of their friends – who like them both – wanted them to wait longer to see if they were really meant for each other. Now that they’re married, we wonder if Pilar will listen patiently in what could be Duke’s theme song: “Don’t fence me in”.

(Source: Movieland; February 1955)

John Wayne and Pilar Palette, a former Peruvian actress, were married in Hawaii November 1, 1954 - the very day his divorce from 2nd wife Esperanza Baur was finalized. According to Pilar, Wayne got a phone call from his attorney while in Hawaii during the filming of The Sea Chase to tell him the divorce from his wife was finalized. He went into their hotel room and said they were going to get married that very day. She and Mary St. John were to find the dress and The Duke would do the rest. He wanted them to marry at sunset to the sounds of "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" and honeymoon at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. (Source: http://johnshore.com/2008/06/05/how-john-wayne-proposed-to-his-third-wife-pilar/).

John Wayne and Pilar Palette stayed together until they separated in 1976 and were still technically married at the time of his death in 1979. Pilar keeps herself busy these days as an artist.

Film Quiz 10

"Their ability to remember is remarkable"

If you need a hint:

• Directed by Mervyn LeRoy
• Was the official film debut of Lana Turner

Lana's Sweater Starts a Cat Fight

"MEOW: Said one gal to another as she watched Lana Turner go by: "Take away her sweaters, and what has she got?" Well, there are a lotta folks who'd rise up and say "Pu-lenty." (Film Fun, 1941)"

True or False: Lana Turner

True or False:

Bridget Swensen is Lana Turner's real name

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Lana Turner and Lex Barker

Lana Turner and Lex Barker were married from September 8, 1953 to July 22, 1957. While Lana needs no introduction, Lex Barker was mainly known for taking over the role of Tarzan after Johnny Weismuller. Definitely has the look for it. Here are the couple's 1956 wishes:

1. We want to go back to Acapulco again and just rest under the palms. Personally, we love it down there.

2. Professionally, we'd like solid dramatic roles, of course. But, since I was Tarzan for so long, I'd like more roles like the one I had in Away All Boats (Lex).

3. We love children and as citizens we'd like a better educational system. Knowledge can win anything - especially peace.

Nice wishes, but since they weren't together for too long after this, maybe they should have wished for a strong marriage. And Acapulco can be a lovely place to visit (so I've heard).

Up next - Mari Blanchard and Ann Blyth

Vintage Inspiration August 1st

Gonna have to pick the Glamorous Lana Turner as my inspiration for today