What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Donna Reed

I think most of us have a soft spot for Donna Reed (January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986). The perfect mom, and just wonderful as Mary in It's a Wonderful Life.

"I'm the girl who's never been to Europe. I have a wonderful husband, healthy and happy children, so it's kind of silly to ask for anything more. But, just the same, I personally want to go to Europe in 1956 and I hope either a vacation or a picture takes me there."

"My husband, Tony Owen, and I have our own production company now. Our first picture is tentatively called Mombasa, and - I hope! - it will be filmed in Africa. Since we've invested our own money and time and hopes in our success. As for scripts and stories, I wish I could find one truly great love story."

This was made and became 1957's Beyond Mombasa starring Cornel Wilde and Donna Reed. Gotta love a tanked up monkey!

"I guess this is getting pretty political, but as a citizen, I wish Ike would run again!"

What Stars Want Most in 1956 - Rex Reason

Rex Reason (born in Germany while family on business trip on November 30, 1928) is best known for his role in the 1955 sci-fi cheesefest This Island Earth. He walked out on his Warner Brothers contract in 1961. Frank Sinatra wanted his for the role that went to Lawrence Harvey in The Manchurian Candidate, but he was sick of Hollywood and began a new career in real estate. He is brother to actor Rhodes Reason, has been married 3 times (currently to Shirley Hake since 1965), and has 5 children.

What did Rex Reason wish for in 1956:

• "Personally, I'm interested in developing young kids into actors. I'm not very old myself, but I know how hard it is to get started. I'd like to do something constructive toward helping youngsters get a break."
• "Professionally, I love the fantastic. I immensely enjoyed making This Island Earth. I'd like to do another science-fiction film."
• "As a citizen, it would be nice if there could be a nationwide plan for beautifying our gardens. I'm working on our backyard now. I don't think it would be a bad idea if everyone cleaned up and beautified his own backyard."
  

I have a couple questions:

• Will we all be leaning on leaning boards in the future?
• When will we meet the Smurf aliens, or maybe they are the blue man aliens?
• Did this really take 2 1/2 years to make?

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Aldo Ray

Aldo Ray (September 25, 1926 - March 27, 1991) is quite a character. Known for his build and gruff voice, he accidentally fell into acting. After serving in WWII as a Frogman, he was taking his brother Mario to an audition, when the director decided to hire Aldo instead. His best work was during the 1950s, but he worked up until his death in 1991 of throat cancer

Some Aldo Ray Trivia:

• Born Aldo DaRe
• Went to school at UC Berkeley
• Served in the Pacific Theater in World War II
• Aldo was married 3 times
• His best known films include: The Green Berets, Battle Cry, Miss Sadie Thompson, and Pat and Mike
• Aldo was the first choice for Montgomery Clift's Pvt. Prewitt in From Here to Eternity
• Aldo had his SAG card revoked in the 1980s for working in non-union films (the only roles he could get). It was the only way he could pay his health insurance. Kind of sad.
• Brad Pitt's character, Lt. Aldo Raine, in Inglorious Bastards (one of my all time favs) was inspired by Aldo Ray.

What were Aldo's 1956 wishes?

"Personally, I'd like to see my Alma Mater, California, go to the Rose Bowl"

Total guy answer, but refreshingly, not a PR sounding answer

"Professionally, I want to play in a western and I want to travel. Maybe I could do both. In Three Stripes in the Sun, I went to Japan. I wouldn't mind seeing the world while I worked."

"It is my personal belief that every citizen should take a much more active interest in his local and national politics."

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Tommy Rall

Tommy Rall (born December 27, 1929) is a wonderful Broadway talent, who was featured in several musicals in the golden age of musicals including Kiss Me Kate and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Tommy started taking dance lessons to help his lazy eye, and never turned back. What did Tommy Wish for in 1956?: "I have a 1947 Buick which is about brand new. I put it in storage when I bought it in 1947 because I had to go to New York to do a show. The contract was for six months, but then that went by and I kept getting more shows. I came back here to do Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and My Sister Eileen and I got my 1947 Buick out of storage. I'm driving it now and it's great - probably they'll never make cars like that again. But, in 1956, I'll get a new car - honest." 

I love the 1947 Buick! Gorgeous car. So much more gorgeous than cars they make today. I would love to have one over cars from today.

Tommy plays Frank (the red shirted brother)

"I got my first straight, non-dancing role in World in My Corner with Audie Murphy. Professionally, I'd like more dramatic roles"

"I'm sick of wars breaking out here and wars breaking out there. As a citizen, I think there ought to be some way to negotiate peace terms before instead of after war."

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Gregory Peck

Next up in the series is the fabulous Gregory Peck (April 15, 1916 - June 12, 2003). Don't know what I can say about Gregory Peck that hasn't been said before. He was a fabulous actor. I watched To Kill a Mockingbird just a week or so ago. He IS Atticus Finch. That film makes me cry every time I see it.

What did Gregory Peck wish for in 1956?

""I'm glad to be back with my boys and next year I hope I have more time to go hunting and camping with them."

"I just formed my own independent motion picture company and I'm looking forward to remaining in this country and making pictures here."

"I wish they'd find a cure for multiple sclerosis, especially since it hits people while they are so young."

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Margaret O'Brien

Margaret O'Brien (Born January 15, 1937) - One of my favorite child actors. Most people know her from Meet Me in St Louis, but my favorite Margaret O'Brien film is The Secret Garden. Incidentally, for all you TCM lovers Margaret O'Brien is one of the featured stars in this August's Summer Under the Stars. So mark your calendar for August 15, 2010. TCM will play The Secret Garden at 8 pm est, or if you love Meet Me in St Louis, it is playing at 3:45 pm est. If you ever get a chance to see TCM's special on Child Stars, I would definitely recommend it. Margaret seems like such a wonderful person!

Some Margaret O'Brien Trivia:

• She was born Angela Maxine O'Brien
• Margaret made her film debut in a 1941 civil defense film (Her major motion picture debut was 1941's Babes of Broadway)
• She won a special Oscar for Meet Me in St Louis. It was stolen in 1954, found at a swap meet in 1995 and returned to her.
• My favorite Margaret O'Brien quote: "When I cry, do you want the tears to run all the way or shall I stop halfway down?" - What a pro!

What did Margaret O'Brien wish for in 1956?

"I want a place in the Valley where I can keep a horse"

"I'd like the lead in the story The Life of Esther Costello. It's the story of a deaf and dumb Irish child who rose to fame and prominence despite these handicaps"

Unfortunately for Margaret, Heather Sears got the part. Has anyone seen The Story of Esther Costello? It apparently also stars Joan Crawford.






"I'm on a personal campaign right now to tell people about the other children, the ones who aren't juvenile delinquents. We're way in the majority, incidentally."

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Pat O'Brien

Pat O'Brien (November 11, 1899 - October 15, 1983) played the typical Irishman in many films - usually a Priest or a Policemen. He was well loved in films, and I have to say I adored him in every film I've seen him in. Some of them include: Some Like It Hot, Angels With Dirty Faces, and Knute Rockne All American.

Some Pat O'Brien Trivia:

• These photos were of Pat's daughter Brigid's 1946 Christening
• Pat had four children, 3 of whom were adopted.
• Mr. O'Brien was married only once. It was to actress Eloise Taylor. They were married on January 23, 1931 and were married until his death.
• Pat was lifelong friends with Spencer Tracy and James Cagney
• He made 7 films with James Cagney
• Pat was politically Right Wing
• He wore a toupee
• Pat voiced the famous film line: "Win One for the Gipper"
• He made his last acting appearance in 1974 on Happy Days
• Pat O'Brien died of a heart attack at the age of 83

What did Pat Wish for in 1956:

"Personally, I hope God grants me the time to live to celebrate my silver wedding anniversary - 25 years with the same girl - and I'm a lucky man."

They did make it. In fact, Pat and his wife were married for 52 years. I hope my husband and I can be so lucky!

"As an actor, I'd like any really good motion picture part, but particularly I'd like to do the life of John McGraw or General Patton."

Unfortunately George C. Scott played General Patton, and I'm not sure of a film about John McGraw. John McGraw is known as the best baseball player to become a manager with an astounding 2,669 wins to his credit.

"As a citizen, I'd like all peace and no smog"

I love Pat in Angels With Dirty Faces and Knute Rockne. For those who want to know, Knute Rockne will be playing on Turner Classic Movies July 27, 2010 at 9:45 am est.

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Hugh O'Brian

Hugh O'Brian (born April 19, 1923) is probably best known as Wyatt Earp in the television series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. The show ran from 1955 to 1961 with a total of 226 episodes!

Some Hugh O'Brian Trivia:

• Hugh was "discovered" by the fabulous Ida Lupino
• He became friends with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of There's No Business Like Show Business
• Hugh was a soda jerk at Schwab's Drugstore on Sunset Boulevard
• Hugh established the HOBY Award (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Award)
• Hugh is the the youngest ever Marine Drill Seargeant at the tender age of 17
• He was inducted into the Western Hall of Fame in 1992
• Hugh was the last person killed on screen by John Wayne (In 1976's The Shootist)
• Hugh waited until he was 81 to get married. He married teacher Virginia Barber, 30 years his junior, whom he had dated for 18 years. They were married with music by Debbie Reynolds, June 25, 2006.

What were Hugh's 1956 wishes:

"I'd like to find the right girl"

Obviously this took a long time since he didn't marry until 2006!

"I'd like to continue to do three or four motion pictures a year and continue with my television series Wyatt Earp"

"As a citizen, I think also in terms of Hollywood and the good it can do through the medium of motion pictures. In 1956, I hope we have more movies like Blackboard Jungle and Trial".
I just saw Blackboard Jungle and it was fabulous! Glenn Ford and Sidney Poitier - how can you go wrong?

What 100 Want Most in 1956 - Dale Evans and Roy Rogers

I read on one of my new favorite blogs, Thrilling Days of Yesteryear, about the Dale Evans/Roy Rogers Museum sale at Christies. You can buy anything from the This is Your Life book, cement hand and hoofprint slab, a Clark Gable director's chair, and even the beloved Trigger, Trigger Jr, and Buttermilk. Too bad I don't have a few grand to spare. I just hope the items, especially the animals, go to a good home.

Dale Evans (October 31, 1912 - February 7, 2001) and Roy Rogers (November 5. 1911 - July 6, 1998). These beloved Western stars were married from December 31, 1947 until Roy's death.

Dale Evans on Roy: "We hit it off together because he's so much like my brother. I mean, Roy's like I am, and that's it."

Roy Rogers: "When I die, just skin me out and put me up on old Trigger and I'll be happy"

What did the two wish for in 1956?:



"Dale and I have discovered the greatness of religion and we want to share that experience with all mankind. Another project we want to promote is safety on the highways."



A bit of trivia: Dale Evans wrote the beloved spiritual The Bible Tells Me So

"My main objective, outside of TV, is to get back into movies with both boots. Dale enjoys film work and will continue with it unless it interferes in the proper care of our children."

"As citizens we desire most a complete alertness and awareness of the good to be done and the time out to do our share."

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Kim Novak

Kim Novak (born February 13, 1933) is currently raising horses and llamas on her farm in Oregon: "If you're wanting glamorous or really beautiful or really sexy, well then, I wasn't really the one, but I could do all of that. You could just get really lost in that kind of image"

Kim's 1956 Wishes:

"Personally, I want a short vacation. I've been working very hard. I'd like a couple of weeks to do some lazy shopping, to sleep late, to have a little fun."

"Professionally, I'd like another picture with the same dramatic impact as the one I've just finished, The Man With the Golden Arm."

"As a citizen, I'd like to see the city planning commission find a way to build bicycle paths for the youngsters - so they can safely ride their bikes all they want."

Simply stunning photos of Kim from the 1957 film Jeanne Eagels for which she earned $13,000. Can totally see this as a fabulous burlesque outfit. FYI - Jeanne Eagels will be included in the Kim Novak Collection which comes out August 3, 2010. It's also playing on Turner Classic Movies September 1, 2010 at 10:00 pm est. My favorite Kim Novak film is Vertigo, of course. Could anyone beat Hitchcock?

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Sheree North

Sheree North (January 17, 1932 - November 4, 2005) was known primarily for 3 things: her fabulous dancing, it was thought Fox hired her as a replacement for Marilyn Monroe, and in later years she played Kramer's mom on Seinfeld - and was the first to tell audiences his first name was Cosmo.



Some Sheree North Trivia:

• She married 4 times and had 2 daughters
• Her birth name was Dawn Shirley Crang
• She earned several Emmy nominations for her TV work
• Sheree sanded floors and parked cars to earn money for her ballet classes

Sheree's 1956 Wishes:

"For myself as a person, a wife and a mother I wish that I may always do my best."

"As an actress, I hope to continue to learn my profession as I have tried this past year."



"As a citizen, I believe in the ability of man to achieve."

I didn't know I had seen any Sheree North films until I saw this poster for The Lieutenant Wore Skirts. It's a pretty funny film, kind of a Mr. Mom setup. Sheree's character is in the Air Force, and Tom Ewell is her house husband. Naturally, this doesn't sit well with Tom's character, who tries to regain his masculine position in the family. The film is in the Fox Movie Channel rotation, and will next be playing: July 26, 2010 12:00 pm ET; August 4, 2010 12:00 pm ET; August 17, 2010 12:00 pm ET if you want to catch it.

Next up in this series: Kim Novak

What 100 Stars Want Most in 1956 - Gene Nelson

Gene Nelson (March 24, 1920 - September 16, 1996). Gene was a dancer, actor, and director. Gene is probably best known for his role as Will Parker in 1955's Oklahoma! In the 1960's, Gene turned to directing T.V. shows such as The Donna Reed Show, I Dream of Jeannie, Andy Griffith, and Star Trek and the Elvis films Harum Scarum (1965) and Kissin' Cousins (1963).

Some Gene Nelson Trivia:

• His birth name was Leander Eugene Berg. He legally changed his name to Gene Nelson in 1964
• He was married three times and has three children
• Gene dated Maureen Reagan
• Gene Nelson made his dancing debut in 1935 with the Fanchon and Marco Juvenile Revue at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles
• In high school, Gene was a cheerleader

Gene's 1956 Wishes:

"I made my first trip to Europe this year and next year I hope I can go again and take my son, Chris"

Gene is featured with his son Chris in these 1949 Life Magazine photos, as well as his wife, dancer and actress Miriam Franklin. Miriam appeared in films as a dancer and is uncredited in most of her roles.

"After Oklahoma! is released, I hope I get a good New York show"

Gene Nelson and Virginia Mayo in 1987

"I'd like to organize a youth group to keep youngsters sports-minded. When you are interested in healthy activity, you don't have so much time to hang around the streets."

I think that is so cool! This is high priority in America these days because of obesity rates and the First Lady's initiatives.

Up next in this series - Sheree North