Intelligent Irving

Irving Thalberg by Russell Ball

Irving Thalberg (30 May 1899 - 14 September 1936) is considered one of the most intelligent producers of all time.  

Week in Review

Films I've Watched

• Snowed Under (1936) - George Brent has three women under his spell - two ex-wives and a girl who is infatuated with him.  He runs away to a winter cabin to finish his play, but the three girls and many others follow.  Fun, 1930's romp.  It is the perfect example of why the 1930's is probably my favorite film decade.

Vintage Inspiration - Just Jayne

Lovely Jayne Mansfield (pictures by Wallace Sewell) always looks lovely.

Bow and Bell Bliss

Clara Bow and her husband, Rex Bell, enjoy a lovely tea

Week in Review

Films I've Watched

• I Love a Mystery (1945) - First in the 'I Love a Mystery' B Movie series based on the great radio program of the same name.  Two detectives: Jack Packard (played by Jim Bannon) and 'Doc' Long (played by Barton Yarborough) are on the trail of an oriental cult who prophesied death for a man.  The creepy thing is that the leader of this "cult" offered the man $10,000 for his head which they planned to use for their leader.  They had mummified their leader and wanted to replace his rotting head with the man's (played by George Macready, the villain from Gilda).  Fun mystery.  I was definitely surprised with the ending, which I won't spoil for you guys.

Sweet Dreams Shirley

Shirley Age 17 (1945)

     Shirley Temple was my introduction to the vintage world.  She conjures up so many memories from my childhood that it's overwhelming.  Heidi, Sara Crewe, and who could forget her singing?  I was so sad to hear of her passing away last night.  Another star joining the pantheon of classic actors in that big production in the sky.  To me, she was a friend, even though I never met her.  

Shirley and Her Doll

     My first exposure to her was through dolls.  When I was a child, I was given a Shirley Temple doll.  Cute, with those classic curls, she remains today in my doll cabinet, an ever present reminder of play times in the past.  Her exuberance timelessly preserved.



     She was one of my first introductions into classic films.  The first movie I owned was The Little Princess (1939), the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett tale brought to life by Shirley as Sara Crewe along with several other actors I adore such as Anita Loos as her wonderful teacher Rose, Sybil Jason as her friend and confidant Becky, Marcia Mae Jones as the snide Lavinia, Mary Nash as the evil Ms. Minchin, Cesar Romero as the savior Ram Daz, the ever delightful Arthur Treacher as Bertie, and of course, Ian Hunter as her father.

Homes of the Stars - Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 26

Homes of the Stars - Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 26

Homes of the Stars - Edward G Robinson

Edward G. Robinson's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 26

Homes of the Stars - Danny Thomas

Danny Thomas's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 26

Homes of the Stars - Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe's last home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 25

Homes of the Stars - Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 21

Homes of the Stars - Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 21

Film Review - Caretakers (1963)

Caretakers (1963) is an interesting view of the Mental Health system.  Strong performances by all: Robert Stack as the Doctor, Joan Crawford as the nurse administrator who fights him, the wonderful actors and actresses who played the patients and nurses such as Polly Bergen (the main patient) and Susan Oliver as the understanding nurse.  Other amazing performances by Janis Paige, Van Williams, Sharon Hugueny, and Ellen Corby are well worth it. 

Week in Review

Films I've Watched

• Sports Scope Ski-Flying (1956) - Fun short about ski jumping
• Jimmy Fund at Home with Joan Crawford (1953) - As a disabled kid, I wish more stars would come out to help children.  Thank goodness for Marlo Thomas and St. Judes!
• Let's Ask Nostradamus (1953) - Gotta love those prediction shorts.  Nostradamus has fascinated people for ages.  I'm not sure why, but when reading his stanzas, I feel like the vagueness of his predictions could be twisted to whatever meaning you wish.  Hindsight can always change things.

Homes of the Stars - Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart's home from the 1971 Guide to Stars Homes, page 21