Vintage Book of the Week - Sudden Fear

  

Vintage Book of the Week - Sudden Fear by Edna Sherry


Stunner of a pulp! Myra is a famous, middle-aged, rich, bored playwright. One day she saves a woman from drowning. To gain inspiration for her next play, Myra brings the girl to her home where Myra lives with her young husband. Naturally Myra's 'philanthropy' goes awry when she plays her tape recorder. On it, Myra hears her 'beloved husband' and 'guest' Irma plotting Myra's murder. A race against time of whom will murder whom first. Loved it from start to finish. Definitely kept me guessing as to what the truth was and who would get murdered first.

It's no wonder this book was turned into a film.  The 1952 stars the fabulous Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, and Gloria Grahame.  I can definitely see Joan Crawford in the role of Myra.  I haven't seen the film yet, but hope to if it gets cheaper.  It was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actress (Joan Crawford), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Palance), Best Cinematography (Black and White), and Best Costume Design (Black and White).

On a side note, the book mentioned Schiaperelli clothing about 100 times.  I'm not sure if she paid them or if the author is obsessed with them, but here are a couple gorgeous gowns from Schiaperelli.

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."