How Well Do You Know Hollywood? - Question 13

According to Photoplay, July 1940

He is one of the best polo players in Hollywood

Fred MacMurray

James Cagney

Spencer Tracy

Tyrone Power

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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.

Tidbit Tuesday: James Cagney

A few tidbits about iconic actor James Cagney. My favorite Cagney films are Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) and of course, The Public Enemy (1931). I was surprised by several things in this Who's Who. I didn't know he majored in art. And I guess he always seemed shorter than 5'8" to me. Most sources also say his year of birth is 1899. I'm guessing there might have been a bit of fudging about age when this 1941 edition of Hollywood Who's Who was published.

Greer Garson and James Cagney, 1943

Again, I apologize for lack of posting. I've been super busy on my project. So far I've cataloged 4,562 items. I can see the end in sight! Just have two attic corners left :)

Film Quiz 3

Mickey Rooney and Olivia De Havilland

"A July Nightmare"

Some Clues:

• This film has a fabulous cast: Dick Powell, Olivia De Havilland, Mickey Rooney, Anita Louise, James Cagney, Arthur Treacher, Ian Hunter
• The immortal bard

Bette Davis' Pointed Guesture

Pointed Gesture: Bette Davis pushes Jimmy Cagney into a cactus patch in The Bride Came C.O.D.

True or False: Ostriches and Jimmy Cagney?

True or False:

James Cagney has never roped ostriches in New Zealand

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.