Vintage Book of the Week - The Gracie Allen Murder Case by S.S.Van Dine

(Image from http://warren-william.com/blog/)

I had high hopes for this one because I adore the Philo Vance books and films, but after reading The Gracie Allen Murder Case, I was really annoyed. I know it is sacrilege, but I can't stand Gracie Allen! Her voice and manner are just grating to me. This book fully captured her mannerisms, so I suppose S. S. Van Dine did a good job.

Philo Vance for some reason came across Gracie Allen and her entourage. She basically helped Philo Vance solve the mystery. There were some site antics with her family and George Burns. They weren't yet together at the beginning of the novel, and at the end they got engaged. For some reason they also both worked at a perfume factory.

This was a pretty good book if you love Gracie Allen and mysteries. I love mysteries, but not really Gracie Allen. She seemed like a sweetie, but that voice is just nails on a chalkboard for me. Oh well, on to the next mystery.

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Cleo Moore

Lovely Cleo Moore (Oct. 31, 1928 - Oct. 25, 1973), was another "B" movie queen. Obviously stunning, I don't believe I have seen her in any of her films. Known also for her publicity stunts including saying she would run for Louisiana governor. What did the stunning Cleo wish for in 1956?

"Personally, I want to subdivide my acreage in Tarzana in San Fernando Valley and build more houses on it." - That's a first. Sounds like she was really driven in terms of her property. After Cleo retired from the screen, she did go into real estate. This is obviously a sign of that.


"Professionally, I want dramatic roles instead of sex roles" - Unfortunately it sounds like she had mostly sex roles.

"I'd like to see more and more children get out of the cities and into the suburbs where they can enjoy the advantages of country life" - Lots of kids are in the suburbs now, but I don't think they are really living the country life. Too many electronics around.

Crying over Creativity

Thanks to Mark for letting me know about http://guromusic.blogspot.com and http://pakway.blogspot.com. My entire post was taken directly (the Marilyn Monroe 1956 wishes) and put on one of the sites. There is a disclaimer on the bottom, but there is ZERO credit given. It is fine to put up the best of the web, but it would be nice to be credited. I spend a lot of time working on my posts (approximately 2 hours per post). I try to credit those I get help from, that's why a lot of my pictures have the little Life logo on them. I definitely try to tag the source if nothing else. I appreciate everyone who does credit me when they use the content. Thanks for reading my rant and that's the last I will say about the subject.

We Have a Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered my 100 Followers Giveaway. I wish I had prizes for everyone. My favorite star is Rita Hayworth, of course, so everyone got it correct. I should have asked a harder question:) So without further ado, the winner is . . .

Baroness Von Vintage!

Baroness, please leave your address in a comment so I may send you your book: Bette Davis, Larger Than Life. (I've got Comment Moderation on and I won't post the comment so no one else will see the address.)

As a side note, have been having some issues at home, but will get back to posting more regularly soon :)

Cheesy Sci-Fi Fest on TCM - It Came From Beneath the Sea

Enjoying some fabulous cheesy sci-fi on TCM tonight. It Came From Beneath the Sea (1955)is a great example of classic 1950s sci-fi

Of course there is some kind of creature that mutated because of some kind of atomic activity. In this case, atomic bomb tests in the ocean by the Navy creates a Giant Octopus. So enjoy the trailer in all it's suction-cup glory!

Looking for my Shamrock Shake

Looking forward to hopefully getting a Shamrock Shake. Otherwise I may have to figure out a way to make one myself!

Whatever happened to Uncle McGrimace? He must have ran off with my Shamrock Shake!

Just a reminder, only 4 more days for the 100 Subscribers Giveaway!

Chronically Vintage Giveaway

One of my favs, Jessica @ Chronically Vintage, is having a giveaway. To celebrate the first anniversary of LA Vintage's online site, they are giving away a $100 shopping spree.

Be sure to check out Chronically Vintage to enter the giveaway and LA Vintage to check out some fab finds like these (my favs).

Just a reminder about my 100 subscribers giveaway - just 7 more days to enter!

Vintage Book of the Day - LBJ Barbecue Cook Book by Walter Jetton

For some great info on the Johnson Barbecues, check out Barbecue Diplomacy.

And of course these last two make the strange recipe list. I would definitely be one of the people turning these recipes down if Walter offered them. The thought of Beef Heart makes me ill.  And don't get me started on the Calf Fries. Would someone please let me know when eating animal private parts became a good idea? According to epicurious, there were recipes in Gourmet for them as far back as 1942.

100 Subscribers Giveaway!

I can't believe it, but I have 100 subscribers! I never thought I'd get 1, let alone have so many wonderful people following me. I just wanted to say thanks to every one of you. I really enjoy creating this blog in my spare time, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to stop by.

To honor the fact that I have been blessed with 100 followers, I will be giving away a new copy of Bette Davis: Larger Than Life. It is a fabulous book, filled with wonderful pictures of one of Hollywood's best actresses.

To enter the contest, answer 1 question (I promise it's an easy one). Who is my favorite actress? Just check the top of the page if you need a hint :)

For those who want a bit of a challenge and another chance to get your name entered in the drawing there is another question: What is my favorite Old Time Radio Show?

I will be picking the winner March 14th, so be sure to enter!

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Marilyn Monroe

I'm pretty sure this post needs no introduction. What did Marilyn Monroe (June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962) wish for in 1956?

"I've been reaching for an inner tranquility all the past year. I think I have it now and I want to keep it." - I'm sorry to report that I don't think she was at peace, the poor dear.

"After I make Bus Stop, I'd like to play dramatic roles. I feel I'm ready for drama" - I think Marilyn was a much better actress than people give her credit for.

"I hope Jane Russell accomplishes what she wants with WAIF. I have a special feeling for orphans, since I was one myself". - She definitely did. One a side note, Jane Russell and her husband Robert Waterfield founded World Adoption International Fund (WAIF) in 1951 when she had been looking to adopt children (they adopted 3). WAIF assists in international adoption, with the fabulous Jane Russell as a staunch advocate. For more info on Jane's work with WAIF, check out her WIC biography.