Film | Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)

Last week, I went on a mini shopping spree online. I was feeling some kind of way and looked to my credit card to feel better. Needless to say, I now have quite a few new Classic Hollywood goodies in my collection. One of those items is The Jayne Mansfield DVD Collection. I've had this book marked for who knows how long. Amazon gets you with those 'Only 4 left in stock!' things... well they got me at least. This set includes 'The Girl Cant Help It' (1956), 'The Sheriff With The Fractured Jaw' (1958), and the film this post is about... 'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?' (1957).

Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)

 "Man, oh man, oh Mansfield!"

The Players:

Jayne Mansfield as Rita Marlowe

Tony Randall as Rockwell P. Hunter

Betsy Drake as Jenny Wells

Joan Blondell as Violet

The Story:

Jayne Mansfield teams with Tony Randall in this hilarious spoof about an ad man who nabs a movie star for his campaign -- and opens a can of worms in the process. Ad writer Rockwell Hunter (Randall) thinks he's hit the jackpot when sexy starlet Rita Marlowe (Mansfield) agrees to endorse a line of lipstick he's touting. But when the press mistakes the business partnership for an affair, it'll take some tricky maneuvers to set the story straight. [Netflix]

My Favorite Scene:

This is a hard one because I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this film. I haven't literally lol'd during a film in quite some time. If I have to narrow it down to just one scene, I will have to go with the scene where Betsy Drake's character Jenny Wells is imitating the 'oh so kissable' Rita Marlowe. Prior to this scene, she stopped into a lingerie store to buy new under garments to get the shape of Marlowe. So when we first see her in the next scene, her bosoms are pointed to the sky and her waist of non existent. And if that wasnt enough, she does a spot on impersonation of Rita's voice and squeal. I was cracking up more each time she opened her mouth. Bravo!

Trivia and Tidbits:

Jayne Mansfield originated the role of Rita Marlowe in the Broadway play that ran 444 performances at the Belasco Theatre in New York from 1955-1956.

Jayne Mansfield's character Rita Marlowe's name was a combination of 3 of my favorite Classic Film actresses... Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow, and Marilyn Monroe.

The films that Rita Marlowe 'stars' in are actually films Jayne Mansfield starred in prior to this film being made... "The Girl Can't Help It" (1956), "Kiss Them for Me" (1957) and "The Wayward Bus" (1957).

If you didn't catch it, the film pokes a little bit of fun at fellow blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe. Rita Marlowe leaves Hollywood abruptly for New York for some personal time and to form her own production company... as Monroe did that same year.

Tony Randall was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actor – Musical/Comedy for his work on this film.

In 2000, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

My Thoughts:

'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?' set out with one goal in mind... to satire pop culture, Hollywood hype and the ad industry. From it's over the top heartthrob obsessed teen mobs to it's celebrity driven culture... I believe it achieved just that. Let's be honest... this film's message is just as relevant today, 60 years later, than it was in 1957.

Tony Randall was so loveable and such a joy to watch. He had such a great timing for comedy. Joan Blondell snuck up on me as Rita Marlowe's assistant... forgot how wonderful she is! Jayne Mansfield was so likable and so full of that 'it' factor that you can't look away when she is on screen. I don't know about you, but I could listen to that woman talk for hours... and do not get me started on that squeal... it is everything!

Overall Rating:

Film | It Should Happen To You (1954)

As I mentioned in my review of 1953's Call Me Madam, I was able to catch a couple of films during TCM's celebration of the Best Costume Design during their 31 Days of Oscar programming. The second film was 1954's It Should Happen To You starring Judy Holliday, Peter Lawford, and Jack Lemmon. I really hadn't planned on watching this one, but when I saw it starred Judy Holliday I had to because I found her so charming in 1954's Phffft.

It Should Happen To You (1954)

In 'Born Yesterday' I got two mink coats - this time I get everything!

The Players:

Judy Holliday as Gladys Glover

Jack Lemmon as Pete Sheppard

Peter Lawford as Even Adams III

The Story:

Gladys Glover has just lost her modelling job when she meets filmmaker Pete Sheppard shooting a documentary in Central Park. For Pete it's love at first sight, but Gladys has her mind on other things -- like making a name for herself. Through a fluke of advertising she winds up with her name plastered over 10 billboards throughout city. Suddenly all of New York is clamoring for Gladys Glover without knowing why and playboy Evan Adams III is making a play for Gladys that even Pete knows will be hard to beat. [IMDB]

My Favorite Scene:

I found myself giggling a few times throughout this film, which doesn't happen very often. There is a scene where Pete bursts into Gladys' room to express his displeasure for how she has spent her saved money on this billboard. He goes on and on tearing down her actions and is just about to leave the room (which seams like for good) when he turns around to make sure their date is still on for the upcoming Friday. The perfect comedic timing of both leads was on display in this scene.

Trivia and Tidbits:

This was the film debut of Jack Lemmon, which is hard to believe because he plays this role like he had been doing it his whole life. He was such a gifted comedian. The on location scenes were shot during a 10-day shoot in New York City in July 1953.

My Thoughts:

I wasn't expecting much from this film about an out of work model who buys a billboard to put her name on it, but I was proven wrong. The film is full of heart and teaches you a very valuable lesson: Don't let your successes and fame make you forget who is important in your life because they mean nothing if you don't have someone to share it with.

Overall Rating:

Film | Call Me Madam (1953)

Today, as a part of their 31 Days of Oscar programming, TCM was celebrating past nominees of the Best Costume Design category. Being stuck in bed not feeling well, I decided to check out a couple of the films. First up was the 1953 film Call Me Madam. Up until now, I had seen Ethel Merman in only one other film (1954's There's No Business Like Show Business), so I was excited to see what she had to offer. Having Donald O'Connor, Vera-Ellen, and George Sanders along for the ride also sweetened the deal.

Call Me Madam (1954)

The Players:

Ethel Merman as Sally Adams

Donald O'Connor as Kenneth Gibson

Vera-Ellen as Princess Maria

George Sanders as General Cosmo Constantine

The Story:

Sally Adams is a social butterfly whose hobby of knowing everyone of value in Washington, D.C., pays off when she's chosen to serve as United States Ambassador to the fictional country of Lichtenburg. Once settled in her new position, she strikes up a romance with the country's smooth foreign minister, Cosmo Constantine, and her assistant Kenneth catches the eye of Princess Maria. [Netflix]

My Favorite Scene:

Hands down my favorite scene(s) were when we were treated to the beautifully choreographed dances between Donald O'Connor and Vera'Ellen. That being said it was at the royal party where Kenneth and Princess Maria dance in the garden that has to take the top spot. I was mesmerized by Maria's dress every time she spun. The way it flowed and spun around was beautiful and graceful. This pairing was on point because they complimented each other so well.

Trivia and Tidbits:

For almost 20 years the film was withdrawn from exhibition because Fox's music rights had expired. It wasn't until 2004 when the film was released on DVD that it was seen again. Something I didn't know prior to viewing this film was that Vera-Ellen suffered from anorexia, which is why most of her costumes in the film were designed to cover her neck because it was thin and pre-maturely wrinkled. Prior to this film Ethel Merman originated her role on Broadway from 1950-1952 in 644 performances.

My Thoughts:

I've yet to see an Irving Berlin film I didn't enjoy. Even if the story isn't up to par, the musical numbers always make up for that. This film isn't one of those because this film was quite charming. From the exquisite singing from the entire cast (this was George Sanders only full musical film) to the double love story lines, I couldn't look away from the screen.

Overall Rating:

Film | I Married A Witch (1942)

Down here in New Orleans we are experiencing the worst winter in 30 years, and considering people around here can't even drive in the rain, most of the city is shut down because of the 'winter weather.' I'm not complaining because I only had to work a half day at work and I spent the rest of the day in bed catching up on some good ol' me time. After watching a documentary about Candy Darling (Beautiful Darling - 2010) on Netflix, I hopped over to my Hulu Plus app because I remembered they had the Criterion Collection films. I've always been intrigued by the lovely Veronica Lake for awhile, but have yet to watch one of her films. When I saw her 1942 film I Married A Witch, I had no other option but to watch it!

I Married A Witch (1942)

When she finishes with him, he won't know witch is which!

The Players:

Fredric March as Wallace Wooley/The Wooley Men

Veronica Lake as Jennifer

Robert Benchley as Dr. Dudley White

Susan Hayward as Estelle Masterson

The Story:

Many centuries after cursing the male descendants of the Salem puritan who sent her to the stake, this blonde bombshell with a broomstick finds herself drawn to one of them—a prospective governor about to marry a spoiled socialite. [Criterion]

My Favorite Scene:

Although the whole film was charming, I couldn't stop laughing throughout the troubled wedding ceremony. Poor Wallace didn't stand a chance against Jennifer and her father's powers. But it wasn't even them who kept me laughing, it was the lady singing at the wedding. She was certainly a trooper restarting the love song every time they were going to start the wedding again. 

Trivia & Tidbits:

It seems Veronica wasn't the most professional person to deal with on set. She delighted in playing pranks on her co-star Fredric, which seemed to be a pattern of hers because her co-star in Sullivan's Travels (1941), Joel McCrea, declined to do this film because he didn't want to work with Lake again. This film was also part of the inspiration behind Sol Saks writing the beloved television show Bewitched (1964).

My Thoughts:

This film about a 17th century witch who comes back in 'modern times' to haunt the family of her persecutor was the perfect introduction to this pint sized starlet. Her gorgeous childlike screen popped off the screen in every scene. She honestly over shadowed the debonair Fredric March throughout most of the film and I couldn't get enough of her voice, it was so full of character.

Overall Rating:

Original image credit: Dr Macro
Editing by Me

Film | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes's Lost Musical Number

I am excited to say this will be the 100th post here on Blame Mame! I can't wait to write 1,000 more! I really am appreciative to the followers and other readers who make their daily stops by the blog. I love seeing your comments on the entries and over on the Blame Mame Facebook page!

If you weren't able to read between the lines through past posts, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is pretty much my favorite movie of all time! And with a cast that includes two of my top ladies (Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell), musical numbers to die for, and stunning Travilla designed gowns... how could this film now be at the top of everyone's list?

Some of you may know this and some of you may not, but there was a musical number cut from the film before its theatrical release. Whenever I found this out I was so excited, but then I learned it may be lost forever. Most of the time the film that was cut from films literally was left 'on the cutting room floor.' How could there be a musical number from my favorite movie that I will never get to see?!?

I haven't been able to find out much about it, but I do know it was titled Four French Dances and would have been toward the end of the film when the girls make it to France. My best guess would be that it would have come right before the 'Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend' number because Lorelei and Dorothy can be scene in the costume when Mr. Esmund goes backstage to talk to the girls. From the productions stills stills I have seen, it looks like it would have been an amazing number. If you are interested, you can see a small clip from the scene in the film's trailer. Marilyn and Jane can be seen walking on a ladder. [around the 2.12 mark]

I also heard of another musical number that was cut from the film titled 'Down Boy'. I know the number was performed by Marilyn... possibly in the scene where she is dancing with Piggy in the gold lame gown on the ship. I think I read somewhere it was cut because the gown was too risque to be shown in theaters. I know I have heard the music from the number somewhere, but that was over 5 years ago and I cant find it again. If anyone knows where I can find the music, please let me know!

And as if that weren't enough, there is also a costume that was unused from this film that can be seen in wardrobe test for the film. The costume looks very revealing at first glance, but it is just another illusion by the master designer Travilla. I wonder when Marilyn would have worn it?

 

You can find more images from the Four French Dances number behind the cut...

Film | Hitch Triple-Feature (For The Boys)

I had a different idea in mind when I decided to put into The Scarlett Olive's For The Boys Blogathon, but with recent events that happened in my life, I was unable to do what I wanted. This was a post I had already written, but I think it fits well with the theme. These masterpiece films by Hitchcock are full of suspense and beautiful women... sounds like these films are 'for the boys.' So here it goes...

I've recently learned how much I adore Alfred Hitchcock. After seeing my first Hitchcock film, Vertigo, a month or so ago, I have been hooked. Every one of the films I have seen so far have become instant favorites of mine. I find myself thinking about how clever these films are and how beautiful they are to watch. Below you will find reviews of three of his films... we'll go ahead and call it a Hitch Triple-Feature!

DIAL "M" FOR MURDER (1954)

"Is this the man she was waiting for...
or the man who was waiting for her?"

THE PLAYERS:
Ray Milland as Tony Wendice
Grace Kelly as Margot Mary Wendice
Robert Cummings as Mark Halliday
John Williams as Chief Inspector Hubbard

THE STORY:
Director Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece of double-cross and intrigue stars Ray Milland as former tennis champ Tony Wendice, who concocts a plan to kill his rich but unfaithful wife (Grace Kelly), who's embroiled in a liaison with a writer (Robert Cummings). When Tony's plans go awry, he improvises a second act of deceit, but the entire bloody affair turns out to be far messier than he expected. John Williams plays a sly Scotland Yard inspector. [Netflix]

MY THOUGHTS:
I went into this film not knowing what to expect. It isn't often referred to as one of Hitchcock's masterpieces, so I didn't expect anything on par with Rear Window or Vertigo. I am always glad to be proven incorrect, and I definitely was with this film. While it wasn't an in your face thriller, you knew what's going on through the whole picture, but you are still on edge because all you want is for Tony to be figured out. I wasn't sure how it was it would happen, and then came the Hitchcock genius. He always surprises me with how he brings story full circle.

I learned while reading about this film that Hitchcock came up with the idea to have Grace Kelly's wardrobe go from bright colored to dark to mimic her characters downfall. He does a great job doing so. In the beginning when she is happy and in love she is seen in a bright red gown, and at the end when she learns of her husband's betrayl, she is seen in a dark brown outfit. 

OVERALL RATING:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

 
"It's love and murder at first sight!"

THE PLAYERS:
Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill
Eva Marie Saint as Eve Kendall
James Mason as Phillip Vandamm
Leo G. Carroll as The Professor

THE STORY:
What if everyone around you was suddenly convinced that you were a spy? This classic from master director Alfred Hitchcock stars Cary Grant as an advertising executive who looks a little too much like someone else and is forced to go on the lam (helped along by Eva Marie Saint). Hitchcock's sure-handed comic drama pits Grant against a crop duster and lands him in a fight for his life on Mount Rushmore -- a true cliffhanger if ever there was one. [Netflix]

MY THOUGHTS:
I knew starting out I was going to love this film. I mean it stars Cary Grant, is directed by my good friend Hitch, and promises to take you on a thrilling ride... how could you not get excited? Honestly, I knew nothing of this film when I sat down to watch it. All I knew was that it is on many must see list and the DVD cover art was pretty amazing. After seeing the picture, it is hard to put into words how much I loved this film.

One thing I found interesting is in this film and in The Birds is that the leading ladies seem to be made to look like Grace Kelly.  The style of clothing, the short blonde hair, even their acting all reminded me of Kelly. This doesn't mean I didn't enjoy Eve Marie Saints performance, because she was great, I just found it hard to not draw comparisons. Eve was great an acting with her eyes when her character needed to convey her feelings but couldn't blow her cover.

I loved the scene in the auction house where Cary Grant makes a spectacle in order to avoid being killed by the hit man. The reactions the auctioneer had to the outrageous behavior of Grant's character  were priceless. It was a clever way to deal with a sticky situation like that.

The end sequence was one of the most suspenseful scenes I've ever seen. It was the first time I got a modern feel from a classic film. The grandeur of the shots in that scene as well as the earlier scenes reminded me of today's big blockbuster films. Had me on edge to the last cliff-hanging second.

OVERALL RATING:

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE BIRDS (1963)

"Nothing You Have Ever Witnessed 
 Before Has Prepared You for 
SuchSheer Stabbing Shock!"

THE PLAYERS:
Tippi Hedren - Melanie Daniels
Rod Taylor - Mitch Brenner
Jessica Tandy - Lydia Brenner
Veronica Cartwright - Cathy Brenner

THE STORY:
Chic socialite Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) enjoys a passing flirtation with an eligible attorney (Rod Taylor) in a San Francisco pet shop and, on an impulse, follows him to his hometown bearing a gift of lovebirds. But upon her arrival, the bird population runs amok. Suddenly, the townsfolk face a massive avian onslaught, with the feathered fiends inexplicably attacking people all over Bodega Bay. [Netflix]

MY THOUGHTS:
Usually when I decide to see a film it's because I was drawn to it by a certain actor, but with this film that wasn't the case. I wasn't familiar with any of the cast (at first), and I  wasn't sure of how the story would play out, but all I needed was to know that Hitchcock was the director.

I was glad to see that Edith Head was apart of this films crew, so I was expecting some beautiful costume design. I was a little let down that Tippi's character only had two different outfits, but I was amazed at how perfect each of them was. Even though Edith only had two outfits starring in the film, she made those two count. The seemed to be ripped from the perfect wardrobes of Grace Kelly in Rear Window.

Watching the film I was in awe of the gorgeous scenery, only to find out in the special features, most of it was painted matte boards. The way Hitch was able to seamlessly combine live action with the gorgeous Painting was amazing.

The film had none stop action. You never knew when the next attack would take place and to what lengths the birds would go to get their prey. The most exciting scene was outside the school house. The character of Melanie is sitting in front of a jungle Jim and as the camera goes back and forth between her face and the jungle gym more and more birds gather. Than they get a tight close up of Tippi and hold it there until you can't stand it anymore. All you want to do is yell for her to turn around and then the camera pans back to a wide shot! The entire play area is covered in birds! All I could do was gasp! One of the best shot scenes ever!

This is the first classic era film I've seen that actually had a degree of gore. When they showed the farmers body mutilated by the birds, it was a horrific sight. The blacken eyes and bloody mess makes your skin crawl. It was at that point I became worried about the characters.

This was a great film and the ending leaves you wanting more. I heard that Hitchcock had an alternate final shot planned. He was going to have the car arrive in San Francisco only to find the Golden Gate Bridge covered in birds! That would have been awesome to see.

OVERALL RATING:

Film | Mr and Mrs Smith (1941)

It has been a few months since I made my post about 'Stars To Watch', but I finally got around to seeing one of the films I talked about on that list. Carole Lombard was one of the stars I talked about and after the Carole-tennial(+3) Blogathon, I figured why not start with one of her films. When I found out this was directed by Hitchcock, it was put at the top of my Netflix Queue.

MR AND MRS SMITH (1941)
 

"Lombard and Montgomery Get Hitched
As They're Getting Unhitched !"

THE PLAYERS:
Carole Lombard as Ann Krausheimer Smith
Robert Montgomery as David Smith
Gene Raymond as Jefferson Custer
Jack Carson as Chuck Benson

THE STORY:
No less than Alfred Hitchcock takes a turn at the helm of this decidedly romantic comedy starring Robert Montgomery and Carole Lombard as the titular couple, David and Ann Smith. After three years of highs and lows in a mercurial nuptial, the two discover they aren't truly married after all. David hesitates sealing the deal for real, which drives Ann to the arms of the straight-laced Jeff (Gene Raymond). Is a happily-ever-after not meant to be? [Netflix]

MY FAVORITE SCENE:
The dinner scene when David goes out with his male friend and the two 'beautiful' ladies made me laugh out loud. David was already a little uncomfortable sitting with these two ladies that weren't up to his standards, and then in walks Ann. When he sees that Ann is there with his long-time friend Jefferson, he feels the need to make her jealous rather than have her laugh with the company he is keeping. So he cleverly uses the more attractive lady to his other side to make Ann believe he is with her. He mimes words into her ear and it works until the lady's gentlemen friend sees what is going on. Poor David never had a chance.

TIDBITS & TRIVIA:
This was Alfred Hitchcock's first and only screwball comedy. It has been said he only did it as a favor to friend Carole Lombard, but papers from RKO show that is was actually Hitchcock that pursued the project. Lombard took over directing for part of the film. When it was time for Hitch to make his cameo appearance, Carole made him do the act numerous times until she thought it was perfect.

It turns out Carole was quite the jokester. Playing on the quote Hitchcock made about "all actors being cattle", he walked on set one day to find a corral with livestock inside. There were three heifers with nameplates that read Lombard, Montgomery and Raymond.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
This was my first time seeing one of Carole Lombard's films, and I must say, it makes me anxious to see more. She was very likeable and seemed very real. She was funny without trying and demanded your attention in all of her scenes. I had read prior that this was the second to last film she made before her death, so watching the film had a bitter-sweet feeling to it.

OVERALL RATING:

Film | Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

This is another DVD I picked up a few years and have just gotten around to watching. I knew it was full of wonderful music and was going to be beautiful with his colorful wardrobes and sets, but I didn't expect to love it so much. I say that about almost every film, so don't mind me.

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

"A cast of favorites in the Charming . . .
Romantic . . . Tuneful Love Story
of the Early 1900s !"

THE PLAYERS:
Judy Garland as Esther Smith
Margaret O'Brien as "Tootie" Smith
Mary Astor as Mrs. Anna Smith
Lucille Bremer as Rose Smith
Tom Drake as John Truitt
Marjorie Main as Katie the maid
Leon Ames as Mr. Alonzo Smith

THE STORY:
Judy Garland stars as Esther Smith, who just can't ignore the boy next door (Tom Drake), in director Vincente Minnelli's musical masterpiece about the trials and tribulations of a tight-knit family living in St. Louis on the eve of the 1904 World's Fair. Memorable characters and charming songs, which include "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song," make this one of the greatest American musicals ever lensed. [Netflix]

MY FAVORITE SCENE:
This entire film was delightful to watch, but my favorite scene came toward the end of the film. When Tootie gets upset about leaving St. Louis, she storms outside to destroy her snowmen. Big sis Esther comes to her aid and we are treated to one of the most memorable performances ever. When Judy sings "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", you are captivated. From the beautiful framing of Garland to her beautiful vibrato, you cant help but to tear up.

TIDBITS & TRIVIA:

This film has been credited with kicking off the Golden Age of the MGM musical. It is considered of of the studio's signature films because of it's style and look. The success of this film started a wave of what are considered today as top rate musicals. Vincente Minnelli and Arthur Freed would follow Meet Me In St. Louis with such films as The Bandwagon (1953), Brigadoon (1954) and An American In Paris (1951).

At first Judy Garland was reluctant to play another teenage girl role, but I am sure her mind changed once she fell in love with director Vincente Minnelli. You can see the love that Minnelli had for Judy through the way he framed her in every one of her scenes. Never has a film captured her beauty more than this one.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
I am not sure what else needs to be said about this film. The beautiful colors, sets, costumes and of course the music make this a wonderful film. If you are a fan of Judy Garland, musicals, or just a fan of great cinema... make sure this is on your list of films to see.

OVERALL RATING: