Birthday | Elizabeth Taylor

Birthday | Kim Novak

Birthday | Lana, Jack, & James

Birthday | Mamie Van Doren

Book | Hollywood In Kodachrome

By day I work in a camera/photo shop here in New Orleans, so as you can imagine I have quite a love for photography. I'm not quite old enough to have had the full experience of film photography, but that doesn't mean I do not have respect and adoration for the art form. At the top of my list of favorite film mediums is Kodak Kodachrome. I help customers all the time with their old Kodachrome slides and they always produce the most gorgeous photos. Colors and sharpness so crisp the images jump off the print.

So when I came across the book 'Hollywood In Kodachrome' by David Wills while on my usual weekly mission at Barnes and Noble, I just had to have it! They must have just gotten these books in because it was wrapped in plastic and looked so perfect! Beautiful coffee table books full of Old Hollywood pictures will always be my drug of choice... 

The book opens with gorgeous photos and a foreword written by the lovely Rhonda Fleming. She talks about how she was discovered by talent agent Henry Willson and about her dislike of her Hollywood nickname, "The Queen of Technicolor." She also admits to not being a trained actress and that her main influences in Hollywood came from top model of the day Anita Colby. Honestly, I didn't know much of her before reading this, but I did appreciate her explanation of how the photography side of the studio system worked.

After we here from Rhonda there is a very informative introduction by David Wills where he discusses the beginnings and uses of color film in Hollywood during the early 1900's. One fact I didn't know before this book was that Kodachrome was the first sustainable color film to be made. Of course that came with a long list of cons, but it did produce some of the most vibrant photos ever produced. The lighting had to be bright, and make up had to be caked on, but the end result was phenomenal.

After the text, comes the real gems of this publication, over 250 gorgeously illustrated Kodachrome photos from 1940-1949. Everyone from Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake to Lucille Ball and Betty Grable. My biggest surprise came toward the end of the book... apparently Marilyn Monroe's infamous nude 'Red Velvet' session by Tom Kelley was shot with Kodachrome! The color and vibrancy of these photos has always stood out to me and after seeing them in this book it all makes perfect sense.

I will forever have an admiration of the Old Hollywood style of photography. Whether it is the dramatic George Hurrell black and whites or the vibrant Kodachrome shots of the 1940's... the photos present the stars of that time as glamorous gods and goddesses. Even if only for a second, these photos share a little bit of that glamour with us mortals down here in the real world.

You can buy 'Hollywood In Kodachrome' at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. All of the photos used in this post were captured by me from my copy of the book.

Birthday | Clark Gable

Book | George Hurrell's Hollywood

One of my favorite things to do on a weekly basis is go to my local Barnes and Noble store to see what kind of trouble I can get myself into. I do this so often, that I have developed a certain route I take throughout the store. I am sure I know the store as well as the people who actually work there... well at least the most important parts.

Two weeks ago, while on my routine browsing adventure, I can came across a book I hadn't seen there before. It's always exciting to come across something new because it seems they rarely get anything new, as far as Classic Hollywood is concerned. As I walked up to my third stop in the store, I had already hit up the Bargain and Biography sections, a big beautiful coffee table book with George Hurrell's name on it caught my eye. There is nothing I enjoy more than a big coffee table book, especially when it is full of gorgeous George Hurrell photos!

'George Hurrell's Hollywood' was released on November 12, 2013

The book's title was 'George Hurrell's Hollywood'. I honestly didn't even look through it, I grabbed it and went on my way to the DVD section. I didn't want to spoil the fun of looking through it by peeking at the inside. At $60, this was going to be quite a purchase, so I checked the online price and found it for almost $20 less. Reluctantly I put it back and ordered it online because with the cheaper price and free shipping, I couldn't justify spending that much more just to be able to walk out with it.

Four days later my book came in and I was more excited than a little kid at Christmas time! I spent a good hour looking at the photos and admiring this wonderfully put together book. I haven't had time to read any of the text yet, but even if that part is lacking (which I'm sure it isn't), the gorgeous photos are well worth the money. 

Behind the scenes of Hurrell's work with Jane Russell

The book spans his entire career from his beginnings as a society photographer to his greatest works as Hollywood's premiere portrait photographer. All of his famous works and collaborations are on display in this marvelous book. His works with Jean Harlow, Norma Shearer, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, just to name a few, are gorgeously illustrated. I would suggest this book to anyone who is a fan of George Hurrell's work. Below are a few links to my previous posts about Hurrell and you can flip through the book online over at Amazon here.

- Photography | George Hurrell

- Photography | George Hurrell's Style

Profiles In History: Milton Greene Auction

I know I haven't been around here much this year, but I am so glad to see you guys are still coming around! I hope to be able to make more time to do work on this blog because it is one of my favorite things to do! See y'all around!

On July 27th, 2013, Profiles In History will be holding an auction of items from the estate of photographer Milton H. Greene. We are talking about original negatives from some of his best work with the who's who of Hollywood. Most exciting for me are the offerings from his 50+ sittings with my idol Marilyn Monroe. There are some photos we have all seen over and over, but some of the photos being auctioned are very rare and haven't been seen before. From browsing through the catalog, most of the lots are expected to draw between $3,000 and $5,000. You can browse the catalog online or purchase a copy of it for $50. Follow the link below to find out more and below that are some of my favorite ladies seen in the catalog...

Profiles In History: Property from the estate of Milton H Greene

View PDF of auction online

Marilyn Monroe

Kim Novak

Jayne Mansfield

Audrey Hepburn

Cleo Moore - B-Movie Bad Girl

In a world where it is hip to be a fan of Marilyn Monroe or Audrey Hepburn, few people take the time to learn about the other lesser known stars from Old Hollywood. Sure if you scratch the surface a few may know who Cary Grant or even Bette Davis are, but say a name like... Cleo Moore and you mind as well be talking gibberish. Don't know who Cleo is either? That's okay, you will after I'm done with you!

I had heard her name a few times throughout my researching of miscellaneous things about Old Hollywood over the years, but it wasn't until I was chatting with a friend on Facebook and her name came up that I took a little more time to learn about this beautiful blonde. As it turns out my friend is a distant relative of hers, which peaked my interest even more.

Cleo was born and raised in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area... which just happens to be near my hometown of New Orleans. In 1944 she married Louisiana Governor Huey Long's son Palmer Long, but the union only lasted a few weeks. Later the next year, Cleo would pack up and move to California with her family with her sights set on making it in motion pictures.

While trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood, Cleo became a popular model, posing for many cheesecake style photos. It wouldn't be until 1948 that Cleo would actually clock in some on-screen time, thanks to Warner Bros. She was usually given bit parts in B films such as Embraceable You (1948) and Congo Bill (1948) and in 1950 she would jump ship to RKO Studios where she was given more of the same.

In 1952, Cleo signed to Columbia Pictures and was molded into their next big star. She dyed her hair platinum blonde to fill in as Columbia's blonde bombshell role. At the time all the studios were trying to bank off the success that FOX was having with Marilyn Monroe. She was pegged 'The Next Big Thing' and 'The Blonde Rita Hayworth.' She first gained attention in Nicholas Ray's film noir, On Dangerous Ground (1952). 

Over the next few years, Cleo would enjoy success at the box office starring in such films as The Other Woman (1954) and One Girl's Confessions (1953). But with the signing of Kim Novak as Columbia's next 'it' girl, Cleo would be given roles in forgettable b films. After completing her last film with Columbia ,Women's Prison, in 1956, Moore signed on to Universal Studios where she was given a few more roles, but would never garner the attention she had enjoyed just a few years prior.

In 1957, Cleo retired from acting and settled into a non-Hollywood life with her second husband and dedicated herself as wife and mother to their child who was born in 1963. Sadly, Cleo would pass away in 1973 of a heart attack at the young age of 48.

Cleo with fellow blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield

In a period where curvacious blonde bombshells were being thrown at the public in hoards, Cleo struggled to find her footing amongst stars such as Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren, and is often forgotten about in today's world. Luckily for  those of us who care to, we can re watch her films and give her the dues she was owed. Sometimes it's those forgotten b movie roles where some of these stars turned in their best performances.

Marilyn Monroe by Nickolas Murray

I came across these beautiful color shots of Marilyn Monroe while browsing my long time favorite forum Everlasting Star and wanted to share. The photos were taken by photographer Nickolas Murray in 1952. I was struck by the clarity and vibrant colors... simply beautiful!

Murray was a Hungarian immigrant who became famous for his celebrity portraits published in Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Ladies' Home Journal. In the 1930's he turned his focus from portraits to commercial photography where he established many of the conventions of color advertising. He was known as the master of the three-color carbro process.

1956 | A New Marilyn

I've always loved the photos taken of Marilyn Monroe during her session with famed photographer Cecil Beaton. This was a turning point in Marilyn's real-life and career and he captures her beauty effortlessly. I especially love the photos taken by Beaton's assistant of him photographing Marilyn.

There came a time in Marilyn Monroe's career when she grew tired of being a pin-up queen. She grew tired of being viewed as a body with a voice and getting little respect as an actor or a person. She refused to take roles that were more of the same, which resulted in her being suspended from 20th Century Fox. Marilyn was ready to become a serious actress, so she headed to New York where she joined The Actor's Studio and created Marilyn Monroe Productions with friend/photographer Milton Greene. Next on the agenda? Be photographed as a lady with class who demanded respect. Who better to take those photos than high society photographer Cecil Beaton?

On February 22, 1956, Monroe arrived at Beaton's suite at Ambassador Hotel in New York City. She arrived with two gowns and left her sexpot attitude behind in order to develop another side of Marilyn Monroe. A more mature, sophisticated side that wanted to be taken seriously. As usual, Marilyn did her own make-up (a fact many find hard to believe). Cecil had redecorated the suite in a 'Japanese Nouveau' style and brought a few props for Marilyn to use while being photographed. The results were beautiful and unlike any other images of Marilyn anyone had seen before. 

Cecil Beaton would later describe his subject... "The initial shyness over, excitement has now gotten the better of her. She romps, she squeals with delight, she leaps onto the sofa. She puts a flower stem in her mouth, puffing on a daisy as though it were a cigarette. It is an artless, impromptu, high-spirited, infectiously gay performance. It may end in tears."

As you can see, the photographs are nothing less than amazing!

Photo | Christmas Cheer With Liz

How about a little Christmas cheer with Elizabeth Taylor and an adorable kitten? I cant believe Christmas is only 11 days away! To get into the spirit of the season I will be watching Christmas In Connecticut (1945) and writing a review! I also want to do a post about what I would love to receive for Christmas... so please check back!

And in case you missed it, please stop by the last post and give your thoughts on the top gowns of Classic Hollywood!

Photos | Rita In Color

To me there is nothing better than a color photo of Rita Hayworth. Now do not get me wrong, even in black and white Rita's inner light shines through, but in color you cant help but love her. I know she was known as the Love Goddess and was one of the top pin-ups in the 1940's, but she is too sweet to be sexy. Her smile could light up anyone's dark moments and let's not even start with her ability to captivate you while she dances... here are a few of my favorite color photos of Rita.

Photos | Lost LOOK Photos: Marilyn Monroe

Every morning before work I go through a pretty standard routine... shower, breakfast, browse the internet. The first thing I do online is check out the news section on Yahoo. Although it is rare (it seems the world is more interested in people who are famous for being famous) I am always excited when something from old Hollywood pops up. Most recently it was a page about photos that were recently rediscovered of Marilyn Monroe from the early 50's. 

My introduction into Classic Hollywood (which will be discussed further in a later post) was through the films of Marilyn Monroe. Some of her films (such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, & Some Like It Hot) are among my all-time favorites. It was through her films that I was introduced to some of my now favorite stars. Stars like Cary Grant, Bette Davis, and Jane Russell are among those. So with Marilyn being one of my favorite stars, I was interested in these new photos.

 
It turns out the photos were taken during the filming of River of No Return starring Monroe and the great Robert Mitchum. The photos were taken by LOOK magazine photographer John Vachon. He was on assignment to photograph three American films that were shooting in the Canadian Rockies. Up to this point, most photos seen of Marilyn were staged and styled by her studio and handlers, but Vachon was given full access to the woman behind the image. He was able to photograph the charismatic girl next door that was the real Monroe instead of the studio driven blonde bombshell she was known for.

The photos were taken in Alberta, Canada in mid-August 1953. John Vachin captured Marilyn poolside in crutches, with her soon-to-be-husband Joe DiMaggio, and enjoying the lush wilderness environment the film was being shot in. He was pretty lucky to get to shoot the future DiMaggio's because they, up to that point and after, never posed for formal photos. My favorite pictures from the shoot were the photos of Monroe taking pictures using an old twin-reflex camera. I think it is more out of jealousy because I would love to own one of those medium format cameras! 

After the shoot was done, only three of the photos taken were used in the October 20th, 1953 article in LOOK magazine. Where did the others go? The negatives were stored away for over 60 years! When LOOK was forced to close in the 1970's its founders donated their photo archives to the Library of Congress. Luckily the photos were discovered and have recently been published in a book titled Marilyn: August 1953. The book contains 100 black and white images that have been unpublished until now. There is also text in the book about Vachon's approach of shooting the star and even letters he wrote to his wife about his time in Canada. Many of the negatives were in disrepair and required extensive digital restoration.

You may be wondering why Marilyn was in crutches during the peak of her career. During the shooting of River of No Return, Monroe's director required her to do some difficult scenes in a very chaotic river. During shooting, she slipped on some wet rocks and sprained her ankle. From what I've read the injury didn't actually require a cast, but Marilyn insisted. Probably as payback to the director for pushing her during shooting.

I hadn't heard of Joan Vachon until now, but it turns out he made quite an impact on 20th century photography. He was actually a documentary photographer, not the usual celebrity/glamor photographers that usually surrounded Monroe. His subjects were usually real people in real situations and that I think that is why his photos show a side of Marilyn's life and personality that is much different than the sex symbol status she was come to have. Great photographs...

If you are interested in this book, you can find it here on Amazon. It's actually on sale (as of 11/05/11) for under $20.

Happy Halloween 2011

Well today is October 31st, and we all know what that means! It's Halloween! I know this holiday has many meanings, but to me it is a time to see fun costumes and watch scary movies. The spiritual side and what not doesn't interest me one bit.

So along with Betty Grable, Judy Garland, and Joan Crawford... Blame Mame wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!

Judy is frightened by the witches brew!

Joan loves the festivities!

Betty is surprised by the scary stories!