Feud: Side By Side

I still find it hard to believe that there is a top notch television show during prime time that focuses on two of my favorite actresses of all time! I've always been a huge fan of Ryan Murphy because he created Glee and American Horror Story, but he blew me away with this creation. I haven't been this excited about a television show since Smash. I believe Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon are doing an amazing job as Joan and Bette. They get a thumbs up from me.

This past week's episode focused on the 1963 Academy Awards and what would be a huge turning point in the career of both ladies. I was so pleasantly surprised to see them include Bette's December 1962 appearance on the Andy Williams show where she sang "Whatever Happened To Baby Jane." Susan really did her homework here because the movements and the accents in her voice were spot on. To top it off, the way the show recreated the awards evening all the way down to the monologue just made my little Old Hollywood loving heart melt.

I want to give two thumbs up to Ryan Murphy and his team for bringing this to life. Let's hope this will get audiences interested in looking a little deeper into the careers of these two amazing woman. It isnt all about wire hangers and places looking like dumps. A life without witnessing the magic that is Joan Crawford and Bette Davis is a life I would never want to lead.

I found these two side by side comparison on YouTube... just in case you haven't been watching.

Top 10 Classic Hollywood Gowns

When I watch a film from this period, the costumes get as much attention from me as the actors do. In many films, the costume design is the much needed icing on the cake to give these films that little something extra. It just goes to show you that the designers of that period were much more important than they may have known. Not only did they lend their hand in the productions of the films, they also had a lasting touch on the world of fashion. Many of their designs can be seen influencing fashions that are hip today. Below are my top 10 gowns of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Ok let's be honest, who could narrow it down to 10, so here are 10 of my favorites. It is probably no surprise how many times Edith Head pops on on the list...

Grace Kelly | To Catch A Thief (1955)

Blue Gown by Edith Head

Marilyn Monroe | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Orange Gown by Travilla

Rita Hayworth | You Were Never Lovelier (1942)

White Lace Gown by Irene

Bette Davis | All About Eve (1950)

Brown Gown by Edith Head

Joan Crawford | Letty Lynton (1932)

Black & White Gown by Adrian

Audrey Hepburn | Funny Face (1957)

Wedding Gown by Edith Head

Jean Harlow | Dinner At Eight (1933)

Biased Cut Silk Gown by Adrian

Jayne Mansfield | The Girl Cant Help It (1956)

White Silk Gown by Charles Le Maire

Rita Hayworth | Gilda (1946)

Black Silk Gown by Jean Louis

Jane Russell & Marilyn Monroe | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Red Sequined Gowns by Travilla

Blog Update

Well I was going pretty good there with updates back in February. I cant believe fast how time has flown by! Doesn't seem like 4 months have passed. I've got some 'From Sketch to Screen' and 'Make Over' post coming! Till then I leave you with this great photo of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis!

Promotional photo for 1962's 'Whatever Happened To Baby Jane'

Reel Life | Who, What, Where, When, Why #1

In the coming weeks I will be exploring my interest in the golden age of Hollywood in a new series I am calling Who What Where When Why. I will go through my introductions to old Hollywood, who influenced my interest, why it interest me, and what keeps me interested. I am often asked why this era in cinema history has become a big part of my life and I think this series will help me put into words what has always been hard to explain. Below is the answer to why I love this time period in Hollywood history so much. Make sure to check back for the other parts!

WHY?
They didn't call the Hollywood studio system the dream machine for nothing. Hollywood was a place where people went to make their dreams come true and produced a product that allowed the public to drift off into a dream world. You could escape the pressure of life and for a few hours sit in a darkened room watching the movie gods lure you into a a world very different from your own. The stars were larger than life and it was those stars that drew in the crowds my the theater full.

From Musicals to Film Noir, you were brought into a world that was fully created for your viewing pleasure. You could be dancing in top hat and tails with Fred Astaire or watch Joan Crawford go from shop girl to a wealthy socialite. There were beautiful movie sets, gorgeous costumes, and an overall feeling that everything would be okay in the end. That is one thing I love most about these films... most of them bring the story full circle and you don't leave the film not knowing what happened. In many of today's films the endings can be grim or vague, I prefer a conclusion with the end of my films.

Another thing I love about this time period is the fact that some of the biggest stars of the period, even today, were able to rise of the hard lives they were given and become movie stars that the world adored. While some stars had the obvious talent that made it easy to break into Hollywood, stars like Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe had to work hard to show they deserved their time in the spotlight. It is motivating to me to see someone go from nothing to being an icon on the silver screen. It makes you believe you can do anything you set your mind to.

I was reading an article shared by Movies Unlimited about how modern films just do not stand up against the classics of the golden age. Everything the author wrote touched on my feelings on the modern vs classic film debate. That period of time in film was like a phenomenon. It was a time where the right people came together to create this world of imagination we have all come to love. To create a world that would become a major part of my life. The person who wrote that article called classic Hollywood a passion and I don't know about anyone else, but that is my exact sentiment as well.

If you were to tell me in would never see another gory horror film or another romantic comedy starring Sarah Jessica Parker I probably wouldn't blink an eye. But tell me I would never see another Astaire/Rogers film or another Techinicolor musical like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and I would probably have a fit. Not probably... I would most definitely have a fit. I don't think the people in my life realize how important these movies and the world that went with them are to me..

Until you have enjoyed something like I do with Classic Hollywood it is hard to understand why it is something I like talking about or writing about or researching. It has become a way of life for me and that will never change. Give me a black and white movie or a Girshwin filled soundtrack and I am one happy clam.

Whenever I have been asked, why do you like old movies so much, it is sometimes hard to give a reason. If someone doesn't have a passion for something it isn't easy to explain a passion. It's the same case with football fans for me. I don't understand the fandom nor do I think I am capable of understanding. Classic Hollywood had imagination and a sense of mystic about it. Stars were created and their images were a commodity that was guarded by the studios. Unlike today's stars, you could look up at the icons on the silver screen and admire them for their talents and not their hardships in life. All I can say to those who ask why I love classic Hollywood is that I just do. The glamor, the music, the movies, the stars... That is why I love classic Hollywood.

Blogathon | Clark Gable For Movember

"During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men." - us.movember.com

Bette over at Bette's Classic Movie Blog is throwing a Blogathon (Classic Moustaches For Movember) in honor of the nationwide cause to raise awareness for men's health. I had never heard of this, but apparently every year the 'Mo Bros' with their 'Mo Sistas' by their side start clean shaven and then groom, trim and wax their new growing moustaches into works of art. They then seek out sponsorship to raise funds for the cause. I thought this was a fun idea, so here is my contribution to the cause...

One of my favorite actors after Cary Grant is the great Clark Gable. During his film career he played opposite some of Hollywood's most famous leading ladies and made all of their hearts melt with his neatly groomed moustache. Women wanted to be with him and men wanted to be like him. While Clark's moustache didn't appear until a few years into his career in the 1932 film Strange Interlude, it wouldn't take long for it to become one of the most famous pieces of facial hair to ever grace the silver screen. In 1939, as Clark Gable played lead opposite Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind, his moustache was setting trends across the country. Below you will find pictures of Clark along side his lovely leading ladies that span his lengthy career. What a stache!

Before the images come, make sure to head on over to the Movember (US) Donation Page and learn more about this great cause.

With Joan Crawford | 1933 | Dancing Lady

With Myrna Loy | 1934 | Manhattan Melodrama

With Claudette Colbert | 1934 | It Happened One Night

With Jean Harlow | 1937 | Saratoga

Book Review | On Cukor by Trachtenberg

Yesterday my wife and I decided to take a little trip 'out of town' to visit the closest Cracker Barrel restaurant. We have to drive about 40 minutes North of New Orleans, but it is always worth it. While we were out there, we decided to stop by Books-A-Million to see what they had going on. We don't have one of those in the area either. While I was unimpressed with the set-up of the store, I was happy to stumble upon a book I hadn't seen before in the bargain area. It is a book titled 'On Cukor'. I was immediately intrigued, but the damn book was wrapped in plastic. So needing to see the inside of the book, I tore off the plastic. 

George Cukor on the set of Sylvia Scarlett with Katharine Hepburn

The book was marked at only $9.97, so I would have bought the book regardless, I was quite excited to see it's contents. The book has a complete filmography for the 'women's director', with excerpts about the filming of each film. Also throughout the book are rare pictures from Cukor's own personal collection. My favorite images I have seen so far are the one of Cukor on set with his stars. Another interesting part of the book are the 'Interludes' where the text was taken from a taped one-on-one interview that took place with Cukor in the early 1970's. He discusses his thoughts on the films, friends, and the stars of the films he directed. You get to see his take on people such as Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, Greta Garbo, and Lana Turner. 

George Cukor on the set of Dinner At Eight with Jean Harlow

Cukor has directed many of my favorite films [i.e. The Women & A Star Is Born], so I am sure this book will be a fun read. If I actually read this book, it will be a rare event. I usually skim through books, looking at the pretty pictures, and read parts that stand out, but think this time I will actually read the whole book. It is about my favorite films, one of my favorite directors, and talks about some of my favorite stars... why not read it?

George Cukor on the set of The Women with the entire cast!

As with most things I write about, I always do a little research on the subject. I was excited to see there is actually a DVD that goes along with this film, with the same name. It is priced under $10, so I may pick that up next week when I order my Jean Harlow: 100th Anniversary Collection. If anyone has a local Books-A-Million... you should look out for this greatly priced book.

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!

Photos | Stars With Their Cameras

Before I continue with the post, I just wanted to point out that the side bar looks a little different [points to the right]. I have added some things, changed some things, and even removed some things. I would like to give a shout out to the three blogs featured on the side bar for their upcoming Blogathons [For The Boys - Hosted by The Scarlett Olive, Dueling Divas - Hosted by Backlots, Humphrey Bogart - Hosted by Forever Classics]. I love Blogathons!

So in my real life I work in a camera shop as a photographer and sales person, so it goes without saying that I love photography. I grew up with disposable film cameras and never had the chance to enjoy the experience of a manual film camera. I've recently acquired a few and I love them. I was excited to find pictures of some of my favorite Classic Hollywood stars using these great cameras... and even a few using old movie film cameras. Two of my favorite things, cameras and Classic Hollywood... sounds like a fun post!

STILL CAMERAS

Joan Crawford

Norma Shearer

Cary Grant

Bette Davis

Film | Reel vs Real

On November 4th, 2011, the release of a new film based on Marilyn Monroe's time in England (while filming The Price and the Showgirl) will be released. My Week With Marilyn will be just another motion picture based on the life of the stars of years gone by. This film gave me the idea to compare characters portrayed on screen by some of my favorite Classic Hollywood stars to the actual people they are based around. Not a very in depth post, but fun to see...

In the 1931 film Mata Hari, Greta Garbo plays a character loosely based on accused spy/exotic dancer Margaretha Geertruida "Grietje" Zelle. The film caused a stir in Pre-code Hollywood and became one of Garbo's most successful films... as well as popularizing the legend of Mata Hari.

In the 1939 film The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, we see Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in their only biographical musical/comedy. The film was based on stories of Irene Castle titled My Husband and My Memories of Vernon Castle. Castle even acted as adviser on the film and often had issues with the liberties the film was taking with her life.

 

Blogathon | The 411 On Carole Lombard

I first want to thank Carole & Co for hosting the Carole-Tennial (+3) Blogathon. If you continue reading you will find my contribution to the event...

 "I've lived by a man's code designed to fit a man's world, 

yet at the same time I never forget that a woman's 

first job is to choose the right shade of lipstick."

Before this Blogathon, I never new much of Carole Lombard. I knew Clark Gable was hopelessly in love with her and that she died tragically at a young age. My initial plan to was to check out My Man Godfrey (a film that is on my long list of films to see), but I just haven't had time to do so. In its place I have done a 'Star Spotlight' on Carole. Below you will find pictures, information, and trivia about this very funny lady.

► Carole Lombard (known earlier in her career as Carol Lombard) was born as Jane Alice Peters on October 6th, 1908 in Fort Wayne, IN.

► Was married to two of my favorite actors of Classic Hollywood: William Powell (1931-1942) and Clark Gable (1939-her death)

► At the height of her career she was the highest paid female star, making $500,000 a year.

► Unlike most other stars, Carole preferred NOT to have a dressing room in order to socialize with the cast and crew.

► The funny lady was known for her outbursts of profanity and came to be known as "The Profane Angel".

► Even a major movie star could love animals, among Carole's pets were dogs, cats, and even chickens. I loved learning about her rooster Edmund (I also have two pet chickens).

► Known for films such as My Man Godfrey (1936) (which she was nominated for an Academy Award), To Be or Not To Be (1942), Mr & Mrs Smith (1941), and Twentieth Century (1934).

► Missed out on a few, now famous, roles for other actresses such as: Mr Deeds Goes To Town (1936), His Girl Friday (1940), It Happened One Night (1934), and They All Kissed The Bride (1942)

► After her death the role in They All Kissed the Bride (1942) went to friend Joan Crawford who donated her salary for the picture to the American Red Cross (which had found her body).

► On her way back from raising $2,000,000 in war bonds, her plane crashed killing everyone on board. Carole was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Roosevelt as the first woman killed in the line of duty in World War II.

And there you have it, my contribution to the Carole-Tennial (+3) Blogathon. I can't wait to catch her films such as My Man Godfrey and To Be or Not To Be.

Film | Sudden Fear (1952)

Sudden Fear (1952)

"Every Suspenseful Moment...Every Embrace...

Every Kiss - A Breathtaking Experience!"

THE PLAYERS:
Joan Crawford - Myra Hudson
Jack Palance - Lester Blaine
Gloria Grahame - Irene Neves

THE STORY:
Successful playwright Myra Hudson (Joan Crawford) puts her mystery-writing skills to good use when she suspects that her husband (Jack Palance) and his mistress (Gloria Grahame) are plotting to kill her when they discover the contents of her will. [Netflix]

MY THOUGHTS:

Joan Crawford is probably my second favorite actor behind Bette Davis. I know alot of people say you can't be a fan of both but I think that is silly. What do I care about their personal dislike of each other, I respect them as actors and their contributions to the history of cinema. And continuing with my Joan fandom, I put her 1952 film Sudden Fear on my Netflix queue. My wife and I sat down last night to check out this early fifties Noir thriller and it really turned out to he a great piece of work.

This picture would earn Crawford her third and final Oscar nomination and it was well deserved. To this day I am surprised at how talented she was as an actor. Her ability to cry on cue from whichever eye she chose was apparent in this film. When she was falling in love. You fall with her. When she gets 'suddenly fearful' you get just as anxious as she. The way she conveys emotions with just her eyes is beyond me.

 This movie was a lot of fun to watch. It starts out a romantic film and quickly turns into something much more dramatic. To be honest I knew her new husband was no good from the beginning. He always seemed to have the scheming look in his eye. How could he not? His new wife was a vulnerable woman who so desperately loved him.

When Joan's character finds out about his betrayal, she (being a creative playwright) comes up with her own scheme to punish him and his blonde mistress. In the end she walks away a free woman and the two dishonest lovers get what hey deserve. The last few minutes of this film were full of suspense and when the finale comes it is more than you expected. A great piece of Noir... dark, suspenseful, and full of deception.

Classic Hollywood: All Doll'd Up

After watching the film Sudden Fear (review coming soon), I decided to 'google' the film, as I usually do. It was then I came across a website full of repainted fashion dolls, made to look like some of my favorite Classic Hollywood stars. The works on this website ranged from Greta Garbo to Elizabeth Taylor. The work even extended beyond Old Hollywood featuring the likes of Cher and Bette Midler.

Joan Crawford in Sudden Fear || Notice the famous Crawford Mouth

The artist I am refering to is Joan Albuerne. He lives in the North of Spain and has combined his passions of painting, movies, and dolls to make these beautiful dolls in the likeness of some of the great stars featured on his website (juanalbuerne.com). Juan started painting at the age of nine and today has many of his works in private collections around the world... even in the King of Spain's personal collection. He has also won many awards and been featured in quite a few publications. His takes dolls such as Charice, Alysa, Candi, Janay, Barbie, Midge, Kira, Lea, Kayla, Nichelle, Christie dolls and changes the features. Sometimes even modelling new noses, mouths, and eyes. His work is impeccable and extremely detailed.

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

After seeing these beautiful dolls, I looked up other custom repainted dolls and found some awesome things. It inspired me to share my finds in a little series here on Blame Mame called Classic Hollywood: All Doll'd Up. There are some stars who will get their own posts (like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe), but we will start out with a few of my random favorites...

Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice || Complete with cigarette and case

Rita Hayworth in Gilda

Cyd Charisse in Singin' In The Rain

Keep an eye out for more in the future by Juan and other artist...