Film critics and fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood consistently place the 1941 film Citizen Kane as one of the best movies ever made. So, it is surprising to learn that the classic film that was directed, produced, co-written, and starred Orson Welles did not take home the Oscar for Best Picture at the…
Month: January 2023
How David O. Selznick Molded Jennifer Jones into a Hollywood Star
The fairytale version of the romance between Hollywood director David O. Selznick and beautiful young actress Jennifer Jones follows that Selznick discovered the young beauty, recognized her potential, and made her a star … and, of course, they fell in love and got married. But that sanitized story does not paint the whole picture. In…
A Star, a Dress, and a Subway Grate
When we say “Marilyn Monroe”, what image pops in your head? If you are like most people, your mind automatically goes to the famous scene from The Seven Year Itch when the beautiful blonde sex symbol, wearing a white halter dress with a full pleated skirt, steps onto a subway grate and the air current…
Greer Garson’s Lengthy Thank You
These days, Academy Award winners are told they have just 45 seconds to deliver their thank you speeches upon accepting their Oscar. Everyone likes to push the envelope, so the award show organizers started cueing the orchestra to start playing as a not-so-subtle nudge to the winner to wrap things up and get off the…
Trevor Howard’s Career Crossed the Pond
English actor Trevor Howard had a long entertainment career that took him from the stage to the silver screen to television. He made his film debut in an uncredited role in 1944 and continued to make movies until his death in 1988, making him one of the most prolific performers of his day. Prior to…