National Velvet, the classic 1944 movie directed by Clarence Brown, was the breakout role for the young, talented Elizabeth Taylor, who was just 12 years old when the movie was filmed. Her performance in the movie, which tells the story of an English girl named Velvet Brown who dreams of winning the Grand National steeplechase…
Perry Como, the Crooning Craze, and 1950s Bobby Soxers
The 1950s gave rise to a new era of music – one that was more romantic and nostalgic than ever before. This era, commonly known as the “crooning craze,” saw the emergence of a new style of singing that would become iconic in the decades to follow. Though many legendary crooners emerged during that era,…
Why Was “Easter Parade” a Blockbuster Success in 1948?
In 1948, Easter Parade was a box office sensation. The film grossed over $5 million, making it the highest-grossing movie of the year. But why was Easter Parade such a hit? Among the factors that made the film a blockbuster success were its all-star cast and its memorable musical score. Easter Parade tells the story…
“Song of the South”: Disney’s Most Controversial Film
For some, Disney’s Song of the South is a classic live-action/animation hybrid film with an Academy Award-winning song. For others, it’s a racist relic of a bygone era. This 1946 film has long been controversial, and for good reason. Let’s see why Song of the South was so controversial when it was released and why…
The Tragic Life and Mysterious Death of William Desmond Taylor
William Desmond Taylor was a Hollywood actor, director, and producer during the silent film era of the early 20th century. He was an influential figure in the industry, yet his life ended tragically in a still unsolved murder. Let’s take a closer look at the life and mysterious death of William Desmond Taylor. William Desmond…