In the 1920s, you would have only seen Johnny Weissmuller’s name in connection with the Olympic games or other international swimming competitions. He was the Michael Phelps of his era, winning meet after meet. He was a gold medalist in both the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris and the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, set…
Before There Was Drew, There Was Ethel Barrymore
The Barrymore family remains one of the greatest acting dynasties of Hollywood, from the Golden Era to present day. The current branch of the Barrymore family tree includes actress Drew Barrymore, star of E.T., 50 First Dates, Charlie’s Angels, Ever After, and Irreconcilable Differences. But before the lovely Drew Barrymore graced the big screen, there…
Hattie McDaniel & Clark Gable’s Friendship Transcended Race
When Hollywood heartthrob Clark Gable was cast in the lead role of Rhett Butler in the 1939 epic film, Gone with the Wind, he saw a familiar face on the set. Just a few years earlier, in 1935, Gable appeared in the film China Seas alongside African American actress Hattie McDaniel and was pleased to…
Errol Flynn: The King of Swashbuckler Films
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, nobody wielded a stage-prop sword like Errol Flynn. The Australian-born actor, who in his youth was a world traveler, athlete, adventurer, and sailor, was often cast in romantic swashbuckler films that showcased his bravado, swordsmanship, and his muscular, tight-clad legs. Think Errol Flynn’s only swashbuckler movie was the 1938…
“The Wolf Man”: Hollywood’s Early Werewolf Era
The 1941 film, The Wolf Man is a beloved classic of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is a classic horror film that has spawned countless adaptations and remakes and set the stage for the soon-to-be mainstream horror movie genre. But why is the film so significant? In this blog post, we’ll explore why The…