Happy Birthday!

And again: Some of my favourites are having their Birthday today!

So yay for:

Eamonn Walker

* November 30, 1950

~ What can I say? He is just awesome! And very sexy.. ~

Mandy Patinkin

* November 30, 1952

~ Love him! Love him when he smiles - and love him when he's grumpy. Adorable! Also very, very sexy.. ~

and

Virginia Mayo!

* November 30, 1920

† January 17, 2005

Great actress! She is - of course: very, very, very sexy..

Just a day for sexy people..

All of them are not only actors but very talented musical performancers - though Miss Mayo stated that she was a professional nonsinger -she was a not so bad at dancing: Have a look - this is from STARLIFT (1951):

Mandy Patinkin is here singing a well known song from a classic movie:

Eamonn Walker sounds completely different than Mr. Patinkin.. He was afraid he couldn't do the part of Howlin' Wolf in CADILLAC RECORDS (2008) - because he would have to sing - but I love it! (I am a fan of Howlin' Wolf - and I think Mr. Walker did a good job here - not to mention that I get some kick out of his smile..) The film is one of my modern favourites:

...

Have a great day!

Yours

Irene

Some puppy love.. ..with Errol Flynn and his daughter Deidre

Today we have Errol Flynn:

Here he is with his daughter Deidre at the set of MONTANA (released 1950 - filmed 1948) - the dog had a part in it, too..

And here is Errol Flynn with his Schnautzer Moody (Isn't that a wonderful name??) during the filming of NEVER SAY GOODBYE (1945):

Just by the way: The Errol Flynn month at LET THE SHOW BEGIN will end tomorrow - then Monty and I will post any- and everything related to our moth's topic: Christmas..

Thank you all for listening!

Have a great day

yours (very well and) truly

Irene

Completely having kittens.. ..with Elizabeth Taylor

And again we're completely having kitten here..

This is part of a meme hosted by Michelle @ THE TRUE BOOK ADDICT.

Our guest today is Elizabeth Taylor :

..my favourites:

(and of course there is the obligatory Siamese cat:)

Have a great day!

Yours

(very well and) truly

Irene

Some puppy love.. ..with Rosalind Russell

Our guest today - the wonderful Rosalind Russell - with four very cute friends..

Yours

Irene

“Wives don’t grow on trees – at least not on the trees around here..”

Some films are based on stories which first appeared in magazines..

The short story the film I will be talking about in a second was first released in THE SATURDAY EVENING POST from June 14, 1941 - I wanted to share this wonderful cover.

The short story was RACHEL by Howard Fast. Waldo Salt adapted it for the big screen where it should be aired as one of the few films showing the female part in "pioneering the west" - and RKO's biggest success in 1948:

RACHEL AND THE STRANGER

Let's have a look on some film posters:

~ obviously a variation of poster #1 above ~

~ this looks a bit creepy, doesn't it?:

"The man who bought her... - the tall, dark stranger who sought her!" ~

~ The Italian poster IL VAGABONDO DELLA FORESTA (="The vagabond of the forrests") is pretty dark, too..~

~ I just love this design.. It's a bit kitchy.. but still..~

~ ah! the German poster.. Germans.. frequently cuddling.. a nation of teddy bears.. ...~

The German titles are EHE OHNE LIEBE (= Marriage without love) and SKLAVIN DER WILDNIS (=[female] Slave of wilderness) - sometimes titles were changed for Television release later..

I simply have to show you the cover of the German DVD release - which seems to advertise another film:

~ there is no hanging in this film (in case you noticed that..) and that kind of female/male struggle isn't seen in this film either.. As you see it's approved for 12 year old and older viewers - hence the button in the corner down left.. I would have approved it for younger children also.. But who am I to decide? ~

In a nutshell:

Somewhere in Ohio during the pioneer days: The farmer "Big David" harvey (William Holden) has lost his wife Susan - his son Davey (Gary Gray) isn't too avid to improve his studies and rather goes out fishing - or builds boats out of pages from his textbooks..

~ ah.. the free life men (William Holden and Gary Gray) can live in the woods.. ~

The cabin doesn't look that neat anymore, too.. Obviously a woman is needed to raise the boy properly and care about the cabin..

So father and son take a trip to the next settlement. There David pays 25 Dollars ("18 now and 4 in the fall") for Rachel (Loretta Young). But because "decent men and women don't live with each other under the same roof without being married" he has to take Rachel for his "lawful wedded wife". After that they return with Davey to the cabin - where Rachel makes herself more and more irreplacable..

~ Davey - no real fan of Rachel (Loretta Young).. nor books.. ~

Then Big David's happy-go-lucky friend Jim Fairways (Robert Mitchum) arrives, who shows lot more interest in Rachel than David did - well.. until now..

~ two and a half men - and a horse.. ~

Schmooze:

• Author Waldo Salt also wrote the script for MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969) - he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.
  
  
• Some sources say that the release was hurried because Robert Mitchum was about to spend some time in prison for using marijuana.
  
  
• Loretta Young's cosstumes were designed by Edith Head.
  
  
• In the German version which was relased in 1949 the part of Rachel is re-named into "Agnes" and Davey's dog "Pistol" became "Polly" - the German translation of "Pistol" wouldn't have worked as a name for a dog, I guess. Also the Shawnee became Sioux for they were apparently better known in Germany than the Shawnee.

• Loretta Young was kind of famous for having a "swear jar" at the sets where she was working in which everyone who swore had to put in 25 Cent. Allegedly Robert Mitchum - who hold back during the filming - at the end of the production put on a big smile and dropped 20 dollars into the jar: "This should just about cover everything I've been wanting to say to Loretta."
  
  
  ~ Robert Mitchum looks like he has something to say for what he will have to pay later.. ~

Claws and Paws:

~ from now on I will feature the animals of the films I am talking about - and hope to find a picture for every film.. ~

Of course one can spot some horses in this film - and a good number of other farm animals. There also is a mountain cat - shot by Rachel to defend her new home and family - and you will spot some bears.

For those of you who are fond of dogs: Big David and Davey live together with several dogs.. These dogs are everywhere: They are going swimming and fishing with Davey and of course will sit with him at the table - especially Pistol in that..

When William Holden and Robert Mitchum are washing themselves at a water barrel - the dogs are there, too - drinking from that very same water - which I find kind of cute..

~ Davey and Pistol - real pals. ~

You should watch this film if you are a fan of...

... low bugdet western.

... Robert Mitchum, William Holden, Gary Gray or Loretta Young.

... "young man is jealous but isn't aware of that because he isn't sure about his feelings" plots.


... the singing voice of Robert Mitchum.

Let's face the music:

• The songs (around 6 songs) were written by Roy Webb - with lyrics by Waldo Salt.
  
  
• Robert Mitchum and Gary Gray recorded an album of those songs together.

Let's listen:

Quotes Corner:

"The only reason Susan came out was to bring me my meal."

Between the lines you might notice that Rachel and David try to settle how far the job of Rachel actually will go.. I am not sure wether David is naive - or just don't want to talk about that.. Either way it's kind of funny to watch them doing these kind of dialogues..

Most of the dialogues are filled with innuendo about the situation. - Though this contains no real sexy dialogues in a Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall/film noir style.. Rachel, David and Jim trying to find out who stands where. The only one who tells all the time what he thinks is Davey.. Of course in the end even the adults get straight about what they want.

"You are losing you laundry, Mr. Fairways."

~ honestly: if I was looking at these shoulders - I would lose my laundry, too.. ~

Of course this storyline has been seen for several times: single father looks out for a woman to take care of his kid - finds nice female but isn't interested in her - other male arrives - father suddenly becomes aware that he loves woman. There is nothing surprising in that plot - for those who didn't just start watching films. Well - let's be honest: It's a classic plot - one that worked before we were born (no matter how old we are now) and will still work when we will be gone to dust.. The twist here is that this story is set in "western wilderness". All are working hard to survive. And there are the threatening Shawnees..

There are also some nice little additions: e.g. Rachel - who isn't able to shot properly - secretly trains her shooting skills in the cellar.

This film is a very cute little film - and I might say that a film with Robert Mitchum AND William Holden would have troubles being "unwatchable". Loretta Young seems - like always - to be all big eyes and that velvet voice. A marvellously casted film - which might be not known by many but sure deserves a chance - whether you like it or not is - as always - up to you. The singing cowboy Robert Mitchum and the envious farmer William Holden are for sure worth a look.. (or two..) especially when they start actually fighting about... well, you surely can guess, what they fight about... or whom?? - and Loretta Young isn't a cause either to shadow your eyes.. The whole movie is pure entertainment.

.. and those of you who now fear this is too much of a "kissy" film - there's a quite exciting show down with the Shawnee (not of a major western quality - but fair enough..)

For sure a western one could watch with the whole family..

~ I think this picture shows the story line best.. ~

Thank you all for listening!

Yours

(Very well and) truly

Irene

Completely having kittens.. ..with Morgan Freeman

Sorry, that I missed last week.

This is part of a Meme hosted by Michelle @ THE TRUE BOOK ADDICT

Don't you just love this piture?

Yours

Irene

Some puppy love.. ..lots of love with Bette Davis

Our guest today: Bette Davis!

Bette Davis obviously loved dogs.. Enjoy:

~ on the set of THE LETTER (1940)~

~ this one is my favourite picture - it's kind of natural.. less Hollywood glamour.. ~

Yours

Irene

Don't wear a frown cuz it's really okay..

Those who are my friends know that I adore Tim Burton's films - and they also know one of my favourite songs arises from one of his films: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY of Tim Burton's CORPSE BRIDE (2005).

And because I love the song I post it here:

One of the slogans of my life is: "Everything comes to an end." - It gives me hope that every nasty thing that happens won't be endless - and it reminds me that every good thing has to be enjoyed while it is happening.

I don't mean that mourning is wrong. It's just that I think one shouldn't forget to live.

From now on I will - instead of Birthday posts ..well.. maybe now and then there will still be Birthday posts.. - publish "Don't wear a frown posts" - because: I (and maybe you, too?) should think from time to time how precious live is - and that people who left us are still remembered..

So - enjoy your life and celebrate every day!

Here are my "Don't wear a frown" guests of today:

Lionel Barrymore

*April 28, 1878 † November 15, 1954

~ here is Mr. Barrymore smiling at his wife Irene Fenwick [..no ..not Irene Palfy..]~

As you already may know: I adore the Barrymore family.. I might be a bit obsessed.. Of course I love Lionel Barrymore most as Otto Kringelein in GRAND HOTEL (1932) where his performance was heartbreaking - same goes for DINNER AT EIGHT (1933).. The last time I saw him was Saturday when I re-watched THE PERSONAL HISTORY, ADVENTURES, EXPERIENCE & OBSERVATION of DAVID COPPERFIELD THE YOUNGER (1935) where Mr. Barrymore appeared as Dan Peggotty.. and there are so many, many other films with him I love..

Tyrone Power, jr.

*May 5, 1914 †November 15, 1958

~ here is Mr. Power - smiling at you!! - well or at some point above you.. ~

The last film with him in it I watched was THE BLACK SWAN (1942) - and actually I was (like always when I watch that film..) a bit annoyed by the way Maureen O'Hara's part was written - and completely mesmerized by George Sanders' appearance.. (as far as I know was Mr. Sanders "not so good" sword fighting years later one cause for exhausting Tyrone Power so much that his heart failed which led to his death.. which must have been a horrible situation for Mr. Sanders..) I don't know how often I watched it - but it's always the same..

My favourite movie with Tyrone Power, jr. might be WITNESS OF THE PROSECUTION (1957) - where he is more than terrific. He was a great actor in my opinion - sadly he didn't get so much chances to show it.. - and I love THE MARK OF ZORRO (1940) - there are many more great films with him - but I try to name just three or less films to each star..

Jean Gabin

*May 17, 1904 †November 15, 1976

~ here he is laughing with Marlene Dietrich ~

I never forget an interview with this French star and a friend of his (well.. okay: I forgot who that friend was..) where this friend said about Jean Gabin: "He is like water - it's never his fault.." and mimicked by lifting his hand how water runs through ones fingers - and an more than middleaged Jean Gabin sitting next to this friend (gosh.. who was he??) smiling waggishly like a little schoolboy.

I know I first came "in touch" with Jean Gabin through my obsession for Marlene Dietrich when I was a teenager - they had a really hot affair. After reading that - and thanks to our ability to receive some french Telly - I watched some of his films - I loved especially PÉPÉ LE MOKO (1937) - a Parisian gangster hiding in Algier.. and I think I saw most of his MAIGRET films in which he played Inspector Maigret and solved some crime cases..

This was that - and I promise that future Don't wear a frown posts won't be that epic.. maybe two or three sentences less will work as good..

Have a great day - and enjoy your live! And if you can't kick - than wiggle your toes - or poke your tounge out at live!!

Yours

Irene

Happy Birthday!

And again: One of my favourites is having her birthday today:

Veronica Lake!

* 1922 † 1973

Every year I am watching I MARRIED A WITCH (1942) - and I love SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS (1941), THIS GUN FOR HIRE (1942)- and so many more of her films..

Maybe a small lady - but you immediatly know that she is there!

And surely I can hardly wait to read her biography

PEEKABOO - THE STORY OF VERONICA LAKE

- which is waiting for me on my to read pile.. I will tell you about it then..

Have a great start into the week!

Yours

Irene

Happy Birthday!

Some of the birthday children of today are - who would have guessed that.. - some of my favourites:

Brittany Murphy

* 1977 † 2009

Heather Matarrazzo

* 1982

Hugh Bonneville

* 1963

Claude Rains

* 1889 † 1967

Just some of my favourites.. and in my opinion a very sexy bunch of people..

Thank you for listening!

Irene