Goodbye, Elizabeth Taylor!

My heroine Elizabeth Taylor passed away.

I just want to say: Thank you for so many marvellous films!
It was good to have you.

So long, darling!

Irene

“I just get rid of this conceited ass…”

So, let's talk about a film without so much talk: PICCADILLY by E. A. Dupont (1929).

In a nutshell:

Victor Smile (Cyril Ritchard) and Mable Greenfield (Gilda Gray) are the dancing stars of London’s Piccadilly Club. But (after several attempts to flirt with Mable) Victor quits – and Valentine Wilmot (Jameson Thomas) the nightclub’s owner (and Mable’s lover, too) hires Shosho (Anna May Wong) - an ex-dishwasher from the club’s scullery who got fired after a customer (Charles Laughton) had complained about a dirty plate – as Chinese dancer and her friend Jim (King Hou Chang) as musician. Together they cause a sensation. Valentine develops an affection to Shosho – and she is does not mind to be his girlfriend. This causes jealousy – not only Mable is furious but Jim, too. And then Shosho is found dead in her apartment by her friend Bessie (Hannah Jones) ..

Watch out for...

... a certain Welsh actor named Spike Milland who was an extra in the night-club scene. It was his debut film. He later should change his name, receive an Oscar and look like that:

~ yes, it’s Ray Milland! I like him very much – but as I noticed did not talk about him yet. ~

Schmooze:

• Gilda Gray was famous for her dancing of the shimmy. This was her last big role. ~ I could go on and talk about her - but if you like to I am going to do an extra post about her – just leave a comment! If you want me to make post about anyone else do the same.. ~
  
  
• Shosho signs her contract with the characters 黃柳霜, which is actually Anna May Wong's real Chinese name Huáng Liǔshuāng.
  
  
• The German Title is NACHTWELT which means "night-world" and is no actual German word - but it sounds great.. it's full of mystery;")
  
  
  
• Cyril Ritchard is listed as Cyrill Ritchard.
  
  
• Jameson Thomas and Anna May Wong work together again in ELSTREE CALLING (1930).


• The nightclub band is Debroy Somers and His Band.
  
  


• King Hou Chang is listed as "King Ho Chang". He did a total of two films. The other one was SON OF THE GODS (1930).
  

A nodding acquaintance:

• You may know Jameson Thomas as King Westley in IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934) or as Mr. Semple in MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (1936).
  
  
• In 1960 Cyril Ritchard played Captain Hook/ Mr. Darling in TV film PETER PAN.
  
  
• Hannah Jones worked in several films with Alfred Hitchcock such as in RICH AND STRANGE (1931) and MURDER (1930)
  
  

See the beauty in it:

The lace which Anna May Wong wears in the seduction scene (which is said to be the most sexy scene in silent films) is exquisite. All dresses are made of very beautiful fabrics – and there is a lot glittering in the air.. ;”)

But I got to admit that one of Gilda Gray’s costume looks like she had an accident with Big Bird of SESAME STREET..

Though the US-film poster implies it: Anna May Wong is not doing her dancing topless. Her dancing costume is - well - very minimalistic. ~ I saw bathing costumes made out of more fabrics. ~ And I love her pajamas and the striped sweater she is wearing!

My favourite feature:

The title and credits are set on a bus, which is quite exciting – I like these more than just simple “writing on unicoloured background”.

This is a film for fans of:

• silent dramas
  
  
• Anna May Wong
  
  
• Gilda Gray

• glitter,
  
  
• silk,
  
  
• silent film dancing scenes
  
  
• pearls,
  
  
• stockings with (heavy) runs
  
  
• lace,
  
  
• feathers
  
  
• and 1920ies fashion
  

Quotes corner:

“I wish you wouldn’t behave like that, Victor.”

I really, really like this film. ~ My sister and I are very enthusiastic Anna May Wong fans..~

I love that every inside-shot has an amber colouring and every outside-shot a blue one, while flashbacks are coloured b/w and Anna May Wong’s dance is purple.

Charles Laughton does a quite decadent scene – he reminds me of an roman emperor or something like that.. I like him very much. He was a genius – and married to one of my favourite actresses: Elsa Lanchester.

There is also a scene which shows a black man who is thrown out of a pub just because he danced with a white girl – who (of course) gets into trouble, too– and I love how she is revolting and shouting at the people.

I can not imagine anyone with finger nails like Anna May Wong working in a scullery.. they look dangerous! And yes, there are some scenes which will made you think of Bela Lugosi as DRACULA hiding behind his cape.. ;”) Scenes like that made me think as a child: “Did people really behave like that? The early 20ies century must have been very dramatic!!” ;”)

Actually this is why I love silent films: because of the (sometimes ridiculous) drama of the acting– and I think it is very hard for a real actor not to work with his voice and at the same time to not ham it up and made a comedy of something which is supposed to be a drama. And this is why I think that Jameson Thomas is such a great actor. He is subtle. :”)

“Life goes on.”

The End? Wait and watch!

Yours (very well) and truly,
Frl. Irene

March Madness at Monty's!!

Folks, please take a minute of your precious time and visit ALL GOOD THINGS where my friend Monty is making an incredible March Madness (Classic Movie Actress Style) - you can go and vote out from several pairs of actresses who you like more. (Pardon, my crummy English but I am going to fall asleep any minute from now. Yeah, that's a good joke! It's because I am tired! No more questions, your honour.)

The 1920ies/30ies votes were done last week - depending on technical difficulties it's still an open competition between Irene Dunne and Carole Lombard..

But this week it is about the 1940ies female film stars

(Veronica Lake did not make it into the list so I can this picture without influencing anyone..) - so please go and visit and make your vote! But please be fair! Do not vote for your personal champion twice or more!

Thank you and: I am so anxious to know who will be the favourite 1940ies actress in blogland! :")

By request: Barbara Parkins

My dear friend JANN

~ want to meet her? Give a visit to her many blogs and start with this one BOUQUET OF TULLE ROSES - don't you just love the name?? ~

well, my dear friend JANN asked if Barbara Parkins is still alive - and because I wanted to post some pictures of Ms Parkins I am going to post this entry instead of answering in the comment form. I know, JANN, you did not expect this, but I do hope you like it! ;")

So, dear JANN: It's all for you!! ;")

Yes, Barbara Parkins is still alive. I think she moved to England in the late 60ies (after her friend Sharon Tate was murdered) and then to France in the 1970s but came back later to the U.S. of A.

Schmooze: ~ Hej, how could I resist this?? ;") ~

• Barbara Parkins was born on 22th May 1942 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (imdb.com) Some other sources say that she was born on May 04, 1942.
  
  
• She is an adopted child.
  
  
• She posed for Playboy in May 1967, February 1970 and May 1976.
  
  
  
  
• Her height is 5'4'' (1,63m).
  
  
• Patty Duke called her "Barbara Starkins" during the shooting of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.
  
  
• Originally she tested for the role of Neely in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.
  
  
• She was Sharon Tate's bridesmaid.




• She is an accomplished photographer.
  
  
  




• In 1966, Parkins co-hosted the Miss Teen International Pageant with her costar from PEYTON PLACE TV series, Ryan O'Neal (whom she also dated).
  
  
• In 1986 she gave birth to her daughter Christina.
  
  
• Allegedly her favourite perfum is L'heure Bleu (=blue hour) by Guerlain (which I could understand - I am a Guerlain fan myself..).
  




• Empire Magazine (or the readers of this magazine? I do not know..) chose her in 1995 as number 81 on their list of 100 Sexiest Stars in film history.

  

The critic's voice:

• "Miss Parkins is very badly served by the script, direction, lighting, wardrobe and make-up. No actress can survive that kind of treatment." --from VARIETY review of THE MEPHISTO WALTZ, February 3, 1971
  
  
  

(this picture is from THE MEPHISTO WALTZ - I think she looks gorgeous.. But I do not know the film..)

Quotes corner:

• When she was asked why VALLEY OF THE DOLLS is now a cult classic she answered: "Maybe because it is so ... bad."

• "I'd very much like to be Ava Gardner. She IS sex."
  
  

So, thank you very much JANN for reading my blog and commenting! (Thanks to every one else, too!)

This is my favourite picture of Barbara Parkins - enjoy - and have a great week!

"Boobies, boobies, boobies. Nothing but boobies. Who needs them? I did great without them."

Based on Jacqueline Susann's best-selling novel (<- read my review here!) Mark Robson directed VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967).

In a nutshell:

Three girls and their way to fame - and additcion of downers (which are called dolls in here.)

Anne (Barbara Parkins) is a New England Lady who starts her carreer as a secretary and becomes a famous model - with a not so fabolous love-life with her ex-boss Lyon Burke (Paul Burke).

Jennifer (Sharon Tate) is a showgirl who will be earnig fame by acting in European (speak: nudie-) films. (boy, these Europeans! ...) - and all because her beloved husband - a poor man's Frank Sinatra - Tony Polar (Tony Scotti) has a serious medical condition.

Neely (Patty Duke) is a talented singer - with an enormous ego - and a never ending feud with Broadway-Star Helen Lawson (Susan Hayward).

And all three of them have to deal with their liability to grab some "dolls"...

Schmooze:

• Sharon Tate received a Golden Globe for best Newcomer in 1968.


• Judy Garland was first casted as Helen Lawson, but was fired (accordingly she showed up at the set drunk) - so Susan Hayward received her part. Another actress was supposed to replace Miss Garland: Bette Davis! Nonetheless Judy Garland kept her costume and would go on wearing it during her concerts. Gee - that gal had chutzpah! ;")
  
  
• There is a 1981 remake for Television called JACQUELINE SUSANN'S VALLEY OF THE DOLLS with Jean Simmons as Helen Lawson.
  
  
• Susan Hayward's resp. Helen Lawson's singing voice was deliverd by Margaret Whiting, but because she was under contract at another label Eileen Wilson is heard on the soundtrack album.
  
  
• 1994 a TV Series was started but lived only for 65 episodes - here Helen Lawson was also Jennifer's mother. (I guess when they make another series Anne will be Jennifer's uncle..)
  


• After the murder of Sharon Tate in 1969 this film was re-released - with enormous success...
  
  
• Raquel Welch tested for the role of Jennifer North which would eventually go to Sharon Tate.
  
  
• Patty Duke was the youngest actrice ever to have a TV series with her own name in the title: THE PATTY DUKE SHOW (1963-1966) - Patty Duke was 16 back then.
  
  
• Lucille Ball was originally supposed to play the Helen Lawson-part.
  
  

A nodding acquaintance:

• .Costume designer Diana Eden appeared as one of the dancers.
  
  
• Richard Dreyfuss has his debut as assistant stage manager. It was not credited.
  
  
• Barbara Parkins played Betty Anderson and Lee Grant acted as Stella Chernak in TV-series PEYTON PLACE (1964-1969).
  


• Joey Bishop has a cameo as Telethon emcee.
  
  
• Martin Milner is amongst others known as Karl Robinson from THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON (1975-1976)
  
  
• Jacqueline Susann has a cameo as a journalist after one of the main character's death. (No, I won't spoil it for you.)


• George Jessel has a cameo at the Grammy awards.

It'll stay in the family:

• When Sharon Tate married Roman Polanski in 1968 Barbara Parkins was her maid of honor.
  
  
• From 1972 - 1985 Patty Duke was married to John Astin (Gomez from TV series: THE ADDAMS FAMILY) and her son Sean Astin (whose father is NOT John Astin) became famous as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee in LORD OF THE RINGS. (2001 - 2003)
  
  

Sight-read:

• Oscar Nomination for best film score 1968.


• André Previn received a Grammy for best score.
  
  

Sing a song:

Dionne Warwick sings the Theme - on the Soundtrack album Dory Previn is singing it - because Ms Warwick was under contract at another record label.

Barbara Parkins suggested that Dionne Warwick should sing the theme - and it became one of Ms Warwick's biggest hits:

Murphy's Law:

• There is a scene where Anne clothes become fully wet because of the ocean - when she walks into her house a few minutes later she is completely dry. - Where can I learn how to manage this with my own clothes??
  
  
• This film is supposed to show several years in the girl's lives - but wether clothes nor the hairstyles ever change from 1967's style. ;")
  
  

Scene to see:

Uhm.. Hard to say. Every scene with Patty Duke in it! :")

Quotes Corner:

"Who’s stoned? I am merely traveling incognito."

There are of course some meanderings of the book's story - but it is okay with me. It was not okay with Harlan Ellison, who wrote the original screen play: He resigned from it after so much changes - he insisted that his name was deleted from the credits.

I think Hollywood has made this picture a lot more lovelier than the book, which is more cruel - even the end is happier in the film than in the book. Actually I like the book better, because of its sadder tone - and because in the book Jennifer has more depth (if I may use this phrase..). But I do love the film. It’s incomparable!

This film is dubbed as one of the baddest films ever made - and I love to show it at my "girls' nights" - kind of a crazy twentie-somethings slumber party. - I show many films of the sixties at these occasions.. ;") This film is called trash – and we love it. It is great fun to re-enact scenes (We especially love the Neely and Tony scene in the sanitarium..) It’s our private little ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.. ;”)

"I had a rotten night."


The End? Wait and watch!

Yours (well and) truly


Frl. Irene Palfy

Can't wait till June!!

This is a completely overwhelming happy post:


Monty

- you know Monty! He is the (at least my) count of classic cinema. (I hope it's ok with him that I call him that..) If you don't know him: Shame on you!!! Go visit his blog(s) immediately!! Here's the one to start with: All Good Things -

so, Monty asked me to be his blog guest in June!!! (while I am writing this I am doing a silly little dance - mostly with my head and feets. My chair is a bit decrepit.. anyhow I am looking like Jerry Lewis - with breasts. Mr. Lewis is - as you may know - an awesome dancer.. Won't discuss my dancing skills.)

(originally I wanted to post his "dance" in THE NUTTY PROFESSOR - but all I was able to find was with a new audio track.. So this one is doing as well.)

Monty has every month another classic movie goddess - and fo June it's Doris Day. Ha! I am even more happy - if this is possible..

Since I was asked - and till it is June - I am singing this song over and over. It's the only song I can think of right now with June in it:

But there is something that troubles me - Monty usually asks his guests "questions about that person's faves but for you we may have to do something different."

Something different? Why? What? Is this good like "Oh, she is special. She is so marvellous - we're going to do tremendous things! And than she'll find a cure for hunger, war and bad taste!"?

Or is this something like "your daughter, you know, she is a lovely thing but *ahem* she is a bit sloooow.*ahem, ahem* So we do something different to make things more eeeasyyyy for her."

But: Never mind!! I'll do anything!! :") - except for cooking - believe me: you don't want me to cook something you want to EAT afterward. Oh - and also except for a video post. I am shy... ;")

But I even would wear this costume :

(This is my favourite picture of John Wayne)

And: I DO LIKE to paint with wax crayons.. Just in case I am the everyone-know-besides-her sloooow girl in the neighbour hood.. ;")

By the way: I already found a cure for bad taste: Watch classic films! Just mentioning it...

So, thank you soo much Monty! I hope I am going to be a good guest!! (And: I asked you if I was allowed to burst out in songs on this blog - so: You knew THIS POST would happen.) ;")

Yours (more than well and) truly

Frl. Irene Palfy

(completely having kittens - what a GREAT expression!!)

This picture is for Monty - who is an avid Cary Grant fan - and this shows excately how I felt when I was asked:

Thank you very much! :")

This blog was awarded with the

given by Tribute Books Mama.

Thank you sooo much! :")

As always in blogland there are some rules which go with the award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award. (which is in my opinion self-evident.)
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 10 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

I am going to post these lists on my book blog too - because it was also awarded!! *Yay*

..hm.. Seven things about me.. Let's see:

1. I love silly old songs - and when I am happy I am going to sing them allday long! :")

2. I don't like cut flowers - they made me sad: standig on the table and dying.. *sniff*

3. I am highly anglophile.

4. I love forests - when I was a child I used to spend my days in a nearby forest. On the trees, under the bushes - it was magical and pure peace. I am feeling like that when I am in forests now. :") So: when I die my body is going to be burried in a forest cemetery.

5. I am fascinated by Jack the Ripper.

6. Last year I had two (!) dead birds on my balcony. One in summer and one not even two weeks ago - it died right before my eyes - that made me freak out because I wasn't able to help.

7. My favourite animals are: cats (no surprise in that..), sharks, sloths, wombats, all kind of corvid and butterflies. The German word for butterfly is Schmetterling - when I was a child I had problems spelling that and was used to say: Minkaminks. Well, it's almost the same word isn't it? ;")

This is the toughest part and the reason why it took me so long to accept the award, because I won't give this award to anyone just to come up with ten fellow bloggers.

10 recently discovered great bloggers :

1. A Polar Bear's Tale - great pictures and Aputsiaq is one of the nicest bloggers I know! (Oh - and she loves snow - like I do..) So: If you like art and every thing connected with snow: Please, visit her blog!

2. Book rat - this lady is amazingly creative - give her blog a try! It's great!

3. Stirred, straight up, with a twist - actually the most stylish blog I know!

4. For the vintage fashionista - it's all in the name, folks! :")

5. Doo Wop Dolly - just sooo cute!

6. I Pursuit Of My Inner Pin-Up - because Rapunzel is one of the most amiable ladies I know. :")

7. 50s time - because I love the "Apron Rrevolution" and this is an awesome project! ;")

8. The Vintage Housewife & her closet - yes, I like the 1950ies.. ;")

9. Vintage In A Modern World - this blog isn't a recent find - but I LOVE it! So, please visit Kate's lovely blog!

10. And a blogging - well, may I say- friend (??) is doing a brand new blog: These secrets are for you, dear..... - and it's - like her old blog - : Fabulous!

So, thanks again! I am feeling honoured! And now I am going to sing a happy song allday long: