Died: January 11th, 1981 (pulmonary complications from broken ribs suffered after a fall in her home).
Marriage: Never married.
Children: No children.
Awards: Nominated twice for Best Supporting Actress: The Gorgeous Hussy (1936) & Of Human Hearts (1938). She also won an Emmy for her appearance on the The Waltons. In addition to these, she has a star on the Walk of Fame.
Interesting Fact: Though she played the part of a mother and grandmother most of her life, she never had any children and was never married in real life.
My Favorite Movie:On Borrowed Time (1939) is a family favorite. She is a fantastic grandmother in this picture and the film itself was very well done. She reprised her role in this film three times. On the big screen in 1939, on Broadway in 1953 and then on Television in 1957.
She was a favorite of movie goers for generations, and her performance in It's a Wonderful Life (1946) has been immortalized. Many say that her best film was Make Way for Tomorrow (1937). Her performance in that picture is truly tear jerking. She had a soft and polite way of talking that made the audience feel at peace. She was truly an amazing actress.
A scene from On Borrowed Time.
Here is a short scene from Make Way for Tomorrow.
The full video is available on YouTube.com.
In honor of Mother's Day, I have put off my post for today. I still have another to do for Saturday also.
I am so in love with my wife of five years. I love how she cares for our two wonderful children. I also appreciate the sacrifices of my own mother, of whom I am posting on this month. I am the last of twelve. You can imagine the toll that twelve kids have had on her body. I am so grateful that she did not stop at eleven.
To all you mother's out there, you are doing the greatest work known to mankind. Presidents and rulers may change the world for a time, but the generation you are raising will forever change it. What power you have to wield this nation and the world.
Children: With Josephine, he had two boys and two girls: Michael Wayne, Patrick Wayne, Toni Wayne & Melinda Wayne. With Pilar, he had three other children: Aissa Wayne, Ethan Wayne & Marisa Wayne.
Awards: In 1970, Wayne received his first Oscar for the performance in True Grit. It had been a long road to that moment. He had been nominated twice before on performances in Sands of Iwo Jima(1949) & The Alamo(1960). Though countless other performances were Oscar worthy, it was the one eyed fat man that gave him this golden statue. He had received twenty-five other awards for acting with thirteen additional nominations. Of these achievements, were Golden Globes, Golden Apples, Golden Boots, Laurel Awards, People's Choice, Photoplay, Walk of Fame and of course Western Heritage Awards.
Interesting Fact: Through the encouragement of his friends, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously by Jimmy Carter in 1980. The Medal read simply "John Wayne, American."
My Favorite Movie: It is impossible for me or my family to pick one film as their favorite of his. There are too many classics.
Patriotic, Majestic, Humble, what do those words mean to you. To me they mean, John Wayne, John Wayne, John Wayne. He is not only one of the greatest actors to have ever lived, he is also one of the greatest men to have ever lived. To me, he was a leader and an activist, though at a time when those who opposed his way of thinking were given these titles. He stood in the face of some of the biggest movements in this country and never batted an eye. His acting earned him the love of a nation because playing a hero wasn't that hard to do. Was he McLintock or Rooster Cogburn, Sgt. John M. Stryker or Col. Mike Kirby. The answer is... He was all of them, every last son of a gun.
Having a father named Wayne, it wasn't hard to appreciate this man. In fact, my dad looks and talks just like him. His album, "America, Why I Love Her," is played around the 4th of July like Christmas music during Christmas time by our family. Almost every member has it completely memorized. He represents what a man hopes to become, what a leader hopes to portray & what an American hopes to live. If another Mount Rushmore was to be made, it should include Ronald Regan, James Cagney, Johnny Cash & John Wayne. Each of these men stood up for what this country was lived and died for, "FREEDOM."
Marriage: Francis Dennis Griffin (1920-1965 His death).
Children: Adopted Mary Frances when she was three years old in 1938.
Awards: Unlike many other movie stars to have had Oscar nominated performances, she was never awarded an Honorary Award later in life. She was nominated five times for Best Actress: Cimarron(1931), Theodora Goes Wild(1936), The Awful Truth(1937), Love Affair(1939) & I Remember Mama(1948). She also has a star on the Walk of Fame.
Interesting Fact: Under the presidency of Dwight D Eisenhower, she became an alternate United States delegate to the UN.
My Mother's Favorite Movie:Penny Serenade(1941). Interestingly enough, she had adopted her only daughter three years prior. I'm sure many of the scenes were familiar to her.
Irene Dunne was an amazing actress. Along with her acting, she had a beautiful singing voice. Her acting was sincere and genuine and she starred as the lead in most of her pictures. After staring in many hit films, she retired in 1952. She was only seen on Television a few times after that. She became a civic leader and funded many charities in her later years. She was a great woman all around.
In this scene of Penny Serenade(1941), we see Irene with her common co-star,
Cary Grant, at their comedic best.
Irene Dunne christened the Mark Twain river boat at Disneyland.
Here is the footage.
Children:Though he never had any children with his wife Ann, she had a child named Sidney Franklin Jr. with her first husband.
Awards: He has a star on the Walk of Fame with three awards: Motion Picture, Radio & Recording.
Interesting Fact: One of his other loves was sculpting. In the film The Phantom of the Opera(1943) he presented to Susanne Foster a sculpture he had made.
My Mother's Favorite Movie:New Moon(1940). The song "Stouthearted Men" is one of her favorite songs. Another film worth mentioning as a favorite is Let Freedom Ring(1939), for it's patriotism.
Nelson Eddy is the most popular singer we listened to growing up. His films with Jeanette MacDonald are also among the families favorites. As a boy, I use to try and imitate his voice as I listened to his music. He is an amazing baritone. Each song they handed him became a popular hit when combined with his voice. He made his singing appear so effortlessly.
"Stouthearted Men"
"My Country Tis' of Thee" from Let Freedom Ring(1939).
Awards: In 1955 she was awarded an Honorary Award by the Oscars. She was nominated four times for an Academy: Romance(1930), Anna Christie(1930), Camille(1936) & Ninotchka(1939). She was also awarded two NYFCC Awards and two stars on the Walk of Fame.
Interesting Fact: She was once voted as the most beautiful woman who ever lived by the The Guinness Book of World Records.
My Mother's Favorite Movie:Ninotchka(1939). This film presents a funny side to Greta Garbo that you don't see in her other films.
The details on her life were kept secluded. She was a mystery to all who worked with her and saw her on the screen. This is my mother's favorite actress for the fact that they share the same ancestry of Sweden. She was beautiful on the screen and like a few other women of Hollywood she quite early to spend the majority of her life in retirement.
Marriages: Annabella (1939-1948), Linda Christian (1949-1956) & Deborah Ann Smith (May 1958-His death).
Children: Ann Power, Romina Power, Taryn Power, and Tyrone Power Jr.
Awards: In 1952 he received a Bambi Award and has two stars on the Walk of Fame.
Interesting Fact: Oddly enough his father also died suddenly during the filming of a movie. The movie was The Miracle Man(1932).
My Mother's Favorite Movie:The Eddy Duchin Story(1956).She was a teenager when it came out and she loved Tryone as an actor. Tyrone said of Eddy Duchin that it was a shame that he died at such a young age. Tyrone would pass away during the filming of Solomon and Sheba(1959), two years after his statement.
As a teenager, my mother believed Tyrone Power to be one of the most handsome men alive. She was crushed when he passed away at the young age of forty-four. He was always the hero of the film and played the part beautifully. He is charismatic, sharp and tender. One of the best actors that ever lived.
The classic "Chopsticks" scene from The Eddy Duchin Story(1956).
In honor of Mother's Day this month, I have dedicated all my posts to the things she loves about old movies. As I mentioned before, she is the reason that the family knows and loves these precious films. For the second week of the month, I have turned from posting on the actors in the favorite films to posting on her favorite stars directly.
As we began to create a list together, we had to cut back quite a bit. Below are her top five favorite actresses and her top five favorite actors.
TOP FIVE ACTRESSES
1. Greta Garbo
2. Irene Dunne
3. Greer Garson
4. Jeanette MacDonald
5. Claudette Colbert
TOP FIVE ACTORS
1. Tyrone Power
2. Nelson Eddy
3. Spencer Tracy
4. John Wayne
5. Red Skelton
There are many, many others who she wanted on this list, but this will have to do for now.
I know, I know, this is supposed to be a blog about old movies. So why do I have a post about the new Avengers movie. The original purpose for this blog was to create an interest of old movies into the minds of people today. It was intended to prove that films can be entertaining without vulgar language, excessive violence, and suggestive material.
On the weekend I watched The Avengers with my three year old son. Not once did I feel the need to cover my sons ears or eyes. That should be a sign of what we should be watching. If are kids are not old enough to watch a movie neither are we.
That's what I love most about the movies that came from the Golden Age of Hollywood. You didn't need to bother yourself with the rating of the film, all of them were good.
Now onto the Avengers.
I have been waiting to see this film since I ever heard of the Avengers concept. Now it's here and the film was just what I wanted. The casting was spot on, and the acting they delivered avoided the corniness of other superhero films. I love how they brought these heroes into the twenty-first century. My favorite character was Captain America and my son agreed. He brought out some of the old-fashioned tradition of the past.
In connection with my blog, I wish to say one other thing. With the invention of special effects, I have seen a decline in other aspects of the film making process. This movie did not let the digital show reign over the plot, the characters or their performances.
They also realized that cheap scenes created to bring in a few other followers could lose or affect another crowd. This movie proves that over-excessive violence, vulgar language and suggestive material are not the three necessary elements in a blockbuster. In fact, they're not even needed at all when you have a good plot. The use of those three theatrics are actually crutches, used to carry a film when the story is lacking.
This film set a new standard of picture making that will hopefully send a message to the future film makers of tomorrow.
Awards: Nominated for a Golden Globe and received a WGA Award.
Interesting Fact: This film resembled Cary Grant's Bringing Up Baby(1938). Ryan O'Neil went to Grant before making the picture to discuss his character. Grant gave him only one suggestion; "Wear silk underwear."
My Favorite Scene: When you watch a movie over again, there are usually one or two parts you fast forward to get to a favorite scene. With this picture, all you have to do is turn on the film and let the remote gather dust. Each sequence is jammed packed with high speed comedy.
Howard: What are you doing? This is a one way street! Judy: We're only going one way.
This is our families all-time favorite classic. Quotes from this film seep into our everyday life: "The tie, the tie in your hand," "Your upside down sir," "To remind me to take the blue pill." "You, you, you. Uuuunice, Unice," These and many more have become a staple of speech in our homes. It is the best screwball comedy of it's time and a must see film!
Here is the beginning of the chase scene and it only gets better from here.
Producer: Robert Z. Leonard & William Anthony McGuire
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Awards: NONE
Interesting Fact: This story was written by David Belasco as a play in 1905. It was adapted into an opera by Giacomo Puccini in 1910. Now that it had a musical conversion it was a perfect candidate as a musical-western for MGM in 1938.
My Mother's Favorite Scene: She loves it when the song is sung that reminds the bandit of his orphan years and the little girl that sang it.
Ramerez: I hope I'll see you again sometime. Yeah? Mary Robbins: I hope I'll see you again sometime too. Dangling on the end of a rope!
Two young orphans would later run into each other again in the most unlikely of places, the golden West. The girl had turned into a beautiful singer and saloon owner, the boy became a handsome bandit. On her way to Monterrey, she is stopped by this bandit and he falls for her. He creates a disguise as an officer in order to get to know her better, and then leaves to rob his next location. He soon discovers that his next location is the saloon owned by the girl he fell in love with on the road.
This is one of the many classics made by MGM to showcase the talented Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy. Each film of theirs includes wonderful music, historical era plot and a conflicting love story. This was MacDonald's calamity Jane moment. Usually she was dressed in an expensive gown, but here we find her in boots and straps. My mom felt that this film got to showcase Jeanette's true talent as an actress. As with all their films together; the music is amazing, the acting is superb and the love story is wonderful.
Awards: Received the Oscar for Best Sound and was nominated for six additional Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Chill Wills), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Song, Best Music & Best Picture. This film has also received a Golden Globe for original score, four Laurel Awards, an NBR award & a Western Heritage Award.
Interesting Fact: The set for this film took two years to construct. The film itself was banned in Mexico.
My Mother's Favorite Scene: She loves the scene where they draw the line and the once opposing Bowie crosses it to prove his allegiance to the cause.
Gen. Sam Houston: "Where's Jim Bowie?" Captain James Butler Bonham: "He's indisposed, sir." Gen. Sam Houston: "Indisposed? By God if you mean drunk, you say drunk, sir!" Captain James Butler Bonham: "He's drunk, sir!"
As pressure builds up between the United States and Mexico, the fuse gets ready to go off in Texas. Not unlike the 300 Spartans who protected Greece from loosing their Democracy, the men protecting this mission were protecting a nation and an ideal behind them. Famous men like Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Travis and others answered the call and dug in for their country. Here they held back the countless armies from Mexico for thirteen days at a place called the Alamo.
This film has a special place in my mother's heart. It's history, patriotism, casting and breathtaking scenes have made this movie a family classic. John Wayne was a man who did things whether they were popular or not. This film and others, like The Green Berets(1968), may have not had a large following at the time or even today. Regardless of this fan base, he felt the urge to create a testimony for those men who gave their lives to preserve freedom.
Trailer.
Speech on republic.
This film has some of the best music ever written.
Awards: Nominated for two Oscars: Best Supporting Actress (Edna May Oliver) and Best Cinematography.
Interesting Fact: This was the first of Ford's film to be done in color.
My Mother's Favorite Scene: Her favorite is in the ending when an Indian jumps up with the patch on his eye from the villain. It cracks her up every time. This is topped of course when one of the final lines are given as the soldiers see a new flag for their country and say: "Is that what we are fighting for?"
Reverend Rosenkrantz: "O Almighty God, hear us, we beseech Thee, and bring succor and guidance to those we are about to bring to Your divine notice. First we are thinking of Mary Walaber. She is only 16 years old, but she is keeping company with a soldier from Fort Dayton. He's a Massachusetts man, and Thou knowest no good can come of that."
As a newly wed couple begins to carve out their life on the wild frontier of upstate New York, the Revolutionary War breaks out. With their farm burned to the ground and the wife miscarrying they seek shelter in another home. The husband is soon sent out to war and returns delirious. Soon they have a baby boy as the Indians begin to attack again. Everyone in the area seeks refuge at Fort Herkimer and they are hopelessly out numbered. Her husband is called upon to run through enemy lines and call for help. In a frantic race for his life, he returns with soldiers to find if the Fort has survived.
This is one of my mother's favorite films for it's acting patriotism and era. The only film in our day to come close to this picture would be The Patriot(2000). John Ford was THE greatest American director and this film showcases his amazing talent. Fonda & Colbert were perfect for the film; Fonda as a humble farmer and Colbert as the city girl getting use to he farming life. Most of all, as I mentioned above, she loves this film for it's electrifying patriotism.
Awards: Received Oscar for Best Art Direction and was nominated for three more: Best Actress (Greer Garson), Best Cinematography & Best Picture.
Interesting Fact: This film was to be the first of eight pictures to have Greer Garson & Walter Pidgeon cast together. They were the perfect couple on screen and this one has a greater emphasis on the characters courting than their other pictures.
My Mother's Favorite Scene: Her favorite scene is when she gives her speech to congress and says the famous line below.
Edna: "There are no illegitimate children. There are only illegitimate parents!"
In a day where children were marked for being born out of wedlock, there was a woman named Edna Gladney. As a child, she had an adopted sister, who was later rejected by her soon to be in-laws for this permanent mark. As a result, she committed suicide. Later in life, she had a child of her own that died on Christmas, and was forever saddened by this experience. Through the encouragement and persistence of her husband, Sam, she regained a love for children and began her own orphanage. It was when another young woman brought her a donation for the orphanage in tears, that she was reminded of her sister at youth. From that moment she waged a war against the branding of children for the choices of their parents.
This is one of those astounding true stories you don't hear about much. Through the persistence of one woman and then another and another, a label used for generations was removed from those who were too young to fight for themselves. Garson is amazing in this film and was nominated for an Oscar. The speech near the end makes your hair stand up. The fight for removing the word "bastard" from a birth certificate was still being fought when this picture was made. When it was released into the theaters it brought a swift finish to the struggle. What a spectacular picture.
