Forgotten Hollywood

Manny P. here…

“`With a reference to the title of a John Lennon yuletide classic, it occurred to me that a spate of holiday cinema emerged as World War II ended. Between 1945 and 1948, the United States was looking for escapism to jumpstart the citizenry into an era of good feeling.  These capable productions provided romance, a touch of fantasy, and in some cases, several nods to the war effort.

“`The initial film that went into principal photography was Christmas in Connecticut, which was released just days after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A traditional romantic comedy, the story is about an unmarried magazine writer who falls for a returning war hero. The soldier angle was written into the script after the Allies marched into Berlin.  It featured Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sidney Greenstreet, and S. Z. Sakall.

“`The Bells of St. Mary was an worthy sequel to the hugely popular Going My Way, the previous year. This story follows Father O’Malley’s efforts in saving a condemned inner-city school building during the holidays. Bing Crosby reprised his part as the genial priest.  This film was on the bill at the bijou in Bedford Falls during the climax in It’s a Wonderful Life (an obvious promotional plug). Henry Travers offered steady support for Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. The next year, he would take on his most memorable role as Clarence the Angel.

“`Much has been shared about It’s a Wonderful Life and the war connection is documented. This was James Stewart’s first assignment after spending his military duty flying bombers into Germany. He returned from his tour a changed man… sober and gaunt.  Unknown to the cast, Stewart harbored the horrors of combat. Today this is called P. T. S. D. During more desperate moments of the tale, the actor cried real tears as he attempted to expunge pent up memories of battle. He would later accept work in edgy Westerns directed by Anthony Mann.

“`Santa Claus went on trial in Miracle on 34th Street. Edmund Gwenn earned an Oscar for his performance as the intrepid Kris Kringle.  Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and a very young Natalie Wood round out the cast.  Macy’s Department Store and its annual parade are the backdrop to this delightful look at the economic boom that followed the war.

“`The Bishop’s Wife combines many of the sentimental elements found in The Bell’s of St. Mary and It’s a Wonderful Life. An angel (named Dudley) helps a priest who has lost their way during Christmas. Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven share in the mischief. The daughter is played by Karolyn Grimes, who was also Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life.

“`In Good Sam, Gary Cooper follows the advice of his minister and performs kind actions at the expense of his family’s livelihood. As Christmas approaches, his faith is reaffirmed by the kindness returned by friends and neighbors in the hamlet. Ann Sheridan co-stars. Todd Karns had previously appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life as Harry Bailey.

“`In 2020, we fight a different war due to Covid-19. Have a safe and healthy Christmas!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`In the wake of my participation in a national radio production of It’s a Wonderful Life, why not chat with Art Kirsh and John Coleman on Celebrating Act 2 about iconic Christmas films…

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`A brand new documentary on the life of Maureen O’Hara is set to air on Christmas Day. The program celebrating her life will mark O’Hara’s centennial. The production will explore all aspects of her life, from her birth in Dublin to a career as an actress, singer,  and businesswoman, as well as being a champion for women’s rights. MAUREEN O’HARA ->

“`Featuring archival footage and interviews with her family, friends, and co-stars, including Patrick Wayne, Stefanie Powers, and Hayley Mills and her grandson Conor Beau Fitzsimons, the program unveils the woman behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. It is a must-watch for fans of O’Hara.

“`Maureen O’Hara:  Banríon Hollywood  (Queen of Hollywood) and will delve deep into the life of the feisty, colorful, energetic, accomplished, talented, no-nonsense Dubliner. The special will air in her native Ireland on Christmas, and is expected to be distributed worldwide.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Here is the program that lists the cast for the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center production of It’s a Wonderful Life. This is airing December 17th – 19th (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). It streams through Broadway on Demand. Just click (or cut-and-paste) the link!

https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/X3P1VZzSviyB-its-a-wonderful-life-a-live-radio-play-full-version–carlisle-regional-performing-arts-center?fbclid=IwAR2v5cekp72qofpjtiOkw_96o0aKoGFuGmB_yc-zOuszuNrvUOYzUgoPFpw

“`This is the perfect holiday treat for folks across the country hunkering down at home as Christmas approaches. Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`The 2020 selections of the Library of Congress National Film Registry have just been announced. Entrants including recent productions such as: The Hurt Locker, The Dark Knight, The Joy Luck Club, and Shrek.  Plus, there were popular selections, including Grease and The Blues Brothers. Notable motion pictures from Hollywood’s Golden Age include:

~ THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY (1927) –  This is a timeless Laurel and Hardy silent short comedy unseen in its entirety since its original release. The comic bits include a renowned pie-fighting sequence.  Only excerpts from reel two of the film had survived for many years. Critic Leonard Maltin discovered a mostly complete nitrate copy of reel one at  Museum of Modern Art in the 1970s.  In 2015, movie collector Jon Mirsalis located a complete version of reel two as part of a film collection he purchased from the estate of Gordon Berkow. The two-reeler still lacks brief scenes from reel one, but the film is now almost complete.

*** Hollywood Heritage historian Stan Taffel (and my good friend) has just announced that this film will have its United States television premiere Tuesday on TCM at 5p (PST). This is not listed anywhere!

~ CABIN IN THE SKY (1943) – This film adaptation of the 1940 Broadway musical marked the directing debut of renowned director Vincente Minnelli.  His talent for blending in dazzling musical numbers is on total display. Applauded at the time for showcasing an all-Black cast in a major Hollywood film when many theaters were still segregated, the film also demonstrates limited opportunities and acting compromises  African Americans endured during Hollywood’s studio era. It stars Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, and Eddie Rochester Anderson.

~ THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM (1955) – Drug addiction has been addressed in films many times before, dating back to the silent era. Few dared to be as honest, blunt, or graphic as this Otto Preminger treatment, which featured Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak. Along with its still topical subject and powerful storytelling, the movie is further enhanced by its eye-popping Saul Bass opening credits sequence and Elmer Bernstein’s remarkable jazz score.

~ LILIES OF THE FIELD (1963) – The flick serves as a parable highlighting mutual respect via common purpose, an austere Arizona desert landscape, the impoverished nuns, and a lad they believe God sent to help them.  For his portrayal, Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win the Oscar for Best Actor.

~ A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971) – Based on a book by Anthony Burgess, director Stanley Kubrick’s brings this movie to life in his own avant-garde style.  Set in a not-so-distant future, that is equal parts dystopian and cartoonish, the production remains disturbing, controversial, and startlingly unsettling.

“`Under the terms of the National Film Preservation Act, each year the  Library of Congress names to the National Film Registry twenty-five motion pictures that are culturally, historically or aesthetically significant. The films must be at least ten years old.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Broadway on Demand will air It’s a Wonderful Life. According to the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center press release:

Our Broadway on Demand link for our virtual radio performance of It’s A Wonderful Life: a live radio play is now available! This is the link you will use to claim your free ticket to the show once it is live this week. (Thanks to M&T Bank)

https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/X3P1VZzSviyB-its-a-wonderful-life-a-live-radio-play-full-version–carlisle-regional-performing-arts-center?fbclid=IwAR3W-OuGKnZpXybnELAVNgIOAIhW8vV4ByGVnSltWUlPo4f4a3rJGtEzYGc

Families can listen to this show whenever they choose on December 17th, 18th, and 19th — you select the time you want to listen! We recommend pairing this performance with a cozy blanket, a tasty hot drink, and your favorite spot on the couch.

All week, we will be posting information about the cast and our community, so be sure to keep an eye out as we count down to our opening this Thursday! We will kick off the week tomorrow with an interview with the original Zuzu (right) herself–Ms. Karolyn Grimes!

“`Radio drama is a wonderful opportunity to listen to talented productions as your imagination immerses itself into the story and the impact of the words. It is called Theatre of the Mind.

“`Please allow yourself to celebrate Christmas at home with your loved ones by enjoying this performance of It’s a Wonderful Life (with yours truly as Clarence the Angel).

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I am thrilled to join Art Kirsch and John Coleman on Celebrating Act 2 as we discuss the life and times of former MGM production chief Irving Thalberg. His determined efforts would transform their lot into the most successful of the big-five studios during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Here is Thalber’s story:

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`As you know, I am in rehearsals for the  Carlisle Theatre’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Soon, I shall provide the link for you to get your virtual ticket to this radio play that will air on Broadway On Demand dot com very soon.

“`I put together this whimsical promo piece for you to enjoy!

“`Looking forward to having you relax at your homes to listen to this fabulous production.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles Yeager was a World War II fighter pilot ace and a quintessential test pilot. In 1947, he became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. His achievement was documented in The Right Stuff, the 1983 grand historical drama that was adapted from Tom Wolfe’s best-selling novel about the Navy, Marine, and Air Force test pilots (including Yeager) who were involved in aeronautical research at Edwards Air Force Base and later, about the seven military pilots chosen to be astronauts for Project Mercury.

“`Yeager enlisted in the Army Air Corps after he graduated from high school in 1941. He later regretted that his lack of a college education prevented him from becoming an astronaut. He started off as an aircraft mechanic and, despite becoming airsick during his first airplane ride, signed up for the program that allowed enlisted men to become pilots. He shot down thirteen German planes on sixty-four missions during World War II, including five on a single mission.

“`After his service, he became a test pilot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Among the flights he made after breaking the sound barrier was one on December 12, 1953 when he flew an X-1A to a record of more than sixteen hundred miles-per-hour. Chuck also commanded Air Force fighter squadrons and wings and the Aerospace Research Pilot School for military astronauts.

“`Yeager was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. President Harry S. Truman awarded him the Collier air trophy in December 1948 for his breaking the sound barrier. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985. West Virginia named bridges, schools and Charleston’s airport after him.

“`Yeager retired from the Air Force in 1975 after he flew missions in Vietnam, and moved to a ranch in Cedar Ridge in Northern California where he continued working as a consultant to the Air Force and Northrop Corp., and became well known to younger generations as a television pitchman for automotive parts and heat pumps.

“`An aeronautic icon who surely stands tall with Orville and Wilbur Wright, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart, Chuck Yeager (above right) was ninety-seven.

Until next time>                              “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Warren Berlinger was a character actor with Broadway runs, film, and television credits. He was a familiar face during Television’s Golden Age.

“`Berlinger performed in the original 1946 Broadway production of Annie Get Your Gun, with Ethel Merman, Come Blow Your Horn, and the London stage production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Hollywood came calling.

“`The early days of television provided opportunities for Berlinger.  He guest-starred on the original Howdy Doody,  and followed with parts on Kraft Television Theatre and other programs. Later appearances included  Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,  Happy Days,  That Girl, Columbo, Charlie’s Angels, Emergency!,  Murder She Wrote, and Friends.

“`Berlinger was content providing support in profitable cinema, such as The Wackiest Ship in the Army, Because They’re Young, Spinout with Elvis Presley, The Long Goodbye, Lepke, The Cannonball Run, The World According to Garp, and That Thing You Do! A couple of short-lived situation comedies didn’t work out for the talented actor.

“`Warren Berlinger (above right) was eighty-three.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Abby Dalton was an actress best known for her television roles, The Joey Bishop Show and Falcon Crest.  She was also a favorite of producer Roger Corman for his independent films.

“`Dalton was busy on the small screen and guest-starred in programs such as Have Gun Will Travel, Maverick, Barney Miller, Hotel, Murder She Wrote and The Rifleman. She earned an Emmy nomination when she co-starred with Jackie Cooper in Hennesey.  Interestingly, her character wed Hennesey on the final episode,  two days after she appeared on The Joey Bishop Show as the new bride to the title character (the only instance in television history that one actress was married twice in the same week on different programs). Dalton was a panelist on Match Game and appeared in the early years of Hollywood Squares.                ABBY DALTON –>

“`Her six years on Falcon Crest was special as she played the daughter of Jane Wyman and her future real-life son-in-law, Lorenzo Lamas.  Her daughter met Lamas while on the set of the prime time soap opera.

“`Abby Dalton was eighty-eight.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`It is football season. I join Art Kirsch and John Coleman on Celebrating Act 2 as we discuss movies that featured the pigskin. Also, there are a number of actors that have come from the ranks of the NFL.

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`I decided to catch Art Kirsch and John Coleman with a surprise topic during my latest visit on Celebrating Act 2. When we lose celebrity on the same day, it is twice the grief and twice the heartache. Here is the engaging conversation…

“`Enjoy!

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`Many people have come together to create three days of special presentations and events as part of this year’s It’s a Wonderful Life Virtual Festival.  A full program and information on how to register (free admission) will be available on their website soon:

www.wonderfullifemuseum.com

“`On a personal note, you can pick up a copy of Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History at the museum gift shop.  The paperback features chapters that capture personal stories of many of the original cast members in the 1946 production.

“`Plan now to spend the It’s a Wonderful Life weekend, virtually, in Seneca Falls . . . the real Bedford Falls.

Until next time>                               “never forget”

Manny P. here…

“`After a deal made with PBS, the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Christmas specials will return to network television. Viewers can be thankful that their efforts made this seasonal tradition once again available for kids of all ages.

“`Last month, Apple TV+ became a brand new home to the beloved Peanuts holiday specials. Good grief! That sparked an outcry from viewers accustomed to annually tuning in on network television. Apple offered each special to stream for free for a handful of days, but that did not stop online petitions from gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures.

“`Today, Apple bowed to the backlash, announcing it had teamed up with PBS for ad-free broadcasts of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on November 22nd, and A Charlie Brown Christmas on December 13th.

Until next time>                               “never forget”