Mary Astor Blogathon: Rose's Last Summer

I was thrilled when Dorian of Tales of the Easily Distracted and Ruth of Silver Screenings decided to host a Mary Astor Blogathon. As time passes, it is important to honor and remember the actors and actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age. The general public has some exposure to the superstars of era: Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Bette Davis, for example. However, there were so many great performers during the Golden Age of the Silver Screen that deserve acknowledgement. That's why these blogathons highlighting the lesser known stars, but not less talented, are essential.

It should be noted that many of actors and actresses that helped make classic films during the 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's were in high demand during the early years of television. The anthology series was a popular genre in the 1950's and 1960's. These type of shows offered excellent opportunities for actors and actresses to be the star of an episode rather than a supporting player. Thriller was one of the best in my opinion. Thriller was hosted by Boris Karloff and ran on NBC from 1960 to 1962. The stories featured were suspense, mystery, and/or supernatural in nature. The fifth episode of the series was entitled Rose's Last Summer starring Mary Astor.

Last year, David and I purchased the complete Thriller series on DVD. I really enjoyed many episodes. One that stood out for me was Rose's Last Summer starring Mary Astor. I've loved Mary Astor as long as I can remember. She was a pivotal player in so many great films starting in the 1920's. I have always admired her ability to successfully transition from the silent era to the sound era as well as from leading lady to character actress. Maybe that's why I love this episode. Mary gets to play a former film star named Rose French.

Boris Karloff introduces Miss Mary Astor as the star of the episode.

The story begins with a woman (Mary Astor) being thrown out of a bar. She is obviously drunk and out of anger breaks the window of the bar. As she turns to the street to get away, the woman runs into a truck. As she lies on the ground, a snapshot of Rose French is discovered in her purse. One bystander seems particularly interested in the injured woman now known to be Rose French.

Rose French being thrown out of the bar.

In the next scene, a young man Frank Clyde (Lin McCarthy) is at the police station trying to bail Rose out of jail. The police officer recognizes him as the man who runs a rehab center for alcoholics. The policeman tells Frank that someone else has already bailed her out of jail. Frank leaves and goes to Rose's apartment. Frank takes a personal interest Rose since she has been a patient at his clinic. Obviously, after this incident, Frank is very concerned about Rose. She tells him that she has gotten a great job and will be leaving shortly. However, Rose gives no details about the specifics of the job.

Rose celebrating her new job with Frank Clyde.

Frank gets a huge shock when he reads the newspaper a short time later. According to the lead story, Rose French has died in La Mesa, California in the garden of a family named Goodfield. Another man is equally shocked by Rose's death, her former husband Haley Dalloway (Jack Livesey). Both Frank and Haley go to the inquest in La Mesa. Several interesting facts are revealed. First, Rose was wearing her ring from Haley at the time of her death. Perhaps, her time married to Haley was a high point in her life. Second, the coroner reveals she died of a heart attack. In fact, her heart was so enlarged and damaged, the coroner claims that the attack was long overdue.

Haley Dalloway and Frank Clyde investigate Rose's death

It is after the inquest that Frank begins to wonder if the dead woman was really Rose. He tells Haley that when Rose entered his clinic the previous year, she was given a full physical. Rose's EKG showed her heart was strong. The two men decide to go the scene of her death, the Goodfield mansion. There they meet Willet Goodfield (Hardie Albright) and his wife Ethel (Dorothy Green).  Unknown to Frank and Haley, Willet is the same man in the crowd who was so taken with Rose when the incident at the bar occurred. Willet assures Frank that Rose died in the Goodfield's garden, just as his family told the police. None of the Goodfields knew Rose, so they don't know how she wound up there. Willet claims the incident has been particularly upsetting to his mother who saw the body from her bedroom window. Haley manages to get permission to speak to the older Mrs. Goodfield.

Haley Dalloway

When Haley meets Willet's mother, he introduces himself as Rose's former husband. Mrs. Goodfield seems crotchety and makes a crack that she is surprised people like Rose had friends. After a brief conversation, in which Haley learns nothing new, he leaves. However, the audience realizes that Mrs. Goodfield bears a striking resemblance to Rose.

Boris Karloff introduces "Helen Quintal" as Mrs. Goodfield at the start of the episode. In the closing credits, the name changes to Mary Astor.

It is finally revealed in a flashback that Rose was hired to impersonate the older Mrs. Goodfield. However, the exact reasons for the impersonation are not yet revealed. In the meantime, Frank and Haley continue to search for a connection between Rose and the Goodfields. Will Frank and Haley discover the connection? And what is the true motivation behind the Goodfields hiring Rose in the first place? I'm not going to spoil it. You'll have to watch Rose's Last Summer in order to find out.

Mary Astor gives two great performances in this show. She adapts two distinct personas so that it is clear when she is "Rose" and when she is "Mrs. Goodfield." In addition, I love the introduction given by Boris Karloff. As he gives the audience some insight into the plot, the camera pans around Rose French's room. The room is filled with publicity photos and magazines featuring Mary Astor during the course of her career. Those few moments showing the many faces of Mary Astor reveal why she was and remains an essential part of the evolution of film. She began before sound was part of the art form, successfully transitioned to "talkies," and evolved into a first rate character actress. Perhaps, Mary Astor never achieved the recognition of other female stars of her era like Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert. However, Mary Astor will be remembered for her versatility and longevity by film buffs and students of film.

Happy Birthday Akira Takarada!

Yesterday, David and I went to the semi-annual Chiller Theatre Convention in Parsippany, NJ. I don't have time to share all the experiences. However, I thought I'd share one today in honor of Japanese actor Akira Takarada's 79th  birthday.

When Chiller Theatre announced Akira Takarada as a guest of honor for the April convention, David got super excited. The Japanese star's appearances in the US are rare. Takarada played Hideto Ogata in the 1954 sci-fi classic Godzilla. If you're a fan of Toho Studios, you may also recognize Takarada from Mothra vs. Godzilla, Invasion of Astro-Monster, and Godzilla vs. Sea Monster. 

Akira Takarada & Momoko Kochi with Godzilla

David and I decided that we would go to Akira Takarada's room first on Sunday (April 28th). While getting on line, a man excused himself for bumping into David. When we turned around, we discovered it was Takarada. He shook our hands and welcomed us. Already, we were having a great experience! David had made a sketch card of Takarada as he appeared in Godzilla. In addition, he purchased an 8 x10 photo of Takarada with his leading lady in Godzilla, Momoko Kochi. When it was our turn to meet the Japanese actor, we found out that he enjoyed taking pictures with the fans -- FOR FREE!!! 

David with Akira Takarada

I had the camera, so I was ready to take a photo of David and Takarada. The Chiller staff member assisting Takarada said that he could take the picture because he assumed Takarada would want me in the picture too. I said that I was not keen on having my photo taken. I told the staff member I would play photographer unless Takarada requested me to join him and David. When he motioned just for David to join him, I took the photo. 

Tracy aka Gilby with Akira Takarada

As we were getting ready to leave, Takarada motioned that it was my turn. I realized that it would be rude to say no. In spite of being camera shy, I joined the actor while David played photographer. Takarada gave me a big hug and told the others to eat their hearts out. It was then I realized I was the only female in the room. Now, David refers to Takarada as my "boyfriend." Honestly, he is a sweet man who gave me a great memory. I wish him a Happy Birthday and many more!

Thank You Sara Karloff!

Several days before Hurricane Sandy hit NJ, David and I went the "Chiller Theatre" convention in Parsippany, NJ. It was here we met the lovely Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris Karloff. As many of you know, David is an artist and loves to do sketches of characters and actors from Hollywood's Golden Age. He especially loves old monster and sci-fi movies. In particular, he loves Universal monsters. Therefore, it was not surprising that when he decided to try his hand at sketch cards, his favor subject was Boris Karloff.

David brought his Boris Karloff sketch cards to "Chiller Theatre" to show Ms. Karloff and have her sign them if she liked them. She was genuinely taken with David's rendering of her father. She inquired if he made money doing cards of her father. He responded that he knew she held the licensing of her father's image, so he mainly did them for himself. Ms. Karloff encouraged David to contact her via email. She said that perhaps they could discuss the possibility of a sketch card set. To say we left her table feeling incredibly happy would be an understatement.

Well, when Sandy hit, we were focused on coping day to day with our lack of power. After everything had somewhat settled down, David did finally email Ms. Karloff. She remembered him and after several emails asked David to be part of the artist gallery on her website. To say that David was excited at the thought of being part of an artist gallery that includes one of his idols, Basil Gogos, is putting it mildly. As of Friday, March 1, 2013, David is included in this gallery -- and I am so proud of him!

Ultimately, it was Sara Karloff who made it possible for David's work to be seen and enjoyed by her father's fans. If you would like to check the site and/or David's artist page, click the link below:
http://www.karloff.com/

FYI: David shares a birthday with both Boris and Sara Karloff -- all of them were born on November 23rd!

Bye Bye Bonnie

Over the past few years, many of the TV icons of my childhood have passed away. Yesterday, Bonnie Franklin was added to that group. It's hard to believe that this woman who was born the same year as my own mother is gone. She was a significant part of my adolescence. Luckily, through the miracle of film, I can continue to enjoy her work.

Bonnie gained fame in the Norman Lear series One Day at  a Time which ran on CBS from 1975 to 1984. Her role as single mom Ann Romano raising two teenage daughters in Indianapolis was groundbreaking. She was not a widow, she was divorced by choice. In fact, Romano  was her maiden name. Ann did not even keep her husband's surname of Cooper. In addition, Ann was from an Italian Catholic family, so divorce was an extremely brave act for her. What made the role work was simple: Bonnie Franklin. Bonnie had tremendous energy, so we believed Ann had the spunk to start her life over. In addition, Bonnie played Ann as a flawed person. Ann was not a superwoman. Ann made mistakes and second guessed herself on many occasions. However, Ann fought to be a role model for her daughters as well as a good mother. Bonnie had the skill as an actress to convey Ann's fragility as well as her underlying strength. I think Bonnie Franklin succeeded in portraying a truly well-rounded woman who young girls could admire.

I still remember the first time I spotted a young Bonnie on Gidget TV series. She appeared in two episodes as Janie who was a friend of Gidget (Sally Field). The reason it stood out for me is that "Janie" is the nickname my mom's parents gave her as a kid.  Ironic coincidence?


Bonnie as she appeared on "Gidget" with another future star, Barbara Hershey



We also forget that many of our favorite TV icons had succeess elsewhere. Bonnie Franklin is no exception. In 1970, she made her Broadway debut as "Bonnie the gypsy" in Applause. This hit musical was a musical remake of All About Eve and starred Lauren Bacall as Margo Channing. Bonnie received a Tony Award nomination for "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical." Her showstopping number was her rendition of the title song. It can be found on youtube at this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89DzMDC6gws .

Bonnie as she appeared in "Applause"

Bye bye Bonnie -- you will be missed!

Movie Monster Sketch Cards

My recent blog on Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein inspired me to share some original monster/villain sketch cards done by talented husband David. I decided to choose characters from the fabulous forties in keeping with the spirit of our blogathon. I hope you enjoy them!

The first card is Boris Karloff as Mr. Hyde in Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The second card is Bela Lugosi as Dracula from Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

The third card is Lon Chaney Jr. as The Wolf Man.

The fourth card is Rondo Hatton as The Creeper.

The fifth card is Gale Sondergaard as The Spider Woman.

Fabulous Films of the 1940's Blogathon: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

When trying to choose a film from the 1940's for this blogathon, I found it hard to pick. I adore Bette Davis, so The Letter, The Little Foxes, and Now, Voyager all came to mind. Then, I considered a film from the Sherlock Holmes series starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. I finally decided to go with a film I got for Christmas on Blu Ray from David -- Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

As a kid, I loved the Abbott and Costello Meet... movies. My favorite was always  Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. As I've gotten older, I have continued to love this film. It is a unique blend of comedy and horror. The premise is an interesting one. Chick Young (Bud Abbott) and Wilbur Grey (Lou Costello) are baggage clerks at railroad station in Florida. Wilbur receives a call from a Mr. McDougal who owns "McDougal's House of Horrors." He is calling to warn the clerk about a dangerous shipment containing Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein's Monster (Glenn Strange). However, it isn't Mr. McDougal, it is actually Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) aka The Wolf man calling from London. During the phone call, Talbot turns into the wolf man because there is a full moon. Wilbur hangs up, thinking it is a crank call.

Part of the opening sequence.

Shortly after Talbot's call, the real McDougal (Frank Ferguson) arrives to claim his exhibits for his wax museum. Apparently, he was the lucky winner chosen to display these unusual exhibits. He demands that Chick and Wilbur deliver his prize exhibits immediately and safely. During this opening sequence, Wilbur's beautiful girlfriend Sondra Mornay (Leonore Aubert) is introduced. Strangely, she seems to know who McDougal is. It is decided that McDougal and an insurance agent will meet Chick and Wilbur at "McDougal's House of Horrors" to inspect the crates containing Count Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster.

Opening credits cartoon

The delivery does not go smoothly. Wilbur can't seem to convince Chick that Count Dracula is alive. Dracula is able to escape with Frankenstein's Monster while Chick is elsewhere in the wax museum. Obviously, McDougal is furious that his prize exhibits are missing. Chick has no explanation and Wilbur's story seems ridiculous. How could Dracula arise from his coffin and take the monster with him?

Dracula awakens Frankenstein's Monster

Dracula has a destination and plan for Frankenstein's Monster. Dracula arrives at the castle/laboratory of Dr. Sondra Mornay. Apparently, Sondra has been posing as Wilbur's girlfriend so that she can lure Wilbur to her private island. Once Wilbur is there, Sondra will transplant his brain into  Frankenstein's Monster. Since Wilbur is viewed by Sondra as simple, Dracula will be able to control the monster if it has Wilbur's brain.

Dracula brings the monster to Sondra

Meanwhile, Larry Talbot has arrived in Florida and found Chick and Wilbur. Talbot confirms Wilbur's belief that Dracula is alive (so to speak) and up to no good. Larry hopes to stop Dracula's plan. Unfortunately, as the wolf man, Larry's abilities to do this are limited. He tries to tell Chick and Wilbur of his curse, but neither seem to believe him. In the meantime, another beautiful woman seems to be interested in Wilbur. Joan Raymond (Jane Randolph) tells Wilbur she would love to go to the masquerade ball with him. He agrees even though he has already promised to take Sondra. Chick is hoping Wilbur will share one of his dates with him. However, Wilbur seems to be enjoying the center of attention so he makes no promises.

Wilbur, Chick, and Joan go to Sondra's island to pick her up and take her to the masquerade ball. Sondra is irritated that Wilbur has brought others with him, he was supposed to come alone. Sondra invites Joan to her room so the two can get ready for the ball. Joan snoops around Sondra's room and finds the journals of Dr. Frankenstein. Sondra sees Joan going through her things and returns the favor. She searches Joan's purse and finds that Joan is an insurance investigator. Meanwhile, Sondra's assistant Professor Stevens (Charles Bradstreet) seems suspicious of Sondra's work. In addition, Stevens is attracted to Joan and vice versa.

Joan is ready for the masquerade party.

While the girls are getting ready for the party, Wilbur answers the phone. The caller asks for Dr. Leighos. The caller is Larry Talbot who warns Wilbur that Leighos is Dracula. Chick and Wilbur decide to search around the castle. Wilbur, once again, happens upon Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster multiple times. However, every time he tries to find Chick and show him, the two monsters exist, Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster disappear.

Wilbur stumbles across Frankenstein's monster.

After all the intrigue, Chick, Wilbur, Joan, and Sondra meet in the entrance way so they can leave for the masquerade party. As they prepare to leave, Dr. Leighos (Dracula) comes downstairs to meet them. Leighos is thrilled to see Wilbur and recognizes that his brain will be perfect for his scheme. Leighos encourages the four to go and enjoy the party. However, Sondra sends the others away, claiming to have a headache. Dracula confronts Sondra privately about not going to party. Sondra tells him about Joan and expresses concern about proceeding. Dracula decides that Sondra can not be left to think for herself any longer. He bites her and turns her into his slave.

Sondra becomes Dracula's slave.

Eventually, Dracula brings Sondra to the masquerade party. He and Sondra will bring Wilbur and Joan back to the island and the brain transplant will take place. The party winds up being the perfect opportunity to kidnap Wilbur and Joan. Unfortunately, Larry Talbot is also at the party and he creates the distraction Dracula needs when he turns into the wolf man. Now, it is up to Chick and Talbot to go back to the island and rescue their friends.

Larry becomes the wolf man.

Will Chick and Larry save Wilbur and Joan? Will professor Stevens help them? Can Dracula and Frankenstein's monster actually be destroyed? WATCH Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein TO FIND OUT!

I was lucky enough to see this film on the big screen at Loews in Jersey City during Halloween weekend of 2011. I was amazed at the power of Lou Costello to make people laugh so easily. His sight gags and ability to mimic his co-stars remain timeless. Often, comedy can seem dated. However, Lou's regular guy put in an irregular situation still makes for great comedic moments.

I also absolutely love the cartoon opening. It tells us that yes this is a horror film, but it is also a comedy. This film walks the fine line between horror and comedy very well in my opinion. Bud and Lou know how to play it for laughs while Aubert, Chaney, and Lugosi play it straight. It is a good way to introduce younger children to monsters because Bud and Lou do manage to get out of dangerous situations. Additionally, it is not bloody or filled with on screen acts of violence. This film has something for everyone making it an example of why the films of the 1940's were fabulous!  

"Who done It?" Weekend at Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre

I hope 2013 has started off well for all of you! I just wanted to let everyone know that the Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre in Jersey City has announced its first film event of 2013. The theme is "Who Done It?" and there are four great films that will be shown. On Friday, January 25th, there will be a Sherlock Holmes double feature starting at 8pm. The films will be Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon and The Woman in Green starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. The choice of these two movies is interesting because Holmes' arch enemy, Dr Moriarty, is his nemesis in both. However, Lionel Atwill portrays the villainous Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon while Henry Daniell plays the evil doctor in The Woman in Green. I must admit that Henry Daniell is my favorite in the role. In addition to the two films, there will be a short from 1927 which contains an interview with Arthur Conan Doyle. The price for this event is $10!!! Now that's a deal!

On Saturday, January 26th, there will  be two more films shown. At 6 pm, To Catch a Thief starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly will start off the evening. To me, this is one of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies. It has glamour, humor, romance, and mystery. Very few films give you such a rich blend of style and substance, this is one of the few. At 8:20 pm, The Usual Suspects will be shown. This film boasts a talented ensemble cast led by Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro. The admission to each movie on Saturday night is $7. However, there is usually  a discount if you buy tickets for both movies.

My hubby David and I love our weekends at the Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre. It is run by volunteers who have a love of film and this grand old theater. As a result, the atmosphere is like something out the past. We love to buy our $1 popcorn boxes (yes, it is really $1) and listen to the organist play the Wonder Morton before each film. If you live in North Jersey or the NYC area, you should come!