Appraisal of Ralf Harolde’s talents as ultimate pre-Code lowlife with biographical bits assembled where possible. Busy character actor of the 1930s-40s, who made his mark in films such as Night Nurse, Safe in Hell, and Picture Snatcher.
Popular Posts
Movie Star Biographies
Mary Dees – Piecing Together Life of Jean Harlow’s Saratoga Stand-In
A complete biography of Mary Dees, the extra and stand-in who filled in for Jean Harlow after Harlow’s tragic death during the filming of Saratoga. Culled from numerous American and Australian sources with a few published inaccuracies contradicted and corrected.
Dorothy Dell, Star of Little Miss Marker (1934), Gone at Just 19
Dorothy Dell had only appeared in three feature length films when she died, age 19, in a 1934 car accident. This biography includes her rise to fame and looks at all three movies.
Mary Carlisle, Former Wampas Baby Star, Bing Crosby Co-Star Turns 100 Today
A brief biography of 1930s Hollywood beauty Mary Carlisle with several rare images including early Promotional Photos and trading cards. Wampas Baby Star of 1932 who appeared in three films with Bing Crosby, the long-lived Miss Carlisle-Blakely turns 100 in 2014.
Alan Mowbray by Alan Mowbray, Jr.
A biographical look at the stage, film and television career of popular character actor Alan Mowbray written by the actor’s son, Alan Mowbray, Jr.
Charles Laughton – A Biography of His Career on Film and Stage
An extensive look at the career of Charles Laughton on film and stage, illustrated with vintage movie cards and collectibles. Star of The Private Life of Henry VIII …
Movie Reviews & Articles
Lon Chaney, Jr. in Dead Man’s Eyes (1944) – An Inner Sanctum Mystery
Lon Chaney, Jr. stars in Dead Man’s Eyes, an Inner Sanctum Mystery from Universal in 1944. Posted for the Chaney Blogathon. Article also includes a separate section about mysterious co-star Acquanetta.
Young Bride (1932) Starring Helen Twelvetrees and Eric Linden
RKO-Pathe pre-Code Young Bride (1932), aka Love Starved, features great period slang throughout a lower middle-class slice of life in the city. Stars Helen Twelvetrees with excellent work from leading man Eric Linden, and Arline Judge in support.
The Mind Reader (1933) Starring Warren William
Warren William stars as a Depression-era hustler who turns carnival psychic until the love of a good woman tames him. He can’t pay the bills selling brushes though so his old partner lures him back into the mind reading racket. Warren William stars in The Mind Reader (1933) with Constance Cummings, Allen Jenkins, and Clarence Muse. Directed by Roy Del Ruth.
Snowed Under (1936) Chemistry Highlights Hilarious Warner Farce
Looking at Snowed Under, a 1936 Warner Bros. farce directed by Ray Enright and starring George Brent, Genevieve Tobin, Glenda Farrell, Frank McHugh, Patricia Ellis and John Eldredge. With a focus on “Lawrence Saunders,” who wrote the original story that was serialized in Liberty magazine.
Clive Brook adapts, directs, and stars in On Approval (1944)
Clive Brook does it all in 1944’s On Approval, where Googie Withers and Brook himself tag along when Beatrice Lillie attempts a trial marriage with Roland Culver.
Girl Missing (1933) Starring Glenda Farrell, Mary Brian
Murder-mystery GIRL MISSING (1933) ignores its murder and telegraphs its mystery, but Glenda Farrell manages to carry the day anyway. An excellent pre-Code showcase for the actress. Good support from Guy Kibbee, Helen Ware, and Ferdinand Gottschalk.