A collection of 26 clippings spanning 1905-1987 that cover the life and career of silent screen actress Viola Dana. Illustrated with vintage movie collectibles. Also includes screen captures of her 1963 appearance on My Three Sons.
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Movie Star Biographies
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.
Loretta Young TCM Star of the Month January 2013 Centennial
A biography of Loretta Young, the January 2013 TCM Star of the Month on the centennial of her birth. Rare Loretta Young quotes and the entire TCM schedule along with images of vintage collectibles.
Edward Everett Horton – Biography of the Beloved Character Actor
A brief biography of character actor Edward Everett Horton, star of stage, screen and television. Famed as Fred Astaire’s sidekick in several Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals and later the voice of Fractured Fairy Tales on the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show.
Sara Haden – Charlotte Walker’s Daughter and Andy Hardy’s Aunt Milly
Character actress Sara Haden was stage and screen star Charlotte Walker’s daughter. Originally famed for playing cranks became Andy Hardy’s Aunt Milly in 14 of the Hardy Family movies.
Louis Wolheim – Biography of the All Quiet on the Western Front Star
A look at the life and career of Louis Wolheim, star of the All Quiet on the Western Front on screen, and the originator of key roles in The Hairy Ape and What Price Glory? on stage.
Movie Reviews & Articles
Lewis Milestone’s The Purple Heart (1944) Starring Dana Andrews
The Purple Heart (1944), directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Dana Andrews, is a World War II courtroom drama imagining the trial and fate of captured Doolittle Raid fliers before the world knew exactly what had happened to them. Part of the Dana Andrews blogathon.
The Invisible Ray (1936) starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi
Brief notes are exactly that, just some stream of consciousness thoughts occurring during my most recent viewing of The Invisible Ray with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
Secret of the Chateau (1934) Universal Murder Mystery Starring Claire Dodd
Universal murder mystery with an excellent ensemble cast revolves around a Gutenberg Bible. Bonus material about the U.S. Library of Congress 1930 purchase of a Gutenberg Bible with funds that ultimately filled the coffers of a Nazi propagandist.
Behind the Green Lights (1935), Cops Vs. Mouthpiece in Mascot Indie
Based on a book by Captain Cornelius Willemse, the NYPD’s original “gang buster,” Behind the Green Lights pits the police vs. a crooked mouthpiece and features a romance between cop and lawyer. Easily found independent release is fast-paced and entertaining.
Lady by Choice (1934) Starring Carole Lombard and May Robson
Columbia attempts to repeat May Robson’s success in Lady for a Day the following year in Lady by Choice with Carole Lombard. Without Frank Capra or Damon Runyon it’s not as colorful. Production Code enforcement pales it a bit more. Well acted and worth catching despite its flaws.
Death on the Diamond (1934) – Baseball, Murder and Robert Young
MGM’s baseball murder mystery Death on the Diamond (1934) stars Robert Young and Madge Evans. A decent mystery and a strong baseball movie at the same time. Directed by Edward Sedgwick and also featuring David Landau, Paul Kelly, Nat Pendleton and Ted Healy.