A complete biography of Woo Woo! man Hugh Herbert that reestablishes many writing and directorial credits previously given to F. Hugh Herbert and reveals his wife, Rose Epstein, and co-star, Anita Pam, were the same person. Hugh’s early vaudeville days dating from 1911 are covered as well as his earliest work at the film studios.
Popular Posts
Movie Star Biographies
Earle Williams in the Newspapers
Learning about Earle Williams from original newspaper articles between 1908-1931. Once the most popular movie star, Earle Williams faded in the 1920s. His story ends tragically in 1931, four years after his death.
Miriam Hopkins Biography — Star of Stage and Screen, 1902-1972
Biography of Miriam Hopkins (1902-1972), whose legacy should be her racy and sophisticated Paramount pre-Code output—not her feud with Bette Davis, or missing out on Gone With the Wind despite being Margaret Mitchell’s favorite for Scarlett O’Hara.
Lew Ayres – A Brief Biography of the Dr. Kildare Star
A brief look at the life and career of Lew Ayres, best remembered as the youthful star of All Quiet on the Western Front and several Dr. Kildare features.
Rochelle Hudson’s Uneven Career Featuring Will Rogers and Way Down East
A biography of 1930’s screen ingenue Rochelle Hudson focusing on a career which saw her work with Will Rogers, W.C. Fields, and Shirley Temple, plus star in a remake of Way Down East and eventually come back to the big screen to play a small role in East of Eden.
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.
Movie Reviews & Articles
The Human Comedy (1943) Starring Mickey Rooney
An old movie I found a bit too old-fashioned, though Mickey Rooney does give one of his best performances in MGM’s The Human Comedy (1943). Story by William Saroyan. Produced and directed by Clarence Brown. Also includes strong acting from Frank Morgan and James Cra
Cass Timberlane (1947) starring Spencer Tracy and Lana Turner
MGM’s Cass Timberlane (1947) stars Spencer Tracy in the title role, features an excellent performance by Lana Turner. After a promising first hour a couple of key plot points are rushed and the quality suffers in the second half of the film.
The Lost Squadron (1932) Starring Richard Dix, With Erich von Stroheim
RKO’s The Lost Squadron (1932) is a war movie that isn’t a war movie. Veterans return home to find work as Hollywood stunt fliers under Erich von Stoheim’s command. Starring Richard Dix, Robert Armstrong, Joel McCrea, Hugh Herbert, Mary Astor and Dorothy Jordan. Directed by George Archainbaud.
Rebecca (1940) and My Du Maurier Kick
Returning to Academy Award winning Best Picture Rebecca (1940) about ten years after I first watched it and immediately after reading the novel by Daphne Du Maurier.
Cecil B. DeMille’s Cleopatra (1934) Starring Claudette Colbert
A look at Cecil B. DeMille’s lavish 1934 production of Cleopatra starring Claudette Colbert as Cleopatra. With Warren William and Henry Wilcoxon.
Remembering Jackie Cooper, 1922-2011, with Peck’s Bad Boy (1934)
Remembering Jackie Cooper, who died today at age 88. His career and legacy, plus a look at 1934’s Peck’s Bad Boy starring Cooper with Thomas Meighan.