A review plus background information about Paramount pre-Code The Story of Temple Drake (1933), adapted from Sanctuary by William Faulkner. Book and adaptation are compared and contrasted. Casting and path to screen are covered, including George Raft’s refusal to appear in the film. Biographical information about stars Miriam Hopkins and Jack La Rue. Lengthy article, over 5,500 words, first appeared in Classic Movie Monthly #5.
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.
Paramount’s 24 Hours (1931) with Clive Brook, Kay Francis, Miriam Hopkins
Paramount’s Marion Gering gives us Louis Bromfield’s 24 Hours (1931) in just 66 minutes. Featuring an alcoholic Clive Brook, fashionable Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins belting out a pair of songs in a pre-Code drama ripe for rediscovery.
Was Miriam Hopkins the Sexiest Pre-Code Star of Them All?
A look at Miriam Hopkins concentrating on her early 1930s work, including The Smiling Lieutenant, Trouble in Paradise, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and especially Design for Living, perhaps the most sinful of all pre-Code movies. Plus a gallery of Hopkins pre-Code movie ads.
George Raft, Jack La Rue and The Story of Temple Drake (1933)
George Raft was originally cast as Trigger in The Story of Temple Drake (1933), but opted out. He feared that the controversial film, based on William Faulkner’s Sanctuary, would ruin his career. Jack La Rue was cast opposite Miriam Hopkins instead. Did Raft make the right choice?
The Richest Girl in the World (1934) Starring Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea
Miriam Hopkins plays “The Richest Girl in the World” (1934) with hopes of landing a husband on her own merits and despite her money. Joel McCrea is her prospect. With a look at then currently celebrated heiresses Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke.
What I’ve Been Reading: Errol & Olivia Plus Some Older Titles
What I liked and disliked about Errol & Olivia Ego & Obsession in Golden Era Hollywood by Robert Matzen, plus a look at four older classic movie biographies that I’ve recently read.
