Anybody's Blonde (1931) On Nitrate and May soon be gone

Although listed as being in the U.C.L.A. Film archives, this Nitrate film may soon be gone forever. There are no plans to restore this title. Nitrate film is notorious for breaking down. First, the film turns dusty. Then, the base of the film literally turns to a sludge like goo. Nitrate based films can also spontaneously burst into flame! The only thing our eyes may see from this film is this poster!

P.S. I once dated a woman who could have easily been the subject of this film. If she is reading this, HI GRACE!

Drac is Back!

By the 70's, the Hammer Dynasty was falling on hard times. The box office on their cadre of creeps was dwindling. The answer to this dilemma was simple. Place their most popular vampire in modern times! That would most certainly appeal to the most wanted Teen audience.
Regardless of what Hammer's intentions, we were all happy to see the return of our favorite vampire killer, Peter Cushing, Van Helsing. Now Christopher Lee had his co-star back, and would rise (from the dead) to the occasion. After an impressive pre-title scene with Van Helsing and Dracula locked in mortal combat, we then shift to modern London circa 1972. A place overrun with the hippie-like middle aged teens. One teen in particular made a tasty morsel for the Count. Lovely Caroline Munro. This film is definitely the worst of the 7 Dracula features. But, has it's moments. And the poster sure is cool.

Hold Your Man

Very pleasing foriegn poster from this pre-code vehicle that starred Jean Harlow and newcomer Clark Gable. Very art deco which in 1933, was in vogue, even in far away Sweden.

Goodbye to a Classy Actor

Ricardo Montalban passed away today at the age of 88. He had been a star in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in the leading role opposite Esther Williams in "Fiesta," and starred again with the swimming beauty in "On an Island with You" and "Neptune's Daughter."

But Montalban was best known as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke, who presided over a tropical island resort where visitors were able to fulfill their lifelong dreams — usually at the unexpected expense of a difficult life lesson. Following a floatplane landing and lei ceremony, he greeted each guest with the line: "I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island."

The show ran from 1978 to 1984.

More recently, he appeared as villains in two hits of the 1980s: "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan" and the farcical "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad."

Only Ricardo Montalban could have a conversation with a character known as "Mr. Papsmear" and make you believe it was perfectly normal!

Here is a gag picture. While on the set of Star Trek 2, the special effects crew made him a miniature "Tattoo" robot with his co-stars (Hervé Villechaize) face!

The Wonderful "Wonders" of Ann Margret

O.k., does anyone else remember the James Bond parody film series, Matt Helm? Dean Martin as the suave Secret agent that globe trotted to fight evil villains while using the "cover" of a World Renowned Fashion Photog? I sure do. As a kid growing up, I marveled at the bodacious babes in that series. Stella Stevens, Cyd Charisse, Daliah Lavi and even Sharon Tate! But without a doubt, the most memorable babe was the young daughter of a kidnapped scientist played by Ann Margret! Here are two pics that demonstrate why. If you get the chance, catch MURDERER'S ROW (1966).

I................LIKE.................JOE!

Most 3 Stooges Fans have this utter hatred towards Joe Besser. Joe came in to the Stooges at a very difficult time. Shemp Howard, beloved brother of Moe had unexpectedly died. Shemp had replaced the ailing Curly Howard, the most popular of the three funnymen. Moe had known of Joe and was happy that he agreed to join the team. Most fans feel that Joe's sissy character that he had created years before joining the team didn't quite "Fit in" with the already established style set forth by Moe & Larry. I disagree and am very thankful that we have 16 additional shorts to watch. In fact, OILS WELL THAT ENDS WELL'57 is one of my all time favorite in the 198 series of films. Now a personal story that should shed some light as to why Joe left the boys in 1959. Joe was married to a woman who was just more then slightly protective of her husband's well being. Ernie Besser made it clear that she did not like the violent slapstick that Moe doled out to his partners. She insisted that Joe quit the team in order to avoid personal injury! And timid Joe, in order to save face, made up a story that his wife was ill and needed his full time care. When my friend Mark Lyons and myself visited Joe and Ernie back in the 80's right after the Stooges had received their much deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Joe related this story to us both. Ernie was in the other room. Joe explained his leaving the Stooges story to us and then lowered his head and said very seriously, "She cost me Millions!". I will dig up the Joe visit pics taken on that occasion and share them with you in the future. In closing, take heed wife's of talented men. Let their talents blossom and do not be dream killers!
Here is the poster to a film compilation of Moe, Larry & Besser shorts that was released to theatres right before the Stooges became mega-populer thanks to t.v. Enjoy.

Happy "Marilyn" New Year!

I just love those publicity photos that really do catch celebs in candid moments. Here Alan Ladd cannot seem to decide exactly where to focus his eyes when gazing upon the gorgeous visage that is Marilyn Monroe. The text on the back of the photo says:
GOLD MEDAL LOOK
Alan Ladd looks Appreciatively at Marilyn Monroe after the pair won the actor and actress at the annual Photoplay Gold Metal Awards Dinner. This was Miss Monroe's first public appearance since her return from Korea with her husband Joe Dimaggio. Credit: United Press Photo. 3/09/54.