Hello, everyone! Welcome to another week. (At least this one leads to a three-day weekend.) Since I missed writing about another favorite of mine last Monday, I thought I would double up today. So, let's talk Disney, Hayley Mills, and nostalgia with "The Parent Trap" (the original non-Lindsay Lohan 1961 version) and "Summer Magic" (1963).
I know I've probably mentioned this before, or you've just figured it out on your own, but I'm a Disney kid and proud of it. Watching "The Wonderful World of Disney" every Sunday night as a family, with our dinners and TV trays set out, are some of my fondest memories of growing up. And thanks to the creation of The Disney Channel in the 80s, I also got to watch tons of films over and over again that I might have missed. And now, as an adult, I get to work for the Walt Disney Company. What better way to come full circle?! Sure, it's still a big corporation, and like all of them, they have their issues. But they also treat their employees with fun extras every once in a while. This summer they have started playing old Disney live-action films at the theater on the studio lot in Burbank. And they don't skimp on the show. I went to see "Summer Magic" a couple of weeks ago and had a blast. The theater performed a fancy fanfare and light show to start off the evening. An old Mickey cartoon then preceded the film. And afterward, we got to enjoy some free ice cream (sorbet for me). A great way to spend a warm summer night!
And a great way to share the old films with a new audience. Most people I talk to know "The Parent Trap" well, but not "Summer Magic." "The Parent Trap" was Hayley Mills' most successful film. Her second film for Disney (her first was the popular "Pollyanna" (1960)), Mills plays twins Susan Evers and Sharon McKendrick, sisters separated when babies by their divorcing parents. Never knowing they had a sibling, the two meet accidentally at summer camp and decide to switch places and get their parents back together. Walt Disney was entranced with Mills when she starred alongside her father British star John Mills in 1959's "Tiger Bay" and signed her immediately. She was only 13 years old. By the time she was making "Parent Trap," she was a star herself, having just received a special Oscar for her performance in "Pollyanna."
Originally, the script for "Parent Trap" had very few scenes of Mills standing beside herself in double exposure shots. Writer and director David Swift intended to use mainly a body double for over the shoulder shots of the twins. However, when Disney himself saw how well the visual effects guys had blended the double shots of Mills, and how well Mills created two separate characters in those difficult scenes, he insisted they use more effects shots. Maureen O'Hara recalled in her autobiography how impressed she was with Mills talent and professionalism, saying "It got quite confusing, and even Hayley only knew which girl she was playing by which wig she was wearing."
It was a great cast, including Mills, O'Hara and Brian Keith in his first ever romantic comedy role. Yet one person who was never credited on screen must be mentioned - Susan Henning, Mills' unseen body double. When she got the part in the film, she had to sign away her screen credit, even though she's in the majority of the film. She did receive some recognition though. At the wrap party for the film, Disney presented her with a statue of Donald Duck, called the "Duckster," for "best unseen performance." Only two other Ducksters have ever been awarded in the history of the company.
"Summer Magic" was Mills' fourth film for Disney (she made "In Search of the Castaways" in between). This lesser-known film tells the tale of a recent widow and her three children at the turn of the century in Boston. When finances dry up and force the family to move to a tiny apartment, the eldest daughter (Mills) takes it upon herself to inquire about a house they once all fell in love with out in the Maine countryside. The kindly caretaker (Burl Ives) agrees that they can rent the house, and lovely lighthearted fun and music and romance fill the rest of the story. Along with Mills and the lovable Ives, it also stars Dorothy McGuire (who also starred with Mills' father John in another Disney classic "Swiss Family Robinson") and Deborah Walley (of "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" fame).
Written by Sally Benson (whose books about childhood were turned into "Meet Me in St. Louis"), it was originally intended as a vehicle for Annette Funicello. But Mills shines as always as the lead. She even received a Golden Globe nomination for this film. Also, there are some great songs in the film by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman, like my favorite "Ugly Bug Ball." I remember watching this on D-TV and Sing Alongs on the Disney Channel (see below). So much fun! Also, there is the beautiful "On the Front Porch" (Robert Sherman's personal favorite of all his work), and "Flitterin'" (which can be heard on Main Street at Disneyland).
So, get out your Hayley Mills fan club cards (I know you have them) and enjoy a Mills marathon this week. Both films can be found on DVD and you can also find "Summer Magic" here. Until Friday. Have a great week, everyone!
(Post-tidbit: You may have been surprised that Maureen O'Hara didn't get top billing for "The Parent Trap." Well, so was she, for her contract stated that no other actress would get billing over her. Yet, when Disney decided to capitalize on Hayley Mills' popularity and bill her as "Starring Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills" above the title, O'Hara was bumped to after the title. She wanted to sue, but when Disney made it clear he could destroy her, she backed off...and never worked for Disney again.)
There are a lot of times when I get wrapped into the day-to-day grime of life and forget that I live in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Everyone knows Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood and the dream makers. And I do love this town, as much as I hate it sometimes too. The history here...it's like a drug to me. So today, I thought it would be fun to discuss one of the city's most iconic images, and its role in the movies. Ladies and gentlemen, the Hollywood Sign!
Originally constructed in 1923, the Hollywood Sign actually read "Hollywoodland" and was an advertisement for the housing district on the south side of Mount Lee, part of the Santa Monica Mountains. It was thought up after the success of a similar sign advertising nearby Whitley Heights. The original letters were 50 feet high, 30 feet wide, and studded with thousands of light bulbs. It was only supposed to remain up for about a year or so, but by that time, it had already begun its iconic ride to fame.
By 1949, though, the sign was in need of some help. The "H" had recently fallen over and money was running short for repair. So, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce reached an agreement with the City of Los Angeles Parks Department to continue and maintain the upkeep of the sign. However, the contract only covered the first nine letters, so "land" was removed, and the view we know today was born. Also, the LA Parks Dept. pushed the cost of the lights' electric bill on to the Chamber, so the bulbs were removed as well (thus you can no longer see the sign at night, even though many people still think you can).
Even though the sign was under more care, the years took their toll on the famous letters. By the 70s, vandalism and weather had reduced the sight to spell out "HuLLYWO D" as the exposed metal and wood frames began to collapse. In 1978, though, the stars stepped in to save the sign. Run by Hugh Hefner at the Playboy mansion, an auction was held were they "auctioned off" each letter for $27,700 a pop. Some of the sign's saviors - rocker Alice Cooper (in memory of Groucho Marx), Gene Autry, even Les Kelley (originator of the Kelley Blue Book). The new letters, only 45 feet high this time, were made of steel to last and unveiled on Hollywood's 75th anniversary, November 14, 1978.
Since then, the Hollywood Sign has remained strong and protected. In the 90s, the city even installed motion sensors and closed-circuit cameras to protect it from vandals and pranks. Earlier this year, the sign had its most recent scare though. 138 acres behind the sign went up for sale and threats of building mansions that would destroy the famous skyline caused a fundraising effort to be made to save the peak. Finally, saved by Hugh Hefner again with the final donation of $900,000, the $12.5 million needed to save the area was achieved and the sign remains safe again.
Now, of course, the Hollywood Sign hasn't just been a something on a hill. It's also made several media appearances. You can't have a disaster movie set in LA without the sign being destroyed, like in "Earthquake" (1974) and "The Day After Tomorrow" (2004). There are also other things out to destroy it, like the angry gorilla in the 1998 remake of "Mighty Joe Young" (who hurls an "O" at his enemies), or "The Rocketeer" (1991) (where the sign loses its "land" because the villain accidently crashes into it). Be sure to check out "Chaplin" (1992) again. There is a great scene between Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.) and Douglas Fairbanks (Kevin Kline) as they ride up - on horseback, no less - to chill by the sign. Most recently in the biopic "The Runaways" (2010), Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart stop by the dilapidated sign of the 70s to...well, get drunk. And don't forget "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lighting Thief" (2009) too! The sign plays an important role, but you'll have to wait to see what.
So, this weekend, have a little scavenger hunt and see how many movies you can find the Hollywood Sign in. And if you're an Angeleno, take a break and enjoy the view with a hike (but bring your hat, sunscreen, and water, cause it's hot outside). Until Monday, everyone. Have a wonderful weekend!
(Post-tidbit: The sign has only been missing from the hill once since its debut in 1923, when they were replacing the letters in 1978. From August to November, no sign was visible. So (interesting maybe only to me), I was born during that time! How cool is that?! hahaha)
Yay! Tomorrow's is Paul Newman Day on TCM, the best actor ever! This is one of the few days I wish I could just turn on the television in the morning and let it play all day long...if only I had cable. Damn you, cable companies and your ridiculous prices! Well, for those of you who can enjoy Mr. Newman tomorrow, I highly recommend watching TCM. Really, the entire day is filled with a lot of my favorite films, like "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) and "The Sting" (1973) (which I'll talk about soon, I promise). But if you need help selecting a few choice tidbits, below are some gems you shouldn't miss out on.
First up is "Until They Sail" (1957) at 7:45am EST. More girl-centric than Newman's films usually are, it tells the story of four sisters in New Zealand, and how their lives are changed by the US Marines who arrive in their small town during World War II. Starring as the sisters are Jean Simmons, Joan Fontaine, Piper Laurie, and a 14-year-old Sandra Dee in her film debut. Directed by Robert Wise and based on a story by James A. Michener, Newman was originally a little reluctant to do the film, thinking his part was really irrelevant to the story. But due to his contract with Warner Bros, he, of course, had no choice. He did get to reunite with Wise, though, who directed him in his breakout performance the year before in "Somebody Up There Likes Me" (on at 11:45am EST). It's a great little fresh-for-its-time look at WWII, and Newman and Simmons chemistry is not to be missed.
Next, try and catch "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958) at 1:45pm EST. This film adaptation of Tennessee Williams' famous play was a big success, even though Williams himself hated how his story was altered for production codes at the time. (Williams even stood in the queue lines for the film telling people "This movie will set the industry back 50 years. Go home!") Originally the project was going to star James Dean and Grace Kelly, but during the length of time it took to get the film made, Dean sadly died young in a car crash and Kelly retired from acting after marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco. Thus, Newman and Elizabeth Taylor were cast instead. Taylor was the one to really give this film publicity though. Shortly after filming began, her third husband Mike Todd was killed in a plane crash. Distraught, she locked herself up at home for three weeks (director Richard Brooks shot around her for that time). She managed to come back and finish the picture with surprising strength (even if she was much weaker physically). Yet, by the time the film came out, Taylor was having her affair with Eddie Fisher, husband to Debbie Reynolds. It was the scandal of the year, which caused people to flock to the film even more. Yet, she and Newman did give unbelievably good performances, both earning Oscar nominations.
At 12:30am EST (Saturday night or Sunday morning, whichever way you want to look at it) is a special Newman treat - "Rachel, Rachel," his directorial debut. Released in 1968, it stars Newman's wife Joanne Woodward as the title character. Newman stayed behind the camera for the entire project, so we don't get to look at him unfortunately. But it's a great little film about a 35-year-old school teacher who realizes she's never really experienced life like she wants to when she starts dating an old high school friend. Based on the book A Jest of God by Margaret Laurence, Woodward fell in love with the project after Newman's business partner John Foreman brought it to her. With a screenplay by Stewart Stern, the three shopped the script all over town but there were no takers. During this time, Newman had no interest in directing the project. Yet, after helping his wife and partner out with advice and improvements for so long, he became so invested that he realized there was no other choice but to direct. So, with Newman, they finally managed to sell it to Warner Bros (as long as Newman and Woodward did some other pictures for them). "Rachel, Rachel" received much critical acclaim, including four Oscar nominations (Best Actress for Woodward, Best Supporting Actress for Estelle Parsons, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture). Even though Newman didn't get a Directing Oscar nom, the two were extremely proud of their project, and they did get to share awards during the Golden Globes that year.
So, flip on the television and watch the best actor to grace the screen tomorrow. I know, it's a jam-packed day full of greats, but try not to miss these gems too. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Be back on Monday!
(Post-tidbit: "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was originally going to be filmed in black and white like Williams' previous play adaptations "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951) and "Baby Doll" (1956), but once Newman and Taylor were cast, director Brooks insisted on filming in color to capture the famous vibrant eyes of his leads (Newman's blue and Taylor's violet).)
Hello, everyone! As I said on Friday, today I'm entering the musical world again, and talking about one of my favorite Judy Garland films - "Meet Me in St. Louis." Did you get a chance to watch it yesterday on TCM? I hope so.
This is one of the first films I recorded when I was a little girl after saving up my allowance and purchasing my very own VCR for the little television in my bedroom. And I still have that tape from some many years ago. It has been watched over and over and over again, but somehow it has lasted. I wanted to be Judy and dance around a Christmas tree. I got the chance in high school when my theater department did a production of "Meet Me in St. Louis." Sadly, I was just a chorus girl...but I still had fun.
Released in November1944, it stars Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Tom Drake, and Mary Astor. Based on the personal, real-life stories of Sally Benson from her book 5135 Kensington, it follows a year in the life of the Smith family leading up to the World's Fair of 1904. A sweet story of young love, casual days, and good old-fashioned family values, it epitomizes the classic MGM musical. Many consider this film as the one that kicked off MGM's golden age of musicals. A smash hit, "Meet Me in St. Louis" was the second highest grossing film of the year (behind only Bing Crosby and "Going My Way"). The studio was going to continue with more films about the Smith family, hoping for an "Andy Hardy" type series, but the sequel "Meet Me in Manhattan" never got beyond the planning phase.
Of course, much of the film's success was due to Garland. Three of the films songs which she debuted ("The Boy Next Door," "The Trolley Song," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") became hits on the charts, and have since become standards, like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" during the holidays. Garland had to be persuaded to do "Meet Me in St. Louis" though. Twenty-two at the time, she was tired of playing childhood roles and longed to move into the adult realm. Luckily, she was convinced otherwise, for this film is where she met future husband and director of "St. Louis" Vincente Minnelli. They fell in love during filming, married the following year, and then nine months later had little Liza. As Liza mentioned in the book Directed by Vincente Minnelli, "You can see his love for her in every frame." Garland once stated that she married Minnelli because he made her feel beautiful. Throughout her career afterwards, even after her divorce from Minnelli in 1951, she considered "Meet Me in St. Louis" her absolute favorite film.
Another reason Garland was initially reluctant to do this film was Margaret O'Brien. Afraid she would completely steal the film, O'Brien still managed to steal practically every scene she was in. O'Brien plays the youngest Smith girl Tootie, the character that was writer Sally Benson in real life. (Her entire family called her by the nickname "Tootie.") O'Brien almost lost out on her most famous part, though. Her mother asked for too much money for the youngster, so the studio cast a lighting technician’s young daughter instead. Later, the studio changed their mind and cast O'Brien instead. The lighting tech, however, was working on "Meet Me in St. Louis" and purposely dropped a lamp during one of little Margaret's scenes, barely missing her. He was carted off and sent to a mental hospital for the incident.
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards - Best Color Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Score, and Best Song for "The Trolley Song." The only award that was taken home that night, though, was a special juvenile award for Margaret O'Brien. Sadly I think, my favorite song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was not nominated. The song was originally a little darker than we know it now. The original line was "Have yourself a merry little Christmas / it may be your last" in reference to all the soldiers fighting in World War II at the time of the film's release. However, Garland thought the line was too cruel to sing to little O'Brien and refused to say it.
Even though the studio did not continue the Smith series of films, a television version was done in 1959 starring Jane Powell, Patty Duke, and Myrna Loy. A weekly non-musical television series was even produced in 1966 starring Shelley Fabares and Celeste Holm, but no network would pick it up. And if you are saying to yourself, "Wait! There was that Broadway version, right?," you are right. It ran for a little less than year in 1989 and received a few Tony nominations too.
So, if you didn't get the chance yesterday, or if you just have to watch it again, gather the family together and watch "Meet Me in St. Louis" this week. Your heart will thank you. Have a good week, everyone! Be back Friday.
(Post-tidbit: Margaret O'Brien's special Oscar for "Meet Me in St. Louis" was stolen when she was young. She finally got it back about 50 years later when some antique dealers came across it and contacted her to give it back.)
It's August, and that means it's "Summer Under the Stars" month on TCM, where they dedicate each day's programming to a different star. There have already been some good days, like Warren Beatty, Ingrid Bergman, and Errol Flynn. This Sunday is all about one of my favorite young actresses of Golden Hollywood, Margaret O'Brien. So, here are some great films of hers for you not to miss.
First up at 12:30pm EST is "Journey for Margaret" (1942), the film that made her an instant success. Only 5 at the time, she had made only one other film before this one (a small one-minute bit part in "Babes on Broadway" (1941)). Born Angela Maxine O'Brien, MGM saw her potential immediately and put her in "Journey" opposite Robert Young (and changed her name to her character's). In the film, little Margaret plays a young girl orphaned during the Blitz. When Young, an American reporter living in London at the time, finds her, he becomes entranced with the youngster, and is determined to get her to America and adopt her. Based on the real-life story by William L. White, it became a huge success thanks to O'Brien's amazing performance as the traumatized little girl, instantly making her a huge child star.
Next up, check out "Little Women" (1949) at 5:45pm EST. One of many film versions of Louisa May Alcott's classic book, it is my favorite thanks to its impressive cast, which includes O'Brien, June Allyson, Janet Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter Lawford. O'Brien plays the tragic Beth (the youngest Marsh girl in this version). Allyson, who was actually 31 years old when she played Jo March (who's supposed to be 15 years old), really enjoyed working with O'Brien and the rest of the cast. She considered this one of her favorite movies ever. However, when she had to film O'Brien's death scene, young Margaret's performance affected her so much that Allyson had to be sent home early to recover. She even had to stop a couple of times on the drive home because she was still crying so hard.
Finally, don't miss Margaret's last film for MGM, 1949's "The Secret Garden." O'Brien plays the lead character Mary Lennox from Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic childhood tale about a lonely orphan who discovers a hidden garden. Her costar in "Garden" is another child star of the time, Dean Stockwell. One of the best adaptations of this novel (even using the "Wizard of Oz" technique of shooting the garden scenes in color), it unfortunately was not a success at the box office. Many critics felt the material was too dark for youngsters, something that actually seems quiet tame in today's limelight. After leaving MGM, O'Brien only made one more film ("Her First Romance" (1951), on at 10:45am EST) before she retired from films. She would later make many television and stage appearances, but she never had the same fame she had as a child.
So, be sure to flick on the television this Sunday and watch these great films by one of the best child actors ever to grace the screen. Only "Little Women" can be rented on DVD so try not to miss this chance. Also, check out O'Brien's most famous film, "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944), at 3:45pm EST, for I will be talking about it very, very soon (you know, as in Monday). Have a great weekend, everyone!
(Post-tidbit: Even though she wasn't as successful in adult roles, Margaret O'Brien still made quite a few appearances, including on the game show "What's My Line?" a couple of times. So, for your video treat for the day, you can watch an adult O'Brien in one of those fun episodes below.)
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