I also took a look at Haley Joel Osmet (b. 1988) as I was writing my last post, on Macaulay Culkin. Osmet may have fared a bit better than Culkin, but only time will tell.
Osmet began his career as many child actors do, in commercials. His first movie was Forrest Gump (1994) where he played the son of Gump, played by Tom Hanks. This was a big movie, and a good break for Osmet. If you get the Gump DVD with extra features, it includes part of Osmet's screen test. It is easy to see why he became a popular young actor.
Quite a few movies and TV series' followed, until he got his real breakout role, The Sixth Sense in 1999. Haley's performance in the M. Night Shyamalan (b. 1970) film is incredible. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his effort. It is not easy to upstage Bruce Willis (b. 1955), but I think most people remember Osmet as the star of this film.
In a similar role, he starred in the 2000 film, Pay It Forward. He exudes a sad appearance, with the look of his eyes and a slightly odd characteristic in his voice. He was perfectly cast again, and his co-stars, Helen Hunt (b. 1963) and Kevin Spacey (b. 1959), also have the necessary qualities to make this movie work without trying to take anything away from Osmet. It was not a movie about successful people, it was about regular people and their struggles to just get through life.
The next year he has a starring role in Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Just barely a teenager, Haley has already had a dream career. He has also had quite a few voice-over roles for animated films and video games. The next ten years of work bring his total title count to about 45 roles.
IMDb now lists, in pre-production, a comedy called Sex Ed, due to be released later this year. Osmet is now in his twenties. Is he trying to break out of his child actor cage? As with many child actors, he has had some incidents in his life that he probably regrets. I hope he finds his place in the entertainment industry, and I wish him all the best.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Newer Child Stars
I have written in previous posts about some child stars in the earlier years of moviedom. (Is that a word?) I bumped into a pretty bad movie last weekend called Sex and Breakfast (2007) starring...are you ready?...Macaulay Culkin (b. 1980). The movie stunk (That IS a word!) but it got me thinking about Culkin's career and the turns it has taken since his early days as a child star.
Culkin's fifth movie made him famous. He starred in Home Alone (1990) when he was just ten years old. That movie was a hit and grossed $235 million in the USA. The sequel released two years later called Home Alone 2: Lost in New York did almost as well.
He was also in Uncle Buck (1989) and My Girl (1991). Those four movies established him as an actor in demand. Of course, his voice hadn't changed yet.
More starring roles followed. The Good Son (1993), The Pagemaster (1994) and the title role in Richie Rich (1994). But now he's a teenager and the cute kid roles won't work anymore. And I don't think he is much of a hunk that the teenage girls will line up at the theaters to see, either.
Culkin was basically burned out at age 14, but he was also very rich from his success. He took a seven year break from acting, partly due to a lengthy divorce battle by his parents. Back in movies in 2003, I suppose he was trying to change his image with something more adult. Enter Sex and Breakfast in 2007.
This movie had no plot, but it did put two young couples in a sexual situation where they are contemplating having a group sex encounter to help solve their various personal dilemmas. Don't bother seeing it, because I just gave you all the details. It was also interesting that it was rated R for sexual situations, but contained no nudity.
The bright spot was the two women, played by Eliza Dushku (b. 1980) and Alexis Dziena (b. 1984). Dushku played the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenneger in True Lies (1994), and has 38 roles to her credit. Dziena has 24 roles listed so far. Both are charming and beautiful, and they can act. Culkin just seemed to be out of place.
I think Macaulay Culkin with 28 titles on IMDb, will forever be a Bit Actor who was once famous as a child star.
Culkin's fifth movie made him famous. He starred in Home Alone (1990) when he was just ten years old. That movie was a hit and grossed $235 million in the USA. The sequel released two years later called Home Alone 2: Lost in New York did almost as well.
He was also in Uncle Buck (1989) and My Girl (1991). Those four movies established him as an actor in demand. Of course, his voice hadn't changed yet.
More starring roles followed. The Good Son (1993), The Pagemaster (1994) and the title role in Richie Rich (1994). But now he's a teenager and the cute kid roles won't work anymore. And I don't think he is much of a hunk that the teenage girls will line up at the theaters to see, either.
Culkin was basically burned out at age 14, but he was also very rich from his success. He took a seven year break from acting, partly due to a lengthy divorce battle by his parents. Back in movies in 2003, I suppose he was trying to change his image with something more adult. Enter Sex and Breakfast in 2007.
This movie had no plot, but it did put two young couples in a sexual situation where they are contemplating having a group sex encounter to help solve their various personal dilemmas. Don't bother seeing it, because I just gave you all the details. It was also interesting that it was rated R for sexual situations, but contained no nudity.
The bright spot was the two women, played by Eliza Dushku (b. 1980) and Alexis Dziena (b. 1984). Dushku played the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenneger in True Lies (1994), and has 38 roles to her credit. Dziena has 24 roles listed so far. Both are charming and beautiful, and they can act. Culkin just seemed to be out of place.
I think Macaulay Culkin with 28 titles on IMDb, will forever be a Bit Actor who was once famous as a child star.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Boys Town
I finally got around to ordering Christmas in Connecticut (1945) with Barbara Stanwyck. Great film, don't miss it. The DVD package I ordered included the 1938 movies A Christmas Carol with Reginald Owen, and Boys Town starring Spencer Tracy. Little did I know that Boys Town was on a double sided DVD and Men of Boys Town (1941) was on the flip side.
Just to freshen your memory, Boys Town is the story of Father Flanagan (1886 - 1948) who started an orphanage in Nebraska. I guess that doesn't sound very exciting, does it? Mickey Rooney adds plenty of excitement. The movie depicts Rooney as a boy on his way to delinquency, and Flanagan's attempt to save him.
The energy that Rooney brought to the role is amazing. Tracy won the Oscar for Best Actor, and I believe he deserved it, but you should see the way Rooney handles his part. Boys Town also won the Oscar for Best Writing and was nominated for three others, including Best Picture and Best Director.
It is said that some of the residents of Boys Town were actors in the film. The main roles were played by actors, and Rooney wasn't the only standout. The real Boys Town A Cappella Choir does appear in concert.
I particularly liked Pee Wee played by Bobs Watson (1930 - 1999). Bobs was his father's nickname for him, so he wouldn't be confused with Bobby Watson (1888 - 1965) another actor of the era. Bobs has 54 titles on film and TV, and he eventually became a minister, while continuing to act. In 1941 he reprised his role as Pee Wee in the sequel, Men of Boys Town.
Rooney's older brother (and bank robber) Joe Marsh was played by veteran actor Edward Norris (1911 - 2002). Norris' first movie was Queen Christina (1933) starring Greta Garbo. Norris went on to play in 87 titles through the 1950s and on TV into the early 1960s. Most of his movie roles were in B pictures. He was a solid Bit Actor.
Another wonderful actor is Henry Hull (1890 - 1977) who played Flanagan's friend, Dave Morris. Hull has 111 titles on his list. I knew I had seen him before, and then I saw some of his titles; Stanley and Livingston (1939), Babes in Arms (1939), High Sierra (1941), and Lifeboat (1944). All great movies with great leading stars.
Maybe there was a little over acting in Boys Town, but it was made in 1938, when drama was very important and there were a lot of child actors to use. Tracy excels in his understated performance, a complete opposite to the frenetic performance by Rooney. No matter, you should see this film.
Boys Town is still in existence in Nebraska and other locations around the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls directly, and helping over 1.4 million every year through their services. In 1984 the Village of Boys Town was designated a National Historic Landmark District.
Just to freshen your memory, Boys Town is the story of Father Flanagan (1886 - 1948) who started an orphanage in Nebraska. I guess that doesn't sound very exciting, does it? Mickey Rooney adds plenty of excitement. The movie depicts Rooney as a boy on his way to delinquency, and Flanagan's attempt to save him.
The energy that Rooney brought to the role is amazing. Tracy won the Oscar for Best Actor, and I believe he deserved it, but you should see the way Rooney handles his part. Boys Town also won the Oscar for Best Writing and was nominated for three others, including Best Picture and Best Director.
It is said that some of the residents of Boys Town were actors in the film. The main roles were played by actors, and Rooney wasn't the only standout. The real Boys Town A Cappella Choir does appear in concert.
I particularly liked Pee Wee played by Bobs Watson (1930 - 1999). Bobs was his father's nickname for him, so he wouldn't be confused with Bobby Watson (1888 - 1965) another actor of the era. Bobs has 54 titles on film and TV, and he eventually became a minister, while continuing to act. In 1941 he reprised his role as Pee Wee in the sequel, Men of Boys Town.
Rooney's older brother (and bank robber) Joe Marsh was played by veteran actor Edward Norris (1911 - 2002). Norris' first movie was Queen Christina (1933) starring Greta Garbo. Norris went on to play in 87 titles through the 1950s and on TV into the early 1960s. Most of his movie roles were in B pictures. He was a solid Bit Actor.
Another wonderful actor is Henry Hull (1890 - 1977) who played Flanagan's friend, Dave Morris. Hull has 111 titles on his list. I knew I had seen him before, and then I saw some of his titles; Stanley and Livingston (1939), Babes in Arms (1939), High Sierra (1941), and Lifeboat (1944). All great movies with great leading stars.
Maybe there was a little over acting in Boys Town, but it was made in 1938, when drama was very important and there were a lot of child actors to use. Tracy excels in his understated performance, a complete opposite to the frenetic performance by Rooney. No matter, you should see this film.
Boys Town is still in existence in Nebraska and other locations around the country, serving over 21,000 boys and girls directly, and helping over 1.4 million every year through their services. In 1984 the Village of Boys Town was designated a National Historic Landmark District.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year!
It is almost time to ring in a new decade. I will probably be taking the next two days off from my Blog, but I will check in to see any comments that may show up. Now, what to watch during the holiday weekend?!?
There are more movies that take place, at least in part, during a New Year's Eve party than you would think. Here are my two suggestions. Please watch them in this order.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) is first. From the hey-day of disaster films, and with an all star cast, the movie starts at the New Year's Eve party, and everything goes down from there. (Sorry!)
Poseidon won the Oscar for Best Music, Original Song. It also received a special achievement award for visual effects, and it was nominated for seven other Oscars. Now tell me, how often have you heard the song, The Morning After since 1973?
As far as the cast, where do you start? Gene Hackman, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons, Ernie Borgnine, Roddy McDowall, Carol Linley, Stella Stevens, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin and Arthur O'Connell.
I think all the Bit Actors they hired to make the film died in the first 15 minutes. At least they got to the party.
In the Bit Part category, we see Leslie Nielsen as the ship's captain, just a few years before he decided he should be a comedian. We also see Sheila Allen, wife of producer/director Irwin Allen. Basically the rest are listed as Man, Woman, or Falling Man in the cast list.
Finish the evening with When Harry Met Sally (1989). This is Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal at their best. Carrie Fisher has a good part that can help you get over her Star Wars role as Princess Leia.
The movie winds through the lives of a man and a woman who knew each other in school. As the years go by they keep getting together and drifting apart, but never as a couple. Their frank interactions are unconsciously bringing them together, with no topic of discussion off limits for them. The final scene is at the New Year's Eve party.
Again, there are no Bit Actors that easily stand out in this movie. When you think about it, that is what a Bit Part is. It should add to the feel of the movie without taking the attention away from the story or the stars. There are 35 names below the main characters in the cast list, and I really don't remember most of them in spite of seeing the movie several times.
I do remember the couples being interviewed about their relationships. That is a highlight of the movie for me. They are all veteran actors and you believe they have all been married for a lifetime. Their professional delivery in those scenes is heartwarming.
The Poseidon Adventure first so you can have a few drinks to help you through the disaster. Then, try to time When Harry Met Sally so that you ring in the new year at the same time as Meg and Billy. By that time in the movie, you are ready for a Happy New Year kiss. And as far as New Year's Resolutions...just try to pay better attention to the Bit Actors!
There are more movies that take place, at least in part, during a New Year's Eve party than you would think. Here are my two suggestions. Please watch them in this order.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) is first. From the hey-day of disaster films, and with an all star cast, the movie starts at the New Year's Eve party, and everything goes down from there. (Sorry!)
Poseidon won the Oscar for Best Music, Original Song. It also received a special achievement award for visual effects, and it was nominated for seven other Oscars. Now tell me, how often have you heard the song, The Morning After since 1973?
As far as the cast, where do you start? Gene Hackman, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons, Ernie Borgnine, Roddy McDowall, Carol Linley, Stella Stevens, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin and Arthur O'Connell.
I think all the Bit Actors they hired to make the film died in the first 15 minutes. At least they got to the party.
In the Bit Part category, we see Leslie Nielsen as the ship's captain, just a few years before he decided he should be a comedian. We also see Sheila Allen, wife of producer/director Irwin Allen. Basically the rest are listed as Man, Woman, or Falling Man in the cast list.
Finish the evening with When Harry Met Sally (1989). This is Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal at their best. Carrie Fisher has a good part that can help you get over her Star Wars role as Princess Leia.
The movie winds through the lives of a man and a woman who knew each other in school. As the years go by they keep getting together and drifting apart, but never as a couple. Their frank interactions are unconsciously bringing them together, with no topic of discussion off limits for them. The final scene is at the New Year's Eve party.
Again, there are no Bit Actors that easily stand out in this movie. When you think about it, that is what a Bit Part is. It should add to the feel of the movie without taking the attention away from the story or the stars. There are 35 names below the main characters in the cast list, and I really don't remember most of them in spite of seeing the movie several times.
I do remember the couples being interviewed about their relationships. That is a highlight of the movie for me. They are all veteran actors and you believe they have all been married for a lifetime. Their professional delivery in those scenes is heartwarming.
The Poseidon Adventure first so you can have a few drinks to help you through the disaster. Then, try to time When Harry Met Sally so that you ring in the new year at the same time as Meg and Billy. By that time in the movie, you are ready for a Happy New Year kiss. And as far as New Year's Resolutions...just try to pay better attention to the Bit Actors!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Teahouse of the August Moon
I am still thinking about a good New Year's Eve movie to recommend, but The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956) came to mind for some reason. It has nothing at all to do with the holiday, but it's a good movie, and any holiday is reason enough to watch a good movie.
Marlon Brando (1924 - 2004) was given top billing, and he did a stellar, out-of-character job with the part. It is said that many people complained to the theater managers when the movie came out because they thought Brando wasn't in it. In fact he has major screen time throughout the movie, but he is playing a Japanese character.
The other three stars, Paul Ford (1901 - 1976), Glenn Ford (1916 - 2006), and Eddie Albert (1906 - 2005) are all at their best, working together with Brando. None of them stands out over the others, but Glenn Ford and Eddie Albert work particularly well together.
If you haven't seen the film, it is about the American occupation of Japan after WWII, and a team in Okinawa who are supposed to teach democracy. Glenn Ford is sent to a small village and instructed to build a school house (pentagon shaped). When he appears to be cracking up, his superior (Paul Ford) sends in Eddie Albert, a psychologist, to see what can be done. They are both taken in by the villagers, and comedy ensues.
The only other Bit Actor worth talking about is Harry Harvey, Jr. (1929 - 1978). Son of Harry Harvey (1901 - 1985), Harry Jr. was in 89 roles, compared to dad's 419 titles.
Junior's first movie was Tell Your Children (1936), which was re-released as Reefer Madness. He went on to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) starring Danny Kaye, and in 1956 he appears in Forbidden Planet with Robbie the Robot (b. 1955). Then a bunch of TV guest work.
That was fun! Now go see The Teahouse of the August Moon and I am sure you'll agree. If you still need a suggestion for New Year's Eve, please see this New Year's post at MovieFanFare. That's a great blog, too.
Marlon Brando (1924 - 2004) was given top billing, and he did a stellar, out-of-character job with the part. It is said that many people complained to the theater managers when the movie came out because they thought Brando wasn't in it. In fact he has major screen time throughout the movie, but he is playing a Japanese character.
The other three stars, Paul Ford (1901 - 1976), Glenn Ford (1916 - 2006), and Eddie Albert (1906 - 2005) are all at their best, working together with Brando. None of them stands out over the others, but Glenn Ford and Eddie Albert work particularly well together.
If you haven't seen the film, it is about the American occupation of Japan after WWII, and a team in Okinawa who are supposed to teach democracy. Glenn Ford is sent to a small village and instructed to build a school house (pentagon shaped). When he appears to be cracking up, his superior (Paul Ford) sends in Eddie Albert, a psychologist, to see what can be done. They are both taken in by the villagers, and comedy ensues.
Most of the bit parts are played by Asians, and they are mostly unknown here, although many have extensive acting credits. Harry Morgan (b. 1915) played a sergeant, and he was already a star. I have always like Harry, ever since I can remember, probably starting with "Dragnet." He is 95 years old now, and I wish him well.
Junior's first movie was Tell Your Children (1936), which was re-released as Reefer Madness. He went on to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947) starring Danny Kaye, and in 1956 he appears in Forbidden Planet with Robbie the Robot (b. 1955). Then a bunch of TV guest work.
That was fun! Now go see The Teahouse of the August Moon and I am sure you'll agree. If you still need a suggestion for New Year's Eve, please see this New Year's post at MovieFanFare. That's a great blog, too.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Post Christmas Post
I hope your Christmas was filled with movie memories. I saw many DVDs and Blu-ray discs given out at my family gathering, and some liquid refreshment to go with it. I came home with a very nice Kentucky bourbon gift.
Over the holidays we watched A Christmas Story (1983) from the creative mind of Jean Shepherd (1921 - 1999). It is based on his novel, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. Even though they were not mega-stars, Melinda Dillon (b. 1939) and Darren McGavin (1922 - 2006) were big stars and brought a lot of talent to the film.
Perhaps there was some over acting, but the movie is supposed to be the memories of Jean Shepherd's youth, seen after the years have embellished them. Over acting was required to make it more fun. The choice of music was interesting as well. I noticed some Peter and the Wolf used when Ralphie and his friends encountered the neighborhood bully.
Of course Melinda Dillon was in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) as her big role. Close Encounters was the top grossing film of all time, until E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial blew it away in 1982. My favorite scene of hers in A Christmas Story is when she is trying to get Ralphie's little brother to eat.
Darren McGavin always seemed to play the same character in everything. No one will forget his expression of pride when he wins the crossword puzzle contest and receives his "major award." I remember him well from his TV series, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" in the 1970s. His screen work started in 1945 and he has 180 titles in IMDb, mostly TV work. In one movie role he played the gambler in The Natural (1984) but was uncredited.
Ralphie was played by Peter Billingsley (b. 1971). Cute is not enough to describe him in the movie! Those blue eyes were captivating, and his expressions, priceless. He was, at 12 years old, the star of the film.
Billingsley has been successful in Hollywood as a producer, director and actor. He has 31 titles as an actor. A Christmas Story was his fifth movie. He produced ten titles, about half of them on TV, and he directed Couples Retreat just last year.
Most of the other children in this film didn't fair well in acting, except maybe Zack Ward (b. 1970). Zack has 85 titles so far, although none of them are really big hits. He makes a living, and that's the important thing.
I must now look forward to New Year's Eve movies. Any suggestions?
Over the holidays we watched A Christmas Story (1983) from the creative mind of Jean Shepherd (1921 - 1999). It is based on his novel, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. Even though they were not mega-stars, Melinda Dillon (b. 1939) and Darren McGavin (1922 - 2006) were big stars and brought a lot of talent to the film.
Perhaps there was some over acting, but the movie is supposed to be the memories of Jean Shepherd's youth, seen after the years have embellished them. Over acting was required to make it more fun. The choice of music was interesting as well. I noticed some Peter and the Wolf used when Ralphie and his friends encountered the neighborhood bully.
Of course Melinda Dillon was in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) as her big role. Close Encounters was the top grossing film of all time, until E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial blew it away in 1982. My favorite scene of hers in A Christmas Story is when she is trying to get Ralphie's little brother to eat.
Darren McGavin always seemed to play the same character in everything. No one will forget his expression of pride when he wins the crossword puzzle contest and receives his "major award." I remember him well from his TV series, "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" in the 1970s. His screen work started in 1945 and he has 180 titles in IMDb, mostly TV work. In one movie role he played the gambler in The Natural (1984) but was uncredited.
Ralphie was played by Peter Billingsley (b. 1971). Cute is not enough to describe him in the movie! Those blue eyes were captivating, and his expressions, priceless. He was, at 12 years old, the star of the film. Billingsley has been successful in Hollywood as a producer, director and actor. He has 31 titles as an actor. A Christmas Story was his fifth movie. He produced ten titles, about half of them on TV, and he directed Couples Retreat just last year.
Most of the other children in this film didn't fair well in acting, except maybe Zack Ward (b. 1970). Zack has 85 titles so far, although none of them are really big hits. He makes a living, and that's the important thing.
I must now look forward to New Year's Eve movies. Any suggestions?
Friday, December 24, 2010
A Swing Time Christmas
Any time is a good time for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, especially if its Christmas time and the movie is Swing Time (1936). Swing Time won an Oscar for best music, and Hermes Pan was nominated for another for best dance routine. Plus, Ginger was never prettier! Even with whipped cream in her hair.
The best Christmas scene in this movie is the snow scene. It was shot on a sound stage, which is obvious, but you do get a little cold watching it, especially when Fred gets a face full of snow as Ginger starts the car! The song, A Fine Romance, sung during the snow scene really helps warm you up.
Alas, the rest of the cast never comes to mind when you think about Fred and Ginger. Their ten films together include some of the finest dancing you will ever see, so why remember the cast, or even the story line?
Well, there were others in the cast. Who can remember Betty Furness (1916 - 1994) on "What's My Line" in the 1950s and "To Tell the Truth" in the 1960s? She was there, in one of her 45 movie and TV roles. Betty was also in Flying Down to Rio (1933) with Fred and Ginger.
Victor Moore (1876 - 1962) appears as well. He has 71 roles to his credit, including 23 silent short films in 1917 alone. He also made two movies with Bob Hope, Louisiana Purchase (1941) and Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) also with Bing Crosby. Look for Moore in This is the Army (1943), a Ronald Reagan movie starring George Murphy (1902 - 1992). Moore's last film was The Seven Year Itch (1955) with Marilyn Monroe.
Here's a Bit Actor to know...Helen Broderick (1891 - 1959). Swing Time is one of her 35 movies. She was also the mother of Broderick Crawford (1911 - 1986) who has 140 titles listed. And I didn't know they were both born in Philadelphia, just like this Blogger!
Two more and we'll call it a day. Eric Blore (1887 - 1959) has 86 wonderful titles. I think I may come back to him in another post. Blore was in The Lady Eve (1941), among his other work from 1920 to 1955. And let's not forget Georges Metaxa (1899 - 1950) who only made 12 films, but did a great job at Ricky Romero, the band leader who gambles with Fred for his band.
I hope everyone reading has a wonderful Christmas. I appreciate all the comments and e-mails I have received since I started this project, and several of you have become regular correspondents. That's what makes this fun...sharing and discussing the great moments and great personalities in film.
I will not be writing tomorrow, but keep watching for more Bit Part Actors. There are a lot of them! Spend some time with Fred and Ginger over the holidays.
The best Christmas scene in this movie is the snow scene. It was shot on a sound stage, which is obvious, but you do get a little cold watching it, especially when Fred gets a face full of snow as Ginger starts the car! The song, A Fine Romance, sung during the snow scene really helps warm you up.
Alas, the rest of the cast never comes to mind when you think about Fred and Ginger. Their ten films together include some of the finest dancing you will ever see, so why remember the cast, or even the story line?
Well, there were others in the cast. Who can remember Betty Furness (1916 - 1994) on "What's My Line" in the 1950s and "To Tell the Truth" in the 1960s? She was there, in one of her 45 movie and TV roles. Betty was also in Flying Down to Rio (1933) with Fred and Ginger.
Victor Moore (1876 - 1962) appears as well. He has 71 roles to his credit, including 23 silent short films in 1917 alone. He also made two movies with Bob Hope, Louisiana Purchase (1941) and Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) also with Bing Crosby. Look for Moore in This is the Army (1943), a Ronald Reagan movie starring George Murphy (1902 - 1992). Moore's last film was The Seven Year Itch (1955) with Marilyn Monroe.
Here's a Bit Actor to know...Helen Broderick (1891 - 1959). Swing Time is one of her 35 movies. She was also the mother of Broderick Crawford (1911 - 1986) who has 140 titles listed. And I didn't know they were both born in Philadelphia, just like this Blogger!
I hope everyone reading has a wonderful Christmas. I appreciate all the comments and e-mails I have received since I started this project, and several of you have become regular correspondents. That's what makes this fun...sharing and discussing the great moments and great personalities in film.
I will not be writing tomorrow, but keep watching for more Bit Part Actors. There are a lot of them! Spend some time with Fred and Ginger over the holidays.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Vacation
I know, it isn't really a classic. But you have to admit, this Chevy Chase (b. 1943) film has some good lines, good slap-stick, and the most important thing, it has Mae Questel (1908 - 1998).
Christmas Vacation (1989) was Mae's last film, in a career that includes 382 titles starting in 1930. Mae is best known as the voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl in cartoons. Her Betty Boop voice is a copy of the original Boop-Boop-A-Doop girl, Helen Kane (1904 - 1966).
I had the pleasure of meeting Mae twice, while I was a bored member in The Sons of the Desert. The first time was at a banquet in New York City, and then she came to the Philadelphia SoD convention in 1986. She was fun, and always ready to tell a story about the old days.
Mae entertained us on banquet night, singing with Vince Giordano's Nighthawk Orchestra. You can see some of her performance in the Emmy award winning TV documentary "The Revenge of the Sons of the Desert" filmed by Sandy Marshall at the convention. (You'll see me in it as well!)
Mae's later films included a voice part in Bells Are Ringing (1960), Funny Girl (1968), Zelig (1983) a Woody Allen film where she did the voice of Helen Kane, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) again as Betty Boop.
I'd also like to recognize Doris Roberts (b. 1930) who played the lush (used as a noun) mother-in-law. Doris is a perfect Bit Actor. She has 127 titles listed, starting in 1952. She was in A New Leaf in 1971 and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974, among a lot of other work. She also made a lot of TV remakes of famous movies, like "Bell, Book and Candle," "It Happened One Christmas" a remake of It's a Wonderful Life, and "The Diary of Anne Frank."
And we can't forget William Hickey (1927 - 1997). I have written about him in my post on The Nightmare Before Christmas. Check out my archives.
The rest of the cast does a great job supporting this Chevy Chase showcase. Beverly D'Angelo (b. 1951) is charming as always. Juliette Lewis (b. 1973) plays Chase's daughter. She is now making quite a name for herself as an actress with 56 titles. Johnny Galecki (b. 1975) was the son, and he now has 46 titles.
Veteran actors, E. G. Marshall (1914 - 1998), John Randolph (1915 - 2004), Miriam Flynn (b. 1952), and the ever strange Randy Quaid (b. 1950) all add their magic to the film, without interfering with Chase's antics.
As I said, for a real classic movie fan, this will probably never be a classic. But if you are in the mood for something lighter than A Christmas Carol, this just might be perfect.
Christmas Vacation (1989) was Mae's last film, in a career that includes 382 titles starting in 1930. Mae is best known as the voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl in cartoons. Her Betty Boop voice is a copy of the original Boop-Boop-A-Doop girl, Helen Kane (1904 - 1966).
I had the pleasure of meeting Mae twice, while I was a bored member in The Sons of the Desert. The first time was at a banquet in New York City, and then she came to the Philadelphia SoD convention in 1986. She was fun, and always ready to tell a story about the old days.
Mae entertained us on banquet night, singing with Vince Giordano's Nighthawk Orchestra. You can see some of her performance in the Emmy award winning TV documentary "The Revenge of the Sons of the Desert" filmed by Sandy Marshall at the convention. (You'll see me in it as well!)
Mae's later films included a voice part in Bells Are Ringing (1960), Funny Girl (1968), Zelig (1983) a Woody Allen film where she did the voice of Helen Kane, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) again as Betty Boop.
I'd also like to recognize Doris Roberts (b. 1930) who played the lush (used as a noun) mother-in-law. Doris is a perfect Bit Actor. She has 127 titles listed, starting in 1952. She was in A New Leaf in 1971 and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974, among a lot of other work. She also made a lot of TV remakes of famous movies, like "Bell, Book and Candle," "It Happened One Christmas" a remake of It's a Wonderful Life, and "The Diary of Anne Frank."
And we can't forget William Hickey (1927 - 1997). I have written about him in my post on The Nightmare Before Christmas. Check out my archives.
The rest of the cast does a great job supporting this Chevy Chase showcase. Beverly D'Angelo (b. 1951) is charming as always. Juliette Lewis (b. 1973) plays Chase's daughter. She is now making quite a name for herself as an actress with 56 titles. Johnny Galecki (b. 1975) was the son, and he now has 46 titles.
Veteran actors, E. G. Marshall (1914 - 1998), John Randolph (1915 - 2004), Miriam Flynn (b. 1952), and the ever strange Randy Quaid (b. 1950) all add their magic to the film, without interfering with Chase's antics.
As I said, for a real classic movie fan, this will probably never be a classic. But if you are in the mood for something lighter than A Christmas Carol, this just might be perfect.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Bit Actors Blog Label Problem
I was just looking at my blog layout. My problem is that there are a LOT of subjects in my chosen topic.
A few weeks ago I added a label cloud on the right of my blog. It would allow you to look for a name or title, and simply click on it to go to relevant posts. I have now added labels for about half of my existing posts, and the cloud is really looming large.
I changed it to an alphabetical list, which isn't much better, but it is easier to read. I am afraid if I continue adding labels, the list will be much longer than the page allows, causing it to look off balance.
I still think labels are a good thing, so I will continue adding them. I hope I can find a solution. Maybe I can figure out a way to put the labels as a separate page. I can make two label lists, one for titles and one for names, but that is considerably more time consuming.
I hope you keep reading! I am still having fun writing about my friends. Any suggestions from experienced Blogspotters can be left in the comments or sent to me at bitactors@gmail.com.
A few weeks ago I added a label cloud on the right of my blog. It would allow you to look for a name or title, and simply click on it to go to relevant posts. I have now added labels for about half of my existing posts, and the cloud is really looming large.
I changed it to an alphabetical list, which isn't much better, but it is easier to read. I am afraid if I continue adding labels, the list will be much longer than the page allows, causing it to look off balance.
I still think labels are a good thing, so I will continue adding them. I hope I can find a solution. Maybe I can figure out a way to put the labels as a separate page. I can make two label lists, one for titles and one for names, but that is considerably more time consuming.
I hope you keep reading! I am still having fun writing about my friends. Any suggestions from experienced Blogspotters can be left in the comments or sent to me at bitactors@gmail.com.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Bridge on the River Kwai...for Christmas?
A recent acquisition of mine is the recently restored collector's edition of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). Now, how do I justify writing about a WWII movie at Christmas time? No problem...this is a GREAT gift idea!
Columbia Pictures and Sony have released it just in time, and in a gift package that is perfect for any movie buff. The box includes both a DVD and Blu-ray disc. They are packaged in a 32 page book, with the Blu-ray disc in the front and the DVD in the back. You also get a dozen small copies of the lobby cards. See one below.
The pages of the book contain movie posters, a list of credits, stories about the film, and a LOAD of photos. A lot of content is from the original 1957 souvenir book.
The disc has a few special features, including stars William Holden (1918 - 1981) and Sir Alec Guinness (1914 - 2000) on "The Steve Allen Show." Actually, he didn't receive his title until 1959, so he wasn't 'Sir' at that time.
The movie itself is worthy of a blog post. It earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Alec Guinness). The cast list is pretty short, though, and leaves me little in the way of Bit Actors to talk about. I believe that the main characters, played by Holden, Guinness, Jack Hawkins (1910 - 1973) and Sessue Hayakawa (1889 - 1973) all shared equally in the success of this film.
There were a few others who played the prisoners, and of course there was a good number of Asians playing their captors. Hayakawa had quite a career, spanning the years 1914 to 1966 and 103 titles. He worked with many stars including Jerry Lewis in The Geisha Boy (1958).
This release is a bargain. If you don't receive it as a present, make sure you buy it for yourself!
Columbia Pictures and Sony have released it just in time, and in a gift package that is perfect for any movie buff. The box includes both a DVD and Blu-ray disc. They are packaged in a 32 page book, with the Blu-ray disc in the front and the DVD in the back. You also get a dozen small copies of the lobby cards. See one below.
The pages of the book contain movie posters, a list of credits, stories about the film, and a LOAD of photos. A lot of content is from the original 1957 souvenir book.
The disc has a few special features, including stars William Holden (1918 - 1981) and Sir Alec Guinness (1914 - 2000) on "The Steve Allen Show." Actually, he didn't receive his title until 1959, so he wasn't 'Sir' at that time.
There were a few others who played the prisoners, and of course there was a good number of Asians playing their captors. Hayakawa had quite a career, spanning the years 1914 to 1966 and 103 titles. He worked with many stars including Jerry Lewis in The Geisha Boy (1958).
This release is a bargain. If you don't receive it as a present, make sure you buy it for yourself!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)