SueSueApplegate

The festival is indeed a great deal of fun, wouldbestar, and you are just as enthusiastic about it now as I remember you had been when I met you last year! I will try to keep everyone informed about all the antics, excitment, and information as I possibly can. We will miss you!

Dear Kingrat, Thank you for doing such a wonderful job of hosting the challenge this year! Hope to see you soon! Everyone has spent so much time and energy working on these fantastic ideas! Congratulations on all your hard work! Sincerely, Sue X 2

Last year in Austin for the *Rio Bravo* screening with Ben Mankiewicz and Angie Dickinson, I heard that some folks had waited for two hours.

Carol, I haven't heard anything yet, and I didn't read anything about it on the recent update. Have you read about the recent update? Don't you love it? (http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Files/Dynamic/i159/tcmcff2012_3.8filmsandtalentrelease_030820120206.pdf) But maybe they will announce specials at the beginning of the festival or have flyers in our goodie bags.

*Robert Wagner, Dick Van Dyke, Thelma Schoonmaker, A.C. Lyles, ShirleyJones, Angie Dickinson, Norman Jewison, Stanley Donen and more!!!* *Check out the complete UPDATE!!!* Follow this link: http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Files/Dynamic/i159/tcmcff2012_3.8filmsandtalentrelease_030820120206.pdf

*Robert Wagner, Dick Van Dyke, Editor Thelma Schoonmaker, Producer A.C. Lyles, Shirley Jones, Angie Dickinson, Director Norman Jewison, Stanley Donen,Serge Bromberg, Costume Designer Debra Nadoolman Landis, Rose McGowan, Makeup Designer Rick Baker, Bela Lugosi Jr., and Sara Karloff!!!* *Check out the complete UPDATE!!!* *http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Files/Dynamic/i159/tcmcff2012_3.8filmsandtalentrelease_030820120206.pdf*

What an update! The 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival will honor actress Kim Novak with a multi-tiered celebration of her extraordinary career. Among the events, Novak will have her hand and footprints enshrined in concrete in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. She will also join TCM host Robert Osborne for an in-depth conversation to be taped in front of a live audience for airing on TCM later. And she will introduce a screening of Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful classic Vertigo (1958). Follow this link for the entire update and Kim Novak biography! http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Files/Dynamic/i159/tcmcff2012_kimnovakannouncement_030620121014.pdf

Any chance Sean Ferrer might introduce any of Audrey Hepburn's films? His 2003 book "Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit" was an enjoyable personal biography about his mother and her contributions to UNICEF. To visit the official site for the Audrey Hepburn's Children's Fund organized by Sean Ferrer, follow this link: http://www.audreyhepburn.com/

I think the update might be just around the corner! To visit the official Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund website, follow this link: http://www.audreyhepburn.com/

You might want to check out the Classic Vogue patterns at your local fabric store. They have several dresses that are somewhat similar to a few of the "Pandora" vestments...

Thank you, darrylfxanax! Your comments are always appreciated. Did anyone watch Dave last night? I was so happy that Alec Baldwin and David Letterman were both singing praises of Robert Osborne, The Essentials, and the Turner Classic Movie Channel! And they were both welcoming wonderful Drew Barrymore! What with the festival looming in April, and a new season approaching, there is much to be gratful for on the TCM Classic Film Channel horizon in 2012.

Dear Darrylfxanax, Thanks for such a great tip! I am so glad the TCM Film Festival is receiving more news coverage. Here's the link, if anyone else wants to visit: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/liza-minnelli-joel-grey-debbie-286201

I am very happy that Eva Marie Saint and Ben Mankiewicz are coming to town. Maybe we can call meet for the screening? Houston Wednesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. (CT) Museum of Fine Arts ON THE WATERFRONT (1954) Hosted by Ben Mankiewicz, with special guest Eva Marie Saint Tickets available February 29.

Back at St. Mary's Lodge and Resort, my friend Bill seemed amazed that at the tender age of 16 that he had been thrust into the midst of an RKO film location, but he accepted his surroundings, and went about his duties near Glacier National Park. At the cozy lodge restaurant, they mainly served steaks and roast beef secured from the Pendergast Ranch, where most of the cattle scenes had been recorded. Most of the film crew would go to the dining room for their meals, but Barbara Stanwyck was rarely seen there. Bill supposes that she had many meals sent to her suite. As for those horsebackriding scenes, Stanwyck was obviously proud of her prowess and courage, according to Axel Madsen's biography, Stanwyck . But Stanwyck also had back trouble, and Bill claims that she was much "bumpier" in the saddle than Ronald Reagan that summer in Montana, and he stated that she "looked" like a greenhorn in the saddle, especially compared to Reagan, who seemed "born to the reins" and rode all over the resort and park areas. As for Allan Dwan, about seventy years of age during the Montana shoot, Bill knew he was around because if he had ordered something done, staff was rushed into service to meet the demands, but he sheepishly admitted that " If I saw him, I wouldn't have known him from a hole in the wall," and that's not such a surprising revelation coming from someone who was only 16. Many of the young teenagers spending their summers at St. Mary's Lodge and Resort came to earning money money for college, and 17 or 18 of those students had arrived from a seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, hometown of lodge proprietor Hugh Black. "That summer for some of those seminary kids was a real eye-opener," and especially for one young lady that Bill remembers. "Some of those folks were pretty wild and rowdy, and one young lady from the seminary school was even afraid to go and clean their rooms because she was afraid that she might get pregnant or catch some sort of incurable disease." But such crises were averted as other staffers volunteered to take those dangerous custodial duties. Jack Elam was definitely a boisterous and rowdy character, and Bill always remembers him laughing and joking with the film crew and hotel staff as well. "He was always cracking a joke, and he definitely had an eye for the ladies. Oh, yes. He was popular." Link to Jack Elam article: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/23/obituaries/23ELAM.html Barbara Stanwyck wasn't the type to shy away from anything, but Bill's encounter during that summer of 1954 revealed that she was quiet, kept to herself and her rooms, but still did most all of her stunts. And she always looked great in her western gear... And as of yet, I haven't heard of any of Miss Stanwyck's films being presented at the TCM Film Fest 2012, but I do know that I am happy that one of the world's loveliest stylicons is heavily featured in the doings, and was known to don a little western gear from time to time...

Countess, that was a wonderful suggestion about Ann Rutherford and Marsha Hunt and their connection with Jane Austen's/David O. Selznick's *Pride and Prejudice*. And I am also impressed with your salient comments concerning Hollywood fashion, its influence on the pattern-making industry, and international fashion in general. Thank you for your "STYLISH" savoir faire...

Cinerama Dome, here we come! Dear Kyle, Thank you for those lovely "Baby Peggy" posters. And I can't wait to see Debbie introducing *How The West Was Won* in Cinerama. Please feel free to visit anytime! Dear David, Thank you so much for the tour information. My plans are not yet completely "firmed" up, but I will certainly keep this enticing excursion on the front burner. (I'm always cooking something up!) Dear wouldbestar, It was so wonderful to meet you last year! Send me a PM. If you come to Texas, maybe we can meet for lunch! Sue X 2

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to announce.... an UPDATE! *Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Debbie Reynolds, Femmes Fatale And Silent Era Child Star "Baby Peggy" Join TCM Classic Film Festival Line Up* Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Debbie Reynolds and "Baby Peggy" Diana Serra Cary, along with film noir leading ladies Peggy Cummins, Rhonda Fleming and Marsha Hunt are the latest stars scheduled to appear at the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival. In addition, the festival's celebration of Style in the Movies will include an extensive tribute to Audrey Hepburn including screenings of Sabrina (1954), Funny Face (1957) and the world premiere of a new 45th anniversary restoration of Two for the Road (1967). The following is a roster of newly added screenings and/or appearances: Opening Night Gala CABARET (1972) – World premiere 40th anniversary restoration, with Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey* in attendance One of the most acclaimed films of its era, Bob Fosse's CABARET stars Oscar-winner Liza Minnelli as an American singer looking for love and success in pre-World War II Berlin. Joel Grey, who is currently co-starring in the Broadway revival of Anything Goes, earned an Oscar as the ubiquitous Master of Ceremonies. Style in the Movies – The Noir Style Presented by Eddie Muller, founder of the Film Noir Foundation, this collection explores the unique style of film noir, known for its often-shadowy black-and-white photography and stylistic set design. (Check out the website: http://filmnoirfoundation.org/) RAW DEAL (1948) – In attendance: Marsha Hunt GUN CRAZY (1950) – In attendance: Peggy Cummins CRY DANGER (1951) – New restoration, in attendance: Rhonda Fleming Audrey Hepburn: Style Icon The TCM Classic Film Festival pays tribute to one of the most beautiful and stylish actresses ever to grace the screen with this collection of films showcasing Audrey Hepburn. SABRINA (1954) FUNNY FACE (1957) TWO FOR THE ROAD (1967) – World premiere of new restoration funded by The Film Foundation Additional Events & Screenings THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924) – Featuring live accompaniment by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra GRAND ILLUSION (1937) – North American premiere of 75th anniversary restoration SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) – World premiere of 60th anniversary restoration, featuring an appearance by Debbie Reynolds HOW THE WEST WAS WON (1962) – Presented in Cinerama and featuring an appearance by Debbie Reynolds – Event sponsored by Arclight Cinemas and presented at the Cinerama Dome. BABY PEGGY: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM (2010) – U.S. premiere; in attendance: "Baby Peggy" Diana Serra Cary and filmmaker Vera Iwerebor Follow this link for more information on the FUN we are going to have at 2012 this year: http://i.cnn.net/v5cache/TCM/Files/Dynamic/i157/tcmcff2012_minnelliannouncement_013120120201.pdf Love Rhonda Fleming? Then you will enjoy her website, so go there if you've never been there before: http://www.rhondafleming.com/

Kyle, that sounds like a great idea for watching the Peter O'Toole interview. Maybe in Club TCM? Or if something else hasn't been set up in the lobby, there might be a large screen set up in the lobby. Sounds like more fun!

Dear Mongo, I've just been reading Fred Astaire's autobiography with the foreword written by Ginger Rogers, and I was so tickled to see that great image of Fred with all his dancing shoes. Adorable! (Just like you!)

My dear friend, Bill, who works with me at a local community college, is quite the raconteur. He counts among his many brushes with greatness such luminaries as Jacqueline Kennedy, Garrison Keillor, and many Baseball Hall of Famers. But I managed to wheedle and whirl such a travelogue of Hollywood lore from his vast internal landscape that some of it cannot be recounted due to the licentiousness of its nature.... But during the summer of 1954, young Bill, who was sixteen going on seventeen ( and don't cue Rodgers & Hammerstein yet, please), found himself lured to Glacier National Park in Montana by Minnesota friend and entrepreneur Hugh Black to work at St. Mary Lodge and Resort, built by Black and his burgeoning consortium around 1937 just outside the entrance to Glacier National Park shortly after Black discovered he was not being employed by the National Park Service any longer. The original section of the lodge before remodeling is the whole block to the right of the center supports in the pictured structure of the current St. Mary Lodge, in St. Mary, Montana. As Bill shortly discovered during that summer, a film company from Hollywood (RKO) had just arrived to begin work on *Cattle Queen of Montana*. Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan were the stars of the film, and they were housed in St. Mary's Lodge, the building which also included the restaurant for most the film's principals and the director, Allan Dwan, immortalized in Peter Bogdanovich's *Who The Devil Made It*, and responsible for bringing such classics to the screen as *Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm* (1938), *The Three Musketeers* (1939), *Sands of Iwo Jima* (1949), and *Robin Hood* with Douglas Fairbanks (1922). Extras, crew, and other actors, like Jack Elam, were housed in several motel units, and would venture forth for meals to the restaurant located in the main lodge. During that summer, Bill had several responsibilities and did all kinds of jobs all over the property, and fondly remembers trips on the old "gear-strippers" as the young staff members called them. According to the Glacier Park, Inc. Website, "the White Motor Company between 1936 and 1939 built Glacier’s red-with-black trim vehicles. This fleet of Red Buses is considered the oldest intact fleet of passenger carrying vehicles anywhere. These 17 passenger convertible touring sedans are more than a mere means of transportation for locals and visitors - they are cherished, elegant icons of Glacier National Park." Bill also fondly remembers Ronald Reagan, and how he was always " out and about," because if Reagan wasn't riding a horse all around the beautiful property or in the park, he would walk and take in the scenery, always chatting gregariously with the crew and resort staff, and loved to be out of doors. Bill broke into a wide grin when he remembered Ronald Reagan. "He didn't like to be riding around in the company cars because he would rather be riding the range on a horse or going for a hike, and he was very comfortable in the saddle, unlike some of the other film actors who frequented the resort," Bill stated. More later in Part II of "My Friend, Bill." Here's a link to the video about the red bus tours: Here's a link to information about St. Mary Lodge and Resort: http://www.glacierparkinc.com/tour_detail.php?id=1

Dearest Kyle! Thank you so much for the delightful Walter Plunkett drawing of Barbara Stanwyck as Annie Oakley! You are a treasure. Can't wait to see you again at the stylish Hollywood Roosevelt this April for TCM Film Fest 2012...

A stylish cowgirl... Looks like Barbara is telling him what to do with his pistols… Poster for the film… Just had a wonderful conversation with one of my colleagues after I had discovered he had been an extra on the set of *Cattle Queen of Montana* with Barbara Stanwyck and Ronald Reagan, so the highlights of this chat will be included in the next post, and I'll have to interrupt my fashion passion.... Sue Sue Applegate

Thanks for the kudos, Cinemaven. Just couldn't resist more chapeau show, folks... Listen, sister.... A bit of fluff... Lionized.. I don't think I can fit that clamshell in my purse...maybe it'll fit in my hat! Is that a loose snood with William Powell? Hood ornament... Cherries Jubilee... More Mame...Boxed Like Proust. Talk about Buttons and Bows.... The Sophisticate with gloves edged in eyelet lace, embroidery and sequins... This is the hall of famer.....One of my favorite Rosalind Russell hat pics... And the all time attention-grabber.....

{font:Arial} {font} Travis Banton not only worked on Rosalind Russell's costumes on Broadway, but he also helped decorate the iconic star in Sister Kenny(1946), Mourning Becomes Electra (1947), The Velvet Touch (1948) and a couple others. But I think that his designs for Russell's stage version of Mame are lovely... And could that gal wear a hat like nobody else... I think I'll predict more hats on the runway to the Vanity Fair party this year.... From 1939's The Women... Hats Off to Roz! Ooops! How did this Glamzilla shot sneak in with my chapeau show? Next Up: That statement-shaking Kalloch design from His Girl Friday

Travis Banton designed costumes for Rosalind Russell in the Broadway version of *Auntie Mame* which had over nine hundred performances in the 1950s, prior to the development of the movie version. Broadway Mame Game.... That lovely Chinese Hostest with the Mostest from Act I Yikes! Mame caught red-handed with Mr. O'Banion...Is that dear Agnes Gooch (Peggy Cass)at the door? You know it takes her practically no time at all to knock off a Dr.Peppuh.... The lovely Final Act Sari..."Vistas you've never dreamed existed...."