bansi4

Good goin' Ken. I just looked up character actor Tom London and he was in well over 500 films (mostly westerns). This is why I encourage member participation since we can usually gain more knowledge regarding our interests in film. Thanks Mongo

bggalaxy I discovered that character actor Irving Bacon was in over 400 films including "You Can't Take It with You" as Henry, the head waiter, "Gone With the Wind" as the corporal, "Meet John Doe" as Beany etc. And thats not counting his short films. Also character actor Roy Bancroft (in many westerns) has appeared in over 300 films. I believe that John Carradine is tied with Ward Bond. Mongo

To Moira regarding Frank McHugh: Fast talking and perpeyually beaming, with a surprised look, he was frequently cast as the loyal but not overly bright friend or assistant of the hero, who was often James Cagney. His trademark was a high-pitched, nervous, braying and triumphantly insulting laugh. As a regular member of the Warner Bros. stock company appearing in more films of the golden era for that studio than any other performer in its history. Born in Pennsylvania, the son of an actor he was practically "born in a trunk" and made his stage debut at 11 with his parents. Going into vaudeville he played the circuits and made it to Broadway in the hit comedy "The Fall Guy" and in "Excess Baggage" with Miriam Hopkins. He landed in Hollywood for good in 1930 at Warners and in 1933 alone made 16 films. His brother, sister and mother also had small parts in the movies. Off screen his buddies were Cagney, Spencer Tracy, Pat O'Brien etc. all part of the so-called Irish Mafia. He married actress Dorothy Spencer and they had 3 children (2 sons and a daughter). Sadly one of his sons was killed in an automobile accident. When his contract with warners finally ended he freelanced but hardly captured the glory of the old days. In his mid-forties he was appearing in fewer films and was off the svreen for 3 years in the 1950s. At age 60 he took up with television co-starring on "The Bing Crosby" show (his buddy from "Going My Way")and made guest appearances on many other shows. After a 5 year hiatus he made a few more films and packed it in 1967 with "Easy Come, Easy Go" starring Elvis Presley, the second time he appeared in a movie with that same title. After many years in the business and many delightful performances he retired to Cos Cob, Connecticut where he died in 1981 at age 83. What a grand character that Frank McHugh was. Mongo

Thank you Sandy. It's nice to know that your on the boards once again. Mongo

*****************HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLITE****************** I wish you the very best today since you are a special person here on the boards and in our hearts. You go girl! Mongo

To Moira regarding Harry Davenport: Grand old character who will always be remembered as Dr. Meade in the classic "Gone With the Wind". He began in acting in films in 1912 and eventually directing silent films. He appeared in many talkies supporting the greatest stars in Hollywood including four with Bette Davis who adored him. She went on to say: "The beauty of Harry Davenport as a human being and as an actor will never be forgotton by any of us who worked with him. His glowinf performance in "All This, and Heaven Too" gave this film such added stature. Even in "The Bride Came C.O.D., a truly ridiculous film, he gave his moments stature. Without doubt, Mr. Davenport was one of the truly great supporting players of all time. Any of us were lucky when he was cast in one of our films". He was a co-founder of what would become Actors Equity an organization for the better treatment of actors including indoor plumbing in the dressing rooms, a six day work week, etc. With the help of Eddie Foy Jr. they became the Champions of the Rights of Actors. Married twice he fathered 4 children by his first wife and one child from his second wife silent screen actress Alice Davenport. His actress daughter Dorothy would marry silent screen idol Wallace Reid and remain married until his untimely death. His daughter Kate had a son that Harry himself would name Dirk. As a young actor in "Richard II" he had worn a 'dirk' (a small dagger)on his costume and always liked the name. His grandson Dirk Wayne Cummings would appear in a bit part in "Gone With the Wind" in the train station scene as the "youngest boy in the band" along side of grandpa. He would go on to become an actor, writer, producer and director and is still active. It's apparent that Harry's genes are contagious and will continue to entertain a whole new generation. No doubt that the beloved Harry Davenport left his mark in countless films including "You Can't Take it With You", "Kings Row", "Meet Me in St. Louis", "The Life of Emile Zola", "The Enchanted Forest" (one of my favorites), etc. The wonderful Harry Davenport passed away in 1949 at age 83. Mongo

Rosinryanz thanks for the salary addition regarding Deanna Durbin. WOW she was right up there with Mae We$t. By the way, if the Swanson book has an index can you possibly research the affair she had with Herbert Marshall for us....if it is in the book? Thanks Mongo

Rosinryanz, I'm sorry to report that Rick Somer is not listed in the book "Who's Who in Hollywood". However I will continue to search for some info. Mongo

Moira, your wish is my command. I will research the highlights of the lives of the fabulous gents that you requested and one by one eventually post them. Many thanks for your interest in this thread. Mongo

To Moviejoe regarding Winifred Shaw: She was born Winifred Lei Momi (the youngest of 13 children) and began her showbiz career in her parents' vaudeville act. Dark-haired, and beautiful of face and voice, she sang "Lullaby of Broadway" in one of the most memorable production numbers in "Gold Diggers of 1935" in which the heroine (Wini Shaw), falls from a skyscraper, screaming as she twirls down to her death. It was Busby Berkeley's favorite sequence of all his dance numbers. Another highlight of hers was "The Lady in Red" which she performed in "In Caliente" (another Berkeley number). Was in many other Warner Bros. films during her most active years (1935-37) including musical shorts. She started at Universal in 1934 in "Million Dollar Ransom", "Wake Up and Dream", etc. Her first marriage produced 3 children. After appearing on Broadway in 1938 in "Let's Play Fair",she quit show business and eventually had a long, happy marriage to New York theater box-office manager William O'Malley until her death in 1982 at age 72. Mongo

I'm gonna miss this sweet, appealing actress who I enjoyed watching in many of her films, especially "Mrs. Miniver", "The Pride of the Yankees", "The Little Foxes", "Shadow of a Doubt", etc. I can recall her at the Oscar reunions sitting on stage at the very end since her name began with "W". It's also sad to imagine that she and Virginia Mayo were the last surviving cast members in "The Best Years of Our Lives". I was always hoping that she would be sitting opposite Robert Osborne for one of his interviews since she played with some of the very best in Hollywood and would have had some great stories to tell. Rest in peace dear lady. Mongo

Wow Moira I must say that was news to me although they made a handsome couple. I wonder if Gloria writes about the affair in her book "Swanson on Swanson"? Mongo

Hey Joe, all that you posted thus far has been very interesting to us movie buffs regarding details of the studio tours, etc. A fine recollection indeed. However I'm waiting to read all about your experience rubbing shoulders with the stars of long-a-go at the autograph show. Mongo

To Moira regarding Gloria Swanson: Moira, in your post when you listed Herb and Gloria Swanson were you referring to her 2nd. husband Herbert K. Somborm who fathered her daughter Gloria? Mongo

Lolite since TCM has the rights to the Warner Brothers movies that you listed, you may be lucky enough to catch them soon and tape them all in a row. Keep your eye on the schedule. Mongo

Thanks for your input lolite. I'll just add that the movie "The Sins of Rachel Cade" is not available on DVD or VHS at this time however a video may be up for grabs on Ebay. Mongo

To Ken regarding Lon Chaney: He was known as the "Man of a Thousand Faces" starring in such 'silent' chillers as "The Penalty", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", "The Phantom of the Opera", "The Unknown", "London After Midnight" and many more, and he himself would apply his own make-up in many. Born Leonidas Frank Chaney on April Fools Day to deaf mute parents, he became a master of pantomine and understanding people who were born different. He left home at age 17 and settling in Hollywood to begin his film career in 1912 with his first film released in 1913. Once established, his features craggy and severe disqualified him from romantic leads which didn't faze the talented actor. He would help both Noble Johnson (the native chief in "King Kong") and Boris Karloff when starting their careers. Co-stars Loretta Young and Joan Crawford also stated that he was also helpful to them. Married twice, becoming the father of one son Creighton who would follow in his fathers footsteps as horror star Lon Chaney Jr. A quiet soul he valued his privacy highly, granting few interviews and disliking the Hollywood social whirl. He much preferred spending quiet time with his family and few close friends, often in his cabin in the Sierra Nevadas, yet he was unfairly labeled as strange and unfriendly. He did not give autographs. He was quoted "Between pictures there is no Lon Chaney. My whole career has been devoted to keeping people from knowing me". In over 160 films his last was his only talkie, a remake of "The Unholy Three". A few other films were lined up for him including the lead role in "Dracula". A heavy smoker Lon Chaney died of throat cancer in 1930 at the age of 47. At the time of his fame a joke was going around "Don't step on it, it might be Lon Chaney". Deservedly he has a star on "The Hollywood Walk of Fame". Mongo

To patypancake regarding Sheree North: Her platinum-blonde starring roles at 20th Century-Fox in the 1950s, as a pseudo - Marilyn Monroe, in such films as "How to be Very Very Popular" in which she dances to "Shake Rattle and Roll" one of the first rock and roll numbers in a movie, and in "The Lieutenant Wore Skirts" she was a knockout. Unfortunately for her the studio decided to build up the career of Jayne Mansfield instead. She also co-starred in "No Down Payment", "In Love and War" and "Madi Gras". Eventually she achieved a total metamorphosis surprising critics with her work and growth giving strong performances in films such as "Madigan", "Charley Varrick", "The Shootist" (all for director Don Siegel) and on television receiving two Emmy nominations, not to mention a stint on Broadway. She is the only performer of her era to achieve such a feat. Still youthful in looks (darker hair) at age 72, she has been married and divorced 3 times and has two lovely daughters Dawn and Erica. Sheree North was last on screen in 1998. Mongo

To Moira regarding Fredric March & Herbert Marshall: First of all a profile of Mr. March was requested earlier in this thread and appears somewhere below. ********************************************************* Herbert Marshall (nickname Bart), a polished English star who, in the 1930s, was a matinee idol. Tall and handsome, with a round face and slicked-back haie , he became a popular romantic lead in early talkies, playing well-bred (and often a bit world weary) lovers opposite all the famous Hollywood actresses including Jeanne Eagels in "The Letter", Marlene Dietrich in "Blonde Venue", Miriam Hopkins & Kay Francis in "Trouble in Paradise", "The Painted Veil" with Garbo, "The Dark Angel" with Merle Oberon, "The Good Fairy" with Margaret Sullavan. Other co-stars included Claudette Colbert, Deanna Durbin, Mary Astor, Katharine Hepburn, Barbara Stanwyck, Sylvia Sidney, Ruth Chatterton, etc. Just as popular in real-life Mr. Marshall was married 5 times including to actress Edna Best (1 daughter) and to actress Boots Mallory (1 daughter). He had 3 daughters total. He started out as an accountant and eventually went into theater work before entering the service in WWI where he lost his leg in an accident. He wore a prosthetic limb and continued his acting career without making the loss apparent. It was kept a secret from the public for most of his career. Mr. Marshall also worked on radio and appeared on television programs including "Alfred Hitchcock Pesents" etc. His later films included "Foreign Correspondent", "The Letter" this time with Davis, "The Little Foxes", "When Ladies Meet", "The Enchanted Cottage", "The Razor's Edge", "Duel in the Sun", "The Secret Garden" etc. It's a wonder that he never received an Oscar nomination for a number of fine roles during his career. He has a star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame". Herbert Marshall passed away in 1966 at the age of 75. Mongo

To Lynn regarding Sidney Lumet: The music that was played during Mr. Lumet's tribute could possibly be from his movie "Murder on the Orient Express" of which the score was nominated for an Academy Award. Mongo

Thanks to brackenhe and all the other members for your kind words regarding this thread. I appreciate it and I will be catching up soon. Mongo

"Random Harvest"?

HEY PAL...I HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. I MISS THOSE GREAT POSTS OF YOURS SINCE WE GO BACK A LONG WAY. Mongo

Notice: Please be informed that I fell behind in my duties a bit this past week since I had company in from the North and we were all over Florida. I will continue to catch up in the coming week to answer your interesting questions. I didn't forget about the lost films of the '30s and '40s, the music during Sidney Lumet's special Oscar, Sheree North, etc. And please remember that I encourage members to join in since there is much knowledge amongst us. And it could make for some good rapport. Mongo

To ML regarding animator Jack Bradbury: The late Mr. Bradbury who died last December at age 90 was one of Walt Disney's top notch animators. He started off his career with comic book characters and eventually joined Disney as an assistant working on the first full length animated feature "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs". He then became a full animator contributing to "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia". And although he worked on "Bambi" he was joined by countless animators, background artists, visual effects experts to bring the classic to life. Bradbury also reported that Disney trimmed quite a bit of footage from the completed movie which perhaps we'll see in the new 2-disc DVD. "Bambi" was also Disney's favorite of all his films. Married with 3 children Mr. Bradbury retired in 1969 due to poor eyesight however he did dabble in comic book stories. Mongo