filmfashions345
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Posts posted by filmfashions345
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What a day! It started off rather badly -- funny how dreams can upset an entire morning -- but came the afternoon and a viewing of Sullivan's Travels to brighten me up. Did you know that Frances Dee has a "cameo appearance" in the film? Well...sort of.
At the very beginning of Sullivan's Travels, when director Joel McCrea is telling his producers about his plans to make O, Brother Where Art Thou?, we catch a glimpse of an actress' glamour portrait hanging on the wall. Wouldn't you know it, the portrait is of Frances Dee! Has anyone else noticed this?
Feaito, thank you so much for allowing me to use your wonderful comments on Monte Carlo! I can't wait to read what you have to say about The Playboy of Paris.
I agree with you, Deborah. The cutting of Wells Fargo just doesn't make sense. And yes, I would love to take you up on your offer of describing Love is a Racket. I've seen the trailer of it thanks to TCM's multimedia archives; it looks fascinating. Also, I think I remember your mentioning having seen A Man Betrayed / Wheel of Fortune. Reviews seem divided on that one. What are your thoughts? Oh, and have you actually seen Patrick the Great?
In closing, please tell me they at least included John Drew Barrymore in the Oscar's disappointing In Memoriam tribute.
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Feaito, thank you so much for posting about Monte Carlo! I would love to include your comments on my website -- may I? It would be fun to include Miss Dee's exact line as well.
Lolite Blue, I'm so glad you enjoyed my tribute to Frances Dee! I'm particularly glad you mentioned the purple background.
Deborah, you continue to amaze me! Thank you for posting your research of Miss Dee's family, as well as your notes on Keep 'Em Rolling. When I heard how little screen time Miss Dee had, the film went to the bottom of my "must-see" list, but now it is restored to the top ten.
Patrick the Great sounds wonderful! I adore Donald O'Connor. The only trouble is finding it. None of the collectors I know have it available. I've managed to find 27 of Miss Dee's rare films through the internet, but titles such as June Moon, Rich Man's Folly, Caught and Patrick the Great elude me. I'm not about to give up hope though!
As for Wells Fargo, I didn't find Bob Burns very annoying. He was a little bit simple, but I've got a funny sense of humor, so I enjoyed his bit. His Indian sidekick, whose only lines are "huh" and "uh", was hilarious.
Yes, according to my research (which I hope is accurate!), Headline Shooter was released on October 20, 1933. Incidentally, Deborah, I would love to hear the story you mentioned of Frances and Joel's meeting on the beach.
Take care, and thank you to everybody whose been posting on this thread!
- Susan
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Mmmm, I wasn't thinking of fate, but rather, God. He works in wondrous ways!
Deborah, I did find your notes on Headline Shooter -- thank you! I don't know how I missed them the other day. Your trivia about cigarettes is particularly interesting. Also, I would love to take you up on your offer of describing Keep 'Em Rolling.
Thank you so much for your kind comments about my website as well! I'm so thrilled that everyone likes it! In my letter to Mr. Wentink, I asked him to visit it and give me his critique. I wonder what he will say...
Can I babble a little bit? I was watching Wells Fargo again last night and decided I particularly like two scenes. First, the scene where Justine's (Frances') father is waiting for the Wells Fargo messenger. Everyone is anxious about what he might bring, so when Ramsey (Joel) walks through the door, Justine is so relieved to see he's finally come she runs straight up to him and kisses him. Then afterwards she meets him outside to explain it -- it's very cute.
On the more dramatic side, I love the part where Justine has just had their first child and is heartbroken that Ramsey wasn't there. He rushes through the door just a few minutes too late, finding her weeping. He kneels down to comfort her, but she turns away. "You didn't come." Then he explains why he wasn't there (get out the tissues when you watch this part!). She turns that luminous face back towards him, looks into his eyes, and without a word, raises a hand to stroke his hair. He's forgiven.
On paper (or rather, keyboard), one can hardly convey the power of that scene, but Mr. and Mrs. McCrea are marvelous.
Feaito, thank you for posting your review of The Most Dangerous Game. I'll have to see that sometime. So, what's the verdict on The Playboy of Paris and Monte Carlo?
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> Things happen for a reason.
So glad you said that, Deborah! I believe it as well, hence the parenthesis around "accident" in my earlier post.
No I didn't see your description of Headline Shooter. Did you send it through e-mail or post it here?
Things are starting to arrive here! A cute little cigarette card came in the mail yesterday (I'll be adding the scan of it to my website), the Big Little Book of Little Women arrived this morning with lots of pictures inside for me to scan this afternoon and Hedda Hopper's Hollywood just arrived as well. I should get the chance to watch it this afternoon -- I'll tell you all about it!
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How about a Greer Garson & Walter Pidgeon box set? I would love it also if someone would release Frances Dee and Joel McCrea's four films on DVD. And a Norma Shearer set, and a Ginger Rogers set, and a complete set of William Powell & Myrna Loy's movies, not just the Thin Man Series, and, and, and...
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Dear Lolite Blue,
So glad you've been enjoying this thread! I have too.
My Frances Dee website is titled Frances Dee - A Tribute and can be found both through my profile and the following link:
http://members.tripod.com/lovelymissdee
I hope you like it!
- Susan
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Deborah,
Oh, please do send the picture you mentioned from People Magazine in 1989 -- I would love to see it!
I believe we are on the same wavelength concerning Becky Sharp. You said: "I was referring to when Miriam Hopkins joins Frances Dee to receive her book from the matron of the school, whom Miriam obviously despises. There were one or two girls, especially the one standing directly in back of Miriam, who could have been Margaret Dee." That's the girl I was referring to as well.
Thank you for the little tidbit of information about Miss Dee's part in Monte Carlo. It's absolutely wonderful! Isn't it interesting that the careers of both Frances and Joel McCrea were forwarded "accidentally."
Yes, I will ask Mr. Wentink about the release of Miss Dee's films on DVD. The list of questions is growing longer and longer, but that's a good thing.
By the way, I've fixed the error in Miss Dee's age posted in "75th Anniversary of Paramount." Even for 77 Miss Dee looks amazing, which reminds me, I must exercise this afternoon.
Feaito, what is The Most Dangerous Game about?
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So glad you don't mind my short posts, Deborah.
I'll be happy to ask Mr. Wentink about the woman you mentioned in Hollywood Home Movies. My letter should have been delivered this morning, or tomorrow morning, and I do so hope he will respond soon. I'll write down the other questions you mentioned as well so I don't forget. You know, I think I agree with you as to who Margaret Dee might have played in Becky Sharp. The copy I've borrowed is very poor as well, not even in Technicolor, but the girl standing behind Miriam Hopkins in the opening scene does resemble Miss Dee. She has the same dark-haired, slender beauty.
Everything seems to be in a holding pattern at the moment. I'm waiting on four library items, three mail deliveries, two letters and one tape. Whew! Thankfully, I can work on my website and come here in the meantime. Otherwise, I think I would go stir crazy!
Feaito, how exciting to have received your movies at last! What a nice selection too! By the way, it is Monte Carlo in which Miss Dee has a bit part as a receptionist. I'm looking forward to your post!
Yes, isn't that photo from Paramount's 75th Anniversary marvelous! There were three pictures of Frances and Joel actually: the one posted on my website, one taken as a group photo with 63 other stars and one with Paramount's birthday cake. The first scanned beautifully. The second has some paper damage from having been separated from the rest of the magazine. Naturally, the damage is right over the section where Frances and Joel are seated, so I'm working on cleaning that up. The third really isn't too good a photo of the pair. First of all, they are all the way in the back of a rather long shot, Joel has a glass up to his lips and Frances is covered partially by another member of the crowd. Oh well, the first picture makes everything worthwhile!
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Deborah, thank you for being so willing to look up the article I mentioned! It is in the August 1941 issue (Vol LXVII, No. 8) of Woman's Home Companion and titled "Keeping Up with Hollywood."
All right, I'll be sure to ignore the books of Richard Lamparski. I've got a rather long "blacklist" of authors already. It's sad, really, that so many seek to write lies and half-truths about the people we admire just to earn a quick buck. Yes, I agree: Miss Dee's autobiography will probably not be carried in local bookshops. Thank goodness for the internet!
Forgotten? How dare they! Again, I agree with you: I don't think Miss Dee would mind one way or the other.
One thing that has been bothering me: here you, Deborah, write such marvelous long posts, and I respond with these tiny little notes. I hope you don't think I'm being rude. There is just so much information; I can read it, I can process it, but I'm just overwhelmed in trying to respond to all of it.
Thank you for the questions you suggested I ask Mr. Wentink. I'll add them to my list. =)
Yes, the lady from the Somerville Museum was enthralled with Miss Dee! She thought she was so wonderful and kind and gracious. She was impressed also by the McCreas and Mr. Wentink. It's so nice to know that a gentleman is penning Miss Dee's book instead of a half-wit. I can't wait to see if Mr. Wentink responds to my letter!
Feaito, no worries! It's good to be lazy every once in a while!
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PS - Sorry about the sloppiness of my last post -- I don't know why they keep doing that, but I certainly hope you can read it. =)
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I think, brackenhe, it is the very lack of flash that causes me to admire Miss Dee so much. She's sweet and gentle and kind, not full of herself and not forgetting that family is more important than fame. Her acting skills are very underrated; I've never seen her the same twice. For instance, it seems so unlikely that the flighty Mirabel Miller from The Gay Deception could be the elegant Marie de Varenne of The Private Affairs of Bel Ami, or that the sweet, southern Justine MacKay of Wells Fargo could turn around and become the royal Katherine de Vaucelles of If I Were King, and yet, they are all played most expertly by our Miss Dee.
I'm glad we've awakened your curiosity, brackenhe. I hope I've answered your question. =)
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Me again!
I've been wondering, can anyone tell me about Headline Shooter? I do have a page for it on my site, but no information to accompany the three lobby cards posted there. The "newspaper" storyline (as summarized on IMDb) sounds intriguing. I've just realized also that the day this film was released is the day Miss Dee and Joel McCrea were married.
It's anyone's guess as to whether Miss Dee will be recognized at the Academy Awards. I'm not even sure I'll be watching, for by tomorrow evening my scanner should be up and running again and I have received a marvelous package of clippings and photos in the mail this past week.
Deborah, which magazine is it that features the letter from Buster Crabbe? Also, has anyone a copy of Woman's Home Companion August 1941. I've learned there is an article about Frances and Joel McCrea in that issue, but I have yet to win or purchase my own copy. Thanks!
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Feaito, I just noticed your last post. I must have come in while I was humming and hawing about mine!
I think it would be lovely to write The Films of Frances Dee! You know, it's funny too, for I was considering that very subject this morning. My passion is for writing, and I hope to enter that field professionally as soon as possible.
Please do post any information you can find in your movie books! I've spent hours at my local libraries, thumbing through the indexes of every book in their "Entertainment" section to find only a few references of Miss Dee. Both you and Deborah have been so helpful. How can I ever thank you enough?
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My goodness, are we all night owls this evening? How fun!
You know, when I started this thread I expected to get, oh, maybe four replies before it died, and here we are in the fifties already. Yay! Everyone has been so wonderful, thank you so much.
Deborah, I agree with you: the actors and actresses of today have nowhere near the "star quality" of our classic favorites. It seems there is nothing we can do about changing the modern entertainment industry, but at least we can improve ourselves by watching the marvelous Talents of the golden age. Thank to the many glamorous actresses, I've been learning to "walk and talk and act just like a lady." Now where is Prince Charming?
Thank you, I did see that marvelous note from Frances Dee McCrea on the Nancy Carrol website. Isn't it lovely? Yes, it appears Miss Dee really was as sweet and down-to-earth as I had hoped; not the least bit full of herself. The lady from Somerville Museum emphasized that during the events in Honor of Miss Dee in December 2003, our favorite leading lady just couldn't believe the response she received from her fans. "We're just simple ranch people," she said. What a Treasure!
I sent off my letter to Mr. Wentink this morning, but in case he does respond, is there any question in particular that I should ask? One question included in the letter was regarding the release date of Miss Dee's autobiography. I'll let you know the minute I hear anything.
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My goodness, Deborah, thank you for everything!!!! The pictures you sent are wonderful -- I'll be working to add them to the Frances Dee site this evening. And the article "Frances Dee Marries Joel McCrea" is priceless!
The information you related regarding Mr. Dee is just what I was looking for, thank you. Yes, I will add Miss Dee's two years at the University of Chicago to her biography.
You mentioned that both Joel's and Frances' families were very religious. Could you tell me which religion it was?
I hope you don't mind, Deborah, but I paraphrased your comments on "Follow Thru" in my page on the film. May I do the same with "King of the Jungle" and "The Gay Deception"? Oh, and for "Rich Man's Folly" too?
Glad to know that Miss Dee's part in "The Silver Cord" is a good one. I do want to see the film -- thank you for telling me the worst of it. That I can handle. You're right, today's movies are awful...well, most of them. I can't remember the last time I've seen anything modern. By the way, I've just finished watching "Wells Fargo" -- it was wonderful!
Yes, I will tell you all about "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood". I seems funny, my telling you about something.
How nice that Buster Crabbe wrote such a lovely tribute to Miss Dee. And I'm glad also to hear about Francis Lederer. I enjoyed his performance in "The Gay Deception" very much, and "Midnight" as well.
How wonderful that Peter McCrea is writing a biography of his father!!! I can't wait to see it. Do you know of the estimated date of release?
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PS - I meant to ask you, Deborah, if Miss Dee's father was really in the military. I saw an article recently that lists him as a civil engineer. Also, is it true that he relocated to California and Frances followed him back, or did she return to the west coast on her own? Thanks!
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My movies came today!!! I've seen only The Gay Deception so far, but it is marvelous! I'll be adding a summary to my website shortly.
Feaito, thank you for your kind comments! You mentioned having a book containing information on King of the Jungle. Does it mention anything about Miss Dee's role in the film? I've had a hard time finding our how exactly she comes into the picture.
Deborah, I look forward to those photos eagerly! And thank you so much for mentioning my website to your Joel McCrea group! I'm so glad you did.
The Silver Cord sounds fascinating, but you know, I'm almost nervous about watching it. Pre-code can get very racy, and here I am the ingenue type.
I haven't seen Hedda Hopper's Hollywood as of yet, but since you were so kind as to recommend it, I did a search and found a copy on Amazon for $2.50. It will be in the mail tomorrow!
Love those Frances Dee quotes you posted, Deborah. And the information is, as always, priceless.
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What a marvelous day I've had!!!! I just have to share.
The morning was dull because the Frances Dee movies ("The Gay Deception" and "Wells Fargo") I was expecting didn't arrive in the mail -- maybe tomorrow. But lo and behold, when I looked in my online mailbox, there was a myriad of goodies from Feaito. At least a dozen scans from Spanish movie magazines and a book I haven't been able to get my hands on. This is sooooooooo marvelous -- thank you, thank you, thank you, Feaito!!! Four of the scans have been added to the Articles section of my Frances Dee Tribute, and I'll be posting more soon!
Next I called the Somerville Museum in MA. While doing a Google search I had found their website (LostTheatres) which contains many snapshots of Miss Dee taken during an event at the museum just a few months before her passing. Alas, the exhibit featured on their website is no longer up and running, but the lady I talked with was thrilled when told how enthralled I am with Frances Dee. Imagine! She wanted to know all about my website and which movies I had seen and -- this is the amazing part -- said she would call the McCreas (Frances and Joel's three sons) and tell them all about it. She is also putting me in contact with Miss Dee's biographer, Andrew Wentink, as well as a local movie buff who can help me greatly. Such an exciting day!!!
Deborah, I'm going to take you up on your offer of further assistance right now. Can you tell me about "The Silver Cord"? In fact, I would love to read any information you can give! I so enjoy coming to these boards and reading those marvelously long posts. There are so many wonderful things to learn!
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Feaito, thank you so very much! Manslaughter sounds fascinating! There are so many aspects of the film that I like already: Colbert, March, Louise Beavers, and of course the appearance, however small, of Frances Dee. The story line is intriguing as well. I hope I can find a copy for myself!
So, have you received Playboy of Paris yet?
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Oh, this is so much fun!
Feaito, have you good news at last? How exciting! Thank you for being so willing to research Manslaughter for me -- I would appreciate any information you can find.
You know, Deborah, it's just like me to change the birth year and not change Miss Dee's age at the end of the article. I've never been good with numbers. =)
No, I didn't see Hollywood Home Movies -- I wish I had! It sounds wonderful, and how nice that they showed footage of Frances with her children. Yes, I imagine she was a wonderful mother, especially after reading your comment on how she and Joel didn't exploit their children. I've read so many "horror" stories about that very subject.
That story you related, Deborah, about the nickel and the ice cream cone was cute. You said that occurred at the preview of Wells Fargo? It's a wonder they cut that movie at all for the re-release. Are there any copies of the original version available to the public?
Good to know about Follow Thru, thanks. And I have been wondering about that title.
You have a color photo of Miss Dee? Oh, I would love to see that as I have yet to watch any of her Technicolor movies, though Becky Sharp is on its way to my library right now. Those pictures you mentioned of Frances and Joel sound marvelous as well. I have only one image of the pair together; it's posted in the page on Wells Fargo. As for scanning items as ART, I haven't the foggiest idea of what that means. I just fiddle with the scanner and computer and pray the result is nice.
Thank you again for all the research you have so graciously passed on to me. I've been wanting to rewrite the Biography section to make it more my own (and hopefully more factual!), and you have helped me enormously. One thing I love about all this work is that the more I learn about Frances Dee and Joel McCrea, the more I admire them. Isn't that lovely?!
-Susan
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PS - Can anyone tell me about Manslaughter, made in 1930, starring Fredric March and Claudette Colbert? Knowing Miss Dee's part in it would be helpful, but I am also looking for reviews of the film itself that I may know whether or not to seek it out. Thanks!
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Just realized something: in his interview with TheDigitalBits, George Feltenstein announced that Val Lewton's films will soon be released on DVD. Does this mean I Walked With a Zombie will be coming in 2005/06?
Deborah, thank you again! You've come up with the most wonderful information, all of which I'm sure I would never have found were it not for your kindness. I've posted your comment regarding True to the Navy on my Frances Dee website -- a million thanks!
How interesting that Margaret Dee appeared in Becky Sharp! And that Frances and Joel were born so near each other! That's really a wonderful story, I can't wait until Miss Dee's autobiography is released!
Perhaps, Deborah, would you tell me a little about Miss Dee's role in Follow Thru? She is credited on IMDb as playing merely "Bit in Ladies Locker Room". The movie itself sounds like fun -- fluff, but fun. One film I've just learned about and am anxious to see is June Moon, starring Jack Oakie. Let's hope I can find it!
Yes, Wells Fargo is on its way to me as we speak, as well as The Gay Deception and Love is a Racket. I'm excited! By the way, have you seen the complete version of Wells Fargo? From your comments it seemed like you might have.
J.D. Gray and Atticus Finch -- two wonderful, wonderful men! You're right, Deborah, their character do resemble each other. And I agree with you: the final scene of Stars in My Crown is marvelous!
You know, it's funny, but I never realized that Ellen Drew was in both Stars in My Crown and If I Were King. I've seen both movies, loved both movies, but my mind never made the connection.
As for writing to Robert Osborne, I couldn't find an e-mail address. Perhaps you could use the TCM Feedback form, though I doubt Mr. Osborne sees those e-mails. The only other route I can think of is to write via snail mail c/o his publisher.
Thank you again for your kind comments regarding my Frances Dee tribute! I love working on it, and pray that through it, others will indeed "discover" the marvelous Miss Dee, and Joel McCrea, for themselves.
Hoping your day is lovely!
- Susan
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Deborah,
Wow, you really did your research. Thank you very, very much for everything you wrote! It means so much to me that you took the time to help me with my site! Thank you too for your kind comments -- I'm so glad you like my Frances Dee Tribute!
Yes, I would love to receive any pictures you can scan! I believe my e-mail address is listed in my profile on these boards. Also, may I use what you wrote about "True to the Navy" in the Filmography section of my site? It may be some time before I get a chance to view that film -- Miss Dee's movies are rather hard to track down as you know. However, I do like to post what information I can find about them so others who have the opportunity may take the chance to see them.
Joel McCrea and Frances Dee are wonderful...and underrated. I was watching my copy of "Stars in My Crown" the other night and burst out into applause more than once, both for Mr. McCrea and because of the storyline. What would it be like, do you think, if Miss Dee had been given the part of Harriet Gray? Not to detract from Ellen Drew, she was marvelous, but I'm just curious.
- Susan
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Yes, Random Harvest is out!!!!!!! Isn't it thrilling? It looks beautiful as well, and I am particularly pleased because my old tape of it cut off before the movie ended.
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All of this reminds me of a scene from Stars in My Crown, when one of the characters has just breathed their last. The doctor lowers his head and says mournfully, "It's all over." Then Joel, playing Parson Gray, says with a glimmer of hope in his voice, "No, doctor, it's just beginning."
Now the time for mourning is past, and the celebration of a life well-lived may carry on...
Thank you, Deborah, for sharing your thoughts on Love is a Racket and Wheel of Fortune. Both sound so interesting! I do hope I get the chance to see Wheel of Fortune, and Love is a Racket will be on its way to me soon. Oh, and yes, I would love to hear about the two scenes you mentioned from Wheel of Fortune, Deborah. Can you tell me about Miss Dee's cameo in Cattle Drive as well?
On Saturday morning I happened to come across a review of If I Were King on the IMDb, containing this passage: "Frances Dee demonstrates once again that she is quite probably the best-looking American actress of the 1930's, although she has all the acting prowess of an Andie MacDowell. (If you insist on talent with your set decoration, then you probably would have preferred to see Paulette Goddard playing the part of the lady-in-waiting who catches Villon's eye.)"
What does everyone think of that? I'm not trying to start any arguments or heated discussions here, but I'm curious as to what your opinions are as to Miss Dee's performance in If I Were King. I thought she was marvelous. She plays Katherine de Vaucelles very simply and with a great deal of wit, which is fitting both for the film and her character. Had she gone for drama instead of comedy I don't think the film would be half so delightful.