HAPPY BIRTHDAY! II

[JackBurley]

Thanks for the mention of the legendary and influential Jean-Luc Godard. Bon anniversaire! Godard actually started as a critic, writing for the Gazette du cin?ma and the Cahiers du cin?ma (along with Eric Rohmer, Jacques Rivette, Andr? Bazin and others that we would come to know). He was one of the first proponents of the French New Wave, a style of filmmaking that emphasized "realism" in cinema. Directors of the French New Wave strived for minimal editing, thinking that multiple cuts disrupted the illusion of reality, shot on location rather than building sets and used deep-focus photography so that more of the frame would have a larger depth of field.

 

His ? bout de souffle ("Breathless") was a seminal work of the new style and made stars of Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg. This beautifully stark black and white film featured jump cuts and other effects that thrilled art audiences at the time. Vivre sa vie, Contempt, Bande ? part, Alphaville followed. [ Bande ? part is the movie that Bertolucci celebrated in 2003's The Dreamers -- am I the only one to love this movie?]

 

M. Godard's latest work was 2004's Notre Musique. Have any of you seen it?

[bansi4]

Born this day December 4th:

 

Lead/co-star Marisa Tomei is 42.

Attractive, talented actress from Brooklyn, won Oscar best support for "My Cousin Vinny", and nominated for "In the Bedroom". Also in "The Flamingo Kid", "Oscar", "Chaplin", "Untamed Heart", "The Paper", "The Perez Family", "Unhook the Stars", "Someone Like You", "Anger Management", "Alfie", "Loverboy", "Danika", etc.

A single gal, Keeping company with actor Dana Ashbrook since 1999. Sister of actor Adam Tomei.

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Lead/co-star Jeff Bridges is 57.

Exceptional actor, Oscar nominated best actor for "Starman" (coming to TCM), "The Contender", and for best support in "The Last Picture Show", and "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot". Also in "Fat City" good stuff, "The Last American Hero", "Hearts of the West", "Heaven's Gate", "Against All Odds", "Jagged Edge", "The Fabulous Baker Boys", "The Fisher King" (Golden Globe nominee), "American Heart", "Fearless", "White Squall", "The Big Lebowski", "Arlington Road", "Seabiscuit", "The Door in the Floor", "The Moguls", etc.

Married since 1977 (3 daughters). Son of Lloyd Bridges, brother of Beau Bridges.

Quoted: "I had years of partying, and I was kind of surprised and happy I survived it all. Now, being a parent, I look back on it thinking, Oh God, the things you did!"

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Co-star/support Jimmy Hunt is 67.

Former curly-haired child actor with freckles, in "High Barbaree", "Song of Love", "The Fuller Brush Man" funny stuff, "Sorry, Wrong Number" w/Stanwyck, "Cheaper by the Dozen", "Saddle Tramp" w/Joel McCrea, "The Blue Veil", "Invaders from Mars" good sci-fi, "Lone Hand", etc.

Married since 1963 (3 children). Became a manager for a tool supply company. Had a bit part in the 1986 remake of "Invaders from Mars".

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Lead/co-star Deanna Durbin is 85.

Wholesome, effervescent actress/singing star. In "One Hundred Men and a Girl", "Mad About Music", "Three Smart Girls Grow Up", "First Love" (first screen kiss from Robert Stack), "It's a Date", "Her's to Hold", "Christmas Holiday" dramatic role with Gene Kelly, "Can't Help Singing", "Lady on a Train", "I'll Be Yours", etc.

Married 3 times, last for 49 years (2 children). Gave her last interview in 1949, and has been retired to France. Mario Lanza requested she star in a film with him and she refused. Received a special juvenile Oscar in 1939.

She was Prime Minister Winston Churchill's favorite movie star. He reportedly insisted that he be permitted to screen her films privately before they were released to the public in Britain, and would often screen her film "One Hundred Men and a Girl" (1937) to celebrate British victories during World War II. He considered her "a formidable talent."

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Co-star/support Movita is 89 today.

Lovely Latino actress, remembered as Tehanni in "Mutiny on the Bounty" w/Clark Gable. Also in "The Hurricane", "The Tower of Terror", "Fort Apache", "Red Light" w/Raft, "The Furies" w/Stanwyck, "Kim" w/Flynn, "Dream Wife", "Ride, Vaquero!", etc.

Divorced from Marlon Brando (2 children). Appeared on TVs "Knots Landing" for 2 seasons.

Born Maria Castaneda, and she lives in Mexico.

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Posthumous

 

Lead/co-star Horst Buchholz (69) 1933-2003.

Handsome, dark-haired German actor, in "Tiger Bay", "The Magnificent Seven" as Chico, "Fanny" w/Boyer, "One, Two, Three" w/Cagney, "Nine Hours to Rama", "The Great Waltz", "Dead of Night", "Sahara", "Life Is Beautiful", etc.

Married 44 years (2 children). He was considered the James Dean of Germany (in rebel roles when younger).

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Lead/co-star Buck Jones (53) 1889-1942.

Rugged, popular cowboy star, in numerous westerns along with his white steed Silver. Appeared in both silents and talkies, including "The Rough Riders" series of films.

Married 27 years, when he died as results of the devasting fire at the Coconut Grove nightclub in Boston . Father of a daughter Maxine.

Prophetically his last film was "Dawn on the Great Divide".

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In memory of those who died his day December 4th:

Superior comic Bert Lahr ('The Cowardly Lion') in 1967 at age 72, character actress Sarah Padden in 1967 at age 86, character actor Fred Johnson in 1971 at age 72, breezy actor Michael O'Shea in 1973 at age 67, promising actor Lee Kinsolving in 1974 at age 36, sassy pre-code blonde Leila Hyams in 1977 at age 72, voice of the late 'Popeye' Jack Mercer in 1984 at age 74, dependable director Rouben Mamoulian in 1987 at age 90, wild rock star Frank Zappa in 1993 at age 52, essential character actor Willard Parker in 1996 at age 84, and suave character actor Carl Esmond in 2004 at age 102.

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Mongo

[d120421]

Hi Mongo:

 

Actually, following her retirement in 1949, Deanna Durbin did give one "official" interview to film historian David Shipman in 1983. She was reportedly motivated to do so in part in response to a BBC survey which indicated that Deanna's films and recordings were the most-requested by the public (by a considerable margin) of those of any star from Hollywood's Golden Age.

[bansi4]

Markus, thanks for the additional info. It is interesting to note just how popular Miss Durbin was.

Too bad that she left the screen at at the height of her career

[d120421]

Hi Mongo:

 

THANK YOU for taking the time to keep current on threads like these.

 

As a fan, I do wish Deanna had accepted some of the tempting post-retirement offers she reportedly received, but her decision to quit when she did seems to have worked out quite well for her, so I can't really fault her for it.

 

Anyway, here's hoping she's having an enjoyable birthday.

[bansi4]

Born this day December 5th:

 

Lead/co-star Nick Stahl is 27.

Former child actor, and promising star, in "The Man Without a Face" w/Mel Gibson, "Safe Passage", "Tall Tale", "Eye of God", "The Thin Red Line", "Sunset Strip", "Bully", "In the Bedroom" good role, "Taboo", "Twist", "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines", "Sin City", etc.

On the HBO series "Carnivale" as Ben Hawkins. Quoted: "I try to avoid the sweetass roles"

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Co-star/support Little Richard is 74.

Flamboyant performer, in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills", "Purple People Eater", "Sunset Heat", "The Naked Truth", "Last American Hero", "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", "Mystery, Alaska", etc.

Divorced (1 child). He is an icon of Rock 'n Roll. Quoted: "Elvis may be the King of Rock 'n Roll, but I am the Queen". Many of his hit records are heard on movie soundtracks. He is also an ordained minister. Presided over the 1987 Las Vegas marriage of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore at the Golden Nugget Hotel. Former brat packer Ally Sheedy was a bridesmaid.

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Posthumous

 

Co-star/support Adolph Caesar (52) 1933-1986.

Small-framed, impressive actor, Oscar nominated best support for "A Soldier's Story" (also a Golden Globe nominee). In "Che!", "The Hitter", "Fist of Fear", "Touch of Death", "The Color Purple" good role as Old Mister, "Club Paradise", etc.

Was married with 3 children. He died of a heart attack on the set of the movie "Tough Guys", and was replaced by Eli Wallach. Was the voice for United Negro College Fund commercial: "...because a mind is a terrible thing to waste."

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Co-star/support Alvy Moore (75) 1921-1997.

Dependable, light-comedy actor, remembered as Pigeon in "The Wild One" w/Brando. Also in "The War of the Worlds", "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", "Twist Around the Clock", "Riot in Cell Block 11", "There's No Business Like Show Business", "Designing Woman", "The Perfect Furlough", etc.

Married 47 years (3 children). He was Hank on the hit TV series "Green Acres". Served on Iwo Jima during WWII.

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Co-star/support Margaret Hayes (60) 1916-1977.

Attractive actress, remembered as the sexy teacher in "Blackboard Jungle". Also in "City for Conquest", "They Got Me Covered", "Sullivan's Travels", "The Glass Key", "The Bottom of the Bottle", "Omar Khayam", "Fraulein", "House of Women", etc.

Was married briefly to actor Leif Erickson.

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Director/actor Otto Preminger (79) 1906-1986.

Essential filmmaker, Oscar nominated best director for "Laura" and for "The Cardinal". Also helmed "A Royal Scandal" w/Tallulah, "Forever Amber", "Whirlpool", "Angel Face", "The Moon Is Blue", "Carmen Jones", "The Man with the Golden Arm", "Porgy and Bess", "Anatomy of a Murder", "Exodus", "Advise and Consent", "In Harm's Way", etc.

Also appeared in a few films, notably "Stalag 17".

Married 3 times (2 children). Produced a son from an affair with stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. Had an affair with Dorothy Dandridge.

TCM is saluting the moviemaker this evening.

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Producer Walt Disney (65) 1901-1966.

Beloved producer of many of the greatest animated films of all time, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Pinocchio", "Bambi", "Fantasia", "Cinderella", "Alice in Wonderland", "Peter Pan", "Lady and the Tramp", "Sleeping Beauty", etc.

Also gave us "Song of the South", "Treasure Island" w/Bobby Driscoll, "Pollyanna", "Swiss Family Robinson", "The Parent Trap", "Mary Poppins", etc. Delighted us with numerous cartoons with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, and amazing nature shorts.

Was successful on TV with "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "The Wonderful World of Disney".

Married 41 years (2 children). Won a record 32 Oscars in his lifetime. Millions enjoy his delightful themeparks every year. He is rumored to be cryogenetically preserved?

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Director Fritz Lang (85) 1890-1976.

Exceptional filmmaker, gave us "M" w/Peter Lorre, "Fury", "You Only Live Once", "Man Hunt", "Ministry of Fear", "The Woman in the Window" good noir, "Scarlet Street" good noir, "Cloak and Dagger" w/Gary Cooper, "House by the River" seldom aired, "Rancho Notorious" w/Dietrich, "Clash by Night", "The Big Heat", "Human Desire", "While the City Sleeps", etc.

Was never recognized by the Academy Awards. Most of his films feature a shot of his hand.

TCM is saluting the filmmaker all day today.

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In memory of those who died this day December 5th:

'Stuffy' character actor Wilfred Lucas in 1940 at age 69, essential character actor Fred Clark in 1968 at age 54, production code ballbuster Joseph Breen in 1965 at age 77, dependable director Charles Barton (Abbott & Costello films) in 1981 as age 79, and prominent director Robert Aldrich in 1983 at age 65.

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Mongo

[CharlieT]

Ah, Walt Disney! What child of the 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's couldn't wait to share his legacy with their own children. The earliest movie I remember seeing in a theater was "The Lady and the Tramp." The first movie I took my daughter to was the late 80's re-release of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." All of his movies and cartoons will be considered timeless classics forever.

 

Thanks, mongo, for the memories.

 

CharlieT

[bansi4]

Born this day December 6th:

 

Lead/co-star Tom Hulce is 53.

Talented, versatile actor, Oscar nominated best actor as "Amadeus". Also in "September 30, 1955", "Animal House" as Pinto, "Slam Dance", "Dominick and Eugene" (Golden Globe nominee), "Parenthood", "The Inner Circle", "Fearless", "Frankenstein", "Wings of Courage", etc.

Married in 1996 (1 daughter), has filed for divorce. A Tony and Emmy Award winner, he has a fine singing voice.

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Lead/co-star JoBeth Williams is 58.

Attractive, talented actress, remembered as the desperate mom in "Poltergeist" (exceptional role). Also in "Kramer vs. Kramer", "Stir Crazy", "The Dogs of War", "Teachers", "The Big Chill", "Switch", "Memories of Me", "Dutch", "Me, Myself and I", "Wyatt Earp", "Fever Pitch", "Crazylove", etc.

Married since 1982 (2 sons). Nominated for 2 Emmy Awards. She also directs.

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Co-star/support James Naughton is 61.

Solid, reliable actor, in "The Paper Chase", "Second Wife", "A Stranger Is Watching", "Cat's Eye", "The Glass Menagerie", "The Good Mother", "The First Wives Club", "Oxygen", "Fascination", "The Devil Wears Prada", etc.

Has 2 children in show business. Brother of David Naughton. A star of the musical stage, he won 2 Tony Awards.

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Lead/co-star Susanna Foster is 82 today.

Lovely actress/singer, remembered in "The Phantom of the Opera" opposite Claude Rains. Also in "Glamor Boy", "The Climax" w/Karloff, "Follow the Boys", "Fisco Sal" w/Franchot Tone, "That Night With You", "Detour" (1992), etc.

Divorced with 2 sons. Also did stage work. Currently ailing, she is at the Actors Fund Nursing Home in New Jersey.

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Birthday wishes go out to my daughter Veronica today.

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Posthumous

 

Lead/co-star Lance Fuller (73) 1928-2001.

Dependable, good-looking actor, in "War Arrow", "Cattle Queen of Montana" w/Stanwyck, "This Island Earth" good sci-fi, "Pearl of the South Pacific", "Girls in Prison", "The She-Creature", "Voodoo Woman", "God's Little Acre", "Day of the Outlaw", etc.

Divorced from lovely Joi Lansing. Had bit parts in some films of the 1940s. Also performed on TV.

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Co-star/support Bobby Van (51) 1928-1980.

Breezy, cheerful actor, remembered hopping through the streets on a pogo stick in "Small Town Girl" (no easy feat). Also in "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis", "Kiss Me Kate", "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters", "The Doomsday Machine", "Lost Horizon" musical remake, etc.

Married twice including to Elaine Joyce (2 sons). Hosted TV game shows. Co-starred opposite Ruby Keeler on Broadway in "No, No, Nanette" (Tony Award nominee).

Sadly, in 1979 Bobby was diagnosed with a brain tumor that turned out to be malignant. Although he underwent brain surgery to remove the tumor, the cancer came back. The trouper that he was, he valiantly continued to perform despite his illness and made his fourth and last appearance as host of the "Mrs. America Pageant" in June 1980.

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Co-star/support Wally Cox (48) 1924-1973.

Comedic, meek-looking actor with horn rim glasses. In "State Fair", "Spencer's Mountain", "Fate Is the Hunter", "The Yellow Rolls-Royce", "The Bedford Incident", "The Boatniks", "The Barefoot Executive", etc.

Married twice. Was TVs "Mr. Peepers" (Emmy nominee), the voice of the animated superhero "Underdog", and a staple on the game show "The Hollywood Squares".

Close friend Marlon Brando took possession of his ashes. At the time of Brando's death, both actors were scattered together in Death Valley, California.

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Co-star/support Agnes Moorehead (73) 1900-1974.

Supreme character actress, Oscar nominated best support for "The Magnificent Ambersons" (won New York Film Critics Award), "Mrs. Parkington" (won Golden Globe Award), "Johnny Belinda", and "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (won Golden Globe Award). Also in "Citizen Kane", "The Big Street", "Dragon Seed", "Since You Went Away", "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes", "Dark Passage" delightfully evil, "Caged", "Show Boat", "The Blue Veil", "Magnificent Obsession", "Pollyanna", "How the West Was Won", "What's the Matter with Helen", etc.

Married twice (1 adopted son). On the TV series "Bewitched" as Endora (6 Emmy Award nominations). Was tagged the 'Lavender Lady' since her favorite color was purple. A close friend of Debbie Reynolds.

TCM is honoring the lady all day today.

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In memory of those who died this day December 6th:

Guitarist/songwriter Leadbelly in 1949 at age 64, lovely starlet Janet Munro in 1972 at age 38, screenwriter Casey Robinson in 1979 at age 76, singer/songwriter Roy Orbison in 1988 at age 52, handsome movie star John Payne in 1989 at age 77, Oscar winning songwriter Sammy Fain in 1989 at age 87, endearing character actress Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee) in 1989 at age 86, Oscar winning actor Don Ameche, and dependable character actor Werner Klemperer in 2000 at age 80.

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In memory of Ryan White (19) 1971-1990.

A courageous young man, and one of my heroes, he died of AIDS contacted from a tainted blood transfusion.

He became one of the United States most visible spokesperson on the dreaded AIDS virus.

The youth was admired for his courageous battle by millions, including numerous celebriries, by the time of his death on April 8th 1990.

He is laid to rest in Indiana under an elaborate stone with his picture and a touching inscription.

There was a TV movie based on his life.

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Mongo

[vallo13]

Happy Birthday Agnes Moorehead and Miss Veronica Mongo....

 

 

vallo

[bansi4]

Oops:

 

I short changed actor Don Ameche, who died this day in 1993 at age 85.

His listing below was incomplete.

 

And thanks Vallo, that is a cute greeting.

[JackBurley]

I was surprised to see Tom Hulce last week on the big screen in Stranger Than Fiction! Plays an aging hippie (is there any other kind?) Human Resources director...

[vecchiolarry]

Hi Mongo,

 

Happy Birthday to Agnes Moorehead.

I'm watching "Dark Passage" right now, one of her favourite movies. Humphrey Bogart asked for her to play the role and always teased her that she stole the picture.

Agnes loved that it was a 'dress up role' one of the few she was ever given.

 

SPOILER -

I once aked her, after seeing the film on TV, what it was like falling out of that window and she just matter of factly said, "The falling was easy, but it was the splat that gets you!!".....

 

Happy Birthday to your daughter also.....

 

Larry

[bansi4]

Larry, I must admit that Miss Moorehead just about stole the picture. She did look chic in some of the 1940s outfits that she wore (which is my favorite era for women's apparel).

The story about the 'splat' was neat coming from her.

 

And yes, my daughter did have a happy birthday. Thanks.

[bansi4]

Born this day December 7th:

 

Lead/co-star C. Thomas Howell is 40.

Former juvenile actor, made transition to adult roles. In "E.T.", "The Outsiders" good role, "Tank", "Grandview U.S.A.", "Red Dawn", "The Hitcher" good thriller, "Side Out", "Nickel and Dime", "Gettysburg", "Teresa's Tattoo", "Baby Face Nelson", "The Big Fall", "Gods and Generals", "The Hillside Strangler", "Glass Trap", etc.

Married since 1992 (3 children). Divorced from Rae Dawn Chow. On a few episodes of TVs "24". 'C' stands for Christopher.

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Co-star/support Tom Waits is 57.

Tall, talented actor/composer, in "Paradise Alley", "One from the Heart" (Oscar nominee best song), "The Outsiders", "Rumble Fish", "The Cotton Club", "Ironweed" exceptional role, "The Fisher King", "At Play in the Fields of the Lord", "Dracula" as Renfield, "Short Cuts", etc.

Married since 1980 (3 children). He has said that Bob Dylan is his favorite songwriter and his main influence for initially getting into music. Ironically, Dylan's more recent work has been said to be comparable to Waits' music.

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Lead/co-star Ellen Burstyn is 74.

Earthy, appealing actress, won Oscar best actress for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". Nominated best actress for 'The Exorcist", "Same Time, Next Year" (won Golden Globe Award), "Resurrection", "Requiem for a Dream", and for best support in "The Last Picture Show". Also in "Harry and Tonto", "A Dream of Passion", "Twice in a Lifetime", "The Cemetery Club", "The Spitfire Grill", "Divine Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood", "Down in the Valley", "The Wicker Man", etc.

Married 3 times (1 son). She is an ordained minister. A stage actress, she won a Tony Award. Is a vegetarian.

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Co-star/support Eli Wallach is 91 today.

Essential character actor, in "Baby Doll" (Golden Globe nominee), "The Magnificent Seven", "The Misfits", "How the West Was Won", "The Victors" good role, "Lord Jim", "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", "How to Steal a Million", "Makenna's Gold", "The Sentinel", "The Deep", "Tough Guys", "Nuts", "The Godfather: Part II" good role, "Mystic River", etc.

Married since 1948 to Anne Jackson (3 children). Won an Emmy Award and a Tony Award, he was never nominated for an Oscar. Was Mr. Freeze on TVs "Batman".

This actor does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Posthumous

 

Co-star/support Ted Knight (62) 1923-1986.

Comedic character actor, in "Cry for Happy", "Two Rode Together", "13 West Street", "The Pigeon That Took Rome", "The Candidate", "Young Dillinger", "Caddyshack" good role, etc.

Married with 3 children. A regular on TVs "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" as Ted Baxter (won 2 Emmy Awards) and star of "Too Close for Comfort". A WWII hero, he was born Tadeus Wladyslaw Knopka.

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Co-star/support Frances Gifford (73) 1920-1994.

Brunette beauty, remembered as Nyoka in the "Jungle Girl" serial. Also in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington", "The Remarkable Andrew" w/William Holden, "The Glass Key", "Tarzan Triumphs", "Cry Havoc", "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes", "The Arnelo Affair", "Luxury Liner", "Riding High", etc.

Divorced from actor James Dunn. Sister of football player Frank Gifford. Last on screen in 1955.

Sadly, she suffered serious head injuries in an auto accident in 1948. After continued repurcussions, she was admitted to Camarillo State Hospital in 1958. She was released in 1978.

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Lead/co-star Hurd Hatfield (81) 1917-1998.

Suave, handsome actor, remembered in the title role of "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Also in "Dragon Seed", "The Diary of a Chambermaid" w/Goddard, "The Unsuspected", "Joan of Arc", "Tarzan and the Slave Girl", "King of Kings", "El Cid", "Harlow", "The Boston Srangler", "Crimes of the Heart", etc.

A lifelong bachelor. A prominent stage actor. Emmy Award nominee for his TV work. A lifelong friend of Angela Lansbury.

Quoted: "You know, I was never a great beauty in (Dorian) Gray and I never understood why I got the part, and have spent my career regretting it."

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Lead/co-star Rod Cameron (73) 1910-1983.

Tall, brawny actor in over 100 films (many westerns). In "Christmas in July", "North West Mounted Police", "The Monster and the Girl" good film, "Wake Island", "Mrs. Parkington", "Gung Ho!", "Dakota Lil" w/Marie Windsor, "San Antone", "The Steel Lady", "Double Jeopardy", "Yaqui Drums", "The Bounty Killer", etc.

In 1960 he divorced his wife and married her mother. Starred on numerous TV series. Was an accomplished pianist.

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Co-star/support Clinton Sundberg (84) 1903-1987.

Affable character actor, prominent in many MGM films, including "Undercurrent", "Song of the Thin Man", "Good News", "A Date with Judy', "Easter Parade" as Mike the bartender, "Words and Music", "In the Good Old Summertime" as Rudy, "Annie Get Your Gun", etc.

A TV and stage actor he also did voiceovers.

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Lead/co-star Fay Bainter (76) 1891-1968.

Essential character actress, won Oscar best support for "Jezebel". Oscar nominated best actress for "White Banners", and for best support in "The Children's Hour". Also in "Vavacious Lady", "Young Tom Edison", "Our Town", "Woman of the Year", "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch", "Cry Havoc", "The Human Comedy", "Deep Valley" w/Lupino, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", "June Bride", "The President's Lady", etc.

Married over 40 years (1 son). Also a grand stage actress. She is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

TCM is saluting the lady all day today.

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In memory of those who died this day December 7th:

Legendary stage actress Laurette Taylor in 1946 at age 62, screenwriter Thornton Wilder in 1975 at age 78, character actor Hardie Albright in 1975 at age 71, lovely actress Jeanne Cagney in 1984 at age 65, pretty starlet of the 1930s Dorothy Jordan in 1988 at age 82, dependable actor Christopher Connelly in 1988 at age 47, attractive movie star Joan Bennett in 1990 at age 80, British character actress Kathleen Harrison in 1995 at age 103, dashing actor Phillip Reed in 1996 at age 88, and Oscar nominated set decorator Robert R. Benton in 2003 at age 79.

Also the incorrigible Captain William Bligh of the Bounty in 1817 at age 63.

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In memory of those service men and women who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day).

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Mongo

[vecchiolarry]

Hi Mongo,

 

Happy Birthday to Fay Bainter and I'm happy that TCM is dedicating a day to her just as they did yesterday for Agnes Moorehead.

We're certainly getting our lessons on acting these days from those two exemplory examples.....

 

And, Happy Birthday to Eli Wallach, another example of acting skills. Here is a good candidate for an Honourary Oscar. Hurry up Academy; give him one next year!!

And I'd love to dig up about 10 to 20 stars on the Walk of Fame (Ryan Seacrest & Roger Ebert, here I come!) and give one of those areas to Eli.......

 

And also Happy Birthday to Rod Cameron, virtually forgotten. Yesterday, he was the only one of Mrs. Parkington's guests that she could stand.

He was so tall and looked very handsome & distinguished....

 

Larry

 

Message was edited by:

vecchiolarry

[Gerb]

Agreed, Larry. Eli deserves a star more than several of the no-talent, over-paid yahoos that are already out there. Eli went to school with the man who footed the bill for my full academic scholarship to Texas A&M. And yes, they both went to the University of Texas--will wonders never cease!!

[bansi4]

Larry, your not kiddin' about digging up some of those less worthy 'stars' for a spot for the grand character actor Eli Wallach. It's a shame.

[bansi4]

Born this day December 8th:

 

Lead/co-star Kim Basinger is 53.

Lovely blonde actress, won Oscar best support for "L.A. Confidential" as a Veronica Lake look-a-like. Also in "Hard Country", "The Natural" (Golden Globe nominee), "Nadine", "Batman", "The Getaway", "I Dreamed of Africa", "8 Mile", "The Door in the Floor", "Cellular", etc.

Was married to Alec Baldwin (a bitter divorce) 1 daughter. Suffers from Agoraphobia. Quoted: "I work in a strange business, and trust is a word that's not even in the vocabulary."

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Lead/co-star James MacArthur is 69.

Dependable actor, remembered as Dano on TVs "Hawaii Five-O". In "The Young Stranger", "Kidnapped", "Swiss Family Robinson", "The Interns", "Spencer's Mountain", "Hang 'Em High", "The Angry Breed", etc.

Married 3 times (4 children). Adopted son of Helen Hayes. A stage actor, he was last on TV in 1998.

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Lead/co-star David Carradine is 70.

Talented, brooding actor, nominated for a Golden Globe Award best actor as Woody Guthrie in "Bound for Glory". Also in "Boxcar Bertha", "Mean Streets", "Death Race 2000", "Gray Lady Down", "Bird on a Wire", "Kill Bill: Vol. 1", "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" (Golden Globe nominee best support), etc.

Married 5 times. Son of John Carradine, brother of Keith Carradine. On the TV series "Kung Fu" (Emmy Award nominee), and "The McMasters".

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Lead/co-star Maximilian Schell is 76.

Essential German actor, won Oscar best actor for "Judgment at Nuremberg". Nominated best actor for "Man in the Glass Booth", and best support for "Julia". In "Topkapi", "The Deadly Affair", "The Odessa File", "A Bridge Too Far", "The Black Hole", "Vampires", "Deep Impact", etc.

Married with 1 daughter (divorce pending). Brother of the late Maria Schell. Nominated for 2 Emmy Awards, Golden Globe nominee.

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Co-star/support Jean Porter is 81.

Vavacious starlet, in "The Under-Pup", "Bathing Beauty", "Thrill of a Romance", "Easy to Wed", "Till the End of Time", "Little Miss Broadway", "The Left Hand of God", etc.

Widow of director Edward Dmytryk (50 years of marriage). Last on screen in 1955. Was good friends with Virginia Weidler, and Peggy Ann Garner.

She attends Nostalgia events and writes articles for Classic Images magazine.

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Co-star/support Dewey Martin is 83 today.

Reliable, good-looking actor, in "The Golden Gloves Story", "The Thing from Another World", "The Big Sky", "Tennessee Champ" w/Shelley Winters, "Prisoner of War", "Land of the Pharaohs", "The Desperate Hours" w/Bogart, "The Longest Day", etc.

Married twice including to songbird Peggy Lee. Last on screen in 1974. Also n TV.

Does not wish to discuss his film career.

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Posthumous

 

Lead/co-star Sammy Davis Jr. (64) 1925-1990.

Dynamic performer, in "Anna Lucasta", "Porgy and Bess", "Ocean's Eleven", "Sergeants 3", "Robin and the 7 Hoods", "Sweet Charity", "The Cannonball Run", etc.

Married 3 times including to actress May Britt. On stage since childhood, was a fabulous song and dance man in all venues of show business. Lost sight in one eye due to a car accident. Quoted: "I am a one-eyed black Jew".

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Lead/co-star Lee J. Cobb (64) 1911-1976.

Commanding character actor, Oscar nominated best support for "On the Waterfront", and "The Brothers Karamazov". Also in "Golden Boy", "Call Northside 777", "Twelve Angey Men" as Juror #3, "The Three Faces of Eve", "Exodus", "How the West Was Won", "Come Blow Your Horn" (Golden Globe nominee), "Makenna's Gold", "The Exorcist", etc.

Married twice (1 daughter). On the TV series "The Virginian". Was the original Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" on Broadway.

He was a HUAC informer to save his career.

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Gotta take off. Will continue listing later.

 

Mongo

[mrsl]

Larry:

 

I didn't get on much yesterday, and failed to get back here to thank you for the tribute to the lost souls, killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Those people were my two uncles, a cousin, and one aunt.

 

Thanks again!

 

Anne

[bansi4]

Continued...

 

Born this day December 8th:

Posthumous

 

Co-star/support Frank Faylen (79) 1905-1985.

Essential character actor, perhaps best remembered as Ernie the cab driver in "It's a Wonderful Life". Also in "Kid Galahad", "They Won't Forget", "Gone With the Wind", "The Grapes of Wrath", "Sergeant York", "The Canterville Ghost", "The Lost Weekend", "To Each His Own", "Detective Story" good role, "Funny Girl", etc.

Was married to actress Carol Hughes (2 children). He played the dad on the TV series "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis".

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Co-star/support John Qualen (87) 1899-1987.

Endearing character actor in over 100 films. In "Street Scene", "Our Daily Bread" good drama, "The Grapes of Wrath", "His Girl Friday" good role, "The Long Voyage Home", "Casablanca", "Out of the Fog", "Tirtilla Flat", "The Jackpot" w/James Stewart, "The High and the Mighty" coming to TCM, "A Patch of Blue", etc.

Was married with 3 daughters.

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In memory of those who died this day December 8th:

Superior blonde movie star Gladys George in 1954 at age 54, British character actor Reginald Sheffield in 1956 at age 57, prominent director William Dieterle in 1972 at age 79, lovely starlet Cathy Downs in 1976 at age 52, Beatles icon John Lennon shot to death in 1980 at age 40, country singer/actor Marty Robbins in 1982 at age 57, essential character actor Slim Pickins in 1983 at age 64, dependable dramatic actor Luther Adler in 1984 at age 81, character actress Fay Baker in 1987 at age 70, reliable character actress Anne Seymour in 1988 at age 79, Oscar nominated director Martin Ritt ('Hud') in 1990 at age 76, lovely actress Carlotta Monti (mistress of W.C. Fields) in 1993 at age 86, and Oscar nominated actor Howard E. Rollins Jr. in 1996 at age 46.

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Mongo

[bansi4]

Born this day December 9th:

 

Lead/co-star Felicity Huffman is 44.

Gifted blonde actress, Oscar nominated best actress as a transsexual in "Transamerica" (she won Golden Globe Award). Also in "Reversal of Fortune", "Hackers", "The Spanish Prisoner", "Magnolia", "House Hunting", "Raising Helen", "Christmas with the Kranks", etc.

Married to William H. Macy (2 daughters). On the hit TV series "Desperate Housewives" (won Emmy Award), and "Sports Night" (Emmy nominee).

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Lead/co-star John Malkovich is 53.

Talented, versatile actor, Oscar nominated best support for "Places in the Heart", and "In the Line of Fire". Also in "The Killing Fields", "Empire of the Sun", "Dangerous Liaisons", "Shadows and Fog", "Being John Malkovich" (won New York Film Critics Award), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", etc.

Married twice (2 children). Won an Emmy Award.

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Lead/co-star Beau Bridges is 65.

Energetic, blond-haired actor, in "The Incident", "For Love of Ivy" (Golden Globe nominee), "Gaily, Gaily", "The Landlord", "The Other Side of the Mountain", "Norma Rae", "Love Child", "The Fabulous Baker Boys", The Good German", etc.

Married twice (5 children). Son of Lloyd Bridges, brother of Jeff Bridges. In various made for TV movies (nominated for 9 Emmy Awards, he won 3).

*****************************************

Lead/co-star Judi Dench is 72.

A treasure from England, won Oscar best support for "Shakespeare in Love". Oscar nominated best actress for "Mrs. Brown", "Iris", "Mrs. Henderson Presents", and for best support in "Chocolat". In "A Room with a View", "84 Charing Cross Road" w/Bancroft, "Golden Eye" as M (recurring role in James Bond films), "Tea with Mussolini", "The Shipping News", "Die Another Day", "Ladies in Lavender", "Casino Royale", etc.

Widowed in 2000 after 30 years of marriage (1 daughter).

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Co-star/support Dick Van Patten is 78.

Dependable character actor, in "Charly", "Soylent Green", "Westworld", "Freaky Friday", "High Anxiety", "Spaceballs", "Robin Hood: Men in Tights", "A Dangerous Place", etc.

Married since 1954 (3 sons). On the TV series "Mama", and "Eight Is Enough". Suffered a diabetic stroke in January, 2006.

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Co-star/support Dina Merrill is 81.

Cool blonde beauty, in "Don't Give Up the Ship", "Operation Petticoat", "BUtterfield 8", "The Courtship of Eddie's Father", "The Young Savages", "The Sundowners", "Running Wild", "The Greatest", "A Wedding", "Fear" "True Colors", "The Other Sister", etc.

Married 3 times including to Cliff Robertson. Mother of 4 children of which a son is deceased. Daughter of E.F. Hutton, cousin of Barbara Hutton. Last on screen in 2003. Does ample charity benefits.

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Lead/co-star Kirk Douglas is 90 today.

Dynamic leading actor, Oscar nominated best actor for "Champion", "The Bad and the Beautiful", and "Lust for Life" (won Golden Globe Award). Also in "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers", "A Letter to Three Wives", "Young Man with a Horn", "Ace in the Hole" aka "The Big Carnival", "Detective Story" (Golden Globe nominee), "The Big Sky", "Paths of Glory", "Spartacus", "Strangers When We Meet" w/Kim Novak, "Lonely Are the Brave" (his favorite role), "In Harm's Way", "The Fury", "Tough Guys", "It Runs in the Family", etc.

Married twice, currently for 52 years (thanks to Mrs. Douglas). Father of 4 sons including Michael Douglas. Rebel son Eric died of a drug overdose.

He survived a plane crash and a stroke. Trademark: cleft in chin. Was presented an honorary Oscar in 1996.

It is reported that he was not as good of a friend with Burt Lancaster as was often perceived. The closeness of their friendship was largely fabricated by the publicity-wise Douglas, while, in reality, Lancaster was often cruel and dismissive to Douglas.

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Posthumous

 

Co-star/support John Cassavetes (59) 1929-1989.

Serious, cocky actor/director, Oscar nominated best support for "The Dirty Dozen". Also in "Edge of the City", "Saddle the Wind", "Rosemary's Baby", "Husbands", "The Fury", "Whose Life Is It Anyway?", "Tempest", etc.

Was married 34 years to Gena Rowlands (4 children). A prominent filmmaker (Oscar nominee best director). Directed wife Rowlands in numerous films.

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Lead/co-star Broderick Crawford (74) 1911-1986.

Stocky, gruff actor, won Oscar best actor as Willie Stark in "All the Kings Men" (also won Golden Globe and New York Film Critics Award). In "Beau Geste", "Seven Sinners" w/Dietrich, "Larceny, Inc.", "Born Yesterday" good role, "Lone Star" w/Gable, "Human Desire", "Down Three Dark Streets', "Big House, U.S.A.", "Not as a Stranger", "The Oscar", "Liar's Moon", etc.

Married twice (2 sons). Son of comic actress Helen Broderick. On a few populat TV series.

Quoted: "My trademarks are a hoarse, grating voice and the face of a retired pugilist: small narrowed eyes set in puffy features which look as though they might, years ago, have lost on points."

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Lead/co-star Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (90) 1909-2000.

Dapper, handsome actor, on screen since the 1920s. In "A Woman of Affairs", "Our Modern Maidens", "Little Caesar", "Morning Glory", "The Prisoner of Zenda", "Gunga Din", "Green Hell" good movie, "The Corsican Brothers", "Sinbad the Sailor" w/Maureen O'Hara, "That Lady in Ermine" w/Grable, "The Last Moment", "Ghost Story", etc.

Married 3 times including to Joan Crawford. Father of 3 daughters. Son of silent screen star Douglas Fairbanks. Quoted: "I never tried to emulate my father. Anyone trying to do that would be a second-rate carbon copy."

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Co-star/support Robert Livingston (83) 1904-1988.

Reliable, strapping actor, remembered as Stoney Brooke in "The Three Mesquiteers" western series. Also in "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Three Godfathers", etc.

Was divorced with 1 son. His last film was "Blazing Stewardesses" (woo-woo).

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Co-star/support Margaret Hamilton (82) 1902-1985.

Superior character actress, the screen's immortal Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz". Also in "These Three" (giving 'brat' Bonita Granville a good slap in the face), "You Only Live Once", "Saratoga" (Harlow's final film), "Babes in Arms", "My Little Chickadee" w/Fields & West, "The Red Pony", and many more.

Divorced, she raised a son. Was a former schoolteacher.

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Co-star/support Hermione Gingold (89) 1897-1987.

Delightful character actress, in "Gigi" (Ah yes, I Remember it Well), she won Golden Globe Award. Also in "The Naked Edge", "Bell, Book and Candle", "The Music Man", "A Little Night Music" (also performed on stage), "Garbo Talks" w/Anne Bancroft, etc.

Married twice (2 sons). Was a hoot on TV talk shows, notably Jack Paar. A Tony Award nominee.

********************************************

In memory of those who died this day December 9th:

Hefty, dependable actor Laird Cregar in 1944 at age 30, gossip columnist Louella Parsons in 1972 at age 91, Oscar nominated director William A. Wellman in 1975 at age 79, 'tough guy' character actor Mike Mazurki in 1990 at age 82, dependable character actor Vincent Gardenia in 1992 at age 70, and bubbly blonde actress/singer Vivian Blaine in 1995 at age 74.

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Mongo

[JackBurley]

Dina Merrill's mother was Marjorie Merriweather Post (the Post cereal heiress). One of her homes was the famed Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach (now owned by Donald Trump). Ms. Merrill's birthname, by the way, is "Nedenia". She's on the board of (among other things) the Museum of Television and Radio. And didn't she and her husband, Ted Hartley, buy RKO Pictures about 15 years ago with hope of rebuilding it as a motion picture studio? I wonder what happened with that idea? Ted Hartley, by the way is an actor who did a lot of television work among his supporting roles in Walk, Don't Run, Ice Station Zebra and other movies. He's a film producer now.

[JulieAH]

Marjorie Merriweather Post also lived in Washington DC, and had a lovely home and gardens which have been restored and is open to the public. One of her husbands was the Ambassador to Russia around the time of the revolution and she was able to bring home many treasures (like Faberge eggs) at fire sale prices.

 

There's a small biographical movie shown there that's narrated by Dina Merrill.

 

Julie

[JackBurley]

Yes Ms. H, that's Hillwood; Marjorie Merriweather Post's estate in DC featuring their collection of Faberge, Sevres and tapestries. By the way, Post's first husband was Edward Close -- Glenn Close's grandfather. It seems Hollywood was destined to be in the Post orbit...

[JulieAH]

I knew there was some sort of connection between Glenn Close and Dina Merrill, but thought there was a more 'blood relationship' than that.

 

I also seem to remember that she was always known as Mrs Post, no matter who her husband had been. This may have been during the times she wasn't married, though.

 

Hillwood is lovely - sometimes I find it amazing that there are still these estates in the middle of DC.

 

Julie