Author: Steve Crum
Worth 1,000 Words: KEN MAYNARD & TARZAN
IN 1934, WHEN THIS ORIGINAL STILL was displayed in movie theaters around the world, KEN MAYNARD (July 21, 1895-March 23, 1973) was nearing the twilight of his cowboy movie star years. In fact, IN OLD SANTA FE was the end of the trail for his career at Mascot Pictures. Future cowboy star GENE AUTRY (Sept. 29, 1907-Oct. 2, 1998) appears in his film debut as Gene, a singer. A year later, in 1935, producer Nat Levine replaced recently fired Maynard in the sci-fi western The Phantom Empire with Autry. It was Autry’s first starring role.
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That is KEN MAYNARD leaning on a trusty ol’ convertible as his trusty ol’ steed, TARZAN, looks on amongst the cacti and clouds. A barely visible Evalyn Knapp sits inside the car, cooing at Ken. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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Some cowpoke trivia: Cowboy hero sidekicks George “Gabby” Hayes and Smiley Burnette also appear in In Old Santa Fe.
Also, Maynard is only lip synching the singing to Bob Nolan of The Sons of the Pioneers.
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Worth 1,000 Words: JIMMY DURANTE & PETER LAWFORD
A ONE-OF-A-KIND, SHOW BIZ GEM is this autographed photo pasted on a tattered and weathered album page. The legendary entertainer JIMMY DURANTE (Feb. 10, 1893-Jan. 29, 1980) inscribed his “well-dressed man” pic: To Peter-A fine Boy-Your Pal Jimmy Durante. “Peter” is actually actor PETER LAWFORD (Sept. 7, 1923-Dec. 24, 1984), who was 15 in 1938 at the time this photo was given to him when he and Durante were under contract at MGM.
The page is from Peter Lawford’s autograph book. Lawford had not yet reached stardom, but had appeared in a small role in the Freddie Bartholemew vehicle, Lord Jeff. The “Great Schnozzola” Durante, however, was already established there, having co-starred in a series of comedies with Buster Keaton, and 1934’s Hollywood Party. Lawford’s breakthrough role was in A Yank at Eaton (1942). Both actors would be MGM mainstays throughout the 1940’s-early ‘50s. Lawford often performed with Durante, in singing, dancing and comedy, on stage and TV.
Their friendship would endure.
The page is from Peter Lawford’s autograph book. Lawford had not yet reached stardom, but had appeared in a small role in the Freddie Bartholemew vehicle, Lord Jeff. The “Great Schnozzola” Durante, however, was already established there, having co-starred in a series of comedies with Buster Keaton, and 1934’s Hollywood Party. Lawford’s breakthrough role was in A Yank at Eaton (1942). Both actors would be MGM mainstays throughout the 1940’s-early ‘50s. Lawford often performed with Durante, in singing, dancing and comedy, on stage and TV.
Their friendship would endure.
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After PETER LAWFORD’S 1984 death, I purchased this unique item by auction via Hollywood columnist Jimmy Starr. It is priceless to me. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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Ladies and gentlemen, here are Jimmy Durante and Peter Lawford together again…on The Hollywood Palace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gUbYhG9X_Y
Worth 1,000 Words: MARILYN MONROE, JACK BENNY & ‘ROCHESTER’
OPENING THE 1953-54 TV SEASON, The Jack Benny Show’s special guest was rising star MARILYN MONROE (June 1, 1926-Aug. 5, 1962). In this unpublished color photo (Jack’s show was in black and white), EDDIE ROCHESTER ANDERSON (Sept. 18, 1905-Feb. 28, 1977) and JACK BENNY (Feb. 14, 1894-Dec. 26, 1974) flank MONROE during rehearsal. [from Steve Crum’s show biz memorabilia collection]
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MILT JOSEFSBERG, one of Benny’s top writers on both radio and TV, talks about Monroe’s appearance in his book, The Jack Benny Show: …Regardless of the stories about her laxness and lateness later in her career, she was punctual and a pleasure to work with in those days. One of the great pleasures that all men on the set enjoyed was watching Miss Monroe walk, either toward them or away from them. She was rehearsing a scene where she was on the stage solo and had to walk away from the camera. All of us, including Jack, sat in the front seats of the studio watching her. Our director, one of TV’s best, a young man named Ralph Levy, made her repeat the walk several times. Each time she did so, there would be some whispered, off-color comments by those of us seated in the studio. Finally Jack, in an attempt at humor, whispered, ‘I don’t know why everyone raves about Marilyn. I’ve got a pretty attractive ass myself.’ This caused a light giggle, which erupted into a volcanic laugh….
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Why not check out Marilyn Monroe yourself on The Jack Benny Show?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UcaKf9pJrQ
Worth 1,000 Words: ROY ROGERS & TRIGGER at the ALAMO
DURING A WORLD WAR II TEXAS TOUR, The King of the Cowboys ROY ROGERS and TRIGGER strike the cowboy pose in this unpublished photo taken in front of the ALAMO as their fans happily observe. Rogers, Trigger, and The Sons of the Pioneers stopped by the famous landmark between entertaining at military bases and selling war bonds. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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Enjoy some Roy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYKLed9eoeE
Emotionally wrenching ‘Precious’ features standout Mo’Nique, Sidibe performances
By Steve Crum
Viewing Precious is a classic example of either seeing a movie to be solely entertained, or seeing a movie because it truly means something. Precious is truly meaningful.Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire (actual title) is a wrenching, emotional ride into living hell that features extreme family violence, incest, AIDS, and baby rape amidst poverty and its hopelessness. Sapphire’s best seller has been adapted by screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher with Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) at the directorial helm. While events spiral down into grimness, morality ultimately prevails.
Central character Claireece Precious Jones, an overweight 16-year old convincingly portrayed by first time actress Gabourey Sidibe (who is actually 26), is an illiterate, junior high student and single mother living in Harlem with her controlling mother, Mary. Mary is played by stand-up comedienne Mo’Nique, who will surely be Oscar nominated for her standout dramatic acting as the most abusive, profane mama of all time.
As the film opens in 1987 Harlem, Precious struggles both at home in her dreary apartment and at public school. Her mother, who sits in her easy chair, incessantly smokes cigarettes as she watches TV, and insults her daughter by telling her she will never succeed at anything because she is too stupid and ugly. It is not unusual for mother Mary to bounce an ash tray or plate off her daughter’s head as Precious has her back turned while preparing dinner or washing dishes. Mom hates Precious, but Precious perseveres.Note Daniels’ cleverly inserted dream sequences that illustrate Precious’ self esteem fantasies. For example, she looks in a mirror and imagines she is in a beautiful gown at a film premiere, surrounded by adoring fans. It is an escape valve from her depressing existence, which is a welcome break for the audience too.
Meanwhile, Precious’ school life suffers. She is a loner, friendless, and barely speaks to anyone. When teachers try to help her, Precious’ mother threatens and curses them. Precious discovers she is again pregnant, so she agrees to attend an alternative school. Her class is taught by Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), who becomes a positive force in Precious’ life. There are sequences at the welfare agency, featuring a surprisingly good turn by singer Mariah Carey as the sympathetic counselor, Mrs. Weiss.
Without revealing too much, be aware of a major plot turn which involves possibly the most disturbing and graphic fight scene (between mother and daughter) ever filmed. Realize that with conflict, even this extreme, a good story like this must proceed to resolution. Stay with Precious, although by the conclusion you will have been emotionally yanked multiple ways. Sure, Precious showcases the stereotypical welfare recipients who are resentful, immoral money grubs purposely cheating the government by dodging work in favor of living off taxpayer money. Conversely, the film makes its case for needy innocents such as infant dependents and underage mothers. Precious is an important film, a social document, driven by its gritty style.
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On an A to F Grade Scale: A-