Thursday, December 30, 2010

Gay Carrington

She was one of the Old Hollywood Studio System's greatest stars, now clawing her way back to the top!

Archival footage found of Gay Carrington's screen test with Leslie Howard for Of Human Bondage


... And her thrilling performance in Bates Motel


For more of Gay Carrington, please visit her YouTube channel!!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Coal Miner's Daughter

I have never seen Coal Miner's Daughter and it was on the telly the other night. I watched it because there was nothing else on. I loved it!! (Has this ever happened to you?) I'm not into country music, and knew Loretta Lynn was a star, but it was so interesting to peek into that world. The apex at the Grand Ole Opry, the friendship and heartache with mentor Patsy Cline, the costumes! The hair! At first I thought how proud she was to never lose her "true self" but I realized she didn't know any other way. The 50's and 60's were such a burgeoning time for female performers in any genre of music. A lot of determination and sacrifice. I believe Dolly Parton's ascent was similar? I would like to read the book next.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Person to Person: Marilyn



April 8, 1955 interview for Edward R Murrow's program Person to Person.

Thanks Tamela!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Book Giveaway Winner

The winner of Possessed is
Elizabeth from Richboro, PA!
Elizabeth was drawn at random out of many wonderful readers. Thank you to all who entered! Please run out and get this book! xo

Friday, December 10, 2010

Book Giveaway: Possessed


I am so very excited about this giveaway!! The wonderful people at William Morrow/Harper Collins have generously donated a copy of Donald Spoto's Possessed; a new biography on Joan Crawford for a giveaway drawing!

I will be honest, I read the first few pages then ran out to buy my own copy. :) It is, in my opinion, one of the best biographies I have read as it is almost set up like a documentary. Unbiased and factual, and honest about facts unknown. Meticulous footnotes and vivid descriptive qualities. A ton of never seen before photos and correspondences. Of course, she is a fascinating subject and I actually learned new things about her life and careers. I loved it, and am thrilled for one of you to own it!

If interested, please email me your name and mailing address and one winner will be drawn at random. Ends Wed. Dec. 15th 12noon EST.


Special thanks to Kimberly! xo

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Navy

Paul Newman's Naval service portraits. First photo dated 1943, second photo unknown. If anyone knows, please let me know! TSG didn't have much info on them.


photos thesmokinggun.com