Friday, June 29, 2012

Happy 111th Birthday, Nelson Eddy!

Nelson Eddy. His was a unique Hollywood talent that shot to stardom through his first starring role. He became one of the most top names in motion pictures and radio between 1935 and 1945.

(L. to R.: Nelson at six months, Nelson c. 1906, Nelson c. 1908, as a choir boy.)


(L. to R.: Nelson in 1915, Nelson c. 1921, Nelson on USO Tour in 1942)

Today marks his 111th birthday. He was born June 29, 1901 in Providence, Rhode Island. Out of humble beginnings he became one of MGM's top stars. He had to drop out of school after eighth grade in order to support his mother. His jobs ranged from that of a clerk in a plumbing supply company, to a typesetter on a newspaper, a sports reporter and even a copywriter for an advertising firm. Finally, he landed a job with the Philadelphia Civic Opera which enabled him to give private concerts in the evenings. It was at one of these events that a Hollywood talent scout spotted him . . . and the rest is Entertainment history.

In honor of his birthday, we're posting some harder-to-come-by photographs, taken throughout his childhood. So, Happy Birthday, Nelson Eddy!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Goodbye to Polly Benedict: Ann Rutherford Dies at 94

Came home from vacation and found out that actress Ann Rutherford passed away on the 11th. She is probably best remembered for playing Mickey Rooney's friend, Polly Benedict, in the Andy Hardy series. She played in more than 50 films, including Gone With The Wind. Usually played the girl-next-door type roles and displayed solid, reliable acting in most of her films. She is always enjoyable in her film appearances.

To read her full obituary, click here.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Judy Garland's 90th Birthday

JUDY GARLAND (10 June 1922 - 22 June 1969) is known the world over for her performance as "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz. A singer and actress since childhood, her early movie career is best remembered for her teaming with Mickey Rooney, an on-screen duo that would continue until 1948. However, it was "The Wizard of Oz" that pushed her into instant stardom, as well as giving her her signature song "Over the Rainbow". Her 1954 comeback film, "A Star is Born" became another instant success and was the last starring film success of her career. She regularly appeared on television and the concert stage, and in 1961 appeared at Carnegie Hall. The album of her performance that night won four Grammys and has never been out of print.

Today would have been Judy's 90th birthday. Thanks to her many films and recordings, we can still enjoy her talent. Whether it is 17 year old Judy singing "Over The Rainbow" or 32 year-old Judy singing "The Man That Got Away", her talent is obvious. Now, many of her films are being released on DVD and you can enjoy her performances. (If you haven't tried The Pirate, you should! Her rendition of "Mack The Black" holds its' own against "Get Happy" and "Man Who Got Away".)