The End of an Era: Esther Williams 1921-2013

There aren't many of those classic Hollywood movie stars left, and this week saw the end of an era. Swimming star Esther Williams died on Thursday just two months before her 92nd birthday. She was one of MGM's many stars during the 1940s and '50s, but she was certainly one of the most unique stars to appear on the Silver Screen. There were lots of singers, dancers and actors. But as Donald O'Connor says in That's Entertainment --- ". . . there was only one Esther Williams."



She starred in a score of flashy, colorful films that were unlike anything at the time and are certainly unlike anything that's been made since. The plots are quite sappy, but she always had top-notch casts and crew. You weren't really there to watch a story, anyway. You were there to watch Esther swim, dive and accomplish amazing aquatic feats. She swims the English Channel in Dangerous When Wet, she water skies with a whole troop at Cypress Gardens in Easy to Love and she swims in a sunken Ancient city in Jupiter's Darling. But her crowning glory when it comes to one of these water ballets has to be the Hippodrome number in Million Dollar Mermaid. Esther appears as you'll never see her elsewhere. The finale of the ballet shows her rising from the water on a spectacularly lit platform --- and slowly disappearing again amidst a chorus of aquatic ballerinas. And it's all done with a smile.

That's Entertainment is a wealth of appropriate sentiment when it comes to MGM musicals. Frank Sinatra say, "You can wait around and hope, but I'm telling you --- you'll never see the likes of this again." He says it in reference to Fred Astaire, but it is just as true when it comes to Esther Williams. There will never be another performer like her again.

Deanna Durbin (4 Dec 1921 - Apr 2013)

Edna Mae David, alias Deanna Durbin, passed away a few days ago in France at the age of 91. Her son, Peter, released the news yesterday. For the past 60+ years, she has lived in complete privacy in a small town outside of Paris. For twelve years in the 1930s and 40s, she was one of Hollywood's super stars. She made 21 feature films, countless recordings, and was a weekly guest on Eddie Cantor's radio show for a while. At one point, Deanna Durbin was the highest paid actress in the world! However, for Canadian-born Edna, the Deanna craze and fame was an intruder. When the time came, she slammed the door on Hollywood and the glamour with a bang that was heard around the world!

For a previous blog entry that gives a more detailed account of her career, click here. Also, the New York Times is running a full article about her.

Rise Stevens (June 11, 1913 - March 20, 2013)

Rise Stevens was an internationally famous mezzo-soprano. She worked at the Metropolitan Opera in New York for 23 years, and she is considered one of the greatest (if not the greatest) interpreters of the opera Carmen. She could not only sing, but she was also a good actress. Her death scene in Carmen was so realistic that the audience really thought she had been killed by Don Jose!

Like many opera stars, Rise Stevens went to Hollywood to try her hand at films. She didn't like working on pictures, but the couple that she made are fabulous. She felt that film directors were too concerned about "looks", and rightfully so. She recorded all of the songs for her films, but when it came time to actual shoot the scene, the director made her sing an octave lower --- so that her face looked pretty and not contorted with singing. There was no audience to react to the songs or performance, and that was a hard change from someone used to performing on stage.

She appeared in two well-remembered films: The Chocolate Soldier (1940) with Nelson Eddy and Going My Way (1944) with Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. You can't get better than that! In fact, it was thanks to her role in Going My Way that she studied and sang the role of Carmen. She sings one song from the opera in the film, and so many people sent fan mail and compliments about the song that she decided to pursue the role.



Rise Stevens passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 99 (missing her one-hundredth birthday by less than three months!). Everyone seems to be remembering her for her operatic roles --- Carmen and Samson et Delilah. But I'll always think of her laughing as Nelson Eddy sings The Song of the Flea. Or singing Ave Maria in the basement with Bing Crosby and the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir. Thanks to these film appearances she will be seen and heard by future generations. So, if you haven't seen Going My Way, then be sure to do that soon!

Patty Andrews, 94 - Goodbye to the Andrews Sisters

PATTY ANDREWS (16 Feb 1918 - 30 Jan 2013)

We just found out that Patty Andrews, the last surviving sister of the fabulous Andrews Sisters, died at her home on January 30, 2013. She was 94 years old and was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years.

In the 1930s, a sister group shot to overnight stardom with their hit recording of "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen". They went on to become some of the nation's top selling recording artists of the swing and boogie era. They sang Americans through the second world war and had more Top 10 charted hits than Elvis or The Beatles.

The oldest sister, LaVerne, died of cancer in 1967. The middle sister, Maxene, in 1995. Together, the three sisters recorded over 600 songs and appeared in over two dozen films, as well as guest appearing on almost every major TV show of the 1950s and 60s.

Phyllis Thaxter 1919 - 2012

PHYLLIS THAXTER (20 Nov 1919 - 14 Aug 2012)

Actress Phyllis Thaxter died on 14 Aug. She was 92 years old. She was an actress for many years, on Broadway and made her film debut in 1944, in the smash hit, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Playing bomber pilot Van Johnson's wife, her performance was touching and sensitive. She continued films and moved into television as well. With the newer generations, she is probably best remembered for playing Martha Kent in the movie, Superman (1978).

Below is a link to a full obituary and you can view an episode of the TV series, Wagon Train, in which she was the guest star.

Obituary in the New York Times.

Tony Martin (1913-2012)

I promised myself that I would write a non-obituary entry this week, but we just found out that singer Tony Martin died on Friday evening! Mr. Martin is one of our favorites, and he is one of the five singers who Sarah has classified as having a 'Disney Prince'-type voice. He died at his home in Los Angeles on Friday night at 98 years old.

In 1948, Mr. Martin married dancer Cyd Charisse. They remained devoted to each other, even co-writing their autobiography, The Two of Us. She passed away in 2008, after sixty years of marriage. Their son, Tony Jr., died in 2011. Mr. Martin is survived by his step-son, Nicky Charisse.

He appeared in many films during the 1930s-50s, including The Big Store with the Marx Bros., Easy To Love with Esther Williams, Deep In My Heart, and Till The Clouds Roll By. His voice was clear and smooth, with a very gentle quality. This is the passing of an era.

There is one time in a film where Tony and Cyd appeared together. At the very end of Easy To Love, he is walking along a lane when a girl drops her hat in front of him. That girl is Mrs. Tony Martin. :o)

To read his full obituary at the San Francisco Chronicle, click here.

Here is his section of the finale from the 1946 film, Till the Clouds Roll By. This is one of his best musical moments. He is singing the fabulous Jerome Kern song, "All the Things You Are".

Peter Breck; Nick Barkley in 'The Big Velley'; Dies at 82

PETER BRECK (13 March 1929 - 6 February 2012)

I know that this is a little late, but we just found out last night that Peter Breck died February 6th. He is best remembered for playing Barbra Stanwyk's hot-headed son, Nick Barkley, in the TV show, The Big Valley. Always the one to come to the rescue with the guns blazing, or belt the dishonest citizen in the face, or get into trouble and have to be rescued by his level-headed brothers.

Sarah and I were introduced to The Big Valley several years ago, when we got a disc of episodes out from the library. Ever since, we have been ardent fans of the show. In our minds, it even surpassed Bonanza. The five family members work so well together and make the stories believable. This is definitely a show not to be missed. Right now, the complete first season and the first half of season two are available on DVD.

Right after we discovered the series, we wrote to Mr. Breck and received autographed photos of him as Nick. He was a fantastic cowboy and a great character. We have seen him in several other shows, and it is funny as it always seems like Nick on another show. :o)

For a full obituary, see the NYTimes.

Screen Legend, Celeste Holm, Dies at 95

CELESTE HOLM (29 April 1917 - 15 July 2012)

Oscar-winning actress, Celeste Holm, died on Sunday at her apartment from complications of a heart attack. Celeste Holm appeared in over a dozen films, lots of TV shows and many stage productions during her long and distinguished career. She won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her third movie role in Gentleman's Agreement, opposite Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire. She was also nominated for her roles in Come To The Stable and the classic All About Eve. Some of her other film credits include The Snake Pit, High Society and The Tender Trap.

To read her full obituary, go to the NYTimes.

Remembering Andy: Mayberry Bids Farewell to Sheriff Taylor

ANDY GRIFFITH (1 June 1926 - 3 July 2012)

Died Tuesday at his home on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. An actor, singer and comedian, he is fondly remembered by generations of fans as the Mayberry sheriff in The Andy Griffith Show. Who can forget the opening of a man and a little boy, walking down a dirt road, carrying their fishing poles and whistling a tune? It featured the memorable characters of Deputy Barney Fife, garage mechanic Gomer Pyle, Aunt Bee, Thelma Lou, and little Opie Taylor.

Sheriff Andy Griffith made his screen debut in a 1960 episode of The Danny Thomas Show, where Danny is arrested for running a stop sign. Later that same year, Andy's own show debuted and continued for 8 seasons and a total of 249 episodes. Andy helped other townspeople fix their problems and the show provided wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

Mr. Griffith also recorded and released several albums of Gospel songs and comedy sketches. He performed on Broadway, at night clubs, and in films as well as television.

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.

Dolores Hope (Bob Hope's Wife) Dies at 102

Legendary Bob Hope's wife died Monday, September 19, 2011, at the age of 102. The met in 1933 and were married on Feb. 19, 1934. She soon retired from her singing career and stayed home to raise their four children.

Friend Nancy Reagan summed it up best, "She was an extraordinary partner to Bob throughout his entire life, supporting both their family at home and Bob's selfless cause to entertain U.S. troops abroad. Together, they brought countless hours of laughter and cheer to Americans everywhere."

James Arness Dies - Farewell to Marshal Dillon

James Arness, better known as Marshal Dillon in the classic TV show "Gunsmoke", died on Friday at his home. He was 88 years old.

After graduating high school in 1942, he joined the Army as a rifleman. He had wanted to be a Navy flier, but his 6 foot 6inch height barred him from being a pilot. He took part in the landings at Anzio and was severely wounded, resulting in operations, honorable discharge, and leg trouble that would bother him the rest of his life. He had trouble walking for long periods and mounting a horse was difficult. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal and three Bronze Campaign Stars.

He played supporting roles in many films (including the John Wayne films, "Island in the Sky" and "Big Jim McLain", and "The Farmer's Daughter") before playing the lead role as Marshall Matt Dillon on the long-running TV show, "Gunsmoke". He was made an honorary US Marshal for "in recognition of his unique contribution to the image and traditions of the U.S. Marshal's Service".

Dana Wynter Dies; 79

Actress Dana Wynter died on Thursday, May 5, at the age of 79. Dark haired, dark eyed, and strikingly pretty, she is best remembered for her role in the B-film, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". She also played the sympathetic and kind secretary to Kenneth Moore in "Sink the Bismark!". Born in Germany, she grew up in England and Southern Rhodesia before coming to America. She started in New York on the stage and television, before moving to California to try movies. In the 1960s, she appeared on many TV shows, and in 1970, she appeared as Burt Lancaster's wife in the movie, "Airport". She is survived by her son, Mark.

Here is a fantastic quote about her feeling of modern Hollywood stars versus the classic greats. "In my opinion, there aren't as many originals today. Everyone looks the same to me. Where are the Katharine Hepburns, Spencer Tracys, Clark Gables and Bette Davises of today? Those actors were instantly recognizable. Nowadays I have trouble separating one actor from another."

Jackie Cooper dies, 88 - Goodbye to "America's Boy"!

Famous child star, Jackie Cooper, died Tuesday in California. He was 88 years old. As a child in the 1930s, he reigned with Shirley Temple as the most famous child stars. He is remembered as the little blonde-haired boy with the winning smile. Nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in the 1931 film, "Skippy" (which was directed by his uncle, Norman Taurog). Some of his other screen credits include "The Little Rascals", "The Champ", "Treasure Island", and "That Certain Age".

After returning home from four years of Navy service during World War II, he had trouble finding worthwhile roles. Following the advise of actor friend John Garfield, he went to New York and worked on the stage, eventually starring in two hit comedies. He acted on Television and went on to become production head of Columbia Pictures' TV company. In the 1970s, he returned to acting and appeared as the Metropolis Daily Planet editor, Perry White, in Christopher Reeve's four "Superman" films.

Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011)

ELIZABETH TAYLOR
27 February 1932 - 23 March 2011
"People who know me well, call me Elizabeth. I dislike Liz."

Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor died this morning, at age 79, after six weeks in Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Hospital for congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by her four children.

Known for her dark beauty and violet eyes, she was the winner of two Oscars and made over 50 films in a career which started in 1942 and went all the way through 2001. She starred in such films as Lassie Come Home, National Velvet, A Date With Judy, and The Taming of the Shrew (with husband Richard Burton).

To read a full obituary, click here to read the LATimes obituary or here to read the NYTimes obituary.

Jane Russell 1921 - 2011

JANE RUSSELL
June 21, 1921 - February 28, 2011
You asked if I am a Christian. Yes, I am --- very much so!

Jane Russell; star of "The Outlaw" (1943), "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "Paleface" (1948), and "Son of Paleface" (1952); died yesterday at her home in Santa Maria, California. She was 89 years old.

A strong Christian, she joined with some friends to create the Hollywood Christian Group which held services and Bible Studies at different movie people's houses. In 1954, Jane, Connie Haines, Beryl Davis and Della Russell joined together for a Church benefit and sang a Gospel song. A representative of Coral Records heard them and asked if they would record the song, which ended up being a million-seller. The same year, Della Russell left the group and was replaced by Rhonda Fleming. (The video below is from a TV appearance that they made in 1954, singing their hit song, "Do, Lord".) The singing group, known as The Four Girls, spent three years performing together and touring the Country. They even recorded a hit album entitled Make a Joyful Noise. In 1957, Rhonda Fleming left the group to fulfill acting commitments and the others renamed the group Les Girls, continuing for the rest of the decade as a trio. During and after this time, Jane Russell also created and helped organizations that helped adopt children into the US and worked at getting the Bible put back into public school curriculum. Now she is with her Saviour in Heaven and truly happy.

"Without faith, I never would have made it. I don't know how people can survive all the disasters in their lives if they don't have any faith, if they don't know the Lord loves them and cares about them and has another plan."

Click here to read a bio from Pointing North.



(Top photo: Jane Russell in "Paleface"; Middle right photo: Jane Russell with Rhonda Fleming in 2006)

Lena Horne 1917-2010

Yesterday, May 9, singer Lena Horne died at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She was 92 years old.

Lena Horne was a jazz and popular singer who appeared with popular bands, in films, nightclubs and on Broadway. She did many cameo appearances in well-known musicals such as "Ziegfeld Follies", "Till the Clouds Roll By" and "Thousands Cheer". She also had starring roles in the two most famous all-black musicals - "Cabin in the Sky" and "Stormy Weather" (the title song also became her signature song!).

Click here to read an in-depth bio and obituary from The Guardian.

Kathryn Grayson 1922 - 2010

Singer and actress Kathryn Grayson died at home, Wednesday, February 17, at the age of 88. Longtime secretary and companion Sally Sherman stated that "She just went to sleep and didn't wake up".

Kathryn Grayson graced the MGM musical screen through the 1940s and '50s. Appearing with cinema stars such as Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, and Mario Lanza, Some of her best remembered films include Anchors Aweigh (with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra), Show Boat and Kiss Me Kate (both co-starring Howard Keel).

Here is a link to a pretty song sung by Miss Grayson - "Beauty" from Ziegfeld Follies (1946)

Read The Los Angeles Times Obituary.
Read The Morning Call Obituary.