Thomas Edison

Well I’m excited about TCM’s “Moguls and Movie Stars, the History of Hollywood.” It’s walk through Hollywood’s history. Being a history and classic movie aficionado, it gets no better than this. This whole month starting tonight we will learn of the humble beginnings of Hollywood and how it grew into a mega million dollar empire. The series airs tonight, and every Monday and Wednesday night through December 15th at 8:00 PM EST. Movies of the respective era featured will follow after the documentary. How exciting is that? Each segment will focus on a different era of American movie history, from the invention of the first moving picture to the cutting edge films of the 1960′s.

The moguls weren’t always moguls, let’s get that straight from the beginning. In fact, many were poor immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to United States and who were running away from very harsh conditions. And like most immigrants, they were penniless, and didn’t speak English. Strangers in a strange land. But they had a dream. The story of Hollywood is a story of American ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and hard work. I like how the producer of the series puts it, “They (moguls) weren’t necessarily charmers, but what made their stories so terrific is that essentially they put on the screen their own dream of what this country was or should be.” Many came from poor Jewish backgrounds and fortunately for them they got into film at its infancy. After arriving in America many owned nickelodeans before the age of theaters and production. We will learn in the series of the “undocumented” Samuel Goldwyn who came to America via the Canadian border. And many other stories of the great pioneers of film.

Samuel Goldwyn

The series will be narrated by none other than Christopher Plummer, who, I’m sure will make this series a pleasure to see. They don’t come any classier than he. The series will have classic film footage, photographs, and color footage from the great classic movie, “On the Waterfront.” Classic movie stars will be profiled and we will learn about their relationship with the moguls. I’ve heard some horror stories, but I’ve also heard some good stories. In addition, the series will have interviews with relatives of the moguls. That should be really interesting to see.

For me, I will see it as an American story. It is a story of how anyone can make it in our great country. I am sure that many of these moguls had all kinds of problems when they first came here. But nothing stopped them. They kept at it, and realized their dream and in the process made dreams come true for so many others. Now that, is an American story.

Have you ever watched a classic movie and wonder how on earth some of the actors or actresses were able to keep up with lines. The witty lines and the speed by which they said them has always impressed me. Now, do you ever think of your favorite classic stars as making mistakes while on the set? Can you ever imagine any one of them cursing on the set when bloopers were committed? I suppose we are all tempted to believe that the starlets of old were flawless, curse, nah! Hey, they were human, just like we are and yes, they got pissed off when it took several takes to get one line right, or became hysterical when they or their co-star delivered corny lines. I thought this video below to be funny, revealing and enlightening. See the human side of stars like Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis, and more.

The clip below is from Classic TV’s “Dragnet”.  No matter what side you stand on in the National Health Care Debate, you will find it quite interesting. I want to forget I am living in the year 2009 for a minute.  I want to go back to a time when it was cool to stand for and defend our country’s founding and principles. I want to go back to a time when everyone took responsibility for their actions. I want to go back to a time when a soldier was honored and not criticized, or mocked. I want to go back to basics. I have no problem with my country. Yes, like any country in the world we have both good and bad history. But America has come a long dam way and in my eyes she is redeemed of past mistakes.  America does not need fixing or a makeover. I do not accept the premise that America is bad. Despite what naysayers say, America is still the greatest country on the face of the earth, and other countries can only hope to one day be like us.  Please, I’ve had enough of this America bashing, and it is a paradox of sorts when it comes from those on top, who enjoy the very things they criticize.

These guys from “Dragnet” have come back from the past to tell President Obama a few things and it is Obama who must transport himself to the past and learn the great lessons that only history can teach.

The American widow who put the tombstone on auction is trying to pay her 1.6 million dollar mortgage in Beverly Hills.  I guess things are tough for everyone in every income bracket nowadays.  Boy the widow must be cursing up a storm. Currently her husband is lying in eternal rest facing down in this tomb, and right on top of Marilyn. Don’t ask me all I know is that her husband wanted to be buried on top of Marilyn, and yes, facing down. Since the bidder from Japan couldn’t come up with the money, the widow is contacting other bidders which came close to winning the bid. Once the tombstone is sold, the widow plans to move her husband elsewhere.

Oh well, sadly for the dearly departed husband, the eternal bliss is now interrupted. Not even the dead can escape the recession.

But even more saddening and scary is that future generations will not know History’s heroes and history’s pivotal points either. Like the author said “… every generation loses some knowledge of history. But to think that future generations might not remember Pearl Harbor (no, not the movie), VCR’s and cassette tapes, (I think albums and 8 tracks would already be a forgotten piece of history to most), pop coming in bottles (remember getting a nickel for turning in a pop bottle?), a world without video games, and God forbid, John Wayne; kinda makes me sad.” This saddens me too because we are losing out on such much.

I, like the author, would encourage young people to explore Classic Movies, and TV to learn a great deal of history. When I see classic movies, I feel I am being transported to a different time and place. The knowledge which I have acquired from watching classic movies is astounding.  We are so lucky to have dvd’s, Turner Classic Movies, and other channels which carry classic film. Which brings me to another article about Classic Movies, MGM is providing a free channel to customers who do not have a paid cable service, but have TV with free local channels. It is an innovative way for MGM and the TV stations to make money with ad revenues while at the same time providing Classic film to an untapped market.  Read more on this here. I think this is awesome!

Let me just say to anyone 30 and under. Give classic movies and TV a chance. I grew up watching re-runs of classic TV, I’ve watched Classic Movies since the age of 5, this thanks to an older sister who absolutely loves classic movies. My sister opened up a magical world for me. What I’ve learned is priceless. To me it’s History come to life. And you know what they say about not learning from History, we most certainly will repeat it. Let’s not do that.

As I watched this old commercial and heard the news about GM, I couldn’t help thinking how GM will be a thing of the past, much like this commercial. They’ve closed thousands of dealerships across the country, and undoubtedly the CAFÉ standards will be forced on them, ultimately closing the final GM chapter.

I am sadden that GM fell into the bailout grip, but at least we can look at these commercials and tell our grandchildren what a GM was and how the Government took it over. I only hope that FORD will hang in there and succeed.  They did during the Roosevelt bailout years, and they will again. I believe that companies can make it without bailouts. It’s the American way. It’s what made America what it is. It’s what has made us the envy of the entire world.  William Durant, founder of GM, must be turning in his grave. But I believe American cars will once again be # 1, it’s a given, the American spirit is resilient and the storms may come and go, but Americans always, and I mean always bounce back! Enjoy the old GM commercial.

I did learn a lot about the man Mickey Rooney though. He served during WWII in Patton’s army! Wow! There was a film clip in the interview of him mimicking Lionel Barrymore and Clark Gable while he was serving in WWII and his humor was still intact in spite of the war.  As Robert asked him questions of his past, you can see Mickey’s thoughts wander off to a place of magic, wonder, and sometimes sadness. He said something about his memories that went something like this “memories are like nuggets of gold.” He talked about his grand experiences while filming the Andy Hardy series. When asked about his childhood experiences in Hollywood, he had nothing but good things to say of his experiences. He went as far as saying that if a child wanted to act, it’d be a good experience. Did you know that his first role was when he was 18 months old? He said he was born wanting to be in front of the camera, and said the “Good Lord” allowed him to do so.

It came to a surprise to me when he said that Louie B. Mayer was a friend, and a “good man.” I’ve always heard the opposite. He said Mayer was “no tyrant!” Sure he had his bad days, but he was man enough to always apologize. And then Rooney said the greatest gift any one has is “forgiveness.” On Judy Garland his recall was moving. He said he loved her like a sister; Judy was the sister he never had. I am sure for Judy that hurt because I’ve always heard it said she had a major crush on him.

On his career, he was all too grateful to have had the opportunity to do something in life he truly loved. Not many in life can say that. Three things he said that struck me because I think this applies to all careers, but especially acting. He said there are three phases in a career:

1.      Someone says, “Who is that?” Another replies, “its Mickey Rooney.”  And all say “get me Mickey Rooney!”

2.      Second phase: Someone says, “Get me somebody who looks like Mickey Rooney!”

3.      Lastly, “who is Mickey Rooney?”

This told me that although Mickey is grateful for having had the Hollywood experience, he knew that a star is on top for just a little while. And he learned this lesson early on in his life. He was treated differently when he returned from the war. His acting career was on a downhill. He, surprisingly enough had enemies in Hollywood that made it their business to destroy him. But he stressed he holds no grudges. He simply moved on.

His attitude is one we can all learn from. Hollywood can learn a lot from this legend. His last remarks impressed me because Mickey is 89- years- old; he still performs and has a heart of a 20- year- old.  I have to guess that he is perfectly contented in his life and that is what keeps him going. So no matter what your age try and remember what Mickey said at 89: “I believe my future, and what I really can do is before me.” “I never look back.” And that’s why I love Mickey Rooney!

Now, let’s get down to business. As you know Turner Classic Movies has kicked off their 31 days of Oscar! With today’s economic woes, what better comfort than to sit down on your couch with a bag of Doritos and watch Oscar winning classics? Enjoy this TCM montage of Oscar Winning Classics, and be sure to check the TCM schedule to watch or TiVo your favorite.

Oh, and btw be sure to visit JC’s randomshelf blog for his interview with none other than TCM’s Robert Osborne!

Back in the 40’s Montalban starred in many films alongside names like Clark Gable, and Lana Turner. He had other roles during the 50’s and 60’s. By the 70’s, roles were scarce for him, so he turned to stage and later TV. TV is what made him a memorable star as Mr. Rouke in Fantasy Island. How can we forget the famous line, “Welcome to Fantasy Island,” delivered with a most beautiful Spanish accent? A line only Montalban could deliver with finesse. It was during his time in Fantasy Island that he gave one of his best performances as Khan Noonien Singh in the 1982 movie “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” This was a follow-up to a much loved episode of TV’s Star Trek in 1967, which Montalban starred in.

Montalban was a class act, suave, elegant, and a pioneer. He will be missed. Rest in peace.

J.C. Loophole from Random Shelf blog tagged me with a whopper. I am to choose my favorite actresses of all time. Now isn’t that a lot of homework? I mean that is hard because to me, there were so many talented actresses in classic Hollywood, it is pretty hard to pick and choose. Now, if you were to tell me to pick from today’s actresses, I couldn’t even pick 10. Sorry if I sound too harsh, but it is very difficult for me with todays so called actresses, they just don’t measure. I digress…I chose the following because they’ve been in a movie that has impacted me greatly, and because most, if not all, portrayed women in stronger roles. Here it goes.