From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

Latest Episodes:

"LOVE IS IN THE AIR" (21) Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 21 - “Love Is In The Air” - 02/05/2024

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be a mixed bag. Either you’re blissfully in love and the day is a romantic dream, or, you are not in love and part of you wants to stomp all the roses and put the chocolate bon-bons in a sling shot and pummel Cupid. Whatever your head space this Valentine’s Day, Steve and Nan have a movie for you. Listen in as they share some of their favorite romantic movies to get you in the mood, or give you something to aspire to next year. These movies have a perky female plumber, WWII vets returning from war, and even a wealthy dying woman aboard an ocean liner — something for everyone!

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

The Great Romantic Films (1974), by Lawrence J. Quick;

Halliwell’s Film and Video Guide (1987), by Leslie Halliwell;

The MGM Story (1982), by John Douglas Eames;

The Warner Brothers Story (1980), by Clive Hirschhorn;

They Dreamed of Home (1943), by Niven Busch;

“Till The End of Time: The Post World War II Drama That Deserves More Recognition,” July 30, 2022, by Patrick Fogerty, www.collider.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Wikipedia.com;

Movies Mentioned:

’Til We Meet Again (1940), starring Merle Oberon, George Brent, Pat O’Brine, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Bonnie Barnes, and George Reeves;

Cluny Brown (1946), starring Jennifer Jones, Charles Boyer, Helen Walker, Peter Lawford, Una O’Connor, Richard Haydn, Reginald Gardiner, Reginald Own, Margaret Bannerman, Sara Allgood, C. Aubrey Smith, Florence Bates, and Ernest Cossart;

The Clock (1945), starring Judy Garland, Robert Walker, James Gleason, Lucile Gleason, Keenan Wynn, Ruth Brady, and Marshall Thompson;

Enchantment (1948), starring David Niven, Teresa Wright, Evelyn Keyes, Farley Granger, Jayne Meadows, Leo G. Carroll, Phillip Friend, Henry Stevenson, Shepperd Strudwick and Gigi Perreau;

Till The End Of Time (1945), starring Guy Madison, Dorothy McGuire, Robert Mitchum, Bill Williams, Tom Tully, Ruth Nelson, Jean Porter, William Gargan, Selena Royale, and Johnny Sands;

Brief Encounter (1945), starring Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Noël Coward, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond, Stanley Holloway, Margaret Barton, Henrietta Vincent, and Everly Gregg;

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"GREG BAUTZER: HOLLYWOOD'S LEGAL LOTHARIO" (20) Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 20 - “Greg Bautzer: Hollywood’s Legal Lothario” - 01/29/2024

Long before notorious trials like O.J. SIMPSON's made momentary celebrities out of legal eagles like JOHNNIE COCHRAN, ROBERT SHAPIRO and ROBERT KARDASHIAN, there was attorney GREG BAUTZER. From the working class docks of San Pedro, this ambitious Golden Boy with movie-star good looks and a brilliant legal mind became the most trusted confidante of the elite of Hollywood. Not only was he a peerless power broker for the likes of HOWARD HUGHES and KIRK KERKORIAN, but he also dated the most eligible Hollywood actresses, including LANA TURNER, DOROTHY LAMOUR, GINGER ROGERS and JOAN CRAWFORD. This week, we explore the cases, the women, and the life of this legal Lothario.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

The Man Who Seduced Hollywood: The Life & Loves of Greg Bautzer, Tinseltown’s Most Powerful Lawyer (2013), by B. James Gladstone

“Greg Bautzer Weds Actress Dana Winter,” June 11, 1956, The Los Angeles Times

“Dana Wynter, Husband Back In Hollywood,” June 11, 1956, The Hollywood Citizen News

“Actress Sues Greg Bautzer For Divorce,” September 1, 1967, The Los Angeles Herald Examiner

“A Conversation With Greg Bautzer,” December 1984, The Hollywood Reporter

“Services Thursday for Attorney Gregson Bautzer,” October 27, 1987, Variety

“Greg Bautzer, Attorney for Film Stars, Dies,” October 27, 1987, by William Overhand, The Los Angeles Times

“Gone With The Winds,” July 1988, by Paul McNamara, Los Angeles Magazine

“Howard Hughes and the Original Power Lawyer,” May 31, 2013, by B. James Gladstone, The Hollywood Reporter

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Wikipedia.com

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"FALLEN ANGEL: THE HELEN WALKER STORY" (19) Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 19 - “Fallen Angel: The Helen Walker Story” - 01/22/2024

Cast as ALAN LADD’s leading lady in her film debut, Massachusetts-born HELEN WALKER was destined for Hollywood greatness. With her deep voice, coolly blonde good looks, and immense talent, she were perfect for Hollywood of the 1940s. However, her rising star abruptly came crashing to earth after a tragic accident sent her life into a downward spiral of despair and alcoholism. This is a cautionary tale of the dark side of fame. Listen to her compelling and tragic story on this week’s episode.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Hollywood’s Hard Luck Ladies (2020), by Laura Wagner

Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film (2012), by Karen Burroughs Hannesberry

“Biography of Helen Walker,” 1946, 20th Century Fox Studios

“Low Down on Cinderella,” March 1946, by Robbin Coons, Motion Picture Magazine

“Actress Hurt As Car Upset, Killing Soldier,” January 3, 1947, The Los Angeles Times

“Actress Faces $150,000 Suit in Accident,” March 6, 1947, The Los Angeles Daily News

“Helen Walker Faces Trail Over Fatal Crash,” March 26, 1947, Citizen News

“Helen Walker Cleared in Hitchhiker’s Death,” April 4, 1947, The Los Angeles Times

“Louella Parsons In Hollywood,” June 5, 1949, by Louella Parsons, The Los Angeles Examiner

“Helen Walker, Film Actress, Sheds Fur Buyer,” June 9, 1952, The Los Angeles Daily News

“Helen Walker Dies of Cancer at 47,” March 12, 1968, The Los Angeles Times

“Helen Walker Dies on Coast, Film Actress in 40s and 50s, March 12, 1968, The New York Times

“Screen Time: Return to ‘Nightmare Alley’ - The Tumultuous Life of Worcester Starlet Helen Wallker," March 3, 2022, by Craig S. Semon, Worcester Magazine

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

Stars/Movies Mentioned:

HELEN WALKER: Lucky Jordan (1942), The Good Fellows (1943), Abroad With Two Yanks (1944), Brewster's Millions (1945), Murder, He Says (1945), Murder In The Music Hall (1946), Cluny Brown (1946), Her Adventurous Night (1946), The Homestretch (1947), Nightmare Alley (1947), Heaven Only Knows (1947), Call Northside 777 (1948), My Dear Secretary (1949), Impact (1949), My True Story (1951), Problem Girls (1953), The Big Combo (1955);

ROBERT F. BLUMOFE: Yours, Mine, and Ours (1968), Bound For Glory (1976);

H. BRUCE “LUCKY” HUMBERSTONE: Wake Up Screaming (1941), Pin-Up Girl (1944);

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"THE SCENE STEALERS (MALE)" (18) Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 18 - “The Scene Stealers (Male)” - 01/015/2024

Films of Hollywood’s Golden Era are often brightened and made all the better by the fantastic character actors who show up playing fathers, grandfathers, bankers, farmers, chefs, clerks, bosses, and neighbors. The moment you hear the distinctive voice of WALTER BRENNAN, not only do you know it’s him, but you know the film will have at least one interesting element. Last week we paid tribute to the ladies, this week we are giving the wonderful male character actors their due. Join us as we discuss their distinctive lives and careers.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

The “It’s A Wonderful Life” Book (1986), by Jeanine Basinger and Leonard Maltin

Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary (2011), by Thomas S. Hischak

Also Starring… Forty Biographical Essay on the Greatest Character Actors Of Hollywood’s Golden Era, 1930-1965 (2012), by Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Movie Character Actors (1986), by David Quinlan

The Name Below The Title (2018), by Rupert Alistair

The Film Encyclopedia (1994), By Ephraim Katz

Leonard Maltin’s Movie Encyclopedia (1994), by Leonard Maltin

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

Stars/Movies Mentioned:

HENRY TRAVERS— It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), Mrs. Miniver (1942), You Can’t Take It With You (1938), High Sierra (1941), On Borrowed Time (1939), Our Town (1940), The Invisible Man (1933), Dark Victory (1939), Dodge City (1939), The Bells of St. Marys (1945), Shadow Of A Doubt (1943);

CHARLES LANE — Smart Money (1931), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), Mr. Deed’s Goes To Town (1936), You Can’t Take It With You (1938), Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), State Of The Union (1948), The Great Profile (1940), Ball Of Fire (1941), The Music Man (1962), The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995);

FRANKLIN PANGBORN — Exit Smiling (1926), Wild Poses (1933), The Bank Dick (1940), Easy Living (1937), Christmas In July (1940), Hail The Conquering Hero (1944);

FRED CLARK — The Jackpot (1950), How To Marry A Millionaire (1953), A Place In The Sun (1951), Boys Night Out (1962);

GUY KIBBEE — Stolen Heaven (1931), Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933), Captain Blood (1935), Mary Jane’s Pa (1935), Captain January (1936), Our Town (1940), Rain (1932), 42nd Street (1933), Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936), It’s A Wonderful World (1939), Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), Miss Annie Rooney (1942);

STERLING HOLLOWAY— Casey At The Bat (1927), Remember The Night (1940), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), Bambi (1942), Life Begins At Forty (1935), The Blue Bird (1940), Cheers For Miss Bishop (1941), Dumbo (1941), Alice In Wonderland (1951),

The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970);

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"THE SCENE STEALERS (FEMALE)" (17) Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 17 - “The Scene Stealers (Female)” - 01/08/2024

In the film Mildred Pierce (1945), EVE ARDEN manages to steal almost every scene she’s in. And, while talking with JOAN CRAWFORD’s Mildred about her spoiled, bratty daughter, Veda (ANN BLYTH), she even delivers the film’s most iconic line, “Personally, Veda's convinced me that alligators have the right idea. They eat their young.” That is the power of a skilled character actress. Their scenes might be limited, and their names may not be above the title, but with the lift of an eyebrow, the purse of a lip, or the widening of their eyes, they can pull focus and make you forget all about the stars. In this week’s episode, we discuss the illustrious careers and lives of some of the finest character actresses to ever work in film.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Beulah Bondi: A Life On Stage and Screen (2021), by Axel Nissen

Mary Wickes: I’ve Seen That Face Before (2016), by Steve Taravella

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Movie Character Actors (1986), by David Quinlan

The Name Below The Title (2018), by Rupert Alistair

The Film Encyclopedia (1994), By Ephraim Katz

Leonard Maltin’s Movie Encyclopedia (1994), by Leonard Maltin

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

Stars / Movies Mentioned:

BEULAH BONDI—It’s a Wonderful Life(1946), Finishing School (1934), Penny Serenade (1941), Remember The Night (1940), The Gorgeous Hussey (1936), Of Human Hearts (1938). Make Way For Tomorrow (1937)

ELIZABETH PATTERSON — The Boy Friend (1927), Remember The Night (1940), Tarnished Lady (1931), Bill of Divorcement (1933), No Man Of Her Own (1932), Tobacco Road (1941), The Cat and the Canary (1939), The Cat Creeps (1930), Sing You Sinners (1938), I Married A Witch (1942), Hail The Conquering Hero (1944), Little Women (1949)

VIRGINIA CHRISTINE — Edge of Darkness (1943), The Mummy’s Curse (1944), The Killers (1946), The Killers (1964), Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (1967), The Men (1950), Cyrano De Bergerac (1950), High Noon (1952), Not As A Stranger (1955)

SARA HADEN — The Andy Hardy series (1941 - 1958), The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Spitfire (1934), Captain January (1936), The Shop Around The Corner (1940), Come Back Miss Phipps (1941), Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945), Undercover of Night (1934)

MARY WICKES — The Man Who Came To Dinner (1942), Now Voyager (1942), White Christmas (1954), The Music Man (1962), The Trouble With Angels (1966), Sister Act (1992). Sister Act 2: Back In the Habit (1993), Postcards From The Edge (1990)

LOUISE BEAVERS — Holiday Inn (1942), Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), Imitation of Life (1934), Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1927), What Price Hollywood (1931), She Done Him Wrong (1933), 42nd Street (1933), Reform School (1939)

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"BEGINNER'S LUCK" (16) Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

EPISODE 16 - “Beginner’s Luck” - 01/01/2024

To win an Oscar sometimes takes decades of hard work and dedication to your craft — just ask PAUL NEWMAN, GERALDINE PAGE, and JESSICA TANDY. In fact, when Newman finally won the Oscar in 1987 for “The Color of Money,” after being nominated six times previously, he didn’t even bother to show up to the ceremony. “It’s like chasing a beautiful woman for 80 years,” he told the Associated Press. “Finally, she relents and you say, ‘I’m terribly sorry. I’m tired.’” However, there is a small group of actors who didn’t have to chase that beautiful Oscar for 80 years. They won for their very first film. This week we take a look at this rarified group.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Inside Oscar: The Unofficial History of the Academy Awards (1986), by Mason Wiley and Damien Bona

The Real Oscar: The Story Behind The Academy Awards (1981), by Peter H. Brown

Seventy-Five Years of the Oscars: The Official History of The Academy Awards (2003), by Robert Osborne

Oscar Dearest (1987), by Peter H. Brown and Jim Pinkston

The Film Encyclopedia (1994), By Ephraim Katz

Leonard Maltin’s Movie Encyclopedia (1994), by Leonard Maltin

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

Stars/Movies Mentioned:

GALE SONDERGAARD— The Wizard of Oz (1939), Anthony Adverse (1936), The Mark Of Zorro (1940), The Letter (1940), Sherlock Holmes and the Spider Woman (1943), The King of Siam (1946);

KATINA PAXINOU — For Whom The Bell Tolls (1943), Mourning Becomes Electra (1947);

HAROLD RUSSELL — The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), Inside Moves (1980);

MERCEDES McCAMBRIDGE — All The King’s Men (1949), Lightning Strikes Twice (1951), Johnny Guitar (1954), Giant (1956), Touch Of Evil (1958), The Exorcist (1973);

SHIRLEY BOOTH — Come Back Little Sheba (1952), About Mrs. Leslie (1954);

EVA MARIE SAINT — On The Waterfront (1955), A Hatful of Rain (1957), Raintree County (1957), North By Northwest (1959);

JO VAN FLEET — East of Eden (1955), The Rose Tattoo (1955), I’ll Cry Tomorrow (1955),

Four Queens and a King (1956), Gunfight At The Okay Corral (1957), Wild River (1960), Cool Hand Luke (1967);

JULIE ANDREWS — Mary Poppins (1964), The Sound Of Music (1965), Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), Darling Lil (1970), The Pink Panther (1967), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), 10 (1979), Victor/Victoria (1982);

BARBRA STREISAND — Funny Girl (1968), Hello Dolly (1969), On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), The Owl and the Pussycat (1970);

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"OLD MOVIES FOR A NEW YEAR" (15) Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

EPISODE 15 - “Old Movies For A New Year” - 12/25/2023

There’s something about New Year’s Eve and assessing the past year that is bittersweet, yet cathartic. It’s a time of self-evaluation, introspection, and assessment. In case you’re looking for the perfect film to match the myriad of emotions you may be feeling as you reflect, regret, or seek revenge in anticipation of the new year ahead, we’ve got four that should get you in the mood for 2024. And NEVER forget…There’s GOT to be a morning after!

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Film Noir Guide: 745 Films of the Classic Era, 1940-1959 (2011), by Michael Keaney

Disaster Movies: A Loud, Long, Explosive, Star-Studded Guide To Earthquakes, Floods, Meteors, Sinking Ships, Twisters, Viruses, Killer Bees, Nuclear Fall Out, and Alien Attacks in the Cinema (2006), by Glen Kay and Michael Rose

The Stewardess Is Flying The Plane: American Films of the 1970s (2005), by Ron Hogan and Peter Bogdanovich

Great Directors (1986), by Ted Sennett

“The Ultimate New Years Eve Movie: Repeat Performance, 1947,” December 31, 2016, Classic Film Aficionados

“Repeat Performance, starring Joan Leslie, Louis Hayward and Tom Conway, a Murder Study Being Shown At Rivoli,” July 2, 1047, by Bosley Crowther, The New York Times

“The Moon’s Our Home,” January 19, 2015, by R. Emmett Sweeney, mubi.com

The Criterion Collection

TCM.com

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

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"...AND YOUR LITTLE DOG, TOO!" (14) Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

EPISODE 14 - “…And Your Little Dog, Too!” - 12/18/2023

From RIN TIN TIN to LASSIE to TRIGGER, to TONTO, from the 1974 film "Harry and Tonto," who can resist those cute, furry little nuggets who can straight-out steal a scene right out from under the most-trained Shakespearean thespian with the wag of a tail, the flop of an ear, or the purr of a cry? In this episode, Steve and Nan explore some of the four-legged stars who have won the hearts of millions during the classic era of film.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Great Animals of the Movies (1980), by Edward Edleson

Four Feet To Fame: A Hollywood Dog Trainers Journey (2017), by Bob Weatherwax

I, Toto: The Autobiography of Terry, The Dog Who Was Toto (2013), by Willard Carroll

Me Cheeta: My Life in Hollywood (2010), by Cheeta, as told to James Lever

www.americacomesalive.com

www.womansworld.com

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

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"SCRAM KID…YOU BOTHER ME" (13) Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

EPISODE 13 - Scram Kid…You Bother Me - 12/11/2023

As W.C. FIELDS famously said, "Never work with children or animals." Of course, he was probably referring to their ability to steal a scene or their unpredictability. But what would cinema be without child performers? From SHIRLEY TEMPLE to MICKEY ROONEY to NATALIE WOOD to MARY BADHAM, so many incredibly talented tots danced across the silver screen and into our hearts during Hollywood's golden era. This week we’ll be taking a look at the lives and careers of a few of our favorites.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Growing Up On Set: Interviews With 39 Former Child Actors of Classic FIlm and Television (2002), by Tom and Jim Goldrup

Child and Youth Actors: Filmography of Their Entire Careers (1988), by David Dye

www.virginiaweidler.net

“Edith Fellows, a 1930s Child Star Tracked by Dickensian Woes, Dies at 88,” July 2, 2011, by Margalit Fox, The New York Times

“Marcia Mae Jones, 83, TV Film Actress” (Obituary), September 7, 2007, The Los Angeles Times

“Former Child Actor Bobs Watson Dies,” June 28, 1999, The Los Angeles Times

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Fan Club,” January 20 2017, by Jacob deNobel, The Baltimore Sun

“Butch Jenkins - A Child Star at 9, Retired at 10,” April 23, 1978, The Washington Post

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

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"DECK THEM HALLS: THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN FILM" (12) Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

While chestnuts roasting on that open fire and sleigh bells ringing are nice, nothing gets you in the mood for the holidays like a good ole seasonal movie. Well, get ready to unwrap an early present from Steve and Nan as they share their favorite lesser-known holiday films. And along the way, they discuss everything from Clarence the Angel, French nuns, boxing nuns, ROBERT MITCHUM’s drug bust, and millionaires tossing money out of their Park Avenue apartment window. Don’t miss this holiday spectacular!

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Christmas in The Movies (2023), by Jeremy Arnold

Christmas In Classic Films (2022), by Jacqueline T. Lynch

Great Movie Directors (1986), by Ted Sennett

There Really Was A Hollywood (1984), by Janet Leigh

Robert Mitchum: A Biography (1984), by George Eells

Showman: The Life of David O. Selznick (1992), by David Thomson

IMDBPro.com

Wikipedia.com

TCM.com

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