From Beneath the Hollywood Sign

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"STARS BENEATH OUR FEET- THE HISTORY OF THE WALK OF FAME" (091) Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

FBTHS #091 - "STARS BENEATH OUR FEET- THE HISTORY OF THE WALK OF FAME" 6/09/25

The Hollywood Walk of Fame holds a unique allure as both a glamorous symbol of celebrity and a living monument to the history of entertainment. Stretching along 10 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, its iconic pink terrazzo stars honor the achievements of thousands of actors, musicians, directors, and other entertainment pioneers. Since its creation in 1960, the Walk has served not only as a tribute to individual fame but also as a reflection of shifting cultural values and artistic milestones. It draws millions of visitors each year, eager to walk among the legends and connect with the rich legacy of Hollywood’s golden era and beyond. As both a tourist attraction and a cultural archive, the Walk of Fame remains a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of entertainment on global culture. Join us this week as we delve into the history and historical significance of this Hollywood landmark.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

“25 Fun Facts About the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” July 25, 2018, by Jennifer M Wood, Mental Floss;

“Muhammad Ali dead: Why the iconic boxer's Hollywood star isn't on the Walk of Fame,” June 3, 2017, by May Bulman, Independent;

“Secrets of the Chinese,” July 23, 2012, Variety;

“Johnny Grant, 84, Who Spread Hoorays for Hollywood, Is Dead,” January 11, 2008, New York Times;

"Hollywood, brought to you by …” July 22, 2008, by Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times;

walkoffame.com/history;

hollywoodchamber.net;

johnnygrant.com;

projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/about/#creation-myth;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

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"MARK STEVENS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH" (090) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

"MARK STEVENS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH"

The name MARK STEVENS probably doesn’t ring a bell with moviegoers today. However, he’s one of those actors who once you see him on screen, you say, “Oh, yeah, THAT guy!” Still, at one time, he was a very in-demand leading man who was always compelling and had a tough-guy likability that brightened up many a hum-drum movie. He may not have reached the upper echelon of fame like contemporaries ALAN LADD or DANA ANDREWS, but he certainly left his mark — particularly in “The Dark Corner” with a pre-TV LUCILLE BALL. Like CHARLES LAUGHTON, DICK POWELL, and IDA LUPINO, he also became a pioneer of the actor-turned-director. Today, we take a look at his long and varied career and celebrate him as our Star of the Month.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

The Bad Boys of Film Noir (2008), by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry;

“Today’s Underrated Actor Spotlight: Mark Stevens,” February 20, 2018, by Baynum, TheTinselTownTwins.com;

“Mark Stevens: Patience is Poison!, (2012), Noir City Annual;

“Mark Stevens: Man of Many Talents,” February 2003, Classic Images;

“Romance of Actor With Hedy Ended,” September 24, 1947, Daily News;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

Destination Tokyo (1943), starring Cary grant & John Garfield;

The Doughgirls (1944), starring Ann Sheridan;

Hollywood Canteen (1944), starring Bette Davis & John Garfield;

God Is My Co-Pilot (1945), starring Dennis Morgan & Dane Clark;

Rhapsody In Blue(1945), starring Robert ALda & Joan Leslie;

Within These Walls(1945), starring Thomas Mitchell & Mary Anderson;

From This Day Forward (1946), starring Joan Fontaine & Mark Stevens;

The Dark Corner (1946), starring Mark Stevens & Lucille Ball;

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (1947), starring June Haver & Mark Stevens;

The Street With No Name (1948), starring Richard Widmark & mark Stevens;

The Snake Pit (1948), starring Olivia de Havilland;

Sand (1949), starring Mark Stevens, Coleen Gray, & Rory Calhoun;

Oh, You Beautiful Doll(1949), starring June Haver & Mark Stevens;

Dancing In the Dark (1949), staring Wiliam Powell;

Please Believe Me(1950), starring Deborah Kerr, Mark Stevens, Robert Walker, & Peter Lawford;

Before Midnight and Dawn (1950), starring Mark Stevens, Edmond O’Brien, & Gale Storm;

Katie Did It (1950), starring Ann Blyth & Mark Stevens;

Target Unknown (1951),staring Mark Stevens;

In Little Egypt (1951), starring Mark Stevens & Rhonda Fleming;

Reunion in Rio (1952), starring Gigi Perreau, Mark Stevens, & Frances Dee;

Jack Slade (1953), starring Mark Stevens

Cry Vengeance (1954), starring Mark Stevens & Martha Hyer;

Time Table (1956), starring Mark Stevens & Felicia Farr;

September Storm (1960), starring Mark Stevens & Joanne Dru

Escape From Hell Island (1963), starring Mark Stevens;

Fate is the Hunter (1964), starring Glenn Ford, Nancy Kwan, Rod Taylor, & Suzanne Pleshette;

Frozen Alive(1964), starring Mark Stevens;

Sunscorched(1965), starring Mark Stevens;

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"STEVE & NAN EXPLORE THE WILD, WILD WEST OF OLD HOLLYWOOD" (089) May 26, 2025

Show notes

FBTHS #089 - "Steve & Nan Explore the Wild, Wild West of Old Hollywood"

In this episode of From Beneath the Hollywood Sign, hosts Steve and Nan saddle up for a lively conversation about their favorite Western films. From dusty saloons to sweeping desert vistas, they explore the iconic imagery, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes that make the Western genre a cornerstone of American cinema. Whether you're a fan of classic John Ford shootouts or revisionist tales that challenge the myth of the Old West, Steve and Nan share personal picks and behind-the-scenes stories that will have you reaching for your cowboy hat.

SHOW NOTES:

AVA GARDNER MUSEUM:

If you would like to make a donation to help support the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, N.C. (Ava’a hometown!), please click on the following link:

https://ava-gardner-museum.myshopify.com/products/donations

Sources:

“Ride the High Country: The seed from Which Peckinpah’s Revisionist Approach to the Western Genre Would Ultimately Grow,” by Koralkja Suton, www.cinephiliabeyond.org;

“The Real-Life Feud That Gave Joan Crawford's Johnny Guitar A Vicious Edge,” September 4, 2022,by Lee Adams, www.SlashMagazine.com;

"From Blood Brother to Broken Arrow,” September 18, 2017,by Doug Hocking, True West Magazine;

“Winchester ’73,” May 2013, by Jonathan Dawson, www.senseofcinema.com;

“Philip Yordan,” April 8, 2003, The Guardian;

Naked Spur: Offbeat Film of Chase in Colorado, starring Stewart, Ryan, At Stake, March 26, 1953, New York Times;

John Ford: The Man Who Invests America (2019) Documentary directed by Jean-Christophe Klotz

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

The Criterion Collection;

Movies Mentioned:

Ride the High Country (1962), starring Joel McCrea, Randolph Scott, Mariette Hartley, Ron Star, James Drury & Warren Oates;

Broken Arrow (1950), starring James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget, & Jay Silverheels;

Day of the Outlaw (1959), starring Robert Ryan, Burl Ives, Tina Louise, David Nelson, Alan Marshall, Venetia Stevenson, & Elisha Cook, Jr.;

My Darling Clementine (1946), starring Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature, Walter Brennan, Cathy Downs, Tim Holt, Ward Bond, Alan Mowbray, & John Ireland;

The Naked Spur (1953), starring James Stewart, Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh, Ralph Meeker, & Millard Mitchell;

Johnny Guitar (1954), starring Joan Crawford, Mercedes McCambridge, Sterling Hayden, Scott Brady, Tim Holt, Ernest Borgnine, & John Carradine;

Winchester 73 (1950), starring James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Stephen McNally, Dan Duryea, Millard Mitchell, John McIntyre, Rock Hudson, & Tony Curtis;

Ride Lonesome (1959), starring Randolph Scott, Karen Steele, James Coburn, Lee Van Cleef, & Pernell Roberts;

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"OLD HOLLYWOOD'S TOXIC TRIANGLE" (088) May 19, 2025

Show notes

“OLD HOLLYWOOD’s TOXIC TRIANGLE” - 5/19/2025 (088)

Hollywood in the mid-20th century was a world of glitz and glamour, a realm where dreams could be made or destroyed in an instant. It was an era when the silver screen crafted illusions of romance and perfection, yet behind the scenes, the personal lives of its stars often unraveled into chaos, scandal, and tragedy. Few stories exemplify this dark side of Hollywood better than the volatile love triangle involving actress BARBARA PAYTON and actors FRANCHOT TONE and TOM NEAL. What began as a passionate romance descended into obsession, violence, and ultimate ruin—forever marking the three as cautionary tales of unchecked desire and self-destruction. In this episode, we explore this explosive love triangle and its aftermath.

SHOW NOTES:

AVA GARDNER MUSEUM:

If you would like to make a donation to help support the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, N.C. (Ava’a hometown!), please click on the following link:

https://ava-gardner-museum.myshopify.com/products/donations

Sources:

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye: The Barbara Payton Story (2012), by John O’Dowd;

I Am Not Ashamed (1963), by Barbara Payton;

“Tone, Payton, & Neal: Hollywood’s Most Toxic Triangle,” January 29, 2022, by Burt Kearns, legsville.com;

“Blazing Blonde Bombshell: Barbara Payton’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” January 6, 2021, by Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair;

“The Bottle and Barbara Payton,” November 16, 2018, Travelanche.com;

“Notes From The Unashamed,” May 19, 2016, by Kim Morgan, sunsetgun.com;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

Once More My Darling (1949), starring Robert Montgomery & Ann Blyth;

Trapped (1949), starring Lloyd Bridges & Barbara Payton;

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950), starring James Cagney & Barbara Payton;

Dallas (1950), starring Gary Cooper, Ruth Roman, Steve Cochran, & Barbara Payton;

Only The Valiant (1951), starring Gregory Peck & Barbara Payton;

Dancing Lady (1933), starring Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, & Franchot Tone;

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), starring Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, & Franchot Tone;

Detour (1945), starring Tom Neal & Ann Savage;

Another Thin Man (1939), starring William Powell & Myrna Loy;

Crime, Inc (1945), starring Tom Neal & Martha Tilton;

Blonde Alibi (1946), starring Tom Neal & Martha O’Driscoll;

I Shot Billy The Kid (1950), starring Don “Red” Barry, Robert Lowery, & Tom Neal;

The Great Jesse James Raid (1953), starring Tom Neal & Barbara Payton;

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“2025 TCM FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” (087) - 5/12/2025 May 12, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 87 - “2025 TCM FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP” - 5/12/2025

For the second year in a row, Steve and Nan were honored to be invited to cover the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival as part of the press corp. After four glorious days of non-stop film action, this episode is dedicated to the Festival and the fantastic movies shown this year. Steve and Nan will be discussing their favorite films, as well as giving a behind-the-scenes look at the festival and all the movie lovers who come annually to bow at the altar of Eddie Muller, Ben Mankiewicz and the TCM gang.

SHOW NOTES:

AVA GARDNER MUSEUM:

If you would like to make a donation to help support the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, N.C. (Ava’a hometown!), please click on the following link:

https://ava-gardner-museum.myshopify.com/products/donations

Sources:

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

Suddenly Last Summer (1959), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Montgomery Clift, Mercedes McCambridge, & Albert Dekker;

The Divorcée (1930), starring Norma Shearer, Chester Morris, Robert Montgomery, & Conrad Nagel;

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957), starring Robert Mitchum & Deborah Kerr;

The Enchanted Cottage (1945), starring Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young, Herbert Marshall, Mildred Natwick, Spring Byington, & Richard Gaines;

Daisy Kenyon (1947), starring Joan Crawford, Dana Andrews, & Henry Fonda;

Rhapsody in Blue (1945), starring Robert Alda, Joan Leslie, Alexis Smith, Oscar Levant, Morris Carnovsky, Rosemary DeCamp & Charles Coburn;

Gunman’s Walk (1958), starring Van Heflin, Tab Hunter, James Darren, Kathryn Grant, Burt Convy & Edward Platt;

We’re No Angels (1955), starring Humphrey Bogart, Joan Bennett, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray, Leo G,. Carroll, Gloria Talbot, & Basil Rathbone;

The Big Combo (1955), starring Cornel Wilde, Jean Wallace, Richard Conti, Helen Walker, Brain Donlevy, Lee Van Cleef, Earl Holliman,

All This and Heaven Too (1940), starring Bette Davis, Charles Boyer, Barbara O’Neil, Virginia Weidler, Jeffry Lynn, Harry Davenport, & June Lockhart;

Diamond Jim (1935), starring Edward Arnold, Jean Arthur, Binnie Barnes, Ceasar Romero, William Demarest, and Eric Blore;

The Talk of the Town (1942), starring Jean Arthur, Cary Grant, Ronald Colman, Edgar Buchanan, Glenda Farrell, Emma Dunn, Rex Ingram, & Charles Dingle;

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“ANNA MAY WONG: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” (086) - 5/5/2025 May 05, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 86 - “ANNA MAY WONG: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 5/5/2025

Anna May Wong was once the most famous Chinese woman in the world. The trailblazing actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon appeared in over 60 films and was a celebrated star, yet, at the time, she was not allowed to kiss a Caucasian man on screen, which limited the roles she could take, and she was not allowed to buy a house in Beverly Hills. A strange dichotomy, indeed. In recent years, she has enjoyed a much-deserved resurgence. Known as a Trailblazer and a cultural icon, she paved the way for generations of Asian and Asian American actors by proving that talent and perseverance could transcend racist casting conventions. Her life and career continue to influence conversations about diversity, representation, and the politics of race in Hollywood. This week, she is our Star of the Month.

SHOW NOTES:

AVA GARDNER MUSEUM:

If you would like to make a donation to help support the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, N.C. (Ava’a hometown!), please click on the following link:

https://ava-gardner-museum.myshopify.com/products/donations

Sources:

Not Your China Doll (2924), by Katie Gee Salisbury;

Anna May Wong: From Laundryman’s Daughter to Hollywood Legend (2012), by Graham Russell Gao Hodges;

Anna May Wong: A Complete Guide to Her Film, Stage, Television, and Radio Work (2010), by Philip Leibfried and Chei Mi Lane;

Perpetually Cool: The Many Lives of Anna May Wong (2003), by Anthony B. Chan;

“Anna May Wong: 13 Facts About Her Trailblazing Hollywood Career,” April 30, 2024, By Minhae Shim Roth;

“Anna May Wong’s Long Journey from Hollywood to the Smithsonian,” March 2024, by Ryan Lintelman, Natural Museum of American History;

“Anna May Wong Will Be the First Asian American on US Currency,” October 18, 2022, by Soumya Karlamangla;

“Anna May Wong is Dead At 54; Actress Won Movie Fans in ’24; Appeared with Fairbanks in ‘Thief of Bagdad,’ Made Several Films Abroad,” February 4, 1961, The New York Times;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

Phantom Of The Opera (1943), starring Claude Rains, Eddy Nelson, & Suzanna Foster;

The Spider Woman Strikes Back (1946), starring Gale Sondergaard & Brenda Joyce;

White Savage (1943), starring Maria Montez, Jon Hall, and Sabu;

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1944), starring Maria Montez & Jon Hall;

It Grows On Trees (1952), Irene Dunne & Dean Jagger;

Impact (1949), starring Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Helen Walker, & Anna May Wong;

The Red Lantern (1919), starring Alla Nazimova;

The Toll of the Sea (1922), staring Kenneth Harlan & Anna May Wong;

The Thief of Baghdad (1924), starring Douglas Fairbanks & Anna May Wong;

Picadilly (1929), starring Gilda Gray & Anna May Wong;

Daughter of the Dragon (1931), starring Anna May Wong and Warner Orland;

Shanghai Express(1932), starring Marlene Dietrich & Anna May Wong;

The Hatchet Man(1932), starring Loretta Young;

The Mask of Fu Manchu (1932), starring Myrna Loy;

The Son-Daughter (1932), starring Helen Hayes;

Tiger Bay (1934), starring Anna May Wong;

Chu Chen Chow (1934), starring Anna May Wong;

Java Head (1934), starring Anna May Wong;

Limehouse Blues (1934), starring George Raft, Jean Parker, & Anna May Wong;

The Good Earth (1937), starring Paul Muni & Luise Rainer;

Daughter of Shanghai (1937), starring Anna May Wong & Philip Ahn;

King of Chinatown (1939), starring Anna May Wong & Sidney Toler;

Dangerous to Know (1938), starring Gail Patrick & Anna May Wong;

Island of Lost Men (1939), starring Anna May Wong & J. Carrol Naish;

Bombs Over Burma(1942), starring Anna May Wong;

Lady From Chungking(1942), starring Anna May Wong;

Portrait in Black (1960), starring Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn, & Sandra Dee;

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“THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025 (085) Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 85 - “THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 2” - 4/28/2025

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home! As we continue our discussion of the making of “The Wizard of Oz,” this week we explore the score, the songs, the vocals, the transition to television, and some of the many urban legends that surround this classic film. (No, a Munchkin did not hang himself from one of the evil apple trees!) So follow that yellow brick road and check out the fun facts and behind the scene antics of one of America’s most favorite films.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Adapting The Wizard of Oz: Musical Versions From Baum to MGM and Beyond (2019), by Danielle Burkett & Dominic McHugh;

The Wizard of Oz FAQ: All that’s Left to Know About Life According to Oz (2014), by David J. Hogan;

Before The Rainbow (2000), by Mark Evan Schwartz;

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Harold Arlen (1999) Documentary, Dir. Don McGlynn;

The Munchkins of Oz (1996), by Stephen Coz;

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic (1990) Documentary, Dir. Jack Haley, Jr;

The Making of The Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM -- and the Miracle of Production (1989), by Aljean Harmetz;

“The Comedians of Oz,” Winter 1986-87, by Celia Catlett Anderson, Studies in American Humor;

The Wizard of Oz: An American Fairy Tale, Library of Congress

Wizard Of Oz Scarecrow Dance (Deleted Scene), InternetArchive.org

Harold Arlen: Happy with the Blues (1961), by Edward Jablonski;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

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"THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ( PT. I)" - (084) Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 84 - “THE MAKING OF MAGIC: BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE WIZARD OF OZ - PART 1” - 4/21/2025

Perhaps one of the most beloved movies of all time, the MGM classic The Wizard of Oz debuted in that magical year of 1939. Based on the popular children’s books by Frank L. Baum, it tells the story of a Kansas farm girl, Dorothy Gale, who, along with her devoted dog Toto, is transported to the magical land of Oz. This beloved classic has become such a touchstone in pop culture that phrases like “There’s no place like home,” “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore,” and “I’ll get you, my pretty” have entered our collective lexicon. This week, we offer the first of a two part episode that explores the making of this MGM classic film.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Adapting The Wizard of Oz: Musical Versions From Baum to MGM and Beyond (2019), by Danielle Burkett & Dominic McHugh;

The Wizard of Oz FAQ: All that’s Left to Know About Life According to Oz (2014), by David J. Hogan;

Before The Rainbow (2000), by Mark Evan Schwartz;

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Harold Arlen (1999) Documentary, Dir. Don McGlynn;

The Munchkins of Oz (1996), by Stephen Coz;

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic (1990) Documentary, Dir. Jack Haley, Jr;

The Making of The Wizard of Oz: Movie Magic and Studio Power in the Prime of MGM -- and the Miracle of Production (1989), by Aljean Harmetz;

“The Comedians of Oz,” Winter 1986-87, by Celia Catlett Anderson, Studies in American Humor;

The Wizard of Oz: An American Fairy Tale, Library of Congress

Wizard Of Oz Scarecrow Dance (Deleted Scene), InternetArchive.org

Harold Arlen: Happy with the Blues (1961), by Edward Jablonski;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IBDB.com;

IMDBPro.com;

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“STEVE AND NAN'S TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW” (083) Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

EPISODE 83 - “TCM FILM FESTIVAL 2025 PREVIEW” - 4/14/2025

It’s that time of year again. Time for the 2025 Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, which takes place April 24-27 in Hollywood California. This year, the theme is “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film.” This week, Steve and Nan offer a fun preview of the highlights of the upcoming festival and they discuss the films they are most excited to see, including great titles such as BEN HUR, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, GUNFI*GHT AT THE OKAY CORRAL and A GUY NAMED JOE.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

The Empire Strikes Back (1980), starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, & Harrison Ford;

The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), starring Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer, & Beau Brides;

Cooley High (1975), starring Lawrence Hilton Jacobs & Glenn Turman;

Car Wash (1976), starring Richard Pryor, Bill Duke, & George Carlin;

Greased Lightning(1977), starring Richard Pryor, Pam Grier, & Beau Bridges;

Which Way is Up (1977), starring Richard Pryor & Lonette McKee;

Bustin’ Loose(1981), starring Richard Pryor & Cicely Tyson;

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), starring Peter Frampton & The Bee Gees;

The Last Dragon (1985), starring Taimak & Vanity;

Krush Groove(1985), starring Russell Simmons & LL Cool J;

Beau Geste (1926), starring Ronald Colman;

The Freshman (1925), starring Harold Lloyd;

Misery (1990), starring Kathy Bates & James Caan;

The Rocky Horror Picture Show(1975), starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, & Barry Bostwick;

Babe (1995), starring James Cromwell;

The Enchanted Cottage (1945), starring Robert Young & Dorothy McGuire;

Jaws (1975), starring Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, & Roy Scheider;

Blue Velvet (1986),starring Kyle McLaughlin, Laura Dern, Dennis Hopper, & Isabella Rossellini;

We’re No Angels (1955), starring Humphrey Bogart & Joan Bennett;

Gunfight At The Okay Corral (1957), starring Burt Lancaster & Kirk Douglas;

Cape Fear (1962), starring Robert Mitchum, Gregory Peck and Polly Bergen;

The Ritz (1976), starring Rita Moreno & Treat Williams;

Gunman’s Walk (1958), starring Van Heflin, James Darren, & Tab Hunter;

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957), starring Robert Mitchum & Deborah Kerr;

The Divorcée (1930), starring Norma Shearer & Robert Montgomery;

Talk of The Town (1942), starring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, & Ronald Colman;

Moonlight & Pretzels (1933), starring Leo Carrillo & Mary Brian;

A Guy Named Joe (1943) starring Spencer Tracy, Irene Dunne, & Van Johnson;

Ben Hur (1959), starring Charlton Heston & Stephen Boyd;

Suddenly Last Summer (1959), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, & Montgomery Cliff;

Brigadoon (1954), starring Gene Kelly & Syd Charisse;

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“THE TRAGIC LIFE OF CLASSIC CINEMA STAR GAIL RUSSELL” (082) Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

“The Tragic Life of Classic Cinema Star Gail Russell” (082) - 4/07/2025

Hollywood legend has it that ethereal beauty GAIL RUSSELL was discovered after a Paramount Studios talent manager picked up two hitchhiking Santa Monica high school boys who told him all about the "Hedy Lamarr of Santa Monica High School." Allegedly, he then tracked down Russell at school and arranged for a screen test. The rest, as they say, is Hollywood history. If only it had been that easy. Russell, who was painfully shy and had no interest in a career as an actress was pushed in front of the camera by her ambitious mother and the executives at Paramount who saw dollar signs in her startling blue eyes. This week, we explore the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most tragic beauties, GAIL RUSSELL.

SHOW NOTES:

Sources:

Fallen Star: A Biography of Gail Russell (2016), by Steven Glenn Ochoa;

John Wayne: The Life and Legend (2015), by Scott Erman;

It’s the Pictures That Got Smaller: Charles Brackett on Billy Wilder (2104), edited by Anthony Slide;

“Paramount Official Biography of Gail Russell,” March 1940, Paramount Pictures;

“Gail Russell,” May 1971, by Jim Meyer, Film Fan Monthly;

“Stars Attend Funeral of Gail Russell,” August 30, 1961, Los Angeles Times;

“Private Rites Scheduled Today for Gail Russell,” August 29, 1961, Los Angeles Times;

“Gail Russell Found Dead At Home,” May 28, 1961, Los Angeles Times;

“Gail Russell Threatens to Sue on Wayne Case Charge,” October 21, 1953, The Los Angeles Evening Herald & Express;

“Gail Russell Held On Drunk Driving Charges,” November 25, 1953, Los Angeles Times;

“Film Star Gail Russell Jailed As Drunk Driver,” November 25, 1953, LA Daily News;

“Gail Russell Fights Drunk Driving Charge; Trial Set,” November 27, 1953, The Los Angeles Evening Herald & Express;

“Gail Russell Charges $150 Drunk Charge,” January 18, 1954, The Los Angeles Evening Herald & Express;

Wikipedia.com;

TCM.com;

IMDBPro.com;

Movies Mentioned:

Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour (1943), starring James Lydon & Diana Lynn;

Lady In The Dark (1944), starring Ginger Rogers & Ray Milland;

The Uninvited (1944), starring Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, & Gail Russell;

Our Hearts Were Young And Gay (1944), starring Gail Russell & Diana Lynn;

Salty O'Rourke (1945), starring Alan Ladd & Gail Russell;

The Unseen (1945), starring Joel McCrea & Gail Russell;

Our Hearts Were Growing Up (1946), starring Gail Russell & Diana Lynn;

Calcutta(1947), starring Alan Ladd & Gail Russell;

Angel And The Badman (1947), starring John Wayne & Gail Russell;

Night Has A Thousand Eyes (1948), starring Edward G. Robinson, Gail Russell, & JohnLund;

Moonrise (1948), starring Dane Clark & Gail Russell;

Wake of the Red Witch(1948), starring John Wayne & Gail Russell;

Song of India (1949), starring Turban Bey & Gail Russell;

El Paso (1949), starring John Wayne, Sterling Hayden, & Gail Russell;

The Great Dan Patch (1949), starring Dennis O’Keefe;

Captain China (1950), starring John Payne & Gail Russell;

7 Men From Now(1956), starring Randolph Scott & Gail Russell;

The Tattered Dress (1957), starring Jeff Chandler & Jeanne Crain;

The Silent Call (1961), starring Gail Russell & Roger Mobley

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