The Actors, Femme Fatales and Directors:

The Actors Humphrey Bogart: Perhaps the most iconic film noir actor, Bogart starred in many classic films such as "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "The Big Sleep" (1946). Robert Mitchum: With his rugged good looks and tough-guy persona, Mitchum was a popular leading man in many film noir classics, including "Out of the Past" (1947) and "The Night of the Hunter" (1955). Barbara Stanwyck: Stanwyck was a versatile actress who excelled at playing strong, independent women in film noir, such as in "Double Indemnity" (1944) and "The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" (1946). Gloria Grahame: Grahame was a sultry and seductive actress who often played femme fatales in film noir, such as in "The Big Heat" (1953) and "In a Lonely Place" (1950). Edward G. Robinson: Known for his distinctive voice and tough-guy persona, Robinson was a popular character actor in many film noir classics, such as "Double Indemnity" (1944) and "Scarlet Street" (1945). Burt Lancaster: With his athletic build and rugged good looks, Lancaster was a popular leading man in many film noir classics, such as "Criss Cross" (1949) and "The Killers" (1946). Lauren Bacall: Bacall was a sultry and sophisticated actress who often played strong women in film noir, such as in "The Big Sleep" (1946) and "Dark Passage" (1947). Robert Ryan: With his imposing presence and intense acting style, Ryan was a popular character actor in many film noir classics, such as "Crossfire" (1947) and "The Set-Up" (1949). Rita Hayworth: With her striking beauty and glamorous image, Hayworth was a popular leading lady in many film noir classics, such as "Gilda" (1946) and "The Lady from Shanghai" (1947). Sterling Hayden: Hayden was a rugged and intense actor who often played tough-guy roles in film noir, such as in "The Killing" (1956) and "Johnny Guitar" (1954). | The Femme Fatale One of the most iconic figures in film noir is the femme fatale. The term "femme fatale" comes from French and means "fatal woman." In film noir, the femme fatale is typically a beautiful and seductive woman who uses her charm and sexuality to manipulate men and lead them into dangerous situations. She is often portrayed as cunning, cold-hearted, and morally ambiguous, with her ultimate goal being power or money. The femme fatale is a complex and intriguing character. She is often depicted as a victim of the patriarchal society in which she lives, forced to use her sexuality as a means of survival. At the same time, she is also seen as a dangerous and manipulative figure who has the power to destroy the lives of the men who fall for her. Some of the most famous examples of femme fatales in film noir include Phyllis Dietrichson in "Double Indemnity" (1944), Kathie Moffat in "Out of the Past" (1947), and Brigid O'Shaughnessy in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). These characters are often seen as archetypes of the femme fatale and have had a lasting impact on popular culture. Overall, the femme fatale is a key element of film noir and is an enduring figure in cinematic history. Her seductive allure and dangerous nature continue to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers to this day. | The Directors Many film directors played important roles in the development of film noir. Here are some of the most notable: Billy Wilder: Wilder is perhaps best known for his film "Double Indemnity" (1944), which is considered one of the quintessential film noirs. He also directed "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), another classic noir. Fritz Lang: Lang was a German director who immigrated to the United States and made several influential film noirs, including "The Big Heat" (1953) and "Scarlet Street" (1945). Robert Siodmak: Siodmak was a German-born director who made several important film noirs, including "The Killers" (1946) and "Criss Cross" (1949). Orson Welles: Welles directed one of the most famous film noirs, "Touch of Evil" (1958), and his earlier film "Citizen Kane" (1941) is often considered a precursor to the genre. Alfred Hitchcock: Although he is best known for his suspense thrillers, Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" (1943) and "Notorious" (1946) are considered to be film noirs. Howard Hawks: Hawks directed the classic film noir "The Big Sleep" (1946) and was known for his films that blended genres, such as "To Have and Have Not" (1944). John Huston: Huston directed the film noir "The Maltese Falcon" (1941), which is often considered to be one of the earliest examples of the genre. These directors and many others played important roles in the development of film noir, helping to create a cinematic style that continues to influence filmmakers today.

THE STARS OF FILM NOIR

​Film noir is a cinematic genre that originated in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It is known for its dark and moody visual style, complex characters, and themes of crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity.
Alan Ladd

Alan Ladd

Short Bio:

​Alan Ladd (1913-1964) was an American film actor, known for his striking good looks and rugged, understated style. He was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and moved to Hollywood in the 1930s to pursue a career in acting.

Ladd began his career playing small roles in films, but his breakthrough came in 1942 with his portrayal of the hired killer in the film "This Gun for Hire".. He went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including  "The Blue Dahlia," "The Great Gatsby," and "Shane."

Ladd's career declined in the 1960s due to health problems and personal issues, and he died in 1964 at the age of 50 from an overdose of sedatives. Despite his relatively short career, Ladd is remembered as one of the iconic leading men of Hollywood's golden age.

Quotes:

"I'm no good with words but I'll find ways from time to time to show you how grateful I am."

"I'm shy and can't for the life of me barge around and slap people on the back. I sit in a corner by myself and am tickled to death when someone comes over to talk to me."

- Alan Ladd

Trivia:

He and Veronica Lake made seven movies together: The Blue Dahlia (1946), Duffy's Tavern (1945), The Glass Key (1942), Saigon (1947), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), This Gun for Hire (1942) and Variety Girl (1947). In Variety Girl (1947), Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) and Duffy's Tavern (1945), they appear as themselves.

​The always aloof Alan Ladd, a former laborer, preferred the friendship of film crew than other actors or studio execs. Yet he was able to form lasting friendships with a few of his costars, especially William Bendix. Bendix accidentally cold-cocked Ladd during a particularly vicious fight scene in this film. Ladd was so taken aback by the sincerity of Bendix's apologies that they formed an immediate and unlikely friendship. They even purchased homes across the street from one another at one point.
Ann Savage​

Ann Savage

Short Bio:

​Ann Savage was an American actress born on February 19, 1921, in Columbia, South Carolina. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a chorus girl, then worked as a model, and later became an actress. Savage was best known for her work in film noir, where she often portrayed tough, unsympathetic characters.

Savage's breakthrough role was in the 1945 film "Detour," directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. Her portrayal of the manipulative and conniving Vera in the low-budget film was critically acclaimed and remains one of her most famous performances. She also appeared in other film noirs, including "Apology for Murder" (1945) and "The Dark Mirror" (1946).

After the film noir era, Savage continued to work in television and film, including guest appearances on popular shows like "Perry Mason" and "The Twilight Zone." She also acted in theater productions and made a few appearances in low-budget horror films.

Savage retired from acting in the 1980s but remained a beloved figure among film noir enthusiasts. She passed away on December 25, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 87. Her legacy lives on through her iconic performances in classic film noir and her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Quotes:

"No one would wish to be remembered for things like Two-Man Submarine (1944) or Saddles and Sagebrush (1943), which were typical of the kind of pictures I did. The part in Detour (1945) seemed like the opportunity every actress longs for. When I first read the script by Martin Goldsmith, I knew that I was going to be part of something very exciting."

[about director William Berke, with whom she made several pictures] ["He had] a round face, but wasn't fat--nor was he too thin. A gentle man who spoke quietly. A nice, lovely man who wore glasses--he wasn't tall or short, probably around 5'8" or 5'9". Nicely built and a nice face."

[on Tom Neal, her co-star in Detour (1945) and several previous films] "He was a troublemaker, the only one I had problems with in all the years I was in movies. He would go out of his way to rub you the wrong way! Otherwise, he could be charming. He was like two different people. He wore lifts, otherwise I'd be taller than he was; and those hairstyles made me seem taller, anyway. I was 5'4¾" tall and Tom was about the same, as was Don 'Red' Barry, for that matter. Tom embarrassed me once. He had some buddies with him. I was standing there as they were lighting me for the next scene. He came into the scene, saying he had something to tell me. I leaned over and he stuck his tongue in my ear. I hit him as hard as I could! I slapped him with my hand open! I was a tough little kid and could take care of myself. I was so angry and humiliated I naturally reacted by hitting him. He staggered back, and I immediately left the set, so I didn't see his reaction, be it anger or whatever. Later, when we worked together, there was no talk at all----just did our scenes together and that was it. We stayed apart and never spoke." 

- Ann Savage

Trivia:

In May of 2007 Time Magazine called her walking nightmare portrayal of Vera in Detour (1945) one of the Top "10 All-Time Best Villains", included alongside James Cagney in White Heat (1949) Robert Mitchum in Cape Fear (1962) and Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator (1984).

​Warner Bros. briefly considered John Garfield to play the lead opposite Ann in Detour (1945). Tom Neal was cast when Poverty Row studio Producers Releasing Corp. (PRC) bought the script by Martin Goldsmith.
Arthur Kennedy

Arthur Kennedy

Short Bio

​Arthur Kennedy (1914-1990) was an American actor, known for his versatile performances in film, television, and on stage. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in stage productions and on radio.

Kennedy's breakthrough in film came in 1940 with his performance in "City for Conquest." He went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "High Sierra," "Champion," and "Some Came Running." He was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, winning once for his role in "Trial."

In addition to his film work, Kennedy was also a successful stage actor, earning a Tony Award for his role in "Death of a Salesman" on Broadway. He also worked in television, appearing in shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Streets of San Francisco."

Kennedy passed away in 1990 at the age of 75 from a brain tumor. Despite his relatively low public profile, he is remembered as a talented and versatile actor who brought depth and nuance to his roles.
[1985, about retiring] "I ask myself that frequently. It seems the theater has been on the downcline since the mid-fifties. The pace of television shows is very unappealing to me. I will not live in Hollywood or New York anymore and if they don't see you around they just don't think of you for roles. I guess I'm retired, but if Tony Quinn [Anthony Quinn] told me that there was a hell of a part for me in a picture or play I'd probably do it. Because I'd believe him and I miss his company. I like to work with old friends and there are fewer and fewer of them left."

"[on Henry Hathaway] A walking encyclopedia of the business. Away from work, he was delightful, but on the set, a holy terror!"

- Arthur Kennedy

Trivia:

Edmond O'Brien was originally cast as Jackson Bentley in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). After O'Brien filmed several scenes, he suffered a heart attack and had to be replaced. Kennedy was recommended to director David Lean by Anthony Quinn, whom Kennedy had replaced on Broadway in the role of King Henry II in the play "Beckett" (1960). 

Four of Kennedy's five Oscar-nominated performances were directed by Mark Robson: Champion (1949), Bright Victory (1951), Trial (1955) and Peyton Place (1957). His fifth nod, for Some Came Running (1958), was directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Audrey Totter

Audrey Totter

Short Bio:

Audrey Totter (1917-2013) was an American film and television actress, known for her work in film noir during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born in Joliet, Illinois, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Totter began her acting career as a radio actress in the late 1930s before transitioning to film in the early 1940s. Her breakthrough came in 1946 with her performance as the scheming femme fatale in the film "The Postman Always Rings Twice." She went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "Lady in the Lake," "The Unsuspected," and "Alias Nick Beal."

In addition to her film work, Totter also appeared in a number of television shows in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Medical Center" and "The Rifleman." She retired from acting in the 1980s and spent her later years painting and sculpting.

Totter passed away in 2013 at the age of 95. She is remembered as a talented actress who brought depth and complexity to her portrayals of strong, complex women in film noir.

Quotes:

"When today's stars curse, you don't even hear them, but when Clark Gable said 'damn,' you gasped."

"I liked Louis B. Mayer - I thought he was a nice man. Of course, he was the best actor at MGM, especially if somebody asked him for more money, and he'd cry! 'I'm selling glamor,' Mayer would say. All his MGM women were pure and wonderful. When they took pictures, you never had a cigarette in your hand or a glass of alcohol; and when you did a scene, your hair was never mussed - you were always beautiful. Warner Bros. films, for example, were more realistic, but Mayer said, "I'm selling illusion.'"

“I thought everything would be orderly and peaceful. The first year I was here [in Hollywood] I set a record of appearing in eight pictures.”

- Audrey Totter

Trivia:

Was supposed to play the female lead in the film noir classic The Killers (1946) with Burt Lancaster but filming Lady in the Lake (1946) became too long and involved so she couldn't do the part. Instead MGM took a chance on Ava Gardner in the role and, of course, she became a star.

Director George Stevens originally sought Totter for the role of Alice Tripp for his film A Place in the Sun (1951) but MGM refused to loan her out. The part was later secured by Shelley Winters.

She was given advice at MGM by Lionel Barrymore, "You're one of the best actresses I've ever seen, but you're never going to be a star. You're too versatile. If you want to be a star, start projecting your own personality."
Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner

Short Bio:

​Ava Gardner (1922-1990) was an American actress, known for her beauty, charisma, and powerful performances. She was born in Grabtown, North Carolina, and began her career as a contract player for MGM in the 1940s.

Gardner's breakthrough came in 1946 with her performance in the film "The Killers." She went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "Mogambo," "The Barefoot Contessa," and "On the Beach." She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Mogambo."

In addition to her film work, Gardner was known for her tempestuous personal life, including marriages to actor Mickey Rooney, bandleader Artie Shaw, and singer Frank Sinatra. She was also a talented singer and recorded several albums in the 1950s and 1960s.


"I haven't taken an overdose of sleeping pills and called my agent. I haven't been in jail, and I don't go running to the psychiatrist every two minutes. That's something of an accomplishment these days."

"Maybe I just didn't have the temperament for stardom. I'll never forget seeing Bette Davis at the Hilton in Madrid. I went up to her and said, "Miss Davis, I'm Ava Gardner and I'm a great fan of yours." And do you know, she behaved exactly as I wanted her to behave. "Of course you are, my dear," she said. "Of course you are." And she swept on. Now that's a star."

"[on Robert Taylor] I knew him as a warm, generous, intelligent human being. Our love affair lasted three, maybe four months. A magical little interlude. I've never forgotten those few hidden months. I think Bob, despite all his efforts, couldn't break the mold of the beautiful lover. The film world remembers him that way, and I have to say that I do, too."
​
- Ava Gardner

Trivia:

She sought the role of Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (1967), and reportedly called Mike Nichols saying, "I want to see you! I want to talk about this 'Graduate' thing!" Nichols did not seriously consider her for the role, but did end up visiting her hotel. He later recounted that "she sat at a little French desk with a telephone, she went through every movie star cliché. She said, 'All right, let's talk about your movie. First of all, I strip for nobody'".
​
​Her early education was sketchy; by 1945 she had read two books, the Bible and "Gone with the Wind." In later life she more than made up for this lack by continual self-education. ​
Barbara Payton

Barbara Payton

Short Bio:

​Barbara Payton (1927-1967) was an American actress, known for her beauty and talent on screen. She was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, and began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s.

Payton's breakthrough came in 1950 with her performance in the film "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye." She went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1950s, including "Trapped," "Run for the Hills," and "Bad Blonde."

In addition to her film work, Payton was known for her tumultuous personal life, including a highly publicized affair with actor Franchot Tone. She struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout her life and her career was cut short by her personal demons.
[poem] "Love is a memory. Time cannot kill the cherished tune, gay and absurd, and the music unheard."

"He [Franchot Tone] couldn't accept me as Barbara Payton from the day of our marriage. If he could have we might have been happy. But I was the Barbara Payton of Tom Neal's--of my lover's--of my past--all of it. He hated me for what I had been and loved me for what I was. He tortured himself. I was only somebody for his doubts, fears, recriminations to bounce off. I resolved to let himself spend himself of the torture. It was endless. It built and there was no end in sight. Every part of my body reminded him of another man . . . It couldn't work. I agreed to give him a divorce by default. After days of wrangling and reconciliations our attorneys agreed on a settlement."

- Barbara Payton

Trivia:

​ Jessica Lange read Payton's autobiography "I Am Not Ashamed" while filming The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981), figuring that the character of hard luck roadhouse waitress Cora perhaps drifted to Hollywood to become an actress. Coincidentally, both Lange and Payton were born in Cloquet, MN, and Payton starred in a stage version of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" in 1953.

In 1965 she was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and a hypodermic syringe. The charges were dismissed, due to "insufficient evidence.". 

When Franchot Tone decided to divorce her, he had a private detective take pictures of her having sex with other men. He then sent the photos to all the major Hollywood studios, hoping they would ruin her career. 

The film industry finally shut her out when she began flaunting the interracial relationship she was involved in, with black actor Woody Strode. 
​
Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck

Short Bio:

​Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990) was an American actress known for her strong, independent roles in films and television. She was born Ruby Catherine Stevens on July 16, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in poverty after the death of her mother.

Stanwyck began her career as a chorus girl in Broadway productions before making her way to Hollywood in the 1930s. She quickly established herself as a versatile actress, starring in a range of film genres, including dramas, comedies, and film noir. Some of her most famous films include "Double Indemnity" (1944), "The Lady Eve" (1941), and "Ball of Fire" (1941).

In the 1950s, Stanwyck transitioned to television, where she continued to find success with her own series, "The Barbara Stanwyck Show" (1960-61), and later, "The Big Valley" (1965-69). Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations and an honorary Oscar in 1982.

Stanwyck was also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly her support for children's charities. She died on January 20, 1990, at the age of 82, from congestive heart failure.

Quotes:

"I'm a tough old broad from Brooklyn. I intend to go on acting until I'm ninety and they won't need to paste my face with make-up."

[referring to director Frank Capra] "Eyes are the greatest tool in film. Mr. Capra taught me that. Sure, it's nice to say very good dialogue, if you can get it. But great movie acting - watch the eyes!"

[in 1939 on the fact that her fiancé, Robert Taylor, was four years younger than she] "The boy's got a lot to learn and I've got a lot to teach."

"My only problem is finding a way to play my fortieth fallen female in a different way from my thirty-ninth."
​
- Barbara Stanwyck

Trivia:

Her role as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity (1944) was ranked #8 on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Screen Heroes and Villains" list. The performance also was ranked #98 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time list (2006) and #58 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time list.

​William Holden was considered to be too lightweight for the lead role in Golden Boy (1939), but Stanwyck urged producers to keep him in the picture and it was through her efforts he was kept in the picture, and the role made him a star. In 1978, at the The 50th Annual Academy Awards (1978), before starting the presentation of the sound award, Holden publicly thanked her for what she did. She nearly broke down in tears and kissed Holden, and the exchange received thunderous audience applause.
Basil Rathbone

Basil Rathbone

Short Bio:

​Basil Rathbone (1892-1967) was an English actor known for his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in a series of films in the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 13, 1892, but grew up in England.

Rathbone began his acting career on stage in the early 1910s before making his way to Hollywood in the 1920s. He appeared in a variety of film genres, but it was his role as Sherlock Holmes in 14 films that made him a household name. Some of his other notable films include "David Copperfield" (1935), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1939).

In addition to his film work, Rathbone was also a talented stage actor, and he continued to perform in plays throughout his career. He also served in the British Army during World War I.

Rathbone died on July 21, 1967, at the age of 75, from a heart attack. His legacy as one of the most iconic actors to portray Sherlock Holmes has endured, and he remains a beloved figure in film history.

Quotes:

Available Films:
"When you become the character you portray, it's the end of your career as an actor."

"Never regret anything you have done with a sincere affection; nothing is lost that is born of the heart."


- Basil Rathbone

Trivia:

B​est known for his fencing skills as the greatest swordsman in Hollywood history. 

 Is generally considered the greatest swordsman in Hollywood history, superior even to on-screen foes Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power. However, because he was so frequently cast as the villain, he won only two on-screen duels in his career--as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet (1936), for which he earned an Oscar nomination, and as Capt. Esteban Pascuale against the friar (Eugene Pallette), who was so outclassed by "the Capitan" he was harmlessly disarmed in a matter of seconds, in The Mark of Zorro (1940). His last, filmed when the actor was 63, was with Danny Kaye in The Court Jester (1955). It is considered by some the best sword fight ever filmed.

He is credited with creating the definitive screen interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, his only rival generally conceded to be Jeremy Brett's interpretation of the fictional detective. 

 Nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar twice and lost both times to the same actor, Walter Brennan. The pair of them were the first actors to be nominated for Best Supporting Actor twice.
Bette Davis

Bette Davis

Short Bio:

Bette Davis (born Ruth Elizabeth Davis) was an American actress who was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts, and passed away on October 6, 1989, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.

Davis began her acting career in theater before transitioning to film, making her screen debut in the 1931 film "Bad Sister". She soon became known for her intense and dramatic performances, earning critical acclaim for her roles in films such as "Of Human Bondage" (1934), "Jezebel" (1938), and "Dark Victory" (1939). She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for her performances in "Dangerous" (1935) and "Jezebel" (1938).
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Davis continued to be a major star in Hollywood, starring in films such as "The Letter" (1940), "Now, Voyager" (1942), and "All About Eve" (1950). She was known for her strong-willed and often difficult characters, and her performances often challenged gender stereotypes and societal norms.

In addition to her film career, Davis was also a prominent figure in Hollywood off-screen. She was one of the co-founders of the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen during World War II, and served as its president for several years. She also spoke out against the studio system and fought for better working conditions for actors.

Davis continued to act in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, earning an Emmy Award for her performance in the television film "Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter" (1979). She was honored with the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1977 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.
​
Overall, Bette Davis is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of American cinema, known for her strong performances and her contributions to the film industry.

Available Films:

Quotes:

"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given the chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life."

"If Hollywood didn't work out, I was prepared to be the best secretary in the world."

"I certainly would have given anything to have worked with John Wayne. He's the most attractive man who ever walked the earth, I think."

- Bette Davis

Trivia:

While she was the star pupil at John Murray Anderson's Dramatic School in New York, another of her classmates was sent home because she was "too shy". It was predicted that this girl would never make it as an actress. The girl was Lucille Ball. 

When Bette learned that her new brother-in-law was a recovering alcoholic, she sent the couple a dozen cases of liquor for a wedding present.

Humphrey Bogart was in her first film Bad Sister, but Davis disliked him from the start, and nothing changed her opinion in later years, even when they did good work together.

In Marked Woman (1937), Davis is forced to testify in court after being worked over by some Mafia hoods. Disgusted with the tiny bandage supplied by the makeup department, she left the set, had her own doctor bandage her face more realistically, and refused to shoot the scene any other way.

​She intimidated Marilyn Monroe so badly on the set of All About Eve that Monroe went into the bathroom to vomit after her scenes with Davis. After one particular scene Davis whispered to her other co-stars-- within poor Marilyn's hearing-- "That little blonde slut can't act her way out of a paper bag!  She thinks if she wiggles her ass and coos away, she can carry her scene-- well, she can't!"
Brian Donlevy 

Brian Donlevy

Short Bio:

​Brian Donlevy (February 9, 1901 – April 5, 1972) was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and began his acting career on the stage before transitioning to film in the 1930s.

Donlevy's notable film roles include the title character in the film "Beau Geste" (1939), Walter Burns in "His Girl Friday" (1940), and Major General Mark W. Clark in "The Longest Day" (1962). He also appeared in several film noir classics such as "The Big Combo" (1955) and "Kansas City Confidential" (1952).

In addition to his film work, Donlevy also had a successful television career in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in his own television series, "Dangerous Assignment," which ran from 1952 to 1954, and made guest appearances on numerous other shows.

Donlevy died of throat cancer on April 5, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71.

Quotes:

"I've always tried to approach each role with honesty and authenticity, and to find the truth in every character I play."

"Acting is a constantly evolving art form, and I believe it's important to always be learning and growing as an actor."

-Brian Donlevy

Trivia:

 Sassy-talking, rugged-looking, square-shouldered supporting actor said, however, always to have gone through this necessary morning ritual before arriving on the movie set: 1) insert dentures; 2) don hairpiece; 3) strap on corset; 4) lace up "elevator" shoes.

According to a statement in a 1944 movie magazine, Donlevy did not smoke or play cards. The only smoking he did was "for the movies".
It's widely believed that Ray Milland accidentally cut Donlevy's shoulder during the filming of Beau Geste (1939) when he missed Donlevy's protective padding with his bayonet. This legend was recently repeated on American Movie Classics (AMC) during an airing of the film. In actuality, Ray stabbed him in the lower left ribcage. The wound was deep enough to not only make him bleed but resulted in a scar that Donlevy bore for the rest of his life.

​ Donlevy's obituary in The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom stated that "any consideration of the American 'film noir' of the 1940s would be incomplete without him".
Burt Lancaster

Burt Lancaster

Short Bio:

​Burt Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor and producer who appeared in over 80 films during his career. He was born in New York City and originally trained as a circus acrobat before transitioning to acting in the 1940s.

Lancaster's notable film roles include the title character in "Elmer Gantry" (1960), which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as roles in "From Here to Eternity" (1953), "The Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962), and "Atlantic City" (1980).

In addition to his acting work, Lancaster was also a producer and founded his own production company, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, in partnership with producer Harold Hecht and writer James Hill. The company produced films such as "Marty" (1955) and "The Sweet Smell of Success" (1957).

Lancaster was also known for his political activism and social commentary. He was a supporter of the civil rights movement and spoke out against the Vietnam War. He died of a heart attack on October 20, 1994, in Century City, California, at the age of 80.
"Most people seem to think I'm the kind of guy who shaves with a blowtorch. Actually I'm bookish and worrisome."

[on Kirk Douglas] "We both came from, sort of, well, shall we say, humble beginnings. We were both young, brash, cocky, arrogant. We knew everything, were highly opinionated. We were invincible. Nobody liked us."

-  Burt Lancaster

Trivia:

Was a big fan of the silent film The Unknown (1927), probably partially because the movie took place in a circus, and Burt himself spent a lot of time early in his life in a circus. He once said that no scene in any movie affected him as emotionally as the one in this movie in which Lon Chaney learns that Joan Crawford does not love him.

​ In 1947 he was offered the role of Stanley Kowalski in the original Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" after first choice John Garfield was rejected due to his demands for a ownership percentage of the play. He turned down the role that went to Marlon Brando and made him a legend.
Cary Grant

Cary Grant

Short Bio:

Cary Grant, born Archibald Alexander Leach, was an English-American actor born on January 18, 1904, in Bristol, England, and passed away on November 29, 1986, in Davenport, Iowa.

Grant began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He became known for his charming and sophisticated on-screen persona, starring in iconic films such as "Bringing Up Baby" (1938), "The Philadelphia Story" (1940), "Notorious" (1946), and "North by Northwest" (1959). He was nominated for two Academy Awards, for his performances in "Penny Serenade" (1941) and "None But the Lonely Heart" (1944).

Grant was not only a successful actor but also a savvy businessman, forming his own production company and negotiating for a percentage of the profits on his films. He was also known for his style and was a fashion icon, setting trends with his wardrobe and hairstyle.

In addition to his film career, Grant was also a devoted father and philanthropist, supporting various causes such as education, the arts, and animal welfare. He retired from acting in 1966 to focus on his family and philanthropic work.
​
Grant was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Hollywood, known for his impeccable timing, charm, and versatility. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an Honorary Academy Award in 1970 for his lifetime achievements in film.

Quotes:

"[Charles Chaplin] is waiting a long time at a trolley car stop. He's the first in line of what turns out to be a huge crowd. The trolley finally arrives, he's the first one on, but then the crowd behind him surges through the door and pushes him right through the door on the other side. And that's a lot like what Hollywood is like. When you're a young man, Douglas Fairbanks Sr. is driving. Wallace Beery is the conductor, and Charles Chaplin's got a front-row seat. You take your seat, and back behind you is Gary Cooper. He has got his long feet stuck out in front of one of the exit doors, and people keep tripping over him and onto the street. Suddenly a young man named Tyrone Power gets on. He asks you to move over. You make a picture with Joan Fontaine. You think you do a good job, but she wins the Oscar, and you get nothing. And pretty soon more and more people get on, it's getting very crowded, and then you decide to get off. When you get off the trolley, you notice that it's been doing nothing but going around in circles. It doesn't go anywhere. You see the same things over and over. So you might as well get off."

"If I had known then what I know now, if I had not been so utterly stupid, I would have had 100 children and I would have built a ranch to keep them on."

"I have no rapport with the new idols of the screen, and that includes Marlon Brando and his style of Method acting. It certainly includes Montgomery Clift and that God-awful James Dean. Some producer should cast all three of them in the same movie and let them duke it out. When they've finished each other off, James Stewart, Spencer Tracy and I will return and start making real movies again like we used to."

- Cary Grant

Trivia:

Became a father for the first time at age of 62 when his fourth wife Dyan Cannon gave birth to their daughter Jennifer Diane Grant (aka Jennifer Grant) on February 26, 1966. 

Ian Fleming modeled the James Bond character partially with Grant in mind.

From 1932-44 he shared a house with Randolph Scott, whom he met on Hot Saturday (1932). Scott often jokingly referred to Grant as his spouse. The 1940 census report shows Scott as head of household and Grant as his partner. Many studio heads threatened not to employ them together, unless they lived separately. Grant's marriage to Barbara Hutton permanently dissolved his living arrangement with Scott.

Although he became a Paramount Pictures contract player early in his film career, when the contract was up he made an unusual decision for the time: he decided to freelance. Because his films were so successful at the box office, he was able to work at any studio he chose for the majority of his career.

Thanks mainly to the strength and physical dexterity he gained as an acrobat when he was young, he did a majority of his own stunts during his film career (far more than people would think). 

Replaced James Stewart as hapless ad man Roger Thornhill in North by Northwest (1959). Stewart very much wanted the role, but director Alfred Hitchcock decided not to cast him because of the box-office failure of Vertigo (1958), which Hitchcock blamed on Stewart for looking "too old" and chose Grant instead, even though he was actually four years older. 
​
Unlike several other major movie stars in his day, including James Stewart, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, etc., Grant never went bald and never needed to wear a toupee. Although he did dye his hair back to its natural black color when it started to gray in the 1950s, when he retired from acting in the 1960s he stopped dying it and his hair was all white by the time of his passing. 
Charles McGraw

Charles McGraw

Short Bio:

Charles McGraw was an American actor born on May 10, 1914, in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away on July 30, 1980, in Studio City, California.

McGraw began his acting career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1940s. He became known for his tough-guy roles in film noir, starring in iconic films such as "The Killers" (1946), "Border Incident" (1949), and "The Narrow Margin" (1952). He was also a prolific character actor, appearing in numerous Westerns and crime dramas.

In addition to his film career, McGraw was also a successful television actor, appearing in popular shows such as "The Untouchables", "The Twilight Zone", and "Bonanza".

McGraw was known for his deep, gravelly voice and intense screen presence, which made him a memorable character actor in both film and television. He was respected by his peers in the industry and was considered a "man's man" due to his tough-guy persona both on and off-screen.
Despite his success, McGraw remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career.

​He is regarded as one of the greatest character actors of the film noir era and left a lasting impact on Hollywood with his memorable performances.

Quotes:

  1. "I've been fortunate to work with some great directors and actors over the years. They've taught me a lot about the craft of acting."
  2. "I don't think there's such a thing as a born actor. You have to work at it and develop your skills."
  3. "I never wanted to be a one-dimensional actor. I always tried to bring depth and complexity to my roles."
  4. "I always played the heavy; I was never the hero. But that was okay, because the heavy had more fun."

    ​- Charles McGraw

Trivia:

​His tragic death, from falling through a glass shower door and bleeding out, resulted in California's enacting a state law requiring all glass shower doors to be made with safety glass, so his accident could not be repeated.

Appeared in four films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Killers (1946), Spartacus (1960), The Birds (1963), and In Cold Blood (1967).
Claire Trevor

Claire Trevor

Short Bio:

​Claire Trevor was an American actress born on March 8, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her acting career in the late 1920s and appeared in over 70 films throughout her career.

Trevor was known for her versatility and range as an actress, playing both dramatic and comedic roles. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1948 film "Key Largo" and was nominated for two other Oscars.

Trevor appeared in several classic films, including "Dead End," "Stagecoach," "Murder, My Sweet," and "The High and the Mighty." She also had a successful television career, appearing in shows such as "The Lucy Show" and "Bonanza."
"Using one's imagination to the fullest is necessary for a happy life."

"Don't fall in love with your leading man. Of course, that's just what I did."

"I don't know what they call Hollywood anymore. The whole meaning of the town has changed."
​
"What a holler would ensue if people had to pay the minister as much to marry them as they have to pay a lawyer to get them a divorce."

- Claire Trevor

Trivia:

​​Joan Crawford initially fought for Trevor to star alongside her in Johnny Guitar (1954), jealous of the much younger Mercedes McCambridge, who was eventually cast.

Trevor disliked chewing gum and avoided using it. When a role called for her character to chew gum, she requested the prop man to keep her supplied with caramels for as many takes that it took to get the scene.
Coleen Gray

Coleen Gray

Short Bio:

Coleen Gray was an American actress, born as Doris Bernice Jensen on October 23, 1922, in Staplehurst, Nebraska. She grew up in the Midwest and attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she majored in drama.

Gray began her career in Hollywood in the 1940s, signing a contract with 20th Century Fox. Her early film roles were small, but she gained notice for her performance in the 1947 film "Kiss of Death," where she played the wife of a gangster played by Richard Widmark. She went on to star in several other films in the 1940s and 1950s, including "Nightmare Alley" (1947), "Red River" (1948), and "The Killing" (1956).

In the 1960s, Gray transitioned to television, appearing on shows such as "The Virginian," "Rawhide," and "Ironside." She continued to act in films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the horror film "The Leech Woman" (1960) and the western "The Phantom Gunslinger" (1970).
​
Gray was married twice, first to Rodney Amateau and later to William Bidlack. She passed away on August 3, 2015, at the age of 92 in Los Angeles, California.

Quotes:

[on Mamie Van Doren, with whom she worked in Star in the Dust (1956)] Oh goodness. She was from the blonde wig and tits era of Marilyn Monroe types. The producer of the film was Albert Zugsmith. When she met him, she said, "Glad to meet you, Mr. Smith".

[on Fury at Furnace Creek (1948)] I always was concerned about doing my best in the part. I wanted to do justice to the character, whatever it was. I went to the director [H. Bruce Humberstone] to ask about the interpretation of the character. I wanted to know what the character was like before the point where the script began. Mr. Humberstone barked, "Just be like Betty Grable when it comes to lines--learn them, do them!". Victor Mature later ended up throwing him through a set, but it was on another picture, so I didn't get to see it!"

- Coleen Gray

Trivia:

​She and husband Fritz Zeiser were involved with the non-profit volunteer organization Prison Fellowship, founded in 1976 by Charles Colson (a former prisoner himself for his involvement in the Watergate scandal), which assists the church in providing ministry to prisoners and their families, as well as their victims. In 1964, along with Victor Jory and Susan Seaforth Hayes, Gray testified before the US Congress as part of "Project Prayer," arguing in favor of a constitutional amendment allowing school prayer.

She was in a relationship with John Payne from 1952 to 1953.

She studied acting under the direction of drama teacher Carl Heinz Roth, a former assistant to Max Reinhardt.
Dan Duryea

Dan Duryea

Short Bio:

Dan Duryea was an American actor who was born on January 23, 1907, in White Plains, New York. He began his acting career on Broadway in the 1930s before transitioning to film in the 1940s. He is known for playing villainous characters in film noir and westerns.

Duryea's first major film role was in the 1941 film "The Little Foxes," in which he played a conniving nephew. He went on to play a string of memorable villains in films such as "Scarlet Street," "Criss Cross," and "Winchester '73." He also appeared in a number of westerns, including "The Virginian" and "Black Bart."

Despite his success as a character actor, Duryea never became a leading man. He once said, "I'm the heel, the guy everybody loves to hate." Nevertheless, his performances were often praised by critics, and he remained a popular actor throughout his career.

Duryea continued to work in films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and he appeared in several episodes of "The Twilight Zone." His final film role was in the 1968 film "The Bamboo Saucer."

Duryea was married to his wife, Helen Bryan, for over 35 years until his death from cancer on June 7, 1968, at the age of 61. He left behind three children.

Quotes:

[on how he prepared for the obnoxious characters he often played] "At first it was very hard, as I am a very even-tempered guy . . . but I used my past life experiences to motivate me. The one I used when I had to slap a woman around was easy! I was slapping the overbearing teacher who would fail you in their "holier-than-thou" class and enjoy it."

"You can't make a picture without a villain . . . it pays well and you last."

"I suppose a lot of Broadway people will want to kill me for saying it, but I wanted to use Broadway so I could make more money in the movies. Some actors act for art's sake and starve. That's not for me. I can't afford it. My reputation as an actor is a good one, but I've no illusions about it being the world's greatest. A Broadway success would have given it a boost."

- Dan Duryea

Trivia:

​In Winchester '73 (1950) he played Waco Johnnie Dean, the nemesis of the protagonist, Lin McAdams. In the made-for-TV remake, Winchester '73 (1967), he played Bart McAdams.

After suffering a heart attack while playing basketball at a picnic, he was advised to go into a profession less pressure-filled than the advertising job he had, so he chose acting.

HIs first professional job was as a walk-on in "Dead End" in 1935. He had asked the author, former classmate Sidney Kingsley, for a job. Duryea eventually replaced Huntz Hall in the cast.

Co-starred with son Peter Duryea in two of his later films, both Westerns: Taggart (1964) and The Bounty Killer (1965).

In marked contrast to his screen persona as a ruthless, merciless, even psychotic killer, he was a passionate gardener, was active in the PTA at his children's school, and was a Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop.
Dana Andrews

Dana Andrews

Short Bio:

Dana Andrews was an American actor born on January 1, 1909, in Covington County, Mississippi. He was the third of 13 children and grew up in Texas. Andrews studied business administration at Sam Houston State University before becoming an actor.

He started his acting career in the late 1930s and went on to appear in over 100 films, including "Laura" (1944), "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1950), and "The Ox-Bow Incident" (1943).

Andrews was known for his natural acting style and his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety. He was also a popular leading man, often playing opposite some of Hollywood's most famous actresses, including Gene Tierney, Joan Crawford, and Elizabeth Taylor.

In addition to his film work, Andrews also appeared on television and on Broadway. He was married to actress Mary Todd from 1939 until his death in 1992, and they had three children together. Andrews passed away on December 17, 1992, in Los Alamitos, California, at the age of 83
[after having received "permission" from Samuel Goldwyn to get married] About a week before the wedding was planned I got a call from the casting director: "Let your hair and your beard grow. You're going to be in a western". So in the society column of the Santa Monica paper there was a picture of the two of us, me with this beard, and it said, "Mr. Andrews is an actor. Note the beard."

"I went through all the psychiatry thing, trying to find out why I drank. I finally ended up with the president of the American Psychiatry Association in Hartford telling me, "I'm damned if I know why you drink".
- Dana Andrews

Trivia:

​In 1931, at the height of the Great Depression, he quit his job in Texas working for an oil company, and hitchhiked to Los Angeles, hoping to break into show business.

In the late 1940s, during the height of his popularity, the publicist for Fox sent a telegram to the mayor of Collins, MS, suggesting that the town officially change its name to Andrews in honor of its native son. The mayor wired back: "We will not change our name to Andrews. Have Andrews change his to Collins".

Appeared with Gene Tierney in five films: Tobacco Road (1941), Belle Starr (1941), Laura (1944), The Iron Curtain (1948) and Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950).

He and his younger brother Steve Forrest made guest appearances in consecutive episodes of The Twilight Zone (1959): Andrews in The Twilight Zone: No Time Like the Past (1963) and Forrest in The Twilight Zone: The Parallel (1963).

Sealed Cargo (1951) was the only film that he and his younger brother Steve Forrest made together.
Diana Dors

Diana Dors

Short Bio:

Diana Dors was an English actress who was born on October 23, 1931, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. She began her career as a teenage model and actress, appearing in a number of British films during the 1940s and 1950s. Dors was known for her sultry voice, blonde bombshell looks, and her performances in a range of film genres, including crime, drama, and comedy.

Dors made her film debut in The Shop at Sly Corner in 1947, and went on to appear in a number of popular films throughout the 1950s, including Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951), The Long Haul (1957), and Yield to the Night (1956), for which she received critical acclaim. She also starred in a number of American films, including The Unholy Wife (1957) and I Married a Woman (1958).

In addition to her acting career, Dors was also known for her personal life, which was often the subject of tabloid speculation. She was married three times and had three children. Dors passed away on May 4, 1984, at the age of 52, following a battle with ovarian cancer.
​
Despite her early passing, Diana Dors remains a beloved icon of British cinema and a symbol of the glamour and allure of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Quotes:

"I was the first home-grown sex symbol, rather like Britain's naughty seaside postcards. When Marilyn Monroe's first film was shown here [The Asphalt Jungle (1950)], a columnist actually wrote "How much like our Diana Dors she is."

"The figure was fabulous, but my face was never much, little eyes and lips like rubber tires, I did well because I was the first and only British blonde bombshell."

"I've trained as an actress and all that sex glamor publicity stuff had gone long before. It was merely a sort of side step really. So when I went back to being a serious actress, it was very nice for me to take off where I'd left off so many years before."

"I've played my share of drunken sluts, good time girls, and whores. Being bumped off is really no novelty for me. I've been shot, hanged, strangled, gassed, burned to death, and even pushed off a cliff. And for an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955), I was sawn in half by an electrical buzz saw."

- Diana Dors

Trivia:

​A tribute to Diana Dors, "Good Day", was written by Ray Davies after her death and is included on The Kinks' album "Word of Mouth" (1984).

She dismissed most of the films she appeared in as rubbish but cherished A Kid for Two Farthings (1955), Blonde Sinner (1956) and Deep End (1970).

She had millions of dollars stashed in secret that was never uncovered after she died.

Hosted sex parties at her London home during the Swinging '60s.

In 1947 she was put under contract by J. Arthur Rank.

At 13 she won a pin up contest, at 14 she was at LAMDA and at 15 she made her film debut.

Unsuccessfully bid for the roles of Young Estella and Kanchi in Great Expectations (1946) and Black Narcissus (1947), respectively, played by Jean Simmons. She also missed the lead in The Blue Lagoon (1949) to the same actress. Early on, she was screen-tested for Margaret Lockwood's sister Heidi in Give Us the Moon (1944), also played by Simmons.
Dick Powell

Dick Powell

Short Bio:

Dick Powell was an American actor, director, and producer, born on November 14, 1904, in Mountain View, Arkansas, and died on January 2, 1963, in West Los Angeles, California. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer and a dancer, making his debut on Broadway in the early 1920s.

Powell then moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s, where he began his career as a film actor. He quickly became a popular leading man, starring in a variety of genres, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Some of his most famous films from this era include "42nd Street" (1933), "Footlight Parade" (1933), and "Gold Diggers of 1933" (1933).

In the 1940s, Powell's career took a new direction as he began to transition to more serious roles, including film noir. He starred in several notable films in this genre, including "Murder, My Sweet" (1944) and "Cornered" (1945). Powell also served as a director and producer in the 1940s and 1950s, working on films such as "The Conqueror" (1956) and "The Enemy Below" (1957).

In the 1950s, Powell moved to television, where he starred in and produced several successful TV series, including "Four Star Playhouse" and "Zane Grey Theater." He continued to work in television throughout the remainder of his career, appearing in shows such as "The Dick Powell Show" and "Burke's Law."

Powell was married three times, first to Mildred Maund in 1925, then to Joan Blondell in 1936, and finally to June Allyson in 1945. He had three children, one with each wife.
​
Dick Powell was a versatile and successful performer, whose career spanned several decades and multiple mediums. He is remembered as a talented actor and an important figure in the history of Hollywood.

Quotes:

"The best thing about switching from being an actor to being a director is that you don't have to shave or hold your stomach in anymore."

[observation, 1936] "I'm not a kid anymore but I'm still playing boy scouts."

-Dick Powell

Trivia:

​He was yet another casualty of the 1956 film The Conqueror (1956), which was filmed near a nuclear test site in Utah. Many of the people involved with the film, including Powell, who directed, eventually died of cancer, either caused or exacerbated by working on it. Others included actors John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Ted de Corsia, and Agnes Moorehead. However, in a 2001 interview with Larry King Powell's widow June Allyson said he died of lung cancer caused by chain-smoking cigarettes.

In the 1940s he sold his 55-foot yacht, Santana, to lifelong sailing enthusiast Humphrey Bogart. The vessel subsequently achieved celebrity status as "Bogie's Boat" owing to his numerous seafaring expeditions, and Bogart even named his production company, Santana Productions, after it.

He has appeared in four films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: 42nd Street (1933), Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933), Footlight Parade (1933) and The Bad and the Beautiful (1952).
Edmond O'Brien

Edmond O'Brien

Short Bio:

​Edmond O'Brien was an American actor, director, and writer, born on September 10, 1915, in New York City, USA. He began his acting career on Broadway in the 1930s and later moved to Hollywood in the 1940s.

O'Brien's film career spanned several decades and included over 100 movies. He was known for his versatility and range as an actor, appearing in a variety of genres, including film noir, westerns, dramas, and comedies.

Some of his notable films include "The Killers" (1946), "White Heat" (1949), "The Barefoot Contessa" (1954), "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962), and "Seven Days in May" (1964).

O'Brien also appeared on television, including the popular anthology series "The Twilight Zone" and the crime drama "Johnny Midnight." He won an Emmy Award for his role in the television movie "The Last Hurrah" in 1978.

In addition to acting, O'Brien also directed a few films, including "Shield for Murder" (1954), which he co-directed with Howard W. Koch.
​
Edmond O'Brien passed away on May 9, 1985, in Inglewood, California, at the age of 69, due to Alzheimer's disease.

Quotes:

"Versatility is a dangerous thing. It's very satisfying to portray many types of roles, but often your own identity gets lost. Seldom does a producer say, "This is an Eddie O'Brien part." On the other hand, while the rewards may be great in fame and financially for stars, the work becomes monotonous. No actor who plays himself is a happy person."

​- Edmond O'Brien

Trivia:

​O'Brien was originally cast as the photo-journalist Jackson Bentley (based on Lowell Thomas) in Lawrence of Arabia (1962). After O'Brien filmed several scenes, he suffered a heart attack and had to drop out of the picture. He was replaced by Arthur Kennedy.

In an interview, director Don Siegel recalled that during the production of China Venture (1953), he noticed that O'Brien was spending more and more time in his trailer before a scene, and was beginning to arrive late for shooting, which he had never done before. Suspecting that O'Brien might be secretly drinking before he went on camera--an experience Siegel had undergone with several well-known actors he had worked with--the director peeked through the windows of O'Brien's trailer one day and was surprised to see a young man reading O'Brien's lines to him. It turned out that O'Brien's eyesight and memory were beginning to fail him, he didn't want the studio to find out and fire him, so he had his assistant read him his lines and stage directions immediately before he was to shoot a scene so he wouldn't forget them on-camera.

He appeared in six films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Killers (1946), White Heat (1949), D.O.A. (1949), The Hitch-Hiker (1953), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and The Wild Bunch (1969).

In his early films, such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), O'Brien had the looks of a romantic leading man. But he quickly put on weight, and after World War II he was typed as a character player (albeit a busy and respected one).
Edward G. Robinson

Edward G. Robinson

Short Bio:

Edward G. Robinson was an American actor born as Emanuel Goldenberg on December 12, 1893, in Bucharest, Romania. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1903 and settled in New York City's Lower East Side.

Robinson began his acting career on the Yiddish stage in the 1910s and made his Broadway debut in 1923. He gained recognition for his role as a gangster in the 1931 film "Little Caesar," which became a hit and established him as a leading character actor.

Robinson went on to star in a series of successful films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "Smart Money," "Five Star Final," "The Little Giant," and "Double Indemnity." He was known for playing tough, no-nonsense characters, often with a hint of sympathy and vulnerability.
In addition to his film work, Robinson was an advocate for the arts and served on the board of the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre. He also spoke out against fascism and anti-Semitism during World War II.

Robinson continued to act in films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with notable roles in "The Ten Commandments," "Soylent Green," and "The Cincinnati Kid."
​
Edward G. Robinson died on January 26, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79. He is remembered as one of Hollywood's most iconic and versatile character actors.

Available Films:

Quotes:

​"If I were just a bit taller and I was a little more handsome or something like that, I could have played all the roles that I have played, and played many more. There is such a thing as a handicap, but you've got to be that much better as an actor. It kept me from certain roles that I might have had, but then, it kept others from playing my roles, so I don't know that it's not altogether balanced."

[on Double Indemnity (1944)] "It was, in fact, the third lead. I debated accepting it. Emanuel Goldberg told me that at my age it was time to begin thinking of character roles, to slide into middle and old age with the same grace as that marvelous actor Lewis Stone . . . The decision made itself . . It remains one of my favorites."

[on Humphrey Bogart] "I always felt sorry for him--sorry that he had imposed upon himself the character with which he had become identified."

- Edward G. Robinson

Trivia:

​Never nominated for an Academy Award. He was awarded an Honorary Oscar two months after his death. His wife, who accepted for him, commented on how thrilled he was to learn he would be given the award.

Although best known for playing fierce, angry and often murderous little men, he was actually well-liked and respected by almost everyone off-screen, having been a sensitive, quiet, artistic type when not performing.

He was originally offered the role of Little Bonaparte in Some Like It Hot (1959), but had vowed never again to work with George Raft, with whom he had a fistfight on the set of Manpower (1941).

Has appeared in three films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Little Caesar (1931), Double Indemnity (1944) and The Ten Commandments (1956).
Elisha Cook, Jr

Elisha Cook, Jr.

Short Bio:

Elisha Cook Jr., born Elisha Vanslyck Cook Jr. on December 26, 1903, was an American actor known for his distinctive appearance and memorable performances in film noir and other genres. With his slight build, nervous energy, and intense portrayals, Cook became one of the most recognizable character actors of his time.

Cook was born in San Francisco, California. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and began his career on stage, performing in local theater productions. In the 1930s, he made his way to Hollywood and started appearing in small roles in films.

One of Cook's most iconic roles came in 1941 when he portrayed the doomed gunsel Wilmer in the classic film noir "The Maltese Falcon." His portrayal of the anxious and volatile sidekick to Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade remains one of his most memorable performances. This role established Cook as a sought-after actor in the film noir genre.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Cook continued to excel in playing nervous, unpredictable characters.

His unique appearance and ability to convey a sense of underlying tension made him a perfect fit for the noir atmosphere. Some of his notable film noir appearances include "Phantom Lady" (1944), "Born to Kill" (1947), and "The Killing" (1956).

In addition to his work in film noir, Cook appeared in various other genres, including Westerns, dramas, and thrillers. He often played supporting roles, but his performances were always memorable and added depth to the characters he portrayed. Cook's acting style was characterized by a subtle intensity and a knack for creating memorable, quirky characters.

Despite his success as a character actor, Cook struggled with being typecast throughout his career. He found it challenging to break away from playing nervous or troubled individuals. However, his talent and versatility allowed him to shine in a wide range of roles, both on the big screen and television.

Cook's career spanned several decades, and he continued to work in film and television until the 1990s. He appeared in numerous TV shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason," among others. His contributions to the entertainment industry earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992.
​
Elisha Cook Jr. passed away on May 18, 1995, at the age of 91 in Big Pine, California. His legacy as a talented character actor and his unforgettable performances in film noir continue to be celebrated by fans of the genre

Trivia:

​He has appeared in seven films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Sergeant York (1941), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Ball of Fire (1941), The Big Sleep (1946), Shane (1953), One-Eyed Jacks (1961) and Rosemary's Baby (1968).

He received his nickname "Hollywood's Lightest Heavy" from playing cowardly villains in his movies.

Appears in three Oscar Best Picture nominees: Sergeant York (1941), The Maltese Falcon (1941) and Shane (1953).
Evelyn Keyes

Evelyn Keyes

Short Bio:

​Evelyn Keyes (1916-2008) was an American actress best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films of the 1940s and 1950s. She was born in Port Arthur, Texas and began her acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in small roles in films such as "Gone with the Wind" (1939).

Keyes' breakthrough role came in 1944 when she starred as Al Jolson's wife in the biographical film "The Jolson Story." She went on to appear in numerous other films, including "The Seven Year Itch" (1955) alongside Marilyn Monroe and "Around the World in 80 Days" (1956).

In addition to her film career, Keyes also appeared in several stage productions and television shows. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 1981 for her role in the TV movie "The Marva Collins Story."

Keyes was married several times throughout her life, including to director Charles Vidor and bandleader Artie Shaw. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 91.

Quotes:

"The big studios were each headed by a Big Daddy who reigned supreme."

"I have often wondered what my life would have been like if I had needed a size 38 bra instead of a modest 34."

"I always took up with the man of the moment . . . and there were many such moments."

[About her role in Gone with the Wind (1939)] "I got to star in my own movies. I even had my name above the title in some cases. But what am I known for? My bit part. It's very funny."

- Evelyn Keyes

Trivia:

​She was best-known for playing Scarlett O'Hara's younger sister in Gone with the Wind (1939) and, in fact, titled her 1957 autobiography "Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister".
Her marriage in 1946 to John Huston was eccentric, to say the least. Just one of the examples she recalled involved Huston returning home from the film We Were Strangers (1949) with a gift from Jennifer Jones--a pet chimpanzee.

Among the many Hollywood affairs she recounts in her 1977 memoir "Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister" were those with producer Mike Todd (who left Evelyn for Elizabeth Taylor), Anthony Quinn, David Niven and Kirk Douglas.

In 1951 RKO Pictures wanted to produce a film noir entitled "The Sins of Sarah Ferry". The story was about a courthouse clerk in Binghamton, New York, who finds herself falling in love with a beautiful liar who is accused of armed robbery as well as a hit-and-run charge involving a death. It would have starred Laraine Day, Fred MacMurray, Yvonne De Carlo, Hugh Beaumont, Glenn Ford, Howard Duff and Evelyn, with shooting scheduled for location in Binghamton and neighboring Johnson City. This project never materialized because the plot was considered too close that of Double Indemnity (1944), and the studio never received a reply via phone call or mail from the Binghamton Courthouse or then Mayor Donald Kramer granting them permission to film on location in the area and negotiate a fair payment. Based on those circumstances, the studio immediately canceled this project and moved on.

Appeared in two Oscar Best Picture winners: Gone with the Wind (1939) and Around the World in 80 Days (1956), and one other Best Picture nominee: Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941).
​Farley Granger

Farley Granger

Short Bio:

​Farley Granger was an American actor born on July 1, 1925, in San Jose, California, and died on March 27, 2011, in Manhattan, New York City.

Granger began his acting career in theater productions before making his film debut in the 1943 movie "The North Star." He gained widespread recognition for his roles in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" (1948) and "Strangers on a Train" (1951).

Throughout his career, Granger appeared in numerous films, including "They Live by Night" (1948), "Side Street" (1950), "O. Henry's Full House" (1952), "Senso" (1954), "The Naked Street" (1955), and "Hans Christian Andersen" (1952), among others.

In addition to his film career, Granger also worked in television, appearing in shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," and "Ellery Queen."

Granger was openly bisexual, and he wrote about his relationships with both men and women in his autobiography, "Include Me Out," which was published in 2007. He never married and had no children.

Farley Granger died in his sleep at the age of 85 in Manhattan, New York City, from natural causes. He left behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor in both film and television.

Quotes:

​"I have never felt the need to belong to any exclusive, self-defining or special group. I find it difficult to answer questions about "'gay life" in Hollywood when I was living and working there. There were, of course, gay cliques, but I had no close friends who belonged to any of them, and I had no desire to become involved with any of them . . . I was never ashamed, and I never felt the need to explain or apologize for my relationships to anyone."

"I was very lucky when I first started. I had [Nicholas Ray] and before that Lewis Milestone, and I was a kid and very naive, with no training at all. They really took care of me. And then I began to get directors who weren't as good as [Ray and Milestone] were, and I soon realized I didn't know what the hell I was doing, and I'd better find out because I could no longer trust this sort of father symbol of the director anymore. In those days you were a movie star or you were a Broadway actor, and movie stars weren't considered actors. So I couldn't call myself an actor unless I worked in the theater for any length of time."

- Farley Granger

Trivia:

​On the audio commentary for They Live by Night (1948), he says that Alfred Hitchcock and Nicholas Ray were the best directors he ever worked with. In addition, his two favorite films of his own are Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train (1951) and Ray's They Live by Night (1948).

In his book "Original Story By: A Memoir of Broadway and Hollywood," playwright and screenwriter Arthur Laurents detailed his live-in relationship with Granger during the 1940s and '50s. Laurents and Granger were already romantically involved when Laurents wrote the screenplay for Rope (1948), in which Granger co-starred.

Granger and Robert Calhoun were friends with Swedish actress Signe Hasso. Farley and Hasso had performed together in theatrical productions.
​Faye Emerson

Faye Emerson

Short Bio:

Faye Emerson was an American actress, television personality, and socialite, born on July 8, 1917, in Elizabeth, Louisiana. She began her career as a stage actress and then moved to Hollywood in the 1940s to pursue a career in films.

Emerson appeared in several films during the 1940s, including "The Lady in the Lake," "Nobody Lives Forever," and "The Mask of Dimitrios." She also had a successful career in television, hosting her own talk show, "The Faye Emerson Show," which aired from 1949 to 1951. She also appeared on various game shows and hosted the Miss America pageant in 1956 and 1957.

In addition to her career in entertainment, Emerson was also known for her high-profile marriages. She was married to Elliott Roosevelt, the son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from 1944 to 1950, and to bandleader Skitch Henderson from 1950 to 1958.
​
Emerson passed away on March 9, 1983, in Deià, Majorca, Spain, at the age of 65. She is remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her glamorous personal life.

Quotes:

​
"I've always been able to make a living, but I don't know about being a star."

"I'm not the type to sit on the sidelines and watch others pass me by."

"A woman's whole life is a history of the affections."

- Faye Emerson

Trivia:

​Her second husband, Elliott Roosevelt, was the son of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

While at Warner Bros, she became close friends with Ann Sheridan who encouraged her to bleach her brunette hair blonde. She wore it pulled back and tightly wound in the back which became her trademark.
​Fred MacMurray

Fred MacMurray

Short Bio:

Fred MacMurray was an American actor and singer, born on August 30, 1908, in Kankakee, Illinois, and passed away on November 5, 1991, in Santa Monica, California. He began his career as a musician, playing with various big bands before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s.

MacMurray made his film debut in 1930 in "The Trail of '98," and he quickly became a popular leading man. He starred in over 100 films, including "Double Indemnity" (1944), "The Caine Mutiny" (1954), and "The Apartment" (1960). He also had a successful career on television, starring in the hit series "My Three Sons" from 1960 to 1972.

In addition to his acting career, MacMurray was a talented singer, and he recorded several albums in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also an avid golfer and owned a golf course in Rancho Mirage, California.

MacMurray was married twice, first to actress Lillian Lamont from 1936 to 1953, and then to June Haver from 1954 until his death in 1991. He had four children, two from each marriage.
​
MacMurray was known for his easy-going, affable persona both on and off screen. He was a beloved figure in Hollywood and is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation.

Quotes:

"I once asked Barbara Stanwyck the secret of acting. She said, "Just be truthful - and if you can fake that you've got it made."

"Carole Lombard was a wonderful girl. Swore like a man. Other women try, but she really did."

"The two films I did with Billy Wilder, Double Indemnity (1944) and the The Apartment (1960), are the only two parts I did in my entire career that required any acting."

[on Barbara Stanwyck] "I was lucky enough to make four pictures with Barbara. In the first I turned her in, in the second I killed her, in the third I left her for another woman and in the fourth I pushed her over a waterfall. The one thing all these pictures had in common was that I fell in love with Barbara Stanwyck -- and I did, too."

- Fred MacMurray

Trivia:

​
Initially turned down his most famous movie role in Double Indemnity (1944) because he didn't think his fans would want to see him playing a darker character.

Was not the producers' first choice for the role of Steve Douglas on My Three Sons (1960). He got it only because Eddie Albert turned it down to focus on his movie career.

In 1951 RKO was planning to make a film noir entitled "The Sins of Sarah Ferry". The story was about a courthouse clerk in Binghamton, NY, who finds herself falling in love with a beautiful liar who is accused of armed robbery as well as a hit-and-run that resulted in a death. The cast would have been headed by Laraine Day, MacMurray, Yvonne De Carlo, Hugh Beaumont, Glenn Ford, Howard Duff and Evelyn Keyes, to be shot on location in Binghamton and neighboring Johnson City. This project never materialized because the plot was considered too similar to Double Indemnity (1944). In addition, the studio contacted Binghamton city officials asking permission to shoot there, but never received any reply. Eventually RKO decided to abandon the project.

Appears in four Oscar Best Picture nominees: Alice Adams (1935), Double Indemnity (1944), The Caine Mutiny (1954) and The Apartment (1960). The last of these is the only winner in the category.
Gene Tierney

Gene Tierney

Short Bio:

Gene Tierney (November 19, 1920 – November 6, 1991) was an American actress known for her beauty and talent on both stage and screen. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a wealthy family and grew up in a privileged environment.

Tierney began her acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in several Broadway productions. In 1940, she made her film debut in "The Return of Frank James" and quickly became one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading ladies.

Tierney starred in a number of classic films, including "Laura" (1944), "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945), and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" (1947). She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in "Leave Her to Heaven" and received critical acclaim for her performances in many other films.

Despite her success, Tierney faced personal struggles throughout her life. In 1943, she married fashion designer Oleg Cassini, but the marriage ended in divorce six years later. Tierney also struggled with mental health issues, including depression and bipolar disorder, and underwent several stays in psychiatric hospitals.

In 1955, Tierney's life took a tragic turn when she gave birth to a daughter with severe intellectual disabilities. The child was institutionalized for most of her life, and Tierney felt tremendous guilt and shame about her daughter's condition.

Tierney continued to act throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Her last feature film was The Pleasure Seekers (1964), and her final appearance in the film industry was in a TV miniseries, Scruples (1980).

Tierney passed away in 1991 from emphysema. She was remembered as one of Hollywood's most talented and beautiful actresses, with a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Quotes:

​"Jealousy is, I think, the worst of all faults because it makes a victim of both parties."

"It was the fashion of the time, still is, to feel that all actors are neurotic, or they would not be actors."

"Movie failures are like the common cold. You can stay in bed and take aspirin for six days and recover. Or you can walk around and ignore it for six days and recover."

"Children don't understand about people loving each other and then suddenly not."

"Nothing strengthens a woman's determination to be in love quite so much as being told that she cannot."

- Gene Tierney

Trivia:

​Her first daughter was born intellectually disabled because Gene had contracted rubella (aka German measles) during her only appearance at the Hollywood Canteen. This served as the uncredited inspiration for the plot of the 1962 Agatha Christie novel and later movie The Mirror Crack'd (1980).

Darryl F. Zanuck, founder of 20th Century-Fox, said she was unquestionably the most beautiful woman in movie history.

Howard Hughes provided the funds for her daughter's medical care.

Had her share of love affairs during her Hollywood reign, including a notorious one with John F. Kennedy, whom she met while filming Dragonwyck (1946). Kennedy broke this up because of his political aspirations. She also had dalliances with Tyrone Power during production of The Razor's Edge (1946) and with Prince Aly Khan in the early 1950s.

Was in the throes of suicidal depression and admitted to the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas on Christmas Day 1957 after police talked her down from a building ledge. She was released from Menninger's the following year.

When she saw herself on screen for the first time, she was horrified by her voice ("I sounded like an angry Minnie Mouse"). She began smoking to lower her voice, but it came at a great price--she died of emphysema.
​George Raft

George Raft

Short Bio:

George Raft (born September 26, 1901 – died November 24, 1980) was an American actor and dancer, known for his tough-guy roles in gangster films during the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in New York City to a German-Jewish family and grew up in a tough neighborhood on the Lower East Side.

Raft began his career as a dancer in nightclubs and vaudeville shows, and eventually moved into acting. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but it was his role as the coin-flipping gangster in the 1932 film "Scarface" that made him a star.

Raft went on to appear in a number of other gangster films, including "Each Dawn I Die" (1939), "Invisible Stripes" (1939), and "They Drive by Night" (1940). He also appeared in non-gangster roles in films such as "Bolero" (1934) and "Background to Danger" (1943).

Despite his success on screen, Raft was known for his connections to organized crime in real life. He was friends with notorious mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Owney Madden, and there were rumors that he was involved in illegal gambling and bootlegging.

Raft's career declined in the 1950s and 1960s, and he turned to television and stage work. He made his final film appearance in 1980, just before his death from leukemia.
​
Overall, George Raft was a talented actor and dancer who became famous for his portrayals of tough-guy gangsters on screen. His off-screen connections to organized crime only added to his notorious reputation.

Available Films:

Quotes:

​"I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly."

[on acting] "You see, I found it tough work. What I would do would be to think over the scene in my mind and try to become whoever I was playing. I would try to feel like the person in that particular scene. Sometimes my words would be different from the script."

[In a 1936 interview, discussing former jobs before getting into the acting profession] "My one ambition then was to drive a horse. So I got a job driving a delivery wagon for a large grocery company. I drove up and down Ninth avenue like I was daffy. I raced all the other delivery wagons. I gave all the boys rides. Deliveries were always late, customers complained, and I was fired."

- George Raft

Trivia:

​He turned down High Sierra (1941), which gave Humphrey Bogart his big break, The Maltese Falcon (1941), and Double Indemnity (1944).

Not much is known about his marriage to Mulrooney except that she was some years his senior. Although separated early, they were never divorced, and he continued to support her faithfully until her death in 1970.

Was a close friend of notorious gangster Benjamin Bugsy Siegel since their childhood in New York. Siegel actually lived at Raft's home in Hollywood for a time while trying to make inroads for organized crime within the movie colony.

According to James Cagney's autobiography Cagney By Cagney, (Published by Doubleday and Company Inc 1976), a Mafia plan to murder Cagney by dropping a several hundred pound klieg light on top of him was stopped at the insistence of George Raft. Cagney at that time was President of the Screen Actors Guild and was determined not to let the mob infiltrate the industry. Raft used his 'many' mob connections to cancel the hit.

In his autobiography, none other than Fred Astaire attested to the dance talent of George Raft, writing, "...I saw what I consider the neatest, fastest Charleston dancer ever. George Raft. He practically floored me with his footwork." Fred later told the Cafe de Paris in London that Raft would be a great attraction.
George Sanders

George Sanders

Short Bio:

George Sanders was an English actor born on July 3, 1906, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to British parents. He started his acting career on stage in London and made his film debut in 1934 in "Love, Life and Laughter."

Sanders is best known for his distinctive voice and suave, sophisticated persona. He often played the role of the charming and cynical villain in films such as "Rebecca," "Foreign Correspondent," and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." He also played the lead role in several films, including "The Saint in London" and "The Saint Strikes Back."

In addition to his film career, Sanders was a successful writer, publishing several mystery novels and an autobiography titled "Memoirs of a Professional Cad" in 1960. He also had a career as a singer, recording several albums in the 1950s and 1960s.

Sanders won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "All About Eve" (1950). He was nominated for the same award for his performances in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945) and "The Moon and Sixpence" (1942).
​
Sanders was married four times and had no children. He suffered from depression throughout his life and died by suicide on April 25, 1972, in Spain at the age of 65.

Available Films:

Quotes:

​"Acting is like roller-skating. Once you know how to do it, it is neither stimulating nor exciting."

"I am not one of those people who would rather act than eat. Quite the reverse. My own desire as a boy was to retire. That ambition has never changed."

"I don't ask questions. I just take their money and use it for things that really interest me."
​
"I was beastly but never coarse. A high-class sort of heel."

[on Samson and Delilah (1949)] "I had a wonderful director in Cecil B. DeMille, and Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr were easy to work with."

- George Sanders

Trivia:

​Brother of actor Tom Conway. The two appeared together in The Falcon's Brother (1942), in which they portrayed--appropriately enough--brothers, and which was Sanders' final appearance as "The Falcon", a role he had grown tired of. In this entry, Sanders hands off the role to Conway, who took it up for nine subsequent films through 1946.

Was one of two stars of the Pink Panther series to commit suicide. Capucine, who played Inspector Clouseau's wife in The Pink Panther (1963), killed herself in 1990.

Is referenced in The Kinks' 1972 song "Celluloid Heroes", with the lines "If you covered him in garbage, George Sanders would still have style".

He played the brother of his real-life elder brother Tom Conway in both The Falcon's Brother (1942) and Death of a Scoundrel (1956).

To avoid confusion in their respective careers, George and his brother Tom Sanders flipped a coin to decide who would change his name. Tom lost, dialed a random number at a payphone, and upon getting an answer from Conway's fish market became known as Tom Conway.
Glenn Ford

Glenn Ford

Short Bio:

Glenn Ford was a Canadian-born American actor born on May 1, 1916, in Quebec, Canada. He grew up in California and began his acting career in the late 1930s with minor roles in films such as "Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence" (1939) and "Convicted Woman" (1940).

Ford's breakout role came in 1946 when he starred in the film noir classic "Gilda" alongside Rita Hayworth. He went on to become one of Hollywood's leading men throughout the 1950s and 1960s, starring in films such as "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), "The Teahouse of the August Moon" (1956), and "3:10 to Yuma" (1957).

In addition to his film career, Ford also worked in television, hosting his own variety show, "The Glenn Ford Show," in the 1950s. He also made guest appearances on various TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Columbo."

Ford received numerous honors throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for his role in "Pocketful of Miracles" (1961).
​
Ford continued to act into the 1990s, with his last film role being in "Final Verdict" (1991). He passed away on August 30, 2006, at the age of 90.

Quotes:

"When I'm on camera, I have to do things pretty much the way I do things in everyday life. It gives the audience someone real to identify with."

"Ronald Reagan was a true friend and an American Patriot. We are proud of him and his service to the country. We need men like him today."

"Some actors count their lines as soon as they receive a script. I'm the opposite. I try to see how many lines I can whittle down...You can say just as much in 4 as you can in 14."

"Hell, no actor is going to tell Frank Capra how to make a picture. He has forgotten more about movie-making than most directors ever know."

- Glenn Ford

Trivia:

​Often during his career he insisted on being shot looking to camera left--he had been kicked in the right side of his jaw by a horse and insisted the left side of his face was his only filmable side.

He has appeared in five films with Rita Hayworth: Affair in Trinidad (1952), The Lady in Question (1940), The Loves of Carmen (1948), The Money Trap (1965) and Gilda (1946).

Credited with being one of the fastest "guns" in Hollywood westerns; able to draw and fire in 0.4 seconds, he was faster than James Arness (Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke (1955)) and John Wayne. However, Peter Breck (Nick Barkley of The Big Valley (1965)) has been credited by Wild Western Magazine as being able to draw and fire in .16 seconds.

Went on a jungle mission with a Special Forces team during the Vietnam War.

After having been a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for a year, he joined the Marine Corps during WWII in December of 1942, and subsequently met first wife, tap-dancing extraordinaire Eleanor Powell, at a war-bond cavalcade. They married in 1943.

According to a biography of Sam Peckinpah, Ford was considered for Robert Ryan's role in The Wild Bunch (1969).

He had intended to portray Hondo Lane in Hondo (1953), but backed out when John Farrow was chosen to direct. Ford and Farrow did not got along while making Plunder of the Sun (1953), causing Ford to lose interest in the role. The role was subsequently portrayed by John Wayne.

He has appeared in five films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Gilda (1946), The Big Heat (1953), Blackboard Jungle (1955), 3:10 to Yuma (1957) and Superman (1978).
Gloria Grahame

Gloria Grahame

Short Bio:

Gloria Grahame was an American actress known for her roles in film noir and melodramas of the 1940s and 1950s. She was born on November 28, 1923, in Los Angeles, California.

Grahame began her acting career in theater and made her film debut in the 1944 film "Blonde Fever." She gained recognition for her role in the film "Crossfire" (1947) and went on to star in several successful films, including "In a Lonely Place" (1950), "The Big Heat" (1953), and "Oklahoma!" (1955).

In 1952, Grahame won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "The Bad and the Beautiful." She also received critical acclaim for her performances in the films "Sudden Fear" (1952) and "The Glass Wall" (1953).

Despite her success, Grahame's personal life was marked by turmoil. She married four times, including to her former stepson, and was involved in several scandalous affairs. Her career declined in the 1960s, and she turned to theater and television work.

Grahame was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s and underwent a mastectomy. She continued to work in films and television until her death on October 5, 1981, at the age of 57.

​Her life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including the 2017 biographical drama "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool."

Quotes:

​"It wasn't the way I looked at a man, it was the thought behind it."

"I remember everything, even the dates. But I don't want others to remember the details, just the image."

"I married Nicholas Ray, the director. People yawned. Later on I married his son, and from the press's reaction you'd have thought I was committing incest or robbing the cradle!"

"I don't think I ever understood Hollywood. Whatever they told me to do, I did. I went to the studio in the morning, stayed on the set all day, then went home, and ate my dinner, and studied my part, and went to sleep."

- Gloria Grahame

Trivia:

​Her 1960 marriage to former stepson Anthony Ray, although her longest and most successful union, caused a great scandal in Hollywood, which led to both her career slowdown and a bitter child custody battle with her former husbands.

Unhappy with the tilt of her upper lip, she often stuffed cotton along her gumline to straighten it out. The effect was cosmetically less than flattering and made it difficult for her to speak. A leading man, after kissing her, ended up with a mouth full of cotton.

Reportedly did not get on with Humphrey Bogart during the filming of In a Lonely Place (1950) as Bogart had campaigned for the part of Laurel Gray to be given to his wife Lauren Bacall, which was instead given to Grahame.

Was the 37th actress to receive an Academy Award; she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) at The 25th Annual Academy Awards (1953) on March 19, 1953.

She has appeared in five films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: It's a Wonderful Life (1946), In a Lonely Place (1950), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), The Big Heat (1953) and Oklahoma! (1955).

Campaigned for the Judy Holliday role in Born Yesterday (1950) and Shelley Winters role in A Place in the Sun (1951).
Humphrey Bogart

Humphrey Bogart

Short Bio:

Humphrey Bogart was an American actor born on December 25, 1899, in New York City. He began his acting career in the theater before moving on to film in the 1930s. Bogart became one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men, known for his tough guy persona, distinctive voice, and brooding screen presence.

Bogart's breakout role came in 1941, when he played the hard-drinking private detective Sam Spade in the film noir classic "The Maltese Falcon." He went on to star in a string of acclaimed films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "Casablanca," "The Big Sleep," and "The African Queen."
Bogart won his only Academy Award for Best Actor in 1951 for his performance in "The African Queen," opposite Katharine Hepburn. He was also nominated for Oscars for his work in "Casablanca" and "The Caine Mutiny."

In addition to his acting career, Bogart was a devoted sailor and owned several boats over the years. He was married four times, including to actress Lauren Bacall, with whom he starred in several films.
​
Bogart continued to work in films until his death from cancer on January 14, 1957, at the age of 57. He left behind a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most beloved and influential actors, and his tough-guy image continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today.

Available Films:

Quotes:

[on Lauren Bacall] "She's a real Joe. You'll fall in love with her like everybody else."

[on the House Un-American Activities Committee] "They'll nail anyone who ever scratched his ass during the National Anthem."

"I came out here with one suit and everybody said I looked like a bum. Twenty years later Marlon Brando came out with only a sweatshirt and the town drooled over him. That shows how much Hollywood has progressed."

"I don't approve of the John Waynes and the Gary Coopers saying 'Shucks, I ain't no actor -- I'm just a bridge builder or a gas station attendant.' If they aren't actors, what the hell are they getting paid for? I have respect for my profession. I worked hard at it."

"Acting is like sex: you either do it and don't talk about it, or you talk about it and don't do it. That's why I'm always suspicious of people who talk too much about either."

[on Ingrid Bergman] "I didn't do anything I've never done before, but when the camera moves in on that Bergman face, and she's saying she loves you, it would make anybody feel romantic."

[on Katharine Hepburn] "She talks at you as though you were a microphone. She lectured the hell out of me on temperance and the evils of drink. She doesn't give a damn how she looks. I don't think she tries to be a character. I think she is one."

[on Bette Davis] "Even when I was carrying a gun, she scared the be-jesus out of me."

"I'm not good-looking. I used to be but not any more. Not like Robert Taylor. What I have got is I have character in my face. it's taken an awful lot of late nights and drinking to put it there. When I go to work in a picture, I say, 'Don't take the lines out of my face. Leave them there."

- Humphrey Bogart

Trivia:

​Named his daughter, Leslie Bogart, "Leslie" to show his gratitude to Leslie Howard, who got him his big break in The Petrified Forest (1936).

Co-starred not only in Casablanca (1942), the film rated No. 1 on American Film Institute's list of Top 100 U.S. love stories (2002), but in four other films on AFI romance list: The African Queen (1951), ranked at #xx; Dark Victory (1939), ranked at #32; Sabrina (1954),ranked at #54; and To Have and Have Not (1944), ranked at #60.

Although usually considered a quiet and accommodating actor by most of his collaborators, he became disliked by William Holden and Billy Wilder during the filming of Sabrina (1954). A good friend before they made the film, Wilder later said that Bogart, near the end of his life, apologized for his behavior on the set and said it was due to his personal problems. Even so, Audrey Hepburn got along with him despite his criticism of her.

Off the set, he and Ingrid Bergman hardly spoke during the filming of Casablanca (1942). She said later, "I kissed him, but I never knew him." Years later, after Ingrid Bergman had become involved with Italian director Roberto Rossellini, and borne him a child, he bawled her out for it. "You used to be a great star," he said. "What are you now?" "A happy woman," she replied. Bogart's coolness towards Bergman was later revealed to have been caused by the violent jealousy of his wife at the time, Mayo Methot, whose fears were realized when Bogart entered an affair with future wife Lauren Bacall.

Almost all of the roles that made him a star (after a decade of toiling in minor films) were roles he got because George Raft had turned them down, from High Sierra (1941), in which Bogie was first noticed as a viable box office draw, to Casablanca (1942), which made him a true international star. Ironically, after having been overshadowed by Raft the whole first half of his career, Bogart remains a legend while Raft is all-but-forgotten.

So as to not look short next to co-stars like Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, through most of the shooting of Casablanca (1942) (and in a few of his other films) Bogart wore platforms under his shoes that added nearly 5 inches of height to his frame.

Was producer Hal B. Wallis' first choice as Burt Lancaster's co-star in Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957). The role was eventually played by Kirk Douglas.

Starred in six Oscar Best Picture nominees: Dead End (1937), Dark Victory (1939), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Casablanca (1942), The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) and The Caine Mutiny (1954), with Casablanca being the only winner.
Ida Lupino

Ida Lupino

Short Bio:

​Ida Lupino (1918-1995) was a British-American actress, director, and producer who made a significant impact on Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born on February 4, 1918, in Camberwell, London, England.

Lupino's parents were both involved in the entertainment industry, and she began performing on stage at a young age. She made her film debut in 1932 in "Her First Affaire" and went on to appear in over 50 films, including "They Drive by Night," "High Sierra," and "The Hard Way."

In the early 1950s, Lupino turned her attention to directing, becoming one of the few female directors in Hollywood at the time. She directed and co-wrote the film "Never Fear" in 1949, which was a critical success. She went on to direct and produce several other films, including "Outrage," "The Hitch-Hiker," and "The Bigamist."

Lupino was known for her strong-willed and independent characters on screen, and this carried over into her personal life as well. She was married three times and had a daughter with her second husband, actor-producer Collier Young. In the 1960s, Lupino focused more on her work as a television director, helming episodes of shows such as "The Fugitive," "Bewitched," and "The Twilight Zone."

Throughout her career, Lupino was recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, and in 1979, she became the first woman to receive the Pioneer Award from the Directors Guild of America. Lupino passed away on August 3, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 77.

Quotes:

"My agent had told me that he was going to make me the Janet Gaynor of England - I was going to play all the sweet roles. Whereupon, at the tender age of thirteen, I set upon the path of playing nothing but hookers."

"I'd love to see more women working as directors and producers. Today, it's almost impossible to do it unless you are an actress or writer with power... I wouldn't hesitate right this minute to hire a talented woman if the subject matter were right."

[To Jack L. Warner after turning down a four year exclusive contract] "I don't want to be told someday that I will be replaced by some starlet as I was told I would replace Bette [Davis]."

- Ida Lupino

Trivia:

​As rigid and tough-minded as Bette Davis, Lupino would often refuse to play a Davis hand-me-down role and was often suspended by Warner Brothers for doing so. It was during those breaks that she learned the craft of directing. Widely respected as a pioneer for women filmmakers, Lupino was the second woman to be admitted to the Director's Guild (Dorothy Arzner).

Richard Boone told columnist Erskine Johnson in 1961 about her skills as a director, "Ida stimulates me as an actor because she knows acting. In a weekly show, you get into acting patterns. Ida gets you out of them.".

Lupino was originally scheduled to play Cassandra Tower in Kings Row (1942), but when Warner Brothers decided to loan her to 20th Century-Fox for two films, she was replaced by Betty Field.

She has directed two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Outrage (1950) and The Hitch-Hiker (1953).
James Cagney

James Cagney

Short Bio:

James Cagney was an American actor and dancer, best known for his roles in classic Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s. He was born on July 17, 1899, in New York City, and grew up in a working-class family. Cagney's father was a bartender and amateur boxer, and his mother was an Irish immigrant.

After graduating from high school, Cagney worked various odd jobs before finding success as a vaudeville dancer. He later transitioned to Broadway and eventually made his way to Hollywood, where he landed his breakthrough role in the film "Public Enemy" (1931). His portrayal of gangster Tom Powers in the film made him a star and helped to establish the genre of gangster films in Hollywood.

Cagney went on to star in many more successful films, including "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942), and "White Heat" (1949). He was known for his energetic performances and his ability to play tough, streetwise characters with a soft side. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Yankee Doodle Dandy," in which he portrayed the songwriter and performer George M. Cohan.

In addition to his acting career, Cagney was a devoted family man and a passionate advocate for workers' rights. He was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and supported various political causes throughout his life.
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Cagney retired from acting in the 1960s but continued to be a beloved figure in Hollywood. He died on March 30, 1986, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Available Films:

Quotes:

​"There's not much to say about acting but this. Never settle back on your heels. Never relax. If you relax, the audience relaxes. And always mean everything you say."

[about The Public Enemy (1931)] "What not many people know is that right up to two days before shooting started, I was going to play the good guy, the pal. Edward Woods played it in the end."

"Where I come from, if there's a buck to be made, you don't ask questions, you go ahead and make it."

"You know, the period of World War I and the Roaring Twenties were really just about the same as today. You worked, and you made a living if you could, and you tried to make the best of things. For an actor or a dancer, it was no different then than today. It was a struggle."

[on James Dean] "What he does with his little side grins and eye crinkles is to say to the viewer, 'Look at me. Aren't I cute?' The problem is, the boy *is* cute, which somehow makes it worse. Obvious vanity in an actor's playing is pure hambone, however you slice it or disguise it. It means you aren't thinking of the role. It's self-congratulation - which is absolutely the worst thing an actor can do."

- James Cagney

Trivia:

​According to his authorized biography, Cagney, although of three quarters Irish and one quarter Norwegian extraction, could speak Yiddish, since he had grown up in a heavily Jewish area in New York. He used to converse in Yiddish with Jewish performers like Paul Muni, Sylvia Sidney and John Garfield.

Convinced decorated war hero Audie Murphy to go into acting.

Extraordinarily (for Hollywood), he never cheated on his wife Frances, resulting in a marriage that lasted 64 years (ending with his death). The closest he came was nearly giving into a seduction attempt by Merle Oberon while the two stars were on tour to entertain World War II GIs.

Though most Cagney imitators use the line "You dirty rat!", Cagney never actually said it in any of his films.

To protest the quality of scripts he was given at Warner Brothers, instead of violating his contract by refusing to appear in a picture he reputedly used his appearance to get even. In Jimmy the Gent (1934), he got an ugly crewcut to make himself look like the hoodlum Warners wanted him to play. In movies like He Was Her Man (1934), he grew a thin mustache to upset thin-mustachioed studio boss Jack L. Warner.

At the time of filming of White Heat (1949), Special Effects were not yet using squibs (tiny explosives that simulate the effects of bullets). The producers employed skilled marksmen who used low velocity bullets to break windows or show bullets hitting near the characters. In the factory scene, Cagney was missed by mere inches.

He was offered the lead role in High Sierra (1941), but turned it down, as he wanted to avoid being typecast as gangsters. The film established Humphrey Bogart as a leading man.

He was originally cast in I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), but dropped out. Paul Muni replaced him.
James Stewart

James Stewart

Short Bio:

James Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American actor, widely considered to be one of the greatest actors in the history of American cinema. He appeared in more than 80 films over the course of his career, spanning from the 1930s to the 1990s.

Stewart was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania and grew up in a family of modest means. He attended Princeton University and graduated with a degree in architecture before pursuing a career in acting. He made his film debut in 1935, and quickly became known for his naturalistic and understated acting style. He became a major star in the 1940s, appearing in classic films such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939), "The Philadelphia Story" (1940), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), and "Rear Window" (1954).

Stewart's career was interrupted by his service in World War II. He served as a bomber pilot and flew numerous combat missions over Europe. After the war, he returned to Hollywood and continued to work steadily in film, television, and on stage. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "The Philadelphia Story" and received five other Oscar nominations over the course of his career.

In addition to his work in film, Stewart was also a dedicated philanthropist and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United States. He was married to Gloria Hatrick McLean from 1949 until her death in 1994, and the couple had two children together. James Stewart died of a pulmonary embolism in 1997, at the age of 89.

Quotes:


"If a western is a good western, it gives you a sense of that world and some of the qualities those men had - their comradeship, loyalty, and physical courage. The vogue for the new kind of western seems pretty unimportant to me. They try to destroy something that has been vital to people for so long."

"I am James Stewart playing James Stewart. I couldn't mess around with the characterizations. I play variations on myself."

"Mr. Hitchcock [Alfred Hitchcock] did not say actors are cattle. He said they should be treated like cattle."

"I have my own rules and adhere to them. The rule is simple but inflexible. A James Stewart picture must have two vital ingredients: it will be clean and it will involve the triumph of the underdog over the bully."

"John Wayne was the greatest cowboy. Henry Fonda was the better actor but John Wayne, well, he was a champ."

"I've always thought [John Wayne] is underrated as an actor. I think The Searchers (1956) is one of the most marvelous performances of all time."

[It's a Wonderful Life (1946)] "It didn't do well at all. I don't think it was the type of story people wanted right after the war. They wanted a war-related story or a pure slapstick, Red Skelton type of comedy. Our movie just got lost."

- James Stewart

Trivia:

While always gracious with his fans, he was always very protective of his privacy. A notable example of this occurred when a nervy family of tourists set up a picnic on his front lawn. Stewart came out of his house and, without uttering a word, turned on the sprinklers.

A true "regular guy", he genuinely disliked the glamour often basked in by Hollywood stars, avoiding expensive clothes and fancy cars.

Despite having been a decorated war hero in World War II, he declined to talk about this, in part because of the traumatic experiences he had in killing others and watching friends die. The roles he chose after returning from the war were generally darker, some say because he was hardened by combat.

He remained faithful to his wife Gloria Stewart throughout their marriage. While this may seem ordinary, it was rare in Hollywood for male stars to stay devoted to their wives, with many of his colleagues, such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and his friend Henry Fonda, having had a series of infidelities.

Agreed to a cameo role in The Shootist (1976) only after John Wayne specifically requested him. His short time on the film proved to be trying. The bad acoustics of the huge, hollow sound stages worsened his hearing difficulties, and he stayed by himself most of the time. He and Wayne muffed their lines so often in the main scene between them that director Don Siegel accused them of not trying hard enough. Wayne's reply was a variation on an old line by John Ford, advising the director that "if you'd like the scene done better, you'd better get a couple of better actors." Later on, the star told friends that Stewart had known his lines, but hadn't been able to hear his cues, and that in turn had caused his own fumbling.
Joan Bennett

Joan Bennett

Short Bio:

Joan Bennett was an American actress born on February 27, 1910, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. She came from a family of actors and performers, and began her career in show business as a child.

Bennett started her film career in the late 1920s and quickly became a popular leading lady, appearing in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her beauty and talent, and was often cast in roles that showcased her charm and sophistication.

Some of Bennett's most notable films from this period include "Little Women" (1933), "Father of the Bride" (1950), and "Scarlet Street" (1945). She also starred in several films directed by Fritz Lang, including "The Woman in the Window" (1944) and "Secret Beyond the Door" (1947).

In the 1950s, Bennett transitioned to television and appeared in several popular series, including "Dark Shadows" and "The Defenders." She continued to act throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and received critical acclaim for her performance in the 1970 film "Suspiria."

Outside of her acting career, Bennett was known for her personal life, which was often marked by scandal and controversy. She was married three times and had four children, and her second husband was accused of murder in a high-profile trial.
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Bennett died on December 7, 1990, in Scarsdale, New York, at the age of 80. She was a talented and versatile actress whose career spanned several decades and helped to shape the golden age of Hollywood.

Quotes:

"I don't think much of most of the films I made, but being a movie star was something I liked very much."

[about the attention she was getting as a cast member of the cult series Dark Shadows (1966)] "I feel positively like a Beatle."

[on femme fatales] "Let people hiss. They'll still be sore at the bad woman long after they've forgotten the nice girl who got the man.  Few people remember good women. They don't forget bad girls."

[1970] "Now that I stop to think of it, there are only a scant half-dozen of my own total of seventy films that were acceptable to me and they include Little Women (1933), Private Worlds (1935), Trade Winds (1938), Man Hunt (1941), The Woman in the Window (1944), and Scarlet Street (1945)."

"Had it not been for my new darker image, I'd never have been considered for the role of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939)."

- Joan Bennett

Trivia:

​She made five films for Fritz Lang, more than any other American actor or actress who worked with him (many actors disliked working with Lang).

Was offered the role of Beth McCarthy in Cocoon (1985). Director Ron Howard wanted to reunite co-star Don Ameche with one of his former leading ladies and he thought of Joan. Unfortunately, she was in frail health at the time and supposedly turned down the role, a decision she later regretted when "Cocoon" became one of the biggest box office hits of 1985 and spawned a sequel. The part was played by Gwen Verdon. Miss Bennett did not, in fact, turn down the role. Rather, she was talked out of taking it by her fourth husband, David Wilde. Wilde insisted that the film too closely resembled the 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). He also felt that it was beneath Miss Bennett's dignity to be working under "Opie Taylor" or "Richie Cunningham".

Played Amy March in Little Women (1933) with Katharine Hepburn. She played Elizabeth Taylor's mother in Father of the Bride (1950). Taylor played Amy March in the remake: Little Women (1949).

At age 39, Bennett became Tinseltown's youngest and sexiest grandmother when her daughter gave birth. Marlene Dietrich, the former title holder, sent Bennett a telegram thanking her for taking the "heat off her".

Co-starred with Edward G. Robinson in The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945).
Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford

Short Bio:

Joan Crawford (1904-1977) was an American film and television actress, dancer, and executive. She began her career as a chorus girl in the 1920s and went on to become one of the most popular and acclaimed actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film "Mildred Pierce" in 1945.

Crawford was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up in poverty. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother remarried several times, leading to a somewhat unstable childhood. Crawford began dancing at a young age and worked as a chorus girl before being discovered by MGM studios in 1925.

Crawford quickly became a star and appeared in a number of successful films in the 1920s and 1930s, including "Grand Hotel" (1932), "Dancing Lady" (1933), and "The Women" (1939). She was known for her strong, independent female roles and her glamorous, sophisticated image.

In the 1940s, Crawford's career began to decline, and she left MGM for Warner Bros. In 1945, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Mildred Pierce," a film noir about a struggling single mother. The success of the film revitalized Crawford's career, and she continued to act in films and on television throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Crawford was known for her demanding personality and her often tempestuous relationships with her co-stars and directors. She was also famous for her meticulous attention to her appearance, and was said to have undergone a number of plastic surgery procedures throughout her career.

In addition to her acting career, Crawford was also a businesswoman, and in the 1950s she founded her own production company, Joan Crawford Productions. She also served on the board of directors for Pepsi-Cola, and was instrumental in the company's marketing campaigns.

Crawford died of a heart attack in 1977 at the age of 72. Despite her sometimes controversial reputation, she remains a legendary figure in Hollywood history and is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Quotes:

[In The Women (1939)] "Norma Shearer made me change my costume sixteen times because every one was prettier than hers. I love to play bitches and she helped me in this part."

"Nobody can imitate me. You can always see impersonations of Katharine Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. But not me. Because I've always drawn on myself only."

"There was a saying around MGM: "Norma Shearer got the productions, Greta Garbo supplied the art, and Joan Crawford made the money to pay for both"."

[speaking to director George Cukor after learning of Marilyn Monroe's death] "You're right. She was cheap, and an exhibitionist. She was never professional, and that irritated the hell out of people. But for God's sake, she needed help. She had all these people on her payroll. Where the hell were they when she needed them? Why in the hell did she have to die alone?"

[on Judy Garland] "Over the years I've heard and read so many stories about the way Judy Garland was so badly treated at Metro she ended up a mess. I did not know her well, but after watching her in action a few times I didn't want to know her well. I think her problems were caused by the fact that she was a spoiled, indulgent, selfish brat--plus a stage mother who had to be something of a monster, and a few husbands whose egos absolutely dominated hers. There were times when I felt sorry for Judy, but there were more times when I thought, "For Christ's sake, get off your ass!" . . . but when she put her mind to it, she was good. And I mean damned good. Even in her silly pictures she came off."

[on filming Sudden Fear (1952)] "I have been reported dating Scott Brady and feuding with Gloria Grahame while we were shooting Sudden Fear (1952). But when you're making an independent picture you haven't time for sex or feuds - and I resent it because both make for a happy life!"

- Joan Crawford

Trivia:

​Was asked to take over Carole Lombard 's role in They All Kissed the Bride (1942) after Lombard died in an airplane crash returning from a war bond tour. Crawford then donated all of her salary to the Red Cross, which found Lombard's body, and promptly fired her agent for taking his usual 10%.

She had a cleanliness obsession. She used to wash her hands every ten minutes and follow guests around her house wiping everything they touched, especially doorknobs and pieces from her china set. She would never smoke a cigarette unless she opened the pack herself, and would never use another cigarette out of that pack if someone else had touched it.

Was forced by MGM boss Louis B. Mayer to drop her real name Lucille LeSueur because it sounded too much like "sewer".

She always considered The Unknown (1927) a big turning point for her. She said it wasn't until working with Lon Chaney in this film that she learned the difference between standing in front of a camera and acting in front of a camera. She said that was all due to Chaney and his intense concentration, and after that experience she said she worked much harder to become a better actress.

Her little tap dancing in The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929) was the first audible tap dance on the screen.
Alan Ladd
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Explore the simpler time of yesteryear... 
A time when men and women were truly glamorous. A time when you could watch any movie with your children and not have to worry about gratuitous sex or violence – yet enjoy all the lustful inferences and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Welcome to The Timeless Theater!