April 9, 2012 · 11:31 am

The Making of “The Misfits” – In Three Parts

The Misfits has long been one of my favorite films. Though it wasn’t received well by critics or the public upon its release, it has since become a cult classic, partly because it was the final film for both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, but mostly because of the cast of characters that were created by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston. At a cost of a little over $4 million, it was the most expensive black and white film to date.

I’m very excited to announce that Angela Allen, script supervisor on The Misfits, has kindly agreed to be interviewed for my upcoming book on “The Films of Marilyn Monroe”.

I highly recommend the three part video footage of the making of the film below. There was so much drama going on behind the scenes, it was a film unto itself!

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April 7, 2012 · 9:56 pm

Lupe Velez in “The Mexican Spitfire” Series – Buy It! You Won’t Be Disappointed!

Amazon.com have “The Mexican Spitfire” series starring Lupe Velez and Leon Errol on sale for $44.99 plus FREE shipping. This is an EIGHT movie set, so for less than $6 per film, you have hours of laughs ahead of you.

“The Mexican Spitfire” series is great entertainment for the whole family.

Lupe Velez is “The Girl from Mexico” (1939), the first film that started the hilarious spin-off series. The hot-tempered Carmelita Fuentes, a south-of-the-border showgirl who sets her exquisite eyes on marrying an American publicity agent (Donald Woods). This diverting comic musical that launched a subsequent series for RKO co-stars Linda Hayes, Leon Errol. Errol plays a hilarious dual role in “Mexican Spitfire” (1940), which picks up the saga of Velez and Woods as newlyweds; “Mexican Spitfire Out West” (1940), finds Velez planning a surprise for her husband, but suddenly suspects he’s cheating on her; “Mexican Spitfire’s Baby” (1941) brings a 20-year-old orphan into the household; “Mexican Spitfire at Sea” (1942) mines laughs from the couple’s second honeymoon; “Mexican Spitfire Sees a Ghost” (1942), which makes for many spooky laughs; “Mexican Spitfire’s Elephant” (1942) turns on a wild jewel heist; and “Mexican Spitfire’s Blessed Event” (1943) makes for the purr-fect capper to the series. 9 1/4 hrs. total on four discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.

Buy HERE

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April 6, 2012 · 7:59 am

Son of Diana Dors and Alan Lake Tells All…And It’s Tough Going!

Being the child of a film star may seem like a blissfully indulgent place to be, but most of the time there’s little to be envious of, especially after reading Jason Dors-Lake’s story.

Did he triumph over tragedy, or did his life become one long, drawn out tragedy?  You decide.

Read the article below for more.

Article HERE

Above photo: Diana Dors in her prime.

Below photo: Jason’s book cover, “Connecting Dors: The Legacy of Diana Dors”

You can buy your copy HERE

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April 6, 2012 · 7:03 am

Nicole Kidman in talks to play Grace Kelly…

Article HERE

 

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April 4, 2012 · 10:44 am

My Week With Marilyn…My Opinion of the Film

I have been looking forward to seeing My Week With Marilyn ever since I heard about its existence. While it took some time to reach Australian shores, and it’s still playing in theatres here, I decided to order the DVD from Amazon so I could watch it a few times and really soak it all in. Today, I received my copy and I watched it for the first time this afternoon.

I have to say, what struck me was the standout performances by Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh and Michelle Williams. While I never quite got to the point of forgetting I was watching Michelle play Marilyn, in other words, she never “became” Marilyn for me, she still did a wonderful job of portraying Marilyn Monroe without her performance becoming a cheesy impersonation. Her mannerisms and recreated scenes from The Prince and the Showgirl were perfect. As usual, Judi Dench was fantastic, this time playing Dame Sybil Thorndike. But, Kenneth Branagh was the definite anchor of the film. He DID become Sir Laurence Olivier for me. I actually forgot he was playing Olivier because I believed he WAS Olivier!

He should have won an Oscar – period!

I realize the film was based on Colin Clark’s book, but I felt the “romance” between the two of them detracted from the real life drama of the story behind the film. Clark’s involvement in Monroe’s life at that time is highly embellished. I guess it’s a little bit of artistic license, but as I said previously, it WAS based on his book  so the events that unfold are told from his perspective. I’ve studied the making of The Prince and the Showgirl extensively and I can say that most everything else about the film is 100 per cent accurate. It clearly shows the fragility of Marilyn Monroe, on many levels. Along with the tensions and complexities of making the film, the behind-the-scenes drama is all there, all properly portrayed, and all very, very entertaining.

The film leaves you wondering. Was Marilyn Monroe delicate…difficult…or both. You decide.

All said and done, I highly recommend My Week With Marilyn. However, take the afternoon off and watch The Prince and the Showgirl first. It’s a double-feature that won’t disappoint.

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April 4, 2012 · 10:20 am

Witnessing the Destruction of Hollywood’s History…Pickfair Studios

The West Hollywood Council had the power to save it…but they approved the demolition instead!

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April 1, 2012 · 2:15 am

My Letter to Mayor John Duran Regarding the Imminent Demolition of Pickfair Studios

Dear Mayor Duran,

I’m writing to you about the proposed destruction of Pickfair Studios. I’m sure this isn’t the first e-mail that you’ve received on this topic, and it most likely won’t be the last either.
As you would be well aware by now, there is quite the uprising about the planned demolition. And rightly so. As an author and Hollywood historian, from my point of view, it is vital that these buildings not only stay, but are brought back to their former glory. Open them for tours. People WILL come. If the CIM Group need options for making these buildings viable, that’s one very good option.
The council should never have approved this needless demolition in the first place. Hollywood has a rich history, THIS is part of that history. A big part. So much of Hollywood’s past has already been lost to time. These buildings were the start of it all. They’ve survived. Please DON’T destroy them. Whatever permits are in place need to be halted pending further talks. You have the power to do it. This is not something that can be undone once the wrecking ball comes in an knocks it all down.
I urge you to do some further reading about the importance of these buildings, then and now, and the people who not only built them but walked those floors and worked within those walls so many years ago. And, most importantly listen to the people who desperately want these buildings to stay.
Progression is important, but this “out with the old and in with the new” mentality is not always best. If this demolition goes ahead, the signatures of the West Hollywood Council committee approving the destruction is solely responsible – period. Recognize the mistake and do an about face before it’s too late. You will be part of history and the hero to thousands if you do.
Don’t be responsible for future generations walking past the gate of “The Lot” and saying, “That’s where Pickfair Studios used to be”.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Michelle Vogel

About Mayor Duran

If you’d also like to contact Mayor Duran, write to him here –  jduran@weho.org – Please remain respectful and courteous at all times. When (and if) he responds to my letter, I’ll post his reply.

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March 31, 2012 · 9:06 pm

Save the Studio – Watch the Video – Join the Protest – April 1 @ 1PM!

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March 30, 2012 · 10:10 pm

West Hollywood Studios Demolition Protest on Sunday, April 1, 2012 @ 1PM

Are YOU going to be there?

I blogged about this jaw-dropping destruction a few days ago – https://mvozus.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/west-hollywood-studios-to-be-demolished-in-a-matter-of-weeks/

For me, as an author and Hollywood historian, this far down the line, so many great actors and actresses have passed away. Writing about their lives and getting interviews from contemporaries is difficult because almost everyone is gone.
But, the buildings remain. Buildings that have stood the test of time and have such a rich history. These buildings should have been land marked as historical years ago, thus making them untouchable to developers.

The West Hollywood council has APPROVED this demolition!

While there’s a list of people in the industry HERE who have supported this cause, many actors of today ignore it. I don’t get it. If you’re an actor, this is YOUR history. These people built these studios and made it possible for YOU to do what YOU do today. It may sound cliché, but they paved the way for you to be an actor, negotiate your own contracts and earn far more than they ever did. This is the thanks they get?!

It’s NOW time to stand up for them…the way they stood up for YOUR future!!!

Protest to Save the Studios Info HERE

More Info About the Demolition and Planned Development HERE

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March 30, 2012 · 9:01 am

Please Donate Towards a Cenotaph for Peg Entwistle

We got her (& her father) a long overdue headstone, now it’s time to raise funds for a Cenotaph at Hollywood Forever. This memorial plaque will face the Hollywood sign, the very sign Peg Entwistle jumped to her death from in September 1932.

Peg Entwistle is often referred to as “The Hollywood Sign Girl” because of the tragic way she took her life, jumping from the “H” of the Hollywood sign, a sign that represents hopes and dreams, not only to her, but to any aspiring star who makes their way to Hollywood. Some succeed, some fail. Peg felt she failed. However, there was so much more to her story…a tragic twist. If you’re not familiar with her biography, take a look at her highlighted name at the beginning of this paragraph, click for more info.

 $3000 is needed to get the plaque made and placed. Be a part of history. Every dollar helps. Thank you SO much 🙂

Donate HERE

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