Battle of the Blondes: Betty Grable VS. Doris Day.

Betty Grable and Doris Day, were/are both talented singers and dancers. They were/are often called, "Sweethearts of the Silver Screen".

Betty Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973), was famous for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London.

Grable, performed in many musical films of the 1940s such as: Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943). A musical film, which takes place in the 1880s, when American Madeleine Marlowe, is performing in the London musical comedy group while engaged to Charles, the Duke of Trippingham. Charles promises her, that they will be married in New York, where she is to star in a new show.

After boarding a ship, Madge's traveling companions Arthur Skinner and Edna Van Dyke, show her a copy of the, The Police Gazette, where the article reveals that her real name is, Rosie O'Grady and that she started out singing in, a beer garden named, Flugelman's. The article, also revels that the duke is only interested in Madge's money. Angry, Madge plans to confront, Sam the newspaper reporter who wrote the story.

When Madge's boat docks, she is met by reporters. Sam "rescues" her and tries to get more information about her engagement, but when Madge learns his true identity, she tells everyone that she and Sam are engaged.

Police Gazette's editor, Tom Morgan, fires Sam for making a laughingstock of the paper. Sam, begs Madge for a truce, but she continues playing up their "romance" to reporters.

Not liking being called a fortune hunter, Sam decides to get even with Madge and serenades her with a song he has written called, "Sweet Rosie O'Grady." Sam then insists that she join him at Flugelman's.

Sam and Madge, have called off their feud and have had to much to drink when they return to her hotel. Charles, has come to New York to surprise Madge and is not too happy to see them together. Madge, becomes angry and she breaks off their engagement.

Madge, decides to take advantage of the publicity and produce a new show around Sam's "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" song.

This is a Musical remake, "Love is News (1937)", which starred Loretta Young. Fox tried again with this story in 1948 titled, "That Wonderful Urge", starring Gene Tierney.

Down Argentine Way (1940). Made a star of Betty Grable in her first leading role and introduced the colorful Carmen Miranda. The film also starred Don Ameche, The Nicholas Brothers, Charlotte Greenwood, and J. Carrol Naish.

 Please click here to learn more about the classic film, Down Argentine Way(1940).

Doris Day (born April 3, 1924). Her entertainment career began, while performing as a big band singer in 1939, with her first hit song, "Sentimental Journey", in 1945. After leaving the Les Brown and His Band of Renown to try a solo career, she started her partnership with Columbia Records. In 1948, she auditioned for Michael Curtiz, which led to the lead in, Romance on the High Seas, her first film with her friend, Jack Carson.

With a legendary Hollywood "girl-next-door" image she performed in 39 films. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film, Pillow Talk.

Another favorite Doris Day film, Tea for Two (1950). A Musical directed by David Butler. The screenplay by Harry Clork and William Jacobs was inspired by the 1925 stage musical No, No Nanette.

Please click here to learn more about the classic film Tea For Two(1950)

Another favorite Doris Day film, That Touch of Mink (1962). A Romantic/comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. The film co-stars Gig Young, John Astin, Audrey Meadows, and Dick Sargent. Baseball players: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Yogi Berra make cameo appearances.

Please click here to learn more about the classic movie That Touch of Mink(1962)

Video: Full Movie.

Battle of the Blondes: Janet Leigh VS Brigitte Bardot.

Both Janet Leigh and Brigitte Bardot, were well known as the "sex kittens" of their era.

Janet Leigh (July 6, 1927 – October 3, 2004). Discovered by actress Norma Shearer, landed a contract with MGM and began her film career in the late 1940s. She performed in Alfred Hitchcock's, Psycho (1960) and Living It Up(1954). She also played more dramatic roles: Safari (1958) Touch of Evil (1958) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). She also performed in one of my favorite Musicals, My Sister Eileen (1955). Directed by Richard Quine. It stars Janet Leigh, Betty Garrett and Jack Lemmon.

Ruth and her "blonde bombshell sister Eileen,(that all the boys go gaga over), come to New York looking for "fame and fortune". After they find a small apartment, Ruth catches the eye of playboy publisher Bob Baker, after she submits a story about her sister Eileen. She tries to keep his attention by convincing him that she and the gorgeous, Eileen are one and the same person.

This is a very charming musical with a wonderful score by Jule Styne. Betty Garrett and Janet Leigh, both shine in their performances. And the film spotlights some wonderful choreography by Bob Fosse.

Houdini (1953). Biographical film about the life of the magician, Harry Houdini. Directed by George Marshall, based on the book Houdini by Harold Kellock. The music score was by Roy Webb and the cinematography by Ernest Laszlo. Costume design by Edith Head.

Brigitte Bardot(September 28, 1934). By the time she was 15 Brigitte was modeling and posed for the French magazine "Elle". She performed in her first french film, Crazy for Love (1952). She made her first US film in, Act of Love (1953) with Kirk Douglas. Brigitte's "sex kitten" sexuality took the US by storm. In 1965 she appeared as herself in, Dear Brigitte (1965) with James Stewart (she only appeared in one scene). Just before she turned 40, Brigitte retired from movies after filming, The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot (1973).

I'm really looking forward to viewing these two Brigitte Bardot films listed below:

And God Created Woman (1956). A French drama film directed by Roger Vadim and starring Brigitte Bardot. This was the film that created her "sex kitten" image.

A Very Private Affair(1962). A French film directed by Louis Malle and starring Brigitte Bardot.

Battle of the Blondes: Carole Lombard VS Mae West.

Carole Lombard and Mae West, were both wonderful comedians and both well known for their witty dialogs, in their classic movies.

Carole Lombard (October 6, 1908 – January 16, 1942). Was best known for her comedic roles of the 1930s. A couple of her better known films were: Nothing Sacred(1937). A comedy about a newspaper reporter Wally Cook, who tries to pass off an African-American as an African nobleman during a charity event. Cook is then demoted to writing obituaries.

Wally, is sent out of town to interview Hazel Flagg, a woman who thinks that she is dying of radium poisoning.



They hold a parade in her honor and the key to the city and when it is finally discovered that Hazel is not really dying, what will city officials decide to do.

Maybe, one of the funniest movies from the 30's. Full of humor and very easy to watch from start to finish.

To Be Or Not To Be(1942). Comedy about a troupe of actors in Nazi-occupied Warsaw who use their talents to fool the occupying troops. The dialogue is so quick and witty that you may want to watch it for a second time, to make sure you hear all of the lines.

Mae West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980). Known for her double innuendos. West, made a name for herself in Vaudeville and on the stage in New York before moving to Hollywood to become a comedienne, actress and writer. A couple of films she is well known for are:

She Done Him Wrong(1933). Comedy/romance film set in New York in the 1890s, where Lady Lou, sings in the Bowery barroom saloon of, Gus Jordan, who drapes her in diamonds. But Lou, is not a one man woman.

What she does not know is that Gus runs prostitution and counterfeiting ring, who also works with Russian Rita and Serge Stanieff. Dan Flynn, drops hints to Lou that Gus is up to no good and promises to take care of her once Gus is in jail.

She becomes attracted to, Captain Cummings, who really is an undercover Federal agent working to expose the illegal activities in the bar.

She goes to the prison to reassure Chick, but he threatens to kill her if she double-crosses him. She is lying when she says that she has been faithful to him.

Chick, escapes from jail and goes straight to Lou's dressing room and starts to strangle her, but can not bring himself to kill her.. Lou, promises that she will go with him when she finishes her next number.

After Sergei gives Lou a diamond pin belonging to Rita, the two get into a fight and Rita is accidentally killed. Lou has her bodyguard Spider, get rid of Rita's body. She then tells Spider to bring Chick, back to her dressing room.

Then, while performing on stage she gives a signal to Dan Flynn, to go to her room to wait for her, even though she knows Chick is in there with a gun. Chick kills Dan and the gunfire bring in the police. Cummings, reveals himself as "The Hawk," a well-known Federal agent, as he arrests Gus and Serge. Chick, still lurking in Lou's room, is about to kill Lou for double crossing him, will Cummings get there in time?

There is magic in the air when Grant and West get together that is for sure. Mae drips with diamonds, funny sayings and fabulous gowns.

I'm No Angel (1933) Is Mae West's third film. A young Cary Grant plays her leading man for the second time. Being Pre-Code, this was one of the few Mae West movies that was not subjected to heavy censorship.

Tira sings in the sideshow of Big Bill Barton's Wonder Show, while her boyfriend, pickpocket "Slick", works the audience. One of her customers meets with her later, Slick barges in and hits him over the head with a bottle. Mistakenly, thinking he has killed the man, is thrown in jail.

Thinking.. that Slick will put the blame on her, Tira asks Big Bill for a loan to hire lawyer. He agrees.. on condition that she does her lion taming act, promising her that it will get her to the "Big Show".

Tira's act takes her to New York City, where she catches the eye of wealthy Kirk Lawrence, even though he is engaged to socialite Alice Hatton. Kirk's cousin, Jack Clayton, with plans to ask Tira to break it off with Kirk, he ends up engaged to her, himself.



Not wanting to lose his best act, he has Slick, recently released from prison, sneak into Tira's penthouse suite, where he finds Jack. Not wanting any more trouble, Jack break off their engagement. Heartbroken, Tira sues Jack for breach of promise. In court the judge allows her to cross examine the witnesses and she wins over the judge and jury and Jack.

There are many wonderful comic complications, but.. Mae West always gets her man.
If you've never seen a Mae West movie but have always wondered what made her a great star, this is the film to see!

Battle of the Blondes: Marlene Dietrich VS Ursula Andress.

Marlene Dietrich (27 December 1901 – 6 May 1992,) remained popular throughout her amazing career by continually re-inventing herself, as an actress. Her performance as Lola-Lola in The Blue Angel, brought her international fame and provided her a contract with Paramount Pictures in the film Shanghai Express, showcasing her glamour and exotic looks.

The Blue Angel (1930). Directed by Josef von Sternberg in 1930, based on Heinrich Mann's novel Professor Unrat. The film is considered to be the first major German sound film and it brought world fame to actress Marlene Dietrich. It also introduced her signature song, Friedrich Hollaender's "Falling in Love Again ".

Shanghai Express(1932). The pre-Code film stars Marlene Dietrich, Clive Brook, Anna May Wong, and Warner Oland. It was written by Jules Furthman, based on a story by Harry Hervey. It was the fourth of seven teaming of Sternberg and Dietrich.

Ursula Andress (born 19 March 1936) is a Swiss actress and a sex symbol of the 1960s. She is known for her roles as Bond girl Honey Ryder in, Dr. No, for which she won a Golden Globe, and as Vesper Lynd in the 1967 James Bond parody Casino Royale. Ursula Andress first sought out film work while on a holiday to Rome. After a string of films, Andress was brought to the U.S. as the New Dietrich, although the only things she actually had in common with Marlene Dietrich were German heritage and a magnificent legs. She became an international sensation through her bikini-clad appearance as Honey Rider in the first James Bond movie Dr. No (1962). Within a year, Andress was sharing billings with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in Four for Texas, and Elvis Presley in Fun in Acapulco (both 1963). After this her burst of super-celebrity, Andress settled into a series of films. During the making of 1981's Clash of the Titans, she linked up with the film's much younger leading man Harry Hamlin, who became the father of her child. Although Andress continued to make movies in the 1980s and '90s.

She(1965). Is based on the novel by H. Rider Haggard. It was directed by Robert Day and stars Sandahl Bergman, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee.

After, receiving honorable discharges from the British Army, Professor Holly, Leo Vincey and their servant Job, go on expedition to north-east Africa.



They find themselves in the lost city of Kuma, ruled by Ayesha, the immortal queen and former high priestess, who sees Leo as the reincarnation of her former lover, the priest Kallikrat.

Ayesha, tries to convince Leo, to walk into a bonfire after it has turned blue, which happens during special astronomical conditions. By entering the fire, Leo will become immortal.

Ayesha's army is attacked by Amahagger tribesmen, because Ayesha had the beautiful, Ustane executed. A young woman, who had fallen in love with Leo. Ustane's father Haumeid, had also befriended Leo, Holly and Job.

Leo, battles Bilali, Ayesha's priest, who wants immortality for himself. After battling Leo and giving him up for dead, Bilali enters the blue flames when he is killed by Ayesha.

Ayesha takes Leo's hand and leads him into the fire. The same fire destroys Ayesha's immortality, and she dies as the centuries catch up with her and she ages in a few seconds.

Andress gives one of her best acting performance in this film. The settings look amazing and the score by composer James Barnard, creates wonderful music which enhances the action and romance in this film.

Fun Fact:

For the final stage of Ayesha's disintegration, makeup was not applied to Ursula Andress, but to an uncredited elderly actress who doubled for the star.

Clash of the Titans (1981). Fantasy/adventure film involving the Greek hero Perseus.

Please click here to read Clash of Ttitans(1981) movie review.

Actress: Charlize Theron, my pick for the Marilyn Monroe Movie.

No disrespect to Michelle Williams, but in my opinion.. I would have loved to have seen Charlize Theron, get the part in the new movie.. My Week With Marilyn Monroe. I think that she looks more like, Marilyn Monroe.

Charlize Theron(born 7 August 1975). At the age of sixteen, Theron travelled to Milan after winning a local competition. She went to New York with Pauline's Model Management. After her one year contract ended, she attended the Joffrey Ballet School, where she trained as a ballet dancer. A knee injury ended her career at 19.

After which, Theron flew to Los Angeles on a one-way ticket. Soon after, she went to a bank to cash a cheque her mother had sent her, the teller refused to cash it. After getting into a shouting match with her, a talent agent in line behind her handed her his business card and introduced her to some casting agents and got her into acting school.

After several months, she was cast in a non-speaking role in the film, Children of the Corn III (1995). Her first speaking role was in the film, 2 Days in the Valley. Larger roles films followed, The Devil's Advocate (1997), Mighty Joe Young (1998), and The Cider House Rules (1999). She was on the cover of the January 1999 issue of Vanity Fair as the "White Hot Venus".

Theron, later starred as the serial killer in the film, Monster (2003). Film critic Roger Ebert called it "one of the greatest performances in the history of the cinema". For this role, Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress at the 76th Academy Awards in February 2004,as well as the SAG Award and the Golden Globe Award.She is the first South African to win an Oscar for Best Actress.

On 30 September 2005, Theron received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the same year, she starred in the science fiction thriller, Æon Flux. Theron received Best Actress Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performance in the drama, North Country.

In 2005 Theron portrayed Rita, in the television series, Arrested Development. She also received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role in the 2004 HBO film, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers.

In 2008, she also starred in the film, Hancock and in late 2008 she was asked to be a UN Messenger of Peace by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

In October 2009, Theron was cast to star in a sequel to the Mad Max films, titled Mad Max: Road Fury, which filmed at Broken Hill in New South Wales, Australia in late 2010. Theron has been cast in the role of the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Huntsman.

Video: Charlize Theron for J'Adore Dior fragrance, having historical famous Hollywood actress like, Marilyn Monroe!

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron

Battle of the Blondes: Judy Holliday VS Jean Harlow.

Both of these actress died, at the height of their careers. Both actress were great comediennes and I often wonder what great roles they might have had if they had lived longer.

Born Yesterday(1950). A corrupt tycoon brings his showgirl mistress with him to Washington when he tries to buy a Congressman. He hires a journalist to educate his girlfriend, and in the process, she learns just how corrupt her boyfriend is.

The Solid Gold Cadillac(1956). Directed by Richard Quine and written by Abe Burrows, Howard Teichmann and George S. Kaufman. It was adapted from the hit Broadway play of the same name by Teichmann and Kaufman, in which they expose corrupt businessmen. The film stars Judy Holliday and Paul Douglas.

Bombshell(1933). Pre-Code film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Jean Harlow, Lee Tracy, Frank Morgan, C. Aubrey Smith, Mary Forbes and Franchot Tone.

Please click here to view Bombshell(1933) post.

Platinum Blonde(1931). Romantic/comedy, starring Jean Harlow, Robert Williams, and Loretta Young. The film was written by Jo Swerling and directed by Frank Capra.

The story begins when news Reporter Stew Smith, is covering a breach of promise suit filed by chorus girl Gloria Golden, against wealthy Michael Schuyler. Stew, then tricks Mrs. Schuyler into admitting Gloria was paid off, then calls in his story to his editor, Conroy.

That night Stew, talks about the case with reporter Gallagher, who is secretly in love with Stew..

The next day, Stew goes to see Ann, to return Michael's letters, which he took while he was interviewing Gloria and they begin dating.

A month later, Stew and Ann elope. The Schuyler family, are not very happy about the marriage, but Ann promises them that everything will work out. When Stew arrives, he reluctantly agrees to move into the mansion.

Later, at a party for the Spanish ambassador, Stew is bored out of his mind, until.. he sees Gallagher. They are soon joined by rival reporter Bingy Baker, who offers Stew a job, writing a article for Bingy's paper. He then makes the mistake calling Stew, "Cinderella Man," which angers him and he punches him in the nose. The next day, the argument is slapped on the front page of Bingy's newspaper.

On the night, before going to the mayor's reception, Ann leaves without Stew, when he tells her, he can no longer tolerate her friends. Stew then asks Gallagher for help with the play he is writing. She asks Hank and his friends to chaperon. When Ann returns, she orders Stew to throw everyone out, but Stew packs his bags and leaves with his friends. Will Stew return to his wife or will he marry Gallagher?

Video: First of 6.



Jean Harlow, plays the society dame and Loretta Young, plays the reporter. I think it might have made more sense if they switched roles. There are some Pre-Code, sexy love scenes between Williams and Harlow...

The Girl from Missouri(1934). Romantic comedy-drama film starring Jean Harlow and Franchot Tone. The movie was written by Anita Loos and directed by Jack Conway.

Eadie runs away from her and while traveling by train, she tells her friend Kitty that she wants to marry a some one very important.

It does not take her long before she finds a job as one of the chorus girls entertaining at a party at the mansion of wealthy Frank Cousins. She finds away to see Cousins alone, where he wants to give her a expensive gift, but she refuses to accept them until they become engaged.

She is surprised to learn that T.R. Paige had refused to save Cousins from financial ruin. After Eadie leaves Cousins shoots himself. Eadie, then meets T.R. just before the police arrive on the scene.

Eadie goes to visits T.R. and when she says that she wants to marry a rich man, T.R. gives her some money and high tails it for Palm Beach, Florida. Eadie and Kitty, hot on his heels visit T.R.'s office, where Eadie meets Tom T.R.'s son. Eventually, she learns who he is, but it is clear that he is not interested in marriage. Tom gets her alone in his bedroom, but she is able to stop his advances.

Tom, changes his mind and tells his father, that he wants to marry Eadie and T.R. gives his blessing, but after Tom leaves, he calls the district attorney, who comes up with a plan to accuse her of stealing Cousins' jewelry and then has her arrested. When Tom and his father come to see her, she tells Tom that she must have been framed , but Tom does not believe her and breaks up with Eadie.

Her friend Charlie Turner, bails Eadie out. For revenge, she sneaks into T.R.'s stateroom on the ship he and Tom are taking to London. Eadie, wearing only lingerie, hugs T.R just as photographers take his picture.

Heartbroken, Eadie gets drunk and turns to Charlie Turner. Tom arrives just in time, having changed his mind. T.R. wanting to save his reputation, has told the press she was innocent of the theft. Will he now allow the happy couple to marry?

"The Girl From Missouri" is worth seeing though it's not as wonderful as her earlier films, "Red Dust", "Red-Headed Woman" and "Dinner at Eight". It does have some great supporting actors, Lionel Barrymore and Patsy Kelly. If you are a Jean Harlow fan this film is fun from start to finish.