Posted on 06/30/2009 5:13:02 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
“Bachelor Mother” will be airing on TCM on July 3 at 6 am PDT. In fact, the TCM theme for July is “1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year.” They will be showing movies from our year all month.
I noticed a few interesting items from the ads in this post. The theatre experience was way different from what we get today. The Jack Benny movie at the Paramount has personal performances by Gene Krupa and the Andrews Sisters. What would be today's equivalent?
I did a double take when I saw Claudette Colbert and James Stewart in "It's a Wonderful World." My eye tried to turn it into a Wonderful Life. I looked it up on imbd.com. It sounds pretty good. I will check Netlflix for that one.
Two movies below that one is "Some Like it Hot." Turns out it is not an early version of the Billy Wilder classic but a Bob Hope picture (with the ubiquitous Gene Krupa drumming and acting). According to the imbd.com review it is a stinker.
Johnny Weissmuller is appearing (presumably in the water) in the Billy Rose Aquacade at the Worlds Fair. Can't go wrong at 40 cents a seat.
Lastly, Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is showing at the Normandie. His first try with that movie was from 1934. After five years it is already a classic!
Brooklyn Orchid 1942
With William Bendix and the very beautiful but unknown star Majorie Woodworth. Saw this for the first time last year. Loved It!
Devil and Miss Jones 1941
With Jean Arthur. This is the movie that started my love affair with classic comedies.
Nothing But the Truth 1941
A little known Bob Hope gem, with the beautiful Paulette Goddard costarring.
Slightly Dangerous 1943
Lana Turner is not only pretty, she can make you laugh your head off.
I love this movie too.... The scene in Times Square with David Niven and Ginger Rogers is probably the most romantic one ever filmed (when they wish each other Happy New Year). Ronald Colman taught David Niven how to kiss his leading lady very well!
I agree it’s the best version, (with *David* Niven, not “Charles Niven”) as is typo-ed in the review. The musical version was the worst IMO.
It’s a cute movie. It was remade in the ‘50’s with Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher as “Bundle of Joy.” The New Year’s Eve party scene is great.
bookmark
One of my favorites. LOVE the theater listings, reminding that you used to get a cartoon, not to mention the business at the Astor must have been booming, it was AIR-CONDITIONED, whoo hoo!!!
Just finished watching the movie on TCM. Most entertaining. I expected the birth mother to show up and reclaim the baby at the end to inspire the stars to get married and start a family of their own. In that respect it was a surprise ending for me.
It was great. Ginger is such a cutie! I loved the character of the father... perfect for the time. Just the kind of father I aspired to be. ;0)
Billy Rose’s Aquacade... I have color footage of that. No sound, but it’s fascinating.
1939 was the high water mark for Hollywood.
Very, very shortly we would be preparing to fight for our lives.
The years 1931-1962 are some of the most interesting in American History.
Homer, thanks very much for posting these, and don’t let me drop off your ping list.
You are quite welcome. I have a good time preparing the posts. And thanks for your feedback.
Just be forewarned - I am not going one minute past 1945.
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