Go ahead, flame me...
Posted on 04/07/2014 7:37:52 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
One of the last remaining stars of Hollywood's golden era, Mickey Rooney was born to vaudeville parents, and appeared with them onstage by the age of 1. He became a star when he was signed to play the part of comic book hero Mickey McGuire in a series of successful shorts that began in 1927 with "Mickey's Circus" and ended with "Mickey's Derby Day" in 1936. But it was at MGM in the 1930s that the diminutive dynamo hit real fame, particularly with the "Andy Hardy" movie series that launched in 1937.
While at MGM he earned Oscar nominations for best actor for 1939's "Babes in Arms" and 1943's "The Human Comedy." He also shared a juvenile 1939 Academy Award with Deanna Durbin.
His career declined after World War II, but he kept working, earning another Oscar nomination in 1956's "The Bold and the Brave" and again in 1979's "The Black Stallion." Rooney also found success on live TV in the 1950s and earned an Emmy in 1981 for the TV movie "Bill." Here's a look at some of Rooney's most memorable work in film and TV.
'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Rooney played Puck in Warner Bros. 1935 all-star production of Shakespeare's comedy, directed by famed European-born directors Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle. Midway through the production, Rooney had a tobogganing accident and broke his leg. His cast was disguised by foliage and even holes in the floor.
'A Family Affair'
MGM's popular franchise of "Andy Hardy" family comedies, which began with this film, proved a perfect match for the tireless Rooney. Shot on a shoestring budget in just 15 days, the film was a smash,
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I do recommend the 1935 version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream although I didn’t particularly like Rooney’s version of Puck. But then I don’t think we’re supposed to like Puke. I did love James Cagney as Bottom. And the special affects were amazing for the time. So if you are like me and a bit OCD about Shakespeare, watch it. It’s as good as anything else that comes later.
Comedian John Pinette also died over the weekend. Malden boy. Too young.
I know I don't.
This is sad news. Another link to a saner world gone.
I have a buddy who wrote GERALD, which starred Rooney. He said that each day, at the end of the shoot, Mickey would have him go to the Wendy’s drive through for ice cream. The teen girl working got to know Rooney through his charm and down to earth demeanor. She, of course, had no idea who this little old man was but fell in love with him. After the film wrapped, my buddy went back and gave her his autograph with a thank you note to her. I know that his heart must be hurting today.
He was brilliant in “Bill.” I actually knew the real Bill in Iowa City and Rooney nailed that character.
I still remember the first movie I ever saw him in. 1957.
FRANCIS IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE.
Double feature with MA AND PA KETTLE ON OLD MCDONALD’S FARM.
Noel, MO movie house, years before it burned.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049229/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_167
Bill is the role I will most remember Rooney for.
RIP
Stablemates (1938)
Mickey Rooney was a big fan and friend of Ronald Reagan.
That episode of Twilight Zone where he played the disgraced jockey is a good one.
Maybe the last one of the old time Hollywood movie stars, I can’t imagine there’s many more left.
Me and my wife met him when he came to a dragoncon a few years back for a few minutes at his table. Seemed like a nice fellow and was apparently enjoying himself.
BTW my brother was a professor at U of I, and knew Bill quite well too.
I’ll give the guy credit for his talent, but he was an arrogant prick.
Humility wasn’t part of his personality.
Sometimes there’s a reason why someone’s been married 8 times.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.