Stage Door (1937)

I watched Stage Door (1937) the other day and knew right there and then that it certainly deserved a post. I mean, Ginger Rogers, Katharine Hepburn, Adoplhe Menjou and Lucille Ball, all in one film? Count me in!

"It'd be a terrific innovation if you could get your mind to stretch a little further than the next wisecrack."

~Terry Randall from Stage Door

Stage Door (1937) Directed by Gregory La Cava

Terry Randall: I see that, in addition to your other charms, you have that insolence generated by an inferior upbringing. Jean Maitland: Hmm! Fancy clothes, fancy language and everything! Terry Randall: Unfortunately, I learned to speak English correctly. Jean Maitland: That won't be of much use to you here. We all talk pig latin. 

Cast:

• Katharine Hepburn as Terry Randall
• Ginger Rogers as Jean Maitland
• Adolphe Menjou as Anthony Powell
• Constance Collier as Catherine Luther
• Gail Patrick as Linda Shaw
• Andrea Leeds as Kay Hamilton
• Samuel S. Hinds as Henry Sims
• Lucille Ball as Judy Canfield

Plot:

The Footlights club is a theatrical boarding house in New York, inhabited by fast-talking, quick-witted showgirls all desperately in need of a job. Some of them, like Linda, take the easy way out by having a "sugar daddy" to buy her clothes and take her out, but the others take it the hard way. Work all the way. None more so than Jean Maitland who is determined to be "discovered" the right way. One day, Terry Randall arrives at the Footlights Club. Though slightly stage struck, Terry isn't going to take any nonsense. But she is teased by the other girls for being rich and well educated (her father is "Henry Sims, the wheat king", though she keeps that under wraps), especially by her new roommate, Jean. They don't hit it off well and Jean says they, "started off on the wrong foot, so lets stay that way." Despite Terry's efforts to be friendly.

One lodger in particular is finding it hard to get a job, Kay Hamilton was a big success in a play produced by Anthony Powell, but now can't get any work. 

One day she goes to Powell's office in search of the lead part in his new play "Enchanted April", with which she has a personal connection. After she is refused his audience for the nth time that week, she faints at the desk. Just before this, Terry comes in and sees all and she does storm the office - but to go and give Powell a piece of her mind.

Powell (left) "entertaining" Linda

After this, the girls start to give her a little more respect. But when Jean starts being tempted by Anthony Powell's fancy clothes and dinner trips and broadway star power, Terry steps in and goes to Anthony's apartment; to talk business. And not knowing that her good friend Kay wanted the part, get's the lead in Enchanted April. A play that her millionaire father is secretly financing on the condition that Terry plays the lead. But there is a lot more to go wrong than Terry suspects. And Kay is at her very lowest, with tragic results.

The Verdict:

I really liked this film. I know that it not everyone thinks it's amazing... but "I like it!" (Singing In The Rain reference, anyone? or just me.) I do completely get that Katharine Hepburn didn't understand her character and said that she was unimportant in the story, but the way that she plays Terry makes her essential to the film. It is quite vague and I can't imagine how hard it would be to make a memorable character from the lines alone, but Katharine Hepburn manages to give it the extra attitude and personality that was needed to make the role. She actually asked the director Gregory La Cava what the main point of her character was and he replied "She is a human question mark." After she asked him what that meant he replied, "Damned if I know." 

"The callalilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower. Suitable to any occasion... I carried them on my wedding day and now I place them here in memory of something that has died." ~ Enchanted April

I really enjoyed Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Roger's performance together, even though they reportedly hated each other on set, but I liked the banter and the witty insults. Apparently {cue long-winded, might not even be true story...} the scriptwriters were inspired by listening to the actresses talk on set and lots of the fast paced exchanges and all that jazz is kind of what they sounded like! Cool, no? {And not as long-winded as predicted. Well there's a first time for everything ;-)} And this was my first Ginger Rogers film!

There are basically no men in this film, and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the predominantly women cast, a little like The Women. And this is all going fine and then BAM! Adolphe Menjou!

He's a good actor and all, but in this (and everything else I've seen him in) he has more than the average dose of sleazy. His whole section of the plot wasn't very well developed, and I think that problem stems from the fact that the character of Anthony Powell wasn't in the original play.

There were quite a few emotional moments in the film, but the one that really got me upset was when Jean walks into Terry's dressing room *SPOILERS AHEAD* and tells her that Kay has committed suicide and blames Terry. Then after Jean leaves Terry has a complete crying fit and is just heartbroken and I was just sitting there with my sister and both of us were really sad.

All the supporting actresses playing the roommates in the boarding house are great. I love Ann Miller and she was actually only fourteen when she made this! In the words of the wise Jo March... CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS! That is actually only one year older than me and she is up there dancing with Ginger Rogers and acting with Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball and Adolphe Menjou... Wow. I better start getting a move on!

Awesome, if not a trifle over-enthusiastic...

Lucille Ball is a also lovely, I haven't seen any "I Love Lucy" and I really want to! It's not available on youtube either so I'm just gonna have to wait until at least Christmas.

Eve Arden was also really funny :-D. Andrea Leeds is so fantastic. Just heartbreaking!

Here are two great quotes from Eve Arden's character in the film:

Mary Lou: Well, certainly you must have heard of "Hamlet"! 

Eve: Well, I meet so many people.

Eve: A pleasant little foursome. I predict a hatchet murder before the night's over. 

My mum also told me that Constance Collier is a great favourite of my Grandma's. I can see why. She was totally in her character the whole way through. At the beginning I was a bit concerned about how the performance would turn out, but I found that her portrayal worked out better than I had expected. Also, during the filming, she and Katharine Hepburn became great friends and remained so for the rest of her life. During Katharine Hepburn's stretch of time during the 50s when she played lots of Shakespeare and classics Constance Collier was her acting coach and when Constance Collier died, her secretary came to work for Katharine Hepburn, and did for 40 years. I think that's lovely :-)

And can I just say... Is Gail Patrick like, omnipresent? I don't know what it is but she has been in three of the films I've watched recently and I feel like she's just there... Always playing the same character... It's a bit weird...

Overall a very enjoyable film. Not a masterpiece and there are some holes and slow drags in the script but there are certain parts which I thought were fantastic. Definitely worth a watch.

~Bette

The Tall Target(1951).

The Tall Target(1951). Thriller. Directed by Anthony Mann. Cast: Dick Powell, Paula Raymond, Adolphe Menjou, Marshall Thompson.

Soon after the Presidential election, John Kennedy, a New York police officer, who also was Abraham Lincoln's bodyguard, believes there will be an assignation attempt, on President Lincoln's life, while he is traveling by train, on his way to his inauguration in Washington, D. C. Simon G. Stroud, his supervisor does not share his belief, so John takes matters into his own hands by boarding the, Night Flyer Express, headed for Baltimore and Washington. Kennedy's friend, Inspector Tim Reilly, was to meet him with his ticket and suitcase, but when Kennedy arrives, only his suitcase is there waiting for him.

When he goes to buy his ticket, Kennedy finds that they have all been sold out. As the train pulls out of the station, Kennedy sneaks on board. It is not long, before Kennedy, finds his friend's body. While searching the train for the killer, Kennedy meets Col. Caleb Jeffers, a Northern officer who, is also traveling to Baltimore.



Kennedy, sees a man wearing his coat and holding his gun. The man tells the conductor that he is Kennedy, the real Kennedy takes the conductor to Caleb's compartment, where Caleb identifies him as the real Kennedy. Soon after, he feels a gun in his back. The man then pushes Kennedy, to the rear of the train and when the train stops, tells him to get off. Kennedy, and the man get into a fight and Kennedy manages to get the gun from him.

As the train is about to leave, Caleb hears the sounds of the fight and shoots the man. After Kennedy and Caleb are back on the train, Caleb hands him a pistol and Kennedy tells him that before dying, the man said that he was to meet someone in car 27.

When they arrive, Kennedy and Caleb find Mrs. Charlotte Alsop, interviewing Rachel, the slave of Lance and Ginny Beaufort. Lance, is a officer in the Confederate Army, who shares his hatred for Lincoln. After the train stops in Philadelphia, Caleb and Kennedy return to their compartment, Caleb tries to shoot him, but Kennedy's gun is empty.

Shocked to find out that the man was Caleb's partner, and that Caleb was aiming at Kennedy, but.. hit his own man instead, Kennedy takes Caleb, into custody and turns him over to the Philadelphia police. Caleb, shows his military credentials and says that Lt. Coutler, at police headquarters, will vouch for him.

Lt. Coulter, arrives with a message from Stroud, saying that Kennedy, is not a member of the police force. After which, Kennedy goes into hiding, as the train starts moving, Rachel motions for Kennedy, to come to her cabin and tells him that Lance, is carrying a rifle with a scope. Ginny overhears them, slaps Rachel and then grabs the gun from Kennedy. After Ginny knocks Kennedy unconscious, he admits that he is one of the assassins plotting to kill Lincoln. Lance, then drags Kennedy to Caleb's compartment, where they tie him up.

When the train stops at Wilmington, a barber boards the train to shave Caleb. The barber, turns out to be an accomplice and explains the details of the assassination plot. As the train arrives in Baltimore, word comes that Lincoln's train has been diverted. Leaving Kennedy in Lance's custody, Caleb soon realizes that Lincoln, is hiding in Mrs. Gibbons' compartment. Caleb, writes "the man is on the train" in the dust of Lance's car window. After reading the message, Lance places Kennedy in Crowley's custody and leaves to find his rifle. Kennedy, overpowers his guard and goes to find Lance. As they struggle, Kennedy pushes Lance off the train . Soon after, Mrs. Gibbons identifies herself as an undercover agent with the War Department and congratulates Kennedy, on saving Lincoln's life.

If you are a Dick Powell fan, I think you will enjoy watching this exciting film, and what a strange coincidence that the policeman investigating a plot to kill Lincoln is named, John Kennedy.

Paula Raymond (November 23, 1924 – December 31, 2003). Earlier in her career, Raymond acted in many film noir thrillers such as, City That Never Sleeps, later in her career she went on to perform mostly in horror films.

In 1952, she performed in the film, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. In the late 1950s and 1960 Raymond appeared in many television shows and low-budget horror movies including: Perry Mason, Hawaiian Eye, 77 Sunset Strip, and Blood of Dracula's Castle with Alexander D'Arcy and John Carradine. She turned down the role of saloon keeper Kitty, in the  western classic series Gunsmoke, the role went to Amanda Blake.

Morocco (1930).

Morocco (1930). Directed by Josef von Sternberg. Cast: Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich and Adolphe Menjou. The story is from the novel Amy Jolly by Benno Vigny. The film is probably most famous today for a scene in which Dietrich performs a song dressed in a man's tuxedo.



It was nominated for four Academy Awards in the categories of: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Marlene Dietrich, who knew little English, and spoke her lines phonetically), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Director: Josef von Sternberg.

The movie begins when American Legionnaire Tom Brown, who is just out looking for a good time, catches the eye of cabaret singer Amy Jolly, who has many suitors, including the debonair Kennington.

Meeting up with her at her apartment, Tom finds her embittered with life and soon becomes tired of her. He decides to keep his date with an officer's wife. Amy, follows and the officer's wife tries to talk beggars into attacking Amy, but.. Tom defends her and is arrested and is sent on a dangerous mission.

Learning that she has been seeing Kennington while he was gone, Tom decides to stay at a desert outpost after his mission is completed. Amy hears that he is wounded and goes to the post, with Kennington not far behind. Realizing that they are in love, Kennington offers to help Tom, desert the Legion. Will Tom decide to stay with his men ?

I think this film helped Dietrich create the image that we now know her for.. standing by her man when all else fails. One thing about the film Morocco, that is different from most of other Dietrich films, is that she's not in control of the situation.

Eve Southern (October 24, 1898 – November 28, 1972). She in 38 films between 1916 and 1936, before breaking her back in a car accident.

The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939).

The Housekeeper's Daughter(1939). Comedy. Directed and produced by Hal Roach. Cast: Joan Bennett, Adolphe Menjou and John Hubbard. The screenplay was written by Rian James, Gordon Douglas, Jack Jevne and Claude Martin, based on novel by Donald Henderson Clarke.

The film begins when Hilda decides to visit her mother, who is the housekeeper for the Randalls. The Randalls go on vacation, while their son Robert stays behind to start his career as a reporter.

While, Benny is selling his flowers, he is a witness to Gladys Fontaine kidnapping and follows close behind while she is taken to Gangster Floyd's houseboat. Benny, wanting to save Gladys, puts poison in a cup of coffee meant for Floyd, but Gladys drinks it instead. The next morning, Robert reads about Gladys death in the papers and decides to cover the story, hooking up with reporter Deakon Maxwell and photographer Ed O'Malley. At a police station, they find Benny confessing to Gladys' murder. After a night on the town with Deakon and Ed, Benny suggests to the drunken Robert that he call his editor and tell him that Gladys was thrown from a houseboat.

Robert's story makes Floyd believe that the reporter knows what happened and puts out a contract on his life. While, Deakon and Ed are shooting fireworks from the roof, the gangsters think the fireworks are gun shots and they shoot back. Will the police get there in time?

Loved the cast of this fun movie, Joan Bennett, now a brunette, who reminded me a little of Heddy Lamar. Menjou of course always gives a wonderful performance. The rest of the cast were wonderful character actors including: William Gargan, Marc Lawrence, Donald Meek, George E. Stone and Peggy Wood. Also.. in his debut film, Victor Mature.

Peggy Wood (February 9, 1892 – March 18, 1978), did not perform in many films. Her few film appearances include co-starring opposite Will Rogers in the film, Handy Andy, Jalna, a cameo in the film, A Star is Born(1937), playing a movie studio receptionist. Other films: "Call It a Day" with Olivia de Havilland, "The Housekeeper's Daughter" with Joan Bennett, "The Bride Wore Boots" with Barbara Stanwyck, "Magnificent Doll" with Ginger Rogers and "Dream Girl" with Betty Hutton.

Wood's final screen appearance was as the Mother Abbess in the, The Sound Of Music (1965), for which she received an Academy Award nomination in the category of Best Supporting Actress. She was thrilled to be in the movie although she knew that she could no longer sing. Mother Abbess's performance of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" is dubbed by Margery McKay. Her co-star Marni Nixon wrote in her memoir, "I Could Have Danced All Night", that Wood especially liked McKay's singing voice because it sounded like her own.

In 1969 she joined the cast of the ABC-TV soap, One Life to Live as Dr. Kate Nolan and had a recurring role until the end of the year.

Father Takes a Wife (1941).

Father Takes a Wife (1941). Cast: Adolphe Menjou, Gloria Swanson, John Howard and Desi Arnaz .

Shipping magnate Frederick Senior Osborne, enters his sons office one day and announces that he is turning the business over to him and plans to marry actress, Leslie Collier. later that night when he and his wife Enid meet Leslie, they talk about Senior and Leslie's age difference. After dinner, the Osbornes attend Leslie's farewell stage performance, where Senior becomes jealous over the attentions of Leslie's leading man. During their honeymoon cruise to Mexico, they discover a stowaway, singer, Carlos Bardez. Feeling sorry for the impoverished Carlos, Senior offers to help him. Once the three arrive home, Leslie appoints herself Carlos' impresario, which the Senior is not to happy about. On the night of Carlos' debut, Leslie comes home very late, angry Senior decides to move in with Junior and Enid. Trying to help, Junior invites Carlos to move in with him and Enid. Things don't go as planned when Leslie moves out of the house and refuses to speak to Senior.

Meanwhile, at Juniors house, same thing happens when Enid takes over the role of Carlos' impresario and Junior leaves in a jealous rage, on the night of Carlos' concert. Father and son then plan to rid themselves of Carlos once and for all, by sending him on a sixty-five city concert tour. Soon after, at their doctor's office, Enid and Leslie meet and both learn that they are pregnant. What will happen next?

Swanson looks gorgeous her beautiful clothes and I thought she gave a wonderful performance. Menjou is very believable playing the jealous spouse.  Arnaz gives a fun performance. This film did remind me a little of one of my favorite films,SUNSET BLVD. Trivia buffs may want to watch for unbilled performances by Loretta Young's ex-husband Grant Withers (as Judge Waters) and Ginger Rogers' future husband Jack Briggs (as Menjou's chauffeur).

FATHER TAKES A WIFE, deserves at least one viewing for the chance to see Gloria Swanson, in a sound motion picture.

Gloria Swanson

Florence Rice (February 14, 1907 – February 23, 1974), became an actress during the early 1930s and after several Broadway roles, eventually made her way to Hollywood. Rice was cast at first as the reliable girlfriend. During the 1930s, MGM gradually provided her with more substantial roles.

Rice never became a major figure in films, but performed in a number of screen pairings with Robert Young. Her best known  performances are in the films: Double Wedding (1937), Sweethearts (1938) and At The Circus (1939).

Turnabout(1940).

Turnabout(1940). Comedy film. Directed by Hal Roach. Cast: Adolphe Menjou, Carole Landis and John Hubbard. Based on the 1931 novel of the same name by Thorne Smith, the screenplay was written by Mickell Novack, Bernie Giler and John McClain with additional dialogue by Rian James.

Tim Willows and his wife Sally continually argue in front of Mr. Ram, an Indian statue given to them by a relative. After a hard day at work for Tim and Sally a day as a lady of leisure, get into a heated argument, both making a wish to change places. Mr. Ram begins to speak and grants their wish.

The next morning, Tim and Sally find themselves in the other's body. Tim, in the body of Sally, stays home and causes problems at home, while Sally, in the body of Tim, goes off to the office and creates problems at work.

When Sally returns home from her day at the office, the couple beg Mr. Ram to put them back into their original bodies. Using Sally's pregnancy as an excuse for their strange behavior, they go out to smooth things over with the clients and friends. Just as you think things are back to normal, the real trouble begins.

I really wanted to see this film because I'm a huge Carole Landis fan. I thought the main cast was very charming. Even the minor roles by Donald Meek, Franklin Pangborn and Marjorie Main, were wonderful performances. John Hubbard, was hilarious in his gender switching role. The situations and the dialog were rather colorful for a 1940's film.

John Hubbard, took acting lessons at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, where he received movie offers. He was signed by Paramount in 1937, but his contract was sold to MGM a year later. At MGM, Hubbard played a leading role in, Dramatic School (1938), which lead to a four-picture deal with Hal Roach, who used Hubbard in comedies such as The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939), Road Show (1940) and Turnabout (1940). Hubbard did a dramatic turn in Whispering Footsteps(1943), but returned to comedy. In 1950 he became a supporting actor, he played "Brown" in The Mickey Rooney Show (12 episodes), "Bill Bronson" in My Little Margie (4 episodes), "Col. U. Charles Barker" in the military comedy Don't Call Me Charlie (18 episodes) and "Ted Gaynor" in Family Affair (8 episodes), but most of his television appearances were in one-off roles. Between acting roles, Hubbard worked as an automobile salesman and the manager of a restaurant. He retired from acting in 1974 after a character role in Herbie Rides Again, although he made one more appearance in a television movie in 1980.

Other John Hubbard films I have seen:
1941 You'll Never Get Rich
1951 Bullfighter and the Lady
1957 Pal Joey
1958 The Buccaneer
1974 Herbie Rides Again

Carole Landis picture below.

This is the list of  other "Body switch/swapping", movies I came up with:
1. Being John Malkovich
2. Big
3. Freaky Friday
4. Mulholland Drive
5. Face/Off
6. Vice Versa
7. 18 Again!
8. Like Father, Like Son
9. Dream a Little Dream

The Hucksters (1947).

The Hucksters (1947). Cast: Clark Gable, Deborah Kerr, Sydney Greenstreet, Adolphe Menjou, Ava Gardner and Keenan Wynn .

War veteran Victor Albee Norman returns to New York City, wanting to land an advertising job with the Kimberly Advertising Agency. During his interview with Mr. Kimberly, Victor agrees to take on the company's toughest client, Evans Beauty Soap. Victor likes the idea of the new advertising campaign, in which twenty-five women, give testimonials for the soap in exchange for a donation to their favorite charity. At the photographer's studio, Victor and a representative from the Kimberly agency argue over how Kay should dress for the shoot. The argument results in an emergency board meeting, during which Victor meets Evans. To prove his point that consumers can be shocked into paying attention to advertisements, Evans catches the attention of the board members by spitting on the table. Evans shares his belief that the radio ad should irritate its listeners in order to be best remembered, Victor tell him that the soap should talk about cleanliness. Victor then impresses Evans with a new classier radio ad.



To celebrate, Kimberly and his wife take Victor and Kay out to the dinner club where Victor's past lover, Jean Ogilvie, is singing, Kimberly gets drunk and almost ruins the evening.

Later when they are alone, Victor and Kay make plans to spend a romantic evening together at the, Blue Penguin Inn. Victor is surprised to see that the hotel is under a new and less-than-attentive management. When Kay arrives, she takes one look at the hotel and misinterpreting Victor's intentions, immediately leaves. Victor is still waiting for Kay when he is called back to New York. His next job is to go to Hollywood to sign up radio personality Buddy Hare for the show.

While traveling Victor runs into Jean, after their conversation, Jean realizes that he is in love with Kay. Will Victor and Kay become engaged and will Victor complete his new assignment?

This was Ava Gardner's first big role in a major film. This was the first of three films she did with Gable, besides Lone Star and Mogambo. I think that you will love Ava's and Gable's, on screen chemistry.

Keenan Wynn (July 27, 1916 – October 14, 1986) was a character actor and member of a well-known show business family. His bristling mustache and expressive face were his stock in trade, and though he very rarely had a lead role, he received prominent billing in most of his movie and TV roles.

List of Keenan films I have seen :
Week-End at the Waldorf
Easy to Wed (1946)
The Hucksters (1947)
Song of the Thin Man
Neptune's Daughter (1949)
Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
Angels in the Outfield (1951)
Royal Wedding (1951)
Kiss Me Kate (1953)
The Long, Long Trailer (1954)
Men of the Fighting Lady (1954)
The Glass Slipper (1955)
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
That Kind of Woman (1959)
A Hole in the Head (1959)
The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
Son of Flubber (1963)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bikini Beach (1964)
The Great Race (1965)
Stagecoach (1966)
Welcome to Hard Times (1967)
The War Wagon (1967)
Point Blank (1967)
Terror in the Sky (1971) (TV)
The Mechanic (1972)
Hijack! (1973)
Herbie Rides Again (1974)
The Devil's Rain (1975)
The Shaggy D.A.
Best Friends (1982)

Independence Day Movie Blogathon: State of the Union(1948).

State of the Union(1948). Written by Myles Connolly and Anthony Veiller of the Russel Crouse, Howard Lindsay play of the same name. Director: Frank Capra. Cast: Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Originally, actress Claudette Colbert was cast as Mary, the wife of Grant Matthews, but disagreements with Capra and a "back" injury led to the casting of Hepburn.

The film begins as Republican newspaper owner Kay Thorndyke, intends to help, Grant Matthews, to become President of the United States with her as the woman behind the man.

Matthews is not sure of the idea of running for president. Despite knowing about her husband and Thorndyke's affair Mary agrees to stand behind him because of his political values.

Matthews makes a controversial speech in Wichita. Before he makes the same speech in Detroit criticising big business, Thorndyke persuades him to change his tone to help his chances for the nomination. With her and Conover's help, Matthews makes deals with special interests groups for their support.

Before a nationwide interview from the Matthews' home, Mary learns of Thorndyke's continuing relationship with her husband and sees the deals that he has made. Matthews realizes that he has betrayed his and Mary's believes. On live radio, will he come to his senses before it is to late?



I think this is one of my favorite Tracy/Hepburn collaborations. Everyone, including KATHARINE HEPBURN and SPENCER TRACY, looks wonderful in this film. VAN JOHNSON, performs in one of his best roles as the good guy who sees through the corrupt ANGELA LANSBURY and ADOLPHE MENJOU. It is fun to watch ANGELA LANSBURY (all of 23) playing a woman in her 40s with perfection.


In 1947, Adolphe Menjou, was a leading member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, a group formed to oppose Communist influence in Hollywood. Other members included John Wayne, Barbara Stanwyck (with whom he co-starred in Forbidden in 1932 and Golden Boy in 1939) and her husband, actor Robert Taylor. Menjou performed with Hepburn in the films Stage Door and State of the Union. Hepburn was strongly opposed to Americans co-operating with the McCarthy hearings. It was reported by William Mann in his biography of Hepburn that during the filming of State of the Union, she and Menjou only spoke to each other only when required for the film.

“The Swan” (1925)

“The Swan” (1925) is a silent romantic comedy starring Frances Howard, Adolphe Menjou and Ricardo Cortez. Directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki, this film is about a love that cannot be. Set in a fictitious European kingdom, Princess Alexandra of Beldonia, played by Frances Howard, is secretly in love with her fencing tutor, Dr. Walter, played by Ricardo Cortez, who is also secretly in love with her. Unfortunately, Princess Beatrice, played by Ida Waterman, has arranged the marriage of her daughter to playboy Prince Albert of Hohenberg, played by Adolphe Menjou, who has a wandering eye and is only interested in having fun. Discouraged by Prince Albert’s indifference to Princess Alexandra upon meeting her at a formal dance at the palace, Princess Beatrice tells her daughter to do anything to make the prince jealous. She suggests Princess Alexandra to invite Dr. Walter, her tutor, to the picnic she has arranged for the following day. Princess Beatrice points out that she can flirt with Dr. Walter without danger because he is merely a tutor and not a man. The next day at the picnic Prince Albert pays no attention to Princess Alexandra and spends most of the time flirting with Countess Wanda, played by Helen Lee Worthing, a beautiful lady-in-waiting. The picnic is abruptly interrupted by a thunderstorm with torrential rain. Princess Alexandra takes shelter with Dr. Walter in a cabin. While they are alone in the cabin, Dr. Walter confesses his love for her. However, Princess Alexandra explains to him that their love cannot be because due to her upbringing she sees herself as a swan who has to remain in her pond with other swans, not fly away and mingle with other birds. At a drinking bout in the castle later that evening, Prince Albert insults Dr. Walter, and the two men begin to duel. Dr. Walter disarms the drunken Prince Albert but is wounded by Prince Albert’s aide, Colonel Wunderlich, played by Michael Vavitch. At this point, Princess Alexandra rushes to Dr. Walter and confesses her love for him before the entire court.

The first of three film versions of Ferenc Molnar's play, "The Swan" (1925) is an early Paramount production that is the only one of director Dimitri Buchowetzki's works in circulation. Even though it comes across as a fairy tale type of story, it is not a costume drama. "The Swan" takes place in the present time with beautiful clothes and exquisite palace interiors. The story is well presented and so enjoyable to watch with plenty of romance and wit. Adolphe Menjou gives a marvelous performance as the caddish prince. Handsome Ricardo Cortez and lovely Frances Howard are excellent as the lovelorn tutor and princess. The love scenes between Cortez and Howard are very romantic and touching. Their expressive eyes convey their mutual love. My favorite scene is when Cortez confesses his love to Howard in the cabin and then gives her a passionate kiss that leaves them both breathless for a couple of minutes. The scene in which Howard confesses her love for Cortez before the entire court is very powerful.

Ricardo Cortez, who looked like Latin Lover Rudolph Valentino, was invented, named and groomed to become a direct rival. Ironically, he wasn’t Latin at all, having been born Jacob Krantz to a Jewish family in Vienna, Austria. At the age of three, Krantz immigrated with his family to America. He became starstruck growing up in Manhattan, began playing bit parts in New York-based films, and after moving to Hollywood, his appearance in a dance contest won him a Paramount contract. Jesse Lasky of Paramount was in the audience and noticed how much Krantz resembled Valentino. Lasky immediately offered Krantz a contract and began preparing him to take Valentino’s place. Lasky’s secretary picked the name Ricardo Cortez when it was decided the young actor needed a Latin name. Krantz stuck with his new name and went on to make ninety pictures from 1924 to 1958, all under the name of Ricardo Cortez. He also achieved a considerable degree of prominence during the silent era with films such as “Argentine Love” (1924), “The Spaniard” (1925), “Torrent” (1926), and “The Sorrows of Satan” (1926). Cortez moved easily into talkies and starred in such films as “The Maltese Falcon” (1931), “Symphony of Six Million” (1932), “Midnight Mary” (1933), and “Torch Singer” (1933). When his acting career waned, he moved into the directing role and continued to be involved in films as Ricardo Cortez until 1958. Nearly forgotten today, “The Swan” (1925) was an early starring role for handsome Ricardo Cortez.



*It is interesting to note that Frances Howard was the second wife of Samuel Goldwyn. She made only four films in Hollywood.

STAGE DOOR (1937)

Stage Door (1937). Adapted from the play by the same name. Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, Gail Patrick, Constance Collier, Andrea Leeds, Samuel S. Hinds, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden and Ann Miller.

When Terry Randall, an aspiring actress arrives at the Footlights Club, she is greeted by a group of actresses and chorus girls. Terry's uppity manner immediately alienates her from her roommates who pride themselves on their down-to-earth style. Because of her relationship with producer Anthony Powell, known womanizer, Jean also dislikes another room mate, Linda Shaw. Loved by all is Kay Hamilton, a actress who had done well the previous year, has since been unable to find work. Jean is spotted during a dance rehearsal by Powell, who arranges an audition for her and her partner Annie at a nightclub. Later Kay faints in Powell's office when she learns that the producer has refused to see her. Angry, Terry bursts into Powell's office and gives him what for, for his callous behavior. Powell dismisses Terry, but when he is later approached by a potential backer who has made casting Terry a part of his offer, agrees to star her in his next play, Enchanted April. Powell then invites Jean to dine with him and to spite Linda, Jean accepts. Powell shows Jean pictures of his young son and estranged wife, and plays a "poor little me" routine to win her over. When Jean becomes drunk, Powell sends her home, where Terry helps her to bed. Later Powell tells Terry that he wants her to star in Enchanted April. Kay is stunned to learn that Terry has been cast in the role and blesses her room mate's good luck. In spite of Terry's bad performance during rehearsal, Powell keeps her in the show and prepares for bad reviews. What will it take to turn Terry's out look on life?

FUN FACTS:

Ann Miller was only 14 years old when she performed in this film. She had lied about her age and produced a fake birth certificate. Miller was tall and beautiful at age 14 that she pulled it off. It is quite impressive to see her holding her own while dancing with Ginger Rogers, by then the dance partner of Fred Astaire.

"A WOMAN OF PARIS" (1923) Chaplin

"A Woman of Paris" (1923) is a silent melodrama that is perhaps the least famous of all Charles Chaplin's films. Edited, written, produced and directed by Chaplin for United Artists, the film is notable for being the first to not feature himself as the leading actor. Setting new standards in silent dramatic acting and directing, "A Woman of Paris" is a scrutiny in the inconsistencies of love. The story begins with Marie St. Clair, played by Edna Purviance, a simple girl living in a French village who plans to elope with her lover, artist Jean Millet, played by Carl Miller, even though her stepfather attempts to stop her. Jean brings her to his home, but they are also rejected by his father. Jean and Marie decide to leave for Paris that night. They proceed to the railroad station where Jean leaves Marie with money for tickets while he returns home to pack. A final confrontation with his parents brings on a fatal stroke to his father. When Marie calls Jean to find out why he is late, he tells her that he must stay. Believing she has been jilted by her lover, Marie boards the train to Paris by herself. A year later, Marie has assimilated into the upper-class lifestyle of Paris, having become the mistress of a wealthy, cynical businessman, Pierre Revel, played by Adolphe Menjou. It is at this point in time that she and Jean suddenly meet again. Even though both of them are glad to see each other, the passage of time has made them reserved and they conceal their real emotions. Jean has become an accomplished artist and Marie hires him to paint her portrait. However, Jean paints her as he knew her in the small village. When Jean declares his love, Marie is forced to choose between a life of love or a life of luxury. Jean is torn between his lingering love for Marie and his mother's insistence that she is not a respectable woman. Misinterpreting events, Marie bounces back and forth between security and love. The ending is quite emotional.

"A Woman of Paris" was a serious, sophisticated continental drama that was very much out of tune with the then dominant trends in American filmmaking. Chaplin had made the film because he wanted to direct a drama and make his longtime leading lady, Edna Purviance, a star, but this never happened. Instead, co-star Adolphe Menjou launched into superstardom after the film's release. Menjou is wonderful as the rich, conceited playboy. The film is stunning to look at; the women's costumes and sets are gorgeous. The cinematography is especially first rate. Acclaimed by critics and renounced by the audience, "A Woman of Paris" was a commercial flop. It was also banned in several states on the basis of immorality. There are some scandalous Parisian party scenes, including one where a mummified woman unspools her wrapping onto a fellow partygoer and ends up naked. The film is quite an interesting change of pace from Chaplin and is definitely worth watching. "A Woman of Paris" is not only an outstanding piece of filmmaking, but it is also a strong commentary about what is truly important in life.