eBook edition (Amazon)
print edition available at Amazon and also my Etsy shop.
Also available in eBook at:
For more on my other books and plays, please see my website: JacquelineTLynch.com
A book on the career of actress Ann Blyth. Available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, or audiobook.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Our Very Own - 1950
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Mildred Pierce (1945) lobby card
Ann Blyth co-stars with Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce (1945) today on Turner Classic Movies.
From my book on Ann's career -- Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.:
[Director Michael Curtiz] had not wanted the “goody-goody” Ann for the role of the evil daughter Veda, either, and need not have considered her when a vast number of young starlets were clamoring for the role. Ann’s agent, Al Rockett campaigned on her behalf, insisting that she be allowed to test. In a most unusual occurrence, established star Joan made the test with her. As quoted by Joan C. Scrivani in her article on Mildred Pierce for Scarlet Street, 1994, Joan remembered:
“I was there when Ann came in. She was so lovely that my first reaction was she’s too sweet; she’ll never be able to play the bitchy scenes. But we read together and she was wonderful. Then we tested together. Ann was perfect. She was the right age, the right type, a superb actress and singer.”
The test was directed by Michael Curtiz. Ann remembered for an interview with Jessie Lilley in Scarlet Street:
“We took scenes from the movie as though we were actually shooting the movie. We just didn’t read for the part; we filmed the test.”
Curtiz
later told her, “in his wonderful Hungarian accent, (imitating him) ‘Don’t
worry Annie. You haff de part.’” He became one of her most favorite directors.
eBook edition (Amazon)
print edition available at Amazon and also my Etsy shop.
Also available in eBook at:
For more on my other books and plays, please see my website: JacquelineTLynch.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Ann and Barry Fitzgerald between takes
Ann Blyth and co-star Barry Fitzgerald enjoy each other's company off-set in this candid photo during the filming of Top O' the Morning (1949). The movie is a fun choice for St. Patrick's Day. From my book on Ann's career, Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.:
"Barry Fitzgerald plays the village constable. His re-match with Bing Crosby, a partnership that first brought success to both of them in Going My Way (1945), is the focus of the film. Mr. Fitzgerald is a crusty, pompous codger, has no idea how truly innocent he is, and holds the reins of authority in this village only in his own mind. The villagers, even his own daughter, acknowledge that he is not taken seriously and that solving the crime of the stolen Blarney Stone might finally get him the respect he craves...
"Ann plays the daughter of Barry Fitzgerald. She keeps house, feeds Da porridge for breakfast, and keeps track of how many times she has been kissed in her life. She longs for her true romance, and falls for Bing Crosby...she gives us the perfect dream-image of a lovely and spirited Irish lass."
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
For more on Top O' The Morning and background on the production, have a look at my book, Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.
eBook edition (Amazon)
print edition available at Amazon and also my Etsy shop.
Also available in eBook at:
For more on my other books and plays, please see my website: JacquelineTLynch.com
Also, have a look at this post on my Another Old Movie Blog.
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