Anyone Remember Seeing Shirley Booth In THE SMUGGLERS?

ANNIVERSARIES TODAY:

December 24, 1968 - Shirley Booth appeared on NBC's Tuesday Night at the Movies: The Smugglers. She played the lead character.

December 24, 1949 - Broadway show Goodbye, My Fancy closed on Broadway. This is the show in which Shirley won her first Tony Award for Supporting Actress.

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The television movie The Smugglers, directed by Norman Lloyd had Shirley Booth playing Mrs. Hudson, an American tourist traveling in Austria and Italy. Mrs. Hudson, with her stepdaughter/companion Jo Hudson (Carol Lynley), becomes unintentionally mixed up with an international smuggling ring when they try to get through customs with some souvenirs.

Strangely broadcast on Christmas Eve, 1968, The Smugglers never played to its completion due to the interruption by a news broadcast of the historic Apollo 8 space mission.

I have faint memories of the news coverage of the Apollo mission pre-empting so much regular programming.

It has been said that perhaps NBC intentionally scheduled this inferior and violent movie when they did, knowing that it probably would be pre-empted by the news coverage. Who knows?

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I fondly remember the tradition of enjoying Christmas Eves in New York with WPIX-TV running The Yule Log. In recent years they have brought back this tradition. Also, WPIX was the station to present Laurel & Hardy's remarkable March of the Wooden Soldier, usually several times during the holiday season (see my blog post from last month). The other holiday fantasy that received much airplay, Miracle on 34th Street, quickly became a treasured marker for this time of the year.

I loved WCBS-TV Channel 2 repeatedly broadcasting the 1951 version of Charles Dickens' endearing "A Christmas Carol." In America, the film became retitled Scrooge, but it was originally released as in the UK as A Christmas Carol. This phenomenal British production produced and directed by Brian Desmond Hurst (February 12, 1895 – September 26, 1986), starred the great Scottish actor Alastair Sim. It has to be one of the best portrayals ever made on film. You can study this actor's complex rendering, as well as the movie, from multiple perspectives and always see more layers and levels of brilliance.

Of course, the well-written dialogue of Scrooge, the superb visuals, the talents of the entire cast, and the music by Richard Addinsell, make the whole production too good to watch just at Christmas. Again, it's one film deserving to be part of your collection.

WCBS-TV Channel 2 would run this film over and over starting around midnite - it would be on 3 or 4 times in a row. No matter what you were doing or wherever you were this film was on so you would hear or see it several times. First it was on what I they called "The Late Show," then followed under the banner "The Late Late Show,' and finally "The Late Late Late Show. Yesterday I mentioned "The Syncopated Clock" song (written by Leroy Anderson). Well that piece would play over a building at nite with lights going on as the opening music for WCBS-TV's show The Late Late Show.....The screen would show lights going on in a building. Yes those were the memories....

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS!

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THANKS FOR VISITING!

JOIN ME AGAIN TOMORROW!

*****
For purchasing any of my books, you can visit Amazon.com
You can also check www.bookfinder.com
which offers the best prices on new & used copies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Bill, His Pinup Girl: The Shirley Booth & Bill Baker Story
by Jim Manago
Foreword by Leslie Sodaro
Published December 1, 2010
Further details at: http://shirleybooth.blogspot.com

*****

Now available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076ZCBM2

Love is the Reason for it All: The Shirley Booth Story
by Jim Manago
Radio Research by Donna Manago
Foreword by Ted Key
BearManor Media, May 2008
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com

Danny Kaye: Endearing To Me As HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN; Good Friend To JOYCE VAN PATTEN!

Recently I had the pleasure of purchasing dirt cheap a number of classics on videotape from a library sale. Among those gems was the truly classic Hans Christian Andersen starring the gifted Danny Kaye (January 18, 1913 - March 3, 1987). Although I had a copy of this film taped off television from the 1980's - I avoided playing it because it's nestled away - and at the SLP speed.

But I had the opportunity to see this charming musical this past Sunday, and I must offer a brief reminder to you that the end of the year is a perfect time to rekindle and take time to savor those favorite things, such as this film.

I have always enjoyed Kaye's superb talent, particularly with his near perfect rendering in Hans Christian Andersen. Though he made several other very good films, this one remains my favorite....

The film offers a fictionalized story about the Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen (April 2, 1805 – August 4, 1875). I usually do not like or appreciate the fictionalized stories of famous people that Hollywood was quite fond of back in the studio days. However, this is one major exception. Understandably, it would have been virtually impossible for filmmakers from that era to tell a true rendering of the famous, especially when it touched upon something that went against the socially acceptable or "moral" lifestyle would have been abhorrent.

So what better way to depict a storyteller such as Andersen, except by telling a fairytale concerning his love to create stories? In this case, the tale involves Andersen's unrequited love or infatuation (depending on how you read it) for a ballerina played by the still-living Zizi Jeanmaire (born April 29, 1924). Farley Granger (born July 1, 1925), also still with us, played her abusive husband/manager.

A description of the plot about ballet slippers, a ballet Andersen writes for the ballerina, and so on, may all seem quite juvenile. And though I was about ten years old (as so many others) when this film enchanted and entranced. In reality, the tale is quite cleverly adult in dealing with some meaningful and underlying truths about the spirit of Andersen and sexuality in general. Quite honestly, as in this tale, the real-life Hans Christian Andersen was known for being attracted to the unattainable men and women of his time.

This Samuel Goldwyn 1952 film production is exceptional on a number of levels - with much credit for Frank Loesser's memorable songs, Kaye's superb charisma and genuine skill in making Andersen believable and likeable (besides the rest of the cast), and the fine direction by Charles Vidor.

I should not be surprised about how good Hans Christian Andersen holds up after all these years. It remains a monumental sample of great filmmaking, with its ability to touch and stimulate our senses and our imagination. In short, I highly recommend Hans Christian Andersen for you to add to your classic film collection.

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Kaye worked in several shows with Shirley Booth on radio, including Pabst Blue Ribbon Town (December 14, 1945 & January 18, 1946), The Theatre Guild on the Air (a.k.a. The U.S. Steel Hour), broadcast March 26, 1950 in an episode called "The Milky Way." On April 4, 1954 he appeared in Stage Struck, in an episode entitled "The Story of Spring On Broadway" with Agnes Moorehead. This show featured a preview of Shirley Booth's musical By the Beautiful Sea, which would open several days later. The show included Lawrence Carr and Robert Fryer, the producers of the Broadway show.

Last year I asked Joyce Van Patten (who regularly appeared with Kaye on his 1960's television show to share with me her memories of Danny Kaye. She was happy to offer to me this:

"Let me tell you about the Danny Kaye I knew...

He was a hard task master...also hard on himself. He had the talent of twenty men; he could dance, sing, be funny - but to me he was the most wonderful honest actor.

During the three years I worked with him on his show he did the character of an old Italian with a continuing story line. That was where he really got me. He was not easy or relaxed with people; but once he trusted you, he would go to bat for you...which is what he did for me.

In my second year he told the writers he wanted both Harvey Korman and me in all the comedy scenes, rather than struggle with guest stars who did not always feel relaxed enough to do what Danny felt was required. That was a break for me and a great way to learn about acting.

They were years of growth and learning how to do character work. He was a most important influence in my life. I think it broke his heart when the show was dropped suddenly from the CBS roster, and I was told he learned about it by reading it in VARIETY. Another lesson learned...it really is a tough and unforgiving business...

On a personal note...

After the show was over I wanted to buy a house and needed money for part of the down payment. I wanted the house so much that I called Danny and told him I needed five thousand to complete this deal. I told him how and when I would pay him back. I had the money by that afternoon. It was a hard call for me to make, and he made it easy for me. He was a good friend to me and a great example of what it really meant to be a star in those glory days."
jvp


*ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY JIM MANAGO & JOYCE VAN PATTEN, 2010.

Any use is prohibited without written permission.

*****My new book is now available at Amazon.com and from other sellers:

*****

THANKS FOR VISITING!

JOIN ME AGAIN TOMORROW!

*****
For purchasing any of my books, you can visit Amazon.com
You can also check www.bookfinder.com
which offers the best prices on new & used copies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Bill, His Pinup Girl: The Shirley Booth & Bill Baker Story
by Jim Manago
Foreword by Leslie Sodaro
Published December 1, 2010
Further details at: http://shirleybooth.blogspot.com

*****

Now available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076ZCBM2

Love is the Reason for it All: The Shirley Booth Story
by Jim Manago
Radio Research by Donna Manago
Foreword by Ted Key
BearManor Media, May 2008
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com

Hazel Singing "O Evergreen" Warms My Every CHRISTMAS!

ANNIVERSARIES TODAY:

December 11, 1949 - Heard on radio in The Theatre Guild on the Air (a.k.a. The U.S. Steel Hour). "Street Scene" with Karl Malden and Thelma Ritter (CBS).

December 11, 1946 - Appeared on Broadway in the drama Land’s End. It was based on a romance novel, Dawn in Lyonesse, by Mary Ellen Chase (produced by Paul Feigay in association with George Somnes). Land’s End shut its doors at the Playhouse Theatre after a measly five performances, closing on December 14, 1946.

December 11, 1942 - Heard on radio on The Kate Smith Show in this episode called "The Waltz."

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There are two episodes of Hazel that are Christmas-themed. The first one I mentioned a few days ago is available on DVD for it is part of the first season. The second Christmas episode of Hazel is from the fourth season (not available on DVD) - it is entitled "Just 86 Shopping Minutes To Christmas" (December 24, 1964).

The latter color episode was released on videotape with the previous "Hazel's Christmas Shopping" in the mid-1990's. What's particularly special about this color episode is that after the Baxters go to bed on Christmas Eve Hazel walks over to the tree and beautifully sings several verses of "O, Evergreen" (aka "O Christmas Tree").

I must tell you that I treasure this videotape and have watched it a couple of dozen times since it first came out. Shirley Booth singing "O Evergreen, O Evergreen" Will Always Warm My Every CHRISTMAS! It just doesn't get any better than that!!!

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What's remarkable about all of the Hazel episodes I've seen recently is the fact that they were well-written and hold up as comedies some 40 years later. So much of the early television shows are disappointing when watched again now through contemporary adult sensibilities. But Hazel is unusual in that it's still quite fresh and funny. Shirley Booth's timing and demeanor are perfect throughout these episodes. Also, do not overlook Don DeFore's natural and convincing acting, Whitney Blake's charm which makes it all so real...it is all so amazing to watch!

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Land’s End tells of an imaginative betrothed bride moved by her reading of the legendary romance of Tristan and Isolde. Shirley Booth starred as the bride, Susan Pengilly, in love with Derek Tregonny (Walter Coy).

William Hawkins from New York World Telegram observed: "Shirley Booth does a job of infinite expertness as Susan."

However, critical response to the woefully inadequate script by Thomas Job accounted for Land’s End shutting its doors on December 14, 1946 at the Playhouse Theater after a measly five performances. It did not matter much though since a few months earlier Shirley had married her soulmate Bill Baker. I tell their bittersweet story in my new book, For Bill, His Pinup Girl: The Shirley Booth & Bill Baker Story, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

*****

THANKS FOR VISITING!

JOIN ME AGAIN TOMORROW!

*****
For purchasing any of my books, you can visit Amazon.com
You can also check www.bookfinder.com
which offers the best prices on new & used copies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Bill, His Pinup Girl: The Shirley Booth & Bill Baker Story
by Jim Manago
Foreword by Leslie Sodaro
Published December 1, 2010
Further details at: http://shirleybooth.blogspot.com

*****

Now available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076ZCBM2

Love is the Reason for it All: The Shirley Booth Story
by Jim Manago
Radio Research by Donna Manago
Foreword by Ted Key
BearManor Media, May 2008
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com