Mommie Dearest

Well, Jerry is on his cruise (it was completely booked and we couldn't add me), and I'm on vacation a little bored. I went antiquing with Mom today and found an old Smith-Corona portable typewriter that I just had to have! I will post pics tomorrow along with some of my other finds/gifts from the past two weeks.

Since Jerry isn't around, I'm going to settle in and watch a movie. He'll watch old movies with me, but usually falls asleep lol, so I'm going to watch Mommie Dearest tonight. I've never seen it, can you believe that? For all the trivia I know about Joan Crawford, and I've never read the book, or seen the film.

I thought I would look up some behind the scenes or trivia information before I watch it, so here goes.

Enjoy your Wednesday night friends. Hope you are all doing well!

--The part of Joan Crawford was originally to have been played by Anne Bancroft, who left the project once the screenplay was completed.

--Contrary to urban legend, the scene in which Joan Crawford substitutes for her daughter Christina Crawford on the soap opera was NOT filmed on the Cunningham living room and kitchen set from "Happy Days" (1974).

--The first film to nearly "sweep" the Golden Raspberry Awards (or RAZZIES), with five "wins" (including Worst Picture and three out of four acting awards) from a then-record nine nominations.

--It was reported that in an interview that Joan Crawford said only Faye Dunaway had the talent and guts to be a true star.

--A month after the film was released to bad reviews, audiences flocked to see the film armed with Ajax and wire hangers to actively "participate" with the film in a manner similar to The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Paramount seized on this new found notoriety and began to bill the film as a camp classic, with ads and posters proclaiming, "Meet the biggest MOTHER of them all!"

--Little love was lost between costume designer Irene Sharaff and Faye Dunaway. "Yes, you may enter Miss Dunaway's dressing room," Sharaff once said, "but first you most throw a raw steak in - to divert her attention."

--Faye Dunaway mentions in her autobiography that she screamed herself hoarse during the filming for the notorious wire hanger tantrum scene in this movie. She called Frank Sinatra for help, and he gave her some pointers on how to get her voice back into shape.

--The lobby cards issued for the film contain scenes from several sequences that were deleted from the final cut of the film, including: - Joan driving through the MGM lot in her car, apparently just before she visits L.B. Mayer & finds out she's fired. - Joan talking to young Christina on the beach. - Adult Christina talking to Joan while wearing the same dress she wears to the awards ceremony at the film's conclusion.

--The pressbook for the film goes into detail about several of the scenes, including one sequence that was cut from the film. Apparently they filmed an entire sequence where young Christina runs away from home and Joan goes out looking for her in her car. The classic cars that were necessary for the film caused a big stir in the neighborhood where the scene was filmed, and one of the people stopped in traffic so as not to ruin the scene was Barbra Streisand, who apparently spent time hanging out with Faye Dunaway between takes.

--Christina Crawford's book, on which this film was based, was one of the biggest-selling memoirs in the history of American publishing, with more than 4 million copies sold in hardback alone.

--According to Christina Crawford, there were several scenes in which the script had to make alterations for real-life events. For example, for the famous rose bush cutting scene Christina said that those manic occasions happened periodically due to no real cause. The producers wanted to use the scenes but had to write in that it was brought on by Joan being fired by MGM executive Louis B. Mayer. Also in reference to Joan helping the maid scrub the floor, Christina stated that Joan never cleaned floors that she could remember. Joan would make Christina or Christopher clean the floors while she supervised.

--Franco Zeffirelli was approached to direct the film, but Christina Crawford disliked his vision of Joan as a glamorous Hollywood martyr.

--Faye Dunaway truly felt she would win an Oscar for her performance as Joan Crawford. When the film was released to poor reviews and Paramount's promotion of the film as a camp classic she was furious. To this day she refuses to talk about the film. In fact, when she is interviewed she submits a list of topics that are off-limits to the interviewer, one of which is Mommie Dearest. She has been known to stop interviews if asked about the film.

Death of Marilyn--Murder or Suicide?

Marilyn and the Kennedy's

Robert Kennedy

JFK

Peter Lawford
I've been revisiting some old books and sites on Marilyn's death lately. I am (just like so many of you) very intrigued with her mysterious death. It seems to be one of the most talked about possible conspiracies of our time. Will we ever know what happened to her?

Most people believe that she was given some type of enema (she often took these as a weight loss method), that conflicted with her sleeping medication. Sounds a little fishy to me.

Here are some possible theories:

--She committed suicide after years of unhappiness, and recently finding out that John F. Kennedy wanted nothing to do with her.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
This is the official cause of death ('probable suicide').

However conspiracy lovers say that it is not consistent with forensic facts. She died, apparently, of a rectally administered barbiturate enema (source crimelibrary.com) which, if true, could not have been administered by herself.

Recently published transcripts from conversations with her psychiatrist, John Miner, indicate that Monroe was not suicidal, and was making plans for her future, including a remarriage to Joe DiMaggio.

"I feel certain I'll win an Oscar for one or more of my Shakespeare women," Monroe says according to the transcript.

--She died as a result of a simple accident.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
Conspiracy lovers have a field day on this theory. This is why: Marilyn had two physicians (Dr. Ralph Greenson and Dr. Hyman Engelberg) both were attempting to get her off Nembutal, substituting chloral hydrate to help her sleep.

It is possible, the story goes, that the fatal enema was given to Marilyn by mistake as Dr Greenson (now dead himself, so cant respond) was not aware that Monroe had been taking Nembutal capsules during the day.

Dr. Engelberg was apparently having marital problems at the time which might explain why he didn't communicate his prescription details. Monroe, too, may not have realized that Nembutal would have a reaction against the chloral hydrate.

So, who administered the enema?

crimelibrary.com: "...it had to be Eunice Murray, who, like Greenson, had no inkling that the sedative enema would be fatal. Any doctor might be loath to admit to himself or others that he had made such a significant mistake in such a high-profile patient, especially since Marilyn appeared drugged during the afternoon. Also, if Eunice was the person who administered the enema, it would be natural for her to try to protect herself and Dr. Greenson by pretending that no such procedure was given to Marilyn."

--Marilyn Monroe was having an affair with John F Kennedy (and possibly Robert) and she was about to go public with what she knew. She was killed by 'government agents' to protect the president.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
Marilyn knew a lot about JFK: his marital infidelities (at the time hushed up) and other private matters. She had his notes and letters and was privy to Kennedy's involvement with Sam Giancana, the mob leader. The Kennedy brothers had discussed national security matters with Monroe.

It is reasonable for the Kennedy administration to want to at least try to cover up the liaison with Monroe, but did they?

--Robert Kennedy, the president's brother, went to see Monroe the night she died to tell her that President Kennedy did not want to see her anymore.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
There are witnesses, including a policeman, who places Robert Kennedy in the area at the time of her death.

It is possible after this rejection her good mood, seen earlier in the day, changed and she killed herself.

It is also alleged that somebody removed a diary and an incriminating note from Monroe's home at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Brentwood.

--Peter Lawford (Bobby Kennedy's brother in law) and Pat Newcomb went to Marilyn Monroe's house on the night she died.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
This is seen as further evidence of a Kennedy connection.

--Bobby Kennedy himself murdered Marilyn Monroe.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
No, not likely at all.

Robert Kennedy was a highly respected Attorney General with an unimpeachable integrity with little mystery surrounding him, as opposed to Monroe who had many secrets.

--Marilyn was killed by the mafia as punishment to the Kennedy's for their attacks on them, and to expose Kennedy's philandering.
NOTES ON THIS THEORY:
Definite motive, but probably difficult to accomplish that night in view of the number of people about.

I'm curious about what you think happened to Marilyn. Please share your thoughts and evidence. Have a great night friends!

Blonde Episodes has a Facebook Page!

Hello friends! I promise to post something else later today, but am still a little behind on my comments. Thanks for being patient with me! In the meantime, I have created a Facebook page for Blonde Episodes. So exciting! If you want to visit and become a fan, either click on the link on the sidebar of my page!

Thanks so much for your support friends! Happy Tuesday!

Kat Von D

You all know I have a passion for vintage things, but also love anyone who has a different or edgy style. Kat Von D has just that. Although she has more tattoos (many more) than I would ever want, I find her style to be rocker, edgy, and it really works for her.

I watch L.A. Ink all the time, and even visited the shop with my friend Judy. Corey Miller did 2 of my 4 tattoos (he works at the shop and is on the show). I love tattoos, and would probably have many more, if I wasn't a teacher, and needed to look professional most of the time. I have 4 of them...one on my lower back (the dreaded tramp stamp), a band of flowers around my big toe, faith on my foot, and a fleur de lis on my wrist. Most people who know or meet me would never think I had tattoos until I show them. I love that too. It's kind of like my little rebellious side.

Kat wrote a book last year showing pics of the many tattoos she has done, while giving us a sense of who she is. She grew up in Colton, CA, and was a troubled teen. She was artistic her entire life, and began tattooing at an extremely young age in a shop probably not really meant for girls.

She has been sober for over 2 years now, and continues to be successful with her make-up line, books, and tattooing. Here are some pics of Kat. Hope you all are having a great Monday!

Oh, P.S., I am very behind on responding to my comments. I plan to catch up today friends!

Celeste Holm

I was lucky enough to catch "The Tender Trap" this morning, and as usual was in awe of Celeste Holm. She is so beautiful, poised, and classic.

Here is some information about Celeste, in case you don't know much about her.

--She turned down the 1977 Broadway revival of "Oklahoma!" when she realized she was wanted for Aunt Eller not Ado Annie.

--She couldn't stand Bette Davis and was quoted as saying, "Bette Davis was so rude, so constantly rude. . . . Why I walked onto the set about the first or second day and said 'Good morning,' and do you know her reply? She said, 'Oh shit, good manners.' I never spoke to her again--ever." This was while they were working on "All About Eve" together.

--She was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1992.

--Celeste was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

--Celeste has been married 5 times, the most recent to Frank Basile in 2004.

--Celeste preferred theatre and only returned to Hollywood after deciding to do musicals.

Hope you are having a great weekend friends!

The Green Mile

As you know, I love vintage things. I just finally saw the movie, "The Green Mile," with Tom Hanks and wanted to write about it, since it takes place during the Great Depression. What an amazing movie! If you haven't seen it, here is some trivia for you about the film.

--The name for the character John Coffey was lifted from a college professor, Rev. John Coffee. Stephen King had met him once and really liked his name and used it in "The Green Mile". Reverend Coffee taught history classes at Emerson College in Boston Massachusetts. He retired in May 2005.

--Originally set in 1932, the timeframe was bumped to 1935 so the movie Top Hat (1935) could be featured.

--In actuality, Michael Clarke Duncan is of a similar height as his co-star David Morse and is a couple inches shorter than James Cromwell. Among other things, creative camera angles were used to create the illusion that Duncan as John Coffey towered over the prison staff, even Brutal Howell and Warden Moores.

--Michael Jeter (who plays Eduard Delacroix) was also in Mousehunt (1997), another film which co-starred a gifted mouse.

--At the beginning of the movie, when the old Paul Edgecomb is walking to get some breakfast after waking from that bad dream, he is walking on a tiled floor that is very green, as if it's his Green Mile.

--The prison guards wear uniforms to give the movie a better feel, even though uniforms weren't in use at the time in which the movie is set.

--The music played over the loudspeakers in the retirement home as Old Paul Edgecomb first walks out of his room is the same as the music the nurses played at medication time in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). The music used is Mantovani's Charmaine.

--Originally, Tom Hanks was going to play the Old Paul Edgecomb but the makeup tests didn't make him look credible enough to be an elderly man. Dabbs Greer was cast instead as the older Paul Edgecomb.

--By the time Paul introduced Elaine to Mr. Jingles, the mouse would have to be at least 64 years old - over nine times the age of the oldest ever known real mouse.

--While many of Stephen King's novels are set in the author's native Maine, The Green Mile takes place in Louisiana. However, the surname of the main character - Edgecomb - is the name of a town on Maine's mid-coast.

--The plot unfolds in the form of Paul telling Elaine the story of the Green Mile. In the book, Paul writes his story down in the form of a novel. At the end of the film, as Paul leaves the cemetery after Elaine's burial, a tombstone can be seen behind him that reads "Greene", and two others, one in the foreground and one to the right of the screen, that read "Story".

--Doug Hutchison (Percy) was given, according to the director, the squeakiest shoes he'd ever heard. He thought this was the greatest bit of fate, and a "perfectly wonderful, annoying character trait" that he kept it in the movie, and you can hear sometimes how loud his shoes are.

--When Stephen King visited the set he asked to be strapped into Old Sparky to see how it felt. He didn't like it and asked to be released.

--When the producers were having trouble finding the right actor to fill the role of John Coffey, Bruce Willis suggested Michael Clarke Duncan with whom he had co-starred in Armageddon (1998).

--John Travolta was offered the role of Paul Edgecomb but turned it down.

--More than 30 works of Stephen King have been adapted for movies, but this is the only one to have broken the $100 million mark at the North American box office (as of November 2007).

--Many actors in this film have previously or subsequently appeared in other Stephen King adaptations. David Morse appeared in The Langoliers (1995) (TV) and Hearts in Atlantis (2001). James Cromwell appeared in 'Salem's Lot (2004) (TV), which was previously made with his wife, Julie Cobb. Patricia Clarkson appeared in Carrie (2002) (TV). Jeffrey DeMunn and William Sadler appeared together in The Shawshank Redemption (1994), also directed by Frank Darabont. Harry Dean Stanton appeared in Christine (1983), and Gary Sinise appeared in "The Stand" (1994).

--When Melinda Moores (Patricia Clarkson) is visited by John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), she gives him a St. Christopher medal. In Catholicism, St. Christopher is known as the patron saint of travelers (John Coffey describes himself as a wanderer), and, like Coffey, died a martyr.

--Michael Clarke Duncan was uncomfortable with having to grab Tom Hanks' crotch for the scene where he takes his infection away. Hanks left the set, came back to do the scene, Duncan grabbed at Hanks' crotch and was shocked because Hanks had put an empty water bottle in his pants. After that, Duncan felt more comfortable with the scene.

Brittany Murphy

I was hesitant to do a post on Brittany, because so many other blogs are paying her a tribute today, but feel deeply touched by her death, and thought I should write about it. I used to watch her on this cheesy show on Disney channel called "The Torkelsons." She will truly be missed. She was beautiful both inside and out. Here are some of my favorite photos of her.

Hope your week is going well friends. I'm sorry to be away from blogging for the weekend. I've been so busy and am now feeling a little under the weather.

More MJ Ornaments

OMG! Look what my friend Martha over at MJ Ornaments sent me!

You can order this one right off her page under the pendants section on her website MJ Ornaments.

Martha is not only the sweetest person, but amazingly talented and her gems are great quality.

Order something today! Great gifts or just for you!

Home Alone

So, I'm showing my students Home Alone today, and having them make note of 10 ironic instances in the film. See, I'm a good teacher. No wasted time right? Home Alone cracks me up and is another one of my favorite holiday films. Here is some trivia for you and some pics to go along with it. Have a great Thursday!

--John Candy filmed his part in only 1 day, albeit an extremely long 23-hour day. The story about having once forgotten his son at a funeral home was entirely improvised. His part is obviously inspired by the character he played in Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) also written by John Hughes.

--The concept for this movie originated during the filming of a scene in Uncle Buck (1989) in which Macaulay Culkin plays a character who interrogates a would-be-babysitter through a letterbox.

--The movie that Kevin watches on video tape is not a real film, but footage especially created. It was called "Angels With Filthy Souls." Along with other similar era references in the movie, this is a play upon the movie Angels with Dirty Faces (1938) starring James Cagney.

--The role of Uncle Frank was written for Kelsey Grammer.

--Jeffrey Wiseman who plays the inquisitive neighbor, Mitch Murphy, auditioned for the role of Kevin McCallister.

--Entered into The Guinness Book of World Records as the "Highest Box Office Gross - Comedy", accumulating $533,000,000 internationally.

--The posters and DVD cases for the movie had Culkin with his hands on his face and screaming, based on the famous painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch.

--Joe Pesci kept forgetting that he was filming a "family" movie during his characters on-screen outbursts so director Chris Columbus advised him to say "fridge" instead of the "F-word".

--Despite filming a family movie, Daniel Stern once slipped in the "s-word", which can be heard when he is retrieving his boot through the doggy door at 55:27 on the DVD.

--Although the part was written especially for Macaulay Culkin by John Hughes, several hundred other boys were auditioned by director Chris Columbus just because he wanted to confirm that Culkin was right for the part.

--The wax-and-plastic artificial snow used in this film was given to the Lyric Opera of Chicago when shooting finished. It has since been used in numerous opera productions.

--Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry.

--Little Nero's Pizza is an parody of Little Caesar's Pizza. "Caesar" was the title used by Roman emperors, such as Nero.

--In the scene where Harry bites Kevin's finger, Joe Pesci actually bit Macaulay Culkin, leaving a scar on his finger.

--Daniel Stern agreed to have the tarantula put on his face for exactly one take. He had to mime screaming because the noise would have scared the spider, and the scream was dubbed in later.

--The picture Kevin finds of "Buzz's girlfriend" was a picture of a boy made up to look like a girl because Chris Columbus thought it would be too cruel to make fun of a girl like that.

--Several of Chris Columbus' family members make cameos in the film: His mother-in-law and his then infant daughter Eleanor Columbus are both passengers on the plane. His wife Monica Devereux-Columbus is a stewardess and his father-in-law plays the police officer who gives the line "tell them to count their kids again."

Some Like it Hot

Can you believe Christmas is only 10 days away? Hope you have all your shopping done and aren't too stressed. I have had to change my settings on my comments, since I am now getting spam, so your comments won't be posted until my approval. I hate that.

Today's movie review is starring Marilyn herself in "Some Like it Hot." I thought it only fitting to do a write up on one of Marilyn's films since so much of my blog is dedicated to her!

Here are some fun facts about the film and some pics to go along with it. Have a great "hump" day friends!

--Director Billy Wilder originally wanted Frank Sinatra as Jerry/Daphne.

--Director Billy Wilder's choice for the role of Sugar was Mitzi Gaynor, not Marilyn Monroe.

--Marilyn Monroe required 47 takes to get "It's me, Sugar" correct, instead saying either "Sugar, it's me" or "It's Sugar, me". After take 30, Billy Wilder had the line written on a blackboard. Another scene required Monroe to rummage through some drawers and say "Where's the bourbon?" After 40 takes of her saying "Where's the whiskey?", 'Where's the bottle?", or "Where's the bonbon?", Wilder pasted the correct line in one of the drawers. After Monroe became confused about which drawer contained the line, Wilder had it pasted in every drawer. Fifty-nine takes were required for this scene and when she finally does say it, she has her back to the camera, leading some to wonder if Wilder finally gave up and had it dubbed.

--A preview audience laughed so hard in the scene where Jack Lemmon announces his engagement that a lot of the dialogue was missed. It had to be re-shot with pauses (and the maraca gimmick) added.

--Billy Wilder referring to Marilyn Monroe while making the movie: "We were in mid-flight, and there was a nut on the plane." Indeed, Wilder publicly blasted Monroe for her behavior, and she was not invited to the wrap party.

--The resort scenes were filmed entirely at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California. One reason why Billy Wilder chose this location was Marilyn Monroe's ongoing personal problems. He wanted a location where she could live on site and not have to be transported. (Rumor has it that Marilyn still haunts the hotel).

--Tony Curtis has said that he asked Billy Wilder if he could imitate Cary Grant for his stint as the millionaire in the movie. Wilder liked it and they shot it that way. Apparently, Grant saw the parody of himself and stated, "I don't talk like that."

--Danny Kaye and Bob Hope were considered for the roles that went to Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.

--In the climactic scene, George Raft lifts half a grapefruit to push in the face of one of his henchmen. This is a homage to fellow gangster actor James Cagney's similar act in The Public Enemy (1931).

--Marilyn Monroe was pregnant during the filming, as a result she looked considerably heavier. She had no known children and several miscarriages in her life. Due to her pregnancy, most of the publicity still photos were posed for by both 'Sandra Warner' (who had an uncredited role as one of the band members) and Monroe's frequent stand-in Evelyn Moriarty with Monroe's head superimposed later.

--The railroad passenger car that was used in this movie (Clover Colony) is now at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee where it can be used in excursion/local service.

--Stories of the difficulty that cast and crew had with Marilyn Monroe during the making of this film have grown to almost mythical proportions. In the "farewell" telephone conversation between Monroe and Tony Curtis, her side-to-side eye movements clearly reveal that she was reading her lines directly from an off-screen blackboard. According to Curtis, Monroe was routinely 2 to 3 hours late to the set, and occasionally refused to leave her dressing room.

--Supposedly when Orry-Kelly was measuring all three stars for dresses, he half-jokingly told Marilyn Monroe, "Tony Curtis has a nicer butt than you," at which point Monroe pulled open her blouse and said, "Yeah, but he doesn't have tits like these!"

--Marilyn Monroe wanted the film to be shot in color (her contract stipulated that all her films were to be in color), but Billy Wilder convinced her to let it be shot in black and white when costume tests revealed that the makeup that Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon wore gave their faces a green tinge.

--Jerry Lewis was offered the role of Jerry/Daphne but declined because he didn't want to dress in drag. When Jack Lemmon received an Oscar nomination for the role that Lewis gave up, Lewis claims he sent him chocolates every year to thank him and now regrets not taking the part.

--Marilyn Monroe recorded a vocal version for the theme to the film. It was to be played over the opening credits, but an instrumental overture took its place in the final version. The title track later appeared on an LP in the mid-'70s, with Marilyn's three other songs from the film.

--In 2008, a Californian man who found a little black dress in his closet was stunned when appraisers for U.S. TV series "Antiques Roadshow" (1997) determined it once belonged to Marilyn Monroe. The frock - which Monroe was sewn into for Some Like It Hot (1959) - was estimated to be worth $250,000