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If you've been reading my blog for sometime now, you know how much I love films.

But what I have always found interesting is that for as much as I love watching films, I don't like the process of making them. I much prefer the process of theater. And the difference is that film is a director's medium, whereas, theater is an actor's medium. In film, the director (and editor) choose what the audience sees. In theater, the actor chooses what the audience sees. Also, film is a more passive medium (a lot of waiting around until a scene is ready to be shot), where as theater is more active and hands-on for the actor. Film is shot out of sequence; therefore, it feels disjointed. Theater has more of a natural flow. And in theater you form a very close bond with your cast members because you have the time to build onstage relationships. In film, you meet your fellow actors on the day that you shoot your scenes together, without any time to form an onscreen relationship. 

But what I do love about film is the final product you see on the screen. I enjoy sitting back and watching it unfold before my eyes in sequence. 

And what I also love about film is that you can do things with it that you can't with theater, such as, using the camera to invoke an emotion by moving in for a closeup, or panning back to invoke a sense of grandeur of a location. And being that I enjoy photography, I know how powerful the camera can be. 

Today I would like to celebrate the art of film; specifically the Golden Age of Hollywood (1920-1960). And although the technical aspect of making films has dramatically changed over the years, the Golden Age laid the ground work for what films have become. Years ago they may not of had the advanced technology to create a film as we do today, yet they were still able to create cinematic masterpieces by being inventive with what they had at that time.

When I look back on some of my favorite films, I am in awe of the talents of everyone involved in making them - both onscreen and off. 

So, let's hop into a vintage automobile and take a drive through the Golden Age of Hollywood...


These were the major Hollywood studios back then...


Personally, my favorite studio entrance were the gates at Paramount Pictures...


Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd...


Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell at Grauman's...

Their handprints, footprints, and signatures...


Schwab's Pharmacy was a drugstore located at 8024 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, and was a popular hangout for movie actors and movie industry dealmakers from the 1930s through the 1950s...


Favorite Dancers-


Behind The Scenes-

Here are some photos of behind the scenes...

Carole Lombard and Gary Cooper talk between scenes while making the movie, I Take This Woman...


Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rodgers on the set of Stage Door...


Director Victor Fleming between takes, directing a scene in The Wizard of Oz


Below are some of my favorite films (and please notice how dramatic black and white film was).

Lana Turner and Juanita Moore in Imitation Of Life


Joan Crawford and Ann Blyth in Mildred Pierce


Bette Davis and Gladys Cooper in Now Voyager


Paulette Goddard, Joan Crawford, Rosaline Russell and Norma Shearer in The Women


Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind


Gloria Swanson and William Holden in Sunset Boulevard

"Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup"...



Hope you enjoyed our drive through Hollywood!

Have a stellar week, everyone! 🌟💗

34 comments:

  1. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comWednesday, June 30, 2021

    Loved this! There's a special feeling in black and white photos, don't you think? Really feels nostalgic.

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  2. Yes, there certain is, Fiona! And that's why I love black and white photography (either in still photos or movies). And black and white film is not easy, because you don't have the use of color to give a sense of contrast. I also love how "shadowy" black and white film is.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrreat rest of your week!

    X

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  3. Ron, what a great post! I love all these black and white photographs too! And it's interesting to hear your thoughts about the differences between film and theater, and the process. I never thought of it that way, but I can see what you mean from an actors point of view.

    Wasn't Mildred Pierce such a wonderful film? A classic! Joan was so good in it. And so was Ann Blyth as her daughter. And speaking of The Women, did you ever seen the newer version that was released in 2008? I didn't like it at all. You can't get any better than the original because it was such a "timely" movie.

    Love the way you ended this post!

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  4. That was a super fun drive back in time. Love, love, love the Paramount gate. So iconic! If I ever go to Hollywood, I’d love to visit the spots you have pictured. The only films I’ve seen that are on your list are Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind. I was obsessed with the book as a young teen. And I love the dancers you’ve chosen. Such talent! The black and white photos are so dramatic and evoke emotion. Thanks for showing us your faves. Hope we get a cool down soon, right?

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  5. Hey there Candice!

    Yes, as an actor, the processes are so completely different. I've only been involved in a few film projects when I was still acting, but I could tell that it was a medium that felt almost foreign to me. Whereas, theater felt second-nature. It felt like I was home.

    Yes...both Joan and Ann Blyth were brilliant in that film. I loved their chemistry. And it's funny because several years ago I watched an interview with Ann Blyth in which she said that she and Joan Crawford got a long so well while they were making the film. She said that Joan was very kind and encouraging to her.

    " And speaking of The Women, did you ever seen the newer version that was released in 2008? I didn't like it at all. You can't get any better than the original because it was such a "timely" movie."


    OMG, I couldn't agree with you more! I saw the new version when it was released and didn't care for it. NOTHING compares to the 1939 version. Like you said, it's such a specific timely movie.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome week!

    X

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  6. Isn't the Paramount gate faaaaaaaaaaabulous? Yes, so iconic is right! And me too, because I've never been to Hollywood, I've only seen it in photos and movies.

    I'm so impressed that you actually read the book Gone With the Wind because I know it's of epic size.

    There were so many great dancers during those years, so it was very difficult to narrow it down to just those few. I just recently saw a movie with Gene Kelly in it and was reminded of what an amazing dancer he was. It was an athlete.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And yes....hope we get a cool down soon. Today, here, is going to be the hottest, but then it cools down by the weekend.

    X

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  7. Wonderful post, Ron! And I love all your favorite films, all of which I've seen. MANY times. Isn't Imitation of Life such a tear-jerker? No matter how many times I watch it, I still cry at the end. And there is nothing like black and white film. I hate when they take black and white films and colorize them because it looks so fake.

    I never saw that many films with Carol Lombard, but after I started watching them I realized what good actress she was. And funny too! Sad how young she died.

    And you picked one of my favorite dancers too. I was obsessed with Cyd Charisse. And I loved when she danced with Gene Kelly because not only did they look good together, but they were also very strong dancers.

    Really enjoyed this post, Ron! Hope you're stay cool and hydrated. Isn't this heat the pits? xo

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  8. Helloooooooooo there, Elaine!

    Yes! I freaking LOVE that film! I actually own it. And like you, no matter how many times I watch it, I still cry at the end. I remember seeing that movie with my mother for the first time when I was a kid and watching her cry at the end of the movie.

    "I hate when they take black and white films and colorize them because it looks so fake.


    THANK YOU! Meeeeeeeeeee too! They did that with several I Love Lucy episodes and I couldn't watch them. Like you said, the coloring looked fake.

    I saw a documentary on Carol Lombard years ago, and it was so sad when they talked of her dead. Clark Gable was devastated.

    Yes, I think Cyd and Gene were the perfect dance partners. So sexy too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. And OMG...this heat is horrendous! Today is the worst. Although, this weekend, it drops to much cooler temps. Thank God!

    Stay coo! X

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  9. Ron, I remember seeing Sunset Boulevard when I was in college and the character of Norma Desmond scared the crap out of me. LOL! But they years later when I saw it again, I ended up loving it. And if I'm not mistaken, isn't there a scene in the movie where she and Joe go to Schwab's drug store for a pack of cigarettes? I love that photo! And of course, "Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup!"

    I love films too. But I do have a passion for the older films. There was something very glamorous about them. And wasn't Vivien Leigh such a gorgeous woman? I've seen a lot of her films. I really like, That Hamilton Woman, with Olivier.

    Wonderful post, Ron! Interesting and fun! xo

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  10. Hola Denise!

    I laughed out loud about how Norma scared you because she was a scary character, wasn't she? And how about the funeral for her pet monkey at the beginning of the film? So I could definitely see how she could be scary.

    "And if I'm not mistaken, isn't there a scene in the movie where she and Joe go to Schwab's drug store for a pack of cigarettes? "

    OMG...YES! Very good! Wow...you DO know the film. There is a scene at Schwab's, you're spot on!

    "And wasn't Vivien Leigh such a gorgeous woman? I've seen a lot of her films. I really like, That Hamilton Woman, with Olivier."

    She sure was! In fact, she, for me, was "the most" beautiful actress of that time. But she was also incredibly talented. I love That Hamilton Woman! She and Olivier both looked so beautiful in that film. They had such a wonderful chemistry on screen. And they looked stunning together!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    X

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  11. What a fun post this was, Ron, and like yourself I much prefer the vintage B&W films. I noticed that your favorite dancers excluded Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, Donald O'Connor so assume these were not among those (fyi, "e" is missing on Astaire). I recently watched Sunset Boulevard and though William Holden wasn't a favorite, he did a credible job. That last scene you included here was fantastic. GWTW if another of my favorites even if it was in color but then it had to be to show off those fantastic outfits and settings and the burning of Atlanta would not have worked as well n B&W.
    That Paramount Pictures entry was the BEST of all the iconic movie studies. I liked seeing it recreated in a couple of recent Netflix films.

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  12. Seaside SimplicityWednesday, June 30, 2021

    What a fabulous and fun drive back in time! The part with the major Hollywood studios sure brought back memories, and reminded me just how ancient I am lol. I'm familiar with all the amazing actors and actresses but don't specifically recall the movies besides Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz - that's one I still watch every year when it comes on! Thanks for sharing with us Ron. Have a fantastic evening!

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  13. Hey there, D!

    Glad you enjoyed :) And yes...vintage B&W films are my faves.

    No, I actually LOVE the dancers that you mentioned as well, they're awesome! And speaking of Donald O'Connor, I just recently saw a dance number with him and Gene Kelly and was BLOWN away. It was such a complex dance number, but they both were AMAZING in it!

    Wasn't the last scene in Sunset FANTASTIC? Sometimes I'll pop the DVD in and fast forward to the end of the movie, just to watch THAT scene. What a classic!

    Isn't the Paramount Pictures entry the best? So GRAND!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're having a fantastic week and stay cool.

    X

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  14. Hello there, Martha!

    "The part with the major Hollywood studios sure brought back memories, and reminded me just how ancient I am lol."

    HA! And ME TOO!!!! But oh...how fabulous it was, hu?

    " Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz" Those are PRIME classics! And I do the same thing, I watch that movie every year when it comes on. And I even watch it a few times in a year because I own the 25th Anniversary DVD Collection that includes all the special features about how the movie was made.

    Always great to see your comments, my friend. Have an awesome evening too!

    X

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  15. I had a feeling if you saw it that you didn't like it, Ron. I just knew it! And it's a shame because the cast was really, really good. It was the modernized script that I feel was the cause of why it didn't go over.

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  16. Yes, Candice, you nailed it. It was the script that I didn't care for. OMG, the female cast was fa-u-lous! And when the movie was released, I was really looking forward to seeing it because I think I thought it was going to be more like the original movie. Oh well!

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  17. Loved this, Ron! You mentioned two of my personal favorite films, Mildred Pierce and Now Voyager. They are both in my DVD collection. Crawford deserved the Oscar because she gave such a wonderful performance. It's my favorite role of hers because it was like no other role she had ever played. She was so real.

    I really enjoyed reading your take on film versus theater because I never thought of it that way. And that's because I'm not an actor. But the way you described the differences, I can see why you would prefer the process of theater over film, as an actor. I can imagine meeting your fellow scene mate on the day you shoot the scene without any contact beforehand. It must be challenging to form any kind of connection.

    I love the photo of Schwab's!

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  18. Hey there, Daniel!

    You have those films on DVD!?!? So do I I kid you not! And I love watching either one of them on a rainy Sunday afternoon. And I couldn't agree with you more, Crawford totally deserved the Oscar that year. It was truly one of my favorite performances because, like you said, it was like no other role she performed.

    Yes, as an actor, theater and film have a completely different approach. I love theater because of the natural flow of the performance and because of the bonds you develop with your fellow actors. Film is such an odd process to me because you don't have time to form any kind of "connection" with your scene partners before you shoot.

    Isn't that pic of Schwab's fantastic? I love the automobile!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today, Daniel! Hope you're having a terrific week!

    X

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  19. Me too, Ron, more along the lines of the original script. But it was more of a modern-age version. Plus, it was not in black and white, which made the original so much more appealing.

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  20. Oh I most certainly did enjoy the drive through Hollywood!! What amazing photography! Black and white I just love! Yes, so dramatic. You can really focus much better on certain aspects. I haven't actually seen many of the films you included, but know how much you've adored them, so can totally appreciate you sharing them. Ron likes the older ones more than I do... so if he has something on, I'll watch for a little while, but end up wandering off. Unless it's something like 'WHTBabyJane' or a few others that grabbed me.
    There's a reference to the 'Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up' in Mrs. Doubtfire, when Daniel is being made up in different possible disguises and he says that for one of them.

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  21. I love it when you get all nostalgic with these classic photos! And, I also love theatre productions but film has a place for the very reasons you mentioned. It's been a while since I've seen a really good film I would consider a classic contender given the Hollyweird mindset these days. But, I still love to sit in a movie theater and be entertained. X

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  22. Oh, what a fantastic post, Ron!

    Thanks so much for sharing your insights on the difference between theater and film.

    In my younger days, I was a card-carrying film fanatic, and while I still love the medium, of course, I find myself drawn more and more to theater, where everything is happening right now. (Or at least it was until the damn Covid showed up.)

    And you make an excellent point about the quality of the older movies. My love for them goes way beyond mere nostalgia.

    The old time directors knew the language of film. Many of them started in the silent days, when you had to tell your story with images. So many of the stills that you posted show this.

    The shots are perfectly composed with simple but powerful images, that tell the story without trying to be the story.

    Today, with all this computer generated crap, all I can think of is some techie behind a keyboard pressing buttons. That's not filmmaking in my book.

    Thames Television produced a wonderful series in 1980 called "Hollywood" that told the story of the silent movie era. If you get a chance you should check it out--I'd think you'd enjoy it.

    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080230/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_14

    Thank you for this wonderful trip through time, buddy! See you at the movies!

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  23. Helloooooooooooooo there, Mary!

    So glad enjoyed :) Yes, isn't the photography AMAZING? I swear to God, sometimes I which the world was all in black and white because it's so much more dramatic. And what you said is to true, you can really focus much better on certain aspects.

    " Unless it's something like 'WHTBabyJane' or a few others that grabbed me."

    OMG, it's so funny that you mentioned Baby Jane because I was going to share a photo from that movie because it's also one of my favorites, but I had already shared films with Joan and Bette, so I didn't want to OD on them LOL!

    "There's a reference to the 'Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up' in Mrs. Doubtfire, when Daniel is being made up in different possible disguises and he says that for one of them."

    VERY GOOD! And yes, you are absolutely correct. Oh, how I love that scene in Mrs. Doubtfire!

    Always a joy to see you comments, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fabulous week. It's been much cooler here these past few days, so I'm sure it's been the same where you are.

    X

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  24. HA! I know, I can't help myself, Lisa, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE classic, vintage photos!

    Yes, and I know understand what I meant about film and theater having their differences because of how much you enjoy the theater. Film, I prefer to watch. Theater, I love to watch AND be a part of.

    "It's been a while since I've seen a really good film I would consider a classic contender given the Hollyweird mindset these days. But, I still love to sit in a movie theater and be entertained."


    A-men to that! And gosh, it's been ages since I've been to an actual theater and saw a film.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a terrific week, and that it's cooled off a bit. We finally got a break from the heat yesterday.

    X

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  25. OMG Rob, first I have to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing that link from imbd!!!! I clicked over just to check it out before I left my comment and was SO HAPPY to see it. And I can't believe I never knew of it!??!? I can't WAIT to watch it!!!!

    "In my younger days, I was a card-carrying film fanatic, and while I still love the medium, of course, I find myself drawn more and more to theater, where everything is happening right now. (Or at least it was until the damn Covid showed up.)"

    You and I sound very much the same because that's I feel. And it was my mother who first started me on loving film because she and I would watch old movies on TV on the weekends.

    I so loved what you said here....

    "The old time directors knew the language of film. Many of them started in the silent days, when you had to tell your story with images. So many of the stills that you posted show this.

    The shots are perfectly composed with simple but powerful images, that tell the story without trying to be the story.
    "

    Yes...you nailed it!!!!

    And you're right about CGI. I remember when the most recent movie, Titanic (with Leonardo DiCaprio), was released and not liking it all. And the reason being was because the entire movie was all about using CGI in every single shot, which distracted me from the story. All I saw were "special effects."

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thanks again for the link. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  26. These are awesome, Ron! Such a fabulous trek down into the vault of film. I truly get what you wrote about the difference between live theater and film, though, and I tend to gravitate toward your point of view. There's something magical about live and on stage -- with all its possible hiccups! -- that film can't capture. Perhaps it's the same as with a live musical performance (I'm thinking band, of course) versus an edited soundtrack.


    You've picked some real classics to showcase here. Wasn't that gown Vivien Leigh wore in that ballroom scene gorgeous?? But I've got to say, I don't think I could stand having to wear hoop skirts all day and into the night, ha!


    Here's to a wonderful weekend! xx

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  27. Hey there Debbie!

    " I truly get what you wrote about the difference between live theater and film, though, and I tend to gravitate toward your point of view. There's something magical about live and on stage -- with all its possible hiccups! -- that film can't capture."

    AMEN! And I knew you would understand because of your passion and involvement with the band. And you're right, it's the LIVE aspect that makes is so special -- hiccups and all.

    " Wasn't that gown Vivien Leigh wore in that ballroom scene gorgeous?? But I've got to say, I don't think I could stand having to wear hoop skirts all day and into the night, ha!"

    HA...indeed! As beautiful as gowns were back then, I can't imagine having to wear a hoop skirt underneath. Particularly during those hot and humid Southern nights!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had an awesome 4th of July holiday weekend!

    X

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  28. Ron, sorry I'm late to the party with this post, but my girlfriend and I were on a vacation and just got back last late last night.

    AWESOME post, dude! And I agree with you, there is nothing like black and white film. As I said to you several times before, I was born at the wrong time because I feel more connected to vintage things.

    Love the photos from the films you chose. The shadowing in the one from Mildred Pierce is killer.

    Hope you had a great July 4th!

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  29. Hiya Matt!

    No worries, my friend! Hope you and your girlfriend had a great time on your vacay!

    "..... there is nothing like black and white film. As I said to you several times before, I was born at the wrong time because I feel more connected to vintage things."

    Meeeeeeeeeeeeee too! Even when i was a kid I thought that I should be living in a different time period. I love old, vintage things - movie, clothing, music, etc.

    Isn't that photograph from MP the BOMB? I love how the light hits Joan's face!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Belated 4th of July!

    X

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  30. I'm with you, Ron. Give me old black and white films any day! And it's not only the films I love, but also the whole style back then. So classy! I'm very attracted to the 50's.

    I've seen several of the movies you listed here -- Sunset Blvd, Mildred Pierce, and Gone with the Wind. I own the DVD of GWTW and will watch it once (sometimes twice) a year. I can't believe that there are people who have never seen it!

    Great post!

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  31. Hi there, Clair!

    That's how I feel as well. It's not only the films, but the WHOLE sense of style. TOTAL class! And yes, I was born in the 50's (1955), but I didn't appreciate it then like I do now. Looking back I see how amazing the styles were.

    "I own the DVD of GWTW and will watch it once (sometimes twice) a year. I can't believe that there are people who have never seen it!"

    OMG, KNOW!!!!!!!!!! And it's funny you mentioned that because it wasn't too long ago that I was talking about the movie to people at work and MANY of them had never seen the movie. I was dumbfounded!?! I'm like, "How could you have never seen Gone With the Wind!?!"

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Always so nice to see your comments. Hope you had a great 4th of July holiday!

    X

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  32. A true blast from the past!! Hello, Ron. I'm here because of your comment at Martha's blog & your answer on how you started blogging.
    I can honestly say I lived in the "old" Hollywood era. Yes, I'm that old. 😊

    Nice to meet you.

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  33. Hi Anni!

    Greetings and welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a comment. So nice to meet you!

    WOW, that's awesome! And what a great time to live in! Even as a kid l felt like an old soul from another time period!

    Thanks again for stopping by. The next you leave a comment, it will automatically be published. I have Disqus set up to screen all first time comments, but once approve them, they automatically go through.

    Looking forward to stopping by your blog!

    Have a great week! 😀

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