Annette Helen: "While many film historians focus upon a star’s life after he or she gained fame, I take a unique step further into the past and illustrate a star’s life before Hollywood."

My friend Annette Helen loves everything old-fashined! If you are interested in the history of the Hollywood movies, Annette is the girl to know! Her blog Hometowns to Hollywood and her facebook page is filled with interesting info about actors and actresses that you perhaps didn't even know about...  She was very kind to answer a couple of questions for our web. 

Annette, you have been a great fan of old classic Hollywood movies and great stars of the screen . When did you first realize this was the IT you wanted to concentrate on and learn about?

I have been a fan of Golden Age films for as long as I can remember, but my actual "involvement" in them did not begin until I was an undergraduate student. While I possess a deep passion for them, I did not really contribute to conversation about them until about 2010, when I started to get involved in a local library‘s classic film series. I was sort of a novelty--a 20-year-old with a fanatical knowledge about classic film--so, my guest lecture spots and writings helped draw in younger audiences. While I was in graduate school, I also began a blog, entitled, "Hometowns to Hollywood" 

(https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/), which chronicles my trips to the hometowns of various Golden Age stars. I am fascinated by the genesis of their creativity, as well as how their legacies have been cemented within their hometowns. This has led to several exciting opportunities and retired Hollywood Golden Age star meetings for me, and I have a pretty solid following as a result. I'm excited to have a unique niche in my passion for Golden Age film, and have since started a classic film series of my own!

I have been a follower and a great fan of your Hometowns to Hollywood facebook page. You have almost 1500 followers! Facebook page is linked to your lovely web where you have published interesting articles and inside info about hometowns of famous actors and actresses. Can you please tell us more about this project? 

While many film historians focus upon a star’s life after he or she gained fame, I take a unique step further into the past and illustrate a star’s life before Hollywood. Because I actually travel to these hometown locations, I am able to credibly discuss how a specific legacy is evident within the star’s hometown. I am thrilled to offer audiences this especially significant “walk” in the star’s footsteps through photos, videos, and captivating stories. My blog is the main hub for all of my hometown travels. At present, I have covered the hometowns of Gloria Swanson, Jack Benny, Carole Lombard, James Dean, Red Skelton, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Jack Lemmon, Tyrone Power, Irene Dunne, Katharine Hepburn, the Barrymores, Oliver Hardy, Lana Turner, Anne Baxter, Cole Porter, Phil Harris, James Stewart, and Frances Farmer. I took "Hometowns to Hollywood" on the road, so to speak, as my first endeavor at manning my own film series. This series is hosted at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. I screen a set of three films on a seasonal basis. Each film screening is preceded with my presentation about the the star's life, hometown, and an exploration of how his or her legacy is documented within his or her hometown. I bring in items to display that were either owned or worn by the star of the film that night, or memorabilia relating to the film or star at hand. I kicked off my first showing in early September of 2015, which was a success. I also work to involve special guest appearances at least once per season. In October of 2015, I interviewed Tyrone Power’s daughter, Taryn Power-Greendeer during one of my screenings. You can read about that experience here: https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/editorials/a-powerful-legacy-my-afternoon-with-taryn/ I am so thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for Golden Age cinema with others, and am excited for the second round of my series to begin in April 2016. Nothing rivals the communal experience of watching a film on the "big screen."

Who are your favourite Hollywood actors / actresses?  I am sure you must have met some of them in person. Or perhaps their children to discuss lots of wonderful and interesting stories...

I have so many favorites! I am fond of Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, Eleanor Powell, Jean Arthur, William Powell, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, Eleanor Powell, and so many more! I am especially a fan of musicals and screwball comedies, and have a huge respect for „triple threat“ actors and actresses. I have met Jane Powell and Mitzi Gaynor in person through TCM’s „Road to Hollywood“ events in Chicago. I have also met Irene Dunne’s granddaughter, and one of Tyrone Power’s daughters. I’ve recently become close with an actress named Lyn Wilde, who was part of a twin act with her sister, Lee. I’m currently working on an article about Lyn’s experiences working in Hollywood, as she basically starred in the first „Parent Trap,“ which was actually a film called „Twice Blessed.“ Lyn has worked with the likes of Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, June Haver, and so many more. In addition, she was good friends with Judy Garland. She’s a wealth of information still, at the age of 93, and I’m so lucky to know her. I look forward to publishing her story as soon as possible.

Annette with the one and only Michael Feinstein (2015)

I also know you are a teacher. Can you tell us where and what you exactly teach your students?

I am an English and Film Studies teacher at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois, which is essentially located in Chicago’s north shore. The subjects I teach are Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, American Literature, Creative Writing, College Writing, and Film Study. In particular, I’m delighted to be teaching the „first run“ of my Film Study course. The course is taught chronologically, but I plan on featuring shorts, silents, noirs, screwballs, musicals, and so much more. I am especially excited to familiarize students with the idea of the studio system and to emphasize that before there was a Hollywood, there was Chicago. I worked for Essanay Studios Chicago throughout graduate school, which is where stars like Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson got their start. It's one of the last remaining silent film studios. While the film industry moved West for the steadier climate, we are still in a critical location regarding film history, and have fantastic archives nearby that document its importance. I also want to emphasize how cinema is constantly building. One technique makes way for the next over and over again until we come to what is familiar to us in the present day. However, I have a deep love for early cinema, and will remind my students that almost every part of it is groundbreaking. After all, these were the pioneers who were experimenting with just about everything for the first time, and their craft is both phenomenal and inspiring. So much of their work has aged well and has certainly shaped the film industry. While we may be used to the modern, it is so crucial that we do not dismiss the old. There is a certain glamour to Hollywood’s Golden Age that just cannot be replicated today.

Reunited with the Johnny Mercer piano! 

Taken at the Great American Songbook Foundation in Carmel, IN

You have even been introducing films on TCM (Turner Classic Movies)? Can you tell us more about your work for TCM?

TCM periodically reaches out to its fans via social media, seeking audience members with "interesting, funny or poignant stories about their relationship to classic films." Simply mentioning which film you would like to see is not enough--they want to know why fans love a film. Upon seeing their posting, I submitted my entry via TCM.com. I selected the 1936 screwball comedy, Theodora Goes Wild, for a number of reasons. First off, I admire the film's leading lady, Irene Dunne, for probably being one of the most down-to-earth stars to come out of Hollywood. I previously co-screened the film as part of a local library’s classic film series in May of 2014, which showcased lesser-known films of Hollywood's Golden Age. Upon coordinating with Irene's granddaughter, Ann-Marie Streibich, I was able to invite her to speak at the screening. I remember feeling moved when I heard the many stories she shared about her grandmother, and felt so lucky to be able to view this film alongside someone so closely connected to the lead actress. Finally, I met my boyfriend, Don, at that screening! I think TCM enjoyed that factor most of all, so I received an email informing me that I was selected to introduce and offer commentary about the film on the air. You can view my pre-film and post-film interviews here:  
https://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/tcm-publicity-and-i-oh-my/

It might be a difficult task but can you name your Top 10 favorite movies and why are they the best in your eyes?

This is an extremely difficult task, but I will try my best!

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This film turned me into the film fanatic I am today! Judy Garland provides her iconic portrayal of Dorothy, and is supported by an equally immortalized část. „Over the Rainbow“ is easily my favorite song.

Gone With the Wind (1939)
Vivien Leigh shines as the cutthroat Scarlett O’Hara, alongisde a legendary část. There are just so many elements to this film that the story behind its making is just as terrific! The costumes and scenery are breathtaking and inimitable.

Easter Parade (1948)
You just can’t beat these Irving Berlin tunes. I remember seeing this film on VHS for the first time and playing back the tape to record all of the songs on cassettes. Thank goodness for CD soundtracks. This film also has such a dream cast—and a good few of them weren’t even signed on to do the film initially! Judy Garland and Fred Astaire are accompanied by the amazing Ann Miller and a crooning Peter Lawford in some gorgeous period costumes.

 Easter Parade trailer

Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)
Two words: Dick Powell. I enjoy watching musicals, and I do adore the crooners! Additionally, Gloria Stuart is such a delight in this film. It’s fun to see her at the height of her 1930s career, long before her appearance in Titanic!

Born to Dance (1936)
I love to see films which showcase moments when studios just didn’t know what to do with some of their newly acquired stars. I think of Jimmy Stewart here, in particular, who croons several tunes along the way. The studio had him learn dance routines for Born to Dance, but ultimately decided he wasn’t. Luckily, Eleanor Powell was! Frances Langford, Una Merkel, and Buddy Ebsen also offer wonderful performances.

Sons of the Desert (1933)
I highly admire the old comedy teams, and I think that this is the best Laurel and Hardy film. It’s a riot from beginning to end!

It Happened One Night (1934)
I adore Frank Capra’s work, and this film is one of his best. Both Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable thought that this film would flop, but it wound up being a hugely successful moment in both of their careers! My Frank Capra Collection came with me to undergrad, and I had so much fun sharing this film with my roommates.

Strike Up the Band (1940)
I think that the Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland films are such a treat. I hold a soft spot for this one, since this was the first film in which I spotted Judy Garland outside of The Wizard of Oz. I caught it on TCM one day and have been hooked on the channel ever since.

Strike Up the Band trailer

The Thin Man (1934)
I’m a fan of witty exchanges, and William Powell’s banter with Myrna Loy does not disappoint. Who doesn’t want to be Nick and Nora?

Singin‘ in the Rain (1952)
It should not come as a surprise that I enjoy musicals, but this is THE musical. What’s not to like? Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and the hilarious Donald O’Connor give their best performances in this film.

What interesting places have you visited recently?

I completed several hometown travels in Wisconsin pretty recently. Stay tuned! I covered two Hollywood stars, and am planning on going back soon to cover Ten Chimneys—the home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine just for fun. I also visited the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research to work with original Edith Head sketches and to view their Melvyn Douglas collection. Expect updates soon!

Are there any ‘’ hometowns’’ you’d like to visit in the future? Perhaps even in Europe? Cary Grant’s Bristol, Liz Taylor’s and Bob Hope’s London? Any other?

Absolutely! There are certainly no limits to hometowns! All of the ones you mentioned are high on my list, along with the hometowns of Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin in England, Maureen O’Hara in Ireland, Greta Garbo in Sweden, and so many others. There are plenty in the United States that I still wish to cover, including the hometowns of Ava Gardner, Ginger Rogers, Jean Harlow, and Myrna Loy. Also, I have never been to California, so covering the „to Hollywood“ portion of my blog would be a dream come true! 

For more info, please visit Annette's great web and facebook page:

Blog Link: http://home2hollywood.wordpress.com/ 
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/home2hollywood/

CD tip měsíce: Judy at Carnegie Hall

V památný večer 23. dubna 1961 se vybrané publikum složené z prominentních hostů, umělců a přátel sešlo v newyorské Carnegie Hall, aby bylo svědkem asi nejpamátnějšího večera v historii showbusinessu. JUDY AT CARNEGIE HALL! Více asi není nutné dodávat.

Celý koncert odstartovala několikaminutová směs písní, které všichni přítomní velice dobře znali. Melodie spojené s kariérou Judy Garland tak navodily báječnou atmosféru a přítomní diváci se mohli těšit na dvouapůlhodinový maraton písní a zábavy. 

Není žádným tajemstvím, že Judy měla v předešlých letech nemalé zdravotní problémy. Diváci a především kritici se ale shodli na tom, že na koncertě vypadala úžasně, zdravě a zpívala jako nikdy předtím.

Samotné album (kolekce 2 LP desek) vyšlo necelé dva měsíce po legendárním vystoupení. A pro zpěvačku znamenalo velký návrat. Především ale úspěch a obdiv mladé generace posluchačů, kteří v 60. letech poslouchali zcela jiný hudební žánr.  

Deska vyhrála čtyři hudební ceny Grammy včetně nejlepšího alba roku, přebalu a ten rok také nejúspěšnějšího výkonu v kategorii zpěvačky. V roce 2003 bylo album zařazeno americkou Knihovnou Kongresu do 50 nejlepších nahrávek historie, které jsou zapsané v Národním registru nahrávek (National Recording Registry).

Come Rain Or Come Shine 

a trocha koncertní atmosféry 

Co asi nevíte...

• ve zcela vyprodané Carnegie Hall nechyběli ten večer přátelé zpěvačky včetně umělců a kolegů jako byl Phil Silvers, Rock Hudson, Harold Arlen, Myrna Loy, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda, Jule Styne, Arthur Schwartz nebo Julie Andrews

• legendární koncert v newyorské Carnegie Hall nebyl jediným vystoupením Garland v roce 1961; umělkyně se záhy vydala na celoamerické turné - šestnáct vyprodaných a veleúspěšných koncertů si někteří pamatují dodnes...

• živá nahrávka koncertu nebyla za téměř 52 let od svého původního vydání ..out of print.. neboli byla vždy k dostání v různých reedicích na LP, MC i CD nosičích 

If Love Were All - původně napsáno 

pro operetu Bitter Sweet (1929)

CD 1:

Overture: The Trolley Song / Over The Rainbow / 
The Man That Got Away (Medley)
(H. Martin, R. Blane / H. Arlen, E.Y. Harburg / H. Arlen, I. Gershwin)

When You're Smiling 
(Shay, Fisher, Goddwin)

Almost Like Being In Love / This Can't Be Love
(F. Loewe, A. J. Lerner / R. Rodgers, L. Hart)

Do It Again
(G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin)

You Go To My Head
(J. F. Coots, H, Gillespie)

Alone Together
(A. Schwartz, H. Dietz)

Who Cares
(G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin)

Puttin' On The Ritz
(I. Berlin)

How Long Has This Been Going On?
(G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin)

Just You, Just Me
(J. Greer, R. Klages)

The Man That Got Away
(H. Arlen, I. Gershwin)

San Francisco
(W. Jurmann, B. Kaper, G. Kahn)

CD 2:

That's Entertainment!
(A. Schwartz, H. Dietz)

I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(D. Fields, J. McHugh)

Come Rain Or Come Shine
(H. Arlen, J. Mercer)

You're Nearer
(R. Rodgers, L. Hart)

A Foggy Day
(G. Gershwin, I. Gershwin)

If Love Were All
(N. Coward)

Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart
(J. F. Hanley)

Stormy Weather
(H. Arlen, T. Koehler)

You Made Me Love You / For Me And My Gal / 
The Trolley Song (Medley)
(J. Monaco, J. McCartny / Meyer, Leslie, Goetz / H. Martin, R. Blane)

Rock A Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody
(J. Schwartz, S. M. Lewis, J. Young)

Over The Rainbow
(H. Arlen, E. Y. Harburg)

Swanee
(G. Gershwin, I. Ceasar)

After You've Gone
(H. Creamer, T. Layton)

Chicago
(F. Fisher)

Interpreti americké populární písně: Mickey Rooney

Talentovaný herec, zpěvák, bubeník a především bavič MICKEY ROONEY je jedním z posledních žijících legend 20. století. Letos oslavil neuvěřitelné 92. narozeniny. O jeho životě, kariéře a úspěšných filmových muzikálech si řekneme něco více právě dnes...

Americký filmový herec MICKEY ROONEY (vlastním jménem Joseph Yule, Jr.) se narodil 23. září 1920 v Brooklynu ve státě New York. Jeho tatínek Joseph Yule Sr. byl rodákem ze skotského Glasgow, maminka Nellie pocházela z amerického Kansasu. Oba rodiče byli "vaudevilloví umělci", kteří působili v době narození jejich syna v hudební produkci A Gaiety Girl v Broklynu.  Již jako 17ti měsíční chlapeček byl Joseph Jr. součástí zábavného programu rodičů, při kterém měl na sobě malý fráček.

Otec rodinu ale záhy opustil. Malý Joseph se s matkou brzy na to odstěhovali do Kansasu. Maminka byla najisto přesvědčena o talentu svého syna, kterého přihlásila do hereckého konkurzu v Hollywoodu. Joseph konkurz vyhrál. Jeho závratná kariéra mohla začít. Na plátně ztvárnil roli malého chlapce jménem Mickey McGuire. Mezi jeho kolegy patřily takové hvězdy jako Jean Harlow či Douglase Farbankse, Jr. Prvním v řadě snímků, kde si zahrál malého Mickeyho, byl film s názvem Mickey's Cirkus (Mickeyho cirkus), který byl natočen v roce 1927. Mladík začal docházet do profesionální herecké školy, kde se seznámil s tehdy naprosto neznámými mladými spolužáčkami jako Judy Garland, Lana Turner či Nanette Fabray. Nemusím asi nikomu připomínat, že se tyto dámy staly legendárními herečkami. Setkání s Judy Garland bylo pro mladého Mickeyho naprosto osudové.

 Drummer Boy - ukázka z filmu Strike Up The Band (1940)

V roce 1932 dostalo chlapcovo jméno definitivní podobu, kterou známe dodnes. Mickey Rooney. O dva roky později, tedy v roce 1934, podepsal Mickey smlouvu s filmovým studiem MGM. Studio okamžitě obsadilo chlapce do role mladého Andy Hardyho, syna soudce ve filmu A Familly Affair (Rodinná aféra). Film měl obrovský úspěch, Mickey si roli Andyho zopakoval během let 1937–1946 v dalších třinácti filmech. 

V roce 1937 natočil Rooney první film s Judy Garland. Mickey a Judy se stali dobrými přáteli a především nerozlučnou tanečně pěveckou dvojicí, kterou si oblíbila celá Amerika. Společně natočili deset celovečerních snímků; k těm nejznámější patří Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), Babes on Broadway (1941) a Girl Crazy (1943).

Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Richard Quine, 

Annie Rooney, Virginia a Ray McDonald 

ve filmu Babes on Broadway (1941)

Poprvé zazářil Mickey jako dramatický herec ve filmu Boys Town, kde si zahrál po boku legendárního Spencera Traceyho. Film šel do kin v době, kdy bylo mladému herci necelých 18 let. 

Během druhé světové války se vydal Rooney s ostatními kolegy do Evropy, kde bavil vojáky na frontách. V tomto období působil také jako aktivní rozhlasový reportér a bavič. Po návratu do Spojených států jeho jasná filmová hvězda poněkud pohasla.

 Mickey a Judy - ukázka z filmu Words and Music (1948)

Objevil se poté v několika hudebních filmech, jedním z nich byl snímek Words and Music z roku 1948. Tento film jakoby symbolicky ukončil jeho herecké úspěchy. Byl také poslední v řadě, ve kterém si zahrál a zazpíval po boku Judy Garland.

V 50. letech produkoval a sám vystupoval v televizním pořadu s názvem The Mickey Rooney Show: Hey, Mulligan, která měla dohromady 32 dílů. V tomto období začal úspěšně režírovat celovečerní filmy. Soustředil se na práci v televizi například jako host televizní show Judy Garland v roce 1963 či veleúspěšný půlhodinový televizní seriál Mickey na stanici ABC. Ve filmech si často zahrál také sám sebe. Propůjčil svůj hlas do televizních animovaných vánočních epizod o Santa Clausovi, které se staly legendárními a na obrazovkách se v předvánoční čas objevují dodnes.
 

Mickey Rooney a Judy Garland 

v televizním pořadu The Judy Garland Show
 

V 90. letech si zahrál v divadelních verzích muzikálu Stephena Sondheima A Funny Things Happened On The Way To The Forum nebo v muzikálu Will Rogers Follies.

Velký návrat na televizní obrazovky zaznamenal Mickey Rooney v 90. letech, kdy ztvárnil hlavní roli Henryho Daileyho v seriálu The Adventures of the Black Stallion (Nová dobrodružství Černého Bleska), kterou si poprvé zahrál jedenáct let předtím na filmovém plátně. Mickey Rooney se stal opět po letech milovaným a obdivovaným hercem. Seriál byl odvysílán v sedmdesáti zemích na světě. 

Od roku 2003 se s manželkou Jan aktivně zapojil do projektu s názvem Rainbow Puppet Production, pro který oba propůjčili své hlasy v rámci 100. výročí hudebního díla Toyland!, adaptaci na motivy operety Babes in Toyland od Victora Herberta.

V září 2010 oslavil Mickey ve velkém stylu své 90. narozeniny. Velká party se konala v newyorském klubu Michaela Feinsteina Feinstein’s at Loews Regency.

Mickey Rooney je držitelem mnoha filmových, televizních a státních ocenění za svůj umělecký a humanitární přínos.

Dnes žije s manželkou Jan v oblasti Westlake Village v Kalifornii. Ze svých osmi manželství má devět dětí. Ve svých 92. letech je stále umělecky aktivní, poskytuje rozhovory, můžeme jej vidět v televizních pořadech i na prknech, co znamenají svět.