Star of the month June 2013... Connie Stevens

fliXposed is pleased to announce our Star of the Month for June 2013 is the beautiful singer/actress, Connie Stevens.

Connie Stevens was born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia in Brooklyn, New York, on the 8 August 1938. Coming from a musical family, she joined several singing groups including The Fourmost and later The Three Debs.

After appearing in four b-pictures, Jerry Lewis case her in 'Rock-a-Bye Baby', which helped Stevens secure a contract with Warner Bros. 

After appearing in a number of films, Connie Stevens released a string of successful singles including "Sixteen Reasons" and "Kookie! Lend Me Your Comb". Today, Connie Stevens is best known for playing Cricket Blake on the TV show 'Hawaiian Eye' from 1959 to 1962, and for her role as Miss Mason in 'Grease 2' (1982).

During the month of June, I will attempt to experience as many of the following moments from Connie Stevens' career as I can...

Connie Stevens on Film

• Dragstrip Riot
• Rock-a-Bye Baby (1958)
• The Party Crashers (1958)
• Way, Way Out (1966)
• The Littlest Angel (1969)
• Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)
• Grease (1981)
• Back to the Beach (1987)
• Love Is All There Is (1996)

Connie Stevens on TV

• Hawaiian Eye (1952-1962)
• Wendy & Me (1964-1965)
• The Muppet Show (1976)
• The Love Boat (1978-1987)
• Titus: The Trial (2002)
• Titus: The Visit (2002)

Connie Stevens in Music

• Sixteen Reasons
• A Little Kiss is a Kiss is a Kiss
• Kookie! Kookie! Lend Me Your Comb

Star of the month April 2013... Juliet Prowse

fliXposed is delighted to announce our Star of the Month for April 2013 is the beautiful and talented dancing actress, Juliet Prowse.


Juliet Prowse was born in Bombay, India on 25 September 1936. Shortly after her birth, her family immigrated to South Africa, where she was raised. After commencing dancing lessons at age 4, she pursued a dancing career in Paris, France. 

Whilst dancing at a Parisian night club, she was discovered by a talent agent and cast in the role of Claudine in the film "Can-Can" (1960), opposite Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine.  In the same year, she appeared opposite Elvis Presley in his film, "G.I. Blues" (1960). In 1965, she starred in her own TV show, "Mona McCluskey", and in 1976, she became the first celebrity to guest star on "The Muppet Show", appearing in the first episode.

Juliet Prowse would later become a Las Vegas headliner in shows such as "Sweet Charity" and "Mame", where she continued to sing, dance and act until her death from pancreatic cancer on 14 September, 1996.

Juliet Prowse with Zoot on
"The Muppet Show" (1976)

Despite her successful four decade career, Juliet Prowse is sadly often forgotten today. fliXposed is excited to pay tribute to Juliet Prowse throughout April 2013. 

Please note, as many of Juliet Prowse's films are unavailable for viewing by fliXposed, there may be a limited number of blog posts.

My favourite photo of Olivia de Havilland

My favourite photo of Star of the Month Olivia de Havilland...

The Seven Year Itch (1955) - Spotlight on... Trailblazers

Spotlight on... Trailblazers

"When it's hot like this, do you know what I do? I keep my undies in the inbox." - Marilyn Monroe (as The Girl)

The Seven Year Itch is a 1955 comedy directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell. The supporting cast includes Evelyn Keys and Carolyn Jones.

This film is contains one of the most iconic images of the 20th century... the infamous scene of Marilyn's white dress blowing up by the air from the subway grating.

The amusing sex farce depicts the troubles of a middle aged married man and is based on the successful Broadway play of the same name by George Axelrod.

Marilyn stars as The Girl (with no name)

Richard Sherman (played by Ewell) sends his wife Helen (played by Keyes) and son away to Maine for the Summer. Meanwhile The Girl (the character has no official name - played by Marilyn) rents the apartment directly above Richard.  Consequently Richard gives a new meaning to the saying when the wife's away, the man will play, by overtly flirting with The Girl and engaging in a number of sexual fantasies.

The cast

Tom Ewell is perfectly cast in the film, reprising his stage role of Sherman.

Marilyn tickles, sizzles and tantalises with her sexy yet innocent portrayal as the girl upstairs.

Carolyn Jones (best known for playing Morticia Addams in the 1960's version of The Addams Family) has an amusing cameo as an oversexed nurse, Miss Finch, in one of Richard's dreams.

Controversy

Although innocent and tame by today's standards, 'The Seven Year Itch' pushed the limits while it is being filmed and was extremely controversial, with Hollywood censors closely watching the filming.

The film shocked audiences with its explicit footage of marital infidelity, breaching the Hays Production Code stating adultery must never be used for comedy or ridicule. In the stage play, Richard has an affair with The Girl, whereas in the film, only a fantasy is implied.

The Catholic Legion of Decency also condemned the film and discoraged Catholics from attending the film.

Marilyn's skirt blowing scene

Despite the film's poster and iconic image, this is as high

as the dress blows up in the final film

The infamous skirt blowing scene was filmed on Lexington Avenue at 52nd Street in New York City. A large crowd watched the filming, including Marilyn's infuriated husband Joe DiMaggio, who separated from Marilyn shortly after. Marilyn wore two pairs of undies to ensure her modesty was protected.

Did you know...

• Walter Matthau screen tested for the role of Richard Sherman
• Tom Ewell never watched any of his films, including this one, as he did not a fan of film as an art form, and preferred acting on the stage
• This was one of Evelyn Keyes' final major film roles
• The exterior location of Richard's apartment is 164 East 61st St, Manhattan

Awards and nominations

• Golden Globe Award winner - Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Tom Ewell)
• Directors Guide of America Award nomination (Billy Wilder)

Closing remarks

'The Seven Year Itch' is truly a fun film to watch over and over again. Marilyn superbly plays the blonde bimbo, and immortalised herself with the famous skirt blowing scene. In my opinion this is Marilyn's funniest film (even funnier than 'Some Like It Hot').  I recommend 'The Seven Year Itch' to anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

I'll Be Home For Christmas (1988)

Star Birthday... Eva Marie Saint

Eva Marie Saint was born on 4 July 1924. After appearing on television, she made her screen debut in 'On the Waterfront' (1954) opposite Marlon Brando. She has had a prolific career over the past 50 years, and continues to act today in her 80s.

Recommended viewing

• On the Waterfront (1954)
• Raintree County (1957)
• A Hatful of Rain (1957)
• North by Northwest (1959)
• Exodus (1960)
• All Fall Down (1962)
• 36 Hours (1965)
• Grand Prix (1966)
• Superman Returns (2006)

For my blog, I have selected a film from Eva Marie Saint's later career,

I'll be Home for Christmas (1988)

**please note, this blog contains spoilers if you have not seen this film**

 

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a 1988 TV movie directed/produced by Marvin J. Chomsky and starring Eva Marie Saint, Hal Holbrook, Nancy Travis,  Peter Gallagher, and Courtney Cox, before she was famous.


Set in Massachusetts in 1944, it is five days before the last Christmas of World War II, and the Bundy family are anxiously waiting the return of son Mike from the war. On Christmas Eve they receive a knock on the door with a telegram informing them Mike was just killed in a plane crash.

Closing remarks

Good, well written drama about although no a happy ending, which is unusual for a Christmas movie. Given the entire premise revolves around the anticipation leading up to Mike's return, his death at the end makes watching the film a waste of time.  For those of you that enjoy blue Christmas films, (Christmas films which are not happy and joyous), then it's worth watching. 
This may also be of interest to fans of Courtney Cox and the 'Friends' TV series to see Cox in an early role as pregnant Nora Bundy.

July 2012 - Spotlight on... Trailblazers

...freedom... profanity... violence... gore... sex... nudity... censorship... taboo...

Throughout July 2012, fliXposed brings you Trailblazers... the controversial films that crossed the line and made their mark in film history.


Anyone who enjoys watching contemporary mainstream films can thank the many filmmakers from years gone by who challenged convention, pushed boundaries and abolished strict film censorship requirements. It is because of filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Woody Allen and Billy Wilder (just to name a few) that there is more freedom in the art of cinema, and ability to portray images depicting profanity, gore, nudity, sex and graphic violence.






Throughout July I will be blogging a selection of star studded movies which when originally released sizzled and set the world alight.

Film selection

• The Deep (1977)
• Blowup (1966)
• Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989)
• Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)
• The China Syndrome (1979)
• Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid To Ask) (1972)
• The Seven Year Itch (1955)
• Lolita (1962)

Trailblazers... the movies that stirred up a storm.

Something's Got To Give (1962)

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

Something's Got To Give is Marilyn Monroe's final film, which is still incomplete.

Marilyn goes for a skinny dip

The comedy is a remake of the 1940 screwball comedy 'My Favorite Wife', and was to be directed by George Cukor and to co-star Dean Martin, Cyd Charisse, Phil Silvers, Tom Tyron and Wally Cox. The film was abandoned after Marilyn's death, and the 37 minutes of footage which still survives is included in the documentary 'Marilyn: The Final Days'.

Ellen Wagstaff Arden (played by Monroe) has been lost at sea in the Pacific for five years and declared legally dead. Meanwhile her husband Nicholas Arden (played by Martin) has just remarried a new wife, Bianca (played by Charisse). Whilst they are on their honeymoon, Ellen is rescued and returns to her husband and his new wife. Upon learning Ellen had spent the past few years on a desert island with another man, Stephen Burkett (played by Tyron), Nicholas becomes jealous.

The pool scene

Marilyn filmed a scene where she appears swimming nude in a swimming pool. The studio had provided Marilyn with a flesh coloured body suit, however Marilyn took it off and was filmed wearing only bikini bottoms. Had the film been finished and released, Marilyn would have been the first mainstream film star to be appear in a Hollywood film nude.

Watch a video of The pool scene:

Production cancelled

Production of the film stopped once Cukor had filmed every scene not involving Marilyn, and she was still unavailable. As a result, 20th Century Fox fired Marilyn and replaced her with Lee Remick. This led Dean Martin to quit as his contract specified he would be starring with Marilyn. With the production already $2million over budget, Fox decided to shut down the project. Marilyn was found dead in her home less than two months later.

Happy Birthday Mr. President (1962)

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn sings "Happy Birthday"

Although not a film, "Happy Birthday Mr. President" it is a very significant moment and still an iconic image of Marilyn Monroe fifty years after her death, so I thought it only appropriate to write a short blog about it, so here it goes...

On Saturday 19 May 1962, at the suggestion of actor Peter Lawford, Marilyn Monroe attended the early 4th birthday celebration of President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in New York. 

Marilyn performed "Happy Birthday"in a sultry voice, with a specially written verse based on the Bob Hope song, "Thanks for the Memory". 

JFK thanks Marilyn

The dress Marilyn wore
 to the event

At the end of the performance, Kennedy responded with: "Thank you. I can now retire from politics after having had 'Happy Birthday' sung to me in a such a sweet, wholesome way."

Over 15,000 people attended the event - JFK's wife Jackie was not in attendance

The event is significant for two reasons...

• it was one of Marilyn's final public appearances, before her death on 5 August 1962
• there are rumours Marilyn and Kennedy had an affair, giving the performance a new layer of meaning

In 1999, the dress Marilyn wore (designed by Jean Louis) sold at auction for US$1.26 million.

Watch the performance on YouTube:

The Prince and the Showgirl

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

Spotlight on... Royalty on Film

Marilyn Monroe as Elsie Marina

'The Prince and the Showgirl' is a 1957 royal romantic comedy directed by and starring Laurence Olivier with Marilyn Monroe and Sybil Thorndike.  The film was released by Marilyn's production company Marilyn Monroe Productions and is  written by Terence Rattigan, based on his 1953 play 'The Sleeping Prince'.


The film has recently received some attention in the film 'My Week with Marilyn' (2011) - this is the film Marilyn is making during the film.

Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe
as 'The Prince & the Showgirl'

King Nicholas of Capathia, and his father the Regent Prince Charles (played by Olivier) arrive in London in June 1911. Whilst the Regent is attending a musical performance of 'The Coconut Girl', he becomes interested in showgirl Elsie Marina (played by Monroe), and invites her to the embassy for "supper". The next day, the Queen Dowager (played by Thorndike) suggests Elsie should join her as a lady-in-waiting. Later that evening, the King invites Elsie to the Ball, as his partner.

Did you know...

• The film was originally meant to be a musical, however Marilyn's then husband Arthur Miller persuaded Marilyn to lose the songs
• This was the only film Marilyn made outside of the USA
• Olivier played the role of The Regent opposite his real life wife Vivien Leigh

Awards and nominations

• BAFTA nomination: Best British Actor (Laurence Olivier)
• BAFTA nomination: Best Foreign Actress (Marilyn Monroe)
• BAFTA nomination: Best British Film
• BAFTA nomination: Best British Screenplay (Terence Rattigan)
• BAFTA nomination: Best Film from any Source
• Italian Film Academy David Di Donatello Award winner: Best Foreign Actress (Marilyn Monroe)
• French Film Academy Crystal Star Award winner: Best Foreign Actress (Marilyn Monroe)
• National Board of Review Award Winner - Best Supporting Actress (Sybil Thorndike)

Closing remarks

The first hour of the film is very enjoyable to watch, however the second hour is rather slow and gets boring at times. The film was originally meant to be a musical, which may have sped up the pace a little.

Elegant production design of the embassy makes this film a visual feast, with Marilyn's dazzling and delightful portrayal of the blonde bombshell. The acting highlight goes to Sybil Thorndike in her role as the deaf and witty Queen Mother.

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

"When it's hot like this, do you know what I do? I keep my undies in the inbox."

The Seven Year Itch is a 1955 comedy directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell. The supporting cast includes Evelyn Keys and Carolyn Jones.

This film is contains one of the most iconic images of the 20th century... the infamous scene of Marilyn's white dress blowing up by the air from the subway grating.

The amusing sex farce depicts the troubles of a middle aged married man and is based on the successful Broadway play of the same name by George Axelrod.

Marilyn stars as The Girl (with no name)

Richard Sherman (played by Ewell) sends his wife Helen (played by Keyes) and son away to Maine for the Summer. Meanwhile The Girl (the character has no official name - played by Marilyn) rents the apartment directly above Richard.  Consequently Richard gives a new meaning to the saying when the wife's away, the man will play, by overtly flirting with The Girl and engaging in a number of sexual fantasies.

The cast

Tom Ewell is perfectly cast in the film, reprising his stage role of Sherman.
Marilyn tickles, sizzles and tantalises with her sexy yet innocent portrayal as the girl upstairs.

Carolyn Jones (best known for playing Morticia Addams in the 1960's version of The Addams Family) has an amusing cameo as an oversexed nurse, Miss Finch, in one of Richard's dreams.

Controversy

Although innocent and tame by today's standards, 'The Seven Year Itch' pushed the limits while it is being filmed and was extremely controversial, with Hollywood censors closely watching the filming.

The film shocked audiences with its explicit footage of marital infidelity, breaching the Hays Production Code stating adultery must never be used for comedy or ridicule. In the stage play, Richard has an affair with The Girl, whereas in the film, only a fantasy is implied.

The Catholic Legion of Decency also condemned the film and discoraged Catholics from attending the film.

Marilyn's skirt blowing scene

Despite the film's poster and iconic image, this is as high
as the dress blows up in the final film

The infamous skirt blowing scene was filmed on Lexington Avenue at 52nd Street in New York City. A large crowd watched the filming, including Marilyn's infuriated husband Joe DiMaggio, who separated from Marilyn shortly after. Marilyn wore two pairs of undies to ensure her modesty was protected.

Did you know...

• Walter Matthau screen tested for the role of Richard Sherman
• Tom Ewell never watched any of his films, including this one, as he did not a fan of film as an art form, and preferred acting on the stage
• This was one of Evelyn Keyes' final major film roles
• The exterior location of Richard's apartment is 164 East 61st St, Manhattan

Awards and nominations

• Golden Globe Award winner - Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Tom Ewell)
• Directors Guide of America Award nomination (Billy Wilder)

Closing remarks

'The Seven Year Itch' is truly a fun film to watch over and over again. Marilyn superbly plays the blonde bimbo, and immortalised herself with the famous skirt blowing scene. In my opinion this is Marilyn's funniest film (even funnier than 'Some Like It Hot').  I recommend 'The Seven Year Itch' to anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

Ladies of the Chorus (1951)

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

"Every baby needs a da-da-daddy to keep her worry free... could my da-daddy be you?"

'Ladies of the Chorus' (1948) is a Columbia Pictures low-budget b-grade musical directed by Phil Karlson and features Marilyn Monroe in her first major role as Peggy Martin.

Peggy Martin is a burlesque star who falls for a wealthy man, Randy Carroll (played by Rand Brooks). Her mother Mae Martin (played by Adele Jergens) is concerned about the class difference and whether Peggy will be happy with Rand. 

This film was made as part of Marilyn's 6 month contract with Columbia Pictures, and as the film was not a success, her contract with Columbia was not renewed.

Musical program

Marilyn sings "Anyone Can See I Love You", "Every Baby Needs a Da Da Daddy" and "Ladies of the Chorus".

Song: "Every Baby Needs a Da Da Daddy" - Marilyn Monroe

Song: "Anyone Can See I Love You" - Marilyn Monroe

Did you know...

• This movie was filmed in just 10 days 
• Adele Jergens (playing Marilyn's mother Mae) was only 9 years older than Marilyn
• This film features Marilyn Monroe's first onscreen kiss
• After Marilyn became a star, the film was released in November 1952 - Columbia redesigned the opening title credits to play Marilyn's name over the film title, above Adele Jergens, who was originally billed first
• Actor Eddie Garr is the father of Terri Garr

Closing remarks

This is the first time I had seen this film, and I really enjoyed it, despite it's predictable storyline. Recommended for fans of Marilyn. Jergens and Monroe are great as mother/daughter burlesque chorines.

Some Like it Hot (1959)

Star of the Month... Marilyn Monroe

"I wanna be loved by you alone... boop-boop-bee-doop!"

Marilyn Monroe is held by co-stars
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon

'Some Like It Hot' is the 1959 romantic screwball comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, and directed by Billy Wilder.  The supporting cast includes Joe E. Brown, George Raft, Pat O'Brien,  Joan Shawlee and Nehemiah Persoff.

The film was named the funniest movie of all time by the American Film Institute, and also the 14th best film ever made. 

In 1989, the film was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

'Some Like It Hot' is set in 1929 and begins as musicians Joe and Jerry (played by Curtis & Lemmon) witness a murder and they flee for their lives. To avoid being found by the murdering gangsters,  Joe and Jerry disguise themselves as women, and call themselves Josephine and Daphne. Josephine and Daphne join an all-girl band, with vocalist Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (played by Monroe). To complicate things, a millionaire Osgood Fielding III (played by Brown) falls in love with Daphne, and proposes. Meanwhile Joe (as Josephine) falls for Sugar.

Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Caine

Musical program

The film is semi-musical with Marilyn singing three songs from the 1920s hit parade: "I Wanna Be Loved By You", "Runnin' Wild" and "I''m Through with Love".

Song - "I Wanna Be Loved You"

Song - "Runnin' Wild"

Song - "I'm Through With Love"

Did you know...

• The film was originally meant to be filmed in colour, but was changed to black and white due to a green tint in the make up worn by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon
• Some of the working titles for the film include 'Fanfares of Love' and 'Not Tonight, Josephine'

Awards and nominations

• Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design - Black & White
• Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture - Comedy
• Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in Musical or Comedy (Marilyn Monroe)
• Golden Globe winner for Best Actor in Musical or Comedy (Jack Lemmon)
• Academy Award nomination for Best Director
• Academy Award nomination for Best Actor (Jack Lemmon)
• Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction - Black & White
• Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography - Black & White 
• Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay based on material from another medium

Closing remarks

I strongly recommend 'Some Like It Hot' to virtually everyone. It is especially a good film to show if you are trying to introduce someone to classic film.

It is by far one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, though I'm not convinced it is "the funniest". Other films from memory which I personally funnier are 'Clue' (1985) and 'What's Up Doc?' (1972). Ironically both these two films star Madeline Kahn, who also happens to be one of my favourite comedians.