Happy 100th Birthday, Tyrone Power

Happy 100th birthday to one of my top 10 favorite actors---one of my "terrific 10"---the tremendously under-rated, incredibly handsome Tyrone Power  (May 5, 1914 - November 15, 1958)

In some ways, my love affair with Tyrone Power began the day I was born.  Yes, it's true---Tyrone Power has occupied a special place in my heart for over five decades now, even before I ever saw one of his films.  That's because one of my grandfathers (who was 3 years Powers' senior) was always told he looked like Tyrone Power.  Even though Power had been dead since 1958, he was still very much in the hearts of my grandparents' generation in the 1960's, and people of that age regularly remarked on the resemblance between my grandfather and the movie star they loved. As I grew up, conversations about the resemblance inevitably took place around the dinner table, and those conversations took root in my memory.  When I watched my first Power film in 2007, I immediately saw the resemblance between him and my beloved Pap, and those long-ago dinnertime conversations were relived afresh.  So, for me, Tyrone Power and my precious grandfather are somewhat one and the same.  When I watch a Ty Power film, I actually think of my grandfather; similarly, when I look at a photo of my grandfather, Tyrone Power often comes to mind. So, is it any wonder that Power is among my 10 most beloved actors?

Capable in both comedic and dramatic roles, Mr. Power was an actor who never got the praise and recognition he deserved.  While he gave wonderful performances in many films, not a single Academy Award nomination ever came his way.  I think that is very sad...and a definite oversight on the part of the Academy.

In addition to excelling at both comedy and drama, Power was also quite adept in adventure and swashbuckling films...Blood and Sand, The Mark of Zorro, Prince of Foxes, to name just a few.  Perhaps it was fitting that it was while doing just that, Mr. Power died.  While in Spain for the filming of Solomon and Sheba in 1958, Ty succumbed to a sudden heart attack in the midst of a dueling scene with George Sanders.  He died enroute to the hospital...an incredibly talented man gone far too soon at the age of 44.

Besides entertaining audiences with a wonderful variety of films, Mr. Power also faithfully served his country as a pilot in the Marine Corp.  He saw action in the South Pacific in the Second World War, taking part in "the air supply and evacuation of wounded from Iwo Jima to Okinawa."  The California State Military Museum has a page about Mr. Power's service in the Marines HERE.

My all-time favorite Ty Power film continues to be Witness for the Prosecution (reviewed HERE). Besides this being what I deem possibly the very best performance of Mr. Power's career, it is also his final completed film, as he would die while making his next movie.

Rounding out my list of five favorite Tyrone Power films are:

2.  Abandon Ship!  (with Mai Zetterling and Lloyd Nolan---reviewed HERE)

3.  The Eddy Duchin Story  (with Kim Novak---reviewed HERE)

4.  I'll Never Forget You  (with Ann Blyth---reviewed HERE)

5.  The Mark of Zorro  (with Linda Darnell and Basil Rathbone)

Quite honestly, Blood and Sand and The Long Gray Line could also occupy the #5 position.  I enjoy them both as much as I do Zorro.  I also have high hopes for Untamed, Power's second pairing with Susan Hayward.  A blog friend provided me with a copy of that film, and I'm hoping to watch it this week.

While I don't count it among my top-5 Power films, I just have to make mention of The Black Swan. As part of Maureen O'Hara's 93rd birthday bash last August, The Black Swan was shown on the big screen of Boise, Idaho's historic (and very beautiful) Egyptian Theatre.  (Miss O'Hara currently lives in Boise.)  As a Boise resident, I attended the event and was able to catch The Black Swan in this incredible environment.  I'm tellin' you, until you've seen Tyrone Power "up close and personal" on the big screen, you are missing out.  Truly, that is how he was meant to be seen!

There is a movement underway to bring about a Tyrone Power postage stamp.  HERE is the Facebook page for more information about how to help the dream become a reality.  I would definitely love to see Mr. Power honored with a postage stamp, and should that happen, I can assure you, it's the only stamp I will be using for as long as it is available.

So, Mr. Tyrone Power, here's to you on your 100th birthday. You were a wonderful, completely under-rated actor, and you will always be one of my favorites.  And, in the words of George Eliot, "Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them."  Since we have not forgotten you (nor will we ever!), you do, indeed, live on! Thanks for enriching my life with so many incredible films!!


NOTE:  This article is part of the Power-Mad, Tyrone Power 100th birthday blogathon being hosted by The Lady Eve's Reel Life and They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To. Go  HERE or HERE to check out all the other fantastic entries.

Abandon Ship! (1957)

Near the top of the list of my favorite Tyrone Power films and what I deem one of the absolute best performances of his career is 1957's Abandon Ship!.  A meaty, intense British drama---also known as Seven Waves Away---Abandon Ship! features Mai Zetterling, Stephen Boyd, and Lloyd Nolan in supporting roles.  Produced by Tyrone Power and directed by Richard Sale, the film is loosely based on the 1841 incident of the William Brown.

After hitting a mine in the waters of the South Atlantic, a luxury liner explodes, and in seven minutes, all but just over two dozen of its 1,156 passengers perish.  Those few had managed to get into one of the ship's dinghies before the ship went down.   One of the survivors is ship's officer, Alec Holmes (Tyrone Power), who is given command of the small boat just before the captain dies.  With the words, "Save as many as you can," Holmes becomes the captain and assumes responsibility for the lives of his passengers.

The small craft, which was meant for nine passengers, is filled far beyond its capacity.  A total of 26 people are depending on the tiny vessel for life...some of them are in the water and desperately hanging onto the side of the craft.  Since there had not been time to send a distress signal, reaching the African coast---1,500 miles away---is their only hope.  Overloaded as they are, and with only one gallon of water, a tiny amount of canned food, several serious injuries, and an upcoming storm, can they possibly reach land?

Although some of the people believe that it is the duty of the strong to protect the weak, a well-respected ship's officer counsels Alec to evict the tenants who cannot pay the rent, to save half of them instead of losing them all.  Much as it horrifies him to do so, Alec may just have to begin choosing which passengers will remain in the boat and which ones will not.



This is an incredibly powerful, thought-provoking, "discussion piece" kind of movie---you know, the kind that makes you really think about the hard questions in life.  Was Holmes right in his actions? Or was he wrong?  What would you do if you were in his shoes?  Tyrone Power is totally stellar in this role; in fact, I think this is up there with Witness for the Prosecution and The Eddy Duchin Story as one of his absolute best performances.  He is thoroughly believable as the reluctant captain who was forced to make the hardest decisions anyone could ever make. For those who say Power couldn't act, see this film, and your mind will be changed.

As stated above, Abandon Ship! is loosely based on an actual incident.  In 1841, the William Brown departed Liverpool for Philadelphia, 65 passengers aboard.  After hitting an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland, the ship sank, taking nearly half its passengers to their watery graves.  The entire crew (including one Alexander Holmes) and the remaining passengers took to two boats, but before their eventual rescue, many of them would be sacrificed in order to lighten the load.  For more information about the incident, check out this Wikipedia article or this article from the County of Tyrone Ireland.

To my knowledge Abandon Ship! is not available on DVD; however, it is available in VHS format and is on YouTube in its entirety (HERE).  Also, TCM does air it periodically. Definitely catch it if you can.  When comparing this film to the similar Lifeboat, Abandon Ship! easily comes out on top for me.  In fact, in my opinion, it's a 5-star, gem of a film.

Happy viewing!!

NOTE:  This article is part of the Power-Mad, Tyrone Power 100th birthday blogathon being hosted by The Lady Eve's Reel Life and They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To. Go  HERE or HERE to check out all the other fantastic entries.

Welcome to Power-Mad, The Blogathon Celebrating Tyrone Power's 100th Birthday

After several weeks of planning and anticipation, Power-Mad---the eagerly-awaited Tyrone Power 100th birthday blogathon---is finally upon us.  Monday, May 5th, we'll be celebrating one very under-appreciated actor, and I, for one, am thrilled.  Mr. Power so deserves the honor and recognition. (Participants, please include a link to this page somewhere in your post, and then either leave as a comment or email me or my co-hostess (Patty, the Lady Eve) the link to your article, so we can include it on the page.)

Participating in the event are two dozen Tyrone Power enthusiasts.  With swashbucklers, romantic comedies, Westerns, and dramas being highlighted, we're sure to get a great cross-section of Power's film career---hopefully, you'll discover several titles you want to track down. Also, Maria, of the Tyrone Power website, will be giving us a glimpse into her incredible memorabilia collection. This is sure to be a fantastic event, so I hope you get a chance to visit all the entries (even if it takes all week to do so!).

The contributors are as follows:

Barry Bradford---The Razor's Edge
Citizen Screen---The Black Swan
Citizen Screen---Tyrone Power on the Radio
Classic Film Freak---The Mark of Zorro
Critica Retro---Lloyd's of London
Greenbriar Picture Shows---100 Years of Tyrone Power
Hamlette's Soliloquy---The Sun Also Rises   (she's having a giveaway of this film)
Immortal Ephemera---Tyrone Power and Alice Faye
Kevin's Movie Corner---Son of Fury
The Lady Eve's Reel Life---Tyrone Power and Loretta Young
Lasso the Movies---Jesse James
Laura's Miscellaneous Musings---This Above All
Movie Classics---Witness for the Prosecution
The Nitrate Diva---Day-Time Wife
Old Hollywood---King of the Khyber Rifles
Shadows and Satin---Blood and Sand
Sidewalk Crossings---Crash Dive
Silver Screen Modes---Johnny Apollo
Slightly Shabby---Marie Antoinette
They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To---Abandon Ship!
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear---Nightmare Alley
Twenty Four Frames---Rawhide
Tyrone-Power.com---Tyrone Power, King of the Disaster Movies
Tyrone-Power.com---A Very Special Memorabilia Collection
Tyrone-Power.com---Supercouples:  Tyrone Power and Annabella, Tyrone Power and Linda

Have fun celebrating the great Tyrone Power!

A huge thanks to my co-hostess, Patty, of The Lady Eve's Reel Life.  Actually, Patty was much more than a co-hostess---she did the lion's share of the work for this event, including creating the blogathon's beautiful banners.  It was a real joy getting to know her better these past few weeks. Thanks also to each person who spread the word about the event, each person who contributed an article, and each one who visited the blogs and read the entries.  This celebration would not have happened without the participation of all of you!!

Let's Celebrate Tyrone Power's Centennial

Hey classic film bloggers, are you ready for one more blogathon?!  I hope so, because Monday, May 5th, is the 100th anniversary of Hollywood mega-star Tyrone Power's birth, and Lady Eve of The Lady Eve's Reel Life and I will be hosting Power-Mad, a one-day-only event in celebration of the actor's life and career.

Participants are invited to review Mr. Power's films (one blogger per film, please), post a photo spread or a biographical essay (you might cover his life in general or strictly his movie career, his military service during World War II or his post-war stage career, or...) - basically, feel free to get creative.

This blogathon is not limited to CMBA members, so any and all of you are welcome to participate. (The more the merrier). If you'd like to be involved, you can get in touch in one of two ways---either leave me a comment on this post, or send an email to my co-host (Lady Eve, at ladyevesidwich@gmail.com).  In your email, please include your name, your blog's name and address, and the title/subject of your entry.

100th birthdays deserve parties and fanfare, so Lady Eve and I are hoping for a huge turnout for Power-Mad.  We look forward to having you celebrate with us.

Lady Eve has created these four gorgeous banners to advertise the event.  Please grab one for your blog, and help us spread the word.

Here is the list of participants:

Barry Bradford---The Razor's Edge
Citizen Screen---The Black Swan
Classic Film Freak---The Mark of Zorro
Critica Retro---Lloyd's of London
Girls Do Film---The Black Rose
Hamlette's Soliloquy---The Sun Also Rises
Immortal Ephemera---Tyrone Power and Alice Faye
Kathleen Nemec---The Long Gray Line
Kevin's Movie Corner---Son of Fury
Lasso the Movies---Jesse James
Laura's Miscellaneous Musings---This Above All
Movie Classics---Witness for the Prosecution
The Nitrate Diva---Daytime Wife
Old Hollywood---King of the Khyber Rifles
Shadows and Satin---Blood and Sand
Sidewalk Crossings---Crash Dive
Silver Screen Modes---Johnny Apollo
The Skeins---Prince of Foxes
Slightly Shabby---Marie Antoinette
They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To---Abandon Ship!
Thrilling Days of Yesteryear---Nightmare Alley
Twenty Four Frames---Rawhide
Tyrone-Power.com---A Very Special Memorabilia Collection
Tyrone-Power.com---Supercouples:  Tyrone Power and Annabella, Tyrone Power and Linda
Tyrone-Power.com---Tyrone Power, King of the Disaster Movies


NOTE:  To access all of the blogathon entries, go HERE.

Rawhide (3 stars)

Rawhide, from 1951, is a Western drama starring Tyrone Power and Susan Hayward. Directed by Henry Hathaway, the film features Hugh Marlowe, Edgar Buchanan, Dean Jagger, Jack Elam, and George Tobias in supporting roles.  Since Ty Power was one of the guys of the month last month, I had been looking through his filmography for "new to me" films I wanted to see; when I discovered that he did two films with my #2 gal (this one and Untamed), I went on a mission to obtain at least one of them.  I finally tracked Rawhide down...and in time to be included as part of Susan Hayward month.

On its way from San Francisco to St. Louis, a stagecoach makes a stop at Rawhide Station, a remote post attended by Sam Todd (Edgar Buchanan) and Tom Owens (Tyrone Power). Disembarking the stage for a meal at the station are, among others, Vinnie Holt (Susan Hayward), and the small child she carries with her.  Before the passengers can depart the station, a soldier informs the stage driver that condemned prisoner Rafe Zimmerman (Hugh Marlowe) has escaped. In the interest of safety, Vinnie and little Callie are left behind at Rawhide, while the remainder of the passengers continue on their journey.

Posing as a lawman, the escaped prisoner soon makes his appearance at Rawhide Station, and in short order, his three gang members arrive as well.  After shooting Sam, the four men take over the station---their target is the next Eastbound stage and all the gold it is carrying.  Before that stage arrives, though, the Westbound stage will be passing through, and Tom is to act as though all things are normal, not giving any clue that Zimmerman and his men are lying in wait.  Though Tom would like to alert the stage driver to what is going on, he is kept in line through threats to harm Vinnie and Callie, whom the outlaw gang has mistakenly taken to be Tom's wife and daughter.

Locked in a room with Vinnie most of the time, will Tom be able to warn the stage driver of the impending danger?  And once the robbery is accomplished, is there any hope for Tom, Vinnie, and Callie to escape?  These are the questions which play out in this film.




While Rawhide is not a spectacular film, it is definitely entertaining and exciting.  I found the storyline interesting and the acting quite good.  Susan Hayward was her usual exceptional self.  She was appropriately strong and hard---traits she always exhibited perfectly.  Ty Power---in what I think was an unusual role for him---was quite believable here.  Hugh Marlowe---who I've only seen as a "good guy"---did great in his role as well.  Jack Elam was quite terrific too.  If I was more into Westerns, I probably would be rating this one 4 stars.  So, 3 stars, from a non-Western fan means this is a very solid film.

Rawhide is out on DVD; however, I tracked it down through a site called "Westerns on the Web" (HERE).  If you like Westerns, definitely stop by that site.  They have dozens of movies, all available for free viewing on their site.  Additionally, the film is available in its entirety on YouTube.

Happy viewing!!

Blood and Sand (4 stars)

Blood and Sand, from 1941, is an action/adventure Technicolor film starring Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, and Rita Hayworth.  Featuring Laird Cregar, John Carradine, J. Carrol Naish, and Anthony Quinn in supporting roles, this film, which was brought to the screen in 1922 with Rudolph Valentino in the lead role, is based on the Vincente Blasco Ibanez novel of the same name.

Young Juan Gallardo (who will grow up to be Tyrone Power) dreams of being a bullfighter as his late father was.  Bragging that the bull which can kill him hasn't been born yet, the fearless Juan vows to be the greatest of all matadors.  After promising his childhood sweetheart, Carmen (Ann Todd, who will grow up to be Linda Darnell), that they will be married upon his return, Juan sets off for Madrid, where he will train and begin his bullfighting career.

Ten years later, Juan returns to his hometown, marries the lovely Carmen, and is very much at the top of his game.  While the bullfighting critic, Curro (Laird Cregar), was once unimpressed by Juan, the man is soon eating his words and declaring Juan to be "the greatest of the great."  Crowds are wild about Juan's abilities in the ring, and he soon becomes rich and famous.

At the height of Juan's fame, the beautiful Dona Sol (Rita Hayworth) returns to town, and in short order, the two of them have begun an affair.  As he pursues his relationship with the beautiful woman, Juan neglects all else.  His bullfighting skills falter, his critics rail against him, and his wealth disappears.  With up-and-comers on the move, and a fickle crowd always wanting something greater, will Juan be able to hang on to his fame?  Or will the illicit love of the beautiful woman bring him down?  How it all plays out is the balance of the film.




The costumes and scenery in Blood and Sand are stunning!  The story is interesting and exciting and filled with non-stop action.  Ty Power is completely perfect in this role, and he is magical with the cape---the way it twirled in front of the bull is beautiful.  He looks spectacular in every costume he wears, and his acting is terrific.  Linda Darnell is lovelier than I have ever seen her, and she and Power, as in their other films together, have great chemistry here.  Rita Hayworth (who is rapidly climbing up my favorite actress list and is now close to #10) is completely gorgeous; I was especially captivated by her in a royal blue gown.  She even has a chance to "strut her stuff" in a beautiful, sensual dance sequence with Anthony Quinn.



While bullfighting is no longer an acceptable means of entertainment, Blood and Sand is a product of its times and, as such, is easily a 4-star, must-see film.  Besides, just enjoying this movie doesn't mean one condones bullfighting, anymore than loving Gone with the Wind means one condones slavery.  This film also includes marital infidelity, and I abhor that...but I still think the film is amazing!!  Out on DVD, it ought to be fairly easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!

Happy Birthday, Tyrone Power!!!

Happy 98th birthday to one of my top 10 favorite actors---the tremendously under-rated, positively gorgeous Tyrone Power  (May 5, 1914-November 15, 1958)

Capable in both comedic and dramatic roles, Mr. Power was an actor who never got the praise and recognition he deserved.  While he gave wonderful performances in many films, not a single Academy Award nomination ever came his way.  I think that is very sad...and a definite oversight on the part of the Academy.

In addition to excelling at both comedy and drama, Ty was also quite adept in adventure/swashbuckling films...Blood and Sand, The Mark of Zorro, Prince of Foxes, to name just a few.  Perhaps it was fitting that it was while doing just that, Mr. Power died.  While in Spain for the filming of Solomon and Sheba in 1958, Ty succumbed to a sudden heart attack in the midst of a dueling scene with George Sanders.  He died enroute to the hospital...an incredibly talented man gone far too soon at the age of 44.

Besides entertaining audiences with a wonderful variety of films, Mr. Power also faithfully served his country as a pilot in the Marine Corp.  He saw action in the South Pacific in the Second World War, taking part in "the air supply and evacuation of wounded from Iwo Jima to Okinawa."  The California State Military Museum has a page about Mr. Power's service in the Marines HERE.

My all-time favorite Ty Power film is Witness for the Prosecution  (reviewed HERE).  Besides this being what I deem the very best performance of Mr. Power's career, it is also his final completed film, as he would die while making his next movie.

Rounding out my list of five favorite Tyrone Power films are:

2.  Abandon Ship!  (with Mai Zetterling and Lloyd Nolan---reviewed HERE)

3.  The Eddy Duchin Story  (with Kim Novak---reviewed HERE)

4.  I'll Never Forget You  (with Ann Blyth---reviewed HERE)

5.  The Long Gray Line  (with Maureen O'Hara)

6.  Crash Dive  (with Dana Andrews and Anne Baxter)

(Yes, I have to list six favorite films, because The Long Gray Line and Crash Dive are neck and neck.  I really don't prefer one over the other.  They're both wonderful and equally enjoyable.)


There is a movement underway to bring about a Tyrone Power postage stamp.  HERE is the Facebook page for more information about how to help the dream become a reality.  I would definitely love to see Mr. Power honored with a postage stamp, and should that happen, I can assure you, it's the only stamp I will be using for as long as it is available.

So, Mr. Tyrone Power, here's to you on your 98th birthday.  You were a wonderful, completely under-rated actor, and you will always be one of my favorites. Thanks for making so many terrific movies!

The Luck of the Irish (3 stars)

The Luck of the Irish, from 1948, is a fun little romantic comedy starring Tyrone Power and Anne Baxter.  Featuring Cecil Kellaway, who received a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for his work here, Jayne Meadows, and Lee J. Cobb in supporting roles, this film was one our family enjoyed as part of our St. Patrick's Day celebration this year.

While traveling in Ireland, American newspaperman, Steven "Fitz" Fitzgerald (Ty Power), encounters car problems.

In a hurry to get back to New York and the job awaiting him there, Fitz sets out in search of assistance, and he soon discovers an old man (Cecil Kellaway) sitting beside a waterfall.

Though the man is a bit odd, he, nevertheless, directs Fitz to a nearby inn, where he makes the acquaintance of the beautiful Nora (Anne Baxer).  Fitz and Nora click immediately, and when Fitz mentions the old man and the waterfall to her, he is told that no such waterfall exists.  Sure enough, when he makes another visit to that location, there is no waterfall; however, he does come upon the old man, and he soon realizes the man is a leprechaun...unless, of course, it was all just a strange dream.

Leaving the lovely Nora behind, Fitz returns to America, where his writing abilities will be used developing speeches for his politically-minded boss (Lee J. Cobb).

Engaged to the boss's daughter, Frances (Jayne Meadows), and with a fancy apartment and servant to call his own, things appear to be looking very fine for Fitz.  But with Nora suddenly arriving in New York and his new servant none other than Horace, the Irish leprechaun---whose one goal is to give Fitz gold, instead of the pebble he is willing to settle for---Fitz's life is soon to be turned upside-down.

Will Horace and his "pot of gold" get Fitz's life back on track?  Or will Fitz continue to compromise his beliefs to satisfy his boss's political plans?  These are the questions which play out in the balance of this adorable little film.

While not a spectacular film, The Luck of the Irish is, nevertheless, very sweet and fun.  Ty Power is great in this role...as is Anne Baxer.  Both of them are completely beautiful...and you will love the soft brogue Anne sports here.  Cecil Kellaway is absolutely delightful as the little leprechaun.  He more or less bounces around Ty's apartment and is quite adorable.  Though nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role here, quite honestly, since Walter Huston was nominated that year for Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Mr. Kellaway didn't have a hope of winning.  Even so, though, he was wonderful in the role and played the part perfectly.  Another delightful aspect of this film is the lovely Irish score.

This film is out on DVD as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection, so it ought to be fairly easy to track down. Plus, it's available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE). Really, it's loads of fun...and it's the perfect addition to a St. Patrick's Day movie night.  Put it on your "watch list" for next year.

Happy viewing!!

Witness for the Prosecution (5 stars)

Witness for the Prosecution, from 1957, is a fabulous whodunit, filled with twists and turns galore.  Directed by the amazing Billy Wilder, the film stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton, all of whom give brilliant performances.  (This was Tyrone Power's final completed film, as he died of a heart attack during the filming of Solomon and Sheba the following year.  He was quite young...just 44.  I think his performance here in Witness for the Prosecution is the best one he ever gave.)

Leonard Vole (Power), a partially-employed inventor, is accused of murdering wealthy widow, Emily French, a woman many years his senior.  When a chance meeting brings Mrs. French into his life, Vole works to develop a friendship with her, because besides enjoying the lady's company, he hopes to convince her to finance his most recent invention.  So, the two of them, in a completely platonic fashion, begin seeing each other two or three times a week...playing canasta, listening to music, taking in a movie.

When Mrs. French is found murdered, her housekeeper immediately implicates Vole, since he had been with her the evening of her death.  Although Leonard proclaims his innocence, the case against him intensifies after it is discovered that Mrs. French had recently changed her will, making Leonard the beneficiary of 80,000 pounds.   Leonard eventually stands trial for murder, with Charles Laughton portraying the attorney who takes on his defense.

One of the witnesses the prosecution brings against him is none other than his wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich), whose testimony tears Leonard's story apart.

To say more than this would totally ruin the viewing pleasure of those who have never seen this film.  In fact, as the ending credits roll, the viewer is warned by an announcer to "not divulge the ending to friends who have not seen it."   Of course, a first-time viewing of this film is best.  After that, the surprise factor is gone; however, it's still a fantastic movie, with great performances by the three leads.




The acting in this film is completely brilliant!!!  All three stars---Power, Dietrich, and Laughton---give amazing performances.  Truly, I think this was the performance of both Power and Dietrich's entire careers.  They were both totally fantastic!!  Charles Laughton's real-life wife, Elsa Lanchester, played his nurse in the film, and there are several comical moments between them.  Although it didn't garner any wins, Witness for the Prosecution was nominated in six Academy Award categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Lead Actor (Laughton), and Supporting Actress (Lanchester).  Shockingly, neither Power nor Dietrich received a nomination for the brilliant work they did here.

Witness for the Prosecution is out on DVD, so it should be readily available for your viewing pleasure.  I highly recommend it.  (Our family recently enjoyed a re-watch in honor of Tyrone Power's upcoming May 5th birthday.)

Happy viewing!!

May's Blogging Agenda

With the dawning of a new month, it's time for a new blog focus.  Much as I hate to leave my #1's and the beach behind, with April now just a memory, it's time for other things.  Though quite a few of my faves have May birthdays, I'll be focusing on only two of them, one of whom is one of my "beloveds"...the wonderful, talented, fabulously handsome Gary Cooper.

The other "birthday boy" I'll be focusing on this month is the tremendously under-rated and completely gorgeous Tyrone Power.

In honor of Mother's Day, I'll be focusing on what I call "mommy movies."  And, in celebration of Memorial Day, I'll be focusing on those films which serve to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

In addition to these themes, I'll be throwing in a few "non-theme" films...just to keep things fresh and unpredictable.  I hope you'll discover a few "must see" movies through this month's reviews.

Happy viewing to all!!

I'll Never Forget You (4 stars)

I'll Never Forget You, from 1951, is a romantic drama starring Tyrone Power and Ann Blyth, with Michael Rennie taking on a supporting role.  This beautiful movie, which features a love not bound by time, is completely perfect for Valentine's Day viewing.

Firmly in the 20th century, American physicist Peter Standish (Tyrone Power) has been doing atomic research at a laboratory in England.  Rather a recluse who doesn't do much socially, Dr. Standish lives in an 18th-century home which had been left to him by a distant relative.  With the exception of electricity and plumbing, the house is virtually as it had been in 1784, and Peter likes it that way.

Through the diary of his long-dead ancestor---also Peter Standish---Dr. Standish discovers that his namesake claimed to be from the future and maintained he could foretell history.  A few days after making that insane-sounding declaration, the man was normal again and went on to marry and have a family.  Dr. Standish comes to believe that he was the man from the future, that he and the 18th-century Peter exchanged places for a time, and he tells his friend Roger (Michael Rennie) that he is going to go back to the 18th century.  Of course, Roger thinks Peter is being fanciful and even suggests that the house isn't good for him. 

Peter does go back in time, though, after being hit by a bolt of lightning.  On the very day the 18th-century Peter Standish arrived in England, current-day Peter is transported there.  From the beginning, everyone thinks he is odd, since he knows things which haven't happened yet, and when he begins to speak of people as though they were dead, everyone begins to fear him.  Eventually, he makes the claim which was in the diary---that he is from the future---a claim which finds Peter sentenced to an asylum.

Though he knows from the diaries Peter will marry Kate, current day Peter falls in love with Helen (Ann Blyth).  Though Helen is engaged to another man, she loves Peter as well and completely believes that he is from the future.

The lovers know they are destined to part, as Peter will be returning to the future, but Helen assures him that their love will be for always...not in her time or his time...but in God's time

(HERE is a link to a 6-minute scene ---the video won't upload properly here on my page.)

I'll Never Forget You is a totally gorgeous movie...everything about it.  The storyline is fascinating.  (I have long been in love with the idea of time travel.)  The love of Helen and Peter is a beautiful, timeless love.  Ann Blyth is stunning, and Ty Power is incredibly handsome; the acting of both is quite good.  The filming is lovely as well---all of the scenes in the past are in color, while the present day events are black and white. All these things combine for a lovely Valentine's Day movie with your sweetheart.

The film is out on DVD, as part of the Tyrone Power Matinee Idol Collection, so you should be able to track it down.  Also, it is available in its entirety on YouTube (HERE).  Do catch it if you can...especially if you are a fan of beautiful time-travel romances.

Happy viewing!!

The Eddy Duchin Story (4 stars)

The Eddy Duchin Story, from 1956, is a touching drama based on the life of pianist/bandleader Eddy Duchin.  This film, which stars Tyrone Power in the title role and features Kim Novak as a supporting player, opened my eyes to this amazing pianist, who was a standard name in the 30's and 40's.  Sadly though, Eddy Duchin's fame fell by the wayside through the years; in fact, before my first viewing of this movie three years ago, I had never even heard of him.  After viewing this film, I was inspired to track down some of his music and to learn a bit more about him.

The film begins in the 1920's, when Eddy Duchin arrives in New York in search of a piano gig.  Though he is fresh out of pharmacy college, music is Eddy's passion, and, although initially discouraged by rejection, he does not give up.  One day, he happens to be playing Chopin and socialite Marjorie Oehlrichs (Kim Novak) overhears him.  Impressed, she uses her influence to get Eddy his first engagement, and eventually, Eddy becomes a part of the Reisman Orchestra. 

Eddy's career begins to take off, as does his and Marjorie's relationship.  They marry and are very much in love and quite happy.  However, shortly after the birth of their son, Peter, Marjorie dies, leaving Eddy devastated and broken-hearted...and wanting nothing to do with their child.   The remainder of the film chronicles Eddy's years of avoiding contact with his son, reconnecting with him, and, his own tragic, untimely death of leukemia at the age of 41.

This is a wonderful movie, and it showcases alot of beautiful music.  Just so you know, Tyrone Power did not do his own piano playing...even though the camera did an incredible job making it seem as though he did.  Pianist Carmen Cavallaro was the real musician bringing Eddy's Duchin's music to life.   Tyrone Power, who firmly sits at about #10 on my favorite actor list, was great in this role.  I thought he was fantastic in every scene, but the "Merry Christmas" scene is particularly outstanding.

At nearly 42,  Power was beginning to very slightly show his age here, but he was still completely gorgeous...I especially loved him in the Naval dress blues!!  Sadly, at the time of this film's release, he was only two years away from his own untimely death.  Like Eddy Duchin, Power would be cut down in the prime of life, having a heart attack in November, 1958, during the filming of Solomon and Sheba.

Kim Novak was lovely in her role.  Though I've since seen her in other films, at the time I watched The Eddy Duchin Story for the first time, it was my first exposure to her...and I very much liked her.  Although this film is called a tear-jerker, and I am generally a HUGE sap and cry quite readily, the film only made me misty-eyed a few times.   While there were tears, there were no sobs...I think that's because they always seemed to cut away from too much emotion.

Definitely see this film. It's a beautiful story, and the music is fabulous. You'll probably come away wanting to hear more of Duchin's music.  The film is out on DVD and should be quite easy to track down.

Happy viewing!!!