Director William Wellman was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1896. “Wild Bill” enjoyed a long and prolific career, directing such classics as Wings (1927), The Public Enemy (1931), the original A Star Is Born (1937) and The Ox-Bow Incident (1942), among many others.
One of our personal hard and fast rules goes as follows: If it’s a pre-code picture and it’s directed by William Wellman, watch it. It’s an approach that every movie buff could benefit from.
The sublime Annette Hanshaw was born 116 years ago today. For us, she sets the gold standard for songbirds of the late 1920s and early ’30s; we think she’s keen. And throughout the day and well into the evening, we’ll be featuring Ms. Hanshaw’s recordings on Cladrite Radio (even more than we usually do), so be sure to tune in.
Here are 10 things you should know about Annette Hanshaw…
There seems to be widespread confusion regarding Norma Shearer’s date of birth. Some sources say she was born on August 10, others say August 11, and The New York Times, in its 1983 obituary, cites August 15. The year is in question too: Was she born in 1900, 1902 or 1904?
We trying to cover all our bases by sharing this tribute on the 10th but using the 11th as her birthdate in the video. Whichever date you prefer, we hope you enjoy the video. Happy birthday, Ms. Shearer, wherever you may be!
Here are 10 things you should know about Norma Shearer…
The iconoclastic Robert Mitchum was born Robert Charles Durman Mitchum 100 years ago today in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Happy birthday, Mr. Mitchum, wherever you may be!
Here are 10 things you should know about Robert Mitchum…
The divine Myrna Loy was born Myrna Adele Williams 112 years today in Helena, Montana. She ranks very highly indeed in our personal pantheon of Hollywood stars, so her birthday is always, in our view, cause for celebration. Happy birthday, Ms. Loy, wherever you may be.
Here are 10 things you should know about Myrna Loy…