Thursday, February 26, 2026

Sorry, don't handle colds very well!

 Back in the day, a cold was almost nothing to handle.  Now I'm just happy to survive another day.

Meanwhile ... Mister Roberts (1955) has always been a favorite of mine.  Starring four excellent actors, I'm most appreciative of Mr. Cagney's effort as the dictatorial Captain.  And I'll always love just anything Mr. Powell contributes on the big screen.

Jack Lemmon, James Cagney, Henry Fonda and William Powell in Mister Roberts

Meanwhile ... that's all I can handle for now.  Hoping life returns next week!

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Born in Pittsburgh ... Who'da Thunk it?

Adolphe Menjou, suave, debonair and a tailor-made scene-stealer, was born February 18, 1890.  When changing studios during his career, it required trucks to take his wardrobe with him.    




Dapper, well-dressed, no matter his age.  


... And hamming it up as Nicolai Nicoleff in Gold Diggers of 1935.


Saturday, February 14, 2026

Happy Valentine's Day!

An absolutely beautiful card received by my maternal grandmother in 1911.  And, no, it was not sent by my grandfather to be.  Grandpa was a good farmer but did not have the feminine touch to choose this.  


Thursday, February 12, 2026

25 cents for an 8 x 10 star portrait ... I'll take 5 of Robert Montgomery, 4 of William Powell ...

 Helen Rydell of Los Angeles, Cal. was a clever fan.  She figured out that she could buy a 1 cent stamp for a postcard that she would send to MGM asking for a photograph of a favorite star and then receive in return a picture postcard of her star asking for either 10 cents for a 5 x 7 photo or 25 cents for an 8 x 10.  1 cent vs. 10 or 25 cents.  Good one, Helen.  This ad campaign was short-lived, just briefly in 1937 to 1938.  It's no wonder.  


She also asked for a Frank Morgan photo and receives one which includes Clark Gable as well.  


Helen's request was for Maureen O'Sullivan ... not Beery.  



So, the three photos cost Helen a total of 3 cents.  They cost me a tad bit more.