The late Stanley Donen was born on April 13, 1924. The legendary filmmaker — the last of the directors from Hollywood’s golden age — passed away on February 21, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of classic movies filled with color, song, and dance. Let’s take a look back at 15 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Donen got his start as a dancer. It was in the chorus line for George Abbott‘s production of “Pal Joey” that he met Gene Kelly. The two became quick friends, and Donen started working as Kelly’s assistant, helping him choreograph his intensely acrobatic dance sequences.
The two turned to filmmaking with “On the Town” (1949), a lavish Technicolor musical about three sailors on a 24 hour shore leave in New York City. They teamed up again for perhaps the greatest movie musical of all time: “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). A satire of Hollywood’s rocky transition from silent cinema to sound,...
Donen got his start as a dancer. It was in the chorus line for George Abbott‘s production of “Pal Joey” that he met Gene Kelly. The two became quick friends, and Donen started working as Kelly’s assistant, helping him choreograph his intensely acrobatic dance sequences.
The two turned to filmmaking with “On the Town” (1949), a lavish Technicolor musical about three sailors on a 24 hour shore leave in New York City. They teamed up again for perhaps the greatest movie musical of all time: “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). A satire of Hollywood’s rocky transition from silent cinema to sound,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Actor Russ Tamblyn and production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein will be the official honorees of this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival, Turner Classic Movies announced Tuesday.
Now in its 14th year, the TCM Festival screens dozens of classic films from the early years of Hollywood and honors individuals whose work in Hollywood left a longstanding impact on cinema. This year’s theme, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” focuses on celebrating film legacies and stories told and retold across generations. This year’s festival will feature screenings of von Brandenstein’s films “Six Degrees of Separation” and “Amadeus,” and Tamblyn’s films “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Peyton Place.” The two will introduce the screenings of their films and sit down with TCM hosts for keynote conversations about their life and work.
Best known today for his performance as Riff in the original “West Side Story” film, Tamblyn...
Now in its 14th year, the TCM Festival screens dozens of classic films from the early years of Hollywood and honors individuals whose work in Hollywood left a longstanding impact on cinema. This year’s theme, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” focuses on celebrating film legacies and stories told and retold across generations. This year’s festival will feature screenings of von Brandenstein’s films “Six Degrees of Separation” and “Amadeus,” and Tamblyn’s films “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Peyton Place.” The two will introduce the screenings of their films and sit down with TCM hosts for keynote conversations about their life and work.
Best known today for his performance as Riff in the original “West Side Story” film, Tamblyn...
- 1/10/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
West Side Story star Russ Tamblyn and Oscar-winning production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein of Amadeus fame will be honored at the 14th annual TCM Classic Film Festival in April, it was announced Tuesday.
Each year, the event pays tribute to those whose work in Hollywood has left a lasting impact. The festival returns April 13-16 to Hollywood with the theme “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.”
Tamblyn showed off his acrobatic skills as the youngest Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and as Riff, the leader of the Jets, in West Side Story (1961).
He also received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his turn in Peyton Place (1957) and was memorable in two Father of the Bride films with Elizabeth Taylor, The Haunting (1963), Twin Peaks and much more.
Von Brandenstein won the Oscar for best art direction-set decoration for Amadeus (1984) and was nominated for Ragtime (1981) and The Untouchables (1987) as well.
Each year, the event pays tribute to those whose work in Hollywood has left a lasting impact. The festival returns April 13-16 to Hollywood with the theme “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.”
Tamblyn showed off his acrobatic skills as the youngest Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and as Riff, the leader of the Jets, in West Side Story (1961).
He also received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for his turn in Peyton Place (1957) and was memorable in two Father of the Bride films with Elizabeth Taylor, The Haunting (1963), Twin Peaks and much more.
Von Brandenstein won the Oscar for best art direction-set decoration for Amadeus (1984) and was nominated for Ragtime (1981) and The Untouchables (1987) as well.
- 1/10/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tommy Morgan, a harmonica soloist who contributed to hundreds of movie and TV shows including “Roots” and “Dances With Wolves,” died June 23. He was 89.
Morgan played on film soundtracks and record dates going back to the early 1950s. His estimated 7,000 recording sessions, according to statistics on his website, suggest that more people have heard his harmonica work than that of any other player of the instrument.
That’s Morgan’s harmonica on Quincy Jones’ “Sanford and Son” theme, Mike Post’s “Rockford Files” theme and the scores for numerous shows including “Maverick,” “The Waltons,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “China Beach,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Family Guy.”
He played on the Emmy-winning score for “Roots” and its sequel, “Roots: The Next Generations.” And his bass harmonica was the signature sound of Arnold Ziffel, the pig on “Green Acres.”
In addition, Morgan played on dozens of classic films including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,...
Morgan played on film soundtracks and record dates going back to the early 1950s. His estimated 7,000 recording sessions, according to statistics on his website, suggest that more people have heard his harmonica work than that of any other player of the instrument.
That’s Morgan’s harmonica on Quincy Jones’ “Sanford and Son” theme, Mike Post’s “Rockford Files” theme and the scores for numerous shows including “Maverick,” “The Waltons,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “China Beach,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Family Guy.”
He played on the Emmy-winning score for “Roots” and its sequel, “Roots: The Next Generations.” And his bass harmonica was the signature sound of Arnold Ziffel, the pig on “Green Acres.”
In addition, Morgan played on dozens of classic films including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,...
- 7/2/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
If you’ve been waiting to watch Christopher Nolan’s confounding sci-fi thriller “Tenet,” now is the time to finally get to it on your HBO Max watchlist. Nolan’s latest film is one of many movies leaving HBO Max in July, the full list of which you can read below.
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is another Nolan classic, “Inception,” Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” as well as two rom-com favorites “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “American Gigolo” was Richard Gere’s break-out role — and it would be a good time to watch ahead of the upcoming TV series starring Jon Bernthal.
Also Read:
The Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now
July 9:
Horrible Bosses 2, 2014
The New Mutants, 2020 (HBO)
July 11:
Black Mass, 2015
July 13:
Blue Exorcist (Subtitled), 2016
July 23:
Human Capital, 2020 (HBO)
July 26:
The Accountant,...
Also leaving HBO and HBO Max this month is another Nolan classic, “Inception,” Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” as well as two rom-com favorites “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
If you’re looking to prioritize some selections, “American Gigolo” was Richard Gere’s break-out role — and it would be a good time to watch ahead of the upcoming TV series starring Jon Bernthal.
Also Read:
The Best Movies on HBO Max Right Now
July 9:
Horrible Bosses 2, 2014
The New Mutants, 2020 (HBO)
July 11:
Black Mass, 2015
July 13:
Blue Exorcist (Subtitled), 2016
July 23:
Human Capital, 2020 (HBO)
July 26:
The Accountant,...
- 7/1/2022
- by Charna Flam
- The Wrap
“I looked at it as an homage to all of my favorites,” explains Christopher Gattelli of his work on “Schmigadoon!” The Tony-winning choreographer was a natural fit for the Apple TV+ series which spoofs Golden Age musicals in every episode. “This was one of my favorite eras. I grew up watching these films,” says Gattelli, “so much of it was in my DNA.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
The musical series plops a struggling couple (Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key) into a fantastical, candy-colored town where all the citizens burst into song and dance. It was an opportunity for Gattelli to honor past musical theatre dance legends like Agnes de Mille, Jerome Robbins and Michael Kidd. The choreography is unique, not a simple recreation by any stretch, but Gattelli made sure to include certain moves that were linked to the past. Those moments are guaranteed to trigger an “emotional...
The musical series plops a struggling couple (Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key) into a fantastical, candy-colored town where all the citizens burst into song and dance. It was an opportunity for Gattelli to honor past musical theatre dance legends like Agnes de Mille, Jerome Robbins and Michael Kidd. The choreography is unique, not a simple recreation by any stretch, but Gattelli made sure to include certain moves that were linked to the past. Those moments are guaranteed to trigger an “emotional...
- 5/8/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
by Nathaniel R
Jane Powell is no Julie Andrews but she does take a spin on a hilltop while singing in MGM's "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"
Our film title this week on Hit Me With Your Best Shot is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which is streaming on HBOMax. We knew we'd need to chase The Godfather with something lighter so we opted for a musical. So saddle up, and ride into this absurdly problematic but bouncy and colorful comedy after the jump...
Jane Powell is no Julie Andrews but she does take a spin on a hilltop while singing in MGM's "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"
Our film title this week on Hit Me With Your Best Shot is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which is streaming on HBOMax. We knew we'd need to chase The Godfather with something lighter so we opted for a musical. So saddle up, and ride into this absurdly problematic but bouncy and colorful comedy after the jump...
- 4/15/2022
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The next episode of our series, ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot,’ arrives tomorrow night. It’s focused on the 1954 musical extravaganza Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. You still have time to participate. For now, as something of a preview, here’s Cláudio’s entry.
Adapted from Stephen Vincent Benet's The Sobbin' Women, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the definition of problematic. Indeed, for some, a romantic premise that hinges on the real and horrifying subject of bride kidnapping might be irredeemable. Even for one like me, who regards cinema as audiovisual expression that can be entirely divorced from narrative, this effervescent tale of abducted women falling for their captors can be hard to swallow, look past. Consider that such objections don't even touch on the picture's penchant to treat rape imagery as comedy – yikes…...
Adapted from Stephen Vincent Benet's The Sobbin' Women, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is the definition of problematic. Indeed, for some, a romantic premise that hinges on the real and horrifying subject of bride kidnapping might be irredeemable. Even for one like me, who regards cinema as audiovisual expression that can be entirely divorced from narrative, this effervescent tale of abducted women falling for their captors can be hard to swallow, look past. Consider that such objections don't even touch on the picture's penchant to treat rape imagery as comedy – yikes…...
- 4/13/2022
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
In what can be called movie geek comfort food, Battle: Los Angeles and Krull have become cult favorites over the years. Why? You can watch either movie while doing other things keeping an extra eye on the screen, have devout fans who can recite the dialogue verbatim and will defend both movies to the end. Guilty pleasures, yes, cult status, definitely.
Even HBO Max has it listed as such.
The 2011 sci-fi and 1982 fantasy films have come to HBO Max and are available to stream now.
“Marines don’t quit.”
Battle: Los Angeles, starring Aaron Eckhart, and from director Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath Of The Titans), is the exciting story of a squad of U.S. Marines who become the last line of defense against a global invasion. It gets the military right than most war movies. Numerous Marine units assisted in filming and the movie contains some awesome scenes with Black Hawks,...
Even HBO Max has it listed as such.
The 2011 sci-fi and 1982 fantasy films have come to HBO Max and are available to stream now.
“Marines don’t quit.”
Battle: Los Angeles, starring Aaron Eckhart, and from director Jonathan Liebesman (Wrath Of The Titans), is the exciting story of a squad of U.S. Marines who become the last line of defense against a global invasion. It gets the military right than most war movies. Numerous Marine units assisted in filming and the movie contains some awesome scenes with Black Hawks,...
- 4/3/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The return of fan-favorite shows, auteurs tackling new original series, new documentaries and more headline what’s new on HBO Max in April 2022.
Top of the list is the HBO Max original series “The Flight Attendant,” which returns for its second season on April 21. Then there’s the long-awaited return of Bill Hader’s “Barry” on April 24 on HBO and HBO Max, as well as Season 3 of “The Black Lady Sketch Show” on April 8.
In terms of new originals, “The Wire” and “The Deuce” creator David Simon is back with the new series “We Own This City” on April 25, which chronicles the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. Michael Mann executive produces and directs the first episode of the neo-noir “Tokyo Vice,” which premieres on April 7. And Ben Foster stars as Holocaust survivor Harry Haft in the HBO Original Film “The Survivor,” which...
Top of the list is the HBO Max original series “The Flight Attendant,” which returns for its second season on April 21. Then there’s the long-awaited return of Bill Hader’s “Barry” on April 24 on HBO and HBO Max, as well as Season 3 of “The Black Lady Sketch Show” on April 8.
In terms of new originals, “The Wire” and “The Deuce” creator David Simon is back with the new series “We Own This City” on April 25, which chronicles the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. Michael Mann executive produces and directs the first episode of the neo-noir “Tokyo Vice,” which premieres on April 7. And Ben Foster stars as Holocaust survivor Harry Haft in the HBO Original Film “The Survivor,” which...
- 4/1/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
April is about to be a good month for returning HBO and HBO Max properties.
HBO Max’s list of releases for April 2022 features three hotly anticipated seasons of television. The Flight Attendant, which helped launch HBO Max as a viable spot for good dramedy in 2020, premieres its second season on April 21. That will be followed by another go-around for the sci-fi comedy Made for Love on April 28. Of course, the big ticket item this month is something that HBO Max inherited from its cable cousin. Barry season 3 will continue the story of hitman-turned-actor Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) on April 24.
The TV offerings run much deeper than just returning shows this month. April 7 sees the arrival of Tokyo Vice, a sprawling crime drama with some episodes directed by Michael Mann. The series stars Ansel Elgort as an American journalist embedding himself in Tokyo’s criminal underground in the late ’90s.
HBO Max’s list of releases for April 2022 features three hotly anticipated seasons of television. The Flight Attendant, which helped launch HBO Max as a viable spot for good dramedy in 2020, premieres its second season on April 21. That will be followed by another go-around for the sci-fi comedy Made for Love on April 28. Of course, the big ticket item this month is something that HBO Max inherited from its cable cousin. Barry season 3 will continue the story of hitman-turned-actor Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) on April 24.
The TV offerings run much deeper than just returning shows this month. April 7 sees the arrival of Tokyo Vice, a sprawling crime drama with some episodes directed by Michael Mann. The series stars Ansel Elgort as an American journalist embedding himself in Tokyo’s criminal underground in the late ’90s.
- 4/1/2022
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The opening of “West Side Story,” both the 1961 and 2021 films, is not a song or a dialogue scene or even a traditional overture; it’s a dance. And it’s not just a dance — it’s a plunge into a world in which street gangs in 1950s New York launch into the air in bursts of aggressive leaps and exhilarating turns. In Steven Spielberg’s reimagining, the Jets rove through their neighborhood as it is being demolished, their tours and pirouettes not only expressing their rage but also a sense of helplessness against larger forces at hand.
The dance in Spielberg’s “West Side Story” is different from what we’ve seen in movie musicals in the last half century. The film marks a stunning retrieval of a relationship between Hollywood, Broadway, and the ballet world not really seen since, well, the original Jerome Robbins-Robert Wise “West Side Story.
The dance in Spielberg’s “West Side Story” is different from what we’ve seen in movie musicals in the last half century. The film marks a stunning retrieval of a relationship between Hollywood, Broadway, and the ballet world not really seen since, well, the original Jerome Robbins-Robert Wise “West Side Story.
- 3/2/2022
- by Luci Marzola
- Indiewire
Sometimes, when you're not too focussed on the minutiae of the Witcher-verse, this series takes on the trappings and tropes of a classic wartime drama.
The Witcher Season 2 Episode 4 is one of those instances where Triss tries to intervene before Ciri goes full-blown child soldier, while Yennefer and Cahir experience the life of fugitive refugees.
War makes heroes out of the most unlikely candidates and Dandelion's ... uh, sorry, Jaskier's turn as elf sympathizer and transporter, Sandpiper, is both a welcome return for the character and the best Wtf moment of the season so far.
One of the most anticipated arrivals is Dijkstra, the Redanian spymaster.
Portrayed by Graham McTavish -- a Witcher double-dipper, having voiced Vesemir's mentor Deglan on the animated prequel feature, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf -- Dijkstra is a genius strategist whose mental projections outpace his ability to communicate them.
Even traitors speak the truth.
Dijkstra...
The Witcher Season 2 Episode 4 is one of those instances where Triss tries to intervene before Ciri goes full-blown child soldier, while Yennefer and Cahir experience the life of fugitive refugees.
War makes heroes out of the most unlikely candidates and Dandelion's ... uh, sorry, Jaskier's turn as elf sympathizer and transporter, Sandpiper, is both a welcome return for the character and the best Wtf moment of the season so far.
One of the most anticipated arrivals is Dijkstra, the Redanian spymaster.
Portrayed by Graham McTavish -- a Witcher double-dipper, having voiced Vesemir's mentor Deglan on the animated prequel feature, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf -- Dijkstra is a genius strategist whose mental projections outpace his ability to communicate them.
Even traitors speak the truth.
Dijkstra...
- 12/17/2021
- by Diana Keng
- TVfanatic
The journalist and podcaster talks about some of her favorite cinematic grifters and losers with Josh and Joe.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Nightmare Alley (1947) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Third Man (1949) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
All About Eve (1950)
The Hot Rock (1972) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Die Hard (1988)
Sunset Boulevard (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Producers (1967) – Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Panic In The Streets (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Music Man (1962)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s review
The Band Wagon (1953) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
A Night At The Opera (1935) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Cocoanuts (1929)
Animal Crackers (1930) – Robert Weide...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Nightmare Alley (1947) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Third Man (1949) – George Hickenlooper’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
All About Eve (1950)
The Hot Rock (1972) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Die Hard (1988)
Sunset Boulevard (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Producers (1967) – Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
Panic In The Streets (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Music Man (1962)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s review
The Band Wagon (1953) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
A Night At The Opera (1935) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Cocoanuts (1929)
Animal Crackers (1930) – Robert Weide...
- 12/14/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Peter Palmer, who originated the title character in Broadway’s 1956 musical Li’l Abner and then reprised the role for the 1959 film adaptation, died Tuesday. He was 90.
His death was announced on Facebook by his son Steven Palmer, who noted that the actor died one day after his 90th birthday. No cause was given.
“As a family we knew this was coming and that’s why we had such a wonderful celebration of his birthday this weekend,” Steven Palmer wrote. “He enjoyed being celebrated by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends and extended family. Gonna miss you, Pops.”
Palmer, who majored in music while playing football in the early 1950s for the Big Ten champs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and routinely performed the National Anthem at games, was cast as Broadway’s naïve, muscle-bound hero of Dogpatch after producers saw him sing on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Li’l Abner musical,...
His death was announced on Facebook by his son Steven Palmer, who noted that the actor died one day after his 90th birthday. No cause was given.
“As a family we knew this was coming and that’s why we had such a wonderful celebration of his birthday this weekend,” Steven Palmer wrote. “He enjoyed being celebrated by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends and extended family. Gonna miss you, Pops.”
Palmer, who majored in music while playing football in the early 1950s for the Big Ten champs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and routinely performed the National Anthem at games, was cast as Broadway’s naïve, muscle-bound hero of Dogpatch after producers saw him sing on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The Li’l Abner musical,...
- 9/22/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
American singer and dancer who played Milly in the classic 1954 film musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Jane Powell, who has died aged 92, was a singing star at MGM during the heyday of the studio’s musicals, from the mid-1940s to the mid-50s. She had a creamy coloratura soprano voice and appeared in several glossy, gossamer entertainments, playing a love-sick teenager before graduating to adulthood at the age of 25 with her best role as Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954).
In Stanley Donen’s exuberant film, the diminutive Powell is wooed by the baritone Howard Keel (singing Bless Your Beautiful Hide), and despite the disparity in their heights they made a good match. Powell attempts to civilise her six unruly brothers-in-law, teaching them to dance politely in the number Goin’ Courtin’. She was never again to play such a mature and well-rounded character. It was the peak of her career.
Jane Powell, who has died aged 92, was a singing star at MGM during the heyday of the studio’s musicals, from the mid-1940s to the mid-50s. She had a creamy coloratura soprano voice and appeared in several glossy, gossamer entertainments, playing a love-sick teenager before graduating to adulthood at the age of 25 with her best role as Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954).
In Stanley Donen’s exuberant film, the diminutive Powell is wooed by the baritone Howard Keel (singing Bless Your Beautiful Hide), and despite the disparity in their heights they made a good match. Powell attempts to civilise her six unruly brothers-in-law, teaching them to dance politely in the number Goin’ Courtin’. She was never again to play such a mature and well-rounded character. It was the peak of her career.
- 9/21/2021
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Jane Powell, who starred as an angelically visaged young actress in a number of MGM musicals including “Royal Wedding” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” during the 1940s and 1950s, has died of natural causes. She was 92 years old.
The blonde, blue-eyed Powell usually played characters with a gentle mischievous streak in her musical comedies, but she would shatter the light-hearted atmosphere of her films when she sang: A surprisingly powerful coloratura would emerge from the diminutive (5-feet-1) thesp.
Her producer and mentor was MGM’s Joe Pasternak, who had earlier developed the talents of Deanna Durbin at Universal.
Auditioning for Louis B. Mayer and for David O. Selznick, she quickly drew a seven-year contract with MGM in 1943. Her first film, on loan-out, was 1944 musical “Song of the Open Road,” in which the actress played a child film star who runs away. She took her character’s name, Jane Powell,...
The blonde, blue-eyed Powell usually played characters with a gentle mischievous streak in her musical comedies, but she would shatter the light-hearted atmosphere of her films when she sang: A surprisingly powerful coloratura would emerge from the diminutive (5-feet-1) thesp.
Her producer and mentor was MGM’s Joe Pasternak, who had earlier developed the talents of Deanna Durbin at Universal.
Auditioning for Louis B. Mayer and for David O. Selznick, she quickly drew a seven-year contract with MGM in 1943. Her first film, on loan-out, was 1944 musical “Song of the Open Road,” in which the actress played a child film star who runs away. She took her character’s name, Jane Powell,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Jane Powell, an Old Hollywood star known for films such as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Royal Wedding” with Fred Astaire, has died. She was 92.
Powell died early Thursday of natural causes in her home in Wilton, Connecticut, that she had shared with husband, actor and publicist Dickie Moore, who died in 2015. Powell’s death was confirmed to TheWrap by her longtime friend and spokesperson Susan Granger.
Powell was one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and her storied career took her into theater and television, even playing Alan Thicke’s mother on the hit 1980s series “Growing Pains.” Powell is fondly remembered for her soprano voice and spunky charm in several classic MGM musicals, and she would eventually share the screen with stars such as Astaire, Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor.
Born Suzanne Lorraine Burce, Powell won a talent competition in Los Angeles in...
Powell died early Thursday of natural causes in her home in Wilton, Connecticut, that she had shared with husband, actor and publicist Dickie Moore, who died in 2015. Powell’s death was confirmed to TheWrap by her longtime friend and spokesperson Susan Granger.
Powell was one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and her storied career took her into theater and television, even playing Alan Thicke’s mother on the hit 1980s series “Growing Pains.” Powell is fondly remembered for her soprano voice and spunky charm in several classic MGM musicals, and she would eventually share the screen with stars such as Astaire, Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor.
Born Suzanne Lorraine Burce, Powell won a talent competition in Los Angeles in...
- 9/16/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jane Powell, who made her screen debut with W.C. Fields, danced with Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding, was one of seven brides for seven brothers in the classic 1954 film musical, sang “Buttons and Bows” at President Harry S. Truman’s Inaugural Ball and was a bridesmaid at the first of Elizabeth Taylor’s weddings, died of natural causes today at her home in Wilton, Connecticut. She was 92.
Susan Granger, a friend of the actress and spokesperson for her family, told Deadline that Powell died peacefully at the house she shared for many years with her husband, the actor and publicist Dick Moore, who died in 2015.
Powell, one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, continued to appear on stage well into the 21st Century, making her career among her generation’s sturdiest.
Born Suzanne Lorraine Burce in Portland, Oregon, Powell was already a locally successful singer – she...
Susan Granger, a friend of the actress and spokesperson for her family, told Deadline that Powell died peacefully at the house she shared for many years with her husband, the actor and publicist Dick Moore, who died in 2015.
Powell, one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, continued to appear on stage well into the 21st Century, making her career among her generation’s sturdiest.
Born Suzanne Lorraine Burce in Portland, Oregon, Powell was already a locally successful singer – she...
- 9/16/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jane Powell, the radiant and refined singing star of such ebullient Hollywood musicals as A Date With Judy, Royal Wedding and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, died Thursday. She was 92.
Powell, who projected an image of the innocent girl next door throughout her movie career, which began as a teenager, died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, film critic and longtime friend Susan Granger told The Hollywood Reporter.
With her soprano operatic voice, Powell also was a recording star and a popular stage performer, playing in road productions of such musicals as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Carousel, and she reteamed with ...
Powell, who projected an image of the innocent girl next door throughout her movie career, which began as a teenager, died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, film critic and longtime friend Susan Granger told The Hollywood Reporter.
With her soprano operatic voice, Powell also was a recording star and a popular stage performer, playing in road productions of such musicals as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Carousel, and she reteamed with ...
- 9/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jane Powell, the radiant and refined singing star of such ebullient Hollywood musicals as A Date With Judy, Royal Wedding and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, died Thursday. She was 92.
Powell, who projected an image of the innocent girl next door throughout her movie career, which began as a teenager, died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, film critic and longtime friend Susan Granger told The Hollywood Reporter.
With her soprano operatic voice, Powell also was a recording star and a popular stage performer, playing in road productions of such musicals as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Carousel, and she reteamed with ...
Powell, who projected an image of the innocent girl next door throughout her movie career, which began as a teenager, died of natural causes at her home in Wilton, Connecticut, film critic and longtime friend Susan Granger told The Hollywood Reporter.
With her soprano operatic voice, Powell also was a recording star and a popular stage performer, playing in road productions of such musicals as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Carousel, and she reteamed with ...
- 9/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The exclamation point seen in the title cards of the new musical comedy “Schmigadoon!” isn’t just a nod to Rodgers & Hammerstein (a short overture even figures in), it’s a full-on attitude in this fitfully jubilant slice of whimsy. A six-episode summer trifle — much like the various pies and pastries fervently pushed by locals in the nominal town — it can sometimes be a bit of a toothache, but the series is also just as often irresistible, with a tremendously committed, blue-chip cast working at the peak of their powers.
Melissa and Josh (Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key) are an on-the-rocks couple, both physicians (an aspect that doesn’t pay off completely), trying to reignite their sparkless relationship by signing up for a retreat, and after a backpacking sojourn where they go way too deep into the woods (heh heh), find themselves in an all singing-all dancing Golden Age musical hamlet.
Melissa and Josh (Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key) are an on-the-rocks couple, both physicians (an aspect that doesn’t pay off completely), trying to reignite their sparkless relationship by signing up for a retreat, and after a backpacking sojourn where they go way too deep into the woods (heh heh), find themselves in an all singing-all dancing Golden Age musical hamlet.
- 7/12/2021
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The dancer also appeared in classic films like “Carousel”
Jacques d’Amboise, a famed dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet who also appeared in classic musical films such as “Carousel” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” has died. He was 86.
His daughter and dancer Charlotte d’Amboise told The New York Times he died Sunday at his home in Manhattan after a stroke.
At just 15 years old, d’Amboise left school and was recruited by the New York City Ballet, quickly becoming one of the stars of the company and helping to erase stereotypes about male ballet dancers with both his elegance and masculinity on stage.
By 1953, he was named principal dancer and had 24 roles by George Balanchine, including the seminal “Apollo.” He retired from the company just ahead of his 50th birthday in 1984, but he would continue to choreograph routines, including 17 works for the City Ballet and others for the National Dance Institute.
Jacques d’Amboise, a famed dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet who also appeared in classic musical films such as “Carousel” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” has died. He was 86.
His daughter and dancer Charlotte d’Amboise told The New York Times he died Sunday at his home in Manhattan after a stroke.
At just 15 years old, d’Amboise left school and was recruited by the New York City Ballet, quickly becoming one of the stars of the company and helping to erase stereotypes about male ballet dancers with both his elegance and masculinity on stage.
By 1953, he was named principal dancer and had 24 roles by George Balanchine, including the seminal “Apollo.” He retired from the company just ahead of his 50th birthday in 1984, but he would continue to choreograph routines, including 17 works for the City Ballet and others for the National Dance Institute.
- 5/3/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jacques d’Amboise, the premier New York City Ballet dancer who displayed his energy and athleticism on the big screen in the musicals Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Carousel, has died. He was 86.
D’Amboise died Sunday in his Manhattan home of complications from a stroke, his daughter, actress-dancer Charlotte d’Amboise, told The New York Times.
He spent the past four-plus decades providing free classes to schoolchildren at his New York-based National Dance Institute.
D’Amboise portrayed Ephraim Pontipee (eventual husband of Virginia Gibson’s Liza) in MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and played a Starlight Carnival barker ...
D’Amboise died Sunday in his Manhattan home of complications from a stroke, his daughter, actress-dancer Charlotte d’Amboise, told The New York Times.
He spent the past four-plus decades providing free classes to schoolchildren at his New York-based National Dance Institute.
D’Amboise portrayed Ephraim Pontipee (eventual husband of Virginia Gibson’s Liza) in MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and played a Starlight Carnival barker ...
Jacques d’Amboise, the premier New York City Ballet dancer who displayed his energy and athleticism on the big screen in the musicals Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Carousel, has died. He was 86.
D’Amboise died Sunday in his Manhattan home of complications from a stroke, his daughter, actress-dancer Charlotte d’Amboise, told The New York Times.
He spent the past four-plus decades providing free classes to schoolchildren at his New York-based National Dance Institute.
D’Amboise portrayed Ephraim Pontipee (eventual husband of Virginia Gibson’s Liza) in MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and played a Starlight Carnival barker ...
D’Amboise died Sunday in his Manhattan home of complications from a stroke, his daughter, actress-dancer Charlotte d’Amboise, told The New York Times.
He spent the past four-plus decades providing free classes to schoolchildren at his New York-based National Dance Institute.
D’Amboise portrayed Ephraim Pontipee (eventual husband of Virginia Gibson’s Liza) in MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and played a Starlight Carnival barker ...
It seems we are living through a phase of so-called “cancel culture” these days. Just this week, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced it will no longer publish six lesser-known books by the famed children’s author due to offensive and racist depictions. Mr. Potato Head is now non-gender. Some episodes of The Muppet Show has special warning labels on Disney+. Aunt Jemima is Ko’d on the syrup shelves. In a sweeping wave of reassessing cultural images we have grown up with in our American life, a new and more sensitive spotlight is being presented on the way we view the past through the prism of a more politically correct 2021.
In that regard, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the WarnerMedia-owned cable channel dedicated to the loving presentation of Hollywood’s cinematic heritage right from the beginning of the medium to now, has also jumped into the fray, announcing it will be...
In that regard, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the WarnerMedia-owned cable channel dedicated to the loving presentation of Hollywood’s cinematic heritage right from the beginning of the medium to now, has also jumped into the fray, announcing it will be...
- 3/5/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Tommy Rall, the actor and dancer who brought Broadway skills to Hollywood films including Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Funny Girl and Pennies From Heaven, died Tuesday of congestive heart failure in Santa Monica. He was 90.
His death was announced by friend Cynthia Wands on Facebook.
“A hospice nurse was by Tommy’s bedside,” Wands wrote, “and found a box that held the cards and letters that had been sent to him in the last few weeks. She spent the afternoon reading each one to him, and when she finished reading the last one – he peacefully stopped breathing and passed away.”
As a dancer in the 1950s, Rall shuttled between Broadway and Hollywood, choreographed onstage by Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion (Small Wonder) and Agnes de Mille (Juno) and directed on screen by Stanley Donen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), George Sidney (Kiss Me Kate...
His death was announced by friend Cynthia Wands on Facebook.
“A hospice nurse was by Tommy’s bedside,” Wands wrote, “and found a box that held the cards and letters that had been sent to him in the last few weeks. She spent the afternoon reading each one to him, and when she finished reading the last one – he peacefully stopped breathing and passed away.”
As a dancer in the 1950s, Rall shuttled between Broadway and Hollywood, choreographed onstage by Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion (Small Wonder) and Agnes de Mille (Juno) and directed on screen by Stanley Donen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), George Sidney (Kiss Me Kate...
- 10/8/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tommy Rall, the actor and acrobatic dancer who displayed his athletic dexterity in the classic MGM musicals Kiss Me Kate and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, has died. He was 90.
Rall died Tuesday of congestive heart failure in Santa Monica, his friend Cynthia Wands reported on Facebook.
On Broadway, the dynamic Rall performed for famed choreographers Jerome Robbins, Agnes de Mille and Gower Champion and appeared in productions including Miss Liberty, Call Me Madam and Milk and Honey.
Later, he showed up as Barbra Streisand’s princely dance partner in the parody of Swan Lake in Funny Girl (1968) and shared a vaudeville tap number to “...
Rall died Tuesday of congestive heart failure in Santa Monica, his friend Cynthia Wands reported on Facebook.
On Broadway, the dynamic Rall performed for famed choreographers Jerome Robbins, Agnes de Mille and Gower Champion and appeared in productions including Miss Liberty, Call Me Madam and Milk and Honey.
Later, he showed up as Barbra Streisand’s princely dance partner in the parody of Swan Lake in Funny Girl (1968) and shared a vaudeville tap number to “...
- 10/8/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Last week, just before the President’s diagnosis consumed us, Hollywood leaders joined in asking that Congress send coronavirus relief funds to exhibitors. Those were described as a life-and-death issue for theaters. A mortal threat. And who can doubt it? If the White House isn’t safe, movie houses are certainly still a question mark.
But the dramatic language of the plea—“our country cannot afford to lose the social, economic, and cultural value that theaters provide” warned a joint letter—couldn’t help but recall a peculiar truth about the movie business. That is, it is usually dying of something.
Strikes. New technology. Piracy. Star salaries. Something.
In fact, morbidity is an old habit in Hollywood. The trick is to know what is really an existential threat—this one certainly seems real—and what is just another stage death in an industry that is forever deciding the show is finally over.
But the dramatic language of the plea—“our country cannot afford to lose the social, economic, and cultural value that theaters provide” warned a joint letter—couldn’t help but recall a peculiar truth about the movie business. That is, it is usually dying of something.
Strikes. New technology. Piracy. Star salaries. Something.
In fact, morbidity is an old habit in Hollywood. The trick is to know what is really an existential threat—this one certainly seems real—and what is just another stage death in an industry that is forever deciding the show is finally over.
- 10/4/2020
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Al Kasha, the songwriter who won Academy Awards in the 1970s for co-writing hit ballads for “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Towering Inferno,” died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83. No cause of death was immediately given.
As part of a songwriting team with Joel Hirschhorn, Kasha received two Tony nominations, four Golden Globe nods and a People’s Choice award, plus a pair of additional Oscar nominations for “Pete’s Dragon” in addition to the duo’s two wins for the Irwin Allen disaster movies.
“Write in Power,” tweeted Diane Warren, who succeeded Kasha as movie-theme royalty. “A great songwriter and lovely man,” she said, adding a broken-heart emoji.
“The Morning After,” from 1972’s “The Poseidon Adventure,” is still remembered as one of the more indelible movie themes of all time, either despite or because of the fact that it appeared within the body of the film, being sung on...
As part of a songwriting team with Joel Hirschhorn, Kasha received two Tony nominations, four Golden Globe nods and a People’s Choice award, plus a pair of additional Oscar nominations for “Pete’s Dragon” in addition to the duo’s two wins for the Irwin Allen disaster movies.
“Write in Power,” tweeted Diane Warren, who succeeded Kasha as movie-theme royalty. “A great songwriter and lovely man,” she said, adding a broken-heart emoji.
“The Morning After,” from 1972’s “The Poseidon Adventure,” is still remembered as one of the more indelible movie themes of all time, either despite or because of the fact that it appeared within the body of the film, being sung on...
- 9/15/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Norma Doggett, the Broadway dancer who portrayed Martha, one of the lovely ladies in the classic 1954 Stanley Donen musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, has died. She was 94.
Doggett, a longtime resident of Forest Hills in New York, died May 4.
On Broadway, Doggett appeared in six musicals from 1948-59, working for Irving Berlin, Jerome Robbins, Moss Hart and Joshua Logan and serving as an understudy to the likes of Ethel Merman, Florence Henderson and Allyn McLerie.
Doggett had auditioned for Seven Brides choreographer Michael Kidd in 1953 for a job as Gwen Verdon's understudy in the Broadway musical Can-Can, and he remembered ...
Doggett, a longtime resident of Forest Hills in New York, died May 4.
On Broadway, Doggett appeared in six musicals from 1948-59, working for Irving Berlin, Jerome Robbins, Moss Hart and Joshua Logan and serving as an understudy to the likes of Ethel Merman, Florence Henderson and Allyn McLerie.
Doggett had auditioned for Seven Brides choreographer Michael Kidd in 1953 for a job as Gwen Verdon's understudy in the Broadway musical Can-Can, and he remembered ...
- 5/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
As the world fights a pandemic, we’ve been reaching out to some of our favorite artists to get their takes on these unprecedented times. Here’s what Faith No More and Mr. Bungle singer Mike Patton — who just released Necroscape, an enveloping and unsettling avant-rock odyssey by tētēma, his collaborative venture with Australian composer Anthony Pateras — had to say in response to a few quarantine questions via email.
What are you doing with your unexpected time at home?
Writing. Writing. Writing. Working on several records at once, which isn’t abnormal for me,...
What are you doing with your unexpected time at home?
Writing. Writing. Writing. Working on several records at once, which isn’t abnormal for me,...
- 4/21/2020
- by Hank Shteamer
- Rollingstone.com
John Callahan, a soap opera veteran with roles on All My Children and Days of Our Lives, died Saturday morning, according to his former wife and co-star Eva Larue. He was 66.
“Wing You to Your Rest my Dear Friend. Your bigger than life, gregarious personality will leave a hole in our hearts forever. We are devastated-My great friend, co parent partner, and loving father to Kaya,” Larue shared on Instagram. “You gave the best, most beautifully written tributes, and I am at a complete loss for words right now for you. I hope Heaven has baseball and that your team always wins! The Yankees has just lost their biggest fan.”
More from DeadlineRoscoe Born Dies: 'The Young And The Restless', 'All My Children' Actor Was 69Jason Davis Dies: 'Recess' Voice Actor Was 35Marsha Kramer Dies: 'Modern Family' Actress Was 74
View this post on Instagram
May Flights of Angels...
“Wing You to Your Rest my Dear Friend. Your bigger than life, gregarious personality will leave a hole in our hearts forever. We are devastated-My great friend, co parent partner, and loving father to Kaya,” Larue shared on Instagram. “You gave the best, most beautifully written tributes, and I am at a complete loss for words right now for you. I hope Heaven has baseball and that your team always wins! The Yankees has just lost their biggest fan.”
More from DeadlineRoscoe Born Dies: 'The Young And The Restless', 'All My Children' Actor Was 69Jason Davis Dies: 'Recess' Voice Actor Was 35Marsha Kramer Dies: 'Modern Family' Actress Was 74
View this post on Instagram
May Flights of Angels...
- 3/28/2020
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild” ranks as one of the most famous books about a canine ever written. So director Chris Sanders knew that the composer of his film adaptation simply had to be a dog lover.
Luckily, Sanders’ “How to Train Your Dragon” composer, John Powell, has two standard poodles. And when Powell watched a full-length animatic version of the film, long before there was even a rough cut, he wasn’t the only one who appreciated the work. “My older dog Chase sat and watched the whole thing with me on the couch,” the composer reports.
Powell (who earned an Oscar nomination for his 2010 “Dragon” score) was also the right choice, Sanders says, for “his ability to transport us so fully to a time and place” — in this case the Yukon Territory during the Gold Rush days of the 1890s. The music needed to be “something a little bit folksy,...
Luckily, Sanders’ “How to Train Your Dragon” composer, John Powell, has two standard poodles. And when Powell watched a full-length animatic version of the film, long before there was even a rough cut, he wasn’t the only one who appreciated the work. “My older dog Chase sat and watched the whole thing with me on the couch,” the composer reports.
Powell (who earned an Oscar nomination for his 2010 “Dragon” score) was also the right choice, Sanders says, for “his ability to transport us so fully to a time and place” — in this case the Yukon Territory during the Gold Rush days of the 1890s. The music needed to be “something a little bit folksy,...
- 2/19/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Expected Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix pours his heart out to interview Anderson Cooper on a segment of “60 Minutes” this Sunday on the eve of the announcement of the nominees for the 92nd Academy Awards whose ceremony will air on February 9 on ABC.
The star of “Joker,” the first R-rated film to pass the billion-dollar mark at the box office worldwide, has already claimed his second Globe — following his win for playing country legend Johnny Cash in 2005’s “Walk the Line” — as the deranged and abused clown Arthur Fleck who transforms into Batman’s nemesis the Joker.
SEEKeep it real? Or can Joaquin Phoenix (‘Joker’) crush this recent Oscar trend?
Phoenix, who made his acting debut along with his late brother Phoenix, in 1982 on the TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” opens up to Cooper about the overdose death of his older sibling outside of the Los Angeles music venue...
The star of “Joker,” the first R-rated film to pass the billion-dollar mark at the box office worldwide, has already claimed his second Globe — following his win for playing country legend Johnny Cash in 2005’s “Walk the Line” — as the deranged and abused clown Arthur Fleck who transforms into Batman’s nemesis the Joker.
SEEKeep it real? Or can Joaquin Phoenix (‘Joker’) crush this recent Oscar trend?
Phoenix, who made his acting debut along with his late brother Phoenix, in 1982 on the TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” opens up to Cooper about the overdose death of his older sibling outside of the Los Angeles music venue...
- 1/12/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
River Phoenix sadly was one of those actors whose career burned bright for only a few years and then ended way before its time. August 23, 2019, would have marked his 49th birthday but tragically the gifted young actor only made it to age 23.
Phoenix and his siblings (including Joaquin Phoenix) began acting as children. He found his first job in a television show based on the popular film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” That show only ran for one season, but Phoenix would continue to work on TV for the next few years. In 1985 he would have his breakthrough in a supporting role in an acclaimed all-star TV movie called “Surviving” and then that same year in his first feature film “Explorers.” The following year would mark an even bigger breakthrough when he starred in the sleeper hit “Stand by Me” as one of four childhood friends who go looking for a dead body.
Phoenix and his siblings (including Joaquin Phoenix) began acting as children. He found his first job in a television show based on the popular film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” That show only ran for one season, but Phoenix would continue to work on TV for the next few years. In 1985 he would have his breakthrough in a supporting role in an acclaimed all-star TV movie called “Surviving” and then that same year in his first feature film “Explorers.” The following year would mark an even bigger breakthrough when he starred in the sleeper hit “Stand by Me” as one of four childhood friends who go looking for a dead body.
- 8/23/2019
- by Robert Pius and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
River Phoenix sadly was one of those actors whose career burned bright for only a few years and then ended way before its time. August 31, 2019, would have marked his 49th birthday but tragically the gifted young actor only made it to age 23.
Phoenix and his siblings (including Joaquin Phoenix) began acting as children. He found his first job in a television show based on the popular film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” That show only ran for one season, but Phoenix would continue to work on TV for the next few years. In 1985 he would have his breakthrough in a supporting role in an acclaimed all-star TV movie called “Surviving” and then that same year in his first feature film “Explorers.” The following year would mark an even bigger breakthrough when he starred in the sleeper hit “Stand by Me” as one of four childhood friends who go looking for a dead body.
Phoenix and his siblings (including Joaquin Phoenix) began acting as children. He found his first job in a television show based on the popular film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” That show only ran for one season, but Phoenix would continue to work on TV for the next few years. In 1985 he would have his breakthrough in a supporting role in an acclaimed all-star TV movie called “Surviving” and then that same year in his first feature film “Explorers.” The following year would mark an even bigger breakthrough when he starred in the sleeper hit “Stand by Me” as one of four childhood friends who go looking for a dead body.
- 8/23/2019
- by Robert Pius, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
With an acting career that spans work for Cecil B. DeMille and Joseph Losey to Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch, Russ Tamblyn’s creativity and longevity is proof that there’s life after child stardom. In Tamblyn’s case, there’s also been a bounty of juicy film and TV roles long after his legendary legs no longer kicked up movie musicals such as “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “West Side Story.” His decades in film and TV include all genres, from Robert Wise’s suspense classic “The Haunting” to George Pal’s colorful kidfare, such as “Tom Thumb” and “Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm” and Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” series. It’s a career he explores in his upcoming memoir, “Dancing on the Edge.”
It was in 1948, eight years before the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. touted his arrival as “Most Promising Newcomer,” that Tamblyn first appeared in...
It was in 1948, eight years before the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. touted his arrival as “Most Promising Newcomer,” that Tamblyn first appeared in...
- 7/20/2019
- by Steven Gaydos
- Variety Film + TV
John Woo’s “The Killer” is one of the most influential action films of the last three decades, and as its 30th anniversary approaches, he told a Los Angeles audience Thursday how he staged some of its unforgettable scenes with no script.
Secret Movie Club presented the film in 35mm at the Visa Theater, and started with a live Woo Q&a. Secret Movie Club programmer Craig Hammill started with a straightforward question for the director, whose Hollywood films include “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible II.”
“You’re know for making some of the best action sequences of all time,” Hammill said. “Do you storyboard those sequences or do you come up with the shots once you’re on the set?”
Also Read: When Sacheen Littlefeather and Marlon Brando Fought John Wayne for the Soul of the Oscars
Woo’s response drew delighted laughter from the sold-out crowd.
“No, I’ve...
Secret Movie Club presented the film in 35mm at the Visa Theater, and started with a live Woo Q&a. Secret Movie Club programmer Craig Hammill started with a straightforward question for the director, whose Hollywood films include “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible II.”
“You’re know for making some of the best action sequences of all time,” Hammill said. “Do you storyboard those sequences or do you come up with the shots once you’re on the set?”
Also Read: When Sacheen Littlefeather and Marlon Brando Fought John Wayne for the Soul of the Oscars
Woo’s response drew delighted laughter from the sold-out crowd.
“No, I’ve...
- 6/21/2019
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Bharat Actress Katrina Kaif gets scared easily, and that's why she likes to stay away from horror films.
She opened up about it during a conversation on IMDb original series "The Insider's Watchlist", read a statement.
Asked if there is a genre she doesn't watch, Katrina said: "Horror. I'm too scared, it scares me. I don't want to be scared."
Also Read:?Bharat: What made Katrina Kaif to say thank you?
But the actress has some 'go-to' movies.
"Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Hugh Grant movies can really get you out of a bad mood. Sleepless In Seattle, Pretty Woman, Four Weddings And A Funeral?-- there's an innocent, pure, joyous quality about those films," she said, adding that "Gossip Girl" is her guilty pleasure.
She said she is a big fan of "classic cinema, with my spectacle and the songs and the drama".
Checkout which Film made Katrina to become an actor.
She opened up about it during a conversation on IMDb original series "The Insider's Watchlist", read a statement.
Asked if there is a genre she doesn't watch, Katrina said: "Horror. I'm too scared, it scares me. I don't want to be scared."
Also Read:?Bharat: What made Katrina Kaif to say thank you?
But the actress has some 'go-to' movies.
"Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Hugh Grant movies can really get you out of a bad mood. Sleepless In Seattle, Pretty Woman, Four Weddings And A Funeral?-- there's an innocent, pure, joyous quality about those films," she said, adding that "Gossip Girl" is her guilty pleasure.
She said she is a big fan of "classic cinema, with my spectacle and the songs and the drama".
Checkout which Film made Katrina to become an actor.
- 6/11/2019
- GlamSham
The late Stanley Donen would’ve celebrated his 95th birthday on April 13, 2019. The legendary filmmaker — the last of the directors from Hollywood’s golden age — passed away earlier this year on February 21, leaving behind a legacy of classic movies filled with color, song, and dance. In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look back at 15 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1924, Donen got his start as a dancer. It was in the chorus line for George Abbott‘s production of “Pal Joey” that he met Gene Kelly. The two became quick friends, and Donen started working as Kelly’s assistant, helping him choreograph his intensely acrobatic dance sequences.
SEEGene Kelly movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
The two turned to filmmaking with “On the Town” (1949), a lavish Technicolor musical about three sailors on a 24 hour shore leave in New York City. They...
Born in 1924, Donen got his start as a dancer. It was in the chorus line for George Abbott‘s production of “Pal Joey” that he met Gene Kelly. The two became quick friends, and Donen started working as Kelly’s assistant, helping him choreograph his intensely acrobatic dance sequences.
SEEGene Kelly movies: 12 greatest films ranked from worst to best
The two turned to filmmaking with “On the Town” (1949), a lavish Technicolor musical about three sailors on a 24 hour shore leave in New York City. They...
- 4/13/2019
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
We're celebrating music man Howard Keel's centennial this week. Here's Lynn Lee...
In many ways, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) marked the peak of Keel’s MGM career, coming after his breakout role in Annie, Get Your Gun and his star turns in Showboat and the less-successful but still-classic Kiss Me, Kate! Keel’s film career would fade in the years that followed, although he continued to enjoy success on the stage and in later life would find TV fame with his role on “Dallas.” It was Seven Brides, though, that captured Keel in his screen prime as an appealing and charismatic musical actor who managed to make a problematic character (to say the least) surprisingly compelling.
Full disclosure: Seven Brides was one of my favorite movies growing up, and remains one of my all-time favorite musicals. As a young child I loved it even more than West Side Story...
In many ways, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) marked the peak of Keel’s MGM career, coming after his breakout role in Annie, Get Your Gun and his star turns in Showboat and the less-successful but still-classic Kiss Me, Kate! Keel’s film career would fade in the years that followed, although he continued to enjoy success on the stage and in later life would find TV fame with his role on “Dallas.” It was Seven Brides, though, that captured Keel in his screen prime as an appealing and charismatic musical actor who managed to make a problematic character (to say the least) surprisingly compelling.
Full disclosure: Seven Brides was one of my favorite movies growing up, and remains one of my all-time favorite musicals. As a young child I loved it even more than West Side Story...
- 4/12/2019
- by Lynn Lee
- FilmExperience
It's true that there are three days left in March but we're recapping early because we're willing the month to end. The point is that March is always a bit slow at Tfe given the post Oscar-crashing and then the malaise that hits. But we do what we can. Expect much more in April now that we're getting back on the dance floor. Here are a dozen highlights from the month that is almost up that we hope you didn't miss.
• Us Reviewed - Jordan Peele does it again
• Jennifer Jones Centennial - because Love is a Many Splendored Thing
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - what a tease
• Shrill with Aidy Bryant - already one of 2019's best TV shows
• Four Weddings and a Funeral - still nearly perfect on its 25th anniversary
• Tea with the Dames - Judi + Maggie + Joan + Eileen = a soothing streaming distraction
• Posterized: Julianne Moore...
• Us Reviewed - Jordan Peele does it again
• Jennifer Jones Centennial - because Love is a Many Splendored Thing
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - what a tease
• Shrill with Aidy Bryant - already one of 2019's best TV shows
• Four Weddings and a Funeral - still nearly perfect on its 25th anniversary
• Tea with the Dames - Judi + Maggie + Joan + Eileen = a soothing streaming distraction
• Posterized: Julianne Moore...
- 3/29/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The late, great director and choreographer Stanley Donen might not have made Oscar’s “In Memoriam” segment, but Turner Classic Movies will do its part to set things right: TCM has scheduled a five-film tribute to the iconic MGM musical genius for Monday, March 18.
In addition to the film list (see it below), the evening will begin with TCM’s 2006 Private Screenings special, with Donen discussing his work with the channel’s one and only Robert Osborne (the well regarded host passed away in 2017).
Donen died Feb. 21 at age 94, though his passing wasn’t confirmed until the day before the Feb. 24 Oscar telecast. Still, his omission from the memorial reel drew considerable social media outrage.
Here is the TCM tribute schedule of Donen films (along with TCM’s movie descriptions) set for March 18:
8:00 p.m. Private Screenings: Stanley Donen (2006) – Director Stanley Donen discusses his life and career with host Robert Osborne.
In addition to the film list (see it below), the evening will begin with TCM’s 2006 Private Screenings special, with Donen discussing his work with the channel’s one and only Robert Osborne (the well regarded host passed away in 2017).
Donen died Feb. 21 at age 94, though his passing wasn’t confirmed until the day before the Feb. 24 Oscar telecast. Still, his omission from the memorial reel drew considerable social media outrage.
Here is the TCM tribute schedule of Donen films (along with TCM’s movie descriptions) set for March 18:
8:00 p.m. Private Screenings: Stanley Donen (2006) – Director Stanley Donen discusses his life and career with host Robert Osborne.
- 2/26/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
We weren’t surprised that Bradley Cooper‘s remake of “A Star is Born” lost seven of its eight races at the Academy Awards. After all, there is an Oscar curse on this classic tale of Hollywood. The first three versions of “A Star is Born” earned 17 nominations but won just two. The original 1937 film claimed the screenplay award while the 1976 musical remake won Best Original Song (“Evergreen”) for its leading lady, Barbra Streisand. She was the first female composer to win this Oscar; Lady Gaga became the 11th when she won for “Shallow.”
Let’s take a closer look to see how each of the four films fared at the Oscars.
2018 version
Cooper cast Lady Gaga in her first starring role. Reviews for the film were ecstatic praising the first-time helmer and his leading lady. It was the early frontrunner to sweep the Oscars and earned bids from 12 of...
Let’s take a closer look to see how each of the four films fared at the Oscars.
2018 version
Cooper cast Lady Gaga in her first starring role. Reviews for the film were ecstatic praising the first-time helmer and his leading lady. It was the early frontrunner to sweep the Oscars and earned bids from 12 of...
- 2/25/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Updated with more info: Stanley Donen, the legendary director of classics like Singin’ in the Rain, whose death at age 94 was just confirmed a day and a half before the Oscars, was the most prominent omission of the annual “In Memoriam” reel in tonight’s telecast.
Other notables left out included Star Wars and American Graffiti producer Gary Kurtz, actress Carol Channing, experimental filmmaker Jonas Mekas and marketing and distribution executive Mark Urman. Despite a petition urging her inclusion, Stand and Deliver and ER actress Vanessa Marquez also did not make the cut. Also missing were actors Dick Miller, whose work included Gremlins and The Terminator, and Julie Adams, known for Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The Academy did post a more comprehensive photo gallery on its site tonight that included Donen and Channing. A total of 211 photos are included.
Donen was a renowned figure whose films spanned decades and...
Other notables left out included Star Wars and American Graffiti producer Gary Kurtz, actress Carol Channing, experimental filmmaker Jonas Mekas and marketing and distribution executive Mark Urman. Despite a petition urging her inclusion, Stand and Deliver and ER actress Vanessa Marquez also did not make the cut. Also missing were actors Dick Miller, whose work included Gremlins and The Terminator, and Julie Adams, known for Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The Academy did post a more comprehensive photo gallery on its site tonight that included Donen and Channing. A total of 211 photos are included.
Donen was a renowned figure whose films spanned decades and...
- 2/25/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Singin’ in the Rain” director Stanley Donen, Sondra Locke, the Oscar-nominated actress and former partner of Clint Eastwood, Verne Troyer, character actor Dick Miller and Golden Globe nominee R. Lee Ermey were omitted during the Oscars’ In Memoriam tribute on Sunday.
Carol Channing, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1967 film “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and died in January, was also omitted during the tribute to showbiz people who died in the past year.
Gustavo Dudamel conducted the Los Angeles Philarmonic to a track from 1978’s “Superman: The Movie.”
Also Read: Oscars: Watch Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga Sing 'Shallow' (Video)
Donen, whose death was announced Saturday at the age of 94, helped reinvent the big-screen musical, with a series of hits that included “On the Town,” 1954’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” 1957’s “The Pajama Game,” 1958’s “Damn Yankees!” and 1957’s “Funny Face,” with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.
Carol Channing, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1967 film “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and died in January, was also omitted during the tribute to showbiz people who died in the past year.
Gustavo Dudamel conducted the Los Angeles Philarmonic to a track from 1978’s “Superman: The Movie.”
Also Read: Oscars: Watch Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga Sing 'Shallow' (Video)
Donen, whose death was announced Saturday at the age of 94, helped reinvent the big-screen musical, with a series of hits that included “On the Town,” 1954’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” 1957’s “The Pajama Game,” 1958’s “Damn Yankees!” and 1957’s “Funny Face,” with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.
- 2/25/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Viewers were confused when the Academy Awards‘ In Memoriam segment left out one notable person — actress Carol Channing, who died in January.
Channing, the saucer-eyed, gravelly voiced Broadway barnstormer whose offbeat personality and marquee value fueled such Golden Age musicals as Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Hello, Dolly!, died at 97 on Jan. 15 of natural causes.
Many people watching the Oscars were confused by Channing’s omission.
Did I miss Carol Channing in the Memorium! Tell me she wasn’t overlooked!?! #oscars
— Sir Hornbag (@hornery) February 25, 2019
Be sure to check out People’s full Oscars coverage to get the latest news on film’s biggest night.
Channing, the saucer-eyed, gravelly voiced Broadway barnstormer whose offbeat personality and marquee value fueled such Golden Age musicals as Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Hello, Dolly!, died at 97 on Jan. 15 of natural causes.
Many people watching the Oscars were confused by Channing’s omission.
Did I miss Carol Channing in the Memorium! Tell me she wasn’t overlooked!?! #oscars
— Sir Hornbag (@hornery) February 25, 2019
Be sure to check out People’s full Oscars coverage to get the latest news on film’s biggest night.
- 2/25/2019
- by Helen Murphy
- PEOPLE.com
Every year, during the in memoriam section at the Oscars, Hollywood celebrates the talent that has died over the last year and every year there are some glaring omissions.
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
- 2/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Every year, during the in memoriam section at the Oscars, Hollywood celebrates the talent that has died over the last year and every year there are some glaring omissions.
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
This year, the biggest name missing was Stanley Donen, who co-directed Singin’ in the Rain with Gene Kelly and helmed two of the most acclaimed musicals of the 1950s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Funny Face. Donen died on Saturday at the age of 94. He won an honorary Academy Award in 1998.
Also missing was producer Arnold Kopelson, who died in October aged 83. Kopelson won the 1986 best picture Oscar for Oliver ...
- 2/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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