His Girl Friday (1940)

Howard Hawks directs this screwball comedy with a variation on "The Front Page". Cary Cary Grant is a hardboiled Managing Editor for a city newspaper, and his star reporter is Hildy, played by Rosallind Russell. (She's also his ex-wife, and wants the quiet life with a new husband (Ralph Bellamy), but can't resist the big story, nor Grant. This clever script with overlapping dialogue and simultaneous conversations has inspired many films and TV shows. (Was one of the films screened at the Chicago Outdoor film fest in Grant Park in 2004)

Letters to/from Hollywood celebrities in Reagan: A Life in Letters

I was in a bookstore not long ago and my friend and I came across political biographies. One book was Ronald Reagan: A Life in Letters, and my friend said that might be an interesting book to read to get a glimpse into how he thought. I checked out the book and found an amazing collection of letters, many hand-written to his friends from Hollywood. I thought those might be of interest so I am sharing some of the transcripts of the letters with celebrities below:

The following is from a series of letters Reagan wrote to his Hollywood friends.

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Frank Sinatra

Reagan corresponded with Frank Sinatra on several occasions during the 1980s. In the letters below, you'll notice he is addressed as "Francis Albert"; when close freinds addressed Sinatra personally it was "Francis Albert", not "Frank".

In 1982 Sinatra sent Reagan tapes of the performance he and Perry Como gave at the White House to honor the visiting president of Italy, Sandro Pertini.

Here is Reagan's reply:

Mr. Frank Sinatra
Rancho Mirage, California
September 13, 1982


Dear Francis Albert,


I'm writing this before we've even had time to run the tapes. As you know we've been ranching and just returned to find them here.


You were very kind and thoughtful (as always) to do this and we are both truly grateful. That was a special night, one we remember with great happiness. When we met President Bertini in Italy he made it evident he too rememberered the evening with warm pleasure.


Nancy sends her love and again our thanks.


Sincerely,


Ron

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On September 12, 1983, the Lost Angeles Times ran a cartoon by Paul Conrad depicting a soilder pinned down behind a barricade as shells exploded around him, calling President Reagan on his walkie-talkie. When Reagan doesn't seem to understand him, the soilder says, "Well, tell him to turn up his hearing aid!"
Reagan had recently been fitted for a hearing aid and Sinatra took umbrage at this slur on his old friend. He wrote to the Times to criticzie them publishing "Conrad's viciousness and hatred," and suggested that his cartoons were "better suited for outhouse walls." Sinatra sent a copy of his letter to President Reagan.


Mr. Frank Sinatra
Hollywood, California
September 22, 1983


Dear Francis Albert,


Now I've seen the "strong letter" that follows. I know it came from your heart because that's what my heart has been saying about that poison pen for a long time. Thank you for doing what you did and for making me feel good all over.


Nancy sends her love and I join her.


Sincerely,


Ron


Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003, page 155)

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Shirley Temple

In 1982, author Lester David was planning a new Shirley biography, The Shirley Temple Story. He asked Reagan if he would comment for the book; Reagan and Temple co-stared in That Hagan Girl.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester David

Woodmere, New York

April 12, 1982

Mr. and Mrs. Lester David

As per our phone conversation here is the letter about Shirley Temple. I won't repeat the story about her dramatic scene as a child and then her composed curtsy to the director and crew on the set and her line - "Next Week, East Lynne!" (This is just a reminder in case it's useful)

Like everyone else in America I loved Shirley Temple in those days when a Depression-haunted world forgot the drab, dreariness for a few hours in a neighborhood movie house, especially when a tiny golden-haired girl named Shirley Temple was on the screen. Her talent and ability were such that at one time rumors went around that she was much older than she was said to be and was somehow stunted in her growth. This was so patently ridiculous that little credence was given to it. But affection for her probably helped too. She was a beloved American institution and people wouldn't hold still for any attempt to deprecate her.

I never knew her in those years when she was a child star. We became acquainted when she was borrowed by Warner Brothers, and we co-starred in a picture called That Hagen Girl, somewhere around 1947.

It was a story of an older man and a young girl. But I believe you are interested in her as a person. Let me just say that she was totally unspoiled - with a delightful sense of humor. She was most likeable and in theater language a real pro. She was also intelligent, well informed, with an interest in a wide range of subjects.

She was conscious of the fact that audiences were unwilling to let her grow up. She wanted very much to be accepted as an adult actress carrying on in the profession which had been hers for so long. I never let her know that having been a part of that audience, I wasn't quite ready either, and not so sure I wanted to be a party to presenting her to America for the first time as a young lady. But she was just that - a lady in every sense of the word.

I hope this is of some help,

Best regards,

Ronald Reagan

Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003, page 166)

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Cary Grant

Ray Moseley was a British author who was working on a biography of Cary Grant (Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart). In 1987 he wrote to Reagan asking him "to tell me anything you may care to about Cary for my book." Grant had died in 1986 at age 82.

Mr. Roy Moseley

Los Angeles, California

December 21, 1987

Dear Mr. Mosley,

I have just received your letter and thank you for your generous words. You were most kind and both Nancy and I are truly grateful.

We are pleased to learn you are doing a book on Cary Grant. We did not know of his heroism in WWII but that's explainable. Cary was (off screen) modest and quite unassuming. He was definitely not the character he played so well on screen. We were great admirers of both Cary Grants and felt the warmest friendship for him as a person. As for the onscreen Cary I used to proclaim to all who would listen, that he should receive an Academy Award for never having done a poor or even routine performance.

We were both grateful that he was one of the entertainment world honorees in the Kennedy Center Awards during our time here.

Before our marriage Nancy was under contract to MGM. She did a screen test with Cary for a part in one of his pictures. The test narrowed down to her and another actress who was given the role. Nancy of course was disappointed. Cary took her to lunch at the studio cafeteria and very kindly talked away her disappointment and complimented her on her acting. He told her she did something many actors didn't know how to do. She listened to the other actor.

In later years after we were married Nancy was his dinner partner at a banquet. I believe I was toastmaster that night so we were at the head table. It was shortly after the birth of Cary's daughter. He started to tell Nancy what this meant to him and he teared up. That was all Nancy needed to start her crying. There they were, facing the entire banquet crowd and both in tears.

One last item. Cary did a picture with Grace Kelly in which he wore some crew neck sweaters. I thought they were great. Nancy ran into him and told him how much we enjoyed the movie; she also told him how much I liked those sweaters. A day or two later a package arrived at our house, in it were two sweaters of the kind he'd worn in the picture. I still have them.

Well I can only add you are writing about a magnificent thespian, a true gentleman and a cherished friend. I wish you well.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003, page 164-165)

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Eddy Foy, Jr.

The following letter is from the compilation book: Reagan: A Life in Letters (2003) . The book is divided into a number of chapters (Family, Politics, etc); the following is from the Hollywood chapter.

Eddie Foy Jr. was the son of the famous vaudevillian, and had a minor film career. In his most notable role, he played his father in 1942's Yankee Doodle Dandee. He played Reagan's sidekick in several movies in 1939 and 1940. Eddie Foy Jr. died in 1983 at the age of 78. Five years later, his granddaughter wrote to Reagan requesting some memorabilia or anecdotes about her grandfather. 


Ms. Dina Elizabeth Foy
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 21, 1987

Dear Ms. Foy,

I'm sorry I don't have any memorabilia regarding movies I worked in with your grandfather. If it will help, let me tell you that he and I made four movies together at Warner Bros. Incidentally, the producer of those pictures was his brother Brynie Foy.

The pictures were a kind of a series based on the records of the US Secret Service. They were Secret Service of the Air, Code of the Secret Service, Smashing the Money Ring, and Murder in the Air. We were great friends and enjoyed working together. He usually played a kind of comedy relief role and close buddy of "Brass Bancroft" (me).

Please give your father my best regards.

Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan


Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003)

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Humphrey Bogart


The following letter is from the compilation book: Reagan: A Life in Letters (2003) . The book is divided into a number of chapters (Family, Politics, etc); the following is from the Hollywood chapter.

From time to time people would write to Reagan asking him about his movie career. The following handwritten drafts were probably written in the 1970s in response to such requests.

In 1938 Reagan had parts in 2 movies with Humphrey Bogart - The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse and Swing Your Lady. In 1939 Reagan played in Dark Victory, which starred Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart.



Jim
Circa 1970s

Dear Jim,

I was in several pictures with "Bogie" but all before WWII. At that time I was just starting and, while he was more or less established, he was not rated as a star and played almost villain parts. He was an easygoing, extremely friendly fellow who went out of his way to be helpful to a beginner like myself.

During the war, Warner Brothers was unable to get George Raft for Casablanca and as so often happens settled for Bogie because he was under contract. The rest is history. It was one of those magic blessings every actor dreams of. He became a top star and deservedly so but he remained the same unassuming, nice guy he'd always been.


Enclosed is a picture you requested. I don't have any "stills" of the two of us.

Best Regards,
Ronald Reagan


Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003)

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Helen Hayes

The following letter is from the compilation book: Reagan: A Life in Letters (2003) . The book is divided into a number of chapters (Family, Politics, etc); the following is from the Hollywood chapter.

In 1982, Kenneth Barrow, a London writer, had been authorized by Helen Hayes to write her official biography and asked Reagan if he would say something about "the qualities which made her such an exceptional talent and such an enduring star."


Mr. Kenneth Barrow
London, England
December 20, 1982

Dear Mr Barrow:

I don't know if I have the words to do justice to Helen Hayes or to make a contribution worthy of your book. 

No I never had the experience of working with her on stage or screen - I'm sorry to say - Yes I was acquainted with her as we all knew each other in that Hollywood of the golden era. I have come to know her better in these later years when we are both somewhat removed from that time and place.

She is ever and always a lady; a lady of warmth and kindness, as eternally feminine as she was when she captured the hearts of all who saw her on stage or screen.

What was her secret? Certainly it wasn't just theatrical artistry although she was a superb actress. There was more to it than that. There was beauty and an inner light that was Helen Hayes herself shining through every role she played.

Many, many years ago an American patriotic poem was set to music, to the noble strains of your anthem, "God Save The Queen." Our American poem however lost much in the transposition because in order to fit the music it had to be badly phrased.

During World War II, a great ceremony was held in Soilders Field Stadium in Chicago. Helen Hayes was introduced to a crowd of 125,000. Looking so tiny down on the floor of that great stadium she recited that poem, the words that everyone in that crowd had sung hundreds of times. I think it was the first time we had ever heard the beauty of those words. The silence when she finished was I'm sure a greater ovation that any she had ever received. 

Perhaps others could be effective in reading that poem but would anyone else think of it?

If anyone is looking for sheer enchantment tell them to run a Helen Hayes picture.

Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan


Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003)

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Mickey Rooney

The following letter is from the compilation book: Reagan: A Life in Letters (2003) . The book is divided into a number of chapters (Family, Politics, etc); the following is from the Hollywood chapter.

Reagan invited Rooney and his wife Jan to a White House dinner on June 12 1985, and, at age 65, Rooney declined, writing "Damn it! It's always when I'm working, but thank goodness that I am". 


Mr and Mrs Mickey Rooney
Hollywood California
May 31, 1985

Dear Jan and Mickey,

Sorry you can't make it June 12th but you have an ongoing rain check. While we'll miss you we're happy you are working cause that means pleasure for a lot of people.

Mickey I'll bet you don't remember the first time we met. The year was 1937 or thereabouts. I was new in Hollywood living in the Montecito apartments. Someone had run over a dog in the street outside. You came in to look for a phone book so you could find the nearest veterinarian and take the dog to him. I figured this had to be a nice guy and I was right.

Nancy sends her best and so do I.

Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan


Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003)

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Barbara Stanwyk

In 1981, an author writing a book on Barbara Stanwyck asked President Reagan for his recollections. In 1949 Stanwyck and Nancy (Davis) Reagan were in the same film, East Side, West Side, and in 1954 she co-starred with Ronald Reagan in Cattle Queen of Montana

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Memo on Barbara Stanwyck

Washington DC

December 1, 1981

I had known Barbara Stanwyck for a number of years - not in any close friendship but as someone you saw at social events in Hollywood and, of course, like so many others I was an admirer of her work on the screen.

It was, therefore, a real thrill for me when I received a call from my agent that I had been offered the part playing opposite her in a picture called Cattle Queen of Montana. It was based on a real life character, a woman who drove a herd of cattle all the way from Texas to Montana and set up ranching there.

I'd heard many stories about Barbara and her professionalism on the set. She would come in on time every morning and with all lines for that day learned. There was no temperament, no insisting on prerequisites or trimmings usually associated with stardom. It was all business. She was there to make as good a picture as possible for the people who were going to pay to see it.

We did most of the picture on location in Glacier National Park. I remember one day when the scene calling for me to come riding out of the woods and Barbara was swimming out in the lake. The name of the locations - Glacier National Park - will give you some idea of the temperature of the water. They had a double on hand to do this scene for her but Barbara, with her knowledge of screen technique, knew it would be a better scene if they could be actually seeing her fact rather than just a figure of a double far removed from the camera. So, into the icy water she went. And, scenes don't just get filmed in a few minutes, there's always a reason for doing it over and sometimes over again. But not one whimper out of Stanwyck.

She rode when the scene called for that and rode well. And, when we h ad to run through the woods and dive over a log and turn and start blazing away at the bad guys, she dived over the log. She was a pro in her work, she was always a lady. She was kind to those she worked with and I didn't know anyone on the set that didn't like working there very much and that didn't feel a great warmth and loyalty toward her.

I'm proud and happy that in the golden era of Hollywood, I had a chance to work with her.

Source: Reagan: A Life in Letters (Free Press, 2003, page 164)

Top 10 American Movie Stars of 1962

1932| 1933| 1934| 1935| 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 |
1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948| 1949 | 1950 |

1951 |1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959|1960 |
1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 |1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977-present

The rankings come from Quigley Publishing Co.'s annual list (since 1932) of top money making stars in the USA, which based on a poll of hundreds of theater executives. The list does not rank stars only on how much cash their films made, but on what theater owners say about who attracts audiences on their star power alone.

1. Doris Day 2. Rock Hudson

3. Cary Grant

4. John Wayne

5. Elvis Presley

6. Elizabeth Taylor

7. Jerry Lewis

8. Frank Sinatra

9. Sandra Dee

10. Burt Lancaster

1932| 1933| 1934| 1935| 1936 | 1937 | 1938 | 1939 | 1940 |
1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1945 | 1946 | 1947 | 1948| 1949 | 1950 |

1951 |1952 | 1953 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1958 | 1959|1960 |
1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | 1965 |1966 | 1967 | 1968 | 1969 |
1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977-present

North by Northwest (1959) and Robert Osborne and Eva Marie Saint in Chicago

Wed. March 31 2010 - Yesterday night, Chicago's last "golden-age" movie palace, The Music Box, screened North By Northwest - a free event sponsored by Turner Classic Movies.

My co-worker and I went right after work and got a spot close to the front of the line!

As suspected, the line eventually went "around the block" - literally.

BELOW: Outside the Music Box.






BELOW: I snapped this one just for fun...while we were waiting in line, I saw Eva and her husband get out of her limo and walk into the bar/grill across the street to have dinner with Robert Osbourne.



Every seat was filled. Robert Osborne was introduced and said a few words about the TCM on-the-road fest as well as next month's 4-day event in Hollywood(but he didn't mention the pricey festival passes) Then Eva came out and the two of them chatted for awhile. Osborne asked her what she remembers about Hitch and she said he was very strict and was meticulous with storyboarding; every scene in the movie was drawn out. She also said that she was impressed that he imported his bacon from Denmark.

BELOW: Robert Osborne



They opened the floor up to questions and someone said that she looks just as beautiful as she did in the movie. Someone then asked her if Cary Grant was a good kisser and she said yes, and she also said that Marlon Brando was the greatest actor she ever worked with. Then some girl addressed her as "Mrs. Saint"...and she affectionately corrected her by saying "Ms. Saint; you can call me Mrs. Hayden" referring to marriage to her husband, director Jeffrey Hayden (who was in the audience) and she mentioned that they have been married for 58 years, which drew alot of "Wow!'s" from the audience. One guy said to Eva that he saw her on stage (or TV, I can't remember) way back in 1952 when she was first starting out...it was a performance in which she sang, but I can't remember what they said.



Eva talked about the experience of filming in Chicago for the movie. She said they were only here for a few days, maybe 3 or 4. One day she and Cary went for a walk along the lake and she remembers seeing a woman walking with her husband - she noticed Cary and she poked her husband and said, "That's Cary Grant!".

Then Robert Osborne said "we have time for one more question" and some young woman (I think she was a member of the press -- alot of press and media people had reserved, front row seats) said "My question is for you Mr. Osborne" and went on to joke about how she's been "stalking" TCM and has been trying to find out how to get a job there. Osborne politely explained to her that he wasn't the person to talk to about getting a job at TCM but encouraged her to keep sending her resume to the right people.

Then the movie started. Every time I watch this movie I pick up something that I didn't notice before.

The two hosts, however, did not stay to watch the movie. So there was no autograph session afterward.

I imagine that Ms Saint, her husband, and Mr. Obsorne had a nice time together and maybe took a night cruise along the lake or something.

Overall it was a fun night.

Turner Classic Movies Film Fest: Tonight in Chicago

Tonight is the Chicago screening of North by Northwest at the Music Box, part of Turner Classics' on-the-road shows. One of my co-workers and I plan to attend this tonight after work. It's "first come first served" seating; there'll probably be a huge line. Also, I'm not sure if Robert Osborne and/or Eva Marie Saint will be signing autographs. We shall see. Even it they were not appearing I would still want to see just the movie; it is one of my all-time favorite films.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

This film is often considered the definitive screwball comedy.

Cary Grant plays the uptight anthropologist.

Determined to win him over, Katherine uses her brother's pet leopard Baby to get his attention.

Directed by Howard Hawks.

Great comic performances by Grant and Hepburn.