Double Post! - by HepClassic

This week, I'd like for you all to check out two posts by our current and main guest blogger, HepClassic.


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In honor of Lou Gossett, Jr.'s 79th birthday (on May 27th), HepClassic shared a tribute post on his Tumblr:

"It is an amazing that the next actor I have chosen to pay tribute to parlays a lot into this upcoming holiday weekend, not to mention he was in my original plans for a tribute from February, that I am still catching up on and finally seeing realized. The past three blogs I had originally planned for February, but due to technical difficulties, I was unable to post them, to add personal business in the fold too making it nearly impossible. But, I digress.

February is African American History month on the calendar, but it is everyday for me, and it is a time to study, learn, and appreciate the contributions of African Americans into the fold of American culture. In film, there is little appreciation let alone knowledge of the contributions of African Americans in film pre- Sidney Poitier.  Hattie McDaniel has garnered a little more respect nowadays, but only just that little. But, it is more than just them. One thing about African American classic Hollywood is that the history remains living, because many classic African American movie stars are still living and still working, like the actor I am about to pay tribute to. This will not be a traditional blog that you are used to seeing from me, and that is not because there is a happy ending involved.The actor I am paying tribute to today is Louis Gossett, Jr." - "Louis Gossett Jr.: Authoritative Advocate" (click the link to read the post in its entirety).

Lou Gossett, Jr. pictured with Ruby Dee & Sidney Poitier in the stage production of A Raisin in the Sun.

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This past June 10th marked 120 years since Hattie McDaniel's birthday in Wichita, Kansas. HepClassic shared a lovely post in honor of her birthday:

"No African American actor or actress in Hollywood would have a career today if Hattie didn’t start designing the architecture of a path with her contributions and achievements. In 2002, when Sidney Poitier received an Honorary Oscar for a life’s work, he stated this: “I dedicate this to the African American actors and actresses who went through those difficult years, whose shoulders I had the privilege to stand on.” Of course, a person who is most responsible for that shoulder and path for Poitier and other beneficiaries to follow was Hattie McDaniel’s." - "Hattie McDaniel: A First" (click the link to read the post in its entirety).

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That's OLD News! (#14)

Here's a little something different for this month's installment of "That's OLD News!".

1929 (Lupe Vélez in The Pittsburgh Press)

1935: (Nina Mae McKinney in The Afro American)

1946 (Theresa Harris in The Afro American)

1955 (Kim Winona in Spokane Daily Chronicle)

1957: (James Edwards in Reading Eagle)

Paul Winfield: Eloquent Sketcher - a post by HepClassic

Last week, guest blogger, HepClassic shared a touching post in honor of the late, great, and criminally unsung actor, Paul Winfield (who would have turned 76 on May 22nd). Here is an excerpt:

"Paul Winfield gave life to dramatic arguments for equality throughout his entire career, and whose performances put a human face to the many stories we deny and continue to deny today. His, like so many others, is an American story. He is a classic movie star in the truest sense, but since we deny these stories as equally important as the stories of James Stewart and Anthony Perkins, as we deny the stories of experience and the validity of them in our real life, one has to wonder when we can address these irrattional fears, include an “other” person’s narrative as important as someone who is not. The disregard, the suppression of facts, and the constant dismissal and degradation of Americans of color have to stop if we dare move this country forward, because “restoring” America to its previous self of social inequality will not do us any good. Behind every misconstrued stereotype and falsehood, lies a human face. Maybe it’s time we accept Paul Winfield for the star that he is, and for the American he was."

Wow! 

Click here to read HepClassic's post in its entirety.  

Happy Belated Birthday to the legendary Paul Winfield! 

From NNDb

That's OLD News! (#13)

Today I present to you links to six different historic news articles. As always, I hope you find them informative!

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"Red Wing, Indian Princess of Old Movies, Now Earns Living Making War Bonnets" 

(The Milwaukee Journal - August 5, 1958)

Hollywood's first Native American star, Red Wing (born with the "Christian name" Lillian St. Cyr and sometimes referred to as "Princess Red Wing") retired from the film industry in the early 1920s. By 1958 (the year this article was published), she'd been making war bonnets, war shirts, beaded suits, and other Native garments out of animal skins and furs. Click the link above to read the article!

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"The Lincoln Moving Picture Presents "The Law of Nature" With an all Negro Cast featuring Noble Johnson"

(The Afro American - September 22, 1917)

Actor and film producer, Noble Johnson 
Source

Every week, The Afro American included the schedules of Baltimore's black theaters. In the (Saturday) September 17, 1917 issue of the paper, they revealed that the Lincoln Motion Picture Company's film, Law of Nature would be shown at the Regent Theatre on the upcoming Monday. Click the link above to see the full program, including the annoucement of the Law of Nature's showing.



Additional Information: The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was one of the first African-American-owned film production companies. It was founded in 1916 (some sources say 1915) by screen star, Noble Johnson, and his brother George. 

Also, the Regent Theater was opened on June 19, 1916 in Baltimore, Maryland. The theater originally seated 500. Read more about the historic theater here.


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"Claudia McNeil Role is Cited"

(The Milwaukee Sentinel - July 29, 1966)

Source

According to The Milwaukee Sentinel, stage and screen actress Claudia McNeil won the majority of votes for Plays and Players magazine's poll for "best feminine performance". 


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"No Stopping Run Run Shaw"

(New Straits Times - November 5, 1990)

Source

I love this article from the New Straits Times. In just a few minutes of watching and listening to him interact, reporters like Suraya Al-Attas were able to get a glimpse of who entertainment mogul, Run Run Shaw was, what film meant to him, and what he meant to film. 


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"Ben Powers Leads Talent - 'New Laugh-Ins' Being Hailed"

(The Victoria Advocate - July 9, 1977)

From article

In honor of an unsung talent who starred on my favorite television show (Good Times), Mr. Ben Powers. Read The Victoria Advocate's profile of one of Laugh-In's newest cast additions at the time.


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"Gossip of the Movie Lots and Nite Clubs"

(The Afro American - December 3, 1932)

From the article

Many-a "colored players" (including Mildred Washington, pictured above) had a job in Paramount's Marlene Dietrich vehicle, Blonde Venus. Click the link above to see just a few of the movie's black bit players and extras.


Additional Information: Blonde Venus was race movie queen, Evelyn Preer's last movie. She died of double pneumonia two (almost three) months after the movie's U.S. release. Mildred Washington, one of Hollywood's "beautiful maids" died of appendicitis almost a year after the movie's release.


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Thoughts on Romeo y Julieta (1943) - Starring Cantinflas

Source

Romeo y Julieta is a burlesque of William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. The film was a critical failure at the time of its release--critics called it "gross", "vulgar", and funny only to people with "limited mentality".

Source for critics' reviews

In this post, I will share my thoughts on the film, and in a way that's almost similar to the way I commented on Gran Hotel.

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Positive Thoughts

There isn't much for me to say but, I enjoyed this movie! I laughed. For the most part, I was able to keep up with the film because I'm familiar with William Shakespeare's play. I don't have a single negative comment.

María Elena Marqués played 'Julieta' [Source]

Overall Thoughts

Title page of the first edition of Romeo and Juliet [Source]

I wasn't shocked to learn about initial reviews of Romeo y Julieta. William Shakespeare and his works are highly revered worldwide, and its just one of those things that shouldn't be trifled with, or at least that's how most people feel about it. However, again, I enjoyed this take on Romeo and Juliet. It was different, and that alone made it refreshing, I think. When watching the film, you'll see that creators didn't intend to mock or bash Shakespeare's play.

This candid photo of Cantinflas is from NBC Latino. He played the role of 'Romeo' in the film.

Miguel M. Delgado & Jaime Salvador

In my viewing and reviewing of Gran Hotel, I became curious about the similarities between "Cantinflas'" view of the upper class/social elite and Mario Moreno's views. Since then, I've realized that while Cantinflas' performances made him a voice for those without a voice in Mexico, I've also been overlooking two people who may hold answers to my curiosities--writer/directors Miguel M. Delgado and Jaime Salvador.

Writer/director Miguel M. Delgado [Source]

According to Wikipedia, Miguel M. Delgado directed (and sometimes co-wrote) thirty-three of Cantinflas' films. Jaime Salvador wrote the screenplay for many of his films, also. Three out of four of the Cantinflas movies I've viewed were directed by Delgado (Romeo y Julieta, Gran Hotel, and El padrecito) and two out of four were written/written for the screen by Salvador (Romeo y Julieta and Gran Hotel). Realizing this now, it makes me curious about Delgado's, Salvador's, and Moreno's (Cantinflas) precise views on class differences--the common ground, the individual differences. 

Writer/director Jaime Salvador [Source]

How did they interact before starting a film? Was Romeo y Julieta simply a funny homage to Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet? Was it their way of trying to un-stuff some of Shakespeare's stuffiest fans? Was it both? Did these men--both individually and as a group--just want to tell stories? Did they intentionally set out to make the rich/elite uncomfortable? Both? Neither? I have so many questions! And I know many of the answers lie in the works of these men!

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Any and all Cantinflas, Miguel M. Delgado, Jaime Salvador, and/or cinema experts and fans, feel free to leave comments and thoughts!

Cantinflas gets physical in 'Gran Hotel'...too physical.

The films of Cantinflas pretty much have the same formula--his tramp-ish character doesn't fit in anywhere, particularly among "higher-ups". Then, he manages to step into sticky situations, but of course, he manages to bumble his way out of these situations. With that said, you'd think that Cantinflas vehicles would get pretty redundant--but they don't. At least, that hasn't been an issue for myself.

From Movie Poster Shop

This weekend I watched Gran Hotel (1944)--and of course, Cantinflas played his trademark "peladito" character. He's a man who stirs up trouble in his community (his work place to be more specific) and moves to a place where he's 10x more likely to stir up more trouble. Here is the IMDb summary:

"After failing as a waiter, Cantinflas gets a job as a bellboy in a fancy hotel, by recommendation of his girlfriend. He has to deal with posh people and even with the nobility. One day, an expensive and rare collar, property of a noblewoman, disappear, and Cantinflas is the only one who knows where it is. But Cantinflas gets amnesia caused by a big bunch in his head. Will he tell us the real location of the relic?"

When it comes to "reviewing" Cantinflas' films (or any non-English films), I tend to stray away from actually "reviewing" them, because a good review obviously requires one to fully understand the film's dialogue. Instead, I will simply share my 'Positive Comments', 'Negative Comments', and my 'Overall Thoughts'. 


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Positive Comments

As previously stated, most Cantinflas vehicles stuck to a certain formula, but they all managed to stand out in their own ways. Gran Hotel was no different. When comparing it to the movies I have seen (1952's El bombero atómico and 1964's El padrecito), I noticed that Gran Hotel was more aggressive in its criticism of the upper/middle class. The main character freely (and physically) expresses his indignation toward people who could be considered "better" or higher up than him (the elite, employers). In the movies I've previously viewed, the character of Cantinflas is carefree, cheerful, and silly. In Gran Hotel, he was a bit darker--he was still silly, but purposely silly--mischievous, I should say--and he was a bit hostile. This led me to wonder if the Cantinflas image "cooled down" as the years went by, or if it was by chance that I chose the one movie where he plays a more testy character. It also made me want to watch his movies through a more historical, political, and cultural lens.

Oh, movies that make you think!



Negative Comments

There were a few moments where Cantinflas' character was a bit...too aggressive. I found one scene in the film to be especially horrifying--as he was dancing with a woman (after knocking out her real dance partner), he tossed her around, threw her to the floor, grabbed her by her hair, and even kicked her a few times. I may have missed something in terms of dialogue or context clues prior to the scene, but not only was it freakishly violent, but it was also completely out of left field.



Overall Thoughts

I'll be honest, the dancing scene put a huge damper on my interest in the rest of the movie. It was still a pretty fun film to watch--a typical classic comedy--but again, after that scene, I immediately felt indifferent toward it. I personally wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, but if you're able to overlook a woman being thrown around by her hair, by all means, go for it!


Click here to watch Gran Hotel (1944)

Cantinflas (Star of the Month) Social Media Shares

Links shared on POC in Classic Film's Twitter and Facebook pages: 

(Will be updated throughout the remainder of the month)

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1956's Around the World in 80 Days' featured an endless cast (including cameos) of Hollywood stars, like Charles Boyer, Marlene Dietrich, Buster Keaton, Red Skelton, and David Niven, Cantinflas, Shirley MacLaine, and Robert Newton in the leading roles. It was Cantinflas who received the most praise for his performance, however. He won the Golden Globe for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy or Musical' in 1957.

Read a 1958 article in The Cavalier Daily that mentions Cantinflas "stealing the show": article here.

Screenshot of full page in The Cavalier Daily

Ironically, U.S. publications promoting the 1960 film, Pepe, practically referred to Cantinflas as someone who was only famous in Mexico--and interestingly enough, he was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor (in a Comedy or Musical) for his work in the film.

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Headline of the Lodi News-Sentinel article

Cantinflas was one of many celebrities who got together to raise money for victims of the tragic Mexico City earthquake of 1985. The first quake occurred on May 28, 1985. The second (and most powerful with an 8.1 magnitude) took place on September 19, 1985. Two aftershocks occurred after September 19th--the first the next day and the final one on April 30, 1986. An estimated 10,000 lives were lost in this earthquake, but experts believe that the number could have been as high as 40,000. 

Of course, this year will mark 30 years since that tragic event, and I personally want to use this opportunity to share my thoughts, prayers, and positive energy with all of those who will be remembering their lost loved ones in September.

Click here to read more about the telethon that aired on the Spanish International Network (now known as Univision). 

In February of 1961, journalist Mae Tinee provided readers of the Chicago Tribune with a glimpse into Cantinflas' life and career! Click here to read her article.

Cantinflas: Appreciation Post (March 2015's Star of the Month)

There's such a wide selection of Mr. Mario "Cantinflas" Moreno's work online! I hope you get a chance to check some of it out!

From the LA Times

Links

(All YouTube)

Before I get into the movies and television appearances, below is an awesome find!

Television Appearances

Cantinflas presents the Academy Award for Best Cinematography (1956)

(28th Academy Awards)

Cantinflas on What's My Line?

(Original Air Date: Sept. 18, 1960)

Cantinflas' last interview for television (1992)

(Cantinflas died of lung cancer on April 20, 1993)

From Variety

Movies

(All Spanish language)

*My apologies for any incorrect translations. Please correct me in the comments, if needed!*

* - also written/co-written by Cantinflas.

No te engañes corazón (1937)
(Don't Fool Yourself Dear; in parts: 1 2 3 4)

¡Así es mi tierra! (1937)
(Such is My Country!)

Àguila o Sol (1937)

(Eagle or Sun ?)

El signo de la muerte (1939) 

(The Sign of Death) 

Ni sangre, ni arena (1941)

(Neither Blood Nor Sand)

El gendarme desconocido (1941)

(The Unknown Policeman ?)

Carnaval en el trópico (1942)

(Carnival in the Tropics)

El tres Mosqueteros (1942)

(The Three Musketeers)

El Circo (1943)

(The Circus)

Romeo y Julieta (1943)

Gran Hotel (1944)

Un día con el diablo (1945)
(One Day with the Devil)


Soy un prófugo (1946)
(I Am a Fugitive ?)

El supersabio (1948)

(The Super Scientist)

El Mago (1949)

(The Magician)

El Portero (1950)

(The Porter)

Si yo fuera diputado (1952) *
(If I Were Deputy)


El bombero atómico (1952) *
(The Atomic Firefighter ?)

Caballero a la medida (1954)
(The Tailored Gentleman ?)

Abajo el telón (1955)
(Drop the Curtain)

El bolero de Raquel (1957)

(The Bolero of Raquel)

Housewife to Your Neighbor (1958)
(Ama a tu prójimo)

Sube y baja (1959)
(Ups and Downs)

El Extra (1962)
(The Extra)

Entrega Immediata (or Agente XU 777) (1963)
(Immediate Delivery)

El señor doctor (1965)
(The Head Doctor ?)

Por mis pistolas (1968) *
(For/By My Guns ?)

El profe (1971) *
(The Professor)

El patrullero 777 (1978)
(Patrolman 777)


Book

Cantinflas and the Chaos of Mexican Modernity (2001)

This book just isn't a simple biography--the story of Cantinflas' life and career is paralleled with Mexico's cultural and social history during the 20th century.


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Star of the Month (March 2015): Cantinflas

This month, People of Color in Classic Film will recognize the talent of comedy legend, Cantinflas.

Posts

"Appreciation Post"

"Social Media Shares"

Review of Gran hotel

Thoughts on Romeo y Julieta (1943)

Spencer Williams Online (An Appreciation Post)

Check out movies (and television episodes) featuring, written by, and/or directed by February 2015's Star of the Month, Spencer Williams!

Spencer Williams (right) with Tim Moore (middle) and Alvin Childress (left) for the Amos 'n' Andy TV series

YouTube Links:

Melancholy Dame (1929)

Music Hath Arms (1929)

The Framing of the Shrew (1929)

Oft the Silly Night (1929)

Two-Gun Man from Harlem (1938)

The Bronze Buckaroo (1939)

Harlem Rides the Range (1939)

(also writer)

Bad Boy (1939)

Son of Ingagi (1940)

(also writer)

The Blood of Jesus (1941)

(also writer and director)

Go Down, Death (1944)

(also writer and director)

Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. (1946)

(also director)

Juke Joint (1947)

(also director)

Amos 'n' Andy (TV Series)

(YouTube Search Results)

Spencer Williams News Articles

Spencer Williams returns to Hollywood after making movies in Dallas

(Washington Afro-American - Jan. 24, 1950)

Biography and announcement of Amos 'n' Andy role

(Baltimore Afro-American - Sep. 11, 1954)

Short Obituary in the Toledo Blade 

(Toledo Blade - Dec. 17, 1969)

Spencer Williams films rediscovered in 1996

(Times Daily - Jan. 2, 1996)

Star of the Month (February 2015): Spencer Williams

This month, People of Color in Classic Film will pay tribute to Spencer Williams--actor, comedian, and filmmaker. 

Stars We Lost in 2014

People of Color in Classic Film acknowledges the performers of color that we lost in 2014 (and in late December 2013). 

I send all of my love, prayers, and positive energy to everyone who has lost a loved one this year. I pray that you are able to find overall comfort and happiness in this holiday season.

(Adrienne)

POCCF - In Memoriam (2014) by Slidely Slideshow

My thoughts and prayers are also with the loved ones of Meshach Taylor, Elizabeth Peña, Misty Upham, Stephanie Moseley, and Simone Battle. 

That's Old News! (#10)

There's no video this time around, but this month's collection of articles are inspired by our featured star for the month of November, Mr. Lawrence Chenault. All of the articles below are on performers who appeared in race movies.

(Links to articles are attached to their respective titles)

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"Chenault Stricken By Loss of Friend" 

The Afro American - Sept. 8, 1928

This previously shared article on Lawrence Chenault reports the details on the actor's sudden collapse after a stage performance. Mr. Chenault, who'd recently lost a good friend, ventriloquist Johnnie Woods, was ordered to rest for a year.

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Arnold's 'Dope' From the T.O.B.A. Circuit

Subheading: "Stars Leave for Chicago"

(by B.W.F. Arnold, Director of Publicity - T.O.B.A.)

The Afro American - Apr. 25, 1925

Evelyn Preer and Edward Thompson in The Melancholy Dame (1929) [posted by ~Kicha~ on ipernity]

Lafayette Players and real-life couple, Edward Thompson and Evelyn Preer, received praise for their work on the theatre circuit in this 1925 Afro American article!

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"Tondaleyo Plans Legit Comeback"

The Afro American - Apr. 12, 1947

PHOTO OF TONDALEYO ON FLICKR

Dancer/actress Tondaleyo had been out of the spotlight for months before this article in The Afro American was published.

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"Lucia Moses is the Beautiful Star in "Scar of Shame""

The Afro American - Apr. 6, 1929

Lucia Lynn Moses in The Scar of Shame (1927)

Lucia Lynn Moses received rave reviews in Europe for her performance in The Scar of Shame. It appears that the Prince of Wales was quite taken with her beauty, as well.

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Riding the Airwaves 

with Edgar A. Thompson (BCL)

Subheading: "Stepin Fetchit"

The Milwaukee Journal - Mar. 31, 1938 

Stepin Fetchit in 1959 (from Wikimedia Commons)

Still a "star" of Hollywood at the time that this article was published, The Milwaukee Journal reported that the controversial actor would be appearing at a neighborhood playhouse with a band and an all-black revue. 

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I hope you found this month's edition of That's Old News! to be quite informative! See you next month! :)

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The images used in this post are being used for informational purposes only. If the rightful owner(s) of any of these images wishes to have them removed, please contact me, and I will do so.

--Adrienne