Sunset Boulevard- 8-11-1950

DATELINE: August 11, 1950

Holly: Welcome back, Loyal Listeners. Here we are at the famous Radio City Music Hall in New York City awaiting the world premier of the film, Sunset Boulevard. Isn’t this exciting, Robb? Robb? Robb! Get away from those Rockette Posters and get over here … we’re on the air!

Robb: Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. Yes, this is indeed a monumental day, Holly, the day when everyone will be able to see Linda Lovelace in her first starring role …

Holly (interrupts, whispering): Robb, snap out of it, man! Check the date on Zigly!

Robb: Oh … yes...um, of course, we’re here to watch, uh, for celebrities entering the Music Hall for the premier of Sunset Boulevard.

Holly (still whispering): Stay with me or I’ll have Zigly pop you back to before they had talkies. (Aloud) Robb and I saw the first screening of this motion picture in Evanston, Ill. The opening scenes were greeted with riotous laughter. Poor Billy Wilder, director of the film, couldn’t believe it. He was literally sick to his stomach. He meant this film to be taken seriously.

Robb: It seems the audience thought that conversation among corpses in the morgue a bit ridiculous.

Holly: Whatever Mr. Wilder did to revise that opening scene has to be a vast improvement over the original. I kept waiting for Abbott and Costello to leap off a slab and do the Hokey Pokey.

Robb: It was pretty hokey, all right. The rest of the film suffered because the audience couldn’t get past the first scene.

Holly: And that was a shame, because the story and the acting in this film are nothing short of phenomenal. Some of our listeners may not know that the role of Norma Desmond was first offered to Mae West.

Robb: Mae West? What, Come up and see me sometime on Sunset Boulevard?

Holly: Yes, Robb, it certainly would have been a totally different kind of movie had Miss West accepted, but she turned it down. Wilder had initially envisioned an outrageous satire on ambition that would unmask the politics of Hollywood. When West declined the part, the project took on a different tone and the character of Norma evolved into its tragic, faded-glamour queen concept.

Robb: I understand the role was then offered to Pola Negri, the famous silent film star and former lover of Rudolph Valentino. Wilder changed his mind after speaking to her on the phone. She had such a thick Polish accent he could barely understand her.

Holly: They then approached Mary Pickford. Can you imagine America’s Darling as Norma Desmond?

Robb: I can’t, and apparently neither could they after thinking it over. Speaking of Norma Desmond, here comes the woman of the hour, Miss Gloria Swanson. (Calling) Miss Swanson? Can you spare a few words for our audience?

Gloria Swanson approaches, wearing a black pillbox hat with short veil and a fur wrap over her evening gown.

Holly: Hello, Miss Swanson, and thank you for taking a moment to speak with us.

Gloria Swanson: Good evening.

Robb: Can you tell us how you were offered the role of Norma Desmond?

G.S.: Mr. Wilder telephoned me about it.

Holly: Is it true he asked you to make a screen test for the role?

G.S.: Yes, it is, to my great annoyance at the time.

Robb: What did you say to him when he asked?

G.S.: I said, ‘What the hell do you have to test me for? You want to see if I’m alive, do you? Or do you doubt that I can act?’

Holly: I take it you eventually agreed to do the screen test.

G.S.: My friend George Cukor talked me into it. He told me that this was the greatest part of my life and I’d be remembered for this part, so I relented.

Robb: And we’re certainly happy you made that decision, Miss Swanson. No one else could have done Norma Desmond justice.

G.S.: Thank you. I must be going now.

Holly: Thank you again, Miss Swanson.

Robb: She’s quite the lady, isn’t she?

Holly: I’ll say. Try to remember that LADY business the next time your eye goes roving.

Robb: I think we should move on to the male lead.

Holly: Wilder originally cast Montgomery Clift as the young writer, Joe Gillis. Two weeks before filming began, he dropped out, fearing he couldn’t be convincing making love to a woman twice his age.

Robb: And that’s when they cast 31-year-old William Holden. When she was told about it, Miss Swanson worried that their age difference wouldn’t be pronounced enough. When it was suggested she be made-up to look older, she told them to use make-up on Mr. Holden so he’d appear more youthful.

Holly: Whoever ended up with the make-up job, Bill Holden is screamingly handsome in this film, as usual....

Robb: Down, girl!

Holly: At least I don’t drool over good-looking men.

Robb: Neither do I, Holly dear. I only drool over luscious women.

Holly: You’re full of beans, my boy. Speaking of beans, the original scripts of Sunset Boulevard carried the title "A Can of Beans" so as not to reveal the true nature of the project since it was, after all, an expose of the movie industry.

Robb: And from what we’ve heard, they should have called it A Can of Worms. Many Studio Executives were outraged, to put it mildly.

Holly: Just so, Robb. Upon seeing the film, Louis B. Mayer was not exactly enthralled. When Wilder approached him at a lavish dinner party in Mayer’s home, Mayer screamed, "You bastard! You have disgraced the industry that made you and fed you! You should be tarred and feathered and run out of Hollywood!"

Robb: This being a family show, we can’t repeat Mr. Wilder’s response, but we can report a rumor from a good source that Mayer’s reign at MGM will soon be over.

Holly: You know, some folks just can’t take reality. Like men who imagine they could win the affection of a glamorous Rockette.

Robb: You talking about me, Holly?

Holly: If the shoe fits …

Robb: I’ll ignore that remark. Getting back to the production of Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder was called upon to direct two other directors. The great Cecil B. DeMille, who plays himself in the film, and Erich Von Stroheim, who plays Max and was himself a promising director of the silent era.

Holly: That must have been some challenge for Mr. Wilder. Wonder how he pulled it off?

Robb: Wilder has stated he made an agreement with Mr. DeMille. He wouldn’t tell DeMille how to direct Samson and Delilah, and Mr. DeMille wouldn’t tell Wilder how to direct Sunset

Boulevard. As for Von Stroheim, he made endless suggestions, and his memory of Hollywood lore contributed to the authenticity of the film.

Holly: One of the major problems for Von Stroheim was the fact his role required him to drive the Isotta-Fraschini that Norma owns in the film. He did not know how to drive and had no sense of coordination. During the scene where Norma makes her return to Paramount Studios, the car was actually pulled by several men with a rope. Von Stroheim still managed to hit the gate.

Robb: Reminds me of the driving of someone I know.

Holly: If that remark was aimed at me, Robb Starr, I’ll have you know I’m a much better driver than you are.

Robb: Okay, if you say so.

VOICE FROM THIN AIR: We’re interviewing other Jumpers today.

Holly: Ahem. Well folks, I see it’s time for the revised production of Sunset Boulevard to start. Without even seeing the new beginning, I’m giving this film 5 Stars. I have a feeling this one will go down as one of the all-time greats.

Robb: That’s one thing we can agree on, Holly. 5 Stars all the way. Whatever you do, Loyal Listeners, don’t miss this movie.

Holly: Bye-bye, now!(Whisper) Robb! Will you please get away from the Rockettes!


Message from the Editor:

The quotes contained herein are accurate, as are the bits of trivia. The opinions expressed are strictly our own. We would love to read your comments on "Sunset Boulevard". No, you don't need to go to Hollywood to do so, just add a post here. We would also love to hear suggestions for future visits to other "premiers".

To see our "Sunset Boulevard Gift Collection"
Click here: http://www.sfbookbaskets.com/id31.html

ATTENTION HITCHCOCK FANS! Last time, we left you with the challenge to identify the 17 movie references in our Psycho blog. Below are the answers. If you didn't read the blog, skip this and go read it first! We wouldn't want to spoil your fun, now would we?

The 17 references:
1) Psycho
2) Frenzy
3) Notorious
4) Suspicion
5) Rope
6) Rebecca
7) Spellbound
8) I Confess
9) Rear Window
10) Shadow of a Doubt
11) North by Northwest
12) Mr & Mrs Smith
13) The Wrong Man
14) The 39 Steps
15) Vertigo
16) The Birds
17) Suspense

If you found all 17, CONGRATULATIONS! You have won a free full day of sitting in your living room on the sofa watching old classic movies on your TV. If your spouse wants to know why you haven't done anything all day, tell them it was a prize in a contest! Good luck!

Sponsored by Star Town Gifts http://www.startowngifts.com/ featuring Hollywood Gift Collections.Click here to see the Psycho Gift Collection.

Hitchcock's Psycho- 6-16-1960

Dateline January 1, 1960

Robb Starr: This year’s Tournament of Roses Parade theme is "Tall Tales and True," and what a theme it is for us Holly! Not to mention that the Grand Marshal is none other than Mr. Tried and True himself- Richard M. Nixon! And did you know members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club started the first Rose Parade in 1890? They wanted to show the rest of the country what nice weather they had here in California while the rest of the country was…

Holly Wood:(whisper) Robb, what on Earth are we doing here? We‘re supposed to be at the opening of Psycho!

Robb:(whisper) Uh oh. I set the year but not the month and day on Zigly. Hang on, let me refigure …06 …16…1960….

ZZZZZAAAAPPPPP!!!!

Dateline June 16, 1960

Robb: Ahem … well, here we are on Broadway in New York City, folks. We’ve been here since 9 a.m. and there’s already a long line in front of the theater. There’s a real frenzy to get inside.

Holly: People are dying to get in to see this latest film from Alfred Hitchcock. Some may die trying to get out.

Robb: It’s a possibility, Holly. We haven’t seen any of the actors in this film, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles & Martin Balsam, to name a few.

Holly: Just think, Robb, it all began with the notorious novel written by Robert Bloch.

Robb: Actually, it all started in 1957 with Ed Gein, a 57 year old man from Plainfield, Wisconsin when he was arrested for committing a series of grisly murders. Bloch read everything he could get his hands on about the murderer, making Gein the model for the central character in his novel.

Holly: That’s so, Robb. But as far as we know, Mr. Hitchcock based his film on the novel.

Robb: Yes, and word is Mr. Bloch ended up making about five grand from the sale because his agent had no suspicion it was the one and only Alfred Hitchcock who wanted rights to the property. Bet when he found out, he was looking for a rope to hang himself.
Theater Voice over speakers: "Five Minutes to Psycho Time!"

Robb: Wow! They want to make sure you know when the show starts!

Holly: Patrons are exiting the theater, Robb. How do they look to you?

Robb: As if they just got off the world’s most thrilling roller coaster ride, Holly.

Holly (calling out): You there … sir, ma’am … yes, you. Can we speak to you for a moment?


Man: Uh … sure, I guess. Come on Rebecca, I’m not goin’ alone.

Robb: Tell us what you thought of the movie.

Man: I was spellbound. I’m usually pretty good at figurin’ out a whodunit, but I didn’t see THAT end coming, did I, Rebecca?

Rebecca: Oh come on, Harry B. Smith. Tell them the truth. He screamed like a little girl, and more than once.

Holly: That right, Harry?

Harry: (Looks down at his feet) Er … uh … well, I confess I was pretty startled a couple times.

Rebecca: He was looking for a rear window to escape from, and that’s the truth.

Robb: Tell us how it ended, Harry.

Harry: Hah! Fugidaboudit! There’s no shadow of a doubt, you gotta find out for yourselves. (The couple walks away in a north by northwest direction, laughing.)

Holly: Thank you for talking to us, Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

Robb: That’s the trouble with Harry, Holly. Close-mouthed as all get out. Well, I think it’s about time we put the theater employees to the test.

Holly: Why don’t you explain our plan to our listeners, Robb?

Robb: Here it is, folks. I’m sure everyone has seen the ads and the movie trailer forbidding entrance to the theater after the film begins. Holly and I mean to find out how serious about that they really are. Holly is padded out to look very pregnant, and I’ll pretend to be her husband, even though I’m the wrong man. You ready, Holly?

Holly: I am, Robb. But first, remove your hand. You said pretend to be married, thank you very much. The movie should have been playing for about fifteen minutes now and it’s only 39 steps to the box office. (Holly & Robb approach the ticket booth.)

Ticket seller: Can I help you?

Robb: I hope so. You see, my wife here is expecting our first child any day now, and she’s worried that she’ll miss seeing Psycho. She’s a HUGE Hitchcock fan, literally. We know the picture already started, but can we go in?

Ticket seller: You’ll have to speak to the manager, sir. (She pushes a button and a portly man who could be a stand-in for Alfred Hitchcock exits the theater lobby. Robb explains their dilemma.)

Manager: I’m very happy to hear about your baby, folks, and I wish you all the luck in the world, but I cannot allow you into the theater until the next showing of Psycho. (Robb and Holly walk away.)

Robb: Interesting. Looks like they will adhere to the policy Mr. Hitchcock imposed: No admittance after the movie begins.

Holly: If that story didn’t get us in, nothing will. You know, they didn’t make a preview available, so some of these people in line might be film critics.

Robb: And my guess is they won’t be any too thrilled about being made to watch this movie with the average Joe and Jane. I bet they won’t be very nice in the papers tomorrow. Speaking of lines, look how long this one is now! It gives me vertigo trying to see how far it goes.

Holly: Yes, just amazing. I do think Mr. Hitchcock had the right idea about shrouding this film in secrecy. He’s a master, both as promoter and director.

Robb: Amen, and what we have here is an A-movie director working on a B-movie budget. For example, the Bates house (Hitchcock called it "California Gothic") was the most expensive set of the picture, costing about $15,000.00. Several stock unit sections were cannibalized for the Bates manse – including a tower from the house used in James Stewart’s 1948 man-and-his-rabbit comedy, Harvey.

Holly: Psycho was definitely done on the cheap, Robb. He borrowed his crew from his TV production to do this movie. Hitch even kept his stars’ salaries as low as possible. And speaking of the cast, some of our listeners may not be aware of a grand twist in the Hitchcock tradition during casting, Robb. The director leaked word that he was looking for someone to play "Mother Bates". Many actresses wanted the part, and one actress who personally knew Mr. Hitchcock called him and demanded the role. Of course, no one knows who got the part. With the exception of screenwriter Joseph Stephano.

Robb: And when the script was finished, Stephano went to war with the censors. One battle took place over references to "transvestism." Turned out the censors didn’t know what the word meant. When Stephano showed them the dictionary definition, they backed down.

Holly: The censors also had flopping fits about the pointed references to an incestuous relationship between Norman and his mother. But, oddly enough, the scene showing the toilet in the bathroom, something that had never been done before, got by without too much hassle. Stephano wanted the toilet to flush to make it more memorable, so a scene with Janet Leigh was written specifically for that purpose. That added to the realism of the film.

Robb: And don’t forget Miss Leigh parading around in a bra and half-slip. Hitchcock certainly broke a lot of major taboos with this film.

Holly: We could go on for days, Robb, but it’s time for us to go into the theater and see Psycho. Be back soon, folks!
Approx. 90 minutes later

Robb: It still holds up, huh Holly?

Holly: (In a whisper) Watch it Robb … remember when you are. (Aloud) Uptown or Downtown, Robb?

Robb: It’s a terrific movie, folks! I give it my Uptown rating. If you’re looking for an experience similar to jumping out of an airplane without a parachute, don’t miss Hitchcock’s Psycho. It’s definitely not for the birds!

Holly: Just think, Robb, this movie was made on a limited budget, in black-and-white, but people are flocking to the theater! I give it an Uptown also. Oh, and by the way, you’ll pay for that "HUGE fan" wise crack when you least expect it!

Robb: Now that’s suspense!

Voice from thin air: Ok you two, that’s enough! Time to jump to the next show, Sunset Boulevard!



Message from the Editor:
The quotes contained herein are accurate. The opinions expressed are strictly our own. We would love to read your comments on Psycho. ATTENTION HITCHCOCK FANS! The above review contains the titles of 17 Hitchcock movies. Can you find them all?
Sponsored by Star Town Gifts http://www.startowngifts.com/ featuring Hollywood Gift Collections.
Click here to see the Psycho gift Collection.http://www.sfbookbaskets.com/id2.html

Gone With The Wind-12-15-1939

DATELINE: December 15, 1939

" This is Jimmy Jazzman and you’ve been listening to the swinging sounds of Benny Goodman. We now take you to K-STAR’s live broadcast from Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA. Take it away, Robb Starr and Holly Wood."

ROBB: Hello, hello, hello, folks! Yes, Jimmy, Holly and I are here in front of Loew’s Grand Theater eagerly awaiting the stars of the world premier of Gone With the Wind. A magnificent scene, right Holly?

HOLLY: Yes indeedy, Robb. A clear December night with plenty of stars in the sky, and stars that sparkle just as brightly as the ones in the sky will soon be arriving at this theater surrounded by fans and the press.

ROBB: It won’t take those Hollywood stars long to get here, either. Most of the cast has been staying at the nearby Georgian Terrace Hotel. The premier party will be held there tonight, and I’m sure looking forward to having a swell time.

HOLLY: That’s if they let you in, Robb.

ROBB: Accompanied by a gorgeous dame like you, Holly, I’ll have no trouble. They won’t even look at me!

HOLLY: Flattery will get you nowhere, Robb.

ROBB: Not to change the subject, but some of our listeners may not be aware that this premier is attracting a lot of attention, and not all of it is good.

HOLLY: True, Robb, true. Besides the uproar of the motion picture not opening at Atlanta’s famous Fox Theater due to their contract with 20th Century Fox, there have been changes in the programs they’ll be handing out tonight (see above). Some found offensive the likeness of "Mammy" played by Hattie McDaniel, so they removed the pictures of the entire cast, leaving the back cover blank.

ROBB: I guess the Civil War isn’t really over here in Georgia.

HOLLY: Afraid not, Robb. And I’m betting this film will take a few licks after the general public sees it.

ROBB: Let’s hope most everyone will take such delight in the performances and sweeping scenery that they’ll not let a little historical facts ruin it for them. I say this assuming Margaret Mitchell did her homework.

HOLLY: Might be part of the South’s history, Robb, but that doesn’t make it in any way appealing.

ROBB: I agree with you there, Holly … hang on folks, a car just pulled up to the curb. I see someone getting out …

HOLLY: It’s Mr. Clark Gable!

ROBB: Yes ma’am, it’s the King of Hollywood himself, and on his arm is his beautiful bride, Carole Lombard. They were married during the filming of Gone With the Wind.

HOLLY: I wonder if he said to Miss Lombard the same thing he said to Miss Scarlett … "You need to be kissed, and kissed well, by someone who knows how." That line turned my knees to jelly.

ROBB: As it will every woman in the country after this motion picture is in wide release. Here’s another car pulling up. The crowd is going wild …. I can’t quite see … I think it’s… yes, it is Miss Vivien Leigh! Isn’t she a dream walking? Now there’s someone to make my knees turn to jelly.

HOLLY: She certainly is a beauty, Robb. And even though Hollywood eyebrows shot up two inches when she was cast as Scarlett O'Hara because she was born in Darjeeling, British India, I have to say that at last night’s sneak preview she more than fulfilled my expectations. As our audience knows, the competition for the role of Scarlett was fierce. According to the New York Times, Norma Shearer is quoted as saying, "Scarlett is going to be a difficult and thankless role. The one I wanted to play is Rhett Butler." That’s why she dropped out of the competition.

ROBB: Here comes the lovely Miss Olivia DeHavilland who portrays Melanie in the picture. Let’s see if we can get her over here. Miss DeHavilland?

OLIVIA: Good evening, Robb and Holly.

HOLLY: Good evening, Miss DeHavilland. Our listeners would love to hear a few words about your experiences filming Gone With the Wind.

OLIVIA: The whole town was against us, and there wasn’t a soul in Hollywood who wished us well.

ROBB: I have a feeling after they see how marvelous the motion picture is, you’ll be flooded with apologies. Thank you for stopping by.

HOLLY: My goodness, Robb. I had heard discouraging words were spoken. I read that Jack Warner tried to dissuade Miss DeHavilland by telling her "Oh, you don’t want to be in Gone With the Wind. It’s going to be the biggest bust in town."

ROBB: And we were there the night before the press preview when David O. Selznick said "At noon I think it’s divine; at midnight I think it’s lousy. Sometimes I think it’s the greatest picture ever made. But if it’s only a great picture, I’ll still be satisfied."

HOLLY: And here she is, the woman that started it all, Miss Margaret Mitchell! Miss Mitchell, may we have a word?

MARGARET: "Hello, I’m so happy to be here".
.

ROBB: We understand you were an unofficial technical adviser on Gone With the Wind. Why did you quit?

MARGARET: "I refused to go out on a limb over a head-rag. I really must get inside now."

HOLLY: Thank you, Miss Mitchell.

ROBB: Well, how about that? The racial question rises again. Look, Holly … isn’t that Leslie Howard?

HOLLY: Yes, Robb, the man who plays Scarlett’s unrequited love interest. In a letter to his daughter he said, "I hate the damn part. I’m not nearly beautiful or young enough for Ashley, and it makes me sick being fixed up to look attractive." Personally, I thought he was a dreamboat in the role.

ROBB: It looks like most of the celebrities are inside the theater, Holly. I just saw Butterfly McQueen, Ward Bond, Thomas Mitchell and screenwriter Sidney Howard walk in. Producer Selznick and the great F. Scott Fitzgerald assisted Sidney. Shall we go in and have another look at what may turn out to be one of the best films of our time, Holly?

HOLLY: I can’t wait to see it again, Robb. I'm giving this motion picture my Uptown vote. Goodnight, everybody!

ROBB: For me, it’s waaay Uptown. Have a swell evening, folks. Thanks for tuning in!

*The quotes contained herein are accurate. The opinions expressed are strictly our own. We would love to read your comments on Gone With the Wind.
Sponsored by Star Town Gifts http://www.startowngifts.com/ featuring Hollywood Gift Collections. Click here to see the Gone With The Wind Gift Collection http://www.sfbookbaskets.com/id31.html and thank you for stopping by!

Star Town Ledger-7-23-2005

Thank you for stopping by the Star Town Ledger, a time travel experience to the glamor of old Hollywood, as viewed at the time of the premier of the movie. Here you'll get a behind-the-scenes, insider's look at some of your favorite films.

Mr.Robb Starr, Ms. Holly Wood
Investigative Reporters, time travelers