Easter fun with Alice White, 1904-1983

Alice White hiding from the Easter bunny. Photo: likely a Warner Bros. promotional photo or film still.

Born 25 August 1904 in Paterson, NJ, (née Alva White), Alice White illuminated the screen as a leading lady for Warner Bros. in the early 1930s. Alas, a scandal in 1933 - wherein Miss White and her screenwriter fiancé, Sy Bartlett, stood accused of orchestrating an assault on her former lover, Irish-born actor John Warburton - tarnished her reputation. Although never formally charged, the media frenzy inflicted irreparable damage on Miss White’s career. Nonetheless, she secured supporting roles until the late 1940s. Subsequently, she dwelt in obscurity for the remaining decades of her life and rests at the Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Easter fun with Sharon Tate

Sharon Tate

Sharon Tate in a promotional still from 'The Wrecking Crew' (1968), a Columbia Pictures production. Wishing you a Happy Easter!

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Easter fun with Heather Angel, 1909-1986

Heather Angel. Photo: John Springer Collection/Getty Images

English actress Heather Angel, born on 9 February, 1909, in Headington, Oxford, is captured here celebrating the Easter holiday with festive flair. While she appeared in numerous productions over the years, she is most vividly remembered as Helen Pettigrew in the 1933 time-traveling film 'Berkeley Square', where she starred alongside Leslie Howard.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Easter fun with Mary Carlisle, 1914-2018

Mary Carlisle

Mary Carlisle, believed to have been born on 3 February, 1914, in Boston, MA. The last surviving of the ‘WAMPAS Baby Stars’ of 1932, this beautiful actress and pin-up model extends Easter greetings to one and all. While I prefer attributed photos, regrettably, this is one of those maddening circumstances where I cannot locate the credit; it is likely an MGM or Universal publicity shot. This lady starred in over sixty films before retiring from Hollywood at age 28, later managing a Beverly Hills beauty salon.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Danielle Darrieux, 1917-2017

Wikimedia Commons

Esteemed French actress Danielle Darrieux was one of her country’s foremost luminaries of the silver screen for eight decades, also leaving her mark in Hollywood as a star for Universal in the 1930s, and intermittently for MGM in the 1950s. Alongside her acting prowess, she showcased her talents in singing and dancing, gracing many musicals. Her breakthrough role arrived as Marie Vetsera in the 1936 French historical drama 'Mayerling', starring opposite Charles Boyer.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Anita Ekberg strikes a pose

Swedish actress and pin-up queen Anita Ekberg by photographer Peter Basch in the 1 August 1956 edition of Vogue magazine.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Maureen O’Hara in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, 1939

Maureen O'Hara

Maureen O’Hara portrays Esmeralda in the 1939 RKO Radio Pictures adaption of Victor Hugo’s novel, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1917: Man O’ War was foaled, rising to fame as the highest-earning and most beloved racehorse of his, or any, era

Seabiscuit on stud duty, circa 1926. Photo: L.S. Sutcliffe

The legendary Man O' War triumphed in 20 out of 21 starts during 1919 and 1920. Following his racing career, he retired to stud, leaving an indelible mark by siring War Admiral and serving as the grandfather of Seabiscuit. His bloodline endures to this day, a living testament to his legacy in the world of horse racing.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Rest in Peace, Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, 1982. Photo: Paramount Pictures

The esteemed actor Louis Gossett Jr. has passed away at 87. He etched his name in history as the first black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1982's ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. Although familiar with his acclaimed role and with his name and likeness, I knew not very much about his life and career until perusing his obituary this morning. (In truth, my film fandom ends mostly in the 1970s, and I hate television, explaining why I had not seen Mr. Gossett in more productions). The gentleman led a life of intrigue; in fact, he was still toiling up until the past year. The list of people he worked with is a ‘who’s who’ of Hollywood and Broadway luminaries of the latter half of the 20th century. He fought racism with vigor and purpose. Verily, a momentous loss for the stage and screen, and the world at large.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

‘The Chest’. Shapely actress and model Carole Landis posing on the beach in the early 1940s, capturing a moment when the world seemed to be at her feet

20th Century Fox

Actress Carole Landis, born on New Year’s Day in 1919 in Wisconsin, and by 1940 had become a star with her breakout role as Loana in ‘One Million B.C.’ In addition to her thriving career as an actress and pin-up girl, she undertook extensive USO tours during World War II, traversing over 100,000 miles, and contributed as a writer for newspapers and magazines. However, her tumultuous love life ultimately landed her in peril. By the age of 29, she had married and divorced four times, and was engaged in an affair with married actor Rex Harrison. Whilst the exact circumstances of her demise doth apparently remain in dispute among her living relatives, it was officially determined that Miss Landis, distraught over Mr. Harrison's refusal to divorce his wife for her, ended her life with an overdose of Seconal. Her body was discovered the following day by Rex Harrison, who curiously delayed informing the authorities for several hours. Another enigmatic Hollywood mystery that may forever remain unsolved, yet Carole Landis undoubtedly remains one of the most vivacious figures of her era, and her untimely death a crying shame.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Born #OTD 1867: Cy Young

Bain New Service/Library of Congress/public domain

Cy Young was born in rural Ohio on 29 March, 1867, and to this day stands as the greatest workhorse of a pitcher in baseball history. His record of 511 wins remains unbroken, as does his loss record of 316. Additionally, he holds the records for most innings pitched (7,356), most games started (815), and most complete games (746). With the modern era's cautious approach to pitcher usage, it is probable that these records will endure for eternity.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Helen Twelvetrees: a tragic heroine both on and off the screen

RKO Radio Pictures

Golden Age actress Helen Twelvetrees died in 1958 at the age of 49 from a sedative overdose, which coroners ruled as suicide. She emerged as a prominent dramatic actress in the 1930s, often portraying women whose lives were filled with turmoil and despair. Her personal life mirrored the characters she played. A co-star in a 1951 stage production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, in which Twelvetrees starred as Blanche DuBois, noted that she had ‘the saddest eyes I'd ever seen ... it was also obvious that she had an extremely fragile psyche’. However, in this photograph, she embodies a decidedly more cheerful character as Maryan Garner in the 1930 musical ‘Swing High’ alongside co-star Fred Scott.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Thelma Todd, 1906-1935

Elmer Fryer, circa 1931

Thelma Todd, known as ‘The Ice Cream Blonde’, was a comedic actress, model, and 1925 Miss Massachusetts. She starred alongside ZaSu Pitts, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers ere her untimely death at 29 from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1994: Pink Floyd's masterpiece 'The Division Bell' is released

‘The Division Bell’ celebrates its 30th anniversary. An album I purchased on its release day, and one that continues to captivate me and bring me solace just as it did when I was 16 years old. A timeless masterpiece.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Born #OTD 1921: Nancy Kelly

20th Century Fox

American actress and model Nancy Kelly in a promotional shot for 1939’s ‘Stanley and Livingstone’, a film in which she appeared opposite Spencer Tracy and Walter Brennan.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Born #OTD 1921: Simone Signoret

Renowned French actress Simone Signoret as the title character in 1948’s ‘Dédée d'Anvers’.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1908: Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford by Ruth Harriet Louise, circa 1926.

Wishing one and all a very happy Joan Crawford’s Birthday. Born on 23 March, 1908.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Jean Peters in 'Pickup on South Street', 1953

20th Century Fox

Jean Peters portrays Candy in the 1953 Cold War spy thriller 'Pickup on South Street'.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

Elizabeth Taylor in 'Night Watch', 1973.

Avco Embassy Pictures

Dame Elizabeth Taylor in ‘Night Watch’, an excellent psychological thriller from 1973.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1760: The Great Boston Fire ravaged the city

Boston Public Library

It consumed 360 buildings in the vicinity of what is now Washington Street and Fort Hill, leaving over a thousand people homeless in its wake.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1963: Kathy Ireland

Photo: Sports Illustrated

#OTD 1963: The gorgeous Irish-American swimsuit queen Kathy Ireland was born in Glendale, CA. 

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

A a life-size replica of a Patagotitan dinosaur

Marcio Pimenta

Located in Trelew, Argentina, is a life-size replica of a Patagotitan dinosaur. Explore this and many more stunning pictures of the Patagonia region by clicking here.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED at https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1821: Sir Richard Francis Bacon

National Portrait Gallery

19 March, 1821. English explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton born in Torquay, Devon. Renowned for much, including his linguistic prowess and worldwide voyages, notably as the first European to discover Lake Tanganyika. Verily, a remarkable gentleman.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1923: Pamela Britton

United Artists

Pamela Britton, born Armilda Jane Owens in Milwaukee, WI, on 16 March, 1923, was known for her Broadway work. Her notable film roles include Paula Gibson in 'D.O.A.' (1950) and Miss Unconscious in 'Key to the City' (1950).

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1936: Ursula Andress

Ursula Andress photographed by Bunny Yeager.

Wishing a joyous 88th birthday to the illustrious Swedish actress and model Ursula Andress, famed for portraying Honey Ryder in ‘Doctor No’, 1962. As captured here by Bunny Yeager. 

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST. https://tinyurl.com/ArthurNewhook.

#OTD 1770: The Boston Massacre

Illustration: ‘The Bloody Massacre,’ engraved by Paul Revere, via Wikimedia Commons

Today in 1870, an impassioned mob incited British soldiers to fire their weapons, driven by the sensationalistic and exaggerated rhetoric of the populist propagandist Samuel Adams. Said mob were outraged that colonists were being required to contribute to repaying war debts from the recent global conflict, the French & Indian War, from which British victory had spared these very folks from falling under French rule. Five of the insurrectionists were left dead, escalating tensions to a boiling point over the next few years. This culminated in an all-out revolution by 1775 and the eventual end of British colonial rule in the thirteen American colonies. The conflict resulted in millions of lives lost and displaced, with pressure tactics, otten pure terrorism, employed by patriots against fellow citizens loyal to the crown. The upheaval profoundly altered the global order, ultimately leading to the emergence of the United States of America as a global superpower, for both better and worse. Whether one loves or hates America - and I, and, verily, most of thee reading these words do reside in America - one should never be deluded into viewing the patriot forces as unequivocally righteous. The most zealous and ideological among them sought to impose their will on the general population. Today, there are striking parallels, as the country faces division, with movements like #Cult45 and Christian nationalism coalescing around a corrupt, charismatic leader driven by grievance and bloodlust. 

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. Visit The Echo of a Distant Time, @FloydEtcetera on FACEBOOK and X; @arthurnewhook on POST. @arthurnewhook.bsky.social; and @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world.

A RANT ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TELEVISION BROADCASTS IN THE PRESENT AGE

MLB

New rules for baseball announcers and the various television crews covering these broadcasts: Firstly, actually call the bloody games and ixnay the chit-chatting on the headsets with outfielders, managers, et al. Unnecessary distractions. Everybody does this nowadays, yet I’ve not seen any evidence to suggest any viewers derive enjoyment from it. It annoys the life out of me. Indeed, I have vented over this on these forums numerous times through the years, and not once hath a single person tried to defend the merits of this practice to me. 

Secondly, refrain from trying to inject frivolity and cheap humour into these broadcasts, which typically consists of commenting on every player’s beard or hair ad nauseam. As I type this, the guys on ESPN covering this afternoon’s Yankees preseason game are so f**king out to lunch. The annoying triviality of it all. Albeit, this is not game seven of the World Series, but such boorishness is never becoming at all. Anywhere and everywhere, at all times, this is always absolute cringe behaviour, namely trying to have fun with others’ appearance. Stop that, whoever needs to hear it! In my 46 years, I have struggled mightily to kill those things in me that are unacceptable. Obnoxiousness is not an endearing trait, but I digress.

No wonder the younger folks are gravitating towards other sports, for all of these attempts at modernizing and altering the traditional essence of this most old-fashioned and pastoral of games are transparently misguided and patronizing. The growing overall disinterest is a clear indication that these superficial changes are failing to resonate. Just present the game authentically, respectfully, and with sincerity. Perchance, by focusing on the core values of the sport, rather than futile attempts to appear 'cool,' there is a greater likelihood of attracting new fans and re-engaging those who have drifted away. Major League Baseball does not need to chase trends, and it does need to be ‘hip.’ It needs to be genuine and respect the intelligence of its audience.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST.