Peggy Fears: contrary to her surname, a confident stalwart of the stage and a fearless lover

Peggy Fears as Gaby Aimee in ‘Lottery Lover’ 1935. Photo: Fox Film Corporation

Born on 1 June 1903, Peggy Fears left her native New Orleans around 1916 and swiftly made her mark as a renowned Ziegfeld showgirl and Broadway luminary. Whilst tangible evidence of her work is scant, she did notably appear in the 1935 Hollywood production 'Lottery Lover' alongside Lew Ayers and Pat Paterson. She is widely surmised to have partook in various lesbian dalliances, notably with fellow actresses Tedi Thurman and Louise Brooks. This facet of her life found voice in an interview with Ms. Brooks herself in the year 1971. Let it be known, the discussion of this lady's proclivities is not intended for censure or scorn; nay, to the contrary.

Acknowledging the risk of appearing pedantic or condescending, as an unorthodox straight white man largely unimpressed with and holding little tolerance for other men and their various idiocies, I find myself compelled to laud those throughout history who dared to stray from the beaten path and spurn the petty expectations of society. Verily, I hold in high regard those who carve their own courses, think freely, and pursue their passions sans yielding to the dictates of the masses, even if in subtle and subversive manners. Peggy Fears, Louise Brooks, and their ilk from days of yore epitomize this ethos of personal autonomy and defiance against societal norms. Peggy Fears did indeed live a long life, being granted merciful release from this rotten planet at the age of 91 on 24 August 1994.

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.

Quotables 27 April 2024: Ann Sheridan on the curse of being Hollywood ‘Oomph Girl’

Ann Sheridan via the John Springer Collection

‘They nicknamed me "The Oomph Girl", and I loathe that nickname! Just being known by a nickname indicates that you're not thought of as a true actress . . . It's just crap! If you call an actress by her looks or a reaction, then that's all she will ever be thought of as’.

Quote via https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792130/quotes/ 

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 1941: Claudine Auger

Claudine Auger and Sean Connery in 'Thunderball', 1965 United Artists via Getty Images

The French beauty who lit up the screen as the Bond Girl ‘Domino’ opposite Sean Connery in 1965’s ‘Thunderball’, Claudine Auger was born on 26 April 1941 in Paris.

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.

‘Days of Future Passed' stands as the pioneering masterpiece of English Progressive rock, with much credit owed to this gentleman. #RIP Mike Pinder: the Moody Blues' last surviving founding member, who passed away at 82

WireImage

A trailblazer of the Mellotron and the visionary who guided the Moody Blues from their R&B roots, or more specifically, their 'British beat' origins, into something truly revolutionary. I firmly believe that 'Days of Future Passed' (1967) stands as the inaugural fully-fledged Progressive rock album and shall forever remain my favourite work by the Moodies. With all due respect to 'Sgt. Pepper's' and 'In the Court of the Crimson King', it is worth noting that Procol Harum's first full-length album did not emerge until after 'Days of Future Passed'. However, it is undeniable that Procol Harum did release one of the very first legitimate Progressive rock singles (the earliest being ‘Eleanor Rigby’) with 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' in early 1967, positioning themselves alongside the Moodies and a select few others in shaping this bold new era of music.

Mike Pinder remained with the Moody Blues until their break-up in 1972. He briefly rejoined the group when they reformed in 1978, only to step aside for former YES keyboardist Patrick Moraz. Whilst Mr. Moraz did perform valiantly during his time with YES - filling in for Rick Wakeman on 1974's masterwork 'Relayer' - it is questionable whether he left a comparable mark in replacing Mike Pinder in the Moody Blues. Despite the band's considerable chart success into the late 1980s and their respectable output during this period, nothing they produced after Pinder's departure matched the sonic and thematic depth of their golden era from 1967 to 1972. Not even close. Some sources do suggest that Mr. Moraz may have felt relegated to the role of a mere session player during his 13-year tenure with the Moodies, which is to say, beyond manning the keys, he did not fulfill quite the same roles with the ensemble as Mr. Pinder.

For the Moody Blues, Mike Pinder was irreplaceable. Whilst I cannot profess to have known much about him personally, this obituary does provide insight into an eccentric yet kind individual who remained devoted to music and spirituality until his final days. It is saddening that so many English Progressive rock pioneers have departed in recent years. Let us pay homage to those who have left us and honour those who remain, not named Roger Waters. Thank you, Mike Pinder, for your contributions and legacy.

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 1908: Marceline Day

A cinema card of actress Marceline Day. Photo: Stacey Kluck/National Museum of American History

A native of Colorado Springs, and the sister of the esteemed actress Alice Day, Marceline Day (née Marceline Newlin) ascended to the peak of her stardom toward the end of the silent film era and with the advent of 'talkies’. With varying degrees of success, she transitioned into sound films before retiring in 1933 at all of 25 years of age. Nowadays, many careers do not even begin in earnest until that age or thereafter, but decades ago, it was not uncommon for actresses to retire young, typically to wed and raise a family. Alas, Marceline Day never did bear children from either of her marriages (the second of which was not consummated until she was in her 50s), and it appears she harboured few fond recollections of her Hollywood career, as she is noted to have seldom spoken of her time in the limelight. Known for her intensely private nature in the decades post her retirement, she departed this mortal coil in early 2000 at the ripe age of 91.

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 1926: Marilyn Erskine

Wishing a joyful 98th birthday to Marilyn Erskine, a gifted and stalwart actress whose illustrious career spanned over five decades across radio, film, television, and the stage from the 1920s to the 1970s. She was, albeit briefly, the first wife of director Stanley Kramer, and is seen hither (on the left) co-starring with Elaine Stewart in the 1953 MGM comedy ‘A Slight Case of Larceny’.

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.

Film review: Brigitte Bardot dans ‘Et Dieu … crea la femme’ (‘And God Created Woman’) 1956

Brigitte Bardot with Jean-Louis Trintignant in ‘And God Created Woman’, 1956. Photo: Criterion Collection

A French film and young star that caused a worldwide sensation - almost anon becoming the most successful foreign-language film in the United States up to that time - I, in mine own person, do not find Roger Vadim’s 1956 blockbuster 'And God Created Woman' to be an enjoyable experience. Its plot is shallow and, at times, convoluted, and grows increasingly tiresome as the film progresses.

While undeniably and exceptionally attractive, the character of 18-year-old Juliette Hardy is an entirely unsympathetic, spoiled brat. Granted, the film's central theme revolves around the character's arrogance and sense of entitlement, but it is laid on quite thick. If only the writers had provided us with a genuine protagonist to engage with. Instead, every supporting character presented here - aside from, perhaps, the pet rabbit - comes across as utterly impossible to root for, most merely appearing as hopeless and pathetic dupes for a young woman 'made to destroy men'. 

Verily, my lack of enjoyment of this movie stems from being a jaded and cynical 46-year-old man who recognises that many fair appearances mask darker truths beneath. Lord knows, I am excessively weary of witnessing individuals ensnared by ancient deceits and timeless falsehoods, thusly shaping my outlook on the world. Yet, despite my reservations, at certain junctures this movie gives the impression that its sole intent was to flaunt Brigitte Bardot’s body in its zenith. Had the producers not bothered with any pretense of a plot, I would not voice grievance. In her time, this lady was historically stunning eye candy, but we have countless images documenting her unearthly eroticism and allure. Spending any length of time with this movie will only convince one that beauty is skin deep and often serves as a mere facade masking inner ugliness.

Alas, that would seem to be precisely the larger point Roger Vadim and the producers may have been going for, and in this they do succeed, but excessively so. ‘And God Created Woman’ is a film that possesses one notable merit: Brigitte Bardot selling her sensuality as few women who have ever graced the stage and screen have accomplished. Ultimately, howbeit, one is left feeling flat and not particularly enamoured with humanity in general by the end of its 91 minutes.

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.

Quotables 18 April 2024: Joan Bennett on changing hair colour, and why no remembers good girls

Actress Joan Bennett by George Hurrell, circa 1932

‘There are hundreds of glamor girls in Hollywood, but actresses who are willing to let down their hair, are always in demand. Getting a salty role is like finding an old friend. One feels the significance of the character’.

‘I turned my hair dark and have received much better parts ever since’.

‘For ten years, with the exception of Little Women (1933) and Private Worlds (1935), I'd played the insipid blonde ingenue, short on brains, long on bank accounts, the victim in a love triangle, and, for some reason that now escapes me, I was often English. Suddenly, I found myself filming Trade Winds (1938) in a dark wig, and with eyes at half-mast and voice lowered an octave, I positively smoldered all over the South Seas’.

‘Let people hiss. They'll still be sore at the bad woman long after they've forgotten the nice girl who got the man’.

‘Few people remember good women. They don't forget bad girls’.

Quotes via https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000910/quotes/ and https://www.azquotes.com/quote/900553

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.

Quotables 17 April 2024: Marilyn Monroe reflecting on absurdity versus mundanity, genuine commitments versus deceit, the unjust perception of lesser intellect by bloody fools, and married women

Marilyn Monroe before she was 'Marilyn', circa 1946. Photo: Joseph Jasgur

‘If you don't love me at my worst, then you don't deserve me at my best’.

‘It's better being completely ridiculous than unbelievably boring’.

‘Promises are worse than lies. You don't just make them believe, you also make them hope’.

‘I didn't mind being thought of as dumb. I knew I wasn't’.

‘I have noticed... that men usually leave married women alone and are inclined to treat all wives with respect. This is no great credit to married women’.

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.

R.I.P. Whitey Herzog

Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images

A fond farewell to the esteemed manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 1980 to 1990, Whitey Herzog, who has passed away at the age of 92. Just two weeks ago, he graced the Cardinals’ home opener, though too frail to join the other Hall of Famers on the field. A true Cardinal until the very end, Herzog ranks third all-time in wins as a St. Louis manager, behind only Tony La Russa and Red Schoendienst. Under his leadership, the team achieved a magnificent World Series victory in 1982 and secured two additional pennants in 1985 and 1987. In 2010, he rightfully earned his place in Cooperstown, an honour that was long overdue. Whitey Herzog will be warmly remembered for years to come. Thank you for your life, good sir. {Reuters 4/16}

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 1924: Sir Neville Marriner

Decca Records

Sir Neville Marriner, widely regarded as one of the world’s most renowned conductors, was born exactly one century ago in the cathedral city of Lincoln, Lincolnshire. His name is familiar to anyone who has ever tuned into classical music on FM radio, as well as that of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the chamber orchestra he did establish. Together, they achieved unparalleled recording success, rendering Marriner and his orchestra among the most prolific ever.

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 1938: Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale by Angelo Frontoni

Italian actress Claudia Cardinale achieved considerable fame in Hollywood between 1963 and 1968 before dedicating herself to Italian and French cinema. Born unto Sicilian parents in French Tunisia, Signorina Cardinale possesses fluency in five languages: French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, and English. During her time in the Hollywood realm, she starred alongside notable figures such as Rock Hudson, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, John Wayne, and Rita Hayworth (the latter two in 1964’s 'Circus World'). Cardinale continued to grace the screen as late as appearing in a Swiss television mini-series in 2020. Let us raise our voices in hope the esteemed lady is having a wonderful 86th celebration of life.

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 1990: Greta Garbo dies

MGM publicity photo of Greta Garbo, by Clarence Sinclair Bull

'I want to be alone; I just want to be alone’. Greta Garbo’s most iconic line in film was uttered in the award-winning 'Grand Hotel' in 1932. It encapsulates the essence of the lady and largely defines how she spent the last few decades of her life. Yours truly admires Greta Garbo not only for her remarkable beauty, erotic allure, and exceptional acting talent, but also for her unwavering determination to live life according to her own terms. Especially commendable is her insistence on being left alone, a sentiment I share at this stage of my life. Whenever circumstances did not align with her desires, she had the valor to walk away from the fray. On this day in 1990, at the age of 84, Greta Garbo transcended mortality, yet her spirit doth continue to dance amidst the eternal ether.

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.

Jackie Robinson Day

Hulton Archive

On 15 April each year, two significant events unfold in the United States: the deadline for tax filings and a poignant tribute in Major League Baseball. On this day, players from every team adorn themselves with the number 42 in their respective games, rendering homage unto the pioneer who shattered baseball's racial barriers with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. 

Jackie Robinson, by his noble deeds, paved the way for generations of black players, endowing upon them opportunities and respect at the highest echelons of the game. He is a hero for all who, in any corner of this earth, hath ever been forced to wage battle to validate their very existence. 

Robinson's on-field achievements surpassed even the most skeptical and oftentimes prejudiced initial expectations. As a six-time All-Star, the 1947 NL Rookie of the Year, the 1949 NL MVP and batting champion, and a pivotal member of the Dodgers' 1955 World Series-winning team, his influence resonates for all eternity. Thank you, Jackie Robinson, for your life.

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.

Major breaking NHL news: it appears that the Arizona Coyotes are on the brink of being sold and are set to relocate to Salt Lake City for the upcoming season.

Ross D. Franklin/AP

ESPN - Coyotes players told team is relocating to Utah

Not the sort of thing I usually post on these pages, but I do enjoy the NHL and the tenuous situation with their Arizona franchise hath interested me for a good number of years. It is remarkable that the franchise managed to hold on for as long as it did, considering talks of relocation have persisted for over 15 years. We have known for a long time that the Coyotes were unlikely to stay in Arizona, but I was forever convinced that Houston would ultimately receive them. As the largest media market without an NHL franchise, Houston seemed like the logical choice. This situation somewhat mirrors Los Angeles' NFL absence before the Rams returned a few years ago. As I am not a resident of any of these markets, this is merely an observation that the parties involved may be leaving money on the table by relocating the organization to an untested market that is smaller than its current one. I do wish them luck.

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 1940: Herbie Hancock

Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Wishing the renowned jazz keyboardist and composer, Herbie Hancock, a joyous 84th birthday. 

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.

Mary Howard in ‘Abe Lincoln in Illinois’, 1940

J. Willis Sayre Collection of Theatrical Photographs

Mary Howard portrays Ann Rutledge in a publicity still for the 1940 RKO Radio Pictures production, ‘Abe Lincoln in Illinois’.

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 1900: Spencer Tracy

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn in 'Woman of the Year', 1943. Photo: MGM/Getty Images

The indomitable Spencer Tracy, doubtless one of the singularly most esteemed actors of all time, was born on the 5th of April, 1900, in Milwaukee. Some of mine own personal favourite films of his include 'Northwest Passage', 'Keeper of the Flame', 'Bad Day at Black Rock', and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'.

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 1908: Bette Davis

Bette Davis appears on the beach in the star-studded 1932 crime drama 'Three on a Match'. Photo: Warner Bros.

Attempting to determine the greatest motion picture actor or actress of all time is a futile endeavour. There are myriad intangibles to ponder, a vast array of talent and achievements, and decades of film history to reckon with. Yet, any who contend that Bette Davis was not among the very best in her craft clearly hath not beheld her acting prowess. Countless volumes have been penned by individuals far more versed than I to argue the point, and I bid those with interest to peruse them. Better yet, view any one of her films, and any doubt shall be dispelled.

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 Harlow: ‘one for the boys in the lab’

MGM

Jean Harlow's iconic bath scene from the 1932 pre-code drama ‘Red Dust’, wherein she starred opposite Clark Gable, Mary Astor, and Gene Raymond. It is oft told that during the filming of this provocative scene, Harlow stood up and exclaimed, 'Here's one for the boys in the lab'. Alas, though this tale hath the ring of truth, there exists no photographic evidence to substantiate this anecdote.

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.

Renée Adorée, 1898-1933

Renée Adorée, the enchanting French actress of both stage and silver screen, is elegantly captured in this photograph by Alfred Cheney Johnston. Throughout the 1920s, she shone as one of Hollywood's brightest stars, reaching the zenith of her career in the iconic role of Melisande alongside John Gilbert in the 1925 war romance 'The Big Parade'. This cinematic masterpiece garnered worldwide acclaim, accruing between $18 and $22 million - a prodigious feat equivalent to $319 to $390 million in 2024 money. In fact, 'The Big Parade' held the distinction of MGM's highest-grossing film until the release of 'Gone With the Wind' in 1939. Adorée graced numerous other MGM productions, some of which are now deemed 'lost'. With the onset of the sound era, she seemed poised for even greater stardom, unveiling her vocal talents. Alas, her promising career was curtailed by the scourge of tuberculosis in 1930, and would eventually claim her life at the tender age of 35. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is at 1601 Vine 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.