Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the internet...

...A pair of interesting films coming this October from Kino Lorber Studio Classics: BY CANDLELIGHT (1933), directed by James Whale, and MURDER AT THE VANITIES (1934), directed by Mitchell Leisen.

...This month Universal will be rereleasing single-title Blu-ray versions of a trio of Deanna Durbin films previously released in sets by Kino Lorber. They're also releasing three Bing Crosby Blu-rays. Click the link for full details.

...Robert Mitchum and Ella Raines were each born on August 6th. Please check out my past birthday tributes to Mitchum here and Raines here. Both posts are filled with photos along with review links for many of their films.

...Karen of Shadows and Satin celebrates "Christmas in August" with a review of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE OFFICIAL BAILEY FAMILY COOKBOOK, which was published last year. The gingersnaps in the illustration she shares look very appealing!

...At The Hollywood Revue, Angela does a book-vs.-film comparison of NOW, VOYAGER (1941) and the novel it was based on, written by Olive Higgins Prouty.

...I love the "Recycled Costumes" posts at Phyllis Loves Classic Movies; she has a great eye for recognizing dresses worn by famous stars when they are reused by extras and others. In the latest edition she shares costumes worn by Esther Williams, Jeanette MacDonald, and more which turned up in later movies.

...Speaking of Esther Williams, Jess of Box Office Poisons has an interesting article on the Trails Restaurant which was once owned by Esther and her husband, actor-singer Ben Gage.

...Reviews I enjoyed this week include Glenn Erickson on a UK Blu-ray release of BULLFIGHTER AND THE LADY (1951)...At Riding the High Country Colin wrote about Zachary Scott, Lucille Bremer, and more in RUTHLESS (1948)...Jessica reviewed Bonita Granville in NANCY DREW...TROUBLE SHOOTER (1939) at Comet Over Hollywood...Raquel reviewed the Warner Archive Blu-ray release of THE YEARLING (1946) at Out of the Past...John McElwee of Greenbriar Picture Shows takes a brief look at Margaret Lockwood in BANK HOLIDAY (1938), a film I recall finding interesting back in 2010. I remember being fascinated that people were spending the night sleeping at the beach.

...Seems like it's been a long time since we've seen any new releases from Olive Films.

...Coming in September from Critics' Choice: A four-film William Castle Adventures Collection and a four-film Samuel Fuller Collection; the latter repeats some of the films from a Sony set released several years ago. Thanks to reader Ashley for the tip!

...I also noticed Critics' Choice has a Cornel Wilde Triple Feature due out this month consisting of SHOCKPROOF (1949), EDGE OF ETERNITY (1959), and BEYOND MOMBASA (1956). These sets are great deals for anyone who doesn't already own the films.

...Former CNN anchor Felicia Taylor, daughter of the late actor Rod Taylor, was arrested last week for a hit-and-run accident.

...Notable Passing: I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Clu Gulagher, who has died at 93. His best-known roles included playing one of the hired guns in THE KILLERS (1965) and Sheriff Emmett Ryker on THE VIRGINIAN from 1963 to 1968. Prior to the pandemic, Clu was a fixture at classic film screenings in both Los Angeles and Palm Springs, easy to spot from the shock of thick white hair in his favorite seat, front row center. I'm fortunate to have those memories of sharing enjoyment of so many classic films under the same roof with Clu. He's seen here in side profile, chatting with Monika Henreid, daughter of Paul Henreid, on the patio at the 2018 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival.

...More Notable Passings: Pat Carroll has died at 95. Best remembered by most as the voice of Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989), I especially remember her as one of the Wicked Stepsisters in the Lesley Ann Warren version of CINDERELLA (1965), along with Barbara Ruick...Roseanna Christiansen, who played the maid Teresa for nine seasons on TV's DALLAS, has passed away at 71...Nichelle Nichols of STAR TREK has died at age 89...Paul Coker Jr., who worked on classic Rankin-Bass animated holiday specials, has died at 93...M*A*S*H producer Burt Metcalfe passed on at 87. He was also an actor in numerous TV series...Interior designer Carleton Varney has died at 85.

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my July 30th roundup.

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