Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...the Labor Day Weekend edition!

...Someone just posted a bunch of Roddy McDowall's home movies to YouTube. For starters, check out Labor Day 1965 at Rock Hudson's beach house. There are lots more videos linked in the right sidebar. Fun to note how low-key and unpretentious Malibu beach houses were back then.

...Speaking of YouTube, I get a kick out of watching favorite celebrities in 1950s episodes of WHAT'S MY LINE? Here's Dick Powell, and there are links to more episodes at YouTube.

...Caftan Woman decided to pick just one film to recommend on TCM this month, and she chose Frank Capra's AMERICAN MADNESS (1932). AMERICAN MADNESS airs September 29th.

...Celebrity auctions seem to be multiplying this fall. First Debbie Reynolds, then Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and now John Wayne. More here.

...USC Marching Band director Art Bartner is starting his 42nd season with the Trojans.

...Netflix Instant Watch and Starz are parting company.

...Thanks to Missy for sending a link for this brief promo for DOWNTON ABBEY, Series 2. Missy's got lots more good DOWNTON ABBEY info at her blog.

...Kristina shares thoughts on THE ATOMIC CITY (1952), George Sanders in THE SAINT, and more in her latest column for the Landmark Report.

...The L.A. Times Travel section recently spotlighted the Washington State farm once owned by Betty MacDonald, author of THE EGG AND I (1947).

...At Kevin's Movie Corner, there's a detailed, thoughtful piece on BRIGADOON (1954), a film I've always thought was rather underrated, as well as unfairly derided for its soundstage setting, which seems to me to work with the fantasy storyline. Kevin particularly calls attention to the great MGM "sound" of the '50s.

...Alton Brown's GOOD EATS filmed its last episode last week, after 13 years on the air. Brown said of his unique style, presenting the history and science of food, that he was attempting to blend Julia Child, Monty Python, and Mr. Wizard.

...Kimberly Lindbergs wrote a fun piece at TCM's Movie Morlocks blog about actors who released record albums.

...Doris Day has released a new photo in conjunction with the release of her album MY HEART. And great thanks to regular reader Mel for passing on a link for Paul McCartney interviewing Doris in London's Daily Telegraph! I loved Sir Paul telling Doris "I remember ringing you up after watching Calamity Jane in the Sixties to tell you it was the best film and you were the best character." The man has good taste!

...Last weekend I shared information on a crazy proposed law in California which would criminalize the use of a certain type of sheet on hotel mattresses. This week, California's at it again, with a proposed law requiring babysitters be provided benefits, workers' comp, and that there be a backup sitter to provide breaks every two hours. Only family members would be exempt. The mind boggles...

...Meanwhile, if signed California bill 499 would allow the state to give 12-year-old girls the Gardasil vaccination without parents' knowledge or consent. One more example of parents being pushed to the sidelines while the state takes control.

...Cliff has written an informative post on I MARRIED A WITCH (1942) at Immortal Ephemera. His post includes some good anecdotes about Veronica Lake.

...Alert for Deanna Durbin fans: Java has some very interesting newspaper clips about Deanna Durbin's wedding to director Charles David at The Amazing Deanna Durbin.

...Matthew posted a tribute to the late Googie Withers at Movietone News. Viewers of Turner Classic Movies might have enjoyed Withers Friday evening as the tolerant doctor's wife in the mermaid fantasy MIRANDA (1948).

...And my thanks to Matthew for his kind words in his recent post "Around the Blogosphere Without a Paddle."

Have a great holiday weekend!