The United States had been at war a little over a year when the 15th Academy Awards were presented on March 4, 1943. It was the last year that the awards were celebrated at a lavish banquet; they would be moved to a theater setting in the ensuing years. The impact of World War II can be seen in the films honored, as well as the ceremony itself.
Popular musical star Jeannette MacDonald sang the National Anthem, and newly enlisted military privates Tyrone Power and Alan Ladd unfurled a flag that listed over 25,000 film industry members who had joined the armed forces. Bob Hope hosted the event, which saw one big winner, numerous patriotic choices and the first win for one of the industry’s biggest record-makers. Let’s flashback 80 years to the Oscars ceremony of 1943.
SEEOscar hosts: Performers who have hosted the Academy Awards
Ten movies made the cut for a Best Picture nomination.
Popular musical star Jeannette MacDonald sang the National Anthem, and newly enlisted military privates Tyrone Power and Alan Ladd unfurled a flag that listed over 25,000 film industry members who had joined the armed forces. Bob Hope hosted the event, which saw one big winner, numerous patriotic choices and the first win for one of the industry’s biggest record-makers. Let’s flashback 80 years to the Oscars ceremony of 1943.
SEEOscar hosts: Performers who have hosted the Academy Awards
Ten movies made the cut for a Best Picture nomination.
- 2/6/2023
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
‘The Gilded Age’: Julian Fellowes’ new period drama is exceedingly rich in Tony Award-winning actors
Few television series boast an ensemble as rich as HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” at least in terms of Tony Awards. Julian Fellowes’ new period drama, which takes place in 1882 New York during a period of American industrialization and affluence, was shot predominantly in New York City. It draws on the wealth of theatre performers available due to the pandemic. The result is a cast of Broadway luminaries whose accolades total in the dozens, or 64 nominations and 23 wins, to be exact.
At the center of the action are a pair of two-time Tony winners — Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon — who play sisters Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. These doyennes of old, moneyed New York try to bar the door to the new wealth elbowing their way into high society. Baranski won her first Tony for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing,” which featured Nixon as Baranski’s daughter.
At the center of the action are a pair of two-time Tony winners — Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon — who play sisters Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. These doyennes of old, moneyed New York try to bar the door to the new wealth elbowing their way into high society. Baranski won her first Tony for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing,” which featured Nixon as Baranski’s daughter.
- 1/24/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Hulu’s upcoming comedy “Life & Beth” nabbed Laura Benanti for a recurring guest star role, Variety has learned exclusively.
Benanti will play Jane, a struggling mother, in the series from Amy Schumer, who writes, directs, executive produces and stars as the titular character.
While Beth’s life looks good on paper — from her job as a wine distributor to her long-term relationship and cosmopolitan life in Manhattan — a sudden incident forces her to engage with her past, which changes her life forever. The show will center flashbacks to teenage Beth, which allows her to realize how she became who she is, as well as think more deeply about who she still wants to become.
Benanti, who can currently be seen in Netflix’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” adaptation and HBO Max’s reimagining of “Gossip Girl,” was already in production on “Life & Beth.”
Her other recent television credits include “Younger,...
Benanti will play Jane, a struggling mother, in the series from Amy Schumer, who writes, directs, executive produces and stars as the titular character.
While Beth’s life looks good on paper — from her job as a wine distributor to her long-term relationship and cosmopolitan life in Manhattan — a sudden incident forces her to engage with her past, which changes her life forever. The show will center flashbacks to teenage Beth, which allows her to realize how she became who she is, as well as think more deeply about who she still wants to become.
Benanti, who can currently be seen in Netflix’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” adaptation and HBO Max’s reimagining of “Gossip Girl,” was already in production on “Life & Beth.”
Her other recent television credits include “Younger,...
- 12/2/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Meryl Streep is predicted to extend her Golden Globes record with a 33rd nomination for her star turn in the Netflix musical “The Prom.” She plays a Broadway diva down on her luck who seizes on the plight of a high school senior (Jo Ellen Pellman) prevented from taking her girlfriend to the prom. Streep shines in the musical numbers and has some lovely quieter moments as well. Not surprisingly, this favorite of the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. sits atop our Best Musical/Comedy Actress chart.
Streep has won a record eight Golden Globes from her 32 nominations to date. Seven of those victories have been for films (her single TV win came for her leading role in the 2003 HBO limited series “Angels in America”). Her first time to the podium was way back in 1980 for her supporting role in “Kramer vs. Kramer.” She went on to win her first Oscar for that featured performance.
Streep has won a record eight Golden Globes from her 32 nominations to date. Seven of those victories have been for films (her single TV win came for her leading role in the 2003 HBO limited series “Angels in America”). Her first time to the podium was way back in 1980 for her supporting role in “Kramer vs. Kramer.” She went on to win her first Oscar for that featured performance.
- 1/31/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
We are predicting that Meryl Streep will have to make more room on her already crowded mantle as she is tipped to take home her ninth Golden Globe for her star turn in the Netflix musical “The Prom.” Streep sits atop our Best Musical/Comedy Actress chart for her role as a Broadway diva hoping to revitalize her career by promoting the plight of a high school girl (Jo Ellen Pellman) who is prevented from taking her girlfriend to the prom. Streep dazzles in a string of song-and-dance numbers and has some lovely quieter moments too.
Seven of Streep’s record eight Golden Globe victories have been on the film side (her single TV win was for her leading role in the 2003 HBO limited series “Angels in America”). Her first time to the podium at these kudos put on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was for her supporting role...
Seven of Streep’s record eight Golden Globe victories have been on the film side (her single TV win was for her leading role in the 2003 HBO limited series “Angels in America”). Her first time to the podium at these kudos put on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was for her supporting role...
- 1/25/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Tommy Rall, the actor and dancer who brought Broadway skills to Hollywood films including Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Funny Girl and Pennies From Heaven, died Tuesday of congestive heart failure in Santa Monica. He was 90.
His death was announced by friend Cynthia Wands on Facebook.
“A hospice nurse was by Tommy’s bedside,” Wands wrote, “and found a box that held the cards and letters that had been sent to him in the last few weeks. She spent the afternoon reading each one to him, and when she finished reading the last one – he peacefully stopped breathing and passed away.”
As a dancer in the 1950s, Rall shuttled between Broadway and Hollywood, choreographed onstage by Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion (Small Wonder) and Agnes de Mille (Juno) and directed on screen by Stanley Donen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), George Sidney (Kiss Me Kate...
His death was announced by friend Cynthia Wands on Facebook.
“A hospice nurse was by Tommy’s bedside,” Wands wrote, “and found a box that held the cards and letters that had been sent to him in the last few weeks. She spent the afternoon reading each one to him, and when she finished reading the last one – he peacefully stopped breathing and passed away.”
As a dancer in the 1950s, Rall shuttled between Broadway and Hollywood, choreographed onstage by Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion (Small Wonder) and Agnes de Mille (Juno) and directed on screen by Stanley Donen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), George Sidney (Kiss Me Kate...
- 10/8/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On April 9, FX debuts “Fosse/Verdon,” about two people who may not be household names, but are certainly in the Pantheon to those who love musicals.
In the Jan. 25, 1950, issue, Variety reviewer Hobe Morrison lamented the stage revue “Alive and Kicking,” but gave one of the few positive mentions to newcomer Gwen Verdon. (Among others in the cast: Carl Reiner.) Variety’s first story about Bob Fosse ran on July 24, 1952, when he signed as a performer with MGM. The two met in 1955, when she starred in Broadway’s “Damn Yankees,” which he choreographed. In the May 6, 1955, review, Morrison had problems with the show, but high praise for both of them. For the 1958 film, they reprised those duties and he also appeared in the “Who’s Got the Pain” mambo number.
The teaming of director-choreographer Fosse and star Verdon was unbeatable for years with such Broadway shows as “Redhead” (1960), “Sweet Charity” (1966) and...
In the Jan. 25, 1950, issue, Variety reviewer Hobe Morrison lamented the stage revue “Alive and Kicking,” but gave one of the few positive mentions to newcomer Gwen Verdon. (Among others in the cast: Carl Reiner.) Variety’s first story about Bob Fosse ran on July 24, 1952, when he signed as a performer with MGM. The two met in 1955, when she starred in Broadway’s “Damn Yankees,” which he choreographed. In the May 6, 1955, review, Morrison had problems with the show, but high praise for both of them. For the 1958 film, they reprised those duties and he also appeared in the “Who’s Got the Pain” mambo number.
The teaming of director-choreographer Fosse and star Verdon was unbeatable for years with such Broadway shows as “Redhead” (1960), “Sweet Charity” (1966) and...
- 4/12/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Lively stars, good music and Bob Fosse-grade dancing favor Columbia’s forgotten-yet-rediscovered original musical remake, which turns the adventures of two sisters in Manhattan into an all-romantic gambol. Janet Leigh and Jack Lemmon are young and fresh, but MGM alumnus Betty Garrett steals the show.
My Sister Eileen
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1955 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 108 min. / Street Date June 19, 2018 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garrett, Bob Fosse, Kurt Kasznar, Dick York, Lucy Marlow, Tommy Rall, Richard Deacon, Kathryn Grant, Queenie Smith.
Cinematography: Charles Lawton Jr.
Film Editor: Charles Nelson
Choreographer: Robert Fosse
Songs: Jule Styne, Leo Robin
Original Music: George Duning
Written by Blake Edwards, Richard Quine from the play by Joseph Fields, Jerome Chodorov, from stories by Ruth McKenney
Produced by Fred Kohlmar
Directed by Richard Quine
The making of a fun movie musical was rarely as easy as jumping up and shouting,...
My Sister Eileen
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1955 / Color / 2:55 widescreen / 108 min. / Street Date June 19, 2018 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garrett, Bob Fosse, Kurt Kasznar, Dick York, Lucy Marlow, Tommy Rall, Richard Deacon, Kathryn Grant, Queenie Smith.
Cinematography: Charles Lawton Jr.
Film Editor: Charles Nelson
Choreographer: Robert Fosse
Songs: Jule Styne, Leo Robin
Original Music: George Duning
Written by Blake Edwards, Richard Quine from the play by Joseph Fields, Jerome Chodorov, from stories by Ruth McKenney
Produced by Fred Kohlmar
Directed by Richard Quine
The making of a fun movie musical was rarely as easy as jumping up and shouting,...
- 6/26/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Rose Marie -- best known for playing wisecracking writer Sally Rogers on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" -- died Thursday at her home in California ... according to her publicist. Rose's career began as a child singing sensation in the '20s and '30s, and she was the last surviving entertainer to have charted a hit before World War II. She landed her first big TV role in 1960 on the CBS sitcom "My Sister Eileen,...
- 12/29/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Actor and singer known for her role as the Sinatra-chasing taxi driver Brunhilde Esterhazy in On the Town
The most famous role played by the all-round entertainer Betty Garrett, who has died aged 91, was Brunhilde Esterhazy, the taxi driver in Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly's musical On the Town (1949). In the film, she introduces herself to a shy sailor played by Frank Sinatra and asks him: "Why don't you come up to my place?" She is soon vigorously chasing him around her cab, rejecting any of his suggestions about what to see in New York with the rapid retort: "My place!"
In Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), Garrett had pursued Sinatra with equal zeal, assuring him by singing It's Fate, Baby, It's Fate. She also panted after Red Skelton in Neptune's Daughter (1949), begging him not to leave her apartment with the song Baby, It's Cold Outside.
The most famous role played by the all-round entertainer Betty Garrett, who has died aged 91, was Brunhilde Esterhazy, the taxi driver in Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly's musical On the Town (1949). In the film, she introduces herself to a shy sailor played by Frank Sinatra and asks him: "Why don't you come up to my place?" She is soon vigorously chasing him around her cab, rejecting any of his suggestions about what to see in New York with the rapid retort: "My place!"
In Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), Garrett had pursued Sinatra with equal zeal, assuring him by singing It's Fate, Baby, It's Fate. She also panted after Red Skelton in Neptune's Daughter (1949), begging him not to leave her apartment with the song Baby, It's Cold Outside.
- 2/14/2011
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Actress/singer Betty Garrett has died at the age of 91.
The star passed away on Saturday, a day after she was admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles with heart problems.
Garrett began her career in the 1930s and established herself as a star with a stint in Broadway play Call Me Mister.
The stage performance led her to Hollywood, where she landed roles as Frank Sinatra's love interest in 1949's movie musicals Take Me Out to the Ballgame and On the Town.
But her screen ambitions were cut short after her husband, actor Larry Parks, was blacklisted by Hollywood's top executives for his early membership in the Communist Party.
Garrett managed to revive her career a few years later and starred in 1955 musical My Sister Eileen, and eventually moved into the TV industry, appearing in popular 1970s series All in the Family and Laverne and Shirley.
More recently, she made a cameo in Ted Danson's sitcom Becker, a performance which landed her an Emmy nomination in 2003.
She is survived by her two sons, composer Garrett Parks and actor Andrew Parks.
The star passed away on Saturday, a day after she was admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles with heart problems.
Garrett began her career in the 1930s and established herself as a star with a stint in Broadway play Call Me Mister.
The stage performance led her to Hollywood, where she landed roles as Frank Sinatra's love interest in 1949's movie musicals Take Me Out to the Ballgame and On the Town.
But her screen ambitions were cut short after her husband, actor Larry Parks, was blacklisted by Hollywood's top executives for his early membership in the Communist Party.
Garrett managed to revive her career a few years later and starred in 1955 musical My Sister Eileen, and eventually moved into the TV industry, appearing in popular 1970s series All in the Family and Laverne and Shirley.
More recently, she made a cameo in Ted Danson's sitcom Becker, a performance which landed her an Emmy nomination in 2003.
She is survived by her two sons, composer Garrett Parks and actor Andrew Parks.
- 2/13/2011
- WENN
Betty Garrett, aka "Hildy" the female cabbie from On the Town, passed away yesterday at 91. She was a comic star of stage, tv and, however briefly, big screen musicals. The Hollywood blacklist of the 50s, which sadly destroyed so many careers at their prime, derailed hers, but at least she had charming musicals like Neptune's Daughter, My Sister Eileen and two Frank Sinatra pairings in On The Town and Take Me Out to the Ball Game under her dance belt before that sorry turn of events. Her career got a second wind of sorts on television in the 70s in sitcoms like Laverne and Shirley and All in the Family.
Is there anything more contagiously cheerful than a good musical comedy star? ♪ They're awful....awful good to look at, awful nice to be with, awful sweet to have and hold... ♫
Here's a fun video that apparently played before her 90th birthday bash.
Is there anything more contagiously cheerful than a good musical comedy star? ♪ They're awful....awful good to look at, awful nice to be with, awful sweet to have and hold... ♫
Here's a fun video that apparently played before her 90th birthday bash.
- 2/13/2011
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Your filmic birthdays for 11/25
1914 Joe Dimaggio, center fielder and Mr. Marilyn Monroe, albeit briefly
1920 Ricardo Montalban "Smiles everyone, smiles." (sniffle)
1933 Kathryn Grant, aka Mrs. Bing Crosby, whose film career was spotted with famous stuff (Rear Window, My Sister Eileen, The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad) but less than a decade in length.
1947 Jonathan Kaplan, director of 80s & 90s actresses (Bad Girls, Love Field, The Accused, Heart Like a Wheel) who now only works on TV
1947 Tracey Walter, character actor
1960 JFK Jr., prince of Camelot, dater of actresses, magazine entrepeneur. I loved George back in the day. Remember that?
1965 Dougray Scott, the almost Wolverine (Mi:ii, Enigma, Dark Water)
1984 Gaspard Ulliel, French looker. Also acts.
1914 Joe Dimaggio, center fielder and Mr. Marilyn Monroe, albeit briefly
1920 Ricardo Montalban "Smiles everyone, smiles." (sniffle)
1933 Kathryn Grant, aka Mrs. Bing Crosby, whose film career was spotted with famous stuff (Rear Window, My Sister Eileen, The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad) but less than a decade in length.
1947 Jonathan Kaplan, director of 80s & 90s actresses (Bad Girls, Love Field, The Accused, Heart Like a Wheel) who now only works on TV
1947 Tracey Walter, character actor
1960 JFK Jr., prince of Camelot, dater of actresses, magazine entrepeneur. I loved George back in the day. Remember that?
1965 Dougray Scott, the almost Wolverine (Mi:ii, Enigma, Dark Water)
1984 Gaspard Ulliel, French looker. Also acts.
- 11/25/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.