—Carole Lombard
Portrait of a Young Woman,c. 1475, tempera on panel, 61 x 40 cm, Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence
“Hot Shot East Bound” was photographed on August 2, 1956, in Iaeger, West Virginia, in an effort to depict small-town American life at the end of an era. As the steam engine symbolically exits the frame, a young couple in Link’s own 1952 Buick convertible takes center stage, both literally and metaphorically. Later, in his darkroom, Link added the U.S. Air Force Sabre airplane on the movie screen to extend this metaphoric power. The photo was a poignant display of a cultural lifestyle in speedy transition.” Text from iconic photos.
tempera on panel
width: 43 cm, height: 55.4 cm
Berlin, Staatliche Museen Nationalgalerie
“I don’t want to be a silly temptress. I cannot see any sense in getting dressed up and doing nothing but tempting men in pictures.”
—Greta Garbo
The Wait, New York City 1960
“Her voice dropped to a whisper. ‘Sometimes, when I walk along the corridor here, I fancy I hear her just behind me. That quick, light footstep. I could not mistake it anywhere. It’s almost as though I catch the sound of her dress sweeping the stairs as she comes down to dinner.’
She paused. She went on looking at me, watching my eyes. ‘Do you think she can see us, talking to one another now?’ she said slowly. ‘Do you think the dead come back and watch the living?’”
-Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca (1938)
Story and screenplay by H.G. Wells
Directed by William Cameron Menzies
Produced by Alexander Korda
Starring: Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, Cedric Hardwicke, Pearl Argyle. Margaretta Scott
Rancho Drive-In, California, 1948
Piper Laurie, (b. Rosetta Jacobs 1932)
Toronto, Sept. 1995
“Carrie was a huge hit and continues to be so, making millions for many. I remained happy and content with my ten-thousand-dollar fee until years later, when Paul Monash, the producer of the movie, insisted on giving me a tour of his mansion ‘that Carrie built, thanks to your extraordinary performance.”’
—Piper Laurie
Danseuse (Battement in Second Position), 1874
Hi Way 39 Drive-In, Orange, 1993
8/22/19
Los Angeles, CA
Photo by: Steve Cohn Photography www.stevecohnphotography.com (310) 277-2054 © 2019
Never seen the movie, and likely never will, but from the stills you posted, “Leave Her to Heaven” appears to have been beautifully filmed.
The “speedy cultural transition” depicted in the photo is cause for ambivalence and some sadness. Much has been gained, but much lost.
The appearance of that Frank Lloyd Wright house on what seems to be a perfectly ordinary Chicago street (I lived there for a time) is jarring.
Piper Laurie needed a much, much better agent than she had.
The Saul Leiter photo has me puzzled.
Of the classic Hollywood stars Carole Lombard is one of the few I’d care to meet. Lost her life on a coin toss with her agent – return to LA by plane or train?
Was supposed to have a wicked sense of humor and a bit of a tomboy. Was a terror at billiards at Hearst’s
That movie has me curious enough to look it up on imdb but honestly I don’t need to watch any disturbing movies.
Great series today. I have seen “Leave Her to Heaven” a couple of times. She was a great actress but her career was affected by her emotional problems. The speculation that this was due to the rubella syndrome baby is interesting. My mother recounted that story to me as a child. She was certain that was the cause. I didn’t know about the Stutz revival. Indiana had an auto industry in the 30s. The Auburn, the Cord.
I have a DVD of “My Man Godfrey” I watch every once in a while.
IIRC That “Stutz Blackhawk“ of the 70s was simply a very pimped out car based on a Pontiac. They were very expensive
I love the watch design, Robert! The watch stem on the top of the case is a novel design, but would it be more difficult to wind/set the time when on your wrist? At that price, I’ll never know….
I didn’t realize the Stutz company was based in Indianapolis, nor that it made a comeback in the 60’s…
The Robie House is an amazing design. I love Wright’s portfolio of designs.
Carole Lombard was a beautiful woman. A talented actress, and a down-to-earth person. She and Clark Gable were the ultimate celebrity couple of their time.
“Hot Shot East Bound” is a fascinating photo.
I’ve not seen “Leave Her to Heaven”. I see the synopsis says it is about her obsession. Is that what disturbed you, Robert?
I can’t speak for Robert, and I don’t want to give away part of the plot, but there is one quite upsetting scene that shows Gene Tierney’s character to be a complete narcissist and sociopath. When you compare that portrayal with the Mrs. Muir character, you can certainly see that there was more to her than her beauty.
Prophet Joe:
You should never wind and set a watch when it is on your wrist. That’s the best way of damaging the crown.
There is a murder in “Leave Her To Heaven” that is beyond horrific.