Backstage and Broadway:The Barkleys of Broadway(1949)

(sharethefiles.com)

Bouncin' the Blues is a number you should enjoy.

You may recognize this from a scene in Rainman(1988) where Dustin Hoffman's

character Raymond is watching this on his portable device.

Josh and Dinah Barkley are a successful husband and wife duo with a hit show and adoring fans. Like their show, the Barkely's marriage has had a great run....except for their constant bickering!Although they've made a "peace pact"and are often referreed by friend and publicist Ezra Millar (played by the eternally grumpy tortured painist, Oscar Levant), the arguements begin to worsen.

 Drama director Jacques Pierre Barredout (Jacques Francois) is attracted to Dinah's talent and (beauty) is on the prowl to persuede her to play Sarah Bernhart in his new play; Josh thinks otherwise and believes that she couldn't make it on stage without him. Dinah has always wanted to play in a drama but she knows to do so would break up her partnership.with her husband. After an encounter with Jaques at a country club gathering, he ends up giving Dinah the script just so she would "consider" the part. Things begin to crumble when Josh finds out; leading them into separation of their act..and marriage. Despite the hurt between them both,Josh(unbeknownst to Dinah at first) coaches her through by telephoning her and using a phony french accent pretending to be Jaques.This results in helping his wife dazzle the crowd on the opening night of her show and of course winning back the love of his life.

The Barkley's of Broadway isn't a big splashy musical, but there are still many enjoyable songs and numbers like "Shoes With Wings On"( which is like Fantasia meets tap shoes) and "My Highland Fling." I also very much enjoyed Ginger's performance as young Sarah. All in all it's just a wonderful honor to watch Fred and Ginger in their first and only technicolor/MGM film and last film together.

Roll 'em,

Neah B

Backstage and Broadway: Kiss Me Kate(1953)

(bway2hlwd.blogspot.com)

LOVE ANN MILLER! This is one of my all time favorite numbesr performed by her (next to Lady From The Bayou in Hit The Deck(1955) among others )

Another favorite song of mine, Tom,Dick, or Harry.

CAUTION: It will get stuck in your head!

              Cole Porter's show Kiss Me Kate, a musical remake of The Taming of the Shrew, will star Fred Graham (Howard Keel) as Petruchio. This is sure to be a smash if the leading lady is Lilli Graham (Kathryn Grayson),ahem,Lilli Vanessi to play Kathryn The Shrew.However, convincing Lilli to take the part will not be an easy task considering:

a) Fred and Lilli are no longer "Mr. and Mrs."Plus, it "might interfere with her honeymoon"

as she intends to marry a cattle baron named Tex Callaway.

b)Fred's new "girlfriend" Lois Lane (Ann Miller) will be playing the part of

 Bianca, Kathryn's younger sister.

        As the production of the show proceeds, so does the rekindling of marital fire between

Fred and Lilli. However the plot takes a sharp turn when Lilli accidentally receives flowers that are actually addressed to Lois! Angry and embarrassed, Lilli is determined to leave in the middle of the show and marry her new fiance.

Meanwhile, Lois' real boyfriend Bill Calhoun (Tommy Rall),dancer/part-time gambler, loses $2,000

dollars that he doesn't have. Because of Lois' involvement with Fred, Bill spitefully signs Fred's name on an I.O.U. Naturally the bookie's henchmen Lippy and Slug ( the hilarious Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore)    come looking for Fred. Although livid, Fred uses these goofy gangsters to keep his ex-wife in the show; and from marrying Tex (Willard Parker).Fred gets Slug and Lippy to help him by informing them that he cannot pay the back if the show flops and that it would certainly flop if Lilli left. As it turns out for Lilli, she can't escape the stage nor the love that she and her ex-husband still share. 

There's much to love about this MGM gem:

*This film (and musical no less) was one of the last to hop on the 3-D bandwagon as it began to fade out around 1954. Also, you won't need your red and blue lensed glasses to see the 3-D effects today. You will notice throughout the movie that it seems like they are popping out of the screen.That is due to the directors telling the cast to dance/act/throw things directly at the camera.One of the best illustrations is in the number "Why Can't You Behave?"

*The dance numbers are awesome featuring Bobby Van, Tommy Rall, Ann Miller and a young Bob Fosse (who got permission to choreograph his own parts).Their best work is featured in "From This Moment On." The show wouldn't be complete without the satin and steel pairing of Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel's amazing voices.

Hope you enjoy this unique classic,

XOXO,

Neah B



Backstage and Broadway:Everything I Have Is Yours (1952)

(photo courtesy of moviegoods.com)

Chuck and Pamela Hubbard (played by real-life, husband-and-wife team, Marge and Gower Champion) have finally hit the big time, starring in the Broadway show, My Sunday Girl. Opening night comes with many raves, reviews....and news. The Hubbards are going to have a baby! This is joyful news for Chuck and Pamela, however dismal for the show. After all, they must obey doctor's orders: NO DANCING FOR PAM! Until the pregnancy is over, Pamela's understudy Sybil Meriden (Monica Lewis) will fill in.

After a successful pregnancy, The Hubbards purchase a lovely home in Connecticut  and start their family life there with young Pam,their daughter. After settling into their home and roles as parents, Pamela wishes to hire a full-time nanny and return to the stage. However, Chuck would rather she stay a full-time mother.

Meanwhile, Chuck and Sybil have been a hit on stage with shows such as We Want Music, Rhythm Time, and Summer Skies. Unfortunately their partnership onstage begins to trickle into life offstage and into the Hubbards marriage. Sybil not only wants to replace Pamela as Chuck's dancing partner but as his wife also. Things continue to sour when Chuck turns down the opportunity to perform with his wife in a new production. With both hearts and pride broken, the Hubbards file for divorce.

           Pamela retuns to to show buissness as usual, but it just isn't the same; for her or Chuck.

 Although they won't admit it,they miss each other immensely. Chuck is giving lackluster performances in a show ironically called True Love. Despite Pamela's talent, her show is failing to move the crowd. It's missing that certain something...Chuck. Seeing that The Hubbards, and the show, are suffering, producer and friend Alec Tackleberry (Dennis O'Keefe) decides to use Pam's annoyance from thier marriage to reunite them. Chuck was so sympathetic toward his wife and always felt her pain...literally. If Pamela had a cold, headache, or backache, so did he. So, when Tackleberry informs  Chuck that Pamela has a terrible (pretend) neurotic disease, he comes down with the symptoms as well as come to her aid. It is then they reunite as husband and wife and partners.

This was a sweet story of love and showbiz with such a sweet and talented couple as the Champions.

This just happens to be thier only starring role. Unfortunately, the color is not as beautiful as most MGM films and was probably a smaller budget picture. However that is compensated by the wonderful dance numbers such  as my favorites,17,000 Telephone poles, Casbah, Serenade For a New Baby, and Pamela's dreamscape/dance with her husband (pay  attention to the bracelet Chuck gives her on opening night). You will certainly enjoy this one if you enjoy musicals.

Enjoy,

Neah B



The Path To Progress

 

 (poster courtesy of adcouncil.org)

If  you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain.

-Dolly Parton

When striving to acheive something, the path isn't always so smooth. Many unexpected factors begin to surface. The class you figured would be a fun skillbuilder seems like a trying annoyance. Your weight loss and fitness plan plateaus. The little bussiness prospects you had seem to be slowing up and drying up. That clutter that you stumbled over reminds you that your "I will be organized this year " plan isn't exactly working. You even start second guessing yourself and begin thinking that it's silly to even try embarking on your goals. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED! Though your progress may be stalled, it doesn't have to be stopped.

1) Learn from your mistakes and keep moving

2) Continue to learn all you can.

3) Seek wise counsel

4) DON'T GIVE UP

Love,

Neah B 

Mistakes are a fact of life, it's the response to error that counts.

-Anonymous

If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never

 say you are wrong for asking.

-James 1:5 (NLV)

If we had no Winter, the Spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity,

prosperity would not be so welcome.

-Charlotte Bronte

But be strong. Do not lose strength of heart. For you will be paid for your work.

- 1 Corinthians 15:7 (NLV)

We are glad for our troubles also. We know that troubles help us learn not to give up. Whenwe have learned not to give up,it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope.

- Romans 5:3-4 (NLV)

Neah B's Oyster Stuffing with Bacon

This recipe derives from my Grandmother Charlotte's Oyster Stuffing.

I decided to give the traditional an extra boost with applewood smoked bacon and parsley.

Hope you enjoy this twist on a family favorite.

Love,

Neah B

serves 8

bacon (1 package applewood or hickory smoked)

parsley (1/2 a bunch curly or flat)

smoked oysters (2 cans)

bread cubes for stuffing (12 oz bag- Pepperidge Farm or the brand you prefer)

eggs (1)

broth or water (2 cups)

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Heat full size pot on medium heat. Cut bacon crosswise into small pieces and place them in the pan.

3) Rinse and chop parsley(discard stems).Place into pan with bacon and saute for about 8-10 minutes stirring frequently.

4)Open your cans of smoked oysters and drain the oil. Stir them in with your bacon and parsley mixture.

5) Stir bread crumbs into pot with bacon mixture and mix well. Remove from heat.

6) Whisk 1 egg well and pour into the mixture.Then pour in broth or water. Mix well.

7)Place all of your stuffing mixture into a well-oiled casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!



Neah B's Shrimp and Garlic Couscous

Here's a very simple seafood recipe made of some of my favorite things.What
could be more simple (or tastier) than succulent shrimp with garlic,butter, and

couscous that's done in 5 minutes? Hope you enjoy this quick and savory treat.

Love,

Neah B

Serves 3-4

Shrimp (1lb.-1 1/2lb fresh or frozen, de-vain/shell-off)

olive or canola oil (2 tbs)

butter (1 tbs)

garlic (4 cloves)

parsley (1/2 a bunch curly or flat)
salt (1tsp/to taste)
nutmeg(1/4 tsp-optional)
couscous ( 1   10 oz box of Near East Couscous or whatever brand you prefer)

1)  Whether you only need to thaw or peel and de-vain,( or both), prepare your shrimp.
Give them a rinse, drain, and set aside.

2) In a pan, heat your butter and oil over medium-low heat.
3) Mince garlic. Rinse and chop parsley, discarding your stems of course.
4) Set garlic and parsley into the pan and saute for about 2-3 minutes.
5) Next, place your shrimp, salt, and nutmeg in to the pan. Stir and mix evenly. Cover and let steam for 4-5 minute or until pink (yet not rubbery).Stir again and cover until you are ready to blend it with your couscous.

6) Prepare Couscous according to package directions.Stir in shrimp,garlic and butter sauce into couscous and mix well. ENJOY!!

Backstage and Broadway: There's No Business like Show Business(1954)

One of my favorite numbers in the the film, Lazy

featuring Donald O'Connor, Mitzi Gaynor, and of course, Marilyn Monroe.

You will also see an example of the killer,casual mind you, costumes here;especially Mitzi and Marilyn's outfits.

20th Century Fox's There's No Business Like Show Business tells the story of the Donahue family.

 Molly(Ethel Merman) and Terrence(Dan Dailey) are The Two Donahues; a successful Vaudeville team and couple. The act begins to expand when they have children,Steve (Johnny Ray), Katie (Mitzi Gaynor) and Tim (Donald O'Connor). Like Mother Wore Tights,(in which Dan Dailey also played husband and father of a Vaudeville team 7 years prior), they felt putting the children in a boarding school would give them a more stable home life than traveling with them. However, in this story, it doesn't work. Not only do the kids miss them but want to learn the business as well.By time the kids reach their 20's they have joined the act and change the name to The Five Donahues.

Although a dynamite act, the Donahues are an average family and no stranger to the changes family life brings. The eldest son Steve decides to leave show business and become a priest. Tim meets Vicky Parker(Marilyn Monroe), an up and coming Broadway star and is instantly smitten. She soon becomes as successful as the Donahues and begins playing the same venues. This soon becomes a problem as she is beginning to cost them bookings and a rift between Tim and Molly.However, this doesn't slow the relationship. Manager Lou Harris is building a show around Vicky and want Tim and Katie as supporting cast leaving Molly and Terry to be The Two Donahues once more. Katie even ends up marrying one of the Production execs.Things are going well until Tim begins to feel left behind in his relationship with Vicky and ditches the act along with his family and is nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, miracles do happen and they are reunited for their big finale as The Five Donahues once again.

This has always been one of my favorite films since I was 10 years old and have probably seen it a million times since! It is presented in CinemaScope and beautiful Technicolor as only Fox (along with MGM and Paramount) can. The storyline is great  but the song and dance numbers are even greater.To pick my favorite is a tough ordeal, but along with Lazy, I love "Heatwave", "After You Get What You Want You Don't Want It", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Do You Believe That?" and " A Man Chases A Girl (Until She Catches Him)".

 My only complaint is that the story in this film takes place from 1919-early 1940's but the costumes are not period appropriate after the kids are grown. However that complaint is squelched by the fact that this film exemplifies some of the best 50's fashion ever.Simply Gorgeous!

I hope that this movie will become as dear to your heart as it is  to mine.

Remember: There's No Business Like Show Business!

Roll Film,

Neah B

Backstage and Broaadway: Mother Wore Tights(1947)

Way before How I Met Your Mother, there was 20th Century Fox's Mother Wore Tights. This film,  narrated by their youngest daughter Mikie (Connie Marshall), tells the story of Frank and Myrtle Burt(An actual Vaudevillian couple during the early 1900's.) played by Dan Daily and

Betty Grable.

Their story begins after Myrtle McKinley graduates high school. She and 2 other girlfriends journey off  to start their new lives of college and work. Futures change when they decide to take in a show at Schneider's Matinee Daily. When the box office operator  almost gets caught getting the girls in free, he tries saving his job by telling him the young ladies were interested in being apart of his act. Myrtle, of course,was brave enough to accept the part and instantly became a chorus girl. She soon meets her husband-to-be Frank Burt; the smooth and charming star of Schneider's show.

Talent, among other things, attracts them each other.Frank and Myrtle form a team; on stage and as husband and wife. They become a successful team on and off stage and soon become parents of 2 lovely daughters Iris (Mona Freeman) and Mikie. Myrtle becomes a stay at home while Frank continues on the circuit. However, he soon finds that no one can replace his wife and sends for her to join in the act while grandmother mckinley looks after the girls during the winter.

Wanting the girls to have a more stable life and be with kids their age, they are place in Ms.Ridgeway's boarding school. With a new school, comes new friends and Iris ,in particular, is afraid that her high society friends will look down on her showbiz parents as they do other actors. Iris' fears are soon put to rest when her parents bring their act to the school and prove that they aren't the aververage showbiz hams.This restores her pride of her family and is proud of her mother wearing tights.

Mother Wore Tights is a film with a sweet story of love and family .No big splashy numbers in this one but definitely enjoyable. Unlike films such as Moon Over Miami, I think this movie highlights more of Betty's vocal talents but an overall great film;especially her teaming with Dan Dailey.

Enjoy,

Neah B

Get Started!

(photo courtesy Tammyamorton.com)

The secret of getting ahead, is getting started.

-Sally Berger

We're almost near the month of January! Have you been succeeding in your goals or your resolutions? Have you even gotten started? Whatever the goal in mind, GET STARTED! If you have gotten started yet progress has been stalled, start back up again. I'll even admit for myself that some goals have been greatly accomplished while some have fallen by the wayside.Your task at hand(great or small) can seem like a burden the longer you let it linger...even if it's something you want to do! So get organized, write your plan,gather your supplies, re-arrange, re-decorate, lose the weight, build the muscle, or take the class. Whatever you do, just be sure to GET STARTED!

Love,

Neah B

Some good comes from all work.Nothing but talk leads to only being poor.

Proverbs 14:23

 

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

-Elanor Roosevelt

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

-Helen Keller

The time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

-Anais Nin

Neah B's Creamy Lemon Dill Scallops

Problem of the day:

1) steamed scallops

+

creamy lemon dill sauce

tasty and simple seafood

Enjoy!

Love,

Neah B

serves 3

(recipe can be multiplied)

frozen or fresh scallops (12-16 oz)

salt

(1 tsp for scallops and more if needed for your sauce)

butter (2 tbs)

lemon ( 2 tbs juice) 

half and half (1/2 a cup)

dill

(fresh: about 20 sprigs chopped. dried: 2 tbs)

flour (1/4 a cup)

1) Give scallops a quick rinse and place them in medium sized pan. Let them steam covered on medium- low heat for no more than 4 minutes.

2) Remove scallops from pan and place in a small mixing bowl.Salt and stir your scallops and set aside. Any broth created from the scallops, leave in the pan as it will be used for your sauce.

3) In your broth, place butter, lemon juice, half and half, and dill.When butter is melted, whisk contents together.

4) Gradually whisk in flour. Once your sauce has thickened, season if necessary.

5) Place scallops into sauce and stir.Once combined, let flavors meld for 2 minutes or so.Serve over hot buttered grits or pasta and enjoy!!!

Neah B's Tuna Salad and Crab Salad

Although I grew up a "Georgia Peach" and "Southern Belle", I am not a fan of salads that include:

a) MAYONNAISE

b)HARD-BOILED EGG

c)RELISH

No potato salad, carrot rasin salad, coleslaw, tuna salad or the like for me. And as odd as it sounds, I know I'm not alone;So, these simply remixed (and if I might add healthier) recipes are for you. Enjoy.

Love,

Neah B

Neah B's Tuna Salad

Serves 5

lemon (the juice if 1/2 a lemon)

olive oil (1/4 cup)

ground mustard (1 tsp)-optional

dill weed or parsley (4 tbs)

onion powder (1 tbs)

garlic powder (1 tbs)

salt (1 tsp or more/to taste)

tuna-packed in water (4 cans)

1) In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, ground mustard, dill weed/parsley, onion powder, garlic powder and salt.

2) Open all 4 cans of tuna. Drain water and place all tuna into mixing bowl with the seasonings. Mix well.

3) Transfer tuna salad to small cassarole dish or container. Chill for 30 minutes or more for intense flavor or enjoy immediately

Neah B's Simple Crab Salad

serves 4

lemon (the juice of 1/2 a lemon)

olive oil (1/4 a cup)

parsley (2 tbs)

onion powder (1 tbs)

salt (1 tsp or more/to taste)

imitation crab (1 12 oz. package)


1) In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley,onion powder and salt.

2) Dice all crab meat and place in the mixing bowl with seasonings. Mix well.

3) Transfer crab salad to a small cassarole dish or container. Enjoy immediately or chill for more intense flavor.

Backstage and Broadway: The Broadway Melody of 1940

(photo courtesy of soundtrackcollector.com)

"The Jukebox Number" is one of the best (and my favorite) tap numbers in any classic musical.

           In MGM's The Broadway Melody of 1940, King Shaw (George Murphy) and Johnny Brett(Fred Astaire) are hot hoofers who do specialty acts (sometimes without pay).Talented as they are,they haven't tapped themselves into Broadway.While performing at a wedding reception, they are spotted by Mr.Casey (Frank Morgan) of Matthews and Casey Agency/Productions.He is scouting for a new personality and partner for dancing star Clara Bennett (Elanor Powell);She is also a big crush of Johnny's. At the end of their show, Mr.Casey comes to congratulate the duo and tell Johnny,in particular, that he's wanted for the part. However they assume that Mr. Casey is involved with a collections agency.So, to save face, Johnny pretends he is King; which almost costs him his career.

          King and Johnny's opportunity comes calling again but unfortunately its only calling for

King Shaw; The REAL King Shaw! So not only does King get Johnny's big break but his girl as well.

King begins to prosper on stage and Johnny is his trainer behind the scenes. Unfortunately, King becomes full of himself and everyone takes notice, especially Claire. She also notices the real talent and sweetness in Johnny and would rather work with him.On opening night, King makes some unwise decisions that leave him unfit to go onstage.Nevertheless, this gives Johnny the chance to be Claire's leading man on and offstage.
Aside from Fred, George, and Elanor's Talent, you will enjoy the other specialty acts such as phenomenal female juggler,Trixie Firscke. You'll also love Begin the Beguine/Finale and All Ashore,

which showcases Elanor Powell's smooth taps and graceful acrobatics.

Roll Film,

Neah B

Change is a'comin'!

Get ready for changes and expect Great things....

This Could Be The Start of Something by Ella Fitzgerald

The Greatest Star performed by Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl

One of my faves by Dolores Gray that is sure to get you struttin your stuff! There'll be some changes made!

Don't Rain On My Parade performed by Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl

 Something's Comin' from The West Side Story

Enjoy!

 Neah B



Happy New Year, Happy New YOU!

(photo courtesy vintageholidaycrafts.com)

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

  Isaiah 43:19

Hello Gals and Pals and welcome to 2012. I hope your holidays were filled with warmth and celebrations. Now that we have entered into a new month and a new year, I hope that you are recharged with hope,ambition, and expectation.There's nothing that you can do about the failures, mistakes, or what you didn't accomplished last year. However, you have a renewed opportunity to attain your goals(new and old), and become an even better you. Now is the time to take the chance(with wise discernment) and...

*lose the weight.

*take that salsa, Spanish,pottery, business,etc. class you've been wanting take.

*start your business

*learn a new skill

*read more, write more

*do whatever will greatly enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

At Virtuously Vintage Vixen this month, I will be sharing simple and scrumptious seafood recipes on Tuesday's Tasty Tips and Treats.Wednesday Wisdom will focus on overcoming obstacles and empowerment. Retro Reels for the month of January is titled Backstage and Broadway as it will feature some of my favorite films about the lives of performers-on and off stage;such as The Band Wagon, Kiss Me Kate, and There's No Business Like Show Business.

Here's wishing you a fresh start,

Yours Truly,

Neah B