September, 1956 – MGM has released the biographical drama Lust for Life about famed Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. The film stars Kirk Douglas who brilliantly portrays the tormented life of van Gogh from his time in the coal-mining region of Belgium until his tragic end in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

The psysical characteristics embodied by Douglas bring the artist back to life. So much so, that during location filming, many of the older residents of the village where van Gogh lived thought that he had actually returned.

Douglas was so immersed in this role that his wife has stated, “When he was doing Lust for Life, he came home in that red beard of Van Gogh’s, wearing those big boots, stomping around the house—it was frightening.”

Directed by Vincente Minnelli, who insisted on the actual European locations, and supported magnificently by Anthony Quinn as Paul Gauguin, who was both friend and rival to van Gogh, and James Donald as Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s always supportive brother.

Lust for Life captures both the passionate intensity of the artist and the tortured genius who felt that he would never be able to portray what he sees on canvas.

Released – September, 1956 

Directed By – Vincente Minnelli

Starring – Kirk Douglas (Vincent van Gogh), Anthony Quinn (Paul Gauguin), James Donald (Theo van Gogh), Pamela Brown (Christine), Everett Sloane (Dr. Gachet).

Description – THE MOST REVEALING LIFE-INSPIRED STORY EVER FILMED!

Based on Irving Stone’s 1934 novel, this is the life story of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. Many believe that one must experience failure in order to one day realize true success and the life of Vincent van Gogh is a strong testament to that belief.

His obsession with painting and his long suffering problems with mental illness made for a painful and unhappy life.

After failing as both a preacher in a coal-mining town and a social activist, van Gogh would sink into a state of depression. Coming to his aid is his devoted brother Theo who provides for Vincent’s return to Holland and the home of his father.

A new interest in drawing restores some much needed enthusiasm to his life. Around the same time his recently widowed cousin Kay comes to live with the family for the summer. Vincent enjoys her company and soon finds himself falling in love with her.

Adding to Vincent’s personal turmoil is his new belief in God. Vincent believes that the best way to serve God is through love and art and not through any type of ritual reverence. This is in stark contract to the belief’s of his father, who is a Pastor, and the tension between the two dramatically increases.

No longer able to hide his feelings toward Kay, Vincent confesses his love for her only to be rejected. While in a local bar, Vincent meets a local prostitute named Christine who is also in need of comfort and relief from her everyday life. Initially, the two get along very well and they, along with her infant son, share an apartment.

Christine provides Vincent with color paints to experiment with, and the added ability to convey his feelings on canvas with color, along with his growing feelings for Christine, provide Vincent with a new world of artistic creativity.

This period of euphoria proves to be short-lived as Vincent’s temper and lack of money cause Christine to leave him. Add to this the fact that his father dies and Vincent’s emotional roller-coaster again spirals downward.

During these many agonizing years, only his brother Theo has constantly remained at his side providing both moral and financial support.

His meeting with friend and rival Paul Gauguin, along with the artistic community, provide van Gogh with a level of respect for his art. However, van Gogh never gets along with the other artists and Gauguin, always a critic, puts a strain on even their relationship.

It has been a long, unsatisfying life for van Gogh, but his darkest days are still ahead.

He begins to suffer hallucinations and seizures that he can not control and decides to voluntarily commit himself to a mental institution. After a while, he signs himself out and, with his brother Theo’s help, returns to the countryside to paint.

Van Gogh’s fear that he is still unable to put his vision on canvas once again begin to haunt him and ultimately lead to tragedy.

NOTABLE: Lust for Life won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Anthony Quinn), and received nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Kirk Douglas), Best Writing, Best Screenplay-Adapted, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color.

Many of the films locations were the actual spots visited by van Gogh in his life. On one location, Director Vincente Minelli had a portion of a field spray-painted yellow to more accurately replicate its appearance on a van Gogh painting.

Released – July, 1956 

Directed By – Robert Wise

Starring – Paul Newman (Thomas Rocco Barbella/Rocky Graziano), Pier Angeli (Norma Graziano), Everett Sloane (Irving Cohen), Eileen Heckart (Ma Barbella), Sal Mineo (Romolo), Harold J. Stone (Nick Barbella).

Description – A Girl Can Lift A Fellow To The Skies!

The life of Rocky Graziano started out tough. His difficult childhood included being beaten by his father (a former boxer), membership in a street gang, and a long list of criminal activities that led to his inevitable arrest and imprisonment.

Undisciplined and possessing a strong resentment of authority figures, even his time spent in prison was a series of one problem after another. After finally being released, Rocky decides to start a new life.

However, before being able to settle into something, Rocky is drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey. His propensity for trouble follows him to training and, after punching a Captain, he goes AWOL.

Desperate to make some money, Rocky turns to fighting and changes his name to Rocky Graziano. His natural talent, and punching power, lead him to win all of his early bouts, but even with a new name, the military catches up to him.

After one of his fights, he is called to his manager’s office to speak with a couple of military personnel. Expecting to be taken back to the Army and again put in prison he again decides to run. Realizing that he can’t run forever he turns himself into the military.

After serving a year in a United States Disciplinary Barracks he is dishonorably discharged and looks to resume his boxing career. Rocky’s skills move him up the middleweight ranks and he is introduced to his sister’s friend Norma. Love has hit Rocky right between the eyes and the two soon marry.

Rocky’s rise continues and he becomes middleweight champion. A title defense against former champ Tony Zale is next. This will be the first of three legendary fights with Zale and will result in Rocky being knocked out in the sixth round.

1946 proved to be a tough year for Graziano as he not only lost his title, but was a victim of a blackmail attempt by someone he know while in prison. He was told to throw a fight, but just couldn’t do it. Rocky faked an injury and did not fight the intended opponent.

His failure to notify the Boxing Commission of the blackmail attempt result in his suspension from the fight game. Eventually, his suspension is lifted and the stage is set for Rocky to meet Tony Zale in the second of their memorable fights.

The stage is set for the up-and-down life of Rocky Graziano to get back to the top.

NOTABLE: Someboby Up There Likes Me won Oscar’s for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, and Best Art Direction, Set Decoration, Black-and-White. The film also received a nomination for Best Film Editing.

The role of Rocky Graziano was originally intended for James Dean. However, Dean was killed in an automobile accident before shooting. Paul Newman was asked to take the part. This was a break for Newman as some considered him to be too old for the part, and his first film The Silver Chalice proved to be a flop.

Actor Rod Taylor auditioned for the role and, although he did not get the part, the audition impressed MGM enough for them to sign him to a long-term contract.

This motion picture provided the screen debut’s for Dean Jones, Robert Loggia, and Frank Campanella. It was also one of the first films in which Steve McQueen appeared.

Released – March, 1956 

Directed By – Fred M. Wilcox

Starring – Walter Pidgeon (Dr. Edward Morbius), Anne Francis (Altaira ‘Alta’ Morbius), Leslie Neilsen (Commander J. J. Adams), Warren Stevens (Lt. ‘Doc’ Ostrow), Jack Kelly (Lt. Jerry Farman), Robby the Robot (Himself)

Description – IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD!

United Planets Cruiser C57-D, led by Commander J. J. Adams, is on a mission to the planet Altair IV to investigate the fate of a colony establishing expedition sent 20 years ago. As the ship draws closer to Altair IV they receive a radio message from Dr. Edward Morbius advising them to stay away.

He claims that he will not be able to guarantee their safety and that his has no need for assistance. Commander Adams, in keeping with his mission, ignores the warning and prepares to land. They are met by Robby the Robot who brings the Commander, Lt. Farman, and ‘Doc’ Ostrow to the home of Dr. Morbius.

Dr. Morbius tells Commander Adams that a “planetary force” has destroyed their spacecraft and killed the other members of the expedition. The only survivors were Morbius, his wife, who later died of natural causes, and their daughter Altaira. It is Morbius’ fear that the same fate will happen to Commander Adams and his crew.

The next evening, a piece of valuable equipment is sabotaged aboard Commander Adam’s craft despite the posting of sentries. The following morning the Commander and ‘Doc’ Ostrow visit Dr. Morbius in an effort to find out who is responsible.

Morbius informs them of his work studying an ancient civilization known as the Krell. They had populated the planet many years earlier and were discovered to have all died mysteriously in one single night. His work has led to his learning to use the greatest Krell’s scientific development, a “plastic educator” capable of enhancing intellectual ability many times over. Morbius has used the machine on himself and has been able to permanently develop his own intellect to an unheard of capacity.

To prevent another intrusion, Commander Adams sets up a defensive force field around his ship. However, this proves useless as the intruder again invisibly penatrates the defense and kills a crew member. The only clue is a large footprint that is examined by ‘Doc’ Ostow who has never seen anything like it before. He can only state that, “Anywhere in the galaxy, this is a nightmare.”

The intruder again returns and is picked up by the ships radar and described as being, “as big as a house.” Although invisible, when in the force field fence energy beams appears as a fiery, lion-like creature. Their weapons are useless and more crew members are killed before the creature disappears.

A return to Dr. Morbius home reveals that the Krell machine is capable of creating any object that can be imagined and that there is a direct link between the creature and Dr. Morbius. It may be too little, too late as the invisible creature is now approaching the house and slowly melting its way through the nearly indestructible thick metal doors of the Krell laboratory.

NOTABLE: Forbidden Planet received an Oscar nomination for Best Effects, Special Effects.

Forbidden Planet is the first science fiction film to take place entirely on another planet and the first to use an all-electronic musical score.

The motion picture was filmed on the same sound stage as the Wizard of Oz, and Altaira’s garden was originally the Munchkin village.

Robby the Robot is now part of a collection owned by director William Malone.

The film’s poster is ranked #5 on Premiere’s list of “The 25 Best Movie Posters Ever.”

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, has stated that this film was his inspiration for the series.

This was the first science fiction film produced at MGM since “The Mysterious Island” in 1929.

Personal Note: One of, if not, the best of the many very enjoyable 1950′s science fiction films. Film historian Ben Mankiewicz has claimed that it was the success of Forbidden Planet that paved the way for future big-budget science fiction films.

1930′s Hollywood introduced us to many of the greatest actresses of all time. There was a wealth of female film talent during this decade and they have all earned the right to be remembered as a permanent part of Hollywood history.

The following actresses, in no particular order, represent just a sampling of the talent that women brought to the silver screen during the 1930′s. For film fans of any generation, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by viewing as many of their pictures as possible. Take the time to view not only the 1930′s film suggestions for these great actresses, but those film’s made throughout their career’s.

Jean Harlow – Considered by the American Film Institute to be one of the greatest movie stars of all time. Harlow’s first major role was in Howard Hughes’ 1930 World War I epic Hell’s Angels. Her early films capitalized on her charismatic sex appeal and “laughing vamp” image.

In her early films, Harlow was severely criticized by the critics as having little acting talent, but none would deny her immense screen presence and appeal. The audiences loved her.

In 1932 Hughes would sell the rights to the beauty with the “platinum blonde” hair to MGM Studio’s for $30,000. It was at MGM where she learned to develop her acting skill, was cast in more substantial roles, and became a major star.

Sadly, Jean Harlow’s star would shine for far too short a time as she died from apparent kidney failure in Los Angeles at the age of 26. She is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the gown she wore in the film Libeled Lady. Her co-star in the picture, William Powell, was the love of her life who in her hands placed a farewell note that read, “Goodnight, my dearest darling.”

Jean Harlow quotes:

“No one ever expects a great lay to pay all the bills.”

“Underwear makes me uncomfortable and besides my parts have to breathe.”

Greta Garbo – This Swedish born actress is an absolute icon of film with her popularity traversing both the silent era and classical period. The American Film Institute has declared Greta Garbo as one of the greatest female stars in history. She was one of the few silent screen actresses to successfully make the transition to talking pictures. Her first speaking role was in 1930′s Anna Christie for which she received her first of four Academy Award nominations.

1931′s Mata Hari, and 1932′s Grand Hotel would create a phenomenon known as “Garbomania.” Her immense popularity was, in part, due to her personal desire to lead a very private life. A desire that would only increase the public’s interest in the great actress. Greta Garbo’s somber and melancholic image would dampen the stars popularity for a period during the mid-1930′s, but this would soon disappear with her 1939 comeback comedy Ninotchka.

While romantically linked to a number of men and women, Garbo never married, had no children and lived most of her life alone. Greta Garbo died in 1990, at the age of 84, in a New York hospital of pneumonia and renal failure. 

Greta Garbo quotes:

“I never said ‘I want to be alone,’ I only said ‘I want to be let alone.’ This is all the difference.”

“There are many things in your heart you can never tell to another person. They are you, your private joys and sorrows, and you can never tell them. You cheapen yourself, the inside of yourself, when you tell them.”

“Life would be so wonderful if we only knew what to do with it.”

Carole Lombard – Also found on the American Film Institutes list of the greatest stars of all time. She is most frequently remembered for her comedic talent having starred in numerous screwball comedies during the 1930′s.

By the end of the decade, Lombard was the highest-paid star in Hollywood earning nearly $500,000 per year. Tragically, Lombard would also die at far too young an age. A plane crash claimed her life at the age of 33.

English author, playwright, and literary critic Graham Greene described Carole Lombard as the, “Platinum blonde, with a heart-shaped face, delicate, impish features and a figure made to be swathed in silver lamé, she wriggled expressively through such classics of hysteria as Twentieth Century  and My Man Godfrey.”

Carole Lombard was loved off-screen every bit as much as on-screen due to her warm personality and earthy sense of humor. At the time of her death, Lombard was married to Clark Gable, living a happy life with the two stars raising chickens and horses on their California ranch.

Carole Lombard quotes:

“I can’t imagine a duller fate than being the best dressed woman in reality. When I want to do something I don’t pause to contemplate whether I’m exquisitely gowned. I want to live, not pose!”

“Bill Powell is the only intelligent actor I’ve ever met.”

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