Filmland Follies

               Did the title make you do a double take?                         Filmland Follies is named for a reason - I write about Old Hollywood, which typically sticks to movies. However, yesterday in a crossword I found a clue which I realized was more obscure than it should be. The clue was "sister of Fred Astaire." So I was inspired to write this blog post to celebrate said sister, who though she never followed her brother to Hollywood, deserves to be known further than the sphere of crossword-solvers who also love entertainment history. Adele on an ocean liner, mid-1920s.               So here is my little tribute to dancer, actress, singer, wartime volunteer, British peeress, and crossword puzzle answer - Adele Astaire.               Adele Austerlitz was born in 1896 in...

                "My favorite Valentine is the one that says, 'Sweets to the sweet!' - and means it!" says Jane Withers in a 1939 issue of Modern Screen magazine. Jane began her film career at age three and was one of the most popular child stars of the 1930s and 40s. After a supporting role in the 1934 Shirley Temple vehicle Bright Eyes , Jane was signed to a seven-year contract with 20th-Century Fox. She was typically cast as a troublemaker or bratty character in contrast with that of Shirley's good girl persona. In later life she did voice work for Disney films and is known as a noted philanthropist and doll collector. Today in 2021, Jane is 94 years old!               I love to bake, so if I can combine that with old movies I won't pass up the chance! In this article, written when Jane was twelve, she shares her love for candy-making and four of her recipes for Valentine's Day treats. Here the...