Filmland Follies

             Since it began in 1928, RKO Radio Pictures was a B-movie factory. As fast as they could find a hundred chorus girls and a script, they'd be in production - often for a mere three weeks before the film raced into theatres. Most of these attempts were flops, a few turned newcomers into stars, but every so often they'd land on a smash hit. Flying Down to Rio , a pre-Code B-movie musical, ended up launching an era.               Like most B-movies, it followed the common advertising formula - "Stupendous musical! 200 beauties!" It promised audiences an exotic South American summer, complete with sunny beaches, catchy songs, and chorus girls performing airplane stunts. They got what they bargained for - and then some. Special effects, including ghost-like clones of the characters representing their inner thoughts. Dolores del Rio, a Mexican actress considered the first and biggest Latin America...

              It's Fred Astaire's birthday! In honor of one of my very favorite Hollywood stars, here's one of my very favorite movies - and what makes it so wonderful.                              Overshadowed by its copycat Top Hat , and dismissed for its lack of musical numbers, The Gay Divorcee remains one of my favorite Astaire/Rogers movies. The magical combination of actors, gorgeous sets and costumes, catchy songs, and the perfect comedic script makes it one of my comfort films and a worthwhile watch anytime.               The box-office hit Flying Down to Rio  was the first film to feature both Astaire and Rogers. First- and second-billed actors Dolores del Rio and Gene Raymond were nothing in comparison to "the Carioca", the dance number that launched a decade of musicals and a legendary dance par...

                             Only five?!                I suppose if one is stranded on a desert island, the best thing to do would be to watch some classic movies. (Maybe this desert island has a DVD player somewhere). A big thanks to the Classic Movie Muse for nominating me! Here are a few rules: Nominate one or more people to review the film or films of your choice. Or you can request they review something from a certain year, genre, or star. Everyone can review the same thing, or you can request each person cover something different. As long as it’s something they haven’t written about yet, you’re good. Nominees are allowed to request a different pick for whatever reason no more than five times. Stuff happens. We all know it. Nominees must thank the person who nominated them and provide a link their blog. Nominees may nominate others to keep...