Picture Of The Day

Just Carole Lombard in her jammies jumping over a fence!

A Closer Look At...

....Ralph Bellamy

Born in 1904 in Chicago

Ran away at 17 to join a band of Shakespearean players

Became an acclaimed theater actor before jumping to film

Helped found the Screen Actor's Guild and served as president

Helped found and rally the Actor's Equity, which helped actors during the black listing years

Was married four times, three ending in divorce

Famous for the roles in movies such as, "The Awful Truth", "Carefree", "His Girl Friday", and "Rosemary's Baby". Who can forget his awesome performance in "Trading Places" with co-star Don Ameche?

Played many types of characters but set the standards for the "push over" type. He lost his gal in movies to the likes of Cary Grant and Fred Astaire.

Owned his own stock company for four years called the "Ralph Bellamy Players" 

Died at the age of 87 in Santa Monica

Thrill Of A Romance

Will I ever tire of Esther William's? Once I think I have seen all of her films, another one sneaks in and I am happily taken away to the land of technicolor.

In Thrill Of A Romance, Esther plays Cynthia, a swimming instructor who falls for a handsome rich guy who gives no indication in the 20 hours they court that he has time to be married. Things seem swell, so they get hitched and off they go on their honeymoon.

Why didn't I think to wear a khaki wrap dress with a leopard print scarf belt on my honeymoon?! And I seriously want this wallpaper in my bedroom.

 It's their wedding night and the newly minted husband gets a call to work and takes it! Esther is left alone on vay-cay as hubby of the year promises to come back soon.

Bummed out, Esther takes to where else - the pool! Here she meets stylish Maude, who's father just happens to be her newlywed's boss. They strike up a friendship and Esther helps Maude search for a man. 

Can we take a minute here to soak this set in? The swirly blue pool deck, the tasseled umbrellas, multicolored lounge chairs, vintage pony pool toys...and check out those tie up sandals! 

*Swoon*

Before the night is over Esther finds herself crying on her balcony and roaming the grounds where she meets hunky war vet Thomas played by Van Johnson. 

Esther gives him the scoop on her awesome marriage situation and he is pitifully in love. Lucky for him, there is plenty of time for the two to hang out, as Esther's husband is kept away on business much longer than expected. 

Esther doesn't want to fall in love with someone else, she'd rather be happy with man #1. But after a week of someone of the opposite sex giving her attention she falls hard. Now what to do about the loser hubby who btw only calls her like twice and can't understand why Esther is so peeved!?

Van is thinking...How can I swoop in and make this my honeymoon?

Esther and Van go on a walk when they get lost in the forest and are forced to spend more time together than expected after dark only to find out Esther's husband has returned and is looking for her!

This film is full of swimming, bathing suits, bright colors, and Esther being cute. I loved it! There is also a beefy part for Tommy Dorsey and his famous band, including a cameo by his talented daughter who rocks out on the piano. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from The Affair to you! While I sit back and give thanks, please enjoy Jean Arthur and Lillian Roth dressed like slutty pilgrims hunting for turkey in the snow wearing heels. Gobble Gobble!

Boo!

Happy Halloween!

Love, 

Clara, an over sized paper mache pumpkin, and The Affair

A Sign Of The Times

Not too long ago I also stumbled upon the Museum of Neon Art storage unit. This warehouse is currently home to hundreds of old and new neon signs from all over California. As I walked through I noticed tucked in the back was the one and only Grauman's Chinese Theater sign.  

Before the sign was added

Pictures courtesy of The LA Times Past

 Grauman's Chinese Theater opened in 1927 but the neon dragon signs were not added until 1958.  The signs were torn down in 2001 as a plan to restore the theater to it's original facade. One of the dragon signs was left outdoors to rot and the other sign went temporarily missing! The signs are now at the MONA. It was really special to see a bit of history, and even more fun when you least expect it. The director of the MONA, Kim Koga, told me that they are hoping to restore the sign and had recently been receiving phone calls from some "very important people" who she is thinking might help with the restoration, since it will cost thousands of dollars due to their condition. We shall see! If you would like to visit this amazing space (which also houses the original Brown Derby neon light hat) you must check it out! You can even take an 8 week class to become a "bender" or as we know it, a person who makes neon signs. The museum's physical building will be in Glendale with hopes to open soon.

Check out more at: www.neonmona.org and read up here for an article I found in the Glendale News Press.

www.pomonapackingplant.com

Everyday Alfred

Show us your bones, Alfie.