A Closer Look At Edwin B. Willis

If you read the credits to any MGM film, you are bound to see the regulars; Cedric Gibbons, Arthur Freed, Adrian. Keep looking, and one of these titles belongs to Edwin B. Willis. With over 600 films under his belt, and one of the busiest set designers for MGM during its prime, Willis decorated the sets of some of Hollywood's top films. 

The Women 1939

Set designers work with production designers, art directors, and prop masters to select anything that goes onto the set such as curtains, paint colors, decor, and lighting. You can get a good sense of Edwin's vision just by watching a few of his films. He is definitely my favorite set decorator.  

Ladies Who Meet 1941

Thrill of a Romance 1945

There isn't loads of information about the (mainly) men who did this line of work back in the day. It's a shame, since the outcome of a set decorator can make or break a scene. Imagine Wizard of Oz's Munchkinland without that swirly golden yellow path and raffia topped houses. This master of a film was one of 46 films Edwin worked on just that year! The Shop Around the Corner wouldn't have its ruffled curtain windows and Christmas decor, nor would Donald O'Connor be able to make us laugh in Singin' In the Rain without that infamous bottom fringed green couch.

The Long, Long Trailer 1953

Edwin Booth Willis was born on January 28, 1893 in Illinois. He worked mainly for MGM throughout his career. He was married and divorced and had one child. He was nominated for 32 Academy Awards, and won eight, most notably for art direction on films like Gaslight, The Yearling, Little Women, and The Bad and the Beautiful. His older sister Verna was a film editor during the silent era. He died of cancer in

Hollywood in 1963.

Designing Women 1957

While Cedric Gibbons led the team for MGM that made these images on screen a reality, Edwin contributed color, texture, and style that kept the studio on top for decades. His use of muted colors, stone work, and drapery could either give a set opulence, such as the glass bathtub with backlit perfume shelves in The Women, or a down to earth homey feel like a grey and pastel yellow living room for two in the Long, Long Trailer. The best way to enjoy his work is to see it for yourself. You are sure to want more! 

1939 Lady of the Tropics

From the house of MGM comes 1939's Lady of the Tropics. Starring Hedy Lamarr in her first picture as a contract player, following her success in Algiers and co-starring Robert Taylor and Joseph Schildkraut.  Filmed on location in Cambodia, as well as the MGM lot, this film gave Hedy Lamarr the opportunity to spread her wings where she would go on to be a top player for the studio. The film is full of eye candy, from the sets decorated by MGM's leading decorator Edwin B. Willis and gowns by Adrian. 

Lamarr plays Manon, her beauty stemming from her Asian mother and French father. She is stuck in Saigon in more than one way. Manon is struggling with who she is, and feels moving to France is the answer. Problem is, she isn't allowed to leave Saigon due to her background and must rely on Pierre (Schildkraut), who's influence forces her to seem interested in his advances. 

Robert Taylor plays Bill, a man on the prowl and winds up catching a glimpse of Manon. After an awkward dance and a charming scene where Manon helps Bill shop, the desire to marry a woman of riches goes out the window. Bill and Manon marry, with Bill under the impression that his pals back in the states can pull some strings to get his new bride back home. Unfortunately, his friends think Bill is crazy for marrying a woman who is mixed race, and his attempts to leave Saigon are stalled. 

      

Manon encourages Bill to get a job, and while he is away Manon continues to pal around with Pierre in hopes of moving forward with papers so that she and Bill can go to America. Bill comes home to discover Manon had spent time with her old beau and when confronted, she lies. This leads to an epic fight where Bill eventually leaves Manon feeling guilty for lying to the man she loves. Figuring this feud is enough to end their marriage, she takes irreversible actions into her own hands that backfire when she learns Bill still wants her. 

Although this film wasn't a huge success, it did ignite Hedy's career for MGM. Robert Taylor's stardom was already high, and although he wasn't fond of the script, he took the role to help boost Lamarr, knowing she would be a star after the film premiered. Efforts made by Adrian are visually stunning, with gowns and hats adding beauty to the cinematography of George J. Fosley who later would go on to gain recognition (and several Oscar nominations) for films like Meet Me in St. Louis, and Million Dollar Mermaid. In her personal life, Hedy had already met composer George Atelier at a party, but their plan to invent a frequency hopping device to deter enemy torpedoes had yet to come into fruition.

It's A Return!

Hello there! Well here I am, ten years later. Much has changed in a decade. My husband and I moved to the country, we made new friends, and created new memories. We rescued a cat named whom we affectionately named Hedy after Ms. Lamarr. Technology has advanced, knowledge has been gained. During this time one thing has remained strong. My love for old films. From reading biographies, repeat watching old favorites, and discovered new films, actors, and filmmakers, the affair has continued! I hope to keep my hand in my passion and give me an outlet to share and learn more about this magical time in history. As Norma Desmond would say, it's not a comeback, it's a return! Let's have some fun!

                                                 

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!