April 12, 2010

The Irregular Blather Apr. 12, 1931

No Journal was published Sunday, Apr. 12, 1931. A few videos of the week:

Here's The Millionaire, mentioned Apr. 11: based on a story by Earl Derr Biggers [of Charlie Chan fame]; dialogue by Booth Tarkington; starring George Arliss. A comedy of deception. Arliss plays Alden, wealthy head of Alden Motors, who is forced to retire by health concerns. Bored stiff, he gets a sobering visit from a life insurance salesman played by James Cagney ... (note Cagney only plays a small part).

Play "The Millionaire" on Youtube.

Here's a few clips from Dirigible, mentioned Apr. 7: Directed by Frank Capra, starring Jack Holt, Ralph Graves and Fay Wray. Depicts efforts of two navy pilots to reach the South Pole by air to enable famed explorer Louis Rondell to plant US flag there. First attempt by Jack Bradon (Holt) flying poorly built dirigible crashes in storm over the Atlantic; second attempt by Frisky Pierce (Graves) using airplane successfully reaches pole but crashes when Frisky attempts spectacular landing, killing the explorer ... Clips courtesy of TCM.com:

Opening scene.

Cool footage of Navy Day at Lakehurst, NJ.

Frisky hooks up with airship.

Airship cracks up.

Finally, here's a recording (audio only) of Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence performing Private Lives, mentioned most recently on Apr. 6:

Play “Private Lives” on Youtube. Not exactly my cup of tea, as us theatre people say when we hate something ...

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