https://robertmatzen.com/2026/03/13/a-different-drummer/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/striptease2.jpgstriptease2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/screenshot-2026-03-13-122025.pngScreenshot 2026-03-13 122025https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rookies-cast-copy.jpgRookies cast copyhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rookies-ontkean-s1-copy.jpgRookies-Ontkean-S1 copyhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/newman-ontkean-header.jpgNewman-Ontkean-header2026-03-14T20:20:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2026/01/16/passion-that-killed/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/leroy-lombard.jpgLeRoy-Lombardhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/71tbdoxgihl._sl1000_.jpgVersion 1.0.0Version 1.0.0https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sf-call-bulletin-p1.jpgSF-call-bulletin-p1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/la-times.jpgLA-Timeshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lombard-port-cigarette.jpglombard-port-cigarettehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/int.dc-3.jpgint.DC-32026-01-17T22:29:46+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2026/01/04/paris-when-it-sizzled-and-fizzled/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-5.jpghow to steal 5https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-3-1.webphow to steal 3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-2.webphow to steal 2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-3.webphow to steal 3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-1.jpghow to steal 1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/how-to-steal-4.jpghow to steal 42026-01-04T20:19:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2025/12/14/1947-year-of-holiday-magic/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/miracle-1.pngMIRACLE-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/miracle-3.pngMIRACLE-3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ithappened-1.jpgITHAPPENED-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ithappened-2.jpgITHAPPENED-2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wonderful-3.jpgIT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Larry Simms, Jimmy Hawkins, Donna Reed, Karolyn Grimes, James Stewart, 1946IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Larry Simms, Jimmy Hawkins, Donna Reed, Karolyn Grimes, James Stewart, 1946https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wonderful-happyending.jpegwonderful-happyending2025-12-27T04:36:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2025/02/16/they-were-giants/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/edge-of-darkness-1.pngedge of darknesshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/edge-of-darkness-2.pngedge of darkness 2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/narvik-movie.jpgNarvik-Moviehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/number-24.pngnumber 24https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/number-24-2.pngNumber 24 2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/edge-of-darkness.pngedge of darkness2025-02-16T17:50:00+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2025/02/02/tension-in-the-workplace/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/scaramouche-4b.jpgscaramouche 4Bhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/scaramouche-4d.jpgscaramouche 4Dhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/scaramouche-5.jpgscaramouche 5https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/scaramouche-4a.jpgscaramouche 4A2025-02-07T19:54:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/12/29/one-little-gem/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rick-sees-ilsa.pngRick sees Ilsahttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ilsa-sees-rick.pngIlsa sees Rickhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ilsa-lost-in-reflection.pngIlsa lost in reflection2024-12-30T14:07:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/12/01/superhero-audrey/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/warrior-photo-12-somalia-3.jpgWarrior Photo 12-Somalia 31992 Somalia, on US Military helicopter going to meet US Marines helping with the UN Peacekeepers in Somalia (5101 Z/92)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/roman-holiday-1.pngRoman Holiday 1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/greg-audrey.pngGreg-Audrey2025-01-01T00:45:15+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/11/10/the-big-however/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/mcdaniel-custer.jpgmcdaniel custerhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/curtiz-bergman-wallis.pngCurtiz-Bergman-Wallishttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sea-hawk-saratoga-trunk.pngSea Hawk-Saratoga Trunk2024-11-10T20:14:55+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/10/27/questioning-why/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/virginian.jpgVirginianhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/john_russell_peggy_castle_lawman_1962.jpgJohn_Russell_Peggy_Castle_Lawman_1962https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/99-1.jpg99https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/99.jpg99https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/broadcastingtele63unse_0_0479-1.jpgbroadcastingtele63unse_0_0479 (1)2024-10-27T18:15:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/07/02/play-it/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dalio.jpgDaliohttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lebeau.jpgLeBeauhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gruning.jpgGruninghttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/veidt.jpgVeidthttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/henreid-wide.jpgHenreid-wide2024-07-03T11:37:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/03/10/masters-of-fear/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lady-shamrock-crew.jpglady-shamrock-crewhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/crew-shot-1.jpgBack From A MissionPortrait of the crew (the eight men at right) of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, nicknamed 'Pasty Ann,' walk across the tarmac after their return from a mission, England, 1940s. Also visble are two grounds crewmen one of whom refuels the plane (for left) while the other stands on a ladder and checks the propeller cowling for damage. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/crew-shot.jpgBack From A MissionPortrait of the crew (the eight men at right) of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber, nicknamed 'Pasty Ann,' walk across the tarmac after their return from a mission, England, 1940s. Also visble are two grounds crewmen one of whom refuels the plane (for left) while the other stands on a ladder and checks the propeller cowling for damage. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/red-tails.jpegred-tailshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rosie.pngrosiehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/curt.jpgcurthttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bucky-buck.jpgbucky-buck2024-03-14T21:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2024/01/10/givin-it-all-away/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/papers-snippet.jpgpapers-snippethttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/dscn8297.jpgdscn82972024-01-10T18:21:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/about/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/robert-matzen-2021-3.jpgRobert Matzen 2021 3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/final1-wordpress.jpgfinal1-wordpresshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/final1-wp.jpgfinal1-WPhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/final1-fb.jpgfinal1-FBhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ftwayne-crop.jpgftwayne-cropSpeaking about Carole Lombard and Fireball in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 5, 2014.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/vegastv.jpgvegastvAppearing on KSNV-TV in Las Vegas talking about Fireball.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rm-climbing2.jpgrm-climbing2Climbing Mt. Potosi in October 2012.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/payettenme2.jpgPayetteNme2With Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/northsidebooksign4.jpgNorthSideBookSign4Speaking with an attendee of a book signing in Pittsburgh, March 2014. The stack was high when the signing started. (Photo courtesy of WQED-TV.)2025-09-17T05:34:04+00:00weekly0.6https://robertmatzen.com/2023/11/05/playing-it-safe/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sotg-pw-110423-1.pngsotg-pw-110423-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/the-real-sam.jpgthe-real-samhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/muse.jpgmusehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/lena.jpglenahttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hazel2.webphazel2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hazel.jpghazel2023-11-12T10:55:28+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/09/24/taking-it-to-a-higher-plane/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sotgbanners_092123.pngsotgbanners_092123https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/stossel-sakall.pngstossel-sakallhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/banner-1c-irene.jpgbanner-1c-irenehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/banner-1b-boys.jpgbanner-1b-boyshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/seasonofthegods-web.pngseasonofthegods-web2023-09-24T20:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/08/20/glendale-forever/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gl3.jpggl3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gl2.jpggl2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gl1.jpggl12023-08-28T14:53:07+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/06/04/almost-ilsa/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/postcard-1.jpgpostcardhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/postcard.jpgpostcardhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cielo-fireplace.jpgcielo-fireplacehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/31e8c3b1dfe370246b95b5bdc5c74059.jpg31e8c3b1dfe370246b95b5bdc5c74059https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/doorway.jpgdoorwayhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/morgan-glamour.jpgmorgan-glamourhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/michele-morgan-997519l.jpgmichele-morgan-997519l2023-06-26T20:22:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/04/30/miracle-baby/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9781735273877bright.jpg9781735273877bright2023-05-09T12:47:14+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/02/26/finding-audrey/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/standing.jpegstandinghttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/garage2-1.jpggarage2-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/garage2.jpggarage2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/audrey-hepburn-estate.jpgaudrey-hepburn-estate2023-03-04T17:00:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2023/01/29/reunion/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/lab.jpglabhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/book.jpgbookhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no-makeup.jpgno-makeuphttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/banner.jpgbannerUNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Audrey HEPBURN in "THE NUN'S STORY" in 1958.. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)2024-08-28T20:21:10+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/12/21/going-camping/2022-12-26T14:24:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/12/11/the-masked-man/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/amoco.jpgamocohttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/dodge-ad.jpgdodge-adhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/costume.jpgcostumehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/lone-ranger-bw.jpeglone ranger bw2022-12-17T15:04:03+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/10/01/my-hero/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/robert-clem-4.jpgrobert-clem-4https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/robert-clem-2.jpgrobert-clem-2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/clem-lecture.jpgclem-lecturehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/leone-gunnary.jpgleone-gunnary2024-07-19T11:08:01+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/07/31/mystery-brothers/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bette-walter.jpgbette-walterhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/skeff-lc.jpgskeff-lchttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/epstein-brothers-1024x640-1.jpgEpstein-brothers-1024x640 (1)2022-08-03T13:31:51+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/06/26/remaking-robin-hood/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/triangle-1.jpgtriangle-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/triangle.jpgIvanhoe (1952)Ivanhoe (1952)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/triangle-2.jpgtriangle-2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/de-bois-guilbert.jpgde-bois-guilberthttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/prince-john.jpgprince-johnhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/title-card.jpgtitle-card2022-06-26T22:00:09+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/17/legacy/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/legacy-pic.jpglegacy-picThe lively Lombard and her cat-who-ate-the-canary smile.2022-06-26T17:56:43+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/12/12/santa-claus-and-the-cold-hand-of-death/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/miracle-2.jpgmiracle-2O'Hara, Wood, and Gwenn, part of a perfect cast in a perfect film.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/sinter-n-piet.jpgSinter-n-pietWait, what?? Sinterklaas and his white steed aren't doing the roof any good. Zwarte Piet ends up doing all the work, and in modern recreations it's always a Caucasian in blackface, so, um, there is a backlash these days.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dutch-girl.jpgdutch-girlThe forlorn look of a refugee from the world's darkest days.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/miracle.jpgmiracleFox poster art for the June release downplayed the Christmas angle, which was known to be bad box office.2022-12-26T02:05:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/06/05/blindsided/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ending.jpgendinghttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/payoff.jpgpayoffhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/spanish-steps.jpgspanish-stepshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rh-1sheet-1.jpgrh-1sheet-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rh-1sheet.jpgrh-1sheet2022-08-09T17:27:41+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/05/23/a-nightmare-in-dreamland/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/douglas-vegas.jpgMCDGITW EC003GIRL 27, Patricia Douglas, 2007.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ross-iso.jpgross-iso2022-05-25T10:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/04/28/the-pluses-and-minuses-of-time-travel/2022-04-29T07:12:13+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/03/17/when-1-1-death/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/duel4.jpgduel4https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/duel5.jpgduel5Duel with Sally Field in Gidget.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/duel3.jpgduel3Pete Duel and Ben Murphy in Alias Smith and Jones.2025-01-04T14:17:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2022/02/18/back-where-i-belong/2022-02-21T02:08:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/07/15/what-loretta-said-or-didnt/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/judy-lewis-clark-gable-daughter.jpgjudy-lewis-clark-gable-daughterJudy Lewis, all grown up and looking like Clark Gable.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/empsent.jpgEmpsEnthttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/call.jpgTHE CALL OF THE WILD, Loretta Young, Clark Gable, 1935. TM and copyright (c) 20th Century Fox Film CLoretta and Clark in a publicity shot from Call of the Wild.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/clark-gable-and-loretta-2.jpgClark-Gable-and-Loretta-2Gable and Young, chummy making Key to the City in 1950.2021-11-26T14:17:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/11/07/seeing-the-comet/2021-11-23T13:47:31+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/10/03/road-test/2021-10-05T22:28:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/09/06/the-decision/2021-09-06T13:32:11+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/08/15/my-head-explodes-every-time/2021-08-17T18:18:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/08/01/whats-next/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/scan0001-trim.jpgscan0001-trim2021-08-02T17:36:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/06/20/re-enter-the-dragon/2021-06-25T15:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/06/13/the-way-it-should-have-been/2021-09-27T16:04:41+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/06/01/good-luck-dear-rose/2021-06-02T22:44:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/04/23/lives-of-adventure/2021-04-24T14:35:51+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/appearances/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/matzen-212-pan2.jpgMatzen 212-pan2At the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival November 13, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/matzen-212-panorama.jpgMatzen 212-panoramaAt the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival in November 2019. (Photo courtesy of the JBF)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/hudson.jpgHudsonRobert's presentation about Audrey Hepburn and Dutch Girl attracted more than 200 to the Hudson Valley Library in Hudson, OH on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/javits-combined.jpgJavits-combinedRobert Matzen signing copies of Dutch Girl at Book Expo, the Javits Center, New York City, on Thursday May 30, 2019.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/javits2-1.jpgJavits2Signing copies of Dutch Girl at Book Expo, the Javits Center, New York City on May 30, 2019.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/javits2.jpgJavits2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/javits.jpgJavits2021-04-23T11:48:03+00:00weekly0.6https://robertmatzen.com/2021/02/21/when-greg-met-larry/2021-03-01T22:17:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2021/01/03/stewarts-war/2021-01-05T23:03:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/12/24/a-wonderful-time-for-iawl/2020-12-25T12:37:24+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/12/06/in-the-time-of-the-germ/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/candid-11-8-38-trim.jpgcandid-11-8-38-trimhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/candid-11-8-38.jpgcandid-11-8-382020-12-06T16:42:30+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/10/04/the-war-about-the-war/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/odeh-1961.jpgOdeH-1961Olivia returns to the Loew's Grand in Atlanta in 1961, scene of her greatest triumph.2020-12-03T18:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/08/02/complicated/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/dehhushhush-web.jpgdeHhushHush-webhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1940-flowers.jpg1940 flowersIn 1940, Olivia turned the tables and posed for this series of shots as if to say, You don't own me, Jack Warner. I'm my own woman.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/dehpirateinchest-web.jpgdeHpirateInChest-webTo promote Captain Blood in 1935, Warner Bros. dressed its newest starlet in short-shorts and leather boots for a series of pinup publicity photos. By the late 1930s Olivia chafed at such exploitation and refused to participate.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/dehatdeskreading.jpgdeHatDeskReadingMy favorite image of Olivia de Havilland, taken in 1942.2020-08-04T23:11:37+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/05/25/a-b-c-anyone/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eod-1.jpgeod-1After the rape of Gunnar's girlfriend Karen by a German soldier, Norwegian resistance leaders must decide when and how to strike. Soon the decision will be taken out of their hands.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eod-2.jpgeod-2Villagers advance toward the final, probably fatal confrontation with occupying German troops.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eod-5a-1.jpgeod-5ahttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eod-5a.jpgeod-5a2024-04-12T12:55:04+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/04/11/the-actors-dream/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/condor-1.jpgcondor-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/the-killers2.jpgthe-killers2The killers.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/a-soon-to-be-dead-workmate.jpgA-soon-to-be-dead-workmateA girlfriend and workmate, soon to be dead.2023-08-02T15:42:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/03/25/the-wisdom-of-audrey-hepburn/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/audrey-hepburn-late-in-life.jpgaudrey-hepburn-late-in-lifehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/audrey-112742-web.jpgThis portrait taken in Arnhem three months after the death of Uncle Otto showed a face that already knew war too well.2021-09-06T21:30:07+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/02/25/schooled-by-a-sixth-grader/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/abigail-letter.jpgAbigail-letterhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/dutchgirlpbcover.jpgDutchGirlPBCoverDutch Girl trade paperback edition, due out May 12, 2020.2020-02-25T17:37:51+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2020/01/01/90-pounds-in-the-middle/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/audrey-somalia.jpgaudrey-somaliaAudrey with a child so fragile she feared "it would break" if picked up. UN photo by Betty Press.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bhd-1-1.jpgBHD-1Aidid's clansmen in Black Hawk Down on the warpath in Mogadishu.2020-06-30T00:41:10+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/12/07/day-of-infamy/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/it-s-a-wonderful-life-its-a-wonderful-life-32920354-1920-1081.jpgIt-s-A-Wonderful-Life-its-a-wonderful-life-32920354-1920-1081https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/darkness.jpgdarknessTurning darkness into gold.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mission_cover_web.jpgMission_Cover_web2019-12-07T22:52:08+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/11/28/forever/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/thanksgivingfrankie2.jpgTHANKSGIVINGFRANKIE2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/thanksgivingfrankie.jpgTHANKSGIVINGFRANKIEhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pinocchio-1937.jpgpinocchio 19372019-11-28T21:19:06+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/11/12/blind-date/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/huntress.jpghuntressYears earlier Mickey (left) went after Tarzan. Also unsuccessful. You'll have to indulge me because this is the closest to a Mickey Simpson biography I'm going to get.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dscn7176.jpgDSCN7176As usual, Clint Walker gets the drop on Mickey Simpson. On Cheyenne Mickey was 0 for 9 going up against Bodie.2019-11-28T16:20:56+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/10/08/war-and-peace/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dg-dutch.jpgDG-Dutchhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_5591.jpgIMG_5591My name and the image of Het Nederlandse Meisje can now be seen on a historical marker--and I'm alive to read it. (Photo by Wil Schlicher)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/luca-robert.jpgLuca-RobertHere I am (on the right) with Audrey's son Luca Dotti and the statue of a young dancer created by sculptor Yvon van Wordragen. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_5594.jpgIMG_5594https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_5530.jpgIMG_5530https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_3221-1.jpgIMG_3221Velp turned out for the unveiling of a statue and historical marker at the site of Audrey's home in wartime.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_3221.jpgIMG_3221https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/crowd.jpgCrowd2019-10-11T13:41:21+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/09/05/painting-pictures/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/box-12058.jpgBox 12058Audrey in 1943 while she lived at Villa Beukenhof.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/villa-b.jpgVilla-BVilla Beukenhof at Rozendaalselaan 32 was built about 1920 and razed in the early 1970s to make way for an apartment building. It was here that Audrey spent most of the war, from August 1942 to the liberation of Velp in April 1945. Big things will be happening on Saturday Sept. 14 at about the spot where you can see newly planted pine trees.2019-09-06T15:17:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/08/18/the-dark-horizon/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/pointing.jpgpointingLook out! The Germans--I mean, the Spanish--are about to invade, warns Errol Flynn as Geoffrey Thorpe in The Sea Hawk.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/knighting.jpgknightingQueen Elizabeth, played by Flora Robson, knights Geoffrey Thorpe, and the U.S. version of The Sea Hawk fades out. In the British edition, Elizabeth goes on to inspire attendees with a speech about the world war dead ahead.2019-08-22T14:40:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/07/30/autumn/2019-07-31T17:07:44+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/07/13/outcasts/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-marxes.jpg4-marxesChico, Zeppo, Groucho, and Harpo. Only the two in the middle would live to see their counterculture renaissance.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/guild.jpgguildThe Marxes made my scrapbook of 1970s memories.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/monkeybusiness.jpgmonkeybusinessThe Marx Bros. smuggle themselves into the port of New York in Monkey Business (1931).2019-07-13T15:57:04+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/06/16/mystery-men/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/graves.jpgGRAVESSchimmelpenninck and van Limburg Stirum rest side by side at the execution site.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/schimmelpenninck.jpgschimmelpenninckAlexander, Baron Schimmelpenninck van der Oye. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/otto-smile.jpgotto-smileWilhelmina, her husband Otto, and Ella before the war.2021-10-04T18:57:46+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/06/05/wave/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/helmet.jpghelmet2019-06-05T16:50:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/05/28/family-secret/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/mantel-1.jpgmantel2019-06-04T14:49:29+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/05/04/missing-ingredient/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nothing-at-all.jpgnothing-at-allhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/roestenburg.jpgRoestenburgWhen Luca provided access to Audrey's personal photo collection, I was thrilled to find this shot taken in 1935 showing Audrey with Aunt Meisje and Uncle Otto on the back steps of Villa Roestenburg, the van Heemstra home in the Dutch village of Oosterbeek.2019-05-04T17:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/04/26/tangled-web-conclusion/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ella-audrey.jpgella-audreyElla van Heemstra and Audrey Hepburn-Ruston around the end of the war.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/rozendaal2.jpgRozendaal Kasteel en OranjerieKasteel Rozendaal, estate of the van Pallandts just north of the van Heemstra home in Velp.2019-04-26T16:33:12+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/04/22/tangled-web-part-1/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1943-portrait.jpg1943-portraitAudrey Hepburn-Ruston in 1943.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/courier-1947.jpgCourier-1947https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/courier-headline.jpgCourier-headline2019-04-23T18:03:34+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/04/14/ghosts-part-2/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/tulips.jpgtulipsEach year the people of Velp gather at the statue of a small Jewish onderduiker to commemorate Velp's Liberation Day, 16 April. The moving ceremony culminates with each attendee laying a tulip at the feet of the little girl.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/beekvliet3.jpgbeekvliet3St. Michielsgestel, a Catholic seminary that held 1,000 Dutch "death hostages," including Audrey's Uncle Otto. Some of the back buildings were knocked together quickly by the Germans as "villas" to house those imprisoned. This location was pivotal to Audrey's life story. Today the magnificent front building, all that remains, is being converted into apartments.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/blitz-maidens.jpgblitz-maidensInside Diogenes, German staff workers known as "blitz maidens" shine light beams on a sophisticated, wall-sized glass map of the Netherlands to note the locations of bomber formations during 1943. Do some of these young women now haunt the bunker?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dscn3230.jpgDSCN3230The massive Diogenes Luftwaffe command bunker just north of Arnhem. Those blotches on the wall are patched bullet and shell holes.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/muziekschool1.jpgmuziekschool1This was one of only two photos I could find of Audrey's beloved Muziekschool at Boulevard Heuvelink 2 in Arnhem, not far from the bridge. Not much remained after German tanks and self-propelled guns were through with their work ferreting out British paratroopers from the area. (Courtesy Gelders Archive)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dscn3154.jpgDSCN3154Inside, warnings in red remind German airplane mechanics not to smoke in a room that after 75 years' use as a barn still smells of petrol.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/dscn3150.jpgDSCN3150Note the painting to resemble curtained windows for what looks from a distance to be a Dutch farmhouse--the Germans did this to confuse Allied bombers. In reality this is a hangar for a German fighter aircraft, either a Focke Wolf 190 or a BF-109.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/queenscircle.jpgQueensCircleThe Stadsschouwburg in Arnhem. From the first row of the balcony, known as the Queen's Circle, Adriaantje watched her first ballet performance in December 1939. Within a few years she would be performing as Audrey Hepburn-Ruston on this stage as Arnhem's most famous ballerina.2019-04-20T20:18:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/04/07/ghosts-part-1/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bullet-holes.jpgbullet-holesBullet holes in the iron fence in front of the Monné home all these decades later. In Oosterbeek, the battle raged for a brutal week.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/villamaria.jpgvillamariaVilla Maria in Oosterbeek, home of the family of Audrey's sister-in-law, Miepje Monné.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/utrechtseweg-44-wide.jpgutrechtseweg-44-wideUtrechtseweg in Arnhem after the battle, with a dead British paratrooper on the sidewalk in foreground. This is the sidewalk leading to SD headquarters, which is where all the German vehicles are parked farther up the hill.2019-04-08T19:41:55+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/03/31/nexus/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/walk.jpgwalkAt its melancholy conclusion, the men of the heist take a walk in front of the Sands.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/dump.jpgdumpDirectly above the cab of the dump truck, there looms Potosi, the tallest peak in the Vegas area. Where that high stretch forms a V, roughly in its center, Flight 3 hit. In this shot from Ocean's 11, Sammy Davis Jr. at left lugs duffel bags of cash pilfered from Vegas casinos.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/butch.jpgbutchStill a force at age 53, Cesar Romero pauses from a shave to steal Ocean's 11.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/el-rancho-from-the-air.jpgEl-Rancho-from-the-airEl Rancho Las Vegas from the air. The casino building at center would burn in June of 1960, but the motor court would continue to operate without a casino through the 1960s. Oh, to be assigned to Gable's bungalow and feel the ghosts.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hands.jpghands2019-04-02T16:22:34+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/03/15/the-full-wartime-tour/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/audrey-hepburn-1938.jpgAdriaantje2019-03-20T23:58:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/02/24/death-for-wacky-donald/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/robert-clem-sign.jpgRobert-Clem-signWe each signed more than a book a minute for 90 minutes as Gettysburg paid tribute to its hero.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_0765.jpgIMG_0765The ring on his parachute became a wall decoration for Clem.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/clems-crew.jpgCLEMS CREWClem (lower left) with his crew. Top center is Lt. Robert Blomberg, an up and comer with the 445th Bomb Group who died at the controls when his ship blew up. Others in the crew were also KIA. Notable is the small man next to Blomberg, Lt. Donald Widmark, co-pilot and brother of future actor Richard Widmark. He would grab a parachute and leave Blomberg behind, which prompted Clem it was time to go.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/clem-gunnery-school-galley.jpgClem-gunnery-school-galleyClem Leone, age 18, graduates gunnery school.2024-04-16T22:33:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/02/07/the-vision/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dream-ballet-6.pngdream-ballet-6Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in the dream ballet.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hitler-unity2.jpghitler-unity2Unity Mitford sits with Hitler in Munich. A rebellious young British aristocrat, she was an avid Hitler groupie and jealous of Ella and anyone else who threatened to horn in on 'her man.'https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/braunes-haus.jpgbraunes hausA long shot of the Nazi Party's Munich bastion, the Braunes Haus.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/braunhaus.jpgbraunhaushttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dream-ballet-3.jpgdream-ballet-32019-02-08T01:38:10+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/01/30/instincts/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/colette-knightely-portrait.jpgcolette-knightely portraithttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/monte-carlo-baby.jpgmonte-carlo-babyA lobby card for the U.S. release of Monte Carlo Baby, which was rushed to theaters after Audrey had become a Broadway star and moved on to Paramount. In it, she portrays a movie star, even though she tells Colette as she's making the picture that she "can't act."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/colette-audrey.jpgcolette-audreyA publicity photo of the "discovery" with Colette.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gender-bender.jpggender-benderColette the gender-bender in her 30s.2019-12-28T13:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/01/24/los-angeles-angels/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/solomon.jpgsolomonTy's last stand in Solomon and Sheba, in the duel scene that would soon kill him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/monk.jpgmonkOf all Hollywood duels of the golden era, this one felt deadliest thanks to the skills of Power and his opponent, Basil Rathbone. When J. Edward Bromberg observed of Zorro, "You handle a sword like a devil from hell," we can only agree.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bad-girl-linda-e1548339764173.jpgbad-girl-lindaLinda all grown up.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/monk-color.jpgmonk-color2019-01-31T17:42:02+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/01/16/badlands/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dscn2897.jpgdscn2897https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dscn2912.jpgdscn2912The Willard George place at the time of the crash. I learned a flash flood washed it away some years later.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dscn2908.jpgdscn2908Willard George was working on his car when Flight 3 hit Potosi.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/potosi-due-south.jpgpotosi-due-southAcross the Mojave, Potosi's snow-covered peaks are visible due south of Red Rock Canyon.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/tweed-wilson.jpgtweed-wilsonTweed Wilson, right, as a young man. Much later he would be the tough old cowboy who led a rescue party up Potosi Mountain.2021-10-27T13:59:35+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2019/01/06/one-way-mission/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/anth4.jpganth4As the assassination attempt unfolds, and immediately goes very wrong, Reinhard Heydrich stands to shoot a patriot blocking the road ahead. At left, Jamie Dornan as conspirator Jan Kubis attempts to toss a bomb at the car. Dornan had portrayed Christian Grey in three films based on the erotic novels. Let's not hold that against him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/anth2.jpganth2An elegant gingerbread turret marked the Rotterdamsche Bank in Velp. In 1944 it became an SS prison and Audrey heard screams from within as she walked past it.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/anth1.jpganth12019-01-06T20:59:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/12/30/duckling-and-swan/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cat.jpgcatIt's said that at a later viewing she couldn't imagine abandoning a cat like Holly did.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/observing.jpgobservingHolly observes Paul with his sugar-mommy, played by Patricia Neal.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/tiffanyOS.jpgtiffanyOSThe one sheet can fetch $15K although usually it goes around 5.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/hair-makeup.jpghair-makeupHair and make-up test.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/in-situ.pngin-situ2018-12-31T23:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/12/23/the-cloaking-device/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/snuggies.jpgsnuggiesOK men, look, do NOT attract attention to ourselves.2018-12-23T03:50:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/12/12/audrey-in-2020/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/audrey-ella-53.jpgaudrey-ella-53Audrey and Ella in 1953.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/audrey-14.jpgaudrey-14Audrey at about the time she started working for the Dutch Resistance.2019-01-05T05:20:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/11/25/curtin-call/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/holt-afghanistan.jpgHolt AfghanistanJack Holt in Afghanistan, looking a lot like his father in The Virginian.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/virginian-copy.jpgvirginian copyOn The Virginian in 1962.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/madrelc.jpgmadreLCMost indelible role: as Curtin with Walter Huston as Howard and Humphrey Bogart as Dobbs in Treasure of the Sierra Madre.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/clementine.jpgclementineThe Earp brothers, played by Henry Fonda, Ward Bond, and Holt, discover what a wild town Tombstone is in My Darling Clementine.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/08_1939-stagecoach-holt.jpgstagecoach-holtThe ensemble cast of Stagecoach plus Tim Holt as the young cavalry lieutenant who must leave them to their fate.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/holts-hustons.jpgholts-hustons2018-12-04T17:16:22+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/11/11/heroes/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/sea-hawk.jpgsea-hawkhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/keaton.jpgBuster Keaton in The General2018-11-11T06:45:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/10/28/echo-of-your-energies/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/siodmak2.jpgsiodmak2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pent.jpgpentA pentagram visible in the palm of the hand marks the next victim for death. Is it difficult to imagine a swastika in this circle?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ankers.jpgankersA playful Ankers then hammed it up with Chaney for another set of pix.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ankers2.jpgankers2The Wolf Man menaces leading lady Evelyn Ankers in publicity photos for the picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/wolf-man-pana.jpgLon Chaney, Jr., THE WOLF MAN, 1941.2018-10-29T13:44:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/10/23/spartans-of-new-york/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/warriors6.jpgwarriors6Five original cast members of The Warriors, including Michael Beck (center) staged a reunion at Coney Island in 2015 as part of Rolling Stone's The Warriors:' Last Subway Ride Home.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/warriors4.jpgwarriors4One of the truly scary Baseball Furies squares off against Ajax.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/warriors1a.jpgwarriors1aOur unlikely heroes.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/warriors5.pngwarriors5Swan stares down a rival gang as tagalong Mercy looks on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/warriors1.jpgwarriors12019-04-03T00:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/09/16/olympic-shark-jumping/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-smug.jpgVC-smugIn their only big sequence together, Bogart and Flynn smug it out trying to out-suave each other. My verdict: Bogart wins.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-peek.jpgVC-peekAnybody call for me, Ann Sheridan? I've already got the costume.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-tree.jpgVC-treeErrol sets his co-star in a tree. A real, exterior, in-the-middle-of-a-river tree.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-feex.jpgVC-feexYou feex me up, eh, doc? Why of course I will, Mr. Bogart, because I'm reliable character actor Moroni Olsen.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-lc.jpgVC-LCWasn't there supposed to be a girl in this scene? Whoa! I didn't see you down there, little lady! And when I say little...https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-adlib.jpgVC-adlibThe notorious ad-libbed Virginia City scene. With friends like Moose and Marblehead (I'm not kidding--that's their names in the picture), who needs enemies?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-1s2.jpgVC-1S2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vc-penny.jpgVC-pennyHim: Penny for your thoughts. Her: Believe me, Errol, you don't wanna know.2019-08-24T20:25:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/07/20/seeing-red/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/fist.jpgfistTortured Lermontov.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/moira.jpgMoirahttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/redshoes-lobbyset.jpgredshoes-lobbysetThe confrontation: Craster, played by Marius Goring, confronts Lermontov with his love for Vicki.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/boris-vickie.jpgboris-vickieLermontov and Miss Lakehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/moira1-copy.jpgmoira1 copy2018-07-22T19:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/07/08/friends/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/june-2017-interview.jpgJune 2017 interviewIn June 2017 I interviewed Ben van Griethuysen, Annemarth Visser 't Hooft, and Rosemarie Kamphuisen, who lived in the village of Velp with Audrey. All provided information critical to the Dutch Girl narrative.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/stewart-1st-lt.jpegStewart-1st-LTI wanted to use this photo on the cover of Mission but got overruled.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/secret-people-portrait.jpgSecret-People-portrait2018-07-12T20:13:34+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/05/08/fireballed/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mockup-1.jpgTHE SECRET PEOPLE, Audrey Hepburn, Valentina Cortese, 1952Audrey in the British picture British People made before she hit Hollywood.2021-12-19T04:16:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/02/06/ballbuster/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/stack.jpgstackGiving Robert Stack the business on the set of To Be or Not to Be.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ducks.jpgducksGable is his usual over-showered self but not his mate who emerged from a successful hunting trip unbathed and wearing no makeup. But still in a fur.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hat.jpghat2018-07-10T00:33:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/12/12/high-hopes-and-a-battle/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/wallpaper2.jpgwallpaper2Two British paratroopers holed up in a house in downtown Arnhem fought to the last and recorded their kills on the wallpaper. Their strident message reflects the thoughts of my friend Clem, contributor to "Mission," who flew with Jimmy Stewart and was shot down over Holland. "There's no glory in war," said Clem. "War is crazy."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/roses.jpgrosesMorning dew kisses three roses placed on a monument honoring the war dead. The Dutch people fell in love with their would-be liberators the British Airborne, and that love is undiminished 71 years later.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/john-frost.jpgJohn-frostAnthony Hopkins as Maj. John Frost, leading his confident men into battle after a successful parachute drop near Arnhem.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/airbone.jpgAirboneThe overwhelming sight of graves for all the British and Polish paratroopers who died in the Battle of Arnhem.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/bridge-today.jpgbridge-todayRoughly the same view today at sunset.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/artwork.jpgartworkArtwork in the British Airborne Museum in Arnhem shows the battle for the bridge, with Tommies holding off advancing German armor.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/bridge-one-sheet.jpgbridge-one-sheetOne-sheet movie poster for A Bridge too Far, released in 1977.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tommies.jpgTommiesBritish Airborne troops flash the V-for-Victory sign and give thumbs up on the way to their drop zone near Arnhem.2020-07-29T12:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2018/01/04/1393/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/first-airborne.jpgFirst-airborneIn a very cool finish, survivors of British Airborne shuffle past our beleaguered heroes.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/lana-jumps.jpglana-jumpsSomething you don't see every day: Lana Turner parachuting into hostile territory. To ease your trepidation, I can report that she didn't break a nail, let alone an ankle.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dscn1587.jpgDSCN1587One more, 2015 again, showing the side of the house scaled by "the scarf" as he rescues Deventer. Eleven-year-old Audrey Hepburn loved to play on these grounds. She would read here and play with the animals, which she preferred to people.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/shooting-their-way-out.jpgshooting-their-way-outThere was a high body count of Germans for the run of this picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dscn1585.jpgDSCN1585...and in 2015 on our first visit.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/zijpendaal-nazi.jpgzijpendaal-naziKasteel Zijpendaal tricked out as Nazi headquarters. It had indeed been taken over by the German command in 1943.2018-01-07T14:11:32+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/11/22/simple-man/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/power-of-women2.jpgpower of women2In a plot that still resonates today, the family bucks a conservative watchdog group to play at a women's rights rally.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/melt2.jpgmelt2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/group.jpggroupSuzanne Crough, Tracy Partridge (lower right), died suddenly of a rare heart defect in 2015. Now a second Partridge has departed way too soon.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cassidy-recent.jpgcassidy-recentDavid Cassidy at about the time we saw him, still sounding great.2017-12-22T14:37:35+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/10/29/the-bear/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iawl-2.jpgIAWL-2Director Frank Capra chose to throw Jim in the deep end and shoot this scene first. Jim was suffering PTSD and his confidence was shot, all of which is imprinted in celluloid for posterity. The scene is full of frenetic energy and some very strange kisses between stars who, Jim would claim later, had no chemistry.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iawl-1.jpgIAWL-1I have always been drawn to this shot as we first see Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life. He's playing a young man of about 20 and we suspend our disbelief, but if you look close, the face that had stared into the face of war is clearly visible.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iawl-3.jpgIAWL-3One day after stepping off the Queen Elizabeth, Jimmy Stewart condescended to hold a press conference after keeping the press at bay for the better part of four and a half years. That day he said he just wanted to make a comedy, "if anyone will have me."2017-10-29T14:31:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/10/15/lost-and-found/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sit-5.jpgSIT-5In case you were wondering.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sit-7.jpgSIT-7Jane Seymour returns to Mackinac Island for the traditional "Somewhere in Time Weekend" in 2015.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sit-4.jpgSIT-4Academy Award-winning actress Teresa Wright only has one scene, but it's a honey as the nurse of elder Elise.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sit-3.jpgSIT-3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sit-1.jpgSIT-12017-10-20T12:51:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/09/21/mama-were-all-crazee-now/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/signature.jpgsignatureThe picture's signature shot: an almost-well Virginia sees the place she's in as a deep pit, a snake pit.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/lc.jpgLCVirginia and Dr. Kik, well played by Brit Leo Genn, work toward answers.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/snake-pit-livvie.jpgsnake pit livvieNobody in Hollywood cared about the craft of acting than Olivia de Havilland. Nobody. Livvie spent time in mental hospitals while prepping for The Snake Pit.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/glamour-puss.jpgglamour pussLivvie as glamour puss in 1939.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tc.jpgTCPoster art for The Snake Pit hinted at the obvious: This wasn't a comedy.2017-09-22T15:58:03+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/08/20/curves-and-straightaways/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/roman1.jpgroman1Audrey spent most of her career covered up. She always considered herself a ballet dancer and not an actress, but her lack of curves could be traced back to the war and long stretches of hunger.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/niagara-2.jpgniagara-2Publicity shots at this stage of Marilyn's career sold sex, sex, and more sex.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/roman3.jpgroman3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/niagara-1.jpgniagara-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/audrey-marilyn.jpgaudrey-marilyn2017-09-07T13:39:51+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/07/30/turnover/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/super2.jpgsuper2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/possessed.jpgpossessedRoma Courtney, now possessed by the spirit of Ruth Rogen, who recently went to the chair for murder.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/heritage.jpgheritage2017-08-28T00:29:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/07/23/the-chain/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mountain.jpgmountainThe mountain that called to me.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/anderson.jpgAndersonBrian Anderson in the Nevada desert and about to climb to the crash site in April 2017.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mccracken.jpgMcCrackenPilot Daniel McCrackenhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/painting-close2.jpgpainting-close2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/painting-wide.jpgpainting-wideProminent spot for a precious piece of art.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/kim-in-flight.jpgKim-in-flight2017-07-24T15:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/07/01/what-a-dame/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/odeh-1942.jpgOdeH-1942I don't think any photo ever better captured Livvie than this one taken in 1942. Beautiful, brooding, sultry and remote, she was then at war with Jack Warner. Ultimately, she would win.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/birthday-girl.jpgbirthday-girlhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/two-fisted2.jpgtwo-fisted2An Oscar in each fist. Take that, Jack Warner.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/livvie-1942.jpgLivvie-1942I don't think any photo ever better captured Livvie than this one taken in 1942. Beautiful, brooding, a touch sultry and definitely remote, she was at war with Jack Warner. Ultimately, she would win.2017-07-10T04:55:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/06/06/zero-hour/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/d-day.jpgd-dayHere is Lt.-Col. Jim Stewart one month after the D-Day landings. I chose this image for the cover of Mission because it reflects the toll of war on a man so recently thought of as youthful.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/the-longest-day-1962.jpgthe-longest-day-1962John Wayne and a bunch of guys who looked nothing--NOTHING--like the generation of young Americans who participated in D-Day. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/invasion-fleet2.jpginvasion-fleet2The landing craft that the B-24s couldn't see as D-Day commenced.2017-06-06T12:01:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/05/20/make-it-personal/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1324.jpgIMG_1324https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1357b.jpgIMG_1357bThe B-17, roped off in the name of preservation. Instead of signs that read, PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH the approach should be, BY ALL MEANS, TOUCH!https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1344.jpgIMG_1344The Chapel of the Fallen Eagles is a replica of the kind of English country church located near all the bomber and fighter bases.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1318-e1495291076746.jpgIMG_1318The Stewart bust surprised me--he's in good company with the generals of the Eighth Air Force.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1329.jpgIMG_1329The Jimmy Stewart short Winning Your Wings plays nonstop on a monitor under the wing of the B-17.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1327.jpgIMG_1327History under glass. For WWII buffs, no problem. For school-age groups? I'm just not sure it works.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1336.jpgIMG_1336The Memorial Garden with its statues and tablets moved me to tears.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1371.jpgIMG_1371Visitors examine the bust of Jimmy Stewart in the museum rotunda.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_1357.jpgIMG_1357Centerpiece of the museum: a B-17 Flying Fortress.2017-05-22T16:40:09+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/05/14/more-than-mrs-robinson/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/graduate-italian.jpggraduate-ItalianThis poster hangs in the dining room, because even before I got The Graduate, I got her.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/mrsrobinson1.jpgMrsRobinson1Here's to you, Mrs. Robinsonhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/graduate-daniels.jpggraduate-danielsThis is the view of the adults in The Graduate: boorish clowns without the depth to understand a baby boomer coming of age.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/graduate-bed.jpggraduate-bed2017-05-21T13:33:04+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/04/29/my-minds-eye/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dc-2.jpgDC-2A mile from where I'm sitting: site of the crash of TWA Flight 15A in March 1937.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/armored-car.jpgarmored-carThe armored car after the March 1927 heist.2017-07-23T21:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/04/02/the-texan/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/texan-3.jpgTexan-3Bob Sauls of Houston, Texas, and I did a lot of work for NASA together in the old days. On Saturday March 25 Bob drove up to surprise me in central Louisiana. Here we are in front of the Texan I rode in Friday and he rode in Saturday.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/texan-stewart.jpgTexan-Stewart2nd Lt. Jim Stewart with an AT-6 backdrop in Winning Your Wings.2017-04-07T12:27:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/03/05/pass-the-graw-vay/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/blondell.jpgblondellA Frenchman, a sexy girl, and some comedy. What could go wrong?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/food.jpgfood2017-07-28T02:41:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/02/26/1254/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/flynn-greco.jpgflynn-grecoGreco as Minna emerges from the river after a bath. Flynn as Forsythe touches her ankle, as in, let's do it. She doesn't even consider the idea, which is richly ironic since Errol Flynn may be the most prolific lover of the 20th century. He was now, officially, a character actor.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/juliette-greco.jpgjuliette-grecoJuliette Greco. Be still, my heart.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/morel-followers.jpgmorel-followersTrevor Howard as Morel with his band of elephant protectors, including Peer Qvist (Friedrich von Ledebur), the Baron (Olivier Hussenot), Forsythe (Flynn), and Minna (Greco).https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/elephants.jpgelephantsWell worth saving.2017-03-07T12:14:25+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/02/12/home-sweet-home/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/title.jpgtitlehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/paris-insert.jpgparis-insertWretched advertising poster for Is Paris Burning? I'd have taken a match to this campaign that left would-be audiences wondering what the hell this picture was about.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/welles-caron.jpgwelles-caronDo you think Leslie Caron is thinking, Orson, you look terrible?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/belmondo-versini.jpgbelmondo-versiniTwo of the cool kids, Marie Versini and Jean-Paul Belmondo of the Free French.2017-02-26T04:18:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/22/visiting-with-the-people-of-flight-3/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/blue-diamond-mine.jpgblue-diamond-minehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/rainbow2.jpgrainbow2Love all round as we explored Blue Diamond and Red Rock Canyon.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/wilson-ranch2.jpgwilson-ranch2The Wilson Ranch in the Potosi foothills on a crazy, spooky day.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sunbeams.jpgsunbeamsA magical day near Potosi Mountain.2017-04-29T16:27:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/16/a-stretch-of-desert/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mccarran-3.jpgmccarran-32017-01-16T21:23:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/15/pinnacle/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/davis-evening-chat.jpgdavis-evening-chatHours later still going strong with Otto by her side as she chats with an official. [©2013 by GoodKnight Books. All rights reserved.]https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/davis-crowd-control.jpgdavis-crowd-control2017-01-16T19:08:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/14/windswept/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/to-be-chicago1.jpgto-be-chicagoJust off the train in Chicago, Carole poses with a war bond poster in this shot later used to publicize To Be or Not to Be. Eerily, her death date is visible on the wall calendar.2017-01-14T01:16:28+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2017/01/08/one-saturday-morning/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ranch.jpgranch2017-01-12T04:58:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/12/18/a-jagged-edge/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iawl-4.jpgiawl-4Heartfelt salutations from both Jim and George.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iawl-3.jpgiawl-3Jim wild-eyed and letting the world see something from deep inside.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iawl-1.jpgiawl-1George at the end of his rope, praying for guidance. Jim only had one take in him, and told Capra he had nailed it and couldn't do another.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/iawl-2.jpgiawl-2Jim Stewart as George Bailey on the verge of suicide in It's a Wonderful Life.2016-12-29T14:30:12+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/12/07/flash-america-is-at-war/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/arizona.jpgarizonaIn 1962, a memorial was built over the sunken U.S.S. Arizona, where 1,200 American sailors remain entombed.2016-12-12T16:25:14+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/12/03/long-live-the-king/2021-03-29T19:15:14+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/11/24/the-mission/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/robert-clem-sit-2.jpgrobert-clem-sit-2With Clem Leone at the Gettysburg Heritage Center event November 20, 2016. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/pa-monument-2.jpgpa-monument-2The Pennsylvania Memorial at Gettysburg, where S.M. Jackson gets top billing.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/monument-2a.jpgmonument-2aThe monument of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, with Little Round Top in the background.2016-12-07T13:15:35+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/11/11/inside-the-reptile/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/metcalf-crew-3.jpgmetcalf-crew-3This Veterans Day I am saluting the flyers of the Eighth Air Force, with a special shout-out to this crew: (kneeling, L to R) engineer Don Dewey, gunner Stan Treusch, gunner Bill Timmons, radioman Phil Bronstein, gunner Earl Doggett; (standing) engineer Jim Crawford, navigator Paul Fischer, copilot John Lercari, pilot Earle Metcalf, and bombardier Ernie Hutton. Of the men in this photo, only ground crew chief Eugene Peterson, kneeling at far right, lived past Feb. 2, 1944 when the Lib they were in, Billie Babe, blew up in English airspace.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2016-01-31-10-51-26.jpg2016-01-31-10-51-26The B-24 Liberator, mocked as "the packing crate the B-17 came in," but beloved by the men who flew inside. 2016-11-14T18:40:15+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/10/29/calling-all-ghosts/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/titlepage.jpgtitlepageA 1944 magazine article detailed Flynn's mountaintop home. In the shot above he kneels under the windows where I saw the ghost.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1987exteriormid-front.jpg1987exteriormid-frontMulholland Farm from the vantage point where I saw the ghost. If you look at the set of three windows on the right side of the photo, the ghost appeared in the window on the left. I would learn later that this was Errol Flynn's bedroom.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/tibenham-1976.jpgtibenham-1976In 1976 Jimmy Stewart returned to Tibenham and here leans against the operations building with the control tower behind him. It even looks haunted.2016-11-05T21:44:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/10/19/icons/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/brutal-jim.jpgbrutal-jimJim in one of those pictures you wouldn't expect, grinding Dan Duryea's face into the bar in Winchester '73.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/valance.jpgvalanceDuke and Jim together in one of their best pictures, the Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.2017-09-14T01:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/10/08/a-question-of-characters/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/siepmanns-blog.jpgsiepmanns-blogGertrud Siepmann and her sister Anne in Eppstein, Germany during the war.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/leone-gunnary-blog.jpgleone-gunnary-blogNineteen-year-old T. Sgt. Clem Leone graduates gunnery school and will soon meet up with Capt. J.M. Stewart.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mission_cover_web.jpgmission_cover_webA book not about cookies.2016-10-10T11:03:02+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/blog/2016-09-22T04:11:55+00:00weekly0.6https://robertmatzen.com/2016/09/17/the-time-i-was-a-legend/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/my-doctor.jpgmy-doctorMy doctor sort of looked like this while sober.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ground_sirloin.jpgground_sirloinMy fingertip looked like this, but purple.2016-10-08T14:39:09+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/08/23/the-killer/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/crash-1942.jpgAccident – January 16 1942 Las Vegas, NV # 2Thirty-six hours after the crash of Flight 3, body recovery has begun.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/crash2012.jpgcrash2012My 2012 view of the place where all the stories intersected.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/donahue-helmet.jpgDonahue-helmetOne of the 15 Army flyboys that perished aboard TWA Flight 3 was 2nd Lt. Kenneth Donahue, a co-pilot in the Army Ferrying Command.2016-09-09T23:44:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/26/may-i-have-10000-marbles-please/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ramis.jpgramis2016-08-25T17:04:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/08/11/twilight/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fifth.jpgfifthLloyd Bridges, Jose Ferrer, Beau Bridges, Cornel Wilde, and Alan Hale, Jr. in The Fifth Musketeer.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/private.jpgprivatehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/don-juan-sad.jpgdon-juan-sadViveca Lindfors and a wistful Errol Flynn in one of their dynamic scenes in Adventures of Don Juan.2016-08-16T12:45:24+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/07/17/juicy-3-slivers-of-bone/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mission-box3.jpgMission-box3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mission-box2.jpgMission-box2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mission-box.jpgMission-boxhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/jab.jpgjabThe jab in question, as Flynn delivers, snapping back the head of Ward Bond.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/3-shot.jpg3-shotRay "Boom-Boom" Mancini, Angelo Dundee, and Bert Randolph Sugar critique the climactic fight scene from Gentleman Jim.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/odeh.jpgOdeHOlivia at about the time of the brawl.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/huston-2.jpgHuston-2John Huston demonstrates boxing technique while directing the 1972 feature film, Fat City.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/flynnps.jpgFlynn=PSFlynn in the 1937 star vehicle The Perfect Specimen, which included a boxing scene.2016-07-19T19:09:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/07/10/juicy-2-a-shot-across-the-bow/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mission4-062816.jpgMission4-062816https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/victory-ball-errol-nora.jpgVictory-Ball-Errol-NoraNora and Errol Flynn participate in the Victory ball not long after the memorable evening with John Huston.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/huston-1.jpgHuston-1John Huston went to war and distinguished himself as a combat journalist, but it was also convenient to go to war and leave romantic entanglements behind.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/deh-stockings.jpgdeH-stockingsOlivia may seem to be at rest in this shot taken around the time of the Huston affair, but she never really was.2016-07-12T15:45:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/07/01/juicy/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/deh-huston.jpgdeH-HustonJohn Huston doesn't seem to be very happy with Olivia looming over him in this 1942 shot. They were seldom photographed together in what was supposed to be a secret relationship.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tb-train-stage.jpgTB-train-stageErrol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland prepare for a scene on a darkened soundstage during production of They Died with Their Boots On at Warner Bros.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/frenchman.jpgfrenchman2021-01-14T23:23:35+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/06/20/going-all-the-way/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/rutherford.jpgrutherfordYou'd never know it from the characters she played onscreen, but MGM contract player Ann Rutherford was another of the busy ones around town.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/js-2.jpgJS-2Stewart once told his perturbed BFF Henry Fonda, "Hank, I don't steal your dates. They steal ME."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/kf.jpgKFKay Francis kept a diary that had even me blushing.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/rh.jpgRHRobin, I think you're happy to see me.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vr.jpgVRVirginia Rappe, one of the first of the wild young actors in Hollywood. She died under mysterious circumstances in 1921.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/js-1.jpgJS-12016-06-21T02:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/06/07/20-great-de-havilland-moments/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/penelope1.jpgpenelopeDown yonder, there he is, Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex. Penelope rather fancies him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/govtgirl2.jpggovtgirlWartime government contractors assail secretary Smokey Allard in this surprise hit for RKO.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/charlotte.jpgcharlotteIf Charlotte thinks she's troubled now, just wait another minute.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bootsdiary.jpgBootsDiaryIf you want to destroy me no matter the mood or time of day, put this scene on. And BTW, however much you're paying the lighting guy? It ain't enough.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/robin-hood.jpgrobin-hoodLetting their hair down was a bear to shoot and took three tries with two directors.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/to-each-copy.jpgto each copy"I believe this is our dance, Mother."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/gwtw.jpgGWTWA posed still can't begin to capture the brilliance of de Havilland and McDaniel on that long walk up the staircase.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/piazza1.jpgpiazzaMeg gushes with pride at the wedding of her daughter at the conclusion of Light in the Piazza.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/snake-pit.jpgsnake pitVirginia stands in the middle of snakes in the pit in director Anatole Litvak's beautiful, chilling shot.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/piazza.jpgpiazzaMeg gushes with pride at her daughter's wedding in Light in the Piazza.2016-07-10T16:39:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/05/29/thunderbolts/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/thunderbolt.jpgthunderboltA one-sheet for Thunderbolt, a Willie Wyler documentary about the ferocious flying machines that helped to win WWII. James Stewart provided a painfully short introduction.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bill-gordon-jacky.jpgBill-Gordon-JackyBill Gordon and Jacky's Revenge.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/republic_p-47n-5_three_ship_formation_061020-f-1234p-037.jpgRepublic P-47 ThunderboltA formation of P-47 Thunderbolts in their heyday.2016-06-10T13:09:35+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/05/06/faces/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/brooks13.jpgbrooks13https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/audfrey7.jpgaudfrey7Audrey Hepburn near the beginning of career, and toward the end of her life.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/audfrey6.jpgaudfrey6Audrey toward the beginning of her unlikely Hollywood career.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/brooks4.jpgbrooks4Bangs or no bangs, it all worked for Louise Brooks.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/audrey5.jpgaudrey5A stunning woman, from beginning to end.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/audfrey3.jpgaudfrey3Audrey Hepburn's unique face mirrored a unique life.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/brooks10.jpgbrooks10OK, yes, sexy too.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/brooks-5-6.jpgbrooks-5-6Louise Brooks in the late 1920s, sporting her distinctive and much-emulated hairstyle.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/louise11-detail.jpglouise11-detail2016-05-08T19:54:36+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/04/28/dream-lovers/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/one-hour.jpgOne HourMacDonald and Chevalier, reunited in another Lubitsch production in 1932, and still smoldering.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/roth-2.jpgroth-2Lillian Roth shows some leg on a Paramount soundstage. At 19 she was more emotionally fragile than Ernst Lubitsch realized.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jeanette-3.jpgJeanette MacDonald1930's publicity photohttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/love-parade-stills-2.jpgLove-parade-stills-2First impressions, lasting impressions for Queen Louise.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/love-parade-stills-1.jpgLove-parade-stills-1A toast to the lovers, Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier.2016-05-06T19:06:29+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/04/17/when-swords-flew/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rhsteps.jpgRH=stepsThe iconic promotion still. A few seconds after telling Robin Hood, "You've come to Nottingham once too often, my friend," he will lunge and go head-first off the steps. His sword will fly far off camera.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rh-shadows.jpgRH-shadowsThanks to the vision of Mike Curtiz, the combatants duel in shadow for a time, only to reemerge in frame still fighting with fury.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/br-powerl.jpgBR-PowerlBasil Rathbone duels Tyrone Power in The Mark of Zorro. It was just as furious and just as lethal an encounter, but confined to a much smaller space.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rh-long.jpgRH-longAs per a lobby card from the original set, the duel begins in the Great Hall.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rathbone-sword-slip-2.pngRathbone Sword Slip (2)In Tom's freeze frame, Rathbone's sword has been knock from his hand and is tumbling in the air--something NOT choreographed as part of the action.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rh-cu.jpgRH-CU2016-05-31T22:36:12+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/04/13/requiem-for-a-saint/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/smirk.jpgsmirkhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/goldfinger-girl.jpggoldfinger-girlAnother Bond girl to come the Saint's way--Goldfinger victim Shirley Eaton.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/loismaxwell12.jpgloismaxwell12Years before Moore's Bond had secretarial byplay with Lois Maxwell's Moneypenny, they work on The Saint together. (As a 10-year-old boy I was gonzo for Moneypenny. I still can't understand why Bond didn't marry her.)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/saint-halo.jpgsaint-halohttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/saint-logo.jpgsaint-logoThe Saint's calling card struck fear in the hearts of the bad guys.2016-04-24T10:47:38+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/04/03/brute-men/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/house-of-horrors.jpghouse-of-horrorshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/svengoolie-image.jpgSvengoolie-imageSvengoolie, aka Rich Koz, an appropriate name since he works so hard, furthering the cause of classic Hollywood.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rondo4-copy.jpgrondo4 copyWell, who doesn't appear scary with the flashlight-up-the-face look?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/young-rondo.jpgTP 87280 HALE RONDO 1/2 FLORondo Hatton in high school.2016-04-13T15:21:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/03/24/873/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2015-09-17-09-49-22.jpgEPSON scanner imageJim sports the Croix de Guerre, a medal awarded to all Eighth Air Force combat veterans at the end of the war.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/new-lm-head-shot-2015-web.jpgnew LM head shot 2015-webHollywood author and critic Leonard Maltin, now aboard the Mission team. (Photo by Jessie Maltin)2016-04-13T00:36:55+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/03/05/rendering-in-3d/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/dodge-city.jpgDodge-CityErrol Flynn and the boys.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/roberto-clemente-panoramic-photo.jpgroberto-clemente-panoramic-photoThe poster on the barber shop wall.2016-03-11T12:42:36+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/02/10/861/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bev6.jpgbev6https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bev1.jpgbev1Sorry folks, but this is the real Flynn in 1959. Paunchy, boozy, miserable. Bev looks awesome, though, and check out the caption where it says she's 22.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bev3.jpgbev3In a scene vividly and accurately capturing reality, Beverly is ambushed by reporters in the wake of Flynn's death by heart attack.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bev2.jpgbev2The real Beverly Aadland soon after Errol's death. She was a natural beauty and by all accounts a sweet soul. And I have to ask: Does she look 17 years old to you? Maybe a tad bit older?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bev5.jpgbev5Dakota Fanning as Beverly Aadland and Kevin Kline as Errol Flynn in the fanciful and largely unseen "The Last of Robin Hood."2021-02-25T19:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/01/23/everythings-relative/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/angelique.jpgAngeliqueAngelique when she's really into a chapter.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mission-fanned-open2.jpgMission-fanned-open2GoodKnight Books first look at the cover design for Mission, release date October 24, 2016.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_0592.jpgIMG_0592View from the top after I was "done," with snow covering everything all over again.2016-01-24T17:26:14+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2016/01/16/those-damn-peaks/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/twa-douglas-dc-3-1.jpgTWA Douglas DC-3-1A TWA DC-3 of the kind that crashed on this date in 1942 killing the flight crew, 15 Army Air Corps fliers, and four civilians, including Carole Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/flag-ext-another-view.jpgflag-ext-another-viewCarole Lombard and dignitaries just off the east steps of the Indiana State House in Indianapolis on January 15, 1942.2016-01-22T21:07:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/12/25/silent-night-creepy-night/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hat.jpghatThe hideous hat. I'm afraid I'll be seeing it in my nightmares.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lust.jpglustIs it just me or do you prefer your angels just a little less lustful than Cary Grant's Dudley, who seems to be eyeing up the bishop's wife like a Thanksgiving turkey.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/3-shot.jpg3-shotThe three stars, Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/bishop-tc.jpgbishop-tcWhen The Bishop's Wife didn't generate sufficient box office, Goldwyn and RKO altered the title to suggest shenanigans.2016-01-12T22:35:05+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/12/03/on-a-mission-for-mission/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tib-3.jpgTib-3Remaining Tibenham air base crew quarters as explored just last week.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tib-1.jpgTib-1The Tibenham World War II expert and my guide, Eric Ratcliffe (left), poses with me at the 445th Bomb Group memorial.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tib-2.jpgTib-2Jimmy Stewart risks his crisp uniform walking the muddy track at Tibenham in front of crew quarters.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tib-5.jpgTib-5The tower of All Saints Tibenham Church was a welcome sight that let pilots know they were home.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tib-4.jpgTib-4Rare is the idiot, er, scholar, who would fly across an ocean, bypass London, and head straight for a rainy field where once an air base stood. Here is runway 0-3, the big one at Tibenham. From here the 445th Bomb Group took off almost daily, weather permitting, on several-hours-long bombing missions. Crews felt very lucky to touch back down here later in the day.2015-12-10T15:52:50+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/11/03/at-home-wherever/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/flags.jpgFLAGSLeather and lace: O'Hara with Errol Flynn in Against All Flags. Best not to mess with either one.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-black-swan.jpgThe-Black-SwanWith Tyrone Power in The Black Swan. Unleashing the Technicolor redhead.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/miracle1.jpgmiracle1With John Payne and Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street for Fox.2015-11-11T12:46:40+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/10/20/leslie-and-the-professor/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/wedding.jpgWeddinghttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/repeat.jpgRepeatNow a free agent, Joan tried her hand at film noir with Repeat Performance.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pleats.jpgPleatsJust Errol's type.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cagney.jpgCagneyNext year, with Cagney at age 17.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/coop.jpgCoopWith Coop in Sgt. York at age 16 versus his 40. What a charmer as Gracie.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/camille.jpgCamilleLittle-known fact: Joan Leslie got her start with a bit part in Garbo's Camille in 1936 at age 11.2022-07-18T08:16:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/10/07/mall-rats/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/battleground.jpgBattleground, starring Van Johnson and John Hodiak. Great cast, great picture. But the guys in it are too old.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/longest-day.jpgThe Longest Day: Stuart Whitman, 34 but looking older, is saying to John Wayne, "Colonel, recon says St. Lo has a Denny's up there to the right. The senior special is still being served, but we have to wheel you over right now."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/hale-dt.jpgHale-DTAlan Hale, a hard-lived 51 at the time of Destination Tokyo.2015-11-09T01:02:36+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/09/26/dreams-and-nightmares/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/b-24.jpgB-24The B-24 Liberator, Jim's ship in the Air Corps, described the other night by a pilot in Stewart's squadron as "that goddamn airplane" and a "widow maker."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1942-2.jpg1942-2Jim Stewart rises to the rank of 1st lt. in July 1942.2015-12-07T15:07:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/09/04/the-force-awakens-the-dead/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/sw-stylec2.jpgSW-styleC2The Star Wars style C one sheet from 1977, back when they were just a bunch of kids putting on a show.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/vader-vs-kenobi.jpgvader-vs-KenobiVader: "Once I was the pupil. Now I am the master." Kenobi: "Only a master of eee-vil, Darth." Guinness: (I can't believe I was just forced to say that.)2015-09-08T18:34:21+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/08/25/unconsumated/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/itch-stills-1.jpgitch stills 1Tom Ewell with force of nature Marilyn Monroe.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/itch-set.jpgItch sethttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vanessa-brown.jpgvanessa brownOne look at this still of Ewell playing it straight with Vanessa Brown as the Girl convinces me that Wilder got the screen version all wrong. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/itch-still-3.jpgitch-still-3The subway-breeze scene was originally shot in New York City with 5,000 spectators but no way this view was going to pass censors. A tame version was reshot on Fox soundstages.2015-09-08T14:11:07+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/08/15/time-bombs/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/coop.jpgcoopFour aging Hollywood stars party.. From left: Clark Gable, Van Heflin, Gary Cooper, and James Stewart (sans toupee). Clark would be gone in less than a year, and Coop soon after.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/flynn-bardot2.jpgflynn-bardot2Errol Flynn parties with 18-year-old Brigitte Bardot in Cannes in 1953.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tpower.jpgtpowerTyrone Power becomes ill shooting this scene in Solomon and Sheba and dies within hours.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/bogie.jpgbogieI'm going to guess it was difficult not to smoke around Humphrey Bogart, who here helps fourth white Lauren Bacall light up.2017-10-17T07:11:36+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/08/08/if-only/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pride.jpgprideThe movie posters for The Pride and the Passion should have been warning enough.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lets.jpgletsSo let me see if I have this straight, Mr. Montand. I'm Marilyn Monroe, and you're getting more screen time than me in this picture?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tiffany.jpgtiffany2015-08-13T20:41:10+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/07/31/survivor/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/flag.jpgflagThe irony and sadness of the story is captured in this photo and caption from the Indy Star. (Thank you, Marina Gray)https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/cl-cg-1939web.jpgCL-CG-1939web2015-07-31T18:16:36+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/07/24/on-the-eve-of-war/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/vigil-e1437756822351.jpgVigilCarole Lombard at about the time she wrote her Thanksgiving 1939 open letter in Movie Mirror magazine.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/thanksgiving-39.jpgThanksgiving-392015-07-29T13:07:44+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/07/10/a-facebook-fourth/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/henry-cavil2l.jpgHenry-Cavil2lWhen you look at Henry Cavill, do you see Clark Gable?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/nc1945.jpgThe sister ship of the doomed Flight 3, now being refurbished in Kansas City and awaiting its big break in Hollywood.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/petey-carole.jpgPetey-CaroleGoldie and Kate as Petey and Carole?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/henry-cavill.jpgHenry-CavillWhen you look at Henry Cavill, do you see Clark Gable?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/jordanabrewster.jpgJordanaBrewsterJordana Brewster. Coloringj's wrong but personality's right.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/georgeclooney.jpgGeorgeClooneyGeorge Clooney during production of The Monuments Men.2020-05-29T12:26:22+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/07/01/more-than-marian/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/692.jpg692The OdeH abode in the embassy section of Paris.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/head-shot.jpghead-shotLivvie in recent times.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/131217095007_1web_actress.jpg131217095007_1web_actressLivvie in recent times. Medicinal champagne is among her tonics for longevity.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/scan2708_000.jpgSCAN2708_000Olivia de Havilland, just turned 18, sits on a prop cart at Warner Bros. with Errol Flynn in the summer of 1935.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/every-frenchman-has-one-11.jpgEvery Frenchman Has One, 11Olivia de Havilland's first book, published in 1962. Her second has been eagerly awaited for going on 40 years.2015-07-03T18:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/06/23/698/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lee-5.jpglee-5To hell with sabers, light or otherwise. I'll just fry you up like bacon.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lee-2.jpglee-2So here he is, 50+ dueling in the heat of Spain with one eye tied behind his back. If you never thought of it, that messes with your depth perception big-time, like when, oh, swords come ear-high.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lee-4.jpglee-4His Mummy woke up really horny, but with complexion problems.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lee-1.jpglee-1As Rochefort, he could match a musketeer's blade while also serving as implied lover to Milady de Winter.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lee-3.jpglee-3Here's a Dracula not for the faint of heart.2023-06-20T02:05:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/06/12/time-machine/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/c-47-interior.jpgC-47-interiorInside the DC-3 (here configured as a C-47 for cargo). For passenger travel there were three seats across, two on the left and one on the right, with an aisle between. Not exactly roomy. Folks, this is the entire cabin.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/landing-gear-potosi.jpgLanding-gear-PotosiLanding gear (right) with other pieces of DC-3 on Mt. Potosi in 2012.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/landing-gear.jpgLanding-gearLanding gear as it's supposed to look.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dc3-tail.jpgDC3-tailLooking forward from the tail of the Douglas DC-3/C-47.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dc3-first-glimpse.jpgDC3-first-glimpseHelloooo, beautiful!https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/for-luck.jpgFor-luckFor luck.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/diamond-lil-full.jpgDiamond-Lil-fullThe last flying B-24 Liberator, Diamond Lil, and crew wait on the tarmac.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/paratroop-check.jpgParatroop-check2015-11-03T00:24:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/06/04/not-in-my-kingdom/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/snowman.jpgsnowmanMy rescue party will not see him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/frozen.jpgFrozenThis is not my rescue party.2015-06-10T22:38:40+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/05/25/two-for-forty/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/p1040857.jpgP1040857Ninety-Nine Mine Road is much worse in most spots than this photo shows. At spots like this I was able to point and shoot without being too badly knocked around inside the Jeep.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/p1040853.jpgP1040853Behind this mound of earth lay the entrance to the old Ninety-Nine Mine in the foothills before Mt. Potosi.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cinevent-lombard.jpgCinevent-Lombard2015-05-27T13:57:11+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/05/15/splitting-a-limo/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/braddock-1web.jpgBraddock-1webThe battle as it appeared in the feature.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/lg-steps-sharon.jpgL&G-steps-SharonImpersonate THIS? I have my doubts.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/005_3.jpg005_3This is the time they gave me a megaphone. The only time. The reason I look so thin is because I was on the low-budget-feature diet, which includes no time for food but the stress-burn of 10,000 calories a day.2017-01-16T21:20:24+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/05/07/the-good-the-bad-and-the-so-ugly-its-great/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/greatest-show8.jpgGreatest-show8After the circus train crashes in spectacular fashion (move over, The Fugitive), Buttons reveals himself to be the doctor on the lamb so he can save Brad so he can live happily ever with Holly. In the meantime, being free of Holly allows Sebastian (left) the chance to hook up with Angel (right).https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/greatest-show5.jpgGreatest-show5"So Buttons, look at this story about a doctor who mercy-kills the woman he loves. Isn't it a funny coincidence how you go around all morose talking about killing the thing you love. Why, they even talk about killing the thing you love in this article, by sheer coincidence. And, by the way, how come you never take off your clown makeup?"https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/baxter6.jpgbaxter6Prototypical DeMille girl Anne Baxter in The Ten Commandments. Sign me up.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/greatest-show3.jpgGreatest-show3James Stewart as Buttons, the only crown I never thought was a creepy killer who would murder me in my sleep.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/greatest-show-lc.jpgGreatest-show-LCCharlton Heston's Brad Braden may be jealous of the way the Great Sebastian is carrying on with Holly but it's hard to tell because Heston just comes off as nuts.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kate_winslet_billy_zane_titanic.jpgkate_winslet_billy_zane_titanicKate Winslet and Billy Zane in Titanic. In a moment he will sweep the table clean and ruin an otherwise peaceful moment.2015-05-08T22:14:11+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/05/03/when-i-grow-up/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/behlmer.jpgbehlmer2015-05-05T19:12:55+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/04/23/lion-tamers/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080384.jpgP1080384This is main street on the lot, which runs from the Thalberg Building to the soundstages. The buildings are vintage and once housed offices and the commissary, but the facades are of Sony vintage so the lot can also serve as a working backlot for features and TV shows.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/trapeze-copy.jpgtrapeze copyThe MGM lion used in trade papers wasn't the snarling beast in the studio logo but rather a friendly cartoon figure.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080396.jpgP1080396The Thalberg Building, which now has the label above the door, Columbia Pictures. Which is a lot like the flag of Spain flying over the U.S. Capitol. L.B. Mayer's office was on the third floor.2015-04-28T16:02:05+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/04/12/2d-to-3d/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cb-award.jpgCB-awardCarole Sampeck after accepting the Benjamin Franklin Award in Austin, Texas last Friday evening, April 10.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bf.jpgbf2015-11-03T01:02:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/04/05/killer/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/pieces.jpgpiecesThis photo of a random spot of ground at the crash site shows the amount of debris on the mountain. The more you study the photo, the more pieces of airplane you can find.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/lower-ravine.jpglower-ravineThe plane, in a million pieces large and small, ended up in a ravine. This is the lower end of the ravine, where Lyle Van Gordon climbed 73 years ago until he could see gleaming airplane ahead.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/after3hrs.jpgafter3hrsAfter an hour by jeep and 2.5 hours of climbing, you reach a ridge. Across a valley you can see the destination, visible through trees at lower-center.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/potosiat10.jpgPotosiat10Mt. Potosi as seen from Ninety-Nine Mine Road. The outcropping at upper right center is an hour's hike away up a dry wash. Then you go along the line of green, which is where the loose shale is. Then you go UP. The outcropping seems to be the peak but no, it's just a foothill.2015-11-03T01:40:49+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/31/royals/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/scan0009.jpgscan0009Carole's mother, known as Tots or Petey, stands with the happy couple at the Bel Air press event. Less than three years later she would ride into history with her daughter aboard TWA Flight 3.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/scan0010.jpgscan0010https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/scan0006.jpgscan0006https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/scan0008.jpgscan00082015-03-31T12:54:49+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/27/electronic-eyewitness/2015-05-12T05:15:55+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/25/too-much/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/twa-sunglasses-600.jpgAccident – January 16 1942 Las Vegas, NV # 2The recovery team reaches the scene 36 hours after the crash.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/twa-vert-crash-crop4poster.jpgAccident – January 16 1942 Las Vegas, NV # 17A plane crashes into a mountain, in this case TWA Flight 3 on January 16, 1942.2015-03-26T11:34:21+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/20/mystery-within-the-mystery/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1070579.jpgP1070579The "other" Lombard autographed portrait that I found on Ken's wall.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1070582.jpgP1070582The dark and mysterious interior of Tuckaway. Ken is barely visible at center of photo, beside the lamp.2015-03-21T03:54:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/16/crazy-town/2015-03-16T22:20:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/03/06/revisionism/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/gl-dinner.jpgG&L-dinnerA couple of months later, here they are, her smile painted on, his nonexistent.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/c-c-aug41-ciros.jpgC-C-aug41-CirosGlamour pusses Gable and Lombard share an up moment exiting Ciro's on the Strip in August 1941.2015-08-12T04:14:59+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/25/at-the-oscars/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1942-2.jpg1942-2The winners: Gary Cooper for Sergeant York, Joan Fontaine for Suspicion, Mary Astor for The Great Lie, and Army Reservist Donald Crisp for How Green Was My Valley.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1942-3.jpg1942-3Why, they look so happy. Almost like ... sisters.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1942-1.jpg1942-1Livvie makes nice with Joanie as Burgess Meredith looks on prior to the presentation of Oscars.2015-03-09T16:08:33+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/18/in-the-shadow-of-beasts/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/kong2.jpgkong2Putting it all in perspective: one small woman and the big ape who immortalized her.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/kong.jpgkongPutting it all in perspective: one small woman and the big ape who immortalized her.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wray-3.jpgwray-3Wray in a straight role with Gary Cooper in 1933. Coop was stamping out pictures at this time and made three with Fay; two with Carole Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wray-wax.jpgWray-waxToiling under hot lights and showing some leg in The Mystery of the Wax Museum with co-star Glenda Farrell.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wray-dangerous.jpgwray-dangerousFay in one of her best pictures.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wray-berret.pngWray-berretI've always been a sucker for a woman in a beret. This time it's Fay Wray in a 1930s pose.2015-02-25T03:39:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/13/lure-of-the-forbidden/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/blondell-chair.jpgblondell-chairFrom the pages of Showmen, Sell It Hot: Joan Blondell was a nice girl selling naughty. I can't figure out, is she leaving a little or a lot to the imagination?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/lombard-virtue.jpglombard-VirtueThis still from Virtue showing Carole Lombard and Mayo Methot appeared in the risqué movie magazine, Film Fun. As per usual, the picture itself didn't sizzle.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/baby-face.jpgbaby-faceSelling "It" way back in 1932.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/storyofo.jpgstoryofOAlmost 40 years before Ana met Christian, there was The Story of O.2015-02-14T21:22:44+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/08/curves-2/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cl-fieldsie.jpgcl-fieldsieCourtesy of Tom Hodges: a shot from the Sennett days with Fieldsie center and Carole foreground left of frame, highlighting the problem for the larger of the girls.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wondergirl.jpgWonderGirlAshley Graham: Sports Illustrated-bound.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/graham.jpgGraham.jpgAshley Graham: Sports Illustrated-bound.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/20th-2.jpg20th-2One of two photos you'll see of Carole and Fieldsie. Here they attend an event for Carole's picture, Twentieth Century. Fieldsie is looking not at the camera but at Russ Columbo, a man she disliked, as described in Fireball. Lombard looks at her Twentieth co-star, John Barrymore.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/20th.jpg20thOne of two photos you'll see of Carole and Fieldsie. Here they attend an event for Carole's picture, Twentieth Century. Fieldsie is looking not at the camera but at Russ Columbo, a man she disliked as described in Fireball. Lombard looks at her Twentieth co-star, John Barrymore.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/fields-gable-dunne.jpgFields-Gable-DunneMadalynne Fields makes a rare public appearance with Clark Gable and Irene Dunne at the launching of a ship named for Carole Lombard. Note: The General here outranks Maj. Gable.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ashley-graham-6.jpgAshley-Graham-6Ashley Graham: Sport Illustrated-bound.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sennett-photo.jpgSennett-photoCarole Lombard in 1928 after Mack Sennett had labeled her "scrawny" and ordered a weight gain.2015-02-09T15:20:48+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/05/mocked-by-the-mockingbird/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/harper-lee.jpgharper-leeThe real Harper Lee, back in the day.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/clifford_irving.jpgclifford_irvingClifford Irving, the cat who thought he ate the canary. It turned out to be the other way around.2015-07-13T16:48:22+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/02/02/hail-to-the-king/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ls2.jpgLS2The eastern top of Lombard Street. It's a long way down from here.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ls1.jpgLS1My discovery: the top of Lombard Street. Pioneer Park is above.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/l-st-1.jpgL-St-1https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/candc1936.jpgCandC1936Clark and Carole early in their relationship. Her look admits that she just ate a canary.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sf-wc.jpgSF-WCOriginal poster art from San Francisco, selling the bad boy and the warbler with the gams.2015-02-04T18:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/26/flyboy/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/gable-mission1.jpgGable-mission1Gable poses for a photo with the crew of the B-17 Delta Rebel after flying a mission with them in 1943.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/combat-america.jpgcombat-americaA 1944 Government Printing Office poster for Gable's wartime feature. Notice he was Major Clark Gable by the time of the picture's release in the second half of 1944.2015-01-26T04:42:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/19/marathon/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/davis-tea-tired-web.jpgDavis-tea-tired-webDetail of one of Myron Davis's photos for Life, this one taken at the governor's mansion, shows an already-exhausted Carole Lombard--hours before beginning her cross-country trek. Was she capable of rational decisions by the time she ordered Winkler to book plane reservations?2015-01-19T18:32:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/14/carole-lombard-as-it-happens/2015-01-16T17:35:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/13/last-flight/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dc3-full-pan.jpgDC3-full-panThis DC-3, renamed “The Spirit of Santa Monica,” was built in the Douglas Corp. at the end of 1941, prior to the crash of TWA Flight 3, delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in February 1942 and transferred to the U.S. Navy that same month. At the end of World War II, it was purchased by Nationwide Airlines and flew as a commercial liner until 1953. Its wing span is 95 feet and the length from nose to tail is 64 feet.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/douglas-plant-1952.jpgDouglas Plant 1952The Douglas aircraft plan in Santa Monica in 1952 next to Clover Field--later Santa Monica Airport. The plane that would be Flight 3, NC 1946, made its maiden flight from this field early in 1941.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/underside-dc3.jpgUnderside-DC3Under the belly of the beast in Santa Monica.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/potosi-jan.jpgPotosi-JanMt. Potosi on the 72nd anniversary of the crash. Wreckage of Flight 3 remains below the cliffs in the saddle of the mountain ridge about dead center in the photo.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/potosi-panorama-2015.jpgPotosi-panorama-2015Mt. Potosi on the 72nd anniversary of the crash. The peak at right center is actually an optical illusion--a foothill that's closer to the camera. The high peaks where the crash took place are along the ridge line left of center. Wreckage of Flight 3 remains below the cliffs in the saddle of the mountain ridge about a quarter of the way over from the left edge of the photo.2015-01-13T15:54:50+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/02/the-year-of-fireball/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ftwayne.jpgFtWayneBiggest crowd: more than 130 in Carole Lombard's hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/vegastv.jpgVegasTVBest broadcast media coverage: six TV and three radio appearances in Las Vegas.2015-01-05T04:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2015/01/01/nobody-saw-it-coming/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/teletype2.jpgteletype2First news flash of the death of Rick Nelson crosses the AP wire.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/playingtowinad.jpgPlayingtoWinadRick Nelson, still cool at age 40--around the time he purchased Mulholland Farm.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/clemente.jpgClementeClemente had a perpetually stiff neck and was always stretching it out--the result was a nose usually in the air.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/clemente-auto.jpgClemente-autoClemente signed this for my sister the day she introduced me to him.2015-01-01T02:06:27+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/29/the-many-stops-of-the-gables/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pioneer-2012.jpgPioneer-2012The Pioneer Saloon today in dusty and historic Goodsprings, Nevada.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/palmsprings1.jpgPalm Springs, CaliforniaIndeed, welcome to the many honeymoon spots of Gable and Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/pioneer-vintage.jpgpioneer-vintageHere is the Pioneer Saloon back in the day. Judging by the auto and attire, this shot was taken in the era of Gable's supposed visit.2015-01-13T12:06:59+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/25/the-weaver/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/maxsennettcarole1927.jpgmaxsennettcarole1927A naughtier Christmas celebration, this one at the Mack Sennett Studio in 1927 with leggy Lombard at right (back in the days when Mack ordered his actresses to have some meat on their bones).https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lombard-xmas.jpgLombard-xmas2014-12-29T05:15:45+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/17/jubilee/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/parade.jpgparadeGable and Lombard in the motorcade through Atlanta. They shut the city down for the day.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kingasachild.jpgkingasachildA charming tike, age 10, who would participate in Gone With the Wind festivities and then change the world.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/whisper.jpgwhisperNo Gable isn't falling asleep at the Atlanta premiere of Gone With the Wind. Lombard is whispering something in his ear; probably something snarky.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kyser.jpgkyserLombard and Gable arrive via American Airlines with bandleader Kay Kyser.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/prexy.jpgprexyAmong George Washington's last words: "Please tell me Dr. House is on duty this evening." He wasn't; the rest is history.2022-08-01T01:10:39+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/15/mystery-woman/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/marge-errol.jpgMarge-ErrolMarge and Errol captured in a photo from Errol & Me. This photo would have been taken several years after the Stewart-Flynn photo op.2026-01-30T12:12:32+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/11/invaded-by-mights/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burma8.jpgburma8"I ain't got time to bleed!" No, wait, that's from a different albeit similar picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rh-long-duel.jpgRH-long-duelAfter you are dead, Errol, I am going to tell everyone how I was the better swordsman and could have kicked your ass in a real duel anytime I wanted to, except the script would never let me.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burma1.jpgburma1Flynn's most physically demanding picture included this scene shot at Lucky Baldwin's Ranch in Arcadia, CA.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burma4.jpgburma4"I ain't got time to bleed!" No, wait, that's from a different albeit similar picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burma6.jpgburma6Well, boys, this is going to be a big success. What could possibly go wrong?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burma3.jpgburma3Objective, Burma! should have been one of Flynn's most popular pictures, but it wasn't.2014-12-12T13:05:06+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/08/main-event/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/errol-jimmy.jpgErrol & JimmyJames Stewart, Marge Eddington, Errol Flynn, and Nora Eddington, except, where, when, and why?2014-12-09T02:22:30+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/12/03/the-machine/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt7.jpgburt7Reynolds has always been a larger-than-life character, as was Dinah. Together the chemistry was off the charts.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt6.jpgburt6https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt5.jpgburt5Like Gable and Lombard before them, it was clear these two did the nasty and loved every minute of it.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt4.jpgburt4Dinah's daughter pleads with Mom to steer clear of Bad Boy Burt. But there was no fighting the attraction.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt3.jpgburt3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt8.jpgburt8Long before Katniss there was ... Burt.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/burt-jon.jpgburt-jonDeliverance stars Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight (as much as you would like to believe it's not Jon Voight but really Robert Matzen).2014-12-29T05:41:37+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/11/27/hammer-time/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/parnell.jpgparnellA candid photo once owned by Otto Winkler shows Otto and Clark Gable at MGM in 1937.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/parnell.pngparnellA candid of Otto Winkler and Clark Gable at MGM in 1937, soon after Clark hired Otto. This photo and others came from the Winkler estate.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/clark-to-jill.jpgClark-to-JillThe portrait that Clark Gable inscribed to Jill Winkler.2014-11-27T13:02:17+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/11/24/everybody-comes-to-ricks-even-today/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca4.jpgcasablanca4Barely legal, but not what Rick is after. Just-18 Annina will pay any price to get out of Casablanca.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca9.jpgcasablanca9Sam plays the famous piano as a moribund Rick looks on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca8.jpgcasablanca8Major Strasser and Capt. Renault observe the goings-on at Rick's Café American, primarily the effect of newcomer Ilsa on previously impervious Rick.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca1.jpgcasablanca1"You ever plannin' on ooing to bed?" asks Sam to Rick.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca7.jpgcasablanca7You bitch! Look what you've done to poor Rick.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca3.jpghumphrey bogart, claude rains, paul henried & ingrid bergman - casablanca 1943Rick looks at Ilsa, who has just walked into his gin joint, as Capt. Renault and Victor Laszlo look on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/casablanca2.jpgcasablanca2Rick and Ilsa during their mad fling in Paris; the only time he was ever truly happy?2014-11-24T00:25:22+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/11/16/mans-man/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cg-funeral.jpgCG-funeralI wonder if Spencer Tracy (left) is thinking about spending two days with Gable at the El Rancho Vegas awaiting word of Carole's fate. Here the greats, including Robert Taylor and James Stewart, gather for the King's funeral at Forest Lawn in November 1960. At this same Church of the Recessional, Gable had endured the funerals of Ma and Petey 18 years earlier. In this shot, Air Force Chaplain Johnson E. West accompanies Kay Williams Gable, widow of the actor, after the service.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cg-golf.jpgCG-golfJust killin' time, waiting for his ticket to be punched in 1951.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cg-wedding.jpgCG-weddingOn top of the world, Ma! Or so Clark Gable thought, seen with Carole Lombard here at the announcement of their wedding in March 1939.2014-11-26T15:38:17+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/11/09/the-censor-almost-forbade/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/to-be-wc.jpgTo-Be-WCRestrained UA artwork announces "Carole Lombard's last picture."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/to-be-2.jpgTo-be-2Another photo from one of her last portrait sessions.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/to-be-or-not-to-be1.jpgTo-Be-or-Not-to-Be1Lombard models a gown she wears early in To Be or Not to Be.2014-11-26T06:24:09+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/11/02/dont-call-him-jimmy/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mailbox2.jpgmailbox2James Stewart picks up his mail at a rented Brentwood home in 1936, soon after arriving in Hollywood.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/mailbox.jpgmailboxJames Stewart picks up his mail at a rented Brentwood home in 1936, soon after arriving in Hollywood.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/broken-arrow.jpgbroken-arrowJames Stewart with Debra Paget in Broken Arrow.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/made-for-each-other-1.jpgmade-for-each-other-1The biggest heartbreak about the only picture Carole Lombard and James Stewart made together was the amount of money this contrived melodrama lost at the box office.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/clown.jpgclownIn 1952 James Stewart played a doctor wanted for murder in The Greatest Show on Earth. Through the course of picture, he never appeared without clown makeup.2023-05-04T13:27:46+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/10/27/wishing-theyd-go-bump/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1040934.jpgP1040934If you can imagine, Flight 3 flew into the middle of this scene and crashed against the cliff. Ghosts here? I felt the crash victims here; I knew I had to tell their story. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1987mid-view-copy.jpg1987mid-view copyFrom a distance it even looked haunted--Errol Flynn's Mulholland Farm.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/matzendivingboard2014.jpgMatzenDivingBoard2014Here I am sitting on Errol Flynn's diving board. On my return trip, all alone, I felt the ghost.2020-07-12T04:27:50+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/10/21/pre-code-carole/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/virtue-legs.jpgVirtue-legsMore Columbia Pictures enticement to go see Carole Lombard in Virtue.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/brief-moment-poster.jpgBrief-Moment-poster"Dump that bum!" I shouted at the screen; Carole didn't listen.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/lombard-lesbo-use-this-2.jpglombard-lesbo-use-this-2Judging by this image in Film Fun, Virtue was a must-see picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/virtue-poster.jpgVirtue-poster"Many men filled her life," teased the poster in the lobby.2014-11-26T15:47:15+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/10/17/umbrella-man/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-umbrella-man.jpgthe-umbrella-manThere he is in all his weird glory, Umbrella Man, encircled in yellow along with the head of a U.S. president.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/next-thompson-5.jpgnext-thompson-5Josiah Thompson and his second book, Six Seconds in Dallas, which caused quite a ruckus in 1967.2024-12-30T12:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/10/13/tucked-away/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070577.jpgP1070577The inscription of Carole Lombard's photo, signed as always in green ink, reads, "For Nellie Meier, In sincere appreciation of your Great Talent and kindness and truth of your reading. Cordially, Carole Lombard." https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070581.jpgP1070581The parlor of Tuckaway, as mysterious and compelling as an episode of The Twilight Zone. And what role in Carole Lombard's life did the front door play?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070575.jpgP1070575You're saying, WHAT? There's a home back there?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nelliesimmonsmeier.jpgNellieSimmonsMeierNellie Simmons Meier, a scientist at heart. 2014-10-13T00:07:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/10/07/woodstock-on-the-maumee/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070643.jpgP1070643Also at the History Center, a display of material from the Flight 3 crash site, including partially burned mail and melted aluminum--reminders of the ferocity of impact and daunting task facing investigators in 1942.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070642.jpgP1070642Another case featured snapshots of Gable hunting trips, a Gable duck call, a handwritten note from Lombard to MGM VP Eddie Mannix, and a bond receipt from Indianapolis.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070644.jpgP1070644Displays included a clutch purse, monogrammed handkerchief, and jewelry owned by Carole Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070672.jpgP1070672...including one for Fort Wayne patron of the arts Anita Cast.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070669.jpgP1070669Lots of books signed.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070658.jpgP1070658Lecturing in the spectacular Fort Wayne History Center.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070631.jpgP1070631Operating on three hours of sleep but ready for action on WANE-TV with Gina Carano.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070610.jpgP1070610The home of Frederick and Elizabeth Peters on Rockhill Street.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070585.jpgP1070585The Victorian masterpiece John C. Peters mansion on West Wayne Street. An elderly woman once approached the owner with a memory of seeing baby Jane Alice Peters in this house.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1070626.jpgP1070626The Knight mansion on Spy Run Avenue, now Shepherd's House, home to more than 40 veterans.2022-12-24T16:30:13+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/09/28/dynasties/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/peters-family.jpgPeters-familyElizabeth Knight Peters sits for a portrait with her three children In Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1911. From left: Stuart, Frederick II, Tots, and Jane, who would grow up to be Carole Lombard, and already looked the part.2014-10-01T10:48:52+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/09/27/stay-tuned/2014-09-27T12:17:06+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/09/21/babies-and-bathwater/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ef-age-21.jpgEF-age 21Errol Flynn, age 21, in one of many failed jobs, this one running a copra plantation in the absolute fringes of the British Empire.2015-01-16T17:46:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/09/14/immortality-lostimmortality-found/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/betty-pearls.jpgbetty pearlsBetty White: Quotes George Washington that the news of her death has been greatly exaggerated.2014-09-15T22:00:34+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/09/04/climbing-every-mountain/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1070460.jpgP1070460I feel that it's important to document my experiences in research. Here I am post-flight. This B-17 was built in 1945 and used in filming of the 1990 feature film, Memphis Belle.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/potosi-climb.jpgPotosi-climbPotosi was unlike any mountain I had encountered in the past. Only through the climb could I get to know it as a character in Fireball.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/trocadero.jpgTrocaderoYou'd think judging by this 1930s photo of the Café Trocadero on the Sunset Strip that these were flat lands. But the Troc was built into a hillside, with a sheer drop behind it--something you would only know from being there.2014-09-04T20:12:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/08/27/irresistible/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060124.jpgP1060124My Indianapolis triumph: turning around a disgruntled teen.2014-09-09T17:31:24+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/08/21/hedge-hopping/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070397.jpgP1070397Even the planters flanking the building's entrance tie into the aviation theme. The green tile work matches inlaid tile accents on the building exterior.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070391.jpgP1070391Passengers always knew which was way up--not to mention north, south, east, and west, at the Pittsburgh air terminal.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070383.jpgP1070383This single room served the air travel needs of a metropolitan era. Original wood benches remain in place, including one that faces out onto the tarmac.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070378.jpgP1070378Original lettering for the Waiting Room and Office evoke visions of a bygone era.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070395.jpgP1070395Vintage 1930s touches like stainless steel trim remain in place.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070398.jpgP1070398Pittsburgh's Allegheny County Airport, one of few remaining air terminals from the World War II era and an art deco masterpiece.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/county-airport-postcard.jpgcounty-airport-postcardThis postcard, circa 1940, shows TWA airships at the gate of the Allegheny County Airport. On its last voyage, TWA Flight 3 taxied into position here; 18 hours later it crashed in Nevada.2014-08-28T18:47:59+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/08/17/love-match/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1070175.jpgP1070175The modern game so influenced by Carole Lombard and Alice Marble--Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and Christina McHale of the United States play this past Wednesday near Cincinnati.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cl-am-cg.jpgCL-AM-CGCarole Lombard, Alice Marble, and Clark Gable courtside in 1938.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/lombard-tennis.jpgLombard-tennisCarole Lombard works on her net game in 1939.2014-08-21T13:03:43+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/08/08/330/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/7953-1987.jpg7953-1987This was my first view of the Lombard party house as it looked in 1987 with vegetation run amok.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/7953-1934.jpg7953-1934In this official Paramount Pictures publicity photo taken in 1934, Carole stands in front of her rented Hollywood Boulevard home.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/lombard-mixology.jpglombard-mixologyMixology, Lombard style, in the Hollywood Boulevard house.2014-08-09T14:10:48+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/08/01/pretty-damn-cool/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cast-of-8-simple-rules-2.jpgThe cast of 8 Simple Rules. Said Garner, "I never used to like working with children. For a long time I thought they were unpredictable and, well, unprofessional. But Amy Davidson [far left], Kaley Cuoco [far right], and Martin Spanjers [second from right] were terrific. Who cares if they steal a scene? If any actor can steal a scene from me, they're welcome to it."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/garner-walker.jpgGArner-WalkerClint Walker (right) visits James Garner on the set of Maverick. Walker was just back on the Warner Bros. lot after a long-running feud with J.L. https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/carpetbaggers.jpgcarpetbaggersMartha Hyer at her sexiest in The Carpetbaggers.2014-08-03T13:18:08+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/28/scratch/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1040867.jpgP1040867Oh, great, another mountain to climb. In case you are wondering, the Flight 3 crash site is along the ridge line, dead center in the photograph, a few hundred feet below the crest.2014-08-26T22:56:04+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/22/when-the-magic-happens/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/benny-lombard.jpgbenny-lombardBenny and Lombard camp it up in a publicity shot for To Be or Not to Be.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fred_astaire_and_ginger_rogers1.jpgFred_Astaire_And_Ginger_Rogers1It was said that Ginger Rogers could do everything Fred Astaire could do--only backwards, and in high heels.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lennon-mccartney.jpglennon-mccartneyLennon and McCartney, making music, and history.2021-09-05T18:38:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/18/carole-does-paris/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fools-4.jpgfools-4The Warner marketing department had trouble figuring out how to sell this particular pile of rubble, given that its plot is more psychological thriller than comedy.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fools-1.jpgFools-1Kay turns to her boyfriend, Phillip (Ralph Bellamy), for help with the stalker, but finds Phillip ineffective, not to mention irritating. You would think an American movie star could do better.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fools-3.jpgFools-3Rene (Fernand Gravet), invades Kay Winters' cab and refuses to leave. She should have called a gendarme.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fools-2.jpgFools-2The first scene, when Carole picks up her stalker on the Warner backlot. Shooting of "Paris" exteriors would take weeks--a bad sign for any picture.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/simone-fools3.jpgSimone-Fools3Simone at the 30-minute mark of Fools for Scandal.2014-09-22T22:56:16+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/13/the-crawford-touch/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/crawford-1927-crop.jpgCrawford-1927-cropThe Joan Crawford of 1927 had already been Carole Lombard's rival on Hollywood dance floors for two years.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/joan-1.jpgJOAN-1Crawford poses for another They All Kissed the Bride publicity still.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/joan-2.jpgJoan-2George Hurrell captured a portrait of 1942 Joan Crawford for the 'Bride' publicity campaign.2014-07-14T16:29:54+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/11/jilted-by-juliet/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/hussey-19681.jpghussey-1968Oh, Olivia. Why couldn't we work it out?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lana-wood.jpgLana-WoodLana Wood, Bond girl, accomplished actress, and follower of Robert Matzen.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/olivia_hussey2.jpgOlivia_Hussey2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/hussey-1968.jpghussey-1968As I imagine Olivia Hussey, dreaming of what I'll tweet next.2014-07-12T11:39:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/09/rhett-butler-take-2/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/decarlo.jpgdeCarloYvonne DeCarlo as Amantha Starr. Unfortunately she survived the suicide attempt.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/clark-kay.jpgClark-KayClark and Kay at the Encino ranch. She landed the King; he drank to numb the pain.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gordon-greene.jpgGordon-GreeneOn location in Louisiana with the sternwheeler, Gordon C. Greene.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/clinch.jpgclinchWait a minute. He's Rhett, but she's not Scarlett.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/band-of-angels-hs.jpgBand-of-angels-HSA sign of trouble: too much to read on the movie posters in the lobby of the theater.2014-07-10T20:15:44+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/07/04/meanwhile-in-an-alternate-reality/2022-10-18T07:00:49+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/06/27/who-did-she-have-to-screw/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supernatural4.jpgsupernatural4Will Grant arrive in time to save Roma from a murder wrap for strangling evil Paul Bavian?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supernatural3.jpgSupernatural3Paul Bavian stages a bogus séance related to the picture's other story line: Roma's twin brother has just died, and she wants to make contact with him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supernatural1.jpgsupernatural1Paul Bavian (Alan Dinehart) is only a little suspicious when Roma takes him to Ruth Rogen's apartment. And he isn't freaked out by the full-length portrait of Ruth offering up a tempting apple.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supernatural5.jpgSupernatural5Is it just me, or are you fellas also suddenly feeling like murdering people? Roma is possessed by the soul of Ruth Rogen as Dr. Houston (H.B. Warner) and Grant (Randy Scott) look on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supernatural6.jpgSupernatural6Didn't FDR promise a chicken in every pot and a 20-foot bird cage in every conservatory? Carole Lombard and Randolph Scott live the good life in Supernatural, until...https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/supern-1s.jpgsupern-1SThe ultra-rare one sheet movie poster for Supernatural.2014-07-11T13:57:01+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/06/22/feathering-the-nest/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/flags-6.jpgflags-6Hmmm, who to root for...Flynn the undercover cop or Quinn the minding-his-own-business pirate?https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/flags-2.jpgflags-2What you couldn't see on TV in 1952: flesh-baring, under-aged girls throwing themselves at Errol Flynn, in Technicolor yet. Or does Spitfire want the wench for herself? Alice Kelley broadcasts raw sexual desire for Errol Flynn as Maureen O'Hara and Mildred Natwick look on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/flags-5.jpgflags-5What red-blooded lad could resist this art announcing another pirate picture hitting port soon. Many a dad also felt the call of the buccaneers.2014-06-25T15:49:32+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/06/18/on-the-street-where-i-didnt-live/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/scan0007.jpgscan0007Carole Lombard keeps an ill-at-ease Robert Stack loose on the set of To Be or Not to Be.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/stacks.jpgStacksRobert and Rosemarie Stack right around the time I met both of them in Bel Air.2014-06-19T15:01:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/06/13/i-love-a-parade/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sarahm-bea.jpgSarah MiniaciMy PR rep, Sarah Miniaci, with a copy of Fireball at Book Expo America.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbus4.jpgColumbus4Preaching to the choir of Hollywood film lovers at Cinevent.2014-06-13T14:01:29+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/06/08/you-cant-win-em-all/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sons.jpgSonsSons of the Musketeers was renamed At Sword's Point for its 1952 release. Here a very young Alan Hale Jr. portrays the son of musketeer Porthos. Next to him is Cornel Wilde as the son of D'Artagnan. The "twist" is offered by Maureen O'Hara as the daughter of Athos. As modest as this RKO B picture was, it resembles Citizen Kane next to The Fifth Musketeer.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/behind.jpgBehindPlastic swords and costumes that must have been scrounged from Barry Lyndon. Never mind they're from THE WRONG CENTURY.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kristel-fifth.jpgkristel-fifthOne more, just because. Sylvia Kristel in the European version of Olivia de Havilland's last feature picture, The Fifth Musketeer.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/andress-oops3.jpgandress-oops3This was not your father's Man in the Iron Mask. Although I'm pretty sure Dad would have approved, of the European version, at least.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/deh-bees.jpgdeH-beesOscar nods do not result from death by bees.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/airport-water.jpgairport-waterLots of water--too much water--and not enough substance plagued her appearance in Airport '77.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/adv-deh.jpgadv-deHHer biographer, Tony Thomas, would never quite forgive Olivia for showing so much skin in 1970's The Adventurers.2014-06-09T18:50:25+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/05/30/joan-jett-wisdom/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/crazy-kids.jpgcrazy-kidsThe crazy kids back when life made sense.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/gable-crop.jpgGABLE-CROPGable at the El Rancho. I feel for him.2014-05-30T21:17:23+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/05/16/unbalanced/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/checkbook.jpgcheckbookMy checkbook, unbalanced.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/twa-douglas-dc-3.jpgTWA Douglas DC-3Enabled by Samuel Langley: the Douglas Corp. masterpiece DC-3.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/aerodrome.jpgaerodromeLangley's successful UAV, which he dubbed an "Aerodrome."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/samuel-langley.jpgSamuel-LangleySamuel Langley, a smart guy 2014-05-23T17:39:08+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/05/12/a-little-don-juan/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/scene-3.jpgscene-3Sequence 3: Queen Margaret is ready to abdicate and run away with Don Juan, but he knows she can't do that because "the people will suffer."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/scene-2.jpgscene-2In sequence 2, Don Juan confesses his love for his "paragon among women," and she explodes in fury.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/scene-1b.jpgscene-1bThe chemistry between the two stars is visible early on.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/don-juan-scene-1.jpgdon-juan-scene-1Sequence 1, Don Juan is infatuated and the Queen is starting to soften.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lindfors.jpglindforsSwedish-born Viveca Lindfors as Queen Margaret of Spain.2021-02-28T21:14:58+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/26/kindred-spirits/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fordflynngiesler.jpgfordflynngieslerhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/john-lennon-portrait.jpgJohn-Lennon-Portrait2014-09-25T20:15:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/05/07/mathematics/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/odeh.jpgOdeHOdeH: two Oscars in four years, but she would never get an award-quality role again.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cg-oscar.jpgCG-OscarGable loved winning his statuette for It Happened One Night, then gave it away to a little boy after the death of Carole Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dos.jpgDOSDOS...Oscar-winning visionary and ODing druggie.2014-06-15T02:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/26/so-red-the-river-in-black-white/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-river-8.jpgred-river-8The furious, hate-filled climax that is soon to be spoiled by Joanne Dru.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-river-6.jpgred-river-6Adding to the realism, Hawks chooses to show an arrow striking Joanne Dru in the shoulder, nailing her to the side of a wagon. She barely flinches, and Montgomery Clift reacts with bemusement rather than concern.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-river-7.jpgred-river-7Cinematographer Russell Harlan and director Howard Hawks manage to capture the sweep and grime of a cattle drive long before CG effects.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-river-2.jpgred-river-2There was a weird sort of chemistry onscreen between John Ireland as gunfighter Cherry Valance and Clift as Matt Garth, but that's the subject for a whole different column.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-river-1.jpgred-river-1John Wayne and Montgomery Clifthttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/scott-eyman-john-wayne-cover.jpgBuy it, consume it, spread the word about it.2021-01-22T22:40:46+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/18/help-wanted/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gwtw1.jpgGWTW1Selznick's money shot.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gwtw2.jpgGWTW2Fred Crane shares face time with Vivien Leigh. The Cadiz barbecue, during which I met Fred, looked exactly like this. Well.......sort of.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gwtw4.jpgGWTW4Margaret Mitchell, the quiet little woman who caused a big ruckus.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gwtw5.jpgGWTW5The Gables receive a royal welcome upon their arrival in Atlanta for the GWTW premiere in December 1939. More than 150,000 people would flock to Peachtree Street to glimpse them.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gwtw3.jpgGWTW3A movie poster for the first release of Gone With the Wind.2014-05-07T16:42:28+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/15/fireball-in-los-vegas/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/library-6.jpgLibrary-6Signing books after the lecture and Q&A.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/el-rancho-vegas.jpgEl-Rancho-VegasThe first modern Las Vegas casino complex, the El Rancho Vegas, along Highway 91 just south of town. Here Clark Gable spent the longest weekend of his life.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/library-5.jpgLibrary-5Attendees of the Sahara West event watch one of the GoodKnight Books videos.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ch3.jpgCh3On Las Vegas NBC affiliate Channel 3 with Tom Hawley talking about the 1942 plane crash near their town. [Clicking on the image takes you to the TV segment.]https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/potosi-panorama3.jpgPotosi-panorama32014-04-15T14:11:53+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/06/shooting-star/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gl-laugh.jpgGable and Lombard are adored as American royalty wherever they go.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/adoration.jpgadorationHollywood-struck Hoosiers press in on Carole in Indianapolis the day before she will die.2014-04-07T17:41:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/04/02/at-the-crossroads/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/state-house-ext-2.jpgState House-ext-2https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/state-house-ext-1.jpgState House-ext-1The same spot today.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/davis-blog.jpgDavis-blogCarole Lombard delivers a speech outside the Indiana Capitol Building in 1942.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cl-lobby-sale.jpgCL-lobby-saleThe 2014 view inside the Indiana State Capitol Building showing a glimpse of the same spot in 1942.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/wish-tv-1a.jpgwish-tv-1aWith Andi Hauser on Wish-TV's Indy Style.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/irb-3.jpgIRB-3Getting started at Indy Reads Books.2014-04-02T01:23:30+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/26/scarface-comes-across/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cl-scar-3.jpgCL-scar-3The same scar is visible in this screen capture from 1939, as is the scar on her cheek.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cl-scar-detail.jpgCL-scar-detailDetail of one of the Myron Davis photos shows the boomerang-shaped scar beside Carole Lombard's left eye. 2014-11-02T13:32:43+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/21/presenting-clark-gable/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gable-elegant.jpgGable-elegantThe always-immaculate Clark Gable, seen at the Encino ranch in 1947. It was the place he felt closest to the one he called "Ma" and "Mrs. G."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gable-after2.jpgGable-after2Clark Gable after.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gable-before3.jpgGable-before3Clark Gable before.2018-05-19T05:12:57+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/18/to-tweet-or-not-to-tweet/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/hell.jpghellMy idea of hell.2014-03-25T15:03:19+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/14/raked-by-the-spotlight/2014-03-15T01:44:20+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/09/the-name-game/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pappy.jpgPappy...not to be confused with Carole and Pappyhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pops.jpgpopsCarole and Popshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/butch.jpgButchCarole and Butchhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/teach.jpgteachCarole and Teachhttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/bucket.jpgbucketCarole and Bucket2022-01-12T16:35:42+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/07/riding-the-wave/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/godfrey3.jpggodfrey3Publicity photo of the screwball queen, Carole Lombard.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/godfrey6.jpggodfrey6Godfrey is oblivious to the fact that both Irene and Molly the household maid (portrayed by Jean Dixon) are in love with him.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/godfrey8.jpggodfrey8Mischa Auer as Carlo takes the spot light in this scene also showing Lombard as Irene, Alice Brady as Angelica, and Gail Patrick as Cornelia.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/godfrey5.jpggodfrey5Carole Lombard and William Powell pose for a My Man Godfrey publicity photo.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/allegheny-city.jpgallegheny-cityAllegheny City was once Pittsburgh's elegant sister. The showing took place roughly at the T in City.2015-12-04T21:10:18+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/03/04/pushing-the-buttons/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-8.jpgblog-8John Ford's saga of Welch coal miners gets me every time.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-5.jpgblog-5Debbie is home, but Ethan remains a man alone.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-7.jpgblog-7Maureen O'Hara as Mary O'Donnell and Ty Power as Marty Maher at West Point. Even when I see it coming, John Ford gets me.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-6a.jpgblog-6aHe's a yankee doodle dandy...yankee doodle do or die. *sob*https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-4.jpgblog-4A melancholy Abraham Lincoln says farewell, and I lose it...yet again.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-3.jpgblog-3In a moment he'll say, "Walking through life with you, ma'am, has been a very gracious thing."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-2.jpgblog-2"People all say that I've had a bad break. But today ... today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth."https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog-1.jpgblog-1"To my big brother George, the richest man in town."2014-03-14T01:44:26+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/28/64/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/potosi-mountain.jpgPotosi MountainPotosi Mountain as seen from the foothills. Flight 3 hit just below the ridge line at right center, in the saddle of the mountain.https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fireball_dustjacket_front.jpgFireball_DustJacket_Front2014-03-12T16:31:48+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/23/have-profile-will-travel/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rhpositive.jpgRHpositivehttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/colorglos.jpgColorGloshttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rathbone-busch.jpgRathbone-Busch2014-03-05T06:46:04+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/22/fear-of-flying/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/savoie-6.jpgSavoie-6https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/savoie-4.jpgSavoie-4https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/mary-clipping.jpgMary-clippinghttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/benecia-girl.jpgBenecia-girl2023-12-18T16:42:47+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/18/the-girl-who-lived/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rm-mjs.jpgRM-MJShttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/mary-anna-johnson-savoie-4.jpgMary Anna Johnson Savoie 4Mary Anna Johnson was a young federal researcher when she saw Carole Lombard board TWA Flight 3 in Indianapolis. Mary would be bumped from Flight 3 before it crashed, and tell me all about the experience 70 years later.2014-11-02T13:44:06+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/14/fireballs-companion-piece/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/high-mighty-5.jpghigh-mighty-5https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/high-mighty-4.jpghigh-mighty-4https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/high-mighty-3.jpghigh-mighty-3https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/high-mighty-1a1.jpghigh-mighty-1ahttps://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/high-mighty.jpghigh-mighty2014-02-19T00:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.com/2014/02/12/titan-of-the-twentieth-century/https://robertmatzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/st-autograph.jpgST-autograph2014-02-14T15:27:30+00:00monthlyhttps://robertmatzen.comdaily1.02026-03-14T20:20:27+00:00