Beguiling Photos: Evelyn Nesbit

Many of my film fascinations have started with a photograph, rather than a movie. Photos have the power to beguile us and leave a lasting impression long after the film has faded from memory.

Before I ever saw Garbo, Louise Brooks, Harlow or Valentino in a movie, their photographs enchanted me. Some artists, like Theda Bara, live on primarily through their photos, as most of their films are now lost.

One fascinating face that graced photos first as an artist model, next as a showgirl and finally as a tabloid star, was the infamous Evelyn Nesbit Thaw.

Famous now as "The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing," Evelyn's beauty was a the catalyst for the "murder of the century," the murder of architect Sanford White by Evelyn's husband, Harry K. Thaw. After the circus of the trial was over, Evelyn tried her hand at exploitative movies, none of which exist.

An early model for the Gibson Girl illustrations, Evelyn's sad story has faded from the front page, but, in these beautiful images, she still manages to beguile.

A lovely video tribute to Evelyn and 

a short version of her story from the 

author of "American Eve":

For more about Evelyn Nesbit Thaw, visit these sites:


The Story of Evelyn Nesbit and the Thaw-White Murder


American Experience/Murder of the Century/Love Triangle


The Sanford White Murder

A good read about Evelyn and her life and times is "American Eve" Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White: The Birth of the "It" Girl and the Crime of the Century," by

Paula Uruburu.

Never in a Million Years: The Three Stooges

Okay, a brief departure from my usual classic fluff to make room for some contemporary fluff. I have made a commitment to myself to get out at least once a month to see a new movie (as a result of feeling a bit too anchored in the past with classic film). Although I wanted to get out to see "The Deep Blue Sea" today, it was not conveniently located or timed, so I ended up seeing "The Three Stooges."

What????????? If anyone had told me a week ago I would be seeing this movie, I would have said never in a million  years. I was never a big Stooges fan. I can take them in small doses, but that's about it. But then a few things conspired to make me want to see it:

1. Generally good reviews;
2. A track history of pretty much liking the Farrelly brothers' work;
3. Larry David playing a nun called Sister Mary- Mengele; and
4. Knowing that Moe becomes a character on the reality show "The Jersey Shore"

Okay. I admit it was #3 that sold me. And that concept did not disappoint. As a fan of  David's HBO series "Curb You Enthusiasm" I simply could not resist Larry as a crabby nun with such a fabulous name. He was hilarious.

The plot is rather silly, which befits the boys (I mean, really, could it be anything other than silly?). Sean Hayes (Larry), Will Sasso (Curly) and Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe) as the Stooges do a good job of recreating the originals and Jane Lynch, Jennifer Hudson, Sofia Vergara and Brian Doyle-Murray all add to the fun. It's a real sitcom reunion!

I must say that Moe's inclusion as a cast member on "The Jersey Shore" (as Dyna-Moe) was inspired and made me laugh out loud. I mean, who better than Snooki, J-Woww and The Situation to get their eyes poked, their heads banged and takes that place of some missing stooges.

And, like all Farrelly Brothers films, there is a sweetness, as the boys do prevail in the end. It is sort of like a live-action Roadrunner cartoon where all kinds of bodily injuries are inflicted and no one gets hurt.

Best of all: no Shemp!!!!

And just to top off a Moe, Larry and Curly kind of day, I got home from the show, sat down to read the paper and saw an article about this:

It's not just a museum, it's a Stooge-eum! 

Even though this will not go on my list of 10 best, it won't make the list of 10 worst, either. There was lots of laughter in the theater and, never in a million years did I think that I'd be one of those who laughed. But I did!

Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck!

Smiles, Pouts and Smoldering Looks: Hollywood Pouts That Say So Much

Who can resist a beautiful smile, a soulful pout or a sexy, smoldering look? Not me! As this is my occasionally-when-I feel-like-it blog, I'll occasionally, when I feel like it, feature my favorites of all of the above. 


Before the over-plumped "trout pout," some stars could do it all with what nature gave them. Today, I'm dreaming of these provocative pouts:

Lana Turner

Lana was the queen of the perpetual pout.

Joan Blondell

Joan's smile usually lit up the screen, but her pout was pretty potent, too.

Clara Bow

Not matter what her pose, Clara was always irresistible.

Marilyn Monroe

The woman was just blessed with it all, wasn't she?

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy was a serious pouter.

Gail Russell

The girls today would kill for Gail's natural pout.

Gene Tierney

One of nature's true beauties no matter what the pose.

Elizabeth Taylor

Who could resist Liz in full pout mode? Not many.

Pouts are not exclusive to the ladies. Some of the fellas can pout with the best, too!

Charles Boyer 

Zee pout - eet is a French, thing, no?

Robert Taylor

Before he became a rugged leading man, Robert Taylor had a serious pout going on.

James Stewart

Another leading man with a pouting past.

Louis Jourdan

Ah, the French - they are not afraid to pout!


I love pondering these Hollywood pouts!

Smiles, Pouts and Smoldering Looks: Hollywood Smiles That Make Me Smile

Who can resist a beautiful smile, a soulful pout or a sexy, smoldering look? Not me! As this is my occasionally-when-I feel-like-it blog, I'll occasionally, when I feel like it, feature my favorites of all of the above. Today, I'm dreaming of these beautiful smiles:

1. Audrey Hepburn - happiness is a warm puppy and a smile from Audrey Hepburn.

2. Clark Gable - oh those dimples!

3. Vivien Leigh - we know she's a minx, but she looks so sweet!

4. William Holden - the smile just completes the perfect picture

5. Greta Garbo - a gift from a goddess

6. Cary Grant - since all of his other equipment is my favorite, I'm just singling out the smile here

7. Jean Harlow - a nice, non-sex-pot girl underneath the satin

8. Jack Nicholson - oh, he's a charming devil!

9. Paulette Goddard - she puts the fizz in the soda

10. Buster Keaton- beautiful, but sightings are rare

Ah, a most pleasant dream!

Dreaming of... How To Steal A Million

This is another one of those 60s movies that refuse to leave my consciousness. I guess I just have a soft spot for sparkling, frothy films that feature beautiful people in beautiful places (especially if it involves intrigue, art and a Paris locale). The story is really light as a feather, but there are three major things about this movie that I keep dreaming of:

1. The Beauty of Peter O'Toole. Was he ever more  handsome and romantic?

The start of my love affair with those blue eyes
and a series of swinging 60s Brits

2. The beauty of Audrey Hepburn. Dig that eye shadow!

From the moment I saw her, she was my idol

3. The fabulosity of Audrey's wardrobe. Everything I ever learned about fashion, I learned from Audrey.

Dressed for a drive

Love this "Cat Woman" look - totally ready for a caper!

What a couple - and especially love the pattered tights. 

The blazer, gold button and scarf are just divine -
as are those matching patterned tights

Audrey looked so pretty in yellow -
and white patterned tights - how 60s!

Every movie doesn't have to be a work of genius, right? Sometimes, it's just fun to remember how much fun you had at the movies.

Dreaming of... My Movie Star Valentines

♥♥♥ I love movie stars

and love to getting

Valentines from them!♥♥♥

A Gorgeous Garbo Greeting
(I knew she was a softie)

Ann Sheridan wears her
heart on her, um,  heart

There can be no sweeter Valentine than Liz

Debbie offers a tree of
hearts for her Valentine

Audrey always captures hearts



Shirl-girl is just the cutest Valentine!



A Pair of Marilyns - Always the Queen of Hearts

Wishing you the happiest and

loveliest Valentine's Day that a

little movie star can shine your way!