Monday, September 14, 2009

A Journey to a Star...

...began with a tentative guess, and then a ringing affirmation. Yes, we have two winners of our latest mystery-lady challenge. Dear Normadesmond noted something charlottegreenwoodische about our fur-cloaked enigma, but it was the enigmatic MC who jumped in with a definite and entirely accurate answer. She is indeed that diva of the Fox backlot, the doyenne of the speciality high-kick number, Miss Charlotte Greenwood.

Mabrouk, as we say in these parts, to them both, and also to all who chimed in - Irene Ryan is certainly plausible, Helen Mirren's grandmother distinctly amusing, and dear Bill's offering of La Stanwyck is at least a sporting try.

Above, by the bye, we see fabulous Charlotte in the final moments of what is very likely my favorite film of all time, The Gang's All Here, in which she is joined by the entire cast - which ranges from Carmen Miranda to Benny Goodman and back again -who appear as floating, bobbing heads to sing one more round of the picture's hit song, whose name forms the title above. Aficionados of this landmark in cinema need to head immediately over to Shadowplay (whence I cribbed the pic) for a savagely funny takedown of this number.

1 comment:

  1. Seems that she developed the pop-eyed look towards the end of her career.

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