My Archi(v)es...An Update!

I've just had a new addition to my collection!

Cary Grant: A Life in Pictures:

Published in 2011 and edited by Yann-Brice Dherbier.

Includes a biography by Frederic Brun and contains some great pictures in a large format...some that I haven't seen before!

With Roger Moore (1986).

With Farrah Fawcett (1977)

On This Day...Gambling Ship (1933)

Gambling Ship was Cary Grant's 11th full length feature film.

Grant plays Ace Corbin a famous big-time gambler in this gangster/gambler, pre-code film.

Grant stars alongside Benita Hume, who plays a gangster's moll.

The Times (London) reviewed, in part - "In brief, it may be said that the film has all the makings of the familiar gangster story without actually making it. 

What acting the film allows is done competently by Mr. Grant, Miss Benita Hume, and Mr. Roscoe Karns."

With Benita Hume and Roscoe Karns.

Lobby Cards:

Directed by Louis Gasnier and Max Marcin.

Produced and distributed by Paramount Publix.

Running time: 72 minutes.

On This Day...Dream Wife (1953)

Dream Wife was Cary Grant's 59th full length feature film and his first of three films with Deborah Kerr.

Grant plays Clemson Reade who after breaking off an engagement with, far too busy, Effie (Kerr), seeks matrimonial bliss with a Princess from Bukistan, who from birth is trained in the art of pleasing men.

The Los Angeles Times wrote - "Cary Grant gives the typical light comedy portrayal for which he is noted. Miss Kerr, beautifully gowned throughout, comes through with a solid performance as the conniving American girl who has lost her man. Miss St. John makes a fine impression in her initial featured film role."

Publicity picture with Betta St. John and Deborah Kerr.

Deborah Kerr and Betta St. John and a little light reading.

This was Betta St.John's first full length feature film.

Lobby Cards:

Directed by Sidney Sheldon

Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Running time:98 minutes.

On This Day...Holiday (1938)

Today in 1938, saw the release of Cary Grant's 31st full length feature film, Holiday.

This was his 3rd film with leading lady Katharine Hepburn, playing the role of Linda Seton.

The title of the film when released in Great Britain was  Free to Live, Unconventional Linda.

The story is about a restless Johnny Case (Grant), wanting to take time out and see the world

He becomes engaged to Julia Seton(Doris Nolan) who tries to make him conform, unlike her sister Linda (Hepburn), who falls in love with him.

Based on a Broadway play by Philip Barry.

Newsweek wrote - "Cary Grant again turns in a smooth performance of the type that has made him one of Hollywood's most-sought-after leading men.

It is more to the point that Katharine Hepburn gives one of her most successful characterizations of her film career."

Cary Grant's acrobatics seemed to have rubbed off on Katharine Hepburn.

They were both known for doing their own stunts. Hepburn thought her double didn't have the correct deportment.

With Jean Dixon, Katharine Hepburn, Lew Ayres and Edward Everett Horton.

Lobby Cards:

Directed by George Cukor

Distributed by Columbia Pictures

Running time: 94 minutes

On This Day in 1932....Merrily We Go to Hell and Singapore Sue.

So on this day in 1932, Cary Grant featured in his 3rd full length feature film but also in his film debut.

Singapore Sue:

So this short film is considered to be Cary Grant's film debut. 

The film runs for approx 10 minutes and was filmed in New York.

Cary Grant takes the main role as a sailor on shore leave.

The short film didn't get released until the same time as his 3rd full length feature (see below)

Apparently for this short he is credited as Archie Leach!!

With Anna Chang and Joe Wong.

Written and Directed by Casey Robinson

Running time: 10 minutes

Merrily We Go to Hell:

Cary Grant plays the leading man on stage of the play written by its main character, played by Fredric March.

With Adrienne Allen

With main stars Sylvia Sidney and Fredric March.

With Sylvia Sidney.

Directed by Dorothy Arzner

Produced and Distributed by Paramount Publix

Running time: 88 minutes

"We should all just smell well and enjoy ourselves more!"

Cary Grant had a point. Not only should we enjoy ourselves more, but at the same time, smell well!

So how did Mr. Grant set the lead in smelling well?

It's well documented that he used three particular colognes...

...Creed Green Irish Tweed, Guerlain Imperiale Eau De Cologne and Acqua Di Parma Colonia.

Creed Green Irish Tweed:

Green Irish Tweed by Creed is a classic Fougere fragrance.

One of the signature scents of the house of Creed, like a walk through the Irish countryside.

The fragrance is rich, fresh, sporty and unforgettable. 

It opens with top notes of iris and lemon verbena.

Guerlain Imperiale Eau De Cologne:

A unisex perfume, the scent was launched in 1853 and created by perfumer Pierre-Francois-Pascal Guerlain.

Top notes are of Bergamot, Neroli, Verbena, Lemon and Orange.

Acqua Di Parma Colonia:

Contains Sicilian citrus, lavender, rosemary and verbena. Also Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, vetiver, cedar and ylang-ylang.

It starts off with sharp top notes of citrus and verbena.

Testing and sharing with Roger Moore?

"Lights, camera...action!" - The Directors - Part 3

The next director, who worked with Cary Grant on four films, was Stanley Donen.

Stanley Donen:

13th April 1924 - 21st February 2019

On Grant - "Cary was lavish in his giving to me. He gave me lots of gifts, always thoughtful ones. Something was always arriving."

Kiss Them For Me (1957)

With Ray Walston and Jayne Mansfield

Indiscreet (1958)

On set with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

The Grass is Greener (1961)

With Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum

Charade (1963)

With Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn

Stanley Donen was behind many hit musicals including On The Town, Singing in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Cary Grant, Stanley Fox and Stanley Donen set up Grandon Productions, Ltd in 1957.

Four directors worked on three films each with Cary Grant...

..."Lights, camera...action!" - The Directors - Part 4...