Sydney Guilaroff: MGM's Original Hairstylist!

Sydney Guilaroff - the famed hair stylist whose art graced numerous leading ladies and men in Hollywood. Sydney is the very first to have his craft mentioned in movie credits. His work in the motion pictures was with MGM Studios which started in the 1930's and ended in the 1970's, what an impressive career!

Sydney's road from Canada to New York City:

Sydney's family resided in both Winnipeg and Montreal, Canada. He knew that dreams were going to take happen for him by moving and relocating to New York City. At the tender age of fourteen Sydney moved by himself from Canada to NYC where at the beginning was rough. The young man

found the transition to NYC with no one he knew difficult at first and needed to find work which he did locate by doing stockroom work at the famous Gimbel's department store. During this period he had inconsistency with money and work where sleeping on park benches in Central Park happened.

Finally, Sydney landed an opportunity at a hair salon where he became the beautician's assistant. He started to take note of the work the hairstylist was doing and fell in love with the work and before he knew it was being mentored. During this time Sydney's wings bloomed to take flight where people took notice of his fine work and his clientele started to expand. The famed actress Louise Brooks got her famous bob from Sydney and also to note Miriam Hopkins and Corrine Griffith both legendary actresses were his clients. Sydney was making quite a name for himself in New York City!


Sydney Moves to Hollywood and Reigns Supreme at MGM!:

During his time at the famed Antoine's Salon in New York City, Sydney obtained another new client the famed Hollywood actress Joan Crawford. Joan Crawford loved Sydney's work so much that she constantly traveled from California to NYC for hair styling. MGM head Louis B. Mayer took Sydney as part of the studios staff as Chief Hairdresser since Joan insisted that prior to all productions she

was to travel to NYC and have no one else work on her hair.

Sydney did not see eye to eye with Louis B. Mayer and the contracts needless to say did not work. Rather than a contract, Sydney worked at the studio and no other doing what he did best which is the fine art of the leading ladies and men. During his time at MGM he provided his art to over two thousand motion pictures creating such dynamic work of art such as the beautiful ornate styles that Norma Shearer had in the film; "Marie Antoinette" to the huge all women cast of "The Women" starring Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Paulette Goddard, Rosalind Russell, and Joan Fontaine. 

His huge mark that people will remember additionally is coming up with the red hair for the then blonde Lucille Ball. This idea of coloring Lucy's hair made a huge difference and her career simply went up with one of her trademarks, that bright red hair! Another is coming-up with the pig tails for

Judy Garland and her noteworthy role in "The Wizard of OZ" then creating Claudette Colbert's famous bangs. Other noteworthy leading ladies he styled for both the studio and personally were Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, and Marlene Dietrich.

Sydney continued to style the famed after his work with MGM in Television movies such as; "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles in 1987 for stars Ann-Margret and Claudette Colbert amongst other projects.

In 1996, Sydney released his own autobiography entitled; Crowning Glories and in 1997 passed away at the age of 89.

Sydney was and still to this day one huge inspiration as to the classic film era and the art to it which will never be matched.

When Ladies Meet (1941) Crawford, Taylor, Garson & Marshall....oh my!

When Ladies Meet (1941/MGM Studios)

Directed By: Robert Z. Leonard 

Starring: Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, Herbert Marshall, & Spring Byington

 

Costumes By: Adrian

Hair Styles Designer: Sydney Guilaroff

If you are a fan of the 1940's MGM Studio days than you will ADORE this classic. I truly enjoy the old studio system where MGM and others took advantage of the star studded lots of talent they had and utilized them in each film. You simply did not have one star carrying the weight of the film but several such as in this noteworthy classic; "When Ladies Meet" from 1941. Joan Crawford at this time was drawing to the end her long successful career with MGM. This film was amongst others that Joan tried to resurface and rejuvenate her career.

The same year as our current discussed film was released Joan also starred in "A Woman's Face" where she played a sympathetic role though people still loved and connected her with her famous "She tried to change her style and, in 1941, A Woman's Face showed her as a girl whose life was rendered unbearable by a great scar on one cheek. M-G-M hailed the birth of "a new Crawford," but the customers were still apathetic to Crawford, new or old. Even so Joan felt that perhaps her salvation lay in "unsympathetic" roles. In 1943, she resigned from M-G-M because "I was being taken for granted." This departure also signaled the loss of her great personal battle with Norma Shearer. Miss Crawford and Miss Shearer had always envied each other. Outranking Joan, Norma received choicer roles, bigger billing and more publicity. As heads of opposing camps, the two actresses engaged in open warfare, but "the first lady of the screen," as M-G-M called Norma, got the upper hand and ultimately saw Joan start downhill in a succession of bad parts. When Joan resigned her contract M-G-M paid her a lump sum to square things and sighed with relief. All over Hollywood the cocktail-hour gravediggers said with finality, "Crawford is through."..." (D. Marshman, Life Magazine, June 23 1947).
iconic roles of the past where she was on the other end obtaining sympathy from all. I came across a very good article which was released in Life Magazine in 1947 where the writer Donald Marshman spoke about Joan's career post and current of the time (a very interesting article that I enjoyed!). In one part that is very applicable in understanding where Joan was at the time of this film you will get a better understanding where Donald Marhsman states:

Plot:
Mary Howard "Minnie" (Crawford) is a successful novelist that is in love with her publisher Rogers Woodruff (Marshall). One significant obstacle is that Rogers is married already! This does not stop Minnie from getting what she thinks is hers and decides to come up with a scheme to find an intimate

situation for the two. Jimmy (Taylor) is a good friend of Minnie's who has sights on her and thinks that the friendship should be brought to the next level where she has no idea.

Before Minnie can put her ideas into place, Jimmy decides to remove Rogers from the situation and places his wife; Claire (Garson) into a situation where she is going to stay with Minnie. A good friend Bridget Drake (Byington) has a lovely home that Jimmy borrows for these two ladies to finally meet and hopefully now getting to know each other will remove his competition. Additionally, since neither lady have ever met prior they will not know who each other prior to going to the home where they are going to spend time.

After spending time together Minnie starts to really like Claire and have a found respect for her. This period for both ladies is very eye opening where Minnie finds out that her dashing bow being Rogers is not the man she thought he was (not even close!). Rogers is a smooth talker and has paid attention and devotion to many women and that Minnie is just another of these and nothing more. Minnie finally opens her eyes and notices her friend Jimmy and the potential that he has. What a lovely cast and who knows who ends up with whom or anyone at all.

Scaramouche (1923) one of the best silent films!

Scaramouche (1923) / MGM Studios

Directed By: Rex Ingram

Starring: Ramon Novarro, Alice Terry, & Lewis Stone

Note: In my book this is one of the best silent films hands down. Between the great cast, director, sets, costumes it makes one see this as a true classic. I personally feel that it is such at perfection that one took cameras back into 18th Century France to get this film's feel of being in a time capsule. We as viewers actually look at the characters and not the actors and truly believe what is going on is truly the case. Bravo to Rex Ingram along with the entire cast and crew for executing such an excellent result of this motion picture.

Plot:

This silent film classic stars Quintin de Kercadiou (Lloyd Ingraham)  Aline de Kercadiou (Terry) the niece of Quintin and Andre-Louis Moreau (Novarro) which his Quintin's godson. The Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr (Lewis Stone)...Countess de Plougastel (Julia Swayne Gordon)

This classic Roman Novarro, Alice Terry, & Rex Ingram silent film has a collaboration of creators such as actors and the director that did fantastic work together as a trio and as documented enjoyed each others collaboration in motion pictures since always wanting this team to be utilized on projects.
Our teaming of these stars see's them in France in the 18th Century.

The story starts of by stating: "The reign of Louis XVI, King of France, marked the passing of the French Monarchy. Bankrupt, abandoned to the rule of an all-powerful Nobility and an indifferent Clergy, the nation faced starvation - or revolt. Our story starts in the provinces, in the wooded valley of Gavrillac, with its nestling village and gloomy château."

Within the village we see many peasants that are living in shambles and are very hurt. A man is just brought back to town who is lifeless and it is stated that his treatment is due to trying to get preserves from the Marquis de La Tour's land. A very lethal way to communicate that this shall never happen even if you are starving and know their is bountiful elsewhere for the noble. Andre-Louis has just returned to the land after being away for two years at law school in Paris. Andre is stunned at the site of the town and the living conditions. Philipe de Vilmorin who is becoming a priest has arrived with his best friend Andre.

Enters in a beautifully decorated carriage is the Marquis de La Tour (Stone) whose land adjoins the town. It is clear of the have's and have not's in this situation where it is a line drawn in the sand letting everyone remember their position and ranking. Andre and his friend Philipe know that the treatment being done in this village is wrong and even with the decree accepted by the King states

"...all uses of tyranny and oppression on the part of nobility must end, and that the following rights are sacred to man and citizen..." This speaks that what is going on in this specific village and the conditions should not be accepted. Philipe states the Marquis simply defies what the country overall demands and is that much more powerful not knowing that the person he is speaking about is stepping right into the shambles of a home where he is speaking. The Marquis confronts him of what he has said and still Philipe does not back down. A sword fight is now demanded as satisfaction from the Marquis to Philipe. Andre pleads that the Marquis reconsiders what he is about to do but goes on deaf ears.

Time for battle. The men face each other in a sword fight where Philipe is not just harmed but killed. No remorse shown but now Andre asks for a repeat and death. Andre after the Marquis leaves and decides to not battle him vows that Philipe's words will not ever be silenced that he will continue the cause. Freedom for the oppressed and to obtain this from someone like the Marquis not matter what.

The château is where Andre goes to visit his godfather Quintin de Kercadiou (Ingraham) for advice. Quintin's niece Aline de Kercadiou (Terry) has returned to the home from the courts of Versailles with her lessons of flirting. Aline while Andre is indoors stressed on what recently taken place is rather out in the gardens relaxing. In the meantime, Andre's godfather thinks that the idea of demanding justice from the powerful Marquis is a mad thing to do. Andre tells him that the Marquis has ordered the murder of two men in the village and by his own hand.

They look outside to only find that there is a suitor for Aline none other than the Marquis himself who has called a visit with her in the gardens. Quintin states that this is the reason why they need not anger him since the great hope for the family and wealth is the relationship between Aline and the Marquis. Andre is saddened of what is taken place. Andre loves Aline and now knows it is all up to him to do what is required and right. Now seeing the Aline has moved on he walks out and leaves ending whatever they had in the past. Andre after several evening arrived in Rennes a larger city. The rationale for traveling to Rennes is that the city has become the center and home of revolutionaries, a perfect place to seek help!

The King's lieutenant oversees the Palace of Justice within Rennes. This is the man that Andre decides to initially meet with. However as soon as Andre meets him he sees that this rotund man loves his lavish life of fine clothing, wine, and sees him as a nonsense. While the Lieutenant is living a grand life within the palace right outside the steps is a large group of people speaking up about their rights for justice, freedom and to be treated fairly which one can see does not impact what is going on indoors of the palace. The Leiutenant decides to listen to what Andre has to say about the criminal

acts of the Marquis which wins him over and cries in horror of who could do such horrible things in France. Upon stating who was doing the harm the Lieutenant is taken back and angry that his name should even be part of these accusations. Andre pleads that justice should not care about the wealth and power the person yields but to treat and punish one fairly across the board. Andre makes the Lieutenant angry which then calls for his arrest though escapes.

As Andre leaves the palace he sees the great man who is standing upon the statue in the square get shot and killed. One of the palace guards is the culprit and Andre goes in the gentleman's place and speaks to the crowd. Andre states that the decree which has already been accepted by the King himself would remove nobility of the lands to rule by force and remove the acts like what was just done of the shooting.  Andre while speaking narrowly missed being shot at and points into the palace of a traitor where they all start to break windows then disband upon the arrival of the military troops.

Back at the château Aline is entertaining the Marquis and her uncle where she sees Andre arriving in the back door. Aline comes up with an excuse to be back and ensures that he is alright and can get in without notice. Both share a lovely moment together and Aline then upon the barks of the dogs asks him to hide before anyone knows he is there. The guards bust into the home looking for Andre where Aline pleads with the Marquis to help but does nothing since it is ordered by the King. Aline tries to protect Andre who she truly does love and finds that he escaped without harm. Now Andre is a wanted fugitive on the run and hides wherever he can for rest. Andre finds out that he is wanted and will be hung upon capture.

Andre to get out of harms way joins a theater troop called Binet to escape the warrant. For several months, no one has heard anything about nor from Andre.  Andre has become a success along with the troop whom are now entering into Paris. Andre calls himself Monsieur X now and writes plays and acts, what a new and lovely life! The biggest success for the Binet troop is their production of  "Figaro-Scaramouche."

It is time for the troop to put on the production at this lush theater covered with art work on the ceiling and all the finery in Paris architecture. Countess de Plougastel (Gordon) is in attendance sitting in her box to watch this production. The Marquis has come in attendance to see this show

unbeknownst to Andre. The Marquis meets the Countess de Plougastel who neither take a shining to one another though Aline is accompanying her. Aline recognized Andre even with the mask on but then reaffirms it upon his removing it at the curtain call. Andre quickly leaves the stage stunned as to whom he has saw in attendance and runs off before he can be pinned down. Aline the next day goes to visit Andre where she states that for her life it would be well suited to wed the Marquis.

The Marquis is an awful person even where love is concerned and has started to see the young lady whom is part of the acting troop who was to be wed to Andre now changed her mind. Aline saw both of them in a carriage so her heart is broken on that area. Andre washes his hands of the foul people and focuses on his role in order to be close the Marquis when he is planning on attending and now has many others who vow their assistance in ridding the country of horrible people like the Marquis. Andre sees his chance and starts to tell the story to all in the theater of the horrible wrong doings from people in the nobility who may be in attendance. Aline is there watching. Andre points out the Marquis where everyone starts in the audience to run and get him. In the meantime Aline is captured by a fool and then is freed by the Marquis. What next?! Now in up-coming months the French nobility are now opposing the idea of people to be treated fairly and to have the decree just removed.

A day of court comes where the Marquis attends and speaks along with famous speakers of the commoners. Will Andre end up being with Aline or what is in the future for all involved....you will have to watch to find out!

 

The Art of Costumes: An Interview with Nicholas Inglis

 

The Art of Costumes: An Interview with Nicholas Inglis

 (Costume preservationist/historian)

 

 

    Nicholas Inglis is a long time classic movie fan who then took the passion for them to a whole new level. Starting in 1995, Nicholas started to recognize the importance of saving and preserving for the world the costumes that were made for classic movie masterpieces. Not just buying to have but truly understanding the significance each holds in our history of cinema and to keep them intact for new generations to see and enjoy. This constantly growing museum from hats, gowns and much more is a passion that Nicholas stays true with and now is a preservationist/record keeper for our adored movie stars, movie studios, motion pictures, and especially the designers of the era who will never be matched again. Designers such as Adrian, Edith Head, Walter Plunkett, Helen Rose, Travilla and countless others made these costumes come to life. The amount of man power that went into each costume with all details from top to bottom done for each star. Nicholas, I like to think is an archivist for our glamorous Hollywood past and is keeping it alive with ensuring these costumes thrive and are seen by many to have new generations understand and as well become fans of everything classic movies!

Interview by: Mason Williams

Manhattan (1979) Woody Allen & Diane Keaton are hillarious!

 

 

 

Manhattan (1979) / United Artists/MGM Studios

Directed By: Woody Allen

Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Michael Murphy, Meryl Streep, & Mariel Hemingway.

During the 1970's one team that could not be missed in the cinema is Woody Allen & Diane Keaton. They collaborated in such hilarious films where Allen directed, wrote, and appeared. Where Keaton starred and gave the film great momentum with her star power. The collaboration of both happened and with the end of the 70's around the corner the last in the great decade for the both was the film we are currently talking about; "Manhattan" from 1979.

Just like most of Allen's motion pictures this is filmed and entirely takes place in New York City.


Plot:

Isaac Davis (Allen) a comedy writer is going through what would look to be a mid life crises. Isaac is 42 and is unhappy with his work and trying to deal with the multiple women in his life. One day he

finally decides to make a change and up and quits his job as a writer for TV comedies. One lovely young lass Isaac is dating is Tracy (Hemingway) a 17 year old. This relationship of course is hush-hush from everyone else due to their ages.

The best friend of Isaac; Yale Pollack (Murphy) is married to Emily (Anne Byrne). Yale is two timer where on the side he is also having an affair with Mary Wilkie (Keaton). Now the story gets even more crazy where we meet Mary's ex husband Jeremiah (Wallace Shawn) now shows up along with Isaac's ex wife Jill Davis (Streep). The importance of Jill's visit to her ex is that currently being a writer as well is working on a project about her marriage with Isaac that came to an end. Since the divorce Jill has come out of closet and is truly happy with her new partner Connie (Karen

Ludwig).

The first time for Isaac and Mary to meet does not go over too well with one another. However, their paths collide when attending a fundraiser for the Equal Rights Amendment. After they both depart the event Isaac shares a cab with Mary. The cab ride between people that are just beginning to know one another builds to an all night time through out the city. They start to truly get to know one another and hit it off where by the end of the evening they are spending time on the Queensboro Bridge in NYC. Even though there is the attraction between Isaac and Mary he still dates the young Tracy. What then we see is that Yale breaks up with Mary and then turns around and tries to get both Isaac to start seeing her...now this is a riot! Isaac loves the idea and jumps at it so he breaks up with Tracy and starts to see seriously Mary. Is there enough chemistry for the new couple to stay together and how about the craziness around them, perhaps that will either help make them stronger or drive them insane! Watch this well done film from Woody Allen!

Merrily We Live (1938) what a comedy!

 

Merrily We Live (1938) (Hal Roach Studios)

Directed By: Norman Z. McLeod

Starring: Billie Burke, Constance Bennett, Brian Ahern, Alan Mowbray, Patsy Kelly, Ann Dvorak, & Bonita Granville 

~ Nominated for 5 Academy Awards in 1939 ~

Academy Awards
Year	Result	Award	Category/Recipient(s)
1939	Nominated	Oscar	Best Supporting Actress - Billie Burke
			Best Art Direction - Charles D. Hall
			Best Cinematography Norbert Brodine
			Best Music - Phil Charig (music) Arthur Quenzer (lyrics)              song "Merrily We Live"
			Best Sound, Recording Elmer Raguse

Plot:

This classic comedy centers on the discovery from the Butler Grosvenor (Mowbray) that the fine silver has been stolen from the new tramp in the house named Ambrose. The lady of the house being Emily Kilbourne (Burke) always decides to take in ex-convicts and hobos (tramps) to help them out and have them be employed by her. Each does various things for the family and it is within Emily's kindness to always rescue and help which often back fires...driving everyone around her nuts.  Then to the family's happiness Emily swears off helping and employing of this kind due to the theft and wrong doing many would do to take advantage.

Later that same exact morning just after swearing off her practice finds a new tramp on her doorsteps

that needs help and she knows the answer, to help him off the streets! So her word of not doing it any longer goes right out the winder after meeting the handsome tramp named Wade Rawlins (Ahern). Even with a strong due diligence from Emily's two daughters; Marion (Granville) and Geraldine "Jerry" (Bennett) to try to get him to leave falls to deaf ears. All they could do to show that this new soon to be bothersome person new to the household also to not work to Emily since she is convinced of the potential with just some cleaning up and work.

Wade Rawlins takes over the new role as chauffeur since their last one just left due to theft. Both of the daughters become stunned once seeing the cleaned up and dashing new version of Wade Rawlins. During a visit from Marion's boyfriend the new and improved Rawlins puts him in his place which was much needed and that wins over Jerry and her new appreciation for him. Then comes home Henry Kilbourne (Kolb) the head of the family now sees once again his well meaning Emily hiring yet another problem and states that this can no further happen and that as of tomorrow morning the current chauffeur; Wade Rawlins will have to vacate the property and give up his current employment in the house.

In that same evening a handful of events unfold that also ends with Marion's boyfriend making moves on the sister Jerry and in steps in Wade to rescue. Flirting starts to happen between Jerry and Wade. Then later we see that also Marion has affection for Wade as well. The next day, Emily decides to go against her husband's wishes and keep Wade on and has him train to be a footman at that evening's

very important dinner party for the Senator Harlan. Another hilarious step happens the evening of the dinner party where Wade ends up being an invited guest to it rather than working it. He gets all dressed-up and looks the perfect part where the Senator takes notice and also his daughter Minerva (Dvorak) now becomes smitten with the gentleman (of course none of the guests have any idea of his true identity).

We continue to see slap stick comical situations unfold where now there is a larger love triangle and which lady will Wade end up falling for (if any), does he stay employed at the Kilbourne home, does he have bigger and better things in store....all of this will have to be found by watching this classic 30's comedy which is very much worth watching!