Sunday, May 5, 2013

Happy Birthday Alice Faye

Alice Faye was born on May 5, 1915 in Hell's Kitchen, New York.  She is a favorite of mine.  I love her movies from the 30s and 40s.  My personal favorite is HELLO FRISCO HELLO.  I also love ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND.  She is stunning in LILLIAN RUSSELL.

The stories of most of her movies are simple.  I explain them like this.  Faye falls for a guy--often John Payne or Don Ameche.  They are too stupid to fall for her and they go for someone else that completely takes advantage of them.  Faye's character saves the guy from himself.

Despite, or maybe because of the simple plot, I love her movies.  Faye is beautiful and has even a more beautiful voice.  She sings songs from Irving Berlin, Gershwin, and Cole Porter. 

Tonight TCM is showing one of her films--ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE.   They don't show her films often.  Take advantage.

As to any Nebraska connection, she worked for Fox Studios under Zanuck.  He ended up treating her badly in FALLEN ANGEL, and she quit.  Zanuck sent her gifts, such as cars, but she wouldn't return. 

Another Nebraska connection is that Henry Fonda co-starred with her in LILLIAN RUSSELL.

Nebraska Nellie