Commercial Record
The Saugatuck-Douglas District Library will host “Women of the 1950s” films on alternate Thursdays starting Sept. 11, admission and popcorn free.
The Hollywood studio system had changed greatly by the time the ’50s began. The old system, studios anchored by chains of studio-owned theaters, had ended due to antitrust action in the courts. Television was making its way into homes and studios needed attractions: color, big screens and famous actresses.
The women stars of the 1950s—Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and others—were among the most enduring and beloved screen personalities. On tap:
Sept. 11: “Rear Window.” This 1954 film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, features photojournalist with a broken leg who thinks he sees evidence of a murder when he looks out his apartment window. Hitchcock was nominated for an Oscar for this movie, as was writer John Michael Hayes and cinematographer Robert Burks.
Sept. 25: “Born Yesterday.” Director George Cukor’s work, starring Broderick Crawford, Judy Holliday and William Holden, tells how a millionaire with political ambitions decides his girlfriend needs an education to meet the elite. Holliday won the best actress Oscar for her role.
Oct. 9: “Roman Holiday” (1953), directed by William Wyler, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. An American journalist in Rome covers a young princess’s European tour. Hepburn won a best actress Oscar for her performance.
Oct. 23, “Bell, Book and Candle” (1958), directed by Richard Quine, starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. A publisher moves in above a gallery in New York, and becomes interested in the lady who runs it.
Nov. 6: “Pat and Mike”(1952), directed by George Cukor, starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. A sports promoter decides a woman gym teacher can be a professional athlete. Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin were nominated for an Oscar for their script.
Nov. 20: “Some Like It Hot” (1959), directed by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Two musicians in Chicago witness the St. Valentine’s Day massacre and have to leave town, disguised as women. Wilder and Lemmon were both nominated for Oscars.
Dec. 4: “Written on the Wind” (1956), directed by Douglas Sirk, starring Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall and Robert Stack. A Texas millionaire courts an advertising woman. Dorothy Malone won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in this film.
, thanks
Years after her death, Princess Diana is still an influential 'style icon' the royal has topped a list of the 'Most Elegant Women Ever'. She has beaten Sophia Loren, an Academy Award winning Italian film actress, to land the top spot. Grace Kelly, generally known as Princess Grace of Monaco, came third while Audrey Hepburn stood fourth.
