Searching for Melanie

Scarlett O'Hara wasn't the only role that needed a lot of screen tests for the film version of "Gone with the Wind." As you can see in this publicity still from November 11, 1937, even the roles of goody-two-shoes Melanie Hamilton and bad-girl Belle Watling were not solidified quickly.

CAMERAS GRIND IN TESTS FOR "GONE WITH THE WIND"

At last cameras begin to grind in screen tests of prominent actresses for roles in the picture version of the highly-successful "Gone with the Wind." Pictured left to right during the tests at Selznick Studios in Astoria, L.I., are, left to right: Katherine Locke, who may play Melanie; Lenore Ulric, who will essay Belle Watling; Director George Cukor, and Cameraman Rudy Mate. Although the studio purchased the picture rights when the book was still in the proof-sheet stage, but two characters have been cast and actual production has not yet begun.

The irony of this photo is that not one single person in it ended up being used in the finished film, including Cukor (who was replaced by Victor Fleming) and Mate, who was a highly respected cinematographer ("Gilda" and "The Lady from Shanghai" are on his credit list).

As we all know, the roles eventually went to Olivia DeHavilland and Ona Munson. Katherine Locke was mainly a stage actress who had a few bit parts, including one with DeHavilland years later in "The Snake Pit" (1948). I wonder if they ever discussed the role of Melanie. Ulric was also mainly known for her stage career, although she had a few bit parts, including "Camille" with Garbo and "Notorious" for Hitchcock.

Here is the scene that was being filmed in the test as it appeared on screen:



You can see some of the original tests for Scarlett in this montage on youtube:



See more Vivien Leigh and "Gone with the Wind" photos on my main website.

Screen Gem Saturdays: The Wizard of Oz

It’s definitely one of my favorite movies; the ethereal glow of Technicolor, the memorable music, the terrifying witch, and the pitch-perfect performance of Judy Garland who anchors the entire film. Each time it has been released on home video, I have been right there with my wallet: from bootleg, to VHS, to DVD, to Ultra-Resolution DVD, and most recently in High Definition on Blu-ray. The screen captures look amazing; plenty of film grain, bright colors, and razor-sharp detail (maybe just a bit too sharp...especially when it comes to the hairs on Margaret Hamilton’s chin!).





In the original book by L. Frank Baum, Dorothy’s shoes were silver; today, the original ruby-version manufactured for MGM back in 1938 can fetch close to $1 million. Would they have caused as much of a collecting furor if they had stayed silver? Even reproductions can fetch $500-$1000 each. And just where the heck would you wear them?!?





How many have marveled over the transition from sepia to technicolor when the movie goes from Kansas to Oz? Whether it was a creative or cost-cutting decision, it is still magical. The colors of Munchkinland leap off the screen even more because our eyes have been conditioned to the drab pallette of Kansas beforehand. Judy’s facial expression says it all:



Judy Garland is such perfection in this movie that not only is it hard to imagine anyone else in the role (even adorable Shirley Temple), but hard to imagine her as a blond Dorothy. That’s right; as this early publicity photo shows, Judy Garland was originally dolled up with a big slab of makeup and curly blond locks. Famous Hollywood Director George Cukor (assigned to the project for a very short time) left a lasting legacy on this 1939 classic by demanding that Judy have her plastic face removed so that she would be the one real element in the film—and boy was that a fantastic judgment call. Almost makes up for him screwing up Marilyn Monroe’s unfinished film “Something’s Got To Give.” Almost.





A few other things changed along the way as well; one was the original casting of Buddy Ebsen as the Tinman. Breathing in the aluminum dust used in his makeup caused Ebsen to have to spend time recovering in an iron lung, giving Jack Haley the opportunity to take over the role and join Garland, Bolger, and Lahr in cinema immortality. Here’s one of the scenes Ebsen filmed before getting ill:



This elaborate musical number featured in the photograph below occurred after the Witch is killed and our favorite quartet triumphantly returns to the Emerald City. The movie was already too long, and this reprise of “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead” was trimmed. A 1949 theatrical trailer actually has a brief clip (with sound) showcasing this segment.



See more “The Wizard of Oz” photos at my main website.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Restoration of "A Star Is Born" (1954)

I was extremely excited to hear that Warner Brothers was going to release the 1954 Judy Garland movie "A Star Is Born” on Blu-ray; I held out hope that the remaining few minutes of footage that had yet to surface might have been found. Unless Warner Brothers is going to surprise us though, it looks like the version being released will still be minus a few bits and pieces. On the bright side, the Blu-ray special edition is chock full of extras and the movie has undergone yet another extensive restoration. Should be a beauty! If you’re not familiar with how this film was butchered shortly after its release (so that theaters could show it more times per day), then you should read Ron Haver's fantastic book documenting the exhaustive search for the deleted footage.

One of the sequences originally cut showed Judy's character, Esther Blodgett, attempting to make ends meet as a carhop serving burgers.



This still is from another deleted sequence (for which the footage is still missing) where Norman Maine (James Mason) finally finds Esther (Judy), washing her hair on the rooftop of her apartment:



According to the Judy Garland fansite The Judy Room, a complete print DOES exist. It’s an interesting tale of studio vs. individual, where the lines are somewhat blurred as to who is holding up the release of this rare footage:

thejudyroom.com/

For some excellent reading about where this film was shot, check out one of my favorite blogs:

dearoldhollywood.blogspot.com/

See more Judy Garland photos at main website.