Temple Tuesday: The Boy Next Door

We often hear about how Shirley Temple came THIS CLOSE to having the role of Dorothy that made Judy Garland a legend. What you probably don’t hear about is something else they actually DID share: the boy next door. Surely you remember him. He’s the guy who lived at 5133 Kensington Avenue that inspired Judy to sing “The Boy Next Door” in 1944’s “Meet Me In St. Louis.” He was played by Tom Drake, who had a moderately successful career but definitely not one that would pop to the top of most memorable. He was born Alfred Sinclair Alderdice; I can see why he changed his name. That’s a mouthful for a billboard. Once was not enough for Judy though; she also made “Words and Music” with him in 1948. They only had a few seconds of screen time together though, as she was only on board for two musical numbers. That’s Janet Leigh (of “Psycho” fame) on the right.



In 1949, Shirley won Drake away from Judy, as she was the one who ended up with him in “Mr. Belvedere Goes to College,” also starring Clifton Webb.



It’s a mildly amusing film with Shirley as a war widow with a son; Drake plays a college student job coordinator. Of course they fall in love, but not without a few little roadblocks along the way.



It may have all been a moot point, as it appears based on a few sources that Tom actually preferred “the boy next door.”

See more Shirley photos at my main website.

Christmas Movies

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, surely you enjoy these two classic movies that get trotted out every year around this time. First up is the Vincente Minnelli directed gem "Meet Me in St. Louis." MGM makeup gal Donnie Ponedel helped transform Judy Garland into a beautiful young woman who actually gets the guy in this charming turn-of-the-century tale.



The second to last sequence in the film takes place during the Christmas season and is highlighted by Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," sung to Margaret O'Brien.



Although the song is meant to cheer the characters up, the impending threat of having to move the family from their home in St. Louis to the big city of New York casts a bittersweet sadness over the scene.



"It's a Wonderful Life" barely broke even when released over the Christmas holiday of 1946, but has since become a beloved favorite of many.



Overcome with financial troubles, George Bailey (expertly played by Jimmy Stewart) forgets all of the blessings he has had throughout his life and wishes he had never been born.



Thanks to Clarence, the guardian angel, George gets his wish and is able to see just how much of a positive impact he had by being around.



The emotional final scene around the Christmas tree is one that is hard to forget, as friends and family descend upon the Bailey home to repay the kindnesses that George doled out over the years.







A ringing bell on the tree lets the audience know that Clarence has earned his wings.



No matter what your situation is today, may the spirit of the season take over and let you know just how much YOU are valued!

See more vintage & current Daveland photos on my main website.