Trans World Airline introduced commercial in-flight movies
Apr 3, 2021 21:00:04 GMT
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Post by petrolino on Apr 3, 2021 21:00:04 GMT
The first film screened during a commercial flight was John Sturges' drama 'By Love Possessed' (1961) but you had to buy a first-class ticket to see it. Sturges had recently shot the western 'The Magnificent Seven' (1960). Lana Turner headlined the movie; she'd recently suffered the disappointment of a project being scrapped, as she'd been set to play Suzanne Valadon opposite Louis Jourdan in 'Streets Of Montmartre' (1959).
'When I think of the genesis of some of the most glamorous actresses in the motion picture industry, I often recall the story of Lana Turner sipping a Coke at Schwab’s Drugstore, soon to be discovered as the next top studio star. Though that particular tale is purely Hollywood legend, it is worth noting that Lana, like so many other Hollywood hopefuls, came from a hard-working environment, long before the projection of her image on screens all over the world. While Lana was discovered at about the age of fifteen and her life is widely publicized from that point on, I would like to point you to the Lana that only a handful of people knew.
Lana’s parents, John and Mildred Turner, met when John had finished service as an infantry platoon sergeant during World War I. He and Mildred met at a dance and fell in love, though Mildred’s family disapproved of their age difference; John was 24 and Mildred was 15. Nonetheless, they eloped and moved to the small town of Wallace, Idaho.
John worked primarily as a miner and briefly operated a dry-cleaning business in town. One year later, the birth of Julia Jean Turner, or just “Judy,” at Providence Hospital was a relief to her parents; Mildred’s grandmother had died in childbirth due to Rh factor complications, and there was a slight possibility that Mildred would experience the same condition. Thankfully, Mildred was spared, though Lana would unfortunately suffer from the complication later in life.
Lana’s parents, John and Mildred Turner, met when John had finished service as an infantry platoon sergeant during World War I. He and Mildred met at a dance and fell in love, though Mildred’s family disapproved of their age difference; John was 24 and Mildred was 15. Nonetheless, they eloped and moved to the small town of Wallace, Idaho.
John worked primarily as a miner and briefly operated a dry-cleaning business in town. One year later, the birth of Julia Jean Turner, or just “Judy,” at Providence Hospital was a relief to her parents; Mildred’s grandmother had died in childbirth due to Rh factor complications, and there was a slight possibility that Mildred would experience the same condition. Thankfully, Mildred was spared, though Lana would unfortunately suffer from the complication later in life.
Overall, Lana had a happy childhood with much love and support from her parents, living in the towns of Burke and Wallace. Lana fondly recalled nights, after dinner, spent dancing and listening to records with her parents. In later years, she credited her love for music and dance to those evenings when her father taught her how to dance. When he was not working in the mines, he could be seen singing and dancing in Elks Club shows. Mildred would model clothes at the Elks Club fashion shows, with young Lana donning a fur and imitating her mother to the delight of the audience. In addition, Lana occasionally tap danced at the nearby Liberty Theater. Lana’s father was also a terrific card player, a skill on which he relied when his family faced financial hardship. Tragically, after winning a card came one night, he was robbed and murdered. Lana was heartbroken and his murder was never solved.
In addition to enjoying music and dance, Lana was a frequent moviegoer. Every weekday, she would save a nickel of her lunch money to put toward the twenty-five cent Saturday matinee in town. Her appreciation for the elaborate costumes of actresses Kay Frances and Norma Shearer carried over into her own career, and earned her a reputation of wearing some of the most beautiful costumes in film history. In fact, if she had not pursued an acting career, Lana said she would have aimed to pursue a career in fashion design.
In search of greater job opportunities, Lana and her mother moved out to California. One school day, shortly after their arrival, sixteen-year-old Lana went in for a Coke. Despite the legend, she was not at Schwab’s Drugstore, but The Top Hat Café–a shop across the street from Hollywood High School, her alma mater. When W.R. Wilkerson, publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, happened to be quenching his thirst at the same time, he caught sight of Lana and decided to introduce himself. He gave her his card and asked her to call a new talent agent named Zeppo Marx. This, in addition to a letter Wilkerson wrote, helped team her with director Mervyn LeRoy. After her discovery, the LA Times noted, “The Top Hat’s owner placed a metal plaque on the seat Lana had occupied on the magical morning of her discovery. Soon, his soda fountain was swarming with girls eager to meet the mysterious man who had discovered Lana Turner.”
LeRoy felt her nickname, Judy, was too plain. The alternative, Julia Jean, nixed by LeRoy. LeRoy suggested Leonore, but it did not seem to harmonize with Lana’s image. Lana came up with the name film fans know her by today — Lana — and Mervyn LeRoy agreed that she would now be Lana Turner.
Lana related to the role of schoolgirl Mary Clay in They Won’t Forget (1937), and found it easy to play. Though the part was relatively small, she was immediately noticed upon the release of the film. The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Short on playing time is the role of the murdered school girl. But as played by Lana Turner it is worthy of more than passing note. This young lady has vivid beauty, personality and charm.” After the film, Lana found herself tagged as “The Sweater Girl,” thanks to the tight blue wool sweater she wore in the film.'
Lana related to the role of schoolgirl Mary Clay in They Won’t Forget (1937), and found it easy to play. Though the part was relatively small, she was immediately noticed upon the release of the film. The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Short on playing time is the role of the murdered school girl. But as played by Lana Turner it is worthy of more than passing note. This young lady has vivid beauty, personality and charm.” After the film, Lana found herself tagged as “The Sweater Girl,” thanks to the tight blue wool sweater she wore in the film.'
- Hometowns To Hollywood
Lana Turner celebrates Easter with some friends
Joan Blondell & Lana Turner
Turner's co-stars in 'By Love Possessed' were Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Jason Robards, George Hamilton, Susan Kohner, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara Bel Geddes, Everett Sloane and Yvonne Craig. Hamilton later recalled Turner as being one of the last great stars of Hollywood's Golden Age.
FUN FACT : The old Liberty Theater in which Lana Turner once tap-danced as a child is now a bar called The Day Rock.
Lana Turner on the high seas
Hula madness in 'Bachelor In Paradise' (1961)
