Remembering Debbie Reynolds

The late great Debbie Reynolds bowed into our world on April 1, 1932. To celebrate her birth date, Movie Addict Headquarters is presenting Debbie’s 2009 vintage interview as an ON DEMAND episode that will run from April 1 through April 14. One of America’s most talented and beloved show-biz stars, Debbie talks about her remarkable career as an entertainer -- and more – during this fun and revealing episode.

Listeners can hear Debbie’s vintage interview at any time by clicking on the BlogTalkRadio link at the end of this article.  

Below are a few reminders of Debbie’s impressive achievements.

Debbie earned an Oscar nomination for her brilliant performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown and a Tony nomination for her fine stage work in Irene. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

Among Debbie’s popular films are: Singin’ in the Rain, The Tender Trap, How the West Was Won, Tammy and the Bachelor, The Gazebo, and Mother.
Television appearances by Debbie include important roles in Will and Grace, Kim Possible, and Halloweentown.

Debbie’s many fans also loved to see her in the exuberant live shows she performed in various venues throughout the U.S.  

As generous with her time as with her talent, Debbie was a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts and a founder of the Thalians, a charitable organization responsible for raising millions of dollars for emotionally disturbed children. She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. She was truly an entertainer extraordinaire and a national national treasure! We still miss you, Debbie.

LISTENING LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2009/09/17/debbie-reynolds-in-person  

For Debbie and Carrie

Mother and daughter passed away.

But brightest stars they’ll always stay.

Debbie and Carrie earned a place

in our hearts and can’t be erased.

Their talent and wit made them great.

Entertainment became their fate.

Lucky are we who’ve seen their glow

which now shines on in TIMELESS flow.

Rest in peace, dear Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. 

Happy Birthday, Debbie Reynolds!

On April 5, Movie Addict Headquarters shines the spotlight on the unsinkable Debbie Reynolds, who celebrates her 84th birthday today (April 1). Debbie has a new book out titled Make Em Laugh and received the Gene Hersholt Humanitarian Award earlier this year. Joining in the festivities will be Peter Keogh, James Colt Harrison, and Gloria Walters. 

Peter, author of My Hi De High Life, started out as a Debbie Reynolds fan, became her friend, and then the producer of Irene, her stage production in Australia. James, a film historian, confesses that he has always loved Debbie. And Gloria is in the running to be her greatest fan. All three guests will reveal their favorite Debbie Reynolds films or performances as well as why they think this talented show biz legend has remained popular worldwide for so long. 

As generous with her time as with her talent, Debbie has done fundraising for the Girl Scouts and is a founder of the Thalians, a charitable organization responsible for raising millions of dollars for emotionally disturbed children. She has also worked tirelessly to preserve Hollywood costumes and memorabilia. Debbie is truly a national treasure.

“Spotlight on Debbie Reynolds” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available. This show is a must-hear for Debbie Reynolds fans everywhere.

HOST: Betty Jo Tucker

PRODUCER: Nikki Starr

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2016/04/05/spotlight-shines-on-debbie-reynolds

No Biz Like Show Biz

If you love show biz, please put My Hi-De-High Life by Peter Keogh on your must-read list! In this wonderfully entertaining memoir, the author recalls funny and sometimes shocking adventures of his life as a producer, stage manager, prop master, tour guide, dresser, night watchman and usher at various Australian and London venues. 

As the world’s most avid movie addict, I particularly enjoyed Keogh’s revealing descriptions of fascinating behind-the-scene situations involving so many stars of the Golden Years of Hollywood, including Debbie Reynolds, Carol Burnett, Raymond Burr, Peter O’Toole, Liv Ullman, Eve Arden and more.

Growing up gay in 1950s Australia was no picnic for Keogh, but he did more than survive. Even his later unlucky experience during a court case could not bring him down. Although parts of his life have been painful, Keogh clearly revels in his show biz activities. The book comes even more alive when he writes about the stars he’s come in contact with. For example, priceless is the only way to describe how he started out as a Debbie Reynolds fan, became her friend, and then the producer of Irene, her popular stage production in Australia.

Happily, Keogh writes with a breezy, chatty style that helped draw me into his world. It’s a real treat to read a memoir so genuine, amusing and candid as My Hi-De-High Life!

(Published by Apex Publishing Ltd. E-book version is available on Amazon.com.)

Funny Ladies of Film

On April 1, Movie Addict Headquarters salutes the following funny ladies of film: Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Debbie Reynolds and Gilda Radner. Comedian Nancy Lombardo, host of Comedy Concepts on BlogTalkRadio, plans to join in the festivities. This fun episode includes: testimonials for Tina Fey; Cloris Leachman’s comedy ambush; Debbie Reynold’s humorous comments about men; Madeline Kahn’s terrific interview by George Bettinger; Gilda Radner’s famous tap audition; and some amusing surprises!

Nancy Lombardo appears frequently on “Saturday Night Live” and has released a very funny CD titled “Color Me Crazy.” She also performs her hilarious standup comedy act at numerous venues and is the host and creator of MOMEDY™, part of the International Mamapalooza Festival held every May in New York City.  She’s been featured as a writer and performer on radio, network and cable television, including Comedy Tonight, Nickelodeon and the Comedy Channel. As the leading member of the award-winning comedy troupe The First Amendment, Nancy performed with such stars as Robin Williams and Bruce Willis. She also served as a comedy consultant to John Leguizamo's Off-Broadway hit Mambo Mouth and wrote additional material for his HBO Special, The Talent Pool.  It’s no surprise that Nancy was named a winner of the Toyota Comedy Festival’s "Laughter in Motion” Award and received a Cable Arts Insight Comedy Award.

“Funny Ladies of Film” airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, April 1, 2014. During the live show, listeners are invited to call in and to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668

LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2014/04/01/funny-ladies-of-film  

Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds

I stayed awake the whole night through reading Unsinkable: A Memoir. Thanks to Debbie Reynolds and Dorian Hannaway for giving me such enjoyable insomnia. But describing Unsinkable is not easy. Is it a thriller? A modern Book of Job? A humorous showbiz romp? A behind-the-scenes Hollywood exposé? A heartfelt love story? I think the answer has to be “Yes” to all of the above.

In this candid memoir, Debbie (now 81 years young) pulls no punches as she looks back at the ups and downs of her personal and professional life. Of course, her millions of fans know a great deal about Debbie because she’s been entertaining us – either on film, television or in live shows -- for over six decades. And she’s even joked openly about her bad luck with three husbands. But Unsinkable includes many intriguing surprises – and some quite shocking ones. For example, I did not know that Debbie actually feared someone might kill her at one point in her life. That part of her memoir comes across as more chilling than many a thriller I’ve seen lately on the big or small screen. And although I realized Debbie was having trouble trying to create a museum for her awesome collection of movie costumes and memorabilia, I had no idea how much that project cost her -- both emotionally and financially.

Remarkably, no matter how serious the problem, Debbie soldiered on – just like the character she plays in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, her favorite role. Writing about one dark point in her life, Debbie explains, “I thought about all the hard fights I’d had in my life and career and remembered that I love to work. I love to perform and make audiences happy. They make me happy, and it’s all joy.” As someone who’s seen Debbie’s live shows, I can vouch for how happy she makes her audiences.

Preserving important movie costumes and memorabilia ranks as another love of Debbie’s life. Unsinkable takes us though her trials and tribulations related to that goal. And they are absolutely heartbreaking! But, clearly, love for daughter Carrie Fisher and son Todd Fisher comes across as the most important thing for Debbie – and she dedicated this book to them.

Because I’m a practicing movie addict, my favorite section of the book is Debbie’s personal tour through every one of her films – from June Bride (1948) to Behind the Candelabra, scheduled for release this year (2013) and in which she portrays Liberace’s mother. Her amusing anecdotes concerning directors, fellow actors and the way she feels now about each movie are absolutely priceless! I’m also impressed by the beautiful photos included in this wonderful memoir.

How does Debbie sum up her remarkable journey? “In many ways, my life has been like a fairy tale. I kissed a lot of frogs, but I got a prince and Princess Leia. After thrilling triumphs and some terrible setbacks, I’m still here. I hope we all live happily ever after!” Amen to that, Debbie.

(Unsinkable: A Memoir is published by William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. It’s available on Amazon.com.)

Happy Anniversary to Singin' in the Rain

My all-time favorite movie celebrates its 60th Anniversary this month. That's why we've scheduled a special Singin’ in the Rain 60th Anniversary Show on Movie Addict Headquarters next Tuesday, July 10. Robert Osborne, host of Turner Classic Movies, has agreed to kick-off the show -- and we also have a clip of Debbie Reynolds talking about working on this classic musical. Osborne will report on the special TCM/Digiplex Destinations collaboration in bringing one of American cinema’s most iconic films back to the big screen in select theaters on Thursday, July 12, as well as the release of a special 60th Anniversary DVD. Film historian James Colt Harrison and Diana Saenger, founder/editor of Classic Movie Guide, plan to join in the fun. Plus multi-award-winner Rita Moreno has been invited to call in.

This should be a fascinating Movie Addict HQ episode! It airs on BlogTalkRadio at 4 p.m. Eastern Time (1 p.m. Pacific Time) on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Click on the link below to hear the live show or the archived segment afterwards.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2012/07/10/singin-in-the-rain-60th-anniversary 

Judge Debbie

What a treat to see the great Debbie Reynolds as one of the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” last night! I loved the encouraging remarks she gave each contestant. And, in her late seventies, she still looks fabulous. Host Cat Deeley called Debbie “a legendary icon of dance,” and I agree wholeheartedly. After being taught by one of the best -- Gene Kelly – Debbie danced her little heart out in Singin’ in the Rain. The “Good Mornin’” number she performed with Gene and Donald O’Connor ended up as one of the most energetic routines ever seen on film – and Debbie has been going strong ever since. She appears in over 40 live shows each year! Congrats to the powers that be on SYTYCD for recognizing Debbie’s wonderful contributions to the world of dance.

For more information about Debbie and her shows, please go to http://www.debbiereynolds.com/.

Hooray for Old Hollywood!

This entry is quite embarrassing for me, but confession is good for the soul, so here goes.

I’ve wanted access to the TCM channel for many months but felt it must be too expensive for my limited budget. “You call yourself a movie addict and you don’t have Turner Classic Movies!” one of my dear friends chastised me – and often. Then one day recently, another pal mentioned a television channel number I should check. Hallelujah! TCM had been available for me all along. Duh.

From that day forward I’ve been glued to my set watching “oldies but goodies” like Sunnyside (with the delightful Janet Gaynor),
In the Good Old Summertime (starring the great Judy Garland), Singin’ in the Rain (featuring that fantastic Gene Kelly-Debbie Reynolds-Donald O’Connor trio), Out of the Fog (with a deliciously menacing John Garfield), etc. I realize more than ever now how much I miss the Old Hollywood.

Coincidentally, veteran filmmaker Stephen Simon appeared on my Movie Addict Headquarters radio show on December 28th to talk about Bringing Back the Old Hollywood -- his new book -- which I immediately ordered at www.theoldhollywood.com. I can hardly wait to read and review it. Will keep you posted.

Leslie Nielsen, a Great Film Funnyman

My condolences to the family, friends and fans of Leslie Nielsen, who passed away last weekend. He was truly one of our great film funnymen.

According to Debbie Reynolds, we have her to thank for Mr. Nielsen's decision to go into comedy. During an interview on Movie Addict Headquarters last year, Debbie explained to me that she advised Leslie to try comedy while they were making
Tammy and the Bachelor early in his career -- at a time when he considered himself "a serious dramatic actor."

It's not surprising that Roger Ebert called Leslie Nielsen "the Laurence Olivier of spoofs." If you have any doubt about that, take another look at Airplane and The Naked Gun movies.

Leslie Nielsen will be greatly missed. But we're fortunate to have his hilarious performances recorded on film.

Debbie Reynolds: The #1 Movie Addict

“I’m the number one movie addict,” Debbie Reynolds admitted during an interview on my radio show last week. And I think she might be right, for since the 1960s, the project closest to Debbie’s heart has been the collection and preservation of Hollywood memorabilia. She hopes her new Hollywood Motion Picture Museum -- located on Belle Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee -- will open in 2010.

It was such a treat to talk with Debbie. She’s awesome, funny, inspiring, down-to-earth, candid and wonderful. She even sang a few bars of "Tammy" for us. Everyone LOVED her!

If Debbie’s live show comes anywhere near you, don’t miss it. She sings, dances, does hilarious impressions, and tells amusing anecdotes about her career. It’s great entertainment.

Here’s a link to Debbie’s entire interview:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2009/09/17/Debbie-Reynolds-In-Person

My Favorite Film

What’s so good about Singin’ in the Rain? For starters, I’ve never been able to spot one dull minute in the entire film. Based on the crisis Hollywood faced back in the 1920s when "talkies" came on the scene, the clever story by Adolph Green and Betty Comden zips along from beginning to end -- with joyful musical numbers enhancing the plot instead of detracting from it. Here are the highlights:

"Make ‘Em Laugh" – O’Connor’s hilarious slapstick routine.

"Good Morning" – exuberant dancing and singing by star trio Reynolds, O’Connor, and Kelly.

"Moses Supposes" – Kelly and O’Connor in one of the most energetic tap numbers ever filmed.

"Broadway Ballet" – the memorable screen debut of Cyd Charisse’s gorgeous legs .

"Singin’ in the Rain" – that famous title number danced with pure abandon and delight by Kelly.

A few years ago, my cousin and I were reminiscing about how much we enjoyed Singin’ in the Rain when it first came out in 1952. "You really lost it during ‘Make ‘Em Laugh,’" she recalled. "I still do," I confessed. Every time I think about the wacky faces O’Connor makes in that number, I’m forced to laugh out loud.

I also still smile remembering Hagen’s portrayal of Lina Lamont, a big-time silent star whose annoying voice must be dubbed by newcomer Kathy Selden (Reynolds). Hagen earned a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her very funny work here. When Lina tells her fans, "If we kin bring a little joy into yer humdrum lives, then all our hard work ain’t been in vain fer nothin,’" little does she care if Kathy must give up her own career to protect another’s stardom. Incidentally, I love that quotation and have borrowed it for many occasions.

Although claiming she didn’t know how to tap dance before joining the Singin’ in the Rain cast, the perky Reynolds holds her own with pros Kelly and O’Connor. "Gene was a great teacher," she told me in an interview I treasure.

Co-directed with great pizzazz by Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin’ in the Rain wins my vote as the most entertaining movie ever made.