VOICE Journal of the Alex Film Society Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006, 2 pm & 8 pm 03/06 of theTHEATRE Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious By Rudy Behlmer

scandalous INGRID BERGMAN By Linda Harris

roducer David O. Selznick introduced Swedish actress PIngrid Bergman to America in his remake of Intermezzo (1939). veryone has a favorite the villain, he is extremely She followed up with Dr. Jekyll and Hitchcock film. But when the charming, likable, and also in love Mr. Hyde (1941), Casablanca (1942), Evotes are counted, Notorious with Ingrid Bergman. In fact, he For Whom the Bells Toll (1943), always seems to be in the top three marries Ingrid, and Cary stands by Gaslight (1944) (for which she won or four — and often number one. and does nothing. Why? Because an Oscar™), Spellbound (1945), and Considering how many films the of the unusual circumstances that Notorious (1946). master of suspense directed over brought Cary and Ingrid to South several decades, this says a America. But let’s not reveal too Ingrid became disillusioned with great deal. much. Hollywood movies when she saw Roberto Rossellini’s Open City (1945) Notorious is the 1946 Notorious returned a portrait of Rome under Nazi Hitchcock classic that Hitchcock to the world of occupation in which Anna Magnani ingeniously combines spies and counterspies. played a woman killed by Germans. a romantic story But the film primarily is involving characters a study of relationships Magnani and Rossellini (both married) portrayed by Cary Grant rather than a straight were having an intense affair. She was and Ingrid Bergman, thriller — which is not his ideal actress until he got a fan espionage and intrigue in Rio de to say that there still isn’t a great letter from Bergman in Hollywood. Janeiro, mysterious wine bottles, deal of Hitchcockian suspense. lethal cups of coffee, and an all- The Bergman character is trying “I fell in love with Roberto before important small key. to forget. Grant is cynical, and knowing him in person,” Bergman Rains has a genuine, devoted love later recalled in an interview. The incomparable Claude Rains is for our leading lady. Even when he Continued on Page 5 there too, and although portraying Continued on Page 2

Notorious...... 1 Perspective: Claude Rains...... 6 Scandalous Ingrid Bergman...... 1 Short Subject...... 7 Exclusive AFS Opportunity...... 3 Calendar...... 8 Feature Credits...... 4 Membership information...... 8 NOTORIOUS, Cont’d from page 1

famous scenes are in this film: the justly acclaimed crane shot, taking the audience from a wide establishing view of the elaborate formal party into a tight close- up of the crucial key to the wine cellar in Ingrid Bergman’s hand; the brilliantly staged party scene itself, which alternated between thoughtfully conceived point of view shots and graceful, insinuating discovers her treachery, it is his camera moves; and of course, mother (Leopoldine Konstantin) who the wine cellar sequence, during makes the decision to, shall we say, which Cary and Ingrid discover the do away with her. incriminating bottle containing not vintage nectar but... Francois Truffaut said to Hitchcock in his interview book on the Also, of more than routine interest players, and a beautiful meld of director that “It seems to me that is the famous 2-minute-and-40- all the ingredients one associates of all your pictures this is the one second love scene filmed without with the master of suspense — plus in which one feels the most perfect a cut in a tight closeup of Grant something not always present in correlation between what you are and Bergman. And the finale a Hitchcock classic, a moving and — Hitchcock’s Odessa steps sequence unusual love story. — wherein the four principal players Notorious has aged well. Little under incredible pressure descend Writer-producer-director Rudy Behlmer is if anything in this artfully and the seemingly endless staircase the author of INSIDE WARNER BROS., BE- carefully conceived and executed while the sinister villains watch HIND THE SCENES, MEMO FROM DAVID and wait for their prey to reveal the O. SELZNICK, and other books, as well as romantic thriller has dated. magazine articles and booklets to accom- convoluted duplicity. pany film music recordings. aiming at and what appears on Notorious has aged well. Little Behlmer has also contributed in various the screen… Of all its qualities, the if anything in this artfully and ways to a wide variety of documenta- outstanding achievement is perhaps carefully conceived and executed ries, DVDs, videos, and laser discs about Hollywood’s Golden Age. that in Notorious you have at once romantic thriller has dated. It is a maximum stylization and a without question one of Hitchcock’s In addition to hosting occasional Alex Film maximum of simplicity.” best — from any period. Society screenings, Behlmer has lectured at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and And for good measure, famed Sciences and the Directors Guild of America The stylization is fascinating to where he is a longstanding member. watch. Some of Hitchcock’s most producer David O. Selznick (Gone With the Wind) was hovering in the background, having prepared Notorious with Hitchcock and writer Ben Hecht before selling the entire project to RKO just prior to shooting. But his hand is evident in various phases of the film — not the least of which is the script and the casting of the principals.

Here is Hitchcock with a top drawer Ben Hecht script, superb

VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 Connections at the Film Society

Over the years we have received some great younger than my husband and messages from our patrons and members. myself and have two small children. Often it’s a thank you for screening their We began speaking with them, favorite film, or a note on the amazing guests who share their experiences for our only because we sat next to them audiences. Recently we received this mes- at every performance. My husband sage about friendship from Judy Krakauer: and I live far from the nice couple and began looking forward to Dear AFS, seeing them at every performance of the Alex Film Society. Years Many years ago, my husband and have past and we have become I joined the Alex Film Society. very good friends. We attended her We were both always interested baby shower, and, in addition to in seeing old movies. We thought sitting together, we now go out to what better way to view them dinner before each show and we than on the “Big Screen” along celebrate each other’s birthdays, with other avid viewers? anniversaries and other happy occasions… and all because we are Alfred Hitchcock is remembered by many as Because we were members of members of the Alex Film Society! the host of TV’s “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, the Society, we were able to buy showcasing short mysteries and thrillers. This 1/2 hour anthology series aired discount seats, attend a champagne So, if you want to make lasting from 1955 to 1962 on CBS. Expanded to reception before the movie, and most friendships and enjoy seeing one hour and renamed “The Alfred Hitch- importantly, we were able to enter old movies on the “Big Screen”, cock Hour”, it aired on NBC until 1965. the auditorium before everyone else. join the Alex Film Society!!! We always sat in our favorite seats because we were able to enter early. Have a story to share? Email [email protected] A lovely couple always took their or call 818-754-8250 and let us know. • seats next to ours. They were much Exclusive Opportunity for Alex Film Society Members Only!

he 14th Annual Art of This is a special treat for some lucky thank our members for supporting Motion Picture Costume AFS members as guided tours of the our programs. TDesign Exhibition is currently exhibition are normally available occurring in the galleries of only during business hours on To reserve a place on this free tour, the Fashion Institute of Design and weekdays, but the Film Society has please call 818-754-8250, email Merchandising in downtown Los arranged a free “Members Only” [email protected] or see Angeles. This annual event features tour of the exhibition on Saturday, Daryl Maxwell in the lobby after over 130 costumes from 24 films March 18 at 10:30 AM. Our Members today’s screening. Places will be such as Batman Begins, Charlie and will have a personally guided tour filled on a first come, first serve the Chocolate Factory, King Kong, of the exhibit providing insight basis. Not a member? You can join Memoirs of a Geisha, The New into Costume Designers’ craft with now (with cash or check) and be World, Brokeback Mountain, Tim enough time for individual attention eligible for the tour. Burton’s The Corpse Bride, Harry and questions. Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Please join us on the first of what Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of The tour is limited to 25 participants, we are hoping to become an the Sith! and is one way that we on the annual event for Alex Film Society Alex Film Society Board want to members!

Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE Alfred Hitchcock’s Black and White – 1946 – 101 minutes RKO Radio Pictures Inc. Notorious Print courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

Produced & Directed by.....Alfred Hitchcock Art Directors...... Carroll Clark Suggested by story by...... John Taintor Foote* Albert S. D’Agostino (The Song of the Dragon) Set Decorators...... Claude Carpenter Screenplay by...... Ben Hecht Darrell Silvera Costumes by...... Edith Head Director of Photography.....Ted Tetzlaff Sound by...... Terry Kellum John E. Tribby Second Unit DP...... Gregg Toland* Re-Recordist...... Clem Portman* Assistant Director...... William Dorfman Special Effects by...... Paul Eagler Original Music by...... Roy Webb Vernon L. Walker Musical Director...... C. Bakaleinikoff Production Assistant...... Barbara Keon Orchestrator...... Gil Grau Still Photographer...... Robert Capa* Edited by...... Theron Warth Dialogue Director...... Ruth Roberts*

Cast Cary Grant...... T.R. Devlin Virginia Gregg...... File Clerk* Ingrid Bergman...... Alicia Huberman Sebastian Harry Hayden...... Defense Counsel* Claude Rains...... Alexander ‘Alex’ Sebastian Warren Jackson...... District Attorney* Louis Calhern...... Captain Paul Prescott Ted Kelly...... Waiter* Madame Konstantin...... Madame Anna Sebastian Donald Kerr...... Reporter* Reinhold Schunzel...... Prof. Renzler James Logan...... Reporter* alias Dr. Anderson George Lynn...... Photographer* Moroni Olsen...... Walter Beardsley Frank Marlowe...... Photographer* Ivan Triesault...... Eric Mathis Tina Menard...... Maid* Alex Minotis...... Joseph, Sebastian’s Butler Howard M. Mitchell...... Bailiff* Wally Brown...... Mr. Hopkins Howard Negley...... Photographer* Sir Charles Mendl...... Commodore Ramon Nomar...... Brazilian Official* Ricardo Costa...... Dr. Julio Barbosa Fred Nurney...... John Huberman* Eberhard Krumschmidt....Emil Hupka Garry Owen...... Motorcycle Policeman* Fay Baker...... Ethel Louis Serrano...... Brazilian Official* Bernice Barrett...... File Clerk* Patricia Smart...... Mrs. Jackson* Bea Benaderet...... File Clerk* Dink Trout...... Court Clerk* Candido Bonsato...... Waiter* Lenore Ulric...... Woman* Charles D. Brown...... Judge* Emmett Vogan...... Reporter* Eddie Bruce...... Reporter* Friedrich von Ledebur...... Knerr* Paul Bryar...... Photographer* Peter von Zerneck...... Wilhelm Rossner* Tom Coleman...... Court Stenographer* John Vosper...... Reporter* Alfredo DeSa...... Ribero* Alan Ward...... Reporter* Ben Erway...... Reporter* Frank Wilcox...... FBI Agent* William Gordon...... Adams* Herbert Wyndham...... Mr. Cook* *uncredited credits from Internet Movie Database: IMDB.com

VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 BERGMAN Cont’d from page 1

Rosselini responded with a four- page letter written from Rome. In it, Rossellini outlined an idea for what eventually became Stromboli.

In 1949, Bergman flew to Italy to star in Stromboli (1950). Bergman and Rossellini fell in love and Ingrid wrote her husband, Dr. Petter Lindstrom a “Dear John” letter. Their daughter Pia was eleven years old at the time.

Public indignation broke out with a virulence perhaps unequaled in movie history. Bergman was one of the most popular and respected female stars in America, yet she was pronounced Little did Hitch know that even her immoral by columnists, attacked from marriage to Rossellini would not be pulpits and by women’s clubs, and her permanent. films were banned throughout the U.S. Bergman had two more children with On and on it went, a hazing too from Rossellini – twin girls – Isabella and Senator Edwin C. Johnson (D), of Isotta born in 1952. And then Rossellini Colorado, certainly achieved sublime was unfaithful and Bergman wanted to absurdity when, after Bergman bore come home – to Hollywood to star in Rosselini a son in 1950, he denounced Anastasia (1956). her on the Senate floor as “a free love cultist” and “an apostle of degradation.” “The curious thing about my life She went from saint to degenerate in with Roberto was that he eventually less than a year. became as restrictive as Petter, but in a different way. When I told him I had “At first I was terribly frightened of accepted the Anastasia part, we had all the scandal,” said Bergman. “But a terrible quarrel, which wound up, Roberto would say frightened of what? as usual, with Roberto threatening to We have each other.” commit suicide by driving his Ferrari into a tree.” And Bergman received support back home, too. A letter from Ernest Their marriage fell apart, but she Hemingway read: “If there is a Roman starred in Anastasia and captured edition of the Hollywood Reporter, I another best actress Oscar™. She will make a full-page ad which will say took home one more Oscar™ for best Ernest Hemingway loves Ingrid Bergman supporting actress in Murder on the and wishes to serve her in any way and Orient Express (1974). endorses all her actions past, present and future.” Another from Alfred “When I was young, I prayed that I may Hitchcock: “All this bad publicity will never have a dull moment and whoever soon be wiped out. After all, nothing is is up there, he certainly listened to me.” permanent, and people will soon forget.” Ingrid Bergman died of cancer on her birthday, August 29, 1982. We’ve updated our web site to include more information and past issues of the Voice of the Theatre. Check it out at Linda Harris is a frequent contributor to the www.AlexFilmSociety.org and sign up for our email list. Voice of the Theatre.

Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE Perspective: Claude Rains by Ronald Bonk

The Gods of the Mountain before never won an Oscar™, he earned four venturing to Australia where the supporting actor nominations during size of his roles continued to grow. his tenure at Warner Brothers. The Constant Nymph brought Two on loan-out: as a scheming him to America in 1926 where he Senator in Columbia’s Mr. Smith became a respected name on the Goes to Washington (1939) and a Broadway marquee. Rains screen- Nazi industrialist in RKO’s Notorious tested for A Bill of Divorcement (1946); and two at his home studio: (1932) but lost the part to John Casablanca (1942) where he played Barrymore whom the producers felt a likeable corrupt official, and Mr. made a more traditional Hollywood Skeffington (1944) in which he leading man. Director James Whale played Bette Davis’ scorned husband. saw the test and immediately cast Rains as The Invisible Man (1933) The 1950s found Rains mostly on based mostly on the quality of his Broadway although he occasionally elegant speaking voice. Although did appear in a number of lesser Rains, before the tragic fire, in the role required Rains to be heard films. His last two important film Phantom Of The Opera (1943). more than seen, the film made roles included the aging patriarch ith his scornful right him an instant Hollywood star. in This Earth is Mine (1959) with eyebrow, his smooth Rock Hudson and as Mr. Dryden Wand impeccably polished in David Lean’s wide-screen epic air and his suave velvety voice, Lawrence of Arabia (1962). His last Claude Rains provided four performance was in So Much of decades of film audiences with a Earth, So Much of Heaven at the multitude of memorable screen Westport Country Playhouse in performances. Though his odd 1965. Rains died in May 1967. features prohibited him from playing roles usually assigned to Ronald Bonk, Secretary of the Alex Film leading men, Rains was often at the Society Board, is an audio restoration helm of the supporting cast where project manager for Chace Productions. he was equally adept at playing An unabashed Doris Day fan, Ronald’s last everything from loving fathers contribution to the VOT was for Pillow Talk. to the most wicked of villains. Alex Film Society Born in South London in 1889, is a non-profit community arts Rains got his first taste of show Playing Rain’s mother was Austro- business at the age of ten when he Hungarian actress Leopoldine Konstantin organization dedicated to the played one in a crowd of boys on in her only American screen appearance. exhibition of classic films on stage at the Haymarket Theatre. In the big screen. Membership in 1911 he won his first small part in Warner Brothers lured Rains to a the Society offers discounted long-term contract and provided tickets, member only wine the versatile actor with some of his receptions, mailed subscription most memorable screen portrayals. to the VOT and early admit- He played an evil Prince John who tance to AFS events. We would clashed with Errol Flynn in The like to thank our sponsors: Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), a loving and sympathetic father to the Lane Sisters in Four Daughters David & Catherine Strohmaier (1938), Bette Davis’ good-hearted History For Hire Prop House psychiatrist in Now, Voyager (1942) Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards and Betty Field’s maniacal father in KCSN 88.5 FM Kings Row (1942). Although Rains VOICE of the THEATRE –  – Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 Photo Gallery

Short Subject John Nesbitt’s PASSING PARADE The Amazing Mr. Nordill Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer – 1947 – 11 minutes CAST Print courtesy Warner Bros. Leon Ames...... Everett Nordill, aka Everton Clinton Sundberg...... Operative John Nesbitt...... Narrator (voice) ohn Nesbitt’s “Passing Parade” was a popular short subject series, produced by M-G-M from 1938 to 1949. Paul Maxey...... Treasury Department Expert* JAmong the M-G-M talents who cut their directorial teeth on these projects were Jacques Tourneur and Fred Directed by...... Joe Newman Zinnemann. These short films played in larger markets Written by...... John Nesbitt during the early days of television and John Nesbitt hosted Produced by...... John Nesbitt “Telephone Time” an anthology series of films based on Original Music...... Rudolph G. Kopp short stories. (CBS, ABC 1956-58). John Nesbitt’s star on Non-Original Music...... Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky the Hollywood Walk of Fame is in the 1700 block of Vine (from “Symphony No. 5”) Street. The story of Nordill, the counterfeiter, became the Cinematographer...... Paul C. Vogel basis for the 1950 20th Century Fox production Mister 880 staring Edmund Gwenn and Burt Lancaster. Edited by...... Newell P. Kimlin Art Director...... Harry McAfee * (uncredited)

Vol. 11, No. 7 March 4, 2006 –  – VOICE of the THEATRE Alex Film Society on the www.AlexFilmSociety.org streets of Glendale Tickets: 818.243.2539

Banners recently graced Glendale’s . Saturday, May 6 at 2 and 8 pm major streets thanks to the particpation. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beatles! of the following individuals and businesses: A HARD DAY’S NIGHT BRAND BOOKSHOP If someone asks you what Beatlemania was, make them watch this, the quintessential time- WARNER BROS. PICTURES capsule movie immersing viewers in the London COLONIAL HONDA of 1964. Brilliantly shot in gorgeous black GLENDALE INFINITI and white by Gilbert Taylor, this movie is an absolute must-see, not just to experience ROUGH DRAFT STUDIOS, INC. The Beatles and the early 1960’s, but also to see a masterful piece of movie making SUPERVISOR MIKE ANTONOVICH by director Richard Lester. United Artists (1964) JUST ADDED: Recording The Beatles, CONGRESSMAN ADAM SCHIFF authors Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan join music producer Ken Scott at 1 pm. At 8 pm, THE WINE VAULT Ian Whitcomb hosts special guests along with Tim Piper and Don Butler of “Working SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Class Hero” performing an acoustic set of early Beatles’ songs. OF THE VERDUGOS Saturday, July 29 at 2 and 8 pm Since REAL WORKS INC. 1994 Seventy-Six Trombones Lead the Big Parade! THE COFFEE CUP THE MUSIC MAN FRANK & LISA GLADSTONE The classic adaptation of Meridith Willson’s Broadway smash hit. CHUY’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Robert Preston repeats his signature role as the musical con man, HISTORY FOR HIRE Professor Harold Hill, selling a bill of goods to the salt of the earth JIM & PAM ELYEA townspeople of River City, Iowa. In the process, he woos Marion Thank you! Paroo (Shirley Jones), the town librarian and the only person in River City to realize the scam. With Paul Ford, Hermione Gingold, Pert Kelton, Buddy Hackett and a very tiny, sibilant-spouting Ronny membership application Howard. With now classic songs like, “Seventy-Six Trombones”, mail with check to: Alex Film Society “Gary Indiana” “Lida Rose” and “Till There Was You”, The Music Man P. O. Box 4807, Glendale, CA 91222-0807 is wide screen, Oscar™ winning turn-of-the-century fun! Warner Bros. (1962)

Saturday, September 16 at 8 pm only Janet Klein Headlines 5 live acts and a Classic Comedy on Screen! VAUDEVILLE EXTRAVAGANZA Our 13th season kicks off with the most anticipated family event held annually at the Alex. For one night only, AFS pays tribute to the grand theatre’s roots with an eclectic mix of live acts that made vaudeville so beloved by a generation of fans. Headlining our seventh annual vaudeville night will be the exotic Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys, performing nostalgic music from the vaudeville era.

Saturday, October 28 at 2 and 8 pm Halloween Screamtacular with Fun For the whole Family! (Title to be announced)

Voice of the Theatre Published by and for members of the Alex Film Society P. O. Box 4807 • Glendale, CA 91222 • 818.754.8250 [email protected] $3 (mailed free with membership) editor randy carter design/layout brian ellis distribution andrea humberger printer alco printing, glendale ©2006 AFS, all rights reserved