Saturday, June 15, 2013

"The Desk" lives on!!!

For those that have followed this blog for any length of time you're probably aware of my love of a particularly stylish and awesome Art Deco desk that has, so far, been spotted in 4 Warner Bros films from the early 1930's...


Well...it STILL exists!
While doing some random searches last night for Art Deco furniture I stumbled upon a few pics of a piece that bared a striking resemblance to the beloved "Desk"...after going to the source pages I found that, lo  and behold, it was the actual desk itself!


Lovingly restored to its former glory by the people at Art Deco Collection.com 


The pic above is the Desk as it appeared when they bought it. Someone had covered the sides with metal and made it appear to look like wood. 


When they took the top off they became aware of this and removed the metal side to reveal those beautiful stylish wraparound ribbed ends!


more restoration pics


I wrote off to the site and was told they had no idea of the origins of the desk nor that it had been featured in any films. They did there own detective work and tried to restore it to what they felt was its original condition by using clues within the desk itself. After posting the desk on their site they were contacted by someone who informed them about it appearing in "Beauty and the Boss"!


Apparently this desk was owned by Columbia Pictures boss, Harry Cohn...how it ended up in all those WB films is a puzzler! Anyway, Read the full story on their site! 

And then kneel in reverence to the almighty DESK!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Some Long Overdue "Whatnot"

Havent had much inspiration for artwork lately and when that happens I usually end up playing my guitar a lot more, so here's some totally useless music-like interludes to waste a few minutes of your day with! The second one is the closest to an actual song...I think! Miss Pewfy Pants makes an appearance in the 3rd one.


Monday, May 20, 2013

Happy Birthday Mrs Artman!


Though I have been severely unfaithful to you as of late, your blonde winsomeness always manages to bring me back to you!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Remembering Ray Harryhausen

 I've been feeling mighty sad about yesterday's passing of cinematic genius Ray Harryhausen...so I took a break from my "Lettathon 2013" (Loretta Young fest) and last night I watched his first feature, Mighty Joe Young. As always is the case when I watch one of Ray's gems, I am transported back to my days as a kid and being galvanized by his amazing creations! Ray did it all...he directed, photographed, wrote, drew, painted, sculpted, animated and he did it with imagination, style, class and a great sense of drama and humor!


Joe's intro into the film has him making mischief with a lion!


The always enjoyable Robert Armstrong and Terry Moore


The great Ben Johnson, one of John Ford's go-to-players. Ford was co-producer on this film!


Mighty Joe Young has a fine cast, is well-directed, is fun, exciting and funny, but Mr Joseph Young is the star and Mr Harryhausen gave him heart, personality and a mischievious sense of humor! There was a remake several years ago starring Charlize Theron that I have never seen and most likely never will. This is sacred ground to me and there is no need for a retelling, rehashing or remaking of this picture. 


When I saw the last frames of the film (above) I thought to myself with much sadness 
"and from Mr Ray Harryhausen too"

thank you Ray!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

New Fun Stuff!

Picked up a few items for my collection in the past couple of months, all at righteous prices. I am now officially obsessed with Loretta Young.


Lobby Card for "Doctor Takes a Wife" a very funny film that I'll be reviewing in a massive Loretta Young post scheduled for here in the near future!


Vintage 8 x 10" publicity still of Fredric March and Loretta Young from the hilarious comedy "Bedtime Story". Gotta love that hat!


Vintage 5 x 7" promo picture of Loretta, circa late 30's, i.e. "The Fox years"


another vintage  5 x 7" promo still, don't know the year


Vintage 9 x 12" printed promotional picture of Loretta Young  for "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" 1934


Vintage 5 x 7" promo pic of Joan Blondell