Views from Sunset Boulevard
August Monthly Roundup of Classic Hollywood News
In the monthly round-up, I examine modern headlines through a classic Hollywood lens.
Summer is wrapping up here in the center of movieland. It has been an incredible month, with lots of friends coming to visit from out of town.
Recently, I was driving down Sunset Boulevard with an out-of-town visitor and we glimpsed the Hollywood sign as we neared Franklin Ave and the Hollywood Hills. I decided to take her on a quick drive up the hills to wear the greats of the Golden Age of Hollywood once lived.
As we look at the glorious mansions of Hollywood’s yesteryear, I can see the Hollywood sign and I think about a quote attributed to Marilyn Monroe.
.“I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night there must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me, dreaming of becoming a movie star. But I’m not going to worry about them. I’m dreaming the hardest.”
Whatever you are dreaming as we move from the hot summer into the cool autumn months, dream the hardest, my friends.
RUINING ROMAN HOLIDAY, ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S ROLLS ROYCE, AND A MAE WEST COSTUME AUCTION
Tourists will have to think twice before they mimic the scene in which Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant dally on the gorgeous 18th century stairway in "Roman Holiday." Officials recently passed a law that fines those sitting on the famous Spanish Steps up to 400 euros.
That’s not very romantic.
Speaking of lingering, remember that iconic moment from the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch” where Marilyn Monroe’s dress famously flies up over the city subway grate? Well, this dog has decided to do a bit of Marilyn Monroe cosplaying, and I think its adorable.
Elizabeth Taylor’s 1960 Rolls Royce just sold for over half a million dollars — I am trying to imagine what its going to feel like cruising through the city in her “Green Goddess.”
Doris Day’s former Beverly Hills home where the iconic singer and actress lived with husband Marty Melcher has been listed for sale for a cool $14.5 million dollars.
Speaking of expensive things, many of Mae West’s gowns and costumes are going up for auction at Julian’s this November. The auction is part of a larger Legendary Women of Hollywood auction, and will include items from other iconic actresses such as Marilyn Monroe.
Need a modern-day, classic-inspired movie to look forward to? I can’t wait to see the Judy Garland biopic starring Renee Zellweger.
That's all for now, folks!
xoxo -- Stefanie
...here's a few more things you may have missed from She Wore Stars!
The other day, my husband randomly asked me, “Is Doris Day still alive?” As many of you know, we lost Doris last year, May 13, 2019. She lived a long full life, though. She was 97 years old, and in those 97 years, Doris work embodied that of the All-American girl. Her legendary career included numerous hit singles, many classic movies, The Doris Day Show, and her passionate advocacy for animals.