4 Star Films Posted by 4 Star Film Fan on May 27, 2022

Some might recall one of the reasons given for Citizen Kane not actually being based on William Randolph Hearst is Welles’s assertion that Marion Davies was no washed-up actress being propped up by her influential husband. In fact, it’s easy to imagine Hearst being more like a Howard Hu   read more

Backlots Posted by Lara on April 11, 2018

Dear readers, I have been keeping mum on news about the TCM Classic Film Festival until I got confirmation of some news of my own. That confirmation arrived in my inbox two days ago and was made public today…so here I am to let you know that Backlots has press...   read more

Backlots Posted by Lara on September 16, 2013

Marion Davies and real-life director King Vidor in a scene from “Show People.” For many decades, Hollywood has been fascinated with movies about movies. Ranging from the highest celebrations of Hollywood stardom (Singin’ In the Rain) to analyses of the most terrible tragedies of t   read more

Movies Silently Posted by Movies, Silently on June 29, 2013

Marion Davies knocks ‘em dead in this witty comedy about showbiz. In a tale that is a combination of Gloria Swanson’s story and Merton of the Movies, Marion plays a newcomer to Hollywood who wants to make her mark in drama. William Haines, a kindly slapstick comedian, takes her under...   read more

Movies Silently Posted by Movies, Silently on February 6, 2013

Then, as now, there were some people who just did not want to see a silent drama. Cute scene from the classic film Show People starring Marion Davies and Billy Haines. Dedicated to all the people who love silent comedies and can’t stand punk dramas.   read more