RECENTLY VIEWED: JIMMY

This weekend I went to see a film bio on Jimmy Stewart. Most moviegoers know Jimmy Stewart as the beloved star of classics like It's a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. What many people don't know is that Stewart left Hollywood at the height of his fame to serve his country during World War II. Jimmy (2026), starring KJ Apa, shines a spotlight on that remarkable chapter of his life and tells a story that deserves to be remembered. 

What impressed me most about Jimmy was its portrayal of Stewart's wartime service. The film follows his journey from Academy Award-winning actor to military officer and bomber pilot, showing both the courage required to lead dangerous missions and the emotional toll those missions took on him. 

The war scenes are easily the film's greatest strength. Rather than treating combat as mere spectacle, director Aaron Burns presents the missions with intensity, realism, and a sense of responsibility. The aerial sequences place viewers alongside the crews flying over occupied Europe, creating moments of genuine tension. The roar of the engines, the uncertainty of each mission, and the difficult decisions commanders had to make give these scenes real weight. 

Just as importantly, the film doesn't leave the war behind when the fighting ends. Some of the strongest moments occur after Stewart returns home. The emotional scars he carries become a central part of the story, helping viewers understand how profoundly the war shaped both the man and the performances audiences would later see on screen. 

KJ Apa deserves credit for taking on such an iconic figure. While no actor could completely replicate Stewart's unique presence, Apa captures enough of his voice, mannerisms, and humility to make the performance believable and heartfelt.

If the film has a weakness, it is that some viewers may wish it spent more time exploring Stewart's legendary Hollywood career. The focus remains heavily on his military service and personal struggles rather than a broader examination of his accomplishments on screen. Even so, that narrower focus gives the movie a distinct identity and separates it from a typical Hollywood biopic. The movie gets a little bit dull during his romance scenes as well.

Ultimately, Jimmy is an inspiring and moving tribute to a man who became much more than a movie star. The film reminds us that behind the familiar face was a veteran who faced extraordinary challenges and returned home carrying memories that would stay with him forever. Thanks to its powerful war sequences and heartfelt storytelling, Jimmy succeeds as both a historical drama and a tribute to one of America's most beloved actors. Important tip - stay through the end credits of the movie. You won't be disappointed!

MY RATING: 9 OUT OF 10

THE HOLLYWOOD SIDE OF DIXIE LEE

Dixie Lee, born Wilma Winifred Wyatt on November 4, 1911, in Harriman, Tennessee, was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her marriage to legendary crooner Bing Crosby. However, before becoming Mrs. Crosby, Dixie Lee carved out a notable—albeit brief—career in Hollywood during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Dixie Lee began her entertainment career as a singer and dancer in vaudeville and nightclubs. Her talent and charm quickly caught the attention of film producers, and she transitioned to the silver screen during the early sound era of Hollywood. Her film debut came in 1929 with Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, a musical revue that showcased her singing and dancing abilities. This film was part of the wave of early sound musicals that capitalized on the novelty of synchronized sound.

Here are some of the key films in Dixie Lee’s filmography:

Fox Movietone Follies of 1929 (1929)
A musical revue-style film featuring various performers. Dixie Lee’s appearance helped launch her film career.

Love Comes Along (1930)
Dixie starred opposite Bebe Daniels in this romantic musical drama, further establishing her as a leading lady.

The Big Party (1930)
A drama set in the world of college life and youthful exuberance, showcasing Dixie’s appeal to younger audiences.

Cheer Up and Smile (1930)
A musical comedy where Dixie played a prominent role, reinforcing her image as a charming and talented performer.

Night Life in Reno (1931)
A drama set against the backdrop of Reno’s nightlife, this film gave Dixie a chance to explore more serious acting.

Manhattan Parade (1932)
One of her final film appearances, this musical comedy was released by Warner Bros. and featured Lee in a supporting role.

  
Despite her early success, Dixie Lee’s film career was relatively short-lived. After marrying Bing Crosby in 1930, she gradually stepped away from the spotlight. The pressures of Hollywood, combined with personal struggles—including health issues and the demands of family life—led her to retire from acting by the mid-1930s.
Legacy

Though her filmography is modest in size, Dixie Lee remains a fascinating figure in early Hollywood history. Her contributions to the musical genre during the transition from silent films to talkies helped pave the way for future stars. Moreover, her influence on Bing Crosby’s early career and personal life was profound.

Dixie Lee passed away in 1952 at the age of 40, but her brief time in Hollywood left a lasting impression. Today, she is remembered not only as Bing Crosby’s first wife but also as a talented performer who shone brightly during a transformative era in American cinema...

ELEANOR POWELL: AFTER THE DANCING STOPPED

Eleanor Powell, once hailed as the “Queen of Tap Dancing,” spent her final years far from the glittering spotlight of Hollywood, yet remained a cherished figure in the hearts of dance enthusiasts and classic film lovers. Her legacy, built on dazzling footwork and radiant screen presence, endured even as she gracefully stepped away from public life.

 

By the early 1950s, Powell had largely retired from film and stage. Her last major film appearance was in Duchess of Idaho (1950), a cameo that marked the end of her MGM career. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Powell chose to leave the industry on her own terms, citing a desire to focus on her personal life and spiritual growth.

She had married actor Glenn Ford in 1943, and the couple had one son, Peter Ford. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1959, Powell remained devoted to her family and to her faith. In her later years, she became deeply involved in Christian ministry, hosting a faith-based television program called The Faith of Eleanor Powell, where she shared inspirational messages and occasionally performed.

Powell’s post-Hollywood life was marked by introspection and service. She lived quietly in Beverly Hills, occasionally making public appearances at dance retrospectives or film festivals honoring her work. Though she never returned to full-time performing, she remained active in the dance community, mentoring young dancers and supporting the preservation of tap as an art form.

Her contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a posthumous induction into the National Museum of Dance’s Hall of Fame.

Eleanor Powell passed away on February 11, 1982, at the age of 69, following a battle with cancer. Her death marked the end of an era, but her influence on dance and film remains profound. She is remembered not only for her technical brilliance and athleticism but also for her elegance, humility, and pioneering spirit.

In an industry often dominated by male dancers, Powell stood out as a solo female performer who could match—and often outshine—her male counterparts. Her routines, especially in films like Broadway Melody of 1940 and Born to Dance, are still studied and celebrated for their complexity and innovation.

Though Eleanor Powell chose a quieter path in her later years, her legacy continues to inspire. She remains a symbol of artistic excellence and personal integrity—a dancer who dazzled the world, then stepped away with grace...

PHOTOS OF THE DAY: FINAL PHOTOS OF THE STARS - 2026 EDITION

Here are some more final photos of many celebrities that we knew and loved for years. Again it might be morbid to publish these photos, but it also shows that these great legends are huan like all of us...

Olivia Newton-John on February 11, 2022. She died on August 8, 2022.

James Caan in April of 2022. He died on July 6, 2022 (seen here with Pierce Brosnan)

Fred Astaire in September of 1986. He died on June 22, 1987.

Catherine O'Hara on September 14, 2025. She died on January 30, 2026.

Shelley Fabares on December 24, 2025. She died on August 22, 2026. (Pictured here with husband Mike Farrell).

Robert Preston in October of 1986. He died on March 21, 1987.

Past editions:

OCTOBER 31, 2025

APRIL 4, 2024

OCTOBER 31, 2022

OCTOBER, 31, 2016

OCTOBER 30, 2013

THE FRANK CRISTI MURDER HOUSE

Actor Frank R. Christi, best known for his gangster-style roles in The Don Is Dead and numerous TV shows, was shot to death on July 9, 1982, at his home at 6969 Woodrow Wilson Drive in Los Angeles, CA. He was ambushed in his driveway just after midnight, and investigators later suspected the killing was tied to a lover’s jealous husband. For years the case remained unsolved, with suspects only named more than a decade later.

He appeared in the films, "The Story Of Pretty Boy Floyd" (1974), "The Don Is Dead" (1973), "Hit!" (1973), "Terminal Island" (1973), and "The Steagle" (1971). He also made guest appearances on the television shows, "Charlie's Angels," "The Rockford Files," "Baretta," "The Incredible Hulk," "Serpico," "The Blue Knight," "Cannon," "The Invisible Man," "Mannix," "Kojak," "Mission Impossible," "The F.B.I.," "Batman," and "The Adventures Of Wild Bill Hickok."

According to Zillow this House is currently for sale.

In California, sellers are required by law to disclose any death that occurred on a property within the past three years, after that, buyers may never know unless they ask. Tragic events like this remind us why it’s important to research a property’s history...

HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY: MARY CARLISLE

Actress Mary Carlisle lived to be 104, but she did not make movies for a long time. She was a beautiful actress who exemplified the golden age of Hollywood...

FAVORITE FOODS OF CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

Classic Hollywood wasn’t just about glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances—it was also about indulgence, personality, and taste. Behind the scenes, many of the silver screen’s most iconic stars had favorite dishes that reflected their unique styles and backgrounds. From elegant French cuisine to humble comfort food, here’s a look at what some of Hollywood’s golden age legends loved to eat...

Audrey Hepburn – Spaghetti al Pomodoro

Elegant and effortlessly chic, Audrey Hepburn was known for her grace both on and off screen. Her favorite dish? A simple yet flavorful spaghetti al pomodoro. Hepburn often cooked it herself, favoring fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. She believed in eating well but simply, and this classic Italian dish was a staple in her kitchen.

 
James Dean – Apple Pie

Rebel with a sweet tooth? James Dean, the brooding heartthrob of the 1950s, had a soft spot for apple pie. Raised in Indiana, Dean’s tastes leaned toward traditional American fare. Apple pie, often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, was his comfort food of choice.

 
Marilyn Monroe – Stuffing with Nuts and Raisins

Marilyn Monroe’s diet was famously unconventional, but one of her favorite recipes was surprisingly wholesome: turkey stuffing with nuts and raisins. In a handwritten recipe discovered after her death, Monroe detailed a complex stuffing made with herbs, meats, and dried fruits—a dish she reportedly made herself.

 
Clark Gable – Ham and Eggs

The “King of Hollywood” preferred hearty, no-nonsense meals. Ham and eggs were a breakfast favorite for Clark Gable, reflecting his rugged persona and Midwestern roots. He often enjoyed them with toast and black coffee before heading to set.

 
Elizabeth Taylor – Fried Chicken

Elizabeth Taylor, known for her beauty and bold personality, had a deep love for Southern fried chicken. She even published her own recipe, which included garlic salt, paprika, and a generous amount of butter. Taylor’s version was crispy, flavorful, and indulgent—just like her lifestyle.

 
Humphrey Bogart – Steak and Potatoes

Tough guy Humphrey Bogart kept things classic with steak and potatoes. Whether dining at home or out in Hollywood’s finest restaurants, Bogart’s go-to meal was a well-cooked steak, preferably medium rare, with a side of mashed or baked potatoes.

 
Lucille Ball – Chinese Food

Lucille Ball, the queen of comedy, had a surprising favorite: Chinese food, especially chow mein. She often dined at Los Angeles’ famous Chinese restaurants and even had her favorite dishes delivered to the set of I Love Lucy. Her love for bold flavors matched her vibrant personality.

 
Frank Sinatra – Veal Milanese

Ol’ Blue Eyes had a refined palate, and his favorite dish was veal Milanese—a breaded veal cutlet, pan-fried and served with lemon. Sinatra’s Italian-American heritage influenced his tastes, and he often enjoyed this dish with a glass of red wine and good company...