Four leading cinematographers talk about their work and the stars they’ve filmed in this article published in the February 1941 issue of Modern Screen.Here, then, in their own words are some revealing insights into how they see their work, observations of some of the stars they’ve filmed and revelations of tricks of the trade. And an opportunity to showcase a series of behind-the-scenes images of various cinematographers and crew at work.1950. Jack Cardiff, one of the great 20th century cinematographers, on the set of Pandora and the Flying Dutchman.But first a brief introduction to the cinematographers themselves:Gregg Toland. Orson Welles once said that Gregg taught him everything he knew about the art of photography. Before filming Citizen Kane, Gregg spent a weekend giving him a crash course on lens and camera positions. Orson would never lose his admiration for Gregg, saying on many occasions, “Not only was he the greatest cameraman I ever worked with, he was also … [Read more...]
Hazel Brooks – the million dollar gamble
For an illustrated bio, take a look at Hazel Brooks – the human heatwave. The Million Dollar Gamble is the title of a newspaper article by Ralph Dighton that appeared in the summer of 1947. Read on… The Sky’s the Limit in Campaign to Make Hazel Brooks a StarThe man who made the world conscious of Ann Sheridan and Lauren Bacall is about to officiate at the birth of what he hopes will be another star-and he’s willing to pay -anything up to a million dollars” for the privilege.1947. Bud Graybill makes Hazel Brooks a star. Read more.The “baby” is Hazel Brooks. 5 feet 7½ inches tall and inclined to be skinny except in the right places. The “obstetrician” is Charlie Einfeld, president of Enterprise Studios.Hazel’s red hair and green eyes have a strangely invigorating effect. Her husband, 55 year old Cedric Gibbons. MGM art director, married her five years ago at a time when the studio was busy finding new ways of avoiding Hazel Brooks.An ex-model. Hazel … [Read more...]
Hazel Brooks – the human heat wave
Hazel Brooks, model, pin-up and Hollywood star of the 1940s is all but forgotten now. Except for here…‘Known among the wags of Hollywood as “The Human Heat Wave”’, as the caption of one of her publicity stills puts it, she was lucky in love but not in her career. Or perhaps, when push came to shove, her marriage was more important to her than her career.Hazel Brooks' MGM years and beforeThe story starts in 1941 and Hazel, age 17, is working as a model for New York’s two leading agencies of the period – Walter Thornton and Harry Conover. With her red hair, green eyes, high cheekbones and svelte figure she certainly has what it takes.1944. Hazel Brooks, 'chosen by servicemen as the girl about whom they would like to dream'. Photo probably by Laszlo Willinger. Read more.So it’s not surprising that she’s ‘discovered’ by Arthur Freed, who has recently become head of his own unit at MGM and has quite a track record as a talent spotter. He is in the process … [Read more...]
