Happy Birthday Ann Dvorak!
Year of Ann Dvorak: Day 214
Today marks what would have been the 102nd birthday of Ann Dvorak, who was born on August 2, 1911 in New York City.
Over the years, Ann’s birth year has frequently been listed as 1912, but here is definitive proof that she was born one year earlier. I present – her birth certificate.
Those of you who have been following this blog for a least the last couple of months might recall that I recently happened upon some of Ann’s personal possessions. Included in that stash was a copy of her birth certificate, which is cool because I had not been able to get a copy previously. Please note that there is only a space here for Father’s Occupation, because, you know, no self respecting woman would have a career in those days. Had there been a place for Anna Lehr to fill in her occupation, it would have read “theatre,” the same as Edwin McKim.
If you’re able, pull up a chair, throw Three on a Match in the DVD player, and raise a glass to the Divine Ms. D!
think I’ll make it a double bill by adding “Molly Louvain”.
Happy Birthday, Ann.
Sounds like a grand plan indeed!
My sister calls me earlier today and asked me over for dinner. She says ‘Why don’t we watch a movie afterwards. You pick it out.’
I chose “Scarface”.
Happy birthday, Anna McKim.
Perfect choice. Enjoy!
Both my sister and her husband had seen the ’83 DePalma/Pacino version of “Scarface”, but, it turns out, were not even aware of the existence of the 1932 version. And, in fact, were — gulp! — not even aware of the Divine Miss D!
Your humble narrator spent about 15 minutes or so prior to pressing ‘play’ on the DVD player giving out a thumbnail account of the making of the film. Along with the backgrounds of the key players.
My sister’s reaction upon first seeing Ann in this was “My GOD, was she thin!” Sis and bro-in-law said they liked the production.
We even watched the ‘alternate ending’ — which was included in this DVD copy. Which kind evoked shades of the ending of “In Cold Blood” which came out 35 years later.
What I took away from this viewing was how much I enjoyed Karen Morley in it. A tough-as-nails Hawksian female. Her looks of disdain toward Paul/Tony upon her initial encounters with him almost steal the show.
I have been spreading the word about Ann Dvorak one person at a time for over 15 years, and am thrilled to hear there are others doing the same.
Apparently there is another “Scarface” reboot in the works which will hopefully shine a spotlight on the 1932 version, and Ann.
Karen Morley’s performance seldom gets mentioned, but I agree that she’s a standout.