Well, today I am in a rather good mood. I just got my house painted so yeah, thats pretty good!
So, The Oscars are all finished. Personally I think the awards went to the wrong people. Leonardo DiCaprio,
once again, was robbed of an Oscar. And my least favourite celebrity, Cate Blanchett won 'Best Actress in Leading Role'.
But, the main reason that I watched the Oscars this year is because my childhood favourite film was payed tribute, on it's 75th Anniversary, at the Oscars. Judy Garland, one of the women I admire the most, played the role of Dorothy Gale in MGM's 1939 Classic, The Wizard of Oz (Which is getting payed tribute to). It is the role which made her famous, which made her a legend. Judy's Offsprings; Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft also payed tribute to their late mother. So today's post is going to be a tribute to Judy and The Wizard of Oz.
A brief Biography of Judy Garland
Frances Ethel Gumm was born on the 10th of June, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota 1922 to vaudevillians; Frank and Ethel Gumm. Frances made her debut when she was only two years old when she sang 'Jingle Bells' at her Father's theatre in Grand Rapids. Frances was part of a vaudeville act called the 'Gumm Sisters' with her two sisters; Suzy Gumm (1915 - 1964) and Jimmie Gumm (1917 - 1977). Following the rumours that Frank had sexual attractions to male ushers, the family moved to California in June, 1926. Frances auditioned for MGM and signed a contract in 1935. Frances went to school at Metro. Some of her classmates included; Deanna Durban, Ava Gardener, Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner and her dearest friend, Mickey Rooney. Frances later changed her name to Judy, Judy Garland. Judy made several films including; Babes on Broadway, Andy Hardy and Broadway Melody on 1938 until she made her 'star' debut in 1939 in The Wizard of Oz. Judy had supposedly received an offer to play Scarlett O' Hara's younger sister in 'Gone With The Wind'. Judy refused as she was too busy working on 'Oz'. Judy made many more films between 1939 and 1950 including; Meet Me in St Louis, Easter Parade, The Pirate and Summer Stock. Judy married director Vincent Minnelli. Judy gave birth to her first child; Liza. Judy was fired from MGM in 1951. Judy later married manager Sid Luft who managed her on A Star is Born. Judy gave birth to two children; Lorna and Joey Luft. In the late 50's Judy was diagnosed with Hepatitis, she was obese. Judy was told that she was never to work again. Judy made an extraordinary comeback in 1961 at Carnegie Hall, the audience included my stars such as Sophie Tucker. Judy later signed a contract with CBS. In 1963 - 1964 Judy had her own television program, The Judy Garland Show. The show was mysteriously stopped after one series by CBS in 1964. Judy only made a handful on films after A Star is Born. Judy was supposed to appear in The Valley of The Doll's in 1967 but was later fired. Judy married only two more times to Mark Heron and Mickey Deans. Judy was found dead of and accidental overdose of Barbiturates in London, 1969. Thousand's showed up at Judy's funeral to pay respects to the singer which provided them with so much from the age of two years old.
Judy's relationship with Marilyn Monroe
Judy and Marilyn were good friends since they met a Hollywood party in the early 50's. Judy was Marilyn's un - official voice coach in 1959, for Marilyn's film 'Some Like it Hot'. Marilyn's favourite album in the 60's was one of Judy's. Judy was devastated when Marilyn died in 1962, Judy quoted that "Sometimes you have your medicine and then forget and then take some more, and then you relies you've taken too much".
Rest in Peace: Judy and Marilyn
With Love, Lucy
No comments:
Post a Comment