Sharing a black and white picture of Maureen O’Hara after and not on St. Patrick’s day might seem like a mistake. The Irish-born actress’s trademark was her flame red hair crowning her head in glory in technicolor pictures, so sharing a color photo of her to celebrate the holiday would’ve been festive, but that’s not what I’m celebrating today.
Tonight I’m in Los Angeles to watch JAMAICA INN (1939) for the first time. I’ve been invited as press to cover a special screening organized by KCETLink, the Cohen Media Group, and BAFTA LA. It celebrates KCET and Link TV’s broadcast premiere of the movie, the last one Alfred Hitchcock shot in the United Kingdom.
As part of the festivities, there’ll be a red carpet, which I’ve been credentialed for, so that marks a first for this film writer and her blog. Celebrity guests include Norman Lloyd (SABOTUER, SPELLBOUND, and ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS) and Fred Willard (BEST IN SHOW and A Mighty Wind). There’ll be an exhibition of behind-the-scenes photographs of Hitchcock organized by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Margaret Herrick Library. All three of the director’s granddaughters will be in attendance, and they’ll participate in a panel discussion moderated by host of the COHEN FILM CLASSICS series Charles S. Cohen.
When I heard that last fact, I had to rearrange my schedule to attend. I’m not sure how often his granddaughters (Tere Carrubba, Katie Fiala and Mary Stone) are in one place, and I can’t wait to hear what they share about their grandfather. I’ll be sure to share what live experiences I can on my Instagram and Twitter accounts, and you’ll definitely find more in-depth coverage here at a later date.
For now enjoy this picture of O’Hara as JAMAICA INN’s Mary Yellen. Even after a sub-par screen test, its male lead and producer Charles Laughton insisted she be cast as his co-star. He was bewitched by her eyes, and it’s easy to see why.
Missy
Had no idea that Norman Lloyd was still around and kicking… Wow! I remember watching an interesting interview with Mr. Lloyd by film interviewer extraordinaire Elwy Yost… So good, in fact, that his face and name stuck in my brain! Lucky you to be in the same room as living Hitchcock history!
msbethg
I looked up Elwy Yost. Looks like he hosted a great film program!
Norman Lloyd is 102 now, and he’s very sharp, funny, and warm. It’s great seeing him enjoying all the attention and appreciation her gets for his career.
Missy
Yes, Elwy Yost was our film treasure. He went to Texas to interview Greer Garson and basically trekked all over the USA to locate and interview aging stars of the Hollywood Studio system. He shared these rare, insightful interviews and his own analysis of classic films on “Saturday Night at the Movies”. He helped shape my love of old films immeasurably.