Debbie Reynolds...

Discussion of programming on TCM.
User avatar
Lzcutter
Administrator
Posts: 3149
Joined: April 12th, 2007, 6:50 pm
Location: Lake Balboa and the City of Angels!
Contact:

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Lzcutter »

The final auction of Debbie Reynolds collection is next weekend.

But, this week at her Dance Studio in North Hollywood, they are having a public preview.

I'll be going during the week and will report back on what I see!

https://www.profilesinhistory.com/press ... on-finale/
Lynn in Lake Balboa

"Film is history. With every foot of film lost, we lose a link to our culture, to the world around us, to each other and to ourselves."

"For me, John Wayne has only become more impressive over time." Marty Scorsese

Avatar-Warner Bros Water Tower
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

I can't wait for your report! How fabulous to hear about it firsthand! Take photos if they are alllowed. :D
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

Watched some of the Preview Party for the auction online last night. Cameraman Roy Wagner, a good friend of Debbie's son Todd, discussed the historic importance of several of the cameras like Linwood Dunn's Aikley, which was used in King Kong and Citizen Kane, as well as many others, and a Vista Vision camera used in Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn as well as for filming special effects, like the introduction of the Star Ship Enterprise on the Star Trek television show, and for many other films and tv shows.

Actors Ruta Lee, JoAnne Worley (Laugh-in), and Dick Van Patten were in attendance. Ruta Lee worked with Debbie in The Thalians, a non-profit group dedicated to mental health issues.


Here's the link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hollywood ... e-presents

They may be rerunning some of the interviews before the auction. Can't wait for Lynn's report!
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Rita Hayworth
Posts: 10068
Joined: February 6th, 2011, 4:01 pm

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Rita Hayworth »

Sue Sue Applegate wrote: Actors Ruta Lee, JoAnne Worley (Laugh-in), and Dick Van Patten were in attendance. Ruta Lee worked with Debbie in The Thalians, a non-profit group dedicated to mental health issues.

Being close to the Canadian Border and all, Actress Ruta Lee is one of my favorite actors in the 60's to 80's and she appeared in many of my favorite television shows

Gunsmoke
Bonanza
Rawhide
Wagon Train
Twilight Zone
77 Sunset Strip
The Fugitive
Perry Mason
Gomer Pyle USMC
The Wild Wild West
Ironside
Marcus Welby, MD
Hogan's Heroes
Love American Style
Mork and MIndy
Vegas
Simon and Simon
Three's Company
Chips
The Love Boat

and Countless others ... I'm happy that she is doing quite well! ... And, working with Debbie Reynolds another favorite of mine. I adore Ruta Lee's work on Television. And thanks Sue Sue for mentioning her.
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Debbie Reynolds Preview Party Feed...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

I enjoy Ruta Lee, too, Erik. Have you joined one of her Facebook pages?

Image
TCM Film Festival Guest and TCM Cruise favorite Debbie Reynolds appeared onscreen last evening in another royal blue suit (not this one!) looking lovely. That shade is so complementary and illuminates how vibrant she still is...

The Debbie Reynolds Auction Preview Party was live-streamed on USTREAM for the Hollywood Motion Picture Experience last night from The Debbie Reynolds Studio in West Hollywood. Reynolds was being interviewed by host Steven Sorrentino, with comments from time to time from her son, Todd Fisher, who was wearing a cap and t-shirt, and running around organizing guests and comments. Reynolds discussed the "Gone With The Wind" furniture, Charlie Chaplin's hats, a carved, wooden buffet used in several Tyrone Power swashbucklers, posters, and dresses. Reynolds, remarking she had fallen earlier in the week and hit her head, even did her impression of Mae West (It's still spot on!) Son Todd arrived with water for Reynolds, and his wife, Catherine Hickland, came to visit with play-by-play host Sorrentino about the collection while Reynolds took her break and did interviews with other media representatives. An open bar helped insure all the patrons were happy, and viewers were able to watch it for free online by following this link: http://www.ustream.t...rience-presents

Todd chatted with Stan Freeburg, recording artist, comedian, and author, and right before the break, he reminded viewers that Reynolds had to leave to take a break and do a few interviews. Later on in the evening, an online drawing afforded one lucky bidder an extra $1000 to use for bidding on the item of his or her choice. (Colleen from Minnesota was the winner. Two soft-cover catalogs were also awarded as 2nd and 3rd prizes.) Reynolds picked the winning slip out of a silver punch bowl.

After the interviews, the viewers were treated to a live-streaming of the "action" as patrons mulled around the exhibit in view of a stationary camera. A pianist was playing "Somewhere in Time" and helped everyone feel in a more expansive mood so that preparing a bid on a favored item wasn't such a stressful activity. The live feed camera then settled on the "Gone With The Wind" chairs, and the cherubs on the mirrors that were so lovingly restored by Reynolds' father were readily visible.

Sorrentino, who also offered his Sammy Davis impression while extolling the virtues of the Rat Pack suit colllection, and Reynolds also chatted about two lovely wooden/gilt mirrors that her father helped restore. She purchased them at the MGM auction, and they had been in several Judy Garland movies. Reynolds said it took her father about a year to completely restore them.

All of these items were professionally well-preserved. Reynolds explained that Todd went through many of the costumes, and removed the labels which kept the clothing acid free, and she also stated that they consulted the experts at The Smithsonian about proper storage and restorations.

Also during the interview, I think I saw the portrait of Greer Garson from "Mrs. Parkington," and then I saw the Norma Shearer dress from "Romeo and Juliet." While they had some tech problems with the live feed sound, and Sorrentino kept trying to locate which camera to pitch to, Reynolds kept chatting and posing for photos with visitors. Laugh-In's Joanne Worley, Dick Van Patten, and Reynold's Thalians pal Ruta Lee were reported to be in attendance, but I never saw them onscreen.

Cameraman Roy Wagner, a good friend of Todd's, discussed some of the historic cameras featured in the auction with Todd. The Aikley camera Oscar-winning Cameraman Linwood Dunn owned was used on "King Kong," "Citizen Kane," and was used for many RKO films. The Vista Vision camera in the auction is one of the few remaining working Vista Vision cameras, and filmed special effects for the "Star Trek" television series, and many classic films like "Funny Face" with Audrey Hepburn. Wagner discussed the "six-foot" rule during filming (a safety zone which allowed only the Director of Photography within the 6 foot perimeter circling the camera while in use). Wagner also discussed the magic of the box and what each camera had experienced in its varied history.

The last of the lots go on the block this weekend.


Here's the link to my article on The Examiner about the auction, "Debbie Reynolds' online auction preview party popular with film fans"
http://www.examiner.com/article/debbie- ... -film-fans
And I'm waiting for Lynn's report! :D

Don't forget to have some fun!
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Rita Hayworth
Posts: 10068
Joined: February 6th, 2011, 4:01 pm

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Rita Hayworth »

Sue Sue ... I'm not a fan of FACEBOOK because it's doesn't do a job of keeping me anonymous, and having said that I just can't be involved in it. My privacy is very important to me and that's why I stay out of FACEBOOK ... sorry about that.
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

Completely understandable, Erik! :D
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Rita Hayworth
Posts: 10068
Joined: February 6th, 2011, 4:01 pm

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Rita Hayworth »

Sue Sue Applegate wrote:Completely understandable, Erik! :D

Thanks! :D
User avatar
Lzcutter
Administrator
Posts: 3149
Joined: April 12th, 2007, 6:50 pm
Location: Lake Balboa and the City of Angels!
Contact:

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Lzcutter »

Not much to see on display at the Debbie Reynolds auction. Some of Vivien Leigh's hats from Gone With the Wind, Orson Welles fur coat from Citizen Kane, Grace Kelly's brown suit from Mogambo, Ingrid Bergman's blue dress from Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde and a lot of shoes worn by MGM actresses. Also on display were Mae West's shoes, the original platforms.

I've got pictures and will post them later.

I thought there would be more on display though they would bring items from the catalog out if you asked.

All the items look like they are in great shape and have been very well taken care of and stored. The auction takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Damn shame to see so much history being sold off. Doubt we will ever get the real behind the scenes story of why couldn't make a go of setting up a museum. I know she tried for years and financing was always the stumbling block. I definitely get the feeling she had no idea that the first auction would bring in as much money as it did. Hopefully, the new owners will continue to care for items as well as Debbie did.
Lynn in Lake Balboa

"Film is history. With every foot of film lost, we lose a link to our culture, to the world around us, to each other and to ourselves."

"For me, John Wayne has only become more impressive over time." Marty Scorsese

Avatar-Warner Bros Water Tower
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

I feel the same way, Lynn.
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Debbie Reynolds auction surprises...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

Vintage fashions and celebrity ensembles were part of the focus of Debbie Reynolds' last auction Sunday for the closing day of items up for bids.

Debbie Reynolds had a dream to see her extensive collection of vintage clothing, props, cameras, and Hollywood memorabilia find a permanent home in a museum, but unfortunately her financial difficulties in organizing a museum and running a casino culminated in her last auction on May 18.

Some of the more popular items featured in the auction included dresses, costumes and jewelry of Hollywood celebrities. Items from Classic Hollywood stars like Vera- Ellen, Ginger Rogers, Marion Davies, Eva Gabor, Mary Pickford, Katherine Hepburn, Lana Turner, and Elizabeth Taylor graced pages of the voluminous online catalog which allowed bidders to select items of their choice.
Image
Reynolds' daughter Carrie Fisher had just flown back from London for the filming of the new "Star Wars"sequel in time to attend the beginning of her mother's last auction, and Fisher also had a few items under the gavel, like personal photos of John Belushi, and "Star Wars" artwork and posters. It was her Judith Leiber 'Faberge' purse studded with rhinestones and pearls, a gift from her father Eddie Fisher, that brought the most from her offerings, however, at $2,250.
Image
Harold Lloyd's prosthetic fingers, one of the most unusual items up for bidding, brought in at least $4,250 when it was sold alongside a pair of his personal glasses.
Image
Two drums used during the filming of "Quo Vadis" brought in a much higher price than the high-end estimate of $300 when they were sold for $2,250.
Image
A pair of cologne decanters owned by actress Mary Pickford, and still bearing some of her perfume, went for $3,500.

Just one of Elizabeth Taylor's dresses, a Thea Porter black jersey gown with spaghetti straps garnered $2,500. Taylor's Halston dress and robe fetched $1,500, and the evening gown Taylor wore for her 75th birthday party brought $3,750.
Image
One of the most expensive gowns was a silver-sequined costume worn by Diana Ross, which was sold for $14,000, but unfortunately the photo is unavailable.
Image
A blue chiffon pantsuit trimmed with dyed fox and worn by singer, dancer, and actress Ginger Rogers brought $3,250.
Image
A group of 24 Biblical caftans, capes, robes and tunics from Paramount Pictures were sold for $3,500.
Image
Actress Marie Wilson's Victory purse from World War II went for $1,200.

Reynolds' personal linen-backed poster from her popular film, "Singin' in the Rain," signed by co-stars Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, reached much higher than its original estimate when it sold for $9,500.

One of the surprises for me occurred when I saw several Gina Lollobrigida costumes from Lady L, a film which eventually starred Sophia Loren. I never knew Lollobrigida had been the original choice for the main character in Lady L, which also eventually starred Paul Newman.

Bidding from "the floor" occurred at the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, the actual auction house for Profiles in History in West Hollywood, and clients often competed with fierce online bidders as certain items had more interest with bidders than others.

During the online auction, preview party Friday evening, Reynolds revealed that she still plans to attend the Warner Brothers' auction of property and memorabilia whenever it might occur as her passion for rescuing Hollywood's past continues.

The first two Debbie Reynolds' memorabilia auctions netted approximately 23 million. All figures quoted from yesterday's auction are officially unverified, but were amounts that halted the advance of the bidding for each particular lot during the online event, which added two million more dollars to the Reynolds' coffers. Elvis Presley's Baldwin grand piano from his Holmby Hills mansion brought $50,000 yesterday, but the item bringing in the most from all of Reynolds' auctions occurred in 2011, and it was the Marilyn Monroe dress from "The Seven Year Itch" for $4.6 million.

I don't know who paddle #6502 was from the online portion of the auction,but he or she had very deep pockets....
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Professional Tourist
Posts: 1671
Joined: March 1st, 2009, 7:12 pm
Location: NYC

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Professional Tourist »

Miss Reynolds has written another book! William Morrow is scheduled to release Make 'Em Laugh: Short-Term Memories of Longtime Friends on November 10.

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Em-Laugh-Sho ... 0062416634

Image
User avatar
Sue Sue Applegate
Administrator
Posts: 3404
Joined: April 14th, 2007, 8:47 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Sue Sue Applegate »

Thanks so much for the notice about this new volume, PT!
Blog: http://suesueapplegate.wordpress.com/
Twitter:@suesueapplegate
TCM Message Boards: http://forums.tcm.com/index.php?/topic/ ... ue-sue-ii/
Sue Sue : https://www.facebook.com/groups/611323215621862/
Thelma Ritter: Hollywood's Favorite New Yorker, University Press of Mississippi-2023
Avatar: Ginger Rogers, The Major and The Minor
User avatar
Professional Tourist
Posts: 1671
Joined: March 1st, 2009, 7:12 pm
Location: NYC

Re: Debbie Reynolds...

Post by Professional Tourist »

November looks to be a banner month for Miss Reynolds.

Four days after her book's release, she will accept the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy:

http://www.oscars.org/news/spike-lee-de ... ors-awards

Finally an Oscar statuette will find its way to her home. 8)
Post Reply