Pillow Talk

     An interior decorator, (Day), discovers to her dismay that she shares a party line with a womanizing songwriter.  He of course ends up sending Day into a tizzy, striking cinematic gold in the process.

    "Pillow Talk" was the first of three Doris Day/Rock Hudson/Tony Randall romantic comedies.  This movie is a big, pink powder puff of a movie- that's the best way to subscribe it.  The 1950's New York City in "Pillow Talk" is almost as fabulous as Day and her wardrobe, not to mention her wearing some of the darndest hats ever seen.   It's Doris at her virginal best, as Rock drives her into delicious distraction.

      The irony of it all- Rock's character, a ladies man but gay in real life, pretends to be gay to get into bed with Doris...how can you go wrong?    Throw in the always welcome Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter as Day's alcoholic housekeeper, "Pillow Talk" is an incredibly fun romantic comedy that merrily zips along.  Full of witty double entendres and one-liners- some fantastically risque, it's a smart and sassy sex comedy that benefits from a great script and snappy dialogue.  The split-scene photography is cleverly used, and the sets and costumes are gorgeous.

     I honestly can't think of anything bad to say about this movie.  It's usually unfairly lumped in with the other Day/Hudson movies, but "Pillow Talk" is by far the most superior of their three collaborations together.  The acting by everybody involved is top notch.  Day even received her first and only Oscar nomination for her work in "Pillow Talk".  This is a classic 50's comedy that looks sensational.  Doris and Rock truly had great chemistry in this movie and it's impossible not to be charmed.

SPOTLIGHT: Julie London

     One of my favorite vocalists of the era is the smoky, sultry Julie London.  London would go on to record 32 albums, and would find even more fame as the wife of "Dragnet" star Jack Webb.  London was an actress as well, but will always be known for her suggestive album covers and even more suggestive lyrics.  In 1955, she released "Julie Is Her Name", and followed with a string of memorably smooth albums.  Julie is perfect lounge music.  Not technically the greatest singing voice, but it doesn't matter with her.  She sings so soft and sensual that her voice conjures up images of Champagne cocktails and candlelight.   She was white-hot throughout the 50's, and achieved immortal status with the re-discovery of lounge music in the 90's.  One of the greats, Julie London pops up many times in the Ultra-Lounge, and after hearing her albums, it's easy to see why.  Sexy and steamy!

NOW PLAYING: 1946 MOVIE POSTER GALLERY

HOLLYWOOD ICONS- ELIZABETH TAYLOR

     Ah, Liz.  How to even begin to describe Elizabeth Taylor?  Mythical, stunning, infamous, brassy, boozy- Elizabeth Taylor is one of the biggest, most recognizable actresses in the history of Hollywood.  Infamous, legendary, iconic, and stunning are all words you could use while describing Liz.  Widely known as the "most beautiful woman in the world", Miss Taylor has never for one second stopped being nothing short of fascinating.