Ida Lupino (February 4, 1918 - August 3, 1995)

Ida Lupino is a true unsung hero. She appeared in 57 films between 1931 and 1978. In 1949 she became one of the indutries first female writer/directors. On television she guest starred on numerous programs such as "Climax!", "I've Got a Secret", "Toast of the Town", "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show", "Four Star Playhouse", "Lux Playhouse", "77 Sunset Strip", "The Twilight Zone", "Bonanza", "General Electric Theater", "The Rifleman", "The Untouchables", "The Virginian", "Burke's Law", "The Wild Wild West", "The Mod Squad", "Family Affair", "Medical Center", "Barnaby Jones", "Ellery Queen", "Police Woman" and "Charlie's Angels." On December 13, 1937 she appeared on the "Lux Radio Theatre" in Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" in which she portrayed Pamela. She co-starred opposite Robert Montgomery. From January 1957 to September 1958 she headed up her own sitcom "Mr. Adams and Eve" opposite her then real life husband Howard Duff (1913-1990).
Four of Ms. Lupino's performances stick out the most in my mind.
1). "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse Presents the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show." - "Lucy's Summer Vacation" (June 8, 1959). Now this episode has been bashed by some critics who have even gone as far as to call this the worst episode in the "I Love Lucy" universe. Now I will agree that it could have been better but I wouldn't call it the worst. I think my favorite part is when Lucy and Ricky encounter Ida Lupino and Howard Duff in the cabin and the following dialogue is exchanged: Ida: Who are you? Lucy (stunned): Ida Lupino and Howard Duff! Ida (smiles): We know who we are, who are you? 2). "Batman" - "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra" (March 7, 1968). She played, of course, Dr. Cassandra and she was a formidable opponent to the terrific trio. Using her alvino raygun she turned Batman, Robin, and Batgirl into cardboard cut outs. She then with the aide of her husband Cabala (again Howard Duff) she went to Gotham State Penitentary and busted out The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin, The Catwoman, Egghead and King Tut. Also in her arsenol were her invisibility pills...but in the end with the help of Alfred, Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara the terrific trio wins again. 3). "Suspense" the radio program - "Fugue in C Minor" (June 1, 1944). Ida is wonderful as Amanda Peabody...a woman whose new stepchildren insist that their father sealed their missing mother inside the pipe organ. Did he do it? Listen and then you tell me! 4). "Suspense" the radio program - "Summer Night" (July 15, 1948). Anna McCauley plans to elimiate her arch rival in order to win her true loves affections at the same time a serial killer stalks the country side. Anna plans pin her friends murder on the "Lipstick Killer" but when the killer's identity is revealed it will chill you to the bone. Ida Lupino had the perfect voice for radio and she had the perfect face for the screen. She will never be forgotten.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Remembering the Cast of "Make Room for Daddy" / "The Danny Thomas Show" (583)

It was one of the longest running family sitcoms in television history.  Right there along side "I Love Lucy", "The Honeymooners", "Father Knows Best" and "My Little Margie" it was one of the most beloved programs of the day.  It began on ABC as "Make Room for Daddy" on September 29, 1953.  After 120 episodes the title changed to "The Danny Thomas Show" and in 1957 the program moved to CBS.  After a healthy eleven year run the show ended on April 27, 1964 after producing 351 episodes total.  In 1970 a majority of the cast returned for the show "Make Room for Granddaddy" which lasted from 1970 to 1971 producing 24 episodes.  The cast was headed up by Danny Thomas who played nightclub entertainer Danny Williams.  Jean Hagen played his wife Margaret, Rusty Hamer played his son Rusty and Sherry Jackson played his daughter Terry.  Jackson played Terry from 1953 to 1958 followed by Penny Parker who played the role from...
Read more

Doris Packer (May 30, 1904 - March 31, 1979)

She began in New York on Broadway and then started appearing on radio. Some of her radio credits include "Henry Aldrich" and "Mr. & Mrs. North." When she became a widow in 1953 she relocated to California where she began appearing on film and on television. Her first film was Meet Me at the Fair. She also appeared in The Perils of Pauline in 1967. She is best remembered as Mrs. Cornelia Rayburn, Beaver's Principal on "Leave it to Beaver." She also had a recurring role on "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." Her final film appearance was in Shampoo in 1975... Other Television Credits: "The Great Gildersleeve" "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theatre" "The Bob Cummings Show" "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" "I Love Lucy" "Lux Video Theatre" "The Jack Benny Program" "The Thin Man" "Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse" "Maverick" ...
Read more