New Cat -- November 30, 2013

Today we adopted a kitten from the SPCA at Macy's.  She is settling into our home. 

Clara Bow #10 -- November 30, 2013

Red haired Clara Bow was probably the most popular silent actress after Mary Pickford. Here is a nice photo of Clara from  the December, 1925 Cine-Mundial, a Spanish-language fan magazine published in the United States. 

If I read it correctly and guess the name of the movie, the caption says "Clara Bow, rising star in the cinematic firmament 'The Keeper of the Bees' from 'FBO'."

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.  

Keeler in 40-45 Horsepower Oldsmobile -- November 29, 2013

Ernest Keeler drove this minimalist Oldsmobile racer in the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race.  He crashed.  He died in a crash in Philadelphia on 24-November-1906.  From the 20-September-1906 Motor Way. 

As California's Latest Terror of the Seas Slid from the Ways -- November 29, 2013

From the 27-November-1898 San Francisco Call. William A Coulter did many maritime drawings for the newspaper. Click on the image for a larger view. 

The battleship Wisconsin was built by San Francisco's Union Iron Works.  Wisconsin served through World War One and was sold for scrap in 1922. 

Receiving ship Independence had been launched as a ship of the line in 1814 and was cut down to a frigate in 1836.  She served with the Pacific Squadron during the Mexican War and was receiving ship at Mare Island from 1857 to 1912.  The Navy struck her off in 1913, and she was burned for her metal in 1915. 

MAJESTICALLY THE WARRIOR WISCONSIN
PLUNGES HER PROW INTO THE PAGELESS FLOOD

Launched by Miss Gage.
She Cuts the Gordian Knot.

AT twenty-one minutes past 9 o'clock yesterday morning slip No. 4 of the Union Iron Works gave birth to the new and latest terror of the American navy.  Amid the thunder of barking guns and the piercing shrieks of thousands of steam whistles, amid the shouts of a loyal populace and with a wealth of the national colors fluttering on the crisp morning breeze, the Wisconsin, the fairest of Uncle Sam's proud daughters, made her debut to the nations of the world — and was at home to her sister ships on the blue waters of San Francisco Bay.

A beautiful woman stood sponsor for the mountain frame of warlike iron and steel. A little golden-haired, rosy cheeked, laughing child placed her chubby fingers on a small, white button. Then in answer to the electric current the Wisconsin accepted her mission of life, her duty of war or peace, and started down the incline like some frightened deer. Slowly at first, until her fair sponsor cast against her steel breast the christening wine, saying: "I name thee Wisconsin." Realizing her freedom was her own, and as if in acknowledgment of the proud feeliIng, the battleship leaped forward to the water, the joyous waves came surging up to meet and welcome her, and out into the glorious wealth of sun shine, out onto the breast of the fathomless deep the armored terror plunged — the coast line battleship Wisconsin had been successfully launched from the yards of the Union Iron Works.

At the first signs of approaching day the Potrero began to awaken. Yesterday was a great day in the Potrero, for the men who gave to our navy the history-making Oregon were to send forth from the same slip on which was built that historic battleship another monster creation of their brawn and muscle. For nineteen months and fifteen days the smoke-begrimed, work-hardened toilers of the Union Iron Works had been patiently building the new battleship. Slowly they had seen the latest object of their pride and adoration grow from a mass of iron ribs and frames into definite shape and
form. From its conception on February 11, 1897, the eyes of the Potrero had rested fondly, lovingly on the Wisconsin. The hopes and prayers of the Potrero had gone daily into the very body of the ship and had been built into her from keel to top deck. Yesterday was the day when the Wisconsin was to say good-by to those who had given her life and existence, and while a feeling of sadness oppressed the heart of the Potrero at the thought of the parting, yet the Potrero to a single man, and for that matter to its oldest gaffer and youngest child, was determined that the Wisconsin's natal day should be a success.

At 6 o'clock the busy sounds of preparation disturbed the morning stillness.  An army of men began the work of sawing and cutting away the blocks from underneath the ship, while others hurried around her decks to see that all was right and in order.

President Irving M. Scott, proud, happy and smiling, was himself early on the scene. He hurried here and there. He seemed to be everywhere at once, giving orders and directions. His personal supervision was lent to the smallest detail. Before the gates were opened Captain Spillane and Lieutenants Anderson and Hanna arrived with a small army of police. From beginning to end they kept perfect order and handled the 7000 people that were admitted within the shipyards in a most
thorough and efficient manner. Besides the thousands that came by invitation there was a host of curious humanity along the water's edge, while the roof of every house in the Potrero was covered with people. Every point of. vantage in the yards was quickly seized upon by the crowd. The small
boy climbed everything in sight and balanced himself on its topmost pinnacle at the risk of life and limb. The frame work of the slip was black with venturesome men and boys. The police kept the crowd from the stand on which war to take place the ceremonies. This was gayly bedecked with patriotic bunting. Shortly before the arrival of the guests of honor the Marine band from the receiving ship Independence arrived and also a squad of sailors and marines from the Wheeling. These were drawn up by their officers in two lines on either side of the Wisconsin's prow to keep back the crowd.

At 8:45 o'clock the Union Iron Works tug Millen Griffith arrived with the Wisconsin contingent and specially invited guests on board. They were escorted to the stand by Mr. Scott.  First came Miss Elizabeth Stephenson, with Senator J. L. Mitchell. The fair sponsor wore a dream of a gown — a Parisian creation made especially for the occasion. The skirt was of cadet blue broadcloth. The shirt waist was pink silk trimmed with duchesse lace, while the jacket was of the same material as the skirt, trimmed with blue velvet and lace applique, with white satin facing. The exquisite impression of the gown was heightened. In its effect by the high sable collar and the black velvet hat, from which waved graceful white and black plumes. Next came Governor-elect Gage and Mrs. Gage, with their little daughter Lucille. She was a perfect wonder of childish beauty In a fluffy little dress of some soft blue material, while from under her big white hat her wealth of golden curls fell gracefully over her shoulders.

Following came Lieutenant Governor Emil Bench of Wisconsin, with the following distinguished members of the party from his State, among whom was Governor Scofferd's staff:

Isaac Stephenson, Miss Hattie Stephenson, Colonel I. Watson Stephenson, Master Grant Stephenson, Mrs. Joshua Hodgins, Mrs. H. J. Brown, S. M. Stephenson and wife. Miss Harriet Stephenson, Miss Clara Stephenson, Miss Belle Merryman. Mrs. H. T. Emerson, Mrs. J. K. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Stephenson Jr., Miss Nellie Fleisheim. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Carney, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Goodrich, Mr. and Mrs. A. Goble, Mr. and Mrs.J. E. Patton, Captain and Mrs. Fred Pabst, Mr. and Mrs. William Lindsey, Mrs. J. L. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Julius Bleyer, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Clas, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Roberts Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Stebbins, Mr. and Mrs. John Hannan, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Koch, Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Hollister, George Hanley, Mrs. Ellen C. Sexton, Mrs. Rose Finn, Mrs. J. W. P. Lombard, E. P. Hackett, George J. Suarz, Colonel W. J. Boyle, W. A. Ruble. H. A. Campbell. Colonel Simon J. Murphy. H. J. Fish, Senator Sawyer, Captain S. Mann, Miss Erna Olson, C. A. Goodyear, C. B. Raymond, Colonel William J. Fair. Miss Reynolds, Misss Cora Hatch. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Swart. T. J. Neacy, Miss Fittemore. Miss S. C. Blandy and Frank Carney.

The army was represented by Major General Merriam and his aid. Lieutenant Bennett, while Commodore Watson and the officers of the Franklin, Adams and Wheeling were present on the part of the American navy. The officers of the Italian cruiser Etna were also among the guests, as were Captains Sakmo, Sakurai and Wodagaki of the Japanese navy. Mayor Phelan was present on behalf of the city. There were also the Union Iron Works officials and many swell girls on the stand. 

Promptly at 9:05 the brief ceremonies began. This consisted of the presentation to the Wisconsin of  her colors, which were received by Commodore Watson.

About the 26th of October Mrs. M. H. Mayberry, teacher of sewing connected with the manual training department of the Irving M. Scott School, suggested that the children under her charge make a set of colors for the battleship Wisconsin. Her patriotic sentiments were enthusiastically seconded by the principal. Miss M. M. Murphy, and her entire corps of assistants.

This work of love and patriotism was begun on the 26th of October of the present year, 1898.

The flag and Union Jack are made in accordance with the specifications and rules of the Navy Department of the United States Government. The flag is 27 feet long by 14 feet wide. The Union
Jack is 10 feet 10 inches by 7 feet 9 inches. One hundred and seventy-three yards of bunting were used in the construction of these colors.

The children engaged in the work of making the colors were from eleven regular sewing classes, ln all about 300 pupils.

The homes of these children are in the vicinity of the Union Iron Works, where they have seen the mighty form of the Wisconsin rising, as it were, out of the sea. The parents of many of them wielded the hammers that sang out the strokes that told of the mighty work their strong and sinewy arms have done for the nation.

The furled flag was suspended from the bowsprit. Miss Margaret Duff, Miss Jeanette Draper and Master Frank Dixon, all pupils of the Irving Scott School, held the cords that were to release the colors. These pupils had won this honor by their meritorious work- In presenting the colors Miss Duff addressed Commodore Watson.  She said:

"Hon. Commodore Watson, Representatives of the Army and Navy, Hon. Irving M. Scott and friends:

"The high honor of presenting the colors to the great battleship Wisconsin has been accorded to me by the teachers and pupils of the Irving Scott School.

"The high honor conferred is enhanced by the fact that this is the only occasion when pupils of our public schools have made a flag with their own little hands, gladdened by the thought that the United States Government would accept their work.

"Through the kindness of Hon. Irving M. Scott, who has now a world wide reputation as a promoter and builder of great battleships, we are permitted to offer this token of our love and patriotism.

"Our parents have wielded the hammers, driven the rivets and otherwise builded this noble ship from keel to turret. Now she is ready to displace the waters of our glorious bay: to greet the sun as she rides triumphantly on her mission of humanity; to demonstrate to all nations of the earth that she, as well as her noble sisters, the Oregon, the Olympia, the Charleston, Monterey and others, great ships built here at the Union Iron Works, can defend our nation's honor and use her power to battle in the cause of humanity.

"Go forth, magnificent "Wisconsin; dip your noble bow to-day in the waters of San Francisco Bay; sail fearlessly over the seas; show your magnificent lines in the ports of all the great nations of the world. Let your message be one of peace, and Instead of a figurehead of the God of Battle, let there be emblazoned in words of living light, 'We come in the name of the living God, for the nation's honor; we come in the cause of humanity.'

"And now, Hon. Commodore Watson, we beg that you accept these colors which we have carefully made according to the specifications laid down by the Navy Department for the construction of such flags. Three hundred children have put in every stitch with the utmost care, so I am sure you will find upon examination that our labor has not been in vain.

"Under the guiding hand of our sewing teacher, Mrs. M. H. Mayberry of the manual training department of our school, we have worked with patience, with most patriotic devotion, to crown the work of many of our parents, who have bent their energies to complete this noble ship."

"All is finished.
And at length has come the bridal day of
beauty and of strength.
To-day the vessel shall be launched.
With fleecy clouds the sky is blanched.
And o'er the bay
Slowly in all his splendor's light
The great sun rises to behold the sight.
The ocean old, centuries old.
Strong as youth, and as uncontrolled
Paces restless to and fro
Up and down the sands of gold.
His beating heart is not at rest.
And far and wide with ceaseless flow
His beard of snow
Heaves with the heaving of his breast.
He waits Impatient for his bride.
There she stands, with her foot upon the sands,
Decked with flags and streamers gay.
In honor of her marriage day.
Her snow white signals fluttering, blending
Round her like a veil descending
Ready to be the bride of the gray old sea."

At the conclusion of the graceful speech Commodore Watson in a few patriotic words accepted the Wisconsin on behalf of her captain. The three children pulled the cords and Old Glory floated on the breeze amid the cheers from the multitude. Then Mayor Phelan read Clara Iza Price's eloquent ode to the battleship published in yesterday's issue and the supreme moment had come.

The bottle of wine was lowered from the vessel's prow by streamers of the national colors. Miss Stephenson grasped it firmly and smiled. Then little Lucille Gage touched the button. Slowly at first, so slow in fact that it scarcely seemed to move at all, the huge ship, snail-like, went forward. "She's off:" was the cry from the waiting thousands.
A soft, firm, sweet voice said, "I christen thee Wisconsin."
There was a crash of glass and the white effervescing wine dampened the iron prow of the mighty vessel and ran in sparkling rivulets down her sides.  Forward, like some animal that feels the lash, the Wisconsin leapt, and then with a rush and a roar the largest battleship ever constructed on this coast sped down the incline into the waters of the bay and into history.

Happy Thanksgiving #7 -- November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I'm grateful for health and life, my family, and my coworkers.

Actresses Gwen Lee and Dorothy Sebastian prepare to break a wishbone.  I haven't done that for a long time.  Maybe this year. 

Thanksgiving Number #2 -- November 27, 2013

The original Life Magazine was a humorous weekly that was published from 1883 to 1936.  Here is the cover of their 29-November-1900 Thanksgiving Number. Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.

The image comes from MagazineArt.org (http://www.magazineart.org).  

RIP, Chico Hamilton. 

Broadway Wharf -- November 26, 2013

This plaque at Drumm and Broadway marks the site of the Broadway Wharf, where Pony Express mail arrived in San Francisco.  I don't know why "River Steamers" is in quotes.  The ferry Oakland did not carry Pony Express mail.  The steamer Chrysopolis did carry Pony Express mail.  In later years, it was rebuilt into the Southern Pacific ferry Oakland.  The Oakland survived until 1940. 

It's Hard Work Being a Cat #77 -- November 25, 2013

We have a special guest this month.  In October, we visited beautiful San Luis Obispo for the dedication of the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum and the 2013 Central Coast Railroad Festival. We stayed at the Madonna Inn.  On our way back from breakfast, we met this nice cat, who came out of the grass by the paddock, meowed at us and rubbed our legs.

Read more about the trip on my Park Trains Page:
http://www.cable-car-guy.com/ptrain/

1934 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Town Car -- November 24, 2013

We visited the Blackhawk Museum in June to drool over their collection of classic autos.  This 1934 Duesenberg Model J has a town car body by Murphy of Pasadena.  The sign points out that while Murphy built hundreds of bodies for Model Js, that they only built four town car bodies for Model Js. 

 I like Duesenbergs.

Junipero Serra 300 -- November 24, 2013

Blessed Junipero Serra was born on the island of Mallorca on 24-November-1713.  People accuse him of genocide, of murdering California native Americans.  I am pretty sure that he was not aware of germ theory, which was developed long after he died.  He thought he was doing the right thing. 

Lunch at Bill's -- Novembe 23, 2013

After I took my mother grocery shopping today, we had lunch at Bill's Place.  They still have the best hamburgers in San Francisco.  She had the Jack Hansen.  The English muffin is too small to hold all the onions and tomato.  I had a Herb Caen. 

They had about half their Christmas decorations up. 

It rained a bit during the week.  The last couple of days have been very window, so the air is extra clear.  Yesterday BART was down till after 7am because of a network software problem.  I worked from home. 

Starring Ronald Howard as Sherlock! -- November 23, 2013

American Sheldon Leonard went to Paris to film a series of half-hour Sherlock Holmes stories with a British cast, including Ronald Howard, son of actor Leslie Howard, as Holmes and H Marion Crawford as Doctor Watson.  I have seen many of the shows and they are ok, although I think Howard overdid it with the deerstalker and the curved pipe.  Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version. 

Benjamin Britten 100 -- November 22, 2013

Composer Benjamin Britten was born 100 years ago, on 22-November-1913.  I have enjoyed many of his works and he seems to be becoming more popular. 

John F Kennedy 50 Years -- November 22, 2013

50 years ago today, President John F Kennedy was murdered in Dallas, Texas.  He was a World War II veteran, who had served on PT boats in the Pacific Theater.  He loved boats.  One of my earliest memories is of my mother crying while watching his funeral on television.  When I grew up, many homes that I visited had a photo of him hanging on a wall.  Later reports indicated that he was not always a nice person, but he deserved to live and watch his family grow up.  Many people see his murder as the beginning of a very bad decade. 

Boulting Brothers 100 -- November 21, 2013

Twin brothers John and Roy Boutling, who were born 100 years ago on 21-November-1913, produced and directed many classic British films.  An early effort was an adaption of Graham Greene's novel Brighton Rock.  The movie starred future director Richard Attenborough as the protagonist, Pinkie Brown.  John directed it and Roy produced.  They later created a number of popular comedies. 

Comic Book #29 -- November 20, 2013

The Flash was introduced in Flash Comics 1 in 1940.  He has always been "The Fastest Man Alive," but he has been several different characters over the year.  I always thought the Hermes/Mercury helmet of the Golden Age Flash was kind of silly, but looked good compared to the red uniform of the later Flashes. 

Gettysburg Address 150 -- November 20, 2013

I meant to post this yesterday on the actual 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, the greatest piece of rhetoric in American history. 

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

"Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

 

"But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

 

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Grauman's Chinese #32 -- November 19, 2013

In July, 2012 we paid a return visit to Hollywood and Grauman's Chinese Theater.  Sid Grauman was a San Francisco showman who came to Los Angeles and built three major houses, the Million Dollar, the Egyptian, and the Chinese. The theater has hosted many film premieres, but is most famous for the hand and footprints (and hoofprints and nose prints and other types of prints) in the forecourt.

Next door to last month's subject Marcello Mastroianni is his frequent co-star, Sophia Loren.  She left her hand and footprints three years earlier, on 26-July-1962.  Does "Solo per sempre" mean "Always alone"?  I'm not sure why she would have put that. 

When I was young, lots of people talked about Sophia Loren.  She was a wonderful actress and a great beauty. 

Pulp #49 -- November 19, 2013

The cover of the August, 1930 Air Stories features a fascinating flying wing with a pusher propeller and a twin boom tail. 

The image is from a wonderful site called Cover Browser:
http://www.coverbrowser.com/.

Listen to That Box Office Howl! - Lon Chaney, Jr - November 18, 2013

Film Daily, December 10, 1941

This post is part of  the Chaney Blogathon hosted by Fritzi at Movies Silently and Jo at The Last Drive In.   Be sure to click on most images to see larger versions.  

Due to the untimely demise of my trusty Dell desktop, I did not complete this entry to the blogathon to my satisfaction. 

Actor Lon Chaney and his son Creighton, who reluctantly went by the name Lon Chaney, Jr, were both versatile actors who became closely identified with the horror genre.

In the first of four posts for the Chaney blogathon, I shared some newspaper and magazine items that cast light on Lon Chaney's early life and career.  In  my second post, I covered his later career and his untimely death.  In my third post, I displayed some stories that show Creighton's reluctance to be billed as Lon Chaney, Jr.  In this, my fourth post, I will write about Creighton's later career.

Leonidas Chaney was born in 1883 in Colorado Springs.  His parents were deaf and this must have helped both him and his son become good at pantomime. He went into show business in 1902.  In 1905 he married singer Cleva Creighton and they had a child, Creighton Chaney, the next year.  In 1913, Cleva went to a Los Angeles theater where Lon was working and attempted suicide.  Later they divorced and had a tussle over custody of Creighton.  Lon Chaney died in 1930 and Creighton resisted offers to appear in movies as Lon Chaney, Jr.  

www.lucywho.com

 Lon Chaney Jr's first great success was in a film adaption of John Steinbeck's play Of Mice and Men.  Lon Chaney Jr played the mentally challenged Lenny.  He wound up playing many mentally challenged  characters over the years. 

Hollywood, July, 1940

Kolma Flake, who grew up with deaf parents, interviewed Lon Chaney, Jr, who grew up with deaf grandparents, in sign language.  He talks about how discouraged he was in his career until Of Mice and Men.

www.lucywho.com

Quentin's father was often remembered for his performances in the horror genre.  Lon Chaney, Jr moved into horror movies with The Wolf Man.  Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man, was Chaney's most famous character.  Lon Chaney Jr expressed Talbot's suffering and sadness very convincingly.  I wonder if he saw Talbot's turning into a werewolf with the rising of the full moon as reflecting worry that his mother's madness would affect him.  Note that he was billed as Lon Chaney. 

I first saw The Wolf Man and a lot of other horror movies with Lon Chaney, Jr on Creature Features on KTVU, a Saturday night and later Friday and Saturday night horror show hosted by Bob Wilkins and then John Stanley. 

www.lucywho.com

Lon Chaney, Jr moved deeper into horror movies with The Atomic Monster.

www.lucywho.com

Lon Chaney, Jr played Kharis, the Mummy, in The Mummy's Tomb.  This was the first of two monsters that had been originated by Boris Karloff. Chaney played Kharis in two more movies.  He managed to act through the bandages. 

Film Daily, February 27, 1942

Lon Chaney, Jr played the Monster in The Ghost of Frankenstein.  The Monster was the other creature that had been originated by Boris Karloff.  Chaney didn't do much to distinguish his version of the character from Bela the versions of Bela Lugosi and Glenn Strange. 

www.lucywho.com

Lon Chaney, Jr played Count Alucard (read it backwards) in Son of Dracula.  It is rare to see a 6'2", 220 pound actor play a vampire. 

Hollywood, February, 1943

 I suspect that Lon Chaney, Jr ran into a lot of his father's old friends and admirers. 

Photoplay, February, 1943

 I like this story about Lon Chaney, Jr and the horse.  

 

Film Daily, January 17, 1944

Lon Chaney, Jr and Ann Savage did their part during World War II by touring for the USO. 

Film Daily, December 26, 1944

Chaney played Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man, again in the all-start monster movie House of Frankenstein, and in the sequel, House of Dracula.  

Film Daily, July 18, 1947

 In 1947, Lon Chaney, Jr returned to the stage to appear in Of Mice and Men.

www.lucywho.com

One of my favorite Lon Chaney, Jr movies is Bob Hope's My Favorite Brunette.   Chaney played Willie, a simpleton who resembled Lennie from Of Mice and Men.  He rarely got to do comedy, but he did a great job here. 

www.lucywho.com

Another of my favorite Lon Chaney, Jr movies is his last appearance as Larry Talbot, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.  It is successful  both as a comedy and as a horror film 

Production Encyclopedia, 1952

The Production Encyclopedia was a film industry yearbook.  Here is Lon Chaney's list of credits for the last five years.  I count 14 movies for 10 studios (20th -- 1, Allied Artists -- 1, MGM -- 1, Monogram -- 1, Paramount -- 3, Realart -- 2, RKO -- 1, UA -- 1, UI (Universal-International) -- 2, WB -- 1). According to the Internet Movie Database, this is not a complete list of his movies during that period. 

Sponsor, March 2, 1957

In 1957, Lon Chaney, Jr played Chingachook with John Hart as Hawkeye in a syndicated television series adaption of James Fennimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans.  I would like to see that.  "Wire or Phone, Let's Pow-Wow NOW." 

Sponsor, April 13, 1964

In 1964, Lon Chaney, Jr travelled to Shreveport, Louisiana to help promote a Saturday night horror show hosted by Evilum. 

This post was part of the Chaney Blogathon, hosted by Fritzi at Movies Silently and Jo at The Last Drive In.  Thank you to both of them for all the hard work.  Thank you to everyone who visited and I encourage you to read as many posts as you can.  

My posts for the blogathon:

Chaney Outchaneys Chaney
The Face of a Thousand Memories -- Lon Chaney
But Not as Lon Chaney, Jr
Listen to That Box Office Howl! - Lon Chaney, Jr

But Not as Lon Chaney, Jr -- November 17, 2013

Movie Classic, April, 1932

This post is part of  the Chaney Blogathon hosted by Fritzi at Movies Silently and Jo at The Last Drive In.   Be sure to click on most images to see larger versions.  

Due to the untimely demise of my trusty Dell desktop, I did not complete this entry to the blogathon to my satisfaction. 

Actor Lon Chaney and his son Creighton, who reluctantly went by the name Lon Chaney, Jr, were both versatile actors who became closely identified with the horror genre.

In the first of four posts for the Chaney blogathon, I shared some newspaper and magazine items that cast light on Lon Chaney's early life and career.  In  my second post, I covered his later career and his untimely death.  In this my third post, I will display some stories that show Creighton's reluctance to be billed as Lon Chaney, Jr.  In my fourth post, I will write about Creighton's later career.

Leonidas Chaney was born in 1883 in Colorado Springs.  His parents were deaf and this must have helped both him and his son become good at pantomime. He went into show business in 1902.  In 1905 he married singer Cleva Creighton and they had a child, Creighton Chaney, the next year.  In 1913, Cleva went to a Los Angeles theater where Lon was working and attempted suicide.  Later they divorced and had a tussle over custody of Creighton.   Lon Chaney died in 1930 and Creighton resisted offers to appear in movies as Lon Chaney, Jr.  

New Movie Magazine, February, 1932

Creighton Chaney resisted using makeup.  Later on, his most famous character was Larry Talbot, the Wolf Man.   

The title of this post comes from an April, 1932 story in  Movie Classic.  Creighton Chaney's father was opposed to Creighton becoming an actor.  "...my father and I talked it over and agreed that one actor in the family was enough.  If he had lived, I would have gone on with my work as a manufacturer of plumbing supplies.  Now that he is gone, I see no reason why I shouldn't try movies." 

"I have discussed it with my stepmother -- who is the only mother I have ever known." 

"But I don't expect to follow in my father's footsteps.  There never was but one Lon Chaney; there never will be another one.  That is one reason why I have steadily refused to call myself 'Lon Chaney, Junior' -- though if I had taken this name, as people urged me, it would have meant several hundred dollars more on my salary check from the start." 

Photoplay, March, 1932

Creighton Chaney started out in movies doing extra work.

Photoplay, April, 1932

"And wouldn't his father be proud of this lad who wants to make a name for himself and not trade on another's reputation." 

 

New Movie Magazine, May, 1932

 New Movie Magazine reported that when Lon Chaney's son "signed with RKO, one of the things he insisted on in his contract was that he always will be billed as 'Creighton Chaney' and never, under any circumstances, as 'Lon Chaney, Jr.'"

New Movie Magazine, June, 1932

 "Hollywood Kindergarten" talks about several new players including George Raft, Gloria Stuart and Bruce Cabot.  It mentions that The Roadhouse Murder was Creighton Chaney's first movie.

Movie Classic, June, 1932

 A few articles I have found mentioned that some people thought of Creighton Chaney as being a new Clark Gable.  I find that hard to see, but that is the subject of this article, which also proposes Bruce Cabot and George Brent.  "He will be known as Creighton Chaney; the 'Lon Chaney, Jr.,' idea is definitely out." 

Film Daily, July 15, 1932

 "...no less than Creighton Chaney is starred ... the son of Lon Chaney..." in the serial The Last Frontier. 

Film Daily, August 29, 1932

 Creighton Chaney received top billing in this epic ad for the RKO 12-chapter serial The Last Frontier. 

Cine-Mundial, November, 1932

 This rare glamor shot of Creighton Chaney appeared in Cine-Mundial.  It is publicity for The Last Frontier. 

Film Daily, September 16, 1932

Creighton Chaney returned to supporting roles in films like Bird of Paradise with Dolores Del Rio.  He is billed fourth in this ad.

Movie Classic, January, 1933

Nancy Pryor's article asks if Creighton Chaney will suffer the way his father did.  Creighton says he will not use a double.  The story claims that in The Last Frontier, Creighton "dislocated his hip, fractured a thumb and broke a rib!"  And it says he did not see a doctor after.  He asks the author "don't say anything comparing me with my father... There isn't any comparison between us.  Dad was an artist -- a real actor.  I'm just a fellow trying to get along in the movies.  I'd rather be compared to anybody else but my Dad, because I know I'm not worthy of that comparison."

Film Daily, January 26, 1935

In 1935, Creighton "legally changed his name to Lon Chaney, Jr., to perpetuate the memory of his father."  And perhaps to help his career. 

Picture Play, February, 1936

By 1936, Lon Chaney, Jr "emerges from screen obscurity."

Film Daily, December 13, 1939

In 1939, Creighton played the role of Lenny in Hal Roach's production of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.  This was a high point of his career.

This post was part of the Chaney Blogathon, hosted by Fritzi at Movies Silently and Jo at The Last Drive In.  Thank you to both of them for all the hard work.  Thank you to everyone who visited and I encourage you to read as many posts as you can.  

My posts for the blogathon:

Chaney Outchaneys Chaney
The Face of a Thousand Memories -- Lon Chaney
But Not as Lon Chaney, Jr
Listen to That Box Office Howl! - Lon Chaney, Jr