Harold Huber

as "that rat, Nunheim" in 1934s The Thin Man

Harold Joseph Huberman (later legally Huber) was born December 5, 1909, in the Bronx. That he was an observant lad is evident by the many characters he played on screen. He was also a very bright fellow enrolling as a teenager in an advanced experimental school that was a branch of New York University that included advanced classes in all subjects and graduation in 3 years. Harold followed that up by studying Law at Columbia University.

At some point, the appeal of the law as a career was overtaken by the lure of the footlights and in 1930 the obviously determined young man appeared in his first of five Broadway productions, A Farewell to Arms. Harold appeared in a couple of New York shot films for Warner Brothers before moving to Hollywood.

Entertainment reporters of the 1930s and 1940s describe Harold Huber as the antithesis of the mugs he usually played on screen. A devoted family man to his wife Ethel and daughter Margaret, and described by co-stars as a delightful person. An amateur fencing champion (hence the scar so handy for playing villains). A scholar (Brian Donlevy called him "the professor") with a great interest and knowledge of antiques who also spoke five languages.

A busy character from his first movie in Hollywood Central Park, 1932 starring Joan Blondell, Harold Huber appeared in classics such as The Match King, The Bowery, The Thin Man, Naughty Marietta, G-Men, and Beau Geste. He is a welcome sight in enjoyable crime programmers and most important to this child of the late show, he is a superstar in the Charlie Chan universe.

Harold Huber, Donald Woods, Keye Luke, Warner Oland

Charlie Chan on Broadway

One of the best of the popular detective series Charlie Chan on Broadway, 1937 directed by Eugene Forde is a snappy, slang-filled mystery with an outstanding cast. Leon Ames is a milk-drinking gangster. Marc Lawrence a thug named Thomas Mitchell. Douglas Fowley as a tough nightclub owner with an eye for the ladies. J. Edward Bromberg as a calculating newspaper editor and Canadian-born Donald Woods as reporter Speed Patton, "the freshest guy on Broadway". Joan Marsh who began in silent films as a child is a Ginger Rogers/Roz Russell gal reporter.

Joan Woodbury (of the soap family) is a nightclub dancer who does a routine similar to the one she did in the 1935 Hopalong Cassidy movie The Eagle's Brood. She was more sympathetic in that earlier picture. Louise Henry plays a gal who puts herself in harm's way. She does the same thing in Charlie Chan in Reno and the Philo Vance mystery The Casino Murder Case. Some girls never learn.

Harold Huber is Inspector Nelson of the NYPD and he's the fastest talking slang slinger of them all. He's also a very good police officer who is not cowed by Chan's reputation and the two work in a fine partnership to solve the murders (there's never just one) as Chan and Son hit the big town. Huber is quirky and fun. I don't think a Nelson of New York spin-off would have been out of order.

Warner Oland, Harold Huber

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo, 1937 also directed by Forde is not great Chan, but it's not bad either. It's just that this story of a stock swindle and romance among the upper crust featuring Kay Linaker and Sidney Blackmer has a pall over it as it is the last movie featuring Warner Oland. He would mysteriously walk away from Hollywood dealing with illness and personal problems and while his death would not end the series it would, for a while, end the participation of Keye Luke.

Harold Huber here plays Inspector Joubert an effusive and urbane Frenchman with a comic opera accent who assists in the investigation. Again he works well with Oland and Luke and the result of the partnership is more than satisfactory.

C. Henry Gordon, Sidney Toler, Harold Huber

Charlie Chan in City in Darkness

New Chan Sidney Toler revived the series with Charlie Chan in Honolulu, 1939 with the welcome addition of Sen Yung as number 2 son, Jimmy. Perhaps busy elsewhere, Yung is not featured in the same year's City in Darkness directed by Herbert I. Leeds.

On the eve of war in Europe Chan reunites with old comrades in Paris and comes up against gun runners and spies. A nicely paced entry featuring C. Henry Gordon, Pedro de Cordoba, Douglas Dumbrille, Leo G. Carroll, lovely Lynn Bari, and in a non-speaking bit the same year he broke out in Of Mice and Men is Lon Chaney, Jr.

To Harold Huber fell the job of comic relief. I have acquaintances who do not care for his work in this movie. I am not of their mind. Perhaps it is because I like Huber or that I have a soft spot in my heart for those who toil as comic relief. Huber's character, Police Inspector Marcel Spivak, is a combination of Charlie's boys and his annoying early assistant Kashimo put together in his eagerness and ineptitude. He can't deal with the public, the crooks, or the blackouts as he fumbles, bumbles, and gets pushed around in his effort to keep up with Chan mentally and physically. I can't help but think of him as the emotional Pere de Clouseau, and I get a kick out of the work.

Lobby card, Charlie Chan in Rio

Harold Huber's last Chan picture, Charlie Chan in Rio, 1941 directed by Harry Lachman is a reworking of The Black Camel, 1931 and features the earlier movie's director Hamilton MacFadden as an amiable drunk. Victor Jory is a phony psychic and Mary Beth Hughes and Ted North, who would be briefly married, are featured. This is an early outing for cinematographer Joseph MacDonald (My Darling Clementine, Panic in the Streets) and you can tell the young man will be going places.

Harold's character, Chief Souto is an investigator back on equal footing with the visiting Chan. He's a friendly and efficient sort who helps the case along. Respectful of Charlie, patient with Jimmy, and confident of his own skills.

Movies would continue to be a part of Harold Huber's career, but it would also include radio where he was the leading player in The Adventures of M. Hercule Poirot aka Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, 1945-1946. A pleasant way to spend time when you are in the mood for a little tea and murder. 1950 saw Harold Huber starring in a short-lived television series I Cover Times Square.

On September 29, 1959, Harold Huber passed away during surgery at the Jewish Memorial Hospital. His film roles tell us all we need to know about the actor. His headstone tells us all we need to know about the man.

Old friends from days gone by.

Pernell Roberts
May 18, 1928 - January 25, 2010

Pernell Roberts, noted actor, singer and civil rights supporter has passed away. Born in Georgia, Pernell sang in USO shows as a teenager and wasm for a time, a US Marine before casting his lot as a performer. The New York stage gave him the opportunity to play Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew and Hollywood, on the look out for new faces, called him west in 1957. And it was indeed the west as westerns were the most popular entertainments of the day. Director John Rich was most impressed with Roberts' audition for the series Gunsmoke and he got the part (episode: How to Kill a Woman) after quickly learning to ride a horse.

Pernell Roberts was cast as Adam Cartwright in the soon to be phenomally successful Bonanza, but after a few years became discontented with the program, playing the eldest and smartest of the three Cartwright brothers. Although the role gave him a chance to do comedy, romance and action, it wasn't enough for the restless star. Actors like to spread their wings and Pernell became discontented with the storylines. The producers attempted a change to keep their star happy in casting Kathie Browne as a character Adam would marry, but the itchy footed troubadour took off for hopefully greener pastures. While guest roles on other series provided character changes and albums and musical theatre roles gave outlet to his glorious baritone, movie success was not to be a part of Pernell's career.

My favourite of his movie roles is in 1959's Ride Lonesome which is available on dvd as part of the Budd Boetticher box set. His Sam Boone is a thoughtful, likable and garrulous "bad guy". You almost root for him in his battle with star Randolph Scott. No. You do root for Sam Boone. It's a well-done role in a fine film and it's a shame more of the kind didn't come Pernell Robert's way.

It was television that would give Pernell Roberts another starring role and success in the series Trapper John (1979-1986). I recall a TV Guide article at the time where his co-star, the late and lovely Madge Sinclair, remarked that Pernell was a "grumpy Taurus" and she understood him because she was one too. As a certified GT as well I feel a kinship with the stars.

Johnny Seven
February 23, 1926 - January 22, 2010

If Johnny Seven's face isn't a familiar one to you then you didn't watch any television between 1950 and 1990! John Antony Fetto was born in New York City, the only brother among six sisters. A boy soprano in his younger days and a soldier as a young man, he was bit by the acting bug when he appeared in USO shows. He spent his life as an actor, a writer, a director (Navajo Run, 1964) and a husband to Estelle Piselli whom he married in 1949, and a father of two. His son John Jr. would become his manager. I think that speaks of a fine relationship.

Johnny Seven made his movie debut as one of the longshoreman in On the Waterfront and appeared in The Apartment as Karl Matuschka, Fran's brother-in-law. Television gave him a variety of roles as he appeared in hundreds of programs from Peter Gunn to Murder, She Wrote. After a couple of guest appearances on Ironside, he had a recurring role on that series as Lt. Carl Reese.

Television. I used to watch a lot of television. My shows were special to me and the cast members became like family. Bonanza was a Sunday night tradition for generations. I'm sure there are some among us who would rather spend holidays with the Cartwrights then with some relatives. Ironside was one of my shows. Cleveland Amory once wrote that while every episode of Ironside might not be the best episode of Ironside, it doesn't matter. It's the Chief and Ed and Mark and Eve/Fran and Lt. Reese that we want to see. These fellows, Pernell Roberts and Johnny Seven, were welcome in homes for years and will continue to be old friends from days gone by.

Starstruck

Jean Simmons
1929 - 2010

I have never lost the electric thrill that occurs when the ticket to a play passes from the box office into my hands. The first time I attended a legit performance it was an April 1974 birthday present from my folks. Jean Simmons starring in A Little Night Music at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Sondhemim's waltz haunts me as does those heartbreakingly silly and sad characters in the play and the faces of the generations of actors in their black and white portraits that fill the stairways of the Royal Alex.  I remember climbing that neverending stairway to the upper balcony for the first of countless times and seeing the faces familiar to me from movies such as Basil Rathbone, Fay Bainter, Harry Carey, Mischa Auer, and those I only knew from reading about their careers, Lunt and Fontanne, Cornelia Otis Skinner.

I remember Jean Simmons - coy, honest, smart, defeated, simply gorgeous and selling that song. Yes. She was Desiree Armfeldt. When I would remember to breathe I would remember that she was also scheming Lily in Footsteps in the Fog, brave Julie Maragon in The Big Country, besotted Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and conflicted Sister Sharon in Elmer Gantry.

In 35 years of theatre-going I have seen many great names and many humbler names. I have been moved and impressed by work, but rarely have I been starstruck. Long after the details of a show have been forgotten I recall where I sat and how I sat. The sounds around me and the weather outside. The light-headed euphoria of having shared a lifetime with the folk on stage and the leaden feet that don't want to leave the theatre. Oh, how I hate to leave the theatre!

There is a special place in my heart for the woman, the actress, the star that was and is Jean Simmons.

A Frank Puglia Double Bill

Frank Puglia
March 9, 1892 - October 25, 1975

Frank Puglia was born in Sicily and began his theatrical career at 15 years of age when he joined an opera company. Emigrating to the United States in 1907 he appeared in Italian language theatrical productions and learned his English from newspapers.

D.W. Griffith brought Puglia to the screen in 1921 recreating a role he had played in the stage production of Orphans of the Storm. Playing small, but memorable roles of all ethnic backgrounds, Puglia was a busy actor from that time on. You have seen him in Maytime, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Mark of Zorro, Casablanca as a most ambitious vendor, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Brute Force, Road to Rio, Joan of Arc, The Caddy, etc.

If like me, you grew up watching television in the 1960s or caught these programs in syndication you can spot Puglia in Rawhide, Hazel, I Dream of Jeannie, Bonanza, The Fugitive, High Chaparral, To Rome With Love, and Ironside.

For many years I would recognize Frank Puglia as the mysterious and loyal "Talo" in 1944s Tall in the Saddle. Speaking of mysterious, he is uncredited in an important role. Perhaps that is why it took me a while to learn his name.

I had a Frank Puglia double bill the other day. First up was TCM's airing of Always in My Heart from 1942.

Not since 1934's Wagon Wheels has the viewing public been hit over the head with a theme song with such fervor. Fortunately, it is a lovely tune by Cuba's Ernesto Lecuona, who gave us "Siboney" and "Malaguena". The English lyrics are from Kim Gannon, writer of I'll Be Home for Christmas, Five O'clock Whistle, and Dreamer's Holiday. It is sung repeatedly by a lovely young soprano named Gloria Warren who disappeared from the movies after a half dozen titles. She plays the daughter of Kay Francis and Walter Huston. She and her brother Frankie Thomas (Tom Corbett, Space Cadet) believe their father to be dead, yet he has recently been pardoned from prison. Is it right to keep his identity from the children? Should Kay marry her rich beau, Sidney Blackmer?

We know Kay should stay away from the monied Blacker. Why? Because he doesn't like Frank Puglia, that's why. Puglia plays Joe Borelli, the youngster's mentor in life and music. One of those happy fellows with a fishing boat, a large family, and a large heart. Maybe he can bring the fractured family together again. This is the sort of movie that made me cry watching it on the late show. Borah Minevitch and his Rascals, the famous harmonica troupe are an added feature that can make the weepy easy to handle on a rainy day. However, be prepared to have that title song ringing in your head for a few hours or maybe even days.

Puglia as Achmed Halide peeks around the corner of this poster.

Next, I enjoyed a DVD from my treasured Charlie Chan collection. Charlie Chan in Panama was directed by Norman Foster in 1940 and it's a dandy. Puglia is an Arab tobacconist with information for sale. Is he a notorious saboteur/murderer? It could be any one of a number of suspects including the Viennese chemist, the British author, the American schoolteacher, the American engineer, the pretty European refugee, or the dashing nightclub owner.

Charlie Chan is undercover in the canal zone to ferret out the spy who has eluded capture. Of course, that cover is neatly blown when number two son, Jimmy, arrives unexpectedly. This Sidney Toler and Sen Yung outing has a great cast with Puglia, Jack LaRue, Kane Richmond, Jean Rogers, Mary Nash, Lionel Atwill, Addison Richards, Don Douglas, and Chris Pin-Martin. Danger, humour, and tension combine perfectly in the timely WW2 era story. Definitely one for the must-see and must-see-again list.

Keep your eyes peeled on your next classic movie viewings. Especially watch for Frank's star turn as a frightened witness testifying against the Mafia in 1950s Black Hand. Maybe you'll have your own Frank Puglia double bill.

Bonus picture:

Frank Puglia in Bulldog Drummond's Revenge. Honest!

Yummy

Clare's Black & White Squares
A delicious holiday treat

Grease 8 x 8 pan
Preheat oven to 325 F

Cream:
1/3 C butter
1 C white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Add:
3/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Divide mixture, adding 2 tbs cocoa to one half and 1/2 C cocoanut (I use medium shred) to the other.

Spread the chocolate base over the pan and top with the coconut. Bake for 30 to 40 (you know your own oven) minutes. Cool. Frost with your favourite chococlate frosting. Yummy!

AKA "Burke's Law Treats" because they're black & white and full of flakes.

Gene Barry
1919 - 2009

The recently departed Gene Barry, Tony nominated (La Cage Aux Folles) actor and singer, sci-fi hero (The War of the Worlds) and debonair television crimefighter (Bat Masterson, Burke's Law, The Name of the Game) also qualifies under today's title of "Yummy".

Daddy

William Daniel Nolan
February 19, 1928 - December 12, 1986

The Middle

When I remember bygone days

I think how evening follows morn;

So many I loved were not yet dead,

So many I love were not yet born.

- Ogden Nash

Some thoughts of the Season - blogathon season

It's been over a week now, but I'm having trouble letting go of the Boris Karloff blogathon. Everything around me is all Boris, all the time.

It being thet time of year that it is, I got to thinking of what a wonderful Ebenezer Scrooge Karloff would have been. Seymour Hicks? Alastair Sim? Ha! Yes, I said "ha!" (and with an exclamation mark).

Boris could give us quite the cold and forbidding man of finance. Boy, could he give us cold and forbidding. And could he give us the warm and fuzzy old Scrooge of the reclamation? There would be no one warmer or fuzzier! However, Karloff could also be a perfect Marley's ghost. After all, we have seen him come back from the dead and fix us with a baleful stare. Oooh, that baleful stare. On the other hand, he could give us a most genial Ghost of Christmas Present. Karloff as everybody in A Christmas Carol! I believe Tiny Tim was not outside his talents.

This time of year is also a prime time for mysteries, particular mysteries shrouded in fog and set in Victorian England. Karloff as Holmes? Well, at the time he might have been considered for the screen the role was most felicitously taken over by Basil Rathbone and no matter how many Holmes there have been or will be, it is Rathbone's voice I hear when I read Conan Doyle or any of the countless pastiches and homages.

However, if Boris wearied of touring in Arsenic and Old Lace, surely a revival of William Gillette's Holmes would have proven popular. If not tackling S. Holmes, then perhaps Boris as a most diabolical Moriarty or Col. Sebastian Moran might have been fun.

Happy thoughts in the alternate casting line perhaps fueled by too much or too little Christmas cheer.