Lillian Gish, Herb Caen and California Senator Alan Robbins

Here is a Herb Caen column from February 23, 1981. Miss Gish was honored by the California legislature and one of her fans, Senator Alan Robbins, "threw his arms around her." Robbins was "facing trial on 10-counts of sexual misconduct with teenage girls." Below the paragraph, Miss Gish wrote, "Oh dear."

Believe it or not, this made the news on Herb Cane's recent birthday. One of his ancient typewriters is on permanent display on the fifth floor of the San Francisco Main Library at 100 Larkin Street.

James Patterson
www.LDGish.blogspot.com researcher and writer

Baby Peggy Reflects on Lillian Gish

 

 

Here is Baby Peggy as the Matador in "Carmen Junior." Signed "For James Gish Guy Patterson from Baby Peggy Diana Serra Cary."

Here is Baby Peggy as "Peg o' the Mounties." Signed "For James from Baby Peggy Diana Serra Cary with warm personal regards."


Ms. Cary and I have had several conversations, mostly on Sunday afternoons. She's given me some great stories about Roddy McDowell, Lillian Gish, Col. Tim McCoy, Jackie Coogan, and her "Captain January" co-star Hobart Bosworth. (I met Col. Tim McCoy during his last years on the circus show.)

Bosworth had a  big supporting role in MGM's "Annie Laurie." In the MGM souvenir book, the bio on Bosworth has him as descendant of Miles Standish. Was it another case of MGM's hyped history?

Baby Peggy is expected to make an appearance this year for the Broncho Billy Film Festival at Niles Essansay Silent Film Museum. BBFF is a two-day Broncho Billy Wild West extravaganza in the streets of Niles. Lots of fun! Don't miss it!


James Patterson

Life Member Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Member, San Francisco Silent Film Festival
Member, Film Society of Lincoln Center
Member, NYPL for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
Film Contributor, Harvard Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide


News soon on this summer's UK trip with meetings at BFI and side trips to Athlone, Geneva and Venice.
 

Abel Gance Film Proposal to Lillian Gish date 1927.

Knockout Abel Gance letterhead (Napoleon) on a 1927 message to Lillian Gish and a proposal for a modern version of "Joan of Arc."

Lillian Gish in Pencil

This is one of my favorite sketches from the early 1970s of a mature Miss Lillian Gish drawn from a TV appearance. I'll come back and credit the artist when my notes reveal the name. (I'm still unpacking from DC.)

Lilliann Gish, Buzz Kulik, and Jim Brown

LDGish.blogspot.com author James Patterson with Macho NFL Sports Legend Jim Brown, 78, at Civil Rights Summit, LBJ Presidential Library, University of Texas at Austin. This shot was after his panel on Race in Sports. Brown was an early advocate of economic empowerment for African Americans since the 1960s. He also had a film career that included westerns and a suggestive scene with Raquel Welch.. (Photo courtesy LBJ Presidential Library.)

Brown also had a film career. In 1969 he starred with Gene Hackman in Buzz Kulik's drama "Riot."

 

What is the Lillian Gish connection? Miss Gish starred as Alice Willows in Kulik's well done 1967 film "Warning Shot." The film concerned a police sergeant who kills a man while on a stakeout, then must prove it self-defense. Adapted from Whit Masterson's novel 711 - Officer Needs Help. 

"Warning Shoot" had an interesting cast of era stars, mostly TV types, and screen veterans. David Janssen, the original "Fugitive" Richard Kimbell, stars as the accused officer, with supporting performances from Ed Begley, Keenan Wynn, Joan Collins, Stefanie Powers, Sam Wanamaker, George Grizzard, Carroll O'Connor, Steve Allen, Eleanor Parker, Walter Pidgeon, George Sanders, and Lillian Gish. 

How was Texas? Pretty damn hot. I was an invited guest with access to all panels and speakers. NBA legend Bill Russell appeared on the panel with Brown. Russell, 81, was very vocal, lively and sat straight in his chair. Brown was more subdued, seldom spoke, and slumped in his chair. He is the same in the above photo. Can you tell if he is awake?

Four days non-stop action, no sleep, tons of BBQ, constant country music and gospel, and cramped quarters. face time with former California First Lady Maria Shriver, the former Mrs. Arnold, and lots of politicians. Fascinating exhibit on Sixty form the '60s. The sixty are political and cultural fights from the '60s who "molded the era" according to LBJ archivists. I filed twenty reports and some will appear in this space in coming days.

Lillian Gish's Promotion Materials for MGM's Annie Laurie

 

This is a promotional booklet for a New York screening. Notable for two reasons. First, no mention of leading man. Second, look how high the Scottish plaid! Her knee socks nearly approach her knees in the drawing, but the exposed thigh, which did not appear in the film, is suggestive moviegoers might see a bit more Gish than in the past.

 

This is an original image, taken by me, of the souvenir book for "Annie Laurie." It is beautifully done and Miss Gish's attire is consistent with her appearance in the film, i.e. she exposed no thighs. Not also, the terrier peaking from under the skirt. My memory is that was in the film. The program was better done and more interesting than the most of the film.

Program notes later.

At work on the Annie Laurie archives.