Podcasts about Hedda Hopper

Este 2 de Mayo se ha celebrado en Madrid la fiesta que conmemora el levantamiento del pueblo madrileño en 1808, levantamiento con el que comenzó la llamada Guerra de la Independencia contra los franceses, un episodio histórico que ha sido reflejado en el cine en numerosas películas. Recordamos también la figura de Hedda Hopper, famosa columnista de chismes y cotilleos que llegó a tener un gran poder en el Hollywood dorado. Charlamos con el director de documentales Javier Corcuera y en “Diligencia hacia el Oeste” traemos esta semana una de las grandes películas de la historia del cine: “El tesoro de Sierra Madre” dirigida por John Huston en 1948, con Humphrey Bogart y Walter Huston en los principales papeles.

Gordon is reunited with an old crush. Based on a post by Blacksheep, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.   The monthly Mother's Union meeting was taking place at Gladys Wilcox's bungalow. There was much to discuss, mainly tomorrow's Easter Sunday service. However the main topic of conversation was the vicar's phallus. "He was just standing there, starkers! Swinging, I tell you, swinging. It was like a boa constrictor poking out of a tree. I didn't know where to look!" Mrs. Harris exclaimed. "Wish I could've been there," Mrs. Wilcox replied. "Really, Gladys!" "Well at our age there's not much opportunity for those sorts of thrills is there?" She grinned and glanced at Norman the churchwarden, who said nothing and awkwardly sipped his coffee. Being the only man there, he felt uncomfortable sitting through this, but Mrs. Wilcox had insisted he attend. "How come he was naked?" Another woman asked. "Said he'd been having a shower, but I know a lie when I see one. If you ask me, him and his wife had been; you know;" "Having a quickie?" Mrs. Wilcox replied. Norman almost choked on his coffee, remembering that 21st birthday surprise the vicar had arranged for Jenna in the church, sixteen months ago. "Yes, exactly!" "You know something, Maureen, I was chatting to Maud Finch, on the bus the other day. Now she lives on Haddock Street, in one of those council houses that overlook the railway line. She tells me that groups of drunk young men are forever going up on that opposite embankment and mooning at passing trains." "Has she made a complaint?" "Why on earth would she want to do that?" Mrs. Wilcox spluttered. "I said to her, I'll call round later this week and I'll bring a pair of binoculars!" Over on the other side of town, at 64 Stovepipe Avenue, Gordon Leesmith yawned and sat up in bed. He squinted at the alarm clock. It was ten thirty. "Oh Gord, you lazy bugger," he said to himself, stretching his arms. He hadn't intended on having such a long lie-in. Myah had gone to work hours ago. She'd been working Saturdays the past few weeks, covering for Kate, a work colleague who was recovering from major abdominal surgery. Gordon staggered out of bed and scratched his belly as he peered out of the window. The weather seemed reasonable today. The past week had seen some very unsettled conditions, with sunny spells and frequent heavy showers, so typical of British springtime. "I'd better get a move on. I promised Myah I'd cook tonight and there's not a bite of food in the house." Gordon didn't relish the prospect of going to the supermarket during the Easter weekend. Every shop was crammed. Besides, he wanted to head to the church and spend an hour practicing on the organ ready for tomorrow's special service. He'd have the church all to himself for once. He relished this temporary period of calm. Easter was always busy for the organist. As well as his full-time job repairing organs, he'd had to play the Wednesday Eucharist, the Maundy Thursday service, yesterday's Good Friday evening service and on Sunday, it was the big one. At least he could rest his fingers on Monday's bank holiday. "Can't wait to jet off next month," he muttered, as he hurriedly dressed himself and brewed a cup of tea. He'd booked a week's holiday in Tenerife for himself and Myah. Their first holiday together and they were really looking forward to it. Gordon wasn't one for culture, eco-tourism or trailing round ancient ruins. Sun, sea and all-inclusive hotels were his idea of paradise. Myah had never been to the Canary Islands. He hoped she wouldn't be too bored just lounging on the beach or by the pool all day. He'd booked an adults-only hotel, the four star Golden Vista in Playa de las Americas. It had excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Meanwhile, at the vicarage; Reverend Morris was in turmoil. "Maureen Harris has got a right mouth on her. Who needs social media when you've got a pensioner who's Britain's answer to Hedda Hopper?" "Simon, you're worrying unnecessarily," Jenna said. "You've not done anything wrong. You were in your own home and you didn't know she was there." "Oh, I don't know. I'm the parish vicar and I just accidentally exposed myself in front of an elderly member of my congregation. Can't say I'm too thrilled about that." "Maureen shouldn't have walked in. She was in the wrong. Said she knocked, but when nobody answered, she should've given up and gone." "And I should've locked the front door! I bet she's told everyone at the Mother's Union that she saw me nude!" Jenna shrugged. "So, she saw your cock. I bet many other ladies wish they could've been so lucky!" Gordon parked up on the Tesco Express car park. As expected, the place was heaving with people rushing to get last-minute groceries. Tubs of cut-price garden fence paint were piled up outside the store. As he was looking at these, he heard someone call his name. "Gordon? Gordon Leesmith. Is it you?" He spun round in surprise. A tall, slim woman, late sixties at a guess, and with silvery hair cut into a sleek bob, was stood next to him. She was dressed in a long, pale grey coat with fur-lined collar. Underneath, a skirt or dress of some sort, black tights and ankle boots. "Uh, hello? Yes, I'm Gordon Leesmith. Who are you?" The woman chuckled. "Oh dear. I really have changed haven't I? You don't remember me, do you?" Gordon blinked as he studied her face carefully, then he let out a gasp. "Harriet; Harriet Fairfax?" "Guilty!" Gordon was too stunned to speak at first, but he quickly composed himself. After so many years, here was the woman he'd lost his virginity to, way back one summer night in 1985, when he was just eighteen. His former piano teacher! "Oh God! I can't believe it! I; I, it's so wonderful to see you again! I always wondered what happened to you, Harriet. The last time we met was in 1988, when I'd just got my ARCO diploma. After that, you; well, vanished." "That's a long story. Come, let's go and have a coffee. We've both got a lot to catch up on. I'm only here until Tuesday, then I'm flying back home." "You live abroad?" "I emigrated to Australia when I got married." "Blimey. I think I need more than a coffee. I know a good place." He took her arm in his and they headed across the road. "You certainly have grown in confidence," Harriet smiled. "I always knew you would." At a small pub in the town center, Gordon sipped an overpriced beer and listened intently as Harriet filled him in on her life story. He felt a lump in his throat as she told him of her marriage to Graham, an Australian musician she'd met shortly after Gordon's fateful night in Blackpool Tower. "I suppose my head was well and truly turned. I was blinded by love. You have to remember back then in the Eighties, a single woman, mid-thirties and childless, well I was seen as being left on the shelf. Graham seemed the perfect man; and as I was never close to my parents, I figured here was my one chance to have a new start. New country, new job. So we settled in Perth. I started work as a music teacher. Loved it. Work was bliss. Unfortunately, marriage to Graham was anything but." "Was he unfaithful?" Gordon asked. "No. I would've preferred it if he was. He was abusive. It's because of him that I have partial hearing in my right ear. The beatings got so bad; he beat me black and blue. Even when I was pregnant." Tears pricked Gordon's eyes. "Bastard. Oh God, Harriet. I'm so sorry. Tell me you managed to leave him?" "Didn't need to. He took it upon himself to commit suicide one evening. I came back from work and found him swinging in the garage. August 11th, 1997. What a day to remember, eh? He'd always been a heavy drinker. I found out he'd run up massive debts, got himself fired." "Dear God. How did you cope?" "Well friends and neighbors rallied round. I'm lucky. I'm one of those people who makes friends easily. I had a good support network. Besides, I had to stay strong, for the sake of my boys, Daniel and Ryan; only got Ryan now." She paused and Gordon wondered whether he should press her further. "Daniel; died. He was twelve. A total sweetheart. You see, he was born with Down's Syndrome. Graham never coped with it. He was the loveliest, most gentle boy. Everyone who met him just adored his sunny nature. He loved animals and music. But Graham ignored him. Ryan came along three years later. He's able-bodied. Actually that's why I'm over here. I've been visiting Ryan. He's thirty now. Works as a concert pianist. I'm so proud of him. He's fiercely independent. Doesn't need me fussing over him, but we're still close. This is the last time I'll be flying here. I can't handle these long haul flights any more, now that I'm almost seventy-four. Never did like flying. He'll be the one flying over to see me next time." "You look amazing," Gordon quickly blurted out, wiping his eyes. "Heh, thanks." "I'm so sorry you've had to endure all that, Harriet," Gordon sniffed, placing his hand on hers. "Thanks for being a good listener. Hey and I'm a survivor. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?" "So; you didn't re-marry?" "Nah. After Graham died, I focused on being a mum. I got used to being single. Although ten years ago, I met Ray. He's widowed like me and a few years older. He's a total gentleman, bless him. I can't say he excites me sexually. I hope this doesn't sound too mean; he's a bit boring, but at my age, I'm past all that. It's just nice to have someone who's dependable and kind." Gordon nodded. Looking at Harriet, he thought she still looked very attractive. She'd aged well, despite the heartache she'd gone through. A surge of excitement rushed through him. "Anyways Gordon, I've prattled on about myself for too long! Tell me what you've been up to all these years!" Without wanting to bore her, Gordon gave a rundown of his life. From his marriage to Marjorie, to her cheating on him and then divorcing him, to becoming organist and choirmaster at St Michael's church, to meeting Myah. He chose to omit any mention of Jenna, the stunning vicar's wife who he'd bedded countless times before Myah arrived on the scene. "She's very attractive," Harriet said as Gordon showed her a photo on his smartphone. "You look so happy together. Do you'll think you'll have children in future?" "It's a possibility, given that she's much younger than me. Marjorie was adamant she never wanted children. I respected that. I confess I've never given much thought to becoming a dad. But if Myah does want to become a mum, then I'll be up for it." "About the age gap. It's a large one. Has that presented any problems?" "It did at first. Her parents were furious. Some hurtful things were said, but her mother and I eventually came to an understanding. Most people at church have been okay but there were a couple of exceptions. It upset me when my cousin Barry called me a "borderline nonce." He was only joking, but it hurt. She'll be twenty in July. Myah was the one who pursued me, not the other way round;" "Perhaps Barry was jealous of you. But yes, that was a crass thing to say. Well Gordon, there's one thing I want to experience before I head back Down Under." His eyes widened. "Really? What's that?" "I want to see and hear you play a pipe organ! You showed such skill and talent way back in 1985;" she winked at him and he felt that surge of excitement again. "Funnily enough, I was planning to have a practice at church today. Tomorrow's a big day, being Easter Sunday. We've got two choirs singing. Care to join me on a trip to St Michael's? It's only a five minute walk from here." The Mother's Union meeting was drawing to a close, but poor Norman could bear it no longer. Mrs. Wilcox was still questioning Mrs. Harris on a certain part of the vicar's anatomy. "Ladies, please excuse me; I really need to; er, relieve myself. Thank you for your company and I'll see you at church tomorrow!" "Oh yes, take care Norman!" they replied, oblivious to his embarrassment. "That's a fine lodger you've got yourself, Gladys. Now I tend to view men as nothing more than useless articles, but he is a true Christian." "Oh he truly is, Maureen. We have such wonderful times together. He was very easy to train!" At St Michael's church, Gordon gave Harriet a quick tour, before leading her to the organ. "This is a beautiful church," she said. "That's one thing I miss about living in Australia. All of the churches there are recent by comparison. There isn't the history. Oh there are some lovely ones, but it's not the same. This one goes back to medieval times. I love old buildings." "Yes, it's a nice church. Good community here too. I get on so well with the vicar. Reverend Morris is a good egg. His sermons are rather tedious, but nobody's perfect, eh?" He sat on the organ stool. "Here she is! What do you think?" "She's a beauty, Gordon. Three manuals, and the pipework is incredible. A large organ for such a small church." "Aye, she's a grand old lass. I gave her a complete overhaul in January. Replaced some of the big flue pipes. Now she sounds better than ever." He switched on the lamp above the manuals. "Very handy having an organist who can fix organs as well as play them. That's a very specialized job, isn't it?" "Pretty much. Right; what would you like me to play?" Harriet removed her thick coat and slid onto the stool next to him. "Hmm. It's an overplayed piece of music, but I've always liked The Entertainer. You played that for me when you used to come for lessons, remember?" "Ah yes. I remember!" As he began to play, Harriet glanced at her former student, no longer a gauche, skinny teenager but a stocky, fifty-six year old man, with silver hair. He had a paunch, but it suited him. He'd grown into his looks and actually looked better now than when he was eighteen. She ran a finger across her chin, and carefully considered her next move. He truly had become a very gifted organist. Gordon was halfway through playing, when a hand on his thigh made him play a wrong note. He stopped and looked down. "Umm;" "No-one must find out about this." Harriet whispered. "Well Myah's at work; and I don't think Ray can see what we're up to from the other side of the world;" Gordon stammered. He couldn't believe history was repeating itself. "An old girl like me can still get all hot and bothered seeing an attractive younger man," she teased. Her thigh was pressing against his and his cock was starting to respond. "Uh; Harriet," Gordon mumbled, and once again he was transported back to 1985, and was that shy, awkward teenager again. "I; just want you to know. You were my first major crush. Well; I'd fancied other girls, but you; well you just; did it for me." "I'm so glad to hear you say that, Gordon. You were the only student I ever felt attracted to. Truth is, at the time, I was feeling rather sorry for myself and unattractive. When I found out you had a crush on me, it was an incredible turn-on. To be desired by a much-younger man. I knew the whole time." "Guess I wasn't that good at being discreet," Gordon replied. "Not at all. You were shy and went bright red every time I spoke to you. Which was very endearing. I just had to make your first time a memorable one. During the pandemic, I did a lot of thinking. I started looking at old photos. I had one of you taken at your graduation. I started wondering what became of you. So I started trawling the Internet. I checked Facebook. There were a lot of Gordon Leesmiths on there, but not the one I was seeking." "I don't use social media," Gordon said. "Never have. Don't like the idea of it. I'm too old for the likes of Thick Tock or whatever it's called. " "That's fair enough. By chance, I came across a post made on the Facebook page of your church. It mentioned an organist called Gordon Leesmith. I clicked the link to the church's website and on the list of clergy and laity, there was a photo of you! I knew at once it was you." "Ah. So you were able to hunt me down with ease?" He smiled. "I'm glad you did; I've never forgotten that night in Blackpool." She leaned in closer and kissed his cheek. "Gordon; how about I give you a present? For old time's sake and all?" Her hand brushed his crotch and she could tell at once that he'd got a hard-on. "My, my. Seems like I haven't lost my touch!" "You're still beautiful, Harriet." He kissed her back. "I'm all yours;" She smiled and unzipped his trousers. As she freed his erection from his y-fronts, Gordon closed his eyes, savoring the sensation of her hot breath on his skin. He felt her lips wrap around him, and a shudder of pleasure ran through him. She began to bob her head, her mouth moving up and down his length in a rhythm that was both masterful and irresistible. Her tongue danced along the underside of his shaft, teasing and taunting him. "Oh God; oh shit, yes," he moaned. He was producing a lot of precum. Gordon considered himself an over-producer of the stuff. It was a bloody nuisance when one's underpants got wet from being horny all the time, as he usually was. The sounds of their breathing filled the empty church, the rustle of Harriet's skirt and the creak of the organ bench provided a steady beat as she continued her ministrations. Her grip on him was firm, but gentle, and she seemed to know just how to stroke him, how to tease him, how to drive him wild with desire. "Ahh," Gordon grunted. His hand caught one of the manuals and a few wrong notes disturbed the quietness. As she bobbed her head, Gordon could feel his control slipping away. He arched his back, letting out a low groan, his fingers digging into the sides of the organ stool. Harriet knew just how to use her tongue, teasing him mercilessly with it, driving him to the edge of release before pulling back and starting again. Her grip on him tightened ever so slightly, and he felt a surge of desire course through him, making his muscles tense and his heart race. With a groan that was equal parts pleasure and desperation, Gordon tensed, his hips bucking forward as he lost control. He felt the first spurt of hot seed erupt from his cock. Harriet didn't pull away, but instead opened her mouth wider, letting his essence flow over her tongue, down her throat. The sensation was almost too much for him to bear, and he let out a hoarse cry as he released himself fully into her mouth. As his orgasm subsided, Harriet slowly pulled back, her lips still wrapped around him, her eyes shining with pride and satisfaction. "That was wonderful, Gordon," she whispered. "Just wonderful." "Just like old times," came his breathless reply. Jenna Receives a Special Easter Egg. "You're quiet, Gordy!" Myah said as noticed him slumped on the settee, idly running his finger down an empty cup. "Oh! Sorry love," he muttered, quickly composing himself. His mind was still reeling from that fateful encounter with Harriet. He took a deep breath. "Hard day at the organ?" Myah giggled, leaning over the settee and kissing his forehead. "Got myself all prepared for tomorrow's service," he said quickly. "Erm, I have a confession to make; I er, was so wrapped up with practicing, I totally forgot to get some food in. But; worry not. Because you and I are dining out tonight! How do you fancy trying out that new Italian place? My treat. A working girl needs pampering." "Aww, yes!" Myah replied. "You're the best, my organ boy! Right, I'd better go and get changed!" She hurried upstairs and Gordon was alone with his thoughts once more. "Glad I got to see her one last time," he said to himself. "Goodbye Harriet." Next morning; The daffodils were in full splendor. A sea of yellow had erupted on the grass verges flanking the road to St. Michael's Church. A bright sunny sky greeted worshippers on this glorious Easter Sunday. Inside the church, it was bustling. Reverend Morris hurried about, making sure everything was just right, a music stand here, some extra hymn books there. "Where's Jenna?" He asked the churchwarden. "Why, in the vestry of course, with the rest of the choir. She's wearing robes this time, Vicar! Plus, Gordon and that Guild Voices chap will want to give a pep talk before they start." "Oh yes of course, silly me. Thanks Norman." "Do try to relax, it'll turn out fine. I have a feeling this Easter service is going to be unforgettable!" "Hope so, Reverend Morris replied, hurrying back down the aisle. "Right time for some more meet and greet;" A wrinkled hand grabbed the sleeve of his cassock as he passed a middle row of pews. "Good morning Vicar. I trust you weren't ignoring me?" "Ah; good morning to you, Mrs. Harris. Er, no I genuinely didn't see you there." "Of course, there are some things that cannot be unseen," the old lady replied, leaving him in no doubt has to what she was referring to. He cringed. "I'm so very sorry about that." "No need to apologize. You're lucky it was me and not Gladys Wilcox who saw you showing off everything the Lord gave you. Her reaction would've been rather different to mine." "Uh; I see," the vicar coughed, feeling his cheeks burning with shame. "Makes you sick doesn't it?" Mrs. Harris continued. "Just the thought of it." "The thought of what?" "Senior citizens lusting after younger men." Reverend Morris was unsure how to respond to that, but luckily Josh the curate intervened. "Would you believe it?" He said. "That flower arch around the door is absolutely infested with greenfly. Most of the flowers are already dead." "What? It only went up last night!" In the vestry, everyone was crammed in like sardines. Gordon had taken charge of the St. Michael's choir, whilst Derek was organizing the Guild Voices. "Oi, Luke, get that surplice on the right way round!" Gordon yelled at a choirboy. "Hannah, put that smartphone away!" He shook his head. "Honestly, it's like herding a bunch of cattle." "A shame about the lack of space," Derek remarked. "I keep forgetting what a small church this is. Morning Jenna!" He winked at the vicar's wife. "Hello Derek." The choirmaster lowered his voice. "Need a quick word with you alone; where can we go that's private?" Jenna glanced round. "Come with me." He discreetly followed her as she slipped out of the vestry and to a tiny storage area by the side of the organ pipes. There was no door, just a curtained archway. The room little more of an alcove, and the two of them could barely fit inside it. "Cozy," Derek smiled. "Got a little Easter present for you, Jenna," he said, rummaging in his jacket pocket. He handed her a small box. "Aww, thank you," she said. "That's really thoughtful." "Go on, you can open it now." "Oh that's cute," she smiled, holding up a little plastic yellow and green Easter egg on a pink silicone cord, and assumed it was a decoration of some kind. "Does it have chocolate inside?" Derek gave a mischievous grin. "Nope. You see; it's meant to go inside you! I was wondering if you could; wear it for me during the service? I'll enjoy an interesting little Easter egg hunt later; if you get what I mean." Jenna smiled back. Derek was more adventurous than she'd first imagined. "Why certainly, Derek. Maybe after the service, He will have Risen; and I'm not talking about Jesus there." She winked and hurried off to the toilets. "Naughty girl," Derek chuckled. "I hope she's in fine voice. Now the fun begins!" Shortly after, Jenna returned and took her place among the other Guild Voices choir members at the front of the church. Gordon began playing the voluntary, whilst the church choir did the usual procession down the main aisle. Reverend Morris stepped up to the pulpit and glanced at his wife. It seemed odd seeing his wife wearing a cassock and surplice, but she wore it well. He puffed out his chest with pride, noticing all the full pews. His church had definitely beaten St. Peter's. "Brothers and sisters, a very warm welcome to you all on this joyful Eastertide! I ask you to take the joy and hope of Easter and let it be your light and your life. Tell people that there's hope. In the driest valley, there is the resurrection. In the darkest night, there is the resurrection. In the worst moments you ever go through there is the resurrection, there is the promise of life, there is Jesus whispering into your ear saying that it's okay because death has lost its sting. There is the resurrection. Death is defeated. He has done it. He is risen. Hallelujah! We're very honored today to be hosting the Guild Voices Choir, led by the talented Mr. Derek Blackledge, who has put together a fantastic medley of holy music, along with our own equally talented organist, Gordon. He is, of course, ably assisted by his partner and organist-in-training Myah, who will be playing a few pieces for us. Now, without further ado, let us stand for our first hymn, Thine Be the Glory!" Just as Jenna was about to take a deep breath and focus on the music, she felt the egg she'd inserted into her womanhood begin to vibrate uncontrollably. Then, she noticed Derek, fiddling with his smart watch. His expression was one of mischief and amusement, and she knew instinctively that he was the one responsible for this unexpected distraction. The strains of the mighty organ filled the church as Gordon began playing the hymn. Jenna gave an awkward jolt, but was determined not to lose control during this situation. Well played, Derek, she thought. Well played. The choirmaster was waving his baton, and concentrating on the choir, but every so often, he made eye contact with Jenna, who was stood on the front row. Her voice was a little shaky, but it wasn't noticeable, thankfully. As the vibrations increased, Jenna struggled to maintain her composure. The sensations were overwhelming, and she could feel herself growing warm all over. She tried to ignore the egg, focusing instead on the beautiful music and the sacredness of the occasion. But try as she might, she couldn't help but be affected by the relentless vibrations. Her breath grew shorter, her cheeks flushed, and her body trembled with each passing moment. "No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life; life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife; Make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love: bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above! Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son, Endless is the vict'ry, thou o'er death hast won." The hymn ended, and quiet descended on the church. Everyone sat down, and that didn't make it any easier for Jenna, as she squirmed awkwardly on the chair. "What's the matter with the vicar's missus, she got fleas or something?" One of the old ladies on the front row of pews whispered. "Well you know what young people are like, Maud. They can't sit still for five minutes can they? Probably suffering from smartphone withdrawal." "Either that or she's bursting for the toilet!" Sitting through the readings was bad enough, but the sermon was to prove far worse. Derek had obviously been planning this ever since their encounter on Wednesday night. The devious choirmaster was loving this! She gritted her teeth as she noticed him fiddle with his watch again. He wasn't finished with her yet. Just as she thought she had regained control, it started to vibrate again, this time more insistently than before. It seemed to have a mind of its own, dancing against her clit with an unyielding determination. Jenna bit back a moan, her cheeks burning red as she fought to maintain her composure. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the next piece of music in the book, trying to ignore the sensations building inside her. "We all make mistakes and mess up. The way you �be� a good Christian is to have faith in that cross and empty grave, in what Jesus did there. Because our faith is the one where God comes to us to give us hope and defeat the powers of sin and death for us, out of love!" After what seemed like an eternity, Reverend Morris finally ended his sermon. It was time for the next hymn, The Old Rugged Cross, but first, there was a piece of music to be performed a cappella by the choir. Gordon left his place at the organ and stood alongside Derek. He adjusted his open-fronted black gown and nodded at the choir. He noticed Jenna and smiled at her. She looked a bit uncomfortable, which he assumed was down to her singing in front of an audience for the first time. As the singing began, Derek subtly pressed his watch again. Jenna's voice went from low to impossibly high. Her eyes closed and as she sang, she felt a newfound strength welling up inside her. It was a strength born of passion and desire, of the need to express herself fully and without restraint. Gordon was amazed at her vocal range, then again, he didn't need to remind himself that the stunning vicar's wife had many talents; some he was no longer privy to, but her cousin had more than made up for. As she belted out the final chorus, her body trembled with the effort. Her breath came in ragged gasps, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The egg vibrator continued its relentless dance against her sensitive flesh, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her veins. She could feel herself growing closer and closer to the edge, the release just out of reach. Gordon continued to watch her. Blimey, she's really putting her heart and soul into this performance. He thought. It's almost as if; she's about to have an orgasm! He scolded himself for thinking about sex yet again. Yet he could not shake the image of her desperate to climax. Under those robes, Miss Kitty could be sopping wet. Mmm, a nice thought. He took a deep breath as he felt his cock starting to twitch, and quickly put that out of his mind. The last thing he needed was to develop a hard-on in front of the entire church. The a cappella piece ended, and it was time for Gordon to return to the organ and play the next hymn. As he did, he stole one last glance at the vicar's wife. Maybe it was just nerves. He sat down on the organ stool and began playing The Old Rugged Cross. Jenna glanced around, hoping no one had noticed the effect the egg was having on her. But everyone seemed to be too focused on singing of the hymn, their faces glowing with pride and accomplishment. Jenna bit her lip, as she fought to control the egg's relentless movements. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on something, anything, other than the sensations building inside her. But it was no use. The loud notes of the organ, the church, passages from the Bible; all seemed to feed the fire burning inside her. She was about to come, and there was no stopping it. She closed her eyes, her fists gripping her hymn book tightly as she surrendered. She started moaning gently as the pressure within built up. As the hymn's final verse was sung, Jenna climaxed with an almighty yell and her body shuddered as her orgasm spewed forth her juices and then there was a pop. She gasped as she felt the egg vibrator slip loose and fall to the stone floor. The silicone cord broke free, and the egg rolled away, under her chair. There was no way she could bend down to retrieve it. Her intense behavior had not gone unnoticed by Edna Draper, who was stood next to her. "I take it you like that hymn a lot? You were really giving it your all!" "Yeah," Jenna said, getting her breath back. "I've been practicing so hard!" Meanwhile, the egg was still rolling along the church floor. It came to a stop by the side of the organ stool. "Hello, what do we have here?" Gordon said to himself. When the vicar took to the pulpit again, the organist discreetly bent down and picked up the egg. It was warm, wet and glistening with clear goo. He knew at once what it was. "Now which naughty little Easter Bunny does this egg belong to? I think I can guess." He gave it a sniff, wiped it with a tissue and placed it in his jacket pocket. Looking over to the choir, he noticed Jenna fidgeting on her chair. "I knew it! She was getting herself off when I was conducting the choir!" The Easter Sunday service drew to a close. Reverend Morris ended it with some uplifting words. "Brothers and Sisters! Before we all head off to the church hall for tea, coffee and chocolate eggs, let me ask you one more time. Are you filled with hope today? Then go out and take it with you! This is the best news you'll ever be able to give anyone. That He loves you enough to rise again, to give you hope. And no power on earth can stop us if that is the message we're bringing to people this Easter. Amen!" Based on a post by Blacksheep, for Literotica.

 Easter at St. Michael's: Part 2Gordon is reunited with an old crush.Based on a post by Blacksheep, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories. The monthly Mother's Union meeting was taking place at Gladys Wilcox's bungalow. There was much to discuss, mainly tomorrow's Easter Sunday service. However the main topic of conversation was the vicar's phallus."He was just standing there, starkers! Swinging, I tell you, swinging. It was like a boa constrictor poking out of a tree. I didn't know where to look!" Mrs. Harris exclaimed."Wish I could've been there," Mrs. Wilcox replied."Really, Gladys!""Well at our age there's not much opportunity for those sorts of thrills is there?" She grinned and glanced at Norman the churchwarden, who said nothing and awkwardly sipped his coffee. Being the only man there, he felt uncomfortable sitting through this, but Mrs. Wilcox had insisted he attend."How come he was naked?" Another woman asked."Said he'd been having a shower, but I know a lie when I see one. If you ask me, him and his wife had been; you know;""Having a quickie?" Mrs. Wilcox replied. Norman almost choked on his coffee, remembering that 21st birthday surprise the vicar had arranged for Jenna in the church, sixteen months ago."Yes, exactly!""You know something, Maureen, I was chatting to Maud Finch, on the bus the other day. Now she lives on Haddock Street, in one of those council houses that overlook the railway line. She tells me that groups of drunk young men are forever going up on that opposite embankment and mooning at passing trains.""Has she made a complaint?""Why on earth would she want to do that?" Mrs. Wilcox spluttered. "I said to her, I'll call round later this week and I'll bring a pair of binoculars!"Over on the other side of town, at 64 Stovepipe Avenue, Gordon Leesmith yawned and sat up in bed. He squinted at the alarm clock. It was ten thirty."Oh Gord, you lazy bugger," he said to himself, stretching his arms. He hadn't intended on having such a long lie-in. Myah had gone to work hours ago. She'd been working Saturdays the past few weeks, covering for Kate, a work colleague who was recovering from major abdominal surgery.Gordon staggered out of bed and scratched his belly as he peered out of the window. The weather seemed reasonable today. The past week had seen some very unsettled conditions, with sunny spells and frequent heavy showers, so typical of British springtime."I'd better get a move on. I promised Myah I'd cook tonight and there's not a bite of food in the house." Gordon didn't relish the prospect of going to the supermarket during the Easter weekend. Every shop was crammed. Besides, he wanted to head to the church and spend an hour practicing on the organ ready for tomorrow's special service. He'd have the church all to himself for once. He relished this temporary period of calm. Easter was always busy for the organist. As well as his full-time job repairing organs, he'd had to play the Wednesday Eucharist, the Maundy Thursday service, yesterday's Good Friday evening service and on Sunday, it was the big one. At least he could rest his fingers on Monday's bank holiday."Can't wait to jet off next month," he muttered, as he hurriedly dressed himself and brewed a cup of tea. He'd booked a week's holiday in Tenerife for himself and Myah. Their first holiday together and they were really looking forward to it. Gordon wasn't one for culture, eco-tourism or trailing round ancient ruins. Sun, sea and all-inclusive hotels were his idea of paradise. Myah had never been to the Canary Islands. He hoped she wouldn't be too bored just lounging on the beach or by the pool all day. He'd booked an adults-only hotel, the four star Golden Vista in Playa de las Americas. It had excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.Meanwhile, at the vicarage;Reverend Morris was in turmoil. "Maureen Harris has got a right mouth on her. Who needs social media when you've got a pensioner who's Britain's answer to Hedda Hopper?""Simon, you're worrying unnecessarily," Jenna said. "You've not done anything wrong. You were in your own home and you didn't know she was there.""Oh, I don't know. I'm the parish vicar and I just accidentally exposed myself in front of an elderly member of my congregation. Can't say I'm too thrilled about that.""Maureen shouldn't have walked in. She was in the wrong. Said she knocked, but when nobody answered, she should've given up and gone.""And I should've locked the front door! I bet she's told everyone at the Mother's Union that she saw me nude!"Jenna shrugged. "So, she saw your cock. I bet many other ladies wish they could've been so lucky!"Gordon parked up on the Tesco Express car park. As expected, the place was heaving with people rushing to get last-minute groceries. Tubs of cut-price garden fence paint were piled up outside the store. As he was looking at these, he heard someone call his name."Gordon? Gordon Leesmith. Is it you?"He spun round in surprise. A tall, slim woman, late sixties at a guess, and with silvery hair cut into a sleek bob, was stood next to him. She was dressed in a long, pale grey coat with fur-lined collar. Underneath, a skirt or dress of some sort, black tights and ankle boots."Uh, hello? Yes, I'm Gordon Leesmith. Who are you?"The woman chuckled. "Oh dear. I really have changed haven't I? You don't remember me, do you?"Gordon blinked as he studied her face carefully, then he let out a gasp."Harriet; Harriet Fairfax?""Guilty!"Gordon was too stunned to speak at first, but he quickly composed himself. After so many years, here was the woman he'd lost his virginity to, way back one summer night in 1985, when he was just eighteen. His former piano teacher!"Oh God! I can't believe it! I; I, it's so wonderful to see you again! I always wondered what happened to you, Harriet. The last time we met was in 1988, when I'd just got my ARCO diploma. After that, you; well, vanished.""That's a long story. Come, let's go and have a coffee. We've both got a lot to catch up on. I'm only here until Tuesday, then I'm flying back home.""You live abroad?""I emigrated to Australia when I got married.""Blimey. I think I need more than a coffee. I know a good place." He took her arm in his and they headed across the road."You certainly have grown in confidence," Harriet smiled. "I always knew you would."At a small pub in the town center, Gordon sipped an overpriced beer and listened intently as Harriet filled him in on her life story. He felt a lump in his throat as she told him of her marriage to Graham, an Australian musician she'd met shortly after Gordon's fateful night in Blackpool Tower."I suppose my head was well and truly turned. I was blinded by love. You have to remember back then in the Eighties, a single woman, mid-thirties and childless, well I was seen as being left on the shelf. Graham seemed the perfect man; and as I was never close to my parents, I figured here was my one chance to have a new start. New country, new job. So we settled in Perth. I started work as a music teacher. Loved it. Work was bliss. Unfortunately, marriage to Graham was anything but.""Was he unfaithful?" Gordon asked."No. I would've preferred it if he was. He was abusive. It's because of him that I have partial hearing in my right ear. The beatings got so bad; he beat me black and blue. Even when I was pregnant."Tears pricked Gordon's eyes. "Bastard. Oh God, Harriet. I'm so sorry. Tell me you managed to leave him?""Didn't need to. He took it upon himself to commit suicide one evening. I came back from work and found him swinging in the garage. August 11th, 1997. What a day to remember, eh? He'd always been a heavy drinker. I found out he'd run up massive debts, got himself fired.""Dear God. How did you cope?""Well friends and neighbors rallied round. I'm lucky. I'm one of those people who makes friends easily. I had a good support network. Besides, I had to stay strong, for the sake of my boys, Daniel and Ryan; only got Ryan now."She paused and Gordon wondered whether he should press her further."Daniel; died. He was twelve. A total sweetheart. You see, he was born with Down's Syndrome. Graham never coped with it. He was the loveliest, most gentle boy. Everyone who met him just adored his sunny nature. He loved animals and music. But Graham ignored him. Ryan came along three years later. He's able-bodied. Actually that's why I'm over here. I've been visiting Ryan. He's thirty now. Works as a concert pianist. I'm so proud of him. He's fiercely independent. Doesn't need me fussing over him, but we're still close. This is the last time I'll be flying here. I can't handle these long haul flights any more, now that I'm almost seventy-four. Never did like flying. He'll be the one flying over to see me next time.""You look amazing," Gordon quickly blurted out, wiping his eyes."Heh, thanks.""I'm so sorry you've had to endure all that, Harriet," Gordon sniffed, placing his hand on hers."Thanks for being a good listener. Hey and I'm a survivor. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?""So; you didn't re-marry?""Nah. After Graham died, I focused on being a mum. I got used to being single. Although ten years ago, I met Ray. He's widowed like me and a few years older. He's a total gentleman, bless him. I can't say he excites me sexually. I hope this doesn't sound too mean; he's a bit boring, but at my age, I'm past all that. It's just nice to have someone who's dependable and kind."Gordon nodded. Looking at Harriet, he thought she still looked very attractive. She'd aged well, despite the heartache she'd gone through. A surge of excitement rushed through him."Anyways Gordon, I've prattled on about myself for too long! Tell me what you've been up to all these years!"Without wanting to bore her, Gordon gave a rundown of his life. From his marriage to Marjorie, to her cheating on him and then divorcing him, to becoming organist and choirmaster at St Michael's church, to meeting Myah. He chose to omit any mention of Jenna, the stunning vicar's wife who he'd bedded countless times before Myah arrived on the scene."She's very attractive," Harriet said as Gordon showed her a photo on his smartphone. "You look so happy together. Do you'll think you'll have children in future?""It's a possibility, given that she's much younger than me. Marjorie was adamant she never wanted children. I respected that. I confess I've never given much thought to becoming a dad. But if Myah does want to become a mum, then I'll be up for it.""About the age gap. It's a large one. Has that presented any problems?""It did at first. Her parents were furious. Some hurtful things were said, but her mother and I eventually came to an understanding. Most people at church have been okay but there were a couple of exceptions. It upset me when my cousin Barry called me a "borderline nonce." He was only joking, but it hurt. She'll be twenty in July. Myah was the one who pursued me, not the other way round;""Perhaps Barry was jealous of you. But yes, that was a crass thing to say. Well Gordon, there's one thing I want to experience before I head back Down Under."His eyes widened. "Really? What's that?""I want to see and hear you play a pipe organ! You showed such skill and talent way back in 1985;" she winked at him and he felt that surge of excitement again."Funnily enough, I was planning to have a practice at church today. Tomorrow's a big day, being Easter Sunday. We've got two choirs singing. Care to join me on a trip to St Michael's? It's only a five minute walk from here."The Mother's Union meeting was drawing to a close, but poor Norman could bear it no longer. Mrs. Wilcox was still questioning Mrs. Harris on a certain part of the vicar's anatomy."Ladies, please excuse me; I really need to; er, relieve myself. Thank you for your company and I'll see you at church tomorrow!""Oh yes, take care Norman!" they replied, oblivious to his embarrassment."That's a fine lodger you've got yourself, Gladys. Now I tend to view men as nothing more than useless articles, but he is a true Christian.""Oh he truly is, Maureen. We have such wonderful times together. He was very easy to train!"At St Michael's church, Gordon gave Harriet a quick tour, before leading her to the organ."This is a beautiful church," she said. "That's one thing I miss about living in Australia. All of the churches there are recent by comparison. There isn't the history. Oh there are some lovely ones, but it's not the same. This one goes back to medieval times. I love old buildings.""Yes, it's a nice church. Good community here too. I get on so well with the vicar. Reverend Morris is a good egg. His sermons are rather tedious, but nobody's perfect, eh?" He sat on the organ stool. "Here she is! What do you think?""She's a beauty, Gordon. Three manuals, and the pipework is incredible. A large organ for such a small church.""Aye, she's a grand old lass. I gave her a complete overhaul in January. Replaced some of the big flue pipes. Now she sounds better than ever." He switched on the lamp above the manuals."Very handy having an organist who can fix organs as well as play them. That's a very specialized job, isn't it?""Pretty much. Right; what would you like me to play?"Harriet removed her thick coat and slid onto the stool next to him."Hmm. It's an overplayed piece of music, but I've always liked The Entertainer. You played that for me when you used to come for lessons, remember?""Ah yes. I remember!"As he began to play, Harriet glanced at her former student, no longer a gauche, skinny teenager but a stocky, fifty-six year old man, with silver hair. He had a paunch, but it suited him. He'd grown into his looks and actually looked better now than when he was eighteen. She ran a finger across her chin, and carefully considered her next move. He truly had become a very gifted organist.Gordon was halfway through playing, when a hand on his thigh made him play a wrong note. He stopped and looked down."Umm;""No-one must find out about this." Harriet whispered."Well Myah's at work; and I don't think Ray can see what we're up to from the other side of the world;" Gordon stammered. He couldn't believe history was repeating itself."An old girl like me can still get all hot and bothered seeing an attractive younger man," she teased. Her thigh was pressing against his and his cock was starting to respond."Uh; Harriet," Gordon mumbled, and once again he was transported back to 1985, and was that shy, awkward teenager again. "I; just want you to know. You were my first major crush. Well; I'd fancied other girls, but you; well you just; did it for me.""I'm so glad to hear you say that, Gordon. You were the only student I ever felt attracted to. Truth is, at the time, I was feeling rather sorry for myself and unattractive. When I found out you had a crush on me, it was an incredible turn-on. To be desired by a much-younger man. I knew the whole time.""Guess I wasn't that good at being discreet," Gordon replied.

 Easter at St. Michael's: Part 2Gordon is reunited with an old crush.Based on a post by Blacksheep, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories. The monthly Mother's Union meeting was taking place at Gladys Wilcox's bungalow. There was much to discuss, mainly tomorrow's Easter Sunday service. However the main topic of conversation was the vicar's phallus."He was just standing there, starkers! Swinging, I tell you, swinging. It was like a boa constrictor poking out of a tree. I didn't know where to look!" Mrs. Harris exclaimed."Wish I could've been there," Mrs. Wilcox replied."Really, Gladys!""Well at our age there's not much opportunity for those sorts of thrills is there?" She grinned and glanced at Norman the churchwarden, who said nothing and awkwardly sipped his coffee. Being the only man there, he felt uncomfortable sitting through this, but Mrs. Wilcox had insisted he attend."How come he was naked?" Another woman asked."Said he'd been having a shower, but I know a lie when I see one. If you ask me, him and his wife had been; you know;""Having a quickie?" Mrs. Wilcox replied. Norman almost choked on his coffee, remembering that 21st birthday surprise the vicar had arranged for Jenna in the church, sixteen months ago."Yes, exactly!""You know something, Maureen, I was chatting to Maud Finch, on the bus the other day. Now she lives on Haddock Street, in one of those council houses that overlook the railway line. She tells me that groups of drunk young men are forever going up on that opposite embankment and mooning at passing trains.""Has she made a complaint?""Why on earth would she want to do that?" Mrs. Wilcox spluttered. "I said to her, I'll call round later this week and I'll bring a pair of binoculars!"Over on the other side of town, at 64 Stovepipe Avenue, Gordon Leesmith yawned and sat up in bed. He squinted at the alarm clock. It was ten thirty."Oh Gord, you lazy bugger," he said to himself, stretching his arms. He hadn't intended on having such a long lie-in. Myah had gone to work hours ago. She'd been working Saturdays the past few weeks, covering for Kate, a work colleague who was recovering from major abdominal surgery.Gordon staggered out of bed and scratched his belly as he peered out of the window. The weather seemed reasonable today. The past week had seen some very unsettled conditions, with sunny spells and frequent heavy showers, so typical of British springtime."I'd better get a move on. I promised Myah I'd cook tonight and there's not a bite of food in the house." Gordon didn't relish the prospect of going to the supermarket during the Easter weekend. Every shop was crammed. Besides, he wanted to head to the church and spend an hour practicing on the organ ready for tomorrow's special service. He'd have the church all to himself for once. He relished this temporary period of calm. Easter was always busy for the organist. As well as his full-time job repairing organs, he'd had to play the Wednesday Eucharist, the Maundy Thursday service, yesterday's Good Friday evening service and on Sunday, it was the big one. At least he could rest his fingers on Monday's bank holiday."Can't wait to jet off next month," he muttered, as he hurriedly dressed himself and brewed a cup of tea. He'd booked a week's holiday in Tenerife for himself and Myah. Their first holiday together and they were really looking forward to it. Gordon wasn't one for culture, eco-tourism or trailing round ancient ruins. Sun, sea and all-inclusive hotels were his idea of paradise. Myah had never been to the Canary Islands. He hoped she wouldn't be too bored just lounging on the beach or by the pool all day. He'd booked an adults-only hotel, the four star Golden Vista in Playa de las Americas. It had excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.Meanwhile, at the vicarage;Reverend Morris was in turmoil. "Maureen Harris has got a right mouth on her. Who needs social media when you've got a pensioner who's Britain's answer to Hedda Hopper?""Simon, you're worrying unnecessarily," Jenna said. "You've not done anything wrong. You were in your own home and you didn't know she was there.""Oh, I don't know. I'm the parish vicar and I just accidentally exposed myself in front of an elderly member of my congregation. Can't say I'm too thrilled about that.""Maureen shouldn't have walked in. She was in the wrong. Said she knocked, but when nobody answered, she should've given up and gone.""And I should've locked the front door! I bet she's told everyone at the Mother's Union that she saw me nude!"Jenna shrugged. "So, she saw your cock. I bet many other ladies wish they could've been so lucky!"Gordon parked up on the Tesco Express car park. As expected, the place was heaving with people rushing to get last-minute groceries. Tubs of cut-price garden fence paint were piled up outside the store. As he was looking at these, he heard someone call his name."Gordon? Gordon Leesmith. Is it you?"He spun round in surprise. A tall, slim woman, late sixties at a guess, and with silvery hair cut into a sleek bob, was stood next to him. She was dressed in a long, pale grey coat with fur-lined collar. Underneath, a skirt or dress of some sort, black tights and ankle boots."Uh, hello? Yes, I'm Gordon Leesmith. Who are you?"The woman chuckled. "Oh dear. I really have changed haven't I? You don't remember me, do you?"Gordon blinked as he studied her face carefully, then he let out a gasp."Harriet; Harriet Fairfax?""Guilty!"Gordon was too stunned to speak at first, but he quickly composed himself. After so many years, here was the woman he'd lost his virginity to, way back one summer night in 1985, when he was just eighteen. His former piano teacher!"Oh God! I can't believe it! I; I, it's so wonderful to see you again! I always wondered what happened to you, Harriet. The last time we met was in 1988, when I'd just got my ARCO diploma. After that, you; well, vanished.""That's a long story. Come, let's go and have a coffee. We've both got a lot to catch up on. I'm only here until Tuesday, then I'm flying back home.""You live abroad?""I emigrated to Australia when I got married.""Blimey. I think I need more than a coffee. I know a good place." He took her arm in his and they headed across the road."You certainly have grown in confidence," Harriet smiled. "I always knew you would."At a small pub in the town center, Gordon sipped an overpriced beer and listened intently as Harriet filled him in on her life story. He felt a lump in his throat as she told him of her marriage to Graham, an Australian musician she'd met shortly after Gordon's fateful night in Blackpool Tower."I suppose my head was well and truly turned. I was blinded by love. You have to remember back then in the Eighties, a single woman, mid-thirties and childless, well I was seen as being left on the shelf. Graham seemed the perfect man; and as I was never close to my parents, I figured here was my one chance to have a new start. New country, new job. So we settled in Perth. I started work as a music teacher. Loved it. Work was bliss. Unfortunately, marriage to Graham was anything but.""Was he unfaithful?" Gordon asked."No. I would've preferred it if he was. He was abusive. It's because of him that I have partial hearing in my right ear. The beatings got so bad; he beat me black and blue. Even when I was pregnant."Tears pricked Gordon's eyes. "Bastard. Oh God, Harriet. I'm so sorry. Tell me you managed to leave him?""Didn't need to. He took it upon himself to commit suicide one evening. I came back from work and found him swinging in the garage. August 11th, 1997. What a day to remember, eh? He'd always been a heavy drinker. I found out he'd run up massive debts, got himself fired.""Dear God. How did you cope?""Well friends and neighbors rallied round. I'm lucky. I'm one of those people who makes friends easily. I had a good support network. Besides, I had to stay strong, for the sake of my boys, Daniel and Ryan; only got Ryan now."She paused and Gordon wondered whether he should press her further."Daniel; died. He was twelve. A total sweetheart. You see, he was born with Down's Syndrome. Graham never coped with it. He was the loveliest, most gentle boy. Everyone who met him just adored his sunny nature. He loved animals and music. But Graham ignored him. Ryan came along three years later. He's able-bodied. Actually that's why I'm over here. I've been visiting Ryan. He's thirty now. Works as a concert pianist. I'm so proud of him. He's fiercely independent. Doesn't need me fussing over him, but we're still close. This is the last time I'll be flying here. I can't handle these long haul flights any more, now that I'm almost seventy-four. Never did like flying. He'll be the one flying over to see me next time.""You look amazing," Gordon quickly blurted out, wiping his eyes."Heh, thanks.""I'm so sorry you've had to endure all that, Harriet," Gordon sniffed, placing his hand on hers."Thanks for being a good listener. Hey and I'm a survivor. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?""So; you didn't re-marry?""Nah. After Graham died, I focused on being a mum. I got used to being single. Although ten years ago, I met Ray. He's widowed like me and a few years older. He's a total gentleman, bless him. I can't say he excites me sexually. I hope this doesn't sound too mean; he's a bit boring, but at my age, I'm past all that. It's just nice to have someone who's dependable and kind."Gordon nodded. Looking at Harriet, he thought she still looked very attractive. She'd aged well, despite the heartache she'd gone through. A surge of excitement rushed through him."Anyways Gordon, I've prattled on about myself for too long! Tell me what you've been up to all these years!"Without wanting to bore her, Gordon gave a rundown of his life. From his marriage to Marjorie, to her cheating on him and then divorcing him, to becoming organist and choirmaster at St Michael's church, to meeting Myah. He chose to omit any mention of Jenna, the stunning vicar's wife who he'd bedded countless times before Myah arrived on the scene."She's very attractive," Harriet said as Gordon showed her a photo on his smartphone. "You look so happy together. Do you'll think you'll have children in future?""It's a possibility, given that she's much younger than me. Marjorie was adamant she never wanted children. I respected that. I confess I've never given much thought to becoming a dad. But if Myah does want to become a mum, then I'll be up for it.""About the age gap. It's a large one. Has that presented any problems?""It did at first. Her parents were furious. Some hurtful things were said, but her mother and I eventually came to an understanding. Most people at church have been okay but there were a couple of exceptions. It upset me when my cousin Barry called me a "borderline nonce." He was only joking, but it hurt. She'll be twenty in July. Myah was the one who pursued me, not the other way round;""Perhaps Barry was jealous of you. But yes, that was a crass thing to say. Well Gordon, there's one thing I want to experience before I head back Down Under."His eyes widened. "Really? What's that?""I want to see and hear you play a pipe organ! You showed such skill and talent way back in 1985;" she winked at him and he felt that surge of excitement again."Funnily enough, I was planning to have a practice at church today. Tomorrow's a big day, being Easter Sunday. We've got two choirs singing. Care to join me on a trip to St Michael's? It's only a five minute walk from here."The Mother's Union meeting was drawing to a close, but poor Norman could bear it no longer. Mrs. Wilcox was still questioning Mrs. Harris on a certain part of the vicar's anatomy."Ladies, please excuse me; I really need to; er, relieve myself. Thank you for your company and I'll see you at church tomorrow!""Oh yes, take care Norman!" they replied, oblivious to his embarrassment."That's a fine lodger you've got yourself, Gladys. Now I tend to view men as nothing more than useless articles, but he is a true Christian.""Oh he truly is, Maureen. We have such wonderful times together. He was very easy to train!"At St Michael's church, Gordon gave Harriet a quick tour, before leading her to the organ."This is a beautiful church," she said. "That's one thing I miss about living in Australia. All of the churches there are recent by comparison. There isn't the history. Oh there are some lovely ones, but it's not the same. This one goes back to medieval times. I love old buildings.""Yes, it's a nice church. Good community here too. I get on so well with the vicar. Reverend Morris is a good egg. His sermons are rather tedious, but nobody's perfect, eh?" He sat on the organ stool. "Here she is! What do you think?""She's a beauty, Gordon. Three manuals, and the pipework is incredible. A large organ for such a small church.""Aye, she's a grand old lass. I gave her a complete overhaul in January. Replaced some of the big flue pipes. Now she sounds better than ever." He switched on the lamp above the manuals."Very handy having an organist who can fix organs as well as play them. That's a very specialized job, isn't it?""Pretty much. Right; what would you like me to play?"Harriet removed her thick coat and slid onto the stool next to him."Hmm. It's an overplayed piece of music, but I've always liked The Entertainer. You played that for me when you used to come for lessons, remember?""Ah yes. I remember!"As he began to play, Harriet glanced at her former student, no longer a gauche, skinny teenager but a stocky, fifty-six year old man, with silver hair. He had a paunch, but it suited him. He'd grown into his looks and actually looked better now than when he was eighteen. She ran a finger across her chin, and carefully considered her next move. He truly had become a very gifted organist.Gordon was halfway through playing, when a hand on his thigh made him play a wrong note. He stopped and looked down."Umm;""No-one must find out about this." Harriet whispered."Well Myah's at work; and I don't think Ray can see what we're up to from the other side of the world;" Gordon stammered. He couldn't believe history was repeating itself."An old girl like me can still get all hot and bothered seeing an attractive younger man," she teased. Her thigh was pressing against his and his cock was starting to respond."Uh; Harriet," Gordon mumbled, and once again he was transported back to 1985, and was that shy, awkward teenager again. "I; just want you to know. You were my first major crush. Well; I'd fancied other girls, but you; well you just; did it for me.""I'm so glad to hear you say that, Gordon. You were the only student I ever felt attracted to. Truth is, at the time, I was feeling rather sorry for myself and unattractive. When I found out you had a crush on me, it was an incredible turn-on. To be desired by a much-younger man. I knew the whole time.""Guess I wasn't that good at being discreet," Gordon replied.

EPISODE 56 - “MARJORIE REYNOLDS: CLASSIC CINEMA STAR OF THE MONTH” - 10/07/2024 Most film fanatics agree that after the Paramount Picture's holiday classic “Holiday Inn” (1942), actress MARJORIE REYNOLDS, who gave a star-turn as struggling actress Linda Mason who gets a break singing and dancing in the seasonal nightclub run by BING CROSBY, should have been a big star. However, for reasons not quite clear, she didn't rise into the stratosphere. While she had a very respectable and long career, she just didn't soar to the top, as expected. As our Star of the Month, we will take a look into Marjorie Reynolds' life and career and explore our theories on why “Holiday Inn” did not make her a major star.  SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Christmas In the Movies (2023), by Jeremy Arnold; Whatever Became of…10th Series (1986), by Richard Lamparski; My Heart Belongs (1976), by Mary Martin; Scarlet Fever (1977), by William Pratt (including the collection of Herb Bridges); The Film Lovers Companion (1997), by David Quinlan; Biography of Marjorie Reynolds, July 25, 1942, Paramount Pictures;  “Super Cinderella,” November 1942, by William Lynch value, Silver Screen magazine; “Marjorie's Horse Comes In,” November 7, 1942, by Kyle Crichton, Collier's Magazine; Versatility Pays Off for Marjorie Reynolds,” March 10, 1944, by Hedda Hopper, Los Angeles, Times; “Divorce Plans Discussed by Miss Reynolds,” July 23, 1951, by Hedda Hopper, Los Angeles, Times; “Marjorie Reynolds to Be Wed to Film Editor,” May 16, 1952, Los Angeles, Times; “Marjorie Reynolds Weds Film Editor,” May 18, 1953, The Sedalia Democrat (Missouri); “Marjorie Reynolds: Sixty Years in the Film Business,” April 1984, by Colin Briggs, Hollywood Studio Magazine; “Marjorie Reynolds, 79, Actress, In Classic Films and on Television,” February 16, 1997, The New York Times; TCM.com; IMDBPro.com; IBDB.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  Holiday Inn (1942), starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, & Virginia Dale; Wine, Women, and Song (1933), starring Lilyan Tashman; Murder In Greenwich Village (1937), starring Richard Arlen & Fay Wray; Tex Rides With The Boy Scouts (1937), starring Tex Ritter; The Overland Express (1938), starring Buck Jones; Western Trails (1938), starring Bob Baker; Six Shootin' Sheriff (1938), starring Ken Maynard; Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour, Veronica Lake, & Alan Ladd; Dixie (1943), starring Bing Crosby & Dorothy Lamour; Up In Mabel's Room (1944), starring Dennis O'Keefe & Gail Patrick; Ministry of Fear (1944), starring Ray Milland; Three Is A Family (1944), starring Charles Ruggles & Fay Bainter; Bring On The Girls (1945), starring Veronica Lake & Eddie Bracken; Monsieur Beaucaire (1946), starring Bob Hope & Joan Caulfield; The Time Of Their Lives (1946), starring Bud Abbott & Lou Costello; Meet Me On Broadway (1946), starring Fred Brady & Spring Byington; Heaven Only Knows (1947), Bob Cummings & Brian Donlevy; Badmen of Tombstone (1949), starring Barry Sullivan & Broderick Crawford; That Midnight Kiss (1949), starring Mario Lanza & Kathryn Grayson; The Great Jewel Robber (1950), starring David Brian; Home Town Story (1951), starring Jeffry Lynn, Alan Hale Jr, & Marilyn Monroe; Models, Inc (1952), starring Howard Duff & Coleen Gray; His Kind of Woman (1951), starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Russell, & Vincent Price; The Silent Witness (1962), starring Tristram Coffin & George Kennedy; Pearl (1978), starring Angie Dickinson, Dennis Weaver, & Robert Wagner; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hedda Hopper Show 45-04-30 (x) Guest - Charles Laughton

This month we're juicing Hollywood and getting into the two matrons of juicy Hollywood gossip. We'll be covering Louella Parsons (17:26) and Hedda Hopper (45:07) and their legendary feud. 

Louella Parsons (1881-1972) was an American gossip columnist and screenwriter, whose work boasted an audience of 20 million across many newspapers. She called herself the first-ever film reviewer and was known for her influence in Hollywood and her fierce competition with rival journalist Hedda Hopper.  For Further Reading:  The Powerful Rivalry of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons Forgotten Hollywood: Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper Were the Mean Queens of Hollywood Gossip for Half a Century This month we're talking about adversaries. These women fought against systems, governments and – sometimes each other to break barriers in their respective fields. They did unthinkable and sometimes unspeakable things to carve out their place in history. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn't help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we'll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures. Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Hannah Bottum, Lauren Willams, and Adrien Behn. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. Original theme music composed by Miles Moran. Follow Wonder Media Network: Website Instagram Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPISODE 49 - “Birthday Tribute to Classic Cinema Star Ann Blyth ” - 08/19/2024 ** This episode is sponsored brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self.” ** With her crystal clear soprano voice, porcelain doll face, and fierce acting talent, ANN BLYTH became a much in-demand star in the 1940s and 1950s. While known mostly as a romantic musical comedy star in film such as “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid” (1948), “Rose Marie” (1954), and “Kismet” (1955), she was also a deft dramatic actress when given the chance. Who can forget her as Veda, he daughter who made JOAN CRAWFORD's life a living hell, in “Mildred Pierce” (1945), or as the down-trodden alcoholic singer in “The Helen Morgan Story” (1957)? Blyth turns 96 on August 13th and is truly a living legend. Listen this week as we pay tribute with an episode about Ann Blyth's remarkable life and career. SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Ann Blyth: Singer, Actress, Star (2018), by Jacqueline T. Lynch; “Ann Blyth: Official Biography,” July 1956, Paramount Pictures; “Film Actress Breaks Back in Accident,” March 10, 1945, LA Examiner; “Actress Ready to Work After Skiing Accident,” January 18, 1946, LA Examiner; “Ann Blyth's Mother Dies,' July 23, 1946, Los Angeles Times; “Bright Future Visioned For Youthful Ann Blyth,” September 10, 1949, by Hedda Hopper, Los Angeles Times; “Angelic Annie,” September 27, 1952, by Richard G. Hubler, Collier's Magazine; “The Blyth Spirit,” October 12, 1952, by William Brownell, New York Times; “Ann Blyth: Bride of the Year,” June 1953, Photoplay Magazine; “A Blyth Spirit From An Earlier Error,” February 28, 1985, by Jack Hawn, Los Angeles Times; “She's Still Singing Just As Beautifully,” March 19, 1989, by Mitchell Smyth, Toronto Daily Star; “Looking Back: Ann Blyth” June 5, 1990, by Ann Blyth, The Hollywood Reporter; “Playing Thier Songs,” October 14,1994, by Libby Slate, Los Angeles Times; “Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That,” September 29, 1997, by Candace A. Wedlan, Los Angeles Times;  “Not Like Veda,” August 12, 2013, by Susan King, Los Angeles Times; TCM.com; IMDBPro.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  Chip Off The Old Block (1944), starring Donald O'Connor, and Peggy Ryan; Babes On Swing Street (1944), starring Peggy Ryan; Mildred Pierce (1945), starring Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth, Zachary Scott, Jack Carson, and Eve Arden; Swell Guy (1946), starring Sonny Tufts; Brute Force (1947), starring Burt Lancaster, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Ella Raines; Killer McCoy (1947), starring Mickey Rooney; A Woman's Vengeance (1948) starring Charles Boyer; Another Part of The Forest (1948), starring Fredric March, Florence Eldridge, Edmond O'Brien, and Dan Duryea; Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948), starring William Powell and Irene Hervey; Top O' The Morning (1949), starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald; Once More My Darling (1949), starring Robert Montgomery; Free For All (1949), starring Robert Cummings: Our Very Own (1950), starring Farley Granger; Katy Did It (1951), starring Mark Stevens; The Great Caruso (1951), starring Mario Lanza; Thunder On the Hill (1951), starring Claudette Colbert; All The Brother's Were Valiant (1953), starring Robert Taylor, Stewart Granger;  Rosie Marie (1954), starring Ann Blyth; The Student Prince (1954), starring Mario Lanza; Kismet (1955), starring Howard Keel; Slander (1957), starring Van Johnson and Steve Cochran; The Buster Keaton Story (1957), starring Donald O'Connor; The Helen Morgan Story (1957), starring Paul Newman; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hedda Hopper Show 50-02-15 (x) Guest - Richard Nixon

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/BENEATH and get on your way to being your best self. EPISODE 43 - “Favorite Classic Films of the 1930s” - 07/08/2024 During the golden era of old Hollywood, each decade brought forth exciting films that helped define the motion picture industry. In a new feature, Steve and Nan will discect each decade and highlight movies that resonated with them as they started their individual study of film. Beginning with the 1930s, listen as they discuss film that made an impact not only on them, but on the film industry as a whole. And yes, a few of the film they discuss are from that magic year of 1939. SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Pursuits of Happiness: The Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage (1981), by Stanley Cavell; The Screwball Comedy Films: A History and Filmography 1934-1942 (2022), by Grégoire Halbout; The Art of the Screwball Comedy (2013), by Doris Milberg; Wiliam Holden: A Biography (2010), by Michelangelo Capua; The Life and Loves of Barbara Stanwyck (2009), by Jane Ellen Wayne; The Lonely Life: An Autobiography (2017), by Bette Davis; Leslie Howard: The Lost Actor (2013), by Estel Eforgan; Jean Arthur: The Actress Nobody Knew (1997), by John Oller; The Films of Frank Capra (1977), by Victor Scherle and William Turner Levy; IMDBPro.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  The Women (1939), starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Mary Poland, Joan Fontaine, Lucille Watson, Virginia Pohvah, Virginia Weidler, Marjorie Main, Virginia Grey, Hedda Hopper, Ruth Hussey, and Mary Beth Hughes; The Petrified Forest (1936), starring Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Porter Hall, Genevieve Tobin, Dick Foran, Joe Sawyer, Charley Grapewin, and Paul Harvey; Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Beulah Bondi, and Guy Kibbee; Easy Living (1937), starring Jean Arthur, Ray Milland, Edward Arnold, Luis Alberni, Franklin Pangborn, Mary Nash, William Demarest, and Esther Dale; My Man Godfrey (1936), starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Gail Patrick, Alice Brady, Eugene Pallette, Jean Dixon, Misha Auer, and Alan Mowbray; The Awful Truth (1937), starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Ralph Bellamy, Cecil Cunningham, Molly Lamont, Alexander D'Arcy, Joyce Compton, and Esther Dale; Stage Door (1937), starring Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball, Ann Miller, Andrea Leeds, Eve Arden, Gail Patrick, Adolphe Menjou, Franklin Pangborn, Samuel S. Hinds, and Constance Collier; Golden Boy (1939), starring Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Adolphe Menjou, Lee J. Cobb, Joseph Calleia, Edward Brophy, and Sam Levene; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is thrilled to welcome our newest sponsor, www.HappyMammoth.com. Use code BENEATH at checkout for 15% off of your entire first order! EPISODE 40 - “Old Hollywood's Forbidden Love Story/ Lon McCallister & William Eythe” - 06/17/2024 As we celebrate gay pride month in June, Nan and Steve bring a special episode about 20th Century Fox contract players LON McCALLISTER and WILLIAM EYTHE. Both were handsome, talented, and on their way to becoming major film stars. But there was only one problem — the two young men had fallen in love and wanted to live their lives as a couple. This love was forbidden back then and went against the wishes of 20th Century Fox studio head DARRYL F. ZANUCK. Listen to this inspiring and heartbreaking story of their love story.  SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Behind the Scenes: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood (2001), by William J. Mann; It Might As Well Be Spring (1987), by Margaret Whiting; “Terrific Trio,” May 1944, by Marcia Daughtrey, Modern Screen; “Keyhole Portrait: William Eythe,” June 4, 1944, by Harriet Parson, Los Angeles Examiner; “Bill Eythe's Triumph Over Pain,” April 1, 1945, New York Times; “The Role I Liked Best…” September 2, 1950, by Lon McCallister, The Saturday Evening Post; “Film Actor Eythe Jailed on Writ of Former Wife,” September 4, 1950, Los Angeles Daily News; “Actor Suffered Hangover in Durance Vile,” June 3, 1952, Los Angeles Daily News; “William Eythe, Producer, Held as Drunk Driver,” June 4, 1952, Los Angeles Times; “Eythe, McCallister Prep ‘Joy Ride' for Broadway,” March 12, 1956, Hollywood Reporter; “William Eythe Ill With Hepatitis, Condition Serious,” January 26, 1957, by Hedda Hopper, Los Angeles Times; “William Eythe Dies,” January 28, 1957, The Hollywood Reporter; Lon McCallister, 82, Actor Had Brief but Busy Career Before Becoming Investor,” June 18, 2005, by Mary Rourke, Los Angeles Times; “McCallister's Heart Outshine His Stardom,” June 21, 2005, by Robert Osborne, Hollywood Reporter; “Mars Actor Had Meteoric Career,” February 4, 2007, by Sandy Marwick, Butler-Eagle Focus; IMDBPro.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  The Other Woman (1942), starring Virginia Gilmore, Dan Duryea, and Lon McCallister; Stage Door Canteen (1943), starring Katharine Hepburn, Paul Muni, Merle Oberon, and Lon McCallister; The Ox-Bow Incident (1945), starring Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Henry Morgan, and Mary Beth Hughes; The Moon Is Down (1936), starring Cedric Hardwicke, Henry Travers, and Lee J. Cobb; The Song of Bernadette (1943), starring Jennifer Jones, Vincent Price, Charles Bickford, and William Eythe;  The Eve of St. Mark (1943), starring William Eythe and Anne Baxter; A Wing and a Prayer (1944), starring Don Ameche, Dana Andrews, and William Eythe; Wilson (1944), starring Alexander Knox, Geraldine Fitzgerald, and William Eythe; Home In Indiana (1944), starring Lon McCallister, Jeanne Crain, and June Haver; Winged Victory (1944), starring Lon McCallister, Edmond O'Brien, and Jeanne Crain; A Royal Scandal (1945), starring Tallulah Bankhead, Lon McCallister, and Anne Baxter; The House On 92nd Street (1945), starring Signe Hasso and William Eythe; Centennial Summer (1946), starring Jeanne Crain, Cornel Wilde, Linda Darnell, and William Eythe; The Red House (1947), starring Edward G. Robinson, Lon McCallister, and Judith Anderson; Thunder in the Valley (1947), starring Edmund Gwenn, Peggy Ann Garner, and Lon McCallister; Scud Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948), starring Lon McCallister, Walter Brennan, and June Haver; Meet Me at Dawn (1947) starring William Eythe and Hazel Court; The Big Cat (1949), starring Lon McCallister and Peggy Ann Garner; The Story of Sea Biscuit (1949), starring Lon McCallister and Shirley Temple; The Boy From Indiana (1950), starring Lon McCallister and Lois Butler; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE 38 - “Ruth Roman: Star of the Month (June)” - 06/03/2024 RUTH ROMAN was more than a pretty face; she was a survivor! She survived childhood poverty, the fickle nature of Hollywood, the wrath of Alfred Hitchcock, several marriages, and the sinking of the luxury liner Andrea Doria in 1956. Yes, Roman was a warrior. This week, Roman is our Star of the Month for June. Join us as we take a look at her life and her long and fruitful career, where her versatility kept her working for five decades in great films such as “Good Sam” (1948), “The Window” (1949), “Strangers On A Train” (1951), and “The Far Country” (1954). SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Femme Noir: Bad Girls of Film (1998), by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry; Ruth Roman: A Career Portrait (2022), by Derek Sculthorpe; “Stardom Seen for Ruth Roman,” December 11, 1949, by Hedda Hopper, The Los Angeles Times;  “The Progress of a Rising Star: Ruth Roman,” May 1, 1950, Life Magazine; “Hollywood Hasn't Changed Her,” May 17, 1950, by Lloyd L. Sloan, The Hollywood Citizen News; “Roman Holiday,” August 12, 1950, Look Magazine; Bachelor Girl Life Liked by Ruth Roman,” August 29, 1950, by Ruth Roman, The Los Angeles Evening Herald; “The Role I Liked Best,” November 4, 1950, by Ruth Roman, The Saturday Evening Post; “Ruth Roman Aiming at Film Personality,” November 26, 1950, by John L. Scott, The Los Angeles Times; “Film Star and Radio Executive Plan No Honeymoon,” December 18, 1950, by Louella Parsons, The LA Examiner; “Hollywood's ROMAN Candle,” March 17, 1951, by Gladden Hill, Colliers Magazine; “6-Pound Boy Born To Ruth Roman,” November 13, 1952, The Hollywood Citizen News; “Matrimony, Motherhood Revive's Ruth's Career,” February 1, 1953, by Edwin Schallert, The Los Angeles Times;  “Ruth Roman Saves Her Son,3, and Loses Dress,” July 27, 1956, by Ruth Roman, The Hollywood Citizen News; “Weeping Ruth Roman Reunited With Her Son,” July 28, 1956, The LA Examiner; “Hall To Leave Ruth Roman for Diana Lynn,” October 9, 1956, by Louella Parsons, The LA Examiner; “Ruth Roman says ‘I Do' in Panama,” November 9, 1956, The Los Angeles Times;  “SeeSaw Star Isn't Tumbling,” May 13, 1959, by Margaret Harford, The Mirror News; “Annulment of Marriage Won by Ruth Roman,” August 11, 1961, The Los Angeles Times; “Ruth Roman Just Unsinkable Star,” October 30, 1963, by Hal Humphrey, The Los Angeles Times; “Passing Time Has Left Ruth Roman Untouched,” January 10, 1971, by Jim Meyer, The Miami Herald ; “Ruth Roman,” April 1973, by Don Stance, Film Fan Monthly Magazine;  “Ruth Roman: The Ride of a New Roman Empire,” January 1986, Los Angeles Magazine; “Ruth Roman, 75, Glamorous and Wholesome Star, Dies,” September 11, 1999, by William Honan, The New York Times; IMDBPro.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  Stage Door Canteen  (1943); Ladies Courageous (1944); Since You Went Away (1944); Song of Nevada (1944); Jungle Queen (1945); You Came Along (1945); Incendiary Blonde (1945); Gilda (1946); The Big Clock (1948); Good Sam (1948); Belle Starr's Daughter (1948); The Window (1949); Champion (1949); Beyond The Forest (1949); Always Leave Them Laughing (1949); Barricade (1950); Colt .45 (1950); Three Secrets (1950); Dallas (1950); Lightning Strikes Twice (1951); Strangers On A Train (1951); Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951); Invitation (1952); Mara Mara (1952); Young Man With Ideas (1952); Blowing Wild (1953); The Far Country (1954); Down Three Dark Streets (1954); Great Day In The Morning (1956); Rebel In Town (1956); 5 Steps To Danger (1956); Bitter Victory (1957); Desert Desperados (1959); Love Has Many Faces (1965); Go Ask Alice (1973); The Baby (1973); The Killing Kind (1973); Impulse (1974); Day Of The Animals (1977); --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hedda Hopper 50-02-17 Guest - Humphrey Bogart

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 1169, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: What'S The Gossip? 1: In the 1950s the New York Evening this newspaper became a tabloid and "National" , eventually moving to Florida. the Enquirer. 2: The name of the tabloid website and TV show TMZ refers to a 30-mile zone centering on this major city. Los Angeles. 3: This word also used for gossip is a drinking fountain aboard ship. a scuttlebutt. 4: In 1977 Rupert Murdoch launched a gossip column originally found at and named for this page of the New York Post. Page Six. 5: Famous feuding gossip columnists in the golden age of Hollywood were Louella Parsons and this alliterative lady. Hedda Hopper. Round 2. Category: Starbuck 1: Starbuck was a native of this Massachusetts island, like that man in the limerick. Nantucket. 2: Starbuck serves as chief mate aboard the Pequod in the most famous work by this author. Herman Melville ("Moby Dick"). 3: Starbuck openly spoke against this captain's mad quest. Captain Ahab. 4: Because Starbuck was a member of this religious group, anyone on board could call him "Friend". Quakers (Society of Friends). 5: "I will have no man in my boat", said Starbuck, "who is not afraid of" one of these. Whale. Round 3. Category: New Country 1: The 2 Saudi-adjacent countries called this (Aden) and this (Sanaa) merged in 1990 to form a new nation. North and South Yemen. 2: With independence in 1993, Eritrea made Ethiopia landlocked, cutting off its access to this sea. the Red Sea. 3: A 24-year armed conflict led to the independence of this nation from South Africa in 1990. Namibia. 4: Until 1994 the nation of Palau was part of this "small" Pacific island group. Micronesia. 5: Russia and China do not recognize the sovereignty of this Muslim majority nation that broke away from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo. Round 4. Category: Something'S Looming Over Me 1: In the state of Querétaro, this country's largest monolith looms over the town of Bernal. Mexico. 2: In Norwich, England it's Norwich Castle, which for 500 years was repurposed as this type of institution, for sure using its keep. a prison. 3: Historic cog railway line and all, in Manitou Springs, Colorado it's this peak that looms. Pikes Peak. 4: Looming over San Francisco, this landmark that opened in 1972 was sold in 2020 for the first time. the Transamerica Pyramid. 5: The cliffs of the Dodecanese Islands, a popular place for rock climbers, loom over this sea. the Aegean. Round 5. Category: Harry Potter And The Chapter Titles 1: In book 1,"The blank Hat". Sorting. 2: In book 4,"The blank World Cup". Quidditch. 3: In book 6,her "Helping Hand". Hermione. 4: In book 7,"The Elder blank". Wand. 5: In book 2,"The Whomping blank". Willow. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!Special thanks to https://blog.feedspot.com/trivia_podcasts/ AI Voices used

2 + Hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast April 15, 1941, 83 years ago, Fibber Needs Glasses.   Fibber visits an eye doctor, gets drops put in his eyes, and begins a search for Wallace Wimple.Followed by the news of April 15, 1941, then Bob Hope, originally broadcast April 15, 1941, 83 years ago with guest Hedda Hopper.  Bob's opening monologue is about Spring cleaning. Brenda and Cobina are models for "Hope's Dress and Hat Shoppe." Bob gets romantic advice from guest Hedda Hopper.   Then Jack Benny, originally broadcast April 15, 1951, 73 years ago, The IRS visits Jack.  After archery in the back yard, the men from the Internal Revenue Service visit Jack for a second time! Guests Ronald Colman and Benita Hume tell the men from the I.R.S. how Jack managed to take them to the Mocambo nightclub and spend only $3.90! Followed by My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball, originally broadcast April 15, 1949, 75 years ago, Horseback Riding.  Jealous of George going riding with a female client, Liz decides to take up horseback riding.  Finally Claudia, originally broadcast April 15, 1948, 76 years ago, Their Last Night in New York.  An evening at the theatre.  Thanks to Richard for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCivil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

EPISODE 27 - “Dona Drake: What Price Fame” - 03/18/2024 Latina star DONA DRAKE, who signed a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1941, was many things — singer, dancer, actress, bandleader, musician — but one thing she wasn't, as it turned out, was Latin! While Paramount promoted their new discovery as a spitfire Latina born in Mexico City, Drake was, in fact, an African-American woman from Florida who pretended to be Latin, going so far as to learn Spanish fluently, in order to have a better chance at a Hollywood career. Listen to this fascinating story of one woman who went undercover just so she wouldn't have to play the maid.  SHOW NOTES:  Sources: Biography of Dona Drake (Paramount Contact Player), September 1942, Paramount Studios; “Dona Drake Tells Marriage,” September 9, 1944, by Hedda Hopper, The Los Angeles Times; “Daughter Born to Dona Drake,” August 8, 1951, The Hollywood Citizen-News; www.swingcityradio,com; www.glamourgirlsofthesilverscreen.com; IMDBPro.com; Wikipedia.com; Movies Mentioned:  Strike Me Pink (1936), starring Eddie Cantor, Ethel Merman, Sally Eilers, and William Frawley; Aloma Of The South Seas (1941), starring Dorothy Lamour, Jon Hall; Louisiana Purchase (1941), starring Bob Hope, Vera Zorina, and Victor Moore; Road to Morocco (1942), starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour; Star Spangled Rhythm (1942), starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour, Fred MacMurray, Paulette Goddard, Dick Powell, Eddie Bracken, Alan Ladd, Mary Martin, Betty Hutton, Marjorie Reynolds, and Veronica Lake; Salute For Three (1943), starring Macdonald Carey and Betty Jane Rhodes; Let's Face It (1943), staring Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, and Eve Arden;  Hot Rhythm (1944), starring Robert Lowery, Tim Ryan, and Irene Ryan; Without Reservations (1946), starring John Wayne, Claudette Colbert, and Don DeFoe; Dangerous Millions (1946), starring Kent Taylor; Another Part of The Forest (1948), starring Fredric March, Dan Duryea, Edmond O'Brien, Ann Blyth, Florence Eldridge, John Dall, and Betsy Blair; So This Is New York (1948), starring Henry Morgan, Rudy Vallee, and Virginia Grey; Beyond The Forest (1949), starring Bette Davis, Joseph Cotten, David Brian, Ruth Roman; The Girl From Jones Beach (1949), starring Virginia Mayo, Ronald Reagan, and Eddie Bracken; Kansas City Confidential (1952), starring John Payne, Colleen Gray, and Preston Foster; The Bandits of Corsica (1953), starring Richard Greene, Paula Raymond, Raymond Burr; Son Of Belle Star (1953), starring Keith Larsen, Peggie Castle, and Regis Toomey; Down Laredo Way (1953) starring Rex Allen and Slim Pickens; Princess of the Nile (1954), starring Debra Paget, Jeffrey Hunter, and Michael Rennie; --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luella Parsons's reign as Tinseltown's top tittle-tattler was severely challenged on 14th February, 1938, following the print debut of rival column, ‘Hedda Hopper's Hollywood'.  With her fiery style and incendiary content, Hopper quickly garnered a massive audience of her own. Together, the two writers reached over 75 million readers and radio listeners in Hollywood's golden age; their networks of informants and sensational stories making or breaking countless careers. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly discover how the rivals derailed Orson Welles' career after the release of ‘Citizen Kane'; reveal how the Chicago railway played a pivotal role in Parsons's rise to the top; and consider how Hedda changed her first name - to appease her first husband…  Further Reading: • ‘The Powerful Rivalry of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons' (Vanity Fair, 1997): https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/02/rivalry-hedda-hopper-louella-parsons-gossip-columnists • ‘Forgotten Hollywood: Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons' (Golden Globes, 2021): https://goldenglobes.com/articles/forgotten-hollywood-hedda-hopper-and-louella-parsons-articles-forgotten-hollywood-hedda-hopper-and-louella-parsons/ • ‘Publicist Frank Liberman on Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper' (Television Academy Foundation, 2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaZNCJriAZ4 Love the show? Join

A Hollywood witch/A cursed battle ground Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=18482113 PayPal Donation Link https://tinyurl.com/mrxe36ph MERCH STORE!!! https://tinyurl.com/y8zam4o2 Vote For Your Favorite Paranormal Podcast: Dead Rabbit Radio! https://paranormalitymag.com/vote25/ Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28CIOGSFRUXAD?ref_=wl_share Dead Rabbit Radio Wiki https://deadrabbitradio.pods.monster/doku.php?id=Welcome   Help Promote Dead Rabbit! Dual Flyer https://i.imgur.com/OhuoI2v.jpg "As Above" Flyer https://i.imgur.com/yobMtUp.jpg “Alien Flyer” By TVP VT U https://imgur.com/gallery/aPN1Fnw “QR Code Flyer” by Finn https://imgur.com/a/aYYUMAh   Links Come see me LIVE at the Oregon Ghost Conference March 22-24, 2024!    Seaside Civic & Convention Center  415 First Avenue, Seaside, OR 97138 http://oregonghostconference.com/ EP 570 - Jason Fights A Witch! https://deadrabbitradio.libsyn.com/ep-570-jason-fights-a-witch EP 237 - Are Fat People Powerful Wizards? https://deadrabbitradio.libsyn.com/ep-237-are-fat-people-powerful-wizards EP 1216 - Can Aliens Turn You Into A Sex Addict? (Hollywood Voodoo Army episode) https://deadrabbitradio.libsyn.com/ep-1216-can-aliens-turn-you-into-a-sex-addict Malia Nurmi, aka Vampira https://www.wmagazine.com/story/celebrities-accused-of-witchcraft zodiacfilmclub https://www.instagram.com/p/CLE9tRzAswA/ The Mysterious Horror Hostess that Reportedly Cursed James Dean https://atomicredhead.com/2018/10/18/the-mysterious-horror-hostess-that-reportedly-cursed-james-dean/ Maila Nurmi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maila_Nurmi Rebel Without a Cause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebel_Without_a_Cause James Dean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dean Hedda Hopper https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedda_Hopper vampira, the witch that took down this hollywood legend https://www.lunalunamagazine.com/dark/vampira-the-witch-that-took-down-james-dean The curse of James Dean's ‘Little Bastard' Porsche 550 Spyder https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/the-curse-of-james-deans-little-bastard-porsche-550-spyder/ Death of James Dean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_James_Dean Indiana (Battle Ground, Indiana Can't Fall Asleep No Sleep Battleground story) http://www.theshadowlands.net/places/indiana.htm Archive https://archive.ph/1peRf Haunted Places In Indiana https://xzanrpg.tripod.com/id9.html Battle Ground, Indiana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Ground,_Indiana Battle of Tippecanoe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tippecanoe Battleground Indiana https://thisisindiana.angelfire.com/indianahauntings.htm Tippecanoe Battlefield Investigation https://ghostresearch.org/Investigations/tippecanoe.html Town History https://www.in.gov/towns/battle-ground/community/town-history/ Tenskwatawa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenskwatawa   Listen to the daily podcast anywhere you listen to podcasts! ------------------------------------------------ Logo Art By Ash Black Opening Song: "Atlantis Attacks" Closing Song: "Bella Royale" Music By Simple Rabbitron 3000 created by Eerbud Thanks to Chris K, Founder Of The Golden Rabbit Brigade Dead Rabbit Archivist Some Weirdo On Twitter AKA Jack YouTube Champ Stewart Meatball The Haunted Mic Arm provided by Chyme Chili The Golden Rabbit Army: Fabio N, Chyme Chili, Greg Gourley, Vixen, Lula F. Wiki by Germ http://www.DeadRabbit.com Email: DeadRabbitRadio@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeadRabbitRadio Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DeadRabbitRadio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deadrabbitradio Dead Rabbit Radio Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DeadRabbitRadio/ Paranormal News Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ParanormalNews/ Mailing Address Jason Carpenter PO Box 1363 Hood River, OR 97031 Paranormal, Conspiracy, and True Crime news as it happens! Jason Carpenter breaks the stories they'll be talking about tomorrow, assuming the world doesn't end today. All Contents Of This Podcast Copyright Jason Carpenter 2018 - 2024

Charlie Chaplin's personal life sparks legal woes. Hedda Hopper, known as the queen of Hollywood gossip, was Chaplin's nemesis, and she deemed him "un-American.” Joan Barry was just 22 years old when she arrived in Hollywood with dreams of stardom. She soon met Chaplin and the pair became romantically entwined. When the relationship went sour, Chaplin's enemies – including J Edgar Hoover and columnist and radio star Hopper – saw an opportunity. Chaplin soon landed in court facing charges under the White-Slave Traffic Act. Archive: The Hedda Hopper Show, 3 December 1940 J. Edgar Hoover, Battle of the United States, Army-Navy Screen Magazine, 1940 Pearl Harbor newsflash, WOR Radio 1941 The Great Dictator, Charlie Chaplin, United Artists, 1940

 Tracy talks about not seeing a frozen body of water that could support a person as a kid. Holly discusses how difficult it is to pare down Hedda Hopper's life into an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though she started out acting, what really made Hedda Hopper famous was her work in newspapers. For several decades, she could make or break a movie career with her gossip column, sending statements to print regardless of whether there was any actual proof of what she claimed. Research:  Collins, Amy Fine. “The Powerful Rivalry of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons.” Vanity Fair. April 1997. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/02/rivalry-hedda-hopper-louella-parsons-gossip-columnists Eells, George. “Hedda and Louella.” W.H. Allen. Virgin Books. 1972. Ephron, Nora. “Hedda and Louella.” New York Times. April 23, 1972. https://www.nytimes.com/1972/04/23/archives/hedda-and-louella-by-george-eells-illustrated-360-pp-new-york-g-p-p.html FROST, JENNIFER. “‘GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD COMPANY': HEDDA HOPPER, HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP, AND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHARLIE CHAPLIN, 1940-1952.” Australasian Journal of American Studies, vol. 26, no. 2, 2007, pp. 74–88. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41054077 “Hedda Hopper, Columnist, Dies; Chronicled Gossip of Hollywood.” New York Times. Feb. 2, 1966. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1966/02/02/79310265.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Hollywood's Godmother to Give Views on Past, Present, Future.” The Tampa Tribune. Jan. 10, 1960. https://www.newspapers.com/image/329731973/?terms=hedda%20hopper&match=1 Hopper, Hedda. “Hedda Hopper's Hollywood.” The Shreveport Journal. October 4, 1938. https://www.newspapers.com/image/600365053/?terms=hedda%20hopper&match=1 Peak, Mamie Ober. “Social Butterfly of Screen a Different Person at Home.” Hartford Courant. Jan 10, 1932. https://www.newspapers.com/image/369469825/?terms=hedda%20hopper&match=1 Sbardellati, John and Tony Shaw. “Booting a Tramp: Charlie Chaplin, the FBI, and the Construction of the Subversive Image in Red Scare America.” The Pacific Historical Review, Vol. 72, No. 4 (Nov., 2003), pp. 495-530. University of California Press. https://web.viu.ca/davies/H323Vietnam/CharlieChaplin.McCarthyism.pdf “William Randolph Hearst's Campaign to Suppress Citizen Kane.” American Experience. PBS. April 30, 2021. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/kane-william-randolph-hearst-campaign-suppress-citizen-kane/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Orson Welles Almanac | Guest, Hedda Hopper | Broadcast date: Wednesday, February 23, 1944The Orson Welles Almanac aired on CBS Radio and broadcast live, hosted by Orson Welles. Many shows originated from U.S. military camps, where Welles and his repertory company and guests entertained the troops with a reduced version of The Mercury Wonder Show. The performances of the all-star jazz band that Welles brought together for the show were an important force in the revival of traditional New Orleans jazz in the 1940s.: : : : :My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- VARIETY X ARMED FORCES.Subscribing is free and you'll receive new post notifications. Also, if you have a moment, please give a 4-5 star rating and/or write a 1-2 sentence positive review on your preferred service -- that would help me a lot.Thank you for your support.https://otr.duane.media | Instagram @duane.otr

GGACP's celebration of Halloween season continues with a repost of this memorable mini-episode from 2018 as Gilbert, Frank (and Raybone!) drive a stake through the hearts of the most dismal and deplorable Dracula movies to ever sully the silver screen. In this episode: Jose' Ferrer cashes a check, Cesar Romero dodges a bullet, Hedda Hopper meets the Count and Bela Lugosi meets Sammy Petrillo! PLUS: "The Nude Bomb"! "Get Christie Love"! "The longest kiss never filmed!" And Brother Theodore teams with Yvonne De Carlo!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Années 1920. Le cinéma américain est en pleine expansion, les studios hollywoodiens ont le vent en poupe, et la vie intime des stars fascine autant qu'elle intrigue. Une occasion rêvée pour Louella Parsons et Hedda Hopper qui vont faire de cette curiosité collective leur marque de fabrique.Pendant plusieurs décennies, ces premières journalistes à scandales vont faire trembler Hollywood en divulguant dans leurs chroniques respectives bon nombre de ragots, de gossips, de rumeurs, détruisant au passage quelques carrières.Juliette Livartowski raconte.CREDITSCet épisode a été produit en avril 2023 et diffusé dans Programme B. Réalisation : Elisa Grenet. Production et édition : Charlotte Baix. Générique : François Clos et Thibault Lefranc. Identité sonore Binge Audio : Jean-Benoît Dunckel (musique) et Bonnie El Bokeili (voix). Identité graphique : Sébastien Brothier et Thomas Steffen (Upian). Direction des programmes : Joël Ronez. Direction de la rédaction : David Carzon. Direction générale : Gabrielle Boeri-Charles. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

The Pepsodent Show Bob Hope guest Hedda Hopper April 15, 1941 NBC The Pepsodent Show Bob Hope guest Humphrey Bogart June 03, 1941 NBC

Marilyn Monroe broke through as an actress in 1950 with small, but acclaimed roles in All About Eve and The Asphalt Jungle. She was then a mistress of Johnny Hyde, head of the William Morris Agency. Hyde negotiated a seven year contract with 20th Century Fox and then unexpectedly passed away of a heart attack. In 1951, Monroe had supporting roles in three Fox comedies: As Young as You Feel, Love Nest, and Let's Make It Legal. With her star on the rise, she received several thousand fan letters a week, and was declared "Miss Cheesecake" by the army newspaper Stars and Stripes. In early 1952 as she began a much-publicized romance with ex-Yankee Joe DiMaggio, Monroe revealed she'd posed nude in 1949, thus getting ahead of the scandal and gaining sympathy from the public. She explained she'd been broke and needed the money and was soon featured on the cover of Life magazine as the "Talk of Hollywood." Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper declared her the "cheesecake queen" turned "box office smash." Wanting to improve her acting, she studied hard with Michael Chekhov. Two of Monroe's films — Clash by Night and Don't Bother to Knock — were released soon after to capitalize on public interest. The films showed her range, as Monroe played a fish cannery worker in the former and a disturbed babysitter in the latter. In Howard Hawks's Monkey Business, she played a secretary opposite Cary Grant. In O. Henry's Full House, with Charles Laughton, she appeared in a passing vignette as a nineteenth-century street walker. Monroe added to her sex symbol reputation by wearing a revealing dress when acting as Grand Marshal at the Miss America Pageant parade, and told gossip columnist Earl Wilson that she usually wore no underwear. By the end of the year, gossip columnist Florabel Muir named Monroe the "it girl" of 1952. When Niagara was released in January 1953, women's clubs protested it as immoral. In some scenes, Monroe's body was covered only by a sheet or a towel, considered shocking by contemporary audiences. The film's most famous scene is a long shot of Monroe from behind walking with hips swaying. Audiences turned out in droves. The next month, Marilyn Monroe was the guest of Dean and Jerry's February 24th, 1953 episode.

The rivalry between Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons is legendary in the world of Hollywood gossip. For over two decades, these two powerful women vied for control of the movie industry's rumor mill, using their respective columns to shape public opinion about the biggest stars of the day. Hopper, known for her trademark hats and biting wit, was a conservative firebrand who championed patriotic causes, while Parsons, with her cozy relationship with the studios, was seen as the establishment insider. Today, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the histories of the women and how their feud was fueled by personal animosity and professional jealousy, as they traded barbs and tried to one-up each other with the juiciest scoops. We'll also cover how despite their bitter rivalry, both women played a significant role in shaping Hollywood's image and influencing the public's perception of its stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Original airdate: May 18, 1950 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hedda Hopper (1885-1966) aired out Hollywood's dirty laundry in her column – and gained a loyal following in the process. This month, we're talking about Mischief Makers:  oddballs, chameleons, and nonconformists. Queens of quick wit. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn't help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we'll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more.  Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.  Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Ale Tejeda, Sara Schleede, and Abbey Delk. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. Original theme music composed by Miles Moran. Follow Wonder Media Network: Website Instagram Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Années 1920. Le cinéma américain est en pleine expansion, les studios hollywoodiens ont le vent en poupe, et la vie intime des stars fascine autant qu'elle intrigue. Une occasion rêvée pour Louella Parsons et Hedda Hopper qui vont faire de cette curiosité collective leur marque de fabrique.Pendant plusieurs décennies, ces premières journalistes à scandales vont faire trembler Hollywood en divulguant dans leurs chroniques respectives bon nombre de ragots, de gossips, de rumeurs, détruisant au passage quelques carrières.Juliette Livartowski raconteProgramme B est un podcast de Binge Audio présenté par Thomas Rozec. Réalisation : Elisa Grenet. Production et édition : Charlotte Baix. Générique : François Clos et Thibault Lefranc. Identité sonore Binge Audio : Jean-Benoît Dunckel (musique) et Bonnie El Bokeili (voix). Identité graphique : Sébastien Brothier et Thomas Steffen (Upian). Direction des programmes : Joël Ronez. Direction de la rédaction : David Carzon. Direction générale : Gabrielle Boeri-Charles. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona looks back at an inkling she had about the future of media, as a young reporter first encountering columnists Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons and Joyce Haber. Fascinating!

Van Johnson was the fresh-faced, well-mannered nice guy on screen you always wanted your daughter to marry! This fair, freckled, and invariably friendly-looking MGM song-and-dance star of the 40s emerged as a box office favorite (1944-1946) and second only to heartthrob Frank Sinatra during what gossipmonger Hedda Hopper dubbed the "Bobbysoxer Blitz" era. Doug Hess is the host!

Hedda Hopper (born Elda Furry; May 2, 1885 – February 1, 1966) was an American gossip columnist and actress. At the height of her influence in the 1940s, her readership was 35 million. A strong supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings, Hopper named suspected communists and was a major proponent of the Hollywood blacklist. Hopper continued to write gossip until the end of her life, her work appearing in many magazines and later on radio. She had an extended feud with another gossip columnist, arch-rival Louella Parsons --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ang189/support

The Women (1939) ​ The Women is a 1939 American comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor. The film is based on Clare Boothe Luce's 1936 play of the same name, and was adapted for the screen by Anita Loos and Jane Murfin, who had to make the film acceptable for the Production Code for it to be released.  The film stars Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine, Lucile Watson, Mary Boland, Florence Nash, and Virginia Grey. Marjorie Main and Phyllis Povah also appear, reprising their stage roles from the play. Ruth Hussey, Virginia Weidler, Butterfly McQueen, and Hedda Hopper also appear in smaller roles. Fontaine was the last surviving actress with a credited role in the film; she died in 2013. It is also important to note that even the animals and pets are all female.  The film continued the play's all-female tradition—the entire cast of more than 130 speaking roles was female. Set in the glamorous Manhattan apartments of high society evoked by Cedric Gibbons, and in Reno, Nevada, where they obtain their divorces, it presents an acidic commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of various rich, bored wives and other women they come into contact with.  Filmed in black and white, it includes a six-minute fashion parade filmed in Technicolor, featuring Adrian's most outré designs; often cut in modern screenings, it has been restored by Turner Classic Movies. On DVD, the original black-and-white fashion show, which is a different take, is available for the first time. ​ The Opposite Sex (1956)   The Opposite Sex is a 1956 American musical romantic comedy film shot in Metrocolor and CinemaScope.[3][4] The film was directed by David Miller and stars June Allyson, Joan Collins, Dolores Gray, Ann Sheridan, and Ann Miller, with Leslie Nielsen, Jeff Richards, Agnes Moorehead, Charlotte Greenwood, Joan Blondell, and Sam Levene. ​ The Opposite Sex is a remake of the 1939 comedy film The Women. Both films are based on Clare Boothe Luce's original 1936 play. ​ Unlike the 1936 play and the 1939 film adaptation, The Opposite Sex includes musical numbers and features male actors who portray the husbands and boyfriends, whose characters were only referred to in the previous film and stage versions.[6] This alters the structure and tone of the base storyline significantly.   Opening Credits; Introduction (.37); Background History (42.13);The Women (1939) Film Trailer (44.51); The Original (48.16); Let's Rate (1:43.07); Amazing Design (1:59.54); Introducing a Remake (2:01.07); The Opposite Sex (1956) Film Trailer (2:01.41); The Remake (2:05.22); How Many Stars (2:44.07); End Credits (2:58.26); Closing Credits (3:00.39)   Opening Credits– Epidemic Sound – copyright 2021. All rights reserved   Closing Credits:  There's Always A Woman – by Kaye Ballard and Sally Mayes  Taken from the album Unsung Sondheim. Copyright 1993 Varese Sarabande ​ Original Music copyrighted 2020 Dan Hughes Music and the Literary License Podcast.    All rights reserved.  Used with Kind Permission   All songs available through Amazon Music.

This week on the RTC Weekly Download: "Exploring Tomorrow", "Guest Star", and "Hedda Hopper"   

The guys talk about Hitchcock this week and delve into the only collaboration he had with David O. Selznick - Rebecca. They discuss the sly jabs at gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, pre-conceived notions about Hitchcock only making horror films, the lesbian overtones in Mrs. Danvers' relationship with the unseen title character and more. Plus: some controversial takes at the end of this episode!?   Next week: And Now for Something Completely Similar... Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountry@gmail.com   Full List: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-british-films/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/fsacpod Our logo was designed by the wonderful Mariah Lirette (https://instagram.com/its.mariah.xo) Rebecca stars Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier, Judith Anderson and George Sanders; directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Is It Streaming? Not available! What!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hedda Hopper, legendary entertainment journalist, and Dan Dailey (My Baby Smiles at Me) star in this episode originally broadcast March on the Family Theater Radio Show. Comedian Fred Allen hosts.

Live from the W pool in Hollywood, Chad and JT join Strider to discuss the rivalry of gossip columnists Loullea Parsons and Hedda Hopper. With a combined audience of over 75 million people these two ladies held sway over the careers actors, directors and even studio heads. DADGRASS.COM/DANK for 20% off your first order! patreon.com/striderwilson Sources: Britannica.com, Vanityfair.com ‘The Powerful Rivalry of Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons' by Amy Fine Collins, Wikipedia.org, Encyclopedia.com, Knowledgestew.com ‘The Origin of the Paparazzi' by Daniel Ganninger See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We natter about mostly nothing and talk about Vader’s upcoming hoists. Please send in some voice letters — meh@thelfc.online. We’d love to heard from you and play your voice letter on the air.

March 28, 1943 - Host Orson Welles Murder at Midnight. Orson Welles fills in for Jack a third time and does a murder mystery. References include radio comedians Fred Allen and Red Skelton, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, the painting "Whistler's Mother", and actress Heddy Lamarr. Goodnight Doll.

This week, the girls and the guys make a bet to see who can go without gossiping the longest. It goes about as well as you'd expect. Discussions today include Joan Crawford, Marion Davies, the rivalry between Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, and Lucy and Ethel's friendship manifesting in matching china. You Must Remember This podcast "Gossip Girls" series on Hedda and Lolly Gold Dust Twins Unique Vintage Lucy line with "starlet duster" Marion Davies showing her comedy chops

Louella Parsons (August 6, 1881 – December 9, 1972) was the first American movie columnist. She was retained by William Randolph Hearst, possibly because she had praised Hearst's mistress Marion Davies, and her columns were read by 20 million people in 400 newspapers worldwide. Parsons possessed an uncanny gift for sensing scandal, and her dramatic scoops could make or break an actor's career. She remained the unchallenged Queen of Hollywood until the arrival of Hedda Hopper, who displayed similar talents, and with whom she feuded viciously for years. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ang189/support

Louella Parsons (August 6, 1881 – December 9, 1972) was the first American movie columnist. She was retained by William Randolph Hearst, possibly because she had praised Hearst's mistress Marion Davies, and her columns were read by 20 million people in 400 newspapers worldwide. Parsons possessed an uncanny gift for sensing scandal, and her dramatic scoops could make or break an actor's career. She remained the unchallenged Queen of Hollywood until the arrival of Hedda Hopper, who displayed similar talents, and with whom she feuded viciously for years. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ang189/support

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood Show Glorious Hollywood Gossiper, Hedda Hopper's show is full of colorful language, wild hats, and ability to take herself with a grain of salt. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ang189/support

Hedda Hopper's Hollywood Show Glorious Hollywood Gossiper, Hedda Hopper's show is full of colorful language, wild hats, and ability to take herself with a grain of salt. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ang189/support

Subscribe to HYST on Patreon for only $2 and get two bonus episodes every month! patreon.com/haveyouseenthis/Jen and Tim revisit an old favorite, Peter Hyams's “High Noon in Space,” aka Outland!Jen is incorrect when she asserts that John Wayne was considered for the part of Marshal Will Kane in High Noon; Kramer and screenwriter Carl Foreman wanted a hot young star like Brando or Gregory Peck. Wayne, along with other Hollywood reactionaries including Hedda Hopper, did pressure Gary Cooper into withdrawing from a proposed production company headed by High Noon screenwriter and HUAC target Carl Foreman.The story of High Noon and Carl Foreman is told at length in Glenn Frankel's book High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic. You can read an excerpt on the Vanity Fair website.By the way, you can browse the Outland press kit! Have You Seen This? BONUS episodes See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Happy Thanksgiving! In this review, the hosts discuss the 'Let's Talk to Lucy' episode where Lucille Ball describes the amazing day created at the World Fair in her honor, Lucy Day! This episode was much different than the other 'Let's Talk to Lucy' episodes as Lucy walks us through the entire experience at the fair accompanied by husband, Gary Morton and Hedda Hopper. We also hear a fun little interview snippet from Lucille during a Barbara Walters interview in which she describes a very Lucy Ricardo-esque mishap in the kitchen- perfect for Thanksgiving! ••• Connect with all things 'Having A Ball' ••• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXuCxbfhUNJzJ_8wMfMD_w/featured Having A Ball Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Having-a-Ball-Podcast-103319291812682 Having A Ball Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havingaballpod/ Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikamurrietta/ Erika on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erika.murrietta.3 Erika on Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikamurrietta Ziva on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luciana.ehrlinger Ziva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziva_e/ Email: havingaballpod@gmail.com ••• Producer: Aron Bender Photos: Getty Images Music provided by: Feather Duster via SilvermanSound https://www.silvermansound.com/free-music/feather-duster

Karina Longworth is the creator and host of the podcast You Must Remember This and the author of the book Seduction: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood.I definitely have memories of being on the city bus for long periods of time. There is something, I think, sort of romantic and cinematic about watching the neighborhoods change outside the window. I definitely spent a lot of time looking out those windows, listening to music on a Walkman, and just sort of thinking about things in a way that you actually can't if you're driving. I think I had a romanticism about living in such a vast place where there could be interconnected lives. Notes and references from this episode: You Must Remember This podcast, by Karina LongworthLove is a Crime podcast, by Karina Longworth and Vanessa HopeSeduction: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard Hughes's Hollywood, by Karina LongworthLos Angeles Plays Itself, directed by Thom Andersen“Polly Platt: The Invisible Woman,” You Must Remember ThisThe Last Picture Show, directed by Peter Bogdanovich“Gossip Girls: Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper,” You Must Remember This“She's Done Everything (except direct),” by Rachel Abramowitz, Premiere“Fake News: Fact-Checking Hollywood Babylon,” You Must Remember This      =====Theme music by Sounds SupremeTwitter: @WhatCaliforniaSubstack newsletter: whatiscalifornia.substack.comSupport What is California? on Patreon: patreon.com/whatiscaliforniaEmail: hello@whatiscalifornia.comPlease subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And if you liked What is California?, please rate and review What is California? on Apple Podcasts! It helps new listeners find the show.