We're two sisters who are craft book publishers and found ourselves in the midst of an avocado grove. We bought this house where we planned to conduct our publishing business and in the deal got 4 acres of avocado trees thrown in. Now we're not only publishers but ranchers as well! This blog is all about avocados and anything else that strikes my fancy.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Sepia Saturday - My Brush with Celebrity


In keeping with the theme of chairs for this week's Sepia Saturday, here I am sitting in a chair, next to none other than Dan Dailey.  I don't remember much about this photo except that it was taken at a catholic church which was having some sort of fund raising thing. Dan Dailey was a friend of the priest so offered to suffer through sitting and having his picture taken with lots of snotty nosed kids. He really doesn't look too happy, does he? Don't you just love the backdrop that was made for this occasion? - lots of tin foil stars to represent the real Hollywood glitz and glamour.

For lots of you, Dan Dailey might be unknown. So here's a little bio about him. He was born in New York in 1915 and started his career in vaudeville. He was signed by MGM and made many musicals during the 40s and 50s. He was a frequent costar of Betty Grable. As the musical genre waned in the mid 1950s, Dailey moved on to dramatic roles and later his own T.V. series. He died in 1978.

One interesting thing I found out about him - he costarred with Donald O'Connor in "There's No Business Like Show Business" and later married O'Connor's wife, Gwen. That's Hollywood for you!

Here's a little sampling of Dan's talents:



Did you notice that the opening dancers are all men? The scene is from "Call Me Mister. I'd love to see that movie! I'll have to check and see if Netflix has it.

Don't forget to check out the other Sepia Saturday posts at http://sepiasaturday.blogspot.com
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16 comments:

  1. Brett PayneOctober 13, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    I'm one of those to whom Dan Dailey meant nothing so, thanks for the enlightenment.

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  2. PostcardyOctober 14, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    That must have been an interesting experience. I never heard of Dan Dailey before.

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  3. Little NellOctober 14, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Ah, now I have heard of Dan Dailey, and I do love those old Hollywood dance routines. Thank you for sharing your moment of fame!

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  4. Christine H.October 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    I hadn't heard of Dan Dailey, but it's pretty clear from that photo that you are the one with the star quality.

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  5. Karen S.October 14, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    He reminds me slightly of Simon Baker, and I don't really recall who he was, but I probably saw him and just don't remember him...you were just adorable and so well mannered it appears. Bet you had a great time!

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  6. JinksyOctober 15, 2011 at 2:37 AM

    You chair looks a little fragile - god job you were tiny! ♥

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  7. Bob ScotneyOctober 15, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Oh dear! I remember Dan Dailey now you have reminded us of him. Grable was better looking.

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  8. maryOctober 15, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    I absolutely love these old movies. Without really knowing who is who I watch them with delight. Thank you for giving me a name to watch for.

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  9. Liz StrattonOctober 15, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Well, well! I didn't think I knew who Dan Dailey was until I saw the movie clip. I LOVE those old musicals!

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  10. MartinOctober 16, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    Didn't he sing, '76 Trombones'?

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  11. Sheila @ A Postcard a DayOctober 17, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    I think he did very well to look as happy as he did if he had to endure all those photos! You do look happier than he did. :)

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  12. California GirlOctober 17, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    What is noticeable is how smoothly he danced. He was a "hoofer", mostly feet & legs, little use of the arms. He & Ray Bolger & Buddy Ebsen had that smooth easy going manner. O'Connor was awesomely athletic; overshadowed by the sexier Gene Kelly. Can you tell I love old movies?

    You'll probably enjoy a quick story. My GF's folks both worked for MGM in the 40s. Her mmom was a dancer in the chorus. She had the opportunity to dance with both Astaire & Kelly. Said they were awesome and couldn't have been nicer. I asked her about her experiences when I was in my teens so details are funny. Robin & I went to see the first "That's Entertainment" early 1970s and spotted her mom quite a few times.

    Imagine, dancing with Fred and Gene!

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  13. North County Film ClubOctober 17, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Hi Martin,
    I don't know if Dan Dailey ever sang 76 trombones. You might be thinking of Meredith Wilson. But Daily might have done some small theater things in his later days and he could have been in the Music Man. I can picture him doing well in that role.
    Nancy

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  14. North County Film ClubOctober 17, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Hi California Girl,
    Wow, bet you wish you could talk to your friend's mother now. You probably have lots more questions for her. Yes, what a thrill to have danced with Fred and Gene. Wonder if she ever danced with Dan.
    Nancy

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  15. Bruno LalibertéOctober 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    wow!!
    my brush with fame was standing next to a pornstar... (yeah, i kid you not), after a friend asked me to get him an autographed picture, so, not even MY idea. the guy was nice though, nicer than your Dan...
    ;)~
    HUGZ

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  16. UnknownNovember 18, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    your idea is gteat but it is difficult in looking!
    are you sure that every one do it?
    you know what am i doing?
    i am watchingmgm live tv on blogger. i think you have to do this

    ReplyDelete

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