Ah my beloved honor projects. These are actually going quite well. Mr. Griffith's site is up and in the making, Rudy Fest is going strong, and though I've been trying to wait for an official word on it 'Is Money Everything?' (one of two non Griffith Miriam Cooper features to survive) will be released on DVD this spring. But what about my 'honorary' honor project, that one to save the Motion Picture Home?
Nothing. Well...lots of small wins. But from the Hollywood community, rich executives and actors well...nothing. As The Wrap points out the press is much more interested in the latest drunken wife beating match (what Wallace Beery's prowess at this sport isn't enough?) then report on how when these people are over the hill, there will be nothing for them. This current crop of 'fame whores' think they'll last forever, why piss around with those 90 year olds who were around 'like before television and color and junk'?
Actors aren't always super wealthy, but studios and execs are. What...you really think those affiliated with say 'Avatar' couldn't throw a few million to save the Motion Picture Home? What's most despicable to me personally is to CREATE the fund silent Hollywood (led by Mary Pickford) banded together. To create the hospital and long term care facility 'classic Hollywood' (1940s-1950s) banded together and did radio shows, donating their salaries from that appearance to the fund. In the days of 'help the latest cause that I will skim off the top of and promo whore myself on' (the latest was the tragedy in Haiti) not a one of these people can be bothered to actually promote a cause worthy in their own backyards, and ironically one that will someday surely affect them. What's that Megan Fox? You'll be young, hot, and in demand forever? Silly me...I didn't know our culture these days was so indispensable.
So since the Angelina Jolies of the world are too up their own asses to do anything about this, the grassroots organization "Saving the Lives of Our Own" is stepping in. They've managed to stave off the closure for over a year, and they also held their own fundraiser to keep the home open. Most of the auctioned off items came from children of the classic era. The thing that makes me laugh and cry about this is these idiot celebs will reap what the sow, as its their own futures that will someday bite them in the ass (karma's a bitch). I cite the story of Mae Murray, who was very well paid during the 20s, one of the top stars, was friends with Valentino, and married a ''Prince''. She owned land and oil, and a huge house. She also had a son named (ahead of her time) Koran.
Then the talkies came. Mae's voice was fine per the usual, but her husband was a fraud who drained her of her money and had convinced her to burn bridges in Hollywood. She lost EVERYTHING. Her house, her oil, her health, her son. She began drinking and her son was put in the care of a nurse, and she couldn't get him back. I believe he is still with us though he has long since changed his name. Frederica Sagor Maas mentions in her book (at 110 she could outpace all these mouthy whippersnappers) seeing Mae in a rundown Hollywood apartment in the 40s. Mae ended up in the Motion Picture Home reportedly out of her mind (if Frances Marion is to be believed). Her box of clothing, costumes, and memorabilia were sold off for a little over $200. She died in 1965, at about the age of 75 (her real birth year has yet to be discerned). Mae hadn't been famous since 1927. 38 years of her life were spent poor and in decline, maybe Angelina Jolie should consider such stories.
Saving the Lives of Our Own had another victory yesterday. Dr. David Tillman resigned. He was the idiot who presided over the closure idea, and took a 20% pay raise which earned him about $600,000 a year in 2007, reportedly at a time the Fund was 'loosing $10 million a year'. Mmmhmmm. Tillman gave no reason for his departure.
What can you do to help (in that old silent film spirit we kiddies have)? Join Saving the Lives of Our own, and do what you can. Even easier is signing their petition (come on, it takes 5 seconds of your life!) Click here for more ways you can help.
4 comments:
Mae Murray's son (under the name of his adoptive parents) was still alive as of a few years ago and may still be. He's actually within a half hour's drive of my house but I have never sought him out- from what I gather he barely knew her and still has unpleasant memories of the court proceedings. Would be interesting to see him though..,
I'm with you, Hala! I joined Saving the Lives of Our Own and also signed the petition! Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
I thought the place was closed already. Anyway, maybe the state can step in and make it a historical marker? Then nobody can touch it.
While I don't condone stalking people who don't want attention, it would be interesting if poor Koran (wasn't his rename David?) ever had anything to publicly say. Frederica Sagor Maas' book paints a pretty sad portrait, how Mae couldn't even buy food for him so she (Frederica) would have 'extra' groceries to bring over. Again that was in I believe the late 30s/early 40s (I don't think Mae had full custody then.)
Marie unfortanitly that wouldn't help in this case. Historical landmark status means its harder to modify or knock down a building, but said building could become anything...per se a bowling alley instead of an old folks home.
The only thing that will stop them from themselves is lawsuits, public pressure, and shame. May the Gods bless all 3!
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