Argyle Hotel — Film Noir Blonde

Who loves you, baby? FNB does, that’s who!

I’ve decided it’s time I show my readers a little love. So, first up: I’m participating in the For the Love of Film (Noir) Preservation Blogathon, Feb. 14-21, a fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Film Noir Foundation. Ferdy on Films and The Self-Styled Siren are hosting; their event last year raised $30,000. The idea is for bloggers to get the word out, donate, encourage readers to contribute and read each other’s work.

As Ferdy puts it: “Films from every era are being lost as prints disintegrate and disappear. … By helping the FNF, you will be supporting the important preservation and exhibition work they do, not only for American noir films, but also for those produced all over the world.”

Read a blogger’s post and click on the donation link. If you give, you help save a film: 1950’s “The Sound of Fury” starring Lloyd Bridges and directed by Cy Endfield. The UCLA Film & Television Archive will restore a nitrate print of the film, using a reference print from Martin Scorsese’s personal collection.

Paramount Pictures, which now owns the film, has agreed to help fund the restoration. To see a list of my fellow bloggers visit: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=8190. Be sure to check out the blogathon love-fest next week.

Robert Mitchum in "The Night of the Hunter"

‘NIGHT’ LOVE: Guest writer Michael Wilmington last week reviewed “The Night of the Hunter” by Charles Laughton. I love that movie and want to share it. So, I will give away a copy of Criterion’s recent Blu-ray release of the movie (or DVD if you prefer). To enter, just Like the Film Noir Blonde Facebook page. If you already like the page, you are automatically entered. Deadline to enter is Feb. 28. I will draw the winner’s name at random and send a notifying message via Facebook. Please respond within a week of being notified. I will announce the winner’s name in early March.

LOVE NIGHT: If you’re looking for a stylish, old-school place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider the Sunset Tower Hotel, 8358 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, 323-654-7100. Formerly the Argyle Hotel, this Art Deco gem was designed by Leland A. Bryant; it opened in 1931. The Argyle was a residence for Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Paulette Goddard, Preston Sturges, George Stevens, Michael Caine and Quincy Jones. When dining, be sure to save room for the baked Alaska – it’s making my mouth water, just thinking about it. Mmmmm.

See how much FNB loves you? 😉

United Artists image of Robert Mitchum