Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

I am a firm believer in respecting the culture of other lands. Here you see how important is the communal bath in Japanese households. Men and women together. (Though this picture is just of women, as you can tell!) I don't know if this tradition is just as valuable as it once was, but it is important and should be honored.

 

 

The photo is from CRY FOR HAPPY, a 1961 film with, for the male roles, Glenn Ford, Donald O'Connor, and James Shigeta. Taking a bath and honoring tradition are, pictured from left to right, are Miyoshi Umeki, Michi Kobi, Tsuruko Kobayashi, and Miiko Taka. Miyoshi is so far the only Asian actress to win an Oscar. She received it for SAYONARA, which also starred Miiko Taka.

That Dress...

Anna May Wong in the "dragon" dress used for LIMEHOUSE BLUES, the 1934 film with George Raft. In the film, Wong and Raft had a dance sequence that is quite memorable. Also quite memorable was this dress, which designed by Travis Blanton and still shows up in museums and special events.

 

When Being an Asian Actress Meant a Lot in Hollywood

Very quickly, I learned not to take current pronouncements as gospel-truth. There were times when being an Asian actress in Hollywood was a "big thing." More and more, roles for Asian actresses in America were sought for major roles, unlike in earlier times when a white actress could play the part of an Asian. This change started in the 1950s. One of the important changes was TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON. First the novel, then the play, and finally the movie with Marlon Brando (yes, playing an Asian), Glenn Ford, and...actress Machiko Kyo, playing the important part of Lotus Blossom. 

 

 

Very soon, Brando was playing another role, this time without Asian makeup. His female partner was another Asian actress, her first film role--Miiko Taka. The film: SAYONARA.

 

 

 

Best Wishes from Maylia!

 

Who is Maylia? Well, she was  heralded as the new Anna May Wong and appeared in a few films like SINGAPORE and TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. Truth is, no one could match Anna May Wong's popularity at the time, even though there were Asian actresses who made the attempt or their publicists did. Maylia (birth name: Gloria Suie Chin) was actually a Detroit girl who eventually married actor Benson Fong in 1947. Both set up the chain restaurants, AH FONG, in the Los Angeles area, which were very popular. The Fongs also had five children, so just running restaurants, or appearing in films, was not all they are noted for. The Fongs had a large family which must be larger by now!

One of my biggest sorrows is learning that a person I am researching has died fairly recently, sometimes very close to where I currently live. I picture in my mind that the person thinks she is forgotten by all. Maylia had a big enough family to disprove that and, besides, lived on the West Coast, but I would still like to talk to her and find out more about her career. Not to be, but...

I had the opportunity to get an autograph by Maylia. And then a large photo, publicizing her in one of her films. I am not an autograph hunter, but the price was very low on eBay, and I jumped at the chance. And then there is a thought that bought a smile to my face. What if the "Best Wishes" was directed to my project and coming from a contented beyond?